"Thanks, Jacob. Man...you keep adding to my reading list...and it is pretty huge now!"
|
"
On the title page written in pen I see "Jacob, one of the things I've enjoyed with these novels is being able to include real science in them. Freeheads probably has the most of the lot, but it also has some of the coolest spec stuff I could thi...
"
Read more of this review »
|
|
|
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a quick read, partially because of the subject matter, and partially because it is just over 200 pages long. I think what is especially cool about “Super Freakonomics” is that you never quite know what you’re goi...moreI thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a quick read, partially because of the subject matter, and partially because it is just over 200 pages long. I think what is especially cool about “Super Freakonomics” is that you never quite know what you’re going to read about next. The chapters deal with seemingly disconnected (but all interesting) topics and even within the course of a single chapter a half dozen different topics might be touched upon. This also means that it isn’t necessary to have read the earlier “Freakonomics” book to understand and enjoy this one. (I have yet to read the previous book.) The two books share little, I would guess, except the title.
Especially appealing to me was the reasoned and logical method of the authors and the investigators they highlight. For instance, it was fun to revisit the Kitty Genovese murder (a story I remember from college Sociology) and read more facts and research into this event. To learn that, well, it might not have been exactly like I was taught in college. But also that, perhaps in some ways, it was.
Another favorite chapter—though I thought it wouldn’t be—was the one on Global Warming. Though not necessarily skeptics themselves, the authors do a great job of seeing many sides of the issue, all in a reasoned and logical (i.e. not panicked and alarmist) manner. They also present a possible solution offered by a team in Seattle. As a past Microsoftie myself, it was cool to see what other former employees are up to, especially one who, in this case, I remember quite well from company meetings. (The chapter also tends to make many prominent environmental activists seem more about control and power then about solutions.)
Anyway, this is a great book. Read it and learn something new. I think the theme could best be summed up by the words from “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”: Don’t Panic!(less)
|
|
|
For a first novel, “The Games” is wonderfully executed. From start to finish it is a page-turner, with enough hard science and speculative goodness to please fans of Michael Crichton or Preston & Child. The characters are well-drawn and distinctive—a...moreFor a first novel, “The Games” is wonderfully executed. From start to finish it is a page-turner, with enough hard science and speculative goodness to please fans of Michael Crichton or Preston & Child. The characters are well-drawn and distinctive—authentic. The tension is constant. I enjoyed this book every time I picked it up. It read fast for me. Seriously, the idea of genetically-designed gladiators in a future Olympics? Plus the experimental computer that designs them, along with its off-kilter creator? Cool stuff. Mr. Kosmatka should be applauded!
And yet, there was something about the book’s ending that left me a bit ambivalent. Again, it wasn’t the execution. All the questions were answered. There were no glaring plot holes, or places that made me frustrated or even especially angry. There was just this sense that things didn’t turn out quite as they should have. The resolution was reasonable, and there was some consolation for the portions of the outcome I didn’t care for. I just think it lacked some teasing of what the eventual outcome of the characters would be. Enough so the reader feels that the ending they are given is the proper one.
Overall though, a real fun read. I didn’t perceive the “clunkiness” in the writing that others did. There was nothing I felt I had to reread to understand.
I’ll be interested to see what the author comes up with next.
*Content note for younger readers: Though not gratuitous, there was a bit of off-color language in “The Games,” enough that it would probably earn an R-rating as a movie. There is some sex and violence as well, but that is more PG-13.(less)
|
|
|
I have to admit, I was concerned. The reviews of “Micro” seemed so lackluster that I was almost afraid to read it. I wondered if it would taint the memory of an author I really admire. Sure, I knew the reigns were handed off to Richard Preston—a nota...moreI have to admit, I was concerned. The reviews of “Micro” seemed so lackluster that I was almost afraid to read it. I wondered if it would taint the memory of an author I really admire. Sure, I knew the reigns were handed off to Richard Preston—a notable author in his own right—but as an author myself, I also know how difficult it would be to pick up someone else’s work and not only finish it, but do it in a way that would please that author’s fans. An author’s voice is unique. To duplicate it would be like trying to duplicate someone’s handwriting. So how well did Preston do?
I think he did a fantastic job. “Micro” is a page-turner in every sense of the word. It has lots of fascinating cutting-edge science, plenty of action and intrigue, surprises, a villain you can despise, a scientific team working to solve problems—in short, all the things you expect from a Michael Crichton book. And yet, it was unique enough to stand on its own. To me, it felt like “Jurassic Park” on a microscopic scale. I mean that as a complement, of course, as “Park” was one of my favorite Crichton books.
My only criticism would come early in the book. One of the characters reacts to a death in the family in a way that felt, to me, a little unauthentic. I can’t imagine a real person acting the way he/she acted in similar circumstances. However, I also realize that his/her responses were part of the setup for the amazing stuff that comes later. And I can overlook a lot for what comes later. It is awesome.
“Micro” is a worthy addition to the Crichton canon. Well done, Mr. Preston!(less)
|
|
|
I haven’t touched a John Grisham novel since the summer of 2008. After a good stint where I read and enjoyed over a half dozen of his works, “The Appeal” stopped me cold. That book was so incredibly anti-corporation and its characters were so unbelie...moreI haven’t touched a John Grisham novel since the summer of 2008. After a good stint where I read and enjoyed over a half dozen of his works, “The Appeal” stopped me cold. That book was so incredibly anti-corporation and its characters were so unbelievably stereotypical—with the valiant and poor lawyers fighting against those evil and selfish corporate overlords—I couldn’t make it through it. In fact, I didn’t want to believe Grisham wrote it. I couldn’t get rid of the book quick enough.
With that said, this Christmas I received “The Litigators” as a gift unexpectedly (meaning I hoped for a different author, different book). I really hesitated to start it. Wondered if it would grate on me as much as “The Appeal” had. Still, not wanting to be ungrateful, I decided to give it a shot.
I was pleasantly surprised. “The Litigators” is much more balanced novel. The lawyer protagonists are chiefly scoundrels, of the type found in TV commercials. Yet there are honorable and efficient lawyers, as well. And though there is some corporate maleficence, there are also corporations (more accurately, corporate employees…lest we forget that all corporations are composed of individuals) that take the high road too. In short, “The Litigators” presents a world that is closer to reality.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though a novel like this requires a lot of backstory and narration, it reads fast. Grisham is a master of characters and story. He makes you care about what happens enough to keep reading. I loved how it all wrapped up in the end. All in all, a great read. You got me back, Mr. Grisham.(less)
|
|
|
I really enjoyed this book, mostly because it surprised me. The description hypes the fact that the heroine is a soccer mom pulled into another world. Since I have never been either a mom, or a big fan of soccer, I wasn’t sure if the story would conn...moreI really enjoyed this book, mostly because it surprised me. The description hypes the fact that the heroine is a soccer mom pulled into another world. Since I have never been either a mom, or a big fan of soccer, I wasn’t sure if the story would connect with me. I almost expected a skewed version of Narnia—Matha Stewart dancing with elves, satyrs, and badgers…or something.
What I got instead was an immersive story that kept the pages turning. Yes, there is a nod to C.S. Lewis in the way Susan stumbles into another reality—but that’s where the similarities end. The alternate reality is what surprised me the most, in fact. It isn’t a straight sword and sorcery fantasy world. It is a fusion of fantasy and science fiction, with some cultures being highly technical, and others not so much.
And the characters are absolutely great. Very real. Plus, I feel I had an advantage over those who have read “The Restorer” before. I got to read the bonus chapters in place as I went through. (Something the eBook version makes simple.) I really enjoyed that touch. The additional backstory and life it breathes into the characters—even those with smaller roles. The additions illustrate the firm grip Sharon Hinck has on her characters and world. I respect that in a storyteller.
“The Restorer” is a great read. Buy it, and expect only to be surprised.(less)
|
|
|
The latest novel by Eric Wilson defies the standard classifications. It is one part mystery, one part romance, one part action and a dash of supernatural thriller.
The narrative is strong, with just enough tension to keep the pages turning. The chara...moreThe latest novel by Eric Wilson defies the standard classifications. It is one part mystery, one part romance, one part action and a dash of supernatural thriller.
The narrative is strong, with just enough tension to keep the pages turning. The characters are well presented—we all know people like the Vreeland family. In fact, most of us have been the Vreeland family at one time or another.
And the villains…they remind me very much of the sorts of rogues you’d find in a book by John Grisham or Dean Koontz. Both authors typically have layers of evil, with some villains moving brazenly, and others lurking in the shadows. So it is in “One Step Away,” with the addition of an extra layer for those who crave a connection to the eternal.
Ultimately, this book is a great story told by a storyteller that is perpetually honing his craft. Well done, Mr. Wilson! I look forward to the next title in the “By the Numbers” trilogy(less)
|
|
|
Freeheads
by
Kerry Nietz (Goodreads Author)
|
|