Jillbone's Really Random Category Challenge
Talk 2016 Category Challenge
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1Jacksonian
I've done one of these category challenges before, but it has been several years. My categories this year are fairly random (I couldn't be clever with a theme this year). I'm combining my two loves: science fiction and a non-fiction Dewey Decimal challenge (except the 700's 'cause I don't have anything in that category).
Here are the categories:
1. Hugo Nominees
2. Nebula Nominees
3. Science Fiction Re-Reads
4. TBR Pile
5. 000: Computer science, information & general works
6. 100: Philosophy and psychology
7. 200: Religion
8. 300: Sociology and anthropology
9. 400: Language
10. 500: Science
11. 600: Technology
12. 800: Literature
13. 900: History
Currently Reading: Fordlandia by Greg Grandin
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
Here are the categories:
1. Hugo Nominees
2. Nebula Nominees
3. Science Fiction Re-Reads
4. TBR Pile
5. 000: Computer science, information & general works
6. 100: Philosophy and psychology
7. 200: Religion
8. 300: Sociology and anthropology
9. 400: Language
10. 500: Science
11. 600: Technology
12. 800: Literature
13. 900: History
Currently Reading: Fordlandia by Greg Grandin
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
2Jacksonian
Category I: Hugo Nominees
1. Darwinia by Robert Charles Wilson
2. Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke
3. Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke
4. The Last Colony by John Scalzi
5. Zoe's Tale by John Scalzi
6. Spin by Robert Charles Wilson
7. Seveneves by Neal Stephenson Early Review
Possibilities: Accelerando by Charles Stross, Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
1. Darwinia by Robert Charles Wilson
2. Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke
3. Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke
4. The Last Colony by John Scalzi
5. Zoe's Tale by John Scalzi
6. Spin by Robert Charles Wilson
7. Seveneves by Neal Stephenson Early Review
Possibilities: Accelerando by Charles Stross, Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
3Jacksonian
Category II: Nebula Nominees
1. Embassytown by China Mieville
2. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
3. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
4. The Lifecycle of Software Objects by Ted Chiang
5.
Possibilities: How Few Remain by Harry Turtledove, The City & The City by China Mieville
1. Embassytown by China Mieville
2. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
3. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
4. The Lifecycle of Software Objects by Ted Chiang
5.
Possibilities: How Few Remain by Harry Turtledove, The City & The City by China Mieville
4Jacksonian
Category III: Science Fiction Re-Reads
1. The Fragile Light by David Nurenberg
2. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
3. Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde
4. The Somnambulist by Jonathan Barnes
5. The Manual of Detection by Jedediah Berry
6. The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
Possibilities:
1. The Fragile Light by David Nurenberg
2. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
3. Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde
4. The Somnambulist by Jonathan Barnes
5. The Manual of Detection by Jedediah Berry
6. The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
Possibilities:
5Jacksonian
Category IV: TBR Pile
1. The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood
2. Nineteen Eighty Four by George Orwell
3. One Second After by William R. Forstchen
4. One Year After by William R. Forstchen
5. Day of Wrath by William R. Forstchen
6. World Made By Hand by James Howard Kunstler
7. The Witch of Hebron by James Howard Kunstler
8. A History of the Future by James Howard Kunstler
9. Maplecroft by Cherie Priest
10. The Rise of the Automated Aristocrats by Mark Hodder
11. Pillar to the Sky by William R. Forstchen
12. The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury
13. Chapelwood by Cherie Priest
14. The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins Early Review
15. World War Z by Max Brooks
16. MaddAddam by Margaret Atwood
17. The Just City by Jo Walton
18. The Long Walk by Stephen King
19. Rage by Richard Bachman
20. The Philosopher Kings by Jo Walton
21. The Domino Men by Jonathan Barnes
22. Love Minus Eighty by Will McIntosh
23. The Android's Dream by John Scalzi
24. Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
25. The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer
26. Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan L. Howard
27. The Affinities by Robert Charles Wilson
28. The Martian by Andy Weir
29. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Possibilities: The Passage by Justin Cronin, Shift by Hugh Howey, Insurgent by Veronica Roth
1. The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood
2. Nineteen Eighty Four by George Orwell
3. One Second After by William R. Forstchen
4. One Year After by William R. Forstchen
5. Day of Wrath by William R. Forstchen
6. World Made By Hand by James Howard Kunstler
7. The Witch of Hebron by James Howard Kunstler
8. A History of the Future by James Howard Kunstler
9. Maplecroft by Cherie Priest
10. The Rise of the Automated Aristocrats by Mark Hodder
11. Pillar to the Sky by William R. Forstchen
12. The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury
13. Chapelwood by Cherie Priest
14. The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins Early Review
15. World War Z by Max Brooks
16. MaddAddam by Margaret Atwood
17. The Just City by Jo Walton
18. The Long Walk by Stephen King
19. Rage by Richard Bachman
20. The Philosopher Kings by Jo Walton
21. The Domino Men by Jonathan Barnes
22. Love Minus Eighty by Will McIntosh
23. The Android's Dream by John Scalzi
24. Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
25. The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer
26. Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan L. Howard
27. The Affinities by Robert Charles Wilson
28. The Martian by Andy Weir
29. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Possibilities: The Passage by Justin Cronin, Shift by Hugh Howey, Insurgent by Veronica Roth
6Jacksonian
Category V: 000 -- Computer science, information & general works
1. The Know-It-All by A.J. Jacobs 031
2. You Could Look It Up by Jack Lynch 028.7
3. Outwitting History by Aaron Lansky 002
4.
5.
Possibilities: The Book on the Bookshelf by Henry Petroski, Lost Classics
1. The Know-It-All by A.J. Jacobs 031
2. You Could Look It Up by Jack Lynch 028.7
3. Outwitting History by Aaron Lansky 002
4.
5.
Possibilities: The Book on the Bookshelf by Henry Petroski, Lost Classics
7Jacksonian
Category VI: 100 -- Philosophy and psychology
1. Blink by Malcolm Gladwell 153.4
2. Galileo's Middle Finger by Alice Dreger 174.2
3. Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer 153.14
4.
5.
Possibilities: Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
1. Blink by Malcolm Gladwell 153.4
2. Galileo's Middle Finger by Alice Dreger 174.2
3. Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer 153.14
4.
5.
Possibilities: Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
8Jacksonian
Category VII: 200 -- Religion
1. Living Mindfully by Deborah Schoeberlein David 294.34
2. The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs 220
3.
4.
5.
Possibilities: The Battle for God by Karen Armstrong, The Evolution of God by Robert Wright
1. Living Mindfully by Deborah Schoeberlein David 294.34
2. The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs 220
3.
4.
5.
Possibilities: The Battle for God by Karen Armstrong, The Evolution of God by Robert Wright
9Jacksonian
Category VIII: 300 -- Sociology and anthropology
1. The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan 394.1
2. Mindful Eating by Jan Chozen Bays 394.1
3. Farewell, My Subaru by Doug Fine 333.72
4. The Burglar Caught by a Skeleton 300
5. Candyfreak by Steve Almond 338.47
6. Virgin: The Untouched History by Hanne Blank 306.4
7. Severed: A History of Heads Lost and Found by Frances Larson 306.4
8. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty 363.7
Possibilities: Abundance by Peter H. Diamandis, Bursts by Albert-Laszlo Barabasi, Collapse by Jared Diamond, The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan
1. The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan 394.1
2. Mindful Eating by Jan Chozen Bays 394.1
3. Farewell, My Subaru by Doug Fine 333.72
4. The Burglar Caught by a Skeleton 300
5. Candyfreak by Steve Almond 338.47
6. Virgin: The Untouched History by Hanne Blank 306.4
7. Severed: A History of Heads Lost and Found by Frances Larson 306.4
8. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty 363.7
Possibilities: Abundance by Peter H. Diamandis, Bursts by Albert-Laszlo Barabasi, Collapse by Jared Diamond, The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan
10Jacksonian
Category IX: 400 -- Language
1. The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester 420
2. Reading the OED by Ammon Shea 423.02
3. The Etymologicon by Mark Forsyth 422
4. Words on the Move by John McWhorter 420
5.
Possibilities: Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss, The Mother Tongue by Bill Bryson
1. The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester 420
2. Reading the OED by Ammon Shea 423.02
3. The Etymologicon by Mark Forsyth 422
4. Words on the Move by John McWhorter 420
5.
Possibilities: Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss, The Mother Tongue by Bill Bryson
11Jacksonian
Category X: 500 -- Science
1. Fermat's Enigma by Simon Singh 512.74
2. The Knowledge by Lewis Dartnell 500
3. Tomorrowland by Steven Kotler 500
4. The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science by Natalie Angier 500
5. Packing for Mars by Mary Roach 571.09
6. The Clockwork Universe by Edward Dolnick 509.4
Possibilities: A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson, The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean, Life Ascending by Nick Lane
1. Fermat's Enigma by Simon Singh 512.74
2. The Knowledge by Lewis Dartnell 500
3. Tomorrowland by Steven Kotler 500
4. The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science by Natalie Angier 500
5. Packing for Mars by Mary Roach 571.09
6. The Clockwork Universe by Edward Dolnick 509.4
Possibilities: A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson, The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean, Life Ascending by Nick Lane
12Jacksonian
Category XI: 600 -- Technology
1. All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew 635
2. The Quarter-Acre Farm by Spring Warren 635.09
3. Mind Wide Open by Steven Johnson 612.82
4. The Survival Medicine Handbook by Joseph Alton, M.D. 613.69
5. Animal, Vegetable, Mineral by Barbara Kingsolver 641.09
6. The Locavore Way by Amy Cotler 641.3
7. Consumed by Sarah Elton 631.5
8. Plenty by Alisa Smith 641.56
9. The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum 614.13
10. NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman 616.85
11. The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean 635.93
Possibilities: 100 Diagrams That Changed the World by Scott Christianson, Gulp by Mary Roach, The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
1. All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew 635
2. The Quarter-Acre Farm by Spring Warren 635.09
3. Mind Wide Open by Steven Johnson 612.82
4. The Survival Medicine Handbook by Joseph Alton, M.D. 613.69
5. Animal, Vegetable, Mineral by Barbara Kingsolver 641.09
6. The Locavore Way by Amy Cotler 641.3
7. Consumed by Sarah Elton 631.5
8. Plenty by Alisa Smith 641.56
9. The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum 614.13
10. NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman 616.85
11. The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean 635.93
Possibilities: 100 Diagrams That Changed the World by Scott Christianson, Gulp by Mary Roach, The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
14Jacksonian
Category XIII: 900 -- History
1. On the Map by Simon Garfield 912.09
2. Spies, Sadists and Sorcerers by Dominic Selwood 900
3. The Floating Brothel by Sian Rees 990
4. The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan 976.8
5.
Possibilities: Blue Latitudes by Tony Horowitz, Don't Know Much About History by Kenneth C. Davis, I Wish I'd Been There by Byron Hollinshead, 1001 Events that Changed America
1. On the Map by Simon Garfield 912.09
2. Spies, Sadists and Sorcerers by Dominic Selwood 900
3. The Floating Brothel by Sian Rees 990
4. The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan 976.8
5.
Possibilities: Blue Latitudes by Tony Horowitz, Don't Know Much About History by Kenneth C. Davis, I Wish I'd Been There by Byron Hollinshead, 1001 Events that Changed America
15mamzel
I've read several of the books you have listed and I think you will have fun reading them. So glad you are back and have embraced the challenge in a way that suits your reading preferences.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
16rabbitprincess
Looks like a great setup! Enjoy your challenge!
19Jacksonian
Just finished Book #1 of 2016...On the Map by Simon Garfield (Category XIII: 900 -- History)
This is a fascinating book for mapheads not matter how casual you are. Garfield devotes several chapters (of course) to the history of maps and cartography in general. But he also has several chapters devoted to map collectors, map thefts, and guidebooks. He concludes the book with a focus on the future of digital mapping whether it be the medical mapping of our bodies or the satellite imaging of Google Earth. All in all, a good read for budding map enthusiasts.
This is a fascinating book for mapheads not matter how casual you are. Garfield devotes several chapters (of course) to the history of maps and cartography in general. But he also has several chapters devoted to map collectors, map thefts, and guidebooks. He concludes the book with a focus on the future of digital mapping whether it be the medical mapping of our bodies or the satellite imaging of Google Earth. All in all, a good read for budding map enthusiasts.
20Jacksonian
Finished Book #2...The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood (Category IV: TBR Pile)
This is the sequel to Oryx and Crake and the second book in the Maddaddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood. Set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world, Atwood continues her story with the tales of two survivors -- Ren, a dancer at a sex club and Toby, the manager of a rejuvinating spa. As she weaves these tales together (with the tale of Jimmy the Snowman from Oryx and Crake), she also seamlessly builds her world and an entirely new religion, God's Gardeners. It's a fascinating read for anyone who enjoys speculative fiction and expert world building.
This is the sequel to Oryx and Crake and the second book in the Maddaddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood. Set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world, Atwood continues her story with the tales of two survivors -- Ren, a dancer at a sex club and Toby, the manager of a rejuvinating spa. As she weaves these tales together (with the tale of Jimmy the Snowman from Oryx and Crake), she also seamlessly builds her world and an entirely new religion, God's Gardeners. It's a fascinating read for anyone who enjoys speculative fiction and expert world building.
21Chrischi_HH
Looks like you've had a great start into the year. Enjoy your reading!
22rabbitprincess
Thanks for the review of On the Map! That one is on my TBR.
23Jacksonian
Book #3...Blink by Malcolm Gladwell (Category VI: 100 -- Philosophy and psychology)
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one had, I found the concept of critical snap decision-making fascinating...being able to make a split second decision and have true faith that it was correct. On the other hand, as someone diagnosed with Asperger's, I had trouble following some of the examples in his book. This left me somewhat frustrated, but I don't that's the fault of the book.
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one had, I found the concept of critical snap decision-making fascinating...being able to make a split second decision and have true faith that it was correct. On the other hand, as someone diagnosed with Asperger's, I had trouble following some of the examples in his book. This left me somewhat frustrated, but I don't that's the fault of the book.
24Jacksonian
Just finished Book #4...a re-read of The Fragile Light by David Nurenberg (Category III: Science Fiction Re-Reads)
This book tells the story of second class superhero Gal Friday (whose powers only work on Friday) and her team The Friday Knights. It's part-superhero story, part-detective novel and part tale of espionage. Altogether, its a good book and first in a trilogy that will probably never be fully published.
This book tells the story of second class superhero Gal Friday (whose powers only work on Friday) and her team The Friday Knights. It's part-superhero story, part-detective novel and part tale of espionage. Altogether, its a good book and first in a trilogy that will probably never be fully published.
25cammykitty
Random? Your categories look pretty methodical to me. Do read Accellerando. You won't regret it. Stross is something else. You almost make me curious about Oryx and Crake. I'm not sure how I'll react to her portrayal of a bad guy with autism.
26christina_reads
>24 Jacksonian: Oh no! The Fragile Light sounds good, but I really don't want to start a series that ends up dangling with no resolution! Does it work as a standalone, or are major plot points left unresolved?
27Jacksonian
christina_reads (I don't know how to respond to individual posts): The Fragile Light is good as a stand alone. There is one underlying plot point at the very end that does not get resolved, but it doesn't weigh on you.
28Jacksonian
cammykitty: I'm looking forward to the Stross myself. I've got several of his books on my TBR pile. As for Oryx and Crake, I've been diagnosed with Asperger's myself and I didn't find the character of Crake to be heavy handed or judged because of his autism.
29christina_reads
>27 Jacksonian: Thanks, good to know! Also, if you want to respond to an individual message, type > and then the number of the message you're responding to. (For example, I typed > and then 27.) LibraryThing will automatically generate the name of the person who posted the message, and it will be a link, so you can click it and go directly to the post you're referencing. Hope this helps (and makes sense)!
30Jacksonian
good to know thanks
31Jacksonian
Giving up on Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert. I just didn't find it very interesting.
32Jacksonian
Book #5...Nineteen Eighty Four by George Orwell (Category IV: TBR Pile)
After so much hype, I finally read this book. And I have to say that it didn't exactly wow me over. I much preferred Brave New World honestly. But I will say the third part of the book did keep me interested.
After so much hype, I finally read this book. And I have to say that it didn't exactly wow me over. I much preferred Brave New World honestly. But I will say the third part of the book did keep me interested.
33Jacksonian
Finished Book #6...Fermat's Enigma by Simon Singh (Category X: 500 -- Science)
I am not a mathematician by any means of the imagination. In fact, I never even made it past Trigonometry in high school. But I found the subject matter and writing style so compelling that I could not put this book down. In fact, Singh described some mathematical concepts in such a succinct and easy way that I had no trouble following along.
I am not a mathematician by any means of the imagination. In fact, I never even made it past Trigonometry in high school. But I found the subject matter and writing style so compelling that I could not put this book down. In fact, Singh described some mathematical concepts in such a succinct and easy way that I had no trouble following along.
34LisaMorr
Lots of science fiction in your 2016 challenge - I'll enjoy seeing what you read.
I've been interested in seeing what people have thought about 1984 and Brave New World. I actually liked 1984 somewhat better than Brave New World, but I didn't really like the last third of the book. And similar to you - after all the build-up, 1984 didn't wow me either.
I've been interested in seeing what people have thought about 1984 and Brave New World. I actually liked 1984 somewhat better than Brave New World, but I didn't really like the last third of the book. And similar to you - after all the build-up, 1984 didn't wow me either.
35LittleTaiko
I really enjoyed Brave New World when I read it last year. Sounds like I should get to 1984 soon so that I can do a proper comparison.
36Jacksonian
Had to abandon 1491 by Charles C. Mann. It was just too dry for me.
37Jacksonian
Book #7...Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood (Category III: Science Fiction Re-Reads)
Since I read The Year of the Flood this month, I decided to re-read Oryx and Crake to refresh my memory. I absolutely love this series. I can't wait to pick up a copy of MaddAddam.
Since I read The Year of the Flood this month, I decided to re-read Oryx and Crake to refresh my memory. I absolutely love this series. I can't wait to pick up a copy of MaddAddam.
38rabbitprincess
>37 Jacksonian: That was a great trilogy! Hope you like MaddAddam.
39Jacksonian
Book #8...The Knowledge by Lewis Dartnell (Category X: 500 -- Science)
An interesting thought experiment, but the author assumes the reader has prerequisite knowledge of scientific and technical ideas and jargon that the layman just does not have.
An interesting thought experiment, but the author assumes the reader has prerequisite knowledge of scientific and technical ideas and jargon that the layman just does not have.
40Jacksonian
Book #9...One Second After by William R. Forstchen (Category IV: TBR Pile)
Not the most compelling writing style, but it was an interesting concept (think Dan Brown books). A look at one year in a small Southern town after an EMP strike hits America.
Not the most compelling writing style, but it was an interesting concept (think Dan Brown books). A look at one year in a small Southern town after an EMP strike hits America.
41Jacksonian
Book #10...Spies, Sadists and Sorcerers by Dominic Selwood (Category XIII: 900 -- History)
I like history books. Especially ones that offer a lot of little stories and biographies to give an overview of world history. And while this book provided quite a few such informative stories, I found the writing to be almost overly scholarly.
I like history books. Especially ones that offer a lot of little stories and biographies to give an overview of world history. And while this book provided quite a few such informative stories, I found the writing to be almost overly scholarly.
42lkernagh
>41 Jacksonian: - Great to see your comments on the Selwood book as I am currently reading it (albeit, I am only on Chapter 4). ;-)
43Jacksonian
Book #11...Embassytown by China Mieville (Category II: Nebula Nominees)
Just finished a re-read of this book. It was like a dip into a warm vocabulary bath. While some chapters could be frustrating, if one is patient, the points are quickly and effortlessly explained in subsequent chapters. This is one book where I felt like I was truly "living it" as I read.
Just finished a re-read of this book. It was like a dip into a warm vocabulary bath. While some chapters could be frustrating, if one is patient, the points are quickly and effortlessly explained in subsequent chapters. This is one book where I felt like I was truly "living it" as I read.
44mamzel
>43 Jacksonian: I would really like to reread this book, but unfortunately, there are all these others...
45Jacksonian
Book #12...One Year After by William R. Forstchen (Category IV: TBR Pile)
The sequel to One Second After starts 2 years after the EMPs have destroyed most of America. Not as exciting as the first book, Forstchen's town of Black Mountain, NC is starting to suffer from "convenient luck" (for example, the rag tag survivors overtaking superiorly equipped troops). Still an exciting read though and a very interesting situation.
The sequel to One Second After starts 2 years after the EMPs have destroyed most of America. Not as exciting as the first book, Forstchen's town of Black Mountain, NC is starting to suffer from "convenient luck" (for example, the rag tag survivors overtaking superiorly equipped troops). Still an exciting read though and a very interesting situation.
46Jacksonian
Just finished Book #13...The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan (Category VIII: 300 -- Sociology and Anthropology)
If you've ever given any thought to where your food comes from, this book is a must read. I've watched several "food" documentaries (such as Food Inc and Supersize Me)...all while munching happily on my processed food. But this book has changed the way I look at food. More than anything else, this book makes me want to only eat from local farms I can visit myself to see where the food comes from and how the animals are raised. Who knows? I may have just converted to becoming a locavore.
If you've ever given any thought to where your food comes from, this book is a must read. I've watched several "food" documentaries (such as Food Inc and Supersize Me)...all while munching happily on my processed food. But this book has changed the way I look at food. More than anything else, this book makes me want to only eat from local farms I can visit myself to see where the food comes from and how the animals are raised. Who knows? I may have just converted to becoming a locavore.
47Jacksonian
Book #14...All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartolomew (Category XI: 600 -- Technology)
Easily the most interesting book I've ever read about gardening. His simple, clear and concise directions make me think my "black thumb" will soon become a "green" one.
Easily the most interesting book I've ever read about gardening. His simple, clear and concise directions make me think my "black thumb" will soon become a "green" one.
48Jacksonian
Book #15...Day of Wrath by William R Forstchen (Category IV: TBR Pile)
This novella was not as good as his other two books I've read. But it did present an interesting scenario about coordinating attacks on our nation's schools by terrorists.
This novella was not as good as his other two books I've read. But it did present an interesting scenario about coordinating attacks on our nation's schools by terrorists.
49Jacksonian
Finished Book #16...The Quarter-Acre Farm by Spring Warren (Category XI: 600 -- Technology)
Was hoping for more of a "how-to" type of book, but this mostly ending up being an anecdotal memoir about her experience turning her lawn in a mini-farm.
Was hoping for more of a "how-to" type of book, but this mostly ending up being an anecdotal memoir about her experience turning her lawn in a mini-farm.
50Jacksonian
Book #17...World Made By Hand by James Howard Kunstler (Category IV: TBR Pile)
Very intriguing post-apocalyptic novel about the US in a post peak oil situation. Not action packed like most apocalyptic or dystopian novels. Just a slice of reality in a small New York town with a dash of mystical religion. Off to read the second book now.
Very intriguing post-apocalyptic novel about the US in a post peak oil situation. Not action packed like most apocalyptic or dystopian novels. Just a slice of reality in a small New York town with a dash of mystical religion. Off to read the second book now.
51Jacksonian
Book #18...The Witch of Hebron by James Howard Kunstler (Category IV: TBR Pile)
The sequel to World Made by Hand injects a bit more magic and mysticism and doesn't have the same sort of folksy homespun feel of the first book.
The sequel to World Made by Hand injects a bit more magic and mysticism and doesn't have the same sort of folksy homespun feel of the first book.
52Tara1Reads
>50 Jacksonian: and >51 Jacksonian: That looks like an interesting series.
53Jacksonian
>52 Tara1Reads: It is an interesting series. I'm about to start the third book in the series tomorrow probably. I'll let you know how it goes.
54Jacksonian
Finished Book #19...Mind Wide Open by Steven Johnson (Category XI: 600 -- Technology)
This book on neuroscience was actually very interesting. How often do you get to say that sentence in your life? It answers (and raises) questions about facial reading, hormones and the brain chemistry of ideas.
This book on neuroscience was actually very interesting. How often do you get to say that sentence in your life? It answers (and raises) questions about facial reading, hormones and the brain chemistry of ideas.
55Jacksonian
Book #20...A History of the Future by James Howard Kunstler (Category IV: TBR Pile)
Third book in the World Made by Hand series. While the writing is still good, Kunstler's book endings are become rather arbitrary. I understand the need to establish future book "jumping-off" points, but this last book felt more like it ended mid-thought.
Third book in the World Made by Hand series. While the writing is still good, Kunstler's book endings are become rather arbitrary. I understand the need to establish future book "jumping-off" points, but this last book felt more like it ended mid-thought.
56Jacksonian
Finished Book #21...The Survival Medicine Handbook by Joseph Alton, M.D. (Category XI: 600 -- Technology)
Pretty comprehensive book on "do-it-yourself" medicine for a long-term grid down scenario. Still doesn't beat actual medical or first-aid training though.
Pretty comprehensive book on "do-it-yourself" medicine for a long-term grid down scenario. Still doesn't beat actual medical or first-aid training though.
57Jacksonian
Book #22...Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver (Category XI: 600 -- Technology)
Kingsolver's memoir of her family's year of eating locally. IMO, not as good as The Omnivore's Dilemma, but still it is a funny retelling of one family's adventure with eating.
Kingsolver's memoir of her family's year of eating locally. IMO, not as good as The Omnivore's Dilemma, but still it is a funny retelling of one family's adventure with eating.
58Tara1Reads
>57 Jacksonian: I really liked that book especially her stories about keeping turkeys. I thought her and her family went a little overboard with the eating thing sometimes though. I still have The Omnivore's Dilemma waiting for me on my TBR shelves.
59Jacksonian
Finished Book #23...Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde (Category III: Science Fictions Re-Reads)
The exciting sequel to The Eyre Affair with the further adventure's of Thursday Next, previously extinct dodos, Neanderthals who want their rights and the continuing saga of the evil Hades family. Dutifully continued in the next book in the series The Well of Lost Plots.
The exciting sequel to The Eyre Affair with the further adventure's of Thursday Next, previously extinct dodos, Neanderthals who want their rights and the continuing saga of the evil Hades family. Dutifully continued in the next book in the series The Well of Lost Plots.
60Jacksonian
Book 24...Maplecroft by Cherie Priest (Category IV: TBR Pile)
I'm not actually a fan of H.P. Lovecraft, but I enjoyed this book which is a mix of Lovecraftian lore and mystery starring the infamous Lizzie Borden. However, each chapter is written from a different character perspective, but Priest doesn't quite get the voices right. The only voice I could distinguish from the rest was Lizzie's. But all in all a very enjoyable read. Can't wait to read the sequel Chapelwood.
I'm not actually a fan of H.P. Lovecraft, but I enjoyed this book which is a mix of Lovecraftian lore and mystery starring the infamous Lizzie Borden. However, each chapter is written from a different character perspective, but Priest doesn't quite get the voices right. The only voice I could distinguish from the rest was Lizzie's. But all in all a very enjoyable read. Can't wait to read the sequel Chapelwood.
61Jacksonian
Book 25...The Rise of the Automated Aristocrats by Mark Hodder (Category IV: TBR Pile)
The thrilling conclusion to the steampunk/clockpunk Burton and Swinburne series. I have to say the first four chapters of this book had me worried. They dragged a little and seemed inconsistent with the rest of the series. Luckily, it picked up and piqued my interest fairly quickly after that. A fitting conclusion to an all around intriguing series. I'm sad to see it go, but can't wait for his next series set in the future based on The Oxford Equation.
The thrilling conclusion to the steampunk/clockpunk Burton and Swinburne series. I have to say the first four chapters of this book had me worried. They dragged a little and seemed inconsistent with the rest of the series. Luckily, it picked up and piqued my interest fairly quickly after that. A fitting conclusion to an all around intriguing series. I'm sad to see it go, but can't wait for his next series set in the future based on The Oxford Equation.
62AHS-Wolfy
>61 Jacksonian: Good to know you've enjoyed the series through to its conclusion. It's still one I have to get started with but the first book is sitting on my tbr shelves waiting patiently for me to get around to it.
63Jacksonian
Just finished Book 26...Pillar to the Sky by William R. Forstchen (Category IV: TBR Pile)
An interesting novel about a billionaire's attempt to build a space elevator, or pillar to the sky. Filled with plenty of "hard" science and politics, the book kept me reading with his intriguing characters and drama. Although I did balk at times when real persons were alluded to with titles such as The Actor or the Brit, forcing the reader to draw their own conclusions as to their identities.
An interesting novel about a billionaire's attempt to build a space elevator, or pillar to the sky. Filled with plenty of "hard" science and politics, the book kept me reading with his intriguing characters and drama. Although I did balk at times when real persons were alluded to with titles such as The Actor or the Brit, forcing the reader to draw their own conclusions as to their identities.
64Jacksonian
Finished Book 27...Living Mindfully by Deborah Schoeberlein David (Category VII: 200 -- Religion)
A good introduction to the practice of Living Mindfully in your everyday life, work and relationships. Teaches some basic meditation techniques and encourages future learning with an experienced teacher.
A good introduction to the practice of Living Mindfully in your everyday life, work and relationships. Teaches some basic meditation techniques and encourages future learning with an experienced teacher.
65Jacksonian
Just finished Book 28...Mindful Eating by Jan Chozen Bays (Category VIII: 300 -- Sociology and anthropology
A short introduction to the practice of Mindful Eating. This book teaches how to identify your hunger (one of seven), how to satisfy that hunger in a productive way, and how to eat "in the moment."
A short introduction to the practice of Mindful Eating. This book teaches how to identify your hunger (one of seven), how to satisfy that hunger in a productive way, and how to eat "in the moment."
66Jacksonian
Finished Book 29...The Locavore Way by Amy Cotler (Category XI: 600 -- Technology)
As someone trying my hardest to eat more local, I found this book informative but maybe a little too basic. I already know about farmers' markets, CSA's and Co-ops. I don't know what I was expecting exactly, but I know this was too simplistic for me.
As someone trying my hardest to eat more local, I found this book informative but maybe a little too basic. I already know about farmers' markets, CSA's and Co-ops. I don't know what I was expecting exactly, but I know this was too simplistic for me.
67Jacksonian
Just finished Book 30...Farewell, My Subaru by Doug Fine (Category VIII: 300 -- Sociology and anthropology)
If you're looking for a fact-filled informative book on sustainable living, skip this book. However, if you're looking for a humorous memoir about one man's attempt at sustainable living, dive right in.
If you're looking for a fact-filled informative book on sustainable living, skip this book. However, if you're looking for a humorous memoir about one man's attempt at sustainable living, dive right in.
68Jacksonian
Finished Book #31...The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury (Category IV: TBR Pile)
I love science fiction short stories and Ray Bradbury is one of the best. I liked almost all of the stories save one or two (The City and The Fire Balloons). But to me the master of the short science fiction story remains Philip K. Dick.
I love science fiction short stories and Ray Bradbury is one of the best. I liked almost all of the stories save one or two (The City and The Fire Balloons). But to me the master of the short science fiction story remains Philip K. Dick.
69mathgirl40
>61 Jacksonian: I enjoyed the first book in Hodder's series but haven't yet gotten around to the others. Nice to know that the other books are just as good.
70Jacksonian
> 69 The series as a whole is enjoyable, but I will admit Expedition to the Mountains of the Moon dragged a bit for me. I don't really enjoy war novels and this had quite a bit of that in it.
71Jacksonian
Just finished Book #32...Chapelwood by Cherie Priest (Category IV: TBR Pile)
For the second book in The Borden Dispatches series, there was an appalling lack of Lizzie Borden in this book. Also the ending was quite unsatisfying and did not fit with the rest of the book. It was a little too neat and tidy with a touch of the vague.
For the second book in The Borden Dispatches series, there was an appalling lack of Lizzie Borden in this book. Also the ending was quite unsatisfying and did not fit with the rest of the book. It was a little too neat and tidy with a touch of the vague.
72Jacksonian
Finished Book #33...Consumed by Sarah Elton (Category XI: 600 -- Technology)
The premise of this book is that by the year 2050 our current agricultural system will be unable to feed our expected population of nine billion people worldwide. Elton's suggestions include: moving to sustainable agricultural systems, saving our heritage and landrace seeds, and adopting a more local food culture.
The premise of this book is that by the year 2050 our current agricultural system will be unable to feed our expected population of nine billion people worldwide. Elton's suggestions include: moving to sustainable agricultural systems, saving our heritage and landrace seeds, and adopting a more local food culture.
73Jacksonian
Finished Book #34...Plenty by Alisa Smith (Category XI: 600 -- Technology)
Maybe I've read too many books on food and agriculture this year or maybe I didn't read this early enough in the year, but to me this was another in a long line of food memoirs and not nearly as interesting as The Omnivore's Dilemma.
Maybe I've read too many books on food and agriculture this year or maybe I didn't read this early enough in the year, but to me this was another in a long line of food memoirs and not nearly as interesting as The Omnivore's Dilemma.
74Jacksonian
Just finished Book #35...an Early Review copy of The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins (Category IV: TBR Pile)
Have you ever finished a book and thought to yourself that it was either the most interesting thing you've ever read....or the most f---ed up? Read. This. Book. Love it or hate it, just read it. Fascinating, revolting, twisty, crazy, darkly humorous...what are you waiting for? Just read it.
Have you ever finished a book and thought to yourself that it was either the most interesting thing you've ever read....or the most f---ed up? Read. This. Book. Love it or hate it, just read it. Fascinating, revolting, twisty, crazy, darkly humorous...what are you waiting for? Just read it.
76Jacksonian
>75 ronincats: It's definitely worth it. But keep an open mind and give it a chance all the way through to the end.
77Jacksonian
Finished Book #36...The Know-It-All by A.J. Jacobs (Category V: 000 -- Computer science, information & general works)
This funny memoir tracks one man's quest to read all 65,000 articles of the Encyclopedia Britanica. While Jacobs can come off sounding judgmental and condescending, isn't that sort of cockiness at the heart of most know-it-alls?
This funny memoir tracks one man's quest to read all 65,000 articles of the Encyclopedia Britanica. While Jacobs can come off sounding judgmental and condescending, isn't that sort of cockiness at the heart of most know-it-alls?
78Jacksonian
Finished Book #37...Darwinia by Robert Charles Wilson (Category I: Hugo Nominees)
I actually really enjoyed the first third of this book. It reminded of fantasy books like The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I even enjoyed the second third of the book. Although the addition of the space gods seemed a little out of the blue for me. It was the final third of the book I didn't enjoy. It seemed tacked on and wasn't a really satisfying ending.
I actually really enjoyed the first third of this book. It reminded of fantasy books like The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I even enjoyed the second third of the book. Although the addition of the space gods seemed a little out of the blue for me. It was the final third of the book I didn't enjoy. It seemed tacked on and wasn't a really satisfying ending.
79lkernagh
>71 Jacksonian: - Darn, I was hoping that Chapelwood would be a better read. I kind of enjoyed Maplecroft.
80Jacksonian
Finished The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester (Category IX: 400 -- Language)
The exciting tale of the 70 year creation of the Oxford English Dictionary and two of the men most responsible for it -- editor Dr. James Murray and criminally insane contributor Dr. W.C. Minor.
The exciting tale of the 70 year creation of the Oxford English Dictionary and two of the men most responsible for it -- editor Dr. James Murray and criminally insane contributor Dr. W.C. Minor.
81Jacksonian
>79 lkernagh: I'd almost rather have a prequel to the series where we learn about the start of it all with Lizzie's parents and the subsequent trial.
82Jacksonian
Just finished Book #39...The Somnambulist by Jonathan Barnes (Category III: Science Fiction Re-reads)
An excellent re-read of the Victorian supernatural mystery book. Chock full of interesting characters (e.g., The Prefects, The Somnambulists, Mina) and intriguing twists and turns.
An excellent re-read of the Victorian supernatural mystery book. Chock full of interesting characters (e.g., The Prefects, The Somnambulists, Mina) and intriguing twists and turns.
83Jacksonian
Finished Book #40...The Burglar Caught by a Skeleton by Jeremy Clay (Category VIII: 300 -- Sociology and anthropology)
Quite an entertaining romp through sensationalist Victorian headlines. They run the gamut from a fight between a bearded lady and a snake charmer to the tale of a rowing team that rowed all night but stayed in the same spot.
Quite an entertaining romp through sensationalist Victorian headlines. They run the gamut from a fight between a bearded lady and a snake charmer to the tale of a rowing team that rowed all night but stayed in the same spot.
84Jacksonian
Just finished Book #41...Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke (Category I: Hugo nominees)
I was inspired to read this novel after watching the Syfy miniseries and I have to say I was not disappointed. Clarke paints a future after Earth's first contact with an alien species known as the Overlords. This contact ushers in a Golden Age for man, but are the Overlords really as good as they seem or does something sinister lurk behind their motives?
I was inspired to read this novel after watching the Syfy miniseries and I have to say I was not disappointed. Clarke paints a future after Earth's first contact with an alien species known as the Overlords. This contact ushers in a Golden Age for man, but are the Overlords really as good as they seem or does something sinister lurk behind their motives?
85Jacksonian
Finished Book #42...The Floating Brothel by Sian Rees (Category XIII: 900 -- History)
An intriguing little microhistory about an English ship sailing female convicts to New South Wales. It follows the lives of some of the more than 200 convicts, the sailors and the many ports they stopped through on their way.
An intriguing little microhistory about an English ship sailing female convicts to New South Wales. It follows the lives of some of the more than 200 convicts, the sailors and the many ports they stopped through on their way.
86Jacksonian
Just finished Book #43...World War Z by Max Brooks (Category IV: TBR Pile)
After reading this book, I can only think to myself "why even bother making this into a movie?" The book is SO much better and doesn't really translate itself into movie form. The chapters are just a series of short interviews with different subjects around the world -- some about policy making, come about fire fights, and some about the aftermath of the war. Overall though it's engaging and thought provoking and catches your attention from page one.
After reading this book, I can only think to myself "why even bother making this into a movie?" The book is SO much better and doesn't really translate itself into movie form. The chapters are just a series of short interviews with different subjects around the world -- some about policy making, come about fire fights, and some about the aftermath of the war. Overall though it's engaging and thought provoking and catches your attention from page one.
87Jacksonian
Finished a re-read of Book #44...Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes (Category II: Nebula Nominees)
The story of a mentally disabled man who gains massive IQ points through an experiment and his experiences with his rapid intelligence gain. Better than I remember it being from high school, but just as depressing as always.
The story of a mentally disabled man who gains massive IQ points through an experiment and his experiences with his rapid intelligence gain. Better than I remember it being from high school, but just as depressing as always.
88Jacksonian
Just finished Book #45...Tomorrowland by Steven Kotler (Category X: 500 -- Science)
A captivating read on new and emerging technology and biology. My favorite chapters were the one about psychedelic therapy and the one on developing government policies concerning sperm and egg cryobanks.
A captivating read on new and emerging technology and biology. My favorite chapters were the one about psychedelic therapy and the one on developing government policies concerning sperm and egg cryobanks.
89-Eva-
>86 Jacksonian:
I always thought it would make for a good mockumentary-style TV series.
I always thought it would make for a good mockumentary-style TV series.
90Jacksonian
>89 -Eva-: That sounds perfect! I love the concept.
91Jacksonian
Book #46...The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (Category II: Nebula Nominees)
Like most Atwood books, I came out of this one feeling in awe of her writing skills. She has a way with words (like Ursula Le Guin) that keeps me fascinated from page one.
Like most Atwood books, I came out of this one feeling in awe of her writing skills. She has a way with words (like Ursula Le Guin) that keeps me fascinated from page one.
92Jacksonian
Don't ask, but somehow it's snowing in Maine today. Sigh.
Finished Book #47...You Could Look It Up by Jack Lynch (Category V: 000 -- Computer science, information & general works)
While not quite as captivating as I hoped (I do love reference books), it's still an appealing book analyzing 51 reference books from the third millennium B.C.E. until present time. These run the gamut from ancient dictionaries and encyclopedia to books cataloging 18th century prostitutes and The Guinness Book of World Records.
Finished Book #47...You Could Look It Up by Jack Lynch (Category V: 000 -- Computer science, information & general works)
While not quite as captivating as I hoped (I do love reference books), it's still an appealing book analyzing 51 reference books from the third millennium B.C.E. until present time. These run the gamut from ancient dictionaries and encyclopedia to books cataloging 18th century prostitutes and The Guinness Book of World Records.
93rabbitprincess
>92 Jacksonian: Oh no! We had snow in the forecast but I don't think it materialized. Hope it warms up quickly and that the weather returns to more springlike programming soon.
94Jacksonian
Just finished Book #48...The Guinea Pig Diaries by A.J. Jacobs (Category XII: 800 -- Literature)
An amazingly quick read (I finished it in less than a day), but not as good as The Know-It-All. His year of experiments include trolling for men while helping his nanny internet dating and following his wife's every whim for a month. My favorite chapter was the one where he decided to outsource his work and some of his private life to Bangalore.
An amazingly quick read (I finished it in less than a day), but not as good as The Know-It-All. His year of experiments include trolling for men while helping his nanny internet dating and following his wife's every whim for a month. My favorite chapter was the one where he decided to outsource his work and some of his private life to Bangalore.
95MissWatson
>92 Jacksonian: That's a bad omen for us in Europe, we usually get the same weather four weeks later...
96Jacksonian
Finished Book #49...Candyfreak by Steve Almond (Category: 300 -- Sociology and anthropology)
This book was just meh. A memoir about one man's nostalgic trek to relive the candy of his childhood. Basically just a guy ranting about candy, describing the factories he gets to see, and overusing the word "freak."
This book was just meh. A memoir about one man's nostalgic trek to relive the candy of his childhood. Basically just a guy ranting about candy, describing the factories he gets to see, and overusing the word "freak."
97Jacksonian
Book #50...Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke (Category I: Hugo Nominees)
Not exactly the most exciting of books. At first, I thought this was going to be a dramatic retelling of a first contact with an alien race hurtling towards Earth. It quickly became clear, however, that this was more about exploration of a new world rather than alien contact. In a lot of ways it reminded me of Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Not exactly the most exciting of books. At first, I thought this was going to be a dramatic retelling of a first contact with an alien race hurtling towards Earth. It quickly became clear, however, that this was more about exploration of a new world rather than alien contact. In a lot of ways it reminded me of Journey to the Center of the Earth.
98Jacksonian
Just finished Book #51...The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science by Natalie Angier (Category X: 500 -- Science)
I am not a "science person." I never have been. But I keep trying with books like this. While a couple of the chapters nearly put me to sleep (Physics and Chemistry), several of the other chapters (Probabilities, Evolutionary Biology, and Geology) were very engaging and held my interest. Angier's writing style is both down to earth and funny which greatly helps.
I am not a "science person." I never have been. But I keep trying with books like this. While a couple of the chapters nearly put me to sleep (Physics and Chemistry), several of the other chapters (Probabilities, Evolutionary Biology, and Geology) were very engaging and held my interest. Angier's writing style is both down to earth and funny which greatly helps.
99Jacksonian
Finished Book #52...MaddAddam by Margaret Atwood (Category IV: TBR Pile)
Finally finished reading this trilogy. While it's not my favorite book of the three (I'm partial to The Year of the Flood), it was still a very enjoyable read. I particularly liked the chapters where Toby was trying to tell stories to the Crakers. Very humorous.
Finally finished reading this trilogy. While it's not my favorite book of the three (I'm partial to The Year of the Flood), it was still a very enjoyable read. I particularly liked the chapters where Toby was trying to tell stories to the Crakers. Very humorous.
100Jacksonian
Just finished Book #53...The Last Colony by John Scalzi (Category I: Hugo Nominees)
This is the third book in the Old Man's War series. It continued the tale of John Perry, Jane Sagan, and their adopted daughter Zoe. As colony leaders, the family takes part in the colonization of a new world in a story full of intrigue, double dealing, and dark humor. My one point of contention was the introduction of an murderous alien race and then everyone promptly forgot about them. Sloppy.
This is the third book in the Old Man's War series. It continued the tale of John Perry, Jane Sagan, and their adopted daughter Zoe. As colony leaders, the family takes part in the colonization of a new world in a story full of intrigue, double dealing, and dark humor. My one point of contention was the introduction of an murderous alien race and then everyone promptly forgot about them. Sloppy.
101Jacksonian
Finished Book #54...Reading the OED by Ammon Shea (Category IX: 400 -- Language)
One man's quest to read the Oxford English Dictionary from start to finish in one year. Each short chapter is a letter and is split into two halves: the first half is about Shea's reading quest and what he's learning; the second half is a list of words he's found interesting along the way. I learned a lot of new words I'm going to have trouble working into a conversation.
One man's quest to read the Oxford English Dictionary from start to finish in one year. Each short chapter is a letter and is split into two halves: the first half is about Shea's reading quest and what he's learning; the second half is a list of words he's found interesting along the way. I learned a lot of new words I'm going to have trouble working into a conversation.
102Jacksonian
Finished Book #55...Virgin: The Untouched History by Hanne Blank (Category VIII: 300 -- Sociology and anthropology)
A semi-interesting microhistory of the concept of virginity. The first half of the book looks at virginity from a medical and legal standpoint. The second half approaches the concept from a cultural perspective. While it was a bit dry and repetitive in places, it is a topic I've never seen covered in depth before and worth a cursory read.
A semi-interesting microhistory of the concept of virginity. The first half of the book looks at virginity from a medical and legal standpoint. The second half approaches the concept from a cultural perspective. While it was a bit dry and repetitive in places, it is a topic I've never seen covered in depth before and worth a cursory read.
103Jacksonian
Finished Book #56...The Just City by Jo Walton (Category IV: TBR Pile)
Let me preface this by saying I've never read Plato's Republic. Maybe I would have enjoyed the book more if I had. As a result, I pretty much found this book ho-hum and a prolonged debate on what constitutes a "soul" and what it means to have one. I'll give the second book in the series a try and hopefully it will pick up the pace a little.
Let me preface this by saying I've never read Plato's Republic. Maybe I would have enjoyed the book more if I had. As a result, I pretty much found this book ho-hum and a prolonged debate on what constitutes a "soul" and what it means to have one. I'll give the second book in the series a try and hopefully it will pick up the pace a little.
104Jacksonian
Just finished Book #57...The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs (Category VII: 200 -- Religion)
Another social experiment from magazine editor Jacobs. This time he decides to live a year of his life trying to follow every rule explicitly and implicitly stated in the Bible. While still funny, I found this book to be more poignant than his others (as if realizing the seriousness of his topic). I enjoyed getting to see a more serious side to the author and it has also given me a jumping off point for some religious reading of my own.
Another social experiment from magazine editor Jacobs. This time he decides to live a year of his life trying to follow every rule explicitly and implicitly stated in the Bible. While still funny, I found this book to be more poignant than his others (as if realizing the seriousness of his topic). I enjoyed getting to see a more serious side to the author and it has also given me a jumping off point for some religious reading of my own.
105Jacksonian
Book #58...Zoe's Tale by John Scalzi (Category I: Hugo Nominees)
This book is a little bit of a departure for Scalzi. It's a young adult book told from the perspective of a teenage girl that parallels his book The Last Colony. Still darkly humorous, the book did answer two major plot holes from The Last Colony so I was very pleased. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
This book is a little bit of a departure for Scalzi. It's a young adult book told from the perspective of a teenage girl that parallels his book The Last Colony. Still darkly humorous, the book did answer two major plot holes from The Last Colony so I was very pleased. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
106Jacksonian
Finished Book #59...The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum (Category XI: 600 -- Technology)
A must-read for true crime fans. This book traces the history of forensic medicine specifically through it's inception battling poisons in New York City. The individual tales of murder and accidental deaths are engaging and the chemistry is easy to understand even for non-science geeks like me.
A must-read for true crime fans. This book traces the history of forensic medicine specifically through it's inception battling poisons in New York City. The individual tales of murder and accidental deaths are engaging and the chemistry is easy to understand even for non-science geeks like me.
107Jacksonian
Finished Book #60...Severed: A History of Heads Lost and Found by Frances Larson (Category XIII: 300 -- Sociology and anthropology)
An interesting book about a squeamish subject. The book didn't so much focus on the severed head themselves but about the social, political, theological and medical aspects of the head in general. Very informative and made me confront my own disgust with the concept.
An interesting book about a squeamish subject. The book didn't so much focus on the severed head themselves but about the social, political, theological and medical aspects of the head in general. Very informative and made me confront my own disgust with the concept.
108Jacksonian
Finished Early Review Book #61...Seveneves by Neal Stephenson (Category I: Hugo Nominees)
This book is 861 pages. The plot, however, can be boiled down to a mere 150 - 200 pages. The rest is filled with "hard science facts" that is either plain boring or unneeded in some cases. For most of the book, there is little to no character development. Characters are added, and later killed, with the reader caring very little about it. In some instances, Stephenson interrupts characters in mid conversation to spew science for six pages. All in all, it leaves the reader with a sense of a much greater book lurking behind the intriguing premise of the story, if only it could be uncovered from the barrage of facts buried on top of it.
This book is 861 pages. The plot, however, can be boiled down to a mere 150 - 200 pages. The rest is filled with "hard science facts" that is either plain boring or unneeded in some cases. For most of the book, there is little to no character development. Characters are added, and later killed, with the reader caring very little about it. In some instances, Stephenson interrupts characters in mid conversation to spew science for six pages. All in all, it leaves the reader with a sense of a much greater book lurking behind the intriguing premise of the story, if only it could be uncovered from the barrage of facts buried on top of it.
109Jacksonian
Just finished Book #62...The Long Walk by Stephen King (Category IV: TBR Pile)
The premise of this book is kind of like The Hunger Games. 100 young men, aged 14 to 18, set out in a dystopian state-sponsored competition of nonstop walking. The winner supposedly gets whatever they want for the rest of their lives. The losers get shot along the way. The book does a pretty good job with the characters and there is an appropriate amount of gore, but the book really shines in making clear the oncoming awareness of the boys and their impending deaths.
The premise of this book is kind of like The Hunger Games. 100 young men, aged 14 to 18, set out in a dystopian state-sponsored competition of nonstop walking. The winner supposedly gets whatever they want for the rest of their lives. The losers get shot along the way. The book does a pretty good job with the characters and there is an appropriate amount of gore, but the book really shines in making clear the oncoming awareness of the boys and their impending deaths.
110Jacksonian
Book #63...Rage by Richard Bachman (Category IV: TBR Pile)
After reading The Long Walk, I decided to read this book because of all the publicity behind it. It was linked to several school shootings in the 80s and 90s before Stephen King pulled it out of print. It is an interesting concept: a teenage boy just snaps one day after years of mental and emotional abuse and takes a classroom hostage, using the students as a kind of therapy group along the way. But what really scared me is the mob mentality that overtakes the hostages.
After reading The Long Walk, I decided to read this book because of all the publicity behind it. It was linked to several school shootings in the 80s and 90s before Stephen King pulled it out of print. It is an interesting concept: a teenage boy just snaps one day after years of mental and emotional abuse and takes a classroom hostage, using the students as a kind of therapy group along the way. But what really scared me is the mob mentality that overtakes the hostages.
111mamzel
How funny! I just read an article about 10 novels that would likely never be reprinted and that one was #1!
112Jacksonian
Finished Book #64...Packing for Mars by Mary Roach (Category X: 500 -- Science)
Like all of Roach's books, this one is an informative look at the minutiae behind space travel. Although I now know way too much about the bodily fluids of astronauts, I also learned about some of the "unsung heroes" including those who design space toilets, the first monkeys launched into space, and the men who test possible bailout systems for astronauts.
Like all of Roach's books, this one is an informative look at the minutiae behind space travel. Although I now know way too much about the bodily fluids of astronauts, I also learned about some of the "unsung heroes" including those who design space toilets, the first monkeys launched into space, and the men who test possible bailout systems for astronauts.
113Jacksonian
Finished Book #65...The Philosopher Kings by Jo Walton (Category IV: TBR Pile)
Second book in the Thessaly series. Although I thoroughly enjoy Walton's characters in this and the first book, somehow her books leave me wanting more. It seems almost as if the plots are secondary to her books and they are just long character studies sometimes.
Second book in the Thessaly series. Although I thoroughly enjoy Walton's characters in this and the first book, somehow her books leave me wanting more. It seems almost as if the plots are secondary to her books and they are just long character studies sometimes.
114Jacksonian
Finished Book #66...The Clockwork Universe by Edward Dolnick (Category X: 500 -- Science)
An engaging account of the life and work of Isaac Newton and his theories on motion and gravity. Two interesting facts I did not know before this book: Newton was one of two discoverers of calculus and Descartes basically came up with the idea for graphs with x and y axes.
An engaging account of the life and work of Isaac Newton and his theories on motion and gravity. Two interesting facts I did not know before this book: Newton was one of two discoverers of calculus and Descartes basically came up with the idea for graphs with x and y axes.
115Jacksonian
Book #67...The Domino Men by Jonathan Barnes (Category IV: TBR Pile)
A sort of sequel to Barnes' The Somnambulist, but not nearly as good. When I realized this book was about my favorite characters from his first book, the Prefects, I was excited to begin this story. I quickly realized, however, that this book was not about them at all. While still a good read, this book is more about one hapless man's struggle to fight a fate that has been written for him since before his birth really. But the parts with the Prefects were still my favorites of course.
A sort of sequel to Barnes' The Somnambulist, but not nearly as good. When I realized this book was about my favorite characters from his first book, the Prefects, I was excited to begin this story. I quickly realized, however, that this book was not about them at all. While still a good read, this book is more about one hapless man's struggle to fight a fate that has been written for him since before his birth really. But the parts with the Prefects were still my favorites of course.
116Jacksonian
Just finished Book #68...NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman (Category XI: 600 -- Technology)
A must-read book for anyone whose life has been touched by the autism spectrum. This book is a comprehensive history of autism and Asperger's since its near simultaneous "discovery" by Asperger and Kanner in the 30s and 40s and the institutionalization of patients through behavioral modification therapy and dietary restrictions as "cures" until the current age of advocacy for autistic rights.
A must-read book for anyone whose life has been touched by the autism spectrum. This book is a comprehensive history of autism and Asperger's since its near simultaneous "discovery" by Asperger and Kanner in the 30s and 40s and the institutionalization of patients through behavioral modification therapy and dietary restrictions as "cures" until the current age of advocacy for autistic rights.
117Jacksonian
Finished Book #69...Love Minus Eighty by Will McIntosh (Category IV: TBR Pile)
I'm not sure if this is a science fiction novel that happens to have a romantic plot line or if it's a romance novel that happens to be in a science fiction setting. Either way it's the characters and their interactions with each other that drive this story and make it so enjoyable. I really enjoyed the first half of the book and following Mira's story throughout. However, I did think the ending seemed a little too neat and tidy like McIntosh was just trying to tie things up in a neat little bow.
I'm not sure if this is a science fiction novel that happens to have a romantic plot line or if it's a romance novel that happens to be in a science fiction setting. Either way it's the characters and their interactions with each other that drive this story and make it so enjoyable. I really enjoyed the first half of the book and following Mira's story throughout. However, I did think the ending seemed a little too neat and tidy like McIntosh was just trying to tie things up in a neat little bow.
118VictoriaPL
>117 Jacksonian: That one looks very interesting!
119Jacksonian
>118 VictoriaPL: It is a very interesting book. I highly recommend it.
Finished Book #70...The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean (Category XI: 600 -- Technology)
Superficially, this is the story of John Laroche and 3 Seminole Indians who were arrested after taking rare orchids from a south Florida swamp. The true focus of this story, however, is the obsessive nature of orchid people and the true main character of the book is Florida itself.
Finished Book #70...The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean (Category XI: 600 -- Technology)
Superficially, this is the story of John Laroche and 3 Seminole Indians who were arrested after taking rare orchids from a south Florida swamp. The true focus of this story, however, is the obsessive nature of orchid people and the true main character of the book is Florida itself.
120VictoriaPL
>119 Jacksonian: I loved The Orchid Thief! My college roommate's husband actually photographed a Ghost Orchid last year in The Everglades.
121Jacksonian
Just finished Book #71...The Android's Dream by John Scalzi (Category IV: TBR Pile)
The first few chapters of this book got off to a weird start with me. It seemed almost like Scalzi was be absurd just for absurdity's sake and with no real thought to the plot. I should have known better. Once the story really got going, I got hooked just like I always do. Full off intriguing twists and sharp humor.
The first few chapters of this book got off to a weird start with me. It seemed almost like Scalzi was be absurd just for absurdity's sake and with no real thought to the plot. I should have known better. Once the story really got going, I got hooked just like I always do. Full off intriguing twists and sharp humor.
122Jacksonian
Book #72...Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty (Category VIII: 300 -- Sociology and anthropology)
An unusual memoir of a girl fresh out of college who starts work at a crematorium. Along the way, she confronts her own fears of death by cremating bodies (and body parts), ferrying dead bodies to the crematorium, and attending mortuary science school. Not for everyone as she is not squeamish on the details.
Book #73...Spin by Robert Charles Wilson (Category I: Hugo Nominees)
Finally a Wilson book I enjoyed. One day the Earth gets "shielded" by mysterious means. While time passes normally on Earth, the universe outside whizzes by at 3.17 years per second. The stories follows 3 main characters who each choose to deal with this phenomenon in a unique way. Is science, religion, or neither the way to deal with this situation?
An unusual memoir of a girl fresh out of college who starts work at a crematorium. Along the way, she confronts her own fears of death by cremating bodies (and body parts), ferrying dead bodies to the crematorium, and attending mortuary science school. Not for everyone as she is not squeamish on the details.
Book #73...Spin by Robert Charles Wilson (Category I: Hugo Nominees)
Finally a Wilson book I enjoyed. One day the Earth gets "shielded" by mysterious means. While time passes normally on Earth, the universe outside whizzes by at 3.17 years per second. The stories follows 3 main characters who each choose to deal with this phenomenon in a unique way. Is science, religion, or neither the way to deal with this situation?
123Jacksonian
Book #74...Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer (Category IV: TBR Pile)
A Young Adult apocalyptic/survival novel. Interesting plot (if a little unbelievable) and I could have enjoyed the book if the narrator weren't such a raving teenage whiner. I've never felt like slapping a character in a book before.
Book #75...The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer (Category IV: TBR Pile)
The second in The Last Survivors series begun in Life As We Knew It. Different main characters this time (this time a sexist teenage boy, a delusional teenage girl, and their bitchy little sister), but with the same basic plot. Why am I still reading this series?
A Young Adult apocalyptic/survival novel. Interesting plot (if a little unbelievable) and I could have enjoyed the book if the narrator weren't such a raving teenage whiner. I've never felt like slapping a character in a book before.
Book #75...The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer (Category IV: TBR Pile)
The second in The Last Survivors series begun in Life As We Knew It. Different main characters this time (this time a sexist teenage boy, a delusional teenage girl, and their bitchy little sister), but with the same basic plot. Why am I still reading this series?
125Jacksonian
Just finished Book #76...Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan L. Howard (Category IV: TBR Pile)
First of all, let me start out definitively saying that this book is not steampunk but a fantasy novel. That doesn't detract from the book's good qualities; it's just a clarification for those of you who were thinking this was a steampunk novel (as I did). The overlaying plot of the novel is that the necromancer wants to get his soul back from Satan and has 100 days and the use of a demonic carnival to do so. The chapters, however, are written almost like little short stories (as in The Martian Chronicles) and can almost be read as stand-alones. This book is a darkly humorous take on the nature of morality. An all around good read.
First of all, let me start out definitively saying that this book is not steampunk but a fantasy novel. That doesn't detract from the book's good qualities; it's just a clarification for those of you who were thinking this was a steampunk novel (as I did). The overlaying plot of the novel is that the necromancer wants to get his soul back from Satan and has 100 days and the use of a demonic carnival to do so. The chapters, however, are written almost like little short stories (as in The Martian Chronicles) and can almost be read as stand-alones. This book is a darkly humorous take on the nature of morality. An all around good read.
126Jacksonian
Finished Book #77...Galileo's Middle Finger by Alice Dreger (Category VI: 100 -- Philosophy and psychology)
Such a disappointing book. Essentially a medical historian becomes an intersex advocate, researches medical research controversies,and becomes embroiled in one of her own making (but is convinced that what she is doing is not harmful because she and her contemporaries are "right"). Dreger comes off self-righteous throughout most of the book, considering she resigned from Northwestern amid a scandal of her own after it was published.
Such a disappointing book. Essentially a medical historian becomes an intersex advocate, researches medical research controversies,and becomes embroiled in one of her own making (but is convinced that what she is doing is not harmful because she and her contemporaries are "right"). Dreger comes off self-righteous throughout most of the book, considering she resigned from Northwestern amid a scandal of her own after it was published.
127AHS-Wolfy
>125 Jacksonian: Glad you enjoyed your first taste of Cabal. The 2nd in the series is a bit different as Johannes turns detective and the 3rd goes all Lovecraftian. I haven't got around to picking up the 4th as yet but will do so at some point.
128Jacksonian
>127 AHS-Wolfy: I've already reserved the next book at my library and gotten the other two on my kindle. I can't wait.
Finished Book #78...The Manual of Detection by Jedediah Berry (Category III: Science Fiction Re-Reads)
Always an interesting book and a great one to re-read every once in a while. The book is a cross between old fashioned noir detective novel and magical realism with twists and turns along the way.
Finished Book #78...The Manual of Detection by Jedediah Berry (Category III: Science Fiction Re-Reads)
Always an interesting book and a great one to re-read every once in a while. The book is a cross between old fashioned noir detective novel and magical realism with twists and turns along the way.
129Jacksonian
Book #79...Outwitting History by Aaron Lansky (Category V: 000 -- Computer science, information & general works)
A truly fascinating book about a young graduate student's 25-year quest to save Yiddish books from obscurity. Filled with poignant stories and humorous anecdotes, you really get involved with Lansky's journey through foreign countries, apartments of elderly Jews and temple basements.
A truly fascinating book about a young graduate student's 25-year quest to save Yiddish books from obscurity. Filled with poignant stories and humorous anecdotes, you really get involved with Lansky's journey through foreign countries, apartments of elderly Jews and temple basements.
130Jacksonian
Just finished Book #80...The Affinities by Robert Charles Wilson (Category IV: TBR Pile)
I'm still not sure if this book really qualifies as science fiction, at least not in the traditional sense. Set in the near future, the novel outlines a new way of determining social groups (or Affinities) through a process known as teleodynamics. Although the idea is interesting, sometimes Wilson's book leave me with an unfinished feeling as though his ideas are half-formed.
I'm still not sure if this book really qualifies as science fiction, at least not in the traditional sense. Set in the near future, the novel outlines a new way of determining social groups (or Affinities) through a process known as teleodynamics. Although the idea is interesting, sometimes Wilson's book leave me with an unfinished feeling as though his ideas are half-formed.
131mathgirl40
>130 Jacksonian: I really like Robert Charles Wilson's writing, though I too found The Affinities not completely satisfying. I loved Spin.
132Jacksonian
Just finished Book #81...The Martian by Andy Weir (Category IV: TBR Pile)
Part near future science fiction, part old fashioned survival story, all around gripping read. If you've seen the movie, then you pretty much know the book as the movie was a pretty faithful adaptation, but it is still worth a read. An astronaut (botanist/mechanical engineer Mark Watney) accidentally gets left behind on a mission to Mars. The story follows Watney as he uses his skill, ingenuity and humor to survive.
Part near future science fiction, part old fashioned survival story, all around gripping read. If you've seen the movie, then you pretty much know the book as the movie was a pretty faithful adaptation, but it is still worth a read. An astronaut (botanist/mechanical engineer Mark Watney) accidentally gets left behind on a mission to Mars. The story follows Watney as he uses his skill, ingenuity and humor to survive.
133Jacksonian
Finished Book #82...The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan (Category XIII: 900 -- History)
The story of the women (and men) who helped create the atomic bombs dropped on Japan in WWII. The majority of the book is an interesting behind the scenes look into life in the secret city of Oak Ridge, TN where uranium was being enriched for the atomic bombs being developed. The chapters entitled Tubealloy, however, seemed to slow everything down to a point where you lost the momentum you had been building with these women's stories.
The story of the women (and men) who helped create the atomic bombs dropped on Japan in WWII. The majority of the book is an interesting behind the scenes look into life in the secret city of Oak Ridge, TN where uranium was being enriched for the atomic bombs being developed. The chapters entitled Tubealloy, however, seemed to slow everything down to a point where you lost the momentum you had been building with these women's stories.
134Jacksonian
Book #83...Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer (Category VI: 100 -- Philosophy and psychology)
As a journalist, Foer covers the US Memory Championships and becomes intrigued by the concept of expanding his own memory capabilities. During his year long journey to compete himself, Foer explores the history and methods of memorization as well as the men and women behind great memories.
Book #84...The Maze Runner by James Dashner (Category IV: TBR Pile)
The first book in the Maze Runner series begins with a boy with no memory being raised in an elevator to a wide open Glade. As he and the other boys in the Glade try to build a safe life for themselves, they must almost explore the deadly Maze that surrounds them on all sides. Packed with action...my only complaint is that because the novel is filled with teenage boys, it is also filled with smug little A-holes.
As a journalist, Foer covers the US Memory Championships and becomes intrigued by the concept of expanding his own memory capabilities. During his year long journey to compete himself, Foer explores the history and methods of memorization as well as the men and women behind great memories.
Book #84...The Maze Runner by James Dashner (Category IV: TBR Pile)
The first book in the Maze Runner series begins with a boy with no memory being raised in an elevator to a wide open Glade. As he and the other boys in the Glade try to build a safe life for themselves, they must almost explore the deadly Maze that surrounds them on all sides. Packed with action...my only complaint is that because the novel is filled with teenage boys, it is also filled with smug little A-holes.
135Jacksonian
Finished Book #85...The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury (Category III: Science Fiction Re-Reads)
By far my favorite collection of Bradbury short stories. A collection of short stories based on man's attempts to colonize Mars from the vast future of 1999 to 2026. The collection includes my second favorite sci-fi story "The Martian" -- a tale of a lonely shapeshifter just looking for a family.
By far my favorite collection of Bradbury short stories. A collection of short stories based on man's attempts to colonize Mars from the vast future of 1999 to 2026. The collection includes my second favorite sci-fi story "The Martian" -- a tale of a lonely shapeshifter just looking for a family.
136Jacksonian
Finished Book #86...The Lifecycle of Software Objects by Ted Chiang (Category II: Nebula Nominees)
An interesting novella about a group of people raising a form of artificial intelligence (called digients) as on and offline pets. Are the digients pets, family members or autonomous creatures? I had two problems with this book: 1. it's written in the present tense which threw me for a loop and 2. it ends very abruptly. Other than that, I enjoyed reading about the digients lives and their interactions.
An interesting novella about a group of people raising a form of artificial intelligence (called digients) as on and offline pets. Are the digients pets, family members or autonomous creatures? I had two problems with this book: 1. it's written in the present tense which threw me for a loop and 2. it ends very abruptly. Other than that, I enjoyed reading about the digients lives and their interactions.
137Jacksonian
Just finished Book #87...The Etymologicon by Mark Forsyth (Category IX: 400 -- Language)
A nice reference book that takes a circuitous path through the origins of words and phrases. My favorite has to be knowing that there was actually a Mr. Crapper in England that toilets were named after. A must read for any etymology lover.
A nice reference book that takes a circuitous path through the origins of words and phrases. My favorite has to be knowing that there was actually a Mr. Crapper in England that toilets were named after. A must read for any etymology lover.
138-Eva-
>125 Jacksonian:
I'm not sure why that one got listed as steampunk, because it very much isn't. Very glad you liked it - it's a great series.
>132 Jacksonian:
Agree, the movie is a very good version of the book. I was worried when I watched the movie that they wouldn't get the voice right, but they did very well!
I'm not sure why that one got listed as steampunk, because it very much isn't. Very glad you liked it - it's a great series.
>132 Jacksonian:
Agree, the movie is a very good version of the book. I was worried when I watched the movie that they wouldn't get the voice right, but they did very well!
139lkernagh
>125 Jacksonian: - Agreed. Definitely not steampunk. There are some steampunk elements in the second book - what with airships and mechanics - but still, not steampunk. Glad to see you enjoyed your meeting with Johannes Cabal. I love him as a character!
140LisaMorr
You are a reading machine!
Catching up on threads here and taking a few book bullets for Reading the OED and two more by A. J. Jacobs (I read The Year of Living Biblically earlier this year).
I totally agree with you on World War Z and was also happy to see that The Martian movie was true to the book (I held off watching the movie until I read the book).
Catching up on threads here and taking a few book bullets for Reading the OED and two more by A. J. Jacobs (I read The Year of Living Biblically earlier this year).
I totally agree with you on World War Z and was also happy to see that The Martian movie was true to the book (I held off watching the movie until I read the book).
141Jacksonian
Finished an Early Review Book #88...Words on the Move by John McWhorter (Category IX: 400 -- Languages)
Normally I love linguistics books, but this book was such a slog. The only chapter I liked was Chapter One where McWhorter discusses how words get personal over time, such as really and literally. The rest of the book was overly detailed and technical for the casual linguist.
Normally I love linguistics books, but this book was such a slog. The only chapter I liked was Chapter One where McWhorter discusses how words get personal over time, such as really and literally. The rest of the book was overly detailed and technical for the casual linguist.
