Ape's 2015 Challenge (3)
This is a continuation of the topic Ape's 2015 Challenge (2).
This topic was continued by Ape's 2015 Challenge (4).
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2015
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1Ape
Currently Reading: Life in the Undergrowth
Currently Playing (PS4): Dragon Age: Inquisition
Book read: 31
Pages read: 8,653
January:
1. Blood of the Tiger by Judy A. Miller
2. The Foreshadowing by Marcus Sedgwick
3. Frog by Mo Yan
February:
4. Embedded by Dan Abnett
5. Red Equinox by Douglas Wynne
6. Deadly Companions by Dorothy H. Crawford
7. The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells
March:
8. The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester
9. Eye of the Whale by Douglas Carlton Abrams
10. Nefertiti by Nick Drake
April:
11. Red Planet Blues by Robert J. Sawyer
12. Genesis Alpha by Rune Michaels
13. Agincourt by Bernard Cornwell
14. Prey by Michael Crichton
15. The Book of Skulls by Robert Silverberg
16. Pod by Stephen Wallenfels
May:
17. Dead World Resurrection by Joe McKinney
18. America Again by Stephen Colbert
19. Minecraft: Essential Handbook by Stephanie Milton
20. Minecraft: Redstone Handbook by Nick Farwell
21. The Owl Keeper by Christine Brodien-Jones
22. Spiral by Paul McEuen
June:
23: Kraken by Wendy Williams
24. A Nameless Witch by A. Lee Martinez
25. The Sons of Liberty #1 by Alexander and Joseph Lagos
26. Sagramanda by Alan Dean Foster
July:
27. The Complete Concrete by Paul Chadwick
28. Beowulf by The Person Who Wrote Beowulf
30. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
31. Life in the Undergrowth by David Attenborough
--------------------------------------------------
Video Games: 11
January:
1. Crysis 3
2. Little Deviants
February:
3. The Walking Dead: Season 1
4. The Walking Dead: Season 2
March:
5. Arcania
6. The Wolf Among Us
April:
7. Unit 13
8. Mirror's Edge
9. Gravity Rush
10. LittleBigPlanet 3
May
11. Terraria
6leahbird
Happy new thread Stephen! I couldn't believe you were still going in that other thread because it was getting slow to load for me on WiFi!
7saraslibrary
*hides spray can behind Micky*
11saraslibrary
24 hours and no weirdness yet. I say that's a new record. ;)
12Ape
Welcome Micky, Leah, Sara, Kim, Xymon, and Amber! :)
So I'm reading The Book of Skulls, I'm about 80 pages into it, and I either really really love it or really really hate it. I can't decide.
So I'm reading The Book of Skulls, I'm about 80 pages into it, and I either really really love it or really really hate it. I can't decide.
13saraslibrary
>12 Ape: Well, I visited http://www.ask8ball.net/ to see if you loved or hated The Book of Skulls, and the first answer was "Ask Again Later". *sigh* Second answer: the same. Third: same. Fourth: same. Ok, no more. I think I just got a little mad there. :/
So, I went here--http://www.8-ball-magic.com/--and "Outlook good." So, yes, Stephen, you like The Book of Skulls. :P (Gawd, that was complicated. lol)
So, I went here--http://www.8-ball-magic.com/--and "Outlook good." So, yes, Stephen, you like The Book of Skulls. :P (Gawd, that was complicated. lol)
14Ape
The "ask again later" answer totally makes sense, since we'll have a better idea about whether I like it or not after I read more of it. See? irrefutable proof that 8-balls totally work and are right all the time. WE CAN'T DENY IT! ...
15saraslibrary
>14 Ape: I'm surprised you like the Magic 8 Ball, because wasn't it (evilly) devised in the 80's? :P
And yes, the magic 8 ball is always right! People really should consult with it instead of praying, etc. Or is that going too far? My bad. Not that I really care. :P
And yes, the magic 8 ball is always right! People really should consult with it instead of praying, etc. Or is that going too far? My bad. Not that I really care. :P
16Ape
You can always ask the magic 8-ball if it is going to far. :P
Were they devised in the 80's? Hmmmm, clearly they are devices of Satan.
Were they devised in the 80's? Hmmmm, clearly they are devices of Satan.
17saraslibrary
LOL! Yes, Satan definitely had something to do with it, as well as the music during that time. ;) *skips off to ask the magic 8 ball a question*
ETA: I asked it, "Is it better to consult the Magic 8 Ball or to pray?" and it said "Better not tell you now." Oh, it so wise. ;P *waits a few seconds* Hmm, what about now? Answer: "Outlook not so good." Yep, I knew it. God's sending me to hell for saying that. Swell.
ETA: I asked it, "Is it better to consult the Magic 8 Ball or to pray?" and it said "Better not tell you now." Oh, it so wise. ;P *waits a few seconds* Hmm, what about now? Answer: "Outlook not so good." Yep, I knew it. God's sending me to hell for saying that. Swell.
19saraslibrary
>18 Ape: LOL! But doesn't the devil lie? So it could be the devil and just mind-f*ing you. Hmm. Conspiracies!
21Ape
15. The Book of Skulls by Robert Silveberg
Pages: 232
Rating: 3/5
Publication date: 1972
Fiction
Owned
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Four young men stumble upon The Book of Skulls, a book written in an archaic language tucked away in the dusty archives of a university library. It states that immortality can be attained, but only through death can everlasting life be achieved, two fo the four must die, one must give himself up for the others through suicide, and another must be murdered.
it sounds like a "brain off" type of plot, but I was pleasantly surprised by how...well, literary it was. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised numerous times throughout reading this book. The characterization was terribly off-putting in the beginning, the 4 young men are flat, one-dimensional stereotypes that could probably be perceived as rather offensive. There is a snobbish heir of a rich family, a small-town boy trying to make something of himself in a large city, a jew, and a homosexual, and Silverberg is completely upfront about these archtypes right from the beginning. This is usually a horrible way to go about things, but there is that one rare instance where this kind of thing is acceptable, and that is when the stereotypes are used for social commentary, or as a way to evolve the characters away from the reader's perspective. I felt that The Book of Skulls definitely acheived this, in a similar fashion as the 1980's film The Breakfast Club.
It's funny, it's not uncommon to see flat, simplistic plots being hyped up as works of fine literature, but this is the complete opposite. The book masquerades as being barbaric, 4 college boys on a road trip, with all the vulgarity, drug use. and "free love" you might expect from a book published in the early 1970's, it really shouldn't be good. Despite everything going against it, The Book of Skulls manages to actually be both intelligent and enjoyable to read. I wouldn't consider it my favorite book in the world, but the thing I kept saying to myself while I was reading it was that it simply is a pleasant surprise, and not at all what I expected.
On a side note, the author is a science fiction author and so for whatever reason people have labeled this as a science fiction novel. It isn't, in any way. I would describe it as literary fiction, and the immortality aspect is magical realism at best. It's closer to horror than it is SF, but I definitely wouldn't consider it a horror novel either.
Pages: 232
Rating: 3/5
Publication date: 1972
Fiction
Owned
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Four young men stumble upon The Book of Skulls, a book written in an archaic language tucked away in the dusty archives of a university library. It states that immortality can be attained, but only through death can everlasting life be achieved, two fo the four must die, one must give himself up for the others through suicide, and another must be murdered.
it sounds like a "brain off" type of plot, but I was pleasantly surprised by how...well, literary it was. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised numerous times throughout reading this book. The characterization was terribly off-putting in the beginning, the 4 young men are flat, one-dimensional stereotypes that could probably be perceived as rather offensive. There is a snobbish heir of a rich family, a small-town boy trying to make something of himself in a large city, a jew, and a homosexual, and Silverberg is completely upfront about these archtypes right from the beginning. This is usually a horrible way to go about things, but there is that one rare instance where this kind of thing is acceptable, and that is when the stereotypes are used for social commentary, or as a way to evolve the characters away from the reader's perspective. I felt that The Book of Skulls definitely acheived this, in a similar fashion as the 1980's film The Breakfast Club.
It's funny, it's not uncommon to see flat, simplistic plots being hyped up as works of fine literature, but this is the complete opposite. The book masquerades as being barbaric, 4 college boys on a road trip, with all the vulgarity, drug use. and "free love" you might expect from a book published in the early 1970's, it really shouldn't be good. Despite everything going against it, The Book of Skulls manages to actually be both intelligent and enjoyable to read. I wouldn't consider it my favorite book in the world, but the thing I kept saying to myself while I was reading it was that it simply is a pleasant surprise, and not at all what I expected.
On a side note, the author is a science fiction author and so for whatever reason people have labeled this as a science fiction novel. It isn't, in any way. I would describe it as literary fiction, and the immortality aspect is magical realism at best. It's closer to horror than it is SF, but I definitely wouldn't consider it a horror novel either.
22saraslibrary
>20 Ape:
>21 Ape: I definitely like the book cover you have compared to the others, though this one's pretty cool, too.
"a book written in an archaic language tucked away in the dusty archives of a university library" leads to murder and suicide... Yep, happens all the time here! ;) The plot sounds kinda fun, very horror movie-ish with four guys on a road trip. (Did their car break down at any point in the middle of nowhere? :P) I'm glad you sort of liked it. :)
>21 Ape: I definitely like the book cover you have compared to the others, though this one's pretty cool, too.
"a book written in an archaic language tucked away in the dusty archives of a university library" leads to murder and suicide... Yep, happens all the time here! ;) The plot sounds kinda fun, very horror movie-ish with four guys on a road trip. (Did their car break down at any point in the middle of nowhere? :P) I'm glad you sort of liked it. :)
24saraslibrary
>23 MickyFine: And The Breakfast Club to boot! :o
25Ape
Sara: I like that cover too. I picked it up having never heard of it when I went to Columbus with Foggidawn, and I had no idea it was published in the 70's until I got home and entered it into my library. It's a pretty awesome updated cover, in my opinion. :)
Micky: ......Ummmmmmmmmmm....well....The Breakfast Club is pretty awesome....an exception that proves the rule, clearly. ;)
Micky: ......Ummmmmmmmmmm....well....The Breakfast Club is pretty awesome....an exception that proves the rule, clearly. ;)
26saraslibrary
>25 Ape: It was published in the 70's?? The Breakfast Club is pretty awesome?? What have you done with Stephen?!
27MickyFine
>25 Ape: I'm afraid several awesome movies came out of the 80s my friend. Because I cannot imagine that you don't like Back to the Future. And if you don't, I don't think we can be friends anymore...
28Ape
Sara: I kidnapped him. ...I may have molested him a little.... I'm not proud.
Micky: I think we had this discussion before. I've seen bits and pieces of Back to the Future a bazillion times, and I've seen the whole movie, but I've never actually sat down and watched it from beginning to end. I'm not sure if I've seen any of the sequels in their entirety. As a kid, I was much more a fan of movies like Jurassic Park, The Santa Clause, Nightmare Before Christmas...y'know, movies from the 90's... :P
Micky: I think we had this discussion before. I've seen bits and pieces of Back to the Future a bazillion times, and I've seen the whole movie, but I've never actually sat down and watched it from beginning to end. I'm not sure if I've seen any of the sequels in their entirety. As a kid, I was much more a fan of movies like Jurassic Park, The Santa Clause, Nightmare Before Christmas...y'know, movies from the 90's... :P
29saraslibrary
>28 Ape: No worries. I'm sure he enjoyed it. :P
31saraslibrary
>30 Ape: Yeah, definitely creepy. Do it again. :P
35saraslibrary
>32 Ape: Both! ;)
Good meme. It gives people a good reason to make book mazes in their homes. Keeping buying and piling them up to the ceiling. ;)
>33 MickyFine: They should make a book of his memes. Unless they already have.
>34 Ape: Yeah, you were abducted. No question about it. Go molest yourself now. :P
Good meme. It gives people a good reason to make book mazes in their homes. Keeping buying and piling them up to the ceiling. ;)
>33 MickyFine: They should make a book of his memes. Unless they already have.
>34 Ape: Yeah, you were abducted. No question about it. Go molest yourself now. :P
36Ape
16. Pod by Stephen Wallenfels
Pages: 292
Rating: 3/5
Publication date: 2009
Young Adult - Science Fiction (Alien Invasion)
Library Checkout
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Pods are giant spheres that descended from the sky, and wiped out everyone who wasn't indoors at the time. They zapped every person and every mode of transportation, and they simply disappeared. Now they hover above humanity, taking out anyone who attempts to leave whatever building they were in during the invasion.
The story is told from 2 points of view, Josh and Megs. Josh is a 16-year-old boy who is trapped in his house with his father, and Megan is a 12-year-old girl trapped in a parking garage that is connected to a hotel with some unsavory characters. I found Josh to be rather obnoxious at first, and didn't particularly enjoy his chapters, but they both offer a unique and interesting perspective on the events. Josh exemplifies the isolation of an apocalyptic story, and Megs represents the typical search-and-scavege motif.
The book started off on the wrong foot for me, as it felt very rushed and abrupt, but it did turn out to be an addictive story once things got going. Even though I didn't like Josh's chapters at first, I was very sympathetic towards Megan, and Josh's obnoxiousness serves a purpose in the end, so in the end I was quite happy with the characterization.
Unfortunately, the end was also pretty unsatisfying. Some things are wrapped up a bit too conveniently, and at the same time it feels like it is left WAY too open. A sequel is obviously planned, which is fine, it's just frustrating to have so many things just left in the air.
Despite the flawed start and finish, I still enjoyed the book overall.
Pages: 292
Rating: 3/5
Publication date: 2009
Young Adult - Science Fiction (Alien Invasion)
Library Checkout
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Pods are giant spheres that descended from the sky, and wiped out everyone who wasn't indoors at the time. They zapped every person and every mode of transportation, and they simply disappeared. Now they hover above humanity, taking out anyone who attempts to leave whatever building they were in during the invasion.
The story is told from 2 points of view, Josh and Megs. Josh is a 16-year-old boy who is trapped in his house with his father, and Megan is a 12-year-old girl trapped in a parking garage that is connected to a hotel with some unsavory characters. I found Josh to be rather obnoxious at first, and didn't particularly enjoy his chapters, but they both offer a unique and interesting perspective on the events. Josh exemplifies the isolation of an apocalyptic story, and Megs represents the typical search-and-scavege motif.
The book started off on the wrong foot for me, as it felt very rushed and abrupt, but it did turn out to be an addictive story once things got going. Even though I didn't like Josh's chapters at first, I was very sympathetic towards Megan, and Josh's obnoxiousness serves a purpose in the end, so in the end I was quite happy with the characterization.
Unfortunately, the end was also pretty unsatisfying. Some things are wrapped up a bit too conveniently, and at the same time it feels like it is left WAY too open. A sequel is obviously planned, which is fine, it's just frustrating to have so many things just left in the air.
Despite the flawed start and finish, I still enjoyed the book overall.
38saraslibrary
>36 Ape: See? It pays to be a shut-in! *totally plans on never leaving her room ever again*
>37 Ape: *snort* True. No, wait, false! *prints a shit-load of memes out, staples them together, and voila! book thingy!*
Is it me or does it look the dude is making a smoking pot/wanking-off gesture. I can't decide which.
>37 Ape: *snort* True. No, wait, false! *prints a shit-load of memes out, staples them together, and voila! book thingy!*
Is it me or does it look the dude is making a smoking pot/wanking-off gesture. I can't decide which.
39Ape
Oh yes, Boromir was definitely a pot smoking chronic masturbater. Or maybe that is symbolic of the ring's pull on his subconscious. :P
40saraslibrary
>39 Ape: Agreed! I wonder how that could be added to his title. Boromir the Chronic Wanker (chronic meaning the "gangsta" version of pot)? Hmm, I'll have to work on that one. *snort* The ring's pull on his *ahem* subconscious. Yes, is that something like a pull on his "heart," because we all know men's hearts are in their penises. :P
Oh man. Sean Bean's just never going to live down that picture. XD Love the guy, but I just want to kick him in the nuts sometimes when I read those stupid memes. Lovingly kick him in the nuts, of course. Because I love him and all. :P Maybe I'll wear some LOTR hobbit slippers, though they look a tad like...nope, I'll keep it PG13. Won't mention the anatomy that's bouncing around in my head.
Oh man. Sean Bean's just never going to live down that picture. XD Love the guy, but I just want to kick him in the nuts sometimes when I read those stupid memes. Lovingly kick him in the nuts, of course. Because I love him and all. :P Maybe I'll wear some LOTR hobbit slippers, though they look a tad like...nope, I'll keep it PG13. Won't mention the anatomy that's bouncing around in my head.
44The_Hibernator
Hi Stephen! I miss you!
46lovelyluck
I think you should read The Great Zoo of China - just sayin... oh by the way HELLO *waves* back to lurking :)
47Ape
Rachel: I'm always right here! :)
Sara: Yeah, I actually managed to read 6 books...but I finished Red Planet Blues on April 1st, I should have finished it last month but I was 30 pages short, so that helped... *Gnaws Sara's foot*
Jennifer: That one does seem interesting, thanks!
Sara: Yeah, I actually managed to read 6 books...but I finished Red Planet Blues on April 1st, I should have finished it last month but I was 30 pages short, so that helped... *Gnaws Sara's foot*
Jennifer: That one does seem interesting, thanks!
48saraslibrary
>47 Ape: I do the same: count the month I finish a book rather than when I started it. Yay for being 30 pages short! ;)
Be my guest, but I have to warn you: it sometimes detaches from my leg and becomes its own entity. You've had your rabies shot, right? :P
Be my guest, but I have to warn you: it sometimes detaches from my leg and becomes its own entity. You've had your rabies shot, right? :P
49Ape
That would make an excellent yard ornament! :D
I went on a bit of a birthday shopping spree (a couple weeks late) and bought some books a couple days ago. I managed to find copies of America Again by Stephen Colbert and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter at Dollar Tree, along with a copy of Hunt the Wolf that I threw in for good measure, and after that I splurged a little and bought the Minecraft Handbook box collection. They're a collection of these cute little highly-illustrated guides to various Minecraft mechanics. I've been playing for a long time and I doubt I'll learn anything new, but I'm a big fan of the game and a Youtuber my sister watches (as supplies me with his videos) helped write one of them, so it was a nice little gift to myself.
I went on a bit of a birthday shopping spree (a couple weeks late) and bought some books a couple days ago. I managed to find copies of America Again by Stephen Colbert and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter at Dollar Tree, along with a copy of Hunt the Wolf that I threw in for good measure, and after that I splurged a little and bought the Minecraft Handbook box collection. They're a collection of these cute little highly-illustrated guides to various Minecraft mechanics. I've been playing for a long time and I doubt I'll learn anything new, but I'm a big fan of the game and a Youtuber my sister watches (as supplies me with his videos) helped write one of them, so it was a nice little gift to myself.
50Ape
17. Dead World Resurrection by Joe McKinney
Pages: 335
Rating: 3/5
Publication: 2014
Fiction - Short Stories/Horror
Owned (Early Reviewers)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe McKinney's publishers really want you to believe that he is some godfather of the Zombie horror genre, even being the driving force behind the launching of the entire genre (yes, it says it on the cover.) I don't think that is quite true, but I did read the Dead World trilogy, and I liked them well enough, so I was more than happy to receive an advanced readers edition of his collected short stories.
I'm not usually a big fan of short stories, but I did enjoy these for the most part. As usual, the stories are hit and miss, but there were some particularly good ones in the mix. I really liked Jimmy Finder, Paradise of the Living Dead, and Survivors, each of which were spectacular. Some were not so great, such as Dating in Dead World and Starvation army, but overall I'm pleased with the collection and I'm glad I finally got around to reading it.
Pages: 335
Rating: 3/5
Publication: 2014
Fiction - Short Stories/Horror
Owned (Early Reviewers)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe McKinney's publishers really want you to believe that he is some godfather of the Zombie horror genre, even being the driving force behind the launching of the entire genre (yes, it says it on the cover.) I don't think that is quite true, but I did read the Dead World trilogy, and I liked them well enough, so I was more than happy to receive an advanced readers edition of his collected short stories.
I'm not usually a big fan of short stories, but I did enjoy these for the most part. As usual, the stories are hit and miss, but there were some particularly good ones in the mix. I really liked Jimmy Finder, Paradise of the Living Dead, and Survivors, each of which were spectacular. Some were not so great, such as Dating in Dead World and Starvation army, but overall I'm pleased with the collection and I'm glad I finally got around to reading it.
52saraslibrary
>49 Ape: Better yet: consider it your belated b-day cake (made of chocolate, of course, though it really doesn't look it, huh? o.o). Where's that darn stick of dynamite? I mean, candle. :P
What??? You bought America Again and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter for a buck each?! *is deeply jealous and angry at the bookstores where she bought her copies* But good job on the choosing just the right presents for yourself. ;)
>50 Ape: Ooh, that does look good. It took me a long time to get over my short story dislike, too, but now I really love them.
What??? You bought America Again and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter for a buck each?! *is deeply jealous and angry at the bookstores where she bought her copies* But good job on the choosing just the right presents for yourself. ;)
>50 Ape: Ooh, that does look good. It took me a long time to get over my short story dislike, too, but now I really love them.
53Ape
Thanks, Micky! :)
Sara: I don't know if you know anything about Minecraft, or if that was pure chance, but I see you found your stick of dynamite. The things in that picture is a Creeper, they explode if you let them get too close to you, so if you DIDN'T know that, how funny that you joked about a dynamite stick in a birthday cake and then posted a happy birthday pic with an explosive Creeper in it. :P
Sara: I don't know if you know anything about Minecraft, or if that was pure chance, but I see you found your stick of dynamite. The things in that picture is a Creeper, they explode if you let them get too close to you, so if you DIDN'T know that, how funny that you joked about a dynamite stick in a birthday cake and then posted a happy birthday pic with an explosive Creeper in it. :P
54Ape
In other news, I watched the first episode of Game of Thrones this morning. *headsmack* Why did I wait so long!?!?
Also, I'm not sure I've ever seen so many boobs in the span of 60 minutes. I'm feeling...ummmmmmm...errrrrrr...overwhelmed. Yeah, that's it, overwhelmed.
Also, I'm not sure I've ever seen so many boobs in the span of 60 minutes. I'm feeling...ummmmmmm...errrrrrr...overwhelmed. Yeah, that's it, overwhelmed.
56saraslibrary
>53 Ape: Oh, wow! Pure coincidence! :D I had no idea that thing exploded. I guess I just have a knack for being attracted to explosives. ;) What can I say?
>54 Ape: Well, you're one episode ahead of me. I've heard a ton of good things about it, but I've never watched it either. I'm glad it's headsmack-worthy. ;)
Your "heart" is feeling overwhelmed? Gotcha. ;) So the big question is: do you count 1 boob or the pair? That's the tricky-sticky question. :P
>55 MickyFine: That's what I was thinking. What's the other raunchy channel (that's not an adult channel)? Showtime or something? Or is that a movie channel? *is so out of the loop on cable it stopped being funny in her 20's*
>54 Ape: Well, you're one episode ahead of me. I've heard a ton of good things about it, but I've never watched it either. I'm glad it's headsmack-worthy. ;)
Your "heart" is feeling overwhelmed? Gotcha. ;) So the big question is: do you count 1 boob or the pair? That's the tricky-sticky question. :P
>55 MickyFine: That's what I was thinking. What's the other raunchy channel (that's not an adult channel)? Showtime or something? Or is that a movie channel? *is so out of the loop on cable it stopped being funny in her 20's*
57lovelyluck
>54 Ape: I felt the same way - (about how long I waited - not the boobs) - I just finished binge watching seasons 1-4 the week season 5 came out and now I'm seriously involved and thinking about just reading the books now to see how they compare - but they are so long :(
58MickyFine
>56 saraslibrary: Showtime can be a bit raunchy but not at an HBO level. If memory serves, Showtime still bleeps swears...
59Ape
Micky: Haha, yeah yeah, I'm aware of HBO's fascination with The Boobs. And all those other "movie" channels.
Sara: It's amazing and you should watch it!! :P The channel that has all the (literal) softcore porn is Cinemax, at night. I don't have thepleasure opportunity to watch the channel, but I always remember it's the one with porn because I've seen people jokingly refer to it as "Skinemax."
Jennifer: Yep! I'm binging right now. I watched 3 episodes today, and I suspect I will finish the first season tomorrow. :) I have seasons 1-3 right now and my sister is finishing up season 4 so I'll have those by the time I finish. Hurray!
Sara: It's amazing and you should watch it!! :P The channel that has all the (literal) softcore porn is Cinemax, at night. I don't have the
Jennifer: Yep! I'm binging right now. I watched 3 episodes today, and I suspect I will finish the first season tomorrow. :) I have seasons 1-3 right now and my sister is finishing up season 4 so I'll have those by the time I finish. Hurray!
60leahbird
>56 saraslibrary: I think it's Cinemax you are thinking of. After dark Cinemax morphs into Skin-emax or Sin-emax depending on your personal morel standing. It's pretty much the home planet of softcore porn.
61saraslibrary
>58 MickyFine: Wow! Cable still bleeps stuff? I'm shocked. When I did have cable, I used to love the dubbed swears the best. It was funny hearing "swears" like "motherfarmer" or "forget you" when you knew what they were really saying. Pulp Fiction had me in stitches. :P
>59 Ape: We have it at work, but I honestly don't know if/when I'll get around to it. I still have season 2 of Hannibal to watch. Sorry, cannibals before boobs. ;P
Oh, yeah, I've definitely heard of "Skinemax." This is probably waaay before your time, but after 10 p.m. or something, the Playboy and other adult channels would be audible for several hours. The screen was all blurry and fuzzy, but every once in awhile, you could make out a sex scene. It was awesome! :D And now I feel so old. Once again. :P
But who needs Skinemax when you have the internet??! It's a million times trashier. Plus it's free!! :)
>60 leahbird: Yep, I think you are right. :) It's been awhile since I've watched it, but I think I'll live. ;)
>59 Ape: We have it at work, but I honestly don't know if/when I'll get around to it. I still have season 2 of Hannibal to watch. Sorry, cannibals before boobs. ;P
Oh, yeah, I've definitely heard of "Skinemax." This is probably waaay before your time, but after 10 p.m. or something, the Playboy and other adult channels would be audible for several hours. The screen was all blurry and fuzzy, but every once in awhile, you could make out a sex scene. It was awesome! :D And now I feel so old. Once again. :P
But who needs Skinemax when you have the internet??! It's a million times trashier. Plus it's free!! :)
>60 leahbird: Yep, I think you are right. :) It's been awhile since I've watched it, but I think I'll live. ;)
62Ape
Leah: Ha! I haven't heard it called Sinemax...guess that shows what kind of people I hang out with. :P
Sara: Yeah, ummmm, I've seen it referenced in TV shows/movies, but the blurry porn channel thing was definitely before my time. (Dammit.) You're right though, why bother with paying obscene amounts of money for that stuff when millions of people seem more than willing to post their videos online, for free! Not that I know anything about that sort of thing. >_>
Sara: Yeah, ummmm, I've seen it referenced in TV shows/movies, but the blurry porn channel thing was definitely before my time. (Dammit.) You're right though, why bother with paying obscene amounts of money for that stuff when millions of people seem more than willing to post their videos online, for free! Not that I know anything about that sort of thing. >_>
63Ape
I...have a confession. Yesterday, I maybe kind of binged watched 6 hours of Game of Thrones. 6 hours. I finished the first season though, so hurray for that! Nobody warned me about the wieners though.
64saraslibrary
>62 Ape: No, of course you don't know anything about that sort of thing. You're too busy binging on wieners to be looking at free porn online. :P So, how was it? The series, not the wieners. Though you can enlighten us if you want. *all ears*
65Ape
Amazing! (The show, not the wieners) This morning I watched 2 episodes of season 2. Not only that, but I'm also playing an amazing video game, so my media life is quite fantastic right now.
As for the wieners, they were also overwhelming. o.o I felt like weeping a little after seeing Hodor's gratuitously huge donkey dick. I'm sure you can find pictures on Google (Just leave the word "donkey" out of your search query...)
As for the wieners, they were also overwhelming. o.o I felt like weeping a little after seeing Hodor's gratuitously huge donkey dick. I'm sure you can find pictures on Google (Just leave the word "donkey" out of your search query...)
66lovelyluck
South Park spoofed the Game of thrones opening song - check out this link Wieners
67leahbird
Have you read The Girl With All the Gifts, Stephen? I see that it's horrory and has zombies in it so I'm not sure if it's my thing, but everyone's been raving about it and the description is very interesting. Any thoughts?
68Ape
Jennifer: Oh yes, I saw that episode, but I didn't get the reference at the time.
Leah: Yep! I mean, nope! It's on my library wishlist after Nora recommended it. It certainly looks interesting, I just haven't gotten around to it yet.
Leah: Yep! I mean, nope! It's on my library wishlist after Nora recommended it. It certainly looks interesting, I just haven't gotten around to it yet.
70Ape
18. America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't by Stephen Colbert
Pages: 238
Rating: 4/5
Publication date: 2012
Nonfiction - Political Satire
Owned
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This is the 2nd book I've read by Stephen Colbert, the other being I Am America, and both were equally funny. America Again discusses the overwhelming awesomeness of America and how no way possibly is there anything remotely wrong with it at all, because obviously everything is absolutely perfect all the time, and describes how it can re-become the greatness it never wasn't, as the subtitle suggest.
It naturally has the same humor as Colbert's tv show, so if you are familiar with it then you'll probably enjoy the book. It's fill with witty, sarcastic satire under the guise of silly over-the-top patriotism. Also, if you aren't reading it with Stephen Colbert's voice in your head, you are doing it wrong.
I enjoyed America Again, I feel very informed about America's nonproblems and how to not fix them. It's very educational, you see!
Pages: 238
Rating: 4/5
Publication date: 2012
Nonfiction - Political Satire
Owned
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This is the 2nd book I've read by Stephen Colbert, the other being I Am America, and both were equally funny. America Again discusses the overwhelming awesomeness of America and how no way possibly is there anything remotely wrong with it at all, because obviously everything is absolutely perfect all the time, and describes how it can re-become the greatness it never wasn't, as the subtitle suggest.
It naturally has the same humor as Colbert's tv show, so if you are familiar with it then you'll probably enjoy the book. It's fill with witty, sarcastic satire under the guise of silly over-the-top patriotism. Also, if you aren't reading it with Stephen Colbert's voice in your head, you are doing it wrong.
I enjoyed America Again, I feel very informed about America's nonproblems and how to not fix them. It's very educational, you see!
71saraslibrary
>65 Ape: Cool, you're already onto season 2? Good job! :) The video game you mentioned--is it the one at the top of the page? Looks cool. You're definitely on a fantasy kick, huh?
LOL! Thanks for reminding me to remove "donkey" from my penis search. And, yeah, I see what you mean. o.o
>66 lovelyluck: I've never seen Game of Thrones yet, but bless South Park. Thanks for the link! :)
>70 Ape: Yay, book! I have that one, too, but I haven't read it yet. I should get you to read I Am A Pole (And So Can You!) next. :P
LOL! Thanks for reminding me to remove "donkey" from my penis search. And, yeah, I see what you mean. o.o
>66 lovelyluck: I've never seen Game of Thrones yet, but bless South Park. Thanks for the link! :)
>70 Ape: Yay, book! I have that one, too, but I haven't read it yet. I should get you to read I Am A Pole (And So Can You!) next. :P
73Ape
Sara: Yep, I only got to watch 1 episode today and tomorrow I'll be spending most of the day with my sister, but I'll probably have season 2 done by the end of the week. And yeah, Dragon Age is the game I'm playing. I may be reading a fantasy book soon as well, so I'm definitely delving into the fantasy! I would totally read I Am A Pole, I just need to find it for $1 at Dollar Tree. :P
Hi Linda! *Hugs* All is well enough, I suppose, if one is satisfied with being a 27-year-old virginal male with no job, money, friends, or social life. Yep, super fantastic.
Hi Linda! *Hugs* All is well enough, I suppose, if one is satisfied with being a 27-year-old virginal male with no job, money, friends, or social life. Yep, super fantastic.
74Ape
19. Minecraft: Essential Handbook by Stephanie Milton
Pages: 80
Rating: 3/5
Publication date: 2013
Nonfiction: Video game guide
Owned
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The Essential Minecraft Handbook covers all the basics for the first-time Minecraft player. It teaches yo the first things you need to do when starting a Survival world, and gives some simple tips and tricks for surviving long-term. Things like how to create tools, how to keep monsters out of your house, what resources to look for, and how to build a farm to sustain yourself long-term.
It's not terribly useful for the seasoned Minecraft player, and to be honest, it's probably not the best source of information for new players either. The book is a couple years old, and because it is an ever-changing game, some of the information is already dated and inaccurate.
Intriguingly, a couple popular Youtubers who play Minecraft have contributions in the book, and one (CaptainSparklez) is one my Sister and I watch regularly, so that was interesting to see.
Fortunately, this is only 1 book of 4 in the series, and I bought the box set. The others look much more useful for veteran players, so I'm still looking forward to the remaining books.
Pages: 80
Rating: 3/5
Publication date: 2013
Nonfiction: Video game guide
Owned
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The Essential Minecraft Handbook covers all the basics for the first-time Minecraft player. It teaches yo the first things you need to do when starting a Survival world, and gives some simple tips and tricks for surviving long-term. Things like how to create tools, how to keep monsters out of your house, what resources to look for, and how to build a farm to sustain yourself long-term.
It's not terribly useful for the seasoned Minecraft player, and to be honest, it's probably not the best source of information for new players either. The book is a couple years old, and because it is an ever-changing game, some of the information is already dated and inaccurate.
Intriguingly, a couple popular Youtubers who play Minecraft have contributions in the book, and one (CaptainSparklez) is one my Sister and I watch regularly, so that was interesting to see.
Fortunately, this is only 1 book of 4 in the series, and I bought the box set. The others look much more useful for veteran players, so I'm still looking forward to the remaining books.
75saraslibrary
>73 Ape: Sounds like you'll be having a good week then. :)
>74 Ape: I was going to say, "Hooray, it's the Minecraft penis cover," but it's the Minecraft: Construction Handbook: An Official Mojang Book I was thinking of. Hooray for subliminal messaging. ;)
>74 Ape: I was going to say, "Hooray, it's the Minecraft penis cover," but it's the Minecraft: Construction Handbook: An Official Mojang Book I was thinking of. Hooray for subliminal messaging. ;)
76Ape
Haha, yeah, I'll be reading that one too eventually. I was only planning on reading 1 and then picking up some library books, but they are taking FOREVER to get delivered. I finished another one today and since my books aren't in, it looks like I'll be reading another tomorrow.
77Ape
20. Minecraft: Redstone Handbook by Nick Farwell
Pages: 78
Rating: 5/5
Publication date: 2013
Nonfiction: Video game guide
Owned
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I've played Minecraft for a awhile now, but one of the few things that still baffles me is redstone. It's a mechanic in the game that basically works like electrical wiring, and you can use it to do amazing things. I can only do the most basic things, like rigging a door to open with a lever or button, but people all over the world have made some crazy stuff with redstone, like clocks and stopwatches that accurately keep time, actual minigames within the game of Minecraft, a calculator, and even a full functional computer. Yes, a computer, within a game, on your computer.
This guide is divided into 3 sections. The first covers the basics of redstone, how it works, how to make the blocks, and some basic redstone mechanics. The second section offers some basic builds with step-by-step instructions so you can recreate yourself in game, such as lights that turn on automatically when the sun sets, and a cannon that shoots TNT. The final section shows some of the crazy community builds I mentioned above, a few little insights into how they work, with pictures showing how utterly complex they are.
I'll admit, I'm still befuddled by redstone. It's simple really, like I said, it's just like electrical wire, but the intricacies are still quite a bit beyond my understanding. Nevertheless, as a guide, this was useful and educational, and I'm definitely a little bit more knowledgeable about redstone now. Kind of.
Pages: 78
Rating: 5/5
Publication date: 2013
Nonfiction: Video game guide
Owned
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I've played Minecraft for a awhile now, but one of the few things that still baffles me is redstone. It's a mechanic in the game that basically works like electrical wiring, and you can use it to do amazing things. I can only do the most basic things, like rigging a door to open with a lever or button, but people all over the world have made some crazy stuff with redstone, like clocks and stopwatches that accurately keep time, actual minigames within the game of Minecraft, a calculator, and even a full functional computer. Yes, a computer, within a game, on your computer.
This guide is divided into 3 sections. The first covers the basics of redstone, how it works, how to make the blocks, and some basic redstone mechanics. The second section offers some basic builds with step-by-step instructions so you can recreate yourself in game, such as lights that turn on automatically when the sun sets, and a cannon that shoots TNT. The final section shows some of the crazy community builds I mentioned above, a few little insights into how they work, with pictures showing how utterly complex they are.
I'll admit, I'm still befuddled by redstone. It's simple really, like I said, it's just like electrical wire, but the intricacies are still quite a bit beyond my understanding. Nevertheless, as a guide, this was useful and educational, and I'm definitely a little bit more knowledgeable about redstone now. Kind of.
78saraslibrary
>76 Ape: Maybe they're walking your holds over to the branch. It's possible. :P Are you not liking the Minecraft books then?
>77 Ape: What the heck is that on the cover? It looks like a turd, but that's just my immaturity kicking in. A rock?
Random, useless fact: "Like fingerprints, everyone's tongue print is different." I could so see this going the wrong way with a show like Cheaters or Maury or Jerry Springer where they dust the cheaters for tongue prints. There are places on the body most people don't want to know where tongues can be put. 'Nuf said. :P
>77 Ape: What the heck is that on the cover? It looks like a turd, but that's just my immaturity kicking in. A rock?
Random, useless fact: "Like fingerprints, everyone's tongue print is different." I could so see this going the wrong way with a show like Cheaters or Maury or Jerry Springer where they dust the cheaters for tongue prints. There are places on the body most people don't want to know where tongues can be put. 'Nuf said. :P
79Ape
I am liking the Minecraft books actually (I gave that last one 5 stars), but all my books are finally in, so, library trip tomorrow yay! :)
The cover is the in-game image of redstone dust, which looks like this:
Right, so the next time anyone here commits a crime, remember, don't lick anything! ;)
The cover is the in-game image of redstone dust, which looks like this:
Right, so the next time anyone here commits a crime, remember, don't lick anything! ;)
80Ape
73: Speaking of having no friends, my library is actively hiring again and non-family references would be helpful. Any volunteers? :(
81saraslibrary
>79 Ape: Oops, I forgot to look at the rating. *forehead smack* Yay for library trips! :)
Hmm, still looks like a turd to me. A bloody, bloody turd.
No licking after a crime scene?? But-but-! That's my THING! *pouts* (Actually, as a kid, I used to love licking the sidewalks after it rained. I loved the smell so much, I wanted to taste it. This was like pre-K-ish age, not high school I'm-on-E-and-in-love-with-everything age. {And, no, I never took E. I was just making a comparison.})
>80 Ape: Dude! I could totally cut+copy a reference letter for you. But then you'd have to give me an address to send it to.
Hmm, still looks like a turd to me. A bloody, bloody turd.
No licking after a crime scene?? But-but-! That's my THING! *pouts* (Actually, as a kid, I used to love licking the sidewalks after it rained. I loved the smell so much, I wanted to taste it. This was like pre-K-ish age, not high school I'm-on-E-and-in-love-with-everything age. {And, no, I never took E. I was just making a comparison.})
>80 Ape: Dude! I could totally cut+copy a reference letter for you. But then you'd have to give me an address to send it to.
82lovelyluck
I concur - I play minecraft too but it does kinda look like a turd :)
83Ape
Sara: No worries, I'll be submitting the job application in a day or 2 so it would get here in time, I'm afraid. :(
Jennifer: Turds and penises all over these books, whats up with that? *Shudders*
Still need friends! Who wants to be my friend? I don't have any. I'll probably submit the application on Monday, so.........
Jennifer: Turds and penises all over these books, whats up with that? *Shudders*
Still need friends! Who wants to be my friend? I don't have any. I'll probably submit the application on Monday, so.........
84katelisim
*Emerges from mysterious portal*
Hi Stephen!
*Takes a few steps; falls through new floor portal that quickly closes afterward*
Hi Stephen!
*Takes a few steps; falls through new floor portal that quickly closes afterward*
85norabelle414
You're welcome to use me as a reference anytime you want.
86Ape
Hi Katie! One of these days I'll play the Portal games and be able to do cool portal tricks like that myself. :)
Thanks Nora! :)
Thanks Nora! :)
87saraslibrary
>82 lovelyluck: Yay! Turds have it! ;)
>83 Ape: So no reference from me? I'd be sure to wipe the body fluids off the paper before I mailed it. :P
>83 Ape: So no reference from me? I'd be sure to wipe the body fluids off the paper before I mailed it. :P
88Ape
Sara: You can be my reference, I just need ALL your personal info, and your soul. It'll be fine. ;)
89saraslibrary
>88 Ape: Oh sure, no problem! Here it is:
Now finding my soul is a little harder to find. I kind of sold that one to a bum for the fake driver's license. :P
ETA: Honestly, p.m. me with what info you need. I think it'd freakin' awesome if you got hired! :)
Now finding my soul is a little harder to find. I kind of sold that one to a bum for the fake driver's license. :P
ETA: Honestly, p.m. me with what info you need. I think it'd freakin' awesome if you got hired! :)
90xymon81
>89 saraslibrary: Mclovin yes i love it. It could almost be a close resemblance.
In other news, totally hooked on FfX/X2. I have not played this game in so long it seems, its like refinding an old friend.
In other news, totally hooked on FfX/X2. I have not played this game in so long it seems, its like refinding an old friend.
91saraslibrary
>90 xymon81: I'm glad someone recognized who McLovin is. ;) And, yes, anyone looking at that ID would totally believe it's me (if they were blind or high ;).
92scaifea
McLovin!! *snork!* Love that kid. He also does a great job as the voice of one of the characters in the How to Train Your Dragon movies...
ETA: Oh, hi, Stephen...
ETA: Oh, hi, Stephen...
93saraslibrary
>92 scaifea: Really? He was on How to Train Your Dragon? Awesome! :) Yeah, I love Christopher Mintz-Plasse; he's hilarious.
94Ape
Sara: I'm afraid your license has expired....
Xymon: Ah, yes, of course! I still haven't replayed those! My sister has them, and I keep meaning to borrow them, but I have so many digital games on the PS3 that I haven't gotten around to it yet. I'm currently playing Dragon Age Inquisition on the PS4 and I'm amazed by it in pretty much every way possible. Except for the fact that my Qunari mage can't wear helmets. Ah! Stupid horns! :P
Hi Amber!
Xymon: Ah, yes, of course! I still haven't replayed those! My sister has them, and I keep meaning to borrow them, but I have so many digital games on the PS3 that I haven't gotten around to it yet. I'm currently playing Dragon Age Inquisition on the PS4 and I'm amazed by it in pretty much every way possible. Except for the fact that my Qunari mage can't wear helmets. Ah! Stupid horns! :P
Hi Amber!
95saraslibrary
>94 Ape: Darnit! I knew that bum screwed me over. *peels up laminate to turn 2008 into 2088*
96xymon81
>94 Ape: Speaking of digital games, I hot super excited to see Ico and Shadow of the Colassus. I wish you could download and not stream only. Actually I think some backwards compatability would do.
97Berly
Catching up on all things Stephen. Minecraft was a big hit with my kids last year. Not so much now...I had no idea there were books on it! But, then, why not? Sorry your horns are getting in the way. Good luck with that!
98scaifea
>93 saraslibrary: He's super-easy to pick out, voice-wise, as you can imagine. You should check out the movies - they're pretty hilarious. And adorable.
99saraslibrary
>98 scaifea: I think I saw one of them, but then, it could've been the Christmas special of it. I have some of the books, so I know I'll like the movies as well. :) Thanks for the recommendation!
100Ape
Sara: A bum screwed you over? That's ass backwards! o.o
Xymon: Oh, you get to use the free digital online thingy, right? I have slow internet so that isn't an option, but it's pretty cool that so many games are available through it.
Kim: Only a year!? I've been obsessed with Minecraft since I first played it years ago. :) Well, not since I first played it, because I didn't quite get it at first and it was super laggy on my crap computer, but it hooked me eventually, and now it's on Xbox/Playstation, so it runs smoothly and wonderfully for me now.
Xymon: Oh, you get to use the free digital online thingy, right? I have slow internet so that isn't an option, but it's pretty cool that so many games are available through it.
Kim: Only a year!? I've been obsessed with Minecraft since I first played it years ago. :) Well, not since I first played it, because I didn't quite get it at first and it was super laggy on my crap computer, but it hooked me eventually, and now it's on Xbox/Playstation, so it runs smoothly and wonderfully for me now.
101saraslibrary
>100 Ape: I will think of a funny retort as soon as my mind gets out of the gutter. *ahem*reverse cowgirl*ahem*
102lovelyluck
>99 saraslibrary: the movies aren't like the books at all - but both are awesome! you know how you can get really disappointed when a movie and a book aren't the same? - well I didn't feel that way about the dragon books and movies
103saraslibrary
>102 lovelyluck: I haven't started the books yet. I'm still collecting them until I get book 1, so I can read them in order. I know; it's a weird I-gotta-read-series-in-order thing. ;) I know what you mean about how movies can be disappointing compared to the book. So I'm relieved it's a good adaptation. I see the How to Train Your Dragon DVDs all the time at work, but I have such a huge stack of movies I just bought I want to get through first. Eventually, I'll get to the dragon movies and books. :) They look fun!
104Ape
21. The Owl Keeper by Christine Brodien-Jones
Pages: 309
Rating: 3/5
Publication date: 2010
Young Adult Fantasy/Dystopia
Library checkout
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After the Great Destruction, much of the world is uninhabitable. The shady and oppressive government, The High Echelon, is building massive domes for people to live in while spreading fear about the outside world. Max is a boy allergic to sun particles, who spends his nights with a silver owl he found in a tree. His grandmother told him that in a time of absolute dark an Owl Keeper would emerge to save the world. After he meets a girl named Rose who opens his eyes to what is happening around them, they realize it is up to them to find the Owl Keeper before it is too late and the world is lost.
I'm incredibly torn on this one. I really want to like it, and from a thematic point I did enjoy it a lot, but there were a lot of technical flaws that irked me while reading the book, most of which could simply be because the book is intended for a younger audience. Max is moral to a fault, and I found his interactions with the 'bad guys' throughout the latter half of the book to be strange and awkward at best. What really got to me was the lack of resolution at the end of the book. The story is left wide open, which I didn't expect at all. Nowhere does the book mention being a part of a series, but so many things are left unanswered! It's never a good thing to feel disappointed at the end of the book, but that's exactly how I felt as I was reading through the last couple of chapters and realizing there was no way the author could possibly wrap everything up in time.
So that's what I'm so torn. It's not bad, not really, but it's also not as satisfying as it should be. I enjoyed the act of reading it, but now that I'm finished I'm looking back on it I feel a little letdown.
Pages: 309
Rating: 3/5
Publication date: 2010
Young Adult Fantasy/Dystopia
Library checkout
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After the Great Destruction, much of the world is uninhabitable. The shady and oppressive government, The High Echelon, is building massive domes for people to live in while spreading fear about the outside world. Max is a boy allergic to sun particles, who spends his nights with a silver owl he found in a tree. His grandmother told him that in a time of absolute dark an Owl Keeper would emerge to save the world. After he meets a girl named Rose who opens his eyes to what is happening around them, they realize it is up to them to find the Owl Keeper before it is too late and the world is lost.
I'm incredibly torn on this one. I really want to like it, and from a thematic point I did enjoy it a lot, but there were a lot of technical flaws that irked me while reading the book, most of which could simply be because the book is intended for a younger audience. Max is moral to a fault, and I found his interactions with the 'bad guys' throughout the latter half of the book to be strange and awkward at best. What really got to me was the lack of resolution at the end of the book. The story is left wide open, which I didn't expect at all. Nowhere does the book mention being a part of a series, but so many things are left unanswered! It's never a good thing to feel disappointed at the end of the book, but that's exactly how I felt as I was reading through the last couple of chapters and realizing there was no way the author could possibly wrap everything up in time.
So that's what I'm so torn. It's not bad, not really, but it's also not as satisfying as it should be. I enjoyed the act of reading it, but now that I'm finished I'm looking back on it I feel a little letdown.
105saraslibrary
>104 Ape: That's a bummer. :( My guess is there probably will be a sequel. Usually books left with so many unanswered questions will have one--or at least the writer/publisher hopes so.
106Ape
I hope so too, it would be like reading the Lord of the Rings and having it end in Rivendell after the Council of Eldrond. "Okay, we know how to fix the problem now, story over!" Yeah, that really is how it ended, evil wasn't vanquished, they just figured out how to do it and then poof, no more text.
107saraslibrary
*nods knowingly* Actually, I haven't read Lord of the Rings, but I know what you mean. :) I'll probably have to skip the owl book then, even though it sounds halfway interesting. Endings have a big effect on my ratings sometimes.
108Ape
Understandable. The cover is pretty though! So, clearly, you should just buy it, and then not read it. It's the perfect solution! ;)
109saraslibrary
Or I could do the unspeakable: go to a bookstore, find the book, rip the cover off, and pin it up in my room. Thanks for the idea, Stephen! :P
111saraslibrary
I'm a ninja cover thief. No way would I get caught. :P Aha, a library book! Yes, nobody'll suspect library staff of destroying library books. (Actually, you won't want to hear this Stephen, but some have actually "helped" a book get put into the Mends/Discard pile. It's barbaric, I know. *shakes head*)
113saraslibrary
Yeah, isn't knowledge great? ;) I won't tell you what they do to the paperbacks in the Mends pile.
115saraslibrary
...followed by s'mores and wet t-shirt contests, of course. :P
It's a little scary I could find more google images of burning books than I could of books having their covers ripped off and tossed in the recycle bin. *shrugs* Well, I guess when we have our next book burning--ha ha--at least I'll be prepared. *is still confused on the instructions and whether or not the giant hand of god is removing the book from the kid or burning the kid with the book*
116Ape
Hmmmmm, can we skip the burning part and get one with the rest, that sounds like a much better idea! And thanks for the safety tip! I'll remember that the next time I see someone reading a book I don't like.
117Ape
22. Spiral by Paul McEuen
Pages: 312
Rating: 3/5
Publication date: 2011
Science Fiction/Thriller
Library checkout
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It's hard to summarize Spiral because it's a little bit all over the place. In WWII Liam Connor, a mycologist, is called in to investigate a bioweapon attack by Japan that involved a toxic weaponized fungus. Today he is still a mycologist, but has developed state-of-the-art nanobots to help cultivate and maintain fungal samples. The book leads you to think it is going to be about a disease outbreak that is either fungal or delivered through nanobots, but it turns out to be more of a murder mystery/thriller plot with a science-y backdrop.
It's too bad, because I adored the book initially. The mycology theme was interesting and an interesting change from the usual viral and bacterial ones, but I began to lose interest once I realized that there was never going to be enough time it to fully develop and it was going to take a backseat to the usual "Oh hey lets go chase the bad guy" plot.
It's still not a bad novel at all, not really, I'm just finding myself disappointed that it wasn't what it seemed to be in the begnning. As a science-infused thriller it's just fine though, if that's what you are looking for.
Pages: 312
Rating: 3/5
Publication date: 2011
Science Fiction/Thriller
Library checkout
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It's hard to summarize Spiral because it's a little bit all over the place. In WWII Liam Connor, a mycologist, is called in to investigate a bioweapon attack by Japan that involved a toxic weaponized fungus. Today he is still a mycologist, but has developed state-of-the-art nanobots to help cultivate and maintain fungal samples. The book leads you to think it is going to be about a disease outbreak that is either fungal or delivered through nanobots, but it turns out to be more of a murder mystery/thriller plot with a science-y backdrop.
It's too bad, because I adored the book initially. The mycology theme was interesting and an interesting change from the usual viral and bacterial ones, but I began to lose interest once I realized that there was never going to be enough time it to fully develop and it was going to take a backseat to the usual "Oh hey lets go chase the bad guy" plot.
It's still not a bad novel at all, not really, I'm just finding myself disappointed that it wasn't what it seemed to be in the begnning. As a science-infused thriller it's just fine though, if that's what you are looking for.
118saraslibrary
>116 Ape: Absolutely. :) And you're welcome! Anything to help another person...set another person on fire...I guess? *scratches head* ;)
120saraslibrary
I totally agree! I'm super generous with the lighter fluid and admirable in my kookiness. ;)
Ooh, sorry. :( I just caught a glimpse of the book you're reading; and after my last google search, I don't think I can look at another animal for a very, very long time....even my pets. :x
Ooh, sorry. :( I just caught a glimpse of the book you're reading; and after my last google search, I don't think I can look at another animal for a very, very long time....even my pets. :x
122saraslibrary
Yes, that one (all I had to do was read about it, and it gave my gut the gurgles)...and the baby bird in an eggshell...and the lamb's head... Er, yeah. I'm going to stop there. The images are starting to come back.
124saraslibrary
Duly noted. I think this is the first time I can say I'm glad I don't have cable or watch much TV. :)
125Ape
On the topic of TV, I just finished the 3rd season of Game of Thrones. So....yeah...that happened... o.o
126saraslibrary
>125 Ape: Wow, I'm impressed! :) How many season are available?
127xymon81
They are up to season 4 on dvd. Season 5 is on on Hbo right now. Which means itll be available on dvd spring 2016. Sigh😕
128saraslibrary
>127 xymon81: Awesome. Well, not awesome that you have to wait until next year for Season 5 to be released on DVD, but from all its popularity, I was thinking it had been out for eons. Won't they replay Season 5 until next spring?
129xymon81
>128 saraslibrary: You might catch an episode rarely but they do have the on demand option.
130saraslibrary
>129 xymon81: Wow, they really do string you along.
131katelisim
Oooh, I really like Game of Thrones. I don't have HBO though, and only get to watch it when Comcast has their Watchathon week with the premium channel freebies. So that means I'm in a similar boat -- always at least 1 season behind.
132Ape
Yep, season 4 is on DVD and I have those, so I'll be starting it soon. After I recover from the events of season 3. o.o
An interesting note, apparently season 5 actually leaked online before it even aired on TV, so people have been able to watch it if they were willing to pirate it. :P
In video game news, I've been playing Minecraft survival mode for the first time ever and I may have sunk 12 hours into it over the weekend. *Ahem*
So much so that I haven't had time to sign in and post my monthly update, so I'll do that now!
An interesting note, apparently season 5 actually leaked online before it even aired on TV, so people have been able to watch it if they were willing to pirate it. :P
In video game news, I've been playing Minecraft survival mode for the first time ever and I may have sunk 12 hours into it over the weekend. *Ahem*
So much so that I haven't had time to sign in and post my monthly update, so I'll do that now!
135saraslibrary
>132 Ape: Ooh, what happened in Season 3??
LOL! Bless the internet. :P You didn't happen to catch it, did you?
Congratulations! You're among the thousands--millions?--who're addicted to Minecraft! Yay! *throws glue and glitter all over Stephen's thread*
>133 Ape: Ha! I love the zombie book next to Stephen Colbert. My bet's on Colbert! And yay--penis book and turd book!
>134 Ape: I see white monster boobs with blood, teeth, and--an antenna? some knobby thing?--on them. Or maybe eyeballs connected by some tendons. Fun game. Oh! And a unicorn. :) Very appropriate for kids.
LOL! Bless the internet. :P You didn't happen to catch it, did you?
Congratulations! You're among the thousands--millions?--who're addicted to Minecraft! Yay! *throws glue and glitter all over Stephen's thread*
>133 Ape: Ha! I love the zombie book next to Stephen Colbert. My bet's on Colbert! And yay--penis book and turd book!
>134 Ape: I see white monster boobs with blood, teeth, and--an antenna? some knobby thing?--on them. Or maybe eyeballs connected by some tendons. Fun game. Oh! And a unicorn. :) Very appropriate for kids.
136Ape
What happened in season 3!? Nothing good, that's what. :P
No, I didn't watch illegal copies of season 5 yet, but if I finish season 4 and the my sister's boyfriend hasn't bought the DVDs yet... ...kidding, I couldn't load it on my dialup connection.
I was already addicted to Minecraft, but I never bothered with Survival mode. I just liked the build things in LEGO-like fashion. I see why everyone hates those exploding Creepers now though. Ugh. The bastards.
Hmmm, I don't know, Stephen Colbert is looking pretty beaten up in that image to begin with. Then again, I suppose the zombie is as well...
I haven't actually fought the monster on the Terraria cover yet. When you beat the game, you unlock "hard mode" which adds tons of super hard enemies to the game, and that is one of them. The easy mode version was a flying eye, and after you took half it's health down it would disappear for a 2nd and reappear as a flying mouth, but I think the hard mode version you discover they were 2 different enemies and you have to fight them at the same time. Oh, good, can't wait. *Gulp* Also, that might be a cannon or laser gun popping out of the eyeballs pupil. :P
No, I didn't watch illegal copies of season 5 yet, but if I finish season 4 and the my sister's boyfriend hasn't bought the DVDs yet... ...kidding, I couldn't load it on my dialup connection.
I was already addicted to Minecraft, but I never bothered with Survival mode. I just liked the build things in LEGO-like fashion. I see why everyone hates those exploding Creepers now though. Ugh. The bastards.
Hmmm, I don't know, Stephen Colbert is looking pretty beaten up in that image to begin with. Then again, I suppose the zombie is as well...
I haven't actually fought the monster on the Terraria cover yet. When you beat the game, you unlock "hard mode" which adds tons of super hard enemies to the game, and that is one of them. The easy mode version was a flying eye, and after you took half it's health down it would disappear for a 2nd and reappear as a flying mouth, but I think the hard mode version you discover they were 2 different enemies and you have to fight them at the same time. Oh, good, can't wait. *Gulp* Also, that might be a cannon or laser gun popping out of the eyeballs pupil. :P
137saraslibrary
>136 Ape: *eyeballs Stephen* Riiight. So that's why you plan on still watching the next season. :P
Well, if I stumble across it, I'll let you know. *ahem* No, I mean I won't. *looks around nervously*
Yeah, I hate creepers in real life, too. :P I have a couple of those in coworker form and patron form. Scariest things ever.
But Stephen Colbert is pure evil, so he'll use a lot of people to block the zombie. I'm not saying he could fight him face-to-face. He's just crafty in surviving.
*snickers @ hard mode* Super hard enemies, you say? Yeah, video games are definitely a guy thing. A cannon/laser sticking out of the eyeball/breast?? Ok, yeah, that's just freaky. o.o
Well, if I stumble across it, I'll let you know. *ahem* No, I mean I won't. *looks around nervously*
Yeah, I hate creepers in real life, too. :P I have a couple of those in coworker form and patron form. Scariest things ever.
But Stephen Colbert is pure evil, so he'll use a lot of people to block the zombie. I'm not saying he could fight him face-to-face. He's just crafty in surviving.
*snickers @ hard mode* Super hard enemies, you say? Yeah, video games are definitely a guy thing. A cannon/laser sticking out of the eyeball/breast?? Ok, yeah, that's just freaky. o.o
138Ape
YOU ARE SO NOT ALLOWED TO PIRATE SEASON 5!!! Oh, don't get me wrong, I don't care about the legality of it, it's a sequential show and you have to watch it from season 1, OR ELSE! :P
Oh yes, creepers in real life are bad too. And they must be related, because Creepers in Minecraft totally look like penises. They make great toys for children.
Also, games shouldn't be just for guys. Girl gamers are awesome! :D
Oh yes, creepers in real life are bad too. And they must be related, because Creepers in Minecraft totally look like penises. They make great toys for children.
Also, games shouldn't be just for guys. Girl gamers are awesome! :D
139saraslibrary
>138 Ape: I just might watch them backwards. Take that! :P Actually, it wouldn't matter to me, so maybe I should somehow play the pirated season on your computer so you can't do anything else but watch it out of order. Aha! ;)
Oh, yeah, I can totally see kids using that Creeper as their first sex toy. Yep, penises everywhere!
I agree: games shouldn't just be for guys, but the majority of gamers are guys. Or rather, that's who they market them to. *shrugs*
Oh, yeah, I can totally see kids using that Creeper as their first sex toy. Yep, penises everywhere!
I agree: games shouldn't just be for guys, but the majority of gamers are guys. Or rather, that's who they market them to. *shrugs*
140katelisim
Just popping in to debunk the 'only guys' game stereotype. The Electronic Software Association (ESA) does a study each year on the gaming industry. Their most recent study places the player split at 56% male, 44% female. And women 18+ make up 33% of the game-playing population.
They have a ton of other data and stats in the full study: pretty pdf format and summary webpage if the former won't load for slower connections.
They have a ton of other data and stats in the full study: pretty pdf format and summary webpage if the former won't load for slower connections.
141Ape
When I was in high school, the gaming community was definitely 90 percent male. Pretty much EVERY teenage boy played games, but only a small number of the girls played. I think that number is vastly different now for 2 reasons. Video game consoles are starting to become a "normal" part of a household like a CD or DVD player, and the definition of a gamer has changed since back then. Now anyone who plays a phone app game is a "gamer," so that covers just about everyone now. A telling stat in that study is "27% of 50+ year olds are gamers." I'm thinking a quarter of 50+ers are playing Words with Friends, not Call of Duty.
Personally, I've always considered a gamer someone who plays console/PC games. I know it's a common debate right now, but saying people who play phone apps are gamers is like calling people who read magazines "readers." Yes, technically they are reading, but I personally use the term to refer to people who read books. It's similar for the term "Gamer" for me.
Anyway, it won't matter for long since gaming is a pretty normal activity for most young people now, so I think the most people and both genders will be gamers in another generation or 2. :)
Personally, I've always considered a gamer someone who plays console/PC games. I know it's a common debate right now, but saying people who play phone apps are gamers is like calling people who read magazines "readers." Yes, technically they are reading, but I personally use the term to refer to people who read books. It's similar for the term "Gamer" for me.
Anyway, it won't matter for long since gaming is a pretty normal activity for most young people now, so I think the most people and both genders will be gamers in another generation or 2. :)
142katelisim
I think "gamer" is a sticky term. But I do understand what you're saying.
One thing to consider is that some FB / phone players actually devote a ton of time playing. They may be casual games, but not necessarily a casual time commitment. (Personally, I've sunk a ton of time into word, time management, trivia, and match-3 games -- I get a total high score mentality going, like old school arcade titles. Love Galaga.)
Another is that "non-games," interactive fiction, and games that make us question the medium have made a mark. A lot of alternative voices have emerged in very accessible forms. Point and clicks like Gone Home, for example, as well as some neat titles exploring under represented cultures (Inuit, N. Korean, etc).
I think a lot of women in our age range grew up gaming overall, but just weren't vocal about it. At least I had a lot of female gamer friends growing up. It could very well be different in your neck of the woods.
It definitely is a hot discussion topic in the industry / community right now.
One thing to consider is that some FB / phone players actually devote a ton of time playing. They may be casual games, but not necessarily a casual time commitment. (Personally, I've sunk a ton of time into word, time management, trivia, and match-3 games -- I get a total high score mentality going, like old school arcade titles. Love Galaga.)
Another is that "non-games," interactive fiction, and games that make us question the medium have made a mark. A lot of alternative voices have emerged in very accessible forms. Point and clicks like Gone Home, for example, as well as some neat titles exploring under represented cultures (Inuit, N. Korean, etc).
I think a lot of women in our age range grew up gaming overall, but just weren't vocal about it. At least I had a lot of female gamer friends growing up. It could very well be different in your neck of the woods.
It definitely is a hot discussion topic in the industry / community right now.
143Ape
Yeah, I agree with everything you said. No matter how you look at it, the future is definitely promising for the video game industry, although it bums me out that the bigger video game companies are being edged out and put out of business by microtransaction-based games. It's such a terrible pricing model that leads to bad and obnoxious games, but they are great at suckering money out of people and they seem to make the biggest profits, so that very may well be the direction we are headed in. I don't think a game needs a big budget to be successful, I play tons of great indie games and they are awesome, it's just disappointing to see the 'Triple A' development community shrinking so quickly. Now games at that level all feel the same, because they have to appeal to the market. Sci-fi shooters, zombies, fantasy RPGs, etc. I miss destruction derby games. I think there were only 2 of them on the PS3, which is crazy to think about, but racers all have to be either simulation or street racers to make a profit.
144katelisim
I think AAA's could stick it out with better management. They need to lose 'crunch time,' establish more realistic time lines, stop over promising what they're creating, and create options for creativity. It'll be hard for them to break their super ingrained practices, but possible.
On the flip side, a lot of former AAA devs/creators are starting their own projects. I'm super excited to try out Perception next year from folks that worked on Deadspace and other AAA titles. Game is a horror set in a haunted house with a main character who is blind. Looks amazing. And it'll be interesting to see what Kojima does after leaving Konami. While Konami goes for the microtransactions, I can't see Kohima doing that.
Sure is an era of exciting transitions :D
On the flip side, a lot of former AAA devs/creators are starting their own projects. I'm super excited to try out Perception next year from folks that worked on Deadspace and other AAA titles. Game is a horror set in a haunted house with a main character who is blind. Looks amazing. And it'll be interesting to see what Kojima does after leaving Konami. While Konami goes for the microtransactions, I can't see Kohima doing that.
Sure is an era of exciting transitions :D
145foggidawn
>141 Ape: There may be an question of identity to the issue, too. I grew up playing console games (Mario, Legend of Zelda, etc.) and PC games (King's Quest, Kyrandia, Myst, etc.) so I would have fit Stephen's description of a gamer, but I never thought of myself as a "gamer" the way my brother did/does. And I still spend a bit of free time playing games, but mostly little iPad apps now, puzzle-type games instead of the story-type games I enjoyed as a kid/teen. The other reason I may not have thought of myself as a gamer is that I didn't really talk about gaming to anyone outside of my family (though I talked to them about them a fair amount, especially when we were all stuck at a difficult spot on King's Quest and only Dad had figured out how to get through it, for instance), so I didn't see myself as part of a gaming community. These were, of course, the Dark Ages, before the Internet was much of a thing.
146katelisim
Totally agree Foggi!
It would be interesting as well to evaluate older games in this context. Like, if old Atari games would be considered as a 'gamer' type game now, vs their gamer status back then. Gameplay-wise, many popular 'casual' games are just as basic as, if not more so than, the old games.
(really enjoying this discussion, btw)
It would be interesting as well to evaluate older games in this context. Like, if old Atari games would be considered as a 'gamer' type game now, vs their gamer status back then. Gameplay-wise, many popular 'casual' games are just as basic as, if not more so than, the old games.
(really enjoying this discussion, btw)
147Ape
Foggi: I checked out a King's Quest collection from the library a year or 2 ago. I believe it had 10 of them! Man, those old point-and-click adventures are brutal though. No indication at all of what you are supposed to do. I tended to just stumble around until I hit something useful, or died and got reset. *grumbles*
You raise an interesting point though. People who call themselves readers, gamers, movie-goers, etc, usually do so because they consider it an integral part of who they are. Most people watch movies, but to call oneself a "movie-goer" would imply that it is important to you. So perhaps it's a weird social anomaly, where boys call themselves gamers and are proud of it but girls are more reserved with the term, even if they play games just as often.
Katie: Yeah, I guess the definition of a "gamer" has certainly changed with time. I would say gamers in the past were the ones who spent most of their time in an arcade (whereas a casual gamer of the 80's was one who played the arcade in the pizza parlor on occasion.) The arcade wizard of the 80's is the console and computer gamer of today, where as the pizza parlor gamer of the past is the app-game player of today?
You raise an interesting point though. People who call themselves readers, gamers, movie-goers, etc, usually do so because they consider it an integral part of who they are. Most people watch movies, but to call oneself a "movie-goer" would imply that it is important to you. So perhaps it's a weird social anomaly, where boys call themselves gamers and are proud of it but girls are more reserved with the term, even if they play games just as often.
Katie: Yeah, I guess the definition of a "gamer" has certainly changed with time. I would say gamers in the past were the ones who spent most of their time in an arcade (whereas a casual gamer of the 80's was one who played the arcade in the pizza parlor on occasion.) The arcade wizard of the 80's is the console and computer gamer of today, where as the pizza parlor gamer of the past is the app-game player of today?
148foggidawn
>147 Ape: Yep, it was quite the series! I'll have to see if I can get my hands on that collection -- every now and then I think I would like to replay them.
149Ape
Foggi: This is the collection my library had, I think. The great part is I don't need the disc in to play it, so even though I returned it I can still play them. :)
150Ape
23. Kraken: The Curious, Exciting, and Slightly Disturbing Science of Squid by Wendy Williams
Pages: 203
Rating: 3/5
Publication date: 2011
Nonfiction: Biology/Zoology (Cephalopods)
Library checkout
Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn! Oh, err, ahem, sorry, you were expecting a review? Well then, Kraken is a popular science book about cephalopods, more commonly known as squids, octopuses, and cuttlefish. It covers all the things you might expect from a zoological science book, like cephalopod intelligence and behavior, reproduction, hunting techniques, and so forth, but there is also a large focus on neuroscience. Octopuses have neurons (brain cells) in their tentacles, and the fact that they can lose an arm (one of their brains, essentially) and then regrow it is very fascinating for neuroscientists.
My only major issue with Kraken is how disorganized it feels. Though I expect authors to occasionally go off on tangents from time to time, there are times when a 2-3 page section in a chapter will feel utterly out of place, and there is no reason it wouldn't have fit better elsewhere. For example, at the end of the chapter about Cephalopod reproduction there is an inexplicable 3 pages dedicated to how scientists dissect their stomachs to discover what they have been eating, and the trouble identifying some of the things they eat. It's interesting, but why was it there of all places? It literally had nothing to do with the subject of the chapter, and it would have worked fine had it been placed in the chapters that discussed their diets or hunting practices.
Nevertheless, I did learn a lot about squids, octopuses, and cuttlefish. It's light, breezy, and informative, which is exactly what I wanted when I went into it. If you are interested in the subject and want a quick and easy read, this is certainly suitable.
Pages: 203
Rating: 3/5
Publication date: 2011
Nonfiction: Biology/Zoology (Cephalopods)
Library checkout
Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn! Oh, err, ahem, sorry, you were expecting a review? Well then, Kraken is a popular science book about cephalopods, more commonly known as squids, octopuses, and cuttlefish. It covers all the things you might expect from a zoological science book, like cephalopod intelligence and behavior, reproduction, hunting techniques, and so forth, but there is also a large focus on neuroscience. Octopuses have neurons (brain cells) in their tentacles, and the fact that they can lose an arm (one of their brains, essentially) and then regrow it is very fascinating for neuroscientists.
My only major issue with Kraken is how disorganized it feels. Though I expect authors to occasionally go off on tangents from time to time, there are times when a 2-3 page section in a chapter will feel utterly out of place, and there is no reason it wouldn't have fit better elsewhere. For example, at the end of the chapter about Cephalopod reproduction there is an inexplicable 3 pages dedicated to how scientists dissect their stomachs to discover what they have been eating, and the trouble identifying some of the things they eat. It's interesting, but why was it there of all places? It literally had nothing to do with the subject of the chapter, and it would have worked fine had it been placed in the chapters that discussed their diets or hunting practices.
Nevertheless, I did learn a lot about squids, octopuses, and cuttlefish. It's light, breezy, and informative, which is exactly what I wanted when I went into it. If you are interested in the subject and want a quick and easy read, this is certainly suitable.
151leahbird
I am hesitant to read books like that one because, um, I still think squids are delicious...
153lovelyluck
>150 Ape: when I read the title and author I was like 'Wendy Williams' (first time I saw her I thought she was a dude in drag) really I wouldn't have thought it
>151 leahbird: I have the same problem - yummy!
>151 leahbird: I have the same problem - yummy!
154Ape
That Wendy Williams actually has written books. If I were to judge books by their covers, I'd say they are pretty terrible. :P
155Ape
In other news, my sister and I went to the local library book sale this morning! Yep, my sister is such a book lover now that she is going to library book sales. She didn't buy quite as much as I did, but I was impressed with her haul! We were both disappointed by the total lack of science fiction/fantasy, but it was a pretty huge sale, and I came home with a whole bunch of questionable books I may never get around to actually reading. Here's my haul!
The Night Journal by Elizabeth Crook
Useful Idiots by Jan Mark
The Translator by Ward Just
Stardust by Joseph Kanon
Voodoo Season by Jewel Parker Rhodes
White Darkness by Steven D. Salinger
Dead Ground by Gerald Seymour
The Double Eagle by James Twinning
Rage Therapy by Daniel Kalla
The Shroud Codex by Jerome R. Corsi
When Dad Killed Mom by Julius Lester
Firefly Rain by Richard Dansky
Going East by Matthew D'Ancona
Fear of Drowning by Peter Turnbull
A Slight Trick of the Mind by Mitch Cullin
The Coming of the King by Nikolai Tolstoy
The Girl Who Trod on a Loaf by Kathryn Davis
The First Apostle by James Becker
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Quite a Year for Plums by Bailey White
Relentless by Robin Parrish
Noble Norfleet by Reynolds Price
The Hours by Michael Cunningham
The Night Journal by Elizabeth Crook
Useful Idiots by Jan Mark
The Translator by Ward Just
Stardust by Joseph Kanon
Voodoo Season by Jewel Parker Rhodes
White Darkness by Steven D. Salinger
Dead Ground by Gerald Seymour
The Double Eagle by James Twinning
Rage Therapy by Daniel Kalla
The Shroud Codex by Jerome R. Corsi
When Dad Killed Mom by Julius Lester
Firefly Rain by Richard Dansky
Going East by Matthew D'Ancona
Fear of Drowning by Peter Turnbull
A Slight Trick of the Mind by Mitch Cullin
The Coming of the King by Nikolai Tolstoy
The Girl Who Trod on a Loaf by Kathryn Davis
The First Apostle by James Becker
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Quite a Year for Plums by Bailey White
Relentless by Robin Parrish
Noble Norfleet by Reynolds Price
The Hours by Michael Cunningham
158Ape
Amber: Agreed! But I'm sure in some way I disagree somehow, let me think about it. :P
Xymon: A grand total of $5.
Xymon: A grand total of $5.
160saraslibrary
>153 lovelyluck: I thought she was a trannie, too. :D I rarely watch her, because she's so catty, but I'm always peeking when she's rearranging her super short skirts. One day I know IT will show. I just know it. :P
>155 Ape: Awesome collection! :) None of them ring a bell, but I'll have to check them out. I'm glad you guys had fun. :)
>158 Ape: Wow, good price for all that! :)
>155 Ape: Awesome collection! :) None of them ring a bell, but I'll have to check them out. I'm glad you guys had fun. :)
>158 Ape: Wow, good price for all that! :)
161Ape
I wasn't familiar with most of the books I picked up either, but I tend to stuff anything in my bag that seems remotley interesting. Often when I get home I realize some of them are not at all what I like to read, but I feel justified considering how cheap they are. Now, what to do with these Christian fiction books I accidentally bought...
162xymon81
Its funny we are both reading the same book. I have maybe 100 pages left. Should finish it today.
164xymon81
>163 Ape: I think I like this one second most out of the 5 or so that Ive read. Chasing the Moon is pretty good.
166saraslibrary
>161 Ape: Now, what to do with these Christian fiction books I accidentally bought...
D'oh! :) Oh, I know! Stocking stuffers for your Mom at Christmas. ;)
D'oh! :) Oh, I know! Stocking stuffers for your Mom at Christmas. ;)
167Ape
Xymon: I'll probably finish the book either tomorrow or Friday. I'm thinking Divine Misfortune is probably still my favorite, but there's still time for this one to take the lead.
Hi Kim! :)
Sara: That seems cruel. ...sounds like a great plan to me! ;)
Hi Kim! :)
Sara: That seems cruel. ...sounds like a great plan to me! ;)
169Ape
Too bad! Of the 4 I've read, I would rank them as such (so far)
1. Divine Misfortune
2. A Nameless Witch
3. Emperor Mollusk Vs. The Sinister Brain
4. Gil's All Fright Diner
1. Divine Misfortune
2. A Nameless Witch
3. Emperor Mollusk Vs. The Sinister Brain
4. Gil's All Fright Diner
170xymon81
Id put it this way:
1: Chasing the Moon
2: A Nameless Witch
3: Helen and Troy's Epic Road Quest
4: Gil's All Fright Diner
5: Emperor Mollusk Versus the Sinister Brain
1: Chasing the Moon
2: A Nameless Witch
3: Helen and Troy's Epic Road Quest
4: Gil's All Fright Diner
5: Emperor Mollusk Versus the Sinister Brain
171Ape
Chasing the Moon is one of the ones I really want to read, but I'm kind of leaning towards Too Many Curses as my next A. Lee Martinez. I finished A Nameless Witch yesterday, review to follow!
172Ape
24. A Nameless Witch by A. Lee Martinez
Pages: 320
Rating: 4/5
Publication date: 2007
Fiction - Fantasy/Humor
Library checkout
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It's funny, as I type this I realize how I often start my reviews exactly the same way. "So-and-so is a such-and-such." It is brought to my attention now because, as the title of this book suggests, it is about a witch with no name. I stared at a blank word document on my computer, with a habitual desire to type "So-and-so" with what I suppose must have been a blank and thoughtless look on my face as I realized that wasn't an option this time.
So anyway, A Nameless Witch is a humorous book about a nameless girl, who was born undead because her family was cursed by a wizard long ago. Her family shuns her and locks her in the basement, where she spends most of her youth. The best day of her life might be the day a passing witch buys her, and teaches her the ways of witchliness. It will eventually lead her down a path frought with danger, but also utter silliness. I mean, when your witch's familiar is a demon trapped in a duck's body comedy will surely ensue.
I've really enjoyed the 3 other books I've read by A. Lee Marinez, and this is one of my favorites. Even though the main character has no name and may feel distant in this review, she feels very real in the story. I also suspect her hodgepodge group of companions will stick in my mind for awhile, it's an interesting and diverse cast that leads to a lot of great humor. Speaking of which, my own complaint about the book is that the comedy is a bit 1-dimensional, the author doesn't add a lot of new elements to the mix so the jokes start drying up about halfway through the book, but this was made up for by a great group of characters and a well-paced plot. I didn't even mind the romantic bits, and those can really kill a book for me sometimes.
Overall I'm very pleased with A Nameless Witch. As I always seem to say when I finish a book by this author, I'm already looking forward to reading the next one!
Pages: 320
Rating: 4/5
Publication date: 2007
Fiction - Fantasy/Humor
Library checkout
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's funny, as I type this I realize how I often start my reviews exactly the same way. "So-and-so is a such-and-such." It is brought to my attention now because, as the title of this book suggests, it is about a witch with no name. I stared at a blank word document on my computer, with a habitual desire to type "So-and-so" with what I suppose must have been a blank and thoughtless look on my face as I realized that wasn't an option this time.
So anyway, A Nameless Witch is a humorous book about a nameless girl, who was born undead because her family was cursed by a wizard long ago. Her family shuns her and locks her in the basement, where she spends most of her youth. The best day of her life might be the day a passing witch buys her, and teaches her the ways of witchliness. It will eventually lead her down a path frought with danger, but also utter silliness. I mean, when your witch's familiar is a demon trapped in a duck's body comedy will surely ensue.
I've really enjoyed the 3 other books I've read by A. Lee Marinez, and this is one of my favorites. Even though the main character has no name and may feel distant in this review, she feels very real in the story. I also suspect her hodgepodge group of companions will stick in my mind for awhile, it's an interesting and diverse cast that leads to a lot of great humor. Speaking of which, my own complaint about the book is that the comedy is a bit 1-dimensional, the author doesn't add a lot of new elements to the mix so the jokes start drying up about halfway through the book, but this was made up for by a great group of characters and a well-paced plot. I didn't even mind the romantic bits, and those can really kill a book for me sometimes.
Overall I'm very pleased with A Nameless Witch. As I always seem to say when I finish a book by this author, I'm already looking forward to reading the next one!
175Ape
Misti: It was! :)
Xymon: I don't actually own any of his books, I borrowed them all from the library.
Xymon: I don't actually own any of his books, I borrowed them all from the library.
176xymon81
Darn. Maybe the used book store downtown has a copy. I think I am going to try The Automatic Detective next.
178Ape
Xymon: My local library has that one, I just haven't gotten around to it yet. :)
Hi Micky! *Hugs*
Hi Micky! *Hugs*
179Ape
The Sons of Liberty #1 by Alexander Lagos and Joseph Lagos
Pages: 176
Rating: 4/5
Publication date: 2010
Graphic Novel
Library checkout
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The Sons of Liberty is a different kind of super hero comic. At least, it's a different compared to the stereotype that I probably base that opinion on. It takes place in the 1700's, in the United States, and has a major focus on history and the politics of the time. Primarily because it is about two young slave boys and their attempt to escape their plantation. I'm not an expert on the genre, but I appreciate the added depth, for the same reasons I appreciated Neil Gaiman's Sandman series.
The art is also spectacular. It's done in full color, extremely bright and vivid, so it does a great job of catching the eye. The use of color is brilliant, the artist uses a limited pallette on different sections of the story to realy set the mood, and it works perfectly.
If you haven't explored comics or graphic novels yet, I'd probably point you in the direction of graphic memoirs like Persepolis, Fun Home, etc. But for those who are a bit more adventurous, I would absolutely recommend this series.
Pages: 176
Rating: 4/5
Publication date: 2010
Graphic Novel
Library checkout
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The Sons of Liberty is a different kind of super hero comic. At least, it's a different compared to the stereotype that I probably base that opinion on. It takes place in the 1700's, in the United States, and has a major focus on history and the politics of the time. Primarily because it is about two young slave boys and their attempt to escape their plantation. I'm not an expert on the genre, but I appreciate the added depth, for the same reasons I appreciated Neil Gaiman's Sandman series.
The art is also spectacular. It's done in full color, extremely bright and vivid, so it does a great job of catching the eye. The use of color is brilliant, the artist uses a limited pallette on different sections of the story to realy set the mood, and it works perfectly.
If you haven't explored comics or graphic novels yet, I'd probably point you in the direction of graphic memoirs like Persepolis, Fun Home, etc. But for those who are a bit more adventurous, I would absolutely recommend this series.
183Ape
Well, today was kind of a surprise day out for me! My sister and her boyfriend were going on a bit of a shopping spree, and I tagged along. There is a store nearby that sells retro video games, and it was a blast to see all those old games I played in elementary school. We went to a few other stores, but I didn't buy much until we got into a Dollar Tree. I'm a sucker for $1 books, what can I say. I bought the following. :)
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Zero History by William Gibson
Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell
Johannes Cabal, The Detective by Jonathan L. Howard
Strindberg's Star by Jan Wallentin
I also bought a cd, which I haven't done in ages, and my sister bought a Vita game that I'll hopefully get to borrow because my Vita is getting dusty from lack of use at the moment.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Zero History by William Gibson
Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell
Johannes Cabal, The Detective by Jonathan L. Howard
Strindberg's Star by Jan Wallentin
I also bought a cd, which I haven't done in ages, and my sister bought a Vita game that I'll hopefully get to borrow because my Vita is getting dusty from lack of use at the moment.
184saraslibrary
Oh, fun! :) I think I've seen Zero History at our $1 Tree, too, but I passed on it. Sometimes it's so tempting to buy all those books because they're so cheap, but then I have to honestly ask myself if I'll read it. "Um...maybe?" :P And cool cover by Devilment. I've never listened to them, but they got some high ratings on Amazon. Happy readin' and tunin'! :)
185scaifea
I have Beat the Reaper waiting for me on my shelves - my best friend gave it to me ages ago and told me I'd love it, but I just haven't gotten round to it yet.
186saraslibrary
Hmm, Stephen's a little yellow in the pic. :P
187Ape
Sara: Yeah, I've bought some questionable books at Dollar tree. But they were a dollar, so that is totally okay, right? Devilment features the lead singer to one of my guilty pleasure bands (Cradle of Filth), and buying the CD is just a way of psyching myself up for their new cd, which I'll probably buy as well eventually. :)
Amber: Ooooh! It's race to see who doesn't read it the longest! :P
Sara: Yeah, um, well, I kind of forgot to internet. Minecraft is currently consuming my life and, possibly, my soul. Worth it!
Amber: Ooooh! It's race to see who doesn't read it the longest! :P
Sara: Yeah, um, well, I kind of forgot to internet. Minecraft is currently consuming my life and, possibly, my soul. Worth it!
188saraslibrary
>187 Ape: Cheap books make buying them totally ok. ;) I tell that to myself all the time, too. No worries. You might actually like them.
Hmm, I think I've heard of Cradle of Filth ... but don't hold me to it, because it may have been you who mentioned them to me. :P I'll check and see if we have anything by them at work. And, yes, you totally have to buy that CD for the cover alone! Seriously, I want a red-eyed Satan goat to cuddle up with, not that I don't love my own evil critters, but I bet he'd kick some ass if I asked him to. ;)
You forgot to internet?? *is speechless* Yes, we must get an intervention going to stop this thing called Minecraft. But something tells me it'd be a losing battle, because something else might take its place. *does a rain dance so the power goes off @ Stephen's house* No, wait. I didn't think that one through. You still need to internet. *does a video game dance for Minecraft to explode* Yes, that's it. >:)
ETA: We only have Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder, so I put a hold on that one. Thanks for the band recommendation! :)
Hmm, I think I've heard of Cradle of Filth ... but don't hold me to it, because it may have been you who mentioned them to me. :P I'll check and see if we have anything by them at work. And, yes, you totally have to buy that CD for the cover alone! Seriously, I want a red-eyed Satan goat to cuddle up with, not that I don't love my own evil critters, but I bet he'd kick some ass if I asked him to. ;)
You forgot to internet?? *is speechless* Yes, we must get an intervention going to stop this thing called Minecraft. But something tells me it'd be a losing battle, because something else might take its place. *does a rain dance so the power goes off @ Stephen's house* No, wait. I didn't think that one through. You still need to internet. *does a video game dance for Minecraft to explode* Yes, that's it. >:)
ETA: We only have Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder, so I put a hold on that one. Thanks for the band recommendation! :)
189xymon81
>188 saraslibrary: The only thing better is free. I got a whole stack for free today.
190saraslibrary
>189 xymon81: :D You are totally right there. That's awesome! What'd you get?
191xymon81
>190 saraslibrary:
No one noticed the Cat by Anne McCaffrey
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'engle
A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'engle
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
That was my first time going to that shop. My wife has been there a few other times. She told me that she was suprised on how the pickings were yesterday. It is like two complete bookshelves and I guess that you usually have to dig past the first layer to get to the rear of the shelves. Yesterday there was only a mostly full layer. So with that in mind it is an even more amazing haul and I left books behind too. There were two Crighton books, a couple Dan Brown books and one I havnt seen since I was a teen. Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks by Mick Foley. I didnt want to seem too greedy. Sometimes my books allocating gets me in trouble since we are running out of shelf space ourselves. I still cant wait to see what those free shelves look like when they are fully stocked.
No one noticed the Cat by Anne McCaffrey
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'engle
A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'engle
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
That was my first time going to that shop. My wife has been there a few other times. She told me that she was suprised on how the pickings were yesterday. It is like two complete bookshelves and I guess that you usually have to dig past the first layer to get to the rear of the shelves. Yesterday there was only a mostly full layer. So with that in mind it is an even more amazing haul and I left books behind too. There were two Crighton books, a couple Dan Brown books and one I havnt seen since I was a teen. Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks by Mick Foley. I didnt want to seem too greedy. Sometimes my books allocating gets me in trouble since we are running out of shelf space ourselves. I still cant wait to see what those free shelves look like when they are fully stocked.
192saraslibrary
>191 xymon81: Omg, those are excellent freebies! :) I'm guessing the free shelves don't stay stocked for very long, is my guess. ;)
193xymon81
>192 saraslibrary: Ill have to see next time how stocked it is.
194saraslibrary
>193 xymon81: Bring a giant bag, just in case. ;) Besides, you could always get creative with shelf space. I'm still trying to work my ceilings into potential spots. Maybe hang them somehow...
There's gotta be a way to defy gravity.
There's gotta be a way to defy gravity.
195Ape
Sara: Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder isn't bad. The Death of Love is a really good song, as well as The Persecution Song. :)
Xymon: Nice! :)
Sara: Ha! Whatever works! Just hope they don't fall on your head. We all know our books are out to get us. >_>
Xymon: Nice! :)
Sara: Ha! Whatever works! Just hope they don't fall on your head. We all know our books are out to get us. >_>
196Ape
26. Sagramanda by Alan Dean Foster
Pages: 287
Rating: 3/5
Publication date: 2006
Science Fiction - Technothriller
Library checkout
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I had high expectations for Sagramanda. I'm not sure why, I've never read anything by the author or anything. I suppose it was mostly because I liked the cover, and surely a book with such a good cover just had to be good right? ...right? The premise sounded interesting too, though! A sci-fi technothriller set in a near-future India. C'mon, it has a lot going for it on the exterior.
Unfortunately, it didn't quite work for me. I think it was too far-reaching for it's own good, trying to cover too many characters in too many circumstances at once. It covers 3 (or maybe 4) indendent storylines, each told from multiple perspectives. Even when the same storyline was being picked up for the 2nd time, it would be told from a different character's point-of-view, and so the book felt like a long stream of endless introductions.
It all came together in the end, as expected. It wasn't terrible once everything resolved, but the process of reading it was tedious at times.
Pages: 287
Rating: 3/5
Publication date: 2006
Science Fiction - Technothriller
Library checkout
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I had high expectations for Sagramanda. I'm not sure why, I've never read anything by the author or anything. I suppose it was mostly because I liked the cover, and surely a book with such a good cover just had to be good right? ...right? The premise sounded interesting too, though! A sci-fi technothriller set in a near-future India. C'mon, it has a lot going for it on the exterior.
Unfortunately, it didn't quite work for me. I think it was too far-reaching for it's own good, trying to cover too many characters in too many circumstances at once. It covers 3 (or maybe 4) indendent storylines, each told from multiple perspectives. Even when the same storyline was being picked up for the 2nd time, it would be told from a different character's point-of-view, and so the book felt like a long stream of endless introductions.
It all came together in the end, as expected. It wasn't terrible once everything resolved, but the process of reading it was tedious at times.
197saraslibrary
>195 Ape: Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder just came in today, so I just need to listen to it. Maybe tonight, but probably tomorrow while I'm checking in at work. (My coworkers should be giving me thank you cards every day for wearing headphones, when I could be the rude type and just play my music out loud like others do. :P) Thanks again for the rec! :) I'll be sure to pay attention to those two songs.
Well, I can't think of a better way to go than to be killed by the things I love. :P Squashed by books or electrocuted by my laptop or eaten alive by my pets. Um, yeah. How'd I get on that topic? Oh, right. Books falling on my head. :) The tree's revenge.
>196 Ape: I've seen that book before. At work probably. Sorry to hear it sucked, though. :( I did like the sounds of "a man-eating tiger, come in from the nearby jungle reserve and just looking for his next meal" from the book's description. I always love those man vs. nature movies/books where you (ok, me) root for the animal to devour everybody.
Well, I can't think of a better way to go than to be killed by the things I love. :P Squashed by books or electrocuted by my laptop or eaten alive by my pets. Um, yeah. How'd I get on that topic? Oh, right. Books falling on my head. :) The tree's revenge.
>196 Ape: I've seen that book before. At work probably. Sorry to hear it sucked, though. :( I did like the sounds of "a man-eating tiger, come in from the nearby jungle reserve and just looking for his next meal" from the book's description. I always love those man vs. nature movies/books where you (ok, me) root for the animal to devour everybody.
198katelisim
Oh wow, I haven't listed to Cradle of Filth in ages. I only had Thornography and a couple random songs from soundtracks, but I quite liked them :)
199saraslibrary
You and Stephen both. :) I gave Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder a listen, but it was just ok for me (3/5 stars). I might have to look for some of their other CDs when I'm out shopping. So far, that's the only CD we have at work, but we might order more. *fingers crossed*
200Ape
Sara: I made a mistake. The Persecution Song was on a different CD. That one had a couple of good songs though. The book was alright, 3 stars is a "good" rating for me. It's just...y'know, not 4 stars. :P I usually root for the animal/monster too. Or, at least, I'm always sad when the monster gets killed and it's all sad and whimpering. I blame King Kong.
Katie: Thornography was, actually, probably my least favorite album of theirs. If you can find Nymphetamine though, it's AMAZING. So is their earlier stuff, such as Cruelty and the Beast. :)
Sara: Yeah, I feel the same way about that one, and pretty much everything else released after Nymphetamine. Everything from Nymphetamine back is pretty awesome though.
Katie: Thornography was, actually, probably my least favorite album of theirs. If you can find Nymphetamine though, it's AMAZING. So is their earlier stuff, such as Cruelty and the Beast. :)
Sara: Yeah, I feel the same way about that one, and pretty much everything else released after Nymphetamine. Everything from Nymphetamine back is pretty awesome though.
201Ape
In other news, I finally got around to seeing Jurassic World! I was wondering if I was going to have to go by myself, but a couple days ago my sister and I decided to finally go together with her boyfriend. It was actually quite awesome! Some slightly silly parts here and there, but overall, I'd say it was better than Jurassic Park 3 and WAY better than Jurassic Park 2.
Afterwards we stopped at a Dollar Tree, so of course I bought books. For about $3.20 I got...
The Book of Madness and Cures by Regina O'Melveny
Pirate Freedom by Gene Wolfe
The Office of Mercy by Ariel Djanikian
And now I should probably get that reading summary added up. At least I don't have to worry about summarizing my video games this month, I didn't finish any!
Afterwards we stopped at a Dollar Tree, so of course I bought books. For about $3.20 I got...
The Book of Madness and Cures by Regina O'Melveny
Pirate Freedom by Gene Wolfe
The Office of Mercy by Ariel Djanikian
And now I should probably get that reading summary added up. At least I don't have to worry about summarizing my video games this month, I didn't finish any!
203leahbird
I've been wanting to check out The Book of Madness and Cures. Hope you enjoy it!
204katelisim
I really like the song Nymphetamine! I think it was on one of the Resident Evil soundtracks? But it was the song that introduced me to them. I remember when I was cd shopping that I looked for the album with that track, but places only ever had Thornography (which is why I ended up with that one). I'll have to revisit some of the old stuff though :)
205Ape
Leah: I hope I enjoy it too! I should get around to reading it sometime in the next decade or two. Maybe.
Katie: Nymphetamine is definitely the album to go with. Thornography was the next album after Nymphetamine and it was okay, but kind of weird. I believe they had a lot of lineup changes between albums and so it sounded a lot different from the rest of their stuff.
Katie: Nymphetamine is definitely the album to go with. Thornography was the next album after Nymphetamine and it was okay, but kind of weird. I believe they had a lot of lineup changes between albums and so it sounded a lot different from the rest of their stuff.
209saraslibrary
>200 Ape: No worries on the CD. :) Yeah, you're tougher on ratings than I am. I guess I don't want to hurt the books feelings or something. Never mind the author; the poor, poor book. :P I haven't seen King Kong yet (the Peter Jackson one), but I have seen scenes from the older one. Yeah, I can't stand it when the monster/animal gets killed...unless in the last scene it twitches like it's still alive or suddenly gives birth to more monsters/animals. Bwahahaha! I mean, how scary. Hmm, no, I think I mean BWAHAHAHAHA! ;)
Maybe our ordering team will buy some pre-Nymphetamine CDs. I've noticed they've been reordering replacement copies for a lot of older CDs that've gone missing or been damaged. Maybe they'll do the same with more metal CDs.
>201 Ape: Congrats on seeing the movie! :) Was Jurassic Park 2 really that bad? It's been forever since I've seen those movies.
Oh, and, of course, yay for the good ol' Dollar Tree! :) The Office of Mercy looks kind of good, even though I'm not a big fan of sci fi. I've been stopping by my Dollar Tree every once in awhile, but they haven't been stocking up on anything worth reading. :/ Tons of Bibles though. Joy.
>206 Ape: Good job! :) Now you can watch them all over again like a true Game of Thrones addict. :P
Maybe our ordering team will buy some pre-Nymphetamine CDs. I've noticed they've been reordering replacement copies for a lot of older CDs that've gone missing or been damaged. Maybe they'll do the same with more metal CDs.
>201 Ape: Congrats on seeing the movie! :) Was Jurassic Park 2 really that bad? It's been forever since I've seen those movies.
Oh, and, of course, yay for the good ol' Dollar Tree! :) The Office of Mercy looks kind of good, even though I'm not a big fan of sci fi. I've been stopping by my Dollar Tree every once in awhile, but they haven't been stocking up on anything worth reading. :/ Tons of Bibles though. Joy.
>206 Ape: Good job! :) Now you can watch them all over again like a true Game of Thrones addict. :P
210Ape
Jurassic Park 2 was...silly. It felt like a lot of sequels, where the characters are flat cardboard cutout stereotypes that completely lack any kind of depth. :(
Oh yes, my Dollar Tree is always well-stocked in bibles. Either they buy a lot of them or no one buys them. :P
I have season 4 and 5 on my computer so yes, I can totally watch and be sad for the rest of forever. Yay.
Oh yes, my Dollar Tree is always well-stocked in bibles. Either they buy a lot of them or no one buys them. :P
I have season 4 and 5 on my computer so yes, I can totally watch and be sad for the rest of forever. Yay.
211Ape
27. The Complete Concrete by Paul Chadwick
Pages: 319
Rating: 3/5
Publication date: 1987
Fiction - Comic series
Library checkout
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Concrete is a man with a body made of...well, concrete. He weighs 1200 pounds, is impenetrable to bullets, can hold his breath for over an hour, and possesses superhuman strength. Concrete isn't your typical superhuman comic book series though. There aren't any supervillains, no epic battles to "Save the world," none of the usual over-the-top absurdity usually associated with the genre, other than the nature of the main character himself. No, instead the comic series is mostly about Concrete coming to grips with his new body, testing its boundries, and using it for more modest tasks, such as rescuing a few trapped miners in a collapsed tunnel.
I enjoyed the series, but I'm not a huge fan of the superhero genre. Concrete deviates from the norm but it still has that feeling of an 80's-era comic book. I'd say it's definitely worth looking into if you like that sort of thing, but it wasn't really my thing.
Pages: 319
Rating: 3/5
Publication date: 1987
Fiction - Comic series
Library checkout
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Concrete is a man with a body made of...well, concrete. He weighs 1200 pounds, is impenetrable to bullets, can hold his breath for over an hour, and possesses superhuman strength. Concrete isn't your typical superhuman comic book series though. There aren't any supervillains, no epic battles to "Save the world," none of the usual over-the-top absurdity usually associated with the genre, other than the nature of the main character himself. No, instead the comic series is mostly about Concrete coming to grips with his new body, testing its boundries, and using it for more modest tasks, such as rescuing a few trapped miners in a collapsed tunnel.
I enjoyed the series, but I'm not a huge fan of the superhero genre. Concrete deviates from the norm but it still has that feeling of an 80's-era comic book. I'd say it's definitely worth looking into if you like that sort of thing, but it wasn't really my thing.
212MickyFine
I disagree with Stephen's assessment of Jurassic Park 2. While it is lacking in comparison with the first, it is many times better than the third one. And I'm not just saying that because of Jeff Goldblum.
213Ape
Micky: Yes, and considering my dislike for movies I would definitely value your opinion on the topic over my own. :)
215Ape
Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm not agreeing with you, that would be absurd. Clearly I think you are wrong, and that I am right as usual, but Sara should definitely side with you, since I don't actually know anything about this. Which doesn't make me any less right. ;)
216Ape
28. Beowulf by The Person Who Wrote Beowulf
Pages: 163
Rating: 3/5
Publication: Unknown
Classic Literature
Library checkout
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I never like to admit it, but there was a brief period in my life when I actually didn't enjoy reading. Though I was a little book addict in elementary school who would beg his mother for books whenever he went to the dollar store, and though my house's foundation is being tested by crushing weight of hardcover door-stoppers as an adult, in high school I developed a temporary disinterest with reading. I often didn't read the books assigned to me, and even when I did the idea of reading a single chapter in a day seemed daunting. There were a few books I did enjoy, however, and one of those was Beowulf.
I tell you this so you can appreciate the irony, having just read it for the first time since high school, I found it significantly more tedious now than when I lacked the ability to fully appreciate it. What was once a classic tale of heroic combat and epic fantasy in my naive youthful mind now felt like poorly-veiled religious propaganda, surrounded by a story that was both poorly-paced and scatter-brained. It's understandable to a degree, considering its history. The very fact that it still exist makes it something to be treasured, and from a scholarly perspective it is a wondrous thing to behold. As a work of literature, however, it's like shaving with a pair of shears found at an archeological dig site. Ineffective and not very pleasant, to say the least.
I'm being a bit harsh, I admit. It really wasn't terrible, and maybe my own memory of it as a teenager effected my opinion of it now. I just remember this being so much...well, better. I didn't understand anything then, not the historical significance of the manuscript or the references to other legends of the time. While I can appreciate those aspects now, I'm not reviewing history here. If I were, this would get 5 stars without question, and everyone should read it once for that reason. The words on the pages, however, get a MEH.
Pages: 163
Rating: 3/5
Publication: Unknown
Classic Literature
Library checkout
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I never like to admit it, but there was a brief period in my life when I actually didn't enjoy reading. Though I was a little book addict in elementary school who would beg his mother for books whenever he went to the dollar store, and though my house's foundation is being tested by crushing weight of hardcover door-stoppers as an adult, in high school I developed a temporary disinterest with reading. I often didn't read the books assigned to me, and even when I did the idea of reading a single chapter in a day seemed daunting. There were a few books I did enjoy, however, and one of those was Beowulf.
I tell you this so you can appreciate the irony, having just read it for the first time since high school, I found it significantly more tedious now than when I lacked the ability to fully appreciate it. What was once a classic tale of heroic combat and epic fantasy in my naive youthful mind now felt like poorly-veiled religious propaganda, surrounded by a story that was both poorly-paced and scatter-brained. It's understandable to a degree, considering its history. The very fact that it still exist makes it something to be treasured, and from a scholarly perspective it is a wondrous thing to behold. As a work of literature, however, it's like shaving with a pair of shears found at an archeological dig site. Ineffective and not very pleasant, to say the least.
I'm being a bit harsh, I admit. It really wasn't terrible, and maybe my own memory of it as a teenager effected my opinion of it now. I just remember this being so much...well, better. I didn't understand anything then, not the historical significance of the manuscript or the references to other legends of the time. While I can appreciate those aspects now, I'm not reviewing history here. If I were, this would get 5 stars without question, and everyone should read it once for that reason. The words on the pages, however, get a MEH.
217drneutron
If you want a bit different take on Beowulf, try Michael Crichton's Eaters of the Dead. Or The Thirteenth Warrior, Antonio Banderas' movie based on same.
218leahbird
How you feel about Beowulf is pretty much how I feel about Wuthering Heights, except that I didn't read it at all until a few years ago. I appreciate it for it's publication history but it's also extremely off-putting to me. The writing is good but the story is repugnant and I have such a hard time understanding why so many people love it so vehemently.
219saraslibrary
>211 Ape: Hmm. I love graphic novels and all, but it sounds extremely dull. Still, who knows. If I see it at work, I might give it a flip-through.
>215 Ape: I should side with Micky? Um...ok? *feels like she's agreeing to something she shouldn't* As for the Jurassic Park movies, I don't remember them very well. I remember some kids running around, a guy getting eaten on the shitter, and yeah, Jeff Goldblum. Oh and some dinosaurs.
>216 Ape: snort/laughs @ The Person Who Wrote Beowulf -- Seriously, the book has no author?
>215 Ape: I should side with Micky? Um...ok? *feels like she's agreeing to something she shouldn't* As for the Jurassic Park movies, I don't remember them very well. I remember some kids running around, a guy getting eaten on the shitter, and yeah, Jeff Goldblum. Oh and some dinosaurs.
>216 Ape: snort/laughs @ The Person Who Wrote Beowulf -- Seriously, the book has no author?
220jnwelch
If you haven't read Seamus Heaney's Beowulf, it's a much smoother and exciting ride than the traditional translation.
221foggidawn
Yes, I was wondering if maybe you read a better translation when you were a teen -- that can make all the difference.
222scaifea
I was about to suggest the same as Joe - give the Heaney translation a try, because it's amazing.
223Ape
Jim: As it just so happens, I'm doing a category challenge where I read "new" and "old" version of the same topic/genre, and for my fantasy category I was planning on reading Beowulf and Eaters of the Dead. So, yep, I'll be reading that very soon. :)
Leah: Yep, that describes how I feel exactly! The story and the pacing was awful.
Sara: That's part of what is so interesting with Beowulf, no one knows who wrote it, or when exactly. It's just an old manuscript that has survived for a very long time, even having been partially burnt, so it's really cool that we still have it.
Joe/Misti/Amber: Well, I read Raffel's translation, which is apparently too smooth for some peoples' liking. Comprehension wasn't an issue, it was a pacing and story problem. I found myself grimacing and grumbling about a lot of things while reading it. I could have screamed after the 2nd battle when Beowulf said he probably wouldn't have won if god wouldn't have shown him where that sword was hanging on the wall. Oh, please. Perhaps I'm becoming too intolerant in my old age. ;)
In other news, I'm reading The Ocean at the End of the Lane right now and it's AMAZING. Except the mini-depression I suffered earlier today when I read the you-know-what scene. *Sigh* :( I'm enjoying it immensely though, and will probably finish it sometime over the weekend.
Leah: Yep, that describes how I feel exactly! The story and the pacing was awful.
Sara: That's part of what is so interesting with Beowulf, no one knows who wrote it, or when exactly. It's just an old manuscript that has survived for a very long time, even having been partially burnt, so it's really cool that we still have it.
Joe/Misti/Amber: Well, I read Raffel's translation, which is apparently too smooth for some peoples' liking. Comprehension wasn't an issue, it was a pacing and story problem. I found myself grimacing and grumbling about a lot of things while reading it. I could have screamed after the 2nd battle when Beowulf said he probably wouldn't have won if god wouldn't have shown him where that sword was hanging on the wall. Oh, please. Perhaps I'm becoming too intolerant in my old age. ;)
In other news, I'm reading The Ocean at the End of the Lane right now and it's AMAZING. Except the mini-depression I suffered earlier today when I read the you-know-what scene. *Sigh* :( I'm enjoying it immensely though, and will probably finish it sometime over the weekend.
224saraslibrary
>223 Ape: So Beowulf's kind of like the Bible....
The scene where he finds out there's an ocean at the end of the lane? Oh, riiight. That depressed me too. :P I'm not sure which scene you mean. Was there actual coitus in the book? I don't remember that.
The scene where he finds out there's an ocean at the end of the lane? Oh, riiight. That depressed me too. :P I'm not sure which scene you mean. Was there actual coitus in the book? I don't remember that.
225Ape
The Ocean at the End of the Lane spoiler: It was when he caught his dad cheating on his mom with the babysitter. :(
226saraslibrary
>225 Ape: Oh, yeah. I forgot about that part. I always kind of considered it a kid's book almost, since the two main characters are children.
227scaifea
Oooh, The Ocean at the End of the Lane!! Love. LOVE.
And I'll still push the Heaney translation, because his language is so gorgeous, you'll forget about the story...
And I'll still push the Heaney translation, because his language is so gorgeous, you'll forget about the story...
228Ape
Sara: Sort of, but the situations are pretty adult. *Shrug* Either way, it's quite good so far. :)
Amber: I know, right? It's definitely going to be a 4-star read, at least.
I don't think I want to subject myself to that level of religious fanaticism again. There are plenty of other classics I need to get around to reading.
Amber: I know, right? It's definitely going to be a 4-star read, at least.
I don't think I want to subject myself to that level of religious fanaticism again. There are plenty of other classics I need to get around to reading.
229saraslibrary
>228 Ape: I'm glad you're liking it so far. :) It's a super quick read.
Other classics to read...like Lolita? Madame Bovary? Moll Flanders? Lady Chatterley's Lover? ;) Kidding. I think you've read a lot of classic science fiction books, but I found this cool list on Good Reads (I do love their lists): Popular Classic Sci Fi Books.
Other classics to read...like Lolita? Madame Bovary? Moll Flanders? Lady Chatterley's Lover? ;) Kidding. I think you've read a lot of classic science fiction books, but I found this cool list on Good Reads (I do love their lists): Popular Classic Sci Fi Books.
230jnwelch
Oh, I loved The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Glad that one's working for you.
231Ape
Sara: Well, technically I haven't read any of those, but they aren't high on my list, to say the least. I have read a lot of classic sci-fi, due in part to the H.G. Well collection I own. I'll try to load the list on my dial-up. :)
Joe: It's pretty awesome! I finished it yesterday, I'll get my review up in a bit. (Maybe.)
Joe: It's pretty awesome! I finished it yesterday, I'll get my review up in a bit. (Maybe.)
232Ape
29. The Ocean at the end of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Pages: 181
Rating: 5/5
Publication date: 2013
Fiction
Library checkout
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Oh, what a fool I have been. I’ve wanted to read this book since it was released, a couple years ago, but kept putting it off. It was one of those books that I seemed to consider checking out every time I went to the library, but never did. Then I did check it out, and proceeded to return it unread. I’ve finally read it, and my only regret is that I waited so long to do so. It was great!
It’s filled with the magical realism that Gaiman is so great at. In this case, a boy meets the family of women who work the farm at the end of his road, and unexpectedly discovers things about the world few adults would believer or understand. As usual, Gaiman sucks you into a fantastical plot and refuses to let you believe that what you are reading is a work of fiction. It really is a wonderful book.
If you are like me and have been putting this off for whatever reason, I’d definitely recommend moving it up on the TBR pile. I finally did, and I certainly don’t regret it.
Pages: 181
Rating: 5/5
Publication date: 2013
Fiction
Library checkout
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Oh, what a fool I have been. I’ve wanted to read this book since it was released, a couple years ago, but kept putting it off. It was one of those books that I seemed to consider checking out every time I went to the library, but never did. Then I did check it out, and proceeded to return it unread. I’ve finally read it, and my only regret is that I waited so long to do so. It was great!
It’s filled with the magical realism that Gaiman is so great at. In this case, a boy meets the family of women who work the farm at the end of his road, and unexpectedly discovers things about the world few adults would believer or understand. As usual, Gaiman sucks you into a fantastical plot and refuses to let you believe that what you are reading is a work of fiction. It really is a wonderful book.
If you are like me and have been putting this off for whatever reason, I’d definitely recommend moving it up on the TBR pile. I finally did, and I certainly don’t regret it.
234saraslibrary
>231 Ape: *smacks forehead* Sorry about the long list. I didn't realize it was over 1,000 titles long. :(
>232 Ape: But I'm glad you liked The Ocean at the End of the Lane. :)
>232 Ape: But I'm glad you liked The Ocean at the End of the Lane. :)
235lovelyluck
sup?..... lol catching up with everyone.... glad you enjoyed your last book.... I tried Neil Gaiman's American Gods.... but after a few chapters I just couldn't get into it.... maybe I'll try another time
237Ape
Xymon: RIght, I absolutely plan to get to the rest of his books soon. Y'know, eventually....
Sara: No problem, and I'm glad I liked it too (obviously.) My current read is going quickly as well, because it has lots of pictures. Yay pictures. :P
Jennifer: Hey! I remember American Gods felt a little dense in the beginning, but I ended up really liking it in the end. I had more trouble with Anansi Boys, but I ended up liking that one too in the end.
Amber: Indeed. :)
Sara: No problem, and I'm glad I liked it too (obviously.) My current read is going quickly as well, because it has lots of pictures. Yay pictures. :P
Jennifer: Hey! I remember American Gods felt a little dense in the beginning, but I ended up really liking it in the end. I had more trouble with Anansi Boys, but I ended up liking that one too in the end.
Amber: Indeed. :)
238saraslibrary
>237 Ape: Yay for pictures! :) And is that a dragonfly? It's beautiful, whatever it is.
239Ape
It might be a dragonfly. I'm sure it says somewhere in the cover but I'm too lazy to go get the book to check. :P
240saraslibrary
:D No worries. It's a bug with big eyes.
243saraslibrary
Nice! :) I don't think we have those where I live, but I wish we did.
244Ape
Micky: Just how I like my damsel...flies. :P
Sara: I looked up dragon/damselflies in your area and you do have a blue dragonfly, but not those I don't think.
Sara: I looked up dragon/damselflies in your area and you do have a blue dragonfly, but not those I don't think.
245Ape
31. Life in the Undergrowth by David Attenborough
Pages: 280
Rating: 4/5
Publication date: 2005
Nonfiction – Science/Entomology
Library checkout
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Life in the Undergrowth was, originally, a television documentary miniseries that aired on the BBC in 2005, written and presented by the author of the accompanying book. I was completely unaware of this and can’t speak for the show, but I can say that the book is quite enjoyable. It’s filled with high resolution images that are both stunning and quite beautiful if you aren’t creeped out by insects, and the information is fascinating in breezy and digestible sort of way.
As is often the case when I read books about entomology, my favorite part was about super colonies. There is something about social insects that endlessly fascinates me, and I was particularly interested In honeypot ants. They actual designate ants that will essentially become food storage devices, they are made to eat huge amounts of honey until they swell into giant globes of honey, and then hang from the ceiling so that other ants may come along and drink from them. On the other hand, the spider section may have made me squirm from time to time…
Certainly recommended for people with a casual interest in insects.
Pages: 280
Rating: 4/5
Publication date: 2005
Nonfiction – Science/Entomology
Library checkout
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life in the Undergrowth was, originally, a television documentary miniseries that aired on the BBC in 2005, written and presented by the author of the accompanying book. I was completely unaware of this and can’t speak for the show, but I can say that the book is quite enjoyable. It’s filled with high resolution images that are both stunning and quite beautiful if you aren’t creeped out by insects, and the information is fascinating in breezy and digestible sort of way.
As is often the case when I read books about entomology, my favorite part was about super colonies. There is something about social insects that endlessly fascinates me, and I was particularly interested In honeypot ants. They actual designate ants that will essentially become food storage devices, they are made to eat huge amounts of honey until they swell into giant globes of honey, and then hang from the ceiling so that other ants may come along and drink from them. On the other hand, the spider section may have made me squirm from time to time…
Certainly recommended for people with a casual interest in insects.
248Berly
Cool photo. Hopelessly behind, so popping in and moving forward. Have a great weekend!! xoxo
249leahbird
David Attenborough is always great but I'll pass on the bug book. I like that they do their jobs but not enough to read a while book about them. Except maybe honeybees.
This topic was continued by Ape's 2015 Challenge (4).
