Books Read 2011

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Jeff V
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Re: Books Read 2011

Post by Jeff V »

Smart Policies for Workplace Technology: Email, Blogs, Cell Phones & More by Lisa Guerin :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky:

If your job involves developing basic, easy-to-understand, corporate policies on corporate technology use, this book is for you. Complete with a CD full of sample policies, it practically does your job for you. As a bonus, though, it's actually entertaining to read!

The book includes interesting case studies involving legal challenges, some won by the company thanks to solid policy, some lost by the company by not uniformly enforcing said policy. It also provides some insight on how to beat restrictions if you are so inclined -- the author consults with technical experts to find out how clever employees circumvent corporate controls. I'd have given the book more praise if it had included some of my favorite tricks; but those offered weren't half bad.

Guerin does a good job combining issues involving different technologies into a comprehensive whole. What is permissible in a blog, for instance, should also cover what is permissible in an instant message. This is appreciated by anyone who actually wants to make sense of such policies -- the thick packet I was given at my current job containing the technology has so far gone unread -- I fast-forwarded to the sign-off page at the end, and decided it was easier to just limit my use of technology in a manner that can't possibly be objectionable. This limits creativity and keeps employees from maximizing use of tools at their disposal, but it's far better easier than assimilating all of the conditions that can result in termination.

As an IT manager, I've had to write policies that were afterward vetted by HR for inclusion in the corporate policy guide. I have read enough of them to know what needs to be there, and why. However, I'm also too close to the subject matter, and left completely to my own devices, I'd surely miss something. This book will help avoid omission. If you happen to be curious as to why companies implement policies as they do, this book should convince you it's for the best. And did I mention it's fun to read? I wish I could say the same about our actual policies.

The Wheel of Darkness by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky:

Book 8 of the series featuring the pompous, James Bond-alike Aloysius Pendergast. But who's counting? This is the second I've listened to on audiobook, and aside from a few references to past events, the books stand alone on their own merit. Superbly read by the actor Rene Auberjonois; this tale starts with a missing artifact of great evil held by 1000 years in a Tibetan monastery. The supernatural tale that ensues takes to the maiden voyage of an ocean liner that could well end up the second coming of Titanic.

The pacing is good and engaging in a brain candy sort of way. The idea of anyone launching a modern, £1,000,000,000 luxury liner is probably grossly overestimating demand for such a mode of travel. The supernatural element adds a twist to an otherwise predictable novel. Some of the diversionary color was almost as compelling as the main plot line, and that alone is enough to entice me to pick up another of the series next time I come across one at a good price.

A Dance with Dragons by George RR Martin :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky:

We've been waiting six long years for the next verse of A Song of Ice and Fire. Was it worth it?

Well, fans of the series will undoubtedly gobble it up (most already have). In the previous book, A Feast for Crows, Martin decided to split character lines between two books. Therefore, A Dance with Dragons is meant to exist in parallel with the 4th book, not in sequence with it. This might work better for those reading the series straight through; but for those of us who waited six years, it seemed rather disjointed. For starters, I often had to brush aside the cobwebs of my long-term memory to recall events alluded to that were running in concert with the events in this book; or plot lines left hanging from the third book. As such, I think I enjoyed it a little less than I might have otherwise. I also suspect some day, someone will re-integrate the story lines. By then, the stress of a 2000-page book will be mitigated by the common usage of digital media. If Martin takes another 6 years to produce the next book, that could be a even dozen since last hearing from the Feast of Crows crew (granted, that might be too soon to hear again from the likes of Sansa Stark).

On to the story. The primary story lines follow Jon Snow, Cersei Lannister, Daenerys Targaryean, Theon Greyjoy, Tyrion Lannister, and Arya Stark. Many secondary characters share the spotlight, and there is a fair measure of new blood as well. The two most significant events occurring at this time are Stannis Baratheon's attempt to consolidate power in the north, and Daenerys attempt to consolidate her power through marriage to a terrorist leader. There is some foreshadowing of future events with the humiliation of Cercei, and the invasion in the south of a pro-Targaryan force with a surprise figure. Dany's dragons have grown and become a danger to society, adding to her difficulty in reaching peace accords with various warlords who simply want them (and possibly her) dead.

There is also the now-traditional culling of the dramatis personae -- although I won't mention here who or how. It might have been necessary to reign in some of the far-flung story lines to a more manageable set for the next book.

If you've never read the A Song of Ice and Fire series, now is as good a time as any to get started. Read the books, then watch the excellent HBO TV series. On its own merit, A Dance with Dragons falls short of perfection. It advances the story lines of half the story, and there are few conclusions. What is written is very good...but the frustration of another possibly-long wait is palpable. It took longer for me to get through the nearly 1000 pages of this book than it did any of the others; and I'm sure the long separation had much to do with it.
Last edited by Jeff V on Wed Sep 28, 2011 9:56 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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silverjon
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Bad Demographic wrote:I read somewhere that the author had planned a 10 book series. ( I'm not sure where he would go after this one. "The further misadventures of Lisbet Salander and Kalle Blömkvist"?.)
The obvious answer is that we'd finally have learned something about Lisbeth's sister, who is entirely enigmatic throughout the books he did write, though I agree that the third book wraps enough major plotlines to feel like it ended in a satisfactory place. I also think that there was enough relationshippy stuff to explore to sustain some continuing story elements through a couple more unrelated political intrigues. He might have steered things more into a standard mystery-w/continuing-characters format.
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Re: Books Read 2011

Post by theohall »

silverjon wrote:
Bad Demographic wrote:I read somewhere that the author had planned a 10 book series. ( I'm not sure where he would go after this one. "The further misadventures of Lisbet Salander and Kalle Blömkvist"?.)
The obvious answer is that we'd finally have learned something about Lisbeth's sister, who is entirely enigmatic throughout the books he did write, though I agree that the third book wraps enough major plotlines to feel like it ended in a satisfactory place. I also think that there was enough relationshippy stuff to explore to sustain some continuing story elements through a couple more unrelated political intrigues. He might have steered things more into a standard mystery-w/continuing-characters format.
While everything seems tied up in the Salander/Blömkvist angle, there is plenty of stuff we still don't know about Blömkvist. A story could go back and re-visit the events leading to the trial which ended at the beginning of the 1st novel. The magazine Blömkvist produces is a natural vehicle for generating stories and he could always use Salander to help find source material. Nothing says other novels have to center around the Blömkvist/Salander relationship. It's sad, because I would have liked to read more.
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Re: Books Read 2011

Post by silverjon »

I'd actually have been more interested to see further personal exchanges between Blömkvist and Berger, as I didn't consider that affair to be concluded by a long shot. I was hugely appreciative of the inclusion of what was effectively a healthy, respectful poly relationship in a mainstream book, right down to the difficulties that can cause for the people involved in it, and the pressure to conform to the monogamous social ideal.

I know pretty much everyone ends up enamored of Salander, but I have a lot more admiration for Erika Berger.
wot?

To be fair, adolescent power fantasy tripe is way easier to write than absurd existential horror, and every community has got to start somewhere... right?

Unless one loses a precious thing, he will never know its true value. A little light finally scratches the darkness; it lets the exhausted one face his shattered dream and realize his path cannot be walked. Can man live happily without embracing his wounded heart?
Jeff V
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Re: Books Read 2011

Post by Jeff V »

The Autobiography of Mark Twain Vol. 1 :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky:

Perhaps I need to take a break from autobiographies -- only one of the last three I read was truly good.

Mark Twain wrote the basis for this volume in his late years, with orders given that it was not to be published until a century after his death. This was done to avoid harming those living or their immediate heirs. I think having him "speak from the grave" all these years later was somewhat appealing to him as well.

This volume was put together by a group of people compiling not only Twain's final autobiographical manuscript, but content from several other starts, as well as content from other Twain contemporaries. It is not by any means a "cradle to the grave" narrative, and most of it isn't even about Twain himself! It begins with summary of General Grant's final years and financial problems, and often strays to tell the stories of others -- some whose names still resonate in history (including some presidents, such as Cleveland), and some that were completely inconsequential, resembling the reminiscing of a doddering old man.

There are moment of revelation and interest. When he was young and penniless, Twain took a riverboat from Cincinnati to New Orleans with the intent of booking passage to the Amazon and becoming a coke dealer. However, he neglected to check and see if there was any shipping from that port which traveled that way (there was not!) so he undertook training to be a riverboat captain instead. There are numerous passages quoted from Twain's daughter's biography of him -- a work in progress when she died at age 24. The deaths of children, his own and others, seemed to have the most emotional impact upon him. That and editors. He hated them with a passion -- recounted in amusing detail a dressing-down he gave to one who dared to presume to know better, and then afterward congratulated himself on his restraint because the "toad-brained fool" simply didn't know any better.

Not all of his anecdotes are amusing or even significant, however. The group that published this book has a lot of original source material available on their website, and it seems this volume could have withstood a fair amount more editing, with the outtakes consigned to the web for those who can't get enough. I suppose I'd probably enjoy a biography culled from this source material. Jumping the time line was too much of a distraction. In the final passages. he spoke of Helen Keller (with an epitaph that she would be remembered as one of the great names in History); the Russian Revolution (he thought Teddy Roosevelt set it back centuries or killed it permanently and lamented this in a conversation with Tchaikovsky); and he lambasted US policy and the atrocities committed in the Philippines. But then he spoke of his early years when as a teenager he worked in a small printing house where they were rarely paid in cash, just barter. I'm not sure what Volume 2 will contain, but I would guess more about his childhood, and perhaps more surrounding the creation of some of his greatest works.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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The Shadows of Grace (The Half-Orcs, Book 4)

A Sliver of Redemption (The Half-Orcs, Book 5)

Still pulpy, still violent, still decent. Picture the series as an homage to the fantasy stuff we read in HS, but with more adult themes. You've got a war god running rampant, attempting to bring about the end of the world and kill the other gods in the rather limited pantheon, more liches, political maneuvering, etc. I felt the final battle could have been written better, but I don't regret the journey.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Finished reading Catch Me If You Can today. I enjoyed it and look forward to rewatching the movie soon.
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Re: Books Read 2011

Post by Jeff V »

The 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman by Timothy Ferriss :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky:

Tim Ferriss is one of the most fascinating authors to come by in quite some time. This is the second self-improvement book of his I've read (the other, The Four-Hour Work Week, was the best book I read all of last year). Not only does he speak from personal experience, but also from experimentation and validation from others. He is wide open showing his methods, the science that backs them up, and, of course, the incredible results achieved.

The Four Hour Body is about losing weight, getting in shape, gaining weight, having better sex, body building, and gaining superhuman endurance. While Ferriss has done it all, most people are not going to have need for all segments of the book, and Ferriss suggests that one takes what they need from it and not attempt to read the whole thing. For purposes of this review, I have read the whole thing, but I will be more selective when it comes to trying to implement some of the strategies outlined in the book.

And strategy is the right word for what this book is about. Ferriss maintains that most people aren't aiming for elite, or professional status when it comes to athletic performance or body sculpting. What he focuses on are the smallest changes that can be done that result in the greatest gains -- in other words, 4 hours per week can achieve 80% of the results that an elite pro will spend 6-8 hours per day working on. Ferriss additionally seeks the advice of renown trainers of some of the world's finest athletes, and comes back with take-aways that are practical for anyone to try.

So will his theories work in practice? There are plenty of affidavits available online that suggest yes, and some are included in the book. His dietary advice is quite strict -- 6 days per week -- the 7th day is an off-day where you're allowed to eat whatever you like and as much as you like. It doesn't count calories, but it does restrict many kinds of foods, and it specifies particular foods at certain times of the day. I need to develop a menu around this before I can really dive into it. It would be unusual for me to have a low-carb breakfast, for example.

Probably the only thing I don't like is Ferriss' reliance on dietary supplements and other potentially harmful pharmaceuticals. Between this and the number of blood tests and other health screenings he has done on a regular basis, parts of this book are just simply out of the question as far as I'm concerned. It was still interesting to read about them, mind you, but I won't be partaking in such things.

Among the appendices is a chapter where Ferriss discusses the often-dubious research findings sponsored by corporations or industries with a vested interest in beneficial results. He tells us how to interpret meaningless buzz words and unsubstantiated data that may not be at all significant.

Just like in his book The Four Hour Work Week, Ferriss supplies information on all of the tools, reference information, and products used on his website, and the book contains references to them all. Also there, one can find additional stories from some of the trainers, coaches, and specialists consulted during the making of the book. Ferriss does a great job not only discussing what is possible, but holding your hand through the process so that you can easily practice what he preaches.

Of most interest to me is his weight-loss regimen, and his methods for developing into an endurance (ultra-marathon) runner without having to put in long hours of painful runs leading up to the big event. I'll try to remember to update this review if I can stick with it and have some results to share.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Ferriss' business sells supplements over the web, so he's got a vested interest in promoting them. Doesn't invalidate the rest of what he wrote, but it's good to know.
wot?

To be fair, adolescent power fantasy tripe is way easier to write than absurd existential horror, and every community has got to start somewhere... right?

Unless one loses a precious thing, he will never know its true value. A little light finally scratches the darkness; it lets the exhausted one face his shattered dream and realize his path cannot be walked. Can man live happily without embracing his wounded heart?
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Re: Books Read 2011

Post by Jeff V »

silverjon wrote:Ferriss' business sells supplements over the web, so he's got a vested interest in promoting them. Doesn't invalidate the rest of what he wrote, but it's good to know.
His former business did; he sold that business prior to writing The Four Hour Work Week. The links in the book do not go to companies owned by him as far as I know (and considering how much he wrote about conflict of interest in published studies, he is quite clear when he has even a person, if not financial interest, in a particular product).
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Re: Books Read 2011

Post by Jeff V »

Attila: The Judgment by William Napier :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky:

Napier finishes his fictionalized telling of the life and times of Attila the Hun in an action-packed book of epic battles and devastation on both epic and personal scales. Attila, bent on destroying all of the Roman Empire, first focuses on the east, but is stopped at the great fortress city of Constantinople by his former playmate Aetius. Heading west, Aetius accumulates remaining Roman troops at Ravenna. Outnumbered by a factor of 10 at least, he knows this will be an exercise in futility. Attila, however, swung north, attacking settlements on the Rhine and when Theordoric, King of the Visigoths, looses his beloved daughter at the hands of Attila's Vandal allies, he agrees to throw the might of the Visigoth nation along side the remaining legions for a desperate attempt to stop Attila. The result was both the Huns and Rome were effectively destroyed at the battle of Cataulunian Fields. Attila would die at the hands of a new young wife, Aetius at the command of his emperor, and the Empire would fall after a few more ineffective rulers, unable to withstand an assault by the Ostrogoth Odoacer, who proceeded to dissolve the empire and declare himself King of Italy.

A large portion of this book concerned itself with the Siege of Constantinople, and the use of "Greek fire" to burn the Vandal fleet. Napier sketched this as a trilogy from the start, and in spite of this being the longest of the three books, the end was rather rushed. We don't hear of Attila's reason for not moving against Rome after Constantinople -- the Visigoths never would have been a factor. Napier leaves it to rumor that he the Gothic leader Alaric's legacy -- he died 6 days after sacking Rome, dissuaded him from a direct result. The epic concluding battle was also covered less in depth than others, in spite of it's legacy as a turning point in history.

Napier's research behind the book was sound, he really just needs to work on the pacing and consistency of his story telling to become a first-rate historical novelist. I do look forward to reading more of his stuff.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Just finished:

The Affinity Bridge by George Mann - Very enjoyable read. Victorian Science Fiction mystery. Fun characters, a bit cliche, but a page turner. Noteable because it was the first book I read on my Nook.
The Osiris Ritual by George Mann - Sequel to The Affinity Bridge. Even more fun.
Agatha H and the Airship City by Phil and Kaja Foglio - Novelization of the first 3 Girl Genius graphic novels. Added some more detail that was missing from the webcomic/graphic novels. Highly recommended, even if you haven't read Girl Genius. And if you haven't, why not?
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Re: Books Read 2011

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In the middle of reading A Storm of Swords by GRRM. Not finished yet, but felt the need to grumble...
Spoiler:
Mother#@%$ GRRM. As I was reading the entire Catelyn chapter about Edmure's wedding to Roslin Frey (the feast/party, etc.) I knew something bad was going to happen. I still am royally (pun intended) pissed about Robb and Catelyn both dying. I was warned, several times in many threads on this very site, and yet I'm still apt to go find GRRM and beat the last book out of him. I seriously consider stopping. Where's my happy ending, dammit?
Sorry for the rant.
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Re: Books Read 2011

Post by Odin »

WarPig wrote:In the middle of reading A Storm of Swords by GRRM. Not finished yet, but felt the need to grumble...
Spoiler:
Mother#@%$ GRRM. As I was reading the entire Catelyn chapter about Edmure's wedding to Roslin Frey (the feast/party, etc.) I knew something bad was going to happen. I still am royally (pun intended) pissed about Robb and Catelyn both dying. I was warned, several times in many threads on this very site, and yet I'm still apt to go find GRRM and beat the last book out of him. I seriously consider stopping. Where's my happy ending, dammit?
Spoiler:
Every time someone complains about the delays with A Song of Ice and Fire, George R.R. Martin kills a Stark.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Before They Were Hanged - Joe Abercrombie.

I was somewhat skeptical when folks said this series only gets better, but they were absolutely right. What an wholly amazing first two books, and I can't wait to start the third one today. Much like The Blade Itself, I actually finished BTWH in just a week, which is unheard of for me. I simply could not put the damn thing down.

SOIAF is my #1 favorite series, but The First Law is very quickly becoming my #1a. Might even become #1 since, you know, it's actually finished.

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Re: Books Read 2011

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Last night I finished the Last Argument of Kings, the final book in the Abercrombie's Blade Itself trilogy. This is a wonderful series with multifaceted characters and some real brutal human nature. I enjoyed Best Served Cold, but the series was just better in every respect.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Just finished Faithful Place by Tana French and I loved it. It features a character that was in her second book, The Likeness, and a lot of family dynamics. It was a great comeback from the long-winded book that was The Likeness and I would love to read another book featuring this character.

Next up, Prince of Thieves by Chuck Hogan.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Finished Countdown: The Liberators

http://www.amazon.com/Countdown-Liberat ... 1439134022" target="_blank

In the near future, perhaps even now, the world seem to be sliding slowly into chaos. Good soldiers, including Wes Stauer, are forced to retire and is about to fade away. Until a friend came calling in the night... His leader's son and only heir was kidnapped. He needs Stauer's help. So Stauer went to work... called up all his friends, all of them warriors who are not about to fade away...

Tom Kratman is one of those who will not blink when it comes to controversial issues, like soldier, war, civilian casualties, arm smuggling, even homosexuality and sex in the military. It's amazing when political correctness are thrown out the window and replaced with common sense, what can be accomplished. In certain sense, atrocities do work... What's interesting is how this book is gravitating toward a lot like John Ringo's Kildar series: an almost mercenary light battalion that can do what's needed with total deniability. Still worth a read.
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Re: Books Read 2011

Post by Chaosraven »

Used a gift card to pick up fourteen Drizzt books collected into four volumes, just finished Homeland. R.A.Salvatore has just earned a spot in my favorites with it.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Finished "Better to Beg Forgiveness..." by Michael Z. Williamson

http://www.amazon.com/Better-Beg-Forgiv ... 763&sr=1-3" target="_blank

On a planet in virtual lawlessness, where not even the UN peacekeepers can make a dent (esp. when tied down by their liberal ROE) the president is almost superfluous, and a lot of people wanted him dead. When even the UN want him out of the way (so the planet can be fully pacified... by force) It's time for him to be... killed in fighting. However, the enemies did not count on a few facts: this president has principles, does not want to be replaced, and he's being protected by Ripple Creek, the best folks in Executive Protection Detail...

The problem with this book is it shifts gears roughly half way into the book. The executive protection actions, such as vehicle ambush and counter-ambush, are right on and quite exciting. However, about half-way into the book, when the stuff gets exciting, the book shifts modes into a pure mercenary mode where a small squad fight against tremendous odds. And the ending is just a little too neat.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Skinypupy wrote:Before They Were Hanged - Joe Abercrombie.

I was somewhat skeptical when folks said this series only gets better, but they were absolutely right. What an wholly amazing first two books, and I can't wait to start the third one today. Much like The Blade Itself, I actually finished BTWH in just a week, which is unheard of for me. I simply could not put the damn thing down.

SOIAF is my #1 favorite series, but The First Law is very quickly becoming my #1a. Might even become #1 since, you know, it's actually finished.

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I am about half way through, guess I better pick up the 3rd book. I am not fully enamored with the inquisition thread, but it is OK.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Just finished Legend of Drizzt book II: Exile. Still loving this series. At about 300 pages each they are quick reads, and keep my attention. So far these two have me involved with the character, and wanting to know what happens next (Stephen Kings "gotta"), but the end of each book hasn't been a cliffhanger, exactly, more like a closing of a chapter in the characters life. Twelve to go!
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Re: Books Read 2011

Post by Kasey Chang »

Finished "Cobra Alliance" by Timonthy Zahn, a new trilogy based on "Cobra" characters. No, not G.I. Joe, but special bionically enhanced humans designed as the ultimate infiltrators, with weapons built into hands, feet, servos into muscles, nano-processor in the brain with target locks, enhanced skeletons...

The Cobras have fought a war against the Troft and Qasama for decades, and victory a while back meant peace... But also got Qasama declared a quarantine zone. When a mysterious note came for Jasmine Moreau, asking her to go to Qasama, something is very wrong. But is it a trap? If so, what kind? And what's the purpose? And what will Jasmine and her son Merrick find there? The results are surprising, and unexpected...

http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-Alliance-Wa ... 1439133069" target="_blank

I rather enjoy the various combat actions TZ dreamed up... Anti-Armor laser in the heel? However, problem is the power source. How does all that weapon get powered? Conveniently ignored. Not important. :) Action is fast and furious, and layer within layer of deception. Very intricate plotting. A bit of a deux ex machina ending though, but a nice setup for the next book.
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Re: Books Read 2011

Post by Isgrimnur »

Kasey Chang wrote:How does all that weapon get powered? Conveniently ignored. Not important. :)
[spitballing]Capacitors charged through heat transferrence from body metabolism and motion[/spitballing]
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Isgrimnur wrote:
Kasey Chang wrote:How does all that weapon get powered? Conveniently ignored. Not important. :)
[spitballing]Capacitors charged through heat transferrence from body metabolism and motion[/spitballing]
The storage medium would have enough energy signature to be detected... :) Unless you put in shielding which would weigh too much. :D
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Just finished "61 Hours" by Lee Child, a Jack Reacher novel.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/044024 ... YWXJ8HGF2N" target="_blank

A random bus crash in a snowstorm lands Jack Reacher in the middle of Bolton, South Dakota, where a brave woman is standing up for justice in a tiny town threatened by sinister forces from afar. And if she is to see justice is done, she will need Reacher's help, because a killer is coming to Bolton. Reacher wanted to move on, but his sense of justice will not let him. And there are 61 hours to go... and he will rediscover an ancient secret buried in the annals of Cold War. His enemies are deadlier than he could have imagined, but he is Jack Reacher, and he will never quit.

Not one of my favorites, but it's a solid read. There are plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings to mislead your expectations. The ending is somewhat of a surprise.
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Re: Books Read 2011

Post by Jeff V »

Atlantic: Great Sea Battles, Heroic Discoveries, Titanic Storms,and a Vast Ocean of a Million Stories by Simon Winchester :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky: :binky:

A fluffy, flowery book, English journalist Simon Winchester waxes poetic about the sea he first crossed by ship more than 50 years ago. Passionate about his subject, Winchester at times has found himself embroiled in part of the historical record of things that occurred in or around the ocean: particularly the warfare part when he was detained in Argentina as a spy during the Falklands War.

Atlantic covers the military history, from the Vikings to the Spanish to raiders including the illustrious saga of the Graf Spee in WW2. It covers the natural history from it's creation upon the breakup of Pangaea, and forecasts the ocean's demise when the continents once again collide to form Pangaea II. Environmental history is also discussed, including the overfishing that has killed the Grand Banks and other formerly productive fisheries. Winchester also tells us various odds-and-ends, about the remote island of St. Helena where an exiled Napoleon died, about the terrible seas of Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego. About Charles Darwin's journey -- and the disastrous American equivalent, the "Ex Ex." Winchester also laments how air travel has shrunk this once-formidable barrier to an almost-trivial entity thanks to high speed air travel.

Flowery prose annoys me, and Winchester uses way too much of it. Bits and pieces were of interest, but overall, it is non-fiction brain candy -- I didn't really learn anything new from this book. This is, however, partly because of the realization that I am already highly educated when it comes to this particular body of water -- I"m not so sure I could say the same regarding a similar book written about any other ocean. If you're not sure whether or not you fully understand this great body of water, then give this book a shot.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Tonight I finished Prince of Thieves by Chuck Hogan and loved it. Haven't seen The Town yet (which was based on the book), but saw this book at B&N a few weekends ago and picked it up. Had a hard time following all the characters at first, but the more I read it, the more I got into it.

I love the deep Boston setting of this book, much like the Lehane novels. Can't get enough of Boston, I suppose.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Finished Hidden Empire by Orson Scott Card

http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Empire-Ors ... mp_title_0" target="_blank

President Averrell Torrent has united the country after a short civil war. When a new plague broke out in Africa, he has ordered a blockade of Africa, as well as ordered in special forces to fight the genocidal forces and bandits. However, is it all a part of his devilish plan to redrawn Africa's boundaries? Colonel Coleman, who was the leader of the special forces team in Africa, has had his doubts about president Torrent. But soon, something else will forces him to choose sides... Chinma, the African boy, was the 2nd victim of the new "monkey sickness" and his voyage from Africa to America and back leads to armed intervention in Africa. Mark Malich, son of Reuben Malich (who died in the prequel "Empire") will go to Africa to help the sick and meet his destiny.

This book is again about Card's political views, about people who are religious / spiritual with deeply held convictions, in a world that has gone mad, and conspiracy within conspiracy. There is a bit of technology (about exo-skeletons being combat enhancers) but this is about people, as Card's books usually are. The political views are interesting as sort of dystopia, and how things can really go wrong or right, depending on the ethical ramifications. Not a thriller, but interesting read nonetheless.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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The Last Argument of Kings - Joe Abercrombie: A fitting end to an absolutely incredible series. Thought it did a great job of wrapping up all the loose ends. True to the series' tone, there were very few happy endings*, but we got to see a few flashes of sunlight through the clouds. There were some great surprises (a certain king and certain former prisoner spring to mind), and I absolutely loved the way some of the characters were developed (especially Bayaz and Jezel). In the end, First Law didn't quite overtake SOIAF, but has knocked everything else on my "favorite fantasy books" down a peg. I'd highly, highly recommend it.

*I especially thought
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Alton Brown's Gear for Your Kitchen

While I'm not exactly looking to spend a lot (or any) money upgading my kitchen at the moment, I still learned a fair bit and, when I get to that point, will likely either check it out again from the library or buy a used copy.

Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire

While not a complete survey of the Roman empire (it leaves out Caligula almost completely), it does cover the majority of the timeline from the early city-state through the wide conquest, to the final dissolution of the Roman seat of power.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Looking Glass


Just finished reading Looking Glass and really enjoyed the Cyber-Punk world it presented. Sort of slow to begin with, but the story amps up quite nicely. Highly recommended especially at the 2.99 Kindle price point
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Re: Books Read 2011

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I've fallen behind in my reading and also in any kind of descriptions of what I've read. Most recently I've read:
Count Geiger's Blues by Michael Bishop
Hogfather by Terry Pratchett
Worth Dying For by Lee Child
Tongues of Serpents by Naomi Novik
Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith

Count Geiger's Blues is another book lent to me by ChrisGwinn. I have a very difficult time describing the books he has lent me. They're all quirky has heck but mostly pretty interesting. The protagonist of Count Geiger's Blues Xavier Thaxton is the chief reviewer of the fine arts section of his newspaper. After being exposed to radioactive waste, he finds himself physically unable to abide exposure to the fine arts (music, theatre, visual arts) he so loves. To his horror, he finds he is only able to suppress the bizarre symptoms he experiences when exposed to fine arts by dressing as comic book hero Count Geiger and by exposing himself to arts so low he cannot bear to call them "art". All that makes his situation tolerable is to adopt the comic book hero philosophy of righting wrongs and bringing to justice those who violate the law.
What makes this book a standout for me is Thaxton's struggles to adapt and the development of his relationship with his nephew who has been fobbed off on him by his sister.

Hogfather by Terry Pratchett
I was a little puzzled by this at first - Death takes on the role of Hogfather (Pratchett's version of Santa Claus) and Death's granddaughter Susan Sto Lit, while trying so hard to be normal, is sucked into helping to counter a conspiracy to do away with the Hogfather. I don't know if this is any better than any of Terry Pratchett's other books - I just really enjoy the characters Death, Susan Sto Lit and Death of Rats.

Worth Dying For by Lee Child picks up where "61 Hours" leaves off. Reacher, who is on his way to Virginia, resolves problems in a little Nebraska community (it's not even a town). I can't believe it took me most of the book to figure out what the shady stuff was that was going on. Not my favorite Reacher book, but I liked it far more than "Nothing to Lose".

Tongues of Serpents by Naomi Novik. Why do I read these books? The first one or two were decent but I feel the rest have been on a steep downward slope. Overall I feel this series is a mediocre attempt to re-imagine the Maturin/Aubrey books in a fantasy setting (Napoleonic era British Navy with dragons!).

Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith. Overall, I like the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. They're not great and I don't recommend them for serious mystery readers. I think I like them because they make a nice "feel good" read after books that are darker (like the Stieg Larsson books) or disappointing and somewhat depressing (the Naomi Novik books). Just lightweight feelgood stuff.

There - all caught up. :)
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Re: Books Read 2011

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1960...LBJ vs JFK vs Nixon: The Epic Campaign that Forged Three Presidencies
by David Pietrusza



A good book on the election of 1960 and the workings of the campaigns involved. While most of the book is about JFK and Nixon as the eventual candidates a good deal of time is spent with LBJ, HHH and Nelson Rockefeller. The book discusses the personal lives of the candidates as well as their motivations. The extra material affairs of JFK and LBJ are mentioned, as well as the infidelities of the Kennedy Clan in general.

I think this is a fairly balanced look at most of the candidates. None of them come off very well and in the end the author almost gives the feeling that had LBJ been given the chance his presidency would have been remembered for greater things than Vietnam.

3.5 of 5.........You are left wanting more, and with the book just over 400 pages I think the author could have given more.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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I just finished High Fidelity by Nick Hornby. I enjoyed it and hope to watch the movie shortly.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Bad Demographic wrote:Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith. Overall, I like the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. They're not great and I don't recommend them for serious mystery readers. I think I like them because they make a nice "feel good" read after books that are darker (like the Stieg Larsson books) or disappointing and somewhat depressing (the Naomi Novik books). Just lightweight feelgood stuff.
It's a sub-genre referred to as the "cozy mystery", and there's nothing wrong with that.
wot?

To be fair, adolescent power fantasy tripe is way easier to write than absurd existential horror, and every community has got to start somewhere... right?

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Re: Books Read 2011

Post by Bad Demographic »

silverjon wrote:
Bad Demographic wrote:Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith. Overall, I like the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. They're not great and I don't recommend them for serious mystery readers. I think I like them because they make a nice "feel good" read after books that are darker (like the Stieg Larsson books) or disappointing and somewhat depressing (the Naomi Novik books). Just lightweight feelgood stuff.
It's a sub-genre referred to as the "cozy mystery", and there's nothing wrong with that.
Hrm. I'm sorry if I gave the impression that they're bad books. I enjoy them enough to continue reading them (although the first book in the series is not very good). I sometimes wish more people were like Precious Ramotswe and Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Nah, you just sounded a bit apologetic for liking them in the first place.
wot?

To be fair, adolescent power fantasy tripe is way easier to write than absurd existential horror, and every community has got to start somewhere... right?

Unless one loses a precious thing, he will never know its true value. A little light finally scratches the darkness; it lets the exhausted one face his shattered dream and realize his path cannot be walked. Can man live happily without embracing his wounded heart?
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Re: Books Read 2011

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101 Things You Didn't Know About Irish History (Lendable)

Better than I expected. While it's certainly not extremely detailed, it filled the need of what I wanted, which was a broad survey of Irish history. It starts by covering the early legends of the mystical invaders of the island, the actual archaeology and history of the first settlers, and so forth. It goes on to cover the major topics that most people are aware of: The English governance, the potato famines, the separation of Ulster and the Troubles, and up through the Celtic Tiger revolution. It ranges far afield to cover the religious aspects, economic strengths and weaknesses, and political manuevering on both local and international levels.

I have no doubt that I'll be referring back to it to point me in more specific areas that piqued my interest such as the original folk tales, the religious wars, and the 20th century fight for independence.
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Re: Books Read 2011

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Inside Delta Force

This book is the basis for the departed show, The Unit. It was a riveting read, covering the process of selection, training, and missions that Eric Haney was part of as being one of the earliest members of Delta Force. He covers working with all the alphabet soup agencies, private companies and trainers, missions to Central America, Africa, and the Middle East. A lot of the history of violence in the 70s and 80s, he had a ringside seat for.

I actually came across stuff that I knew from previous reading, such as Larry Freedman, the Delta member that was later killed in Somalia while working for the CIA.

While the author is a true patriot, he has choice words for those superiors and decision makers that he feels aren't as focused on what truly matters in the management of world affairs and proper handling of situations.

If you're at all interested in the history of special operations and the volatile period of history that was the post-Vietnam era, I highly recommend the book.
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