Challenge: 50 Books discussion
Finish Line 2009!
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Random's 50 for 2009
February10. A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold
11. Diplomatic Immunity by Lois McMaster Bujold
12. Guardians of the West by David Eddings
13. King of the Murgos by David Eddings
14. Demon Lord of Karanda by David Eddings
15. Sorceress of Darshiva by David Eddings
16. Feast of Souls by C.S. Friedman
17. Anathem by Neal Stephenson
March18. The Seeress of Kell (The Malloreon, #5) by David Eddings
19. Wings of Wrath Book Two of the Magister Trilogy by C.S. Friedman
20. The Last Theorem by Arthur C. Clarke and Frederik Pohl
21. Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
22. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
23. Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson
24. Nation by Terry Pratchett
25. Winterfair Gifts by Lois McMaster Bujold
26. In Conquest Born by C.S. Friedman
April (so far)27. Trading in Danger by Elizabeth Moon
28. Marque and Reprisal by Elizabeth Moon
29. Engaging the Enemy by Elizabeth Moon
30. Command Decision by Elizabeth Moon
31. Victory Conditions by Elizabeth Moon
32 To Visit the Queen by Diane Duane
Aprile wrote: "Wow! You are doing really well!"Thanks
Lost my job at the end of last year so I've had a lot of extra reading time. :)
You are zooming right along...good luck on the job search!
33
Perdido Street Station by China MievilleYee gods, I never thought this one was going to end. I like long books but this one needed some serious editing. The descriptions were beautiful, the language was beautiful and almost conveyed touch, taste, smell. I could see the city, I could almost even tell you how to get from one point in the city to another.
The plot had no clue what it actually wanted to be. The first half was slow and tedious. The second half was trite and unimaginative.
Characterization was horrible. By the end of the book there was only one scene that managed to get me to care anything about any of the characters. The author spent so much time trying to convince us of how corrupt the city and its people were that characters were doing the equivalent of cutting off their own limbs just because someone else was involved. (Someone wants to help me....SHOOT HIM, he's defying my power/control/authority!) Ok that exact thing didn't happen but its the closest I can come to without putting in more spoilers than I would like.
So many people have raved about Perdido Street Station but I guess I just don't get it. Overall it was ok enough when I was reading, but I was easily distracted from the book and it always took a lot of effort to get myself to pick it back up again.
34
Diamond Star by Catherine AsaroIt is starting to become a pattern with me. I look forward to every new book in the Skolian Empire series with both excitement and nervousness. I know I enjoyed the previous books but part of me has trouble believing that each new one has any possibility of being good. I mean the author takes SF (quite hard at times) and mixes it with generous portions of romance and erotica. I REALLY don't like romance and erotica does nothing for me. What I crave in a book is a good creative plot with interesting and fleshed out characters. In my experience these elements are usually lacking in the two genres.
Somehow she manages to mix all three of these elements AND have interesting story lines and characters you can really sink your teeth into.
There are 13 books so far as well as a few short stories. Not only do the books themselves have their own plots, but there is an overall story arc that we seem to be slowly crawling through. Rather than being tedious however, it has been an enjoyable ride.
BTW - I highly recommend her Skolian Empire series to anyone. The first book (Primary Inversion) is available for free as ebook from Baen at http://www.webscription.net
35
Neptune Crossing by Jeffrey A CarverBook 1 of a series of 4.
I originally read the first two books of this series almost ten years ago and my memory of them is really sketchy. Now that the final book has come out, I am rereading the entire series.
I remember really liking this book the first time around. Now that I've read it again, I still really enjoy it but I'm also finding a few faults, primarily the events in the book seem a bit rushed.
The events in the book are pretty self contained and its only the very very end which links to the next book. I'm looking forward to starting the next one this evening. :D
I recommend this so anyone who enjoys Sci-Fi adventures.
Only 15 more to go to hit 50. :)
---
Almost forgot to add. The author is currently offering the entire series for free in ebook format on his web site. I don't know how long these will be available since it is a limited time offer.
They can be gotten from
http://www.starrigger.net/Downloads.htm
36
Strange Attractors by Jeffrey CarverBook 2 of 4 in the Chaos Chronicles
Like the first in the series, a very enjoyable book. He does a pretty good job with the characters even though events are quite fast paced. Not a deep read though he does bring up some interesting concepts. I'm looking forward to the last half of the series.
37
To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie WillisNice humor in and understated way, which I do enjoy.
I did find it a little too easy to anticipate what was going to happen.
It also helped remind me all of the reasons I tend to despise the Victorian era. Luckily the book is written so as the time spent in this era is not meant to be taken seriously. :)
38
The Infinite Sea by Jeffrey CarverBook 3 of 4 in the Chaos Chronicles
39
The Pleasure Of Finding Things Out: The Best Short Works of Richard P. FeynmanA unique personality. I wish I could have studied under him. Most of the items in this book are repeated from some of his other published books but its a nice introduction for someone who is not familiar with his work.
Looks like I'm slowing down a bit. Life manages to get in the way. :)
40
The Pinball Effect: How Renaissance Water Gardens Made Carburetor Possible - and Other Journeys by James BurkeAlso the author of Connections and The Day the Universe Changed (which I highly recommend), James Burke takes us through the history of science and technology showing how seemingly unrelated discoveries and events can all come together to result in extraordinary things. Not a long read but very enjoyable. :)
41
Sunborn by Jeffrey CarverBook 4 of the Chaos Chronicles
Yet another fun adventure. Not a deep read, but exciting and enjoyable. As the series goes, I find the characters more and more enjoyable.
While not exactly stated, I suspect we'll be seeing more books in this series. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
42
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin HobbThe Farseer Book 1
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. The characters were enjoyable and interesting. The events were enough to pull me into the book immediately and kept me interested the entire way through. Well more than that since I intend to start the next book tonight. :)
43.
Royal Assassin by Robin HobbThe Farseer, Book 2
Second book in this trilogy and I really enjoyed it. The characters are well developed and engaging. The story was good enough to keep me up all last night finishing it. :)
44.
Hippopotamus by Stephen FryI really enjoyed this book. It just oozes Stephen fry's biting wit and I really loved the main character.
Going to be slowing down after this. I'm finally employed again. Yay!
45.
City of Illusions by Ursula K. LeGuinAn beautiful book skillfully written. The core concept is that of deception and truth, a people enslaved or perhaps a quiet utopia.
I have to admit I love the tone of her work. Quiet and calm, it is easy to relax and immerse yourself in the ideas presented.
46.
Assassin's Quest by Robin HobbThe Farseer, Book 3
Last book in the trilogy, it took me a while to work through. It was a long book (~800 pages) and dragged in a few places it really didn't need to drag in. I suspect a good chunk near the beginning/middle could have been tightened to the book's benefit.
I have to admit to really liking the ending. It's not a happily ever after ending but a few things get wrapped up in ways I never suspected and is surprisingly satisfying.
Mary Todd, Thanks for the cheering. Now I just need to figure out what to read next, and maybe even what I might reserve for #50. :)
...46...you are welcome! Good luck on your 50th...I saved the new Sookie for mine!
Hi Random!If you decide to continue on with Robin Hobb, I believe the Tawny Man trilogy, starting with Fool's Errand continues the Assassin trilogy. (It's set about 15-20 years later, I think.)
47.
The Liar by Stephen FryI absolutely adore Stephen Fry's biting wit and sarcastic humor. That said, I did have some problems following this book since it jumps around quite a lot. I had to go back and reread a number of parts to make sure I wasn't missing anything.
Still it was a fun read.
48.
MirrorMask by Neil GaimanI feel like I'm cheating a little bit but I decided to go for a couple short books. I've been reading a lot of big ones lately and I could use a little break and some lighter subjects.
I watched the movie when it came out and enjoyed it but I'd never gotten around to reading the book. I really enjoy Neil Gaiman and I think he excels with his shorter works.
49.
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Neverwhere by Neil GaimanAnother one of those that I've been meaning read but just hadn't gotten around to it yet. I saw the original mini series back when it first aired and really enjoyed it.
50.
Incompetence by Rob GrantArticle 13199 of the Pan-European Constitution: 'No person shall be prejudiced from employment in any capacity, at any level, by reasons of age, race, creed or incompetence.'
By the first three paragraphs I was hooked and knew I was going to save this for #50.
The flight was uneventful enough, except the pilot accidentally touched down at a slightly wrong airport and forgot to lower the landing gear, so we left the plane by way of the emergency chute, and I lost my shoes.
I was fairly pooped by the time I hobbled through Customs, filled in the usual lost luggage forms with the assistance of stone-deaf baggage complaints officer and taken a three-hour taxi ride to the country where I'd intended to land. The ride would have cost about a month's salary, if the cabby had remembered to charge me. All I wanted to do, once the hotel receptionist had finished denying all knowledge of my reservation, was to flop down on the bed and sleep for a millennium or two.
Only there was no bed
This was a good one for my milestone. Light, humorous, and just enough echo in current days to make me yell "That's what the bloody world feels like to me now!"
51.
Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon SandersonI dragged my feet starting this series. I rarely tend to like books that are popular, but I do have to say I enjoyed this first book. It takes an interesting approach to the usual fantasy elements which made things quite refreshing.
The plot is well thought out, there is quite a bit of foreshadowing but it is done adeptly enough so that nothing is obvious. You end up with surprises which seem perfectly logical once they happen.
He also does a very good job with his characters. You're really drawn into caring about what happens to them and they behave true to their nature.
Overall I highly recommend this to others.
52.
The Well of Ascension by Brandon SandersonBook 2 of the Mistborn Trilogy
This was a very good second book. I'd say the last quarter was down right excellent. There were some great touches of humanity and emotion, including some scenes that were truly heart wrenching.
Like the first book, the plot continues to make twists and turns which, while unexpected, make perfect sense and fit very well with the story.
And, of course, it has left us when many questions that should be answered with then third book.
I finished this one a few days ago but completely forgot to add it.53.
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin"It is a terrible thing, this kindness that human beings do not lose. Terrible, because when we are finally naked in the dark and cold, it is all we have. We who are so rich, so full of strength. We end up with that small change. We have nothing else to give."
54.
The Hero of Ages by Brandon SandersonBook 3 of the Mistborn Trilogy
Wow, just.....wow. I'm almost speechless. Despair, grief, nobility, hope, sacrifice, love. My heart breaks and yet soars with joy.
"Well Vin says that there's something behind all this, right? Some evil force of doom or whatever? Well, if I were said force of doom, then I certainly wouldn't have used my powers to turn the land black. It just lacks flair. Red. Now, that would be an interesting color. Think of the possibilities--if the ash were red, the rivers would run like blood. Black is so monotonous that you can forget about it, but red--you'd always be thinking, 'Why, look at that. That hill is red. That evil force of doom trying to destroy me certainly has style."
"Each moment you fight is a gift to those in this cavern. Each second we fight is a second longer that thousands of people can draw breath. Each stroke of the sword, each koloss felled, each breath earned is another victory! It is a person protected for a moment longer, a life extended, an enemy frusturated!"
"In the end they shall kill us. But first they shall fear us!"
55.
Doomsday Book by Connie WillisThis takes place in the same environment as To Say Nothing of the Dog. This one, focuses both on Medieval times and (in book) present day.
While this did not have the humor of To Say Nothing of the Dog, I think it was a much better book. Maybe it is just my dislike of the Victorian era that colors my perceptions, but I feel the people were more real, their emotions and reactions more realistic, and it was not so easy for me to anticipate the plot as the other.
Quite enjoyable. I highly recommend it.
56.
The Portable Door by Tom Holt'Who so draweth this sword from this stone shall be rightful King of all England.'
And in smaller letters still under that
'Please dispose of stone tidily after use.'
57.
A Bad Spell in Yurt by C. Dale BrittainI ran across this book back in 91. I was roaming the SF/F shelves looking for something that was not part of some huge series. It appeared to be stand alone so on that merit alone I bought it.
Over the next 5 years I probably read the book at least 50 times. When the cat coughed a hairball on it and ruined the cover, I just ripped it off and read the book again. Actually, I read it so many times that it eventually came completely apart. Even then I kept reading it, holding the thing together with a rubber band.
Always supportive of my obsessions, my husband found that more books had been written after this one and ordered them for me. Sadly the book finally disintegrated and by then it was out of print and I was unable to find a new copy. However, I recently discovered that the author is offering an electronic copy on her website for free and so decided I must read it at least one more time. :)
This is a macaroni and cheese book. Not the good home made stuff with real butter, milk and multiple kids of cheese, but the stuff in the blue box with the neon orange powder. While I know the home made stuff tastes better (and is probably better for you) the blue box always makes me happy and gives me the warm fuzzies.
A Bad Spell in Yurt is not complex, deep, or meaningful. The plot is simplistic. The characters are simplistic. The world inside the book is simplistic. But, it was a simplistic I needed back in 91 and it is a simplistic that kept me wanting to pick it up again.
"There is a demon in the cellars of Yurt," I said.
"Dear God," he said without any expression at all.
"I'm going back to negotiate with it, to persuade it to return to hell. But in return it's going to demand a human life. Now you and I have to decide who we'd be happiest to sacrifice. The young count? One of the ladies? Would anyone ever miss Dominic?"
58.
Fluke: Or, I know Why the Winged Whale Sings by Christopher MooreI've been searching for something light and humorous to help balance some of the dark/depressing books I've been reading lately. So, with numerous recommendations, I started looking at Christopher Moore. Fluke was the first one I could get my hands on so its the first one I started with.
While there were a few amusing parts, I didn't really find the book all that funny. I wonder if people confuse the absurd in environment with humor. For someone who has read speculative fiction her entire life, the absurd is rather normal. It is what you do with it that makes humor.
I don't want it to sound like this was a bad book. It was enjoyable, but I didn't really feel anything special for it.
59.
A Dirty Job by Christopher MooreDecidedly funny in a silly sort of way. There were a few points last night where I woke my husband up with my laughing.
"Don't be ridiculous, Charlie, people love the parents who beat their kids in department stores. Its the ones who just let their kids wreak havoc that everybody hates."
---
Charlie had Sophie strapped to his chest like a terrorist baby bomb when he came down the back steps. She had just gotten to the stage where she could hold up her head, so he had strapped her in face-out so she could look around. The way her arms and legs waved around as Charlie walked, she looked as if she was skydiving and using a skinny nerd as a parachute.
---
When Charlie arrived home from his mother's funeral, he was met at the door by two very large very enthusiastic canines, who , undistracted by keeping watch over Sophie's love hostage, were now able to visit the full measure of their affection and joy upon their returning master. It is generally agreed, and in fact stated in the bylaws of the American Kennel Club, that you have not been truly dog-humped until you have been double-dog-humped by a pair of four-hundred-pound hounds from hell (Section 5, paragraph 7: Standards of Humping and Ass-dragging). And despite having used an extra-strength antiperspirant that very morning before leaving Sedona, Charlie found that getting poked repeatedly in the armpits by two damp devil-dog dicks was leaving him feelig less than fresh.
"Sophie, call them off. Call them off."
"The puppies are dancing with Daddy," Sophie giggled. "Dance, Daddy!"
60.
You Suck: A Love Story by Christopher Moore
61.
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher MooreThis one just didn't seem to do much for me. There are a few good lines and scenes but overall there just isn't much of a plot to the book. At a young Age, Jesus (Joseph) meets his childhood pal Levi (aka Biff) and they become almost constant companions. 2000 years after Joseph's birth, Biff is raised from the dead so he can write his gospel and so we see what happened to them, particularly the time frame from Joseph as a young boy until he hits 30 and returns home.
I have a strong feeling I've missed a number of references that others with more experience may have caught. Not having been raised Jewish or Christian, my knowledge on the subject matter in general is somewhat sketchy.
Given Moore's other work, maybe I was just hoping for something a little closer in nature to Monty Python's Life of Brian, which I found to be a nice mixture of parody and respect. This book, however, could better have been titled "The Slightly Amusing and Somewhat Random Adventures of Biff and the Naive Git He Follows Around".
62.
Blood Sucking Fiends: A Love Story by Christopher MooreDidn't realize when I started You Suck that it was the second so I thought I may as well read this one as well. Its was ok, though not as good as the other IMO.
Its too hot to think let alone write a review. I hate heat. I hate summer. Someone please kill me.
63.
The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror by Christopher MooreAmusing, though nothing special. Some interesting characters.
I hate summer. Seattle isn't supposed to be like this. I moved out here to get away from weather like this. I feel like I'm being baked alive. Shoot me, please.
64.
Coyote Blue by Christopher MooreI've hit the last of this author's books that I managed to get my hands on. Another one that was ok but nothing really impressed me.
Of all of Moore's books I've read I think You Suck and Dirty Jobs were my favorites.
65.
Magic or Madness by Justine LarbalestierBook 1 of the Magic or Madness Trilogy
A pretty good YA book. I listened to the audio book and the reader, Alison Larkin, has done a wonderful job. I think I have to add her to my list of favorite narrators.
66.
Magic Lessons by Justine LarbalestierBook 2 of the Magic or Madness Trilogy
67.
Magic's Child by Justine LarbalestierBook 3 of the Magic or Madness Trilogy
68.
A Man on the Moon by Andrew ChaikinThe book the mini series "From the Earth to the Moon" (which I REALLY REALLY recommend) was partially based upon. A thorough and interesting history of the Apollo moon missions.
I was quite surprised to learn that many people do not know the history of the Apollo project. There were 11 manned missions. Nine of these went all the way to the moon. Six landed. Twelve men walked upon its surface. Three men died on the pad during a routine systems test in the Apollo 1 fire.
Most of us know Neil Armstrong's words as he took the first steps on the moon, but how many know the last words spoken by Gene Cernan, Commander of Apollo 17.
"Bob, this is Gene, and I'm on the surface; and, as I take man's last step from the surface, back home for some time to come - but we believe not too long into the future - I'd like to just [say:] what I believe history will record. That America's challenge of today has forged man's destiny of tomorrow. And, as we leave the Moon at Taurus- Littrow, we leave as we came and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind. Godspeed the crew of Apollo 17."
I picked this up because of the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11. It was a good read, very detailed. My only complaint is that I wish there had been a little more of a human factor to it. Its not that the book is lacking more so that the events it covers were so momentous that I really think they can only be comprehended through the eyes and minds of those who experienced it first hand.
Challenge: 50 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
The Stolen Throne (other topics)The Stolen Throne (other topics)
Remnant Population (other topics)
Brothers in Arms (other topics)
Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Catherine Asaro (other topics)Lois McMaster Bujold (other topics)
Diane Duane (other topics)
Elizabeth Moon (other topics)
1. Cordelia's Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold
2. Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold
3. Ethan of Athos by Lois McMaster Bujold
4. Cetaganda by Lois McMaster Bujold
5. Memory by Lois McMaster Bujold
6. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
7. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
8. Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch
9. The Book of Night with Moon by Diane Duane