Chasing the Bear

Parker's books have gotten faster and faster to read over the years, with the larger fonts and fewer words per page. This book is no different. But, this story concentrated on Spenser growing up and, since Spenser and Susan are talking on a park bench, there is much less gratuitous sex and thankfully less of Susan pondering where their relationship is. The story just covers a couple of events in Spenser's young life, but it is at least an interesting story. I really enjoyed the book. I do, though, wonder who did the proofreading. Spenser discussed reading a lot of Nero Wolfe books, but he refers to Wolfe's assistant as Archie Goodman. Someone doesn't know their Stout.

I love Robert B. Parker and read everything he publishes. Chasing the Bear is another Parker winner on several levels. First, it's a compelling story -- I could not put it down. Second, it's shorter than his adult Spenser novels, and can be read in one sitting. Third, it is targeted to young adults, but it's a story mature readers can enjoy, too. Fourth, it begins to give us greater insight into Parker's greatest character, Spenser.

RBP.....Is like a fine wine ...he just gets better.....this is a fantastic book.......amazing for Spenser fans .....but so good even a young novice will love it!!!!!!!!!!!Dont wait jump in now and savor it !!!!!!!

I think it is fair to say that I am a huge Robert B. Parker fan. That disclaimer having been allowed, let me say that Chasing the Bear, A Young Spenser novel, sets just the right tone for the adventures of the sleuth later in life. Told in flashbacks, it sports the themes familiar to all of Dr. Parker's fans. That of honor, keeping one's word and standing up for what's right. The fact that the Spenser in this quest is 14 years old is unremarkable for the attributes that make him the Spenser his public loves today are well grounded in substance. I had always wondered how this telling of background would have been accomplished. Yet accomplish it Parker does, with great aplomb. The characters are fresh, but if you are expecting to see a young Hawk, or Quirk or Belson or Susan Silverman, you will be disappointed. Yet for a fourteen year old to read Chasing the Bear and leap to The Godwulf Manuscript is a pretty big leap. Hopefully, there will be a few more "Young Spenser" books dealing with his move to Boston, his time in the Army and his adventures with the staties before he became a private license. I highly recommend this book and have purchased a copy of this book for my godson. Then its over to Edenville Owls and The Boxer and the Spy. One last thing, perhaps the vocabulary isn't as intense as a regular Spenser novel, but Robert B.Parker honors his audience by not talking down to them. No surprise there.

When I heard about a new book dealing with Spenser's first adventure I knew I would want to read it, even though I'm 41. It does not disappoint. A simple story well told, it reads more like a long chapter recounting Spenser's youth in one of Parker's regular stories. As usual it's too short, but fans should be used to that by now... Borrow a kid to bring with you to the bookstore if you need to, but don't be afraid to buy it!