Beat the Reaper ~ Josh Bazell

Funk Rating: 10 out of 10

As 2009 new books go, this is a rockstar of a book. Extraordinary... Truly enjoyed it - it's like nothing I've read before.

I can't recall a book that was so different, so creative in its plot and storyline, AND made me laugh out loud with the cleverness of the writing. I can tell you some of the ingredients:

• mobsters (think Sopranos)
• doctors in hospitals (think Robin Cook)
• laugh out loud sense of humor with the writing/and storyline (think DeMille)
• action hero (think Lee Child/Jack Reacher)
• youth and maturing (think Salinger / Catcher in the Rye)
• footnotes that are educational yet sarcastic (?!)
• flashbacks, multiple plot threads, etc. (all the best authors)

But I simply cannot do this book justice. It's a real treat to see someone do something new and different with a book. It's a thriller, but it's not. It's a narrative, but it's more than that.

This is just plain outstanding. Now, before I go any farther, I have to tell you that I'm not sure everyone will enjoy this book... The language and some of the scenes are a bit edgy, so for those that don't tolerate that well, I warn in advance.

But, if you want to take a risk with a book this year, this is one to try. I suspect you'll love it or hate it. Obviously, I fell into the former camp. I'm still shaking my head with a WOW. Between this and Daemon, I feel like I hit a double jackpot or something!

Comments

[Mario Schulzke]

John, you have never done me wrong with your book recommendations and I am in need of a new fiction read. It's purchased. I'll let you know what I think. Keep reading and recommending.

Hope you're well.

-Mario