Rating System
* Boring ** Pedestrian *** Good **** Excellent ***** All Time Favorite
August 2002
The Shelters of Stone
by Jean M AuelI loved Clan of the Cave Bear, Valley of the Horses and the Mamouth Hunters; and enjoyed Plains of Passage. This is the lastest in that series; Earths's Children.
I have waited many years for this book to come out. The last book ended at a beginning, and I really wanted to know what happened next.
It is for knowing what happened next that I am glad I read the book. I got the feeling through out the book that Jean had fallen to reader pressure to do another book for the series and had taken a novelette and bumped it to novel size by adding intimate incounters of the two main characters where it did not add to the story and just repeated old ground; and by lecturing us on Stone age conditions and what she sees as the then prevailing culture. Whereas usually the story itself reveals the culture and long passages of lecturing is unneccessary.
Ayla had become a freind in previous novels and I am glad Jean wrote this book, but I did not enjoy it as thoroughly as the previous novels.
***
July 2002
Return of the King
by J.R.R. TolkienAnother awesome book in the trilogy, which really reads as one long book printed in three books, rather than the traddional trilogy I have read where any book could be read of itself. If your read 2 or 3 in theis series it would be like opening a large volume a third ot two thirds in and starting to read.
I love JRR Tolkien!
****
June 2002
The Twin Towers
by J.R.R. TolkienSome tell me I am silly reading the book before the movie comes out but I prefer books to movies. However I am really looking forward to the movie after reading this book. The scope of it just lends itself to being on the movie screen, and knowing how well the first book was portrayed makes me anticipate this one all the more
Awesome battle scenes.
The Ent had better make a good showing in the movie as I love them.
****
May 2002
Lord of the Rings
by J.R.R. TolkienI first read Lord of the Rings when I was 14 and in Hospital with appendicitis. I had a fever at the time and I remember very little about it. So although the Hobbit was on my list of top 10 books of all time I was loath to read the Lord of the Rings again.
Still with the Movie approaching, I kept saying, I really should read it again ... but I saw the movie with out reading it. Recently a friend at work leant me the trilogy. I have now finished book one, and thoroughly enjoyed it. A romping good read, with lots of stuff that couldnt make the movie.
"The english speaking world," said the NY Times, "is divided into those who have not read Tolkien and those who have." I strongly reccomend you are in the camp of those who have.
****
April 2002
Lord Valentine's Castle
by Robert SilverbergThis is one of the books I hunted out from last months read. As it turns out the story in last month came from a series of books. This is not the book I wanted to start with as it is the second in the series, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The book begins disconcertingly with the sentence which starts "And then ..." which turns out to be highly appropriate when looked back at.
It is a fine tale set in a rural, backworld of the galaxy. Space travel is known of but infrequent to this world. Yet thousands of years ago many races of beings settled and live harmoniously together. All except the natives of the world the metamorphs.
****
March 2002
Legends
Edited by Robert SilverbergIncludes fantasy stories by Steven King, Terry Goodkind, Orson Scott Card, Robert Silverberg, Ursula, K. LeGuin, and Raymond E. Feist.
I loved this book, snippets of other full books, and a good range of stories each enjoyable in their own way. I shall be tracking down more of these books from these authors.
****
February 2002
M'Lady Witch
by Christopher StasheffThis review is by my 12 year old daughter.
This book is like ... nothing ... it is all soppy and it's like a cake with no sugar or flavourings all fluff and no real content. I did not finish it.
*
January 2002
The Face of Deception
by Iris JohansenThis has plots within twists. Eve is a mild mannered, forensic sculptor whose skills pull her into a web of lies and deception on a grand scale.
A good book if you want a uniquely set who done it with a touch of romance and a twist at the end.
***
March 2001
Snow White and the Seven Samurai
by Tom HoltA book that makes a farce of some many situations tangles in to one workable story that it is real fun to read.
The story is set in an alternat Universe, well a gaming module at the world richest mans computer headquarters. The richest man is a computer geek made rich called Mr Doors. The computer system that runs the whole alternate universe is called Mirrors and bears a high resemblance to the Mirror the Wicked Queen in Snow White used to stand in front of and demand "Mirror Mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all. So it will be no surprise to hear that that phrase gets itself into the book a couple of times.
If you want a laugh that is intellectual but not gruelling This is the book for you.
***
February 2001
The Wood Wife
by Terri WindlingFantasy written as reality. A tale of spirits that walk the land, the forms they take from our minds and the games they play with our emotions. An interesting tale interwoven stories, that reveal secrets in their crossing. The characters breathe believability and solidness and normal human foibles, which hauls the mystic side of the story in the realm of the possible. ***
January 2001
Dune : House Atreides
by Brain Herbert and Kevin J AndersonThis is set before Frank Herbert's legendary Dune series. I was worried that Frank's son Brian and this Kevin guy could not pull off a book that kept the same spirit of the original. I was impressed and drank the book up. Not that I would guarantee that it is in the same spirit exactly as I read the Dune books way back when ... I was a teenager. But I would thoroughly recommend reading this book. I feel like reading them all again now. ****
2000
by
***
November 2000
The Dragonbone Chair
by Tad Williams
This is a thick book - the first in a trilogy. It is a story set in a distant make believe land that reeks of reality despite the existance of creatures of fantasy. The lead character starts in the story with a life of drudgery - well portrayed in its detail. But he is not an ordinary drudge - in fact he can't keep his mind on ordinary work for more than two seconds and even at 14 the age he should be acting as a man he is still found playing in the moat or climbing trees in stead of fulfilling errands he has been sent on.
Simon however manages to fall into rescueing the prince with the aid of his mentor and thus his life goes downhill from there with evil persuing him and no freinds to run to.
If you like detailed analysis of situations and reality in a fairytale kingdom this book is for you
***
October 2000
The Wiz Biz
by Rick Cook
This is a light hearted book which looks at a computer programmer who get sucked into another dimension where magic not science rules. He knows no magic - there are no computers so he is helpless and useless. The magician who called him to this world is killed by the dark magicians in the moment of weakness straight after bringing him in.
I enjoyed reading this book, its paralells between magic and computing in the end make for an amusing read. ***
September 2000
Like Water For Chocolate
by
This book was recommended to me by a freind and being open to these things I read it. She told me it was a cook book with some bits of story wound round the recipes.
I would have to say it is the opposite, it is a story with liberal reference to recipes. It is not your normal book and that is good in my opinion. it is like a sur-realist painting, it is based on life but is larger than life. Yet in that surealism it manages to be more real than many books.
This is a (believe it or not) realistic romance, not a Mills and Boons type. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
****
August 2000
Harry Potter and the Phiosophers Stone
by J K Rowling
When a book get your kids (and husband) reading like they never have before and you see a love of reading being kindled in them, you become curious. Well I do. So I picked up this book and began to read.
To tell the truth I found it a great read, and enthralling story. I would not say it was a great philosopical piece, or that its weightness impresses, it is a light read ... but I will tell you this it does captivate you. I was taking extended lunch breaks to read just another chapter. I can see why the whole family was reading the book, borrowing copies of the Philospers Stone from all and sundry, and why we are all now working our way through the series.
It is a blessing to many that this book captivates the reader so. I recommend you get a copy and see for yourself what the fuss is about.
****
July 2000
The Green Mile series
by Steven King
Steven King, King of Horror stories, with many a movie to his name. People round me have read him. I've avoided him.
Then I saw this movie, the Shawshank Redemption, and liked it. Then I found out it was his and was surprised. Still I was wary to read any of his books as they could be horror. I avoid horror, there is enough in life to drag us down and make us feel bad I feel.
Then the Green Mile the movie came out, written by Steven King. I saw it and loved it. Then a fried on the net said I should read the books. The story was put out in parts.
I went to the library and got the 6 mini books out and read them. They make a great story. Well crafted and captivating, with a reverence eminating from it despite the fact that the book is largely about the goings on on death row, and includes scenes of electrocution. I dislike reading a book after seeing the movie prefering my veiw to be built from the book before I see someone elses view of it.
Never-the-less I am glad I read them. They are excellent.
****
June 2000
Spellsinger (Spellsinger 1)
by Alan Dean Foster
This book was good basic story telling, a great fantasy read. Maybe I just need some fantasy in my life this month, but I really enjoyed this book. It tell of that adventures of Jonathan who is pulled form earth to another world by the powers of a wizard. The wizard is a turtle. In fact all mammals have developed "intellegence" as only one group of primates did here on earth.
It seems that there are many a book in this series and I will be looking out for the rest. Jonathan or JonTom as he is dubed in the new world discovers that while his life long dream of being a rock singer is no closer now there are other uses for his musical yearnings.
****
May 2000
Dragon Lance, Heroes, Volume Two
by Nancy Varian Berberick
NOW, I'm a D&D player from way back, in fact I was trying to invent the game myself when I discovered that it existed. Boy did that blow me away. Now what does a reader do when a series of books hits right on her favourite passtime. These Dragon Lance books just fitted the feel of the game that i fell in love with them. This one of the quest for a "Stormblade" brings an unlikely bunch together in and adventure I enjoyed reading.
***
April 2000
Dayworld Rebel
by Philip Jose Farmer
Think of a world, our world, our future and the overpopulation problem has been "solved". How? Well you share your hose with 6 other people and each of you have on day a week to live in it and work, then for the other 6 days you are "stoned". Jefferson was a "Tuesday person"
Jefferson breaks these "rules" and thus puts himself in danger and awakens a great story.
***
March 2000
Moon Music
by Faye Kellerman
This was an interesting concept as far as "mystery" stories go. More of a flight of fantasy in part mixed with gritty reality. What really got on my wick though was the over use of the word "pause" most everybody in the story had to regularly "pause" in their conversation. It was like it was Faye's new word and she had to slip it everywhere. I tend to like fantasy that is fantasy and reality that is real in my stories so this blend is not one of my favourite. Yet despite this and the swapping aberantly from character to character in a unclear manner I did enjoy the basic story, but would not seek out any more of her books.
**
February 2000
Project Pope
by Clifford D. Simak
For this one I'd like some help - if you can. I remember reading this book - well the title sticks in my mind. I have a vague recollection that I enjoyed it - surely I must or why would I remember the name - right? But I have no memory at all of what the book was about. If you know please e-mail and let me know. :)
Thanks!
*****
January 2000
The Hobbit, or there and back again.
by JRR Tolkien
Well books proved to by Y2K compliant. And I managed to fininsh reading one of my favourite books to my children, Its only taken us around a year. :-)
The Hobbit is a tale of the little guy succeeding against all odds and finding faith in himself. It is a story of goblins and dragons, elves and eagles, wonders and clamities. A great read for the child in all of us that like fantasy and adventure. I loved it when I was 9 and my teacher read it to the class. It has been a firm favourite of mine ever since and re-read many a time. I really enjoyed sharing it this time with my children.
*****
December 1999
John Carter of Mars
by Edgar Rice Burroughs
I am mildly embarrased now to say I read this series of books when I was a teenager. This was the most memorable to me of the Matian Series. It is cheap, corny, cheesy story line. I knew it at the time but they held a morbid facination for me, and I kept on reading the whole series as held in my school library. I did enjoy it at the time despite its obvious flaws, but it is not a book I would seek out to read again.
*
November 1999
Firebird
by Janice Graham
I mildly enjoyed the story line to this, but the underlying emotion was quite powerful and carried me away.
It is a love story, of unrequited love. It is the story of a small frightened girl coming out of her shell. It is a story of people you can believe are real.
***
October 1999
Riptide
by Douglas Preston and Linclon Child
This book was a good honest read. I enjoyed the story which was interesting and well told.
It is the tale of the last member of a family who had lost their fortune treasure hunting on this cursed island and how he is convinced against his better judgement to throw in with some treasure seekers. All of course does not go smoothly...
***
September 1999
The Currency Lads
by Peter Yeldham
There are not many books I cannot read, I am a book worm extrodinare, I can even when pushed, and there is nothing else around read a romance novel, just as long as I don;t have to read too many of them in one year.
However this book was the only book around all month and I just could not get into it. After starting it it was two weeks before I could bring myself to read it again, thinking perhaps now I was in another mood I would be able to read it. No, go.
I suppose I can thank Mr Yeldman for writing a book which I had no taste for, an unique experience.
*
August 1999
1776 Year of Illusions
by Thomas Fleming
This history book differed from the one I read earlier in the year in that it took not an epoch of time and skimmed but it took one year and looked at it from 3 points of view the American, Bristish and Fench view of the American war for indepdance.
I liked this book better than the earier but think I needed the background of the overview book on history to enjoy this one.
I enjoy detail and this book gave it to me. I especailly enjoyed that excerpts from various journals. The spelling from that era is so quaint and cool and the views from people there on the ground at the time bring a realism to the history. It also lets you make your own opinion on matters. I enjoyed reading this one.
***
July 1999
Dune
by Frank Herbert
This book took a bit of concentrating to stay with it but I enjoyed the concepts it introduced to me - my memmory of it is fading in the details as I read it mumble mumble years ago when I was a teenager. But a secret hand signal for the family facinated me as did the large sand worms, the water conservation, the spice being changed by Paul drinking and spitting back into the rest of the spice, and gom jabber sticks in my mind - could I pass such a test? The movie I felt did a remarkable job of leaving out heaps of the details (as you have to do in a movie) yet maintainined the "feel" of the book.
***
June 1999
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
by Richard Bach
This is the one book of fiction that has really touched my life and become an intergral part of many of my thought processes. Basically it is the story of Seagull who dared to be different. The underlying messages within that story are inspirational. I don't know if everyone feels from time to time that they are outof step with humanity and are the only one who doesn't seem to get the plot of what everyone else is chasing around after, but if you have this feeling this will be the book that will give you a new perspective on the world and give you hope. It did for me.
*****
May 1999
The Elventh CommandmentThou Shalt Not Get Caught
by Jeffrey Archer
This is a adventure mystery novel, well written and a good read if you like adventure mysteries. A top CIA agent who's assignments include at times assainating overseas leaders is about to retire but his last assignment is the most treacherous of his career, a well crafted ending. However the characters failed to capture me emotionally and this left the book a little flat for me.
**
April 1999
A Country Made by War
by Geoffrey Perret
This is the book I am currently reading. It gives a history of the United States of America from the revolution to the Vietnam war. The history of the country through the wars it fought the battles that made up those wars and the politics surrounding them. Well written for a history book but still a lot of facts to take in especially if American history has been a bit of a blank area in your life before. I found it hard going but have learnt some facinating facts. So it's just interesting eough to keep me reading in the hope of learning something new.
*
March 1999
Foundation
by Issac Asimov
Issac Asimov was the first author who's name I memorised, a big deal for me as I don't remember names easily. Foundation is a coldly interesting book. Facinating ideas spanning, great spans of time, so you don't get to know anyone really well. You get snipits of many peoples lives at crucial times in the Empires history. Kind of like a lot of short stories joined by a common theme. I enjoyed the book and the ideas it raised in my young mind, of how history works. Intellectually satisfying.
***
Febuary 1999
Run Away Jury
by John Gresham
If you like John Gresham's books as I do you'll love this one, it's his best I've read so far. I find his books hard to follow at times as they have heaps of characters in them but the intrigue and the stories are well worth the work. This one had me guessing till near the end. A racy read. Gresham covers theworld of lawyers and trials in a realistic and captivating way. His characters are motivated and interesting.
****
January 1999
The Ship Who Sang
by Anne McCaffrey
Being in McCaffrey Villa's, Tattooine, Fortunecity, you probalbly pick me for a fan of Anne McCaffrey's books and you'd be right. I could have picked to review any of the Pern books they are awesome, but The Ship who Sang is one of my all time favourites as it connects on two levels with me. It is a powerful emotional story. Unrequited love, bonding of freinds and problems of isolation. It is also a story that encompasses scientific developments that are just about to happen and looks at the human aspects of these developments. An abosolute brilliant read. I Highly recommend it.
*****
December 1998
People of the River
by W Michael Gear & Kathleen O Gear
Set in the American Indian's early history. This book failed to grab me right away, but did so increasingly as the book went on. Realistic characters and situations have you pulling for them all. I loved it in the end.
****
This history book differed from the one I read earlier in the year in that it took not an epoch of time and skimmed but it took one year and looked at it from 3 points of view the American, Bristish and Fench view of the American war for indepdance.
I liked this book better than the earier but think I needed the background of the overview book on history to enjoy this one. I enjoy detail and this book gave it to me. I especailly enjoyed that excerpts from various journals. The spelling from that era is so quaint and cool and the views from people there on the ground at the time bring a realism to the history. It also lets you make your own opinion on matters. I enjoyed reading this one.
***
July 1999
Dune
by Frank Herbert
This book took a bit of concentrating to stay with it but I enjoyed the concepts it introduced to me - my memmory of it is fading in the details as I read it mumble mumble years ago when I was a teenager. But a secret hand signal for the family facinated me as did the large sand worms, the water conservation, the spice being changed by Paul drinking and spitting back into the rest of the spice, and gom jabber sticks in my mind - could I pass such a test? The movie I felt did a remarkable job of leaving out heaps of the details (as you have to do in a movie) yet maintainined the "feel" of the book.
***
June 1999
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
by Richard Bach
This is the one book of fiction that has really touched my life and become an intergral part of many of my thought processes. Basically it is the story of Seagull who dared to be different. The underlying messages within that story are inspirational. I don't know if everyone feels from time to time that they are outof step with humanity and are the only one who doesn't seem to get the plot of what everyone else is chasing around after, but if you have this feeling this will be the book that will give you a new perspective on the world and give you hope. It did for me.
*****
May 1999
The Elventh CommandmentThou Shalt Not Get Caught
by Jeffrey Archer
This is a adventure mystery novel, well written and a good read if you like adventure mysteries. A top CIA agent who's assignments include at times assainating overseas leaders is about to retire but his last assignment is the most treacherous of his career, a well crafted ending. However the characters failed to capture me emotionally and this left the book a little flat for me.
**
April 1999
A Country Made by War
by Geoffrey Perret
This is the book I am currently reading. It gives a history of the United States of America from the revolution to the Vietnam war. The history of the country through the wars it fought the battles that made up those wars and the politics surrounding them. Well written for a history book but still a lot of facts to take in especially if American history has been a bit of a blank area in your life before. I found it hard going but have learnt some facinating facts. So it's just interesting eough to keep me reading in the hope of learning something new.
*
March 1999
Foundation
by Issac Asimov
Issac Asimov was the first author who's name I memorised, a big deal for me as I don't remember names easily. Foundation is a coldly interesting book. Facinating ideas spanning, great spans of time, so you don't get to know anyone really well. You get snipits of many peoples lives at crucial times in the Empires history. Kind of like a lot of short stories joined by a common theme. I enjoyed the book and the ideas it raised in my young mind, of how history works. Intellectually satisfying.
***
Febuary 1999
Run Away Jury
by John Gresham
If you like John Gresham's books as I do you'll love this one, it's his best I've read so far. I find his books hard to follow at times as they have heaps of characters in them but the intrigue and the stories are well worth the work. This one had me guessing till near the end. A racy read. Gresham covers theworld of lawyers and trials in a realistic and captivating way. His characters are motivated and interesting.
****
January 1999
The Ship Who Sang
by Anne McCaffrey
Being in McCaffrey Villa's, Tattooine, Fortunecity, you probalbly pick me for a fan of Anne McCaffrey's books and you'd be right. I could have picked to review any of the Pern books they are awesome, but The Ship who Sang is one of my all time favourites as it connects on two levels with me. It is a powerful emotional story. Unrequited love, bonding of freinds and problems of isolation. It is also a story that encompasses scientific developments that are just about to happen and looks at the human aspects of these developments. An abosolute brilliant read. I Highly recommend it.
*****
December 1998
People of the River
by W Michael Gear & Kathleen O Gear
Set in the American Indian's early history. This book failed to grab me right away, but did so increasingly as the book went on. Realistic characters and situations have you pulling for them all. I loved it in the end.
****
This book took a bit of concentrating to stay with it but I enjoyed the concepts it introduced to me - my memmory of it is fading in the details as I read it mumble mumble years ago when I was a teenager. But a secret hand signal for the family facinated me as did the large sand worms, the water conservation, the spice being changed by Paul drinking and spitting back into the rest of the spice, and gom jabber sticks in my mind - could I pass such a test? The movie I felt did a remarkable job of leaving out heaps of the details (as you have to do in a movie) yet maintainined the "feel" of the book. ***
June 1999
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
by Richard Bach
This is the one book of fiction that has really touched my life and become an intergral part of many of my thought processes. Basically it is the story of Seagull who dared to be different. The underlying messages within that story are inspirational. I don't know if everyone feels from time to time that they are outof step with humanity and are the only one who doesn't seem to get the plot of what everyone else is chasing around after, but if you have this feeling this will be the book that will give you a new perspective on the world and give you hope. It did for me.
*****
May 1999
The Elventh CommandmentThou Shalt Not Get Caught
by Jeffrey Archer
This is a adventure mystery novel, well written and a good read if you like adventure mysteries. A top CIA agent who's assignments include at times assainating overseas leaders is about to retire but his last assignment is the most treacherous of his career, a well crafted ending. However the characters failed to capture me emotionally and this left the book a little flat for me.
**
April 1999
A Country Made by War
by Geoffrey Perret
This is the book I am currently reading. It gives a history of the United States of America from the revolution to the Vietnam war. The history of the country through the wars it fought the battles that made up those wars and the politics surrounding them. Well written for a history book but still a lot of facts to take in especially if American history has been a bit of a blank area in your life before. I found it hard going but have learnt some facinating facts. So it's just interesting eough to keep me reading in the hope of learning something new.
*
March 1999
Foundation
by Issac Asimov
Issac Asimov was the first author who's name I memorised, a big deal for me as I don't remember names easily. Foundation is a coldly interesting book. Facinating ideas spanning, great spans of time, so you don't get to know anyone really well. You get snipits of many peoples lives at crucial times in the Empires history. Kind of like a lot of short stories joined by a common theme. I enjoyed the book and the ideas it raised in my young mind, of how history works. Intellectually satisfying.
***
Febuary 1999
Run Away Jury
by John Gresham
If you like John Gresham's books as I do you'll love this one, it's his best I've read so far. I find his books hard to follow at times as they have heaps of characters in them but the intrigue and the stories are well worth the work. This one had me guessing till near the end. A racy read. Gresham covers theworld of lawyers and trials in a realistic and captivating way. His characters are motivated and interesting.
****
January 1999
The Ship Who Sang
by Anne McCaffrey
Being in McCaffrey Villa's, Tattooine, Fortunecity, you probalbly pick me for a fan of Anne McCaffrey's books and you'd be right. I could have picked to review any of the Pern books they are awesome, but The Ship who Sang is one of my all time favourites as it connects on two levels with me. It is a powerful emotional story. Unrequited love, bonding of freinds and problems of isolation. It is also a story that encompasses scientific developments that are just about to happen and looks at the human aspects of these developments. An abosolute brilliant read. I Highly recommend it.
*****
December 1998
People of the River
by W Michael Gear & Kathleen O Gear
Set in the American Indian's early history. This book failed to grab me right away, but did so increasingly as the book went on. Realistic characters and situations have you pulling for them all. I loved it in the end.
****
This is the one book of fiction that has really touched my life and become an intergral part of many of my thought processes. Basically it is the story of Seagull who dared to be different. The underlying messages within that story are inspirational. I don't know if everyone feels from time to time that they are outof step with humanity and are the only one who doesn't seem to get the plot of what everyone else is chasing around after, but if you have this feeling this will be the book that will give you a new perspective on the world and give you hope. It did for me.
*****
May 1999
The Elventh CommandmentThou Shalt Not Get Caught
by Jeffrey Archer
This is a adventure mystery novel, well written and a good read if you like adventure mysteries. A top CIA agent who's assignments include at times assainating overseas leaders is about to retire but his last assignment is the most treacherous of his career, a well crafted ending. However the characters failed to capture me emotionally and this left the book a little flat for me.
**
April 1999
A Country Made by War
by Geoffrey Perret
This is the book I am currently reading. It gives a history of the United States of America from the revolution to the Vietnam war. The history of the country through the wars it fought the battles that made up those wars and the politics surrounding them. Well written for a history book but still a lot of facts to take in especially if American history has been a bit of a blank area in your life before. I found it hard going but have learnt some facinating facts. So it's just interesting eough to keep me reading in the hope of learning something new.
*
March 1999
Foundation
by Issac Asimov
Issac Asimov was the first author who's name I memorised, a big deal for me as I don't remember names easily. Foundation is a coldly interesting book. Facinating ideas spanning, great spans of time, so you don't get to know anyone really well. You get snipits of many peoples lives at crucial times in the Empires history. Kind of like a lot of short stories joined by a common theme. I enjoyed the book and the ideas it raised in my young mind, of how history works. Intellectually satisfying.
***
Febuary 1999
Run Away Jury
by John Gresham
If you like John Gresham's books as I do you'll love this one, it's his best I've read so far. I find his books hard to follow at times as they have heaps of characters in them but the intrigue and the stories are well worth the work. This one had me guessing till near the end. A racy read. Gresham covers theworld of lawyers and trials in a realistic and captivating way. His characters are motivated and interesting.
****
January 1999
The Ship Who Sang
by Anne McCaffrey
Being in McCaffrey Villa's, Tattooine, Fortunecity, you probalbly pick me for a fan of Anne McCaffrey's books and you'd be right. I could have picked to review any of the Pern books they are awesome, but The Ship who Sang is one of my all time favourites as it connects on two levels with me. It is a powerful emotional story. Unrequited love, bonding of freinds and problems of isolation. It is also a story that encompasses scientific developments that are just about to happen and looks at the human aspects of these developments. An abosolute brilliant read. I Highly recommend it.
*****
December 1998
People of the River
by W Michael Gear & Kathleen O Gear
Set in the American Indian's early history. This book failed to grab me right away, but did so increasingly as the book went on. Realistic characters and situations have you pulling for them all. I loved it in the end.
****
Thou Shalt Not Get Caught
by Jeffrey ArcherThis is a adventure mystery novel, well written and a good read if you like adventure mysteries. A top CIA agent who's assignments include at times assainating overseas leaders is about to retire but his last assignment is the most treacherous of his career, a well crafted ending. However the characters failed to capture me emotionally and this left the book a little flat for me.
**
April 1999
A Country Made by War
by Geoffrey Perret
This is the book I am currently reading. It gives a history of the United States of America from the revolution to the Vietnam war. The history of the country through the wars it fought the battles that made up those wars and the politics surrounding them. Well written for a history book but still a lot of facts to take in especially if American history has been a bit of a blank area in your life before. I found it hard going but have learnt some facinating facts. So it's just interesting eough to keep me reading in the hope of learning something new.
*
March 1999
Foundation
by Issac Asimov
Issac Asimov was the first author who's name I memorised, a big deal for me as I don't remember names easily. Foundation is a coldly interesting book. Facinating ideas spanning, great spans of time, so you don't get to know anyone really well. You get snipits of many peoples lives at crucial times in the Empires history. Kind of like a lot of short stories joined by a common theme. I enjoyed the book and the ideas it raised in my young mind, of how history works. Intellectually satisfying.
***
Febuary 1999
Run Away Jury
by John Gresham
If you like John Gresham's books as I do you'll love this one, it's his best I've read so far. I find his books hard to follow at times as they have heaps of characters in them but the intrigue and the stories are well worth the work. This one had me guessing till near the end. A racy read. Gresham covers theworld of lawyers and trials in a realistic and captivating way. His characters are motivated and interesting.
****
January 1999
The Ship Who Sang
by Anne McCaffrey
Being in McCaffrey Villa's, Tattooine, Fortunecity, you probalbly pick me for a fan of Anne McCaffrey's books and you'd be right. I could have picked to review any of the Pern books they are awesome, but The Ship who Sang is one of my all time favourites as it connects on two levels with me. It is a powerful emotional story. Unrequited love, bonding of freinds and problems of isolation. It is also a story that encompasses scientific developments that are just about to happen and looks at the human aspects of these developments. An abosolute brilliant read. I Highly recommend it.
*****
December 1998
People of the River
by W Michael Gear & Kathleen O Gear
Set in the American Indian's early history. This book failed to grab me right away, but did so increasingly as the book went on. Realistic characters and situations have you pulling for them all. I loved it in the end.
****
This is the book I am currently reading. It gives a history of the United States of America from the revolution to the Vietnam war. The history of the country through the wars it fought the battles that made up those wars and the politics surrounding them. Well written for a history book but still a lot of facts to take in especially if American history has been a bit of a blank area in your life before. I found it hard going but have learnt some facinating facts. So it's just interesting eough to keep me reading in the hope of learning something new.
*
March 1999
Foundation
by Issac Asimov
Issac Asimov was the first author who's name I memorised, a big deal for me as I don't remember names easily. Foundation is a coldly interesting book. Facinating ideas spanning, great spans of time, so you don't get to know anyone really well. You get snipits of many peoples lives at crucial times in the Empires history. Kind of like a lot of short stories joined by a common theme. I enjoyed the book and the ideas it raised in my young mind, of how history works. Intellectually satisfying.
***
Febuary 1999
Run Away Jury
by John Gresham
If you like John Gresham's books as I do you'll love this one, it's his best I've read so far. I find his books hard to follow at times as they have heaps of characters in them but the intrigue and the stories are well worth the work. This one had me guessing till near the end. A racy read. Gresham covers theworld of lawyers and trials in a realistic and captivating way. His characters are motivated and interesting.
****
January 1999
The Ship Who Sang
by Anne McCaffrey
Being in McCaffrey Villa's, Tattooine, Fortunecity, you probalbly pick me for a fan of Anne McCaffrey's books and you'd be right. I could have picked to review any of the Pern books they are awesome, but The Ship who Sang is one of my all time favourites as it connects on two levels with me. It is a powerful emotional story. Unrequited love, bonding of freinds and problems of isolation. It is also a story that encompasses scientific developments that are just about to happen and looks at the human aspects of these developments. An abosolute brilliant read. I Highly recommend it.
*****
December 1998
People of the River
by W Michael Gear & Kathleen O Gear
Set in the American Indian's early history. This book failed to grab me right away, but did so increasingly as the book went on. Realistic characters and situations have you pulling for them all. I loved it in the end.
****
Issac Asimov was the first author who's name I memorised, a big deal for me as I don't remember names easily. Foundation is a coldly interesting book. Facinating ideas spanning, great spans of time, so you don't get to know anyone really well. You get snipits of many peoples lives at crucial times in the Empires history. Kind of like a lot of short stories joined by a common theme. I enjoyed the book and the ideas it raised in my young mind, of how history works. Intellectually satisfying.
***
Febuary 1999
Run Away Jury
by John GreshamIf you like John Gresham's books as I do you'll love this one, it's his best I've read so far. I find his books hard to follow at times as they have heaps of characters in them but the intrigue and the stories are well worth the work. This one had me guessing till near the end. A racy read. Gresham covers theworld of lawyers and trials in a realistic and captivating way. His characters are motivated and interesting.
****
January 1999
The Ship Who Sang
by Anne McCaffreyBeing in McCaffrey Villa's, Tattooine, Fortunecity, you probalbly pick me for a fan of Anne McCaffrey's books and you'd be right. I could have picked to review any of the Pern books they are awesome, but The Ship who Sang is one of my all time favourites as it connects on two levels with me. It is a powerful emotional story. Unrequited love, bonding of freinds and problems of isolation. It is also a story that encompasses scientific developments that are just about to happen and looks at the human aspects of these developments. An abosolute brilliant read. I Highly recommend it.
*****
December 1998
People of the River
by W Michael Gear & Kathleen O Gear
Set in the American Indian's early history. This book failed to grab me right away, but did so increasingly as the book went on. Realistic characters and situations have you pulling for them all. I loved it in the end.
****
Rating System
* Boring ** Pedestrian *** Good **** Excellent ***** All Time Favorite
