The advice in this book is mostly common-sense and I admire the intention of adding more meaning to relationships through sincerity. The book is laid...moreThe advice in this book is mostly common-sense and I admire the intention of adding more meaning to relationships through sincerity. The book is laid out in a flowing, easy-to-follow way, with anecdotes throughout to support the claim, rule or tip being asserted. The only problem that I have is that none of the advice has very much rigorous data to support it. Most of what Dale Carnegie claims seems logical, but there are times when a jump is made to suggest that "this one action turned the next twenty years around." As a scientist that doesn't sit well with me, but I can understand part of the lack of rigour could stem from the time in which it was written as well as Carnegie's target audience. Finally, when Carnegie claims that he "present[s] these facts without comment," he's artificially trying to invoke some scientific detachment which is not appropriate for the tone of the book. With those gripes aside, the book has some merits and potentially helpful advice for any relationship.(less)
Marty Chan's sense of humour is contagious, and there is plenty here to enjoy for young readers and adults alike. The tribulations of a young Canadian...moreMarty Chan's sense of humour is contagious, and there is plenty here to enjoy for young readers and adults alike. The tribulations of a young Canadian-born Chinese are heartfelt and relatable. The "stakeout reports" used to change scenes are simply hilarious, and they advance the story very efficiently. The mystery will keep you on your toes, while opening up issues that are important to young readers everywhere. (less)
This is the first book I've read by Alastair Reynolds, and the scope blew me away. The depiction of galactic-scale travel and the psychological conseq...moreThis is the first book I've read by Alastair Reynolds, and the scope blew me away. The depiction of galactic-scale travel and the psychological consequences just begin to scratch the surface of all that Reynolds explores. Although it takes some time to get into the central conflict, the payoff is worthwhile. The ideas are rich in a universe delicately and carefully thought out with a far-reaching vision that will stretch your definition of lifetime.(less)
It took me some time to adjust to the hair-raising style of a story narrated by a bigfoot, but once I did I found this story engaging and entertaining...moreIt took me some time to adjust to the hair-raising style of a story narrated by a bigfoot, but once I did I found this story engaging and entertaining, hardly skipping a beat between each exciting plot twist. This is the first I've read in the series, and it reads like a direct continuation from the last book, with little or no break from when we last saw the characters. I think there's enough here to grab a junior reader, with interesting takes on the mythology of bigfoot and similar legends. It left me wanting to read the sequel! (less)
The review system is a little bit difficult to use here.
This book is an excellent and concise resource for anyone interested in learning the logic an...moreThe review system is a little bit difficult to use here.
This book is an excellent and concise resource for anyone interested in learning the logic and means by which written word was communicated. Although I only did the exercises in the beginning chapters, the structure was still attainable without requiring me to be a linguist.(less)
James P. Hogan has some really great ideas that he explores quite thoroughly in this book. Having spent a great deal of time thinking about communicat...moreJames P. Hogan has some really great ideas that he explores quite thoroughly in this book. Having spent a great deal of time thinking about communication through time in my own work, it was refreshing to read a story where someone had gone into as much or more effort.
The science, however, takes priority at the expense of characterization, and there were certain passages that made me gag. Almost every description of the female characters contained very sexist judgments. The only saving grace was that the characters were so flat that I didn't feel a need to defend them. In fact, I think the only character I cared about was one who rarely spoke and happened to be the victim of everyone's inability to figure out what they needed to change to not kill him.
The weaknesses in the characterization unfortunately permeate through to other aspects of the story, leading to a lack of tension and immediacy. When the novel begins to get interesting and tense (not merely exploring neat scientific ideas) about 2/3 of the way through the book, the resolution is stumbled upon fairly obvious and as a reader you'll likely figure out the solution and have to plod your way through the rest of the book while the details are laid out carefully with no surprises.
Great ideas but as a novel this doesn't engage the reader very effectively.(less)
In such an epic series replete with many beloved characters, I take some time to assimilate new additions, particularly if they oppose characters I ad...moreIn such an epic series replete with many beloved characters, I take some time to assimilate new additions, particularly if they oppose characters I admire. However, Lynda Williams skillfully makes Ilse Marin a distinct and likeable presence in the book, along with Princess Samanda O'Pearl. There is significant and believable character development in Amel, whom the series has watched for some time. His evolution throughout the series is fascinating and this book adds an entirely new level of depth, with beautiful passages detailing the philosophy he's obtained after all he's been through.
The story picks up a bit slowly, but toward the end of the novel it seems that this is the calm before the storm. As a reader I felt like the series as a whole is heating up considerably because of the nature of events that unfold. The cultural detail can seem overwhelming at times, but it adds a richness that makes the important moments that much brighter. All the blocks that Lynda Williams has set up in previous books are falling into place, and if you devote time to this book and the others it will be very well-spent. (less)
The final book in the trilogy suffers from a problem that could have plagued the other two books, but was avoided by the way the plot relied upon The...moreThe final book in the trilogy suffers from a problem that could have plagued the other two books, but was avoided by the way the plot relied upon The Hunger Games. Katniss plays a reactionary role in all of the books, with events happening to her before she takes initiative. There are a few exceptions, but the reason this generally worked in Books 1 and 2 was because it HAD to -- The Hunger Games loomed over every character's decisions, so any initiative on Katniss's part would be futile.
In Mockingjay, Katniss adopts a very passive role as things unfold around her, and the result is a draggy, unexciting story that as a reader, I'm devoting time to only because the other books have captured me. Nothing jaw-dropping occurs in this novel regarding character development or plot twists, and the way Suzanne Collins tries to play the double card of hope and despair for humanity just didn't work for me. The action scenes don't carry the same looming weight as all the events that occur in the arena. Some of the world-building is interesting but not enough to carry the story.
Katniss could have stepped up to the plate when the opportunity presented itself, and she does at times, but the majority of the book we spend wallowing in her sorrow, anger and pain as things happen to her, rather than watching her make things happen. I realize there is an aspect of realism in the way Suzanne Collins treats Katniss's character (and all the victors, for that matter), but Katniss just didn't give me enough to stay on the edge of my seat.
At the end, my reaction was, "Finally." If you liked the other two books chances are you want to finish the series regardless, but overall it was a disappointing read whose length likely could have been cut in half. (less)
The sequel takes a little while to get going, but the escalation of tension eventually reaches a great level with much more on the line for our heroin...moreThe sequel takes a little while to get going, but the escalation of tension eventually reaches a great level with much more on the line for our heroine archer. The action is more believable this time around and the characters seem to make more intelligent decisions throughout their struggles, making it more compelling than the first book in many ways. Like many 2nd books in trilogies, the ending is not really an ending but a cliffhanger that dangles the final book in front of your eyes.
The general transition from a fight for survival to a nation-wide movement is very well done and Collins greatly enriched the scale of her world in this novel. If you've read Hunger Games chances are I don't need to tell you to check this out--but you should. (less)
While it sometimes suffers from clunky writing, this novel has some fascinating characters and a unique blend of history and sci-fi. The weird mix of...moreWhile it sometimes suffers from clunky writing, this novel has some fascinating characters and a unique blend of history and sci-fi. The weird mix of strange creatures, eugenics and religion leaves many gaps that take some time to bridge, but are satisfying when they do. Jason Thistledown and Andrew Wagonner are great heroes yet retain a high degree of approachability.
Some scenes were vague in the physical placement of the characters and objects, and a few of the religious moments were also too broadly painted for my tastes. It's possible the vague placement of characters and objects is intentional, because certain characters do make sudden appearances at crucial points throughout the novel. It adds an element of suspense but cheapens the plot a tiny bit.
If the idea of "eugenics meets aliens" appeals to you, then you'll enjoy this book. (less)
John Gardner's tone is very pretentious, often to the extent that his advice seems too lofty and vague to be of much practical use. However, if you ca...moreJohn Gardner's tone is very pretentious, often to the extent that his advice seems too lofty and vague to be of much practical use. However, if you can get past the arrogant tone and see the value of what he's saying, then the book starts to shine. Particularly, the exercises at the end are challenging and very useful for writer development. If you look at any of the pages in this book, look at the exercises. (less)
Fforde's voice in this refreshing satire reminded me of Douglas Adams's sense of humour and wit, and was a true pleasure from beginning to end. The bo...moreFforde's voice in this refreshing satire reminded me of Douglas Adams's sense of humour and wit, and was a true pleasure from beginning to end. The book is genre-bending, at times comedy, fantasy and sci-fi, the boundaries unclear as each area contributes to a very clever and engaging reflection on so many subjects from the limits of perception to social strata to acceptance of the norm.
There is a great level of detail in the initial introduction to East Carmine, the mysterious location that the protagonist, Eddie, and his father find themselves in to replace the recently-deceased swatchman (read: doctor). The payoff is complete, however, as all the investment in characters results in richly satisfying jokes and jibs that will blaze past you if you weren't paying attention, on top of plot developments that all fit into a very neat package. This book was a truly unique read and I highly recommend it. (less)
This autobiographical story is written by a boy who never had the chance to go to school on a consistent basis until he was around fifteen. The facts...moreThis autobiographical story is written by a boy who never had the chance to go to school on a consistent basis until he was around fifteen. The facts surrounding his life are horrifying and awful, and provide a glimpse into the causes and perpetuity of the use of children in war. His writing overuses some sentences such as "my heart pounded" and "my stomach twisted" to the extent that a huge proportion of his emotional responses seem to be marked by this bodily reaction. Emmanuel Jal's writing seemed to improve when he began to describe how his music helped and continues to help him heal, which is representative of the role of music in his psyche and being. The passage from child soldier to Rapstar is a rocky one and Jal's charity-raising and struggles to raise public awareness are all the more inspirational after learning about his past. (less)
"Real honour is about equality, tolerance and civic responsibility."
Rana Husseini's brave coverage of a horrific crime is exemplary, and the book trac...more"Real honour is about equality, tolerance and civic responsibility."
Rana Husseini's brave coverage of a horrific crime is exemplary, and the book tracks the efforts to try and change archaic policies and laws that protect murderers. She provides humanized stories throughout, to the extent that the reader is almost overwhelmed. However, as she has explained, her goal is to raise awareness, a goal which she achieves. The number and nature of honour killings is staggering and mortifying.
I had a hard time getting through it because of the nature of the material, but I don't believe that's a criticism. Reading about this subject should not be 'enjoyable', and the goodreads' system of rating (I liked it, I really liked it...) was not really applicable. This book will open your eyes to the global scale of the crime, but will also offer steps forward in order to remove it from the face of the planet. (less)
This book was very hard to read, and when I told people I was reading it, I received more often than not a confusing and ambiguous reaction, which was...moreThis book was very hard to read, and when I told people I was reading it, I received more often than not a confusing and ambiguous reaction, which was not unlike the international community's response and continued emotional attitude toward Rwanda.
Gourevitch tells the vivid details of the genocide in a way that is both historically informative as well as giving insight into the ground-level effects on individuals that he interviewed. It balances passages of detail with emotional impact in a manner that is smooth and effective. His willingness to speak to anyone involved in the Rwandan genocide results in a very rounded look at the issue, and thoroughly demystifies any notion that the issue was one of tribal warfare.
There were many passages in this book that made my heart ache, but that is not a reason to avoid it. The hypocrisy and corruption of so many organizations and authorities who could have done something about the genocide is horrifying. Through knowledge of what occurred, perhaps steps can be taken toward improvement, and by reading this book, you gain some of that knowledge.
Providing a window into the horrors that can occur when imagination is manipulated en-masse, while giving a reflection into the failures and false assumptions of Western society, Gourevitch's work is triumphant. (less)
Kath is a novella telling a story that parallels the Courtesan Prince, Amel's, rise from courtesan and sword dancer to royalty. Kath's wish is nothing...moreKath is a novella telling a story that parallels the Courtesan Prince, Amel's, rise from courtesan and sword dancer to royalty. Kath's wish is nothing more than to raise Amel's child, and the story is of a lifelong struggle between the harsh forces of Gelack reality and the power of dreams. It is a very well-told tale of how the best of intentions can get swallowed up in life's vortex of politics, power, and conflicting responsibilities. (less)
This enchanting tale is written entirely in rhyme, which is unique and charming enough to make it sublime. The characters suffer somewhat from the nee...moreThis enchanting tale is written entirely in rhyme, which is unique and charming enough to make it sublime. The characters suffer somewhat from the need, to make every pair of verse truly succeed. Some of the rhymes are used more than once, which is a bit like thinking the reader's a dunce. All in all the story is strong, and a joy to read a poem so long. The message is good and the adventures well told, making this tale great for both young and the old.(less)
The klutzy Binda is completely loveable, committing some of the funniest goof-ups I've ever read, made additionally hilarious by the analogies that Na...moreThe klutzy Binda is completely loveable, committing some of the funniest goof-ups I've ever read, made additionally hilarious by the analogies that Natasha Deen uses to describe them. Usually the plot turns are unpredictable, and the climactic encounter with a gangster is fantastic comedy. I'm not a regular romance reader but this book kept me hooked from start to finish, and is a great pick-me-up that brightened my day. Binda's fantasies are both sensual and hilarious because they crop up at the most inappropriate times. This is a character with whom it is a joy to spend your reading hours, and it'd be great to see some more stories that involve her. (less)
Fairy-cops, universe straddlers, and necrophages are just a few of the fantastical creations you'll run into in this unique and gritty detective story...moreFairy-cops, universe straddlers, and necrophages are just a few of the fantastical creations you'll run into in this unique and gritty detective story. Natasha Deen introduces a very unique world at a great pace as the plot pulls you in. She manages to strike the right balance between pulling rabbits out of a hat (with magical elements) and info-dumping (with too much ranting about the rules of magic). She tells you enough that your curiosity is sated but you still want to turn the page.
I was thoroughly impressed with the plausible breadth the book covered. Going from high-school drama to epic clashes with dragons and chemical crime lords, the relevance of both is unquestioned in the setting Deen establishes. As a Young Adult novel I believe this book has tremendous potential to reach and connect with its target audience. The clashes and struggles, however, will be universal to other readers as well, or, as it was for me, a reminder of some of the trials of going through high school. Deen's sense of humour is wonderful when fairies describe some of the idiosyncrasies of school and the human race. The sense of alienation that Pepper Powder feels is one that many readers can relate to, and the fact that Pepper is an adult fairy going to high school speaks to the novel's ability to reach a wide audience.
There were a few magical elements that left me a bit puzzled at first, but never enough to pull me out of the story. A few turns of phrase were a bit strange or took me a few times to completely get. That said, the characters were real, flawed, with a lot of heart, and much of the action took me by surprise. The villain truly was a diabolical genius that kindled fear in me, and there were many moments where I would think, "Oh cool!" (I won't spoil them for you). The blend of fantasy with police work is pretty new to me, and I found the ways that magic was used in, for example, interrogation, fascinating.
The end of the book doesn't quite seem like the first in a trilogy, which can be good or bad depending on your perspective. I can definitely see where it can go, and am excited to read the next books, but the story finishes well and you're not left wanting. I think it's a good thing, because the story is finished and now as a reader I will pick up the next one because of the super-cool world Deen has created, and witty characters I want to spend time with.
One minor gripe is that there is a bad guy named Hal in the novel. I disapprove of this. Unless it's HAL-9000, the name Hal is reserved for epic heroes. I hope Deen will redeem Hal in subsequent novels, and not leave him... well, I won't spoil it. Okay, fine, so that's the only bad thing I have to say about this novel, which is another way of saying that I highly recommend it.(less)
This grail quest has a fascinating cast of characters and takes you into dreary, yet somehow awe-inspiring vistas rich enough to merit their own stor...more
This grail quest has a fascinating cast of characters and takes you into dreary, yet somehow awe-inspiring vistas rich enough to merit their own stories. Delany manages to intertwine the fates of entire star systems into the hands of a few children who grow into intensely political roles, and the contrast between big and small is beautiful and powerful. With tarot cards, the reflection of reality through the musical syrynx, and immersive storytelling, Nova is a great read. (less)
A romp through Gibson's dark cyberpunk universe, with famous titles like Johnny Mmemonic and Burning Chrome. The antiheroes are still relatable, but i...moreA romp through Gibson's dark cyberpunk universe, with famous titles like Johnny Mmemonic and Burning Chrome. The antiheroes are still relatable, but if you're going to plow through the stories, be prepared for some grim material. That said, Gibson's universe is very rich, dense and satisfying, and he demonstrates ownership over the genre. (less)
The interesting story in this thriller seems to be happening somewhere else, always in locations the reader or characters are not. The major problem w...moreThe interesting story in this thriller seems to be happening somewhere else, always in locations the reader or characters are not. The major problem with the plot is that events that move the story along rarely occur in the scenes where the point-of-view character is, with the exception of the meeting of "The Passenger" and some parts near the end. Hearing about how the world is coming to pieces through pretentious characters that are sitting in comfortable sofas smoking pipes does not make for a pulse-pounding read. If the subject matter is meant to be thought-provoking or intellectually stimulating, it fails to do so because of the vague language used, with sentences like "You know, youth running amuck and that sort of thing." The supposed romance in the book was not present to the point that I had to be told about it directly. Other defining character traits of the protagonist were repeated to the point that I felt insulted as a reader, not to mention annoyed that I was reading terrible writing. As a scientist, the denouement really bothered me because Agatha Christie's characters all seemed to make the assumption that, up until she thought of it, scientists had never thought of making the world a better place. Not only is the "scientific solution" she mentions unresearched on her part, vague and narrow-minded, but it's presented as the "wow" factor in the novel that spies and international powers are fighting over.
In summary, "Passenger to Frankfurt" is an implausible story with vague attempts to be an international spy thriller, little characterization, and no interesting plot movement in hardly any of the scenes. (less)
Natasha Deen's sense of humour is what stood out most for me in this book, with turns of phrases that brought many smiles to my face. I'm not a regula...moreNatasha Deen's sense of humour is what stood out most for me in this book, with turns of phrases that brought many smiles to my face. I'm not a regular romance reader so I can't comment extensively in that regard. I will say that the tension between Ethan and Chase was believable and well-described. The climax was also very well executed and took me by surprise. If you like romantic humour you'll enjoy this book. (less)
The thing I enjoyed most about this book is the emphasis that Donald Maass places on writing. At a time when there are more guides to what you "have t...moreThe thing I enjoyed most about this book is the emphasis that Donald Maass places on writing. At a time when there are more guides to what you "have to do" in terms of marketing, web-site building, book signings, convention attending, he makes a compelling argument reminding that in the end, it's the writing that matters most. It is easy to get lost in the myriad of other things professionals will tell you to do, and I appreciated this reminder.
There are some very useful tips and strategies in the early half of the book, with a few examples using contemporary fiction. The second half of the book was less useful to me, as Donald's advice tended to become less specific. His examples then tended to make up entire chapters, from which I suppose the reader is to extract general advice. His ideas about breakout premises, conflict, theme and characterization were excellent. Pace and setting were fairly weak chapters.
The writing style is fairly relaxed and easy to read. However, Donald shamelessly states his veteran status in rhetorical questions that add nothing and only serve to illustrate how large his ego is. Overall, though, the book is a good read and one of the better books on writing. (less)
A very big idea described from someone on the ground, holding his girlfriend's hand as he watches the sky change forever... This book was intense, wit...moreA very big idea described from someone on the ground, holding his girlfriend's hand as he watches the sky change forever... This book was intense, with very human perspectives and passions, and I had an overall feeling that something like this could actually happen. For me the book was a little bit like what War of the Worlds must have been for someone in the Victorian era. The way big ideas are blended with real, complex characters is much like Robert J. Sawyer, and there were many moments where I was wowed. An amazing modern science fiction book. (less)
The epic first novel of the Hyperion Cantos is an amazing amalgam of stories from each of seven pilgrims marching toward what is certain death at the...moreThe epic first novel of the Hyperion Cantos is an amazing amalgam of stories from each of seven pilgrims marching toward what is certain death at the hands of the Shrike, the Lord of Pain on the world of Hyperion. Each of the characters' stories is rich and a novella in its own right. However, they all fit together beautifully, adding layer upon layer to what at first seems like extraneous detail in a typical sci-fi world, but turns out to be vital to understanding the entire work. What is astounding is the efficient way that Simmons gets you to soak up his universe through heart-wrenching love stories, or stories about watching a child develop a critical illness. The voices of the characters are all pretty distinct and the jump from story to story is a little bit jarring, but there is enough to hook you right away that any story jetlag will be quickly healed. The ending was a tad bit disappointing, but knowing that this is not a stand-alone book, I will forgive Simmons and allow the beautiful image at the end to stick in my mind, along with many of the other beautiful passages in this massive story. (less)
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