http://www.goodreads.com/review/list_rss/604890 en-US Tue, 06 May 2008 08:09:51 -0700 60 http://www.goodreads.com/ 200 41 http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/gr_logo.gif 12316103 Tue, 06 May 2008 08:09:51 -0700
This book covers everything from how to build endurance and speed, to how to avoid icky health issues, to how to peel and eat a banana without stopping to get off your bike. The information ranges from the highly useful (I found some of the hill climbing breathing techniques very helpful) to the moderately interesting (a list healthy emergency food from the most common fast food joints and convenience stores in the US). And most of the "inspirational" interviews are really interesting (particularly the one from Race Across America record holder, Pete Penseyres, who in 1986 biked 3,107 miles in 8 days, 9 hours, and 47 minutes at an average speed of 15.40 mph).

While I would not recommend this as a person's only cycling book, I would definitely say it should be a part of every road cyclists collection.]]>
author: Ben Hewitt
name: Bill
average rating: 3.40
book published: 1998
rating: 4
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/06/08
shelves:
review:
Someone else on Goodreads likened this book to religion in an earlier review. I could not agree more. While it does not go into great detail on the topics it covers, it answered all of the burning questions I had, and many of the ones that I did not know I had.

This book covers everything from how to build endurance and speed, to how to avoid icky health issues, to how to peel and eat a banana without stopping to get off your bike. The information ranges from the highly useful (I found some of the hill climbing breathing techniques very helpful) to the moderately interesting (a list healthy emergency food from the most common fast food joints and convenience stores in the US). And most of the "inspirational" interviews are really interesting (particularly the one from Race Across America record holder, Pete Penseyres, who in 1986 biked 3,107 miles in 8 days, 9 hours, and 47 minutes at an average speed of 15.40 mph).

While I would not recommend this as a person's only cycling book, I would definitely say it should be a part of every road cyclists collection.
]]> 8751711 Sat, 26 Apr 2008 22:41:41 -0700
Larson exemplifies the two traits an author of pop-history needs to be successful. On the one hand his research seems to be well done (I have not investigated his notes thoroughly, but they are well documented), and one the other he builds a narrative drama that pulls the reader along. Though I knew beforehand, for instance, that George Ferris was the man who would eventually "out-Eiffel Eiffel," I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Larson to finally reveal the name.

I would recommend this to period history buffs, folks who dig Chicago, true crime aficionados, and anyone interested in architecture.
]]>
author: Erik Larson
name: Bill
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2003
rating: 3
read at: 12/07
date added: 04/26/08
shelves:
review:
All in all, I really enjoyed this one. I have to admit that I was much more interested in the serial killer bits, however, than I was in the trials and tribulations of the Fair. But, in the end it was all very interesting, and well put together.

Larson exemplifies the two traits an author of pop-history needs to be successful. On the one hand his research seems to be well done (I have not investigated his notes thoroughly, but they are well documented), and one the other he builds a narrative drama that pulls the reader along. Though I knew beforehand, for instance, that George Ferris was the man who would eventually "out-Eiffel Eiffel," I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Larson to finally reveal the name.

I would recommend this to period history buffs, folks who dig Chicago, true crime aficionados, and anyone interested in architecture.

]]> 20480667 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:27:55 -0700
author: Ellen Lupton
name: Bill
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/18/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 8764013 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:13:50 -0700 Dune during the summer between the 8th and 9th grade, while on trip from Indiana to visit the Library of Congress. My second time was during another trip, this time criss-crossing England, Ireland and Germany with a friend, between my Sophomore and Junior years in college. I just finished it for a third time (mostly during my 30 minute commutes on the Red Line between Quincy and Kendall), and I am once again stunned at how intricate and beautifully written it is.

Beyond the simple observation that it is "one of those books" that offers something new each time you read it, it really was a pleasure to read. Though I could never get into the subsequent Dune novels, the first truly is a monument to astute religious and political critique disguised in amazing storytelling and language.

Though I am sure that others who have reviewed this in the past have said, I can not resist adding: that it is a book, within a book, within a book. It is that complexity, and richness, that make me look forward to the next time I can read it.]]>
author: Frank Herbert
name: Bill
average rating: 4.35
book published: 1965
rating: 5
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/10/08
shelves:
review:
I first read Dune during the summer between the 8th and 9th grade, while on trip from Indiana to visit the Library of Congress. My second time was during another trip, this time criss-crossing England, Ireland and Germany with a friend, between my Sophomore and Junior years in college. I just finished it for a third time (mostly during my 30 minute commutes on the Red Line between Quincy and Kendall), and I am once again stunned at how intricate and beautifully written it is.

Beyond the simple observation that it is "one of those books" that offers something new each time you read it, it really was a pleasure to read. Though I could never get into the subsequent Dune novels, the first truly is a monument to astute religious and political critique disguised in amazing storytelling and language.

Though I am sure that others who have reviewed this in the past have said, I can not resist adding: that it is a book, within a book, within a book. It is that complexity, and richness, that make me look forward to the next time I can read it.
]]> 19403170 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:28:22 -0700
author: Rich Burlew
name: Bill
average rating: 4.54
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 04/03/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 19403165 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:28:10 -0700
author: Rich Burlew
name: Bill
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 04/03/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 18264093 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:03:21 -0700
Sure, I'll admit that I am biased, but it's a great showcase for an amazing architect.

And, while I don't want to embarrasses my boys... I hope that I can have a wedding photo as amazing as the one of their folks on pg. 12.]]>
author: Richard John
name: Bill
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at: 03/08
date added: 03/20/08
shelves:
review:
I only happened to come across this book when someone returned it to my library. It's about the life's work of two of my best friends dad, and I had to read it.

Sure, I'll admit that I am biased, but it's a great showcase for an amazing architect.

And, while I don't want to embarrasses my boys... I hope that I can have a wedding photo as amazing as the one of their folks on pg. 12.
]]> 16741417 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:17:48 -0700
I am not particularly comfortable with his trickle-down economics argument that "if enough of those who can afford to pay more for food (for better quality product) it will drive down the prices for all." It does, however, seem to be one of the more realistic paths to getting more sustainable food on the American table. It would have been nice, though, if he would have pushed the idea he introduced in the last few pages, that growing/raising, and then cooking, your own food is an act of rebellion against the commercial food/nutrionalsim industrial complex.

For what it matters, I had read his New York Times Magazine article, Unhappy Meals a few months ago. Much of the first two sections of In Defense of Food are lifted directly from this article. (In his defense, though, he mentions that this article served as the germ for this book.) If you are interested in reading this, but have read already seen Unhappy Meals, I would recommend only skimming the the first 2/3 and skipping ahead to his recommendations.

On the other hand, it was a pleasure to read all the way through. I know it certainly gave me a few things to think about. Get it from your local library - I did.]]>
author: Michael Pollan
name: Bill
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 03/08
date added: 03/10/08
shelves:
review:
Overall I thought this was a really well put together critique of food-science, and the ideology of "nutitionalism." His suggestions, while seemingly somewhat obvious, are also well thought out and presented... though I guess based on observations of the typical American consumer, these suggestions may not be obvious to everyone.

I am not particularly comfortable with his trickle-down economics argument that "if enough of those who can afford to pay more for food (for better quality product) it will drive down the prices for all." It does, however, seem to be one of the more realistic paths to getting more sustainable food on the American table. It would have been nice, though, if he would have pushed the idea he introduced in the last few pages, that growing/raising, and then cooking, your own food is an act of rebellion against the commercial food/nutrionalsim industrial complex.

For what it matters, I had read his New York Times Magazine article, Unhappy Meals a few months ago. Much of the first two sections of In Defense of Food are lifted directly from this article. (In his defense, though, he mentions that this article served as the germ for this book.) If you are interested in reading this, but have read already seen Unhappy Meals, I would recommend only skimming the the first 2/3 and skipping ahead to his recommendations.

On the other hand, it was a pleasure to read all the way through. I know it certainly gave me a few things to think about. Get it from your local library - I did.
]]> 16785062 Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:04:11 -0800
author: Paul Gravett
name: Bill
average rating: 2.75
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 03/08
date added: 03/01/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 15951405 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:25:32 -0800
author: Steven Heller
name: Bill
average rating: 2.00
book published: 1998
rating: 2
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/20/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 15951375 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:24:58 -0800
author: Steven Heller
name: Bill
average rating: 3.50
book published: 1996
rating: 2
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/20/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 15946684 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:30:04 -0800
author: Shel Silverstein
name: Bill
average rating: 4.35
book published: 1981
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 02/20/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 15946649 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:29:34 -0800
author: Arnold Lobel
name: Bill
average rating: 4.38
book published: 1979
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 02/20/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 15946630 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:29:22 -0800
author: Eric Carle
name: Bill
average rating: 4.45
book published: 1987
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 02/20/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 15541558 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:47:38 -0800
author: Mikhail Anikst
name: Bill
average rating: 3.00
book published: 1991
rating: 3
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/15/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 15541193 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:40:10 -0800
author: Steven Heller
name: Bill
average rating: 2.00
book published: 1998
rating: 2
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/15/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 15204339 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:56:30 -0800
author: Elizabeth Castro
name: Bill
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 04/08
date added: 02/11/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 15204140 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:54:47 -0800
author: Abalos & Enguita
name: Bill
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/11/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 9726676 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:17:14 -0800
It is an incredibly well written collection of short fiction. Sometimes humorous, sometimes depressing, always tinged with a slight darkness. It is not often, in a collection, that one can honestly say that they have enjoyed all of the stories. In this case, I can. Each story is truly unique, and engaging. Each a fantastic use of language, and each breathtaking in it's own way.

Go read it, right now.]]>
author: Eric Puchner
name: Bill
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/27/08
shelves:
review:
I am somewhat chagrined to admit that it's taken me quite awhile to get around to reading this (even though I have been recommending it in various bookstore jobs I've had for several years now), but I am very glad that I did. A, and I, knew Eric from when we lived in San Francisco; and I always felt confident recommending his work based on conversations I had had with him. Now I know that those recommendations were well founded.

It is an incredibly well written collection of short fiction. Sometimes humorous, sometimes depressing, always tinged with a slight darkness. It is not often, in a collection, that one can honestly say that they have enjoyed all of the stories. In this case, I can. Each story is truly unique, and engaging. Each a fantastic use of language, and each breathtaking in it's own way.

Go read it, right now.
]]> 13249439 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 05:52:15 -0800
author: David J. Skal
name: Bill
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 01/23/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 12414975 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 13:15:37 -0800
author: Andrew Dornenburg
name: Bill
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/13/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 8786221 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 10:01:06 -0800
Ever since moving to the Boston area I have been reading, as local interest pieces, books about colonial era shipping and trade. In particular books about pirates, because pirates are awesome.

This is the best written, and best researched, book on colonial piracy I've read to date. It is based heavily on first hand accounts, in the form of letters and other personal correspondences. It also takes into account recent attempts to sift out the fact from embellishment in General History of Pyrates; a book that not only shaped popular conceptions of pirates, but has served as the foundation of academic study of colonial era piracy since it was published.

The book also pays particular attention to the political motivations of many 18th Century English pirates; who not only sought prizes and plunder, but who fought in open revolt against King George I in support of the deposed Stuart kings.

]]>
author: Colin Woodard
name: Bill
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/13/08
shelves:
review:
This is a remarkably well written account of the most famous pirate captains during the Golden Age of Piracy (1715-1725), and the man who ruined his life to bring them back "to God and law." If you are at all interested in following the rise and fall of Edward "Blackbeard" Teach, Samuel "Black Sam" Bellamy, Charles Vane, and Woodes Rogers, who hunted them for King George I, this is the book for you.

Ever since moving to the Boston area I have been reading, as local interest pieces, books about colonial era shipping and trade. In particular books about pirates, because pirates are awesome.

This is the best written, and best researched, book on colonial piracy I've read to date. It is based heavily on first hand accounts, in the form of letters and other personal correspondences. It also takes into account recent attempts to sift out the fact from embellishment in General History of Pyrates; a book that not only shaped popular conceptions of pirates, but has served as the foundation of academic study of colonial era piracy since it was published.

The book also pays particular attention to the political motivations of many 18th Century English pirates; who not only sought prizes and plunder, but who fought in open revolt against King George I in support of the deposed Stuart kings.


]]> 12316075 Sat, 12 Jan 2008 06:05:08 -0800
author: Tom Catalini
name: Bill
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 01/12/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 11914228 Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:22:32 -0800
author: Karen Russell
name: Bill
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 01/07/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 10690049 Wed, 19 Dec 2007 09:55:33 -0800
author: Chuck Klosterman
name: Bill
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2006
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 12/19/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10689917 Wed, 19 Dec 2007 09:53:55 -0800
author: Charles Dickens
name: Bill
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 12/19/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10689829 Wed, 19 Dec 2007 09:53:03 -0800
author: Arthur Miller
name: Bill
average rating: 3.56
book published: 1986
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 12/19/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10689763 Wed, 19 Dec 2007 09:51:58 -0800
author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
name: Bill
average rating: 4.01
book published: 1998
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 12/19/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10689540 Wed, 19 Dec 2007 09:49:02 -0800
author: David Kamp
name: Bill
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2007
rating: 2
read at: 02/08
date added: 12/19/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10665147 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:21:28 -0800
author: Michael Crichton
name: Bill
average rating: 3.73
book published: 1990
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 8786168 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:02:38 -0800
The writing is hit or miss, the subplots are somewhat anemic, and... it's just... not as good as the movie.

Does saying that make me a terrible person?

I am glad that I finally got around to reading it. But I am just as glad that the experience is over, and I can move on to something else.

Still, one of the best titles for a story. If that counts for anything.]]>
author: Philip K. Dick
name: Bill
average rating: 4.05
book published: 1968
rating: 2
read at: 12/07
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:
Maybe having thought about reading this book had built it up a little too much, or perhaps the effect it has had on science fiction as a genre gave it certain legendary properties, but this is one book where the movie is definitely better. To be sure, the story was interesting, and it had some really neat qualities that could not translate to film. But all said and told, I'd almost recommend skipping this one.

The writing is hit or miss, the subplots are somewhat anemic, and... it's just... not as good as the movie.

Does saying that make me a terrible person?

I am glad that I finally got around to reading it. But I am just as glad that the experience is over, and I can move on to something else.

Still, one of the best titles for a story. If that counts for anything.
]]> 10649265 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:56:17 -0800
author: Ken Kesey
name: Bill
average rating: 4.25
book published: 1960
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10649207 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:55:14 -0800
author: Arthur Miller
name: Bill
average rating: 3.59
book published: 1994
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10649175 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:54:43 -0800
author: Jared Diamond
name: Bill
average rating: 3.97
book published: 1997
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617377 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:30:06 -0800
author: Matt Groening
name: Bill
average rating: 4.32
book published: 1997
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617375 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:30:02 -0800
author: Matt Groening
name: Bill
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2004
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617373 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:30:01 -0800
author: Matt Groening
name: Bill
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2004
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617368 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:29:55 -0800
author: Matt Groening
name: Bill
average rating: 4.20
book published: 1989
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617364 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:29:47 -0800
author: Matt Groening
name: Bill
average rating: 4.22
book published: 1986
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617323 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:28:55 -0800
author: Berkeley Breathed
name: Bill
average rating: 4.37
book published: 1984
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617313 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:28:39 -0800
author: Matt Groening
name: Bill
average rating: 4.24
book published: 1988
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617311 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:28:38 -0800
author: Matt Groening
name: Bill
average rating: 4.20
book published: 1990
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617306 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:28:35 -0800
author: Matt Groening
name: Bill
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2004
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617304 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:28:33 -0800
author: Matt Groening
name: Bill
average rating: 4.24
book published: 1984
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617284 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:28:07 -0800
author: Berkeley Breathed
name: Bill
average rating: 4.49
book published: 1986
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617278 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:27:58 -0800
author: Berkeley Breathed
name: Bill
average rating: 4.44
book published: 1983
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617274 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:27:54 -0800
author: Berkeley Breathed
name: Bill
average rating: 4.39
book published: 1990
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617273 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:27:49 -0800
author: Berkeley Breathed
name: Bill
average rating: 4.47
book published: 1986
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617263 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:27:40 -0800
author: Berkeley Breathed
name: Bill
average rating: 4.43
book published: 1985
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617261 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:27:38 -0800
author: Berkeley Breathed
name: Bill
average rating: 4.33
book published: 1988
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617251 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:27:28 -0800
author: Berkeley Breathed
name: Bill
average rating: 4.45
book published: 1987
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617103 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:25:01 -0800
author: James Joyce
name: Bill
average rating: 4.11
book published: 1990
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10617093 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:24:41 -0800
author: Shel Silverstein
name: Bill
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10616939 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:22:23 -0800
author: Eric Schlosser
name: Bill
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10616887 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:21:42 -0800
author: Albert Camus
name: Bill
average rating: 3.96
book published: 1949
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10616881 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:21:37 -0800
author: Bill Watterson
name: Bill
average rating: 4.70
book published: 1991
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10616877 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:21:33 -0800
author: Anne Frank
name: Bill
average rating: 4.11
book published: 1947
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10616869 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:21:18 -0800
author: Oliver Sacks
name: Bill
average rating: 4.07
book published: 1998
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 12/18/07
shelves:
review:

]]> 10616827 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:20:32 -0800