Heat

Goldman knows how to write a fun book to read and his only fault is that he doesn't write more novels (or hasn't since '86's "Brothers" the sequel to "The Marathon Man"). Heat is far from being a perfect book, but comes very close to being very good. I enjoyed it the first time I read it almost 20 years ago and although I've changed and the world changed Heat hasn't suffered much or has become outdated as so many "better" books like "Rising Sun" have. It takes place firmly in the 1980's but doesn't like a book written during that period rather more of a book that takes place in that year not from that year. Basically, it's not tied down with past ideologies and mores from those years that most of us have outgrown or simply forgotten. It's a great book that keeps you reading and this is something rare in most books. It's a stripped down novel that with another writer telling this story probably would have been three times longer. It takes a great story teller to strip a story down to just it's bone without loosing the book's presence and scope. Probably because of Goldman's screenplay experience he's able make every word, thought and description count and probably is why his books haven't done well as movies because you can't strip his stories down any further. The only way to properly do a Goldman book is to rewrite it for the screen. Heat is worth discovering if you haven't had the chance. It's fun and worth a mention or two even after all these years.

William Goldman's Heat is one of the best books I've read. I can't exactly say that it takes you from the first page, but wait for ten pages or so, and you won't be able to leave it (I tried). The twists and slides of the book are Marathon Man style and even though I say that, you'll never guess what's going to happen next. I don't want to spill any of the contents of the book, for fear of spoiling it, and a word of advice, don't even read the back to know what the stories about. Certainly a rarety where it'll leave you both exhilirated and shining.