Today is October 11. On this date, in 1925, Elmore Leonard was born in New Orleans. His father worked for GM and the family moved often but finally settled down in the Detroit area where Elmore grew up and still lives. He is a very prolific and good writer. Many of his novels have been transferred to film and he has written many others scripts for the silver screen. Some of my favorite Leonard products from writing to screen are: "3:10 to Yuma," "Valdez is Coming," "Mr. Majestyk," "Get Shorty," and many others.

At his best, one of the greats. At his worst, pretty good. Always worth a look.

Leonard is the best writer of criminal fiction alive today.He has engaging characters who speak like actual people.His stories are unpredictable and always enjoyable.I enjoy his earlier westerns as well. He is another author who is awaiting a great movie to be made from his books.Read the book before watching any movie based on his works.Jackie Browne might be the best movie from one of his stories.