bookshelves: first-reads-
Who is H.L. Mencken and why am I just now reading him!? This book is genius! I started highlighting passages I liked but then realized nearly every page was marked in florescent pink.
I'm not going to say this book is for everyone but it is definitely for those of us out there that watch the news and listen to certain groups or leaders thinking, "Seriously are there people out there buying this?" Then we come into contact with those who are in fact subscribing whole-heartily to an idiotic brainless existence. Left dumbfounded we trudge along wondering if there are any 'real' people left in the world.
The world was a completely different place in 1926 when Mencken originally wrote this but it doesn't' take long to realize despite our innovations and advancements nearly 100 years later we've made no real progress in terms of democracy. Mencken's insights serve as a reminder to that fact and while the organizations may have changed and the leaders all have new names they are in essence the same.
"Public policies are determined and laws are made by small minorities playing upon the fears and imbecilities of the mob-sometimes minorities of intelligent and honest men, but usually minorities of rogues." Hmmmm, rogues you say? Remind you of anyone?
If you are of a thinking mind I highly recommend this book but be warned it reads like a philosophy book so if you think you can just pick it up and read a few chapters you're wrong. It will have you thinking and a buzz with every paragraph so make sure you have a good sounding board to bounce ideas off of after reading.
(I received this book as part of a giveaway on Goodreads.com I was not in anyway encouraged to give a review that didn't reflect my genuine feelings towards the book.) ]]>
bookshelves: first-reads-
This book was a hard read for me and I don't think I can give it the proper review it deserves. I actually won this through goodreads first reads with the intent of having my husband, a Terry Brooks fan, read it. He started classes again and hasn't had the time to read anything outside a text book. So, because it has been so painfully long that I have had this book and NOT posted a review I thought I'd go ahead and read it. UGH! I can sincerely say that I don't think there is anything wrong with it and I would guess if you're a Brooks fan you'll be eating it up! I found the writing great, the storyline fun and engaging, the characters relatable and the settings fitting for a fantasy novel.
I know now, having read my first Brooks novel that if I'm ever in the mood for some science fiction/fantasy his(or hers?) name is one I can trust for a quality story. ]]>
bookshelves: first-reads-
First let me apologize for not posting my review sooner.
One Just Man by Stan I.S. Law is an ambitious journey of one man’s struggle to manage his mysterious gifts while also attaining, or maybe maintaining, a level of consciousness on par with ultimate justice…making him one just man. So, did that confuse you? If it did so will the book. Secret organizations, a butler with ‘magical’ powers, and a relationship built on a conversation straight out of a Harlequin romance hide what would be a very good philosophical book.
While intriguing the story of the book’s main character Dr. Peter Thornton is a lackluster means to an end. His insinuated bravado never seemed to materialize as a real characteristic outside the author’s mind. I also found his jump from a hospital attending to a cult mystic icon a bit of a stretch that could have been believable if it wasn’t so utterly unbelievable. His relationships are as unfathomable as his journey to become a just man.
That being said, the ideas presented in the second half of the book were brilliant. I can sincerely say had Dr. Thornton and his drama been removed from the book I would have thoroughly enjoyed reading the insights and complex hypotheses presented. Here is one quote to give you just a taste, “Any religion is a dangerous concept, Madam. It fosters an elitist idealogy. It is divisive. It creates and upholds the concept of us and them. Us being the good guys…Religions, in general, are an unnatural concept…”
There is so much to the story I haven’t even talked about, secret societies bent on controlling/helping/redesigning/? the world; Dr. Thornton’s stint as a back room healer; the scientist girlfriend and their weird relationship that seems to happen after a one-night stand that also happens to be her first time; a kidnapping; a trip to see the pope; need I say more?
If you have some time to spend and would like something to lead you into some extremely deep thoughts by all means pick up this book. However, if you read the back cover and expect something along the lines of the Da Vinci Code, keep looking.
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bookshelves: to-read
This looks so good! ]]>
bookshelves: first-reads-
I just realized this book wasn't on my list! I won it thorugh the Goodreads First Read drawings and unfortunately I'm trying to read the books in the order I received them so it's at the bottom of the pile...but I'm working my way to it. Flipping through the pages it looks very insightful. Much more so than the other 'social network' book I won. ]]>
bookshelves: currently-reading, first-reads-
Update: Still hopeful it's on its way!
I'm soooo excited that I won a copy of this book! Since my ONLY daughter is named Esther, nickname Essie, I was drawn to this book. After reading the teaser I just can't wait!
Yahoo! Got the book Monday...now to find a day to read it!lol ]]>
bookshelves: first-reads-
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
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Erin Sipes
added a quote:
"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." — Dalai Lama
"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." — Dalai Lama