Joseph Baneth Allen's Blog, page 90
December 28, 2021
The Sound of The Sea
Just finished reading "The Sound of The Sea - Seashells and the Fate of the Oceans" by Cynthia Barnett, released by Norton.
Cynthia Barnett has written a fascinating account of the history of humanity's obsession with collecting seashells and the impact seashells have had in various cultures in the world throughout history. Barnett also correctly points out the dangers in over harvesting a resource and the impact it has for life in and out of the oceans.
Strongly Recommended.
Four Stars - remember Ms. Barnett, if your going to preach about the harm collecting seashells causes, you shouldn't admit that you collect them yourself.
https://www.amazon.com/Sound-Sea-Seas...
Cynthia Barnett has written a fascinating account of the history of humanity's obsession with collecting seashells and the impact seashells have had in various cultures in the world throughout history. Barnett also correctly points out the dangers in over harvesting a resource and the impact it has for life in and out of the oceans.
Strongly Recommended.
Four Stars - remember Ms. Barnett, if your going to preach about the harm collecting seashells causes, you shouldn't admit that you collect them yourself.
https://www.amazon.com/Sound-Sea-Seas...
Winterlight
Just finished reading "Winterlight" by Kristen Britain, released by DAW Books.
Over coming and rising above self-doubt and being bold enough to move forward are once again the central theme's of Kristen Britain's epic. sprawling Green Rider saga as newly minted Green Rider Anna Ash tries to find her place and own sense of self-worth among the Green Riders when she has not heard the magical calling or has magic of her own; as Queen Estora comes to terms with the cold fact that her husband, King Zachary is in love with Green Rider Karigan G'ladheon - who also loves Zachary, but they two have fought their attraction towards each other, and of Karigan herself who must come to terms with the torture she suffered under the hands of the Second Empire and her torturer Nyssa, and how everyone must put their own personal demons to rest if Sacoridia is to survive the latest attack on its borders and a new one that is coming from an unexpected quarter.
Strongly Recommended.
Five Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Winterlight-Gr...
Over coming and rising above self-doubt and being bold enough to move forward are once again the central theme's of Kristen Britain's epic. sprawling Green Rider saga as newly minted Green Rider Anna Ash tries to find her place and own sense of self-worth among the Green Riders when she has not heard the magical calling or has magic of her own; as Queen Estora comes to terms with the cold fact that her husband, King Zachary is in love with Green Rider Karigan G'ladheon - who also loves Zachary, but they two have fought their attraction towards each other, and of Karigan herself who must come to terms with the torture she suffered under the hands of the Second Empire and her torturer Nyssa, and how everyone must put their own personal demons to rest if Sacoridia is to survive the latest attack on its borders and a new one that is coming from an unexpected quarter.
Strongly Recommended.
Five Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Winterlight-Gr...
December 27, 2021
Flashes of Creation
Just finished reading "Flashes of Creation - George Gamow, Fred Hoyle And The Great Big Bang Debate" by Paul Halpern, released by Basic Books.
One of the most surprising tidbits of information I learned while reading this book is that George Gamow and Fred Hoyle, while supporting diametrically opposed theories of how the universe came to be, were actually friends who got along quite well. For some reason I always had this image of Gamow and Hoyle being bitter rivals who didn't get along. Halpern brings Gamow and Hoyle to vivid life by highlighting how the early lives of both men shaped how they came to view the creation of the universe. I was a bit dismayed to learn that I missed out on an opportunity to attend a talk by Geoff Burbidges that was held in Jacksonville, Florida back in 1995.
Halpern has written the definitive history of one of the pivotal moments in the history of 20th Century Astronomy and Cosmology in how humanity's knowledge expanded.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Creati...
One of the most surprising tidbits of information I learned while reading this book is that George Gamow and Fred Hoyle, while supporting diametrically opposed theories of how the universe came to be, were actually friends who got along quite well. For some reason I always had this image of Gamow and Hoyle being bitter rivals who didn't get along. Halpern brings Gamow and Hoyle to vivid life by highlighting how the early lives of both men shaped how they came to view the creation of the universe. I was a bit dismayed to learn that I missed out on an opportunity to attend a talk by Geoff Burbidges that was held in Jacksonville, Florida back in 1995.
Halpern has written the definitive history of one of the pivotal moments in the history of 20th Century Astronomy and Cosmology in how humanity's knowledge expanded.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Creati...
Flashes of Creation
Just finished reading "Flashes of Creation - George Gamow, Fred Hoyle And The Great Big Bang Debate" by Paul Halpern, released by Basic Books.
One of the most surprising tidbits of information I learned while reading this book is that George Gamow and Fred Hoyle, while supporting diametrically opposed theories of how the universe came to be, were actually friends who got along quite well. For some reason I always had this image of Gamow and Hoyle being bitter rivals who didn't get along. Halpern brings Gamow and Hoyle to vivid life by highlighting how the early lives of both men shaped how they came to view the creation of the universe. I was a bit dismayed to learn that I missed out on an opportunity to attend a talk by Geoff Burbidges that was held in Jacksonville, Florida back in 1995.
Halpern has written the definitive history of one of the pivotal moments in the history of 20th Century Astronomy and Cosmology in how humanity's knowledge expanded.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Creati...
One of the most surprising tidbits of information I learned while reading this book is that George Gamow and Fred Hoyle, while supporting diametrically opposed theories of how the universe came to be, were actually friends who got along quite well. For some reason I always had this image of Gamow and Hoyle being bitter rivals who didn't get along. Halpern brings Gamow and Hoyle to vivid life by highlighting how the early lives of both men shaped how they came to view the creation of the universe. I was a bit dismayed to learn that I missed out on an opportunity to attend a talk by Geoff Burbidges that was held in Jacksonville, Florida back in 1995.
Halpern has written the definitive history of one of the pivotal moments in the history of 20th Century Astronomy and Cosmology in how humanity's knowledge expanded.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Creati...
December 26, 2021
An Irish Country Yuetide
Just finished reading "An Irish Country Yuletide" by Patrick Taylor, released by Forge Book.
Patrick Taylor's 16th entry into his hugely popular bestselling Irish Country Series about Dr. Fingal Flahertie and good folk who make up the village of Ballybucklebo is a short novella that takes the reader back in time to when Dr. Flahertie and Kitty are celebrating their first Christmas together as husband and wife and is an open love letter to the newlyweds and their extended family and friends in the village as they struggle with revelations and discoveries that could put strains on their friendships and the ties of love that bound family and friends.
A great short read on what the Christmas holidays could be.
Highly Recommended.
Ten Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Irish-Country-...
Patrick Taylor's 16th entry into his hugely popular bestselling Irish Country Series about Dr. Fingal Flahertie and good folk who make up the village of Ballybucklebo is a short novella that takes the reader back in time to when Dr. Flahertie and Kitty are celebrating their first Christmas together as husband and wife and is an open love letter to the newlyweds and their extended family and friends in the village as they struggle with revelations and discoveries that could put strains on their friendships and the ties of love that bound family and friends.
A great short read on what the Christmas holidays could be.
Highly Recommended.
Ten Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Irish-Country-...
An Irish Country Yuetide
Just finished reading "An Irish Country Yuletide" by Patrick Taylor, released by Forge Book.
Patrick Taylor's 16th entry into his hugely popular bestselling Irish Country Series about Dr. Fingal Flahertie and good folk who make up the village of Ballybucklebo is a short novella that takes the reader back in time to when Dr. Flahertie and Kitty are celebrating their first Christmas together as husband and wife and is an open love letter to the newlyweds and their extended family and friends in the village as they struggle with revelations and discoveries that could put strains on their friendships and the ties of love that bound family and friends.
A great short read on what the Christmas holidays could be.
Highly Recommended.
Ten Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Irish-Country-...
Patrick Taylor's 16th entry into his hugely popular bestselling Irish Country Series about Dr. Fingal Flahertie and good folk who make up the village of Ballybucklebo is a short novella that takes the reader back in time to when Dr. Flahertie and Kitty are celebrating their first Christmas together as husband and wife and is an open love letter to the newlyweds and their extended family and friends in the village as they struggle with revelations and discoveries that could put strains on their friendships and the ties of love that bound family and friends.
A great short read on what the Christmas holidays could be.
Highly Recommended.
Ten Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Irish-Country-...
Jungle Cruise
Just finished watching "Jungle Cruise" released by Disney.
"Jungle Cruise" can be best described as a pleasant diversion of a movie that recycles tried and true troupes previously seen in "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Jumanji," all the "Mummy" movies, and "Pirates of the Caribbean", and all thrown together to create a 1900s period piece filled with stereotypes and modern woke sensibilities.
There are worse movies you could spend two hours watching, and neither Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt get to stretch the acting abilities. Note to the screenwriters: A gay man in living in England in the 1900s wouldn't have just been "disowned" by his family, he would have been thrown in prison and/or a mental asylum. Think Oscar Wilde.
Recommended as a pleasant diversion, but I'm dreading the remake Disney has in works for the Haunted Mansion.
Two-and-a-half Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Disneys-Jungle...
"Jungle Cruise" can be best described as a pleasant diversion of a movie that recycles tried and true troupes previously seen in "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Jumanji," all the "Mummy" movies, and "Pirates of the Caribbean", and all thrown together to create a 1900s period piece filled with stereotypes and modern woke sensibilities.
There are worse movies you could spend two hours watching, and neither Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt get to stretch the acting abilities. Note to the screenwriters: A gay man in living in England in the 1900s wouldn't have just been "disowned" by his family, he would have been thrown in prison and/or a mental asylum. Think Oscar Wilde.
Recommended as a pleasant diversion, but I'm dreading the remake Disney has in works for the Haunted Mansion.
Two-and-a-half Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Disneys-Jungle...
December 6, 2021
Lost In Space
Just finished reading "Lost In Space" by Dave Van Arnam and Ron Archer, published by Pyramid Books in October 1967.
As frequent readers of my reviews here on Facebook, Goodreads, and other online venues know, several years ago I started when I can the "Great Re-Reading of My Favorite Books When I was Young" project.
I first came across this novel based on the original late 1960s popular television series at Twice Told Tales, a used bookstore that was open during the 1970s in Jacksonville, North Carolina across the street from the New River Shopping Center. I found my reading copy at Chamblin Bookmine in Jacksonville, Florida - the greatest bookstore in the entire Eastern United States.
"Lost In Space" is not a novelization of episodes from the original series. Dave Van Arnam and Ron Archer - a.k.a. Ted White - chronicled original adventures of the Jupiter 2 crew, and yet this book, which was supposed to be the first in a series of Lost In Space books which sadly never materialized for various reasons - probably poor sales - does not exactly follow the television show and in some instances follows the Space Family Robinson Gold Key Comic Book.
John Robinson and Don West in this novel are astrophysicists who were conducting routine tests aboard the Jupiter 2 with Professor Robinson's family aboard when the Jupiter 2's hyperdrive carried the ship to the far reaches of the universe. Dr. Smith of course was a stowaway in this novel, but not so much the buffoon, not quite evil, greedy, but more of a scientist. Why Dr. Smith stowed away was never explained in the novel like it was shown in the original television series. Yet it's Dr. Smith's actions that ultimately causes humanity to be judged not worthy and condemns the Jupiter 2's crew to more wandering in their quest to return back to Earth - the goal of reaching Alpha Centauri is never mentioned.
Now because of the concept of "the worthy" which comprises the last outing of the Jupiter 2's crew in this novel, I couldn't help but wonder if Bill Mumy, who played Will Robinson in the original series, read this novel because he co-wrote with Peter David, a three-part Star Trek comic series titled "The Return of The Worthy" which features a family of space explorers - the Worthys.
"Lost In Space" is an original novel set in the Lost-In-Space Universe, it's more set in the series' first season. It's a fun read, but if you're looking for further development into the Robinson Family, Don West, the Robot, and Dr. Smith, you won't find it in this novel.
Great Fun!
Highly Recommended!
Ten Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Space-Dav...
As frequent readers of my reviews here on Facebook, Goodreads, and other online venues know, several years ago I started when I can the "Great Re-Reading of My Favorite Books When I was Young" project.
I first came across this novel based on the original late 1960s popular television series at Twice Told Tales, a used bookstore that was open during the 1970s in Jacksonville, North Carolina across the street from the New River Shopping Center. I found my reading copy at Chamblin Bookmine in Jacksonville, Florida - the greatest bookstore in the entire Eastern United States.
"Lost In Space" is not a novelization of episodes from the original series. Dave Van Arnam and Ron Archer - a.k.a. Ted White - chronicled original adventures of the Jupiter 2 crew, and yet this book, which was supposed to be the first in a series of Lost In Space books which sadly never materialized for various reasons - probably poor sales - does not exactly follow the television show and in some instances follows the Space Family Robinson Gold Key Comic Book.
John Robinson and Don West in this novel are astrophysicists who were conducting routine tests aboard the Jupiter 2 with Professor Robinson's family aboard when the Jupiter 2's hyperdrive carried the ship to the far reaches of the universe. Dr. Smith of course was a stowaway in this novel, but not so much the buffoon, not quite evil, greedy, but more of a scientist. Why Dr. Smith stowed away was never explained in the novel like it was shown in the original television series. Yet it's Dr. Smith's actions that ultimately causes humanity to be judged not worthy and condemns the Jupiter 2's crew to more wandering in their quest to return back to Earth - the goal of reaching Alpha Centauri is never mentioned.
Now because of the concept of "the worthy" which comprises the last outing of the Jupiter 2's crew in this novel, I couldn't help but wonder if Bill Mumy, who played Will Robinson in the original series, read this novel because he co-wrote with Peter David, a three-part Star Trek comic series titled "The Return of The Worthy" which features a family of space explorers - the Worthys.
"Lost In Space" is an original novel set in the Lost-In-Space Universe, it's more set in the series' first season. It's a fun read, but if you're looking for further development into the Robinson Family, Don West, the Robot, and Dr. Smith, you won't find it in this novel.
Great Fun!
Highly Recommended!
Ten Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Space-Dav...
December 3, 2021
The Story f Daniel Boone
Just finished reading "The Story of Daniel Boone" by William Cunningham, published by Scholastic Books back in 1964.
For those who have come in late, I decided a few years back to begin what I call my "Great Re-Reading of My Favorite Books When I was Young" project.
I first remembered seeing "The Story of Daniel Boone" in the monthly magazine flyer from Scholastic Books that was given out in class at Tarawa Terrace Elementary School back at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina during the 1960s and early 1970s. And yes, for those faithful readers of these reviews, my teacher at the time objected again to me getting this book. Now keep in mind that this way before the religious cult of Wokeism had come about, and I don't think the importance of the legacy of Daniel Boone has been attacked recently, but I could be wrong. Daniel Boone is still an admirable explorer for me.
If I'm remembering the teacher's objection was that it wasn't the typical type of book I usually read. And yes, Mom and Dad had to intervene again over my choices of my reading.
As usual, I obtained my reading copy from Chamblin Book Mine - the best bookstore in the entire Eastern United States.
William Cunningham adapted this abridged version from his "The Real Book of Daniel Boone.
Daniel Boone is a compelling man because he represents the best of the everyman who yearning to explore new horizons is inspirational and aspiring and his story encourages people to explore and reach beyond themselves with each triumph and tragedy. Cunningham wrote a compelling biography of Boone that still rings true today.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/real-about-Dan...
For those who have come in late, I decided a few years back to begin what I call my "Great Re-Reading of My Favorite Books When I was Young" project.
I first remembered seeing "The Story of Daniel Boone" in the monthly magazine flyer from Scholastic Books that was given out in class at Tarawa Terrace Elementary School back at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina during the 1960s and early 1970s. And yes, for those faithful readers of these reviews, my teacher at the time objected again to me getting this book. Now keep in mind that this way before the religious cult of Wokeism had come about, and I don't think the importance of the legacy of Daniel Boone has been attacked recently, but I could be wrong. Daniel Boone is still an admirable explorer for me.
If I'm remembering the teacher's objection was that it wasn't the typical type of book I usually read. And yes, Mom and Dad had to intervene again over my choices of my reading.
As usual, I obtained my reading copy from Chamblin Book Mine - the best bookstore in the entire Eastern United States.
William Cunningham adapted this abridged version from his "The Real Book of Daniel Boone.
Daniel Boone is a compelling man because he represents the best of the everyman who yearning to explore new horizons is inspirational and aspiring and his story encourages people to explore and reach beyond themselves with each triumph and tragedy. Cunningham wrote a compelling biography of Boone that still rings true today.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/real-about-Dan...
Hastur Lord
Just finished reading "Hastur Lord" by Marion Zimmer Bradley and Deborah Ross, published by DAW Books back in 2010.
Deciding to read and review a novel by the late Marion Zimmer Bradley is fraught with peril due the the revelations by her daughter and son that she was a child-rapist and actively assisted in covering up the activities of her pedophile husband. Bradley's disgusting and sickening activities have been well documented and the criminal and civil depositions are available online.
Prior to her death back in 1999, Bradley was working on "The Shadow King," which was a direct sequel of sorts to "The Heritage of Hastur" - a novel with it's own controversial history among Darkover fans over who actually wrote it.
How far Bradley had gotten on "The Shadow King" is unknown, though I suspect only a few pages were actually written by Bradley, with Ross taking over and fully taking on the task of bringing the story that Bradley wanted to tell with her own unique style and twist.
Regis Hastur is now in his 30s and burdened with the responsibilities of being the Lord of Hastur and wants to fulfill his childhood ambition of going to the stars with his paxman and lover Danilo Syrtis. Yet when his Grandfather dies, all seems lost and it seems he must rule and take a wife until he discovers a possible out - a long lost brother hidden away in a monastery. Only Regis should have remembered to be careful what you wish for.
"The Heritage of Hastur" is the better novel. Regis' evolution into a bisexual man who suddenly only loves just this one special woman isn't convincing and I suspect it may have angered some of Bradley's fans. I also suspect some of Bradley's fans and critics may not be too pleased at how Ross has Regis give up all parental rights to his daughter - one could almost read this as a swipe at Bradley's real life daughter.
Recommended for Darkover fans - though I still think Bradley was a horrible person whose estate doesn't deserve one cent in royalties - that money should go to all of the people she harmed.
Three Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Hastur-Darkove...
Deciding to read and review a novel by the late Marion Zimmer Bradley is fraught with peril due the the revelations by her daughter and son that she was a child-rapist and actively assisted in covering up the activities of her pedophile husband. Bradley's disgusting and sickening activities have been well documented and the criminal and civil depositions are available online.
Prior to her death back in 1999, Bradley was working on "The Shadow King," which was a direct sequel of sorts to "The Heritage of Hastur" - a novel with it's own controversial history among Darkover fans over who actually wrote it.
How far Bradley had gotten on "The Shadow King" is unknown, though I suspect only a few pages were actually written by Bradley, with Ross taking over and fully taking on the task of bringing the story that Bradley wanted to tell with her own unique style and twist.
Regis Hastur is now in his 30s and burdened with the responsibilities of being the Lord of Hastur and wants to fulfill his childhood ambition of going to the stars with his paxman and lover Danilo Syrtis. Yet when his Grandfather dies, all seems lost and it seems he must rule and take a wife until he discovers a possible out - a long lost brother hidden away in a monastery. Only Regis should have remembered to be careful what you wish for.
"The Heritage of Hastur" is the better novel. Regis' evolution into a bisexual man who suddenly only loves just this one special woman isn't convincing and I suspect it may have angered some of Bradley's fans. I also suspect some of Bradley's fans and critics may not be too pleased at how Ross has Regis give up all parental rights to his daughter - one could almost read this as a swipe at Bradley's real life daughter.
Recommended for Darkover fans - though I still think Bradley was a horrible person whose estate doesn't deserve one cent in royalties - that money should go to all of the people she harmed.
Three Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Hastur-Darkove...
