At any given time, I am probably reading one book in paper form, another as an audio book, and another on an e-reader. I also keep an anthology or collection in my car, for those long waits. My average rating is between 3 and 4, because I try to seek out good books and authors. One goal is to read all the SF award winners and SF Masterworks. See my profile at Worlds Without End.
Finally, the "social media" info - I am a long-time reader, proud to have completed several summer reading programs as a kid. I recall reading more than 50 books one summer. When I'm not reading, you might find me gaming (board and role play) or working, either as a baseball umpire or with software.
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A "book a day" calendar selection; I think Tao of Pooh is more my speed. Much here to come back to someday.
The basis for the Major Motion Picture Mr. Holmes starring Ian McKellen and Laura Linney …
I did enjoy the character of the elder detective in this short novel, but am not sure it fits Sherlock Holmes. The story threads seem disjointed until the very end, which is fitting I suppose, but this novel just wasn't my cup of tea.
Poul Anderson's Tau Zero is an outstanding work of science fiction, in part because it …
This was the first hard SF novel I read, oh so many years ago. The original short story didn't have the personalities, but I think they add to this story. To people who expected to be in contact with earth when they landed, what are the effects of passing thousands of years, or millions, or the death of the earth itself? I thought the ending was a little quick and a little convenient, which brings it down to 4 star for me. Definitely enjoyed rereading this, though!
A very good breakdown of everyday life, to the extent that it can be imagined from the source materials available. Especially enjoyed the comparison of these materials to what is said in the Bible, shining new light on old verses. Epilog is particularly enjoyable.
On a mission in the Circarpous system, Princess Leia Organa and Alliance Pilot Luke Skywalker …
Originally read in 1978, it seems a lot of elements ended up in Empire or Jedi - was it a writer's bible, or did George borrow from Alan? A quick read adventure story.
Will have to try another Timothy Ferris book. He sets out to prove a point - that science requires liberalism - and does not. Scattered anecdotes litter the path, some interesting, but the end is only a case of "history shows". I strongly support the tenets of both, but remain unconvinced of the causal link.
The Gremlins is a children's book written by British author Roald Dahl and published in …
A cute simple story, and a great explanatory intro by Leonard Maltin. Not as subtle as Dahl's later work, but I'm glad I read it.
While this is history it's also an overview of the future, so PAY ATTENTION! A good piece of history with many facts; I was very interested in the comparable evolutions. At times, this seems like a separate series of articles, so there is some repetition of events and contexts. Also, there wasn't a single mention of the disease that causes zombies! :) Seriously, a well researched and thoughtful book, not overly technical.
'People of Earth, your attention please. This is Prostetnic Vogon Jeltz of the Galactic Hyperspace …
Read with daughter, 8. Her rating much the same as mine, a 5.
Started with the "More Than Complete" but it wasn't grabbing her, so we switched to the illustrated version. Next we will watch the TV series, then the movie.
![Amy Krouse Rosenthal: Encyclopedia of an ordinary life (2006, Three Rivers, Turnaround [distributor])](/images/covers/8d85b29f-eb4e-4c67-8501-b407b93141fb.jpeg)
Delicious! Moments of laughing out loud, moments of recollection and introspection. I wanted to finish it in the hotel room after the first flight, but I held off and finished it shortly after the third takeoff, bound for home.
When asked what category this book fits, I had to stop after "non-fiction"... memoir? humor? self-help? Powell's has is under "Humor-Narrative". How about we just call it "recommended" and be done with it.
Liam has always felt a bit like he's stuck between two worlds. This is primarily …
Really enjoyed this book, which manages to teach (a little) and entertain (a lot). The science isn't far off, and a cameo appearance by one of the 12 men to walk on the moon is just wonderful. Recommended!
This was a fascinating book, delving into memory from many angles - I especially enjoyed the history and the science. All the work to compete successfully at the national level is documented, although this is a case study, not a self-help book. The interviews and profiles of other memory case studies and savants added immensely to the material. The nearly 9 page bibliography neatly wraps the bow. Well done!
Hawksmoor is a 1985 novel by English writer Peter Ackroyd. It won Best Novel at …
Listed in the "book a day" calendar, this is supposedly a "post modern" book. I liked this history and two time lines, and clearly there were some themes between the two, but so many things were left unexplained. Style changes - dialog from a play? An only occasionally omniscient narrator. Is Satanism somehow important? Who is the modern day serial killer - a ghost? There is also the general lack of an ending. Bleh.
In small doses, this humor is pretty good, and at times I got a good chuckle. In large or continuous doses, however, it just falls flat, at least for me. Great artwork - well worth it. I do not know how much of this is recycled from columns in Seattle Weekly. 1.75 stars, which rounds up to 2.
SciFi YA - The rollicking adventures of the Stone Family on a tour of the …
Sixty years ago, but strong characters throughout and a lot of fun besides. Another of the Heinlein Juveniles, but with characters that reappeared in other books - including the Moon is a Harsh Mistress. This book is only slightly better, but clearly a five.
