I love books and movies that get you interested in sports you never cared about before. Also, I love how the Olympics does the same thing. You turn onI love books and movies that get you interested in sports you never cared about before. Also, I love how the Olympics does the same thing. You turn on the TV and suddenly life itself depends on the outcome of some not quite mainstream sport like biathlon, cycling, diving, curling, etc. - and, while watching, you become an expert at all the finer points of the sport. The Boys in the Boat is the perfect example of this type of story. And, with the Winter Olympics coming up, the perfect way to whet my appetite for the competition.
In this case, the sport is rowing. The underdogs are the working class Western US college boys competing against the upper class Ivy Leaguers of the East. The true story of their progress to success and Olympic glory is enthralling. The writing is superb. You will find yourself falling in love with rowing even if you have never seen an oar slice through the water before.
History buffs, sports fans, and people who love a good story about the disrespected underdog finding ultimate success in the end - this book is for you!
Side note - this book also does a great job capturing the development of the Nazi regime as they rose to power while preparing for the 1936 Olympics. The stories of whitewashing the towns to cover up poverty and the newly established oppression of Jews and other minorities is heart-wrenching. Tales of the propaganda machine and the wool pulled over the eyes of the world is amazing. At one point, the author goes through a list of the things the athletes did "not see", and I was wondering if this was an intentional play on "Nazi".
This book was great! It is fun and quirky. I think you can read it either to find purpose and meaning, or just for a nice, quick read.
I am definitely This book was great! It is fun and quirky. I think you can read it either to find purpose and meaning, or just for a nice, quick read.
I am definitely a Robin Sloan fan. I enjoyed Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore as well so I was looking forward to this one. While his stuff can be a bit out there (it definitely falls in the Magical Realism category), it is not so out there that it is hard to stay engaged. It is like he takes things from our normal, everyday lives and tweaks them slightly towards the bizarre. After finishing his works, you may not look at the little things quite the same anymore.
[image]
Also, this is definitely a book for foodies! If you love food, baking, unique culinary trends, farmer’s markets, ordering new takeout food that takes you out of your comfort zone (see what I did there . . . take out . . . takes you out . . . ah, well, at least I thought it was clever! ;)), then you must read this book.
Oh, and now I want ALL THE SOURDOUGH! If you read this near a bakery you will give them ALL YOUR MONEY and OD on bread.
Back in the mid-90s I started reading Strangers In Paradise. I loved this comic book for the art, the humor, the heart-felt storylines, etc. I could nBack in the mid-90s I started reading Strangers In Paradise. I loved this comic book for the art, the humor, the heart-felt storylines, etc. I could not wait for the next issue!
Unfortunately, around the 30th issue or so, life took over and pulled me away from comic books. For some unfathomable reason, I didn't stick with this amazing story (hell, I loved it so much I even have a letter published in one of the issues!)
[image]
Well I am going back! I have every issue on hand and I am going to read them all in the chunks that comprise the volumes they were collected in. Hey, 20 years isn't too long of a wait, right!?
Needless to say, Volume 1 which contains all 3 issues of the first series, is 5 stars and what drew me in. Check it out - I dare you to not fall in love with Francine and Katchoo!
To be fair, I was warned going in that this was Sanderson’s first novel. Maybe because of this it is not his best. Also, I should not judge everythingTo be fair, I was warned going in that this was Sanderson’s first novel. Maybe because of this it is not his best. Also, I should not judge everything by this book and, as a result, not want to read more of his books. So, my review of this book may be a little harsh, but there is no reason to lose hope . . .
Ah, heck, I cannot keep this charade up!!!
WHAT THE ACTUAL F!$%????
If what the fans are saying is true about this “weakest” book and that I shouldn’t judge whether to move on based on this, I MUST BE ABOUT TO EMBARK ON THE MOST AMAZING SERIES OF MIND BLOWING FANTASY BOOKS EVER!
I don’t think I need to say much more than this was GREAT, FANTASTIC, WELL DONE! Sanderson has easily found himself a new fan. And, if it only goes up from here . . . well, I guess I am in for a real treat!
(Yes, Mary ~Ravager of Tomes~, all of those ellipses are for you for not having more faith in your author! ;););)) ...more
What a story! I mentioned this in one of my status updates and I think it is the best way to describe this book: every new scene in this book is out oWhat a story! I mentioned this in one of my status updates and I think it is the best way to describe this book: every new scene in this book is out of the frying pan and into the fire!
My wife recommended this book to me and we usually have a pretty good idea of what the other will like (probably a 95% success rate). We have both read and enjoyed The Nightingale, which is probably what Hannah is best known for even though she has quite an extensive resume of novels. This book is quite unlike The Nightingale, and, dare I say, even better.
At first I thought it started slow and I was having trouble connecting to it. But, about 1/3 of the way through the intensity and the story really ramped up. From then on out it is a rollercoaster suspense-thriller-tear jerker that warms the heart and will terrify you with the possibilities of the human condition.
I can easily recommend this to almost anyone. It is just great storytelling of a unique and captivating tale....more
The Martian Chronicles is a book I have heard about for years, but ended up passing it by in lieu of other Ray Bradbury classics (do you need to qualiThe Martian Chronicles is a book I have heard about for years, but ended up passing it by in lieu of other Ray Bradbury classics (do you need to qualify them by saying “classic”? I think that goes without saying). I have now finally read it and it is amazing. I continue to be impressed with Bradbury’s writing style – and his style is very well defined. I am pretty sure he is so integrated into how and what he writes, I could probably guess that a book is written by Bradbury after just a few paragraphs (and that is not me bragging on my ability to figure out who wrote something, it is just that obvious that it is Bradbury).
When I went into this I thought, “Martian Chronicles = Sci-Fi”. That is very wrong! This book felt much more like his Magical Realism titles I have read. While most of the book takes place on Mars, the content is not about space travel, and aliens, and cool technology. It is about the human condition, perception vs reality, misuse of natural resources, man seeing himself as an island, etc. It is a commentary on people and the tendency for our hopes to be destroyed by our inability to truly see the best and right course of action. Generally it is very dark – there is a little ray of hope to it, but the overall feel is if we don’t get our s#!t together, we are doomed.
So, if you are looking for sci-fi and want nothing less than space battles and cool spaceships, this is not the book for you. If you are a fan of other Bradbury, cautionary tales, and speculative fiction, this is right up you alley. ...more
It's never a good thing to wear a red shirt in sci-fi . . .
[image]
Bad things happen to guys in red shirts . . .
[image]
You always have a couple of dispIt's never a good thing to wear a red shirt in sci-fi . . .
[image]
Bad things happen to guys in red shirts . . .
[image]
You always have a couple of disposable extras for an away mission . . .
[image]
But, what if they figured it out and decided to do something about it?
This book was excellent. I am very impressed with how creative, funny, and moving it is all at the same time. It pokes fun at cheesy sci-fi television while honoring it at the same time.
Scalzi has become one of my favorites for his creativity in a genre that can easily get repetitive. If you love sci-fi books and television, you owe it to yourself to check this one out!
Steinbeck does it again. All my experiences with his writings have been fantastic. Every word, every description, every plot point, every twist - perfSteinbeck does it again. All my experiences with his writings have been fantastic. Every word, every description, every plot point, every twist - perfect!
The Pearl is very short but very amazing. It is a tale of greed and how people around wealth or who come upon sudden wealth are affected. Many of us think our life would be perfect if we won the lottery, but I think all of us could benefit from the lessons in this story.
I picked this book now because I am on vacation in Hatteras, NC, and the locations along the sea seemed like they would blend well with my surroundings. I was correct! Many key scenes occur at or in the ocean, and reading this while my toes were in the surf added so much to the atmosphere.
Do yourself a favor and take a quiet afternoon, get away to somewhere (a beach if possible), and read The Pearl. Your literary senses will thank you!...more
What a great book! I had heard good things and it did not disappoint.
Taylor knows how to world build! She took me to a place we have never been, that What a great book! I had heard good things and it did not disappoint.
Taylor knows how to world build! She took me to a place we have never been, that has its own set of rules, its own history, its own mythology, etc. and in under 100 pages I was comfortable with the reality she had created. Also, while world building, she didn’t spend time stopping the story to set up the world for us. Instead, it was seamlessly integrated with the story so that as we got to know the characters and their actions, we got to know the world.
It is a fantastic story; very moving throughout, while at times terrifying. I was drawn in the whole time and frequently found myself holding my breath because of the suspense. Even though it is a decently long book, I did not feel like it was dragging on at any point, even when there were long conversations between characters. It is one of the best put together books of this genre that I have read. Also, the story is incredibly unique – some themes in the YA fantasy genre get rehashed, but this one felt new and fresh.
I have no issue recommending this book to anyone. You have to have a good imagination, though, and be able to let yourself go into Taylor’s fantasy world. If you can do this, close your eyes and drift off into the mind of Strange the Dreamer. ...more
This has to be one of the best and most complete books I have ever read. Each element - plot, characters, twists, suspense, climax - all of it, perfecThis has to be one of the best and most complete books I have ever read. Each element - plot, characters, twists, suspense, climax - all of it, perfect! If I had one criticism, it might be a slightly slow start, but with the awesome payoff, that is hardly worth mentioning.
The plot - I have to be honest, I judged a book by its cover and title. I thought, okay, "Rebecca", an elegant woman, a curly font, probably another cheesy classic romance. I'll read it because it is one you are supposed to read, but I doubt I will think it is great. I have never been so wrong. Mystery, intrigue, deception, subterfuge, twists, turns, misunderstandings, accusations, threats, etc. etc. etc. So much is happening in this story, and it is great!
The characters - each character plays their part very well. Because of the nature of the plot, you may not quite ever be sure who some of them really are - and, perhaps, you will be left to make some judgements on your own. Also, this book has two characters that are the essence of love to hate - one because they are a total a-hole, and the other because they are creepy as hell! I don't know what it is, but I often feel like authors frequently have a hard time getting easily hateable characters right. That is far from the case here - they are perfect!
Suspense and Mystery - I will keep this short to avoid spoilers. This book has about 7 big climaxes/revelations. Every second between those will have you on the edge of your seat. Others will catch you completely off guard. I can guarantee you will catch yourself holding your breath.
So, in summary, I loved it! It was great! Read it! Don't be like me and think "meh, a classic named Rebecca - probably boring" It is not! It is awesome!...more
C.J. Box has hit his stride and is knocking these books out of the park!
The last few of his books have been great, but this one is the best of his I hC.J. Box has hit his stride and is knocking these books out of the park!
The last few of his books have been great, but this one is the best of his I have read in a long time. So, when the book is better than books you already felt were pretty great – that is a very good thing!
Lots of action, corruption, revenge set all around the state of Wyoming: Big Horn Mountains, Jackson Hole, even the small town of Lusk gets featured. I grew up in Wyoming and went to Lusk for the 4th of July once. It is not a city I ever expected to see featured in a book.
[image]
Box takes me back with every book he writes. I hope if you get a chance to read these, you can picture the settings in your head! And, I hope you all get a chance to visit there someday, too!
[image]
If you are looking for a modern day western mystery series, you cannot go wrong with Joe Pickett. I still stand by my belief that this is much better than the Longmire series (although, those have started to improve somewhat as I have gone along). If you want to try this series out, I suggest starting at the beginning. I feel like there is way too much in this book related to previous stories to make this one enjoyable as a stand-alone. ...more
"Magical realism, magic realism, or marvelous realism is a genre of narrative fiction and, more broadly, art (liMagic Realism - according to Wikipedia
"Magical realism, magic realism, or marvelous realism is a genre of narrative fiction and, more broadly, art (literature, painting, film, theatre, etc.) that, while encompassing a range of subtly different concepts, expresses a primarily realistic view of the real world while also adding or revealing magical elements. It is sometimes called fabulism, in reference to the conventions of fables, myths, and allegory. "Magical realism", perhaps the most common term, often refers to fiction and literature in particular, with magic or the supernatural presented in an otherwise real-world or mundane setting."
This book is the essence of Magic Realism. If you are a fan of other Magic Realism books (i.e. McCammon's Boy's Life) you should definitely check this out. The setting is small town America, the main characters are your average young boys, but the things they encounter are far from normal (or are they?) - you will question what is real and what is imagination.
Nostalgia, young vs old, new ideas vs the status quo are all main themes. Learning from past mistakes, respecting the experience of your elders, and history repeating itself all make appearances. There is no life or death - just sunrises/sunsets, new beginnings, strong tradition, and acceptance of your place in all of it.
This book is deeply poetic and rightly so. A fantastically written story that should be read by anyone that appreciates great literature. I am looking forward to the sequel, Something Wicked This Way Comes....more
This is an incredibly fascinating and well done book. I think that the thoughts and opinions of the author might be controversial, but he lived througThis is an incredibly fascinating and well done book. I think that the thoughts and opinions of the author might be controversial, but he lived through it and saw the good and the bad so I will give him the benefit of the doubt on how he sees things after the way he grew up!
When I saw the name, I figured this would be reading about a real life Deliverance-esque town. However, this is more about how a boy develops into a man when dealing with being raised by a family with a “Hillbilly” background. The setting is suburban Ohio where many Hillbillies have relocated for blue collar jobs. In fact, the town is Middletown, Ohio, which is not far from where I was growing up at the same time that the events of this book were taking place (Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati). Because of this, it hit home even more for me.
When I say that his opinions might come across as controversial, it is because he gives his opinions about his upbringing and the Hillbilly culture and how he had to struggle to overcome it. Some of what he says might get people riled up if it came from an outsider. But, again, since he lived with it – I feel like his input and opinion are a very important viewpoint.
I did a little background search on this book and the author online. It sounds like there are some people who scoff at this book because it isn’t about a Deliverance-esque town, the author is well spoken, and he does not necessarily paint the Hillbilly culture in the best light. I agree that all these things are true about the book, but I think that is what makes it even more fascinating and amazing to me. When you read this, you will probably be surprised that he made it away from abuse, drug use, poverty, and crime at all. Is he supposed to feel bad about that? I think that some people think that he should; kind of like he turned his back on his roots
If a thought provoking book about growing up in lower middle class suburbia over the past 30-40 years sounds interesting to you, this is your book. I can easily recommend this book to anyone who loves a good memoir. ...more
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review
This was my first ARC and I was hesitant at first for a couple of reasons. First, I already have aI received this ARC in exchange for an honest review
This was my first ARC and I was hesitant at first for a couple of reasons. First, I already have a huge TBR of books that I have lined up to read. Second, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about pressured reading; putting myself in the position to review an author’s work with him watching closely. What if I didn’t like it? Could I feel comfortable reporting back that it wasn’t my cup of tea?
Fortunately, with 100% confidence and honesty, I can say that that was not the case here.
This book was FANTASTIC! It is the real deal and needs to start gracing the shelves of readers everywhere! I enjoyed every second of it and I am sad that it is over. Bowe has done a great job with his debut and, if this book is any indication, we will see more greatness from him in the future.
Skyscraper of a Man is a coming-of-age story taking place over a couple of decades. It is a thoroughly developed story with great characters and a complex, but not daunting, story line. The writing is very mature and enthralling. While there is a lot in these pages, none of it is filler. When I was done I was left reflecting on life choices and friendships. Which is more important – our success in life, or the people around us? How far would you be willing to go to succeed and what would you be willing to do to protect that success?
Thank you, Mr. Bowe, for the opportunity to be one of the first to read your book. I am very glad I took a chance on my first ARC because it has made a lasting impression and I look forward to reading more of your work in the future. ...more
I have had a lot of great luck with music autobiographies lately. This was way more interesting than I expected it to be and it was a joy listening toI have had a lot of great luck with music autobiographies lately. This was way more interesting than I expected it to be and it was a joy listening to Phil Collins tell his story as the narrator for the audiobook.
[image]
While not a mega-fan, I have enjoyed Phil Collins’s music since the 1980s. I remember taking car trips with my mom and listening to No Jacket Required (Su-su-sudio). One of the most powerful (and still chill inducing) Phil-related memories I have is going to the yearly Labor Day fireworks show in Cincinnati (Riverfest) in the 90s. People would gather all weekend along the riverfront until a couple of million people were waiting. They would count down several hundred rock songs on the local radio station and, as the sun set right before the fireworks, thousands of radios lining the river would blast out In The Air Tonight . . . and you could really feel the build up in your bones! It was perfectly awesome!
[image]
Now, while I do have those nostalgic memories (and a copy of Phil’s and Genesis’ Greatest Hits around here somewhere), I have already mentioned that I was not a die-hard fan or anything. There are definitely bands and performers I followed much more closely and would have been more likely to rush out and buy tickets to see. But, once I saw there was a “read by the author” autobiography available, my nostalgia was strong enough to consider giving it a try.
Boy, am I glad I did!
This book was extremely interesting from page one. You never know for sure if a person you don’t know much about will sell their childhood in a way that draws you in. But his stories of musical theater, performing at pubs when he was as young as 10, and general troublemaking in the London suburbs of the 50s and 60s are a great appetizer for things to come.
[image]
Once he starts performing, he just doesn’t stop! It seems like Collins has a history of performing with, producing, writing for, touring with, etc. every act from the mid-1960s to today. He is hopping from band, to album, to tour with such whirlwind regularity that there is no slowing down and no filler. With the addition of his acting, relationship with the royal family, and other extra-curriculars, I am not sure how he survived!
[image]
And, we haven’t even touched on his three marriages that he tried to maintain but failed due to his commitments to is rigorous schedule. During these stories, Collins may not come across as a very sympathetic character, but I really don’t think he is asking for sympathy or to be seen as a tragic figure who sacrificed family for fame. He knows he screwed up lots of aspects of his life and that he is not perfect. So, while he often mentions he is the jokester and the book has a lot of funny stories, it has several heart wrenching parts as well.
[image]
If you like music and you like biographies, this book is very worth it. I suppose if you have no interest in Collins or this era of music, you may not be interested. But sometimes I have tried these sorts of books when I think I will likely not be interested and end up finding something I love. Perhaps that will happen to you, too....more
"People round here don't always know the difference between right and wrong. But we know the difference between good and evil."
Fredrik Backman is quic"People round here don't always know the difference between right and wrong. But we know the difference between good and evil."
Fredrik Backman is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. His characters and storytelling are practically perfect. I can easily recommend this book to anyone.
There are so many different facets to this book. Questions of morality and loyalty, passion over logic, and right vs wrong. No path through the story is easy and no solution obvious. The background story of every character is perfectly developed and important in the fine tapestry the Backman weaves. You may be surprised to discover that a story about a little hockey town far away can make you think about how you approach life in general.
One final bit of awesomeness about this book. With some books you may reach the end having found one or two really great quotes. Well, when you read this, be prepared with a highlighter, page flags, etc. as almost every page has a fantastic quote that is worth remembering after the story is done.
I cannot believe I just realized now I did not have this book marked as read! I read this back in high school and loved it!
For those thinking about trI cannot believe I just realized now I did not have this book marked as read! I read this back in high school and loved it!
For those thinking about trying Ayn Rand, this is a good intro book considering it is only a little over 100 pages and her other popular titles (mainly talking about Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead) are quite daunting in their length.
Now, in the past I have had trouble reviewing Ayn Rand because she is controversial. Usually this leads to people not being able to separate a review of a book from a political statement. Since I don't like arguing politics and figure everyone is entitled to their opinion, I will again attempt to avoid putting any sort of political spin on this one - but it may not be completely avoidable.
For me, this book is in the same category as 1984 and Brave New World. It is a commentary on where we might be going if we are not careful. In this book, the main issue is loss of self in forced servitude to the larger governmental machine. The writing is creative and riveting enough that it is very easy to finish this in one sitting.
Check out Anthem and read it with an open mind (even if it doesn't match your politics) and I think you will find an interesting, enjoyable, and thought provoking classic....more
The Unseen World is probably the best book I have read so far this year. And, I am easily able to add it to my favorites shelf. It is overall a very cThe Unseen World is probably the best book I have read so far this year. And, I am easily able to add it to my favorites shelf. It is overall a very complete reading experience.
When you start this book, I guarantee you will have no idea what it will become. As it progresses, a wide variety of complex mysteries, interesting relationships, and heart-wrenching storylines combine to keep the reader engaged. This book has no filler and no downtime.
This is one of those books that when it is done I realize I have a longing to really meet these characters and talk to them. For me, I enjoy many books without feeling this so, when it does happen, it is the sign of some great characters and great writing.
Categorically, I could see this fitting into the following categories and might be enjoyed by fans of any of these:
- Young Adult - Mystery - Cryptography - Computer-based Sci-Fi - Disease-based heart string pullers - Family Epic - 20th Century Historical Fiction - And a couple of others that would be a bit spoiler-ish to mention
Again, it has a lot! Very worth checking out!...more
Loading...
