A.K. Frailey > Recent Status Updates

Brilliant insight into the reality of selfishness and how it destroys the very goal it seeks--happiness. Sharp and clear, Edith Wharton knows how easily human beings can deceive themselves and at what a high cost.

Though I haven't read this book quickly, the information it offers really makes me think and stays with me over time. That's the mark of good writing.

H. G. Wells is a powerful writer with an incredible imagination. I found the biography at the front of the book to be especially interesting in light of the fact that he believed that scientists should rule the world, yet his early stories revolved around scientists who have gone rather mad. It makes me wonder if his writing revealed his real thinking to himself...

Edith Wharton has a biting wit where the inner person is revealed in both glory and horror. I especially love her insightful descriptions of how an unaware character acts while thinking he or she is very aware. Lots of brilliant commentaries on the era and the folly of human beings trying to "better themselves" by climbing social ladders. The footnotes are a book in themselves!

The historical context of dream reading was interesting, but I find Delaney's personal approach to dream interpretation the most useful. I certainly appreciate her debunking some of the Fruedian associations. I'm slow reading this book, but it offers a lot of food for thought.

I've been slow reading this as many of the stories are new to me. I am interested in his story creation so that part has been fascinating. How the characters seem to cross story lines also catches my interest, since I wonder how authors keep track of various personalities. It's quite possible to see virtually the same character in a new setting in a completely different book. Not necessarily a bad thing.

David Alexander has done a fantastic job putting Gene Roddenberry's life into historical and cultural context. I find not only the close-up view of Gene Roddenberry interesting but also how he was shaped by the forces around him and, in turn, he influenced the larger world. Lots to ponder within these pages.

An interesting dissection of Zelazny's work, though the analysis sometimes feels a bit over the top. It does help to put the work in the context of the author's real world and his life experience but reflecting on the themes too deeply can also narrow other readers' perspectives—as if there is a "right" way to read a story. Every reader brings his or her own reality to the page.

I am really enjoying these stories by David Stewart. I just wish the book weren't so big and bulky. It is hard to hold up and the double print columns are a bit much per page. Still, I am enjoying the new world Stewart has created and the characters come across as unique and interesting.

A powerful testimony of a woman, a family, and a culture that won't give up, always striving for a better place in society through excellence.

I'm only at the beginning, but the Forward was inspirational! Looking forward to reading more.

While every story has not been my favorite, most have outdone themselves and become new favorites. I am very impressed with this collection and am following up and buying some of the books suggested. The variety of writing styles and the excellence of storylines without graphic violence have been refreshing. I especially enjoyed Mr. Catt by Eleanor Arnason. I plan to get more of her work.

I had never heard of this author before, but I am finding the story of his life and work quite interesting. It's truly fascinating how science fiction writers seem to build on the shoulders of the past. I am looking forward to getting deeper into this book.

"A picture is worth a thousand words." In this case, the authors and collaborators of The Art of Beatrix Potter show through abundant painting and sketch examples the extraordinary nature of Beatrix Potter and the world she loved. I never realized what a tremendous artist she was—I now find mushrooms truly beautiful! What an amazing woman.

I have gained great insight into the writing experience as well as the author of To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee. So many forces must work together to perfect a classic book like hers. This portrait speaks to those forces of family, culture, historical context, and geography, as well as the mind of the writer. A very informative book.

A fascinating read! I appreciate the way that Delaney keeps an even-keeled perspective, not advocating one historical or cultural approach over another, but rather informing the reader of the complex history of dream interpretation.

What a powerful story. Not only the life experiences of Robert E. Howard but also the analysis of the small-town Texas life and how their development coincided with so many other national and international events. I especially appreciate the letters shared between Howard and H. P. Lovecraft and other writers—Very interesting!

I really needed to read this book twenty years ago, but I am glad I am reading it now. Perhaps a calmer perspective allows me to absorb its wisdom better at this stage in my life. In any case, I find the common-sense advice embedded with sincere faith in God to be a perfect combination to feed—and free—my soul.

Oh, my goodness! My son recommended this book—we can spend hours discussing books and literature's influence—so I figured it would be good, but the beginning offered so much more than the average biography. If I could magically snap my fingers at life's responsibilities (and order dinner in), I would happily settle down in a cozy chair and do nothing but read this book! Looking forward to the next chapter!

Doctors Cloud and Townsend have done a remarkable job identifying modern boundary issues that thwart personal joy in our society today. Their solutions from a Christian perspective work for me as I am both Christian and I appreciate their insight and clinical experience. No pie-in-the-sky easy fixes. The challenges they describe are real and honest as are the solutions they offer.

Robert Jordan knows how to write vivid settings with strong internal conflicts woven throughout various characters. I do get a little saddened by the ever-present sense of doom and lack of joy. I have to take breaks just to recharge enough to go back and engage with the story. Hopefully, something happy will happen sooner or later...

An enjoyable escape story that takes me into faraway lands where my troubles suddenly seem much easier to manage...

An excellent personal development resource, especially for someone like me who values a close relationship with God. Really hits home and makes me realize how many of my problems are, in fact, MY problems. Offers great reflections on my own behavior and how to grow into my better self, not the take on others and the whole world.

A powerful story well told...not always pleasant reading but enthralling nonetheless...

An extraordinarily close-up view of Hong Kong in the 1960s. Reflections of the larger world, culture, and societies as viewed from a vantage point I never honestly considered before. Enlightening and rather humbling.

Detailed descriptions of a new world really bring it alive. Characters with depth make the story very engaging.

I must say that of the three books, I am enjoying That Hideous Strength the best. Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra were both interesting, and very different from anything I have ever read before, but the last in the series involves a young married couple in England enduring inner crisis and cultural/social upheaval. This is C. S. Lewis at his best! He is prophetic in ways I doubt even he could have imagined.

I completed Perelandra and felt very ambiguous about it. The images will stay with me for a lifetime, they might have a more profound influence on me than most good stories, still, I felt very detached from the actual "story." With That Hideous Strength, I am back on familiar ground and I'm enjoying the story. This was C. S. Lewis' strength—to bring the "world" to life in a new light. Can't wait to read more.

The more I get into this book, the more I like it. Of course, the better I get to know the characters, the deeper my connection. Outstanding internal clarity...like peering through a looking glass into humanity's mental and emotional struggles. I am looking forward to reading more.