In High School English I was taught that we cannot presume that the protagonist speaks for the author. Otherwise, how could authors explore different...moreIn High School English I was taught that we cannot presume that the protagonist speaks for the author. Otherwise, how could authors explore different subjects and philosophies? True to a point. But for Anne Rice, and knowing about her evolution from the early Vampire and Witches books, where God appeared as a character, to her "born again" phase and back to her "somewhere in the middle views", it's hard to separate the novel from the novelist.
The Wolf Gift is a supernatural horror/love story that showcases Rice's gift for making the unnatural ordinary. Her descriptions of the wolves lust for blood and the kill are just a little to graphic for me. But the rest (and by far the bulk) of the novel proceeds at a stately pace with plenty of introspection. But the reason I think we have to believe that Rice is talking/arguing with us is her repeated reference to Teilhard de Chardin, a Jesuit philosopher who most of the characters seem to be familiar with. His philosophy takes up a lot of the book, a bit too much for my taste, but it's obviously important to Rice to explain his/her world view.
Overall I'd say that Rice is back to her Vampire and Witches of Mayfair days, but it's what you'd expect from someone who is older, perhaps wiser and who has been through a few literary evolutions. It's a similar book to the old ones, but with a little less edge, a little (perhaps a lot) more floating description and introspection and just a little too easy. She's moved the setting from New Orleans to Northern California, which is beautiful, but just doesn't have the depth of the Big Easy. At the end, I didn't feel like I really care if I find out more about the characters, but I really should.
A good read, but if you like this sort of thing, go back and read her older works. They were richer and more compelling. (less)
A fantastic conclusion to an excellent series. It's been interesting reading a series as its been written. The author knows how to tell a tale and by...moreA fantastic conclusion to an excellent series. It's been interesting reading a series as its been written. The author knows how to tell a tale and by the end the suspense is gripping. All that said, while the characters are pretty well defined, I had the feeling that I didn't quite get the measure of them. In particular Bernard has, I believe, more going on inside him than we learn about. There are also a few, to me, non sequiturs in the plot which I won't discuss since I don't want to spoil anything.
Overall highly recommend this series and look forward to more writing from Hugh Howey. (less)
Michael Chabon was one of my favorite authors, but he's fallen into the Don Dillilo and Jonathan Frazen etc trap of writing beautiful words, but leavi...moreMichael Chabon was one of my favorite authors, but he's fallen into the Don Dillilo and Jonathan Frazen etc trap of writing beautiful words, but leaving ordinary readers behind. I'm sure English majors would love to study his wordplay. I felt I was drowning in description, incredible, obsessive description, waiting for something to happen. (I listened to the audiobook). At one point, I listened for 45 minutes while a parrot flew across the city and nothing happened. At the end of the day, I decided I couldn't keep wading through the effluent waiting for something to happen. Godot arrived sooner than the plot in this morass of sensory overload.(less)
Now we are getting somewhere. The series is gathering an awful momentum. Learning a bit more about the characters motivations and how they are trapped...moreNow we are getting somewhere. The series is gathering an awful momentum. Learning a bit more about the characters motivations and how they are trapped in so many ways. But still, what's with the wool?(less)
This installment just didn't do it. It's a mood piece and it seems to setup future conflicts and gives us a view of the structure of the silo. It woul...moreThis installment just didn't do it. It's a mood piece and it seems to setup future conflicts and gives us a view of the structure of the silo. It would be fine as a sequence in a novel, but as a stand-alone piece it just doesn't do much. The plot barely advances and I am left wondering about the Mayor and deputy's choice. I won't spoil it it, but it's a little too random and feels like a set piece to justify their trip down the silo.
So what's wrong with me? I like dystopian stories. I am not a fan of short stories because they, by definition end just as they get started. I'm not s...moreSo what's wrong with me? I like dystopian stories. I am not a fan of short stories because they, by definition end just as they get started. I'm not sure if this is a short story, or a modern serial which is a clever way for the author to make some money in the changing book world. To the story itself, it is beautifully told. Full of twists and gives the reader just enough information to make us want more. Of course I'll read part 2. (less)
A totally enjoyable read. The author imbues his characters with wit and clever dialog and clear imagery that moves this story forward and makes you wa...moreA totally enjoyable read. The author imbues his characters with wit and clever dialog and clear imagery that moves this story forward and makes you want to check under the seats of each paragraph in case you missed an interesting observation or turn of phrase. Sure some of this is overblown and the plot isn't really plausible, (as some reviewers have complained about), but that's why we call this fiction. I suspect that the author has been collecting clever thoughts for a while and has then went looking through his characters to figure out who could voice them. But that doesn't detract from the book's imagery, totally realized setting and interesting observations on the various social classes and ethnic groups. Given how hard the author comes down on the moneyed WASP culture in NyC, I'd be curious as to how readers of different ethnicities react. I won't go into spoilers, but I will mention that I was mildly disappointed as to how some of the main characters ended up. Their later lives didn't quite fit their intellect and ambition. (less)
This book is a bit of a misfit from the other three books in the series, yet in many ways its the best one. With only one book to work with, and some...moreThis book is a bit of a misfit from the other three books in the series, yet in many ways its the best one. With only one book to work with, and some sort of trouble with his publisher, Shaara focuses mostly on the brutal battle for Okinawa and with a brief foray in the dropping of the atomic bomb. But the battle scenes are among the best I've read. We get a compelling view of Adams' war. (The actual brother of Jesse Adams profiled in the Europe books). Along with the dread of anticipation and the horror of battle, I really got the sense of soldiers (in the general sense, Adams was actually a Marine), being cogs in the machinery of war. They never knew what was going on beyond what they could see. They were kept ignorant of strategy, the enemy's position and more. (I believe that has changed dramatically with the US military's use of information technology). The incredible effort and casualties that were required to take the island were astonishing. Even more so when it's so obvious to everyone on both sides that the outcome is inevitable. We also saw the battle from the Japanese local commander's point of view. And the Japanese culture of death with honor is still foreign. In the end, the battle need never have taken place, the Japanese only fought to inflict casualties, not with any hope of ever winning.
The book concludes with a brief version of Paul Tibbit's dropping of the atomic bomb. I never realized that he was part of the plan for a long time and commanded a special group charged with dropping the bomb. I had thought he was just a "lucky" pilot picked to fly that day. His part could have had a book all for his story.
While its too bad that the pacific war gets short shrift in this series, in some sense it's ok. We missed the great navel battles (possibly the last of their kind in history) but I feel as a reader that I got a deep sense of the island hopping warfare that characterized this theatre.
All in all, a fitting conclusion to the series, that brings Shara full circle into the company of his father with a book as compelling as the Killer Angels. (Btw, if you haven't read that one, do so now)(less)
I really wanted to like this book. The author sought to provide a different perspective on Hitler's rise to power. But the book suffers from two major...moreI really wanted to like this book. The author sought to provide a different perspective on Hitler's rise to power. But the book suffers from two major flaws. The putative protagonist, Bill Dodd is small weak man who is not up to major role he has to play. And the book is boring. In all cases Dodd takes the easy way out and lets his anti-semitism (a common affliction of the American diplomatic corps) blind him to the New Germany. The other half of the books chronicles the love life of dodd's daughter Martha. A vain young anti-semite who also falls in love with many men and Germany itself. Along the way the book fails to provide drama or much to hold the interest of any reader with more than a passing knowledge of the rise of the Third Reich. If you are new to the topic and want to learn, I strongly suggest you read Shirer. It's not meant to be entertaining but it's far more interesting than Larson's failed effort. (less)
I found the book interesting and entertaining. Though I am a big Apple/Steve Jobs fan. On the downside, it seems that the book was rushed to publicati...moreI found the book interesting and entertaining. Though I am a big Apple/Steve Jobs fan. On the downside, it seems that the book was rushed to publication, it could have used a little editing. I wonder what it would have been if held for 6 more months. And it's clear that the author is an admirer, but that fine, he's not the first biographer to get perhaps too close to his subject.
On the plus side, he pulls no punches. Steve Jobs was brilliant, opinionated and a jerk. And they all go together. It's also an interesting history of Apple and the consumer electronics market.
I suppose I might have given it a lower rating if the subject wasn't so fascinating to me. I do believe Jobs will remain in the pantheon of great inventors/business leaders and later books will of course offer more perspective. But this book has access to people and provides primary sources that just won't exist elsewhere. So this may well end up being the definitive work on Jobs.(less)
What I like about Harlan Coben's books are the combination of pacing and insight. His books always move, but never tease or leave you hanging too long...moreWhat I like about Harlan Coben's books are the combination of pacing and insight. His books always move, but never tease or leave you hanging too long. But better than that are the insights in life, relationships and personalities. This book reveals much about Myron's life and it's not pretty. But we have hope that he'll make it work. I am not sure if we'll see more of Myron, or if Coben now plans to view other characters or Myron through a difference lens. When I first heard of Harlan Coben about 6 or 7 years ago, I thought that an ex-basketball star turned PI/sports agent was a strange character. But as I've come to know Myron and his friends, he is a great person to hang out with. I do hope to see more of Win and a few other characters going forward.(less)
The good news is that Dance With Dragons (book 5 in the series) is much better than #4. Faster paced, far less heraldry, and much less misogyny. It st...moreThe good news is that Dance With Dragons (book 5 in the series) is much better than #4. Faster paced, far less heraldry, and much less misogyny. It still suffers from the author's clear love of each chapter. As in all the books, each chapter is told from one point of view. But most of them could comfortably be cut in half with the remaining space used to move the plot along. Some characters get far too much ink (or bits for Kindle?) relative to what actually happens. It's like the author wanted to create a soap opera that runs for 30-years where each episode has drama, but really, the plot never moves forward.
My armchair psychoanalysis says that the author acts like an adolescent boy with a strong fear of woman and who never learned to respect them. But, in his favor, it's starting to look like only the woman are going to survive his purges and will, in the end be battling for control of Westeros.
I'm sure I'll read the (hopefully) last book when it's published because I am curious. But my only rush is to be able to read it before I forget who everyone is.
The rest of this review contains mild spoilers..... *********************
Danareys is clearly an important character, but is it really necessary to create a whole new world essentially just to show her growth? And is really necessary to have us invest so much time with side-plots only to kill off the characters repeatedly?
I started out skeptical, I'm just not a fan of inspirational books. I got hooked from the beginning, Louis has a tremendous story. The suffering he, h...moreI started out skeptical, I'm just not a fan of inspirational books. I got hooked from the beginning, Louis has a tremendous story. The suffering he, his pilot Phil & the other POWs endured is heartbreaking and astounding. Its hard to see how any of them survived. That said, I found myself wondering how much of the book is based on Louis's current recollections, contemporary stories or other sources. In the end I suppose it doesn't matter if any of the facts are right or wrong. The gist is certainly right and barbarousness and cruelty have no excuse. Without writing a spoiler, I will say that his redemption at the end seems a little too quick and pat and doesn't jibe with other similar stories. Perhaps the most important reason to read this book these days is to remind us why its wrong on every level to routinely torture prisoners. (less)
A nice addition to the series. The action moves. It's nothing original or special, just a good quick read. Usual plot elements and characters for an i...moreA nice addition to the series. The action moves. It's nothing original or special, just a good quick read. Usual plot elements and characters for an international spy thriller.(less)
I'm a big fan of Ken Follett and particularly enjoyed his cathedral books. I was hoping for a similar experience with "fall of giants". But the simpli...moreI'm a big fan of Ken Follett and particularly enjoyed his cathedral books. I was hoping for a similar experience with "fall of giants". But the simplistic writing really annoyed me. At times I felt like I was reading a romance when I was expecting a novelized version of "the guns of august". On the plus side he does a wonderful job of explaining the causes of WWI and the political undercurrents of that era. Given that this is a trilogy that's supposed to cover the 20th century it seems that the author has some serious ground to cover. wwII is worthy of the same coverage as WWI. (though I fear that this simple narrative style will make me cringe in comparison to the "the Winds of War" trilogy, which I loved. So it was an enjoyable read, but not a gripping immersive read as were the Cathedral books. (less)
My opinion of this book varied as I read it. I started with great expectations, got disappointed, 2/3 of the way through I really got engaged, but wel...moreMy opinion of this book varied as I read it. I started with great expectations, got disappointed, 2/3 of the way through I really got engaged, but well, it ended. The book has a terrific premise, it takes place on Dejima (sp? I don't know, I listened to the audio book), an artificial island in Nagasaki harbor where the Dutch East India company had its trading base. Japan at the time was sealed against foreigners and the Dutch were not permitted off the island. So the novel revolves around the two cultures meeting. THere are quite a few non-sequitor stories told by the various characters, some of which later come into relevance and some don't. And if feels like there are two or three plots that come together, but I was left wondering why. And while the author brought the Dutch to life, I felt like he didn't have a good grasp of the Japanese. They were not not caricatures, but nor were they fully fleshed out. To his credit, it was not the usual cliches about the superiority of the pastoral and serene Japanese. There were also more than a few parts where I felt that the 18th century Japanese were using phrases we'd find in a 20th century American mall with slight changes.
Over all a good read about a part of history that I was previously unaware of, but not compelling reading.(less)
An enjoyable read. It's a little heavy handed on the author's social messages, but the twin stories do move along. Somewhat believable and she brings...moreAn enjoyable read. It's a little heavy handed on the author's social messages, but the twin stories do move along. Somewhat believable and she brings Africa to life.(less)
A lovely book, if such a thing can be written about a romance that spans WWII. I particularly liked the first half which takes place in pre-war Paris....moreA lovely book, if such a thing can be written about a romance that spans WWII. I particularly liked the first half which takes place in pre-war Paris. The rest was interesting since it gives a good account of Hungry which was in a somewhat unusual position in WWII as a reluctant (perhaps) member of the Axis. But it largely covered ground of suffering that's been covered many times before.(less)
Major Pettigrew is a wonderful character. He is drawn almost as a caricature but Helen Simonson then does the decent thing and brings him to life and...moreMajor Pettigrew is a wonderful character. He is drawn almost as a caricature but Helen Simonson then does the decent thing and brings him to life and we get to enjoy his journey and, if it's not too much of a cliche, his personal growth. Most of the people around him (other than the refreshing Mrs. Ali) remain true to their caricatures, but then, isn't that the point of the book? Frankly, I had a hard time keeping track of which character was which, but that wasn't a problem, their purpose and role in the Major's life is always clear. The highlight of the book are the Major & Mrs. Ali's trenchant observations of character all set against the wonderful backdrop of their timeless village. Thanks to the Major & Mrs. Ali, I am pleased to report that there will in fact, always be an England.(less)
I'm a big of a Lee Child and the Jack Reacher series. Even if it's formulaic, it's usually a fun ride with Reacher always being stronger and smarter t...moreI'm a big of a Lee Child and the Jack Reacher series. Even if it's formulaic, it's usually a fun ride with Reacher always being stronger and smarter than everyone around him. But this book was just boring. Nothing happened. The one mystery/physical conflict was telegraphed as being 61 hours from the start of the book. So what? The setting was a small town in South Dakota where nothing happens, and that was fitting for this book. I'd say skip it and read the early books in the series.(less)
I've enjoyed the John Wells series immensely. And how could I not like an author who went to Yale, but makes his hero/protagonist a Dartmouth grad? Th...moreI've enjoyed the John Wells series immensely. And how could I not like an author who went to Yale, but makes his hero/protagonist a Dartmouth grad? This book is a dramatic change of pace from the rest of the series. Things slow down as Wells spends this book investigating a crime rather than fighting terrorists. The author goes to great length (sometimes too great) to flesh out even the minor characters and sometimes the book drags a bit, which didn't really happen earlier in the series. That said, it was a quick read and I was eager to continue. My feeling is that Berenson went back to his roots as an NYT reporter a bit here. This book is an exploration of the treatment of prisoners and the moral dilemmas inherent in our endless war on terror. While it was a good effort, I found Michael Gruber's The Good Son a better examination of this issue, though that book was more from the side of the terrorists, this one presented the problems faced by Americans trying to achieve a balance in how prisoners are treated vs protecting the security of Americans and our allies. I am looking forward to the next book and hoping it has a little more action.(less)
"Our Kind of Traitor" brings Le Carré back to his beloved, if that's the right word, world of British Intelligence in all its bureaucratic glory up ag...more"Our Kind of Traitor" brings Le Carré back to his beloved, if that's the right word, world of British Intelligence in all its bureaucratic glory up against Russians. Though now, the Russians are criminals rather than the KGB or FSB. As you'd hope for and expect, most of the characters have doubts and a sense of morality that makes them question their actions and role in this play. And it is a play, and they are aware that they are trapped in the sequence, just like the "Theatre of the Real" from the "Little Drummer Girl". We also get Le Carreé's trademark jumps in the narrative where you, the reader, has to fill in what's just happened or read between the lines to understand actions as the characters would. And of course, there this is written in full British slang which is a joy to read. (Just so you know, a Slip Road is what in North America we call and exit or entrance ramp to a highway.)
Overall an enjoyable read. All actions and decisions are in shades of grey and super-Spys like Jason Bourne need not apply.(less)
This is a must read for anyone who supports the role of the US in foreign wars, opposes it, or has no strong opinion. Junger offers a clear eyed repor...moreThis is a must read for anyone who supports the role of the US in foreign wars, opposes it, or has no strong opinion. Junger offers a clear eyed report on what it's like to live in a remote outpost at the most violent of the war in Afghanistan. What makes his reporting so important is that he spends no time assessing the rightness or wrongness of the cause or why this outpost exists and he offers no opinions on whether the US military's strategy and troop levels are appropriate. (Well, he comments on these at the end, but only raises the issues, doesn't attempt to delve into them.)
The power in this book comes from his understanding of the soldiers. Why they do what they do. How miserable it is here (and in so many other combat situations), but in the end, the worst damage to the soldiers is that they can't "go home". When they leave the boredom, rush, excitement and camaraderie of their platoon, home cannot compete. It's the real Catch-22. You'd only go back if you were crazy, but you want to go back anyways, but are sane enough not to. Thoughout the book, Junger includes some terrific insights into what makes a warrior, how normal they are and how little they care about the broader political goals.
Tellingly, he reports that there is virtually no patriotic bluster outside the rear-bases. The true fighting soldiers have no time nor interest. To me, this strikes to the heart of our current national crush on the military. These soldiers came to the Army from a variety of backgrounds, criminal, to bored to tradition. But they are uniformly not there to be "heroes", a much overused designation. Some of their actions are amazingly heroic. But they are a result of (not in any particular order) training, unit cohesion, circumstance and physical and mental strength. And the term most definitely (in this reading) doesn't apply to rear-area support troops, who play a vital role, but it's a job, not heroism.
With the lose of the military draft, we've lost the link that comes from all segments of society serving in the military. And with this loss, fighting is for most of us, removed from our everyday understanding, outsourced as it were. This is the only reason Americans have tolerated a decade of war in Afghanistan with no discernible point or end goal. Junger's book is one, important step in reminding us of the costs of war.
Takes place immediately after 61 hours and is much more in line with what I expect from a Jack Reacher book. Some day he might show remorse for the ba...moreTakes place immediately after 61 hours and is much more in line with what I expect from a Jack Reacher book. Some day he might show remorse for the bad guys he kills, but since they are always so clearly bad, it must be ok. ;) But Child deviates a little from his established formula, in this book there is no local female cop to work with him. I guess he needs to get Jack out of Nebraska into a more populated state. But a great read from start to finish.(less)
I am close to saying that this novel is essential reading for it's fantastic portrayal of Muslim extremists and what motivated them. And the counter a...moreI am close to saying that this novel is essential reading for it's fantastic portrayal of Muslim extremists and what motivated them. And the counter arguments.
Michael Gruber has, over the past few years become one of, if not my favorite current author. His recent books cover a wide range of situations, history and culture. In each I feel like he is giving us a great understanding of the characters and their society. From medieval italy to modern new York. In this book he takes us into Pakistan, Afghanistan and the heart of the jihad. At times he seems sympathetic to ther nihilistic cause but over time he exposes the falseness of the jihad based Islam and how the ignorant Pashtuns are caught up in a hopeless situation. He also points out the folly of us Asian policy and how little we understand that part of the world. He is scathing on current america. "I had a good 4th grade education so my mother said I could he ready to enter high school in america as a junior with no problems" I enjoy how he reveals the character's backstories and in this novel they are wholly unexpected and unpredictable. It's a group of people that (mostly) I'd like to have to dinner. The plot is intricate and cleverly interwoven. It's not perfect, but is well tied together. (less)
good quick read. I'm never a fan of when authors merge all their characters into one big (in this case litteraly) happy family. Similar to Asimov's Ro...moregood quick read. I'm never a fan of when authors merge all their characters into one big (in this case litteraly) happy family. Similar to Asimov's Robot and Foundation series. It just loses some of it's sharpness. I'm not sure who is the hero.(less)
Another thoughtful and page turning book form Halan Coben. There are (as usual) many twists and turns. Even figuring out who the protagonist takes a l...moreAnother thoughtful and page turning book form Halan Coben. There are (as usual) many twists and turns. Even figuring out who the protagonist takes a little while. It's only in the last section that you start to really get the messages (not subtle) that seem to be his goal. Never a dull page.
Silva and Allon are still at the top of their game. This is a slightly different story from the rest of the series. The opposition is not a terrorist...moreSilva and Allon are still at the top of their game. This is a slightly different story from the rest of the series. The opposition is not a terrorist group, rather a business enterprise. The formula remains comfortably familiar and it's great to see all the usual gang helping Gabriel. Even knowing (anticipating) how things will turn out, Silva manages to build the suspense beautifully.
The core of the book is the education the author provides us on the perfidies of the Swiss both in World War II and on through today in their willingness to do business with the Nazis then and terrorist regimes now. (The Catholic Church and German businesses are also exposed.)
It's a novel, but with a purpose. After reading it, it made me think. (The author explains afterwards that those parts were all true and documented.)(less)
Lewis gives his usual wonderful explanation of a complex subject, though I still only partially understand CDOs and CDSs, but I get the gist. They wer...moreLewis gives his usual wonderful explanation of a complex subject, though I still only partially understand CDOs and CDSs, but I get the gist. They were garbage investments, but the people doing the dealing all made off great in the end. If this book is only 1/2 true, and I think it's more than that, then a) We are in big trouble, the financial system will crash again, only probably quicker this time and b) Bond and derivative traders are not nearly so smart as they portray themselves to be and many really belong in jail, or in exile where they can't hurt us anymore.(less)
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