*Edited November 2014 - Read some more Chandler, added some more books to the ranking...
So far, I've read more for pleasure than I have in many, many years. (I would say how many years it has been, but I'm too tired to remember.)
Reading is one of those things you can do for recreation and not feel like you're wasting time. And of course, you can do it with one hand as your newborn sleeps on your shoulder and you'll be damned if you're moving this time, no, you're going to let him sleep there for the next hour or two (hopefully!) and not risk any movement.
In the case of the latter, it's helpful to have a book handy. So far, I've read only Raymond Chandler books. Some of them, in parts, out loud to my son. Don't worry, he wasn't harmed.
If you've never heard of, or read Raymond Chandler, I'll skip the obligatory "What the hell is wrong with you!" and just say, "You're missing out."
Here's Raymond Chandler's Wikipedia page. Yep, he wrote detective novels in the 1930s-1950s. They're mostly set in the Los Angeles area. The main character is the same - Phillip Marlowe.
And Chandler really is the master.
If you like writing, Los Angeles, or the 1930s-1950s, you should eat this stuff up. I know I do.
So, here's my breakdown so far of the Raymond Chandler books I've read while having a newborn, And if I can read them with a baby and a full time job, you can read them too.
Here they are, listed in order of best to worst.
1. The High Window
You get it all - great plot twists, crazy characters, and a whole lot of smart talk - especially between Marlowe and the old, wealthy woman.
This is Chandler in fine form. Not as much good "women" but that's OK, because I always found that to be the weakest part of Chandler novels. Yeah, his dames usually don't quite hold up. Yes, there are exceptions, and they will be mentioned.
2. Farewell, My Lovely
Amazing scenes and a full, rich, disturbing world. The wandering story that somehow ties together at the end. But story doesn't matter, as this one is all about just going along with Marlowe, and digging deeper and deeper until he's literally under water.
3. The Lady in The Lake
A little uneven as it has two locations - the lake and the city. But it's still quality stuff, and the old sheriff at the lake is one of the best secondary characters Chandler ever created.
4. Playback
Playback is a short, quick, flurry of a novel, and the best introduction to Chandler's works. Hear me out.
Read somewhere that this was supposed to be a screenplay. Makes sense, as it reads like a movie. As Chandler explains in his introduction to Trouble Is My Business (below), his main goal in writing is to write a good scene.
There are enough good scenes in this one to carry the story, which is basically Marlowe going down to the San Diego area to check out a missing woman situation. Oh yes, there are women. And murder. (or is there?)
This book reads so, so quickly and has fast witty dialog and sassy scenes, that it leaves you wanting more. Which is why it's probably the best introduction to Chandler for the newcomer...
5. The Big Sleep
His most famous book, and also his first. There's a lot of the "pulp" formula, where EVERYTHING is revealed in the last few pages, but it's still very solid stuff.
Also, you'll realize THE BIG LEBOWSKI stole so much from this book. Including the title. Sort of.
6. The Long Goodbye
Holy sh*t, a title has never been more appropriate. The "goodbye" is really long, as are the scenes. It's long on characters, short on plot, but still has enough mystery to keep you going until the end.
7. The Little Sister
I read somewhere that Chandler spent a lot of time in Hollywood, and then he wrote this book. That's what it feels like - a big middle finger to show business. Still readable, and Chandler manages to throw in some unforgettable writing.
8. Trouble Is My Business
Collection of short stories - about 50 pages each - Chandler wrote for pulp magazines throughout his career. The introduction is by far the best part, written by the master himself. Chandler basically apologies for the stories, saying he was constrained by editors who just wanted sex and violence, but also talks spouts off on a few different topics, including writing and why the genre he wrote in never gets any respect.
And after reading the stories, you realize the reason for the apologies. These stories are pretty weak.
The first, eponymous story, is rough stuff. Marlowe isn't that likable, as he cares more about doing a job for the money than in any other story.
The other three are a lot better, but still, filled with way too many shootings than necessary, and way too little sassyness from Marlowe.
9. Poodle Springs
This is the last Chandler that I read. Just when I thought I had read all of Chandler, Amazon has to rear it's ugly head and say, Hey! Did you know he co-wrote one last book!
Apparently Chandler wrote four chapters of this one, and a modern-day writer (Robert Parker) wrote the rest. To say, "it shows," is like saying you can tell the difference between the original Star Trek and Star Trek the next generation.
Yeah, no shit it's different, but it's the same world, and every once in a while Marlowe seems like the old Marlowe. And by the time you realize that there are many imperfect parts (Would Marlowe really say, "Yowza," or point at someone with his hands pretending it's a gun?) you're too invested in the story to put it down.
10. The Simple Art of Murder
Another collection of short stories. Introductory essay is great. Stories, not so much, except the last one. In fact, just read the intro and the final story. Seriously.
Alright. Now I'm done.
I think.
Onto Hammett. (No, really.)
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