thomd
The Seattle Public Library
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thomd's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Sep 04, 2015
thomd's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Aug 31, 2015
Comment:
Kids book, sparse artwork and a good biographical layout; doesn't have a ton of stats or other info. Anyone who hasn't heard of Sandy K should find their interest piqued by this fascinating lefty - the youngest ever to be inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame.Kids book, sparse artwork and a good biographical layout; doesn't have a ton of stats or other info. Anyone who hasn't heard of Sandy K should find their interest piqued by this fascinating lefty - the youngest ever to be inducted into baseball's…
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective AgencyDirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency, Book
by Adams, DouglasBook - 2014
thomd's rating:
3.5 out of 5 stars
Added Aug 28, 2015
Comment:
Read this back when it first came out, but the sequel made a much larger impression on me. Our "detective" does lots of investigating but not much detecting, and doesn't show up until a good ways into the book. After that, the story really gets going, and everything mentioned is for a reason. Loved the ending.
Looking forward to rereading the second book, and then the third, which I hardly remember. Also planning to check out the BBC television show based on this book soon - it was highly rated. As for the book, 3½ stars.Read this back when it first came out, but the sequel made a much larger impression on me. Our "detective" does lots of investigating but not much detecting, and doesn't show up until a good ways into the book. After that, the story really gets…
thomd's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Aug 25, 2015
Comment:
Having read two of Mary Doria Russell's previous books, both science fiction, I approached this with caution. My previous knowledge of Doc Holiday was at best a caricature.
This book focuses on Doc's life in Dodge City, but touches on everything before and after. Plenty of spotlight is also shone on Wyatt Earp, which is perhaps why the author decided to write a sequel of sorts that focused on him and the famous OK Corral. These and other characters are complex and well fleshed out.
Have read three of Mary Doria Russell's books, encountering Jesuits three times. Is there a pattern here? I may have to read another just to find out.Having read two of Mary Doria Russell's previous books, both science fiction, I approached this with caution. My previous knowledge of Doc Holiday was at best a caricature.
This book focuses on Doc's life in Dodge City, but touches on everything…
thomd's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Aug 19, 2015
Comment:
One man's passionate story of his experience in the Vietnam War. This collection of shorts tells a tale in a non-linear fashion, and utilizes war stories that may or may not be true. He also uses the voices of his comrades and relations. I had never heard of this book, but a quick google reveals many study guides - if this is required reading for teens, I applaud.
Listened to the version narrated by Bryan Cranston, who does a spectacular job. Recommended!One man's passionate story of his experience in the Vietnam War. This collection of shorts tells a tale in a non-linear fashion, and utilizes war stories that may or may not be true. He also uses the voices of his comrades and relations. I had never…
The Bullpen GospelsThe Bullpen Gospels, BookMajor League Dreams of A Minor League Veteran
by Hayhurst, DirkBook - 2010
thomd's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Aug 15, 2015
Comment:
Really enjoyed this tale of a year in the minor leagues. Contains sophomoric hijinx, a problematic family life, insights into baseball as a career, and likely considerably less swearing than actually occurs. Okay, maybe a little too much focus on the off field shenanigans, but I did laugh out loud several times. Will definitely look to other books and columns from Mr Hayhurst.Really enjoyed this tale of a year in the minor leagues. Contains sophomoric hijinx, a problematic family life, insights into baseball as a career, and likely considerably less swearing than actually occurs. Okay, maybe a little too much focus on…
thomd's rating:
2 out of 5 stars
Added Aug 15, 2015
Comment:
Sherlock was a decent companion through Europe. Just wish I had traveled through Switzerland so I could have tossed this collection over Reichenbach Falls.
At this point in the collection, the author was tired of the character, and while these stories could have branched out and been interesting, they were on the whole just okay.
I look forward to reading some modern takes on the main characters in the near future.Sherlock was a decent companion through Europe. Just wish I had traveled through Switzerland so I could have tossed this collection over Reichenbach Falls.
At this point in the collection, the author was tired of the character, and while these…
thomd's rating:
3 out of 5 stars
Added Aug 15, 2015
Comment:
The last of Doyle's Sherlock novels, this one is a bit thin on the ground. Holmes and Watson display some deductive prowess in the first half of the book; the second half is a complete story without Holmes. Wrapping it all together is a bit about Moriarty which feels forced to me - Holmes neither gains nor loses ground on his archenemy here.
Continuing the tradition of Holmes in Europe to it's ultimate end, I have the two following Doyle collections left to read, and another week to read them. The game is afoot!The last of Doyle's Sherlock novels, this one is a bit thin on the ground. Holmes and Watson display some deductive prowess in the first half of the book; the second half is a complete story without Holmes. Wrapping it all together is a bit about…
thomd's rating:
3 out of 5 stars
Added Aug 11, 2015
Comment:
This sophomore effort from Ernest Cline lays pop culture references on too thick for my taste.
Armada is about aliens, space battles and invasions. It's main characters (and thus the text) draw from 40 years of popular culture in tv and movies, books and video games. Any short summary of the plot would lead you immediately to one of those many references (The Last Starfighter, Ender's Game, Wargames, etc.) - this book is a collage of *all* of them.
For me, that is exactly what doesn't work. Our heroes vacillate between doubt and devotion, alternately remembering and then forgetting that this is like a plot from the New Twilight Zone, etc. In the midst of this, they throw out obscure geek references fast and furious, but miss obvious ones right in front of them (Lightman enters Crystal Palace but never thinks about the movie Wargames). Also annoying, the handwaving over advanced technology - "we got it from the aliens". FTL communications, inertial damping and large scale gravity control? Standard trope in sci-fi, but not a good fit for this present-day story.
Back to the positive points - this author can definitely write. Battle scenes are exciting, pop culture references are correct and appropriate (if too frequent), and plot details are logical. The first version of the book available to me was the audio book read by Wil Wheaton, and he does a great job here. I enjoyed the Raid the Arcade mix (Guardians of the Galaxy, anyone?) which was fully documented on the last page of the book and is nearly all available on Spotify.
Overall rating - 3 stars. I liked this book, but nowhere near as much as Ready Player One. Will continue to read this author in the future.This sophomore effort from Ernest Cline lays pop culture references on too thick for my taste.
Armada is about aliens, space battles and invasions. It's main characters (and thus the text) draw from 40 years of popular culture in tv and movies,…
Lighthouse at the End of the WorldLighthouse at the End of the World, BookLe Phare Du Bout Du Monde : the First English Translation of Verne's Original Manuscript
by Verne, JulesBook - 2007
thomd's rating:
2.5 out of 5 stars
Added Aug 10, 2015
Comment:
Jules Verne wrote this story shortly before he died, but never had a chance to edit it and polish it. The introduction details his writing process and a history of this particular manuscript, which was revised and published by his son a few years later.
This book has the original manuscript, with a few alterations noted in pencil in the original work. While not revised by the author, it does have the kernel of a good story and good protagonists. I liked it more for it's potential than anything else. 2½ stars.Jules Verne wrote this story shortly before he died, but never had a chance to edit it and polish it. The introduction details his writing process and a history of this particular manuscript, which was revised and published by his son a few years…
thomd's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Aug 10, 2015
Comment:
Everything I wrote in my review of Beyond: Our Future in Space applies to this book as well. Both have a positive, hopeful message. Both examine, chapter by chapter, the completely feasible future of mankind in space.
Colonies in Space was released in 1977, and written during the time of the first space shuttle launches. I found it enchanting as a youth, and find it just as interesting today. Power Satellites are a great solution to many of our current problems, and the whole process is well documented.
Illustrations are in greyscale and really don't bring out the beauty of some of those designs. Fortunately, the entire book and the color versions of the illustrations are online at http://www.nss.org/settlement/ColoniesInSpace/
Is it current? No. Are the ideas still feasible? Mostly yes, though probably costing more money. Humorously, one of the authors "expenses" of living in a colony has been completely replaced - regular shipping of films and music.Everything I wrote in my review of Beyond: Our Future in Space applies to this book as well. Both have a positive, hopeful message. Both examine, chapter by chapter, the completely feasible future of mankind in space.
Colonies in Space was…
thomd's rating:
3.5 out of 5 stars
Added Aug 10, 2015
Comment:
This seems like a short story expanded to a novella or short novel. Interesting (and complete) world design, religious oppression taken to an extreme. No real action in the first half, though. The second half is a good story, with elements of adventure and intrigue at the personal and government scale, and works fairly well.
Tried to find exactly why this book was banned, and only found the statement: "An exploration of alien sex so explicit it was one of the most banned books of it's time."
The only thing explicit is the biological description of how this species reproduces - unless it is the idea of sex with lights on and eyes wide open.
Easily a four or five star short story that suffers with expansion. Still a very quick read.This seems like a short story expanded to a novella or short novel. Interesting (and complete) world design, religious oppression taken to an extreme. No real action in the first half, though. The second half is a good story, with elements of…
thomd's rating:
2.5 out of 5 stars
Added Aug 09, 2015
Comment:
This story follows people connected to Arthur Leander, an actor who dies in the first (and last) chapters of the book. These characters are mostly survivors of a superflu which kills off 99.99% of the human race. The title comes from an elaborate comic book drawn by Arthur's ex-wife Miranda.
The book is primarily set 20 years after the apocalypse, and focuses on a traveling band of musicians and actors, who play classical music and perform Shakespeare. The theme here is the survival of culture more than the survival of humanity.
As the bard said, the play's the thing, and this post-apocalyptic world feels like a play. No gritty realism, starving dogs, or warlords. People get by. This theme carries into the flashbacks, showing various of Arthur's connections sleepwalking through their lives.
The storytelling is rich, but for me the characters feel flat. The jumps are interesting, but the tale before the apocalypse is far better than afterward. The religious zealout who plays the part of the villain is caricatured at first, and less believable because of it.
This won an Arthur C Clarke award for best science fiction novel of 2015. I liked it, but I didn't love it.This story follows people connected to Arthur Leander, an actor who dies in the first (and last) chapters of the book. These characters are mostly survivors of a superflu which kills off 99.99% of the human race. The title comes from an elaborate…
thomd's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Aug 04, 2015
Comment:
A really interesting travelogue, varying from the technical to the contemplative. The author walks upstream through the Grand Canyon some 50 years ago, in some places where it is likely no one walked before. His meditations on animals and geology are fascinating, and while he didn't encounter any great mishaps, Colin Fletcher presents himself as very human. Perhaps the most amazing thing to me is that this book was constructed after his adventure from notes in a journal.
Selected this book from Vanya's top 10 books that influenced list, and I can definitely see why she enjoyed it. Recommended!A really interesting travelogue, varying from the technical to the contemplative. The author walks upstream through the Grand Canyon some 50 years ago, in some places where it is likely no one walked before. His meditations on animals and geology…
The Girl With All the GiftsThe Girl With All the Gifts, Downloadable Audiobook
by Carey, M. R.Downloadable Audiobook - 2014
All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 2 copies
Holds: 0 on 2 copies
thomd's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Aug 01, 2015
Comment:
This is a book where reviews lead to spoilers, which I will try to avoid. The story is told in two broad parts, the normal life before and the imperiled flight after. The general setting is 20 years after a major fungal epidemic wipes out the majority of Britain (and likely the rest of the world also).
Most of the story is told through the eyes of the main character Melanie, born into this dystopia and... different. Her favorite Greek myth is that of Pandora (the Girl with all the Gifts) and this myth and theme frame the story very well.
The rest of the novel reveals the perspectives of the various supporting cast. Archetypes abound (raw recruit, grizzled sergeant, obsessed scientist, etc.), but each of these characters has some depth and most experience subtle growth through the story.
The writing was very visual and generally well done. It didn't always feel like 20 years, and I wonder whether that choice was arbitrary or planned by the author. I have general quibbles about the physiology also, but was able to suspend disbelief for the duration.
The first version available at the library was the on-demand audio, and Flinty Williams did a very good job reading this. Though the setting and characters felt American, they at least *sounded* British. For me, this was a solid 4.5 star book, and I look forward to reading more prose from Mike Carey in the future.This is a book where reviews lead to spoilers, which I will try to avoid. The story is told in two broad parts, the normal life before and the imperiled flight after. The general setting is 20 years after a major fungal epidemic wipes out the…
thomd's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Jul 29, 2015
Comment:
Author Harry Harrison wrote in 1984 about the technique of background-as-foreground - the story for the main characters is really a means to capture the readers attention and draw them to the greater truth of the setting. He uses this to great effect in Make Room! Make Room!
This novel shows what the world will be like "if we continue in our insane manner to pollute and overpopulate Spaceship Earth." The observed limitations of oil and aquifers play right alongside the conflict between farmers and city dwellers. Disease plays only a small role here, but then the scope of the novel is roughly 6 months.
The main character is a policeman, with side stories covering his target and a judge who influences his duties. These characters and the various side characters are well described and interesting, and only once (towards the end of the book) does the story digress into a few pages of exposition as Sol rants about birth control and sustainable development.
As you probably know, this book was appropriated and turned into a movie. Well, some of it was. Harry Harrison wrote all about it in an article published in Omni, which fortunately lives online here - http://www.iol.ie/~carrollm/hh/soycan... The book of course doesn't contain cannibalism, and when Soylent shows up, it is where it makes more sense - Soy and Lentil steaks.
All in all, a really excellent book. Though published nearly 50 years ago, it is still quite relevant today, and a very good read. Recommended!Author Harry Harrison wrote in 1984 about the technique of background-as-foreground - the story for the main characters is really a means to capture the readers attention and draw them to the greater truth of the setting. He uses this to great…
thomd's rating:
1.5 out of 5 stars
Added Jul 23, 2015
Comment:
The blurb on the author's site is a sparse "A high tech ghost story..."
The main character is pushed around by the plot, by the other characters, and eventually by ghosts as well. A lot of the story is learning how he is going to react next.
While science-fiction-ish, the mechanism behind these new phones is not explained terribly well. "Deeper than atoms" or something like that. So it's not great sci-fi, and I didn't find it particularly great horror either.
I listened to the book as read by Jason Culp. He did a pretty good job with the main character and the narrative, but some of the supporting cast - especially the women - were not the best.
I'll stick with Greg Bear for science fiction, but will likely give his future horror titles a pass.The blurb on the author's site is a sparse "A high tech ghost story..."
The main character is pushed around by the plot, by the other characters, and eventually by ghosts as well. A lot of the story is learning how he is going to react…
thomd's rating:
3.5 out of 5 stars
Added Jul 22, 2015
Comment:
This incredibly sad novel is told from the perspective of (and within the lifetime of) a dog named Enzo. He comes by this name from his race car driving owner, Denny. Racing as a metaphor for life is both the theme and the constant focus of Enzo, who quotes his owner and other race car drivers with aphorisms such as "Your car goes where your eyes go."
Our narrator often feels trapped in dog form, and looks forward to reincarnation as a human. At times, the author seems to stray from the dog's focus to tell the main story. At other times, he fits this into the dogs head as imagination, tying back to daytime TV shows that Enzo has watched. This is cute, but occasionally goes a little beyond.
Enzo and Denny are well fleshed out; the rest of the characters are pretty flat. The evil in-laws are beyond creepy. The story has many sad points, a lot of death and dying, and yet I couldn't put it down at times. I understand there are both young adult and children's adaptations of this book by the same author - I can't imagine how they would work, and don't plan to suggest either for my 11 year old animal lover anytime soon.
Cautiously recommended at 3.5 stars.This incredibly sad novel is told from the perspective of (and within the lifetime of) a dog named Enzo. He comes by this name from his race car driving owner, Denny. Racing as a metaphor for life is both the theme and the constant focus of Enzo,…
Chasing the ScreamChasing the Scream, BookThe First and Last Days of the War on Drugs
by Hari, JohannBook - 2015
thomd's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Jul 21, 2015
Comment:
A very passionate history and analysis, based primarily on source interviews and the Harry Anslinger archives. Covers a surprising narrative of the early "war on drugs", continuing up to the present day. Chapters of analysis examine situations and countries where addiction and sometimes the drugs themselves were decriminalized. Some insightful thoughts into how dealing with marijuana is different than crack or meth. A brief chapter near the end covers the two different campaigns (Colorado and Washington) for legalization of marijuana.
The core of the book is the authors insight that most of addiction is emotional, and largely resulting from childhood trauma. Chemical addiction is only a small percentage, which is contrary to everything we were brought up with.
I found the book well researched and collected, even if much of the message is not news. The writing was a little difficult to follow, especially the first few chapters where the stories of various individuals were relayed. The early history was quite interesting, and at first seemed unbelievable.
Recommended eye opener for anyone who hasn't really thought about the full effects of drugs (and criminalization) on our society.A very passionate history and analysis, based primarily on source interviews and the Harry Anslinger archives. Covers a surprising narrative of the early "war on drugs", continuing up to the present day. Chapters of analysis examine situations and…
The Last Voyage of ColumbusThe Last Voyage of Columbus, Audiobook CD[being the Epic Tale of the Great Captain's Fourth Expedition, Including Accounts of Swordfight, Mutiny, Shipwreck, Gold, War, Hurricane, and Discovery]
by Dugard, MartinAudiobook CD - 2005
thomd's rating:
3.5 out of 5 stars
Added Jul 20, 2015
Comment:
This book starts with an overview of pre-voyage stuff that jumps around a bit in time - governor Columbus arrested and returned in chains to Spain; Columbus asking both Portugal and Spain to sponsor his first expedition; other expeditions (some launched by the Spanish sovereigns to avoid giving Columbus too much profit), etc. This portion is interesting and brings out the major players, even if it is a bit hard to follow.
The second section dives in to the fourth voyage and covers it in great detail. I missed the earlier what came before or after style here. Notably missing - Portugal, specifically King João II - such a nemesis in the first section of the book.
The book concludes in a rush, giving almost no detail of the final years of Christopher Columbus. A brief history of some of the other players is given. A solid 3½ stars.This book starts with an overview of pre-voyage stuff that jumps around a bit in time - governor Columbus arrested and returned in chains to Spain; Columbus asking both Portugal and Spain to sponsor his first expedition; other expeditions (some…
thomd's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Jul 19, 2015
Comment:
This is the story of Sophie, a baby found floating in a cello case after her ship sinks. The first few chapters tell growth into a strong 12 year old character; the subsequent chapters her adventures on the run. Together they make up a wonderfully endearing story.
First off, Charles (guardian of Sophie) has all the best lines. One of many great bon mots from this character - "I know these sorts of people. They're not men. They're mustaches with idiots attached." He provides a strong male character, guiding without taking over the story. Other supporting characters arrive later on, each well detailed an interesting. One quibble - the few antagonists are mere cardboard cutouts; this is more a tale of adventure than of conflict.
The setting the rooftops of Paris, beautifully described and a solid part of the story. The language and length are perfect for a young adult novel. The head of each chapter has a small illustration of something coming in the following pages; it was a fun game to guess how it would appear.
Read this aloud with my daughter, aged 11, and she thought it should be rated 6 stars out of 5. Definitely looking forward to more from this young author.This is the story of Sophie, a baby found floating in a cello case after her ship sinks. The first few chapters tell growth into a strong 12 year old character; the subsequent chapters her adventures on the run. Together they make up a wonderfully…
Suitability
Ages 8
The Soul of An OctopusThe Soul of An Octopus, Audiobook CD[a Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness]
by Montgomery, SyAudiobook CD - 2015
thomd's rating:
3 out of 5 stars
Added Jul 15, 2015
Comment:
Got this book expecting science on consciousness, intelligence, or instinct. Found instead a memoir / travelogue, with occasional anecdotes about the octopus. Yes, I learned a few things, and the audio book was read by the author. The octopus really is quite alien from us, with neurons in their arms (which can go on living after the death of the head), and I was really hoping to read some new insights about this fascinating species. Less anecdotes, more science.Got this book expecting science on consciousness, intelligence, or instinct. Found instead a memoir / travelogue, with occasional anecdotes about the octopus. Yes, I learned a few things, and the audio book was read by the author. The octopus really…
thomd's rating:
3.5 out of 5 stars
Added Jul 08, 2015
Comment:
Wonderful world building by the author, though a bit too dense at times. Not a book you can easily put down and pick up again later. The main characters are quite similar to those in the Harry Potter books, and the ending is similar also - bad guy confrontation told all-in-a-rush. This book is part of a series also, and aimed at young adults.
This book has a strong female main character, and neither focuses on her albinism nor the setting of Nigeria. Maybe it's just me, but I found Rowling's world a bit more accessible and the supporting cast a bit more fleshed out.
Started reading aloud with my daughter, but long breaks between chapters made it very hard to follow - many questions. Read on my own in a few days made for quite an improvement. Looking forward to hearing my daughter's opinion when we finish it.Wonderful world building by the author, though a bit too dense at times. Not a book you can easily put down and pick up again later. The main characters are quite similar to those in the Harry Potter books, and the ending is similar also - bad guy…
Baseball HaikuBaseball Haiku, BookAmerican and Japanese Haiku and Senryu on Baseball
Book - 2007
thomd's rating:
3.5 out of 5 stars
Added Jul 05, 2015
Comment:
A very good introduction and conclusion, fun intros to each of the poets, and of course Haiku (and Senryu). As the editor points out, the Haiku is uniquely suited to Baseball; especially the pastoral setting and lack of a time limit. My favorite from this volume:
carrying his glove
the boy's dog follows him
to the baseball fieldA very good introduction and conclusion, fun intros to each of the poets, and of course Haiku (and Senryu). As the editor points out, the Haiku is uniquely suited to Baseball; especially the pastoral setting and lack of a time limit. My favorite…
thomd's rating:
2.5 out of 5 stars
Added Jul 04, 2015
Comment:
This thriller took a while to really get moving. Starts off with many loose threads, eventually collapsing into one narrative. These threads are confusing, perhaps intentionally obfuscated by the author. Another point of irritation is when the characters have information that the reader doesn't have. Once the narrative of Israel vs Iran (and the organizations pulling those strings) comes out fully, the novel tightens up and runs well. 2½ stars.This thriller took a while to really get moving. Starts off with many loose threads, eventually collapsing into one narrative. These threads are confusing, perhaps intentionally obfuscated by the author. Another point of irritation is when the…
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