The year of the book. part one
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2014
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1xymon81
Hello everyone, I have returned for a third year. So a little about me. I am Matthew. I am 32 and I have been married for almost 7 years. We have 6 kids between us. Oldest two, 20 and 13 are my step daughters. Next one,8, is from my first marriage. The last three, 6-4 and 3, are all ours. The eldest does not live with us but it is still a busy house.
This is my third year taking part in this challenge. My first year i only made it to about 65. Last year I made to 92 books.
http://www.librarything.com/topic/146699
This year my plan is to finish up alot of the series that I have open out there. I also have a nice stack from the library to finish up and some early review books to complete. I also have a two page long wish listof books that have caught my eye. It is going to be a good year.
This is my third year taking part in this challenge. My first year i only made it to about 65. Last year I made to 92 books.
http://www.librarything.com/topic/146699
This year my plan is to finish up alot of the series that I have open out there. I also have a nice stack from the library to finish up and some early review books to complete. I also have a two page long wish listof books that have caught my eye. It is going to be a good year.
3xymon81
I know Im slacking. That is just what I have written down, Im sure i could at least double it. That also doesnt include the books stacked up on my shelves.
4xymon81
Happy new year everyone. My resolution this year is to be a better and more attentive husband and father. It is not that I am a bad one but I know I can do better.
Still working on Directive 51. It is very similar to another book my wife still wants me to read, One Second After. How would you survive if civilization crashed? In Directive, a swarm a nanorobots are released and begin to breakdown the synthectic things we rely on in our everyday life. Plastic, rubber, electronic components begin to breakdown.
Books like this are what inspired my wife to start doing things more simply. One , doing things yourself can be more cost effective. Such as bread, say a loaf at the store is $1.80, a thing of flour is about thesame price and can make give you ten loaves. We are starting this year gardening and learning to can and preserve as well. I just need to learn how to brew beer.
Still working on Directive 51. It is very similar to another book my wife still wants me to read, One Second After. How would you survive if civilization crashed? In Directive, a swarm a nanorobots are released and begin to breakdown the synthectic things we rely on in our everyday life. Plastic, rubber, electronic components begin to breakdown.
Books like this are what inspired my wife to start doing things more simply. One , doing things yourself can be more cost effective. Such as bread, say a loaf at the store is $1.80, a thing of flour is about thesame price and can make give you ten loaves. We are starting this year gardening and learning to can and preserve as well. I just need to learn how to brew beer.
5xymon81
My top reads of 2013
The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
Jonathon Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
NOS4A2 by Joe Hill
Doctor Sleep by Steven King
Also here are my top five flops of the year.
77 Shadow Street by Dean Koontz
The Colorado Kid by Steven King
The Infernal City by Greg Keyes
The Curse of Four Black London by Caitlin Kittredge
Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock
The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
Jonathon Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
NOS4A2 by Joe Hill
Doctor Sleep by Steven King
Also here are my top five flops of the year.
77 Shadow Street by Dean Koontz
The Colorado Kid by Steven King
The Infernal City by Greg Keyes
The Curse of Four Black London by Caitlin Kittredge
Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock
6humouress
Hi, Matthew. Thanks for coming by. Sounds like you have a house full! I'm returning your visit to wish you and your family the best of health and happiness for the New Year.
7xymon81
Thank you humouress, the same to you. Yes it is a handful. Nighttime cannot come fast enough some days so I can actually concentrate. It depends on the book though. Some I can just zone everyone out and I get really enthalled in, much to my wifes dismay. Others I cannot pickup because I really need the quiet and that is only after that lovely thing called bedtime.
8xymon81
Ok so book number 1 is now complete. Technically I finished it last night but I was lazy and decided to do my write up today. Directive 51 by John Barnes is a real good post-apocatypic thriller.
Daybreak has come. , a swarm a nanorobots are released and begin to breakdown the synthectic things we rely on in our everyday life. Plastic, rubber, electronic components begin to decompose and with it our whole society begins to collapse. Within a week, travel, electicity, money and any sense of control have all but dissappeared.
The other part of the book is the politics behind the scenes. The vice president is killed and it drives the president incapable of perfoming his duties. From there power goes to a man who begins to usurp more power just aboutabolishing most of our rights. By the end of the book what is left of the country is on the brink of civil war on who is supposed to be running the nation.
One thing i see with this book is that I definatly want to retire in a small town. Large population centers are just not very sustainable and are excellant targets as well. Most people abandoned the large metropolises once the food ran out. Those that fled either starved, becamed looters or if they were lucky found a new place to settle.
I think that if something catistrophic ever did happen, it would be somewhat like this. Rural places that worked together could survive whatever comes. I think a place like that would be perfect to set up when my time is done.
Daybreak has come. , a swarm a nanorobots are released and begin to breakdown the synthectic things we rely on in our everyday life. Plastic, rubber, electronic components begin to decompose and with it our whole society begins to collapse. Within a week, travel, electicity, money and any sense of control have all but dissappeared.
The other part of the book is the politics behind the scenes. The vice president is killed and it drives the president incapable of perfoming his duties. From there power goes to a man who begins to usurp more power just aboutabolishing most of our rights. By the end of the book what is left of the country is on the brink of civil war on who is supposed to be running the nation.
One thing i see with this book is that I definatly want to retire in a small town. Large population centers are just not very sustainable and are excellant targets as well. Most people abandoned the large metropolises once the food ran out. Those that fled either starved, becamed looters or if they were lucky found a new place to settle.
I think that if something catistrophic ever did happen, it would be somewhat like this. Rural places that worked together could survive whatever comes. I think a place like that would be perfect to set up when my time is done.
9xymon81
So here is what I need to be reading. I am hoping to be almost complete by the end of the month maybe into the middle of Febuary. This is also in the order I should be completing them.
Catch 22 by Joseph Heller. I need to get this one done soon. I was not able to renew it and someone has already put in a request for it. Luckily the onpost library does not charge latefees.
Torn by Chris Jordan. Book three of the Randall Shane series.
One Second After by William Forstechen. My wife recommended this book to me years ago. I started it on my kindle but never finished it. So a littlw while ago I thought I might do better with as paperback copy.
Small Favor by Jim Butcher. I started reading the Dreden Files last year and I have loved it. I am going to finish the series this year, maybe not all the short stoeis but atleast the main books.
Winters Tale by Mark Helprin. I saw this book on someones page and thought it sounded interesting.
Both of the next two books are listed as really good stand alone fantasy so theey are waiting to be read.
The Death of the Necromancer by Martha Wells
Perdido Street Station by China Mieville.
Darkness on the Edge of the Town by Brain Keene. Just caught my eye, looks like a good short read.
The Abominable by Dan Simmons. It looks like another good book from the author of The Terror , which is said to be one creepy book.
Fool by Christopher Moore. I read one of his books last year so this year I will continue to find more from this author.
Measure of Darkness by Chris Jordan. A book set in the same universe as Randall Shane. I am sure it will be a fun read.
Yes I tend to go a littel overboard at the library. The problem is even though I know I have a big stack already, I see it and go oooo that looks good and grab it plus some. Perhaps I need an intervention or more hours in a day.
Catch 22 by Joseph Heller. I need to get this one done soon. I was not able to renew it and someone has already put in a request for it. Luckily the onpost library does not charge latefees.
Torn by Chris Jordan. Book three of the Randall Shane series.
One Second After by William Forstechen. My wife recommended this book to me years ago. I started it on my kindle but never finished it. So a littlw while ago I thought I might do better with as paperback copy.
Small Favor by Jim Butcher. I started reading the Dreden Files last year and I have loved it. I am going to finish the series this year, maybe not all the short stoeis but atleast the main books.
Winters Tale by Mark Helprin. I saw this book on someones page and thought it sounded interesting.
Both of the next two books are listed as really good stand alone fantasy so theey are waiting to be read.
The Death of the Necromancer by Martha Wells
Perdido Street Station by China Mieville.
Darkness on the Edge of the Town by Brain Keene. Just caught my eye, looks like a good short read.
The Abominable by Dan Simmons. It looks like another good book from the author of The Terror , which is said to be one creepy book.
Fool by Christopher Moore. I read one of his books last year so this year I will continue to find more from this author.
Measure of Darkness by Chris Jordan. A book set in the same universe as Randall Shane. I am sure it will be a fun read.
Yes I tend to go a littel overboard at the library. The problem is even though I know I have a big stack already, I see it and go oooo that looks good and grab it plus some. Perhaps I need an intervention or more hours in a day.
10xymon81
Happy 7th anniversary to my lovely wife. I am proud of all the work you do for our family, nothing would get done without you. I am also proud of all the progress that has been made over the last year, both in all that you have done to improve yourself and strengthen the bonds of our marriage and family. The day we married was one of the best days of my life and I am greatful for everyday i have with you.
11xymon81
I did it again. On our way to night away for our anniverary yesterday, we stopped at the library and i picked up a few more books even though I know I have enough right now.
M is For Magic by Neil Gaiman. I like his short story cllections. This will be a fun short read.
Serial Killers Club by Jeff Povey. Caught my eye, looked interesting.
Winter Haunting by Dan Simmons. This book looks interesting too.
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore. This book was recommended to me last year by someone on here after I read and reviewed The Stupidest Angel.
M is For Magic by Neil Gaiman. I like his short story cllections. This will be a fun short read.
Serial Killers Club by Jeff Povey. Caught my eye, looked interesting.
Winter Haunting by Dan Simmons. This book looks interesting too.
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore. This book was recommended to me last year by someone on here after I read and reviewed The Stupidest Angel.
12xymon81
So I took a break yesterday from Catch 22 and decided to try differant for a change of pace and picked up M is for Magic by Neil Gaiman. I love his short stories. There is something very refreshing about them and this set is just the same.
So the Book 2 of my challenge is M is for Magic. A few of the stories I have read before in Fragile Things and there is a chapter from The Graveyard Book. I dont think there were any stories that I didnt like but a few do stand out.
Troll bridge: A great story about a boy that makes a bargain with a troll to save his life, but then he never does anything with his bargained time.
How to sell the Ponti Bridge: A science fiction story based on the true account of a con artist who actually got people to buy the right to demolish the Eiffel Tower.
Chivalry: I loved this one. A woman finds the holy grail in a thrift store and takes it home to place on her mantle.
Sunbird: I read this story in Fragile Things and still love it. A society of food lovers go in search of the sunbird. It is one of his best short stories ever in my opinion.
The Witch's Headstone: This is an excerpt from The Graveyard Book. If i recall, he wrote this short story first for his child before adding in the rest of the book. It makes me want to read that book all over again.
So the Book 2 of my challenge is M is for Magic. A few of the stories I have read before in Fragile Things and there is a chapter from The Graveyard Book. I dont think there were any stories that I didnt like but a few do stand out.
Troll bridge: A great story about a boy that makes a bargain with a troll to save his life, but then he never does anything with his bargained time.
How to sell the Ponti Bridge: A science fiction story based on the true account of a con artist who actually got people to buy the right to demolish the Eiffel Tower.
Chivalry: I loved this one. A woman finds the holy grail in a thrift store and takes it home to place on her mantle.
Sunbird: I read this story in Fragile Things and still love it. A society of food lovers go in search of the sunbird. It is one of his best short stories ever in my opinion.
The Witch's Headstone: This is an excerpt from The Graveyard Book. If i recall, he wrote this short story first for his child before adding in the rest of the book. It makes me want to read that book all over again.
13takenby05
I think what is worse when we went to the Library I said I wasn't going to get anymore books because I have two stacks to get through and I picked up 8 more books. LOL we are something else.
14scaifea
I'm a big fan of both Gaiman and Moore. Lamb is a particularly good one of the latter, I think. I hope you enjoy it!
15xymon81
Thanks Scaifea. I am looking forward to it and alot of things if I can just finish my current read.
On anonther note man is it cold today. They actually delayed all schools till 1020 AM and i didnt have to be in to work till 0930. They were predicting 0 to -5 temp. Not what you would expect in NC.
On anonther note man is it cold today. They actually delayed all schools till 1020 AM and i didnt have to be in to work till 0930. They were predicting 0 to -5 temp. Not what you would expect in NC.
16xymon81
Book 3: Catch 22 By Joseph Heller.
This book seemed to take forever. This was my second attempt to read this novel and finally got all the way through it. Not to say it wasn't good, it can just be very confusing. I didnt feel like the plot of this novel was going anywhere until the last 100 pages. Every chapter really concerns one of the characters and there are many to keep track of. The chapters flow together well but the timeline doesnt. So as they begin to talking about a new character, it may be earlier than when the last chapter just left off.
So the jist of the story is this. A WWII bombadier in Italy has the desire to fly no more missions and be taken off active duty. He cannot bacause of a clause called Catch 22. It states that only a crazy man can be declared unfit for duty but if you request to be taken off duty you are considered sane and must fly more missions because only a sane man would care for his own welfare and only a insane man would willingly fly more missions.
And that is only the beginning. There is the commander who not see anybody while he is in his office. You can go and see him in his office when he is out. The chaplain who is accused of nothing but must be guilty. The doctor who was faking taking part of mssions to keep his flight pay until a plane he was supposed to be on crashes and he is declared dead even though he is still alive.
It was good but at times it did seem to drag, I am glad now that it is done.
This book seemed to take forever. This was my second attempt to read this novel and finally got all the way through it. Not to say it wasn't good, it can just be very confusing. I didnt feel like the plot of this novel was going anywhere until the last 100 pages. Every chapter really concerns one of the characters and there are many to keep track of. The chapters flow together well but the timeline doesnt. So as they begin to talking about a new character, it may be earlier than when the last chapter just left off.
So the jist of the story is this. A WWII bombadier in Italy has the desire to fly no more missions and be taken off active duty. He cannot bacause of a clause called Catch 22. It states that only a crazy man can be declared unfit for duty but if you request to be taken off duty you are considered sane and must fly more missions because only a sane man would care for his own welfare and only a insane man would willingly fly more missions.
And that is only the beginning. There is the commander who not see anybody while he is in his office. You can go and see him in his office when he is out. The chaplain who is accused of nothing but must be guilty. The doctor who was faking taking part of mssions to keep his flight pay until a plane he was supposed to be on crashes and he is declared dead even though he is still alive.
It was good but at times it did seem to drag, I am glad now that it is done.
17xymon81
Book 4: Torn by Chris Jordan. Last book of the Randall Shane series and I think it is also the best.
In a small town elementary school, a hostage situation has developed. In the aftermath, everyone is accounted for but one child who is assumed caught in the explosion. The mother believes that her son is alive and a conspiracy involving a wealthy cult is involved in the abduction. Her suspicions are soon realized and it becomes a race to save her son before it is too late.
In a small town elementary school, a hostage situation has developed. In the aftermath, everyone is accounted for but one child who is assumed caught in the explosion. The mother believes that her son is alive and a conspiracy involving a wealthy cult is involved in the abduction. Her suspicions are soon realized and it becomes a race to save her son before it is too late.
18evilmoose
Hi Matthew - I found I struggled with Catch 22 as well. I tried re-reading it, and struggled the second time as well. I guess it's just not the book for me, and I don't think I'll try re-reading it a third time!
20xymon81
Book 4: One Second After by William Forstchen. My wife has been trying to read this book for years. I began it on my kindle a few years back, just didnt get far. I got it from the library a few weeks ago, seeing if having a real copy would help me complete it and it did. I finished it in a little more than a day. I have read a similar book already and both are good and have thier own merits.
One second after focuses on a small town trying to survive after the United States is attacked with a EMP. The EMP is the result of a few nuclear weapons being detonated in the atmosphere over our country. The result of this would be no radiation or fallout, but every piece of modern technology made after say 1960 would be useless. If you were not ready or had any type of supplies put away then you will be in a bad way. The nation will go to a more sustainable level as people begin to die from starvation, disease outbreaks, violent crime, and many other things. The biggest that will happen first is that those that we are just keeping alive because of technology. Even something as simple as Diabetes would be fatal. Crime becomes rampant and all it takes a is one charismatic person to bring all the criminals together and form huge gangs rampaging through whole towns.
Books like this are a wakeup call. Could you survive if the worst happened or are you so dependent on everything that you will just be a casualty.
My next book may take awhile as I take the plunge and begin Winters Tale.
One second after focuses on a small town trying to survive after the United States is attacked with a EMP. The EMP is the result of a few nuclear weapons being detonated in the atmosphere over our country. The result of this would be no radiation or fallout, but every piece of modern technology made after say 1960 would be useless. If you were not ready or had any type of supplies put away then you will be in a bad way. The nation will go to a more sustainable level as people begin to die from starvation, disease outbreaks, violent crime, and many other things. The biggest that will happen first is that those that we are just keeping alive because of technology. Even something as simple as Diabetes would be fatal. Crime becomes rampant and all it takes a is one charismatic person to bring all the criminals together and form huge gangs rampaging through whole towns.
Books like this are a wakeup call. Could you survive if the worst happened or are you so dependent on everything that you will just be a casualty.
My next book may take awhile as I take the plunge and begin Winters Tale.
21xymon81
I finally got in my Early review book, Carnival of Death by L Ron Hubbard. I didnt realize this was going to be an audio book. I really do not do well with them. It may be ok since it is so short.
22xymon81
Now that I have recovered from my 24 hour shift I can finally get to work on my book. All day yesterday and I only made it to the third chapter. I can hopefully now make some headway. What I have read so far is pretty good.
23xymon81
I have alot of reading to do this weekend. I am only still just a little bit into winters tale and in is due tommorrow. Just tried to renew it and there is already a hold on it. Even with the one day grace period, that gives me two days to get through this book.
Also four more books for my to read list.
Day One: A Novel by Nate Kenyon
Esrever Doom by Piers Anthony
The World's Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne
Stop Here: A novel by Beverly Gologorsky
Also four more books for my to read list.
Day One: A Novel by Nate Kenyon
Esrever Doom by Piers Anthony
The World's Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne
Stop Here: A novel by Beverly Gologorsky
24xymon81
I hope everyone had an great weekend, back to work for me finally.This weekend had lots of ups and downs. Got to watch plenty of sports and made to over halfway through my current book. I am finally getting into a flow with it and really starting to appreacite how wonderful it is.
We also did alot of research into early retirement to see if it would be feasible for us in the near future and to finally settle back home near Chicago. It looks hopeful, I just need to find a career path for myself, that is the biggest hurdle.
Then the van broke and that scared us. It looked like the transmission slipped while it was in reverse so it was stuck. Luckily it was still near the drive way and we just pushed it back in. Someone we know called a buddy who came out the next day. It appears that the bushing that connects the steering cable to the transmission broke in half. The halves were still attached to the two pieces. Went around to a bunch of differant stores and manged to find a similar part and got it back up that day. He probably saved me almost a $1000.00 repair bill from towing it to a shop, having them inspect it and then putting on the $6.00 piece which the would overcharge for parts and labor. All it cost me was a case of beer and $5.99 for the part. Lucked out there really.
We also did alot of research into early retirement to see if it would be feasible for us in the near future and to finally settle back home near Chicago. It looks hopeful, I just need to find a career path for myself, that is the biggest hurdle.
Then the van broke and that scared us. It looked like the transmission slipped while it was in reverse so it was stuck. Luckily it was still near the drive way and we just pushed it back in. Someone we know called a buddy who came out the next day. It appears that the bushing that connects the steering cable to the transmission broke in half. The halves were still attached to the two pieces. Went around to a bunch of differant stores and manged to find a similar part and got it back up that day. He probably saved me almost a $1000.00 repair bill from towing it to a shop, having them inspect it and then putting on the $6.00 piece which the would overcharge for parts and labor. All it cost me was a case of beer and $5.99 for the part. Lucked out there really.
25xymon81
I really do not understand this rash of college shootings the last few years. Why is this type of behavior becoming just the norm that it just becomes part of someones thinking process. Im not happy for whatever reason and these people will suffer for it.
26xymon81
Book 5: Winters Tale by Mark Helprin. I finally finished it. There were times I thought I never would. Not that it was a bad book, quite the opposite. It it just very dense and packed full of very descriptive text. The novel beautifully written and one of the best i have read. It is just a great book.
Peter Lake is an accomplished burgular and mechanic. He is on the run from his gang. So he decides to get enough money to retire away from the life. He decides upon a large house where he sees that everyone has gone away. Once inside Peter discovers the house is not empty, the daughter Beverly is home alone dying of TB. They fall in love that night and he stays with her till death. Shortly afterwards Peter himself diasapperars.Life and the city move on. Then the past becomes part of the future as the City of pefect justice is realized.
Peter Lake is an accomplished burgular and mechanic. He is on the run from his gang. So he decides to get enough money to retire away from the life. He decides upon a large house where he sees that everyone has gone away. Once inside Peter discovers the house is not empty, the daughter Beverly is home alone dying of TB. They fall in love that night and he stays with her till death. Shortly afterwards Peter himself diasapperars.Life and the city move on. Then the past becomes part of the future as the City of pefect justice is realized.
27scaifea
Sorry to hear about your van troubles, but the saved money bit is good news! My dad is a mechanic, so I've had quite good luck with car repair bills myself. :)
Winter's Tale looks very good - I've added it to my wishlist, so thanks for the review!
Winter's Tale looks very good - I've added it to my wishlist, so thanks for the review!
28Cait86
>5 xymon81: - Winter's Tale is coming out in movie form next month, and I have plans to read the book before seeing the film. Glad to see that you loved it! I am going to try and pick up a copy today.
29xymon81
scaifea: Thanks , yah it really saved us and with this cold right this second, my wife would have been miserable.
Cait86: I have seen that there is a movie but I think I will skip it. I am afraid of how much will be scrapped. Trying to condense a 800 page novel into a three hour movie it is only inevitable.
Cait86: I have seen that there is a movie but I think I will skip it. I am afraid of how much will be scrapped. Trying to condense a 800 page novel into a three hour movie it is only inevitable.
30xymon81
Book 6: Small Favor by Jim Butcher. It was time for another romp in Chicago with Harry Dresden in book ten of the series. Things are starting to look very bright for Harry by the end of this book.
Harry owes two favors to the Winter Fairy queen and she is calling one in. A certain Mob boss has been taken and he has to do whatever he can to find those responsible. All to soon he is forced to face old temptations and enemies while trying to preserve all that he cares about.
Harry owes two favors to the Winter Fairy queen and she is calling one in. A certain Mob boss has been taken and he has to do whatever he can to find those responsible. All to soon he is forced to face old temptations and enemies while trying to preserve all that he cares about.
31xymon81
Book 7 : Fool by Christopher Moore.
The best way to describe this novel is that it is a version of Shakespeare's King Lear rewritten by the makers of SouthPark. Ofcourse Moore is not one the creators of that show but you may get my point. It is that same type of low potty humor and alot he writes needs to just be taken with a grain of salt. This is only the second work of his that I have read and I found The Stupidest Angel so much better.
I do not know have a great amount of knowledge fo Lear. It was not one I studied in school. So I did a little Wiki search for some backround. Moore did a good job keeping it within the plotlines of the play while taking some liberties as he adds his own story.
So this book is from the point of veiw of Lear's fool, hence the title. He is a short and conivving amnd lecherous. I imagine him as a sort of Tyrion Lannister. So if you do not know the actual plot of Lear I will give you a little bit.
The king knows he is growing older and it is time to decide how he shall pass on his kingdom. He does not name one heir since he has only daughters. Over a banquet he has his daughters declare how much they love him and depending on how much they impress him , that much will be their share. The oldest two flower thier father with words but the youngest refuses and for that she is disowned and hers lands are divided among the other two.What happens next involves alot of backstabbing and intruige, with many deaths at the end.
The best way to describe this novel is that it is a version of Shakespeare's King Lear rewritten by the makers of SouthPark. Ofcourse Moore is not one the creators of that show but you may get my point. It is that same type of low potty humor and alot he writes needs to just be taken with a grain of salt. This is only the second work of his that I have read and I found The Stupidest Angel so much better.
I do not know have a great amount of knowledge fo Lear. It was not one I studied in school. So I did a little Wiki search for some backround. Moore did a good job keeping it within the plotlines of the play while taking some liberties as he adds his own story.
So this book is from the point of veiw of Lear's fool, hence the title. He is a short and conivving amnd lecherous. I imagine him as a sort of Tyrion Lannister. So if you do not know the actual plot of Lear I will give you a little bit.
The king knows he is growing older and it is time to decide how he shall pass on his kingdom. He does not name one heir since he has only daughters. Over a banquet he has his daughters declare how much they love him and depending on how much they impress him , that much will be their share. The oldest two flower thier father with words but the youngest refuses and for that she is disowned and hers lands are divided among the other two.What happens next involves alot of backstabbing and intruige, with many deaths at the end.
32xymon81
For our trip back home in a month I have begun the process of downloading some audio books to my ipod. It is a 14 hour trip and the books really helped. Last time though it was a pain having so many stacked up all over the place so this might be better. I have three to start of with.
The Ocean at the end of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Doctor Who Pest Control by Peter Anghelides
Carnival of Death by L Ron Hubbard
The Ocean at the end of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Doctor Who Pest Control by Peter Anghelides
Carnival of Death by L Ron Hubbard
33xymon81
Book 8: Darkness On The Edge of Town by Brian Keene.
I have to say I was very disappointed in this book. The premis sounded interesting when I read the back cover but I dont think it really ever became more than that. The basics are that in small town everyone wakes up too complete darkness enveloping their town. There are no utilites and no contact with the outside world. Anyone who leaves the city limits are never seen again and all you ever hear as they leave are a few screams in the darkness. As time passes by, people lose thier sanity as the darkness works on your mind and emotions, trying to drive the last survivors from the town.
It doesnt sound bad written like that but I just could not get really into this book and the ending made me want so much more. It was just too unsatisfying.
I have to say I was very disappointed in this book. The premis sounded interesting when I read the back cover but I dont think it really ever became more than that. The basics are that in small town everyone wakes up too complete darkness enveloping their town. There are no utilites and no contact with the outside world. Anyone who leaves the city limits are never seen again and all you ever hear as they leave are a few screams in the darkness. As time passes by, people lose thier sanity as the darkness works on your mind and emotions, trying to drive the last survivors from the town.
It doesnt sound bad written like that but I just could not get really into this book and the ending made me want so much more. It was just too unsatisfying.
34xymon81
Book 9: Measure of Darkness by Chris Jordan.
Randall Shane is back on the case but this time he is not doing it alone. This time he is hired by a high profile scientist to find his missing son. This professer has a high level DOD project dealing with communications as well. As the novel begins, the professor is dead and Shane is being set up for the assassination. H turns to a PI firm and as he is debbriefing them, a special ops team for an unknown agency sieze him and take him for deep interrogation under The Patriot Act. The PI team takes up the case looking for a child that e eryone says does not even exist. The team uncovers a plot involving an overzealous DOD contractor and foreign espionage. It is a good end to the Shane series and what looks like an introduction to a new charcter team but it looks like no further books are in the works.
Randall Shane is back on the case but this time he is not doing it alone. This time he is hired by a high profile scientist to find his missing son. This professer has a high level DOD project dealing with communications as well. As the novel begins, the professor is dead and Shane is being set up for the assassination. H turns to a PI firm and as he is debbriefing them, a special ops team for an unknown agency sieze him and take him for deep interrogation under The Patriot Act. The PI team takes up the case looking for a child that e eryone says does not even exist. The team uncovers a plot involving an overzealous DOD contractor and foreign espionage. It is a good end to the Shane series and what looks like an introduction to a new charcter team but it looks like no further books are in the works.
35xymon81
I just had to add what a crazy week the last one was, my body finally feels like it is caught up and everything is back on scheduale. So last week Tuesday we were let go early to beat the approaching winter storm. We were then instructed that the next time we needed to come in was 1 PM Thursday. So Tuesday night starts off as sleet but it slowly turns into snow and by next morning we have maybe two inches. For this area that is a big snowfall. Im from Chicago, so two inches is not like a tragedy to cause the panic to shut down everything. Kids enjoyeed the snow even though it was the powdery kind so no real good like snow man building or anything. it got a little warm that day though so a small amount melted and it dropped to single digit over night creating alot of black ice. So I went in to work Thursday braving the ice to be told that oo one needed to be there. So between the little time I spent at work thursday and Friday I had to catch up on all my work.
My wife finally found a buyer for my bar that Friday and so out it went. It was sad but it has had it's time. Eight years and too many moves. Now we have the space to create our reading nook and library. We will add to it slowly but surely.
The rest of the weekend went pretty quietly. Watched the Superbowl and was amazed at how lopsided it ended up being. My work was nice enough to let us come in at 930 Monday so today was really my first full work day in a week.
My wife finally found a buyer for my bar that Friday and so out it went. It was sad but it has had it's time. Eight years and too many moves. Now we have the space to create our reading nook and library. We will add to it slowly but surely.
The rest of the weekend went pretty quietly. Watched the Superbowl and was amazed at how lopsided it ended up being. My work was nice enough to let us come in at 930 Monday so today was really my first full work day in a week.
38xymon81
Book 10: Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore.
Alright I made it to double digits. I enjoyed this book, alot more than the last Moore book I finished just a short while ago. Yes it still has the low grade humor, I just found it to be a much more intersting read. We all know how this story is going to end but just how will it get us there. It is meant to not be taken seriously, of course, Jesus did not drink Coffee, or talk to Yetis, or learn kung fu ( Jew-do).
The core of this book deals with what happened to Jesus during his missing years. To this end, his childhood friend Biff is recruited to write his own gospel. Growing up together in Nazerath, Biff was well aware of someone's special nature. He follows his friend as Jesus leaves Isreal to find the three wise men and learn what it means to be the Messiah.
Alright I made it to double digits. I enjoyed this book, alot more than the last Moore book I finished just a short while ago. Yes it still has the low grade humor, I just found it to be a much more intersting read. We all know how this story is going to end but just how will it get us there. It is meant to not be taken seriously, of course, Jesus did not drink Coffee, or talk to Yetis, or learn kung fu ( Jew-do).
The core of this book deals with what happened to Jesus during his missing years. To this end, his childhood friend Biff is recruited to write his own gospel. Growing up together in Nazerath, Biff was well aware of someone's special nature. He follows his friend as Jesus leaves Isreal to find the three wise men and learn what it means to be the Messiah.
39xymon81
Getting back into my xbox again. My wife used to call it my mistress, it has rally been on a long break but I want to really start to work on it again. So along with my 75 books, I want to get to make some headway. Right now I have 28 100% completed games and I will aim to improve on that along with the overall score and getting over atleast 60% on my overall completion percentage.
My completed games are: Bully, Call of Duty 2, Captain America; Super Soldier, Cars, Condemned Criminal Origins, CSI: Hard Evidence, Elder Scrolls Obivion, Enchanted Arms, Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer, Fusion Frenzy 2, Harry Potter and The Order of the Pheonix, Karaoke Revolution: American Idol Encore, King Kong, L. A. Noire, Lego Indiana Jones, LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean, Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga, Lost: Via Domus, Madden NFL 06, NBA 2K6, Open Season, Phantasy Star Universe, Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper, Surf's Up, TMNT, UNO, and X-men Destiny.
46,119 out of 94, 670. ( 49%)
Working on: NCIS
It may be a simple game but these are great puzzle games.
My completed games are: Bully, Call of Duty 2, Captain America; Super Soldier, Cars, Condemned Criminal Origins, CSI: Hard Evidence, Elder Scrolls Obivion, Enchanted Arms, Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer, Fusion Frenzy 2, Harry Potter and The Order of the Pheonix, Karaoke Revolution: American Idol Encore, King Kong, L. A. Noire, Lego Indiana Jones, LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean, Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga, Lost: Via Domus, Madden NFL 06, NBA 2K6, Open Season, Phantasy Star Universe, Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper, Surf's Up, TMNT, UNO, and X-men Destiny.
46,119 out of 94, 670. ( 49%)
Working on: NCIS
It may be a simple game but these are great puzzle games.
40scaifea
I really liked Lamb when I read it, but then again, I'm a fan of all of Moore's stuff.
I didn't know there were NCIS games, but that sounds like fun!
I didn't know there were NCIS games, but that sounds like fun!
41xymon81
Lamb was good, alot better than Fool was.
NCIS is entertaining but is very simplistic. You can beat it in a couple of sitdowns. If you had no distractions, I'm sure it could be done in a day. That dosn't happen for me though. Im lucky to get a couple hours.
NCIS is entertaining but is very simplistic. You can beat it in a couple of sitdowns. If you had no distractions, I'm sure it could be done in a day. That dosn't happen for me though. Im lucky to get a couple hours.
42scaifea
I haven't played any in a long time. I thought that I would be able to carve out a bit of time during the day once Charlie started school, but that hasn't happened yet - always something else that needs to be finished first.
43xymon81
Book 11: The Serial Killers Club by Jeff Povey.
Our unnamed hero is attacked by a serial killer and kills him in self defense. Overcome with curiosity about his attacker, he looks through his wallet. He finds a folded up part of a recent newspaper. one sewction is circled and is an invitation. He resonds to the ad and is invited to a get togther in Chicago. Impersonating ther killer, he attends the event and is suprised to find out it is a gathering of serial killers. A social club, to share stories and keep from picking the same victims, things like that. The irony of this amuses me, because most serial killers that you hear of have some sort of personality disorder. So for them to see out a group to socialize is pretty funny.
So our hero, keepsa attending the club and keeps up the ruse that he ia a killer. He becomes one as members become suspicious that he is not who he says he is. So for four years he is apart of this group and is even voted to club treasurer.
In his fourth year, a FBI agent approaches him and tells him that he is aware of his other activities. If he wants to stay out of jail he has two months to kill off all the other members of the club.
Our unnamed hero is attacked by a serial killer and kills him in self defense. Overcome with curiosity about his attacker, he looks through his wallet. He finds a folded up part of a recent newspaper. one sewction is circled and is an invitation. He resonds to the ad and is invited to a get togther in Chicago. Impersonating ther killer, he attends the event and is suprised to find out it is a gathering of serial killers. A social club, to share stories and keep from picking the same victims, things like that. The irony of this amuses me, because most serial killers that you hear of have some sort of personality disorder. So for them to see out a group to socialize is pretty funny.
So our hero, keepsa attending the club and keeps up the ruse that he ia a killer. He becomes one as members become suspicious that he is not who he says he is. So for four years he is apart of this group and is even voted to club treasurer.
In his fourth year, a FBI agent approaches him and tells him that he is aware of his other activities. If he wants to stay out of jail he has two months to kill off all the other members of the club.
44xymon81
Scaifea: I can understand that. There are times I am at home, i wish i could get some done, either a game or reading. There is either something to get sone or just can't concentrate and by the time my kids bedtime comes around I am to tired to do it then.
So I am taking a break from my reading list to get this months One LT book done. I have had Dorian Grey on my to do list for some time so it gives me a good excus eto knock it out.
So I am taking a break from my reading list to get this months One LT book done. I have had Dorian Grey on my to do list for some time so it gives me a good excus eto knock it out.
45xymon81
Book 12: The Picture of Dorian grey by Oscar Wilde.
Dorian grey is a young and niave youth when he agrees to sit for a painting of his portrait. He is also very remarkable looking. While there he meets a yound lord who takes him under his wing. The painting is finished that day and is so wonderful that Dorian wishes that he could reverse places with the painting and that it will age and change and he will always be as goodlooking as he is that day. And that is what happens. He is slowly corrupted by the young lord and the further he slides into darkness the more the painting chamges until he has to hide it away in shame. In the end the painting is his own undoing.
I had a strange thought while about half way through this book. I thought about celebrities as they are now. We seem to give them the same type of leeway that Dorian gets. So because of their status people still admire them, maybe even more after they do something that I would like to belive most of us would find reprehensable.
I can understand why this book was considered dangerous. The way it talks about the pleasure of the moment over any type of ethics or morality. I look at things now days and wonder what if more people thought more beyond thier own vanity or greed and to others.
Dorian grey is a young and niave youth when he agrees to sit for a painting of his portrait. He is also very remarkable looking. While there he meets a yound lord who takes him under his wing. The painting is finished that day and is so wonderful that Dorian wishes that he could reverse places with the painting and that it will age and change and he will always be as goodlooking as he is that day. And that is what happens. He is slowly corrupted by the young lord and the further he slides into darkness the more the painting chamges until he has to hide it away in shame. In the end the painting is his own undoing.
I had a strange thought while about half way through this book. I thought about celebrities as they are now. We seem to give them the same type of leeway that Dorian gets. So because of their status people still admire them, maybe even more after they do something that I would like to belive most of us would find reprehensable.
I can understand why this book was considered dangerous. The way it talks about the pleasure of the moment over any type of ethics or morality. I look at things now days and wonder what if more people thought more beyond thier own vanity or greed and to others.
46xymon81
Book 13: Stop Here: a novel by Beverly Gologorsky
This novel is all about the workers in a diner during the height of the second Iraq war. Most of them are affected by the war ,the overall poor economy of the time and with thier daily struggles. The book is at the same time interesting, engaging and still thoroughly depressing.
This novel is all about the workers in a diner during the height of the second Iraq war. Most of them are affected by the war ,the overall poor economy of the time and with thier daily struggles. The book is at the same time interesting, engaging and still thoroughly depressing.
48xymon81
My wife and i went to drop off books at the library today and discovered it was closed. On our way back, we decide, hey lets swing by the used book store and just browse. Two hours later we have two full baskets worth $65.00. Not that this should be a shocker to anyone. The two of us in a library or book store is like a hoarder in a thrift shop. I got dome pretty good finds, some of the highlights are:
A Canticle for Leibowitz by Wlater M Miller JR. I've heard alot of good things about this book.
The Bricklayer By Noah Boyd. I have read the sequal to this book and just happened to come across this randomly in the stacks.
Tales of Ravenloft by Brian M. Tomsen. I love my ravenloft.
The Etched City by K. J. Bishop. I have had my eye on this book for some time, finally decided to get it.
A Canticle for Leibowitz by Wlater M Miller JR. I've heard alot of good things about this book.
The Bricklayer By Noah Boyd. I have read the sequal to this book and just happened to come across this randomly in the stacks.
Tales of Ravenloft by Brian M. Tomsen. I love my ravenloft.
The Etched City by K. J. Bishop. I have had my eye on this book for some time, finally decided to get it.
49scaifea
Oh, I just recently read A Canticle for Leibowitz and really enjoyed it - hope you do, too!
51xymon81
Finally I finished NCIS. I was stuck on the third chapter forever it seemed. There is satilite tracking game that was really frustrating for me. Well not just me I looked online and it seemed that a good majority of people were having difficulties in this same spot. So last night I finally got past it one the third try and zoomed through the rest of the game to complete it. Next up is Lego Batman 2.
52xymon81
Book 14: Day One by Nate Kenyon.
John Hawke is a hacker turned journalist looking into a a new start up company that has links to giant technology conglomerate. Strange things are happening are occuring all over the city and no one links it together. Before anyone can react every device that can be connected to is taken over and turns on the public. It is belived to be a terrorist and or hacker attack, and hawke's name is dragged into the open as a suspect. While trying to escape the city and reach his family, he uncovers what this corporation is hiding. A new artificial intelligence has been developed and now its loose. But how do you defeat an enemy that is everywhere and knows everything about you.
There were some cool aspects to this story. The AI was really good. It could leave you into traps using your own emotions against you. It could make digital copies of a loved ones voice and make it seem if they were in a cetain place, or show them getting killed through digital editing. It knew which strings to pull to create chaos and a total collapse.
John Hawke is a hacker turned journalist looking into a a new start up company that has links to giant technology conglomerate. Strange things are happening are occuring all over the city and no one links it together. Before anyone can react every device that can be connected to is taken over and turns on the public. It is belived to be a terrorist and or hacker attack, and hawke's name is dragged into the open as a suspect. While trying to escape the city and reach his family, he uncovers what this corporation is hiding. A new artificial intelligence has been developed and now its loose. But how do you defeat an enemy that is everywhere and knows everything about you.
There were some cool aspects to this story. The AI was really good. It could leave you into traps using your own emotions against you. It could make digital copies of a loved ones voice and make it seem if they were in a cetain place, or show them getting killed through digital editing. It knew which strings to pull to create chaos and a total collapse.
54xymon81
Book 15: Innocence by Dean Koontz.
Addison is an outcast from society. He spends his days underground in the sewer and only comes above at night. He cannot let anyone gaze upon for some un known reason, when a person see him they lose all control and try to kill him. Forced from home at a young age by his mother, who told him to leave so she wouldnt kill him he comes to the city. He is found fortunatly by a man exactly as himself and taken under his wing. Sadly the man he called Father sacrifices himself years later and he is now alone.
Years pass and a night just like any other he runs into woman fleeing a persuer. She is with her own eccentricities and they seems to meld. He decides to aid her in her needs, diong things that he knows conflict with what has kept him alive for all his known life. What happens in the end and how it ties in to both of thier afflictions make it one of his best books.
I admit I did have a hard time starting out but today the last half flew by and I went away actually very satisfied. I dont think the first part was his fault cause I was interested in what I was reading. But I think I was just burnt out and needed a break. With the snowstorm, I overread I think and I really just needed to move on a bit. Now though I am back on track.
Addison is an outcast from society. He spends his days underground in the sewer and only comes above at night. He cannot let anyone gaze upon for some un known reason, when a person see him they lose all control and try to kill him. Forced from home at a young age by his mother, who told him to leave so she wouldnt kill him he comes to the city. He is found fortunatly by a man exactly as himself and taken under his wing. Sadly the man he called Father sacrifices himself years later and he is now alone.
Years pass and a night just like any other he runs into woman fleeing a persuer. She is with her own eccentricities and they seems to meld. He decides to aid her in her needs, diong things that he knows conflict with what has kept him alive for all his known life. What happens in the end and how it ties in to both of thier afflictions make it one of his best books.
I admit I did have a hard time starting out but today the last half flew by and I went away actually very satisfied. I dont think the first part was his fault cause I was interested in what I was reading. But I think I was just burnt out and needed a break. With the snowstorm, I overread I think and I really just needed to move on a bit. Now though I am back on track.
55xymon81
Book 16: Esrever Doomby Piers Anthony
Kody is a normal human who is put in a coma while recovering from surgery. While he dreams he finds himself in Xanth to take on the next threat to the land. A bomb that changes everyones perception. Because he is not really there he is immune and the only one to disarm it. Along the way like all the rest, he finds friends and love and plenty of puns.
Kody is a normal human who is put in a coma while recovering from surgery. While he dreams he finds himself in Xanth to take on the next threat to the land. A bomb that changes everyones perception. Because he is not really there he is immune and the only one to disarm it. Along the way like all the rest, he finds friends and love and plenty of puns.
