or, Why I'm bad at writing book reviews. Books belong to their readers. - John Green The writer side of my brain loves this quote. It means that you, as the reader of my words, can interpret those words in any way you like. And that is absolutely fine with me. In fact, I find it incredibly … Continue reading Why I Don’t Trust My Own Opinion
Category: Bad Book Reviews
Re-Re-Read
Revisiting a beloved book is like going home after a long journey. My own life experiences in the interim color the familiar words on the pages, reanimating and enlivening the familiar descriptions and characterizations. I know these characters and I miss them if I am gone too long. Yes, the journey they take never varies, and yes, I … Continue reading Re-Re-Read
Title: Charles Dickens: A Life by Claire Tomalin
I just finished listening to Charles Dickens: A Life by Claire Tomalin on Audible. I will talk about the book in a moment, but first I want to talk about the voice of the book, Alex Jennings. Alex Jennings is one of those English actors that you've seen a million times, but never remember. His list on IMDB is long … Continue reading Title: Charles Dickens: A Life by Claire Tomalin
The Bear in the Boat
Who determines what a child's favorite book is? What if the child finds more joy in the enthusiasm of an interested parent than in her own selfish desires? My mother told me I was a wonderful oldest child because I always enjoyed the accomplishments of my younger siblings. I found true joy in their joy. (I still do) So … Continue reading The Bear in the Boat
Title: And Another Thing by Eoin Colfer
The full title is actually: "And Another Thing ... Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Part Six of Three" If you are living under a rock and know nothing at all about The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, you should be able to discern the type of humor contained within the pages just by re-reading the … Continue reading Title: And Another Thing by Eoin Colfer
Title: Dragonsdawn by Anne McCaffrey
Pern is a world where telepathically bonded humans and dragons battle with a mindless spore that has an insatiable appetite for all organic life. The first few books of the series introduce the readers to the centuries old conflict amid the trappings of a feudal society through the lives of the planet's leaders. The books fit nicely inside the Fantasy Fiction genre. But then things get a little … Continue reading Title: Dragonsdawn by Anne McCaffrey
Title: Magic Casement by Dave Duncan
I want to convince you, yes you, to read this book. I don't care if you've never read a book in the fantasy genre before, and I don't care if you think it is a kids book just because it has a princess on the cover. You have to read this book because this book … Continue reading Title: Magic Casement by Dave Duncan
Title: I’m a Stranger Here Myself
When I grow up, I want to write like Bill Bryson. I love his tone, I love his insatiable curiosity, and I love that he lives in England. Not that living in England has anything to do with writing. I'd just like to live there some day. I've read almost all his books. The ones … Continue reading Title: I’m a Stranger Here Myself
Title: Guns, by Steven King
I can't understand what makes a man hate another man, help me understand. Depeche Mode, People are People In a strange sort of coincidence, as I was reading a review of Steven King's Guns (kindle single) the Depeche Mode song, People are People popped up on my Pandora 80's Pop Radio station. The chorus seemed to … Continue reading Title: Guns, by Steven King
Stephen Donaldson: Introduction
This is the way I remember it. I was fourteen years old, we were down the shore and my uncle was visiting. He was in his mid-twenties or so. He might have been married to my aunt by then, but she doesn't figure into this memory. My uncle took us to the used book store. … Continue reading Stephen Donaldson: Introduction
Mind of a Mouse 