Tshania Sedai

Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom is the story of Julius who decides to pursue his childhood dream of living in Disney World's The Magic Kingdom after finishing his fourth doctorate. Set in the future, the Earth's new Bitchun Society is a place where technology has made material goods overly abundant and death a minor annoyance. Julius finds a girlfriend and a new life in Walt Disney World, working to maintain some of the Parks iconic attractions like the Presidents Hall and The Huanted Mansion. Things start to get a bit strange when it seems like a group of Imagineers want to take over and change some of the most historic aspects of the Magic Kingdom. Julius, his girlfriend Lil, and his college buddy Dan must go to extremes to try and preserve the soul of the park.

Despite having a somewhat light premise (living inside Disney World), Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom actually explores some rather dark and serious themes. In a world where you can live forever, would you want to? And, if you didn't, how would you know when it would be time to go? Would living forever be worth losing your memories? Or would it be better to restore yourself from backup before a point of major emotional damage? It's the sort of book that probably would make you feel better if you couldn't totally identify with the main character. I mean, sure, he does some things that I wouldn't necessarily condone, but all of the big question life stuff he ponders... Yup. Been down those roads before.

Overall I would have to say this was a surprisingly deep book for such a quick and easy read. I don't know - maybe the idea of running away to Disney World after finishing up a chemistry degree holds a special appeal to me - but I found myself to be very empathetic with the main character. I mean, sure, I don't have to deal with the possibility of an infinite future, but otherwise I can very much understand why he is so distraught over the choices he has to make, and why he so desperately wants to preserve relics from a time before this overly technological society took over. Some of the science fiction elements seem sort of ridiculous yet surprisingly prophetic - especially the concept of “Whuffie” - where the amount of respect you garner is the most important aspect of your social standing. In an age where everyone reminds you to “Hit the Like button,” I can totally see how this could relate to people gaining overwhelming influence in society. Despite the outward levity (I mean, Disney World, “Bitchun” Society, and Whuffie?) this book packed a surprising punch of reality and honesty about things that we have to think about in today's world, and makes us ponder what it would be like if we had the option to erase them from our minds or deal with them for an eternity. I can see how the crazy science fiction terms could put people off, but I think this book is definitely worth a read, especially for anyone who “grew up Disney” and has a soft spot for The Haunted Mansion.

The Lies of Locke Lamora is part fantasy, part mystery, and part heist. Locke Lamora has been trained since his youth to run the city's high class gang of thieves, The Gentleman Bastards. He is in the middle of a particularly well thought-out plan when the natural order of the city is disrupted by the arrival of the mysterious Grey King. Locke and his friends must solve the mystery in the attempt to prevent total chaos from descending on the city of Camorr.

I have to say I am not entirely sure how much I really liked this book. Perhaps it was my flu-induced ADD, but I found myself oscillating between being thoroughly entertained and mildly bored. Normally I am one who loves descriptive passages, and the world of Camorr is wonderfully different from so many other fantasy realms, yet by the end of the story I was getting tired of what I felt were repetitive explanations. I will say that I did love the interactions between the Gentleman Bastards - my only complaint is that there weren't enough of them! Perhaps I am just a sucker for the large group of friends working to pull off a bit of sneakery, but I really wish we had gotten to see more interactions of the team plotting, planning, and working together.

The tone of the story runs from good-natured jesting between the Gentleman Bastards to rather explicit violence between mortal enemies. I have to say I am not one to be put off by violence or offensive language in books, but for some reason I didn't feel like they naturally flowed in this story. I found the tone of the characters to change too often at odd times. Granted, as con artists, that should be something they are quite skilled at, but the timing of it made the main characters feel too inconsistent. Their use of language kept throwing me out of the story and into modern day. Well, that and everyone's need to give lengthy exposition on their terrible sad childhood. I mean, giving people terrible sad childhood stories is a great way to build a character - but I don't necessarily believe they are all going to sit around and actually talk about it after beating the crap out of each other.

I will say that the end of the story was quite exciting though - which conflicts my feelings even more. With about a hundred pages to go I was reading just to finish it, but with about sixty left I was reading because I wanted to know what was going to happen. The conclusion was satisfying, though this story did leave several important things unanswered (well, really, barely touched upon them at all), which I suppose is a good way to convince us to read more of the series.

There has been talk on the internets about the possibility of this becoming a movie. I have to say I actually think it would make a much better TV show than a full length film. Partially because I feel like it would be difficult to reduce all of the nuances of the plot to only a few hours, but also because the way Scott Lynch breaks down the chapters feels very episodic and almost soap-opera-esque in style. Also, I think the “mystery” portion of the story would play up better over the course of a season rather than in the time constraints of a film. I don't know if it would be possible to retain quite the... flavor... of the characters in a TV series, but I think it would be better for developing the overall mystery and plot. Especially if it were taken on by a network like HBO. Normally I am on team “The Book is Better,” but in this case I might actually be more excited by a well done television series than I am by the novels. I would definitely love to see the world of Camorr on screen though - be it big or small.

So, I don't know how I feel about the first book of the Gentleman Bastards series. I suppose I did enjoy it, off an on, but I also didn't feel like the story was quite as tight as I wanted it to be. I liked the characters, but I never really fell in love with any of them. I still have a lot of questions about their pasts, but I am not sure how much time I want to put into finding out the answers. Also, I can't be entirely sure how much my hesitation comes from having to read the book in pieces, how much from having the flu, and how much from the writing of the book itself. This might be another book I have to file under the “written for dudes” category. Certainly a lot of things I can see some of my male friends getting really excited about that sort of left me disinterested. I mean, I think there is enough interest for me to pick up the second book in the series, Red Seas Under Red Skies, but probably not right away. Definitely want to give the series another shot, but I am going to wait until I am no longer suffering from flu-induced ADD brain fog, and until I have time to sit down and read it without lengthy interruptions.

This book (the first of a quartet) tells the story of Ged, a young boy who grows up to learn he has magical abilities. His talent is identified by his aunt, who teaches his simple magics, until he is taken on as apprentice to a stronger magician on his home island of Gont. Eventually he decides to leave his home and attend a wizarding school on the island of Roke. He shows great aptitude with magical abilities, and is quick to learn. He makes both friends and enemies, which shape his destiny. One he has completed his time at school he ventures out into the world to act as a wizard. He faces dragons and demons as he learns about his own powers during his adventures and travels through the archipelago of Earthsea.

I have to say I actually really enjoyed reading this book, though it took me a little while to get used to the writing style. The prose is absolutely lovely to read, but it has a very different feel from most of the stories I have been reading lately. The tale of Ged almost feels a bit like The Odyssey - a long string of events being told by a narrator. We aren't told what Ged is thinking or feeling during the course of the story, we are just allowed to view his actions. The writing gives the reader enough clues to project their emotional experiences onto Ged, without having to sit through pages of teen angst and drama. I found that I was able to understand Ged and his actions without needing every nuance of his behavior or personality explained to me in detail.

I ponder if I would have appreciated reading this story more as a child - it has a sense of childlike wonder about it, and at times the writing almost feels like something you would read to a child at bedtime. Another part of me wonders if I would have really appreciated it at a younger age - would I have had the experienced to connect with Ged? Or would I have thought his story to be really boring? I suppose it doesn't really matter at this point - I read it and I enjoyed it, which is the more important thing. I don't know if I am going to jump into the sequels right away, as I have a stack of half-finished books I sort of want to power through before starting another, but I do intend to read them at some point in the future. I find the story to be quite refreshing - it deals with serious topics that are covered in many fantasy books, but in a subtle way that allows the reader to explore their own thoughts and feelings about issues like friendship, honor, and death.

Overall I have to say I highly recommend this book. I don't know if I would call it one of my favorite fantasy novels - I tend to prefer the really heavy books with detailed magic systems - but I do think it is an important foundation in the genre. I think the prose is beautiful and well worth reading, and I think the content is appropriate for a wide audience. I expect some people will find it too simplistic, but there is an elegance to that simplicity that I can really appreciate. It is a lovely book, definitely worth the read.

I want to say that I really enjoyed this book, but I don't know that it really lived up to all my hopes and expectations. Perhaps it is because I had to wait for this book, but for some reason the characters felt a bit... off. I mentioned in my review of the fourth book that several of the main characters were left out, and their stories weren't continued until the fifth installment. After the bang-boom-wow ending of the third book their absence was annoying, but understandable in the context of needing to seed ideas for upcoming events in the story. So it is, I think, understandable that I was more than a little excited to have these characters re-introduced to the story. And I did enjoy reading about them again. But for some reason they all felt a little different than they did before. A little less sharp, a little less witty. The first three books were so great because the characters all felt so smart - perceptive and scheming, with plots inside plots that were as difficult for the reader to figure out as it was for the characters. Perhaps it is just because we have been with the characters longer, and have a better understanding of their motives, or perhaps it is because previous events have (understandably) changed their demeanor, but for some reason the characters and events that transpired in A Dance with Dragons feel a bit more plain than those in the previous novels. Which doesn't mean I didn't enjoy this romp through Westeros - the enormity of this story and the craftsmanship of the writing can't be ignored, and there were certainly moments that will be considered highlights of the story as a whole (yay dragons!) - but I just wasn't as thrilled with this portion of the story as I wanted to be. I suppose it really just felt too much like set-up and posturing for events yet to come. But I think a lot of these upcoming events will be very interesting. Which means that while this may not have been my favorite installment of the series, I am very much looking forward to reading the forthcoming The Winds of Winter. If, you know, it ever gets finished.

The Einstein Intersection is set far in the future on a post-apocalyptic Earth, where the humans have died out due to radiation from nuclear fall-out, and the planet has become inhabited by alien beings. Their myths and culture are based on the scraps of stories and knowledge they find left behind by the planet's former inhabitants, which leads to an interesting mixture of our present-day mythologies and popular culture (or, well, present-day for the mid-1960s). It follows the adventures of Lo Lobey as he falls in love with a woman named Friza, and tries to rescue her from her death. The story is an interesting blend of action, introspection, mythological quest, and cattle (well, dragon) herding western.

Upon finishing the book, I don't know if I can say that I liked it, exactly. There were quotes, phrases, and moments peppered throughout the text that I simply loved. Poignant or poetic, there was a relatable, timeless feel to some of the writing. However, there were other moments that felt forced, odd, or confusing, and the author including some of his personal notes in the text threw me out of the story somewhat. By making allusions to mythology and well know cultural icons, the ending of the story didn't feel surprising, but somehow it also didn't feel earned. I felt as though the characters in the story didn't have quite the emotional arc necessary to connect all the dots in a satisfying way.

I thought the book handled the topic of genetic mutations and environmental adaptability in a fascinating way. The alien culture is obsessed with genetics and creating functional beings. It isn't quite clear if their problems have to do with residual radiation or the fact that they were never really meant to inhabit the Earth, but I think either interpretation provides an interesting warning to those reading the story - especially in the context of the Cold War and the Space Race. Much of today's science is focused on mapping genes and discovering how they trigger developmental issues or chronic diseases, so I feel that much of the discussion on beneficial mutations and “functional vs. non-functional” beings actually still has great relevance today. I don't know that I was as enthralled with the story's exploration of metaphysics - it felt a bit info-dumpy at the end, rather than using principles from the works of Einstein and Gödel to explain events in the story.

Overall I have to say that the book was surprisingly thought provoking, for all that I may not have found it completely enjoyable. I read through it rather quickly, mostly because I was really interested to see where it was going, and I think that may have had something to do with my disappointment at the ending. The story itself didn't feel fully flushed out, especially when compared with more modern writing, but some of the concepts and ideas presented in the novel still have significance in today's world, and I find myself thinking about the book even a few weeks after I have finished reading it. I don't know that I would necessarily recommend this book - it definitely isn't something that everyone would enjoy - but the book is a quick read and covers some interesting topics. If you want something a bit more thought provoking or a bit “out there” in terms of writing style, then this might be a fun book for you to try. Otherwise you might want to stick with options already stacked up in your book stash.

The Second Mark: Courage, Corruption, And The Battle For Olympic Gold by Joy Goodwin is an in-depth look at the three pairs teams who medaled at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. It discusses the six skaters, and how all of their humble beginnings lead to Olympic greatness. It also looks at the lives of their coaches and parents, to examine how their support systems were able to push the skaters and help them achieve their ultimate potential. As the book progresses, it leads up to the Olympic event, the controversial results, and the judging scandal that followed.

It is fascinating to view this book in a historical context - the Russian and Chinese teams were coming to their physical peak at a time when the political climates of their respective countries were turning on their heads. The Russian tradition of pairs figure skating had lead to ten consecutive Olympic gold medals before 2002, but when the Soviet Union collapsed, so did the state funding supporting the athletes and their training. Elena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikahrulidze had started their training under the old Soviet system, but had to find a way to maintain access to ice and training time in a changing world. Though this struggle was nothing compared to Elena's need to overcome an abusive relationship and near-death incident with her former pairs partner. They started in a system where two young children who were not particularly interested in becoming skaters were pushed by the state to achieve greatness, then, right when they were about to reach it, the state support that had created a dynasty of Olympic champions melted away.

In China, Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo were born to parents who had lived through China's Cultural Revolution and all the repercussions that led to meager earnings and an inability to improve their social standings afterwards. At a young age they were separated from their families and lived at the athletic training facility. Zhao Hongbo because his natural athletic gifts were apparent at a young age. Shen Xue because she worked harder than any other child and had a father who would help her push herself to the limit. As their abilities and world standings progressed, their coach was able to gradually convince the Chinese government for the need of Western influence in terms of choreography and style. In the days of their coach, Yao Bin, such a thing would have been unthinkable. The cultural changes and government support allowed two children who were born in poverty to achieve greatness for a country whose earlier competitors had been laughed off Olympic ice.

The Canadian team of Jamie Salé and David Pelletier had a similarly long though very different road than the other teams contending for the Olympic title. David Pelletier had a mother who pushed him into skating, and though he initially did well because of an innate talent, he eventually found a true love for the sport once he started skating pairs. Jamie Salé had a charismatic spark, though she was not, perhaps, the most gifted skater technically speaking. She, too, had a real love for pairs skating. But the North American system, where parents scrape together enough to afford lessons and ice time for their children, and where appropriate partners are found by luck more than by careful assessment and planning of coaches, is not the easiest method to create a great pairs team. Both Jamie and David spent most of their careers with different partners. It was only once they started skating together that they had a meteoric rise to the top of the sport. Where the other teams had been skating together for years, Jamie and David had much less time together before their attempt at an Olympic title. Where the other teams faced more pressure from coaches, parents, and their state governments, Salé and Pelletier had to deal with their own intense emotions and passions to make the team work.

The book concludes with a thorough description of the Olympic event, and the days following when the events of the judging scandal came to light. It is an odd tale, involving the French skating federation and a man wanted by the FBI for being a member of an international mafia ring. The entire event resulted in dual gold medals for the Russian and Canadian teams, which was entirely unsatisfying for anyone, except, perhaps, the North American media. The Canadians were robbed of their Olympic moment, and the Russian victory was tarnished. Though there were hearings to discuss the events of the Olympic scandal, there was not any real effort to look into the root of the problem, and it was decided that anonymous judging would protect the judges from feeling federation pressure in the future.

The final events of this book are now a decade past, but it is interesting to see how the repercussions of the judging scandal are affecting the sport to this day. Though this book makes no mention of it (as it was published only two years after the Salt Lake Olympics), the “new” IJS scoring system was put in place to prevent such controversial results and questions of cheating in the future. Many have attributed the new system with removing the soul of skating and causing a rapid decline in the popularity of the sport. It is also amusing to note that, due to the anonymity of judges and the way that scores are assessed, it is almost easier for judges to cheat under the new system than the old. Fans can now cry out against the harsh judgements of the technical caller, and question the inflated PCS scores of skaters whose performances were marred by several falls, but it doesn't quite have the same thrill as seeing the score 6.0 flash across the screen. Moreover, with skaters pushing their bodies to the limit to increase the base values of their program, it is increasingly difficult to have the physical staying-power of skaters past. The sport now has an almost too-technical quality about it, where difficult elements are valued above the beauty of a pure, smooth, gliding edge. Reading this book makes one want to go back and re-watch programs of the past. And in doing so you realize that they made you feel something. There is an art, a beauty, an intangible elegance to these performances that just doesn't seem to be possible in the sport today. I won't deny that the elements being attempted by today's athletes are much more difficult than in the past. But I will also say that the difficulty is much more obvious - that seamless quality is gone. At the time, the judging scandal may have felt like it only affected the results of one competition, but in reality the incident would affect the future of the sport more profoundly than anyone would have guessed.

In the end I have to say this was a truly fantastic and engaging book. The lives of these skaters, coaches, and parents are fascinating, and the book itself is very well written. You feel for all of the skaters, and, even knowing the results, you find yourself rooting for all of them. I did feel that the writing of the book colored the skating of the Olympic event in favor of the Canadian team perhaps a bit more than it should have; I remember watching the event and, despite a minor bobble from the Russian team, thinking, on that night, that they had justifiably won. There was an etherial quality to their skating that feels somewhat downplayed in the text. However, I can appreciate the argument that the skating by the Canadian team was more technically correct and I do agree that the judging of the event was unfair. And, despite the fact that the scandal and hoopla surrounded the Russians and Canadians, after finishing the book I felt that the Chinese team displayed the greatest amount of Olympic spirit. Inspiring, disheartening, and fascinating, The Second Mark is a great read for skating fans, but would be a fascinating personal interest story even if you don't know much about the sport. I highly recommend it to all.

(Random slightly tangential side note - does there exist a skating book about roller or ice where Ottavio Cinquanta is not the villain? He squashed the Olympic dreams of many on one side of the fence, and seems to have supported fixing the results on the other. In an odd way the decline of both sports can be traced back to the man, and it is almost tragic how one person can cause such severe problems and remain in power.)

I actually got this book quite recently, so I haven't used it as a reference for my other sewing projects. I was quite excited to get a new sewing book and as I was inspired by my in-progress jacket projects I read through it quite quickly. Tailoring focuses completely on sewing a tailored jacket, so it isn't a great general sewing book, but it does do a nice job of considering the many options available for creating a tailored jacket. It covers custom (aka hand sewing), machine, and fusible techniques for structuring the interior of the jacket. It also covers basic fit alterations, tailoring tools, fabric choices, and procedures for sewing common jacket details such as welt pockets, bound button holes, and vents.

I got this book because I had heard many good reviews and recommendations on several other blogs and on pattern review. However, after reading through it I have to say I was a bit disappointed. I think that while this book does do well in covering all of the topics one would consider when embarking on a detailed tailoring project, it doesn't quite have the depth that I would expect from a book discussing an aspect of sewing where attention to detail and fit is key. The overview of tools and fabrics was nice, but I would have liked to have a few more details on exactly how to use all of those fancy tools (especially the ones that I don't yet own - how else will I know what to ask for as a birthday present?). Also, the section on correcting fit issues seems cursory at best. Obviously this isn't a book dedicated to fit alterations, but I still felt that many of the more common problems weren't covered in enough detail. Also, while I felt that many of the sewing instructions were quite good, I did feel like some of the more complicated procedures (like bound buttonholes, welts, and vents) could have used more detailed explanations and more photographs.

It isn't that this is a bad book, but I think that I have read or used too many other sewing books that this one just feels a bit light on the content. Actually, I also recently acquired a used copy of the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing, and I find I am turning to that book quite a bit more for technical advice. I mean, it has at least four different methods for creating bound buttonholes. Also, I am a bit spoiled as my mother had found Tailoring: Traditional and Contemporary Techniques at a used bookstore, and that volume is quite a bit more detailed and complete, especially as far as fit is concerned. The one upside to The Classic Guide over Traditional and Contemporary Techniques is the color photographs are quite nice, but when it comes to actual content Contemporary Techniques wins out across the board.

In the end I would say that Tailoring: The Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket is a good sewing book, but not a great sewing book. I think this book would be a good first tailoring book because it covers a nice range of topics without being overwhelming in depth. I did very much like how it presented the information about the interior structure of jackets (such as backstays, sleeve heads, and interfacing options). However, if you have another good reference book (or several that cover various topics in depth), then you can probably skip having this book in your collection. If you are worried about sewing a jacket or afraid of tailoring because of all the details then I think this book would be a good starting point. If you are a bit more advanced in your sewing skills then you would probably do better choosing a more technical or advanced text.

The stories collected in Tortall and Other Lands take place in many of the fantasy worlds Tamora Pierce has created, and highlight small adventures of some of her most beloved characters. Some of the other stories take place in fantasy lands unrelated to her earlier works. There are still others that take place in the near-present day that feature varying degrees of magic.

The stories themselves have been written and collected from various points in Pierce's writing career. As such some are much more engrossing than others. I am a bit ashamed to admit that it has taken me over two years to finish this book. While I enjoyed the stories that were related to characters I had loved in my childhood, other stories just weren't as exciting to me. I also felt that the stories got more powerful as the book progressed - it took me a long time to read the first few stories, but only a few days to read the last three or four. I don't think this reflects poorly on the book though - I think I just tend to like to read longer novels and I am not as excited by short stories. I would read a story here and there in between longer books, but I never really felt the urge to sit down and read all of these stories back to back.

I have to say I enjoyed reading Nawat, Elder Brother, A Dragon's Tale, and Lost as they all dealt with characters or situations that were important in her full length Tortallian novels. I also very much enjoyed Testing, the modern-day story, because I thought it was well written, and Huntress because it felt like a bit of a departure from the other stories collected in this book. It was more mature and I enjoyed seeing that side of her writing. It makes me wonder what would have been if she had really pushed to create adult fantasy novels instead of those marketed to teenage girls.

In the end I am happy I finished this book - the stories at the end are definitely worth reading, even if they are uncharacteristic of Pierce's other works. I would definitely recommend this to fans of Tamora Pierce - this collection is a fun extension of her previous works. I don't know that I would recommend this to the general audience - most of the tales are cute and enjoyable, but some of them lose impact without the context of her longer novels.

Steelheart is the story of David, a teenage boy, who wants to join a resistance group called the Reckoners as they attempt to rid the world of evil super heros known as Epics. The story takes place in Newcago (the city formerly known as Chicago) after Steelheart takes over the city as the center of his evil empire. The government has given up trying to control the Epics - they might as well try to forbid a hurricane from blowing. The city is a dangerous place - Epics can kill you on a whim if you live above ground, though the seedy underground isn't much safer. Most Epics are nearly indestructible - unless you know their one weakness and can find a way to exploit it. But since each Epic's weakness is completely unique this is a nearly impossible task. Most people have given up and simply try to find a way to exist.

The Reckoners are the only real resistance group taking a stand against the Epics. And even they tend to pick off the weaker ones rather than facing the stronger Epics head on. David's father was shot and killed by Steelheart when he was just a boy. David narrowly avoided death himself, and has made it his life's mission to see Steelheart destroyed. This book follows David as he attempts to join the Reckoners, find out new secrets about the city's most infamous Epics, and finally take revenge on the being that murdered his father.

All in all I have to say I thought this was a pretty good book. This is the first time Sanderson has really done anything in the urban fantasy genre, and while I much prefer his work in epic fantasy, I thought he created an interesting post-apocalyptic world. Perhaps I have read too much of his work, but I thought a lot of the story was somewhat obvious. At least until the end. I could see some of the “twists” coming a mile away, but a lot of the events at the ending were still pretty exciting. I thought the pacing of the book was good - it was a very fast read and there was always something exciting happening in the book. It didn't really leave a ton of room for as much character development as I would have liked, though that does keep me interested to learn more about these characters in the upcoming sequel. And, well, considering that this is geared for the teen market I think the story pacing is spot on - it is hard to put the book down once you have started, and the action picks up as you approach the climax of the story.

In the end I would have to say I recommend the book depending upon the reader. If you haven't read any of Brandon's works I recommend you start with another book - Mistborn is my favorite of his works so far. If you have read and enjoyed Brandon's other works I think you will enjoy this story - it has the great world building and exciting ending that are the hallmarks of most of his tales. I highly recommend this if you are looking for a book for a younger reader - perhaps a bit too much violence for very young readers, but definitely suitable for the pre-teen crowd. It isn't one of my all time favorites, but it was a quick read and a fun story so I am glad I read it.

Julie and Julia is the autobiographical story of how Julie Powell decided to cook (and blog) her way through Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking in one year's time. Feeling lost at her government agency secretarial job, and facing the reality of her approaching 30th birthday, Julie decides she needs some goal or purpose in her life. Encouraged by her husband Eric, she embarks on her culinary journey that includes such feats as splitting a marrow bone, creating aspic, cooking a live lobster, and boning a duck.

If only the story had focused on her adventures in the kitchen, I may have been a bit more engrossed in the action. However, it seemed like a great deal of the book focused on the sexual adventures of Julie's friends. Which would have been ok (I get that a major theme of the book is her trying to compare fine foods to good sex) if only she weren't so whiny about it all. Whining about her job is one thing - being a secretary for a really depressing government agency overlooking the giant hole in the ground that was once the Twin Towers isn't fun - but whining because she married her high school sweetheart and isn't having all of the adulterous relationships enjoyed by her friends? Give me a break. Whining about her cramped kitchen space with dubious pipping? Sure, that can't be fun to deal with, especially when you are making mounds of dirty dishes on a daily basis. But whining because you have to cook amazingly delicious food on a daily basis? Umm, no, you signed up for that. Her attitude ping pongs between “I am so lucky I get to do this and have amazing support and an adoring husband” and “Woe is I, for I must cook, and work, and I have only had adult relations with very few men. Sniffle.” The inconsistency of her attitude is a really annoying and more than slightly off-putting.

On top of her attitude, the book itself has a somewhat scattered and unorganized tone. I mean, in general she recounts her tale chronologically, with the insertion of important flashback scenes, but she tends to ramble and wander from topic to topic as she slowly comes back to the point at hand. On occasion I found some of her thoughts to be witty, and I can see how her more conversational style would be good for a daily blog, where the scope was more limited and the content more focused. But more often the writing in the book left me re-reading sentences and trying to wrangle the mess of English in front of my into a cohesive thought. I found the most enjoyable segments to be the small inserts that speculate the lives of Paul and Julia Child. Honestly, Paul Child was my favorite character in the entire book and he only amounted to just over 10 pages of action. The only other consistently amusing segment was the highlighted reader comments from her blog.

Despite all this I did finish the book within a few days time. Which is good because I think if I had put it down I would not have picked it back up again. I am also grateful that the book was bought used - at least I didn't sink a ton of money into it, and I won't feel bad at all about selling it back to the bookshop. I love the movie, so I suppose it was fated that I would read the book. I almost wish I hadn't. In the film Amy Adams does a wonderful job of taking this neurotic and abrasive secretary and turning her into a quirky and relatable individual. The movie also does a much better job of focusing on the story at hand - enriching one's life through cooking - because it focuses on Julia Child's story (played by the sublime Meryl Streep) as much as it does Julie Powell's. I am not one who often champions a movie over a book, but in this case the movie is undeniably better, most likely because the screenplay was written by Nora Ephron (of You've Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle fame) who knows how to tell a compelling and cohesive story. All things considered, my final recommendation is this: skip the book, watch the movie.

Sense and Sensibility was Austen's first full novel. It tells the story of the Dashwood girls (Elinor and Marianne) as they search for love and companionship. This book provides an interesting look at how two sisters deal very differently with similar situations of lost love and betrayal. At times I found I very much identified with the more logical and cool headed Elinor, as I am definitely one to think through situations and I try not to let my emotions run wild, especially in a crowded room. At other time, though, I found I could much more identify with the wildly passionate Marianne, who could barely control or hide her true feelings and emotions. In the end both girls come to better understand one another, as they discover the secrets each other has been hiding throughout the course of the novel.

I have to say that while I did very much enjoy reading this book, I didn't enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed the other works of Austen that I have read so far. While there were moments that I could fully identify with the two main heroines, I found that most of the characters in this story were, on the whole, rather annoying. Now, I usually appreciate Austen's ability to write a wide range of characters - but here I felt that anyone who wasn't Elinor or Colonel Brandon was either too dramatic, too silly, or too annoying to feel like an actual person. Everyone almost felt like a caricature of some undesirable trait rather than a character made of varied emotions and feelings. In her later works I feel that Austen has a better balance of the ridiculous and the tragic, and it works much better to create a believable world.

I also have to say that I am not entirely sure how I felt about the ending. While I have no qualms about the male-female pairings at the end of this story, I am not entirely sure I really bought the long drawn-out explanation that Willoughby forces Elinor to hear. It seemed unnecessary and also somewhat unbelievable. I suppose that, in the end, it had little bearing on the outcome of the story, but that serves to make the exchange all the more unnecessary. The ending of this story feels a bit muddled - as though Austen had intended to completely villainize Willoughby, but changed her mind as the story progressed. While I suppose the not-quite-happy endings her characters receive in this story are a bit more realistic than many of the fairy-tale-ish endings in her other novels, the resolutions for these characters felt a bit forced and unexpected, whereas the endings in her other stories feel a bit more earned.

I am not one who often promotes the cinematic version over the book, but I feel that the movie version of Sense and Sensibility featuring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet is perhaps one of the best adaptations of an Austen novel to the screen. Yes, the movie does somewhat deviate from the published story, but I feel that the film actually tightens up some of the weaker segments, makes some of the story's less credible connections more believable, and the excellent work by all of the actors make the characters feel more complex and nuanced than many of them seem in the book. I absolutely love the movie version of this novel, though I did not love the novel itself quite as much as I expected I would.

In the end, I still really liked this book. I find the works of Jane Austen to be superb, and I really do enjoy reading her stories. While I can nitpick and find flaws in Sense and Sensibility, I still enjoyed it immensely. It might not be my favorite Austen novel, but I am glad I found the time to read such a wonderful piece of classic literature. Hopefully I can find the time to read more of her works in the future (I think my next selection will be Northanger Abbey). In the meantime I highly recommend this book, and any of her other works, to anyone who enjoys reading classics or well written literature.

This book is a contemporary fantasy set in the outskirts of Chicago. Danny, a young country boy, finds himself a witness to a road accident on his way to the big city. His training as a paramedic allows him to gain favor with Mr. Patrise, one of the town's most prominent patrons. Ford introduces us to a large and varied cast of characters, including Cloudhunter, one of the Elves who has returned (along with the presence of magic) to this world.

Danny finds himself given a new identity (Doc Hallownight, or more commonly just Doc), and new responsibilities. He (along with the reader) learns about the very different world that he now inhabits. He enjoys the glamourous parties and outings sponsored by his new patron, but he also must deal with some less-than-glamorous experiences in the gang-controlled sections of town. Danny eventually settles into his role as Doc as finds his way and his place in this new and magical world.

This is really a coming of age story, but it is handled with great subtlety and depth. The writing assumes an audience smart enough to pick up on the subtle hints and clues left by the characters. So much of the richness in this story comes from being able to read between the lines, and picking up on what the characters don't say, as much as what they do. I think this is rather fantastic because, very often, this is how people actually seem to communicate. Despite being thrown into a world of elves, odd crimes, and strange magic, there is not much exposition to slow down the story. In fact this story seems to start at a quick pace, and only speeds up as the story moves along. I think one of the great things is that as much as you learn about this world, you still want to know more. And even as details get filled in, it leaves you with yet more unanswered questions. There is a depth and richness to the world and the characters, and despite the elves and other magical properties, they all seem to have oddities and personality quirks that make them very realistic.

My only real complaint about this story is that there doesn't seem to be enough of it. I want to spend more time with these characters, and I want to know more about this world. I mean, as a whole this book is fairly satisfying - we see Danny grow as a person both personally and professionally as he accepts his new role in life as Doc Hallownight - but there is a depth to this world that I feel I really didn't get to explore.

In the end I would recommend this book to fans of the fantasy genre, but especially those who really enjoy nuanced, detailed, and subtle writing. Also, who can say boo to elves in leather jackets sporting machine guns? I mean, really, it makes Legolas look like a total pansy. I definitely think I would enjoy this book even more with a re-read, and I look forward to enjoying more of Ford's works in the future. This was a fun and fantastic read, and I highly recommend it to others.

Neuromancer is a novel set in a futuristic Matrix-like world where humans can jack into the vast systems of computer networks to access hidden information. This book follows the story of Case, once one of the best criminals in the system, who's career was ended when a former employer destroyed his nervous system. He is found by Molly, a warrior with enhanced capabilities, who puts him in contact with her employer, and restores his lost abilities with a very experimental surgical procedure. The remainder of the story follows their adventures as they work to uncover the secrets hidden by the target of their operation: the Tessier-Ashpool business group.

I have to say that, while I enjoyed segments of this book, and while I appreciated the detailed and other-worldly descriptive passages, there were (a lot of) times when I was pondering exactly what was happening. Sometimes I questioned if I was reading something that was absolute brilliance or total gibberish. At times I even questioned if I was smart enough to understand what was really happening in this book. But I continued on to the ending, and I must admit that in the end I was able to find some enjoyment in the book. There are still sections that I don't know if I fully understand, and some portions that would make my brain hurt to re-read, but I did think that the end result was worth it.

I don't know if this story is for everyone - the techno-babble and and convoluted plot could be a turn-off for a lot of readers - but I do think fans of the science fiction genre will enjoy this book. The descriptive passages allow the reader to imagine some rather unique and stunning visuals, but a lot of this writing is wedged between long segments describing the almost indecipherable descriptions of the world's technology. I did like this gritty, non-utopian view of the future, and I can appreciate that this writing style forces the reader to be fully immersed in this world. On the other hand, I don't know if the characters or plot are as complex or well-rounded as I would like them to be. I can't deny that this novel has an important place in the genre, but I don't think I would consider this one of my favorite science fiction novels, though it was definitely a very interesting read. I am glad I spent the time to read it myself, but unless you are a real science fiction buff I don't know that I would recommend it to others.

This book is a collection of posts from his blog (called “Whatever”) from 1998-2008. It covers an interesting assortment of topics, from personal relationships and nerdy interests, to politics and world events. It is fascinating to read, especially since it spans the “growing up” years of my life. For me it was interesting to read about these events from an adult's perspective, when I had experienced most of them as a child or teen.

However, I have to say, if you are one to be easily offended, this probably isn't the book for you. John Scalzi has some strong opinions and he really isn't worried about who he offends in expressing them. Of course, being me, I rather enjoyed reading his somewhat snarky writing style. And, well, even when I didn't necessarily agree with what he was saying (though I actually did find myself agreeing with him for the most part), I still enjoyed reading his arguments and random musings. He arguments were at least logical and well reasoned, besides being fairly hilarious, and I appreciated that aspect of his writing when dealing with the more polarizing topics.

Since this is a collection of short writings, it was a good book to read when I didn't have a lot of time to devote to a long story. However, I found this book oddly compelling and read through it fairly quickly despite not having a lot of time to sit down with it. I really enjoyed John Scalzi's writing style, and I definitely want to read more of his books in the future. I don't know if I would qualify this book as a must-read, but at times it was rather thought provoking, especially for a lot of the events from my younger years, while other sections were simply fun diversions. I enjoyed the writing and the rather wide-ranging topics, so I thought it was well worth the time to read, and I would definitely recommend it.

The History of Love is a fantastic novel that weaves together the lives of a young girl who is looking to find a romantic interest for her mother, and an old man who is looking to make a connection with the son who never knew he existed. They deal with ever-changing emotional landscapes that are relatable and interesting. This book will tug at the heartstrings of its readers, but the emotional investment is well deserved.

The premise of the novel is quite straightforward, but the characters are deliciously complex. They all seem to exhibit an emotional range that is both complicated and contradictory, which makes them feel incredibly real. Despite this, each character has a very distinct and unique voice, which lends itself well to the overall theme of the book; exploring the many aspects of love. It looks at love from all sides - the fumbling confusion of a young first love, and the bittersweet devotion of a true love lost to time and circumstance. It explores how hope, loss, and dispair can emphasize what is truly important in life.

The writing itself is wonderful. Each character is written in a different style, which makes them seem even more distinct and realistic. The overall themes of the book can be seen in each character's story arc, even though the characters are all at various phases in their lives. Their stories are all woven together with a common thread (the book is titled after the fictitious book called “The History of Love” that is central to the plot) that makes the story feel continuous and effortless, even though the individual character stories are written in very different, almost disjointed, styles.

Regardless of what sort of books you usually like to read, The History of Love should make it onto your list. Wonderful writing, complex characters, and a study of relationships that anyone can relate to all come together to make this a truly fantastic book. I found it to be a quick read, and well worth the time I devoted to it. It isn't a book I would normally pick up, but I am very glad my sister prodded me into reading this novel. Highly recommended.

The Gunslinger is the first Stephen King novel I have ever read, so I cannot compare it to any of his more current (or more popular) works. Based on information in the introduction and Wikipedia, the original story of The Gunslinger was published in installments in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction in the late 1970s. The book I read contained the original five installments, but had been updated and revised so as to be more cohesive with the sequels that now comprise The Dark Tower series. The book I borrowed also had several full color illustrations by Michael Whelan, who recently did the cover art to A Memory of Light. Regardless of anything else, it is always a joy to see a story come to life through the artwork of Michael Whelan.

The Gunslinger is the story of Rolland, the last gunslinger, who is on a quest to catch The Man in Black. He suffers through various hardships caused by a combination of the harsh desert environment he is traversing, as well as magical traps set by The Man in Black. It is an interesting mash up of a coming of age story/start of a hero's journey with fantasy and science fiction elements set against the backdrop of a spaghetti western. At the end of this first book in The Dark Tower series I am left... wanting more. I think this novel feels very much like a beginning. It does have a full story arc, and the characters are given enough of a background to be interesting to the reader, but the technicalities of the science fiction and fantasy elements are still a little vague. They do get explained, but the explanation is really more of a lead-in to the further adventures of Rolland as he begins his quest to find the Dark Tower. There is something of a resolution, but really this story is just the set up to a much larger adventure.

Also, I feel as though I need to ponder the writing style a bit. I hope that this statement doesn't offend anyone, but the style of this book is what I tend to call “writing for guys.” I don't really know how to explain it, but it is the sort of style where the main characters don't really have a lot of emotions, or at least not in a way that is overly apparent to the reader. If the character is feeling something it is stated outright in a rather straightforward manner. Things aren't pondered so much as intuitively known. For some reason “writing for guys” always seems to take place in a setting with a wide open sky. I am not complaining about this. In the context of the character and the setting, this style actually works quite well to give the old west feel to the novel. However, after reading several books where the emotional states of the characters are examined in intricate detail, and the characters themselves ponder the complex and contradictory nature of their feelings, well, the contrast is a bit jaring. In some ways the writing in The Gunslinger feels overly simplified, with things being told rather than shown, but then again the simplicity adds to the flavor of the world that is being created. So, perhaps it isn't my favorite style of writing, but I can appreciate it in the context of the story.

If I have the opportunity to continue reading about the adventures of Rolland then I will, but I don't know if I am going to actively seek out the remaining books in the series immediately. I am intrigued and I do want to know what happens further along in the story, but I am not so anxious to do so that I will ignore the growing mountain of books that has taken over the space around my bed. Perhaps at some point in the future I will follow Rolland in his quest for The Dark Tower, but for now I will be sticking my nose in a very different sort of book...

I have to say, after the total awesome goodness that transpired in the third book, the fourth book left me wanting more. Which isn't to say that this wasn't a good book, but it did rather feel like a lul in the middle of the series. Half of the story felt like resolutions to plot points that had happened in the previous book, and the other half of the story felt like set-up for things to come. It isn't so much that I wasn't interested by the events that transpired (there was some great political and religious maneuvering that had been building up throughout the series), but rather that it didn't feel like much transpired at all. Or, well, perhaps it is just that this book focused almost completely on the political maneuverings of only a few of the characters, with very little insight into any of the magical happenings in this world. Which was important because the major political factions have been somewhat tidied up (or at least are more clearly defined), but compared to the previous novels where magic, religion, and politics were all so richly layered, this really only feels like half the story. A cake without the frosting, if you will. A perfectly baked, delicious cake, but, still, I want my frosting dangit! Ah, well, based on sneak peaks and hints from the peanut gallery it sounds like I will be getting my frosting in the next installment, A Dance with Dragons. Of course, I haven't yet acquired said book (no paperback available yet, boo) so I can't say how soon I will get around to it, but it is definitely at the top of my queue once it finds its way into my greedy little hands. If nothing else, this book definitely left me wanting more.

In the meantime I will just have to find something else to read...

I must admit that it is a bit surreal to be writing a (spoiler-free) book review for A Memory of Light. If you had told me when I first picked up the books as a middle school student that the conclusion would be half a lifetime away... Well, I still probably would have read it because that is the kind of kid I was. But I don't think I would have been able to comprehend how much my life would change in the years waiting for the finale.

It is amazing to think what a profound influence these books have had on the person I have become. In some ways it is a bit embarrassing to admit how often I thought of characters and situations in these books to give me guidance. It might seem silly to credit a fantasy series with strongly forming my sense of being, but I have grown up with the characters in these books. They were my heros. My mentors. My friends. Which is why the ending to their story was so important. And, I have to say, I am very satisfied by the ending. It was exciting, emotionally exhausting, and, in a word, epic. (Is there a more appropriate word to describe a book that contains a 200 page long chapter?) It was exactly the ending that the series deserved to have. It just felt right.

I mean, sure, there were a few times where I thought that a particular character arc might have been a bit rushed, or that we hadn't quite had the set-up for a particular ending. But, in general, I felt that everything that happened came about with a purpose and a plan. Not that there weren't a few twists and surprises. There were definitely more than a few times when I was shouting at the book. Either in horror at what was happening, surprise at a twist of events, or glee at seeing a beloved character return to the page. This was probably the most vocal book-reading I have ever done since I no longer had to sound out words on the page. Which is, I think, a good indication of just how engaging this story is.

I would also have to say that it was clear that Robert Jordan himself wrote a fair bit of this book. I mean, I know there has been a bit of debate in the fandom over whether we should even be speculating who wrote what, but I have to say that there is a certain tone and precision to Robert Jordan's writing style that makes it fairly distinctive. And there were some characters who were just not quite the same after Brandon Sanderson took over the writing. Don't get me wrong - I am not complaining. I would rather have an imperfect ending than no ending. Because this story deserved an ending. But I am also willing to admit that there were some characters who were just slightly off in books 12 and 13. But not here. At a certain point in the story everything just felt... right. Comfortable. Like slipping on a well worn pair of boots. Which ultimately served to give the ending that much more impact.

In the end I have to say I gave this book a standing ovation. It delivered everything that the series has been promising for the past two decades. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me scream out in frustration and joy. Considering everything it was as close to perfect as I think it could be. I had a lot of people ask me if I was feeling a sense of emptiness or withdrawal now that the series had ended. I actually feel quite the opposite. I feel full and satisfied. Happy and content. At peace. These characters whom I have know for so long have at last had their story told, and it was a great one. It has enriched my life in ways I cannot fully express, and, despite my rambling review, I don't know if I can find adequate words to describe what this series has meant to me. It is a story I am sure I will carry with me forever, and one I am sure I will turn to and read again and again. I don't know if I can appropriately express my gratitude to the entire team of people who made this possible, but thank you.

Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.

I have been reading Brandon's work ever since he was chosen to finish the Wheel of Time series, and I must admit that he has quickly become one of my favorite story tellers. I find that all of his books are quick to read, and are full of interesting characters and interesting ideas. I always enjoy the way he crafts his worlds and magic systems - there is always something realistic and utilitarian about them, even though they are fantastical and set in completely made-up worlds.

I found that, while The Emperor's Soul does demonstrate many of the typical hallmarks of Sanderson's style, it is also somewhat of a departure from his other works. Most of Brandon's works comprise of a group of fun and interesting characters using a fascinating magic system to overcome some long-term problem faced by a society. (This is not always the case, but, in general it is. Of course, that is probably because that is the general structure of most fantasy and sci-fi stories, but, you know, the format works well.) Typically his stories involve the characters running about quite a bit, with many changes of settings and locations. Which is why it is very interesting to note that the majority of this story takes place in a single room. Instead of Brandon using his characters to explore the world that he has created, he uses his magic system to allow for a very introspective look at the characters. While the story may not be as inherently exciting as some of his other works, it was still a compelling read. It allows a reader to see how people become what they are, and it offers the reader an opportunity to examine their own past and question how life events have shaped their own choices and behaviors.

Overall I found The Emperor's Soul to be a quick and interesting read. Like all of Brandon's works I found it to be a fun escape from the real world, even if only for a few hours. It can certainly stand on its own merits, however, I feel that it would be best read in the context of some of Sanderson's other works. I would recommend new readers to Brandon Sanderson start with Elantris, Mistborn, or Warbreaker and then branch into his other works from there. For those who have read any of Sanderson's other stories, I think The Emperor's Soul is a great addition to his collection of other works and I highly recommend it.

I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I would have to say that of the three books Tim has written, this is by far the best. It is interesting and informative, but Tim's voice still comes through and prevents this book from being a dry history of clothing. Though this book looks at fashion dating back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, the primary focus is on the rise of American fashion (and how WWII helped American designers become unique and innovative instead of just being European copycats), how fashion has evolved and changed through the decades, and how everything we wear today is really a derivative of history.

This book actually has a fascinating structure, where, instead of focusing on chronological eras of fashion, Tim actually discusses individual items of clothing instead. I actually really liked the way this book was structured. I felt like focusing on the evolution of a specific type of garment gave a very cohesive feel to the chapters, although Tim's writing style, as I have mentioned in my reviews of his previous books, can occasionally have a rambling feel to it. I do think that Tim's passion for history, fashion, and education is evident in his writing though.

One thing I did like about this book is that it focused on both women's and men's clothing history. While some chapters (like Dresses) focused more on women's clothes and others (like Dress Shirts) were geared more towards men, I thought it was good and equally interesting to read about both. Another thing I really liked about this book is that there were side boxes full of useful information about modern clothing styles. For example, I now know the difference between hotpants, short-shorts, regular shorts, Bermuda shorts, culottes, gauchos, pedal-pushers, and capris. Yes, these are technically different and depend on subtle differences in length. There are also helpful tips about appropriate styles and situations for wearing clothes in the modern day. I have only one minor quibble - this book is not the best for bedtime reading - it is full of pictures and images from history, movies, and art which completely enhance the points made throughout the text, but also make the book a bit heavy and awkwardly shaped for cozy reading in bed. I think the great information and lovely glossy photos make up fot that though.

Another feature I liked about this book is that, though it focuses on the history of fashion, Tim also makes the reader think about how this actually applies to them and their modern wardrobe. In the Conclusion and Appendix, Tim (and co-author Ada Calhoun) encourage the reader to really assess their own wardrobe, what function it needs to serve, what sort of style they have (or want to have). I appreciate that while Tim is (very) critical of certain styles of clothing, he is still encouraging and sympathetic with his readership and admits that creating a functional wardrobe can be a bit daunting. I also like the fact that while Tim appreciates quality textiles and craftsmanship (most noticeable in his discussion of suits), he is still critical of unnecessary excess and expense (most noticeable in his discussion of handbags). He is very practical about fashion; it is clear he thinks that everyone should take care in appearance and try to cultivate a personal style, but he also feels that fashion needs to fit into a lifestyle and not dictate it. I rather enjoyed his discussion over the hypocritical notion that a woman is simultaneously criticized for not looking her best but also for wasting time thinking about the trivialities of appearance and fashion.

Overall I would have to say that this is a fabulous book and I am so happy I read it. Clearly, it isn't an exhaustive history of fashion, and probably wouldn't be of interest to serious scholars or fashion historians. However, for those of us who are interested in a comprehensive, interesting, and fun overview of fashion history this is a great book. It is my favorite of Tim's books so far, as it feel more informative that Guide to Style and more focused than Gunn's Golden Rules. It is evident that despite all of the hats he wears, Tim Gunn is truly gifted as an educator, because he makes learning fun. I certainly have more appreciation for today's fashions, and a greater interest in learning about fashions of the past. This was an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it to others.

Legion is a wonderfully fun and thought provoking story by Brandon Sanderson. A short 85 page novella length (though considering how epic fantasy writers deal with story length this is probably closer to a “short story” for him) gives a perfect taste of the fascinating characters Brandon has created. Unlike Brandon's other works, Legion takes place in a modern day real world setting. It follows the adventure of a very special detective with schizophrenic-like tendencies and his search for a magical medium format camera. Though brief, this story forces one to question their relationship with science, religion, world politics, and themselves. As is characteristic of Sanderson's works, the characters are lively, diverse, and entertaining, even when they may not technically exist. Though his story touches on serious topics, the quick pacing and witty dialogue still make it fun to read. I read it in one sitting (well, with a mild interruption for lunch) and it was incredibly enjoyable. The conclusion to the story was satisfying, but left open ended enough that further adventures could be written in the future. Fans of Brandon Sanderson will enjoy the story, but I think this could be a fun read for everyone, even if they aren't necessarily fans of fantasy or science fiction. All in all a great little book, and one I highly recommend.

Unlike the previous two books where I was draggin my feet, with this book I found I wanted to read it constantly, but had a problem finding the time! What with sewing so many skating costumes for other people, I barely had time to finish things for myself, let along get around to reading a book for fun. Even so I managed to read the first half of the book at a fairly steady clip until about mid-May, and then didn't get back to it until near the end of August. When I literally could not put it down. Seriously.

I said in my previous reviews that it felt like the series was building to something, and oh boy did we get there. Total pay-dirt. I mean, there are still big huge things that need to happen (clearly, since the series isn't completed yet), but so many of the little open-ended things have finally been put to rest. Kinda of. In a way. And by “put to rest” I mean opened a whole new can-o-worms that will be dealt with in next few books (I hope). So much stuff I don't even know if my brain can handle it all. I mean, seriously, you guys, it is good. Really really good.

So, I am officially a fan now. I mean, I liked these books before, and I have always appreciated the craftsmanship with which they were written, but now I am officially joining the fandom. Not the crazy hard-core I will tattoo “Winter is Coming” on my back fandom, but, you know, the generally George R. R. Martin obsessed readership fandom. I would write more, but I really don't want to spoil any of this book (because, ah, so much so good!) so I suppose my overall assessment of this book is: Read them. Go. Do it now.

In the meantime I will be starting on book four...

I must admit - I have been a fan of CSI:Crime Scene Investigation since about its third season. The first episode I really remember watching was the one with the kids, the old lady, the cats, and the floaty pen. After that I was hooked. I have every season on DVD, and despite losing many of my favorite actors and characters from the show, I still watch the show today. I haven't been as interested in the spin off series in Miami or New York, but I will probably watch the original Vegas show until it is off the air.

So, I expected reading the story of the man who created one of my favorite television shows would be interesting. What I didn't expect was for the story to be one of the most engrossing reads I have encountered in a long time. It isn't so much the story - man examines his relationship with his father and realizes how this has driven him to greatness - but how it is told. One of the ideas that is constantly repeated is that Anthony Zuiker received encouragement from many people to develop his unique voice. Reading this book you can definitely feel it - this man knows how to craft a story. I have to admit that I picked this book up around 2pm, and though I took a nap, ate dinner, watched some TV, and surfed the internet, I was still finished by 1am the next morning. This is possibly the first time I have read an entire book in a 12 hour period. And though there were other things I should have been doing with my time, once I picked this book up I almost literally couldn't put it down.

For fans of the show this book is an absolute must-read, however I would also recommend this book to fans of autobiographies, creative types, and just in general. I think this book is especially great for creative types struggling to make it in their respective fields. Although this is Anthony's story, and although he is dealing with weighty issues throughout the book, somehow the overall tone comes off as being funny, happy, and supportive. You can tell that he is appreciative of his fans, and enjoys what he does. Despite his struggles and hardships his tone was never bitter or angry. And you can also tell that he supports others who are searching to find their place in this world. Despite the fact that his work deals with serious issues like crime, murder, and violent deaths, the humor and joy is never lost from his voice. It is a captivating look at a man who has created captivating television, and I highly recommend this book to all.

Well, first of all, let me say that when I finished A Game of Thrones, I jumped headfirst into A Clash of Kings, as I was very excited by the ending of the first book, and could not wait to find out what happened next. The first book felt very much like a beginning, and I was convinced that the next book would keep the momentum that the first book had ended with. Sadly, I was rather mistaken. It has taken me nearly seven months to get through this second book in the series, with my attentions and interest being diverted by nearly a dozen other books in the meantime. I have been following the Read of Ice and Fire on the Tor website, and have endeavored to stay ahead of their pacing so that I don't have any major events spoiled for myself, but some weeks that goal was all that compelled me to read this book.

Now, while I crawled through the pages, I still have to insist that this is a good book. The writing is fabulous, the characters are complex, and the plot is brilliantly constructed. And yet, I found it hard to want to read this book. I think part of it is that the world Martin has created is so dark. I mean, even when the characters are making quips, there is a brooding undertone to it all. So I really had to be in the right frame of mind to sit down and focus on these pages... which apparently I haven't been in much over the past few months. Though when I am in a mood to read it, I actually did find a lot of this book to be quite enjoyable.

So, despite the long time it took me to read this book, I actually have to say I like it better than the first one. The plot has thickened, the characters have developed, and the action has increased. And, well, Martin does know how to build to an ending. I found that I have grown fonder of certain characters, and I now have at least a few people I am rooting for, even if they all seem to be on opposing sides. I also found that I had a much greater appreciation for the richness and complexity of the world he has created as well. And I can't emphasize enough how good the ending is - although it took me months to read the first two-thirds of the book, I flew through the last few hundred pages in a matter of hours. Like the end of the first book, I am now very excited to move on to the next in the series. At this point I feel like we are deep enough into the story that the pacing can be a bit quicker, and that more information about the characters, plot, and world can be revealed without overwhelming the reader. Of course, after two books I am starting to think that GRRM likes to take things slow and build up to his exciting endings, but I am still hoping that my renewed interest and enjoyment will propel me through the next book a bit faster than this one. Of course, only time will tell, but with any luck I should be doing the next book review sometime before December!

This book is a wonderful analysis about why none of the various aspects of roller skating have been included in the Olympic Games. The writing itself is quite good, and the details are very interesting. In essence, it really is a history of roller skating, but the slant of viewing that history with the goal of Olympic glory make it a bit more compelling than many of the other general histories I have read. While the history does seem a bit focused on artistic, the book does touch on artistic, speed, hockey, and derby, not to mention comparisons and information about the divergent paths of roller and ice. There is also discussion about more modern forms of skating - street skating, rexxing, etc. The book was published in 1997, so there is a chapter dedicated to speculation over how the “new” in-line skating craze will affect the sport (those of us still here know the outcome - inline skates have been widely adopted by speed, there are now inline and regular roller hockey leagues, and one event for inline freeskating at the artistic world championships).

The book follows the rise of the various organizations leading the sport, and the arguments between them. It discusses conflicts between skating organizations and the IOC, promises that were not kept, and betrayals that were endured. While the writing style prevents all of this from being overly-dramatic, were I a writer I would have several potential screen-plays dancing about in the back of my brain. The author cites letters passed between the organizations, and quotes from skating's leaders to lend credence to his account.

While relaying the events and telling the tale of skating's quest for Olympic glory, the author offers his own critiques and criticisms over what the leaders of the sport should have done to help their chances. Among his complaints are that in all their petitioning to the IOC, the skating experts have portrayed roller skating as being exactly like ice - which it is not. The forces of friction act differently on a thin blade cutting through ice than they do on four wheel attempting to spin and turn on plastic coated wood, and this allows roller skaters to do some things differently (and dare I agree with the author?) better than ice skaters. You don't see 9-jump combinations on ice (well, you don't see them much in roller anymore either, but my goodness they were brillant) and ice skaters can't perform the amazing heel camels or broken ankle spins that take advantage of the quad skate's unique design. The author notes that the capability of running speed races on outdoor courses could be of interest to the same viewers who enjoy watching televised marathons or bike races, whereas the capabilities of the television to do close-up shots could actually render figures interesting (well, maybe not, but for some reason I think they could appeal to the golf crowd). Not to mention that we don't have to re-surface the skating floor after every 12 contestants, though we often sweep before a pairs event for safety reasons. Another area of difference is the major players in the sport - in ice traditionally contestants from the US, Canada, and Russia dominated, with skaters from Japan and China more recently emerging as front runners. In roller skating, the Italians dominate artistically, with other great skaters coming from Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Germany, and the US, though there have been brilliant skaters from many other countries as well. With roller skating trying to present itself as being close to ice, not having the expected rivalries made the sport feel like a let-down to the casual observer. In addition, the author criticizes the scheduling decisions at major events, where the organizers often held the best skaters and events for the end of the evening. When you are an established sport like ice skating, you can put the stars at the end to force people to stay. For a relatively unknown sport like roller skating, if you put a splatfest as the first event of the night, no one in the media is going to stick around to watch the artistic and technical brilliance yet to come. The author laments that many of the most stunning performances of all time (whose technical and artistic merits rival the great performances on ice) were most often held after midnight to a nearly empty arena, with little more than a few personal hand-held recording devices saving the moment for posterity.

And, while there is a general sadness over the continually failing struggle for Olympic inclusion, part of me has to wonder if it is perhaps better for the sport that it has not been in the Olympic spotlight? The author notes how changes to ice and gymnastics (which have been even more drastic since the book's publication) have forever changed those sports, and perhaps not for the better. Roller skaters still perform compulsory figures and dances at all levels, whereas these portions have been essentially removed from the highest levels of ice. The author discusses how the greatest innovations for the sport were not made when roller skaters were seeking to emulate ice and impress the IOC, but instead happend during the 1940s, when the Olympics weren't an option for anyone in any sport. The leaders and innovators at the time were making changes and improvements simply for the sake of making skating more interesting, entertaining, and elegant. Looking through videos of the past, I have to agree with the author - that the continual push to emulate the ice events have led to the loss of events like Fours (two pairs teams skating together), which were some of the most exciting roller skating events, while including things like original set patterns (now original dance), which seemed like little more than filler in the program. Now that ice has gone to the short dance format, it will be interesting to see what the roller skating community decides to do. Personally, I favor dropping the original dance and having more emphasis on the two compulsory dances. The compulsory dance events draw far more viewers at the regional and national meets than do any of the free skating events, so it would be crazy to change that aspect of the event, but even still I have fears that it will happen.

Despite his criticisms and complaints, you can feel the author's love for the sport on every page. You can tell that he is as frustrated with the situation as many of the sports leaders, though I appreciate that his critiques were honest and thoughtful, and that this book was well researched and not just a rant or rambling propaganda. Personally, I found it a bit of a shock that I knew so many of the people who provided quotes or information for the book. And by “knew” I mean have talked to or interacted with or see on a semi-regular basis. But it was interesting to see their opinions written down, and compare it with what I know of them from my personal experiences.

Overall this was a marvelous book. Thought provoking, informative, and interesting. For anyone who has roller skated in a competitive format, it is an absolute must-read. I think that ice skaters could find this book informative and interesting as well, as it does have some discussion about the early days of their own sport. However, whether a skating fan or not, I think this book could be of great interest to the general reader - especially one interested in sports or Olympic history. If you can manage to find a copy, this book comes highly recommended.