Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton

Just a couple of days from fall, but the weather in Florida remains hot and humid. Perfect weather for enjoying the air conditioning and reading a good book about pirates. Reading a semi-historical book about life in the Caribbean before air conditioning, bug repellant, and running water makes life seem so much better.

Michael Crichton's, Pirate Latitudes, tells the story of privateer Captain Charles Hunter, who has a severe dislike of the Spanish Navy. However, he does like their gold and silver. He sails out of Port Royal, Jamaica under the English flag in search of treasure and adventure. He encounters a hurricane, damsels in distress, nasty Spanish officers, sea monsters and native cannibals. The adventure begins early and continues throughout the book.

Dream Works purchased the rights to the movie. About six months ago, a considerable amount of chatter on the Internet stated that Stephen Spielberg hoped to make it into a movie. If they do decide to make the movie, it will be interesting to see how they manage to top Pirates of the Caribbean.

Sad news in the writing world

Sad news for the writing world, in the past month two prolific writers died. Michael Crichton and Tony Hillerman. Michael Crichton, author and movie director lost his fight against cancer, and died on November 4th. Tony Hillerman, author, journalist, teacher and World War II hero, died October 26th of pulmmonary disorder. I have enjoyed reading both of these authors, and their passing saddens me.