Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Relocated Again
Now I've taken up book reviewing residence at Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/billweinberger
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Art of Racing in the Rain (Garth Stein)
[***] ISBN: 9780061537936
This wasn't really the piece of light reading I thought it would be. There are certainly some fun parts--mostly where Enzo, the narrator, gets to be more of a dog and his owner gets to be more of a race car driver. But to get to these, the reader is forced to endure personal hardships for the humans as well as the dog. I think I get it; I get what the author was striving for-contrast between the good parts of life and the bad. The problem is that the bad parts, and the dog's intellectual ruminations about them, felt forced. They didn't work for me. The dog was thinking, excuse the pun, way over his head. I could have bought the dog narrator much more if he was ever more doggish, intelligent, but doggish-running on instinct, less obsessed with opposable thumbs, more confused about human motives and time, and through these confused observations providing the same commentary that this author makes explicit. I was glad I made it all of the way through this, but I'm not sure I recommend it, even for a dog lover.
This wasn't really the piece of light reading I thought it would be. There are certainly some fun parts--mostly where Enzo, the narrator, gets to be more of a dog and his owner gets to be more of a race car driver. But to get to these, the reader is forced to endure personal hardships for the humans as well as the dog. I think I get it; I get what the author was striving for-contrast between the good parts of life and the bad. The problem is that the bad parts, and the dog's intellectual ruminations about them, felt forced. They didn't work for me. The dog was thinking, excuse the pun, way over his head. I could have bought the dog narrator much more if he was ever more doggish, intelligent, but doggish-running on instinct, less obsessed with opposable thumbs, more confused about human motives and time, and through these confused observations providing the same commentary that this author makes explicit. I was glad I made it all of the way through this, but I'm not sure I recommend it, even for a dog lover.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
The Yiddish Policemen's Union: A Novel (Michael Chabon)
[****] ISBN: 0007149824
What would it be like if most of the world's Jews were evacuated to Sitka, Alaska during WWII? This mystery novel set in that world paints a vivid picture of the possibilities. But the picture is personal and claustrophobic, centered on the life in that city of one rundown Yiddish police detective and a murder case that imposes itself on his life. In that regard, it is a successful homage to the noir detective novels of the 40s and 50s, such as those of Raymond Chandler.
The prose is rich and laced with Yiddish, most of which a non-Yiddish speaker will have to learn by context. The characters and settings are dynamic and richly described. I can understand how the author managed to win a Pulitzer (for another title). The story itself is somewhat lightweight and laughable, also in the vein of Chandler. It's just something to hang the character and settings on.
I liked the book, but would have liked a bit more story.
What would it be like if most of the world's Jews were evacuated to Sitka, Alaska during WWII? This mystery novel set in that world paints a vivid picture of the possibilities. But the picture is personal and claustrophobic, centered on the life in that city of one rundown Yiddish police detective and a murder case that imposes itself on his life. In that regard, it is a successful homage to the noir detective novels of the 40s and 50s, such as those of Raymond Chandler.
The prose is rich and laced with Yiddish, most of which a non-Yiddish speaker will have to learn by context. The characters and settings are dynamic and richly described. I can understand how the author managed to win a Pulitzer (for another title). The story itself is somewhat lightweight and laughable, also in the vein of Chandler. It's just something to hang the character and settings on.
I liked the book, but would have liked a bit more story.
Labels:
****,
alternate history,
literature,
mystery,
sf
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Don't Know Much About History: Everything You Need to Know About American History but Never Learned (Kenneth C. Davis)
[***] ISBN: 9780060083816
A very quick, and sometimes interesting, survey of American History. Things get started with some tentative speculation about how the first (non-) indigenous peoples arrived, then picks up speed with the arrival of the first European explorers. If you already passed AmHist in high school and college, you already know this stuff. But it's a reasonable refresher course. Keep in mind that this is somewhat targeted at those with less than a college (or even high school?) education, so there are no big words or deep concepts.
A very quick, and sometimes interesting, survey of American History. Things get started with some tentative speculation about how the first (non-) indigenous peoples arrived, then picks up speed with the arrival of the first European explorers. If you already passed AmHist in high school and college, you already know this stuff. But it's a reasonable refresher course. Keep in mind that this is somewhat targeted at those with less than a college (or even high school?) education, so there are no big words or deep concepts.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Way Station (Clifford D. Simak)
[****] ISBN: 9780020248712
This is a very interesting book. Antiquated, yet timeless. In some ways fun, yet serious. It was definitely written in a more innocent time, even though it deals with complex issues of peace and human frailty.
The protagonist is an ageless veteran of the Civil War, who has spent a hundred years looking after a galactic transfer station. He has become separated from men and wrapped up in galactic matters that he can barely comprehend. Then he is caught up crisis on both earth and in Galactic Central and finds himself even more alone.
This was fun to read. I see why it won the Hugo Award in its time. But it was clumsy and a bit rushed at the end, I thought.
This is a very interesting book. Antiquated, yet timeless. In some ways fun, yet serious. It was definitely written in a more innocent time, even though it deals with complex issues of peace and human frailty.
The protagonist is an ageless veteran of the Civil War, who has spent a hundred years looking after a galactic transfer station. He has become separated from men and wrapped up in galactic matters that he can barely comprehend. Then he is caught up crisis on both earth and in Galactic Central and finds himself even more alone.
This was fun to read. I see why it won the Hugo Award in its time. But it was clumsy and a bit rushed at the end, I thought.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Never Have Your Dog Stuffed: And Other Things I've Learned (Alan Alda)
[****] ISBN: 9780739322765
I had no idea Alan Alda's life was so interesting. He was started his life as a child of vaudeville and grew up as a son of Hollywood. Yet his family seems to have always been only on the fringes of fame. His voyage of self-discovery through boarding schools and colleges is fascinating. And don't miss the exciting adventure he has at the end. Recommended, especially for fans of MASH and Alda's other work (the only disappointment with the audio version is that it's not read by Alan and the voice chosen is not what I would have picked).
I had no idea Alan Alda's life was so interesting. He was started his life as a child of vaudeville and grew up as a son of Hollywood. Yet his family seems to have always been only on the fringes of fame. His voyage of self-discovery through boarding schools and colleges is fascinating. And don't miss the exciting adventure he has at the end. Recommended, especially for fans of MASH and Alda's other work (the only disappointment with the audio version is that it's not read by Alan and the voice chosen is not what I would have picked).
Friday, May 02, 2008
Make Love *the Bruce Campbell Way (Bruce Campbell)
[**] ISBN: 9780312312602
This is on my 'read' shelf. But I didn't finish it. I just stopped reading it. I suppose I might, under the right circumstances, make it to the end. It would be sort of like watching a silly television episode. This time, I was not in the correct mood, I was looking for an actual book with an actual story.
This is on my 'read' shelf. But I didn't finish it. I just stopped reading it. I suppose I might, under the right circumstances, make it to the end. It would be sort of like watching a silly television episode. This time, I was not in the correct mood, I was looking for an actual book with an actual story.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana (Ann Rule)
[****] ISBN: 1400043522
The Road to Cana was not quite as enjoyable as Out of Egypt, at least not at first. The first 2/3 of the book felt slow, even meandering. The last 1/3 was very fast paced, almost too quick.
Like the first book, it's a bit of a stretch to get one's head inside the human head of the Son of God, though it's a bit easier having Him be an adult, rather than a child. But the author does an admirable job of trying to get some sort of a clue of the reality of the situation. As in the first book, she also brings the land and culture to life. Altogether an interesting read. Recommended.
The Road to Cana was not quite as enjoyable as Out of Egypt, at least not at first. The first 2/3 of the book felt slow, even meandering. The last 1/3 was very fast paced, almost too quick.
Like the first book, it's a bit of a stretch to get one's head inside the human head of the Son of God, though it's a bit easier having Him be an adult, rather than a child. But the author does an admirable job of trying to get some sort of a clue of the reality of the situation. As in the first book, she also brings the land and culture to life. Altogether an interesting read. Recommended.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Freedomnomics (John R. Lott, Jr.)
[***] ISBN: 9781596985063 (hardcover), 9780786149506 (audio)
John R. Lott, Jr. obviously has a bone to pick with the authors of Freakonomics. From the title of his book to the analysis inside, he is out to disprove many of the outlandish proposals in that other book.
In a way, he succeeds. The title got my attention. And I stayed with the book, listening through to the end. And I have to agree with much of his analysis and his conclusion: the free market is usually smarter than the government.
On the other hand, the book is not quite as entertaining as the one it's attacking. It might have helped if the main author were a magazine writer, rather than a PhD. Even so, if you read Freakonomics (which you should), then read this one to get a view from the other side.
John R. Lott, Jr. obviously has a bone to pick with the authors of Freakonomics. From the title of his book to the analysis inside, he is out to disprove many of the outlandish proposals in that other book.
In a way, he succeeds. The title got my attention. And I stayed with the book, listening through to the end. And I have to agree with much of his analysis and his conclusion: the free market is usually smarter than the government.
On the other hand, the book is not quite as entertaining as the one it's attacking. It might have helped if the main author were a magazine writer, rather than a PhD. Even so, if you read Freakonomics (which you should), then read this one to get a view from the other side.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Mary Poppins (P.L. Travers)
[***] ISBN: 0152017178
This was a likable bunch of stories. It is definitely not the Disney Mary Poppins (and vice versa). Julie Andrews tried to act as vain and mysterious as this Mary Poppins, but her smile always ruined the effect.
Interestingly, the book comes across more as a set of semi-related stories, rather than one big story. And for a children's book, there are no (discernible) lessons learned, other than to make room in your life for whimsy. So that is the lesson I will take with me as I write my own fantasy story involving a nanny, some children, and a genie.
This was a likable bunch of stories. It is definitely not the Disney Mary Poppins (and vice versa). Julie Andrews tried to act as vain and mysterious as this Mary Poppins, but her smile always ruined the effect.
Interestingly, the book comes across more as a set of semi-related stories, rather than one big story. And for a children's book, there are no (discernible) lessons learned, other than to make room in your life for whimsy. So that is the lesson I will take with me as I write my own fantasy story involving a nanny, some children, and a genie.
Monday, April 07, 2008
The Eagles Brood (Jack Whyte)
[***] ISBN: 9780765304599
I liked this better than "The Singing Sword", but still not as much as "The Skystone". The author shifts viewpoint here, into the head of Merlyn, the nephew of the previous narrator, Publius Varras. This results in more story, but I could have skipped some of the detailed, gruesome, and sometimes depraved details.
This is a Merlyn that runs counter to most previous notions of the old wizard. He's a young warrior growing up in the tradition of the Roman armies that have vacated Britain. We follow his life as he spars with his friend, cousin and rival, Uther Pendragon, who is ultimately the father of Arthur. Theirs is a brutish and often distasteful life. The story is not for the squeamish -- or impatient.
I liked this better than "The Singing Sword", but still not as much as "The Skystone". The author shifts viewpoint here, into the head of Merlyn, the nephew of the previous narrator, Publius Varras. This results in more story, but I could have skipped some of the detailed, gruesome, and sometimes depraved details.
This is a Merlyn that runs counter to most previous notions of the old wizard. He's a young warrior growing up in the tradition of the Roman armies that have vacated Britain. We follow his life as he spars with his friend, cousin and rival, Uther Pendragon, who is ultimately the father of Arthur. Theirs is a brutish and often distasteful life. The story is not for the squeamish -- or impatient.
Monday, March 24, 2008
The Singing Sword (Jack Whyte)
[***] ISBN: 0765304589
Not as much story fill the pages of the second book in this series. It's all very good writing, but much of it seems like filler. There are episodes that don't seem necessary to moving the plot forward. And the parts that are pertinent seem a bit drawn out. Even so, I pushed through and enjoyed the ending, which is very key to the overall epic.
Not as much story fill the pages of the second book in this series. It's all very good writing, but much of it seems like filler. There are episodes that don't seem necessary to moving the plot forward. And the parts that are pertinent seem a bit drawn out. Even so, I pushed through and enjoyed the ending, which is very key to the overall epic.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The Abs Diet Get Fit Stay Fit Plan (David Zinczenko, Ted Spiker)
[***] ISBN: 1594864098
This book just makes a lot of sense to me. It presents a very balanced view of diet and exercise. I first heard about it by chance on the Internet. Then I looked at a summary of the program at the Men's Health web site. Then I got the book from the library. Finally, I bought the book so that I can reference it any time.
I don't know if I'll manage to lose 15 pounds and 4 inches of gut in 6 weeks like some of the people. I've already been following many of the diet guidelines for a while and don't think I can get much more fanatical about them. But I think I can follow the exercise program pretty well, and that should be a big help. We'll see.
This book just makes a lot of sense to me. It presents a very balanced view of diet and exercise. I first heard about it by chance on the Internet. Then I looked at a summary of the program at the Men's Health web site. Then I got the book from the library. Finally, I bought the book so that I can reference it any time.
I don't know if I'll manage to lose 15 pounds and 4 inches of gut in 6 weeks like some of the people. I've already been following many of the diet guidelines for a while and don't think I can get much more fanatical about them. But I think I can follow the exercise program pretty well, and that should be a big help. We'll see.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need (Blake Snyder)
[****] ISBN: 9781932907001
This is the best book on screenwriting that I've read so far. It can't take the place of basics like "Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting" by Syd Field. But whereas Syd's book shows you the form of a screenplay and gives you the overall strategy for creating one, Blake's book gives you the nitty-gritty details and tactics for actually getting one written.
Look for even more guidance on creating a killer logline than "Crafty Screenwriting" gave. Look for a better explanation of genre than I've seen elsewhere (which is expanded on in "Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies"). Look for the amazing Black Snyder Beat Sheet (BS2) that gives a page by page breakdown of what goes where in your movie (every movie that works) and why. This is a must read for prospective screenwriters. And it's fun to read, too.
This is the best book on screenwriting that I've read so far. It can't take the place of basics like "Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting" by Syd Field. But whereas Syd's book shows you the form of a screenplay and gives you the overall strategy for creating one, Blake's book gives you the nitty-gritty details and tactics for actually getting one written.
Look for even more guidance on creating a killer logline than "Crafty Screenwriting" gave. Look for a better explanation of genre than I've seen elsewhere (which is expanded on in "Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies"). Look for the amazing Black Snyder Beat Sheet (BS2) that gives a page by page breakdown of what goes where in your movie (every movie that works) and why. This is a must read for prospective screenwriters. And it's fun to read, too.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Scene & Structure (Jack M. Bickham)
[***] ISBN: 0898799066
A very well structured and highly detailed book on how to do a highly detailed and well structured analysis when plotting a work of fiction. The problem for me is that doing all this analysis up front feels mechanical and artificial. I think these principles will be helpful in analyzing stories that don't seem to be working. This is good for skimming and getting general principles, but I would avoid getting bogged down in the details too soon.
A very well structured and highly detailed book on how to do a highly detailed and well structured analysis when plotting a work of fiction. The problem for me is that doing all this analysis up front feels mechanical and artificial. I think these principles will be helpful in analyzing stories that don't seem to be working. This is good for skimming and getting general principles, but I would avoid getting bogged down in the details too soon.
The Sword-Edged Blonde (Alex Bledsoe)
[***] ISBN: 1597801127
I would have probably never picked this up if I hadn't read a recommendation for it somewhere and it just happened to coincide with my plan to also write a first-person cross-over mystery. I'm glad I did. It's a fun read. This book tries to answer the question: what would happen if Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe lived in a world of sword and sorcery, rather than 20th century Los Angeles. What happens is that you get a hero with an attitude and a story filled with genre-bending non-sequiturs and humor. It just sort of works. This isn't Tolkien, or even C.S. Lewis, but there is plenty of story and interesting characters for the pages allocated. Recommended for a few hours of light reading.
I would have probably never picked this up if I hadn't read a recommendation for it somewhere and it just happened to coincide with my plan to also write a first-person cross-over mystery. I'm glad I did. It's a fun read. This book tries to answer the question: what would happen if Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe lived in a world of sword and sorcery, rather than 20th century Los Angeles. What happens is that you get a hero with an attitude and a story filled with genre-bending non-sequiturs and humor. It just sort of works. This isn't Tolkien, or even C.S. Lewis, but there is plenty of story and interesting characters for the pages allocated. Recommended for a few hours of light reading.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies: The Screenwriter's Guide to Every Story Ever Told (Blake Snyder)
[***] ISBN: 1932907351
I enjoyed the tone and perspective of this book and will be reading its predecessor, "Save the Cat!", in order to get a better understanding of how the plots can be broken down. The examples in this volume shed much light on how various sorts of films all share the same basic plot. Yet the book also shows how any basic outline, when done well, can be made fresh and alive. And when done really well, the same old plot becomes something new and unique. Recommended for any author, especially those writing screenplays. Warning: the plot breakdowns do contain spoilers (I skipped the ones for films I have not seen and plan to) and get a bit repetitive.
I enjoyed the tone and perspective of this book and will be reading its predecessor, "Save the Cat!", in order to get a better understanding of how the plots can be broken down. The examples in this volume shed much light on how various sorts of films all share the same basic plot. Yet the book also shows how any basic outline, when done well, can be made fresh and alive. And when done really well, the same old plot becomes something new and unique. Recommended for any author, especially those writing screenplays. Warning: the plot breakdowns do contain spoilers (I skipped the ones for films I have not seen and plan to) and get a bit repetitive.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Fragile Things (Neil Gaiman)
[***] ISBN: 9780060515225
An uneven, but ultimately satisfying collection of short stories, poems, and a novella from the author of "Stardust" and "Mirrormask" (and others I haven't yet read). Even though several of the stories and most of the poems fell flat for me, all of the entries showcase Gaiman's gift for imagination and invention. My favorites were "A Study in Emerald" (which re-imagines Sherlock Holmes in the world of H.P. Lovecraft), "Goliath" (which is from the world of "The Matrix"), "The Day the Saucers Came" (the one poem I liked), and "The Monarch of the Glen".
An uneven, but ultimately satisfying collection of short stories, poems, and a novella from the author of "Stardust" and "Mirrormask" (and others I haven't yet read). Even though several of the stories and most of the poems fell flat for me, all of the entries showcase Gaiman's gift for imagination and invention. My favorites were "A Study in Emerald" (which re-imagines Sherlock Holmes in the world of H.P. Lovecraft), "Goliath" (which is from the world of "The Matrix"), "The Day the Saucers Came" (the one poem I liked), and "The Monarch of the Glen".
Labels:
***,
anthology,
fantasy,
sf,
short stories
Friday, February 15, 2008
How to Talk About Books You Haven't Read (Pierre Bayard)
[****] ISBN: 1433208016 (audio), 1551929627 (hardcover)
This is a very fun book. The (English) audio version, especially, reminded me at times of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. More to the point it helps one think about what it means to read (or not read) a book. The overall conclusion is that there is not that much difference, in the long run, between reading and not reading a book. I have to agree, to a point. Of all the books I have read, I probably have a distinct memory of only a few. And of those I probably have only a hazy impression.
This is a very fun book. The (English) audio version, especially, reminded me at times of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. More to the point it helps one think about what it means to read (or not read) a book. The overall conclusion is that there is not that much difference, in the long run, between reading and not reading a book. I have to agree, to a point. Of all the books I have read, I probably have a distinct memory of only a few. And of those I probably have only a hazy impression.
Labels:
****,
audio,
literary criticism,
non-fiction
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