Dear Mr Sanderson: Have some commas, on the house ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;;;;;;; (and some semi-colons for good measure)
I'm going to give this 3....moreDear Mr Sanderson: Have some commas, on the house ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;;;;;;; (and some semi-colons for good measure)
I'm going to give this 3.5 stars and round up to 4. The first half of the book was slow for me, and the writing style kept throwing me out of the story. As much as I loved Sanderson's Mistborn series, he uses a LOT of choppy sentences here.
But about halfway through the writing picked up, the plot picked up, and for the first time in about 3 books THE STORY ACTUALLY MOVED. Yeah, I know, I'm excited too. I thought some of the plot lines were nicely carried/resolved, and I can't wait to read the next book. I have hopes that Sanderson will be able to finish this beautifully and we'll all just shun book #10.(less)
This is a short book, so in theory it shouldn't take me long to read. But here I am, working on it for over 2 weeks and I'm only about 100 pages in......moreThis is a short book, so in theory it shouldn't take me long to read. But here I am, working on it for over 2 weeks and I'm only about 100 pages in... It just doesn't seem as robust after reading the Mistborn series. I think I need a little more recovery time from that series. Maybe I'll move on to the new WOT book (releases tomorrow!) and come back to this later.
Jesus, it took me almost a month to get through this thing. Thought the entire thing was pretty mediocre. Having read several Clarke books, Rama is still the only one I really care for. His books are far too sterile for my tastes, though intriguing ideas usually surface.(less)
Wish I would have STARTED with this pregnancy book. It contains everything that I've gleaned from about 20 different books and my doctor, all in a nic...moreWish I would have STARTED with this pregnancy book. It contains everything that I've gleaned from about 20 different books and my doctor, all in a nice little package.
It's a great introduction that gets into the nasty stuff you don't want to hear about, and you can easily take any follow-up questions and either ask your doctor or get a more in-depth book. What I also found particularly great about this book is that it doesn't seem to take sides on the natural vs. medicated birth topic - it presents both without bias (that I could detect).
It also gave the most accurate hospital-based labor walk-through that I've found. (Of course, having not given birth yet, I'm basing this solely upon my hospital tours and my doctor's walk-through on what to expect.) All the other books are either so pro-medication that it's ridiculous, or so anti-medication that it makes you think the entire hospital staff is out to shove meds in you the first chance they get. And of course so many books/websites suggest asking questions like "you won't give my baby any pacifiers if I'm breastfeeding, right?" and "why won't you let the baby room-in with me?" In fact, every hospital I've looked into will easily comply with any requests like this, and rooming-in is now the norm, not the exception. Makes me think all the other books are completely outdated...(less)
Ok, this book just kicked ass. It's the first book in a looong time that's kept me reading way past my bed time.
The few lingering doubts/questions I'...moreOk, this book just kicked ass. It's the first book in a looong time that's kept me reading way past my bed time.
The few lingering doubts/questions I've had from the other two books were wrapped up nicely in this book, and the few things I was able to anticipate occurred to me only pages before it was bluntly revealed. And the whole hemalurgy thing... fascinating!
The ending had kind of a Bradbury "Last Question" feel to it. I loved it.
And as much as I loved Kell in the first book, this was by far my favorite in the trio. It was well-paced (unlike the second book), there was a lot happening, much was revealed (not tacked on) and I had no problems keeping track of any of the characters. Can't wait to read more by Sanderson.(less)
I’m about 15% into this, and I’m a little taken aback by Vin. I loved her in the last book, even when she was fawning over Elend. But now the author m...moreI’m about 15% into this, and I’m a little taken aback by Vin. I loved her in the last book, even when she was fawning over Elend. But now the author makes a point of saying that Vin gets upset if she wears a new perfume and Elend doesn’t notice. That just strikes me as something she wouldn’t care about; seems out of character. I know she’s just a teenager, but I didn’t think she was that vapid. This was shortly followed by Vin punching a dog in the face. Yes, you read that right.
Ok, the book got better. It was ridiculously long and had about 8 endings... but it was better. My favorite character ended up being OreSeur/TenSoon (sp?) - I'm fascinated by the kandra and would like to know more about how their origins and society.
Much to my utter enjoyment, Vin's character got better than she was in the first chapters! Sure, she acts like a girl unsure of herself and her place, but that's much preferred to the whiny snively way she was first portrayed. It's like the first part of this book was written by an entirely different author.
While I didn't like this book as much as the first (I really loved Kell), I'm certainly going to be reading the final book. I didn't see that ending coming at all. Now I HAVE to know what happens! (less)
Perhaps I misunderstood the title. I was looking for information on unmedicated (ie - "natural") bir...moreShould be titled "the hippy guide to childbirth".
Perhaps I misunderstood the title. I was looking for information on unmedicated (ie - "natural") birthing, but there was not much information in the book about this topic. This was a very basic book that touches on many topics but doesn't go in depth. No information here is new after reading the Bradley Method book and Pregnancy Week by Week. I'd recommend reading these two books instead. Book also has several herbal recipes for massage oils and lotions that I found worthless, but YMMV.
Book makes several wrong and/or derogatory statements. Says that stretchmarks can be prevented IF YOU USE THEIR SPECIAL LOTION RECIPE. Bullshit. Stretchmarks are determined by the elasticity of your skin, which is genetic, and no lotion will change that. Also makes the assumption that mothers will stay home with the baby and breastfeed; no other options are discussed. Babysitters are frowned upon. Completely minor things such as pubic shaving during birth are completely blasted for being non-natural. Several pages devoted to saving the environment by not using disposable diapers. You should never buy baby food in a jar due to all the preservatives, only make your own food. Blah blah blah. Virtually no practical advice for working mothers. If I was living in a commune somewhere, this would be a great guide.
In case you're curious, my goals are to: have an unmedicated birth, breastfeed during maternity leave, pump when I return to work (and put the child into daycare - gasp!). I hope to use cloth diapering while at home, but will likely use disposables while out of the house for ease of use. (And of course daycares won't honor cloth diapering because of the biohazard.) I plan on making my own baby food as time permits, but will certainly supplement with store-purchased food.
I also found the layout and presentation boring. I rarely even notice such things in books, but this one was just enormous page after enormous page of complete text. Few pictures or side bars to break up the text, which makes for monotonous reading. (less)
Great book! The pictures are out-dated, but most of the other information is up-to-date. It helped tremendously that I first read the Ricki Lake book...moreGreat book! The pictures are out-dated, but most of the other information is up-to-date. It helped tremendously that I first read the Ricki Lake book to give me an idea of typical procedures used in hospital births today.
All in all, I can't wait to try out these relaxation methods. I'm sure it's different for each woman, but at least knowing what's normal and what to expect has already impacted my attitude towards the whole process. I went from being completely terrified of giving birth (more accurately, terrified of the pain, but still adamant about not wanting medication due to the effect on the baby) to feeling completely serene about the whole thing. I now know what to expect during the birth itself; different stages, what to look for, how to deal with the sensations in my body.
I plan to seek out a Bradley birthing class if I can find one near me.(less)
I've read this before, but I just recommended it to someone and realized I wanted to go back and reread.
I love going into Alvin's world. It's a nicely...moreI've read this before, but I just recommended it to someone and realized I wanted to go back and reread.
I love going into Alvin's world. It's a nicely magical place; what could have been our past history if I thought hexes and whatnot really worked. And the first book is probably my favorite because Alvin's just discovering his powers and his family treats him as just another kid who does a good job at his tasks. (less)
Once again, decent book. Not what I'd call and outstanding series (it was a little too light and quick), but entertaining and I enjoyed the characters...moreOnce again, decent book. Not what I'd call and outstanding series (it was a little too light and quick), but entertaining and I enjoyed the characters.(less)
Solid book, quick read, fast-paced, snappy dialog... what's not to like?! Fluff, to be sure, but very entertaining. It definitely felt like an opening...moreSolid book, quick read, fast-paced, snappy dialog... what's not to like?! Fluff, to be sure, but very entertaining. It definitely felt like an opening to a grander universe and more fleshed-out characters, so I'm happy to find out there's a sequel. I think I'd be mighty pissed if this was all there was. Apparently this is part of the 'Santiago' universe, so perhaps I'll check out those books as well.(less)
I enjoyed the first one enough to bother reading this one. I was fascinated by the world and wanted to read more, despite the simplistic writing geare...moreI enjoyed the first one enough to bother reading this one. I was fascinated by the world and wanted to read more, despite the simplistic writing geared towards children.
This book was very similar to the first: simple writing, characters are presented with moral dilemmas, and the reader is taken through their decision-making.
Again, I rather enjoyed this book, but oh how I wish an adult sci-fi author would pick up on this world and write adult-oriented novels! It's a pretty simple post-apocalyptic world, but I really want to read more about it!(less)
Got this for something like 50 cents at the library book sale and picked it up because I knew there was a movie made from it and I wanted to see what...moreGot this for something like 50 cents at the library book sale and picked it up because I knew there was a movie made from it and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Took it with me on vacation to read on the beach (yeah, like I was going to take my ereader to the beach...!)
All in all, not a bad book, though definitely aimed at 8-10 year olds. The world presented was original enough, but the author was a little heavy-handed with her morals. I attribute this to it being a kid's book. Likewise, the writing was very simplistic. Book presents good and easily-understood morality lessons where the characters have to choose between options that are neither "right" nor "wrong".(less)
As I'm getting ready to give birth for the first time and thinking about where/how I would like to deliver, this book was a great help. Many things he...moreAs I'm getting ready to give birth for the first time and thinking about where/how I would like to deliver, this book was a great help. Many things here that I wasn't told about by anyone else, so I never even had the chance to consider and make an informed decision.
While I don't agree with absolutely everything the book says, it spurred my thinking. Good resource for first-timers.
The first questions everyone asks me are 1. when are you due, 2. what gender; and then this is almost inevitably followed by "I bet you can't wait for that epidural!" Well, guess what? I don't want drugs. I never have. My ideal birth doesn't involve drugs or a c-section. While I'd still like a hospital birth, I want to have it as natural as possible. And this book helped me solidify why this isn't a crazy idea like many people in my life would have me believe. Yes, there will be pain; I may even scream for drugs. But if I go in knowing what to expect and knowing what I want and have the spousal/family support system I need, there's nothing I can't do!(less)
Not laugh-out-loud funny like some of his other stuff, but still a great distraction. I would recommend something funnier, like Naked, to someone I wa...moreNot laugh-out-loud funny like some of his other stuff, but still a great distraction. I would recommend something funnier, like Naked, to someone I was introducing to Sedaris.(less)
Even when I'm done reading it, it's still full of mysteries. But I don't feel cheated, it was a satisfying read, and I'd gladly read it again.
So I put...moreEven when I'm done reading it, it's still full of mysteries. But I don't feel cheated, it was a satisfying read, and I'd gladly read it again.
So I put off reading this for years. I read 2001 about 12 years ago, but my memories of it are tainted by the movie (I'm probably one of two people on the planet who hate the movie). Even when my brother recommended Rama to me, I just wasn't sure I wanted to read it (he also continually recommends Piers Anthony to me, and I can't get through those dregs any more). Finally sucked it up and read it in two short days - WOW.
This is a story less about character development and more about how humans would react to the possibility of coming into contact with an intelligent species from beyond the stars. Mr. Clarke did a great job; I felt like I was actually there experiencing it alongside the characters. Exciting :)(less)
This book is Dan Brown for Kids, and I don't recommend it to anyone.
This book was painfully YA. I only read this because it was a freebie on the Kindl...moreThis book is Dan Brown for Kids, and I don't recommend it to anyone.
This book was painfully YA. I only read this because it was a freebie on the Kindle - a promotion trying to entice new readers to the series. Guess what? There's no way in hell I'm buying the rest of this series, and I want my time back from this book.
The plot itself actually had some merit (again, a comparison to Dan Brown), and in the hands of a more capable author it could have been entertaining. Everything else about the book, from the characters to the pacing, was absolutely abysmal. The author felt the constant need to remind me of things that had already been stated (c'mon man - kids aren't stupid). The fact that the protagonists' parents were archaeologists was somehow supposed to explain that the kids knew whatever obscure information was necessary to move the dialog along. And the constant blinking neon arrow to the word TWINS? What was that? I get it already, stop harping on the point!
There was also a point in the book where the TWINS had just been attacked by a bunch of birds, and the birds had nearly ripped a car to shreds. Then the TWINS are told that the Bad Guys are coming and they should probably stay put. After all they've experienced, the first words out of their mouths as soon as they're left alone are: "We've got to get out of here." Well, surely they have a reason for stating this, right? Right? "I think we're in some pretty serious danger. [...:] We should try and make a run for it." What?? The forces of darkness are after you and you've found a protector and know you're in danger and all you want to do is leave??? I have a difficult time putting up with characters who do stupid things without a good reason just to move the plot along.
And as a few other reviews here have mentioned, the technology name-dropping really got in the way for me. Here's one that really bothered me: "...she wasn't answering her cell. She was either on eBay or playing one of the interminable online strategy games she was addicted to." This, spoken of a second generation goddess who is supposedly quite the badass, and Mr. Scott reduces her to a bumbling idiot who can't answer her mobile phone because she's eBaying. Puh-leeze.(less)
**spoiler alert** This book was good, but the more I think about it the more unhappy I am with it. The set-up was great: some unknown Despair is overt...more**spoiler alert** This book was good, but the more I think about it the more unhappy I am with it. The set-up was great: some unknown Despair is overtaking the world and mysterious beings come collect the dead. The plot execution could have been a little better.
On the positive side, it was delightful to read. The words and smilies chosen really evoked a sense of what the characters were experiencing. I actually grimaced and set the book down a couple times imagining just how hungry a dog would have to be to eat a screaming baby, or how much I would have to fear my life before I could beat a dog to death, or just how bad things would have to be before I'd smother someone.
Overall I enjoyed it, and it left me wanting more, but it left me wanting a little too much more. The story was great while I was reading it, and I suppose it was realistic with it's revelations about The Source. If I were a character in the book, I couldn't possibly know more than was divulged, so it stood true in that respect. But it would have been nice to have more answers. If this was my only problem with the book, I'd probably have still given it 4.5 to 5 stars. But........
...the last 25% of the book went a little weird on me. From the point where Norman reconnects with Zero to the end of the book, I just wasn't satisfied with the explanations. Zero was still alive? On a boat? Going to The Source??? Norman was trained on some random boat-navigating equipment and pulled a Juliet and happened to end up on the same boat in a body bag? Seemed far to convenient, and I held out for a better explanation, but none was ever delivered. (less)
**spoiler alert** The Good: Just about everything. From pacing to details to plot, this is a solid read. There was one instance with Hadrian where I t...more**spoiler alert** The Good: Just about everything. From pacing to details to plot, this is a solid read. There was one instance with Hadrian where I thought it was a little too easy to see what was going to happen. The book makes a point of saying he’s wearing a necklace several times, and we know he’s the best with a sword; then we’re told that the old bodyguard for the Heir of Novron was given such an amulet from Esrahaddon. It won’t be entirely told until the next book, so it’s possible the author is just really great at misleading, but…
There was a similar instance with Royce, talking about his excellent eye sight and hearing, but that one completely blew past me unnoticed and I didn’t realize until later when the author hit me over the head with his lineage. Score one for Mr. Sullivan!
The Gilarabrywn (which is thankfully phonetically pronounced by a character in the book so that I didn’t have to keep stumbling over it) reminded me of Trogdor from HSR. He’s a serpent with wings and two legs (though, sadly, no arm), and burninates the countryside, peasants, and thatched-roof cottages. Oh, and he only comes in the niiiiiiiiiiiiight.
I also thought including a local play in the called "The Crown Conspiracy" that was based upon the events in the first book in the series was a clever idea. It makes the world a little more real. I mean, if something huge happened like the events in TCC, you'd certainly expect there to be tales and plays. Nice little addition that just added to the believability of the world.
The Bad: Well, one thing’s for certain, Mr. Sullivan doesn’t have any problems injuring/killing off characters! I finally started to like Theron: dead. I absolutely fell in love with the Mauvin and Fanen: one dead, one injured. Not necessarily a “bad”, but I really liked Fanen. *shakes fist*
The Ugly: Arista. OMG, Arista. I got a little tired of her whining and jumping to wrong conclusions. “Oh noes, I don’t want a suitor! And I wish this slightly-devious hand-maid would leave me alone! Waaa!” But at least her being upset at (and having countless inner dialogs about) Sauly eventually went somewhere when she had to choose between helping Sauly (boo!) or helping Esrahaddon (yays!). I think this peeved me because I wasn’t given a truly compelling reason to doubt Esrahaddon. He’s somewhat sneaky and has his own secret reasons, but all-in-all I think he’s looking out for the good of humanity. It took Arista a long time to come to that conclusion. Of course, if she jumped right into helping Esrahaddon without compunction, I probably would be complaining about that.
I first noticed this book on the Kindle homepage as a recommended read for me. I was immediately drawn to the cover, recognizing the cross-stitch desi...moreI first noticed this book on the Kindle homepage as a recommended read for me. I was immediately drawn to the cover, recognizing the cross-stitch design as something by the Subversive Cross-Stitch woman. Then I started reading Dooce's blog and eventually purchased the book.
The book was solid and funny and heart-warming, and it's played a role in mentally preparing me (well, as much as you can be, anyway) to start a family. Heather speaks honestly and openly about the truths of pregnancy, family life, and her mental breakdown. I admire that and am thankful for it.(less)
**spoiler alert** I liked this book enough to recommend it as a "good book", but it had some issues.
The story idea was fabulous. The book was fun, eng...more**spoiler alert** I liked this book enough to recommend it as a "good book", but it had some issues.
The story idea was fabulous. The book was fun, engaging and entertaining... for the first 2/3 of the book. Then it climaxed a little early and sort of fizzled as there was nothing left to tell. Wacky story arc.
In the end, the characters basically come to the realization that they were unhappy with their former lives, knew what they needed to do to make themselves happy but refused to do it, but after gaining lifetimes of experience they were able to finally make that leap of faith into a happier life. Gumdrops and rainbows all around.
Despite the happy (and long-time-coming) ending, there was some genuine emotional torment for the characters, and it made them more interesting and likable.
My biggest peeve with the book is the misplaced sex. It read like some of Heinlein's more jarring works, where the story is moving along and then all of a sudden there's a hot-and-heavy sex scene that seems totally out of place. It made sense in some places as the characters were discovering themselves and living lives fueled by drugs and sex, but the scene in the train? What was with that? It was so incredibly disorienting that it's the main thing I'm taking away from the book, and that's a shame. It could have been much better with a little bit of editing for story flow.(less)
Not a great book (and certainly not one of King's best), but it was a fun little romp. Since it's a Kindle-only book there isn't a page count, but thi...moreNot a great book (and certainly not one of King's best), but it was a fun little romp. Since it's a Kindle-only book there isn't a page count, but this definitely rates as a short-story in my book.
Thing that bugged me: King's seemingly-endless plugging for the Kindle. But if you're reading the story, you obviously already own the Kindle... so I suppose it's just a wink-wink-nudge-nudge to other owners. I think this will get less annoying as time passes, and maybe a read-through a year from now will be better. (And I suppose if I was writing a book about the Kindle I'd sing it's praises too since I absolutely adore this little device.)
Things that I liked: The writing style. I love his word choices and punctuation style. It's the reason I've been reading his novels for years and the reason I will continue to do so. No change here.
**SPOILERS BE HERE** It's a neat idea (Kindle that can access stories/news from alternate realities), it's executed well, and I was *delighted* to see the phrase "low men in yellow coats" and their infamous red Cadillac. I actually squee'd out loud. And I'm a sucker for anything that references the Dark Tower. The way King ties together most of his stories with the Dark Tower always keeps me coming back for more, even little fun morsels like this.
Going to go see Scalzi at Ohioana - thought I'd read this beforehand.
Update: The book is ok - at times it's too witty for it's own good, but it's over...moreGoing to go see Scalzi at Ohioana - thought I'd read this beforehand.
Update: The book is ok - at times it's too witty for it's own good, but it's overall "not bad". I definitely prefer Scalzi's OMW universe to this silliness, and I look forward to reading more "true" scifi (as opposed to a less clever rip-off of Douglas Adams) from him.
I think my biggest issue with this is that the writing isn't as solid as I expected from Scalzi. I'm not sure when it was written in relation to Scalzi's career, but it reads like a first-time novel.(less)
I like Gaiman's style of writing and I appreciate the quirkiness of his tales. However, Stardust was very bland.
I saw the movie when it was first rele...moreI like Gaiman's style of writing and I appreciate the quirkiness of his tales. However, Stardust was very bland.
I saw the movie when it was first released, but it was forgettable and I forgot the tale aside from Robert DeNiro being a gay air-pirate. I would like to say that I remembered what happened and it ruined the book for me, but I couldn't remember a darn thing about the movie!
Unfortunately, the book is also forgettable. The characters are likable enough, and the story was well paced, but the plot itself seems to be lacking. I kept waiting for something, anything, to happen, and it never did! And since the reader is in on the Big Secret of Tristran's heritage from the very beginning, and it was easy to figure out his mom's heritage... well, the ending was also a huge let-down because nothing was revealed that I didn't already know.
You won't miss anything by skipping this one.(less)
The first non-fiction leisure book I've read in a looooong time (thanks to Kindle for introducing me to new authors/genres!). I really really liked th...moreThe first non-fiction leisure book I've read in a looooong time (thanks to Kindle for introducing me to new authors/genres!). I really really liked this one. About famous explorer Fawcett's search for "El Dorado" in the Amazon, and a reporter's mission to trace his tracks about 80 years later.
The reporter's story was laid out side-by-side with Fawcett's in alternating chapters, Fawcett's being pieced together from his journals and letters. It was a well done effect. Even better, there's even a bit of resolution at the end! I was worried it was going to be a big "we don't know!!!" at the end (what with it being non-fiction and all), but it was nicely resolved. Recommended.(less)
My second Haldeman book (still haven't gotten my hands on Forever War, dammit), and I really enjoyed it. Heinleinesque, except Haldeman can actually w...moreMy second Haldeman book (still haven't gotten my hands on Forever War, dammit), and I really enjoyed it. Heinleinesque, except Haldeman can actually write a believable female lead! OMG!
This book is like Heinlein's Red Mars, but all grown up.(less)
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