I had never heard of Don Winslow, though he has written a number of books, a couple even made into movies. Supposedly, this novel is already in the makings. It got pretty good reviews in the Times so I decided to try it and I admit to devouring it. Who wouldn't with it's cool trio of protagonists, lots of violence and mucho sex. It's current and hip, with language and setting. Two guys, Ben and Chonny, one an idealist and follower of Buddha, the other, Chonny an ex Navy Seal have combined to grow and sell the best marijuana in Southern California. Ben is the mellow giver, often off with his drug money to help the world, either in Africa or Asia. Chonny thinks Ben is nuts and sees the world much differently: we are all savages. Needless to say, conflicts arise when a Mexican drug cartel wants to take over their market. How this is done involves the young, nubile, and sexually liberated Ophelia, O for short, who is both Chonny and Ben's lover. They don't seem to mind nor does she. Needless to say, Ben ends up having to see the world through the eyes of Chonny, that people are ultimately cruel and to survive you must be cruel and violent as well. Lots of killings, violent and brutal, a kidnapping, innocent people being hurt, all combine to make this a quick read. You do end up liking all three major characters, hating the evil Mexican drug cartel, it's cool San Diego lawyers, the various 'low lifes' that carry out the orders. In the end, all seem to get what they deserve.
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