It is possible that I am Scarpetta-ed out, but the last couple of books plus this one has been more and more about personal drama with the inkling of ...moreIt is possible that I am Scarpetta-ed out, but the last couple of books plus this one has been more and more about personal drama with the inkling of a plot that gets addressed on occasion. Granted, a good writer can make the most simple plot into a long and enjoyable read, but it feels like there are spurts of strong progression followed by a long exploration of why one of the lead characters is having personal issues. A reader that greatly enjoys the maturation of lead characters would enjoy the direction of this series, but the character development has overwhelmed the premises of the stories in my opinion. (less)
Keeping the perspective that Grisham books are not the essence of fine literature, but fulfills a deep need that every reader has for a fun imaginary ...moreKeeping the perspective that Grisham books are not the essence of fine literature, but fulfills a deep need that every reader has for a fun imaginary world that reflects some real worldview perspective as well. This book is not the normal serious approach to the courtroom that Grisham uses, but certainly does not fail to engage...and includes quite a few chuckles along the way.(less)
It was eerie listening to this book (unabridged) because there was so much political similarity between the book and in real life. Granted, we are not...moreIt was eerie listening to this book (unabridged) because there was so much political similarity between the book and in real life. Granted, we are not experiencing the Islamic manifestation that was the catalyst of the war; however, it was easy to think of several catalysts that could get something like that going right now. I was not crazy about the Christian infusion because it seemed more of a distraction than anything with such an action packed book that was politically motivated, but I can also see how religion would be a part of it since the catalyst (excuse for war) is an Islamic prophecy. The promise of more based on the cliff hanger ending does motivate me to read the next book.(less)
This is a classic relaxation book for me as I enjoy the forensic medical science. However, the maturation of his characters, Jack and Laurie Stapleton...moreThis is a classic relaxation book for me as I enjoy the forensic medical science. However, the maturation of his characters, Jack and Laurie Stapleton, allowed him to go even farther than he has in the past with the story setting starting well away from the main characters. Frankly, his typical plots centering so strongly on the Jack and Laurie (and the OCME) strayed into almost a cameo appearance as a much bigger picture well outside any possible control of the OCME in general drove the story. However, there are familiar touch points throughout the story that ties the new elements with what has been developed across the series very well.(less)
My lack of knowledge of this battle and of Custer in general made this an excellent book to provide context of both Sitting Bull's and Custer's backgr...moreMy lack of knowledge of this battle and of Custer in general made this an excellent book to provide context of both Sitting Bull's and Custer's backgrounds, as well as an overview of the battle and the machinations throughout it. I read several reviews of experts that already know this information and were saddened by Philbrick's repetition of other writer's; however, for me, it was very helpful insight, and motivational to read my books of "Wounded Knee" by Richardson, "Lakota Woman" by Mary Crow Dog, and "The Lakota's and the Black Hills" by Ostler. Frankly, I was disgusted by egotism of Custer and the rampant rape that seems to have resulted from several attacks on Indian villages. But then the Indians did not seem to consider the white men any more of individuals either with the extensive mutilation. Regardless, it struck me as an extremely brutal environment. Sitting Bull came out of the entire mess as the true example of leadership as he recognized that the time of the past Indian was gone and was trying to help his people embrace a future that did not involve destruction. When it came down to brass tacks, the book did an excellent job presenting each major player and how they handled their moments of stress and fear. (less)
The title had suggested to me a more biographical nature with insights as to how her work has impacted fashion today, and even perhaps a mindset towar...moreThe title had suggested to me a more biographical nature with insights as to how her work has impacted fashion today, and even perhaps a mindset towards fashion that we can develop based on Chanel's worldview. Honestly, there was some of the last bit, but it was more of the author's gospel according to her opinion of Chanel. I think it was a well rounded view point that was not overwhelmed with bias, but it was still much fluffier and less Chanelian than I had expected. However, once I had realised the actual intent of the book, I found the author's perspective connective to modern day women and very humourous. She gave both the unappealing and appealing sides of Chanel, ending with the summation of the woman herself, which I enjoyed. One major takeaway from this book is that we cannot duplicate Chanel...she is an Unique among us, and we should appreciate that. Also, I absolutely adored the illustrations in this book - fantastic work!(less)
This was a perfect awareness for somebody who is too immersed with localised goals (my career, higher education, family, etc.) to notice the bigger pi...moreThis was a perfect awareness for somebody who is too immersed with localised goals (my career, higher education, family, etc.) to notice the bigger picture, such as the environment. I do not personally take the time to get overly informed on matters that are typically controversial, and the environment seemed a special kind of crazy. I strongly believe in being a steward of our planet, but wading through all of the tripe that also negatively impacted the environment to find out how I can be a better steward in the modern era did not seem appetising. Basically, environmental stewardship seems like religion; lots of hypocrisy and grand-standing, but little actual follow-through.
However, this book laid out understandable facts with lots of beautiful Antartica photos to signify what will be lost due to negligence that is still so much within out control. The education of the polars acting as the Earth's lung system was very helpful to my needs of analogies, and raised my personal awareness of global warming's danger.
Perhaps most valuable is in the back where after you have realised that you want to do your part but really don't know what, there is a list of easy things to do that are very effective for home management, travel, shopping, and leadership awareness. I have found the ones that I can adjust without endangering my time constraints yet being a positive influence for my daughter and a better Earth steward.
Oh, Orlando Bloom wrote the forward. MMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmm :)(less)
A classic mythology based love story, I enjoyed this book for it's broad infusion of Nordic literature and mythology. Having visiting Iceland this yea...moreA classic mythology based love story, I enjoyed this book for it's broad infusion of Nordic literature and mythology. Having visiting Iceland this year and experienced the awe of the rugged, wild, and unsurpassed beauty, I could connect with this story as I imagined each scene in a different place that I visited. Frankly, if I had not visited Iceland, I'm not sure I would have been as intrigued, but I did enjoy the weaving of characters. My one major annoyance was the change in perspectives. Freya was first person, but other pieces were third person. At first the characters seemed overly stereotypical, but you grew attached to them cared about their journey's end, or beginning.(less)
While I love the steampunk sci-fi from H.G. Wells, I felt this was more focused on some intrinsic questions. Throughout the book, Griffin comes to man...moreWhile I love the steampunk sci-fi from H.G. Wells, I felt this was more focused on some intrinsic questions. Throughout the book, Griffin comes to many crossroads, but he consistently takes the low road. You finally just realise he's pretty insane as he realises all of his dreams of the benefits for invisibility cannot be found until he can manage all the drawbacks that he can't seem to get past. Classic mad brilliance with the classic brutal end.(less)
Seeing the name of Abraham Lincoln in the same title as Vampire Hunter, let alone inferring that /he's/ the vampire hunter, takes a certain acceptance...moreSeeing the name of Abraham Lincoln in the same title as Vampire Hunter, let alone inferring that /he's/ the vampire hunter, takes a certain acceptance of the ridiculous. However, I felt the author did a great job weaving a vampire dimension into an accurate world that we already accept, explaining the 'odd' aspects in history through the vampiric political explanation. There are moments where you roll your eyes in general, but several moments where you think 'how clever'.
My complaint was the introduction being in modern time with this writer character being introduced to compile the journals of Abraham Lincoln, provided by the protagonist vampire. Once we got past him, it became much more interesting, but then we were done with the modern times and that particular writer, so I am not sure what the point was, especially since the modern period clearly was unaware of vampires, which would have been impossible if the journals were accurate as portrayed. That was a big disconnect that hurt the quality of the book, in my opinion.
However, a fun book worth the time to read, especially if you are a fan of history and fantasy/horror.(less)
Despite my fear of another teen series, I discovered this was simply due to the re-marketing campaign. The content was very enjoyable with a much deep...moreDespite my fear of another teen series, I discovered this was simply due to the re-marketing campaign. The content was very enjoyable with a much deeper twist than I had anticipated. The Catholic Church's role in this book was quite sinister and appealing with it's sorcery component. Vampires, priests and arcane magick are combined with fresh mindsets towards how the "rules" work within such worlds makes for a very interesting plot. It took awhile to get there (a long while, in my opinion), but the snowball finally caught on, it went very fast. Towards the beginning I didn't think I'd read the next two books that I have of the trilogy, but now I look forward to checking out the plot hooks that the first one left. (less)
This hysterical satire of our world's most ridiculous over-achievement in becoming as self absorbed as possible takes us outside of our world to find ...moreThis hysterical satire of our world's most ridiculous over-achievement in becoming as self absorbed as possible takes us outside of our world to find the ever humourous issues and perspectives of the human race. This is a quick and funny read for anybody with a well honed sense of sarcasm with a touch of cynicism.(less)
For every criticism of this book, there is a positive. It, however, loses a full star over the long and somewhat absurd trip to the Fey world. Part of...moreFor every criticism of this book, there is a positive. It, however, loses a full star over the long and somewhat absurd trip to the Fey world. Part of me wonders if it's necessary to do this to really get into the concept of Fey because I feel somewhat the tree that taints is a crucial aspect to Kvothe's future. However, I could have still done without several chapters, not out of being offended, but simply bored, although Kvothe a bit of an attitude at that point that I was more than happy to see the Ademe kick out of him.
The storytelling is fantastic. Stories within within stories; some areas are four stories deep, yet all are easily followed and comes together extremely well. I have complete respect for Rothfuss' ability to write.
My biggest issue is the lack of something pushing the holistic story forward. Yes, these little items keep it going, but what is the arching goal? The Chandrian? One would think so, but it doesn't exactly seem like a complete threat. Chasing down history, despite it's relevance to an individual (Kvothe) is difficult to justify for a trilogy, yet Rothfuss seems to be pulling it off quite well, as I only stop to think about that every now and again.
I especially love that the present has not stopped moving forward, something that is difficult to do within this scope. I look forward to the next book to discover Kvothe's depression and understand the current circumstances better in relation to Kvothe's situation.
I just really hope it doesn't take four years... :)(less)
Just when I thought that epic fantasy writers were in our past, Rothfuss brings a refreshing story of stories that weaves together in a beautifully ho...moreJust when I thought that epic fantasy writers were in our past, Rothfuss brings a refreshing story of stories that weaves together in a beautifully holistic experience of emotions. This book has a complexity of reflection that puts it into the Lord of the Rings league, but with a unique mixture of fantasy elements. The second in the series has just come out and I have just purchased it. While I am a firm believer in not starting a series until they are finished, this one is a deserved exception.(less)
The sarcasm of mainstream thinking backed by common sense and data (important combination) was enjoyable. If I was asked to provide a single word desc...moreThe sarcasm of mainstream thinking backed by common sense and data (important combination) was enjoyable. If I was asked to provide a single word description for this book, I would say "perspective". While everybody has data, Levitt seems to be providing a perspective on the data without manipulating it. In fact, there where occasions where I felt that the level of analysis was not necessary, but that is likely because he was 'talking to the choir' for the most part with me. However, if the perspective on his topics were new to the reader, he walked through the points very clearly for easy conversation. I loved his point that morality and economics are not the same thing, in that morality represented the ideal world while economics represented reality. As painful as the economic truth is sometimes, we have to accept it and address the moral gaps instead of pretending that the reality doesn't exist. Economics is our awareness factor, and Levitt makes us quickly and even slightly painfully aware of reality.(less)
This is a great occasional 'pick up and read a few shorts' type of book that clearly demonstrates that English eccentricity has not been diluted over ...moreThis is a great occasional 'pick up and read a few shorts' type of book that clearly demonstrates that English eccentricity has not been diluted over the centuries. In fact, Londoners especially seems to thrive on their own eccentricities. You get to hear true tales about everything from royalty's humourous perspectives down to the poorest of the poor's amazing ability to get a penny in their pocket. Scattered throughout the book are several 'must see' places in London from entirely a different viewpoint than what the guidebooks will tell you!(less)
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