It is Friday, Feb. 14, and that makes it Valentine’s Day for 2025 as well as international Library Lovers Day! It is also international Book Giving Day! One internet source describes the day as a “special holiday … celebrated by book lovers all over the world. It is a day to share your love of books with someone — especially children — who might not have access to as many books as you do.” Well, our granddaughters are taken care of, so here are my suggestions for adult readers to consider giving a loved on (or even themselves). They are in chronological order by date of publication:
- “The Day of the Jackal,” 1971 by Frederick Forsyth (my first “favorite” novel and a total winner from one of my favorite authors)
“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” 1972 by Hunter S. Thompson (the iconic “novel” that put Gonzo Journalism on the map; more of a biography than anything else)- “North Dallas Forty,” 1973 by Peter Gent (simply the best sports novel of the 20th century; more of a biography of his own life in the NFL)
- “Shogun,” 1975 by James Clavell (part of the author’s Asian Saga; a huge work – 1,000+ pages)
“The Eagle Has Landed,” 1975 by Jack Higgins (here’s the best story by Higgins and it’s set in World War II)- “Close Quarters,” 1977 by Larry Heinemann (simply the best novel coming out of the war in Vietnam; if you have any link to the Vietnam conflict, read this one)
- “Noble House,” 1981 by James Clavell (a continuation of the Asian Saga; also 1,000+ pages)
- “Tourist Season,” 1986 by Carl Hiaasen (this is the first stand-alone novel by Hiaasen and his most personally emotional work)
- “Up Country,” 2002 by Nelson DeMille (again, the best example of this great author’s work; a visit back to Vietnam for some espionage)
Also, you can get a modern translation of an ancient work, say anything by the Greek philosopher Homer (of the “Iliad” or “Odyessy” fame), or try “The Art of War” that was written by Chinese general Sun Tzu. It is credited as being written sometime in the fifth century BC and “The Art of War” is its modern title. One great translation is by novelist James Clavell (there are many, many translations) and it has been used by military organizations across the globe as well as corporations and bureaucracies in training executives and managers. Check it out! I got this shot of my copies of the books above at our home here in Naples, Fla., on Feb. 14, 2025.
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