Mind Candy For The Avid Reader

by Michael R. Lane

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7 books

As an avid reader, I read a wide variety of books. Novels, short stories, and poetry remain my favorites. From the classics to the gritty, well-written prose is my blissful addiction. As my literary palette has aged—like my taste in foods—so have my demands of what makes good writing. For me, the best literature often contains obvious and obscure truths. They have intriguing characters, crisp dialogue, interesting settings, delicious prose, formidable foes, and indispensable heroes or anti-heroes. My writing goal is to achieve the same level of literary penmanship as the writings I enjoy reading.

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The Nickel Boys

Colson Whitehead, 2020

This novel is based upon unraveling the mystery of a real Florida reform school that operated for one hundred and eleven years, destroying thousands of children’s lives. Elwood Curtis is about to enroll in college when an innocent mistake derails his future. A mistake that lands him at The Nickel Academy. A place that is supposed to turn inmates into “honorable and honest men.” A place in reality that is no more than a den of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. A place where corrupt officials exploit the goodwill intended for the academy. Elwood, who enters the academy believing in the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr., has those beliefs challenged by the cruelty he experiences and witnesses all around him. This novel was riveting and heart-wrenching for me.

Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned

Walter Mosley, 2010

Always Outnumber, Always Outgunned follows the travails of Socrates Fortlow—an ex-convict committed to living an honorable life. Socrates lives in Watts, a tough South Los Angeles neighborhood. The people and circumstances that he encounters challenge his commitment at every turn. The novel is divided into fourteen chapters. Each chapter tells its own story. What I like about this novel is the resiliency of Socrates Fortlow. He is neither devil nor saint but human. No matter what life throws at him, he perseveres and, in my opinion, achieves his ultimate goal.

Invisible Man

Ralph Ellison, 2014

Invisible Man is a classic and for good reason. Published in 1952, it is the only Ralph Ellison novel published in his lifetime. Invisible Man addresses the social, intellectual, individual, and personal identity issues of African Americans in the early 20th century. What amazes me about reading this novel is how many of the issues Mr. Ellison wrote about in his day are still relevant today. It’s also why I recommend people read or reread Invisible Man.

Things Fall Apart

Chinua Achebe, 2013

This fictional tale of Things Fall Apart encompasses three spans of Nigerian history. Through the characters of Okonkwo and his family, we are introduced to the Igbo (“Ibo” in the novel) society and customs, the influences of European colonialism and Christian missionaries, and the overall effect on the Igbo community at large. This is a powerful, well-written novel that encapsulates—in my opinion—a Nigeria before and after the influence of European colonialism and Christian missionaries. It is a read that is well worth your time.

Palace Council

Stephen L. Carter, 2009

Twenty prominent men hold a secret meeting on Martha’s Vineyard in the summer of 1952 to formulate a plan to manipulate the President of the United States. A rising Harlem literary star, Eddie Wesley, discovers the body of a famous lawyer, Philmont Castle while leaving the engagement party of Kevin Garland and the woman he loves, Aurelia Treene. The mysterious disappearance of Eddie’s younger sister shortly thereafter sparks a twenty-year search by Eddie and Aurelia for the truth. Wesley and Aurelia uncoil secrets involving a conspiracy and murder that leads them to the Oval Office. One of the things I enjoy about this novel is Carter’s ability to dispense with stereotypes. A multifaceted, suspenseful, unique, captivating read.

Fear No Evil

James Patterson, 2021

James Patterson is a master of his craft. In Fear No Evil, Dr. Alex Cross and Detective John Sampson are preparing to leave on their “manly trip” into the Montana wilderness when they receive a call from Metro PD. A dead CIA officer puts a pause on their plans. During his investigation, Alex receives an unnerving text from the criminal genius known as “M” who has terrorized Cross and his family for years. Alex and John eventually make it to Montana. Their vacation takes a treacherous 360-degree turn as they venture deep into the rugged Montana wilderness. Two rival teams of trained assassins are hunting them. One controlled by “M”. The other by the cartel. Cross and Sampson are isolated and cut off in a life-or-death struggle. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. A thriller right up until the end.

One-Shot Harry

Gary Phillips, 2022

This historical novel takes place in 1963 Los Angeles. Harry Ingram is an African American Korean War veteran, news/forensic photographer, and process server. Ingram arrives at a scene to photograph a deadly automobile accident. He recognizes the vehicle. It belongs to an old army buddy. Ingram sees evidence of foul play when he develops his photos of the accident. He is compelled to investigate. With Martin Luther King Jr’s Freedom Rally just around the corner, racial tensions are running high. Ingram dives headlong into the sordid underbelly of LA. Armed primarily with his camera and wits Ingram tangles with gangsters, fanatics, racists, and blackmailers in an effort to weed out justice for his friend. The captivating content, distinctive characters, and crisp dialogue kept me on the edge of my seat.