Henry Denker (1912–2012)

A play that probably would have a tough go of it in the current world, it is nonetheless well written, well crafted, and holds the interest through to completion. A man of some note is insulted in the column of a well-read newspaper man, and decides to sue for libel. The challenges of the case prove entertaining and enlightening, especially about the mind set of lawyers, judges, and newspapermen during the rather tumultuous middle part of the last decade. First performed in 1963, it shows show more definite traces of the lingering effects of the McCarthy years, and the antagonist is a puritanical, moralizing right-winger who sounds suspiciously like a classier Rush Limbaugh. In spite of that, the author manages to maintain the suspense through the end - was he telling the truth, and the likeable protagonist is really a Communist fellow-traveler who bathes nude with gorgeous young women? I would love to see it performed with a cast of my choice. show less

This is the most fun book I've read in a long time. The copyright date, 1986, was a surprise for it discusses today's issues as if concurrent. But Judge Spencer is a delightful person. He's not someone I would want for a friend for he is a bit of a bully, a loveable bully to be sure. The twist of how he sets out to defeat those who are trying to retire hiim is not something with which we are all familiar but after reading how it works, it more clear than I had previously understood it to be. show more It is not clear if his mischievious ways are for fun or for real nor is it clear if what he accomplishes is what he set out to accomplish. And this might just be the genius of Mr. Denker. show less

A teenage girl gives her baby up for adoption as she doesn't want her boyfriend to give up his acting dreams and get a proper job. Years later, the boyfriend is a major soap opera star, they meet, they marry and they want their baby back. Will reuniting a natural family win out over a child's love for his adoptive mother? The characters were badly-drawn, the plot was clichéd and the court scenes more schlocky than anything on Court TV. But you have to read to the end of the book, just in show more case Denker pulls a Jodi Picoult surprise ending. Am I going to tell you if he does? No. Do I recommend you read this book? No, just fuggedabout it and see what's on the tv. show less

* Richard Martin Stern: Snöhinder (Snowbound Six): Survival story som inte fastnar.

* Henry Denker: Sann vännskap (Horowitz and Mrs. Washington): Söt historia om överskridande av ras- och religionsbarriärer.

* Robin Cook: Pyramidens gåta (Sphinx): Blaskig Egyptologi-thriller som hade gjort sig bättre som film... och säkert inte varit bra ändå.

* Gilbert Cesbron: Yann (Mais moi je vous aimais): En fransk Forrest Gump i mindre format?