by Connie Willis and Cynthia Felice (263 pgs)
Rating: 4
Ariadne Hellene starts the book as a displaced refugee from the Western United States who's under constant laser attack by the Quebeckers. She quickly finds a way to run home, however, and discovers her entire family embroiled in espionage and intrigue.
Structurally, Light Raid is fairly interesting. The concept of media and news spin is central to the development of the plot. So it's not surprising that there's a 'news' snippit between every chapter. It creates an interesting affect of following the story through the media and also through the events in the chapters. Perhaps there's a social statement there.
The characters were a lot of fun and the plot held together. This is very much sci-fi meets spy thriller.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
99. Every Which Way But Dead
by Kim Harrison (501 pgs)
Rating: 4
Rachel Morgan made a deal with a demon and now she has to pay up. Lucky for her though, she gets to keep her soul and that means she gets to keep her free will. Ivy is more sad vampire queen than ever, Jenks is annoyed, and Kisten might not be the insufferable bad boy he at first seemed. So, all in all, just another typical day at Vampiric Charms.
I really enjoyed Every Witch Way But Dead. Rachel's relationship with the rest of the characters saw a great deal of work and was convincingly pulled off. The plot moved along at a good clip but there was so much going on that it was easy to forget about events that were set up about 200 pages earlier which caused a great deal of flipping back to find where it was mentioned earlier. Still. I simply couldn't put it down.
Rating: 4
Rachel Morgan made a deal with a demon and now she has to pay up. Lucky for her though, she gets to keep her soul and that means she gets to keep her free will. Ivy is more sad vampire queen than ever, Jenks is annoyed, and Kisten might not be the insufferable bad boy he at first seemed. So, all in all, just another typical day at Vampiric Charms.
I really enjoyed Every Witch Way But Dead. Rachel's relationship with the rest of the characters saw a great deal of work and was convincingly pulled off. The plot moved along at a good clip but there was so much going on that it was easy to forget about events that were set up about 200 pages earlier which caused a great deal of flipping back to find where it was mentioned earlier. Still. I simply couldn't put it down.
Friday, December 09, 2005
98. Doomsday Book
by Connie Willis (445 pages)
Rating: 4
Kivrin is a historian specializing the medieval period. However the powers that be don't allow time travel to the medieval times. So when the head of the medieval studies manages to get the restriction temporarily lifted, Kivrin is the first to volunteer. Her friend and teacher, Dunworthy, is less then thrilled, however, and the events of the book seem to confirm his suspicions.
Set in a near future, Doomsday Book is the first of Willis's books that I've read so far that firmly lands in the science fiction/fantasy genres. The book is obviously well researched and enthralling. Structurally there are two plot lines that diverge in the first hundred pages and don't reconverge until the last chapter. Both story lines, in some way, have to do with plague or epidemic. This is one of those books that once it grabs you, it will not let you go and you absolutely must finish the book. The only complaint I have is that the future is dated at 2056. I'm sure it seemed like a long way off at the time but to me it's overtly distracting since it's just about 50 years away and there's no way we'll be time traveling at that point. In my opinion, any way but it's truly a small issue.
I heartily recommend this book to everyone.
Rating: 4
Kivrin is a historian specializing the medieval period. However the powers that be don't allow time travel to the medieval times. So when the head of the medieval studies manages to get the restriction temporarily lifted, Kivrin is the first to volunteer. Her friend and teacher, Dunworthy, is less then thrilled, however, and the events of the book seem to confirm his suspicions.
Set in a near future, Doomsday Book is the first of Willis's books that I've read so far that firmly lands in the science fiction/fantasy genres. The book is obviously well researched and enthralling. Structurally there are two plot lines that diverge in the first hundred pages and don't reconverge until the last chapter. Both story lines, in some way, have to do with plague or epidemic. This is one of those books that once it grabs you, it will not let you go and you absolutely must finish the book. The only complaint I have is that the future is dated at 2056. I'm sure it seemed like a long way off at the time but to me it's overtly distracting since it's just about 50 years away and there's no way we'll be time traveling at that point. In my opinion, any way but it's truly a small issue.
I heartily recommend this book to everyone.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
97. Lincoln's Dreams
by Connie Willis (212 pgs)
Rating: 3
Annie is a young woman with a problem. She has horrible dreams that keep her from sleeping. But it's not until she meets Jeff that she truly realizes that she may be having Robert E. Lee's nightmares for him. She and Jeff race to find out the source of the dreams before something ominous comes to pass.
Lincoln's Dreams is an interesting cross between a fantasy novel and historical fiction. The reader is never truly sure what the cause of the dreams really is and there are several theories in the text that all seem equally likely. The characters are not as convincing as in Willis's other novels but the book was still quite enjoyable.
I would recommend this to history buffs, civil war maniacs, and anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Rating: 3
Annie is a young woman with a problem. She has horrible dreams that keep her from sleeping. But it's not until she meets Jeff that she truly realizes that she may be having Robert E. Lee's nightmares for him. She and Jeff race to find out the source of the dreams before something ominous comes to pass.
Lincoln's Dreams is an interesting cross between a fantasy novel and historical fiction. The reader is never truly sure what the cause of the dreams really is and there are several theories in the text that all seem equally likely. The characters are not as convincing as in Willis's other novels but the book was still quite enjoyable.
I would recommend this to history buffs, civil war maniacs, and anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Monday, December 05, 2005
96. Bellwether
by Connie Willis (247 pgs)
Rating: 4
Sandy Foster is a statistical sociologist who studies the causes of fads. Bennett O'Reilly is a chaos theory scientist currently working with macaques. Both of them work in corporate hell. Together will they unravel one of the secrets of the universe or just fall in love?
While I was reading Bellwether I ran into a friend who had read this book in High School. His opinion of it was not very high. He said that it didn't strike him as true science fiction. The conversation then meandered off into a discussion of various authors who's books ended up being badly classified for one reason or another.
Whether this book is truly misclassified as science fiction or not is debatable. I think the problem is that there is an expectation that science fiction is going to be futuristic a la Heinlein and Asimov. Truly, I believe what qualifies a book as science fiction is an exploration of a scientific theory or possibility. I think the futuristic ideal is common side affect of this exploration but not a prerequisite of the genre. So in that sense, Bellwether is truly science fiction although not at all futuristic, it's actually set in the 1990's. To avoid misleading, however, Nacy Pearl's description of Willis's work as 'speculative fiction' may be more apt.
Bellwether starts out a little slow but it's well worth the effort and is an interesting well crafted read. I would recommend this particularly to people interested chaos theory or the infuriating persistence of fads.
Rating: 4
Sandy Foster is a statistical sociologist who studies the causes of fads. Bennett O'Reilly is a chaos theory scientist currently working with macaques. Both of them work in corporate hell. Together will they unravel one of the secrets of the universe or just fall in love?
While I was reading Bellwether I ran into a friend who had read this book in High School. His opinion of it was not very high. He said that it didn't strike him as true science fiction. The conversation then meandered off into a discussion of various authors who's books ended up being badly classified for one reason or another.
Whether this book is truly misclassified as science fiction or not is debatable. I think the problem is that there is an expectation that science fiction is going to be futuristic a la Heinlein and Asimov. Truly, I believe what qualifies a book as science fiction is an exploration of a scientific theory or possibility. I think the futuristic ideal is common side affect of this exploration but not a prerequisite of the genre. So in that sense, Bellwether is truly science fiction although not at all futuristic, it's actually set in the 1990's. To avoid misleading, however, Nacy Pearl's description of Willis's work as 'speculative fiction' may be more apt.
Bellwether starts out a little slow but it's well worth the effort and is an interesting well crafted read. I would recommend this particularly to people interested chaos theory or the infuriating persistence of fads.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
List 1: Connie Willis: Too Good To Miss
Source: Book Lust page 246
This list is less thematic and more 'hey read this author' but Pearl's description of Willis' style is intriguing and oddly familiar. I feel that I may have read this author before but can't seem to dredge it up in my memory.
Books In The List:
1. Lincoln's Dreams
2. Passage
3. To Say Nothing of the Dog
4. Bellwether
5. Doomsday Book
6. Fire Watch
7. Impossible Things
8. Uncharted Territory
9. Remake
10. Miracle and Other Christmas Stories
11. Light Raid (in collaboration with Cynthia Felice)
12. Promised Land (in Collaboration with Cynthia Felice)
13. Water Witch (in Collaboration with Cynthia Felice)
Mentioned but not really part of the list:
14. Three Men in a Boat (to Say Nothing of the Dog) by Jerome K. Jerome
15. Have Space Suit - Will Travel by Robert Heinlein (This was suggest by a friend as the link between Jerome's Three Men In a Boat and Willis' To Say Nothing of the Dog.
This list is less thematic and more 'hey read this author' but Pearl's description of Willis' style is intriguing and oddly familiar. I feel that I may have read this author before but can't seem to dredge it up in my memory.
Books In The List:
1. Lincoln's Dreams
2. Passage
3. To Say Nothing of the Dog
4. Bellwether
5. Doomsday Book
6. Fire Watch
7. Impossible Things
8. Uncharted Territory
9. Remake
10. Miracle and Other Christmas Stories
11. Light Raid (in collaboration with Cynthia Felice)
12. Promised Land (in Collaboration with Cynthia Felice)
13. Water Witch (in Collaboration with Cynthia Felice)
Mentioned but not really part of the list:
14. Three Men in a Boat (to Say Nothing of the Dog) by Jerome K. Jerome
15. Have Space Suit - Will Travel by Robert Heinlein (This was suggest by a friend as the link between Jerome's Three Men In a Boat and Willis' To Say Nothing of the Dog.
95. Eleven Minutes
by Paulo Coelho (273 pgs)
Rating: 3
Translated from its original Portuguese, Eleven Minutes is about a young Brazilian woman who embarks on a personal adventure to try and figure out what love is. In doing this, she leaves her country, travels to Switzerland, becomes a prostitute, and falls in love. Through all of this she keeps a diary.
I enjoyed this book. It was a relatively quick read and there was an interesting aspect of fairy tale to the prose which may or may not have been intentional. I worry about the subject matter though and wouldn't suggest it for young women. It doesn't precisely glamorize prostitution, but it does make it seem like much less of a harsh world. Of course there's cultural differences to be considered but still, I would feel uncomfortable recommending it to anyone I felt was...impressionable.
In general, however, I felt it was an interesting exploration of the difference between sex and love and would recommend it to people who have trouble with serial monogamy.
Rating: 3
Translated from its original Portuguese, Eleven Minutes is about a young Brazilian woman who embarks on a personal adventure to try and figure out what love is. In doing this, she leaves her country, travels to Switzerland, becomes a prostitute, and falls in love. Through all of this she keeps a diary.
I enjoyed this book. It was a relatively quick read and there was an interesting aspect of fairy tale to the prose which may or may not have been intentional. I worry about the subject matter though and wouldn't suggest it for young women. It doesn't precisely glamorize prostitution, but it does make it seem like much less of a harsh world. Of course there's cultural differences to be considered but still, I would feel uncomfortable recommending it to anyone I felt was...impressionable.
In general, however, I felt it was an interesting exploration of the difference between sex and love and would recommend it to people who have trouble with serial monogamy.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
94. Memoirs of a Geisha
by Arthur Golden (428 pgs)
Rating: 4
This is a rather interesting story about a young Japanese girl who is essentially forced into becoming a geisha. Aside from the cultural interest, the story is amazingly similar to what you'd expect of western women. What makes this story shine is the mix of cultural education and intensely described settings. I feel that I will probably want to re-read this at some point and would recommend it to anyone who's intrigued by different cultures.
Rating: 4
This is a rather interesting story about a young Japanese girl who is essentially forced into becoming a geisha. Aside from the cultural interest, the story is amazingly similar to what you'd expect of western women. What makes this story shine is the mix of cultural education and intensely described settings. I feel that I will probably want to re-read this at some point and would recommend it to anyone who's intrigued by different cultures.
Monday, November 28, 2005
The new year.....a little early
I didn't make it to 200 books this last year as was my goal. It was a tough year full of changes so I can't say that I feel too bad about it. I did manage to break a hundred, or I will by January 1st anyway. I can't say if this is really a record as I know I used to read voraciously.
In any case, I've been trying to figure out what my reading challenge for 2006 should be. There are some big changes ahead of me and want to start working on my writing again. I've found, a little to my surprise, that my muse is directly tied to how much I read. Many things suggested themselves but what I've settled on is...lists. I've begun a growing obsession with book lists: recommended reading lists, books for class lists, awards book lists. Books about books fascinate me. Recently, I bought myself an early Christmas present called Book Lust by Nancy Pearl.
So my goal for the new year is twofold.
1. To read more books than last year with an overall goal of 200 (why not, it's as good a number as any)
2. To pursue books on the thematic lists in Book Lust.
Rules:
1. Only books read between January 1, 2006 and December 31 count towards the books for 2006.
2. Any book read in the last year can count towards an individual list, however, as long as it was reviewed in the last year.
3. I can only reread books that I've read in the last year if they appear on lists and have them count towards the overall number goal.
4. Every book read gets a review/blurb
5. I must announce each list when I start on it and the source, when I finish the list I review it and make any comments I might have on it.
6. 80% of all books I read must appear on the lists I choose.
New Rating System:
To make life easier for me I've also devised a new rating system. Every book gets a rating of 1-5 and here's what it means.
5 - I loved it, I'm going to own it, I'm in fact going to buy multiple copies and promote this book by handing them out for free and church socials and company picnics.
4 - I liked it. I definitely want to have a copy in my library and recommend it to everyone.
3 - I liked it well enough, if I see a cheap used copy of it I'll snag it for my collection. I would recommend this book to some people or for specific reasons.
2 - I didn't hate, didn't like it either. I wouldn't generally recommend it to most people.
1 - I hated it or severely disliked it. There has to be a serious problem with the writing or the subject matter for a book to get this rating. In the last 2 years I've only run across 2 or 3 of these.
In any case, I've been trying to figure out what my reading challenge for 2006 should be. There are some big changes ahead of me and want to start working on my writing again. I've found, a little to my surprise, that my muse is directly tied to how much I read. Many things suggested themselves but what I've settled on is...lists. I've begun a growing obsession with book lists: recommended reading lists, books for class lists, awards book lists. Books about books fascinate me. Recently, I bought myself an early Christmas present called Book Lust by Nancy Pearl.
So my goal for the new year is twofold.
1. To read more books than last year with an overall goal of 200 (why not, it's as good a number as any)
2. To pursue books on the thematic lists in Book Lust.
Rules:
1. Only books read between January 1, 2006 and December 31 count towards the books for 2006.
2. Any book read in the last year can count towards an individual list, however, as long as it was reviewed in the last year.
3. I can only reread books that I've read in the last year if they appear on lists and have them count towards the overall number goal.
4. Every book read gets a review/blurb
5. I must announce each list when I start on it and the source, when I finish the list I review it and make any comments I might have on it.
6. 80% of all books I read must appear on the lists I choose.
New Rating System:
To make life easier for me I've also devised a new rating system. Every book gets a rating of 1-5 and here's what it means.
5 - I loved it, I'm going to own it, I'm in fact going to buy multiple copies and promote this book by handing them out for free and church socials and company picnics.
4 - I liked it. I definitely want to have a copy in my library and recommend it to everyone.
3 - I liked it well enough, if I see a cheap used copy of it I'll snag it for my collection. I would recommend this book to some people or for specific reasons.
2 - I didn't hate, didn't like it either. I wouldn't generally recommend it to most people.
1 - I hated it or severely disliked it. There has to be a serious problem with the writing or the subject matter for a book to get this rating. In the last 2 years I've only run across 2 or 3 of these.
93. The Okinawa Diet Plan (NF 8)
by Bradley Willcox et. all. (412 pgs)
This is a further expansion of the food aspects of the Okinawa Program which I read earlier in the year. Both these books are less about losing weight and achieving a healthier lifestyle. I think they are interesting, both for their interesting approach towards lifestyle and for the new foods and cooking techniques they introduce.
This is a further expansion of the food aspects of the Okinawa Program which I read earlier in the year. Both these books are less about losing weight and achieving a healthier lifestyle. I think they are interesting, both for their interesting approach towards lifestyle and for the new foods and cooking techniques they introduce.
Friday, November 25, 2005
92. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay
by Michael Chabon (639 pages)
Kavalier and Clay is the story of two men breaking into the ground floor of comic books when the form was still being discovered. It's also a book of the years leading up to WWII. It's a book about being jewish and escaping from Prague. It's about losing family. It's about finding a new family. It's about self discover. This is one of those books I try to describe and find that I can't. Suffice it to say, I found this a pretty amazing read.
Kavalier and Clay is the story of two men breaking into the ground floor of comic books when the form was still being discovered. It's also a book of the years leading up to WWII. It's a book about being jewish and escaping from Prague. It's about losing family. It's about finding a new family. It's about self discover. This is one of those books I try to describe and find that I can't. Suffice it to say, I found this a pretty amazing read.
Monday, November 21, 2005
91. The Things They Carried
by Tim O'Brien (273 pages)
This is a series of semi-autobiographical short stories about the Vietnam War. Reading this is a haunting and eerie experience. This book haunts me like a ghost and it makes me start to understand the dichotomy of the people involved in that war. They hated being there and they were hated for going there.
This is a series of semi-autobiographical short stories about the Vietnam War. Reading this is a haunting and eerie experience. This book haunts me like a ghost and it makes me start to understand the dichotomy of the people involved in that war. They hated being there and they were hated for going there.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
90. The Good, the Bad, and the Undead
by Kim Harrison (464 pages)
Things are looking up for Rachel. There's no longer a death threat hanging over her head but she's broke. Freelancing isn't turning so well for her. On top of that, consulting for the F.I.B. isn't working out so hot either and life with Ivy...is kinda scary.
The world develops and plot thickens. I recommend this series to everyone and their dog. Read it....it's lovely.
Things are looking up for Rachel. There's no longer a death threat hanging over her head but she's broke. Freelancing isn't turning so well for her. On top of that, consulting for the F.I.B. isn't working out so hot either and life with Ivy...is kinda scary.
The world develops and plot thickens. I recommend this series to everyone and their dog. Read it....it's lovely.
89. Dead Witch Walking
Kim Harrison (432 pages)
Rachel is a runner for the I.S., an organization that polices the Inderland races particularly in their interactions with humans. Rachel's boss doesn't seem to like her though and eventually she's driven to do the one thing no one's ever managed to do...quit the I.S. That leaves Rachel living in a church with a living vampire and a death threat on her head. Whatever will she do?
Ok. I love this book. I love the characters and the world. I haven't had so much fun in this genre since I discovered Neil Gaimen.
Rachel is a runner for the I.S., an organization that polices the Inderland races particularly in their interactions with humans. Rachel's boss doesn't seem to like her though and eventually she's driven to do the one thing no one's ever managed to do...quit the I.S. That leaves Rachel living in a church with a living vampire and a death threat on her head. Whatever will she do?
Ok. I love this book. I love the characters and the world. I haven't had so much fun in this genre since I discovered Neil Gaimen.
88. Grave Peril
by Jim Butcher (378 pages)
Book 3 in The Dresden Files
Harry Dresden teams up with a holy knight to combat an unusual string of ghost infestations. As it turns out there's more going on than meets the eye.
World development continues and it's intriguing. Dresden's history is beginning to flesh out. Dresden himself becomes more sinister than comic in this story. Aside from a tendency to wallow in self pity a bit, Dresden finally comes to life for me as a strong character.
Book 3 in The Dresden Files
Harry Dresden teams up with a holy knight to combat an unusual string of ghost infestations. As it turns out there's more going on than meets the eye.
World development continues and it's intriguing. Dresden's history is beginning to flesh out. Dresden himself becomes more sinister than comic in this story. Aside from a tendency to wallow in self pity a bit, Dresden finally comes to life for me as a strong character.
87. Fool Moon
by Jim Butcher (352 pages)
Book 2 in The Dresden Files
Harry Dresden, the only wizard listed in the phone book, is helping the police in a series of savage murders. There be werewolves here. But what flavor?
Butcher hits his stride. This was an enjoyable. The character interaction is still a little strained but the world is developing interestingly.
Book 2 in The Dresden Files
Harry Dresden, the only wizard listed in the phone book, is helping the police in a series of savage murders. There be werewolves here. But what flavor?
Butcher hits his stride. This was an enjoyable. The character interaction is still a little strained but the world is developing interestingly.
86. Storm Front
by Jim Butcher (336 pages)
Book 1 in the The Dresden Files
Harry Dresden is a professional wizard who is usually broke and sometimes helps the police with magically perpetrated crimes. When the police call him to consult on the case of two deaths by exploding heart, Dresden gets in neck deep.
It's a well designed world with believable characters and a well defined system of magic. That being said, I had a hard time getting into it. The plot was a little strained although it was plausible and the character interaction was a little off. I think Butcher just hadn't his stride yet with this one. I will continue to read the series for a bit though and see how it goes.
Book 1 in the The Dresden Files
Harry Dresden is a professional wizard who is usually broke and sometimes helps the police with magically perpetrated crimes. When the police call him to consult on the case of two deaths by exploding heart, Dresden gets in neck deep.
It's a well designed world with believable characters and a well defined system of magic. That being said, I had a hard time getting into it. The plot was a little strained although it was plausible and the character interaction was a little off. I think Butcher just hadn't his stride yet with this one. I will continue to read the series for a bit though and see how it goes.
85. Something from the Nightside
by Simon R. Green (240 pages)
A cross between Alice in Wonderland and the Big Sleep, John Taylor is a damaged tragic PI, with a secret and a special gift. He can find anything or anyone.
This is a fun book but it suffers from incessant literary and cultural allusion and a somewhat derivative nature. It's a little predictable. On the other hand, it's fun and I enjoyed the characters. The character interaction was plausible. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys the genre and is well read in the area. Newbies to the genre will miss much I fear.
A cross between Alice in Wonderland and the Big Sleep, John Taylor is a damaged tragic PI, with a secret and a special gift. He can find anything or anyone.
This is a fun book but it suffers from incessant literary and cultural allusion and a somewhat derivative nature. It's a little predictable. On the other hand, it's fun and I enjoyed the characters. The character interaction was plausible. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys the genre and is well read in the area. Newbies to the genre will miss much I fear.
84. Cerulean Sins
by Laurell K. Hamilton (560 pages)
Book 11 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novel
Jean-Claude receives a visit from the representative of the head of his vampiric line. No one seems to like her much. Revelations abound.
Honestly....I keep forgetting what this one is about. On the other hand, it wasn't bad either.
Book 11 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novel
Jean-Claude receives a visit from the representative of the head of his vampiric line. No one seems to like her much. Revelations abound.
Honestly....I keep forgetting what this one is about. On the other hand, it wasn't bad either.
83. Narcissus in Chains
by Laurell K. Hamilton (656 pages)
Book 10 in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
An accident leaves Anita's furry status in question and unfortunately for Richard, it isn't a werewolf she's in danger of being. At same time there's a mysterious visitor and Anita is having to come to terms with some new and interesting revelations about her powers.
Hamilton cuts loose and lets the smut factor reign supreme....not that it isn't good. It's just about 50% plot development and 50% smut. Fun though.
Book 10 in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
An accident leaves Anita's furry status in question and unfortunately for Richard, it isn't a werewolf she's in danger of being. At same time there's a mysterious visitor and Anita is having to come to terms with some new and interesting revelations about her powers.
Hamilton cuts loose and lets the smut factor reign supreme....not that it isn't good. It's just about 50% plot development and 50% smut. Fun though.
82. Obsidian Butterfly
by Laurell K. Hamilton (608 pages)
Book 9 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels.
Edward calls in his marker and Anita heads for the sunny South West. If Edwards associates don't kill her, there's still the local master Aztec vampire, and a monster that's skinning and disemboweling the locals.
This is perhaps the best book in the series that I've read so far. There's almost no smut and Edward becomes a very interesting character.
Book 9 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels.
Edward calls in his marker and Anita heads for the sunny South West. If Edwards associates don't kill her, there's still the local master Aztec vampire, and a monster that's skinning and disemboweling the locals.
This is perhaps the best book in the series that I've read so far. There's almost no smut and Edward becomes a very interesting character.
81. Blue Moon
by Laurell K. Hamilton (432 pages)
Book 8 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Richard's in trouble. In fact, Richard's in jail and for some reason it's down to Anita to go out to the middle of no where and bail him out. Things are never simple between ex's though and things....escalate.
This is one of my favorites in the series. Aside from the smut, it's really fun to read and the plot's really tight....come to that the smut is fun too. ;-)
Book 8 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Richard's in trouble. In fact, Richard's in jail and for some reason it's down to Anita to go out to the middle of no where and bail him out. Things are never simple between ex's though and things....escalate.
This is one of my favorites in the series. Aside from the smut, it's really fun to read and the plot's really tight....come to that the smut is fun too. ;-)
80. Burnt Offerings
by Laurell K. Hamilton (400 pages)
Book 7 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Anita finds herself protector of the local group of were-leopards after killing their last leader. Things become more complicated when three of the vampire counsel decide to check out Jean-Claude's outfit. Asher is introduced as a new character.
Honestly, I keep forgetting which book this is. It's not that it's bad, it's just that it seems to be very much a transition book.
Book 7 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Anita finds herself protector of the local group of were-leopards after killing their last leader. Things become more complicated when three of the vampire counsel decide to check out Jean-Claude's outfit. Asher is introduced as a new character.
Honestly, I keep forgetting which book this is. It's not that it's bad, it's just that it seems to be very much a transition book.
79. The Killing Dance
by Laurell K. Hamilton (400 pages)
Book 6 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels.
A diseased vampire named Sabin comes to Anita and Jean-Claude for help. Vampires are starting to die in a ritual way. In the meantime Richard and Marcus the werewolf king have to have a 'talk.' Unfortunately its possible Richards animal nature will scare Anita off.
This is a major turning point in the series. Things start to shift from plot and start turning to what my grandmother used to call 'smut'. But it's fun smut.
Book 6 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels.
A diseased vampire named Sabin comes to Anita and Jean-Claude for help. Vampires are starting to die in a ritual way. In the meantime Richard and Marcus the werewolf king have to have a 'talk.' Unfortunately its possible Richards animal nature will scare Anita off.
This is a major turning point in the series. Things start to shift from plot and start turning to what my grandmother used to call 'smut'. But it's fun smut.
78. Bloody Bones
by Laurell K. Hamilton (384 pages)
Book 5 in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Anita gets a contract for a job raising an entire cemetery at the site of a potential new posh hotel. The surrounding neighborhood has...some problems though. And as Jean-Claude's marked human she's unwittingly step on the toes of the local vampire group. Anita gets in over head and she calls in Jean-Claude to help. The walls start to come tumbling down between Jean-Claude and Anita.
Things steam up even more. The atmosphere is full of sexual tension and it's obvious Anita has no idea how to handle it. It's well written but I didn't really buy the new setting. Too much going on for the humans to be playing dumb.
Book 5 in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Anita gets a contract for a job raising an entire cemetery at the site of a potential new posh hotel. The surrounding neighborhood has...some problems though. And as Jean-Claude's marked human she's unwittingly step on the toes of the local vampire group. Anita gets in over head and she calls in Jean-Claude to help. The walls start to come tumbling down between Jean-Claude and Anita.
Things steam up even more. The atmosphere is full of sexual tension and it's obvious Anita has no idea how to handle it. It's well written but I didn't really buy the new setting. Too much going on for the humans to be playing dumb.
77. The Lunatic Cafe
by Laurell K. Hamilton (384 pages)
Book 4 in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Lycanthropes are going missing in St. Louis. Anita finds herself asked by a worried husband to find his missing furry wife. She passes it off to her Private investigator friend. When the collected leaders of the major lycanthrope groups in the city ask Anita to help...it's a bit more tricky. Anita gets in dutch with the local lycanthrope group's top dog and tries to start a relationship with the hunk of a school teacher, Richard.
Things are beginning to steam up. This is the beginning of the slide into the land of sexual promiscuity. Lunatic Cafe is still well in the level of reasonable excitement though.
Book 4 in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Lycanthropes are going missing in St. Louis. Anita finds herself asked by a worried husband to find his missing furry wife. She passes it off to her Private investigator friend. When the collected leaders of the major lycanthrope groups in the city ask Anita to help...it's a bit more tricky. Anita gets in dutch with the local lycanthrope group's top dog and tries to start a relationship with the hunk of a school teacher, Richard.
Things are beginning to steam up. This is the beginning of the slide into the land of sexual promiscuity. Lunatic Cafe is still well in the level of reasonable excitement though.
76. Circus of the Damned
by Laurell K. Hamilton (336 pages)
Book 3 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Anita Blake is visited by a radical political group called 'Humans First' a violent offshoot of 'Humans against Vampires.' A new pack of vampires is hunting the city and Jean Claude is in trouble. Anita and Jean-Claude may have to band together to take out a force that threatens Jean-Claude's mastery of the city's vampire population and the delicate balance between the humans and vamps. Enter Richard the enigmatic hunk.
This is the book where Hamilton hits her stride. The convoluted mystery is engaging and the new characters pop off the page with personality.
Book 3 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
Anita Blake is visited by a radical political group called 'Humans First' a violent offshoot of 'Humans against Vampires.' A new pack of vampires is hunting the city and Jean Claude is in trouble. Anita and Jean-Claude may have to band together to take out a force that threatens Jean-Claude's mastery of the city's vampire population and the delicate balance between the humans and vamps. Enter Richard the enigmatic hunk.
This is the book where Hamilton hits her stride. The convoluted mystery is engaging and the new characters pop off the page with personality.
75. The Laughing Corpse
by Laurell K. Hamilton (304 pages)
Book 2 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
When a rich industrialist with an morality deficiency tries to hire Anita to sacrifice a white goat in order to raise a long dead ancestor, Anita has no problems turning him down. Dealing with the rampaging monster that's literally tearing people apart is a slightly different matter.
This is perhaps the weakest book in the series. I got a little bored reading it and almost put it down. It's not bad but there are times when the plot seems to slow down to a crawl.
Book 2 of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novels
When a rich industrialist with an morality deficiency tries to hire Anita to sacrifice a white goat in order to raise a long dead ancestor, Anita has no problems turning him down. Dealing with the rampaging monster that's literally tearing people apart is a slightly different matter.
This is perhaps the weakest book in the series. I got a little bored reading it and almost put it down. It's not bad but there are times when the plot seems to slow down to a crawl.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Update
Well, I'm a bad person, yes I am. I stopped blogging my books. I think that came soon after the realization that I wasn't going to make it to 200 this year...but hey I've still read a lot and really enjoyed it. So I'm going to retask the blog and turn it into a reading journal. I'm going to start the count over every January first and if some year I make it to 200 there will be much rejoicing. In the meantime I've read something like 20 books which need to be entered.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
74. Fahrenheit 451
by Ray Bradbury (184 pgs)
Guy Montag is a fireman. Which is to say, he burns books and protects society from literacy. Somewhere along the way he loses sight of the societal norms and begins to question the reasons for the things he does. Pretty soon he finds himself at odds with his entire culture.
A classic by one of my favorite authors, I found this book quite disturbing and I'm afraid I identify with it far too well. The four page essay at the back of the edition I read was amazing.
Guy Montag is a fireman. Which is to say, he burns books and protects society from literacy. Somewhere along the way he loses sight of the societal norms and begins to question the reasons for the things he does. Pretty soon he finds himself at odds with his entire culture.
A classic by one of my favorite authors, I found this book quite disturbing and I'm afraid I identify with it far too well. The four page essay at the back of the edition I read was amazing.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
73. Ill Wind
by Rachel Caine (337 pgs.)
Joanne Baldwin is a weather warden and part of a semi-secret society of elemental wardens who protect us humans from the forces of mother nature trying to kill us off. Joanne has a serious problem though. She's running from a murder charge and racing the clock trying to find someone who can help her.
Dark but funny and quite enthralling, the Weather Warden series is another I plan to start following.
Joanne Baldwin is a weather warden and part of a semi-secret society of elemental wardens who protect us humans from the forces of mother nature trying to kill us off. Joanne has a serious problem though. She's running from a murder charge and racing the clock trying to find someone who can help her.
Dark but funny and quite enthralling, the Weather Warden series is another I plan to start following.
72. Guilty Pleasures
by Laurell K. Hamilton (266 pgs)
Anita Blake is an animator (raises zombies) and a vampire slayer. The problem is the pulse challenged are a legally protected minority under the law, which doesn't mean they are good guys, it just means someone bit the president at some point. In any case, Blake ends up way over her head in vampire intrigue and the one place she never wanted to be; under the control of a vampire.
Sort of a grown up Buffy, this series has much promise and know I'll be reading the next in the series.
Anita Blake is an animator (raises zombies) and a vampire slayer. The problem is the pulse challenged are a legally protected minority under the law, which doesn't mean they are good guys, it just means someone bit the president at some point. In any case, Blake ends up way over her head in vampire intrigue and the one place she never wanted to be; under the control of a vampire.
Sort of a grown up Buffy, this series has much promise and know I'll be reading the next in the series.
71. The Lady of the Sea
by Rosalind Miles (356 pg)
Isolde finally gives up on her marriage to King Mark and decides to return to Ireland. Things are more complicated for Tristan, however, he made an oath to King Mark and feels he must abide by it. Andred, however, is stirring up King Marks murderous rage. Everything must fall apart before it comes together again.
The third of the Isolde series. The first was Isolde Queen of the Western Isle and the second was Maid of the White hands. This third book rather confirms my feelings about trilogies. The first and the third books tend to be good and the one in the middle is usually a transition book. This book was decent. The characters remain strong and all the loose ends are tied up. Miles does a good job of reminding the reader of the salient points of the first two books without engaging in plot summary.
Isolde finally gives up on her marriage to King Mark and decides to return to Ireland. Things are more complicated for Tristan, however, he made an oath to King Mark and feels he must abide by it. Andred, however, is stirring up King Marks murderous rage. Everything must fall apart before it comes together again.
The third of the Isolde series. The first was Isolde Queen of the Western Isle and the second was Maid of the White hands. This third book rather confirms my feelings about trilogies. The first and the third books tend to be good and the one in the middle is usually a transition book. This book was decent. The characters remain strong and all the loose ends are tied up. Miles does a good job of reminding the reader of the salient points of the first two books without engaging in plot summary.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
70. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
by J.K. Rowling (652 pgs)
Ok, so trying not to spoil it. This book made laboring through the fifth book (twice) worth it. I was nearly in tears by the end. Harry is brilliant and Ginny really comes into her own as a character. Delightfully enough the whole plot turns on a book, what could be better than that!
Ok, so trying not to spoil it. This book made laboring through the fifth book (twice) worth it. I was nearly in tears by the end. Harry is brilliant and Ginny really comes into her own as a character. Delightfully enough the whole plot turns on a book, what could be better than that!
69. Isolde : Queen of the Western Isle
by Rosalind Miles (349 pgs)
I read the second book sometime earlier and found it decent so I decided to track down the first book and give them a proper chance. Honestly I enjoyed this one a great deal more than the first. I found myself caring a great deal for both Tristan and Isolde. Miles did a good job explaining why a woman in love with one man would marry a different man without resorting to spite. Of course, this is a retelling of a piece of the Arthur legend so it's bound to be a bit overblown but I found it pleasant for a spot of light reading.
I read the second book sometime earlier and found it decent so I decided to track down the first book and give them a proper chance. Honestly I enjoyed this one a great deal more than the first. I found myself caring a great deal for both Tristan and Isolde. Miles did a good job explaining why a woman in love with one man would marry a different man without resorting to spite. Of course, this is a retelling of a piece of the Arthur legend so it's bound to be a bit overblown but I found it pleasant for a spot of light reading.
68. Complete Guide to Starting a Used Bookstore
by Dale L. Gilbert (197 pgs)
Aside from being a little outdated and the writer being a complete book snob, this was a good quick read. It gave me much to think about and shook up some of my preconceived notions. I think Gilbert may be overly optimistic on many counts but I'm glad I read it.
Aside from being a little outdated and the writer being a complete book snob, this was a good quick read. It gave me much to think about and shook up some of my preconceived notions. I think Gilbert may be overly optimistic on many counts but I'm glad I read it.
67. The Haunted Abbot
by Peter Tremayne (298 pgs)
A Celtic nun and a Saxon monk are trapped in an abbey gone horribly horribly wrong. People are dying, blood feuds hang and the balance, and the whole of two islands could be plunged in a bloody war. All hangs on the memory of an unstable abbot.
Historical fiction mystery set in seventh century Great Briton. There is much interesting discussion of the Celtic church and it's disagreements with Rome. The historical points don't overload the story, however, and I found myself becoming quite engaged with the two protagonists: Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf. Apparently, this is a well established series, although this is the first I've heard of it, but I must say I enjoyed it and will not hesitate to pick up another in the series.
A Celtic nun and a Saxon monk are trapped in an abbey gone horribly horribly wrong. People are dying, blood feuds hang and the balance, and the whole of two islands could be plunged in a bloody war. All hangs on the memory of an unstable abbot.
Historical fiction mystery set in seventh century Great Briton. There is much interesting discussion of the Celtic church and it's disagreements with Rome. The historical points don't overload the story, however, and I found myself becoming quite engaged with the two protagonists: Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf. Apparently, this is a well established series, although this is the first I've heard of it, but I must say I enjoyed it and will not hesitate to pick up another in the series.
Friday, July 08, 2005
66. A Series of Unfortunate Events : The Slippery Slope
by Lemony Snicket (337 pgs)
The 10th book in the seemingly never series, the two elder Baudelaire must climb mountains to find their kidnapped sister. A person feared dead is found alive and Sunny shows greater maturity. A lot happens in this edition and Count Olaf is seen cowering to an even more villainous villain.
The 10th book in the seemingly never series, the two elder Baudelaire must climb mountains to find their kidnapped sister. A person feared dead is found alive and Sunny shows greater maturity. A lot happens in this edition and Count Olaf is seen cowering to an even more villainous villain.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
65. The Picture of Dorian Gray and Other Stories
by Oscar Wilde (331 pgs)
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Dorian Gray is a young well to do man who has an uncommon beauty. He never seems to age and the marks of a sinful predilection towards pleasure never show on his face. His dark and mysterious secret to seemingly eternal youth lies in a portrait which ages in his stead. What is Mr. Gray willing to do to protect his secret?
I enjoyed the novel but I found the ending abrupt. Once I realized it was intended to be a gothic novel the ending made more sense to me and many of the things which bothered me began to make sense. It's a good novel but I feel I read it out of context.
Lord Arthur Savile's Crime
This short story is about a young man who is prophesied to kill someone. Because of his romantic ideals, he feels he must ensure that this happens before he marries his fiancee. Hilarity ensues. Well after a fashion it does. The whole story is improbable but I found myself reading it with a weird sort of fascination.
The Canterville Ghost
A short story which well deserves its fame. The Canterville Ghost is obviously of the gothic genre and rather unapologetically pokes fun at both Americans and English. I found myself giggling quite a bit while reading this and moralistically speaking, there's a good message. There's a bit of innuendo at the end but I think it would glide right over the head of most kids.
The Sphinx Without a Secret
Cute, sad, and weird. I think Wilde is making a statement about the attitudes of his times but, not being well read on the contemporary history, I can't quite decipher what it is. In any case, worth the read, quite short and makes a point about the nature of love in relation to trust.
The Model Millionaire
A five page story that should be obligatory in every British Literature survey. Wilde couldn't resist a pun at the end but I can forgive that because it's like the punchline to a well told joke.
On the whole, one begins to notice a trend in Wildes work for double identities and strange misunderstandings. I liked the short stories somewhat more than the novel but I liked the novel well enough too. I feel that if I knew more about the period Wilde is writing in, I would have a deeper appreciation for the book.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Dorian Gray is a young well to do man who has an uncommon beauty. He never seems to age and the marks of a sinful predilection towards pleasure never show on his face. His dark and mysterious secret to seemingly eternal youth lies in a portrait which ages in his stead. What is Mr. Gray willing to do to protect his secret?
I enjoyed the novel but I found the ending abrupt. Once I realized it was intended to be a gothic novel the ending made more sense to me and many of the things which bothered me began to make sense. It's a good novel but I feel I read it out of context.
Lord Arthur Savile's Crime
This short story is about a young man who is prophesied to kill someone. Because of his romantic ideals, he feels he must ensure that this happens before he marries his fiancee. Hilarity ensues. Well after a fashion it does. The whole story is improbable but I found myself reading it with a weird sort of fascination.
The Canterville Ghost
A short story which well deserves its fame. The Canterville Ghost is obviously of the gothic genre and rather unapologetically pokes fun at both Americans and English. I found myself giggling quite a bit while reading this and moralistically speaking, there's a good message. There's a bit of innuendo at the end but I think it would glide right over the head of most kids.
The Sphinx Without a Secret
Cute, sad, and weird. I think Wilde is making a statement about the attitudes of his times but, not being well read on the contemporary history, I can't quite decipher what it is. In any case, worth the read, quite short and makes a point about the nature of love in relation to trust.
The Model Millionaire
A five page story that should be obligatory in every British Literature survey. Wilde couldn't resist a pun at the end but I can forgive that because it's like the punchline to a well told joke.
On the whole, one begins to notice a trend in Wildes work for double identities and strange misunderstandings. I liked the short stories somewhat more than the novel but I liked the novel well enough too. I feel that if I knew more about the period Wilde is writing in, I would have a deeper appreciation for the book.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
64. The Time Traveler's Wife
by Audrey Niffenegger (518 pgs)
What would time travel really be like? What would happen if you shifted around in time and couldn't control it? What if you met your future wife when she was six, but you didn't meet her until you were 28? Henry is a time traveler. Clare isn't. Yet they have a romance that would put Romeo and Juliet to shame.
I've become totally obsessed with this book. It's fantastic. The characters are wonderful, deep, and believable. The story is well plotted and touching. I was in tears by the end of the book. I recommend this to absolutely everyone.
What would time travel really be like? What would happen if you shifted around in time and couldn't control it? What if you met your future wife when she was six, but you didn't meet her until you were 28? Henry is a time traveler. Clare isn't. Yet they have a romance that would put Romeo and Juliet to shame.
I've become totally obsessed with this book. It's fantastic. The characters are wonderful, deep, and believable. The story is well plotted and touching. I was in tears by the end of the book. I recommend this to absolutely everyone.
63. French Women Don't Get Fat (NF7)
by Mireille Guiliano (256 pgs)
It's not a diet book. It's about reworking a person's attitudes towards food and towards life. I think Guiliano might have a somewhat idealized view of French culture but the book is full of good advice. I liked what it had to say and what it promoted as a healthy life style. I would tend to recommend this to kids who are on the beginning path to binge-diet-binge-diet cycle. It might just head them off.
Anyway. I'm planning to buy this and keep it in my library.
It's not a diet book. It's about reworking a person's attitudes towards food and towards life. I think Guiliano might have a somewhat idealized view of French culture but the book is full of good advice. I liked what it had to say and what it promoted as a healthy life style. I would tend to recommend this to kids who are on the beginning path to binge-diet-binge-diet cycle. It might just head them off.
Anyway. I'm planning to buy this and keep it in my library.
62. Artemis Fowl : The Eternity Code
By Eoin Colfer (309 pgs)
Artemis Fowl gets himself in trouble yet again. For a genius he sure isn't very bright sometimes. However, this time his boo boo could expose the fairy people and they are a tad un-pleased.
Again, it's a cute book. I rather feel bruised by having the morality beaten over my head but at least it wasn't crammed down my throat.
Artemis Fowl gets himself in trouble yet again. For a genius he sure isn't very bright sometimes. However, this time his boo boo could expose the fairy people and they are a tad un-pleased.
Again, it's a cute book. I rather feel bruised by having the morality beaten over my head but at least it wasn't crammed down my throat.
61. I, Claudius
by Robert Graves (468 pgs)
I picked this up because at some point in my youth I watched the BBS mini-series with Sir Derek Jacoby. I expected the book to be good but the best word I can think of is, enthralling.
Claudius is the unfortunate child of Roman aristocracy. Born with a number of small defects he retreats into the pursuits of the mind and manages to survive a very bloody family to eventually become emperor of Rome.
I picked this up because at some point in my youth I watched the BBS mini-series with Sir Derek Jacoby. I expected the book to be good but the best word I can think of is, enthralling.
Claudius is the unfortunate child of Roman aristocracy. Born with a number of small defects he retreats into the pursuits of the mind and manages to survive a very bloody family to eventually become emperor of Rome.
60. The Private Life of the Cat Who...
by Lilian Jackson Braun (123 pgs)
This is a total toilet seat book. It's a collection of 1 and 2 page vinettes. It's cute and it made me laugh a number of times.
This is a total toilet seat book. It's a collection of 1 and 2 page vinettes. It's cute and it made me laugh a number of times.
Monday, July 04, 2005
June and July
Well folks, June was kind of a crazy month for me. Obviously I wasn't very good at keeping up on my blogging and I didn't read as much as I would have liked either. That being said, I'm going to post every thing I read in June and forgot to blog in July and not worry about the dates.
As for July, well things are really busy for me right now and I don't know how much reading I will really be able to do. As always I will do my best to read 20 books or so this month but it's not likely I will be able to do that. Anyway...We'll see how it goes.
As for July, well things are really busy for me right now and I don't know how much reading I will really be able to do. As always I will do my best to read 20 books or so this month but it's not likely I will be able to do that. Anyway...We'll see how it goes.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
59. A Series of Unfortunate Events : The Carnivorous Carnival
by Lemony Snicket (286 pgs)
It seems the kids have given up on guardians all together. Not that I can blame them. In this, the 9th book of the series, the Baudelaires find themselves masquerading as freaks in a carnival where Count Olaf is currently residing. Again the almost get their answers and, as per the usual, satisfaction is snatched from them at the last minute.
It seems the kids have given up on guardians all together. Not that I can blame them. In this, the 9th book of the series, the Baudelaires find themselves masquerading as freaks in a carnival where Count Olaf is currently residing. Again the almost get their answers and, as per the usual, satisfaction is snatched from them at the last minute.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
58. The Maid of the White Hands
by Rosalind Miles (312 pgs)
This is a second book in a trilogy about Tristan and Isolde. Having not read the first in the series, it's hard to judge the book in relation to it's predecessor. I did, however, have a hard time getting into this book. After the first 3 or 4 chapters I started to get hooked though and from then on I found it to be a good read.
This is a second book in a trilogy about Tristan and Isolde. Having not read the first in the series, it's hard to judge the book in relation to it's predecessor. I did, however, have a hard time getting into this book. After the first 3 or 4 chapters I started to get hooked though and from then on I found it to be a good read.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
57. The Lady In the Lake
by Raymond Chandler (222 pgs)
Raymond Chandler is somewhat famous for his novel The Big Sleep which was later turned into a movie with Humphrey Bogart. I found this a little slow getting into it but it's intricacies eventually drew me in. A woman disappears, another is found dead in a lake, soon a man is shot in his bath tub and the police are breathing down the enigmatic Private investigator Philip Marlow's neck. It's fun and suspenseful. I liked The Big Sleep better but that's nothing to be ashamed of.
Raymond Chandler is somewhat famous for his novel The Big Sleep which was later turned into a movie with Humphrey Bogart. I found this a little slow getting into it but it's intricacies eventually drew me in. A woman disappears, another is found dead in a lake, soon a man is shot in his bath tub and the police are breathing down the enigmatic Private investigator Philip Marlow's neck. It's fun and suspenseful. I liked The Big Sleep better but that's nothing to be ashamed of.
Friday, May 27, 2005
56. The Game-Players of Titan
by Philip K. Dick (215 pgs)
The earth has been conquered by the enigmatic Vugs. Mass sterility caused by a Chinese bomb is causing the rapid diminishment of the human species. The Vugs introduced a game to increase the chances of survival by random matings. A complicated seen becomes even more complicated and disbelief becomes harder and harder to suspend. I enjoyed this book but it was a little hard to take at points.
The earth has been conquered by the enigmatic Vugs. Mass sterility caused by a Chinese bomb is causing the rapid diminishment of the human species. The Vugs introduced a game to increase the chances of survival by random matings. A complicated seen becomes even more complicated and disbelief becomes harder and harder to suspend. I enjoyed this book but it was a little hard to take at points.
55. The Pearl Diver
by Sujata Massey (335 pgs)
This is a part of a fun little series about a hafu (or half Japanese) American who is enamored of her Japanese roots. Unfortunately for her, her curiosity gets her thrown out Japan and her new life in D.C. is not going well. Not going well at all. Between kidnappings and cultural mysteries, our protagonist loses something very dear to her and she needs to trust in those she loves to heal. Trust is not an easy thing for her.
This is a part of a fun little series about a hafu (or half Japanese) American who is enamored of her Japanese roots. Unfortunately for her, her curiosity gets her thrown out Japan and her new life in D.C. is not going well. Not going well at all. Between kidnappings and cultural mysteries, our protagonist loses something very dear to her and she needs to trust in those she loves to heal. Trust is not an easy thing for her.
Monday, May 23, 2005
54. This Bitter Earth
by Bernice L. McFadden (276 pgs)
Set in the rural south in the 1940's and 50's and told from the point of view of a series of African American women and a couple of African American men. This is the sequel to a book I haven't read and I felt that I was missing something because of that. All the same, the plot is exceptionally convoluted and it doesn't become absolutely clear what's going on until the end. The characters are rich and memorable. The only complaint I have is that the shifts in point of view are often unmarked and that can be confusing at times. It's a hard book, but an enjoyable one.
Set in the rural south in the 1940's and 50's and told from the point of view of a series of African American women and a couple of African American men. This is the sequel to a book I haven't read and I felt that I was missing something because of that. All the same, the plot is exceptionally convoluted and it doesn't become absolutely clear what's going on until the end. The characters are rich and memorable. The only complaint I have is that the shifts in point of view are often unmarked and that can be confusing at times. It's a hard book, but an enjoyable one.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
53. City of Illusions
by Ursula K. Le Guin (149 pgs)
Yet another Hainish Novel. This is convoluted story worthy of Philip K. Dick. It begins with an alien on earth. Lost, alone, and with no memory. He's soon taken in by a small human outpost in the woods. The humans believe that their planet has been conquered and dominated by the mysterious Shin, an alien species. So, is our new protagonist a Shin? Not even he knows.
It took me a while to warm up to this and it is a little slow starting but I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Yet another Hainish Novel. This is convoluted story worthy of Philip K. Dick. It begins with an alien on earth. Lost, alone, and with no memory. He's soon taken in by a small human outpost in the woods. The humans believe that their planet has been conquered and dominated by the mysterious Shin, an alien species. So, is our new protagonist a Shin? Not even he knows.
It took me a while to warm up to this and it is a little slow starting but I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
52. Planet of Exile
by Ursula K Le Guin (98 pgs)
Another Hainish novel, this one is about a stranded colony on a very hostile world with seasons the length of several of our years. The social structure is quite detailed and mostly believable, it seems to be based partly on nomadic tribal societies in the real world. The romance is unlikely and the end bogs down just a tad, but all in all, an enjoyable read.
Another Hainish novel, this one is about a stranded colony on a very hostile world with seasons the length of several of our years. The social structure is quite detailed and mostly believable, it seems to be based partly on nomadic tribal societies in the real world. The romance is unlikely and the end bogs down just a tad, but all in all, an enjoyable read.
50. Artemis Fowl : The Arctic Incident
By Eoin Colfer (277 pgs)
Just as delightful as the first book but with a greatly changed tone. Fowl works with the Fairy people to try and rescue his father. However, things get quite complicated in the Fairy world about that time. The only downside to the book is a rather bludgeoning moral at the end that could have been left unstated. But oh well...the rest of the book is fun.
Just as delightful as the first book but with a greatly changed tone. Fowl works with the Fairy people to try and rescue his father. However, things get quite complicated in the Fairy world about that time. The only downside to the book is a rather bludgeoning moral at the end that could have been left unstated. But oh well...the rest of the book is fun.
Monday, May 16, 2005
51. Rocannon's World
by Ursula K. Le Guin (112 pgs)
One of the quicker reads I've had with Le Guin, Rocannon's World is about one of the Hainnish ethnographers who gets stranded on the world he's studying by an enemy force to the League of Worlds. The world features 5 different intelligent species and makes work with elaborate social structures. And as detailed as this all is, Le Guin manages to put it appropriately in the background so that the story never drags. One of the better Hainish novels I've read.
One of the quicker reads I've had with Le Guin, Rocannon's World is about one of the Hainnish ethnographers who gets stranded on the world he's studying by an enemy force to the League of Worlds. The world features 5 different intelligent species and makes work with elaborate social structures. And as detailed as this all is, Le Guin manages to put it appropriately in the background so that the story never drags. One of the better Hainish novels I've read.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
49. Artemis Fowl
by Eoin Colfer (280 pgs)
I'm not sure if Artemis Fowl is meant to be competition for Harry Potter or not. I've heard it both ways. I rather expected a watery version of the Potter books. However, Artemis Fowl is a fun and distinct series all of it's own. Fowl is a rich heir to a criminal family. The father's gone missing and the mother's gone crazy. What's a boy to do? Well hold the fairy world hostage...Obviously.
I thought it was fun.
I'm not sure if Artemis Fowl is meant to be competition for Harry Potter or not. I've heard it both ways. I rather expected a watery version of the Potter books. However, Artemis Fowl is a fun and distinct series all of it's own. Fowl is a rich heir to a criminal family. The father's gone missing and the mother's gone crazy. What's a boy to do? Well hold the fairy world hostage...Obviously.
I thought it was fun.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
48. So Long and Thanks For All the Fish
by Douglas Adams (204 pgs)
The earth has returned, and Arthur Dent to it. This is the forth book in this classic series written by Adams. Unfortunately they begin to lose something at this point. Still enjoyable but a little off the good. In any case, I enjoyed reading it and I liked the plot line...Even if it were a little esoteric.
The earth has returned, and Arthur Dent to it. This is the forth book in this classic series written by Adams. Unfortunately they begin to lose something at this point. Still enjoyable but a little off the good. In any case, I enjoyed reading it and I liked the plot line...Even if it were a little esoteric.
Monday, May 09, 2005
47. A Series of Unfortunate Events : The Hostile Hospital
by Lemoney Snicket (255 pgs)
This being eighth book in the series and it shows no signs of stopping. The little orphans find themselves on their own after the unfortunate experience with the Vile Village and so, following the unlikely number of leads with the initials V.F.D., they find themselves scrounging around in the records department of the Heimlich Hospital. As usual, things go from bad to worse and the orphans find themselves in a very cramped and unlikely hiding place by the end of the book.
This was a quick read even for the series. The secondary Snicket plot arc is beginning to come out more, as well as the connection between Snicket and the Baudelaire children.
This being eighth book in the series and it shows no signs of stopping. The little orphans find themselves on their own after the unfortunate experience with the Vile Village and so, following the unlikely number of leads with the initials V.F.D., they find themselves scrounging around in the records department of the Heimlich Hospital. As usual, things go from bad to worse and the orphans find themselves in a very cramped and unlikely hiding place by the end of the book.
This was a quick read even for the series. The secondary Snicket plot arc is beginning to come out more, as well as the connection between Snicket and the Baudelaire children.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
46. The Cat Who Talked Turkey
by Lilian Jackson Braun (181 pgs)
I remember liking this series when I was a child. My grandfather had several of them and I would read them when I was sick. This particular specimen doesn't seem to match my recollection of the series.
The book, while essentially well written, was sorely lacking focus. The mystery was a little less than a side plot. It was rather a shock when it was resolved in the last two chapters and that was the apparent end of the book. I don't recommend this particular book in the series and I'll have to read around a bit more before I can decide if my childhood fondness was based on anything of substance.
I remember liking this series when I was a child. My grandfather had several of them and I would read them when I was sick. This particular specimen doesn't seem to match my recollection of the series.
The book, while essentially well written, was sorely lacking focus. The mystery was a little less than a side plot. It was rather a shock when it was resolved in the last two chapters and that was the apparent end of the book. I don't recommend this particular book in the series and I'll have to read around a bit more before I can decide if my childhood fondness was based on anything of substance.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
45. A Series of Unfortunate Events : The Vile Village
by Lemony Snicket (256 pgs)
The Baudelaire siblings find themselves taken in by an entire village this time. Not a very nice village either. Or rather, not a village full of exceptionally bright people. On the upside the individual caretaker seems like a blessing from the powers that be.
Not bad for this series. I enjoyed it and the pace wasn't too bogged down by needless and spurious definitions of words and phrases.
The Baudelaire siblings find themselves taken in by an entire village this time. Not a very nice village either. Or rather, not a village full of exceptionally bright people. On the upside the individual caretaker seems like a blessing from the powers that be.
Not bad for this series. I enjoyed it and the pace wasn't too bogged down by needless and spurious definitions of words and phrases.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
44. Abarat
by Clive Barker (387 pgs)
Barker's attempt at young adult fiction is none too bad. I actually rather enjoyed it. The point of warning here is that it takes about 50-75 pages to draw the reader into the action. This is my impression at least. The introductory material about the main character, Candy, was too long and too devoid of action. The illustrations are fantastic. Even if the story had been a load of crap, the book would have been worth the effort for the sake of the illustrations.
All in all, I recommend it and I plan on buying a copy for the illustrations more than anything else.
Barker's attempt at young adult fiction is none too bad. I actually rather enjoyed it. The point of warning here is that it takes about 50-75 pages to draw the reader into the action. This is my impression at least. The introductory material about the main character, Candy, was too long and too devoid of action. The illustrations are fantastic. Even if the story had been a load of crap, the book would have been worth the effort for the sake of the illustrations.
All in all, I recommend it and I plan on buying a copy for the illustrations more than anything else.
Monday, May 02, 2005
43. A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Ersatz Elevator
by Lemony Snickett (259 pgs)
The 6th book in the series, in this volume the Baudelaires are confronted with the impossibly 'in' crowd. A betrayal, a kidnapping, a dusty tunnel leading to familiar surroundings. All in all, an eventful book.
I enjoyed this more, perhaps, than some of the others because the story arc seemed to take something of a leap forward. And I'll never forget the meaning of ersatz ever again. Never. Ever. Ever.
The 6th book in the series, in this volume the Baudelaires are confronted with the impossibly 'in' crowd. A betrayal, a kidnapping, a dusty tunnel leading to familiar surroundings. All in all, an eventful book.
I enjoyed this more, perhaps, than some of the others because the story arc seemed to take something of a leap forward. And I'll never forget the meaning of ersatz ever again. Never. Ever. Ever.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
42. The Word for World is Forest
by Ursula K. Le Guin (169 pgs)
Social science fiction is a branch of science fiction that doesn't often seem to be recognized. In social-science fiction, the patterns of people and their behavior is what makes the fiction interesting rather than dreamed up gizmos and imaginings. Le Guin is a master of social science fiction.
While unpolished, I found The Word for World is Forest to be a fascinating statement about human nature when confronted by a non-aggressive and, seemingly, weaker group of beings. I felt there were tinges of British colonialism backlash in the work and was fascinated by the plot even though the events were inevitable from the beginning.
Social science fiction is a branch of science fiction that doesn't often seem to be recognized. In social-science fiction, the patterns of people and their behavior is what makes the fiction interesting rather than dreamed up gizmos and imaginings. Le Guin is a master of social science fiction.
While unpolished, I found The Word for World is Forest to be a fascinating statement about human nature when confronted by a non-aggressive and, seemingly, weaker group of beings. I felt there were tinges of British colonialism backlash in the work and was fascinated by the plot even though the events were inevitable from the beginning.
41. Juniper
by Monica Furlong (198 pgs)
This is young adult fiction and the prequel to Wise Child which I reviewed in February. Like Wise Child, I found Juniper a wonderful story. There is something comforting about this series of books. I'm sure part of it is the sense of natural magic, which I've always found relaxing and...well...natural. In any case, it's another beautiful book and I think I'm going to try to get a hold of the entire series for my collection.
This is young adult fiction and the prequel to Wise Child which I reviewed in February. Like Wise Child, I found Juniper a wonderful story. There is something comforting about this series of books. I'm sure part of it is the sense of natural magic, which I've always found relaxing and...well...natural. In any case, it's another beautiful book and I think I'm going to try to get a hold of the entire series for my collection.
May List
It appears that I miscalculated last month, at this point I only need to read 20 books a month to stay on goal.Since I'm about to start school again, I've loaded up the list with young adult fiction and quick reads. I'm hoping I can gain ground on the back log that I've been accumulating.
1. Juniper by Monica Furlong
2. The Word for World is Forest by Ursula K. Le Guin
3. The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket
4. The Vile Village by Lemony Snicket
5. The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket
6. The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket
7. The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket
8. Abarat by Clive Barker
9. The Cat Who Talked Turkey by Lilian Jackson Braun
10. The Maid of the White Hands by Rosalind Miles
11. This Bitter Earth by Bernice L. McFadden
12. The Pearl Diver by Sujata Massey
13. The Flower Master by Sujata Massey
14. Tales From Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
15. Rocannon's World by Ursula K. LeGuin
16. Planet of Exile by Ursula K. Le Guin
17. City of Illusions by Ursula K. Le Guin
18. The Game Players of Titian by Philip K. Dick
19. So Long, and Thanks For All the Fish by Douglas Adams
20. The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul by Douglas Adams
21. Monkey Bridge by Lan Cao
1. Juniper by Monica Furlong
2. The Word for World is Forest by Ursula K. Le Guin
3. The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket
4. The Vile Village by Lemony Snicket
5. The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket
6. The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket
7. The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket
8. Abarat by Clive Barker
9. The Cat Who Talked Turkey by Lilian Jackson Braun
10. The Maid of the White Hands by Rosalind Miles
11. This Bitter Earth by Bernice L. McFadden
12. The Pearl Diver by Sujata Massey
13. The Flower Master by Sujata Massey
14. Tales From Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
15. Rocannon's World by Ursula K. LeGuin
16. Planet of Exile by Ursula K. Le Guin
17. City of Illusions by Ursula K. Le Guin
18. The Game Players of Titian by Philip K. Dick
19. So Long, and Thanks For All the Fish by Douglas Adams
20. The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul by Douglas Adams
21. Monkey Bridge by Lan Cao
Saturday, April 30, 2005
40. Four Ways to Forgiveness
By Ursula K. LeGuin (305 pgs)
In true LeGuin fashion, this is a marvelous exploration of social science fiction. In reality this is less a novel and more a collection of four interrelated novellas. A highly satisfying read that has much relevance for anyone interested in slavery and liberation.
In true LeGuin fashion, this is a marvelous exploration of social science fiction. In reality this is less a novel and more a collection of four interrelated novellas. A highly satisfying read that has much relevance for anyone interested in slavery and liberation.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
39. Life, the Universe, and Everything
by Douglas Adams (227 pgs)
Continuation in the hitchhiker series. While this was still enjoyable, I feel this is where the series begins to pale somewhat. Arthur spends several years in prehistoric earth and somehow manages to learn to fly by a knack for missing the ground. He also meets a mysterious nemesis and learns of the Krikkets. Trillian exhibits a startling amount of intelligence for her species.
Continuation in the hitchhiker series. While this was still enjoyable, I feel this is where the series begins to pale somewhat. Arthur spends several years in prehistoric earth and somehow manages to learn to fly by a knack for missing the ground. He also meets a mysterious nemesis and learns of the Krikkets. Trillian exhibits a startling amount of intelligence for her species.
Monday, April 25, 2005
38. The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
by Douglas Adams (250 pgs)
Continuation of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, in this volume the much beleaguered Arthur Dent finds himself one of two survivors of the planet earth and talking to his food. The surprising thing being that the food is actually talking back.
Amusing and enjoyable, I find I start using a similar sense of humor in my daily interactions. Not entirely sure, this is a good thing.
Continuation of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, in this volume the much beleaguered Arthur Dent finds himself one of two survivors of the planet earth and talking to his food. The surprising thing being that the food is actually talking back.
Amusing and enjoyable, I find I start using a similar sense of humor in my daily interactions. Not entirely sure, this is a good thing.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
37. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
by Douglas Adams (215 pgs)
A classic in fictional...Something. I'm pretty sure it's a classic anyway. When the earth is demolished to make way for an interstellar bypass, Arthur Dent finds himself the last survivor of earth. His best friend doesn't count. He's, in fact, from Betelgeuse.
I enjoyed it. I got substantially more out of it this time round than when I read it in highschool.
A classic in fictional...Something. I'm pretty sure it's a classic anyway. When the earth is demolished to make way for an interstellar bypass, Arthur Dent finds himself the last survivor of earth. His best friend doesn't count. He's, in fact, from Betelgeuse.
I enjoyed it. I got substantially more out of it this time round than when I read it in highschool.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
36. The Lathe of Heaven
by Ursula K. Le Guin (175 pgs)
What would you do, if the things you dreamed became real? In fact, if your dreams changed the past? This is George Orr's problem. This is science fiction as an exploration and it's wonderful. It's well written and thoughtful. I would recommend it to people as an introduction to good science fiction.
What would you do, if the things you dreamed became real? In fact, if your dreams changed the past? This is George Orr's problem. This is science fiction as an exploration and it's wonderful. It's well written and thoughtful. I would recommend it to people as an introduction to good science fiction.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
35. The Sixteen Pleasures
by Robert Hellenga (369 pgs)
A 29 year old conservator finds her life aimless and dull. So when the banks of the Arno river are flooded and the countless treasures of Florence submerged, she packs up her life and heads to Florence to offer her assistance.
This is a fantastic story, although the blurb on the back of the book is pretty misleading. I have already recommended this book to a handful of friends and will probably continue to do so.
A 29 year old conservator finds her life aimless and dull. So when the banks of the Arno river are flooded and the countless treasures of Florence submerged, she packs up her life and heads to Florence to offer her assistance.
This is a fantastic story, although the blurb on the back of the book is pretty misleading. I have already recommended this book to a handful of friends and will probably continue to do so.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
34. A Maze of Death
by Philip K. Dick (192 pgs)
A group of 13 strangers are all sent to a obscure planet to run an experimental colony. But when they get there, the instructions to the experiment are lost and everything starts going horribly wrong.
Much easier to read than A Scanner Darkly. This is sort of a convoluted murder mystery/conspiracy thriller with, as always, a surprise, and somewhat disjointed, ending. All the same I liked it and would recommend it to others.
A group of 13 strangers are all sent to a obscure planet to run an experimental colony. But when they get there, the instructions to the experiment are lost and everything starts going horribly wrong.
Much easier to read than A Scanner Darkly. This is sort of a convoluted murder mystery/conspiracy thriller with, as always, a surprise, and somewhat disjointed, ending. All the same I liked it and would recommend it to others.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
33. Evenings at Five : A Novel
by Gail Godwin (114 pgs)
A slim volume which has every indication of being a depressing book about death, loss, and love. However, it's not depressing. It's actually quite warming, somewhat melancholy, but beautiful and hopeful. I just hope that I love as well as the main character does.
A slim volume which has every indication of being a depressing book about death, loss, and love. However, it's not depressing. It's actually quite warming, somewhat melancholy, but beautiful and hopeful. I just hope that I love as well as the main character does.
32. Cooking for Mr. Latte (NF 6)
by Amanda Hesser (324 pgs)
This is a delightful mix of vinettes and cookbook at about a 1 to 1 ratio. Hesser follows the story of her early relationship and marriage to her husband who she's dubbed Mr. Latte. Of course, because she's a food critique, the story is very much told through her culinary explorations.
It's good and enjoyable. Several of the recipes look like fun.
This is a delightful mix of vinettes and cookbook at about a 1 to 1 ratio. Hesser follows the story of her early relationship and marriage to her husband who she's dubbed Mr. Latte. Of course, because she's a food critique, the story is very much told through her culinary explorations.
It's good and enjoyable. Several of the recipes look like fun.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
31. A Scanner Darkly
By Philip K. Dick (275 pgs.)
I was informed while reading this that they are making a movie of it. If so, it's going to end up a lot like Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas. It's not that the plot is like that so much but that there is so much in the way of drugs and drug use.
The plot is a bit difficult to work out actually. Mostly, it revolves around a conspiracy which only really becomes obvious towards the end. Paranoia in a style truly worthy of PKD.
I was informed while reading this that they are making a movie of it. If so, it's going to end up a lot like Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas. It's not that the plot is like that so much but that there is so much in the way of drugs and drug use.
The plot is a bit difficult to work out actually. Mostly, it revolves around a conspiracy which only really becomes obvious towards the end. Paranoia in a style truly worthy of PKD.
Friday, April 08, 2005
30. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
By J.K. Rowling (870 pgs)
Ok, let's face it. In this book, Harry is a whiney, temper-tantrum throwing, self involved little prat. So I guess he's going through puberty. Maybe? I don't know. But he's definitely annoying for most of the book.
This isn't to say it's a bad book. Just expect to be annoyed with Harry most of the way through.
Ok, let's face it. In this book, Harry is a whiney, temper-tantrum throwing, self involved little prat. So I guess he's going through puberty. Maybe? I don't know. But he's definitely annoying for most of the book.
This isn't to say it's a bad book. Just expect to be annoyed with Harry most of the way through.
Monday, April 04, 2005
29. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
by J.K. Rowling (734 pgs)
What could be better than Quidditch? The triwizard competition, of course. Aimed to improve relations between international wizarding communities, The triwizard competition is set up between three wizarding schools and limited to players who are over 17. So how does 14 year old Harry end up getting chosen? Well that's the big question with a somewhat sinister set of implications.
Better than the third but still below the first two. Harry has some great moments but he's a bit whiney too.
What could be better than Quidditch? The triwizard competition, of course. Aimed to improve relations between international wizarding communities, The triwizard competition is set up between three wizarding schools and limited to players who are over 17. So how does 14 year old Harry end up getting chosen? Well that's the big question with a somewhat sinister set of implications.
Better than the third but still below the first two. Harry has some great moments but he's a bit whiney too.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
28. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
by J.K. Rowling (435 pgs)
This book sees the introduction of Sirius Black, Harry's godfather. But is Black a benine force or an antagonistic force. There in lies the rub. In a world were the plots of others can end in your death, can anyone be sure of the truth?
This is a good book although not, perhaps, as good as the first two. I really love professor Lupin. One of those tragic hero types.
This book sees the introduction of Sirius Black, Harry's godfather. But is Black a benine force or an antagonistic force. There in lies the rub. In a world were the plots of others can end in your death, can anyone be sure of the truth?
This is a good book although not, perhaps, as good as the first two. I really love professor Lupin. One of those tragic hero types.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
27. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
by J.K. Rowling (341 pgs)
This is the second in the series and, like the first, a re-read. Covering Harry's second year at Hogwarts, this volume starts out like the first at Privett drive with the Dursley's. Fortunately for Harry he's managed to convince the Dursley's that he can cast magic, which he isn't allowed to do over summer holidays. Unfortunately the Dursley's find out. Anyway, Harry is soon at school except that students have started turning up petrified and Harry's on the suspect list.
This is the second in the series and, like the first, a re-read. Covering Harry's second year at Hogwarts, this volume starts out like the first at Privett drive with the Dursley's. Fortunately for Harry he's managed to convince the Dursley's that he can cast magic, which he isn't allowed to do over summer holidays. Unfortunately the Dursley's find out. Anyway, Harry is soon at school except that students have started turning up petrified and Harry's on the suspect list.
Friday, April 01, 2005
26. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
by J.K. Rowling (309 pgs)
I think what appeals to me most about this book is the sense that extraordinary things can happen to anyone. I remember, as a kid, wishing with all my might that there was something fantastic and magical about me. I don't think this is such an uncommon desire and this book plays right into that.
Harry Potter discovers on his 11th birthday that he's really a wizard. This alleviates some of the dreariness of having to live with the Dursley's, who are the most awful Muggles (non-magic users)imaginable. Soon, Harry is whisked off to Hogwarts School for wizards and Witches and begins his magical education. He soon makes friends (Ron and Hermione) and enemies (Malfoy and Snape.) But all is not as simple as it seems and Harry is soon embroiled in mystery or set of mysteries. Not least of which is the mystery of his own history.
I think what appeals to me most about this book is the sense that extraordinary things can happen to anyone. I remember, as a kid, wishing with all my might that there was something fantastic and magical about me. I don't think this is such an uncommon desire and this book plays right into that.
Harry Potter discovers on his 11th birthday that he's really a wizard. This alleviates some of the dreariness of having to live with the Dursley's, who are the most awful Muggles (non-magic users)imaginable. Soon, Harry is whisked off to Hogwarts School for wizards and Witches and begins his magical education. He soon makes friends (Ron and Hermione) and enemies (Malfoy and Snape.) But all is not as simple as it seems and Harry is soon embroiled in mystery or set of mysteries. Not least of which is the mystery of his own history.
25. The Two Towers
by J.R.R. Tolkien (pp 403-725)
Again, better than I remember it being. I didn't get stuck in it nearly as badly as I did Fellowship. The bits that slowed me down were the long tedious journey of Sam and Frodo towards Mount Doom. Which if you think about it are fairly appropriate for the action. All the same, the brain starts to feel a bit dusty after a while. The march of the Ents as told by Merry and Pipin was fantastic.
Again, better than I remember it being. I didn't get stuck in it nearly as badly as I did Fellowship. The bits that slowed me down were the long tedious journey of Sam and Frodo towards Mount Doom. Which if you think about it are fairly appropriate for the action. All the same, the brain starts to feel a bit dusty after a while. The march of the Ents as told by Merry and Pipin was fantastic.
April List
So I'm now so behind that I'm officially having to read over 20 books a month, 22 exactly. To combat this and try to get back on track...I'm focusing on light reading and small books. We'll see how that goes. But here's to trying. I've also only put one non-fiction on here. We'll see how it goes and pray for my sanity.
1. Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
2. Harry Potter and the sorcerer's Stone by Rowling
3. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by Rowling
4. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by Rowling
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by Rowling
6. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by Rowling
7. Return of the King By J.R.R. Tolkien
8. Four Ways to Forgiveness by Ursula K. LeGuin
9. Game-Players of Titan by Philip K. Dick
10. A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick
11. A Maze of Death by Philip K. Dick
12. The Lathe of Heave by Ursula K. LeGuin
13. Amnesia Moon by Jonathan Lethem
14. Portrait of the Artist by James Joyce
15. Islam by Karen Armstrong (NF)
16. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the galaxy by Douglas Adams
17. The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams
18. Life, the Universe and Everything by Douglas Adams
19. So Long, and Thanks For All the Fish by Douglas Adams
20. The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul by Douglas Adams
21. Monkey Bridge by Lan Cao
22. Possession: A Romance by A.S. Byatt
This time I am tackling these in no particular order and, while I'm obviously going to try to read more, I think I've been jinxing myself by putting extra reading up here. Weeeeeeeeeeeeee here we go.
1. Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
2. Harry Potter and the sorcerer's Stone by Rowling
3. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by Rowling
4. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by Rowling
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by Rowling
6. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by Rowling
7. Return of the King By J.R.R. Tolkien
8. Four Ways to Forgiveness by Ursula K. LeGuin
9. Game-Players of Titan by Philip K. Dick
10. A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick
11. A Maze of Death by Philip K. Dick
12. The Lathe of Heave by Ursula K. LeGuin
13. Amnesia Moon by Jonathan Lethem
14. Portrait of the Artist by James Joyce
15. Islam by Karen Armstrong (NF)
16. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the galaxy by Douglas Adams
17. The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams
18. Life, the Universe and Everything by Douglas Adams
19. So Long, and Thanks For All the Fish by Douglas Adams
20. The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul by Douglas Adams
21. Monkey Bridge by Lan Cao
22. Possession: A Romance by A.S. Byatt
This time I am tackling these in no particular order and, while I'm obviously going to try to read more, I think I've been jinxing myself by putting extra reading up here. Weeeeeeeeeeeeee here we go.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
March Retrospective
As far as reading books goes, March was a dismal month. I got stuck in The Fellowship of the ring and then in the Two Towers. This isn't to say that they are bad, just...gooey I guess. I didn't have a taste for the Limoney Snicket books so I've given those a rest (also my library is missing the Ersatz Elevator and I hate reading series out of order.) But, I did finish up a paper that was hanging over my head. As for favorites, I don't think there is really enough for comparison so I'm going to roll them into April.
24. Changing Planes
By Ursula K. Le Guin (pp 246)
This is a re read and perhaps one of my favorite Le Guin books. It's a collection of short stories on a theme. This theme being plane travel. Planes as in different planes of reality. I always enjoy reading it in airports.
This is a re read and perhaps one of my favorite Le Guin books. It's a collection of short stories on a theme. This theme being plane travel. Planes as in different planes of reality. I always enjoy reading it in airports.
Monday, March 21, 2005
23. Sensational Trials of the 20th Century (NF 5)
by Betsy Harvey Kraft (New York: Scholastic 1998. pgs. 216)
This was lent to me by a friend. Hence being popped up the list a bit. This briefly narrates eight of the most infamous trials in the last century.
1. The Saco-Vanzetti Trial
Did two Italian immigrants commit armed robbery? Or did someone get executed wrongfully. It seems pretty safe to say that the author believes at least one of the men convicted might have been innocent. Regardless, it seems that more than being on trial for robbery, Saco and Vanzetti were on trial for being immigrants.
2. The Scopes "Monkey" Trial
This is why the book got lent to me. The trial came up in a Trivial pursuit game and I'd never heard of it before. There is an air of the grotesque in this one and I was reminded of the movie 'Chicago'
3. The Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping Trial
This is one of the ones you first hear about in 8th grade social studies. Unfortunately it didn't make much of a dent the first time around. This time it did. The whole thing seemed like something out of a soap opera. But rather I think the soap opera writers are getting their material from this sort of thing.
4. The Julius and Ethel Rosenberg Spy Trial
Another one I was first exposed to in Jr. High. I rather suspect that the school's text book wasn't as frank about it as this book was. The whole thing just proves to me that even people who are none too bright are capable of being very clever.
5. Brown V. Board of Education of Topeka
This one, of course, changed education in America. I was glad to learn something about it rather than just know it had an affect.
6. The Watergate Trials
'Changing the way news is reported' should be the name of this one. Nixon seems such a pitiable person in this...and stupid to boot. One wonders if he weren't certifiable paranoid.
7. The John Hinkley Jr. Trial
One of the one's I've heard about but didn't really know anything of. I think Hinkley must be the source of, "But he seemed like such a good boy."
8. The O.J. Simpson Trial
This is the only one of the eight that I was alive and cognizant for. At the time I was just sick to death of it. Reading about it though I realize why people got so caught up in it.
This was lent to me by a friend. Hence being popped up the list a bit. This briefly narrates eight of the most infamous trials in the last century.
1. The Saco-Vanzetti Trial
Did two Italian immigrants commit armed robbery? Or did someone get executed wrongfully. It seems pretty safe to say that the author believes at least one of the men convicted might have been innocent. Regardless, it seems that more than being on trial for robbery, Saco and Vanzetti were on trial for being immigrants.
2. The Scopes "Monkey" Trial
This is why the book got lent to me. The trial came up in a Trivial pursuit game and I'd never heard of it before. There is an air of the grotesque in this one and I was reminded of the movie 'Chicago'
3. The Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping Trial
This is one of the ones you first hear about in 8th grade social studies. Unfortunately it didn't make much of a dent the first time around. This time it did. The whole thing seemed like something out of a soap opera. But rather I think the soap opera writers are getting their material from this sort of thing.
4. The Julius and Ethel Rosenberg Spy Trial
Another one I was first exposed to in Jr. High. I rather suspect that the school's text book wasn't as frank about it as this book was. The whole thing just proves to me that even people who are none too bright are capable of being very clever.
5. Brown V. Board of Education of Topeka
This one, of course, changed education in America. I was glad to learn something about it rather than just know it had an affect.
6. The Watergate Trials
'Changing the way news is reported' should be the name of this one. Nixon seems such a pitiable person in this...and stupid to boot. One wonders if he weren't certifiable paranoid.
7. The John Hinkley Jr. Trial
One of the one's I've heard about but didn't really know anything of. I think Hinkley must be the source of, "But he seemed like such a good boy."
8. The O.J. Simpson Trial
This is the only one of the eight that I was alive and cognizant for. At the time I was just sick to death of it. Reading about it though I realize why people got so caught up in it.
22. Fellowship of the Ring
by J.R.R. Tolkien (pp 21-398)
This is a re-reading. The first time I read this I was about 12. My initial estimation that it was a great story poorly written. While I still have some of the problems with it now that I did then, my estimation is somewhat more mild. Tolkien is given to a dryness that makes his fiction more like an essay in comparitive liguistics, than a novel. This isn't to say he's bad but I'm still skeptical when someone tells me he's the greatest fantasy writer of our language.
In anycase, this covers the formation of the fellowship to the splitting. It's a good read but I still think the Hobbit is better.
This is a re-reading. The first time I read this I was about 12. My initial estimation that it was a great story poorly written. While I still have some of the problems with it now that I did then, my estimation is somewhat more mild. Tolkien is given to a dryness that makes his fiction more like an essay in comparitive liguistics, than a novel. This isn't to say he's bad but I'm still skeptical when someone tells me he's the greatest fantasy writer of our language.
In anycase, this covers the formation of the fellowship to the splitting. It's a good read but I still think the Hobbit is better.
Monday, March 14, 2005
21. One More For the Road
by Ray Bradbury (289 pgs. Copyright 2002 First Edition)
This is a collection of short stories by Ray Bradbury. Bradbury's fiction is, as always, fantastic, wonderful, stupendous, and amazing. But I gush. There are 26 stories and I couldn't tell you which was my favorite. Among the top would be 'Well, What do You have to Say for Yourself?' 'Diane de Foret,' 'Laurel and Hardy Alpha Centauri Farewell Tour,' and 'The Dragon Danced at Midnight.'
It's a beautiful and varied collection of Bradbury's work and something I would recommend to a first time Bradbury reader.
This is a collection of short stories by Ray Bradbury. Bradbury's fiction is, as always, fantastic, wonderful, stupendous, and amazing. But I gush. There are 26 stories and I couldn't tell you which was my favorite. Among the top would be 'Well, What do You have to Say for Yourself?' 'Diane de Foret,' 'Laurel and Hardy Alpha Centauri Farewell Tour,' and 'The Dragon Danced at Midnight.'
It's a beautiful and varied collection of Bradbury's work and something I would recommend to a first time Bradbury reader.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
20. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim (NF 4)
by David Sedaris (257 pgs first edition, Little Brown and Company 2004)
When I originally put this on the list, I rather expected that it would be fiction. It reads like fiction but what it really is, is a collection of auto-biographical essays. I really almost feel bad calling it Non-Fiction because I enjoyed it in much the same way as I would a collection of short stories. That being said, I didn't find it funny, the way most people seem to think it should be. I have a friend who assures me that some of his earlier collections are funnier.
Somehow, I see the humor, I enjoy the humor, but I don't think I will be laughing at Sedaris' humor. This is not a dig or disparaging...it just doesn't hit my giggle reflex.
When I originally put this on the list, I rather expected that it would be fiction. It reads like fiction but what it really is, is a collection of auto-biographical essays. I really almost feel bad calling it Non-Fiction because I enjoyed it in much the same way as I would a collection of short stories. That being said, I didn't find it funny, the way most people seem to think it should be. I have a friend who assures me that some of his earlier collections are funnier.
Somehow, I see the humor, I enjoy the humor, but I don't think I will be laughing at Sedaris' humor. This is not a dig or disparaging...it just doesn't hit my giggle reflex.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
March List
Well I didn't quite meet quota last month so now the monthly total is a solid 18 books. On the other hand, I did quite a bit better than January. I've devised a new list. Whether I read them all in order or, indeed, at all is up in there air. I find there are so many books that I'd like to read that it's very difficult to stick to the list exactly.
1. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris
2. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R Tolkien
3. Moorish Spain by Fletcher (NF)
4. Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
5. Hostile Hospitol by Lemony Snickett
6. One More For the Road by Bradbury
7. The Vile Village by Lemony Snickett
8. The Return of the King by J.R.R Tolkien
9. Amnesia Moon by Jonathan Lethem
10. Four Ways to Forgiveness by Ursula K. LeGuin
11. Portrait of the Artist by James Joyce
12. Islam by Karen Armstrong (NF)
13. A Maze of Death by Philip K. Dick
14. The Contest of Christian and Muslim Spain by Bernard Reilly (NF)
15. The Lathe of Heave by Ursula K. LeGuin
16. The Art of Medieval Spain by Metropolitan Museum of Art (NF)
17. Game-Players of Titan by Philip K. Dick
18. Illuminated Manuscripts of Medieval Spain by Mireille Mentre (NF)
and insanity books are
19. A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick
20. Victors and the Vanquished by Brian Catlos (NF)
Obviously I've created an overly non-fiction heavy month but I'm taking advice from a friend and trying to read 10 or so books in fields I might want to get a grad degree in. So we'll see how it goes.
1. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris
2. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R Tolkien
3. Moorish Spain by Fletcher (NF)
4. Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
5. Hostile Hospitol by Lemony Snickett
6. One More For the Road by Bradbury
7. The Vile Village by Lemony Snickett
8. The Return of the King by J.R.R Tolkien
9. Amnesia Moon by Jonathan Lethem
10. Four Ways to Forgiveness by Ursula K. LeGuin
11. Portrait of the Artist by James Joyce
12. Islam by Karen Armstrong (NF)
13. A Maze of Death by Philip K. Dick
14. The Contest of Christian and Muslim Spain by Bernard Reilly (NF)
15. The Lathe of Heave by Ursula K. LeGuin
16. The Art of Medieval Spain by Metropolitan Museum of Art (NF)
17. Game-Players of Titan by Philip K. Dick
18. Illuminated Manuscripts of Medieval Spain by Mireille Mentre (NF)
and insanity books are
19. A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick
20. Victors and the Vanquished by Brian Catlos (NF)
Obviously I've created an overly non-fiction heavy month but I'm taking advice from a friend and trying to read 10 or so books in fields I might want to get a grad degree in. So we'll see how it goes.
Monday, February 28, 2005
February Retrospective
I didn't quite meet the goal of 18 books but I managed to get within spitting distance. I read 15 books in February, most of them not from the list. Oh well is all I can say about that. I think I've learned a bit about writing those lists though.
So looking back:
My 3 favorite books of the month:
1. The Neverending Story
2. Chocolat
3. The Hobbit
Favorite Non-fiction book of the month:
1. Zen in the Art of Writing
3 Hardest reads of the month:
1. Name of the Rose
2. God of Small Things
3. The Neverending Story
3 Best Children's books of the month:
1. Wise Child
2. Skellig
3. Sourcery
So looking back:
My 3 favorite books of the month:
1. The Neverending Story
2. Chocolat
3. The Hobbit
Favorite Non-fiction book of the month:
1. Zen in the Art of Writing
3 Hardest reads of the month:
1. Name of the Rose
2. God of Small Things
3. The Neverending Story
3 Best Children's books of the month:
1. Wise Child
2. Skellig
3. Sourcery
19. Skellig
By David Almond (182 pgs Dell Yearling 1998)
It may be that my perception has been colored by the last thing I read but it seems to me that this is a story about overcoming despair with love. A young boy discovers a stranger in the derelict garage of his parent's new house. Between worrying about his ill baby sister and learning about learning from his new friend Mina, he discovers with Mina's help that the man is not perhaps a man after all.
I think this is a lovely book and a good work of fiction for children. The reading level is 10 years old but I feel a precocious 8 year old could probably manage it.
It may be that my perception has been colored by the last thing I read but it seems to me that this is a story about overcoming despair with love. A young boy discovers a stranger in the derelict garage of his parent's new house. Between worrying about his ill baby sister and learning about learning from his new friend Mina, he discovers with Mina's help that the man is not perhaps a man after all.
I think this is a lovely book and a good work of fiction for children. The reading level is 10 years old but I feel a precocious 8 year old could probably manage it.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
18. Deadly Sins (NF 3)
(125 Pgs William Morrow and Company, Inc. New York 1993)
This is a collection of essays written on the Deadly Sins and the one unforgivable one (Despair) by novelist, fiction short story writers, and a poet. What drew me to this book was that I recognized some of the authors and I'm glad I gave it a shot. Each sin was covered by a different author :
Sloth by Thomas Pynchon
Anger by Mary Gordon
Lust by John Updike
Gluttony by William Trevor
Pride by Gore Vidal
Avarice by Richard Howard
Envy by A.S. Byatt
and
Despair by Joyce Carol Oates.
I think Envy and Pride were my favorites, closely followed by Sloth and Gluttony. This is a book well worth owning and I think I may try to find a copy to add to my library.
This is a collection of essays written on the Deadly Sins and the one unforgivable one (Despair) by novelist, fiction short story writers, and a poet. What drew me to this book was that I recognized some of the authors and I'm glad I gave it a shot. Each sin was covered by a different author :
Sloth by Thomas Pynchon
Anger by Mary Gordon
Lust by John Updike
Gluttony by William Trevor
Pride by Gore Vidal
Avarice by Richard Howard
Envy by A.S. Byatt
and
Despair by Joyce Carol Oates.
I think Envy and Pride were my favorites, closely followed by Sloth and Gluttony. This is a book well worth owning and I think I may try to find a copy to add to my library.
17. A Series of Unfortunate Events : The Austere Academy
By Lemony Snickett (227 pgs)
Book number 5 in the series. It seems the three orphans have finally run out of relatives. Either that or the relatives have wised up since all the one's who've taken in the children have ended up dead. In any case, this time the Baudelaires find themselves in a wretched boarding school.
The Baudelaires meet some kindred spirits in two children named the Quagmires. That's about the only good thing going for them in this one. Count Olaf of course shows up and his plot isn't quite as obvious as most have been. This one was kinda blah....but then I'm not the biggest fan to begin with.
Book number 5 in the series. It seems the three orphans have finally run out of relatives. Either that or the relatives have wised up since all the one's who've taken in the children have ended up dead. In any case, this time the Baudelaires find themselves in a wretched boarding school.
The Baudelaires meet some kindred spirits in two children named the Quagmires. That's about the only good thing going for them in this one. Count Olaf of course shows up and his plot isn't quite as obvious as most have been. This one was kinda blah....but then I'm not the biggest fan to begin with.
16. Wise Child
by Monica Furlong (240 pgs)
This is a story about a child who's parents, while not dead, have left her a virtual orphan. Set in Middle Age Scotland, Wise Child is taken in by Juniper, the local herbwoman or witch, depending on who you talk to. Juniper begins to teach Wise Child her art and a sudden renewed interest in the part of Wise Child's mother begins to cause a great deal of strife.
There is a pervasive moral discussion going on here about idleness and sloth and I found as I read I was much more inclined to do housework (which is....just weird.)
This is a story about a child who's parents, while not dead, have left her a virtual orphan. Set in Middle Age Scotland, Wise Child is taken in by Juniper, the local herbwoman or witch, depending on who you talk to. Juniper begins to teach Wise Child her art and a sudden renewed interest in the part of Wise Child's mother begins to cause a great deal of strife.
There is a pervasive moral discussion going on here about idleness and sloth and I found as I read I was much more inclined to do housework (which is....just weird.)
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
15. The Hobbit
by J.R.R. Tolkien (255 pgs)
This was actually better than I remember it being, although I always felt it was the best of the four. I think I understand much more than I did 12 years ago when I first read it. I was a little surprised by some points of the book that I didn't remember previously, particularly those concerning Elrond. I think I forgot altogether that he was in The Hobbit.
This was actually better than I remember it being, although I always felt it was the best of the four. I think I understand much more than I did 12 years ago when I first read it. I was a little surprised by some points of the book that I didn't remember previously, particularly those concerning Elrond. I think I forgot altogether that he was in The Hobbit.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
14. A Series of Unfortunate Events : The Miserable Mill
by Lemony Snicket (199 pgs)
this is the 4th installment of the series and I actually found this one enjoyable. The word defining nonsense is still there but it's being played with and almost clever in places.
The children seem to be running out of relatives and they end up in a lumber mill...working...even the baby. Count Olaf doesn't seem to be there but Klaus is acting very...strange.
this is the 4th installment of the series and I actually found this one enjoyable. The word defining nonsense is still there but it's being played with and almost clever in places.
The children seem to be running out of relatives and they end up in a lumber mill...working...even the baby. Count Olaf doesn't seem to be there but Klaus is acting very...strange.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
13. The Name of the Rose
by Umberto Eco (611 pgs)Warner Books edition 1980 copyright
This is a very large book of Faulknerian density. Like Faulkner there is a definite sense of pride in having read it, also it's worth the read. It is a good book and having read it I can honestly say that I'm glad that I did. However, Eco indulges in too much nearly useless exposition. Many of the theological debates are interesting but are only marginally important to the plot. The book could easily be 200 pages shorter simply by editing out the useless exposition or condensing it.
This is a very large book of Faulknerian density. Like Faulkner there is a definite sense of pride in having read it, also it's worth the read. It is a good book and having read it I can honestly say that I'm glad that I did. However, Eco indulges in too much nearly useless exposition. Many of the theological debates are interesting but are only marginally important to the plot. The book could easily be 200 pages shorter simply by editing out the useless exposition or condensing it.
Monday, February 14, 2005
12. A Series of Unfortunate Events : The Wide Window
by Lemony Snicket (218 pgs)
*sigh* I'm pretty sure children's literature could potentially be better than this. It's not that this is awful but it strays fairly close to obnoxious. I know kids love it, but there's better stuff out there for them. Anyway....
In this, the third, book of the series we find the Baudelaires with their rather droopy Aunt Josephine. The aunt is rather annoyingly afraid of absolutely everything. Thankfully it annoys the children as well but unlike the previous installment there was a dearth of witty dialog. Of course Aunt Josephine doesn't survive very long and I'm beginning to wonder if the orphans will have any relatives left for the next book in the series.
*sigh* I'm pretty sure children's literature could potentially be better than this. It's not that this is awful but it strays fairly close to obnoxious. I know kids love it, but there's better stuff out there for them. Anyway....
In this, the third, book of the series we find the Baudelaires with their rather droopy Aunt Josephine. The aunt is rather annoyingly afraid of absolutely everything. Thankfully it annoys the children as well but unlike the previous installment there was a dearth of witty dialog. Of course Aunt Josephine doesn't survive very long and I'm beginning to wonder if the orphans will have any relatives left for the next book in the series.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
11. A Series of Unfortunate Events : The Reptile Room
by Lemony Snicket (190 pgs)
This is the 2nd book in the series and a rather large improvement over the first. The Baudelaire children find themselves in the care of yet another relative but this time the very pleasant Dr. Montgomery. Things soon go wrong however when Dr. Montgomery dies from an apparent snake bite and his mysterious assistant turns out to be someone the children recognize.
I tend to feel that these books are rather patronizing...Particularly the way the author insists on defining words for the readers, and the children's) 'benefit.' Luckily in this volume the children start getting annoyed with it too and that made it somewhat easier to get through.
This is the 2nd book in the series and a rather large improvement over the first. The Baudelaire children find themselves in the care of yet another relative but this time the very pleasant Dr. Montgomery. Things soon go wrong however when Dr. Montgomery dies from an apparent snake bite and his mysterious assistant turns out to be someone the children recognize.
I tend to feel that these books are rather patronizing...Particularly the way the author insists on defining words for the readers, and the children's) 'benefit.' Luckily in this volume the children start getting annoyed with it too and that made it somewhat easier to get through.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
10. Zen in the Art of Writing (NF 2)
by Ray Bradbury (176 pgs)published in 1994.
I first encountered this book the summer after my freshman year in college. It was sitting on a sale rack at one of the Toledo Borders Booksellers. I picked it up, flipped through it, noticed the poetry in the the back, and bought it on a whim. The book ended up being one of the saving graces of the summer ruled by unreasonable bosses punctuated by sheer retail boredom. Of course, I lent it out and of course it never came back. Well I replaced my copy and just finished reading it.
Zen in the Art of Writing is a collection of essays and poems by Bradbury on the subjects of writing and creativity. Much of it is out of context, being pulled from various places including prefaces, film interviews, and lectures, but still relevent and oddly compelling. This book has, and I suspect always will, inspire me to write. I love this book and, no, you can't borrow it. :-P
I first encountered this book the summer after my freshman year in college. It was sitting on a sale rack at one of the Toledo Borders Booksellers. I picked it up, flipped through it, noticed the poetry in the the back, and bought it on a whim. The book ended up being one of the saving graces of the summer ruled by unreasonable bosses punctuated by sheer retail boredom. Of course, I lent it out and of course it never came back. Well I replaced my copy and just finished reading it.
Zen in the Art of Writing is a collection of essays and poems by Bradbury on the subjects of writing and creativity. Much of it is out of context, being pulled from various places including prefaces, film interviews, and lectures, but still relevent and oddly compelling. This book has, and I suspect always will, inspire me to write. I love this book and, no, you can't borrow it. :-P
9. Around the World in Eighty Days
by Jules Verne (170 pgs) originally published in 1872, I read the Dover Thrift Edition published in 2000 translated from French by George Makepeace Towle.
Phileas Fogg is an odd English gentleman obsessed with punctuality. Passepartout is his new French manservant who took the job looking for a quiet position in which to enjoy the pleasures of domesticity. Together they undertake circumnavigate the globe on a wager of 20,000 pounds. The difficult task is soon complicated by the appearance of detective Fixx, who is convinced Phileas Fogg is a bank robber.
I remember trying to read this book when I was 12 or 13 and not being able to get in to it. Now that I'm a bit older, I found it an enthralling read. I became truly invested in the characters and found myself laughing at the end and agitated when some obstacle appeared to delay the journey.
Phileas Fogg is an odd English gentleman obsessed with punctuality. Passepartout is his new French manservant who took the job looking for a quiet position in which to enjoy the pleasures of domesticity. Together they undertake circumnavigate the globe on a wager of 20,000 pounds. The difficult task is soon complicated by the appearance of detective Fixx, who is convinced Phileas Fogg is a bank robber.
I remember trying to read this book when I was 12 or 13 and not being able to get in to it. Now that I'm a bit older, I found it an enthralling read. I became truly invested in the characters and found myself laughing at the end and agitated when some obstacle appeared to delay the journey.
Friday, February 04, 2005
8. The Neverending Story
By Michael Ende (445 pgs)
Originally written in German this book has spawned one of the classic children's movies of my childhood. Surprisingly the movie is actually pretty close to the first 200 pages of the book and in, some few ways, the movie is better than the book. The differences though make sense in the context of the whole novel. The second movie, while less true to the book, contains many of the same themes.
The story is aimed towards a younger audience and is about the wishes universal to all children. I wish I had read it when I was younger. I think I would have found it immensely comforting.
Originally written in German this book has spawned one of the classic children's movies of my childhood. Surprisingly the movie is actually pretty close to the first 200 pages of the book and in, some few ways, the movie is better than the book. The differences though make sense in the context of the whole novel. The second movie, while less true to the book, contains many of the same themes.
The story is aimed towards a younger audience and is about the wishes universal to all children. I wish I had read it when I was younger. I think I would have found it immensely comforting.
7. Chocolat
By Joanne Harris (306 pgs)
Interesting book told from the point of two different characters, Vianne the free-spirited chocolate seller and Reynaud the close-minded priest. Soon after Vianne's arrival in Lansquenet, the two characters begin a fierce but quiet war for the hearts of the townspeople. Vianne with her chocolate and small seeming magics and Reynaud with his church and seeming purity.
All the characters are amazingly drawn and the book is incredibly absorbing. Seeing the movie gives none of the twists and turns truly away.
Interesting book told from the point of two different characters, Vianne the free-spirited chocolate seller and Reynaud the close-minded priest. Soon after Vianne's arrival in Lansquenet, the two characters begin a fierce but quiet war for the hearts of the townspeople. Vianne with her chocolate and small seeming magics and Reynaud with his church and seeming purity.
All the characters are amazingly drawn and the book is incredibly absorbing. Seeing the movie gives none of the twists and turns truly away.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
6. The God of Small Things
By Arundhati Roy (340 pgs)
Well...I have a friend who gave up on this book saying that it was too depressing. That in the end everyone either had to have sex or die. She was right...but I'm not telling which.
I think the artistry of this book is how the story was spun together from recollections, much like looking at the family picture album from a family who's last surviving member you've just met and who is telling you her family history and using the pictures to help her remember. ...Ok if that makes any sense at all, be sure to let me know.
In the end, it is a depressing book. But it has a redeeming quality in what it has to say about the tenderness of love, and that makes it a worthwhile depression.
Well...I have a friend who gave up on this book saying that it was too depressing. That in the end everyone either had to have sex or die. She was right...but I'm not telling which.
I think the artistry of this book is how the story was spun together from recollections, much like looking at the family picture album from a family who's last surviving member you've just met and who is telling you her family history and using the pictures to help her remember. ...Ok if that makes any sense at all, be sure to let me know.
In the end, it is a depressing book. But it has a redeeming quality in what it has to say about the tenderness of love, and that makes it a worthwhile depression.
Feburary Update and Notes
Well, obviously I'm behind. I should have read something like 16 books and I only read 5 *sheepish look* So that means, for the next 11 months I need to read 17 or 18 books each month. I've also been a little silly at the used book stores and bought a whole bunch of books so here's what is on the menu for Febuary:
1 Chocolat by Joanne Harris
2 The Neverending Story by Micheal Ende
3 Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury (NF)
4 The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
5 The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien
6 The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R Tolkien
7 The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
8 Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
9 Portrait of the Artist by James Joyce
10 Wise Child by Monica Furlong
11 Four Ways to Forgiveness by Ursula K. LeGuin
12 Islam By Karen Armstrong (NF)
13 Amnesia Moon by Jonathan Lethem
14 The Short Stories by Ernest Hemingway
15 Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
16 A Maze of Death by Philip K. Dick
17 The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. LeGuin
18 Game-Players of Titan Philip K. Dick
and just in case I'm insane and manage it:
19 A Scanner Darkly by Philip K Dick
20 Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
I plan to tackle these more or less in this order. A little switching around may happen if I get tired of Tolkien, for example. Pray for my sanity.
1 Chocolat by Joanne Harris
2 The Neverending Story by Micheal Ende
3 Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury (NF)
4 The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
5 The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien
6 The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R Tolkien
7 The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
8 Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
9 Portrait of the Artist by James Joyce
10 Wise Child by Monica Furlong
11 Four Ways to Forgiveness by Ursula K. LeGuin
12 Islam By Karen Armstrong (NF)
13 Amnesia Moon by Jonathan Lethem
14 The Short Stories by Ernest Hemingway
15 Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
16 A Maze of Death by Philip K. Dick
17 The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. LeGuin
18 Game-Players of Titan Philip K. Dick
and just in case I'm insane and manage it:
19 A Scanner Darkly by Philip K Dick
20 Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
I plan to tackle these more or less in this order. A little switching around may happen if I get tired of Tolkien, for example. Pray for my sanity.
5. Sourcery
by Terry Pratchett 260 pgs.
As always, Pratchett's books are a lot of fun. Sourcery is the typical Pratchett book filled with clever references and word jokery. I always feel, no matter how many I catch, that I've missed a ton of them. The one true trial of a Pratchett book, however, remains the lack of chapter breaks.
In the disk world, the 8th son of an 8th son is invariably a wizard. And wizards don't have...ahem relations....with the opposite gender. But what if one did? What would be the 8th son of an 8th son of an 8th son? Apparently, it would be a sourcerer. This is also, apparently, a bad thing.
As always, Pratchett's books are a lot of fun. Sourcery is the typical Pratchett book filled with clever references and word jokery. I always feel, no matter how many I catch, that I've missed a ton of them. The one true trial of a Pratchett book, however, remains the lack of chapter breaks.
In the disk world, the 8th son of an 8th son is invariably a wizard. And wizards don't have...ahem relations....with the opposite gender. But what if one did? What would be the 8th son of an 8th son of an 8th son? Apparently, it would be a sourcerer. This is also, apparently, a bad thing.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
4. The Great Garlic Book (NF 1)
146 pages.
Holy crap this took way too long to read and I picked it to be easy, which just goes to show my 10th grade english teacher was right about cheating often being more work than honesty. In any case, I don't think this book was ever meant to be read cover to cover. It's really just a glorified coffee table book. The enthusiastic writing style is often tedious to read and grammatically difficult to follow at times. That being said the recipies in the back look yummy and I now know more about garlic than I ever thought there was to know in the first place.
Thanks to Zach for the edifying Christmas present...I sense garlic cookies in your future.
Holy crap this took way too long to read and I picked it to be easy, which just goes to show my 10th grade english teacher was right about cheating often being more work than honesty. In any case, I don't think this book was ever meant to be read cover to cover. It's really just a glorified coffee table book. The enthusiastic writing style is often tedious to read and grammatically difficult to follow at times. That being said the recipies in the back look yummy and I now know more about garlic than I ever thought there was to know in the first place.
Thanks to Zach for the edifying Christmas present...I sense garlic cookies in your future.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
3. Coraline
by Neil Gaiman 176 pages
This is indeed a children's book. Ages 9-12 it says, however, it is by the master Gaiman so it must be read! Read it, I tell you! It took me all of 2 hours to read and it's a delightful use of time.
Coraline is a young girl at the end of her summer holidays who discovers a mysterious hallway through a bricked up doorway. It's a wonderful book.
This is indeed a children's book. Ages 9-12 it says, however, it is by the master Gaiman so it must be read! Read it, I tell you! It took me all of 2 hours to read and it's a delightful use of time.
Coraline is a young girl at the end of her summer holidays who discovers a mysterious hallway through a bricked up doorway. It's a wonderful book.
Monday, January 17, 2005
2. The Well of Lost Plots
by Jasper Fforde (375 pgs)
Third in the Thursday Next series. Fforde has shown serious growth and maturity since his first book. The Well of Lost plots is a continuation of the main story and addresses some of the more serious loose ends from the first two novels. I'm not sure that the Well of Lost Plots turned out the way Fforde originally envisioned it though. In the previous book, Lost in a Good Book, the Well was hinted to be almost sinister in nature. In the Well of Lost Souls....it's somewhat more benign.
In any case, it was a good read.
Third in the Thursday Next series. Fforde has shown serious growth and maturity since his first book. The Well of Lost plots is a continuation of the main story and addresses some of the more serious loose ends from the first two novels. I'm not sure that the Well of Lost Plots turned out the way Fforde originally envisioned it though. In the previous book, Lost in a Good Book, the Well was hinted to be almost sinister in nature. In the Well of Lost Souls....it's somewhat more benign.
In any case, it was a good read.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
1. Cloud Atlas
By David Mitchell
This was a book club pick and a booker prize finalist. The most interesting aspect of the novel is the structure. There is a series of 5 or 6 stories that are 'nested,' meaning that the book begins and ends with the same story and that each story except the middle (or last depending on the way one looks at it) is split down the middle. To illustrate the order:
1st story beginning
2nd story beginning
3rd story beginning
4th story beginning
5th story
4th story ending
3rd story ending
2nd story ending
1st story ending
The first story is set in the past and the stories move forward chronologically until the 5th or 6th (can't remember just how many there were) which is in the far future. Each of the stories is linked although not always in expected ways. I wonder if to some degree Mitchell was trying to illustrate the cyclical nature of time?
I highly recommend this book.
This was a book club pick and a booker prize finalist. The most interesting aspect of the novel is the structure. There is a series of 5 or 6 stories that are 'nested,' meaning that the book begins and ends with the same story and that each story except the middle (or last depending on the way one looks at it) is split down the middle. To illustrate the order:
1st story beginning
2nd story beginning
3rd story beginning
4th story beginning
5th story
4th story ending
3rd story ending
2nd story ending
1st story ending
The first story is set in the past and the stories move forward chronologically until the 5th or 6th (can't remember just how many there were) which is in the far future. Each of the stories is linked although not always in expected ways. I wonder if to some degree Mitchell was trying to illustrate the cyclical nature of time?
I highly recommend this book.
Statement of Purpose
I have a friend who, on a bet from her spouse, is trying to read 500 books by next year. I'd love it if I could make that but school and all...so I'm going to aim for 200 (school books count) no less than 15% of which have to be non-fiction (or 30 out of 200, 75 out of 500). Books I re-read count but they can't have been read within the last year. Manga and graphic novels also count by series completion or multiples of 10. All books must have a blog entry.
So I'm taking suggestions on books and, most importantly, a reward on the off chance I actually make the 200 goal.
So I'm taking suggestions on books and, most importantly, a reward on the off chance I actually make the 200 goal.
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