A guidebook that focuses on excerpting famous authors and writers, and briefly updating the locations so you can find them today. I’ve only begun reading it– this is subject to edits along the way.
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Category: Books
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The Hacker Crackdown
A look into the status of the computer hacking and phone phreaking underground circa 1992. It’s very interesting; by parts investigative journalism and travelogue. It’s interesting to see the formation of the EFF and more about GURPS Cyberpunk and why it was hit. Bruce Sterling does a good job of talking to the various people involved. While his leanings towards the law and order people are obvious, they match my predispositions.
In the last chapters, it’s interesting to see the futures that people anticipate– Lotus 1-2-3’s Mitchell Kapor eagerly anticipated the coming popularization of the Internet and the move from local BBSes. Spam sounds like a modern outgrowth of the grifters, scammers, and “social engineers” that were popular over a decade ago.
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Green Rider and First Rider’s Call
Kristen Britain’s first book and its sequel.
I liked the first book, Green Rider. It’s a solid adventure story; the Green Riders remind me a bit of Valedemar’s Heralds, but in mostly good ways. The faded magic is an different backdrop. Particularly interesting is the main character Karigan; much like Tolkein’s hobbits, she often succeeds because of her friends and the gifts she’s been given. It’s interesting to see a fantasy hero so dependent on others for everything but mettle.
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First in a long time
Since I have trouble reaching All Consuming [the books site that puts the little covers, “what I’m reading”, and “what I’ve read” in the sidebar], I may revive the books category on the site.
First, though, I’ve stumbled on two websites for book lovers:
Looky Book is a collection of children’s books with all the text and beautiful artwork. Scan through the pretty books to find a gift for your children and little friends.
Library thing. It looks so good, I’ll try it out…
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Books, games, etc.
Books, games, etc.
House full of Games: http://housefullofgames.com/
(boardgame reviews, discussion, etc.)
Mare Nostrum FAQ– http://www.sergelaget.com/Anglais/SL/MareNostrum/MNFAQ.htm
Vinci: area conquest, very strong — http://housefullofgames.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=53
Time’s Up: party game — http://housefullofgames.com/title.php?id=234
BuyWords — http://housefullofgames.com/title.php?id=228
Keythedral — sounds interesting — http://housefullofgames.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=55
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Angry Black White Boy & Mythago Wood
I finished Angry Black White Boy : A Novel by Adam Mansbach last night. It was a pretty good read; there was some social commentary (a lot actually), but also some strong characterization.
Macon seems pretty well characterized; he’s a strong character who has enough doubt and anxiety to seem real. As the downest whiteboy, he does a great job of walking the line between different groups. His reflections on family and privilege work– they don’t come across as the author preaching.
The book is almost a single POV book. The drawback is that the author dips into other POVs, but doesn’t always telegraph well. The few dips into other POVs seem like they could have been eliminated– they were infrequent enough to be annoying when they occurred, and they undermined my immersion in Macon. Save that, it’s clear and tackles interesting issues.
The previous book I read was Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock. It remains a good book; it’s set just after World War 2. Holdstock does a great job of building the setting, the family dynamic, and the mystery. This is one of my favorite books to return to.
Briefly, the family lives near Ryhope Wood. Steven, the character we’re following, is returning after being wounded and recovering in France. He’s filled with mixed feelings; partially resentment toward his neglectful father (who died during the war) and eagerness to see his brother and his brother’s bride.
When he returns home, nothing is as he anticipated. His brother is withdrawn… and obsessed, much as his father had been. Soon Christian (his brother) vanishes into the wood. We also get hints that the wood is more than it appears…
A good read, one I recommend, particularly if you enjoy fantasy/sci-fi.
The Fahrenheit 451 Book Meme came from several directions– and I didn’t wait to be tagged. If I did, it would be a very long wait…
You are stuck inside “Fahrenheit 451.” Which book would you save?
Mmm, tough. It seems like it should be something inspiring, but maybe something good would be enough to get people thinking about books after the culture vanishes?
I’d go for Lackey’s The Last Herald Mage: Magic’s Promise. It shows wistful fantasy, acceptance of diversity, and a desire to take responsibility. Not high lit, but it makes me happy.
I saw this meme on Blog, Jvstin Style and decided to do it as well.
What follows are lists of the Nebula and Hugo winners for best F/SF novel. The ones I’ve read are in bold.
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Quick Book Thoughts
In the King’s Service by Katherine Kurtz
A solid start to a trilogy, set in one of my favorite universes. I like some of the characters quite a bit: the King and Alric’s mother Alyce are solid. The relationships between the children of Corwyn are well drawn; I can easily imagine siblings having such relationships.
The plot is a slow boil; there’s a lot of low-key action, but no clear villain or overarching threat. It works, since the established books do a good job of illustrating the world (as it will be), and this book fits the pattern. There are some surprises (such as the Jessamy subplot), but most of the book’s events fit the world’s logic well enough to be “non-surprises”. The specific events that have to happen (because later books mention them) do happen– but usually in a natural seeming way. Over all, it’s not the book to introduce people to Gwynedd, but it’s a good book for people who already enjoy the world.
One More For The Road by Ray Bradbury
A collection of short stories. Many are fine- none were exceptional. Many of the main characters are writers, novelists, or have some similar profession. There may be an overt sense of the fantastic, but usually the stories are of the “slice of life” variety.
It may have been better than I’m remembering, but for me it was only an OK book. It wasn’t bad, but I doubt I’ll read it again. None of the stories screamed “must read again”. [For comparison: I really liked Fahrenheit 451, but didn’t think much of Dandelion Wine.]
Sorcery Rising & Wild Magic by Jude Fisher
I read these two novels and enjoyed them somewhat, but they’re not high on my list of books to recommend. I largely agree with this (from Books for a buck.com)–
Author Jude Fisher writes a frustrating combination of fabulous world-building with one-dimensional characters. Katla is a brat-tomboy. Her brother is a crazy coward. Her father is obsessed. Saro is a whiny baby. His brother is a cowardly bully. Growth comes slowly to these characters, especially as few of them are pursuing any particular goal (this makes for fine realism but disappointing reading). Of the major characters, only Aran Aranson seems to have a goal. On the other hand, Fisher’s world is fascinating with its different cultures, religions, and the strange trinity that created it and still plays an active force within it.
The world is sketched competently, though the dramatic north/south divide reminds me strongly of many other novels. The cultures in conflict should be in conflict, so that’s well done. The rise of magic plays out interestingly… but through such weak characters that it’s hard to care at times. Too many of the characters can be defined in a phrase- or two, if they have a cover motivation.
Three Hearts and Three Lions by Poul Anderson
A good book; a bit dated but still vibrant. The story seems straightforward, and it is. It’s punchy and short, doesn’t involve extensive “leveling up” play, but builds solid relationships among fantastic people. The “critters” are suitably human yet retain their alien nature Some things (like Holger’s fitness) seem too easy, but have been anticipated by the author.
All in all, a great fluffy read.
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Books for November
I’ve recently read a few books and just returned them to the library today. The three books I returned are:
Katherine Kurtz- In the King’s Service
Jude Fisher- Sorcery Rising & Wild Magic
Currently reading:
Poul Anderson- Three Hearts and Three Lions
Books checked out today:
John Betancourt- The Dawn of Amber
Ray Bradbury- One More For The Road
John Barnes- A Million Open Doors
Raleigh Trevelyan- Sir Walter Raleigh