A fast, fun mystery tale through the physical and digital worlds of books, and the adventures that lie within. Too many loose ends that never got tied...moreA fast, fun mystery tale through the physical and digital worlds of books, and the adventures that lie within. Too many loose ends that never got tied up, but "Penumbra" ends on a note that I can definitely get on board with. (less)
This simple marriage between research and common sense has produced a wonderful guide to releasing the anxiety of perfectionism and grasping the joy o...moreThis simple marriage between research and common sense has produced a wonderful guide to releasing the anxiety of perfectionism and grasping the joy of a fully-lived life. Practical, avoiding the platitudes and promises of self-help delusions, "Imperfection" is a book I am sure I will be re-reading many times!(less)
When Fodor's Israel meets a young Miss Marple, the result is an enticing tale in foreign lands that even a non mystery buff (me!) can really enjoy. Th...moreWhen Fodor's Israel meets a young Miss Marple, the result is an enticing tale in foreign lands that even a non mystery buff (me!) can really enjoy. This debut novel examines the dysfunctional team dynamics of a video game design business on location in the setting of their next game... frankly, the animosity is only too believable! (less)
"Sometimes you've got to go up to a very high floor to see what the past has done to the present."
I'm not surprised that this book has won many prest...more"Sometimes you've got to go up to a very high floor to see what the past has done to the present."
I'm not surprised that this book has won many prestigious awards, including the national book award. It's about New York; it spans 'Nam to the Twin Towers; it sweeps from the Projects up to a Park Avenue penthouse; people fight, fall in love, die, are reborn - all strung together by a courageous real-life tight-rope walk across the Manhattan skyline. The writing of the dozen different character sketches is really, really good. But since I prefer a plot-driven to a character-driven story, it was not really my cup of tea. (less)
For someone trying to repair the damage done by perfectionism, The Tao of Pooh is a gentle ocean breeze, a vacation for the soul. Go with the flow, ma...moreFor someone trying to repair the damage done by perfectionism, The Tao of Pooh is a gentle ocean breeze, a vacation for the soul. Go with the flow, man. (less)
Seems a little strange in retrospect that I picked this book, given the only work by Simon Pegg I've seen is relatively minor acting in the most recen...moreSeems a little strange in retrospect that I picked this book, given the only work by Simon Pegg I've seen is relatively minor acting in the most recent Star Trek movie, but I think I just liked the title. In typical British fashion this book is irritatingly over-written, but given my obsession with film making lately, I enjoyed it. In small doses. Over several months. (less)
A slow-boil western, gold-rush adventure, creepy family dynamics, and a good-old-fashioned "last job and out" dilemma combine to create a truly enjoya...moreA slow-boil western, gold-rush adventure, creepy family dynamics, and a good-old-fashioned "last job and out" dilemma combine to create a truly enjoyable read that I started again on page 1 the minute I turned the last. Some strange storyline beats prevent a full five stars but I sure am hoping the Cohen Brothers, Soderberg, and Tarantino turn this into a movie. (less)
If you're a woman in your 30's wondering what the f*** you're supposed to be doing with your life, The Weird Sisters will be a page turner that makes...moreIf you're a woman in your 30's wondering what the f*** you're supposed to be doing with your life, The Weird Sisters will be a page turner that makes you laugh and cry. (less)
I loved the chance to vicariously walk down Warren Street and many other favorite London haunts with Maisie Dobbs. But I enjoy a mystery that, if I ha...moreI loved the chance to vicariously walk down Warren Street and many other favorite London haunts with Maisie Dobbs. But I enjoy a mystery that, if I hadn't been so swept up in the story, I could have solved myself along the way. A little too much Upstairs, Downstairs, not enough Sherlock Holmes for my taste. (less)
If you, like I, love Klimt and all things turn-of-the-century Vienna, then this book will be a fascinating read. Likewise, if you are curious about re...moreIf you, like I, love Klimt and all things turn-of-the-century Vienna, then this book will be a fascinating read. Likewise, if you are curious about restitution to Austrian Jews post WWII, this book will be of interest. Well-researched but not well-paced, this book would be a bit of an octopus for the casual reader. (less)
Like a long Vanity Fair expose of the ridiculous rich. (Reminiscent of the great reporting by VF post-Madoff.) A fun read with splashes of decadence,...moreLike a long Vanity Fair expose of the ridiculous rich. (Reminiscent of the great reporting by VF post-Madoff.) A fun read with splashes of decadence, con artistry, history, travel and mystery. (less)
What if The Walrus of the White House suddenly reappeared and ran for President of the United States in 2012??? Well, it would feel like a (sometimes)...moreWhat if The Walrus of the White House suddenly reappeared and ran for President of the United States in 2012??? Well, it would feel like a (sometimes) funny 273-page ad for Whole Foods, apparently. (less)