Monk

I just finished reading "Mr. Monk Goes to the Firehouse" by Lee Goldberg. It was really quite good! I'm always a bit leery of books based on TV or movie stories. Things don't usually translate well. The interior monologues just don't feel right.

In this case, Lee Goldberg is a writer for the TV series and the book makes you feel like you're finally getting the real dirt on the characters. It's fascinating how the change of medium is effortless for some people and impossible for others.

Meg Cabot wrote several treatments for the film "Ice Princess" and admitted herself that she didn't do a good job. Her characters tend to have a very strong internal voice, so losing all of that and framing everything through dialogue wasn't an easy move for her.

Goldberg did an excellent job writing from Natalie's point of view (Monk's assistant). All of her internal conflicts about dating as a single mother and coping with Monk were funny and poignant. Well done! I'll leave you with this quote from the book:

"What do you think you're doing?" Disher said.
"Passing the time," said Monk
"By reading confidential case files of open homicide investigations?"
"You didn't have the latest issue of 'Highlights for Children,'"Monk said. "You really should renew your subscription."
"We never had one," said Disher.
"I love to spot the hidden objects in the drawings," Monk said to me. "It keeps me sharp."