PrincessFiona60
Member
I believe in encouraging kids, especially when they are reading. It's even more fun when they do really good work. Thanks for sending my words along, it brings me joy to know I made him happy.
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Die Trying by Lee Child -
Awesome addition to the Jack Reacher series as Reacher stumbles into the grasps of some crazy white folk.
Full review here.
You might want to add a slightly more wordy excerpt from your review next time. Perhaps people will be more willing to have a look at your blog that way, too.
Conscious Bob
Well-Known Member
Stonemouth By Iain Banks
A lazy potboiler of a book, worse than Canal Dreams, at least Canal Dreams had a bit of ambition.
A lazy potboiler of a book, worse than Canal Dreams, at least Canal Dreams had a bit of ambition.
PrincessFiona60
Member
Just finished Baldacci's Zero Day, very good, non-stop, the new leading man is fantastic and I'm going to find the next in the series, The Forgotten.
ricko
Member
Catch-22
This uproarious satirical novel by Joseph Heller prompted me to think of Robert Crichton’s 'The Secret Of Santa Vittoria' , another novel blending WWII and comedy. Published in 1961, 'Catch-22' was the forerunner of Richard Hooker’s 1968 novel, 'Mash: A Novel About Three Army Doctors'. It’s not about Army Doctor’s in Korea, but about Army Air Force pilots and bombardiers during WWII stationed on the small island of Pianosa, west of Italy. In order to understand the insanity of this story, the reader has to comprehend what Catch-22 means. In chapter five, Doc Daneeka explains to Yossarian ( main character ) and Orr, his roommate, why he can’t ground them due to insanity: “There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's own safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have to; but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle."That's some catch, that catch-22," he observed."It's the best there is," Doc Daneeka agreed.” This catch was why none of the bombing personnel were able to avoid flying mission after mission.
Book Reviews And Comments By Rick O
This uproarious satirical novel by Joseph Heller prompted me to think of Robert Crichton’s 'The Secret Of Santa Vittoria' , another novel blending WWII and comedy. Published in 1961, 'Catch-22' was the forerunner of Richard Hooker’s 1968 novel, 'Mash: A Novel About Three Army Doctors'. It’s not about Army Doctor’s in Korea, but about Army Air Force pilots and bombardiers during WWII stationed on the small island of Pianosa, west of Italy. In order to understand the insanity of this story, the reader has to comprehend what Catch-22 means. In chapter five, Doc Daneeka explains to Yossarian ( main character ) and Orr, his roommate, why he can’t ground them due to insanity: “There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's own safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have to; but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle."That's some catch, that catch-22," he observed."It's the best there is," Doc Daneeka agreed.” This catch was why none of the bombing personnel were able to avoid flying mission after mission.
Book Reviews And Comments By Rick O
pontalba
Well-Known Member
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon 5/5
Re-read for the BOTM this month. Time travel, romance, war, battles, intrigue, the whole nine yards.
The Bridge Over the River Kwai by Pierre Boulle 3/5
One of the most frustrating characters in fiction. Wanted to yank the idjut right out of the novel and attempt to pound some sense into him.
WWII, Japanese prison camp, tight arse, blind, prideful moron running the Brit soldiers.
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer 3/5
Supposed diary of a 16 year old girl kept after an asteroid collides with our moon and knocks it out of place.....totally discombobulating tides, volcanoes etc. Collapse of civilization as we know it. Interesting viewpoint. Will read the rest of the trilogy.
The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry 4/5
Wonderful. Two narrators. One, a woman that might be 100 years old, and the other the head of the Institution in which she has resided, put away in, for the past 70-odd years. Beautifully done, slow, but oh, so worth it.
The Music of Chance by Paul Auster 5/5
A man, a car, the open road. A chance meeting, gamblers, retribution.
Travels in the Scriptorium by Paul Auster 5/5
Paul Auster has obviously overdosed on The Twilight Zone episodes. I love it. A man confined (or is he?) to a single room. Forced to read a manuscript. He is not sure if he is allowed to leave the room, and somehow never really tries...what is he being punished for? Is he being punished or protected?
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson 2/5
Could. Not. Get. Into. this. Book. It could have been great. An interesting premise, on his 100th birthday a man climbs out of the window of his room at the nursing home in which he thought he'd spend his final days. Hah.
It turns into a Forest Gump type tale....I don't know if it is the translation, but it seemed to be very much over simplified. Became boring, to say the least, I abandoned it about 3/4ths of the way through.
The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster 5/5
Ahhh, at last. Three "detective" tales, direct from Paul Auster's Twilight Zone. Slightly connected, or are they? Some repetition of characters and places, cross references.
This was my second attempt at the trilogy, I started it about 6 years ago, read the first one, and put it aside. My loss. Well worth the read.
Re-read for the BOTM this month. Time travel, romance, war, battles, intrigue, the whole nine yards.
The Bridge Over the River Kwai by Pierre Boulle 3/5
One of the most frustrating characters in fiction. Wanted to yank the idjut right out of the novel and attempt to pound some sense into him.
WWII, Japanese prison camp, tight arse, blind, prideful moron running the Brit soldiers.
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer 3/5
Supposed diary of a 16 year old girl kept after an asteroid collides with our moon and knocks it out of place.....totally discombobulating tides, volcanoes etc. Collapse of civilization as we know it. Interesting viewpoint. Will read the rest of the trilogy.
The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry 4/5
Wonderful. Two narrators. One, a woman that might be 100 years old, and the other the head of the Institution in which she has resided, put away in, for the past 70-odd years. Beautifully done, slow, but oh, so worth it.
The Music of Chance by Paul Auster 5/5
A man, a car, the open road. A chance meeting, gamblers, retribution.
Travels in the Scriptorium by Paul Auster 5/5
Paul Auster has obviously overdosed on The Twilight Zone episodes. I love it. A man confined (or is he?) to a single room. Forced to read a manuscript. He is not sure if he is allowed to leave the room, and somehow never really tries...what is he being punished for? Is he being punished or protected?
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson 2/5
Could. Not. Get. Into. this. Book. It could have been great. An interesting premise, on his 100th birthday a man climbs out of the window of his room at the nursing home in which he thought he'd spend his final days. Hah.
It turns into a Forest Gump type tale....I don't know if it is the translation, but it seemed to be very much over simplified. Became boring, to say the least, I abandoned it about 3/4ths of the way through.
The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster 5/5
Ahhh, at last. Three "detective" tales, direct from Paul Auster's Twilight Zone. Slightly connected, or are they? Some repetition of characters and places, cross references.
This was my second attempt at the trilogy, I started it about 6 years ago, read the first one, and put it aside. My loss.
Well worth the read.
Hedwig
Member
Oh, yes, that was a beautiful book. Sad and gripping.
I recently finished these:
Lindsey Davis - Two for the Lions
As usual, ancient Roman private eye Falco is a guarantee for a fun read - this time he's investigating death and intrigue among various lanistae (gladiator keepers), all the while trying to juggle his new day job as a tax inspector, the disappearance of his brother-in-law who eloped with his older brother's fiancée and, of course, his little family.
Harold Pinter - Old Times
A fortysomething married couple gets a visit from the wife's former roommate, and they begin to reminisce. It's difficult to understand when you're only reading the play, but it was kind of fascinating nevertheless and still has me thinking about what really happened. Maybe seeing it live on stage next month will help.
ricko
Member
pontalba,
That's a rousing list of books. Thanks for the tips for future reading.
Book Reviews And Comments By Rick O
That's a rousing list of books. Thanks for the tips for future reading.
Book Reviews And Comments By Rick O
pontalba
Well-Known Member
Oh, yes, that was a beautiful book. Sad and gripping.
I recently finished these:
Lindsey Davis - Two for the Lions
As usual, ancient Roman private eye Falco is a guarantee for a fun read - this time he's investigating death and intrigue among various lanistae (gladiator keepers), all the while trying to juggle his new day job as a tax inspector, the disappearance of his brother-in-law who eloped with his older brother's fiancée and, of course, his little family.
I haven't seen this series, sounds like it's pretty good. Thanks.
Have you read any of Steven Saylor's Ancient Rome detective stories? They feature Gordianus the Finder. I've read a few and have to say they are pretty interesting.
Thanks. Just looked at your blog link...very interesting.
pontalba
Well-Known Member
LOL, thanks!
shadforth
Member
Death Of An Ordinary Man by Glen Duncan 
A ghost awakens at his own funeral and from here it's a mystery slash exploration of intricate family/friendship relationships. I almost gave it four stars,but thought it got a bit too confused with what kind of novel it wanted to be. That said,it's my 2nd good read from Duncan.
A ghost awakens at his own funeral and from here it's a mystery slash exploration of intricate family/friendship relationships. I almost gave it four stars,but thought it got a bit too confused with what kind of novel it wanted to be. That said,it's my 2nd good read from Duncan.
ricko
Member
Ringworld
What does a puppeteer, a kzin, and two humans have in common? They are going to 'Ringworld'! You thought I was going to say 'Disney World' , didn’t you? This is the premise of Larry Niven’s epic novel about an artificial ring, one million miles wide, encircling a sun-like star. I haven’t read a space exploratory novel this good, since I read Arthur C. Clarke’s 'Rendezvous With Rama' . Niven’s book was so good it won the 1970 Hugo, 1971 Nebula and Locus Awards; the trifecta of the sci-fi world. To this reader, Mr. Niven’s salient point is in his ability to use specialized jargon that the reader easily understands, while still inventing new ingenious technology, such as the quantum II hyperdrive spaceship that speeds along at one light year every one and a quarter minutes! And can Niven describe alien life forms? Damn straight! How about a Garfield the cat look alike ( known as a kzin ) that is eight foot tall and 500 pounds with a nasty disposition? What about a puppeteer that has a tripod body with two heads, more intelligence than man and when frightened rolls himself into a ball? I also think that 'Star Trek' may have preempted the transporter idea from Niven’s transfer booth. These are a few of the amazing concepts and characters in this recommended novel.
Book Reviews And Comments By Rick O
What does a puppeteer, a kzin, and two humans have in common? They are going to 'Ringworld'! You thought I was going to say 'Disney World' , didn’t you? This is the premise of Larry Niven’s epic novel about an artificial ring, one million miles wide, encircling a sun-like star. I haven’t read a space exploratory novel this good, since I read Arthur C. Clarke’s 'Rendezvous With Rama' . Niven’s book was so good it won the 1970 Hugo, 1971 Nebula and Locus Awards; the trifecta of the sci-fi world. To this reader, Mr. Niven’s salient point is in his ability to use specialized jargon that the reader easily understands, while still inventing new ingenious technology, such as the quantum II hyperdrive spaceship that speeds along at one light year every one and a quarter minutes! And can Niven describe alien life forms? Damn straight! How about a Garfield the cat look alike ( known as a kzin ) that is eight foot tall and 500 pounds with a nasty disposition? What about a puppeteer that has a tripod body with two heads, more intelligence than man and when frightened rolls himself into a ball? I also think that 'Star Trek' may have preempted the transporter idea from Niven’s transfer booth. These are a few of the amazing concepts and characters in this recommended novel.
Book Reviews And Comments By Rick O
ricko
Member
Time and Again
Time and Again is the classic time travel story by Jack Finney set in New York City in 1970 and 1882. Our time traveller is Simon Morely, Si for short, an artist for an advertising agency. One day while at work, Si is visited unannounced by Major Ruben Prien. Over lunch, Major Prien tells Si that he has been selected, based on tests he had taken while still in the Army, for a secret government project, and he asks Si if he’d like to participate. Si eventually accepts; and when further tests confirm that Si is qualified, Major Prien reveals the nature of the project: time travel.
Book Reviews And Comments By Rick O
Time and Again is the classic time travel story by Jack Finney set in New York City in 1970 and 1882. Our time traveller is Simon Morely, Si for short, an artist for an advertising agency. One day while at work, Si is visited unannounced by Major Ruben Prien. Over lunch, Major Prien tells Si that he has been selected, based on tests he had taken while still in the Army, for a secret government project, and he asks Si if he’d like to participate. Si eventually accepts; and when further tests confirm that Si is qualified, Major Prien reveals the nature of the project: time travel.
Book Reviews And Comments By Rick O
pontalba
Well-Known Member
Asset by Jonathan Orvin 4/5
The story is a hair-raising ordeal of an "asset", one Sam Mitchell of the British MI6. We are pretty sure he is an asset, but there is some indication that he is just a low down liar. Of course the two are not necessarily incompatible.
Asset is the story of his infiltration of and (possible) escape from what boils down to the Russian Mafia. Not guys one wants to be on the bad side of, and he is big-time.
The characters were rounded and complete, Orvin is expert at creating almost unbearable tension. Realistic motivations were eventually given for the actions of Mitchell and the ones that helped him along the way. I appreciated the descriptions of the workings of the political and military establishments of the area, they were detailed and most interesting.
Orvin describes Mitchell's physical surroundings and travails in sometimes excruciating detail. Not that it wasn't warranted, but I felt it could have been tighter. I would have appreciated a bit more connective tissue. I felt Orvin's way of supplying more tension was to make parts of the connections between characters/segments deliberately obscure. I thought he went a little far in that quest although all was made clear later in the story.
Once into the rhythm of the story it was very exciting and I'll certainly look for and read more of his future writings. His ending was both realistic and well done.
I've rated it 4 stars, but have rounded up from 3.5, I really enjoyed the story itself, and felt rounding up was more appropriate. It was less than obvious a find on Amazon, the authors name must be put in the search window, as if not every book with the word "asset" in it comes up. /sheesh/
I only heard of this book due to someone mentioning it on a (sorta) promotion thread here. Glad they did.
Recommended.
The story is a hair-raising ordeal of an "asset", one Sam Mitchell of the British MI6. We are pretty sure he is an asset, but there is some indication that he is just a low down liar. Of course the two are not necessarily incompatible.
Asset is the story of his infiltration of and (possible) escape from what boils down to the Russian Mafia. Not guys one wants to be on the bad side of, and he is big-time.
The characters were rounded and complete, Orvin is expert at creating almost unbearable tension. Realistic motivations were eventually given for the actions of Mitchell and the ones that helped him along the way. I appreciated the descriptions of the workings of the political and military establishments of the area, they were detailed and most interesting.
Orvin describes Mitchell's physical surroundings and travails in sometimes excruciating detail. Not that it wasn't warranted, but I felt it could have been tighter. I would have appreciated a bit more connective tissue. I felt Orvin's way of supplying more tension was to make parts of the connections between characters/segments deliberately obscure. I thought he went a little far in that quest although all was made clear later in the story.
Once into the rhythm of the story it was very exciting and I'll certainly look for and read more of his future writings. His ending was both realistic and well done.
I've rated it 4 stars, but have rounded up from 3.5, I really enjoyed the story itself, and felt rounding up was more appropriate. It was less than obvious a find on Amazon, the authors name must be put in the search window, as if not every book with the word "asset" in it comes up. /sheesh/
I only heard of this book due to someone mentioning it on a (sorta) promotion thread here. Glad they did.
Recommended.
pontalba
Well-Known Member
Time and Again is the classic time travel story by Jack Finney set in New York City in 1970 and 1882. Our time traveller is Simon Morely, Si for short, an artist for an advertising agency. One day while at work, Si is visited unannounced by Major Ruben Prien. Over lunch, Major Prien tells Si that he has been selected, based on tests he had taken while still in the Army, for a secret government project, and he asks Si if he’d like to participate. Si eventually accepts; and when further tests confirm that Si is qualified, Major Prien reveals the nature of the project: time travel.
Book Reviews And Comments By Rick O
I've read both this one and it's sequel....honestly they irritated me. The method of time travel was less than satisfying, for me at least. I did love the details of life in NYC then though, I must admit.
What does a puppeteer, a kzin, and two humans have in common? They are going to 'Ringworld'! You thought I was going to say 'Disney World' , didn’t you? This is the premise of Larry Niven’s epic novel about an artificial ring, one million miles wide, encircling a sun-like star. I haven’t read a space exploratory novel this good, since I read Arthur C. Clarke’s 'Rendezvous With Rama' . Niven’s book was so good it won the 1970 Hugo, 1971 Nebula and Locus Awards; the trifecta of the sci-fi world. To this reader, Mr. Niven’s salient point is in his ability to use specialized jargon that the reader easily understands, while still inventing new ingenious technology, such as the quantum II hyperdrive spaceship that speeds along at one light year every one and a quarter minutes! And can Niven describe alien life forms? Damn straight! How about a Garfield the cat look alike ( known as a kzin ) that is eight foot tall and 500 pounds with a nasty disposition? What about a puppeteer that has a tripod body with two heads, more intelligence than man and when frightened rolls himself into a ball? I also think that 'Star Trek' may have preempted the transporter idea from Niven’s transfer booth. These are a few of the amazing concepts and characters in this recommended novel.
Book Reviews And Comments By Rick O
Ringworld is great but the sequels don't hold a candle to the original.
PrincessFiona60
Member
Agreed, I was disappointed in the sequels.
Loved the Niven and Pournelle, "Lucifer's Hammer." Met Larry Niven at a Con and he is just a nice guy, had fun talking to him about our favorite stories.