http://www.goodreads.com/review/list_rss/349264 en-US Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:56:47 -0700 60 http://www.goodreads.com/ 200 41 http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/gr_logo.gif 9438358 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:56:47 -0700
author: Shirley Jackson
name: Tracey
average rating: 4.17
book published: 1962
rating: 3
read at: 03/02
date added: 07/22/08
shelves: libraryread
review:

]]> 24044622 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:45:39 -0700
We meet some eccentric characters, laugh snarkily at the foibles of others and discover some poignant moments, even if they do feel a bit manufactured. Admittedly, the stories are more about David Sedaris, the Writer/Essayist (who can afford to spend $20k on a 3-month visit to Japan) and less about David Sedaris, the quirky North Carolinian neat freak from a dysfunctional family who went to the Big City.

Fans of his work know pretty much what to expect - I don't think I had quite as many laugh-out-loud moments this time around, but it was definitely worth checking out of the library & I'll probably end up looking for it at the used bookstore. ]]>
author: David Sedaris
name: Tracey
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 07/08
date added: 07/22/08
shelves: libraryread, nyc
review:
Another collection of Sedaris' memoir essays; about half of the book is dedicated to his expedition to Japan in order to quit smoking. Along the way he attempts to learn Japanese (with even less success than his pretty-talking French), and deals with yet another world-class city. He delves into his past, with stories from childhood, France, and NYC; certain turns of phrase brought his voice (heard so often on NPR) directly to mind. I still think Sedaris should look more like David Spade circa 1994, for some reason.

We meet some eccentric characters, laugh snarkily at the foibles of others and discover some poignant moments, even if they do feel a bit manufactured. Admittedly, the stories are more about David Sedaris, the Writer/Essayist (who can afford to spend $20k on a 3-month visit to Japan) and less about David Sedaris, the quirky North Carolinian neat freak from a dysfunctional family who went to the Big City.

Fans of his work know pretty much what to expect - I don't think I had quite as many laugh-out-loud moments this time around, but it was definitely worth checking out of the library & I'll probably end up looking for it at the used bookstore.
]]> 23112597 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:53:06 -0700
A memoir in poetic essay form about growing up in a large family in a small UK town in the 1970's, obviously with a focus on music.

Although we were separated by about 5-8 years and several thousands of miles.... I could identify and commiserate with a lot of what she went through. A very enjoyable book, IMHO.]]>
author: Lavinia Greenlaw
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.47
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 07/08
date added: 07/16/08
shelves: libraryread
review:
NPR Fresh Air 26 May 2008. Library checked out - due 14 Jul; started 7 Jul- finished 13 Jul.

A memoir in poetic essay form about growing up in a large family in a small UK town in the 1970's, obviously with a focus on music.

Although we were separated by about 5-8 years and several thousands of miles.... I could identify and commiserate with a lot of what she went through. A very enjoyable book, IMHO.
]]> 17175050 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:36:40 -0700
author: Editors of Mental Floss
name: Tracey
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2005
rating: 0
read at: 07/08
date added: 07/16/08
shelves: mount-toberead, stalled
review:
pass along Mom Mar 2008
]]> 27361795 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:54:14 -0700
The third novel in the Incarnations of Immortality follows Niobe, a woman who loses her love (yes, once again) due to Satan's machinations; she is offered the opportunity to become one of the 3 aspects of Fate - Clotho, the spinner of life's threads.

The concept of people enacting the roles of such entities as Death, Time and Fate continues to intrigue and (mostly) entertain ... although the final confrontation with Satan again seems to get bogged down in philosophy and puzzles.

I plan on finishing the original 5-book series, and then letting it sit for another decade or so again. ]]>
author: Piers Anthony
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.77
book published: 1986
rating: 3
read at: 07/08
date added: 07/15/08
shelves: re-read
review:
Started 13 Jul; finished 15 Jul 2008.

The third novel in the Incarnations of Immortality follows Niobe, a woman who loses her love (yes, once again) due to Satan's machinations; she is offered the opportunity to become one of the 3 aspects of Fate - Clotho, the spinner of life's threads.

The concept of people enacting the roles of such entities as Death, Time and Fate continues to intrigue and (mostly) entertain ... although the final confrontation with Satan again seems to get bogged down in philosophy and puzzles.

I plan on finishing the original 5-book series, and then letting it sit for another decade or so again.
]]> 26738800 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:54:16 -0700
author: David Hackett Fischer
name: Tracey
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1991
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 07/09/08
shelves: read-but-forgotten
review:
I remember borrowing this from the genealogy department head and at least perusing it; Ginnie's post jogged my memory & inspires me to give it another go sometime - tho I may have to sweet-talk the current department head; the only copy the library has is "library use only".
]]> 5702821 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:31:40 -0700
Lost interest about halfway through it - the main character hadn't even gotten around to animating the gods - the focus of the back cover blurb. Meh. ]]>
author: Thorne Smith
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.25
book published: 1980
rating: 1
read at: 07/08
date added: 07/07/08
shelves: getting-rid-of, stalled
review:
Maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind, but it didn't feel nearly as clever as it wanted to be. English class humour along the lines of Wodehouse, but naughtier.

Lost interest about halfway through it - the main character hadn't even gotten around to animating the gods - the focus of the back cover blurb. Meh.
]]> 11235039 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:29:25 -0700
A colorful compendium of interesting facts & tales - some of which were a bit UL'ish. A UK publication that seemed geared to young adult readers, but was still entertaining enough. ]]>
author: Ian Harrison
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.17
book published: 2007
rating: 2
read at: 07/08
date added: 07/07/08
shelves:
review:
Xmas gift 2007

A colorful compendium of interesting facts & tales - some of which were a bit UL'ish. A UK publication that seemed geared to young adult readers, but was still entertaining enough.
]]> 26513614 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:23:12 -0700
The series has definitely dragged on too long - a silly premise drags Phule hither & yon across the universe, while the rest of the Omega Mob has to deal with General Blitzkrieg up close & personal. Thumper still not living up to potential. ]]>
author: Robert Lynn Asprin
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.57
book published: 2006
rating: 1
read at: 07/08
date added: 07/07/08
shelves: libraryread
review:
Library checked out 30 Jun - started 5 Jul, finished 6 Jul.

The series has definitely dragged on too long - a silly premise drags Phule hither & yon across the universe, while the rest of the Omega Mob has to deal with General Blitzkrieg up close & personal. Thumper still not living up to potential.
]]> 5700896 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:22:27 -0700
I've read these all too close together & the plots start blending together... I think The Omega Mob spent too much time on Zenobia & started running out of ideas about here. ]]>
author: Robert Lynn Asprin
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.44
book published: 2000
rating: 2
read at: 07/08
date added: 07/07/08
shelves: libraryread
review:
Library - checked out 1 Jul; due 28 Jul - started 1 Jul - finished 3 Jul.

I've read these all too close together & the plots start blending together... I think The Omega Mob spent too much time on Zenobia & started running out of ideas about here.
]]> 26513381 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:22:05 -0700
The conceit is getting a bit tired... Asprin tackles environmentalism and hunting in the same book & it makes for a muddled story. Thumper has the potential to be an interesting character, but not yet. ]]>
author: Robert Lynn Asprin
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.31
book published: 2004
rating: 1
read at: 07/08
date added: 07/07/08
shelves: libraryread
review:
Library checked out 30 Jun - started 3 Jul; finished 5 Jul 2008

The conceit is getting a bit tired... Asprin tackles environmentalism and hunting in the same book & it makes for a muddled story. Thumper has the potential to be an interesting character, but not yet.
]]> 5701383 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:57:13 -0700 "Read thru Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman - his latest novel & great fun to read. Will post a more cogent review later over in my reading LJ." ]]>
author: Neil Gaiman
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 01/06
date added: 07/02/08
shelves:
review:
Apparently I was too busy to write a thorough review: [posted 22 Jan 2006]
"Read thru Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman - his latest novel & great fun to read. Will post a more cogent review later over in my reading LJ."
]]> 25287303 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:16:06 -0700
While not quite as intriguing as the first novel in the series - this gets rather bogged down by theory near the end - Anthony provides another interesting look at taking a concept/force of Nature and making a job out of it. Norton is a bit more fleshed out of a character than Zane/Death was; however, he seems much more of a plot tool once he becomes Time -- he doesn't make as much of an impact on the office as Zane did. The side stories (Science Fiction world & Fantasy World) seemed like a weak excuse to for Anthony to play with some ideas he couldn't/didn't want to flesh out into stories of their own.

If I recall correctly, this was the weakest of the 5 original Incarnations of Immortality novels - I do plan on re-reading War, Nature & Fate... not sure if I'll continue on to the God and Satan books (read them before & have very little recollection). ]]>
author: Piers Anthony
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.76
book published: 1986
rating: 2
read at: 06/08
date added: 07/02/08
shelves: re-read
review:
After a tragic love affair, Norton is offered the chance to turn back time; by taking on the office of Time, he will live his life backwards and be able to see (and have limited interactions) with his true love again. He takes the offer, and becomes involved in the struggle against Satan to take over the World. In an instant, his current reality changes, and he must travel back and forth in time to discover the pivotal event.

While not quite as intriguing as the first novel in the series - this gets rather bogged down by theory near the end - Anthony provides another interesting look at taking a concept/force of Nature and making a job out of it. Norton is a bit more fleshed out of a character than Zane/Death was; however, he seems much more of a plot tool once he becomes Time -- he doesn't make as much of an impact on the office as Zane did. The side stories (Science Fiction world & Fantasy World) seemed like a weak excuse to for Anthony to play with some ideas he couldn't/didn't want to flesh out into stories of their own.

If I recall correctly, this was the weakest of the 5 original Incarnations of Immortality novels - I do plan on re-reading War, Nature & Fate... not sure if I'll continue on to the God and Satan books (read them before & have very little recollection).
]]> 5700897 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:44:12 -0700 An uneasy peace exists between the rebels and the government ... but once Jester determines what makes this society tick - a love of amusement park rides - he determines to unite the two groups, rebuild their economy and oh yeah ... make a lot of money doing it!

While I admire Asprin's creativity in coming up with amusing (pun intended) ways to involve Phule and the Omega Mob in yet another adventure... the stereotypes in the characters are starting to come out & it's harder to keep track of who is whom. I did enjoy the amusement park aspects (being a big Disney fan), but other writers (Larry Niven & Spider Robinson) have done it better.

I'll probably finish out the series (or at least whatever sequels the library has) out of respect for Asprin, and for the light entertainment value the series has.

]]>
author: Robert Lynn Asprin
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.46
book published: 1999
rating: 2
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/30/08
shelves: re-read
review:
Captain Jester and the Omega Mob are still surprising (and annoying) their superiors - so they get sent back to the same world where his misunderstood strafing of peace talks got him sent to the Omega Mob in the first place.
An uneasy peace exists between the rebels and the government ... but once Jester determines what makes this society tick - a love of amusement park rides - he determines to unite the two groups, rebuild their economy and oh yeah ... make a lot of money doing it!

While I admire Asprin's creativity in coming up with amusing (pun intended) ways to involve Phule and the Omega Mob in yet another adventure... the stereotypes in the characters are starting to come out & it's harder to keep track of who is whom. I did enjoy the amusement park aspects (being a big Disney fan), but other writers (Larry Niven & Spider Robinson) have done it better.

I'll probably finish out the series (or at least whatever sequels the library has) out of respect for Asprin, and for the light entertainment value the series has.


]]> 5700887 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:36:12 -0700 They quickly discover that organized crime is planning a takeover of the casino and it's going to take all their wits (and a considerable amount of cash) to save the day.

Like many sequels, the story's not quite as fresh; however, Asprin builds on his characters and provides an entertaining plot with some fun twists & turns. The equivalent of a summer popcorn movie, more or less. ]]>
author: Robert Lynn Asprin
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.60
book published: 1992
rating: 2
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/30/08
shelves: re-read
review:
Captain Jester (aka Willard Phule, heir to the Phule Proof Munitions Company) and the Omega Mob, after surprising their superiors with a successful mission, are sent to what seems to be a cake-walk assignment: guarding a casino.
They quickly discover that organized crime is planning a takeover of the casino and it's going to take all their wits (and a considerable amount of cash) to save the day.

Like many sequels, the story's not quite as fresh; however, Asprin builds on his characters and provides an entertaining plot with some fun twists & turns. The equivalent of a summer popcorn movie, more or less.
]]> 5701360 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:25:58 -0700
Possibly a good resource in a high school AP History class, but needs bibliography/footnotes. ]]>
author: William R. Forstchen
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.30
book published: 2000
rating: 3
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/24/08
shelves:
review:
An intriguing look at history in terms of failures - mostly military, but not completely. Somewhat America/Euro-centric, but most general interest history books in this country are.

Possibly a good resource in a high school AP History class, but needs bibliography/footnotes.
]]> 23991832 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:25:26 -0700
I've been a fan of the series for about 25 years now, but reading these essays have given me some new insights and things to think about - I believe I'm due for another visit with Arthur, Ford, Trillian. Marvin and Zaphod... ]]>
author: Glenn Yeffeth
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/24/08
shelves:
review:
A collection of essays about Douglas Adams' inaccurately-named trilogy and the remarkable influence it has had on certain segments of the science fiction community.

I've been a fan of the series for about 25 years now, but reading these essays have given me some new insights and things to think about - I believe I'm due for another visit with Arthur, Ford, Trillian. Marvin and Zaphod...
]]> 5700878 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:01:15 -0700
Lieutenant Scaramouche (aka Willard Phule, heir to the Phule-Proof Weapons fortune) has been assigned as captain of the Omega Legion, the dregs of the Space Legion. His superiors expect him to quit any day. But Phule is no fool, and is more than ready to rise to the challenge. The story is told through the eyes of Phule's butler, which lends an interesting viewpoint to a military-themed story.

While Asprin may not be as well known in the humourous speculative fiction world as Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett or even Piers Anthony, he had a very productive career and IMHO writes an engaging, funny and satisfying story. There may not be any deep philosophical lessons to be learned, but the characters have some depth to them, and the plot wraps up nicely, while leaving the possibility for future stories open.
I'm bumping it up a star from my previous rating. ]]>
author: Robert Lynn Asprin
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.71
book published: 1990
rating: 3
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/24/08
shelves: re-read
review:
Picked this up over the weekend in belated tribute to Robert Asprin.

Lieutenant Scaramouche (aka Willard Phule, heir to the Phule-Proof Weapons fortune) has been assigned as captain of the Omega Legion, the dregs of the Space Legion. His superiors expect him to quit any day. But Phule is no fool, and is more than ready to rise to the challenge. The story is told through the eyes of Phule's butler, which lends an interesting viewpoint to a military-themed story.

While Asprin may not be as well known in the humourous speculative fiction world as Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett or even Piers Anthony, he had a very productive career and IMHO writes an engaging, funny and satisfying story. There may not be any deep philosophical lessons to be learned, but the characters have some depth to them, and the plot wraps up nicely, while leaving the possibility for future stories open.
I'm bumping it up a star from my previous rating.
]]> 24506186 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:11:17 -0700
Sam Hunter is a slick, shallow insurance salesman whose Native American past is successfully buried... until the Trickster thinks otherwise. Sam's life is quickly turned upside down by Coyote as he is forced to confront his heritage and reach out to another human being. The story is interspersed with Coyote folktales told with a modern twist that always seem to tie into what comes next. Minty Fresh showing up late in the story is a nice bonus.

While this novel is neither as pointed nor as humorous as some of Moore's other works, the story is nonetheless a compelling read with interesting and believable characters. I enjoyed the perspective on at Native American/Crow beliefs - this would be a good companion read to Neil Gaiman's American Gods.

]]>
author: Christopher Moore
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2004
rating: 3
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/23/08
shelves:
review:
A fan of Christopher Moore, I picked this book up from a local used book store earlier this month & read thru it over the weekend.

Sam Hunter is a slick, shallow insurance salesman whose Native American past is successfully buried... until the Trickster thinks otherwise. Sam's life is quickly turned upside down by Coyote as he is forced to confront his heritage and reach out to another human being. The story is interspersed with Coyote folktales told with a modern twist that always seem to tie into what comes next. Minty Fresh showing up late in the story is a nice bonus.

While this novel is neither as pointed nor as humorous as some of Moore's other works, the story is nonetheless a compelling read with interesting and believable characters. I enjoyed the perspective on at Native American/Crow beliefs - this would be a good companion read to Neil Gaiman's American Gods.


]]> 23112773 Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:20:16 -0700
This novel felt very much like a Carl Hiaasen young adult book, with quirky characters and a moral or two along the way (tho the environmental focus is dialed way down). The bad guy repents, lost relatives are reunited and they all live happily ever after.

It was a fun read - while the topic was very different from anything Buffett has written about before, his breezy, storyteller tone fit the material well. ]]>
author: Jimmy Buffett
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.30
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/20/08
shelves: libraryread
review:
Rumpy, an unusually intelligent pet pig, and her owner Barley, a teenage boy with a passion for soccer are the dual protagonists/narrators of this story. Barley, his sister Maple, and Rumpy are all uprooted from their Tennessee home and move to a New York City hotel when their mother is hired as a pastry chef. They must keep Rumpy's existence a secret, while figuring out how to fit in.

This novel felt very much like a Carl Hiaasen young adult book, with quirky characters and a moral or two along the way (tho the environmental focus is dialed way down). The bad guy repents, lost relatives are reunited and they all live happily ever after.

It was a fun read - while the topic was very different from anything Buffett has written about before, his breezy, storyteller tone fit the material well.
]]> 5701346 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:06:59 -0700 The Eyre Affair. [later purchased this]

The second book starts with Thursday as a semi-newlywed, continuing her work with SpecOps 27, the Literary Detectives Division. In between giving unwilling interviews, being harassed by Goliath and determining whether a newly-discovered play really was by Shakespeare, she is introduced to the Department of Jursifiction; run by those in the bookworld to make sure the stories stay straight. Several bizzare attempts on Thursday's life are made, Schitt-Hawse of Goliath teams up with her father's nemesis, Lavoisier to eradicate Thursday's husband...oh, and did I mention that a sibling of Acheron Hades makes an appearance?

This installment of the Thursday Next series is a little more free-wheeling, with the multiple story threads weaving in and out (and sometimes getting tied in knots). The humour and literary in-jokes are as abundant as in the first book - though I wish the Library had been more how Borges described it. Dedicated mystery readers may be a little frustrated with the non-traditional plot, but general bibliophiles should have a rollicking good time.
]]>
author: Jasper Fforde
name: Tracey
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at: 06/04
date added: 06/18/08
shelves:
review:
checked out Lost in a Good Book after refreshing my memory of Thursday Next by re-reading The Eyre Affair. [later purchased this]

The second book starts with Thursday as a semi-newlywed, continuing her work with SpecOps 27, the Literary Detectives Division. In between giving unwilling interviews, being harassed by Goliath and determining whether a newly-discovered play really was by Shakespeare, she is introduced to the Department of Jursifiction; run by those in the bookworld to make sure the stories stay straight. Several bizzare attempts on Thursday's life are made, Schitt-Hawse of Goliath teams up with her father's nemesis, Lavoisier to eradicate Thursday's husband...oh, and did I mention that a sibling of Acheron Hades makes an appearance?

This installment of the Thursday Next series is a little more free-wheeling, with the multiple story threads weaving in and out (and sometimes getting tied in knots). The humour and literary in-jokes are as abundant as in the first book - though I wish the Library had been more how Borges described it. Dedicated mystery readers may be a little frustrated with the non-traditional plot, but general bibliophiles should have a rollicking good time.

]]> 23113008 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:36:37 -0700
I read about the first third of the novel last night and had a very hard time putting it down - imaginative & compelling stuff!

ETA: I found the ending unsatisfying; it felt rather thrown together, as if Doctorow got tired of the novel, or realized he was going to miss his deadline. Still worth the read, tho.

]]>
author: Cory Doctorow
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.52
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/17/08
shelves: libraryread
review:
Doctorow gives magical realism a whirl in this novel - his protagonist is a thirty-something man who refurbishes a house in Toronto and teams up with a neighbor to create an ad-hoc Internet WiFi network in their area... he's also the son of a mountain and a washing machine whose undead brother has attacked his matroshka-like siblings, abducting them from the inside out.

I read about the first third of the novel last night and had a very hard time putting it down - imaginative & compelling stuff!

ETA: I found the ending unsatisfying; it felt rather thrown together, as if Doctorow got tired of the novel, or realized he was going to miss his deadline. Still worth the read, tho.


]]> 24690781 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:25:29 -0700
Not the most exciting read in the world, but the author does add touches of humour into a pretty solid research/how-to book. ]]>
author: Shel Holtz
name: Tracey
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/17/08
shelves: libraryread
review:
A quick overview of why & how to create, deliver and promote your podcast - the author draws on his own experience and cites well-known names in the podosphere as references.

Not the most exciting read in the world, but the author does add touches of humour into a pretty solid research/how-to book.
]]> 24506234 Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:47:15 -0700
A Hoosier, Peet grew up in Indianapolis, with summer excursions to family farms. He dedicates about a third of the book to his childhood overall, painting a vivid picture of growing up during the 1920's and 1930's, discussing his obsession with drawing all through this period. After attending art school, he managed to obtain a job at the Disney Studios as an in-betweener - after bumming a ride from a family friend from Indiana to California.

Peet rose through the ranks, working on such projects as Pinnochio and Fantasia in minor roles, then taking on more responsibility in subsequent films: 101 Dalmatians and The Sword in the Stone in particular owe much to his guiding hand.

Peet beggan pursuing another career: writing and illustrating children's books, and after a couple of conflicts with Walt Disney himself, Peet left the studios, and has been successful and happy and an author ever since. He doesn't discuss his personal life as an adult very much, and the tone is sometimes a bit distant and cool, for an autobiography.

Although this book is marketed to a younger audience, I think anyone interested in the Disney studios and the personalities involved would find this to be a worthwhile read. ]]>
author: Bill Peet
name: Tracey
average rating: 4.31
book published: 1994
rating: 3
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/14/08
shelves: disney
review:
A Caldecott Honor book, this book covers Bill Peet's life and career in an informal, easy-to-read format. Profusely illustrated, mostly with sketches, but Peet includes some of his paintings as well.

A Hoosier, Peet grew up in Indianapolis, with summer excursions to family farms. He dedicates about a third of the book to his childhood overall, painting a vivid picture of growing up during the 1920's and 1930's, discussing his obsession with drawing all through this period. After attending art school, he managed to obtain a job at the Disney Studios as an in-betweener - after bumming a ride from a family friend from Indiana to California.

Peet rose through the ranks, working on such projects as Pinnochio and Fantasia in minor roles, then taking on more responsibility in subsequent films: 101 Dalmatians and The Sword in the Stone in particular owe much to his guiding hand.

Peet beggan pursuing another career: writing and illustrating children's books, and after a couple of conflicts with Walt Disney himself, Peet left the studios, and has been successful and happy and an author ever since. He doesn't discuss his personal life as an adult very much, and the tone is sometimes a bit distant and cool, for an autobiography.

Although this book is marketed to a younger audience, I think anyone interested in the Disney studios and the personalities involved would find this to be a worthwhile read.
]]> 5701791 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:02:17 -0700
Dorothy Parker/H.L. Menken meets Eudora Welty was the main vibe I got (also reminded of Sampiro over on the SDMB) while reading this collection of fiction and non-fiction - ranging from a retelling of the Lizzy Borden case, to historical romance/soft-porn to essays on (fellow) misanthropes - all equally entertaining.

I am definitely going to have to read more of her stuff! ]]>
author: Florence King
name: Tracey
average rating: 4.36
book published: 1996
rating: 4
read at: 05/08
date added: 06/11/08
shelves:
review:
I was a bit concerend with the foreword being almost unctuous in its praise - but Ms. King lived up to the intro, and then some. Southern, smart & snarky - quite a combo!

Dorothy Parker/H.L. Menken meets Eudora Welty was the main vibe I got (also reminded of Sampiro over on the SDMB) while reading this collection of fiction and non-fiction - ranging from a retelling of the Lizzy Borden case, to historical romance/soft-porn to essays on (fellow) misanthropes - all equally entertaining.

I am definitely going to have to read more of her stuff!
]]> 9765453 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 03:57:55 -0700
What a thoroughly entertaining version of the Arthurian legends! The historical background is detailed without being terribly dry, and the authorial asides are a hoot!

The first segment "The Sword and the Stone" would make wonderful bedtime reading to elementary-aged kids, while the middle segments should appeal to romantic teens. The last segment is perhaps best read from the perspective of adulthood. ]]>
author: T.H. White
name: Tracey
average rating: 4.19
book published: 1939
rating: 5
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/11/08
shelves: libraryread
review:
Started 20 May 2008; finished 7 Jun 2008

What a thoroughly entertaining version of the Arthurian legends! The historical background is detailed without being terribly dry, and the authorial asides are a hoot!

The first segment "The Sword and the Stone" would make wonderful bedtime reading to elementary-aged kids, while the middle segments should appeal to romantic teens. The last segment is perhaps best read from the perspective of adulthood.
]]> 9658335 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 03:44:42 -0700
A multidisciplinary look at an intriguing question - what would happen to the Earth if all humanity were to disappear? Which species would thrive and which would die out? What would happen to our buildings and infrastructure? How quickly would polluted areas rebound?

Weisman takes us around the world and interviews many different men and women of science and industry to help answer those questions. He visits the last remnant of primeval forest in Europe (split by the Iron Curtain), the oldest agricultural research facility in the Western world, overlooks the DMZ in Korea and even briefly visits Chernobyl. Human and pre-human history is examined in terms of extinctions and renewals - with excursions into both archaeology and anthropology, creation and destruction.

The number of topics this book touches on to help answer the questions above is staggering and very nearly collapses into a tangle of information, but Weisman keeps all his threads in order and weaves a fascinating tapestry. While the overall topic is somewhat depressing - humankind has irretrievably changed the ecosphere - Weisman lets the material speak for itself, and avoids moralizing for the most part.

I really, really wish I had taken notes & made a copy of the bibliography, as there was much future reading to be gleaned. Guess I'll be looking for this in the bookstores after all. ]]>
author: Alan Weisman
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/11/08
shelves: libraryread
review:
Started 7 Jun; finished 10 Jun 2008

A multidisciplinary look at an intriguing question - what would happen to the Earth if all humanity were to disappear? Which species would thrive and which would die out? What would happen to our buildings and infrastructure? How quickly would polluted areas rebound?

Weisman takes us around the world and interviews many different men and women of science and industry to help answer those questions. He visits the last remnant of primeval forest in Europe (split by the Iron Curtain), the oldest agricultural research facility in the Western world, overlooks the DMZ in Korea and even briefly visits Chernobyl. Human and pre-human history is examined in terms of extinctions and renewals - with excursions into both archaeology and anthropology, creation and destruction.

The number of topics this book touches on to help answer the questions above is staggering and very nearly collapses into a tangle of information, but Weisman keeps all his threads in order and weaves a fascinating tapestry. While the overall topic is somewhat depressing - humankind has irretrievably changed the ecosphere - Weisman lets the material speak for itself, and avoids moralizing for the most part.

I really, really wish I had taken notes & made a copy of the bibliography, as there was much future reading to be gleaned. Guess I'll be looking for this in the bookstores after all.
]]> 9246136 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:22:09 -0700
author: Neal Gabler
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 03/07
date added: 06/06/08
shelves: disney, libraryread
review:
I'd recommend this biography to anyone interested in a very detailed look at the career of a man who helped shape the US popular culture from the 1930's - 1960's. His impact on animation, television and family entertainment, for better or worse, cannot be denied.
]]> 23205594 Thu, 29 May 2008 06:30:22 -0700
author: Edith Wharton
name: Tracey
average rating: 4.01
book published: 1920
rating: 0
read at: 01/94
date added: 05/29/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 5701595 Tue, 27 May 2008 04:27:22 -0700
The plot runs along nicely -- ex-detective Mick Stranahan pursues a cold case after his own life is put in danger -- and the characters are well-drawn (I quite enjoyed the skewering of Geraldo), but the sense of dark humour I've enjoyed in his other works just wasn't there for me.

A good travel read (plane ride or in my case, train ride), but won't become a part of my permanent library. ]]>
author: Carl Hiaasen
name: Tracey
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2002
rating: 2
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/27/08
shelves: getting-rid-of
review:
I didn't like this quite as well as some of the other Hiaasen novels I've read -- the environmental aspect was missing, and the body count seemed awfully high, even for a Hiaasen book.

The plot runs along nicely -- ex-detective Mick Stranahan pursues a cold case after his own life is put in danger -- and the characters are well-drawn (I quite enjoyed the skewering of Geraldo), but the sense of dark humour I've enjoyed in his other works just wasn't there for me.

A good travel read (plane ride or in my case, train ride), but won't become a part of my permanent library.
]]> 23031661 Tue, 27 May 2008 04:22:45 -0700
Zane has just about hit bottom - no money, no family, no romantic prospects.... after throwing away his last chance he plans to commit suicide. At the last moment, he instead kills Death. Rather, the Incarnation of Death, a role held by a human, one of 5 different Incarnations that establish a check & balance system between Good and Evil. Zane takes on the office of Death, learning as he goes and becoming embroiled in a plot of Satan's to take over Earth some 20 years hence.

This plot carries through the remainder of the books in this series, with each Incarnation playing his/her part. The puns don't fly quite as thick and fast as in the Xanth series (thank goodness), and the philosophy kind of hits you over the head, but assuming the intended audience is young adults, it's appropriate for that level, IMHO.

I re-read this on a train ride from central Indiana to Chicago and it passed the time pleasantly, if not challengingly.

]]>
author: Piers Anthony
name: Tracey
average rating: 4.01
book published: 1986
rating: 3
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/27/08
shelves: re-read
review:
I was a much bigger fan of Piers Anthony as a teen; before his Xanth series started getting obviously ephebophilic. However, I do still think at least the first few books in his Incarnations of Immortality are worth reading.

Zane has just about hit bottom - no money, no family, no romantic prospects.... after throwing away his last chance he plans to commit suicide. At the last moment, he instead kills Death. Rather, the Incarnation of Death, a role held by a human, one of 5 different Incarnations that establish a check & balance system between Good and Evil. Zane takes on the office of Death, learning as he goes and becoming embroiled in a plot of Satan's to take over Earth some 20 years hence.

This plot carries through the remainder of the books in this series, with each Incarnation playing his/her part. The puns don't fly quite as thick and fast as in the Xanth series (thank goodness), and the philosophy kind of hits you over the head, but assuming the intended audience is young adults, it's appropriate for that level, IMHO.

I re-read this on a train ride from central Indiana to Chicago and it passed the time pleasantly, if not challengingly.


]]> 19278245 Tue, 20 May 2008 04:17:46 -0700
She continues with an exploration of the tangled history of chop suey and General Tso's chicken, neither of which are authentic Chinese dishes. This leads to a review of Chinese immigration, not only to the United States, but across all seven continents; in her search for the "greatest Chinese restaurant in the world", she discovers how Chinese cuisine is altered for each culture, and vice versa.

Lee's writing is quite engaging; she keeps a light tone during most of her experiences, but is able to treat the more serious issues of culture clashes and illegal immigration with appropriate gravity.

Definitely worth the read and I may be reviewing her bibliography for further reading on some of the topics she covered. ]]>
author: Jennifer 8 Lee
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/20/08
shelves: libraryread
review:
Lee starts the book with an anecdote: multiple lottery winners across the United States are traced back to a set of "lucky numbers" found in fortune cookies. These iconic treats bookend the story: originally a Japanese pastry of sorts, they became popular during/after WWII, with the Chinese taking over manufacturing of the items during the Japanese internment.

She continues with an exploration of the tangled history of chop suey and General Tso's chicken, neither of which are authentic Chinese dishes. This leads to a review of Chinese immigration, not only to the United States, but across all seven continents; in her search for the "greatest Chinese restaurant in the world", she discovers how Chinese cuisine is altered for each culture, and vice versa.

Lee's writing is quite engaging; she keeps a light tone during most of her experiences, but is able to treat the more serious issues of culture clashes and illegal immigration with appropriate gravity.

Definitely worth the read and I may be reviewing her bibliography for further reading on some of the topics she covered.
]]> 5701707 Wed, 07 May 2008 05:02:19 -0700
author: John Brunner
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.36
book published: 1980
rating: 2
read at: 10/04
date added: 05/07/08
shelves: notowned-reviewed
review:

]]> 15312825 Wed, 07 May 2008 04:43:58 -0700
Jonnes provides a great amount of detail in both the construction aspects and the political wheelings and dealings of the herculean task of bringing the railroad to Manhattan. I'm not sure which was the greater foe: Tammany or the Hudson River! In any case, I was astounded on both fronts that this magnificent structure was even able to be completed. I was also very sad to read in the Coda section of its demise.

Perhaps Jonnes tried a bit too hard to replicate the style of Erik Larson; the connection to the Evelyn Nesbit scandal was obvious, but seemed a sidebar to the main focus of the book. Then again, considering Larson's success with The Devil in the White City, who can blame her for adding a bit of scandal to the story?

]]>
author: Jill Jonnes
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.33
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/07/08
shelves: libraryread, nyc
review:
Despite never having been to New York City, I find myself drawn to both fiction and non-fiction about it, especially the period from the 1870's to the 1910's. This work provided some additional background (as well as a pleasant excursion) into that world.

Jonnes provides a great amount of detail in both the construction aspects and the political wheelings and dealings of the herculean task of bringing the railroad to Manhattan. I'm not sure which was the greater foe: Tammany or the Hudson River! In any case, I was astounded on both fronts that this magnificent structure was even able to be completed. I was also very sad to read in the Coda section of its demise.

Perhaps Jonnes tried a bit too hard to replicate the style of Erik Larson; the connection to the Evelyn Nesbit scandal was obvious, but seemed a sidebar to the main focus of the book. Then again, considering Larson's success with The Devil in the White City, who can blame her for adding a bit of scandal to the story?


]]> 5702345 Wed, 07 May 2008 04:23:01 -0700 previously read prior to 2003

Death takes on an apprentice, who in attempting to save a princess's life, changes Reality and must make difficult choices in order to return the Discworld to some semblance of Normality.

With this novel, Pratchett is moving away from a more-ore-less parody of fantasy novels into a deeper look at the underlying concepts of fantasy and Myth. Death (and his granddaughter Susan) are two of my favorite Discworld characters. That said, most of the Death stories seem a bit repetitive in the basic plot: he's not following the Rules (taking an apprentice, filling in for the Hogsfather, leaving the job completely, etc.)
]]>
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.97
book published: 1988
rating: 4
read at: 04/08
date added: 05/07/08
shelves: re-read
review:
previously read prior to 2003

Death takes on an apprentice, who in attempting to save a princess's life, changes Reality and must make difficult choices in order to return the Discworld to some semblance of Normality.

With this novel, Pratchett is moving away from a more-ore-less parody of fantasy novels into a deeper look at the underlying concepts of fantasy and Myth. Death (and his granddaughter Susan) are two of my favorite Discworld characters. That said, most of the Death stories seem a bit repetitive in the basic plot: he's not following the Rules (taking an apprentice, filling in for the Hogsfather, leaving the job completely, etc.)

]]> 5702373 Wed, 07 May 2008 04:09:43 -0700 previously read prior to 2003

Rincewind and TwoFlower embark on yet another adventure: the end of the Discworld is drawing near, but Rincewind with the assistance the 8th Great Spell that lodged itself in Rincewind's brain (thereby scaring off any other spell, making him the least competent wizard ever) may just be able to save the day.

While I think Pratchett's later Discworld novels are a great improvement over the earlier, more parody-based stories, it was still a fun read and a book I'll probably continue to return to over the years. ]]>
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at: 04/08
date added: 05/07/08
shelves: re-read
review:
previously read prior to 2003

Rincewind and TwoFlower embark on yet another adventure: the end of the Discworld is drawing near, but Rincewind with the assistance the 8th Great Spell that lodged itself in Rincewind's brain (thereby scaring off any other spell, making him the least competent wizard ever) may just be able to save the day.

While I think Pratchett's later Discworld novels are a great improvement over the earlier, more parody-based stories, it was still a fun read and a book I'll probably continue to return to over the years.
]]> 5700963 Wed, 07 May 2008 04:05:08 -0700 previously read 1 Mar 2003

I am fascinated by the concept of the "dittos" -- an temporary, alternate self that you can imprint your self/soul onto - and then download its experiences at the end of the day. Brin explores this technology and its potential effects on human society in detail - through the structure of a mystery.

The main character, Albert Morris, is a private investigator (you can imagine how helpful the dittos are to him!) and is investigating the disappearance/murder of one of the developers of the copying technology. He is also involved in an ongoing investigation of bootleg copying of famous people - with the two tasks entwining in surprising ways.

The story is told from the viewpoint of Albert and his dittos - we learn bits and pieces of what's going on from different viewpoints - with the story only finally coming together right at the end.

---------------
I suppose the re-readability of this novel depends on your long-term memory... fortunately, I'd forgotten most of the plot details and was therefore able to enjoy the mystery and its denouement about as much as I did the first time! ]]>
author: David Brin
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/07/08
shelves: re-read
review:
previously read 1 Mar 2003

I am fascinated by the concept of the "dittos" -- an temporary, alternate self that you can imprint your self/soul onto - and then download its experiences at the end of the day. Brin explores this technology and its potential effects on human society in detail - through the structure of a mystery.

The main character, Albert Morris, is a private investigator (you can imagine how helpful the dittos are to him!) and is investigating the disappearance/murder of one of the developers of the copying technology. He is also involved in an ongoing investigation of bootleg copying of famous people - with the two tasks entwining in surprising ways.

The story is told from the viewpoint of Albert and his dittos - we learn bits and pieces of what's going on from different viewpoints - with the story only finally coming together right at the end.

---------------
I suppose the re-readability of this novel depends on your long-term memory... fortunately, I'd forgotten most of the plot details and was therefore able to enjoy the mystery and its denouement about as much as I did the first time!
]]> 14950419 Wed, 07 May 2008 03:56:40 -0700
As a young child, my "invisible friends" were mousies; I don't remember if they existed before or after I read this book, but I'm sure the scenarios I came up with were influenced by this.

Lovely story that is due for a re-read.
]]>
author: Robert C. O'Brien
name: Tracey
average rating: 4.20
book published: 1971
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 05/07/08
shelves: due-for-re-read, ya
review:
Ginnie's recent review jogged my memory...

As a young child, my "invisible friends" were mousies; I don't remember if they existed before or after I read this book, but I'm sure the scenarios I came up with were influenced by this.

Lovely story that is due for a re-read.

]]> 20206774 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 05:48:11 -0700 "The remarkable thing is how well we mean, America. And yet it always turns out so -- badly."
So says "Uncle Sam" a mysterious and powerful figure who gives Florence Farfaletti, a minor State Dep't official, well-versed in Middle Eastern history & language, a chance to change history in the area by empowering women.
She has a PR wizard, a fellow State Dep't whiz (whose idol is Richard Burton), and an ex-Marine CIA hunk on her side, as well as the wife of the emir of Matar, a small country whose large, powerful neighbor- the Kingdom of Wasabi, is the most harsh when it comes to denying women their rights. Florence's plan to start a TV station aimed at women proves the power of media.

Full of dark humor, this satire turns thriller in the last third, as the subversive programs on TVMatar earn Florence and her supporters some very dangerous enemies. Written in 2004 (and still all too appropriate to the current climate) Buckley shows an astute understanding of both the Middle East and the attitude of its former rulers (England & France) towards it, as well as the attitude of the U.S.


]]>
author: Christopher Buckley
name: Tracey
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at: 06/07
date added: 04/15/08
shelves: notowned-reviewed
review:
"The remarkable thing is how well we mean, America. And yet it always turns out so -- badly."
So says "Uncle Sam" a mysterious and powerful figure who gives Florence Farfaletti, a minor State Dep't official, well-versed in Middle Eastern history & language, a chance to change history in the area by empowering women.
She has a PR wizard, a fellow State Dep't whiz (whose idol is Richard Burton), and an ex-Marine CIA hunk on her si