INK & CINEMA JOURNAL

The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir - William Friedkin (Book Notes)

A captivating memoir that provides a firsthand account of one of Hollywood’s most uncompromising directors. 

Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood - Danny Trejo (Book Notes)

This memoir is a must-read for fans of Trejo’s work, individuals interested in stories of personal transformation, and readers fascinated by Hollywood’s underdog stories.

James Patterson by James Patterson: The Stories of My Life (Book Notes)

An entertaining and fast-paced memoir that reflects the author’s personality: dynamic, witty, and endlessly creative. 

The Devil All The Time (Book Notes)

Set in the rural town of Knockemstiff, Ohio, the story follows the lives of several characters whose paths intersect in unexpected and often violent ways.

The Sting: The Undercover Operation that Caught Daniel Morcombe's Killer (book adapted as the film "The Stranger")

The book sheds light on the complexities of the investigation, the dedication of law enforcement, and the resilience of the victim's family in their tireless pursuit of justice.

The Pale Blue Eye (Book Notes)

A masterful work of historical fiction that seamlessly blends fact and fiction to create a compelling and suspenseful mystery.

Let Him Go (Book Notes)

A haunting & emotionally charged novel that explores themes of family, loss, determination & justice against the backdrop of the American West.

Original Gangster: The Real Life Story of One of America's Most Notorious Drug Lords (Book Notes)

A riveting and introspective account of Frank Lucas's life, providing a window into the underworld of drug trafficking while also exploring the human side of a notorious figure.

LAbyrinth: The True Story of "City of Lies", the Murders of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G., and the Implication of the Los Angeles Police Department (Book Notes)

A meticulously researched and captivating exploration of the interconnected murders of two iconic rap artists, and the alleged corruption within the LAPD.

The Cider House Rules (Book Notes)

A richly layered novel that combines moral complexity, compelling characters, and a deep exploration of choice and consequence.

Outlander (Book Notes)

A spellbinding and sweeping tale that transports readers on an unforgettable journey through time.

Waypoints: My Scottish Journey - Sam Heughan (Book Notes)

Scottish actor & outdoors enthusiast, Sam Heughan, chronicles his adventures hiking Scotland's West Highland Way.

Down and Dirty Pictures: Miramax, Sundance, and the Rise of Independent Film (Book Notes)

Peter Biskind's book is a great read for anyone interested in the history of independent film and the workings of the film industry.

Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex-Drugs-and-Rock 'N' Roll Generation Saved Hollywood (Book Notes)

A comprehensive look at the rise of the "New Hollywood" movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and how it revolutionized filmmaking.

American Independent Cinema (Book Notes)

An insightful and comprehensive exploration of the American independent film movement, offering a detailed analysis of its evolution, key players, defining characteristics, and cultural significance.

What Happens Next: A History of American Screenwriting (Book Notes)

An overview of the history of American script writing, from the early days of silent cinema to the present day.

Winslow Homer (Curated Book List & Civil War Paintings)

Winslow Homer, known for his exceptional maritime art, also captured the American Civil War in paintings and sketches.

Captured Freedom: The Epic True Civil War Story of Union POW Officers Escaping from a Southern Prison (Book Notes)

Captured Freedom is the story of a group of Civil War Union officers who were prisoners-of-war of the Confederate army. 

Ringed by Fire: U.S. Marines and the Siege of Khe Sanh - 21 January to 9 July 1968 (Free Download - PDF Book)

In early 1968, roughly 6,000 Marines defending the Khe Sanh Combat Base in Vietnam were encircled and besieged by three North Vietnamese Army regiments of about 20,000 troops.  

Death in the Imperial City: U.S. Marines in the Battle for Hue - 31 January to 2 March 1968 (Free Download - PDF Book)

The battle for Hue City stands as an example of urban warfare and how the U.S. military was able to secure victory in the face of severe odds. 

Tears in the Darkness: The Story of the Bataan Death March and Its Aftermath (Book Notes)

The Bataan Death March was a brutal forced march of approximately 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war (POWs) by Japanese forces during World War II.

Among Heroes: A Marine Corps Rifle Company on Peleliu (Free Download - PDF Book)

Few Americans know of the battle of Peleliu during WWII. It became the bloodiest battle in Marine Corps history given the number of casualties compared to the number of troops involved.

Valley of the Shadow: An Account of American POWs of the Japanese (Book Notes)

It can often take a long time, often too long, for a son to recognize the value of his father, in his own life and that of the society he defended. 

Commandos: Set Europe Ablaze (Book Notes)

Commandos tells the story of two U.S. Marines who are sent to fight alongside Britain's elite commando forces during World War II.

Washington & His Comrades in Arms: Washington at Valley Forge (Book Excerpt)

During the winter of 1777-1778, under the leadership of General George Washington, the Continental Army camped at Valley Forge in brutal conditions.