Books Read in 2013

In the second book, the characters are split apart even more, and dealings with war and politics have a much bigger role. Still, the most interesting parts are those of Tyrion and Sansa, because they take place mostly in the King's Landing, where most of the backstabbings take place. There are also a couple new central point of view-characters introduced, the most interesting being the ex-smuggler, and Stannis's right hand man, Davos.

This is the first book of Stockholm noir-trilogy, though there is not much noir in there. There still is drugs, money, whores, gym and expensive clothes and cars and such. The three central characters are quite different, and you feel captivated following them. Nothing special, but very entertaining, and I intend to read the rest of the trilogy in the future.

It has been a while, since I've picked up a simple summer thriller for a read. This first Jack Reacher book is very Hollywood-style action story, which I could very easily see being adapted to a blockbuster film, as they did that for another Jack Reacher book, with Tom Cruise.

I read this one, after I've began to watch the show. It didn't matter much though, as the book still is very captivating and written in such a glamorous detail, it hooks you from the beginning. I've always had a crush on historical power struggles, and this one has it all. Backstabbings, court conspiracys, political babbling, sex, violence.. Everything you need.

Religion is a topic, that is very common in Waltari's books. This one deals with a roman nobleman during the reign of Tiberius. He goes to Jerusalem, as he wants to learn more about the new religion, christianity. He meets with various people we know from the bible, and starts to adapt the new faith. The book has many valid questions about organized religion, and overall faith. At times, the descriptions of the protagonist's religious experiences can be a little over the top, but on the other hand, they give a good description about one's inner strugles with his/hers faith.

A quick read for the toilet.

I've never been a fan of hip hop in any way, though in recent years, I have found some interesting artists from that genre as well. Can't Stop, Won't Stop deals mostly with the social and political issues that launched the movement into the mainstream. Especially towards the end, the music itself is left out almost completely, and the focus is mainly on politics surrounding the artists and the music industry in general. Still, a quite interesting read.

It's Bukowski, what can you possibly say? Tales is again, a collection of short stories, drunken tales and mumblings about how most people are stupid, and how almost all literature sucks big time.

Whatever you opinion on Roman Polanski might be, it can't be denied that he has lived quite an interesting life. Like many of his films, his autobiography is filled with sex, scandals, odd people and.. and of course, murder. The infamous Manson-incident is for sure one of the most fascinating parts of the book. Also, interesting are the accounts of Polanski's childhood in nazi-occupied Poland, and his eventual demise and banisment from Hollywood, and from the United States.