false 4 63 60 true 5691728 read 1 true 2423032 currently-reading 2 true 2423031 to-read 29 false 2435234 comics 14 false 2436431 fiction 10 false 2436438 non-fiction 6 false 2436428 history http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77154179 to: B.P.R.D. Volume 10: The Warning (Paperback) by Mike Mignola
bookshelves: comics
A solid B.P.R.D. collection that advances the main story and begins what should be an exciting trilogy, but unto itself isn't quite up to the same standard as the rest of the series. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75543668 The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin (Hardcover) by H.W. Brands
bookshelves: currently-reading
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75307277 to: Abe Sapien: The Drowning (Paperback) by Mike Mignola
bookshelves: comics
Mignola has a unique way of synthesizing mythology and folklore into his own fictional universe. The Drowning is another successful addition. It’s a quick read, but deceptively simple. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/73688842 to: The God Delusion (Hardcover) by Richard Dawkins
bookshelves: non-fiction
The God Delusion excoriates religion quite convincingly. Although the focus is on the three monotheistic religions of Abraham, particularly Christianity, Dawkins is clear from the beginning that the arguments apply to all faith. The most persuasive chapters concern the literal truth of God and morality. The weakest, not surprisingly given the lack of hard scientific understanding, is on the origin of existence.

The biggest issue with a polemic work like The God Delusion is that Dawkins will invariably, to use a phrase, be preaching to the choir. Still, it’s a book that can provoke critical thinking in readers of all persuasions. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/73400812 to: Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything (Revised and Expanded Edition) by Steven D. Levitt
bookshelves: non-fiction
Freakonomics is a surprisingly quick and lightweight read. Essentially a synthesis of a wide variety of other research, the topics come fast and furious but without much actual data to back up its assertions. In some respects, without reviewing each work cited in the Notes, it's hard to give this book a proper assessment. At its best, Freakonomics is thought-provoking; but it often feels like a Cliffs Notes version of an actual book.

One caveat: the hagiography of co-author Steven Levitt (in the introduction and beginning of each chapter) over the course of the book is incredibly annoying. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/35968526 to: Fragile Things: Short Fictions and Wonders (Hardcover) by Neil Gaiman
bookshelves: fiction
A very satisfying collection of short stories, especially considering their disparate origins. The only clunker, in my opinion, is "How Do You Think It Feels?", which is a pretty good ratio. Of note is "The Monarch of the Glen," a sequel of sorts to Gaiman's novel American Gods. Don't forget to read the introduction. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/67825782 to: Murder Mysteries (Hardcover) by Neil Gaiman
bookshelves: comics
It's been so long since I read the prose version of Murder Mysteries that I really can't compare it to this adaptation. But, Gaiman's use of Christian mythology to examine love, death, and memory is well done, if slightly ambiguous in conclusion (I Googled it and events became clearer). Russell's art is fantastic and pristine. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/66490060 to: The Absolute Sandman, Vol. 4 (Hardcover) by Neil Gaiman
bookshelves: comics
Quite simply: brilliant. Gaiman weaves the complex world of The Sandman into a thrilling climax and remarkably satisfying conclusion. Hempel's art on "The Kindly Ones" and Zulli's art on "The Wake" couldn't be more different, but each compliments the story. In short, The Sandman is one of the premier works of fiction of the twentieth century. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/65039564 to: The Absolute Sandman, Vol. 3 (Hardcover) by Neil Gaiman
bookshelves: comics
The book in which the story turns, and all the pieces are on the board. "Brief Lives" is departure from previous Sandman stories: sort of a buddy road trip, but with serious consequences. "World's End" showcases Gaiman's ability to taking seemingly disparate stories and weave them into a larger tapestry. The single issue tales are also excellent, particularly the poignant (and still quite relevant) "Ramadan." ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/64460986 to: The Absolute Sandman, Vol. 2 (Hardcover) by Neil Gaiman
bookshelves: comics
Any awkwardness from the initial issues of volume one is long gone in volume two. Gaiman and company weave some marvelous stories: the amazing "Season of Mists" and the fantastical "A Game of You," not to mention the single-issue tales. As to be expected from an Absolute edition, the book is goregeous, with plenty of supplemental material to keep you reading after the comic ends. ]]>