Soooo, I have the use of a computer all day today and since I've read a lot of comic book stuff these last few days, I think it's time for a Special Insert.
Comics
Defenders - Keith Giffins and J. M. DeMatteis writers; Kevin Maguire, penciler. ($19.99/$6.98, copyright 2006, Hard Cover)
If you recognize the names then you know that this is the same creative team that is "famous" for the Justice League International phenomena. This Hard Cover edition includes all 5 issues of their take on the Marvel Super team. It's a typical Earth-in-danger-by-mystic-forces tale where Doctor Strange rounds up Namor, the Hulk, and tries for the Silver Surfer. What makes this one great is Namor telling Strange he sounds like bad Shakespeare, and the remarkable facial expressions that Maguire draws. I enjoyed it.
Batman: Gotham After Midnight - Steve Niles, writer and Kelley Jones, artist ($19.99/Gift Card, Copyright 2009, Trade Edition)
This edition includes all 12 issues in the miniseries. Here Batman faces off against several of his usual villains while trying to figure out who's really behind everything. A good story made better by a good part for Bruce Wayne (for a change) and an involved Alfred. I enjoyed it.
Showcase Presents: Sgt. Rock - Robert Kanigher, writer and Joe Kubert, artist (for the most part) (543 pages, $16.99/30% off coupon, Copyright 2007, Trade Edition)
Included here are sort of an origin story from the January, 1959 issue of GI Combat and the Easy Company stories from Our Army At War dating from April, 1959 to April, 1962. All of these tales revolve around DC's WW2 hero. I remember them fondly, but unfortunately they tend to drag when you read them all at once. Rock finds a way out, Rock teaches a lesson, Rock overcomes wounds. That's pretty much it. It's OK, but I recommend reading a few stories at a time.
In the last chapter, 5 I think, I ran on about my problem with single issue purchasing. Briefly, I had to wait months before I was finally able to pick up the last issue of the Flash:Reborn initial story arc. I got last Thursday so I should be happy, but I'm not. The story was OK, and sets up an ongoing, but my gripe now is with the number of pages devoted to the story. I didn't look back at the first 4 issues, but issues 5 and 6 came with excerpts of other DC upcoming specials each numbering about 5 pages. This means that I got 5 less pages of story and artwork for the comic I was buying. That just doesn't seem fair.
Keep reading.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Chapter Five
OK, it's been a strange month full of good news and bad. It looks like this chapter is going to fall into the same categories as well.
Miscellaneous
The London Pigeon Wars - Patrick Neate (323 pages, $24.00/$.50, copyright 2003, Hard Cover) One of the blurbs on the jacket compared Neate's use of language to "A Clockwork Orange", so I bought it. My mistake. It was interesting at first, a group of 30-something Brits bemoaning their lives meets up with a friend from 20 years passed and plan a bank robbery, interspersed by section narrated by a pigeon involved in the War. Unfortunately, it got too involved with the language, and I began to lose interest towards the end. OK.
The Worst-Case Survival Handbook - Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht (176 pages, No price marked/$.25, copyright 1999, Soft Cover) Definitely worst-case! I can't see anyone who grew up in the Bronx ever being in any of these situations. I'll help you out - in the situation involving wild animals - STAY AWAY! No opinion, since it's not a novel.
Series
PlayBack - Raymond Chandler (168 pages, $2.25/$.50, copyright 1958, Paperback) This should go under the heading of "Holy Crap! Look what I found! Philip Marlowe! What more could you want. Marlowe is the archetype for all the wise-cracking, hard as nails PIs that came after him. This one is no real mystery just classic Marlowe doggedly getting at the truth. Enjoyed it.
Downside to Library Shopping
Yes, there are two drawbacks to library shopping, and they are perfectly illustrated by the following:
Everglades - Randy Wayne White (351 pages, $7.99/$.50, copyright 2003, Paperback) To paraphrase the Stones - You can't always like what you get. I could see where this one was going after 94 pages (about 1/4 of the way through). The main character is a Marine Biologist with a past, and the action hadn't even left his boat. I've got too many other books piled up to keep struggling with one. Back on the Pile.
Person or Persons Unknown - Bruce Alexander (325 pages, $5.99/$.50, copyright 1997, Paperback) Draw back number 2. I read it already. This is part of a series, and I wasn't sure I'd read it, but I had. Nevertheless, it's a great series centered on Sir John Fielding (brother to Henry Fielding of "Tom Jones" fame), who was the blind magistrate who started the Bow Street Runners in London. Excellent period piece, and a good mystery to boot.
Comic Books
The Brave and the Bold: The Book of Destiny - Mark Waid (writer), George Perez and Jerry Ordway (pencils) ($12.99/30 percent off coupon, copyright 2008, Hard Cover) This volume includes issues 7 through 12 of the individual comic. I bought it because in addition to the usual superheroes (i.e., Superman, Wonder Woman, etc.) on the cover, there were - THE CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN -one of my favorite groups ever, and sadly underused for most of the last decade. Anyway, there were some different pairings, and some unusual situations not normally found in a team-up book. To tease you into looking for this it included The Doom Patrol, and the BlackHawks along with The Flash and Green Lantern. Enjoyed it.
Now, a reason for buying comics in Trade Editions. When I was a kid, you'd get your dose of your favorite superhero monthly. Each issue was a stand alone adventure, and it was an Event if there was a two-parter or a cross-over. Nowadays, most story lines run in 6-issue arcs. I was lucky to get the first 3 issues of the recent Flash:Reborn series from my brother. This was back in August. Now all I had to do was collect the last 3 issues of the arc, and I'd have the whole set. It's now March, 7 months later and I'm still waiting for issue number 6 - THE LAST ISSUE - to come out. The guy in the store said maybe next week. This is why I usually wait for the Trade to come out. No muss, no fuss.
ALSO, for anyone who actually reads this, I finally started the jigsaw puzzle from Christmas.
Talk to you later.
Miscellaneous
The London Pigeon Wars - Patrick Neate (323 pages, $24.00/$.50, copyright 2003, Hard Cover) One of the blurbs on the jacket compared Neate's use of language to "A Clockwork Orange", so I bought it. My mistake. It was interesting at first, a group of 30-something Brits bemoaning their lives meets up with a friend from 20 years passed and plan a bank robbery, interspersed by section narrated by a pigeon involved in the War. Unfortunately, it got too involved with the language, and I began to lose interest towards the end. OK.
The Worst-Case Survival Handbook - Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht (176 pages, No price marked/$.25, copyright 1999, Soft Cover) Definitely worst-case! I can't see anyone who grew up in the Bronx ever being in any of these situations. I'll help you out - in the situation involving wild animals - STAY AWAY! No opinion, since it's not a novel.
Series
PlayBack - Raymond Chandler (168 pages, $2.25/$.50, copyright 1958, Paperback) This should go under the heading of "Holy Crap! Look what I found! Philip Marlowe! What more could you want. Marlowe is the archetype for all the wise-cracking, hard as nails PIs that came after him. This one is no real mystery just classic Marlowe doggedly getting at the truth. Enjoyed it.
Downside to Library Shopping
Yes, there are two drawbacks to library shopping, and they are perfectly illustrated by the following:
Everglades - Randy Wayne White (351 pages, $7.99/$.50, copyright 2003, Paperback) To paraphrase the Stones - You can't always like what you get. I could see where this one was going after 94 pages (about 1/4 of the way through). The main character is a Marine Biologist with a past, and the action hadn't even left his boat. I've got too many other books piled up to keep struggling with one. Back on the Pile.
Person or Persons Unknown - Bruce Alexander (325 pages, $5.99/$.50, copyright 1997, Paperback) Draw back number 2. I read it already. This is part of a series, and I wasn't sure I'd read it, but I had. Nevertheless, it's a great series centered on Sir John Fielding (brother to Henry Fielding of "Tom Jones" fame), who was the blind magistrate who started the Bow Street Runners in London. Excellent period piece, and a good mystery to boot.
Comic Books
The Brave and the Bold: The Book of Destiny - Mark Waid (writer), George Perez and Jerry Ordway (pencils) ($12.99/30 percent off coupon, copyright 2008, Hard Cover) This volume includes issues 7 through 12 of the individual comic. I bought it because in addition to the usual superheroes (i.e., Superman, Wonder Woman, etc.) on the cover, there were - THE CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN -one of my favorite groups ever, and sadly underused for most of the last decade. Anyway, there were some different pairings, and some unusual situations not normally found in a team-up book. To tease you into looking for this it included The Doom Patrol, and the BlackHawks along with The Flash and Green Lantern. Enjoyed it.
Now, a reason for buying comics in Trade Editions. When I was a kid, you'd get your dose of your favorite superhero monthly. Each issue was a stand alone adventure, and it was an Event if there was a two-parter or a cross-over. Nowadays, most story lines run in 6-issue arcs. I was lucky to get the first 3 issues of the recent Flash:Reborn series from my brother. This was back in August. Now all I had to do was collect the last 3 issues of the arc, and I'd have the whole set. It's now March, 7 months later and I'm still waiting for issue number 6 - THE LAST ISSUE - to come out. The guy in the store said maybe next week. This is why I usually wait for the Trade to come out. No muss, no fuss.
ALSO, for anyone who actually reads this, I finally started the jigsaw puzzle from Christmas.
Talk to you later.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Chapter Four
These last few weeks saw the passing of several writers whose work will stand the test of time. Erich Segal wrote "Love Story" and the movie of the same name which was probably THE Chick Flick of my generation. Robert Parker wrote the Spencer and Jesse Stone books which were made into TV programs that were quality entertainment. J. D. Salinger wrote "The Catcher in the Rye" which is still being read by high school students who almost always identify with the main character. Each will be missed by their respective followers.
What I have for you this time are several books, only one of which was written by one of the previously mentioned, recently passed, writers.
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes in America - Martin H. Greenberg, Jon. L. Lellenberg and David Stashover, Editors, (375 pages, $14.95/gift card, copyright 2009, Trade Paperback).
16 stories by various authors all dealing with the exploits of Sherlock Holmes in the New World - America. Some address his early years preparing for his career, before Watson. Some include Watson and deal with follow ups to previous recorded cases. One, in particular, is "written" by Holmes himself, and serves as a lead in to his Final Bow. Most are well-written, especially the one leading up to his Final Bow, but I must admit I was a little disappointed. Holmes should be in England, dealing with the fog, hansom cabs, and Scotland Yard. Not bad.
Series
Night Passage - Robert B. Parker (324 pages, $6.99/$.50, copyright 1998, Paperback)
This is the first in the Jesse Stone series, and the first one I've read. It's different from the Spenser books - not as light, and told in the 3rd person. We have a flawed character in a new situation, and faced with controlling his demons in order to do his job as Chief of Police in a small New England town. I enjoyed it.
Cross Country - James Patterson (406 pages, $27.99/$2.00, copyright 2008, Hard Cover)
This is another of the Alex Cross novels that Paterson finds the time to churn out amidst his other literary endeavors. I've always liked these, and this is no exception. Murder in DC leads to a manhunt in Nigeria, and Cross' brutal realization of the realities of life in many of the countries in Africa. I thought the ending was a little too pat, and a bit rushed, however. I enjoyed it.
The Vig - John Lescroat (376 pages, $7.99/$.50, copyright 1990, Paperback)
This is one of the Dismas Hardy/Abe Glitsky novels that have always been a pleasure to read. This is one of the earlier ones in the series, and is set during the time that Hardy has left the DA's office and is tending bar. An old friend dies(?), murder threats, ex-cons, San Francisco and Mexico, and the personal lives and problems of our heroes all mixed together nicely. I enjoyed it.
The Mile High Club - Kinky Friedman (223 Pages, $13.00/$.50, copyright 2000, Paperback)
A while back I reviewed Richard Belzer's first book, and this is of the same genre. Kinky writes about himself, as he investigates a crime. We have a mysterious woman, the State Department, terrorists, and Kinky's assortment of friends/characters who circle around him at his loft in the Village. The writing started out interesting, but grew stale rapidly, as he tends to use the same phrases over and over. If you liked his past as a county music personality (Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys) you may enjoy this. I found it to be passable.
That's all for now. As Ringo says, Peace and Love.
What I have for you this time are several books, only one of which was written by one of the previously mentioned, recently passed, writers.
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes in America - Martin H. Greenberg, Jon. L. Lellenberg and David Stashover, Editors, (375 pages, $14.95/gift card, copyright 2009, Trade Paperback).
16 stories by various authors all dealing with the exploits of Sherlock Holmes in the New World - America. Some address his early years preparing for his career, before Watson. Some include Watson and deal with follow ups to previous recorded cases. One, in particular, is "written" by Holmes himself, and serves as a lead in to his Final Bow. Most are well-written, especially the one leading up to his Final Bow, but I must admit I was a little disappointed. Holmes should be in England, dealing with the fog, hansom cabs, and Scotland Yard. Not bad.
Series
Night Passage - Robert B. Parker (324 pages, $6.99/$.50, copyright 1998, Paperback)
This is the first in the Jesse Stone series, and the first one I've read. It's different from the Spenser books - not as light, and told in the 3rd person. We have a flawed character in a new situation, and faced with controlling his demons in order to do his job as Chief of Police in a small New England town. I enjoyed it.
Cross Country - James Patterson (406 pages, $27.99/$2.00, copyright 2008, Hard Cover)
This is another of the Alex Cross novels that Paterson finds the time to churn out amidst his other literary endeavors. I've always liked these, and this is no exception. Murder in DC leads to a manhunt in Nigeria, and Cross' brutal realization of the realities of life in many of the countries in Africa. I thought the ending was a little too pat, and a bit rushed, however. I enjoyed it.
The Vig - John Lescroat (376 pages, $7.99/$.50, copyright 1990, Paperback)
This is one of the Dismas Hardy/Abe Glitsky novels that have always been a pleasure to read. This is one of the earlier ones in the series, and is set during the time that Hardy has left the DA's office and is tending bar. An old friend dies(?), murder threats, ex-cons, San Francisco and Mexico, and the personal lives and problems of our heroes all mixed together nicely. I enjoyed it.
The Mile High Club - Kinky Friedman (223 Pages, $13.00/$.50, copyright 2000, Paperback)
A while back I reviewed Richard Belzer's first book, and this is of the same genre. Kinky writes about himself, as he investigates a crime. We have a mysterious woman, the State Department, terrorists, and Kinky's assortment of friends/characters who circle around him at his loft in the Village. The writing started out interesting, but grew stale rapidly, as he tends to use the same phrases over and over. If you liked his past as a county music personality (Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys) you may enjoy this. I found it to be passable.
That's all for now. As Ringo says, Peace and Love.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Chapter Three
OK, so I've got some interesting stuff this time around, including an expansion of what I've been posting so far. Not a lot, mind you, due to the demands of this past Christmas season, but some good stuff.
Trade Paperbacks
"Showcase Presents: DC Comics Presents: Superman Team-ups" ($17 bucks less a 30% coupon at Borders, Issues 1 to 26, July/August 1978 to October 1980)
Think about it, Superman - the first superhero - teamed up with other heroes from the DC Universe. Should be a no-brainer but I found these stories to be uneven, at best. The "Team mates" ran the gamut from the Flash (first 2 issues), Wonder Woman, Green Lantern (twice), to Adam Strange, Swamp Thing, and Red Tornado. Just reading this list you can see that some of these would work and some wouldn't. Come on.....Red Tornado! Authors included Martin Pasko, David Micheline, Len Wein, Denny O'Neil and others. Artist included Dan Adkins, Joe Stanton, Jim Starlin and others. Not too bad, overall, since it does run for 26 issues.
Miscellaneous
"Not Dead Enough" - Peter James (486 Pages, copyright 2007, Trade paperback, 12 Pounds 99 pence/ $.50 at the library)
That's right, 12 Pounds, 99 pence was the printed price. This is an English edition. Also, it's a pre-publication edition, so there's next to no editing and . . . it's AUTOGRAPHED. You'd be amazed what you can find at the library. A murder mystery but told in alternating chapters from the points of view of the inspector (or whatever his English title was), the killer, and the victim(s). I enjoyed it.
"High Citadel" - Desmond Bagley (295 pages, copyright 1966, paperback, $.50/$.50)
Another oddity. The price I paid turned out to be the original cover price. Of course, it was originally published in 1966 by Pocketbooks when I was a Freshman in High School (and YES they did have schools back then). This one involves a plane crash in the Andes, civilians against the communist army, and medieval weapons versus modern. I found myself "casting" the movie with Errol Flynn as the pilot, George Kennedy and Gilbert Roland as the 2 who go over the mountain, and other actors/actresses who I can visualize but can't, unfortunately, name. I enjoyed it.
"The Book of Lies" - Brad Meltzer (336 pages, copyright 2008, Hard Cover, $25.99/$.50)
This was the reason that I read "The Book of Fate" previously. I wanted to see how Meltzer wrote. I liked that one. I liked this one, also, but part of the plot seemed similar to the previous book. The protagonist (like that term?) is an easily recognizable character due to some physical abnormality, and there's a crazy guy after him. Other then that, this one had themes involving father/son relationships, trust issues, some religion, and the similarity between Cain's murder of Abel and the murder of Jerry Siegal's father. Oh, and I should mention that Jerry Siegal created Superman (WOW, a link back to the first entry this time around). I enjoyed it.
Something Different
I believe I said originally that I would be posting my likes/dislikes about books, movies, etc. on this page. Well, here comes my first movie review, although it is a DVD release. I still can't see myself going to movies by myself (Look what happened to PeeWee.).
"Star Trek"
Someone asked me if I thought it was too pat that all the familiar characters wound up on the Enterprise so easily. My answer is that this is how it happened, and it doesn't matter if it was easy or not. (At least as far as J. J. Abvrams feels.) This was great! The actors have their archetypes nailed! I thought the changes make for a more interesting dynamic amongst them. And I loved that, in the scenes set in space, there was NO NOISE! I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I hear that the next one centers on KHAN. I may actually reconsider my movie-going policy.
Brief note.
I got a gift card to Target for Christmas, ans used part of it to buy myself a jigsaw puzzle. 2000 pieces, with a final measurement of 38" by 26" (a little over 3 feet by 2 feet). It's Van Gogh's "Starry Night", which is my favorite picture. I bought it the week after Christmas, and so far, did remove the wrapper and look in the box. I need to find a place I can work on it without the cat messing it up. I'll keep you posted.
Trade Paperbacks
"Showcase Presents: DC Comics Presents: Superman Team-ups" ($17 bucks less a 30% coupon at Borders, Issues 1 to 26, July/August 1978 to October 1980)
Think about it, Superman - the first superhero - teamed up with other heroes from the DC Universe. Should be a no-brainer but I found these stories to be uneven, at best. The "Team mates" ran the gamut from the Flash (first 2 issues), Wonder Woman, Green Lantern (twice), to Adam Strange, Swamp Thing, and Red Tornado. Just reading this list you can see that some of these would work and some wouldn't. Come on.....Red Tornado! Authors included Martin Pasko, David Micheline, Len Wein, Denny O'Neil and others. Artist included Dan Adkins, Joe Stanton, Jim Starlin and others. Not too bad, overall, since it does run for 26 issues.
Miscellaneous
"Not Dead Enough" - Peter James (486 Pages, copyright 2007, Trade paperback, 12 Pounds 99 pence/ $.50 at the library)
That's right, 12 Pounds, 99 pence was the printed price. This is an English edition. Also, it's a pre-publication edition, so there's next to no editing and . . . it's AUTOGRAPHED. You'd be amazed what you can find at the library. A murder mystery but told in alternating chapters from the points of view of the inspector (or whatever his English title was), the killer, and the victim(s). I enjoyed it.
"High Citadel" - Desmond Bagley (295 pages, copyright 1966, paperback, $.50/$.50)
Another oddity. The price I paid turned out to be the original cover price. Of course, it was originally published in 1966 by Pocketbooks when I was a Freshman in High School (and YES they did have schools back then). This one involves a plane crash in the Andes, civilians against the communist army, and medieval weapons versus modern. I found myself "casting" the movie with Errol Flynn as the pilot, George Kennedy and Gilbert Roland as the 2 who go over the mountain, and other actors/actresses who I can visualize but can't, unfortunately, name. I enjoyed it.
"The Book of Lies" - Brad Meltzer (336 pages, copyright 2008, Hard Cover, $25.99/$.50)
This was the reason that I read "The Book of Fate" previously. I wanted to see how Meltzer wrote. I liked that one. I liked this one, also, but part of the plot seemed similar to the previous book. The protagonist (like that term?) is an easily recognizable character due to some physical abnormality, and there's a crazy guy after him. Other then that, this one had themes involving father/son relationships, trust issues, some religion, and the similarity between Cain's murder of Abel and the murder of Jerry Siegal's father. Oh, and I should mention that Jerry Siegal created Superman (WOW, a link back to the first entry this time around). I enjoyed it.
Something Different
I believe I said originally that I would be posting my likes/dislikes about books, movies, etc. on this page. Well, here comes my first movie review, although it is a DVD release. I still can't see myself going to movies by myself (Look what happened to PeeWee.).
"Star Trek"
Someone asked me if I thought it was too pat that all the familiar characters wound up on the Enterprise so easily. My answer is that this is how it happened, and it doesn't matter if it was easy or not. (At least as far as J. J. Abvrams feels.) This was great! The actors have their archetypes nailed! I thought the changes make for a more interesting dynamic amongst them. And I loved that, in the scenes set in space, there was NO NOISE! I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I hear that the next one centers on KHAN. I may actually reconsider my movie-going policy.
Brief note.
I got a gift card to Target for Christmas, ans used part of it to buy myself a jigsaw puzzle. 2000 pieces, with a final measurement of 38" by 26" (a little over 3 feet by 2 feet). It's Van Gogh's "Starry Night", which is my favorite picture. I bought it the week after Christmas, and so far, did remove the wrapper and look in the box. I need to find a place I can work on it without the cat messing it up. I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Chapter Two
I don't like everything I read, and if it's really bad, I don't finish it. Here's the latest set of books I've read, in no particular order.
Trade Paperbacks
I'm very fond of the old, silver age comics so I look for the compilations that the 2 big publishers put out. DC calls theirs "Showcase Presents" and Marvel calls theirs "Essentials". They run about $17, but the older ones run to 500 pages, or approximately 20 issues. I try to buy them when I have a coupon from Borders who stocks a lot of them but their supply is limited. I recently found a comic book store near me and they had quite a few so we'll see what happens in the future.
"Showcase Presents: Green Lantern #4" (issues 60 to 75, April 1968 to March 1970, writers Gordon Fox and Denny O'Neil etc., artists Gil Kane etc.)
Gotta say I was disappointed. When these started, GL was established and yet most of the villains in the book are common, everyday 1950s thugs. Sure there were a few space adventures, and a Sinestro appearance, but come on....GL is probably the second most powerful guy in the DCU and his stories should reflect this.
"Showcase Presents: The Flash #1" (Flash #104, Showcase#4, 8, 13, 14, Flash #105 to 119, February 1949 to March 1961, writers Robert Kanigher and John Broome, artist Carmine Infantino)
This is what I'm talking about. This collection starts with the last golden age Flash (Jay Garrick) story then carries on through the introduction of the silver age Flash (Barry Allen). You can find the introduction of many of the Flash Rogues gallery of villains, and see Flash use his knowledge as a scientist to get him out of tight spots. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Miscellaneous
"Cross Bones" - Kathy Reichs (459 pages, $9.99/$.50 at the library, copyright 2005)
I'm a big fan of the TV series "Bones" and this is one of the series of books that it's based on. This particular one starts with a murder in Montreal and leads to tombs in Israel that may cause religious problems. I was disappointed to learn that most of what makes the show fun for me is not part of the series. The Jeffersonian and the lab crew of "squints" don't exist in the series (at least not in this book) and Temperance's back story is different. Also, it took place partially in Montreal. Who cares about Montreal? Not bad, but disappointing. What it was missing sort of colored my opinion of it.
"Good Omens" - Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett (367 pages, $6.99/$.50 at the library, copyright 1990)
In a nut shell, this is the story of Armageddon (you know, the end of the world, heaven versus hell) as told by a couple of irreverent, humorous English writers. The action takes place in England but fortunately they include footnotes to explain some of the more obscure English references, and these are almost as funny as the rest of the book. Enjoyed it very much.
"The Man Who Tried to Get Away" - Stephen Donaldson (357 pages, $7.99/$.50 in the library, copyright 1990)
Donaldson, at least to me, is more popularly known as the author of the Thomas Covenant series of fantasies. In those, the main character has leprosy, and the main conflict, played out in a fantasy world is balanced on his inner struggle to accept his fate. This book appears to be part of another series centering on a PI named Axbrewster. Most of it involves his struggle with his feelings of inadequacies, and his past as an alcoholic. It's a locked room, people trapped in a snow-bound cabin kind of thing. I figured out part of it early on, which normally doesn't detract from the enjoyment. But, I found his constant defeatism to be dragging down the story. I was disappointed, because I did like the Covenant books, but it was a long time ago that I read them. Somethings changed.
See you next time.
Trade Paperbacks
I'm very fond of the old, silver age comics so I look for the compilations that the 2 big publishers put out. DC calls theirs "Showcase Presents" and Marvel calls theirs "Essentials". They run about $17, but the older ones run to 500 pages, or approximately 20 issues. I try to buy them when I have a coupon from Borders who stocks a lot of them but their supply is limited. I recently found a comic book store near me and they had quite a few so we'll see what happens in the future.
"Showcase Presents: Green Lantern #4" (issues 60 to 75, April 1968 to March 1970, writers Gordon Fox and Denny O'Neil etc., artists Gil Kane etc.)
Gotta say I was disappointed. When these started, GL was established and yet most of the villains in the book are common, everyday 1950s thugs. Sure there were a few space adventures, and a Sinestro appearance, but come on....GL is probably the second most powerful guy in the DCU and his stories should reflect this.
"Showcase Presents: The Flash #1" (Flash #104, Showcase#4, 8, 13, 14, Flash #105 to 119, February 1949 to March 1961, writers Robert Kanigher and John Broome, artist Carmine Infantino)
This is what I'm talking about. This collection starts with the last golden age Flash (Jay Garrick) story then carries on through the introduction of the silver age Flash (Barry Allen). You can find the introduction of many of the Flash Rogues gallery of villains, and see Flash use his knowledge as a scientist to get him out of tight spots. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Miscellaneous
"Cross Bones" - Kathy Reichs (459 pages, $9.99/$.50 at the library, copyright 2005)
I'm a big fan of the TV series "Bones" and this is one of the series of books that it's based on. This particular one starts with a murder in Montreal and leads to tombs in Israel that may cause religious problems. I was disappointed to learn that most of what makes the show fun for me is not part of the series. The Jeffersonian and the lab crew of "squints" don't exist in the series (at least not in this book) and Temperance's back story is different. Also, it took place partially in Montreal. Who cares about Montreal? Not bad, but disappointing. What it was missing sort of colored my opinion of it.
"Good Omens" - Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett (367 pages, $6.99/$.50 at the library, copyright 1990)
In a nut shell, this is the story of Armageddon (you know, the end of the world, heaven versus hell) as told by a couple of irreverent, humorous English writers. The action takes place in England but fortunately they include footnotes to explain some of the more obscure English references, and these are almost as funny as the rest of the book. Enjoyed it very much.
"The Man Who Tried to Get Away" - Stephen Donaldson (357 pages, $7.99/$.50 in the library, copyright 1990)
Donaldson, at least to me, is more popularly known as the author of the Thomas Covenant series of fantasies. In those, the main character has leprosy, and the main conflict, played out in a fantasy world is balanced on his inner struggle to accept his fate. This book appears to be part of another series centering on a PI named Axbrewster. Most of it involves his struggle with his feelings of inadequacies, and his past as an alcoholic. It's a locked room, people trapped in a snow-bound cabin kind of thing. I figured out part of it early on, which normally doesn't detract from the enjoyment. But, I found his constant defeatism to be dragging down the story. I was disappointed, because I did like the Covenant books, but it was a long time ago that I read them. Somethings changed.
See you next time.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Chapter One
This is the first of what I hope will be an ongoing, though irregular, series of reviews dealing with the books I've read. These, I believe, date back to the beginning of September. I will try, when possible, to include some detail as to where I bought them and how much I spent, but that will not always be possible.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
I have always been a big fan of Arthur Conan Doyle and the imitators that have followed him, so You will find one of these volumes appearing every so often.
"New Sherlock Holmes Adventures" Mike Ashley, editor. (Hardcover, $1 at the library.)
"Murder in Baker Street" Martin Greenberg, editor. (Hardcover, about $5 in the reduced section at Barnes & Noble in Edison.)
Both of these volumes include about 12 stories involving my favorite sleuth and his trusty companion. If you like Holmes, you'll like these.Nuff said. Enjoyed them both.
SERIES
Whoever said you can't judge a book by it's cover was wrong. All you have to do is recognize the name of the author, and you know what you're in for.
"Survival of the Fittest" Jonathan Kellerman. (Paperback, $.50 at a library). Alex Delaware at his finest. Includes his cop friend Milo, and an interesting couple of problems. Enjoyed it.
"Voodoo River" Robert Crais. (Paperback, $.50 at the library.) Elvis Cole leaves California on an identity case and opens up all kinds of worm cans. Enjoyed it.
"Street Dreams" Faye Kellerman. (Paperback, $.50 at the library.) Faye is Jonathan's wife (see above) and she has her own cast of characters. Usually Peter and Rina Decker, but they play a small part here. This one revolves around the daughter Cynthia and her experiences as a cop. There's also a mystery involving Rina's mother's background that relies too much on coincidences. Pretty good.
"Heartwood" James Lee Burke. (Paperback, $.50 at the library.) One of the Billy Bob Holland series, and the first I've read. Involves old money and what it can and cannot buy, and old love. Burke's usually high degree of writing, but not impressed with the main character and his haunted background. Not bad.
"Cadillac Jukebox" James Lee Burke (Paperback, $.50 at the library.) This is one of Burke's Dave Robicheaux books, and I'm more familiar with these. Same great writing, same reformed drunk character and his rusty knight approach to law and order. Politics and strange bedfellows. Enjoyed it.
Miscellaneous
Here's where variety comes in, sort of.
"The Shroud of the Thwacker" Chris Elliott. (Hardcover, $4 with a coupon in the reduced section at Borders.) Yes, it's that Chris (Cabin Boy) Elliott. If you've ever seen him in anything, you'll know how this book goes. Sort of a mashup of Jack the Ripper in turn of the century New York. Got better as it went along, but not by much.
"Motherless Brooklyn" Jonathan Letham. (Trade Paperback, $1 at the library.) This was great! The main character has to find out who killed his mentor. Oh, by the way, did I mention he has Tourette's Syndrome? The voice of the main character reads almost real. I enjoyed it.
"Old Man's War" John Scalzi. (Trade Paperback, $1 at the library.) Great premise. When you turn 70, you sign up to fight the interstellar war that's going on. Then it turned into a Robert Heinlein adventure. Interesting, but disappointing.
"The Woods" Harlan Corben. (Paperback, $1 at the library.) I've always like Corben's work and this is no exception. What happened in that camp all those years ago. Is the main character's sister missing, dead, what? Enjoyed it.
"The Book of Fate" Brad Meltzer.(Paperback, $.50 at the library.) This was the first Melzer book I've read. Fast paced, holds your interest. Involves an assassination that wasn't and an ex-president. Enjoyed it.
"The Chinese Death Cloud Peril" Paul Malmount. (Hardcover, $4 at the reduced section at Barnes & Nobles.) WOW! The writers of Doc Savage and the Shadow against oriental menaces! Cameos by L. Ron Hubbard, Robert Heinlein, and even Stan Lee, all during the Pulp Era. Not as exciting as it could've been, but enjoyed it anyway.
"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night" Mark Haddon. (Paperback, $1 at the library.) Fascinating. The main character has "problems" and yet is the voice and view point for this slight volume. He's smart enough but to try to solve a mystery, but he has no clue about how things work in the real world. Enjoyed it.
That's all I can remember. Maybe there'll be less items in the future, with more detail. It all depends on when I have access to a computer.
If you can't turn a page, it ain't a book!
SHERLOCK HOLMES
I have always been a big fan of Arthur Conan Doyle and the imitators that have followed him, so You will find one of these volumes appearing every so often.
"New Sherlock Holmes Adventures" Mike Ashley, editor. (Hardcover, $1 at the library.)
"Murder in Baker Street" Martin Greenberg, editor. (Hardcover, about $5 in the reduced section at Barnes & Noble in Edison.)
Both of these volumes include about 12 stories involving my favorite sleuth and his trusty companion. If you like Holmes, you'll like these.Nuff said. Enjoyed them both.
SERIES
Whoever said you can't judge a book by it's cover was wrong. All you have to do is recognize the name of the author, and you know what you're in for.
"Survival of the Fittest" Jonathan Kellerman. (Paperback, $.50 at a library). Alex Delaware at his finest. Includes his cop friend Milo, and an interesting couple of problems. Enjoyed it.
"Voodoo River" Robert Crais. (Paperback, $.50 at the library.) Elvis Cole leaves California on an identity case and opens up all kinds of worm cans. Enjoyed it.
"Street Dreams" Faye Kellerman. (Paperback, $.50 at the library.) Faye is Jonathan's wife (see above) and she has her own cast of characters. Usually Peter and Rina Decker, but they play a small part here. This one revolves around the daughter Cynthia and her experiences as a cop. There's also a mystery involving Rina's mother's background that relies too much on coincidences. Pretty good.
"Heartwood" James Lee Burke. (Paperback, $.50 at the library.) One of the Billy Bob Holland series, and the first I've read. Involves old money and what it can and cannot buy, and old love. Burke's usually high degree of writing, but not impressed with the main character and his haunted background. Not bad.
"Cadillac Jukebox" James Lee Burke (Paperback, $.50 at the library.) This is one of Burke's Dave Robicheaux books, and I'm more familiar with these. Same great writing, same reformed drunk character and his rusty knight approach to law and order. Politics and strange bedfellows. Enjoyed it.
Miscellaneous
Here's where variety comes in, sort of.
"The Shroud of the Thwacker" Chris Elliott. (Hardcover, $4 with a coupon in the reduced section at Borders.) Yes, it's that Chris (Cabin Boy) Elliott. If you've ever seen him in anything, you'll know how this book goes. Sort of a mashup of Jack the Ripper in turn of the century New York. Got better as it went along, but not by much.
"Motherless Brooklyn" Jonathan Letham. (Trade Paperback, $1 at the library.) This was great! The main character has to find out who killed his mentor. Oh, by the way, did I mention he has Tourette's Syndrome? The voice of the main character reads almost real. I enjoyed it.
"Old Man's War" John Scalzi. (Trade Paperback, $1 at the library.) Great premise. When you turn 70, you sign up to fight the interstellar war that's going on. Then it turned into a Robert Heinlein adventure. Interesting, but disappointing.
"The Woods" Harlan Corben. (Paperback, $1 at the library.) I've always like Corben's work and this is no exception. What happened in that camp all those years ago. Is the main character's sister missing, dead, what? Enjoyed it.
"The Book of Fate" Brad Meltzer.(Paperback, $.50 at the library.) This was the first Melzer book I've read. Fast paced, holds your interest. Involves an assassination that wasn't and an ex-president. Enjoyed it.
"The Chinese Death Cloud Peril" Paul Malmount. (Hardcover, $4 at the reduced section at Barnes & Nobles.) WOW! The writers of Doc Savage and the Shadow against oriental menaces! Cameos by L. Ron Hubbard, Robert Heinlein, and even Stan Lee, all during the Pulp Era. Not as exciting as it could've been, but enjoyed it anyway.
"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night" Mark Haddon. (Paperback, $1 at the library.) Fascinating. The main character has "problems" and yet is the voice and view point for this slight volume. He's smart enough but to try to solve a mystery, but he has no clue about how things work in the real world. Enjoyed it.
That's all I can remember. Maybe there'll be less items in the future, with more detail. It all depends on when I have access to a computer.
If you can't turn a page, it ain't a book!
Friday, November 13, 2009
PROLOG
Like Burgess Meredith's character in that great Twilight Zone episode, I find that I now have "Time Enough at Last" to read as many books as I want - and anyone who knows me knows I enjoy reading. Also like that character, I get my books from the library. However, I buy them from the sales tables, usually 50 cents for paperbacks, and $1 to $3 bucks for hardcovers. Most of my current collection of "To Be Read" books are paperbacks. Purchasing them seems to be a better choice then waiting for a nuclear holocaust.
Having a car allows me to expand my range of local libraries and I'm currently up to 9 different branch offices in 2 different counties that encompass 5 different cities. Sounds like a lot, but they're really not that far apart, and I usually limit my search to 5 really close ones. Currently, my backlog runs to about 100 books.
What I intend to do here, is review these books as I read them and give you an idea of how they are so you can make up your own mind as to whether to read them or not. These reviews will be posted randomly, and include whatever books have been read since the last posting. Since this is my blog, it will also include my thoughts on TV shows and/or movies I've seen, recent news events I have a comment about, and any other thing I wish to get off my chest. In these instances, the comments do reflect the views of the management.
Stay tuned for the first chapter, which should include every book I've read since the beginning of September. Hopefully, it will be posted next week.
Having a car allows me to expand my range of local libraries and I'm currently up to 9 different branch offices in 2 different counties that encompass 5 different cities. Sounds like a lot, but they're really not that far apart, and I usually limit my search to 5 really close ones. Currently, my backlog runs to about 100 books.
What I intend to do here, is review these books as I read them and give you an idea of how they are so you can make up your own mind as to whether to read them or not. These reviews will be posted randomly, and include whatever books have been read since the last posting. Since this is my blog, it will also include my thoughts on TV shows and/or movies I've seen, recent news events I have a comment about, and any other thing I wish to get off my chest. In these instances, the comments do reflect the views of the management.
Stay tuned for the first chapter, which should include every book I've read since the beginning of September. Hopefully, it will be posted next week.
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