Books Like...

Elmore Leonard's 'Rum Punch', the novel upon which Quentin Tarantino's 'Jackie Brown' is based, presents a crime thriller set in Florida. The story revolves around gangster Ordell Robbie and air hostess Jackie Burke, who becomes entangled in a dangerous situation after being caught by the authorities. As the plot unfolds, a bail bondsman named Max Cherry gets involved, leading to a fast-paced and exciting narrative filled with twists, turns, and authentic dialogue. The book delves into themes of deception, betrayal, and characters at a crossroads in their lives, offering a rich and engaging reading experience.

In 'Rum Punch', Elmore Leonard showcases his skill in creating complex yet easy-to-follow plots, with a cast of vivid characters who come to life through incisive dialogue. The book's American feel, compelling storytelling, and intricate character dynamics make it a standout crime novel, drawing readers into a world of crime, manipulation, and moral ambiguity.

'Mr. Majestyk' by Elmore Leonard is a fast-paced crime novel set in the American southwest, following the story of Vincent Majestyk, a Vietnam war veteran turned melon farmer. When some troublemakers disrupt his peaceful life, Majestyk finds himself entangled in a dangerous situation that leads to a cat and mouse game involving hitmen and law enforcement. The book is described as a typical Elmore Leonard tale, filled with memorable characters, gritty action, and a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is praised for its lean prose, engaging dialogue, and the ability to create tension and excitement throughout the story.

'Natural Born Killers' by Quentin Tarantino is a screenplay that differs significantly from the film adaptation directed by Oliver Stone. Tarantino's script is described as simpler, more focused, and more fun than the movie, with a different tone and character motivations. The original script is praised for being a fantastic screenplay, offering a black satire of serial killer culture in America, and focusing on the story of journalists and policemen pursuing the killer couple, Mickey and Mallory.

"Django Unchained" and its sequel "Django Zorro" are graphic novels written by Quentin Tarantino. The first novel offers a different perspective compared to the movie, with expanded storylines and additional scenes that were not included in the film. The sequel, on the other hand, is described as a pure delight, capturing the essence of Tarantino's storytelling style and building on the themes introduced in the first novel.

'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' by Quentin Tarantino is a novelization of his own movie, offering an in-depth exploration of the main characters' backstories such as the stuntman Cliff Booth and the washed-up TV star Rick Dalton. Tarantino delves into Hollywood history, intertwining real events and characters with his fictional creations. The book provides additional scenes, thoughts, and memories of the characters, altering some aspects from the film and allowing readers to appreciate both versions for their unique qualities.

The writing style in 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' is described as raw, entertaining, and at times loose and aimless. Tarantino's novel captures the essence of a bygone era of Hollywood, immersing readers in the 1960s film industry with detailed descriptions of places, sounds, and even Hollywood gossip. The book is praised for its ability to bring the characters to life, particularly Cliff Booth, and for its compelling storytelling that reflects Tarantino's passion for cinema and storytelling.

"American Tabloid" is a fast-paced and complex thriller that interprets historical events through the eyes of a hardboiled crime novelist. Set in the late 1950s to the assassination of JFK, the book delves into the seedy underbelly of America, showcasing corruption, crime, violence, betrayal, and political machinations involving real-life figures like JFK, RFK, J. Edgar Hoover, and Jimmy Hoffa. The narrative weaves together a mix of fictional characters like Ward Littell, Pete Bondurant, and Kemper Boyd with historical events such as the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Crisis. The writing style, characterized by short, staccato sentences and a tabloid-like approach, captivates readers with its gritty and detailed portrayal of a dark period in American history.

"Mr. Nice" by Howard Marks is an autobiography that delves into the life of a man who rose to prominence in the drug market in England. The story follows Howard Marks' journey from rags to riches to prison, showcasing his cleverness and ability to navigate through a colorful life of drug trafficking and international escapades. The writing style is described as engrossing, detailed, and eye-opening, providing readers with a fast-paced tempo that keeps them hooked as they explore the world of illegal drugs and the consequences of being involved in such activities.

'Get Shorty' by Elmore Leonard follows the story of Chili Palmer, a Miami loan shark who ventures to Los Angeles after a debtor who fled without repaying his debt. In LA, Chili becomes entangled in the movie business, meeting film producer Harry Zimm and navigating the complexities of Hollywood. The book delves into the parallels between the underworld and the movie industry, with a plot that intertwines mob crime and Hollywood aspirations. Leonard's writing style blends humor, sharp dialogue, and a fast-paced narrative, making for an entertaining and multi-layered satire on Hollywood.

"The Gun Seller" by Hugh Laurie is a spy thriller spoof that follows the adventures of Thomas Lang, a detective who gets entangled in a high-stakes game of intrigue. The book is known for its witty and dry humor, reminiscent of Laurie's performances as Dr. Gregory House, and it combines elements of humor, suspense, and fast-paced action. Set in various locations, from London to Morocco, the story unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged with its entertaining and light-hearted narrative style.

The writing style of "The Gun Seller" is often described as clever, witty, and humorous, with a tone that is both articulate and verbose. The main character, Thomas Lang, is portrayed as a likable and amusing protagonist, offering sarcastic takes on the world around him. The book is praised for its ability to blend elements of spy thriller and comedy, creating a unique and enjoyable reading experience that appeals to fans of the genre and those looking for a light summer read.

Dr. David Beck's life is shattered when his wife is murdered and he is left for dead. Eight years later, a mysterious email suggests his wife may still be alive, leading Beck on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth. Filled with twists, turns, and potential suspects, Beck navigates a treacherous journey where nothing is as it seems. The book is described as a fast-paced thriller, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the surprising end.

The story unfolds with Beck receiving emails that only his deceased wife could have written, prompting him to question everything he thought he knew about her death. As he delves deeper into the mystery, Beck is faced with dangerous adversaries, dirty politicians, and a web of deceit that threatens not only his life but also those around him. The novel is praised for its gripping suspense, intricate plot, and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged from start to finish.