It's a fairly quick read, but very painful and depressing for those of us grieved by the Iraq debacle. I've had to put it down at times.
Overall, it's...moreIt's a fairly quick read, but very painful and depressing for those of us grieved by the Iraq debacle. I've had to put it down at times.
Overall, it's a good narrative that pieces the early phases (2003-2004) of the war together. He also provides helpful background on previous attempts at containment. Ricks sometimes lets his argument get in the way of nuanced reflection, but it's not really a time for nuance. He's also overly critical of some of the military's attempts to respond to the rising insurgency, giving the book an aura of damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't. Still, a worthwhile read for any global citizen who gives a shit.(less)
There are some interesting and amusing reflections in this extended essay on dictionaries. I found it a little tangential and even non suquiturial at...moreThere are some interesting and amusing reflections in this extended essay on dictionaries. I found it a little tangential and even non suquiturial at times, leaving me with the impression that it could have used a more forceful editor. Prompted me to read The Life of Samuel Johnson, which I appreciate.(less)
This was a good first novel. The early chapter seemed a bit cliche and immature. However, it grows stronger toward the end. Unfortunately, it slumped...moreThis was a good first novel. The early chapter seemed a bit cliche and immature. However, it grows stronger toward the end. Unfortunately, it slumped at the finish. This could turn out to be a great series. It's worth reading for fantasy fans. I'll keep an eye open for the next installment.(less)
Fun alternative history. Sadly, as racist and colonialist as the early 20th c Anglos Judson idolizes. People of color show up as pitiful wretches in n...moreFun alternative history. Sadly, as racist and colonialist as the early 20th c Anglos Judson idolizes. People of color show up as pitiful wretches in need of rescue, irrational savages, or incompetent fools. Strong conservative subtext here. Clearly longs for the 19th c, and all the good and bad that went with it.(less)
This is a wonderful book. It drags a bit in a few places, but it touches on the whole spectrum of human emotion. Some folks slight it as derivative of...moreThis is a wonderful book. It drags a bit in a few places, but it touches on the whole spectrum of human emotion. Some folks slight it as derivative of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, but I think that's just a bunch of better-read-than-thous pissing on something good. After all, everything's derivative of something else. Smart and moving.(less)
I was really disappointed with this book. It's essentially a Harlequin romance with a heavy dose of graphic violence. Willocks is clearly a very brigh...moreI was really disappointed with this book. It's essentially a Harlequin romance with a heavy dose of graphic violence. Willocks is clearly a very bright man, but his writing is schmaltzy, to say the least. Try this on for size:
>>>> [Tannhauser compliments Carla] Carla felt her cheeks burn. She felt inadequate to the compliment and to acknowledge it seemed improper. A sense of sin clenched inside her. Such fears and doubts had hedged her life for as long as she could remember. Yet in these few moments he'd blown through all that dust like a wind throught a long unopened room.
She said, "Do you believe in magic?" >>>>
The characters are cliche to the extreme. The protagonist, Tannhauser, is a battled-scarred, highly skilled warrior who has sworn off violence until his friends and a damsel are threatened. Yet there is darkness and emotional vulnerability lurking just underneath his hard appearancee. How many times have we seen this?
If you really like mawkish romance and violence, then you'll likely enjoy this book. Otherwise, I'd suggest reading something else.(less)
A fairly entertaining piece of literary modernism. Honestly, I found Tom pretty tedious at times. Some of the suspense (ie Tom's fate) is ruined by kn...moreA fairly entertaining piece of literary modernism. Honestly, I found Tom pretty tedious at times. Some of the suspense (ie Tom's fate) is ruined by knowing there are sequels.(less)
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