Samyann's Blog, page 61
February 28, 2014
Going Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 1 by A. American – Review
The subtitle is accurate. The story should be split into one non-fiction about apocalypse survival, and a second fiction about the perils and adventures of the characters as they ‘go home’. There are many, many passages of equipment description and proper usage of all manner of camping and survival gear. Although it isn’t stated, the author appears to have a great deal of experience in the disaster preparedness process. Since everything electronic dies, from cars to cell phones, and nothing works without a battery or generator source of power, some of these items still seem to work, like a pick-up truck. I don’t get this, but I’m not electronically literate. Personally, I also thought there were too many mentions of product names, like Coleman. Basically, much of the story is a survival manual in the greatest detail.
If you can get beyond this, which, for me, was distracting and boring, the fundamental premise is interesting tale of adventure through a series of obstacles for the characters to overcome following a world-wide disruption in the power grid. The primary mystery is what happened, an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) or possibly a solar flare?
The fact that normal folks turn into entirely different people over a short period, simply in an effort to survive is fairly accurate, I think. A bit of a cliche, but it is a truism that one never knows what they would do unless forced into circumstances. Unfortunately, survivalists and wannabe soldier-boys are out there, anxious to fire their coon guns at anything or anyone.
The story is read by Duke Fontaine. The voices are well done, and I no problem discerning who-says-what-to-who. From what I’ve been able to find, as of this date, Duke Fontaine has only done narration for this series. Although the story is not well written, the reading is good.
February 27, 2014
Can you name the two songs known best to General Ulysses S. Grant?
Grant was once asked which of the many war songs he liked best. He mentioned that he was a poor person to ask such a question because, “I know only two tunes. One of them is Yankee Doodle. The other isn’t.”
Now you can!
February 26, 2014
False Impression by Jeffrey Archer – Review
Audiobook. I’ve been a fan of Jeffrey Archer for years, long before the popularity of the audiobook. My first exposure being Kane & Abel in paperback format, and I was engrossed in absolutely wonderful story. Considering that Kane & Abel was one of Archer’s very earliest books, I’m wondering if he’s beginning to burn out. Briefly, False Impression centers around the ownership, stealing, and recovery of a valuable Van Gogh painting. It begins with a hair raising escape from the north tower of the World Trade Center in 2001, but has nothing to do with the terrorism involved. The inclusion of this horrific event seemed almost gratuitous. There are no typical Archer twists, no surprises. Simply a well outlined plot and the author moves through his story in a predictable fashion.
Given that this review is of the audiobook, a few comments about the narration are warranted. A few of the voices are well done. Lady Arabella, in particular, is very nice. Most of the male voices are distinctive and recognizable throughout the book. However, Anna, the lead character, is atrocious and difficult to listen to, as her accent simply seemed … wrong. Given the necessary dialogue of this character, I had some trouble staying with the story without frowning on occasion. False Impression is narrated by Byron Jennings.
February 25, 2014
American Income Tax enacted to pay for a war?
Did you know that the United States federal government enacted the Income Tax law on August 8, 1861?
Needed the money to finance the American Civil War, a precedent was then established.
February 24, 2014
What is a “havelock”?
The ‘havelock’ is a piece of cloth, usually linen, that hangs from the back of a cap over one’s neck to protect it from the sun. I read that it was developed for the soldiers during the American Civil War. I’m not so sure, because of photographs of European and Arabic soldiers going waaaaay back in history.
Anyway, now you know what I know!! 
February 23, 2014
What was the most commonly used medication during the American Civil War?
Alcohol in the form of whiskey or brandy. While its value as a medication is questionable, it did relieve pain and it’s doubtful that the soldiers complained of its use.
Now you know!
February 22, 2014
What is Hayfoot and Strawfoot?
During the American Civil War, many recruits could not read or write and were simple farmers. Ergo, they never held a pen or knew the difference between left or right.
Commanding officers needed to teach raw recruits the difference and used terms they knew these farm kids would understand: Hayfoot and Strawfoot, left or right, respectively.
Now you know!!
February 21, 2014
The Taker by Alma Katsu – Review
Audiobook. The characters in The Taker are unlikeable. The commonality is self-indulgence and narcissism. The story is loaded with sex, abuse beyond description. The most worrisome aspect is that the female lead in this story not only uses her sex as a means to an end, or tries to, but seems to take occasion to make excuses for or act the doormat for those that affect the abuse. Sad commentary for the female of our species. All of the characters are obsessed with sex and sexual deviance is a driving factor in the story. Not my cup ‘o tea, but I readily acknowledge that there are many among us who will and have enjoyed living vicariously through the sick minds of characters in books. If you’re not into the brutality of bondage and an evil obsession, the book isn’t for you.
The reader, Laura Lefkow, does a fabulous job. It is a given in the audiobook world, that a reader can make a good story better, and a mediocre story good. I will leave it up to others to decide the category in which The Taker belongs.
What is an Arkansas toothpick?
During the American Civil war, the Arkansas toothpick made reference to a knife. Now you know!!
February 20, 2014
Why a Virginia and also a West Virginia?
During the American Civil War, forty counties from the western part of Virginia seceded and formed their own state, called West Virginia.
West Virginia joined the union when Virginia seceded. Now you know!!
