Posted in books on 11. Sep, 2009
Although there is a sufficient number of titles to grant “fantasy” a section separate from science fiction in most bookstores, they are still grouped together. The irony is, in most cases, a fantasy novel has to incorporate many features of science fiction to create a new world or environment.
Whether it be a new flora, fauna, world, technology or form of magic, it is common to reuse one or more of these devices from other authors, but put it together in a, supposedly, “unique” way. Sometimes this succeeds; sometimes the author’s work is merely a derivative of either Tolkien or Asimov.
In Warbreaker, Sanderson succeeds. The primary form of magic comes from the ability to gain “Breaths” (the most common corollary in our mythology that comes to mind is “soul”) and then put them to use. This proceeds to pour the foundation for the entire story and world. (more…)
Posted in books on 16. Mar, 2009
I recently broke down and bought “Fool,” a new book by Christopher Moore. I’m just getting started, but so far it is hilarious. It is a retelling of “King Lear” from the perspective of Pockets, the court jester. Of course it is told in a way that only Christopher Moore could provide. “Fool” made it to #4 on the New York Times Bestsellers list. That is awesome, and I hope that his future works keep bringing in high sales.
Christopher Moore is an author I have admired from the first moment I opened one of his books. I bought “The Stupidest Angel 2.0” on a suggestion from a helpful bookstore employee. I was in San Francisco and I had a 4 hour lay over in Chicago on my trip back into Indianapolis. I needed something that was light, funny and captivating for my wait. The woman suggested the book, and by the time I flew out of Midway, I was hooked. I was off to buy all his books, and to eagerly buy each new book he put onto the market.
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Posted in books on 11. Dec, 2008
You’ve been living under a rock for the past year if you haven’t heard about the best selling Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. At the very least, I’m sure you have heard about the Twilight movie. Haven’t you? Come on now.
For those of you who HAVEN’T been to a bookstore, logged on to the internet, or turned on the television in recent years, the Twilight series is essentially the most intense love story you’ve read in a long time.
When I was first told about these books by a good friend, I immediately dismissed them. Her summary of them went something like, “It’s a love story between a vampire and a human. But they are good vampires… (more…)
Posted in books on 09. Dec, 2008
I am one of the least likely people to go green. Until recently, I have never been particularly concerned about the environment. I thought I could be healthier by drinking soy milk, diet sodas, and bottled water in plastic containers. Reading labels other than fat or calorie content never occurred to me. I was blissfully ignorant, but that has changed thanks to this book, Living Green: A Practical Guide to Simple Sustainability
by Greg Horn.
Living Green is a practical guide to living a sustainable lifestyle. This book discusses ways to improve your health, your home, and your future by living more organically. I never thought about all the chemicals and toxins I was putting into and onto my body until I read this book. Living Green is packed with great ideas and ways that we can all make a difference.
Ten recommended places to start include the following: (more…)
Posted in books on 10. Nov, 2008
I was never taught proper grammar as a child. Sure, I know the difference between there/their/they’re, witch/which and weather/whether, but I didn’t know a thing about syntaxes, clauses or even gerunds. It wasn’t until I found myself in grammar class this past year that I was schooled (literally.) grasping onto what I should have learned years ago was a hard task, but I made it, and now, because of my grammar loving teaching, I have learned to love and appreciate grammar too.
Upon a recent trip to the library, I spotted a little red book out of the corner of my eye. June Casagrande’s handy guide to grammar titled Mortal Syntax: 101 Language Choices that will get you Clobbered by the Grammar Snobs – Even if you’re Right. Quite a little mouthful, but at 238 pages, and no more than four pages per chapter, this book is an absolute must read.
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You’re lucky to be reading this. I almost never got this article written. You see, I’ve been worthless the past few days. My house is a pit. I haven’t done hardly any writing. I’m neglecting my husband and kids. I’m barely eating or sleeping, and I can’t be bothered with checking e-mail. Why am I doing this? Do I have an illness? No. My daughter got me addicted to the Twilight series of books and I can’t stop reading until I’m through the entire series.
I realize I’m coming late to a party that, seemingly, everyone has been to. Some of you already know the powerful allure Stephenie Meyer’s vampire romance/thrillers hold over unsuspecting readers. I was aware that the books were out there, I mean, I’d seen the endcap displays at Barnes and Noble and heard the hyperbolic comparisons to other successful series and dismissed them. Anymore, every publisher who prints a sci-fi/fantasy book shouts out blurbs from unheard of critics who claim, “Best thing since Harry Potter.”
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Posted in books on 15. Jul, 2008
Next time you raise a glass of fine wine or cognac to your lips, stop and thank…a Texan.
Released in April 2008, Grape Man of Texas: Thomas Volney Munson & the Origins of American Viticulture, by Sherrie S. McLeRoy and Roy E. Renfro, Jr., Ph.D., is a newly expaned edition of the award-wining biography. The first edition received several enthusiastic accolades, including the “Best Wine History Book in the World for 2004” awarded by Gourmand International, who dubbed it “a very important book for wine history.”
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