brodiew2's galaxy of books Door the 2nd

Hello all. My name is Brodie. I am married and have three kids 8, 9 , and 11. We live in the greater Seattle area in Washington State. I have always enjoyed a book, tv show, comic book, or movie. I guess it boils down to a good story. I love stories; true or otherwise and I am thankful that I found librarything and the 75ers as a community where we can share our love for stories.

This will likely be my last the of the year and I wanted to share on of the loves I've discovered this year. That would Orphan X also known as The Nowhere Man and Evan Smoak. Gregg Hurwitz has created something unique, in a character I can like, or root for, as a person as much has in delivering his particular brand of justice.

Meet Orphan X.

Evan is a 12 year boy living in a group home in East Baltimore. He has no prospects and his quality of life is marginal at best. He is abducted/recruited for the top secret black budget government Orphan program. For seven years he is trained to be the most elite of assassins. He is then sent out into the world to do his country's bidding. After years of job after job, Evan tires of the work and through a tragic set of circumstances he is suddenly free of his leash. He disappears, but soon puts his particular set of skills to work helping those who can't help themselves. However, the past comes calling putting Evan in a fight for his life and the life of his client.

I have been warbling about this book since just after starting. I have found it to be a breath of fresh air to the adventure/spy thriller genre that I love to listen to during my commute. The Orphan program is reminiscent of Jason Bourne as much as Evan's desire to help people with his skills reminds me of the 80 television series The Equalizer. Add in a bit of the 'The Man in the Suit' mystique from Person of Interest and Evan Smoak, 'The Nowhere Man', is refreshingly original in the combination of these spy thriller tropes.

I hope you'll give it a shot. I have review the two tagged books on my previous thread.

Toshiro Mifune in Sanjuro

Happy New Thread, Brodie! Let's just make this an extra long 2nd thread, right? Nothing wrong with that.

Happy new thread Brodie.

The Duke and Toshiro Mifune do look amazingly alike.

Happy new thread!

>6 msf59: That would be mighty fine, Mark. Let's do it.

>7 PaulCranswick: Ha! I hadn't noticed until you mentioned it, Paul. What a pair.

>8 drneutron: Thanks Jim! Do you think my Orphan X fanfare is enough? :-P

😀 Just right!

Happy new thread, Brodie!

Yes, it is obvious, I should read Orphan X ;-)
Can't find a Dutch translation yet, but I will keep an eye out.

>Thanks again, Jim! It's good to know I"m not the only one.

>12 FAMeulstee: Hello FAMuelstee! Thanks for stopping in. I hope you find a Dutch translation soon. It's a lot of fun.

Happy new thread! I'll have to check out Orphan X

Hi Chelle! Good to see you. If you enjoy a good action thriller once in a while, I think you will enjoy it!

Hi Brodie, I loved your last Flash Fiction, you made me smile and remember those "star-struck" days!

>16 DeltaQueen50: Thank you, DeltaQueen50! I thought that one may have been a dud given the *crickets*. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Happy New Thread, Brodie!

I like seeing that Evan Smoak love up there.

Sanjuro was a good Mifune.

See, Brodie? All that worry for nothing. Visitors galore and no one cares about the blooper. That is how we roll around here.

>18 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe! It's been a while since I've been so jazzed about a book series. LOTR excluded. :-)

>19 msf59: Yeah nothing really to worry about. Just my sense of order up ended a bit. :-P It is, indeed, how we roll.

Happy new thread, Brodie! I have not read Orphan X, but I will add it to the list.

>21 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie! Thanks for stopping in. *shameless plug* there are a couple of Flash fictions on the previous thread if you are interested. :-)

Orphan X is a fun thriller and Evan Smoak is a very interesting character. I hope you will give it a go.

Ha! I will go back and check them out.

Back to say that the golfing one was my favorite, but they were all fun. Well done, Brodie.

>24 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie!

Just caught up and adding my 2 cents worth - Yes, the Orphan X books are a very enjoyable read.

Thanks for stopping in, Kerry! I appreciate the vote of confidence!

Hi, Brodie. Thanks for sparking the discussion on my thread. I appreciate calm, even-handed discourse. You do not see this on many other social media outlets, which is actually destroying friendships.

>28 msf59: I appreciate you, Mark. Thank for allowing the conversation to take place on your thread. I am so thankful for this forum and the ability to share conflicting ideas in a peaceful manner.

Yes! The Punch Escrow arrived at the library. I have it in my hot little hands! I'm looking forward to this.

The Long Journey to Jake Palmer will either have to wait or come along for the ride.

Good morning, all! Yesterday was my Thingaversary! I officially signed up back in October 2009, but never fully engaged the site or a series thread of my own until last year. So there you have it. Thank you to all who made this n00b feel like part of the family. I continue to enjoy the 75ers and few users I follow in other LT groups.

Happy Thingaversary! So, did ya buy anyone books to celebrate?

Happy Thingaversary, Brodie!

>32 drneutron: Hi Jim! No, I thought it was today until I checked my profile. But I may yet make a purchase. :-)

>33 Crazymamie: Thanks Mamie! Mark set me on to The Punch Escrow which has a great start.

Happy Thingaversary!

Thank you, norabelle414! I hope thing are going well for you. :-)

Happy Thingaversary!

Happy Thingaversary, Brodie!

Stopping by to tip my hat and say, "How do!"

>37 tymfos: >38 swynn: Thank you, tymfos and swynn!

>39 weird_O: How do, weird_0! Thanks for stopping by!

Every once in a while I like to indulge in celebrity memoir, most of which are usually comedians or comic actors. This time it was David Spade, best know for his time on Saturday Night Live, and his self narrated memoir Almost Interesting. I wouldn't consider myself a major fan of Spade's nor do I dislike him. He seems to work best when properly paired with other actors.

That said, this audio book made me laugh. A lot. It is full of anecdotes of his youth, how he got his start as a comedian, SNL, his films with Chris Farley, and couple of interesting, and more serious, stories about the perils of celebrity. I laughed hardest at his remembrance his early sexual adventures and a particular chapter about a well known feud with Eddie Murphy.

Spade did not cover his television sitcoms or his films beyond 'Tommy Boy' and 'Black Sheep'. 'Just Soot Me' and '8 Simple Rules' were shows I enjoyed at the time and it would have been nice to hear some behind the scenes anecdotes.

What made this audiobook a satisfying diversion was Spade's unique voice, a self deprecating arrogance, that made me laugh. He did his job well.

4 of 5 stars

Happy Thingaversary. If you observe Cranswick rules, you need to procure 8 books, plus 1 to grow on.

At 10 years, I loosely follow the rule, otherwise I might risk divorce. ;)

>42 mahsdad: Thanks, Jeff. That's a tall order, but one I want to fill. I'll keep you posted.

I understand that it's your Thingaversary, Brodie! Yay!!

One book for each year you've been a member plus, as Paul says, one to grow on. Because we all need at least one more book on which to grow.

And as if any of us needed excuses to buy books. Ha.

I hope you are doing well!

>43 brodiew2: Good man, always up for a challenge. I like that.

Happy Thingaversary, Brodie!

Good review of the David Spade book.

>44 EBT1002: Hello Ellen! Thank you. It is good to see you around here. I'll alert everyone when I have a chance to buys so many books. I may be taking a trip to Half Price Books!

>45 jnwelch: Thank you, Joe. And, thanks for the shout out to the above review. Sometimes, the *crickets* can get unnerving. :-)

Happy Thingaversary, Brodie. You have been a nice addition around here.

Glad you are having a good time with The Punch Escrow.

Hi Brodie, just stopping by to wish you a belated Happy Thingaversary. Hope your week end is going well and that you got in some reading or listening time.

I apologize for the late responses.

>47 msf59: Thank you, Mark! I appreciate the comment. I'm about halfway through The Punch Escrow. I think Joe has passed me. :-)

>48 Donna828: Thanks, Donna. I'm between audiobooks, but should have another going shortly.

So you got me with Orphan X!

Hi Sixby! Are you enjoying it? Or, did you enjoy it?

Hi Brodie - I found Orphan X at the library and started it last night. It isn't really rocking my world so far after about 30 pgs - just hits me as OK. This isn't my usual sort of book or genre. It is a little odd reading it after having just finished The Gift of Rain which was also about a 12-14 yo or so boy who is taken on by a japanese martial arts sensei and trained.

>52 RBeffa: No worries, Ron. It may not be for everyone. I listened to Scott Brick's narration and loved it. Thanks for giving it a try.

>53 brodiew2: life has been busy and I have not been reading for several days but I did get back to Orphan X last night and ended up reading way past my bedtime. Then in a bizarre dream i can scarcely remember but was vivid when I first woke up I was having an interview talk with Evan Smoak about what he does. What did I eat for dinner???

Anyway, I'm interested in the book and story even if it isn't my usual sort of book.

Wow. That's strangely fantastic, Ron! I appreciate you staying with it. Reading past your bed time is the hallmark of a good thriller. I'm glad the story has your interest.

Hi, Brodie! Sweet Thursday. Hope you have had a good week and the books are treating you well.

I have been on vacation this week, so of course I am doing just fine. Have you seen the new Blade Runner?

>56 msf59: Thanks for stopping in, Mark. The week has been pretty good.

I'm still working on The Punch Escrow. I hit a plateau. I just need to get over the hump.

Also listening to If I Understood you, would I have this look on my face by Alan Alda. Fascinating look at communication, empathy, and and a search for understanding each other.

A genre diversion is up next on audio. I'm giving it a go because it look fun. Etiquette and Espionage

Happy November 1st, Brodie!

Hope the weekend has gone well Brodie and that you didn't sleep right through it!

Hi Brodie! I have been rather absent from threads for the last couple of months and slowly working my way through the threads. I continue to enjoy your Flash Fiction Friday posts - such fun!

>58 ChelleBearss: I'm a little late to the party, but thanks for stopping in, ChelleBearss!

>59 PaulCranswick: It's been going ok, Paul. Thanks for checking in.

>60 lkernagh: I've been just as absent, lkernagh. I'm so glad you have enjoyed the FFF. It's about time for another one.

Hope you have a good weekend Brodie.

Thanks, Ron! Same to you. Are you watching or have you watched 'Stranger Things'?

Just a couple episodes of Stranger Things (season 2). Wasn't grabbing me like the first season did but I'll get back to it.

I still love it. The characters make the show for me. I like the story too. It gets so much better.

Hey, Brodie. We finished Season 2 of Stranger Things and LOVED it.

Did you watch any of the "Beyond Stranger Things" episodes, where they discuss the second season with the Duffer brothers and various members of the cast and crew? That's also on Netflix. We thoroughly enjoyed the half dozen or so of them.

Hey Joe! I spent some time with Beyond Stranger Things last night and you are right. I enjoyed the heck out of the round table discussions with the different cast and crew.

>67 brodiew2: Wasn't that fascinating, Brodie? What a smart group.

This is a time of year when I as a non-American ponder over what I am thankful for.

I am thankful for this group and its ability to keep me sane during topsy-turvy times.

I am thankful that you are part of this group.

I am thankful for this opportunity to say thank you.

Hi Brodie, I hope you are having a great Thanksgiving!

>68 jnwelch: I'm still being a ST fanboy, Joe. I'm putting my fanfiction skills to use.

>69 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul. I am thankful for you and this group as well.

>70 Familyhistorian: Thanks, familyhistorian! I appreciate you stopping in. I'm in a bit of a dry spell board-wise.

We’re on Season 2, Episode 6. Loving the new season!

> 72 It gets...BETTER!

Hello all. I've been in and out of range, so to speak, these last few weeks, but I wanted to stop in and update the list.



I recently completed If I understood you, would I have this look on my face by Alan Alda. I had no idea how much passion he had for helping scientists communicate with the masses. This book is insightful regarding the actor's second calling, but also in his exploration of empathy as a way to help people understand each other. Highly recommended.



Prince Caspian by C. S. Lewis

I have enjoyed reading Lewis' Chronticles of Narnia for the first time. I only read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, as a child. The World of Narnia is magical and captivating, but not without some pretty darn good drama. Though the title refers to Prince Capian, he is a supporting player in the adventure which brings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy back to Narnia after generations have passed since their last visit. Good fun.



Boys in the Boat

It took me forever to get to it, but I'm so glad I did. I rowed in crew in high school and college. So, not only is this story local to me (Seattle), but it also brought me back to my rowing days. The Story of Joe Rantz and the Huskie crew that won gold in the 1936 Olympics is a fascinating read. It was also very interesting to learn more about George Pocock, the father of the modern racing shell and all around rowing guru.

Hi, Brodie. Thanks for checking in and giving us a book update. I am so glad you hung in there with The Boys in the Boat. It is such a great read.

>74 brodiew2: I've heard about that Alda book, and I really want to read it. I only recently learnt about his passion for science communication and it made my love for him grow even more (sadly a rare thing these days with male celebrities).

I really enjoyed The Boys in the Boat. Glad to see that you did, too!

Unlike you, I knew nothing about crew, so I learned a whole lot!

Dropping by to wish you a great weekend, Brodie.

Hi, Brodie. Finally grabbing a chance to stop by and say hi. Have you finished Stranger Things 2? Curious as to what your final reaction is - I'll wait with mine until I know you've finished.

I can't recall if we've talked about whether you are a fan of the Marvel movies and shows - we are currently watching The Punisher, which is very good, although much darker than the other MCU shows on Netflix. We've also recently seen the new Thor movie which was great - I was getting tired of the Thor/Marvel thing, but the new movie really spiced things up.

Have you seen the new Star Wars yet? Thoughts? We enjoyed it, but... Again, I'll wait until I know whether you've seen it or not.

Sounds like you've been doing lots of good reading. I'll have to check out Orphan X. I recently finished A Gentleman in Moscow and enjoyed it.

I've been negligent of this page over the last couple of months and the year is almost over. My reading petered out a little bit in the final quarter and other concerns took me away. My present audio, Bonhoeffer, will take me into 2018. So the page is final as far as completed books.

>75 msf59: I enjoyed it quite a bit, Mark. Local history, rowing, and the Nazi Olympics was all very compelling.

>76 PawsforThought: It was a fun listen with Alda narrating, Paws. I think you will enjoy it either way. Thanks for stopping in.

>77 tymfos: Very cool, tymfos. Thanks for checking in. It is a brilliant book.

>78 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul! I hope the same for you over the holidays!

>79 rretzler: Hi Robin! Thanks for stopping in. I have completed Stranger Things S2 and loved it. I am much obsessed with ST. I even bought a Hopper POP!. Hopper and El are my favorites followed by Steve and Dustin. The Hopper-El story this season was fantastic.

I am a fan of the MCU movieverse, but not so much the Nexflix tv series. I've seen half of Daredevil S1 and the first episode of Luke Cage. It's ok, but a little dark and violent for my taste.

As for The Last Jedi, I have seen it twice and enjoyed it. Although I was a huge fan of the original trilogy and the expanded universe of books and comics, this film worked for me. It works as a sequel to TFA and that's all I need. Hating on it is a waste of energy whether I wanted cranky bitter Luke or not.

Orphan X is excellent for escapist adventure.

A Gentleman in Moscow is simply magnificent.

If you want to discuss any of these further, I'm happy to do so. Would love to, actually. :-)

Happy Holidays, all!

Hope your Holidays are good ones Brodie.

I'm still waiting for the Gentlemen book from the library - looks like I may get it fairly soon and I'm looking forward to it.

My daughter and I also got back to and finished Stranger Things 2 together. The Hopper/Eleven storyline was by far my favorite and Hopper is my favorite character ... but, overall, the second season didn't rock my world.

Be good and keep your loved ones close.

>80 brodiew2: I'll be back for discussion...

Happy Holidays, Brodie. I hope you are having a great time with the family!

I LOVED Star Wars!!

Wishing you all good things this holiday season and beyond.

It is that time of year again, between Solstice and Christmas, just after Hanukkah, when our thoughts turn to wishing each other well in whatever language or image is meaningful to the recipient. So, whether I wish you Happy Solstice or Merry Christmas, know that what I really wish you, and for you, is this:

Happy Holidays to you and yours! Its such a joy to be a part of this group, and I’m glad to call you friend.

Happy Holidays, Brodie!

Hope you had a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Happy New Year Brodie. I hope you can drop in now and then.