[jjm2111]

I've heard rumors (third hand) that Clancy is one mean SOB. I don't believe (though I could be wrong) he was ever in the military despite him appearing on the back covers in flight suit and aviator sun glasses.

I loved "Hunt..." "Red Storm Rising" "Patriot Games" etc., but his latest books were not nearly as good.

[presidio9]

"Back in the day" he used to regularly participate in the usenet "alt.books.tomclancy" chatroom (and, yes, it WAS him -I asked him in person at a "Executive Orders" book signing). I remember him really tearing guys up in flame wars. A lot of nerds used to come on and mock his technical knowledge.

[blau993]

I have met Clancy, though I don't know him well. He can be, shall we say, "opinionated" and "sure of himself."

[Trust but Verify]

I agree with your assessment of his best books. To this day, for some reason, Red Storm Rising is my favorite. Red October was the best of the movies made from the books. I haven't read a new Clancy book since Executive Orders. I have them all, but could neverreally get into them.