And just read the first three chapters.
I like the Harry Potter series. But I just learned a lesson. Don't read a Martin Cruz Smith novel (in this case "December 6") and then try to read juvenile fiction right after.
It is a bit like drinking a fine wine, and trying to follow it with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Reading Smith's character Harry Niles makes the lack of complexity of J. K. Rowling's characters way to apparent.
Lesson - Enjoy Harry Potter first. THEN read Martin Cruz Smith.
"December 6" is a superb book. It centers on the character of Harry Niles, the American son of missionary parents, but he grew up as a confidence man speaking and thinking the Japanese language and imbued with the Japanese culture. The setting is the day, December 6th, before Pearl Harbor.
The book is an exploration of the complex character of Harry and his love-hate relationship with the Japanese culture as warped by the Japanese militarists the night before Pearl Harbor. The date is one that represents massive cultural change for Japan, somewhat like 9/11 did for us but much more significant. What Smith can do with that character and environment is utterly amazing.
It is going to take an effort to (temporarily) forget it so that I can enjoy Harry Potter. But I will. I will.
If you haven't read Martin Cruz Smith, do so. Go back and start with "Gorky Park." You will not regret it.
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