Title- A Wrinkle in Time
Author- Madeleine L'Engle
Series- Book 1 of The Time Quartet
Genre- Fantasy/Science Fiction
Pages-211
Pages to date-2,490
The Good:
A Wrinkle in Time is a quick read and has a lot to offer. A blurb describes it as such: "Fascinating...It makes unusual demands on the imagination and consequently gives great rewards." This is a very fair description of the book. The characters are interesting and the ideas presented are thought-provoking.
The Bad:
I left the book wanting more. Not necessarily a sequel (there are three companions, though not direct sequels), but more content. This story could have done well with 200 more pages. Everything is explained, but you are taken to such amazing worlds that you feel shortchanged once you've left. The concepts are so large that the time they are given seems unjust. Most of this is because it is meant for children. It would do even better if converted to an adult novel.
A few religious references interfered with my reading of the story, but not too much.
The Verdict:
A Wrinkle in Time is a swift and easy read that is satisfying, but a tad short of that amazing, vast story you've been craving.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
Book #7- Steal Like An Artist
Title- Steal Like An Artist
Author-Austin Kleon
Series- None
Genre- Creativity
Pages- 140
Pages to date- 2,279
The Good:
Steal Like An Artist is an easy but interesting read. It gives a fantastic perspective on creativity as a whole, allowing readers to apply the concepts presented to whichever form his or her work takes. This makes it feel specific, as if Kleon is just writing a letter to you.
The illustrations and occasional newspaper blackouts add to the piece as well. They are entertaining and inspiring.
The Bad:
I wish there was a bit more. Kleon obviously has many ideas to present, but some of them just seem to be scratching at the surface. While what he has to say is interesting, it's over all too quickly.
The Verdict:
Steal Like An Artist is perfect for anyone who likes to create. It is a short read that presents some thoughtful suggestions and enhances the desire to make something.
Author-Austin Kleon
Series- None
Genre- Creativity
Pages- 140
Pages to date- 2,279
The Good:
Steal Like An Artist is an easy but interesting read. It gives a fantastic perspective on creativity as a whole, allowing readers to apply the concepts presented to whichever form his or her work takes. This makes it feel specific, as if Kleon is just writing a letter to you.
The illustrations and occasional newspaper blackouts add to the piece as well. They are entertaining and inspiring.
The Bad:
I wish there was a bit more. Kleon obviously has many ideas to present, but some of them just seem to be scratching at the surface. While what he has to say is interesting, it's over all too quickly.
The Verdict:
Steal Like An Artist is perfect for anyone who likes to create. It is a short read that presents some thoughtful suggestions and enhances the desire to make something.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Book #6- A Universe From Nothing
Title- A Universe From Nothing: Why is there something rather than nothing?
Author- Lawrence M. Krauss (Afterword by Richard Dawkins)
Series- None
Genre- Cosmology, Science
Pages- 166
Pages to date- 2,139
The Good:
Krauss presents a comprehensive, mind-blowing look at the universe as it is today and how it came to be. His presentation is phenomenal.
The Bad:
Much of the scientific language was lost on me. While I could understand the broad concepts of what he was saying, as well as the implications of them, the specifics were hard to grasp. This is merely because it is targeted at a more educated audience.
The Verdict: A Universe From Nothing is a great choice for anyone interested in cosmology, but the uneducated reader (like myself) will have to push through until the final chapters to really be satisfied. A stellar work, just not the universal (pun intended) leisure read.
Author- Lawrence M. Krauss (Afterword by Richard Dawkins)
Series- None
Genre- Cosmology, Science
Pages- 166
Pages to date- 2,139
The Good:
Krauss presents a comprehensive, mind-blowing look at the universe as it is today and how it came to be. His presentation is phenomenal.
The Bad:
Much of the scientific language was lost on me. While I could understand the broad concepts of what he was saying, as well as the implications of them, the specifics were hard to grasp. This is merely because it is targeted at a more educated audience.
The Verdict: A Universe From Nothing is a great choice for anyone interested in cosmology, but the uneducated reader (like myself) will have to push through until the final chapters to really be satisfied. A stellar work, just not the universal (pun intended) leisure read.
Book #5- Broetry
Title- Broetry
Author- Brian McGackin
Series- None
Genre- Poetry, Humor
Pages- 121
Pages to date- 1,973
The Good:
Broetry offers a nice sigh of relief for anyone (especially the college English student) who is constantly required to read poetry as if it has infinite depth. It is funny, straightforward, and easy to read. Additionally, McGackin frequently parodies very well known poems, which is good for a laugh.
The Bad:
The poetry all kind of melts together in one's head. While there are a few that abandon the typical subject matter, the rest just seem the same. This probably resulted from my one-sit reading of the piece, though.
The Verdict: Broetry is funny and an easy read as well as a nice conversation starter. I would recommend it to anyone who needs a break from the monotony of "real" poetry.
Author- Brian McGackin
Series- None
Genre- Poetry, Humor
Pages- 121
Pages to date- 1,973
The Good:
Broetry offers a nice sigh of relief for anyone (especially the college English student) who is constantly required to read poetry as if it has infinite depth. It is funny, straightforward, and easy to read. Additionally, McGackin frequently parodies very well known poems, which is good for a laugh.
The Bad:
The poetry all kind of melts together in one's head. While there are a few that abandon the typical subject matter, the rest just seem the same. This probably resulted from my one-sit reading of the piece, though.
The Verdict: Broetry is funny and an easy read as well as a nice conversation starter. I would recommend it to anyone who needs a break from the monotony of "real" poetry.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Book #4- Why Are You Atheists So Angry?
Title- Why Are You Atheists So Angry? 99 Things That Piss Off the Godless
Author- Greta Christina
Series- None
Genre- Atheism
Pages- 366
Pages to date-1,852
The Good:
Greta Christina's writing is smooth and interesting. She presents many well-founded arguments and empowers like-minded people to speak up.
She is very careful to explain every single point in a civil manner, but remains emotional enough to make sure the message will hit home with every reader.
The Bad:
At times, the writing can be a bit choppy, but in nearly every case this is forgivable because it is done so for the sake of humor.
The Verdict:
This book is an excellent resource for nonbelievers, giving their thoughts a voice, as well as for believers, providing a well-rounded, thoughtful argument against religion.
Author- Greta Christina
Series- None
Genre- Atheism
Pages- 366
Pages to date-1,852
The Good:
Greta Christina's writing is smooth and interesting. She presents many well-founded arguments and empowers like-minded people to speak up.
She is very careful to explain every single point in a civil manner, but remains emotional enough to make sure the message will hit home with every reader.
The Bad:
At times, the writing can be a bit choppy, but in nearly every case this is forgivable because it is done so for the sake of humor.
The Verdict:
This book is an excellent resource for nonbelievers, giving their thoughts a voice, as well as for believers, providing a well-rounded, thoughtful argument against religion.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Book #3- Storm Front
Title- Storm Front
Author- Jim Butcher
Series- Book 1 of The Dresden Files
Genre- Fantasy/Mystery
Pages- 355
Pages to date- 1,486
The Good:
There are many things to love about Storm Front. First and foremost is Jim Butcher's choice of setting and situation. Placing an openly practicing wizard into the city of Chicago is a bold move, but it works. It is also a fresh release from fantasies set in other worlds or in hiding.
Harry Dresden is a great character. He has many interesting flaws and knows himself very well. This opens up the book to deep mysteries and plot twists, both of which were thrilling and suspenseful.
The Bad:
There isn't much to say in this area. I found the book compelling and well-written. I found a few comma errors, but they don't at all detract from the story. I suppose the one thing I would change is Harry's use of magic. I wanted more. A little more backstory might be cool too, but there are many more books, so I am assuming more of that comes together further on.
The Verdict:
Storm Front is a great read for any fantasy fan. The blend of the supernatural and detective genres is superb.
Author- Jim Butcher
Series- Book 1 of The Dresden Files
Genre- Fantasy/Mystery
Pages- 355
Pages to date- 1,486
The Good:
There are many things to love about Storm Front. First and foremost is Jim Butcher's choice of setting and situation. Placing an openly practicing wizard into the city of Chicago is a bold move, but it works. It is also a fresh release from fantasies set in other worlds or in hiding.
Harry Dresden is a great character. He has many interesting flaws and knows himself very well. This opens up the book to deep mysteries and plot twists, both of which were thrilling and suspenseful.
The Bad:
There isn't much to say in this area. I found the book compelling and well-written. I found a few comma errors, but they don't at all detract from the story. I suppose the one thing I would change is Harry's use of magic. I wanted more. A little more backstory might be cool too, but there are many more books, so I am assuming more of that comes together further on.
The Verdict:
Storm Front is a great read for any fantasy fan. The blend of the supernatural and detective genres is superb.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Book #2- Frank: The Voice
Title- Frank: The Voice
Author- James Kaplan
Series- None
Genre- Biography
Pages- 718
Pages to date- 1,231
The Good:
The most alluring and entertaining aspect of this book is the detail. Kaplan manages to include every last odd and end of Sinatra's life. Also particularly noteworthy are his descriptions of music and Sinatra's way of singing. It is hard to encapsulate such a complex thing as music in few words, but Kaplan does so in a captivating manner.
An important goal in biography is to accurately capture the essence of the subject. It can be difficult, especially in the research stage, to find unbiased sources. Kaplan has obviously avoided this mishap, as he doesn't levitate Sinatra to a godlike status. He paints a very human picture of the legendary artist, and I appreciated this as a reader.
The Bad:
There were two issues I had with the piece.
First was the coverage. The book, as expected of course, was a chronicle of Sinatra's life. However, the piece ended in 1954, when he won the academy award for best supporting actor in From Here To Eternity. Anyone who knows of "The Voice" knows that he was active for many years after (he even had another wife after the end of the book) his Oscar. This bio left out the entire Rat Pack era. This was disappointing especially because the Rat Pack and his relationships with its members are very compelling. I wished immediately after finishing that Kaplan had continued on. Regardless of the omission of 44 years of Sinatra's life, this is still a great book. The areas that it does cover are very well-written and interesting.
My second issue was voice. At times, Kaplan writes in his own voice. At others, it seems as if he is channeling Sinatra. If there was a little more balance between the two the book would read a little more easily.
The Verdict:
Frank: The Voice is a captivating account of Sinatra's life and a must for any fans of the singer, but readers who are looking for an account of the Rat Pack years should look elsewhere.
Author- James Kaplan
Series- None
Genre- Biography
Pages- 718
Pages to date- 1,231
The Good:
The most alluring and entertaining aspect of this book is the detail. Kaplan manages to include every last odd and end of Sinatra's life. Also particularly noteworthy are his descriptions of music and Sinatra's way of singing. It is hard to encapsulate such a complex thing as music in few words, but Kaplan does so in a captivating manner.
An important goal in biography is to accurately capture the essence of the subject. It can be difficult, especially in the research stage, to find unbiased sources. Kaplan has obviously avoided this mishap, as he doesn't levitate Sinatra to a godlike status. He paints a very human picture of the legendary artist, and I appreciated this as a reader.
The Bad:
There were two issues I had with the piece.
First was the coverage. The book, as expected of course, was a chronicle of Sinatra's life. However, the piece ended in 1954, when he won the academy award for best supporting actor in From Here To Eternity. Anyone who knows of "The Voice" knows that he was active for many years after (he even had another wife after the end of the book) his Oscar. This bio left out the entire Rat Pack era. This was disappointing especially because the Rat Pack and his relationships with its members are very compelling. I wished immediately after finishing that Kaplan had continued on. Regardless of the omission of 44 years of Sinatra's life, this is still a great book. The areas that it does cover are very well-written and interesting.
My second issue was voice. At times, Kaplan writes in his own voice. At others, it seems as if he is channeling Sinatra. If there was a little more balance between the two the book would read a little more easily.
The Verdict:
Frank: The Voice is a captivating account of Sinatra's life and a must for any fans of the singer, but readers who are looking for an account of the Rat Pack years should look elsewhere.
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