Getting behind on my reading while catching up on my reviewing? Well, you can’t win them all, I guess.
The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius
This is considered a classic for a reason, and may just be the most influential book I’ve read since The Divine Comedy a decade ago.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
This book was darker and bleaker than I expected, but that’s just fine with me. I really want to know what caused the world to burn, but I also enjoy the ambiguity. This wouldn’t be a beach read for most people, but I am not most people.
The Plantagenets by Dan Jones
A wonderful tale that makes Game of Thrones look like a child’s play date – I think, since I’ve never seen GoT. But reality is always stranger than fiction. No one has any right to complain about their family at Thanksgiving ever again.
Stiger by Marc Alan Edelheit
I received this book from the author at a convention. He did not ask for a review as a condition, but did ask that I would write an honest review if I thought it worth my time to do so.
Stiger is a decent military fantasy tale seemingly based on the Roman armies. Definitely worth the few hours diversion if offers.
This novel is a prequel/sequel meant to go along with several of the author’s works, which I have not read, and the ending suffers for it, turning a stand-alone novel into a plug for not one but two other series.
The action is interesting, even if the descriptions become a bit repetitive. However, I find the internal conflict lacking – bordering on unrealistic. Externally, the protagonist does not appear to have any real flaws other than inexperience, and the antagonists no real motive beyond pettiness or the typical “you’re invading my country so I’m fighting you” response any logical person would have to such an action.
That said, I’m intrigued enough that I may pick up other books by the author should I come across them – but I probably won’t be seeking them out.
The Science of Discworld by Terry Pratchett
A wonderful look into the science of the Disc – and hence our own – via a magical experiment “gone wrong”. Of course, the wizards of Unseen University haven’t got a clue, but perhaps the Librarian has. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
Stay Tuned: Television’s Unforgettable Moments by Joe Garner
This is really more of a “TV’s Highlights” DVD with written commentary. It was a gift to use in my classroom.
Doctor Who: The Drosten’s Curse by A.L. Kennedy
Who knows what lurks in the hearts of men? The Drosten knows, and it will stop at nothing to make you the jewel of the universe. Do you trust it? The Doctor . . . . well, he hasn’t made up his mind quite yet. Who knew golf could be so exciting dangerous?
The Bob’s Burgers Burger Book: Real Recipes for Joke Burgers by Loren Bouchard
I read this to get a feel of what we’ll be eating for the next year and half of Saturday nights. Sounds like fun!
The Quran by Anonymous
I read this because I’d forgotten what I’d read of it in college. That’s all I’ll say without getting into religion, politics, and the politics of religion.
The Unofficial Downton Abbey Cookbook by Emily Ansara Baines
Krystal gave me this book to look through. I had hoped the recipes would have been converted for a more modern kitchen; sadly, many are not. Ah well, we’ll have a good time trying the ones we *can* cook.
The Night Manager by John le Carré
I tried several times to get into this book, before finally forcing myself to read it. I wanted to like it, but found it rather dull. I also wasn’t in the mood for an ambivalent ending. Even if such endings are truer to life than most, I’d still like some sort of resolution. On the other hand – and I can’t believe I’m saying this – I’ve heard good things about the TV adaptation.
Running In My Head 