Title- Weird Things Customers Say in Bookstores
Author- Jen Campbell
Series- none
Genre-Humor
Pages-188
Pages to date- 5,427
The Good:
Weird Things Customers Say in Bookstores is absolutely hilarious. Neil Gaiman says in his blurb on the cover "So funny. So Sad...Read it and sigh." That sums the emotions of the book up perfectly.
The Bad:
The collection is funny, but equally disappointing. I say this only because it diminishes so much of my hope for humanity. It proves how few people read for leisure, and it's just sad.
The Verdict:
This collection is short (less than an hour of reading time), but extremely funny. I recommend it highly to anyone who loves books.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Book #1-The Forge of Darkness
Title-The Forge of Darkness
Author-Steven Erikson
Series-Kharkanas Trilogy
Genre-Fantasy
Pages-688
Pages to date-688
The Good:
"The Forge of Darkness" is the first installment in Steven Erikson's newest trilogy detailing the split between the Tiste Andii and the Tiste Liosan. As a hardcore Erikson fan the I was very excited to see how events that I could only guess at before. Longtime fans of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series will be pleased to see many of their favorite characters of the series make appearances. While there's something for readers of MBOF in "The Forge of Darkness" this is also a great book for people looking to get into the Malazan world because it requires no prior knowledge of the the world.
The Bad:
Some fans of Erikson may be dismayed by the switch in his writing style away from the epic to something much more poetic, although I did not find it that distracting. Another thing that may disappoint readers of MBOF is the lack of scenes from Anomander Rake's POV.
The Verdict:
This is an amazing book. Everybody should read it.
Ryan
Author-Steven Erikson
Series-Kharkanas Trilogy
Genre-Fantasy
Pages-688
Pages to date-688
The Good:
"The Forge of Darkness" is the first installment in Steven Erikson's newest trilogy detailing the split between the Tiste Andii and the Tiste Liosan. As a hardcore Erikson fan the I was very excited to see how events that I could only guess at before. Longtime fans of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series will be pleased to see many of their favorite characters of the series make appearances. While there's something for readers of MBOF in "The Forge of Darkness" this is also a great book for people looking to get into the Malazan world because it requires no prior knowledge of the the world.
The Bad:
Some fans of Erikson may be dismayed by the switch in his writing style away from the epic to something much more poetic, although I did not find it that distracting. Another thing that may disappoint readers of MBOF is the lack of scenes from Anomander Rake's POV.
The Verdict:
This is an amazing book. Everybody should read it.
Ryan
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Book #18- Year Zero
Title- Year Zero
Author- Rob Reid
Series- none
Genre- Sci-fi
Pages- 357
Pages to date- 5,239
The Good:
Year Zero is a breezy read, but it is incredibly fun. The humor perfectly interplays with the suspense.
The characters are well developed with the slight exception of one. The intermittent law jargon is just present enough to be helpful and not overbearing.
The Bad:
Manda is a character with tons of potential, but she doesn't do that much by the end. I wanted more purpose from her.
There are a few loose ends in the final chapters, but the epilogue hints at a sequel.
The Verdict: A fun, humorous, and easy read, Year Zero is a fast-paced page-turner. A little more content wouldn't hurt, though.
Author- Rob Reid
Series- none
Genre- Sci-fi
Pages- 357
Pages to date- 5,239
The Good:
Year Zero is a breezy read, but it is incredibly fun. The humor perfectly interplays with the suspense.
The characters are well developed with the slight exception of one. The intermittent law jargon is just present enough to be helpful and not overbearing.
The Bad:
Manda is a character with tons of potential, but she doesn't do that much by the end. I wanted more purpose from her.
There are a few loose ends in the final chapters, but the epilogue hints at a sequel.
The Verdict: A fun, humorous, and easy read, Year Zero is a fast-paced page-turner. A little more content wouldn't hurt, though.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Book #17- America Again
Title- America Again: Re-Becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't
Author- Stephen Colbert (and a staff of writers)
Series- Sequel to I Am America (And So Can You!)
Genre- Politics, humor
Pages- 240
Pages to date- 4,882
The Good:
This book is a funny, satirical look at America, particularly focusing on areas in which we struggle (food, healthcare, energy). The usual Colbert humor is present, poking fun at republicans by exaggerating their ideals (though not by much).
The Bad:
This installment lacks the taste of the original. The writers didn't quite capture Stephen Colbert's voice like they did in the first. Sure, the usual comedy is there, but it doesn't exactly feel like the show.
The Verdict:
America Again is good for a few laughs, but not as well-constructed as I Am America.
Author- Stephen Colbert (and a staff of writers)
Series- Sequel to I Am America (And So Can You!)
Genre- Politics, humor
Pages- 240
Pages to date- 4,882
The Good:
This book is a funny, satirical look at America, particularly focusing on areas in which we struggle (food, healthcare, energy). The usual Colbert humor is present, poking fun at republicans by exaggerating their ideals (though not by much).
The Bad:
This installment lacks the taste of the original. The writers didn't quite capture Stephen Colbert's voice like they did in the first. Sure, the usual comedy is there, but it doesn't exactly feel like the show.
The Verdict:
America Again is good for a few laughs, but not as well-constructed as I Am America.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Book #16- Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk
Title- Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk
Author- David Sedaris
Series- None
Genre- Humor, Fables
Pages- 159
Pages to date- 4,642
The Good:
Sedaris' pesudo-fables are funny and cast a satirical light on humanity, giving the whole book a certain charm. The illustrations (by Ian Falconer) give good visuals to complement the dry humor of the actual stories.
The Bad:
The humor doesn't always deliver. Many of the tales have a detached sort of humor as wholes, but none of them has a distinct punch line that makes the reader laugh out loud. The comedy presented is a lot heavier than one expects.
The Verdict:
The stories of this book are entertaining, but not gut-splitting.
Author- David Sedaris
Series- None
Genre- Humor, Fables
Pages- 159
Pages to date- 4,642
The Good:
Sedaris' pesudo-fables are funny and cast a satirical light on humanity, giving the whole book a certain charm. The illustrations (by Ian Falconer) give good visuals to complement the dry humor of the actual stories.
The Bad:
The humor doesn't always deliver. Many of the tales have a detached sort of humor as wholes, but none of them has a distinct punch line that makes the reader laugh out loud. The comedy presented is a lot heavier than one expects.
The Verdict:
The stories of this book are entertaining, but not gut-splitting.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Book #15- The NEW New Rules
Title- The New New Rules: A Funny Look at How Everybody But Me Has Their Head Up Their Ass
Author- Bill Maher
Series- Follow-up to The New Rules
Genre- Politics, Humor
Pages- 359
Pages to date- 4,483
The Good:
This book is downright hilarious. Maher's love for putting down his opponents had me cracking up at many points in the book.
Maher's writing is poignant and concise; his fans will be able to hear his voice in every sentence, only serving to make the book even more funny.
The Bad:
The only minor issue I could find was that the book was deceptively short. Some of the pages only have one "rule" on them that doesn't even fill half of the allotted space. I didn't mind this one bit, but it could turn off readers looking for a deeper experience.
If you are easily offended by the truth, I wouldn't read this piece. Maher isn't afraid to poke fun at anyone: Christians, Republicans, Americans as a whole, terrorists, celebrities, politicians, etc. He embodies in his writing the saying "It's funny because it's true." Some of it, however funny, can also be disturbing or scary.
The Verdict: This book is hilarious. If you aren't afraid of an insult here or there, read it.
Author- Bill Maher
Series- Follow-up to The New Rules
Genre- Politics, Humor
Pages- 359
Pages to date- 4,483
The Good:
This book is downright hilarious. Maher's love for putting down his opponents had me cracking up at many points in the book.
Maher's writing is poignant and concise; his fans will be able to hear his voice in every sentence, only serving to make the book even more funny.
The Bad:
The only minor issue I could find was that the book was deceptively short. Some of the pages only have one "rule" on them that doesn't even fill half of the allotted space. I didn't mind this one bit, but it could turn off readers looking for a deeper experience.
If you are easily offended by the truth, I wouldn't read this piece. Maher isn't afraid to poke fun at anyone: Christians, Republicans, Americans as a whole, terrorists, celebrities, politicians, etc. He embodies in his writing the saying "It's funny because it's true." Some of it, however funny, can also be disturbing or scary.
The Verdict: This book is hilarious. If you aren't afraid of an insult here or there, read it.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Book #14- The Fire Chronicle
Title- The Fire Chronicle
Author- John Stephens
Series- Book 2 of The Books of Beginning
Genre- Fantasy
Pages- 437
Pages to date- 4,124
The Good:
The Fire Chronicle is fast-paced and extremely entertaining. I couldn't put it down. The new depth in character of the Dire Magnus was phenomenal and will please readers. Michael's storyline was also noteworthy.
The Bad:
While the villain and Michael were newly characterized very well, the returning characters were a little more static. I would have liked more on Dr. Pym, Gabriel, Kate, and Emma. They are good, but not up to the standards of Rafe or Michael.
The Verdict:
The Fire Chronicle is a good, quick read that leaves readers wanting the next installment, but doesn't have enough balance in terms of characterization (I say this now, but it very well could be that this issue is mended in the next and final book of the series).
Author- John Stephens
Series- Book 2 of The Books of Beginning
Genre- Fantasy
Pages- 437
Pages to date- 4,124
The Good:
The Fire Chronicle is fast-paced and extremely entertaining. I couldn't put it down. The new depth in character of the Dire Magnus was phenomenal and will please readers. Michael's storyline was also noteworthy.
The Bad:
While the villain and Michael were newly characterized very well, the returning characters were a little more static. I would have liked more on Dr. Pym, Gabriel, Kate, and Emma. They are good, but not up to the standards of Rafe or Michael.
The Verdict:
The Fire Chronicle is a good, quick read that leaves readers wanting the next installment, but doesn't have enough balance in terms of characterization (I say this now, but it very well could be that this issue is mended in the next and final book of the series).
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