A good read

Hey, for all those planning to travel via air soon, (hopefully out to sunny California to visit me) I would like to suggest to you some good/entertaining reading to pick-up in the airport.

It is The Godfather Returns.

The book is not written by Mario Puzo (and here), who died about 6 years ago. Rather, it is written by Mark Winegardner.

The book bridges the gap between the movies The Godfather and The Godfather: Part II, and partially between The Godfather: Part II and The Godfather: Part III. There is also a flashback to Michael Corleone's childhood - adulthood up until the beginning of The Godfather. The book also brings into play characters' that were highlighted in the original book, The Godfather, with the character Johnny Fontane playing a much, much, much bigger role in this book than in either three of the movies. Plus, there is a tenuous connection explained between Michael Corleone and Vincent Mancini.

I really enjoyed the new book. By no means is it on par with the original work of Mario Puzo, but it is entertaining - nevertheless - to read about these characters who I have grown up with, but always craved more stories. Now I have them. The book also introduces some new characters, who may or may not have played a large role in some of the plot twists of the original book and movies.

Finally, there will be a third book. The Godfather's Revenge is expected out sometime next year. It too will be written by Mike Winegardner. It will attempt to bridge the gap between the end of The Godfather Returns and The Godfather: Part III, focusing mostly on the 1960s and 1970s.

I look forward to it. And you will too, once you read The Godfather Returns.