Since childhood, I’ve been a voracious reader. While my tastes have shifted and broadened over the years, getting lost in a good action adventure story is one of my favorite distractions. I suppose there is some Walter Mitty phenomenon causing this . . . and that’s not all bad. My personal favorites generally feature protagonists who are regular people rather than Special Forces super-soldiers, Navy SEALS, hot-shot fighter pilots, or ninjas of any ilk. Pulling for the resolute and courageous common man is somehow more engaging, at least for me.