Books
Savages

by Don Winslow
Simon & Schuster, July 2010, $25.00

With taut, dialogue-driven action as fast-paced as an MTV video, Savages is a spectacular gem of a book from Don Winslow. Employing an unorthodox style (one word chapters, sentences that run vertically the length of the page, and an abundance of earthy, modern day vernacular) Winslow vividly brings to life the drug world of Southern California and its connections to the Mexican cartels. Savages is a bloody, sexy, funny, crisp, exciting, no-holds-barred experience, and likely Winslow’s best work yet.

Ben, a botanist, has created a superior marijuana blend, and along with his friend Chon, an ex-Navy Seal, has successfully marketed it. The two, Ben the brains and Chon the brawn, run a lucrative business in Southern California, but a Mexican drug cartel now wants to take it over. Although Ben thinks he has made enough and is ready to retire, Chon knows that the cartel is too blood thirsty to just let them walk away. They are ordered, under the threat of decapitation, to run the business but turn all profits over to the cartel. In order to force them to do their bidding, the Mexicans kidnap O (short for Ophelia), who shares a love/sex relationship with both Ben and Chon. To free O, they must use their wits to battle an army of Mexican drug dealers. And what a battle it is! Savages will grab you from the get-go, shake you up, disgust and enthrall you, and not let go until the very last word. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Bob Smith

winslow_savagesA taut gem of a book that will grab you from the get-go, shake you up, disgust and enthrall.

Teri Duerr
1446

by Don Winslow
Simon & Schuster, July 2010, $25.00

Winslow
July 2010
savages
25.00
Simon & Schuster