Slammed at work, turned 40, and my oldest turned 16. Life is just crushing all around me.
In the 1985 Ebony magazine decided to make bold predictions of what current stars might look like in the year 2000. Below is Michael Jackson.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Been Quiet Lately
In the 1985 Ebony magazine decided to make bold predictions of what current stars might look like in the year 2000. Below is Michael Jackson.
Wife of the Gods - Book #75
-------------+----------------------------------------
Title Wife of the Gods
-------------+----------------------------------------
Author Kwei Quartey
-------------+----------------------------------------
Genre Adult Mystery
-------------+----------------------------------------
Pages 312
-------------+----------------------------------------
Publisher Random House
-------------+----------------------------------------
Copyright 2009
-------------+----------------------------------------
Synopsis (from web-site)
An original debut novel set in Ghana, is the story of Detective Inspector Darko Dawson, who is sent from the big city to the village of Ketanu to solve the murder of an accomplished young AIDS worker. Darko's own mother disappeared from this same village many years ago, and as the mystery unfolds, the reader meets a rich cast of characters, and learns about Trokosi, a system where young teenage girls are sent to live with fetish priests to bring good fortune to their families. Darko explores the motivations and secrets of the residents of Ketanu, and in addition to solving a recent murder, discovers the shocking truth about his own mother's disappearance.
Why I read It
Mystery is my favorite genre and Kwei Quartey met my requirement of being a foreign author. Ghanaian fiction doesn’t come my way to often so I got it.
The Good
A good first effort and a decent mystery plot. Quite educational for learning a bit about Ghana, a country I definitely know nothing about.
The Bad
Like a lot of first efforts, the dialogue was stilted occasionally, and the overall direction of the mystery was slightly telegraphed.
The Ugly (my opinion)
A good first book intended to be part of an ongoing series. I will be continuing with this author with his further books.
Mormon Mentions
None
Author Biography
Dr. Kwei Quartey was born in Ghana and raised by an African American mother and a Ghanaian father, both of whom were university lecturers. Even though his professional writing career began after he became a physician, his desire to be a writer started at a very early age.
Kwei Quartey now lives in Pasadena, California. He writes early in the morning before setting out to work at HealthCare Partners, where he runs a wound care clinic and is the lead physician at an urgent care center.
Title Wife of the Gods
-------------+----------------------------------------
Author Kwei Quartey
-------------+----------------------------------------
Genre Adult Mystery
-------------+----------------------------------------
Pages 312
-------------+----------------------------------------
Publisher Random House
-------------+----------------------------------------
Copyright 2009
-------------+----------------------------------------
Synopsis (from web-site)
An original debut novel set in Ghana, is the story of Detective Inspector Darko Dawson, who is sent from the big city to the village of Ketanu to solve the murder of an accomplished young AIDS worker. Darko's own mother disappeared from this same village many years ago, and as the mystery unfolds, the reader meets a rich cast of characters, and learns about Trokosi, a system where young teenage girls are sent to live with fetish priests to bring good fortune to their families. Darko explores the motivations and secrets of the residents of Ketanu, and in addition to solving a recent murder, discovers the shocking truth about his own mother's disappearance.
Why I read It
Mystery is my favorite genre and Kwei Quartey met my requirement of being a foreign author. Ghanaian fiction doesn’t come my way to often so I got it.
The Good
A good first effort and a decent mystery plot. Quite educational for learning a bit about Ghana, a country I definitely know nothing about.
The Bad
Like a lot of first efforts, the dialogue was stilted occasionally, and the overall direction of the mystery was slightly telegraphed.
The Ugly (my opinion)
A good first book intended to be part of an ongoing series. I will be continuing with this author with his further books.
Mormon Mentions
None
Author Biography
Dr. Kwei Quartey was born in Ghana and raised by an African American mother and a Ghanaian father, both of whom were university lecturers. Even though his professional writing career began after he became a physician, his desire to be a writer started at a very early age.
Kwei Quartey now lives in Pasadena, California. He writes early in the morning before setting out to work at HealthCare Partners, where he runs a wound care clinic and is the lead physician at an urgent care center.
Moments in my life
I was totally at this show. My first concert ever and it rocked.
U2 Cardiff Arms Park (Wales) 1987
U2 Cardiff Arms Park (Wales) 1987
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Got Fight – Book #74
-------------+----------------------------------------
Title Got Fight: The 50 Zen Principles of
hand-to-face combat
-------------+----------------------------------------
Author Forrest Griffin
-------------+----------------------------------------
Genre Adult Nonfiction
-------------+----------------------------------------
Pages 188
-------------+----------------------------------------
Publisher William Morrow
-------------+----------------------------------------
Copyright 2009
-------------+----------------------------------------
Synopsis (from web-site)
Wondering why you should purchase this book when there are other titles on the shelves written by much higher-caliber fighters? Well, Forrest Griffin is not as good-looking as those guys. He's not as smart as them. He's also not as athletically endowed. And let's face it, neither are you. Those other fighters are pretty much better than you in every way. But you can actually aspire to be as good as Forrest one day. Why? Because he is nothing special, just like you. Forrest is not a martial artist. He's a fighter, and this book was written for his kin. If you're a hillbilly like Forrest and you get off on having your face rearranged, Got Fight? is for you. This is a manifesto more strategic than Sun Tzu's The Art of War, more philosophical than Bruce Lee's Tao of Jeet Kune Do, more powerful than a well-lubricated locomotive. In these pages you will learn about true mental toughness-whether it's scraping it out in the Octagon or picking up chicks. You will learn about the mental defects that made Forrest Griffin into the abomination he is today and how you can use your shortcomings to become equally horrible. You will learn the essential tactics of hand-to-hand combat as well as how to defend yourself in the event of a sword attack. Never been attacked by a sword? You need this book worse that we thought. Still not convinced? Don't worry. Even if you find that the book sucks, it will be no worse than having sex with Forrest Griffin. You'll feel a small prick and some minor discomfort, and then it will all be over.
Why I read It
It looked interesting on the new book shelf at my library. I quickly flipped through it and the self depreciating humor was quite funny so I picked it up.
The Good
If you want an accurate picture of what MMA fighting is about AND the type of mentality required to be successful at it, then this is the book for you. It is also very funny as the author doesn’t take himself too seriously. His detailed diagram on how to fend off a dog attack is worth the read alone.
The Bad
Slightly profane and blunt as one would expect from someone who earns his living fighting.
The Ugly (my opinion)
A lot of what makes a successful fighter is also true on what would make you successful at most things in life. This book beneath all the bravado is full of useful advice and is a funny read. And at 188 pages it isn’t a big commitment if you disagree.
The Truth? (other reviews)
Total MMA
Five Knuckles
MMA Opinion
Mormon Mentions
None
Author Biography
Forrest Griffin (born July 1, 1979 in Columbus, Ohio) is an American mixed martial artist and author currently competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and has a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Griffin is currently ranked as the #5 light heavyweight fighter in the world by Sherdog, and #5 by MMAWeekly.
Title Got Fight: The 50 Zen Principles of
hand-to-face combat
-------------+----------------------------------------
Author Forrest Griffin
-------------+----------------------------------------
Genre Adult Nonfiction
-------------+----------------------------------------
Pages 188
-------------+----------------------------------------
Publisher William Morrow
-------------+----------------------------------------
Copyright 2009
-------------+----------------------------------------
Synopsis (from web-site)
Wondering why you should purchase this book when there are other titles on the shelves written by much higher-caliber fighters? Well, Forrest Griffin is not as good-looking as those guys. He's not as smart as them. He's also not as athletically endowed. And let's face it, neither are you. Those other fighters are pretty much better than you in every way. But you can actually aspire to be as good as Forrest one day. Why? Because he is nothing special, just like you. Forrest is not a martial artist. He's a fighter, and this book was written for his kin. If you're a hillbilly like Forrest and you get off on having your face rearranged, Got Fight? is for you. This is a manifesto more strategic than Sun Tzu's The Art of War, more philosophical than Bruce Lee's Tao of Jeet Kune Do, more powerful than a well-lubricated locomotive. In these pages you will learn about true mental toughness-whether it's scraping it out in the Octagon or picking up chicks. You will learn about the mental defects that made Forrest Griffin into the abomination he is today and how you can use your shortcomings to become equally horrible. You will learn the essential tactics of hand-to-hand combat as well as how to defend yourself in the event of a sword attack. Never been attacked by a sword? You need this book worse that we thought. Still not convinced? Don't worry. Even if you find that the book sucks, it will be no worse than having sex with Forrest Griffin. You'll feel a small prick and some minor discomfort, and then it will all be over.
Why I read It
It looked interesting on the new book shelf at my library. I quickly flipped through it and the self depreciating humor was quite funny so I picked it up.
The Good
If you want an accurate picture of what MMA fighting is about AND the type of mentality required to be successful at it, then this is the book for you. It is also very funny as the author doesn’t take himself too seriously. His detailed diagram on how to fend off a dog attack is worth the read alone.
The Bad
Slightly profane and blunt as one would expect from someone who earns his living fighting.
The Ugly (my opinion)
A lot of what makes a successful fighter is also true on what would make you successful at most things in life. This book beneath all the bravado is full of useful advice and is a funny read. And at 188 pages it isn’t a big commitment if you disagree.
The Truth? (other reviews)
Total MMA
Five Knuckles
MMA Opinion
Mormon Mentions
None
Author Biography
Forrest Griffin (born July 1, 1979 in Columbus, Ohio) is an American mixed martial artist and author currently competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and has a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Griffin is currently ranked as the #5 light heavyweight fighter in the world by Sherdog, and #5 by MMAWeekly. Soon I Will Be Invincible – Book #73
-------------+----------------------------------------
Title Soon I Will Be Invincible
-------------+----------------------------------------
Author Austin Grossman
-------------+----------------------------------------
Genre Fantasy Fiction
-------------+----------------------------------------
Pages 280
-------------+----------------------------------------
Publisher Pantheon Books
-------------+----------------------------------------
Copyright 2007
-------------+----------------------------------------
Synopsis (from web-site)
Doctor Impossible—evil genius, diabolical scientist, wannabe world dominator—languishes in a federal detention facility. He's lost his freedom, his girlfriend, and his hidden island fortress. Over the years he's tried to take over the world in every way imaginable: doomsday devices of all varieties (nuclear, thermonuclear, nanotechnological) and mass mind control. He's traveled backwards in time to change history, forward in time to escape it. He's commanded robot armies, insect armies, and dinosaur armies. Fungus army. Army of fish. Of rodents. Alien invasions. All failures. But not this time. This time it’s going to be different... Fatale is a rookie superhero on her first day with the Champions, the world's most famous superteam. She's a patchwork woman of skin and chrome, a gleaming technological marvel built to be the next generation of warfare. Filling the void left by a slain former member, we watch as Fatale joins a team struggling with a damaged past, having to come together in the face of unthinkable evil. Soon I Will Be Invincible is a thrilling first novel; a fantastical adventure that gives new meaning to the notions of power, glory, responsibility, and (of course) good and evil.
Why I read It
Another book on Lisa’s list of first person stories. The synopsis sounded interesting enough to pick it up.
The Good
A look at the relationship between superheroes and their nemeses, and a challenge to what it means to be good or evil. It is a comic book story told from the human perspective.
The Bad
The plot was kind of jumpy and not threshed out enough in parts. Think of the difference between Harry Potter book one and book seven. This story was begging for a book 7 treatment but instead we are left short.
The Ugly (my opinion)
It reminds me a lot of the fabulous Dr. Horrible’s sing-a-long blog. You get the back story of the super villain in a sympathetic manner; inasmuch you feel for them. Remember, just because someone is the hero doesn’t mean they aren’t a jerk. Not great literature, but a fun story. Even though it is an adult book, it’s age appropriate for anyone 12 and up.
The Truth? (other reviews)
Comic Mix
New York Times
The AV Club
Mormon Mentions
None
Author Biography
Austin Grossman is a writer and game designer who has contributed to the New York Times and a number of video games. Grossman started his career in the game industry replying to a classified ad in the The Boston Globe in May 1992 that led him to Looking Glass Studios. Since then, Grossman has worked with the following companies: Dreamworks Interactive, Ion Storm of Austin, and Crystal Dynamics. Grossman attended Harvard University and is currently a graduate student in English literature at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the twin brother of writer Lev Grossman and brother of sculptor Bathsheba Grossman, and the son of the poet Allen Grossman and the novelist Judith Grossman.
Title Soon I Will Be Invincible
-------------+----------------------------------------
Author Austin Grossman
-------------+----------------------------------------
Genre Fantasy Fiction
-------------+----------------------------------------
Pages 280
-------------+----------------------------------------
Publisher Pantheon Books
-------------+----------------------------------------
Copyright 2007
-------------+----------------------------------------
Synopsis (from web-site)
Doctor Impossible—evil genius, diabolical scientist, wannabe world dominator—languishes in a federal detention facility. He's lost his freedom, his girlfriend, and his hidden island fortress. Over the years he's tried to take over the world in every way imaginable: doomsday devices of all varieties (nuclear, thermonuclear, nanotechnological) and mass mind control. He's traveled backwards in time to change history, forward in time to escape it. He's commanded robot armies, insect armies, and dinosaur armies. Fungus army. Army of fish. Of rodents. Alien invasions. All failures. But not this time. This time it’s going to be different... Fatale is a rookie superhero on her first day with the Champions, the world's most famous superteam. She's a patchwork woman of skin and chrome, a gleaming technological marvel built to be the next generation of warfare. Filling the void left by a slain former member, we watch as Fatale joins a team struggling with a damaged past, having to come together in the face of unthinkable evil. Soon I Will Be Invincible is a thrilling first novel; a fantastical adventure that gives new meaning to the notions of power, glory, responsibility, and (of course) good and evil.
Why I read It
Another book on Lisa’s list of first person stories. The synopsis sounded interesting enough to pick it up.
The Good
A look at the relationship between superheroes and their nemeses, and a challenge to what it means to be good or evil. It is a comic book story told from the human perspective.
The Bad
The plot was kind of jumpy and not threshed out enough in parts. Think of the difference between Harry Potter book one and book seven. This story was begging for a book 7 treatment but instead we are left short.
The Ugly (my opinion)
It reminds me a lot of the fabulous Dr. Horrible’s sing-a-long blog. You get the back story of the super villain in a sympathetic manner; inasmuch you feel for them. Remember, just because someone is the hero doesn’t mean they aren’t a jerk. Not great literature, but a fun story. Even though it is an adult book, it’s age appropriate for anyone 12 and up.
The Truth? (other reviews)
Comic Mix
New York Times
The AV Club
Mormon Mentions
None
Author Biography
Austin Grossman is a writer and game designer who has contributed to the New York Times and a number of video games. Grossman started his career in the game industry replying to a classified ad in the The Boston Globe in May 1992 that led him to Looking Glass Studios. Since then, Grossman has worked with the following companies: Dreamworks Interactive, Ion Storm of Austin, and Crystal Dynamics. Grossman attended Harvard University and is currently a graduate student in English literature at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the twin brother of writer Lev Grossman and brother of sculptor Bathsheba Grossman, and the son of the poet Allen Grossman and the novelist Judith Grossman.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Celebutards – Book #72
-------------+----------------------------------------
Title Celebutards
-------------+----------------------------------------
Author Andrea Peyser
-------------+----------------------------------------
Genre Non Fiction
-------------+----------------------------------------
Pages 230
-------------+----------------------------------------
Publisher Citadel Press
-------------+----------------------------------------
Copyright 2009
-------------+----------------------------------------
Synopsis (from web-site)
What is a CELEBUTARD? This blunt term describes lazy and egotistical stars with too much money, fame, leisure time, and media attention, but too little common sense or knowledge, who love to spout off on topics about which they have zero expertise.
Why I read It
Making fun of egotistical Hollywood celebrities who believe their opinions on world politics are like the gifts from the Gods to us peons down below. What’s not to love?
The Good
In a short few pages the author decimates the credibility of the major players of the politically active Hollywood set. I love this quote by Mimi Rogers talking about her ex-husband Tom Cruise. "He was seriously thinking of becoming a monk," Rogers told Playboy. "He thought he had to be celibate to maintain the purity of his instrument, but my instrument needed tuning, and we had to split.'
The Bad
Given the format the presentation is completely one sided and biased. If you lean conservative you will like this book; liberals, not so much.
The Ugly (my opinion)
Beyond all the gossipy fun of bringing down the house on sand a lot of the Celebutards live in, the larger point rings true. Why in the hell does anyone care what some actor thinks about politics? Does being good looking and rich give you some special insights to life? If anyone else came to us and started sharing random political thoughts I think we would be a little more judicious. But it seems a lot of people say to themselves “Hey, (insert celebrity here) is really funny so what they have to say must be true.” Anyways a fun and quick read. I just wish she had gone after the other side as well.
Mormon Mentions
None
Author Biography
"Growing up in Queens in the 1970s was a little like death, except less interesting," Andrea Peyser wrote in a 2004 column lamenting the untimely demise of Johnny Ramone, one of Andrea's local heroes while growing up. She was born in Manhattan and lived briefly in the Bronx, before Andrea's parents, immigrants from Europe by way of Israel, settled in Bayside, Queens. There, Andrea learned to ride a bike and take the subway back into Manhattan. In between, she managed to graduate from Bayside High School, and then from the state University of New York.
Andrea started her career in upstate New York with the Associated Press in Albany, then the AP bureau in Charleston, W.Va. She has worked for CNN in Atlanta, and the Tampa Tribune in Florida, before finally returning home to the New York Post, where she started as a reporter. She was named columnist in 1993.
No “Just Friends” – Book #71
-------------+----------------------------------------
Title Not “Just Friends”; Protect Your
Relationship from Infidelity and Heal
the Trauma of Betrayal
-------------+----------------------------------------
Author Shirley P. Glass Ph.D.
-------------+----------------------------------------
Genre Nonfiction
-------------+----------------------------------------
Pages 382
-------------+----------------------------------------
Publisher The Free Press
-------------+----------------------------------------
Copyright 2003
-------------+----------------------------------------
Synopsis (from web-site)
NOT "Just Friends" is the long-awaited, groundbreaking new book by Shirley P. Glass, Ph.D., whom the New York Times has called the "godmother of infidelity research." Full of astonishing revelations, NOT "Just Friends" draws on more than two decades of original studies and hundreds of clinical cases to document the new crises of infidelity. NOT "Just Friends": Protect Your Relationship from Infidelity and Heal the Trauma of Betrayal (The Free Press; January 13th, 2003; $25.00) reveals that, in this crisis, today's workplace is the foremost breeding ground for extramarital affairs. Good people in good marriages-men and women who say they're happily married-are unwittingly crossing the line between platonic friendship and romantic love. We are right to be wary when we hear our partners assert, "I'm telling you, we're just friends."
Why I read It
On a blog I was reading someone highlighted some passages of the book and it sounded interesting. Now remember I originally went to school to become a therapist and thus my interesting probably varies quite a bit from yours. So I emailed the writer and he sent me the reference. Luckily my local library system had a copy.
The Good
A very experienced marriage therapist, whose specialty is infidelity, shares what she has learned over the years with numerous case studies and examples.
The Bad
Can be a little dry if you are not interested in the topic and/or not in a relationship of any sort.
The Ugly (my opinion)
This book was brilliant. Full of fun facts and numerous examples, you cannot help but find ways to not only protect your marriage, but improve it. Straight off the bat she dismisses the common myth that a loving partner and a good marriage will prevent affairs. I think a lot of people rely on that to protect them. Just as she also states that there are no low maintenance relationships. I like what one man said about personal (affair) deterrents. “On a good day, when things are going well, I am committed to my wife. On a day when things are just okay, I am committed to my marriage. And on a day when things aren’t so great, I satisfy myself by being committed to my commitment. This book is suited for anyone who wants to improve their marriage. And if you do not think your marriage needs improvement, or is invincible towards an affair; then you are at the most risk for an affair within your
relationship.
The Truth? (other reviews)
Powell's Books
Publisher's Weekly
Interesting Trivia
Dr. Glass is the mother of Ira Glass of NPR’s This American Life. The book opens with a quote from her son, “You know you’re in trouble when the word ‘just’ appears before the word ‘friends’.”
Mormon Mentions
None
Author Biography
Although Not “Just Friends” is the first book by Dr. Shirley Glass, she is considered one of the world's leading experts on infidelity. The New York Times has referred to her as "the godmother of infidelity research." She has written clinical chapters about treating infidelity and empirical research articles in professional journals about sex differences in marital and extramarital relationships. She has also presented countless seminars on preventing and treating the trauma of infidelity at national conferences for therapists, counselors, and marriage educators. NOT "Just Friends" draws on more than two decades of original research and hundreds of clinical cases to chronicle the human story of what occurs, before, during, and after the trauma of betrayal. Dr. Glass is also preparing an academic book, The Trauma of Infidelity: Research and Treatment.
A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers – Book #70
-------------+----------------------------------------Title A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary
for Lovers
-------------+----------------------------------------
Author Xiaolu Guo
-------------+----------------------------------------
Genre Adult Fiction
-------------+----------------------------------------
Pages 283
-------------+----------------------------------------
Publisher Doubleday
-------------+----------------------------------------
Copyright 2007
-------------+----------------------------------------
Synopsis (from web-site)
The novel tells the story of a Chinese woman who is sent by her parents to study in London. She soon renames herself "Z" because she finds that no one can pronounce her name, and then meets an English man without a name. Through the encounter, they both get to discover their own identity as well as the impossibility of two lovers to communicate.
The novel is deliberately written in the heroine's broken English, to begin with, in a post modern, near experimental dictionary form. With each chapter this broken English gradually improves, reflecting the improvement of the heroines's own English over the year in which the novel is set.
Why I read It
It was on a list of first person novels Lisa had (as research for her own book). The title sounded interesting enough, plus it met my ongoing criteria of being written by a female AND a foreign author – two for one.
The Good
It was interesting to see how she used the English language. It seems there is a lot of logic to the misspoken English used by an Asian novice. Also the imperative on the practical, or the direct, was enlightening. When “accused” of being funny she replies: “No. We Chinese don’t understand humour. We look funny just because the cultural difference, and we just being too honest.”
The Bad
I didn’t get the whole self discovery angle and thus the plot was a little lost for me.
The Ugly (my opinion)
Enjoyable and easy to read, but ultimately it was totally forgettable. I won’t remember anything about this book in about a month.
The Truth? (other reviews),
Powell's Books
The Guardian
The Independent
Mormon Mentions
None
Author Biography
Xiaolu Guo (Simplified Chinese 郭小櫓 guô xiǎo lǔ, born 1973[1]) is a Chinese novelist and filmmaker, who uses film and literary language to explore themes of alienation, memory, personal journeys, daily tragedies and develops her own vision of China's past and its future in a global environment.
Monday, August 10, 2009
TTYL – Book #69
Title ttyl
-------------+----------------------------------------
Author Lauren Myracle
-------------+----------------------------------------
Genre Young Adult Fiction
-------------+----------------------------------------
Pages 209
-------------+----------------------------------------
Publisher Amulet
-------------+----------------------------------------
Copyright 2004
-------------+----------------------------------------
Synopsis (from web-site)
ttyl (talk to you later) is about three friends, high school sophomores who face teenage drama: Madigan Kinnick (madmaddie), Zoe Barrett (zoegirl), and Angela Silver (SnowAngel). Zoe has to deal with a flirty teacher (known as Mr.H) at school who uses Christianity as an excuse to get close. Madigan/Maddie has to deal with a manipulative and wicked classmate (known as Jana) who is popular, or thinks she is. Angela has to deal with a boyfriend who she thinks is being unfaithful.
Why I read It
This book, and its two sequels, are on the most banned/protested list. I picked this one next because my library system has all three and the titles intrigued me.
The Good
This book really opened my eyes to the friendships between teenage girls. It is totally different to anything I experienced as a young man. This look into their lives was well worth the read, especially since I am only a few years away from having a teenage girl in my house.
The Bad
This is widely known as the first book written entirely in instant messages. That includes all the slang and abbreviations. Now if you are an active IM’er then it won’t be an issue, but if you are an old guy like me who has never used IM’ing, it is like learning a foreign language. Given the limits of this format, the whole plot is moved forward through the three girls’ written conversations.
The Ugly (my opinion)
I really liked this book and will definitely read the other two in the series. I also could now write an instant message and not be a total old dude. This would be appropriate for anybody 14 and up.
The Truth? (other reviews)
Fireside Book Chat
Knoxville News Sentinel
Side-note, here is a BYU English Department lesson plan about the book.
Why It’s Banned
Teen drinking, profanity, (discussed) nudity, and sexual situations (but no sex). I would imagine most people would protest this book because of the unconsummated plot of the “Christian” English teacher who slowly seduces the 15yo Zoe by means of his church’s youth group. Anotherwords, the religious person is the pedophile which is bound to upset a lot of the “let’s ban books” type.
Mormon Mentions
Actually there was one brief mention on page 38. Zoe is fretting over doing anything special with her hair and the more outgoing Angela says “even Mormon girls use wax, like Carmen on American Idol 2, remember?” So a fairly innocuous reference to Mormons being extra straight laced, which in the grand scheme of things is not the worst stereotype to be saddled with.’
Author Biography
Lauren Myracle is the author of many young adult novels. She was born in May 15, 1969 in Brevard, North Carolina, and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia.[1][2] Myracle earned a BA in English and Psychology from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and after that, she worked for some time as a middle-school teacher.[3] Myracle later earned an MA in English from Colorado State University and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College.[1] She has written many novels, including the best-selling "IM" books, ttyl, ttfn, and l8r, g8r.
-------------+----------------------------------------
Author Lauren Myracle
-------------+----------------------------------------
Genre Young Adult Fiction
-------------+----------------------------------------
Pages 209
-------------+----------------------------------------
Publisher Amulet
-------------+----------------------------------------
Copyright 2004
-------------+----------------------------------------
Synopsis (from web-site)
ttyl (talk to you later) is about three friends, high school sophomores who face teenage drama: Madigan Kinnick (madmaddie), Zoe Barrett (zoegirl), and Angela Silver (SnowAngel). Zoe has to deal with a flirty teacher (known as Mr.H) at school who uses Christianity as an excuse to get close. Madigan/Maddie has to deal with a manipulative and wicked classmate (known as Jana) who is popular, or thinks she is. Angela has to deal with a boyfriend who she thinks is being unfaithful.
Why I read It
This book, and its two sequels, are on the most banned/protested list. I picked this one next because my library system has all three and the titles intrigued me.
The Good
This book really opened my eyes to the friendships between teenage girls. It is totally different to anything I experienced as a young man. This look into their lives was well worth the read, especially since I am only a few years away from having a teenage girl in my house.
The Bad
This is widely known as the first book written entirely in instant messages. That includes all the slang and abbreviations. Now if you are an active IM’er then it won’t be an issue, but if you are an old guy like me who has never used IM’ing, it is like learning a foreign language. Given the limits of this format, the whole plot is moved forward through the three girls’ written conversations.
The Ugly (my opinion)
I really liked this book and will definitely read the other two in the series. I also could now write an instant message and not be a total old dude. This would be appropriate for anybody 14 and up.
The Truth? (other reviews)
Fireside Book Chat
Knoxville News Sentinel
Side-note, here is a BYU English Department lesson plan about the book.
Why It’s Banned
Teen drinking, profanity, (discussed) nudity, and sexual situations (but no sex). I would imagine most people would protest this book because of the unconsummated plot of the “Christian” English teacher who slowly seduces the 15yo Zoe by means of his church’s youth group. Anotherwords, the religious person is the pedophile which is bound to upset a lot of the “let’s ban books” type.
Mormon Mentions
Actually there was one brief mention on page 38. Zoe is fretting over doing anything special with her hair and the more outgoing Angela says “even Mormon girls use wax, like Carmen on American Idol 2, remember?” So a fairly innocuous reference to Mormons being extra straight laced, which in the grand scheme of things is not the worst stereotype to be saddled with.’
Author Biography
Lauren Myracle is the author of many young adult novels. She was born in May 15, 1969 in Brevard, North Carolina, and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia.[1][2] Myracle earned a BA in English and Psychology from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and after that, she worked for some time as a middle-school teacher.[3] Myracle later earned an MA in English from Colorado State University and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College.[1] She has written many novels, including the best-selling "IM" books, ttyl, ttfn, and l8r, g8r.
AMATEUR BARBARIANS – Book #68
Title Amateur Barbarians
---------------+--------------------------------------
Author Robert Cohen
---------------+--------------------------------------
Genre Adult Fiction
---------------+--------------------------------------
Pages 401
---------------+--------------------------------------
Publisher Scribner
---------------+--------------------------------------
Copyright 2009
Synopsis (from web-site)
Teddy Hastings, a middle-aged, middle-school principal in the rural New England town of Carthage, is thrown into a crisis by the death of his younger brother, Philip, and his own cancer scare. Desperately seeking purpose beyond his daily routine, he takes a photography class at a nearby college, only unexpectedly to run afoul of the law and find himself on an enforced sabbatical. Meanwhile, Oren Pierce, the young, acting vice principal at Teddy's middle school, has the opposite problem. A perpetual student who has always flitted around the edge of things, he longs for the settled life of Carthage. Teddy's and Oren's lives overlap as Teddy heads to Africa to rescue his wayward daughter and make a spiritual pilgrimage to the Great Rift Valley, while Oren strikes up a friendship and more with Teddy's wife, Gail. What each finds, ultimately, is a path through his existential dilemma.
Why I read It
Doing my usual scan of the new book shelf the word Barbarian jumped out at me, enough that I pulled it down. From there I was intrigued by the cover image of a lion on a couch so I opened the cover. The first words on the inside flap where from a review by the San Francisco Chronicle and said “A dazzling comic novel…” Good enough for me so I checked it out.
The Good
Parts of these two intersecting stories were fascinating. When Teddy seeks out his wandering daughter in Africa I was enthralled. And just sometimes the writing was almost poetic in its perfection. When Oren describes Don as “a know-it-all, a burnt-out case, a glutton who, having feasted too long on the same limited menu, fancied himself a connoisseur” you can picture that guy exactly. I also found a great Ralph Waldo Emerson quote I had never seen before; “Every ship is a romantic object, except the one we sail on.” That was almost worth the read by itself.
The Bad
The plot was rambling, or maybe just not clear. I never really got the sense of what the author was trying to say. I also didn’t get the sense of any conclusion. Two men on either side of 40 held together by the same job and woman; where are we going with that?
The Ugly (my opinion)
Parts of the book were brilliant. In fact if the story of Teddy and his daughter Danny in Africa had been the whole story instead of just 50 pages I would have loved it. Overall it was just okay and the San Francisco Chronicle and I clearly differ over the definition of a “comic” novel. That said I will try another of Cohen’s books based on the strength of the bits I liked. Most reviewers disagree with me about this book
The Truth? (other reviews)
Publishers Weekly
Pittsburgh Tribune
NewYork Times
Mormon Mentions
None.
Author Biography
Robert Cohen is the author of three novels, The Organ Builder, The Here and Now, and Inspired Sleep. His work has been awarded a Whiting Writers' Award, a Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Writers Award, The Ribalow Prize, and a Pushcart Prize, and has appeared in a wide variety of publications, including Harpers, GQ, The Paris Review, The Atlantic Monthly Unbound, and Ploughshares. He teaches at Middlebury College in Vermont.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
This is what we in the business call parenting 2
So we picked up a X-box 360 on the cheap earlier this week and the boys have been glued to it. So at lunch I come home and find Gunnar playing some Star Wars game with Qatar watching. The following conversation took place:
Qatar: What planet are you on?
Gunnar: Felucia.
Qatar: You know what is easy on Felucia?
Me: THE WOMEN!
Wait, it only gets better.
Qatar is oblivious to my joke while Gunnar finds it mildly amusing. Back to the conversation:
Qatar: No, the Rancors.
Me: That is sick that you know Rancors are easy.
Qatar: No, I beat them.
Me: Really? How many Rancors did you beat off?
Qatar (very proudly): 16!
By now Gunnar and I have lost it & Qatar catches a clue.
Qatar: You guys are sick.
Me: We are? Even on a video game beating off 16 Rancors is just wrong.
Qatar: What planet are you on?
Gunnar: Felucia.
Qatar: You know what is easy on Felucia?
Me: THE WOMEN!
Wait, it only gets better.
Qatar is oblivious to my joke while Gunnar finds it mildly amusing. Back to the conversation:
Qatar: No, the Rancors.
Me: That is sick that you know Rancors are easy.
Qatar: No, I beat them.
Me: Really? How many Rancors did you beat off?
Qatar (very proudly): 16!
By now Gunnar and I have lost it & Qatar catches a clue.
Qatar: You guys are sick.
Me: We are? Even on a video game beating off 16 Rancors is just wrong.
In Odd We Trust
Title In Odd We Trust
Author/Illustrator Queenie Chan
Author Dean Koontz
Genre Graphic Novel
Pages 204
Publisher Del Rey
Copyright 2008
Synopsis (from web-site)
Odd Thomas is a regular nineteen-year-old with an unusual gift: the ability to see the lingering spirits of the dead. To Odd, it's not such a big deal. And most folks in sleepy Pico Mundo, California, are much more interested in the irresistible pancakes Odd whips up at the local diner. Still, communing with the dead can be useful. Because while some spirits only want a little company, others want justice. When the sad specter of a very frightened boy finds its way to him, Odd vows to root out the evil suddenly infecting the sunny streets of Pico Mundo. But even with his exceptional ability, is Odd any match for a faceless stalker who's always a step ahead, and determined to kill again?
Why I read It
I keep hearing a lot about how graphic novels are a growing media for new novels for the young people. Of course they are developing movies from them, which has my interest. Rather than dismissing it as an extra long comic book I decided to try a few, though I can’t bring myself to count it as a “book read.” Anyways I picked this one up because I have read several of Koontz’s books. I also picked up a more traditional Japanese one to read later as well.
The Good
Very easy to read, and it is always fun to see the characters literally drawn out. Finished in about 20 minutes.
The Bad
Weak plot and given the limits of the genre the dialogue was lacking. The action moved way to fast and wasn’t developed.
The Ugly (my opinion)
It is a long comic book, and while that is not a bad thing, it isn’t a novel. I am going to give the style the benefit of the doubt and read about a dozen of them, but I am not sure I will become a big fan. If anyone has any suggestions for a good one to read, please let me know.
The Truth (reviews by not me)
Comic Mix
Deb's Magna Blog
Comics Worth Reading
Mormon Mentions
None
Author Biographies
When he was a senior in college, Dean Koontz won an Atlantic Monthly fiction competition and has been writing ever since. His books are published in 38 languages. He has sold 400,000,000 copies, a figure that currently increases by more than 17 million copies per year.
Queenie Chan was born in 1980 in Hong Kong, and migrated to Australia when she was six years old. She began drawing at the age of 18, and graduated in 2002 with a degree in Information Systems. In 2004, she began drawing a mystery-horror series called “The Dreaming” for LA-based manga publisher TOKYOPOP. To date, all three volumes have been published, with the last volume published in 2007. It has since then been translated into six languages.
Author/Illustrator Queenie Chan
Author Dean Koontz
Genre Graphic Novel
Pages 204
Publisher Del Rey
Copyright 2008
Synopsis (from web-site)
Odd Thomas is a regular nineteen-year-old with an unusual gift: the ability to see the lingering spirits of the dead. To Odd, it's not such a big deal. And most folks in sleepy Pico Mundo, California, are much more interested in the irresistible pancakes Odd whips up at the local diner. Still, communing with the dead can be useful. Because while some spirits only want a little company, others want justice. When the sad specter of a very frightened boy finds its way to him, Odd vows to root out the evil suddenly infecting the sunny streets of Pico Mundo. But even with his exceptional ability, is Odd any match for a faceless stalker who's always a step ahead, and determined to kill again?
Why I read It
I keep hearing a lot about how graphic novels are a growing media for new novels for the young people. Of course they are developing movies from them, which has my interest. Rather than dismissing it as an extra long comic book I decided to try a few, though I can’t bring myself to count it as a “book read.” Anyways I picked this one up because I have read several of Koontz’s books. I also picked up a more traditional Japanese one to read later as well.
The Good
Very easy to read, and it is always fun to see the characters literally drawn out. Finished in about 20 minutes.
The Bad
Weak plot and given the limits of the genre the dialogue was lacking. The action moved way to fast and wasn’t developed.
The Ugly (my opinion)
It is a long comic book, and while that is not a bad thing, it isn’t a novel. I am going to give the style the benefit of the doubt and read about a dozen of them, but I am not sure I will become a big fan. If anyone has any suggestions for a good one to read, please let me know.
The Truth (reviews by not me)
Comic Mix
Deb's Magna Blog
Comics Worth Reading
Mormon Mentions
None
Author Biographies
When he was a senior in college, Dean Koontz won an Atlantic Monthly fiction competition and has been writing ever since. His books are published in 38 languages. He has sold 400,000,000 copies, a figure that currently increases by more than 17 million copies per year.
Queenie Chan was born in 1980 in Hong Kong, and migrated to Australia when she was six years old. She began drawing at the age of 18, and graduated in 2002 with a degree in Information Systems. In 2004, she began drawing a mystery-horror series called “The Dreaming” for LA-based manga publisher TOKYOPOP. To date, all three volumes have been published, with the last volume published in 2007. It has since then been translated into six languages.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
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