1022. Hana-Kimi: For You in Full Blossom # 1

Those who know me -- especially those who know me well -- know that I love almost all things Japanese, particularly Animation (called Anime) and Comic Books (which in Japan are called Manga). So, of course I have boxes and boxes of Comic Books going back a few decades, my prized possessions being some "Daredevil" issues from the "Frank Miller era". Unfortunately, some of those, got lost in a big move some years ago. Although lately, I have only been buying Graphic Novels and not individual Comic Books, I have delved or experimented with Japanese Comic Books.

Mostly, the Japanese Comic Books that I read are titles that I became aware of because of the Anime, meaning, the Japanese Animation came first, or if there was a written form before it was animated, I did not become aware of it, until the animation became widespread. Lately, one of my Bookmooch friends convinced me to take a chance at this title.

Shojo Manga is written to appeal to both a male and a female audience, and of course it has no Science Fiction, or robots, or aliens, or anything else like that. Still, I always like to experience the Japanese view of the world. And thus, I read the first volume in what I believe is a very popular series.

This has an interesting premise: Mizuki, is a female Japanese-American track-and-field star (up-and-coming, as they say) who falls in love with a Japanese boy Izumi Sano. Why did she fall in love with Izumi? Well, Izumi is himself, a track-and-field star, a high jumper actually, who Izumi noticed at an international meet. So, Izumi, wanting to be near him, gets a transfer to his high-school in Japan. From a strange quirk of fate, they end being roommates... the complication of course being that Izumi school in Japan is an all boys academy. So how will Mizuki go to school there? Well, she passes herself off as a boy.

That is the beginning of the plot. There are two main sub-elements that take place. Mizuki has to hide her identity, of course (though the school nurse/doctor who is gay, finds out pretty early that she is a girl). The other sub-plot is that Izumi does not want to compete in the high-jump anymore, but his girl-friend is trying to convince him otherwise. To top it off, Mizuki's fair features have brought her attention with some of the other boys, one of them thinking he might be attracted to him (her -- he doesn't Mizuki is a girl, so he thinks he's gay!)

So, will Mizuki be able to hide her identity from her schoolmates? Will she be able to "fight off" Izumi's girlfriend? Will she be able to turn away her boy suitor in the school?

It's a quick read, and I did enjoy it a bit, but I was not the target audience. Personally, I'd be much happier reading G.T.O. or InitialD. Still, I'll give it 3 stars out of 5 for style and for the themes it tackles. I don't know if what American teenagers read tackle subjects like this.

1017. One for the Money

I have to tell you before I start this review. I fell in love with this book. I don't know why, I don't know how, but somehow, I fell in love with this book. I won't use big words and say that "I'm not the target audience for this book". Indeed, what is a target audience? Is this really considered Chick Lit? I find these novels catalogued mostly under the Mystery aisle of my local bookshop, so no, it can't be that. And it's not a Romance Novel, even though Janet Evanovich started as a romance writer. In many ways, it's a gritty crime drama, with a lot of pop culture, a lot of humour, a lot of everyday grit and a lot of Stephanie's spunk.

Oh, Stephanie definitely doesn't start out that way. In fact, she's a buyer for the lingerie area of a department store. When she loses that job, she has to quickly find another before she loses her place. She ends up working for her cousin Vinny (who is in the Bail Bonding business) as a bounty hunter, and the big job at hand is bringing in accused killer Joe Morelli who is a local vice cop. To top it all off, Stephanie lost her virginity to Joe, so she has -- maybe? -- something for Joe.

This is a really quick read with some nice characterizations and well thought-out action sequences. Janet Evanovich definitely has this genre nailed down, and I was totally engrossed during the short time it took me to read this book.

I have to of course read more in the series, especially since I love Grandma Mazur.

3 stars out of 5.

1016. The Color of Magic

I have wanted to read Terry Prachett's Discworld series for ages now...really... Anyway, with the greatest invention of the Internet age: BookMooch on my side, I was able to collect the first 10 books in the Discworld Series. And on a recent business trip, I was able to read the first book. Ah, the lack of an iPod! What fun!

Don't get me wrong, I am probably one of those few Americans who actually GET British humour. And, not only do I get it, but I enjoy it. In fact, for many years, many of my friends kept recommending this series to me, but not until BookMooch was I able to actually get the books on the cheap. Suffice it to say, I have been missing some prime entertainment.

But first a few words:

1. I won't be reviewing the whole series here. I will try to do due diligence and review each novel as I go along and as time permits.
2. There are some major differences between "American Humour" and "British Humour" which I can't begin to explain here. Some people say those differences are born from the fact that the British are so much more uptight than their cousins across the pond. I tend to not support this hypothesis. I am not sure for the reason for these differences. Since Monty Python, Fawlty Towers, Not the Nine O' Clock News, Red Dwarf and other such British comedy hits, I have enjoyed British comedy immensely. There is a satirical spin to that world view that somehow aligns with mine... I wonder why?
3. Discworld has so many books, don't expect literary reviews from me. All I am going to give you, are a few plot elements, along with what I thought, and a comparative ranking to the other books. There should be no misunderstanding: I plan to own the whole series in Paperback Format.

So, let's begin. Rincewind is a third-rate wizard (maybe even worse). In fact, he never really finished his magical education. Twoflower is a tourist from Counter-weight Continent. He has a piece of luggage, a trunk really, that has legs and walks on its own. Rincewind is a college dropout and as such menial tasks as are appointed to him. When Twoflower arrives at Ankh-Morpork, such a commotion ensues because of the gold that he carries that Rincewind is appointed his guide in the strange new land. In a way then, this begins as both a buddy novel and a clash of cultures book. It soon however, becomes a travelogue, as Rincewind and Twoflower end-up on the run.

Along the way, Rincewind, Twoflower and the luggage encounter many adventures and are finally captured at the edge of the turtle...err, the edge of world -- but I won't explain that, you'll have to read about it.

One of my favorite episodes is their encounter with dragons and their riders. In many ways, the idea of what Twoflower experiences and WHY is the reason why, I love to read fantasy and wish it on all young children! It expands the mind. Without imagination, we're nothing.

A lovely book, and a great start to the series. 3 stars out of five.

1015. Soon I Will Be Invincible

Many who know me, understand that I adore Comic Books. I have loved books with pictures since I was very little. It's not a surprise then that I started collecting Comic Books at a rather young age. And then titles that most inspired me, where those of Heroic Adventurers. Not necessarily Superheroes, but eventually, I got into that Genre as well. First, by reading Batman, and later X-Men. I have since branched out into other heroes of course. I haven't gotten into novelizations of the heroes I mentioned above however. I also, love Heroes, the TV show.

For some reason, when I saw this title on the book self at my local Barnes & Noble, I was intrigued. So I had to give it a try. And boy, was I surprised. This is a really funny book, with an exciting story line. It reads almost like a Comic Book. Like many of the books that I love to read, I was able to visualize what I was reading. For me, that is really high praise for any book! But first things first...A few plot details:

Dr. Impossible is a misunderstood Super-Villain. He is "the Smartest Man in the World". He is currently in federal detention, under extreme guard with no possibility of escape. While in prison, he is planning his next evil genius plot of conquering the world. This is because his mind never stops working.

Meanwhile, he is opposed by "The Champions", a group of Superheroes who protect the world. Before the Champions, there were "The Super Squadron". They retired (but are still around). A background is given for most of the Heroes and Villains you meet in this book, even most of the ones that are just mentioned. The most powerful Hero (sort of like 'Superman') is CoreFire -- you can consider him almost "invincible" (as in unbeatable). Yet, "The Champions", are concerned with two things as the book opens. CoreFire's death and who might have killed him, and reconstituting the group after disbanding a few years ago. Additionally, they are trying to replace "Galatea" (a Robot who was part of the group and died on a mission) with "Fatale" who is a Cyborg (really, a rebuilt human, who was patched together by the military and the NSA, but was then considered psychologically unstable to work for the government).

The story unfolds of course as Dr. Impossible escapes from prison and sets out to complete his "Evil" plans. Meanwhile, "The Champions", as they are trying to integrate Fatale into their team, and search for CoreFire learn of Dr. Impossible's escape. A showdown is inevitable. I love the way this book is written. There are two viewpoints presented: That of Doctor Impossible who we meet first, and Fatale as she tries to integrate into "The Champions". Chapters alternate between the two viewpoints. The action is rapid fire, and the cover blurb is on target:

"Every comic-book cliche in this witty stunning debut is lovingly embraced, then turned inside out." (From Wired Magazine). (Note: I have not sought this review out to confirm this comment.)

Yes, there are many cliches in this book, yet the book is fantastic fun throughout. Similarly, I was taken aback by the depth of the characterizations. Doctor Impossible really struggles with who he has become. Is he really that evil? Or is he really more like you and me and lonely, and all he is seeking is acceptance, maybe companionship? -- or maybe NOT! How about Fatale? She really is seen throughout the book with what she has become, or rather with what they have made her into. She is trying to reconcile that person with who she was and how to fit in with "The Champions". After all, in her mind, she has this high ideal of who they are and how powerful they are.

In all, this is an entertaining book, which in Novel format does exactly what the best Comic Books ought to do: Humanize Super-Heroes. I highly recommend it.

3 stars out of 5.

1012. Then We Came to The End

"Then We Came To The End" is Joshua Ferris' first novel. In many ways it is a magnificent novel. In many ways, he captures the feeling of working in today's office. OR maybe, I should caution readers and say, in working in the office of "near yesterday". Because the office of today is becoming another beast. In the book, Joshua Ferris, very capably describes the ups and downs of office and cubicle life, the meetings, the coffee breaks, the gossip, the lay-offs, the angst, the inter-office romance, the unrequited love for coworkers, the dreams of coworkers, those who make it and those who don't.

A lot of people have described this first novel by Joshua Ferris as a comedy. Personally, I don't agree with this description. I am more keen to compare this novel to a Greek Tragedy:

"a form of drama defined by Aristotle characterized by seriousness and dignity and involving a great person who experiences a reversal of fortune." Additionally, "Aristotle's definition can include a change of fortune from bad to good as in the Eumenides, but he says that the change from good to bad as in Oedipus Rex is preferable because this effects pity and fear within the spectators.) According to Aristotle, "the structure of the best tragedy should be not simple but complex and one that represents incidents arousing fear and pity--for that is peculiar to this form of art."

In more simpler terms, the characters in this novel, undergo a change in fortune, not necessarily because of their mistakes, but maybe amplified by their mistakes. Each and every character also has a unique way of dealing with his or her situation and with the consequences of their actions. If they make mistakes in response to a layoff, what is the action that they take to deal with it? If the mistake was with the partner in the firm in which they are employed, how does that affect their livelihoods, and how do they deal with that?

Certainly, seeing people in the daily routine of getting coffee after getting to the office and then proceeding to waste the next two hours on minutia is funny -- heck, I recognize myself there, because I am guilty of that. I have done that, a lot of times in times of high stress. Seeing people afraid of a diminutive woman (less than 5'2") who is their boss can also be funny -- what can cause people to fear someone so much? And of course, the extraordinary response of one individual to being let go, who continues to go into the office, bypassing security, day after day, to work on a project with constantly changing guidelines and goals, is seriously funny. But we can all relate with that I think. If you've ever been laid-off, and maybe thought it was unfair, who among you hasn't thought, if I could only prove my worth to them, make them see what I can do on this project, maybe they would change their minds.

But it's not as simple as that. And neither is this book, this novel. In the end, this novel is a book within a book. I am not sure from where, but I get the feeling, that Joshua Ferris is writing about Lynn, the senior partner, the intimidating figure in this novel who lays people off, but who in the end is scared by "breast cancer". There is a section between Part 1 and Part 2 of the book called 'The Thing to Do and the Place to Be'. It's the one section of the book that deals with only one person, one character in the whole book. It's about Lynn. That is why I suspect, the book, might have originally been intended to be written about Lynn and then evolved into much more than that. But even if that's not the case, this section, elevates this book to a very high level. It is such a wonderful piece of writing, it gives you such depth and understanding into a fictional character that you begin to understand her, you begin to feel how she feels, and how many others in her position might feel.

That is high praise indeed. Hank Neary, another character in the book, writes about Lynn in his fictional novel. (He's one of Lynn's employees who is always working on his novel, and finally, like the actual book's author, gets published). Later he reads to a crowd some of his words, as the novel comes full circle. And the story, like life, comes full circle. At this point, I will not reveal any more of the plot, and I have only given some vague hints about the office politics, the office threats, the office romances, the rocky relationships, and all the other things that make living life so extra-ordinary. I wonder if this novel in a way is also a tribute to our post-9/11 bout with soul-searching and the fear of mortality. Because in a sense, the characters fear everything that happens to them, yet revel in the magnificence of living, the essence of being. That is what makes life bearable. That we're not on this journey alone, but there are others on it. And sure, some of them have their quirks, and we talk about them, and gossip about them, and yet we also drink coffee with them, and occasionally we go out and have some drinks with them.

In the end, I found this novel extremely satisfying as it recognizes all the things it means to be human. And that is high praise indeed. This is my first 5 star review of the year!!! (In the past, I used to give such highly praised books one big star).


I highly recommend it.

Moonlight Season and Series Finale

Nina Tassler, the president of the CBS TV Network continues to make stunning mistakes in her programming choices. First, in 2007 she cancels the excellent TV show Jericho. Thankfully, the fans had enough of her and revolted by sending her bags of nuts to indicate their displeasure to the cancellation of that show. So, she recanted and brought that show back in mid-season 2007-08 for a second season, but only for 7 episodes. You saw my abbreviated reviews below of the last couple of episodes of Jericho. It was overall a great season.

Then producer Joel Silver creates the marvel that is 'Moonlight' for the 2007-08 season which unfortunately gets affected by the writer's strike. A lot of good shows got affected by the writer's strike. A lot of good writers shot their own feet during this strike. But that's their own business, and I am not here to discuss that topic. What I am here to discuss, is this neat and tidy Vampire story, starring detective (Private Investigator) Mick St. John who is actually an 85-year old Vampire. This, IS (or rather WAS) NOT your father's Vampire story. Neither was it your father's 'Magnum P.I.' The Vampires in this story lived among us, had ordinary lives and for the most part tried to interact with us. Most of their lives then, were lived in secret, and a lot of their socializing took place exclusively with other Vamps (short for Vampires). In the picture steps Beth Turner, a reporter for an underground internet newsmagazine and TV reporting show which also doubles as a tabloid show called "BuzzWire". She's investigating the murder of a young coed who appears to have been killed by a vampire? But... there are "no such things as vampires," right? So, as we are introduced to the world of Vamps and Mick St. John and Beth Turner the human who gets tangled-up in this world, a sort of dance ensues.

It is an invigorating dance to watch, intoxicating actually. Most of the episodes are so well written that they flow with a kind of poetry only seen in literary, lyrical pieces. The dance between Beth and Mick is one that has twists and turns and is intertwined with fate as Mick saved Beth's life when she was a child of no more than 4. Since then, he has been watching over her, like an Avenging Angel. The other complication? Beth is dating the assistant D.A. and they are in love, heading to engagement.

But fate has Mick and Beth on its cross hairs, and so in a very powerful last episode for both the season and the series we're going to find out what happens to both Beth and Mick. First, some additional background. When Mick was turned, he apparently was turned by a woman from a family of Vamps with a long history (think royal history leading many hundreds of years back into the old world -- think French history). Secondly, they have developed the technology to not only be able to switch back to "human kind" for a short period of time, but while in Vampire mode be indestructible against the normal things that kill vampires, Fire and Silver. Just as Beth's relationship with the assistant D.A. comes to an end, Mick's search for 'humanity' comes to fruition. Yet, he is bound to cast out his humanity for his 'Avenging Angel' role in order to save Beth yet again in Vampire mode. Beth needs saving, and he can't do it without being a vamp.

All this sets-up the powerful ending where a vampire commits murder, gets caught and threatens to expose ALL Vampires in L.A. This threatens Mick St. John. This also teaches Beth something about Vampires.

Is their fledging relationship strong enough to survive the revelations?

Can a relationship between a vamp and a human actually work? How would it work? How long would it last, especially as the human ages and the Vamp doesn't? So many questions, so many neat ideas for more shows, so many more paths for the show to explore, but alas...

So here is a highly creative show, doing a fantastic job week in and week out. The story lines are excellent. For the first time, I am thinking, Vampires are sexy, because I've got to tell you, I did not like ANY of the stuff that Anne Rice published. I did not like any of the movies that her books were made into, either. Oh, there have been other Vampire movies, like "Blade", but nothing this good. Everything else has glorified the violence aspect of the Vampires, the bloodlust, the need to feed, yet none has shown the human part of the vamp, like "Moonlight" did -- I really appreciated that.

I have hope now that creative people out there are doing something with the genre. Oh, I know, lots of authors have been publishing lots of Vampire tales... let me see, there is Lauren K. Hamilton, who I haven't read and many others. But, until "Moonlight", I did not think, something refreshing could be done with this genre. This is why I loved "Moonlight". And that is why, I am now reading "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer -- it seems very promising.

Suffice it to say that I think CBS Television are idiots for canceling this show and not bringing it back in the Fall of 2008. It deserved another shot when there is no strike and after the full effect of the "Twilight" movie hits the public. Unfortunately, we won't get to see anymore of Beth Turner and Mick St. John.

Here is hoping that some creative force out there recognizes that this was powerful writing territory and gives us some stories in written form. I would certainly purchase such a book. Are there other takers out there?

Chekhov's Mistress: What Makes a Good Review?

Chekhov's Mistress: What Makes a Good Review?

Since I do Book Reviews in this blog, I found this article, or blog entry very interesting, and I wanted to briefly comment on the 5 points the author discusses:

1. I always try to do this -- this is one of the most important goals of any review. But, during this process, you must also personalize your review, meaning, you should tailor it to fit your perceptions of what you read. So, I do disagree slightly with the point, but overall, both the blog author and John Updike are correct.
2. I probably don't do enough of this, i.e., give enough quotation of the author. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Well, many times, my reviews come days after I have finished the book. I actually have four books sitting on my desk right now that have been finished that I have not published the reviews for... this is a problem, I need to rectify. The sooner I publish the review, the fresher the book will be in my mind, and thus I might be able to quote passages from it. Although, I did quote passages from "Shantaram"!
3. See # 2. Again, I totally agree with this thesis, to an extend: I personally prefer to write things in my own words. To describe things that happen in the book, rather than "quote" from the book.
4. I don't believe, I have ever spoiled a book in my summary. When I thought I was coming close to spoiling it, I warned the reader to skip ahead and used other tricks, or minimized the damage. But, this is a really important point.
5. This is the greatest point here. I remember one of my best reviews on Amazon. It was for "The Bear and the Dragon" by Tom Clancy, a book I did not like, and something I pointed out during my review. Do not be mistaken by the fact that I adore Tom Clancy as a writer, and I already miss Jack Ryan. I wish we were lucky enough to have a president like Jack Ryan sometimes. But this book got the politics and the action all wrong, compared to a book like Ralph Peter's "The War in 2020".

So, very good Blog Post, and very good rules to leave by. Rules, a reviewer must live by in order to be successful.

At any rate, I have linked to this post here, and I will continue to look for posts of this nature elsewhere, as I believe successful book reviews, help people make good buying decisions and support the publishing industry in promoting the kind of books that need to be written and we all would like to read.

Comments anyone?

Cloverfield

I was originally going to review this movie when it came out...why? Because, it is the only movie I have seen so far in theaters this year (2008)!

Yeah, I know, that's pretty funny. My original post, however, was going to be before I even started up this review blog, so I decided to wait and displace that review for this one.

I know it's kind of cheesy including this link (which is essentially an advertisement) for the movie in the review, but sue me OK? I was bored, and I didn't have time to go looking for pictures from the movie or other links to include in my review.

So, on to my review: Did I like this movie? And remember, about 4 months separate me from the time I actually saw it!

Yes, I did like this movie, unlike most of the reviewers at that time. What was it that they disliked? Well, instead of comparing my review to theirs, I will give you some of my good points.

I liked the first person view point that the movie was presented in. This made the movie a lot more personable to me. Yes, it did limit the point of view (POV) angles that were shot sometimes with the mini-cam, and you did not get to see the monster as much, but still, this was a concept I enjoyed.

I liked the futility of the characters trying to escape the destruction of the city and to survive. Survival is a human imperative. But, it makes you wonder, was this being contrasted to the monster's survival imperative? What then was the message there?

A lot of people complained that the type of people that populated the movie were all young 30 something young adults. Yet, this fact did not detract from the effect of the movie. You know, not everything in this country, or in this world is about the "Baby Boomer" Generation. And presenting something in someone else's viewpoint brings a fresh perspective to film making. I liked that, a lot.

Finally, the monster itself was cool. Some would say that we did not get to see it enough. Yet to me, all the unanswered questions are what made this movie all the better. If you have everything handed to you on a silver platter, then life offers no more mysteries. It is fun sometimes to wonder, what if... I enjoyed all the "what ifs" in this movie.

This movie scored a solid 3 stars out of 4 for me.

1011. Warriors: Into the Wild

Young adult fiction is a very competitive market. Sometimes, I wonder if young adults today even read. Judging from the amount of books being published for the target audience, they must. So, I was scanning the lists at BookMooch and PaperBackSwap for children's books, when I noticed that the "Warriors" series by Erin Hunter was very popular. Shortly thereafter, I run across the first book in this series, for sale, for $1 at a used bookstore. What luck! I could buy a book that was very popular, and if my nephew did not want it, I could post it at either BookMooch or PaperBackSwap for a quick point.

Of course, then I noticed how short the book was, so I decided to read it. I figured, what would it hurt! Well, let me tell you! It didn't hurt! And as children's literature goes, I rather enjoyed it. So, let me start at the beginning.

I love cats. I used to have a cat, who sadly passed away with cancer. That happens to humans and animals, unfortunately. This has nothing to do with the book of course, but when my cat was alive, I used to always wonder what he dreamed about. When his little limps twitched a certain way while he slept, was that because he was chasing a field mouse? When his ear twitched in his sleep and he made a groaning sound, was he getting set for the hunt? When he looked out the window and he saw the other cats, or dogs, or squirrels, what did he think? Did he want to be out there?

Erin Hunter, the author of the "Warriors" series takes those thoughts to their next logical step. The "hero" of the first book is a domesticated cat, named "Rusty". Rusty has not yet been fixed. When his owners let him go out the back door in the afternoon, but before nightfall, Rusty approaches the back fence bordering the forest with awe and some trepidation, but without fear. The other domesticated cats warn Rusty that he's in dangerous territory with his wild strolls in the woods, until one day Rusty runs into some wild cats. These cats are members of the Thunderclan, one of four clans of wild, untamed cats, roaming the back woods of this particular little corner of the Earth. Rusty receives an invitation to join Thundeclan from the clan leader. It later becomes clear that all of the clans are desperate for survival.

Food is getting scarce in the hunting territories, and someone is attacking and killing Warrior cats. It takes time to raise new kittens and train them into full blown Warriors. If Rusty pans out as a recruit, and he has the strength to live wild, he is an easy made recruit into the Warrior structure of Thunderclan. "Rusty" of course, accepts the call of the wild, as he feels it in his bones. And we're witness to his subsequent integration into Thunderclan and his training into becoming a Warrior. There of course many bumps on the road, but to give those away, I would be spoiling the book.

This fascinating first book by Erin Hunter is a worthwhile effort, teaching many positive lessons for children of all ages that will pick this book up. I was so impressed by the way the author weaved the story, and gave us an insight into cat culture. If my cat dreamed of living away from me, this is the life I would envision for him. In fact, if Tommy (my cat) is waiting for me at "Rainbow's Bridge", I want him to be running around and having fun, rollicking, playing and experiencing all his best dreams. Erin Hunter captures those feelings in this book, fantastically. It's not all posh and spice of course, there are trials and tribulations. There are fights to fight, a minor war to wage, a rescue to conduct, etc. Yet, the spirit of the Warrior cats shines through, as Truth, Justice, belief in the Righteousness of one's cause, Honor, Friendship all come into play. Indeed, these are magnificent virtues to teach a young person, and the author not only spins a wonderful yarn (like a fable, but even more so), but succeeds in teaching also.

At this point, I plan on reading more books in this series as time, and other reading allows. And this book gets a definite 3 stars.

1009. Revelation Space

Alastair Reynolds is a fantastic new voice in the world of speculative fiction. Although this book was first published in 2000, I did not read it until this year. And boy, was I missing a wonderful book.

But first things first: A little bit about Alastair Reynolds, born in Wales, England. He has a Ph. D in Astronomy. For some reason, many scientists make good science fiction writers. I dunno why. Alastair has done a wonderful job here. This book tackles that eternal question people seem to ask in different ways: "Are we alone in the Universe?"

Now, it is true that question has been asked before, by many Science Fiction authors in many different versions. I always enjoy reading these different "takes" (as they are called) on this theme. What's new, or refreshing in this story is neither the setting or the build-up behind it, but the originality of the characters.

You know, a long time time ago, a science fiction editor by the name of John W. Campbell, decided that characters were just as important to a Scientific speculative fiction story as the underlying science, the story itself. Without characters indeed, there is no story. Alastair Reynolds achieves this in spades. It's the characters that draw you into the story. Oh, there is enough scientific exposition to make you believe that you are 500 years in the future. But Dan Sylveste and Ilia Volyova will make you believe that you are there.

Dan Sylveste is investigating the "Amarantin puzzle", an extinct race, whose archaeological traces humanity has been investigating for years on different worlds. Yet, on this world that humans have colonized, the "Amarantin" seem to have accomplished something. They seem to have achieved a level of technological sophistication, maybe at the humanity's current level or even beyond, a completely unexpected development. WHY? All previously extinct races that humanity had come across had never reached this level, EXCEPT for humans themselves.

There are of course the "Shrouders", an unknown conglomeration of Alien entities or Alien intelligences hiding behind a physical shroud in space which is impenetrable...and then there are the "Inhibitors". Who are the "Inhibitors"? And what do they want with humanity?

I do not want to give more of the plot so as not to spoil it. Suffice it to say, that A.I.s are central to this book, as well as Light-Huggers (ships that accelerate UP TO the speed of light) -- no FTL crap in this book. Dan Sylveste's father was one of the first people capable of downloading his mind into a computer. He was also the first to make contact with the "Shrouders". Since that time, Dan Sylveste himself attempted contact with the "Shrouders". And with this set-up we're thrown into a whirlwind, action whodunit with lots of mystery. The crew of the light-hugger Nostalgia for Infinity is of course central to the plot, as well as events set in motion hundreds of years in the past.

I highly recommend this book. Although, it will leave some questions unanswered, the book reaches a satisfying conclusion -- yet it leaves you hungering for more! Good thing then, that Alastair Reynolds has written 4 more books set in the same universe as "Revelation Space":

1. Chasm City (2001)
   
2. Redemption Ark (2002)
   
3. Absolution Gap (2003)
   
4. The Prefect (2007)

I give this book 4 and one half stars our of 5.

Jericho: Patriots and Tyrants (2.7)

It's a shame really. One of the best television shows to come along in a very long time came to its conclusion tonight because the hard headed woman who runs CBS Television, Nina Tassler decided it was not worthy of continuing.

Personally, and this is my own little private venting on the matter, I believe the decision was partly political in nature. It was political for all the reasons I will lay out below. Oh, this was going to be a review of the last episode in which Jake and Hawkins take the remaining nuke out of the hands of the renegade government of Cheyenne, Wyoming and deliver it to the Governor in Texas. What does this act accomplish? Firstly, it proves that this was NOT an act of international terrorism, but a well thought-out and executed plan from within to decapitate the government and take over the country. The bomb is the proof. It was made from nuclear material stolen from domestic sources and had no sourcing in Iran and N. Korea, two countries in this fictionalized world that we have eliminated from the world map through retaliatory nuclear ICBM strikes.

Second, it gives the government of Texas a large chip to hold in the Post-Apocalypse world of U.S.A. politics. It can veer away from the Cheyenne, Wyoming pretenders and align itself with the remnants of the true, democratic government of the US. It now knows the truth. Is there a 2nd American Civil War brewing? Something that we've seen hints of, in Season 2 of Jericho?

It continues to amaze me, how well this show captures some of the subtleties of the hidden politics in the arena of public life in this country. Most people will admit, they wake-up in the morning, eat their breakfast, go to work, try to earn a decent living, so that they can go home and maybe enjoy some quality time with their children and their husbands or wives. Most people are good people. I have always felt that. The people that I meet day to day are just average Joes, just like you and me, with their own set of problems, but they have happiness in their lives too. They go about wanting the same things; a better education for their children, a retirement for themselves, a vacation now and then. Some used to call all of that "The American Dream". But somewhere along the way, the dream got hijacked.

It got hijacked by the special interests, by the corporations, by the powerful in America. The powerful keep promising the same things they have always promised, but those are only broken promises now. And why is that? Because most people are in a sort of a haze, in a funk, in a daze. Oh, they are mostly happy with where they are -- and don't you dare threaten God and Country. Don't you dare speak badly about the Bible. But that's not the point, is it? The thieves have already come into the house, stolen the valuables and desecrated the altar. And you didn't even know it. It's already to late to do something about it. When Dr. King was marching on Washington the thieves were plotting their take-overs from CEO boardrooms, from Fifth Avenue penthouses and from executive suites overlooking beautiful palm trees in many different locations. They had carved-up the world, declared a victor and passed-out the spoils. And you, me and the average Joe, we're just bit players in the drama, aren't we? They've already shipped our jobs somewhere else, somewhere the labor rates suit their tastes, and they get better profits and larger bottom lines.

So, why couldn't a whole country be hijacked? What is the "check" and the "balance" in the system to stop the hijacking? This was the basic and underlying premise of Jericho. In the REAL, post-9/11, tragic world, anything is possible, anything is plausible. If "We The People" do not keep-up our vigilance, then who is to say that our Democracy can not be hijacked? And do not argue with me that we are a Republic and not a Democracy. We are a "Republic" with a "Democratic" form of government, but for some reason, we're reverting to what a "Republic" stood for in the ancient tradition; the rule of the few, the rule of the "monarch", or in this case, the rule of the "Ploutarch" -- the Rich (the Oligarch)!

So, as season 2 of Jericho came to conclusion, detailing these obvious truths, and showing the actions of true patriots, one must wonder, what does the 40% (or more in some cases) of Americans who don't vote think about the issues that Jericho presented? Do they perceive that because this was a fictionalized account, "leave me alone, I don't want to be bothered, I am watching 'American Idol' or any of the myriad other Reality TV shows, and have no time to think?" Or, do they only want to think that hard, when they are in the voting booth, after they've been beaten up by propaganda from either the left or the right and they are about to pull their little lever or write down their little choice for president? Whatever the case may be, the wonderful show Jericho, is no more, and one is left to ponder why? Because, I think, plenty of good people watched it and appreciated it.

The fight for Jericho lives on at Jericho Rally Point. I thank, Callisto925 especially, for the wonderful covers I used on my episode synopsis/reviews. Major props!

And shame on you Nina Tassler for lying to us fans, first bringing the show back for a shortened second season, then not giving it a half way chance to succeed and bowing to other interests and canceling it.

Major congratulations to the creators for what they achieved with this show. I WILL BE buying the DVD Boxed sets! Thanks!

1008. Wandering Star (Volume One)

The "Wandering Star" Graphic Novel (GN for the un-initiated) by Teri Sue Wood, follows the story of Cassandra, daughter of the president of the United Nations in the year 2192. After a long World War, and after making contact with aliens, humanity fights a war with the Bono Kiro, a war like race, that the Galactic Alliance does not want to deal with. Yet, the lowly Earthlings manage to defeat them...

But, I am getting ahead of myself. In this book, we do not find anything about that first war with the Bono Kiro. Instead, we find out about Cassandra's first year at the Galactic Academy where all the sons and daughters of planetary leaders attend school. And although Earth provided a big service by defeating the Bono Kiro, Earth's people are still treated as second hand citizens.

Cassandra receives a lot of abuse from schoolmates. Especially Mekon DZN Appogand and his sister Lindi. But Cassandra manages to maintain her composure and temper not succumbing to the Earther stereotype of a hot-tempered human. She eventually makes some friends in the form of Madison (who empathic), Elli (an energy being) and Graikor. Graikor and Elli are building the spaceship "Wandering Star" (namesake of the GN). And thus the adventure begins.

Overall, this is a nice little Graphic Novel, done in Black & White, sometimes the preferred method of artists to communicate with the public. Why do I say that? Well, sometimes, when the full color palette is available, the artists go wild and overwhelm us, wanting to prove their prowess at their art. Yet, with this B&W style, we are able to see facial expressions, interactions between individuals, emotions on people's faces and other details, such as scenery, machinery, etc., that is important to the storyline.

Having said that, I was a bit disappointed at times of the way that Cassandra was drawn. It could be that I was overwhelmed by the effect of the older Cassandra reliving and recounting events in the past, when she was just a teenager. The differences between were striking. Yet, I also saw differences between the way present day Cassandra was drawn from panel to panel.

Having said all that, my complaint is a rather minor one, because this is really a very good GN, and I highly recommend it to every one. I hope to soon read Volumes 2 & 3.

3 stars out of 4.

1007. Flying to Nowhere

This is weird little book by the author John Fuller that I have had on my bookshelf for a long time. I originally bought it for two reasons. First, because it was compared to Umberto Eco's "The Name of the Rose" and second because it was short. Strangely, in all the years that have passed, I never got around to reading it.

So finally, I got to it. And I read it. And let me tell you, it's one weird little book. But let me start at the beginning. What is the plot of this book? It starts with the approach of Vane, a church representative send by the Bishop to a local monastery on an island near the coast of somewhere or other. Three monastery novices go to meet him at the dock, but not the Abbot of the monastery himself. Meanwhile, the peasants of the island look up from their field work and see disaster, because as the large boat approaches, Vane's horse (which is on the boat as well) is unnerved and tries to get off. The oarsmen have to cut him loose. The approach to shore is dangerous and steep and lined with rocks and so the horse drowns.

This is not the first pitfall that befalls Vane, the church inquisitor, come to investigate rumors and allegations at the monastery. He wants to learn the fates of pilgrims who have come to be blessed by the waters of Saint Lleuddad's spring. Does the Saint's well water possess the ability to cure all ills? But if it does, why haven't any pilgrims ever returned from the island? Vane, the church administrator as well, wants to find out about how the Abbot runs his monastery, and about rumors of improprieties, and whether the novices are truly novices or just servants.

So with this background an interesting tale, a mystery if you will begins. Thankfully it is a short book with a few other minor characters beyond Vane and the Abbot. There is the mysterious Manciple, and Mrs Ffedderbompau and Tetty and Geoffrey. But Mrs Ffedderbompau is important for the sort of prophetic vision she has, while Tetty, one of the girls under her protection in the village on the island runs off with Geoffrey. It all becomes too convoluted after a while, and suffice it to say, I would be giving away too much if I tell you what sort of power the waters really have. In truth, the Abbott is not an Abbott anymore, as he abandoned religious study for study of a different kind, many years ago. Vane's search for the truth might uncover that, but the island might try to hide that truth from outsiders, might try to protect its secret.

How did I like this book? In many ways, you can say this book is allegorical in nature. It speaks to our search for immortality and eternal wisdom not only through religion, but through the everyday rituals we perform. It is also an allegory about the power of belief in the saving grace of something beyond us. Of course, if you're already searching for something beyond, then you almost always either believe it exists, or want to debunk it. Does the Abbott want to debunk the power of the Saint's well? Does the church's representative, Vane want to believe? The opposite? Or are they both wrong? Are the inhabitants of the island of the Well Spring the only believers? And why does Tetty and Geoffrey reject the power of the island? Do we reject the obvious around us in everyday life?

As I said in the beginning, this was thankfully a short book. It was also a bit muddled, and difficult to get through. It's only upon reflection that I can think of these thoughts. Still despite some positive achievements by the writer here I can't in good conscience give this book more than 2 stars.

1006. Shantaram

"It took me a long time and most of the world to learn what I know about love and fate and the choices we make, but the heart of it came to me in an instant, while I was chained to a wall and being tortured."

Thus begins one of the most extraordinary novels I have ever read, probably one of the most extraordinary novels of the 21st century. And it is, in this first sentence that you realize how extraordinary. Witness the contrast of what the author is saying: he contrasts love with being imprisoned and chained to a wall and being tortured. Is there something that could be more opposite to love than torture?

And with this opening phrase this book grabs you. By the time you finish the first chapter you have entered into another world, a world best experienced with all of the senses, a world you can immerse yourself in for an unforgettable 940 pages. Do not let the length of this novel overwhelm you. It can seem daunting, and it can seem like a meandering river at times, but it is not. Let me first begin, by providing you with a couple of links, one to the author's website, and a link to a wonderful interview he did:

Author's Website

Gregory David Roberts Interview

They are not required reading, but upon getting this book, and getting ready to read it, I think you ought to become familiar with Mr. Gregory David Roberts himself. This background will explain the character of Lin or "Shantaram", the "Man of Peace", (also known as Linbaba or Lindsey) who comes to Bombay to "hide" in plain sight, after his escape from prison. There are many parallels between the real life of Mr. Roberts, the author and the characters and events in the book. Having some idea of where the author is coming from, and what he experienced in real life, helps to put into context some of the things that appear in the book.

Now, I am not suggesting that Gregory David Roberts SHOULD HAVE wrote a memoir. Far from it. This book works much better as a piece of literary fiction. There are groups out there on the Internet discussing the novel, and there appears to be a lot of confusion on this point. For me, the words of the author are absolute. This is a work of fiction, and the characters and events in the book have been inspired by real-life events. This, does not diminish them in any way and in fact, in presenting them in this form gives them greater STRENGTH and GREATER potential.

In reviewing this book, I will focus on two particular chapters only after a short overview -- which is readily available to anyone:

Shantaram is the story of Lindsey, an escaped convict from Australia traveling on a faked New Zealand passport who ends-up in Bombay, India. Here, he will come to be known as Lin, and then Linbaba and eventually become the title character, "Shantaram". The book is his story in hiding while in the sprawling city of Bombay, the people he meets there, the effect of the city on him, his effect on the city, his love for the city and his love for the people. Also, his love for Karla and his adventures while trying to survive among the Mumbai sprawl. It is a story of hope, courage, love, betrayal, friendship, faith, and ultimately redemption.

I know, that is but four sentences trying to summarize 940 pages, but it is hard to summarize a poem of such eloquent prose in any amount of words. You might ask me how I can heap such excellent praise on this book, but I must. This book, if you follow your heart, will take you on a journey that you will never forget. Most writers do an amazing and difficult job constructing imaginary worlds and then populate them with realistic characters who come alive through those pages. In the case of Mr. Roberts, the real Bombay, does not need to be constructed, but rather it needs to be drawn for us with the pen like one of those sketches a street artist completes for you and you see it come to life little by little.

The prose runs of the page like an epic poem. Granted it is one that runs 940 pages in length, but it is entertaining the whole way through. The hero in this journey discovers some truths about himself and about love and about the world, just as that first sentence suggests. Chapter 23 in particular spoke to my spiritual heart, it spoke directly to my soul, but it also spoke to my reason. This chapter discusses the author's resolution theory in some detail, his blueprint if you will, behind his belief system. Is there "good" or "evil" in the world? Or are the actions that we perform "good" or "evil"? Are we defined by those actions? Meaning, if we perform "evil" actions for a living (like a gangster or 'goonda' in Roberts' book), does that condemn us to some sort of metaphorical, or hypothetical or existential hell? It is not often that a book speaks to you with such passion and tries to teach you as well. You might not agree with Mr. Roberts' Theology, or Cosmology, or whatever you want to call it, but whatever you think of it, you WILL think about it. The impact of this chapter is that much greater first because of the events preceding it and the chapter following it. Because the love flowing out of the next chapter is so intense, so passionate, that not even the hottest romance novelist can compete.

And then there was Chapter 30. Please, skip this paragraph, if you do not want to be spoiled. It will be in different color. When the text color changes back, you know, you can continue reading the review. The night, I read chapter 30, I stayed awake and cried. I cried for Linbaba and I cried for Prabu and I cried for Abdullah and I cried for all those people who do not understand what REAL love means in the world and what REAL love can drive a person to do. Roberts' does a magnificent job of describing the feelings a man has for those lost. For the little "trained mouse" that the other inmate nailed on the cell wall who was Prabu. For the friend who was like a brother, who was Abdullah. For the world that was unkind in so many ways, so many times. I cried for Linbaba for the choices he made, as I asked myself: Would I have made those same choices? Regardless of the answer, I appreciate literature that allows me to ask that question.

The beauty of a great book like this sometimes is that you don't want it to end. Despite the length and because of the beauty of the characters and the beauty of the Bombay (Mumbai) that Roberts' describes, you want the story to continue. You want to know what happens next. You want to know about everything! This is certainly the kind of book that will stay with you forever. Supposedly, they will make a movie out of it. I don't know how they can do justice to the material. I do know that the written story is beautiful. I do know that I highly recommend this book, and I plan to give it as a gift to a few people I know.

It is definitely a four star book. In the past, when I reviewed books in my handwritten journal, books that impressed me this much, I gave them one big HUGE STAR. That meant, they were worth more than four stars. Does that mean five stars?

Jericho: Sedition (2.6)

Jericho continues it's run into the sunset with the next to last episode of the second, shortened season called: "Sedition". An 'Act' of Sedition of course, is an act of insurrection against the established order, in the case of Jericho, the citizens of Jericho rebelling against the lawful authority of the U.S. Government. Except of course, things are not that clear cut in Jericho any more. There is NO MORE U.S. Government, as it was destroyed when the nuclear bombs flew in the first episode of season 1. Jericho has been ruled from the Western States capital of Wyoming. And, it clearly appears now that the head of that 'fake' government calling itself the 'Allied States' of America is really a puppet of 'Jennings & Rall' and 'Ravenwood'.

In this context, 'Jennings & Rall' and 'Ravenwood' of course stand for 'KBR' and 'Blackwater' and the message is clear. We have sold our country and our freedoms to the giant behemoth multi-nationals, with the power to not only finance elections, but to actually BUY elections for their clients. And, after buying them, they can make it stick, by simply using their private contractor army, called 'Blackwater'.

If you don't think it can happen in this country, then you obviously just fell out of the apple tree...

The beauty of the episode 'Sedition' is to show that might does make right. Major Beck, the local army commander knows some of the self-evident truths about the situation that has developed. He believes that his actions are helping to put the Old Country, the USA, back together. During the situations he is encountering, is he discovering otherwise? Because by know he has had sufficient conversations with Hawkins, Jake and Heather to understand that things are not what they appear to be.

I like Jake's resistance to the 'isolation' - sensory deprivation tank he's placed in. He survives it by conjuring his grandfather in his mind, who helps guide him through his resistance. Grandfather explains that what some people call a terrorist or resistance, other people call a revolutionary. The people in Wyoming, who are running 'Jennings and Rall', are called Usurpers. They took power by destroying. They took what did not belong to them. The only way to take it back is by fighting them, by launching what is in effect a revolution. That government might call the people of 'Jericho' terrorists, but they are not.

Isn't it interesting when you contrast this episode with a book review for a book I recently finished, Empire by Orson Scott Card to notice how much better, the writers of Jericho handle the subject matter? Not only do they present a cautionary, morality tale, but they play a lot of role reversals and teach us about our own society today. It's all right there on the screen. It does not have to be interpreted by an essay at the end of the book.

There is late breaking news that CBS is canceling the show Jericho. There is no accounting for taste, I guess... I wonder if there is accounting, or room for conspiracy theories, anyone?

You think the real corporate money got to CBS and told them that they were uncomfortable with the way they were being portrayed on their TV show? I'll think about it some more and post later. I hope not.

Stairway to Heaven

Can I please have one of those:

Stairway to Heaven -- A Book Collector's Dream!

See what I am talking about? It's brilliant, what that is! Brilliant! I want one. And, if anyone in the family is looking for me, they'll always know where to find me: Somewhere up or down my "stairway to heaven".

Now, what can you do about my bedroom? I need to remove my TV and the noise from other family members. There should only be a bed in there and my books. Any ideas?

1005. Apocalypse 2012

If you believe in the end of the world, and if you believe that the end is near, then, Apocalypse 2012 is a book you must read. ABC-TV had done something similar a few years back, showing all the things that can kill human kind. The show, which was very bleak, was called 'Last Days on Earth' and it focused on the Singularity and events such as asteroid impacts, galactic storms, super volcanoes and super storms.

Author Lawrence E. Joseph explores all these themes and more in this excellent book, subtitled: An Investigation Into Civilization's End. Good apocalyptic books are hard to come by these days. Trust me. I read the genre voraciously. Most of those who write in it are quacks and have no idea what they are talking about. Lawrence E. Joseph starts from a simple premise: What if there is something to this Maya calendar, where things tick from one epoch to another on 12/21/12 (December 21, 2012). According to the Mayan expressing of things, this date is referred to as "13.0.0.0.0". The following day will be "0.0.0.0.1". Is this just another new day, a beginning of a new era, a new epoch? Or the end of the world? And the world made new from the ashes?

We all are familiar of course with many of the prophecies of the Western World, both those that come from the religious realm and those attributed to Nostradamus and others. Personally, I have never subscribed to anything put forward by Nostradamus. Similarly, it seems difficult to accept some of the prophecies in religious text when they seem to have been geared as teaching tools towards the people of their era.

The author of this book does not get embroiled in analyzing Nostradamus or any other quack, or accepting or debunking any religious text. He does wonder though, with the Mayan astronomical calendar as a starting point, and their observations as a guidepost, if they had left us, a clue. Their calendar is an excellent example of the different ages the Earth has been through. The Maya were able to comprehend the Earth's place in the cosmic whole, and Lawrence E. Joseph takes this truth and runs with it, discovering along the way many of the things that could indeed bring the catastrophe that the cosmic clock seems to be ticking towards. If the Maya clock bookends events on a cosmic scale, events that by their size could spell the destruction of the whole planet, then it is possible the clicking down of this latest age of the Mayan clock could signify the approach of such events.

Lawrence E. Joseph explores some of these in detail in this book (from the Introduction on pages 16 and 17):

1. Since the 1940s, and particularly since 2003, the Sun has behaved more tumultuously than any time since the rapid global warming that accompanied the melting of the last Ice Age 11,000 years ago. Solar physicists concur that solar activity will next peak, at record setting levels, in 2012.
2. Storms on the Sun are related to storms on the Earth. The great wave of hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma coincided with one of the stormiest weeks in the recorded history of the sun.
3. The Earth's magnetic field, our primary defense against harmful solar radiation, has begun to dwindle, with California-sized cracks opening-up randomly. A pole shift, in which such protection falls nearly to zero as the North and South magnetic poles reverse positions, may well be under way.
4. Russian geophysicists believe that the Solar System has entered an interstellar energy cloud. This cloud is energizing and destabilizing the Sun and all the planets' atmospheres. Their predictions for catastrophe resulting from the Earth's encounter with this energy cloud range from 2010 to 2020.
5. Physicists at UC Berkeley, who discovered that the dinosaurs and 70 percent of all other species on Earth were extinguished by the impact of a comet or asteroid 65 million years ago, maintain with 99 percent certainty, that we are now overdue for another such megacatastrophe.
6. The Yellowstone supervolcano, which erupts catastrophically every 600,000 to 700,000 years, is preparing to blow. The most recent eruption of comparable magnitude, at Lake Toba, Indonesia, 74,000 years ago. led to the death of more than 90 percent of the world's population at the time.
7. Eastern philosophies, such as the I Ching, The Chinese Book of Changes, and Hindu theology, have been plausibly interpreted as supporting the 2012 end date, as have a range of indigenous belief systems.
8. At least one scholarly interpretation of the Bible predicts that the Earth will be annihilated in 2012. The burgeoning Armageddonist movement of Muslims, Christians, and Jews actively seeks to precipitate the final end-times battle.

After reading this, you're probably saying to yourself: "Now what the f--- do I do? I am hosed." Well, forgive me for the colorful language, but don't be afraid. In many ways, this book has been written with the layman -- namely YOU in mind. Although it has a lot of scientific information in it, it doesn't "drown" or "wallow" in that information. It allows the reader to gently proceed from subject to subject and to learn what the effects of the subject-matter would mean, how it affects us today, and what we may be able to do to protect ourselves in the future.

The method author Lawrence E. Joseph chooses to do this is by writing this book like a travel log, discovering these dark, scientific secrets as he proceeds down the list. It is his incredulity at some of these notions we first see. He is after all an Engineer, a scientist's scientist himself, reluctant to believe, yet eager to learn, and able to understand. I honestly, like this type of writing approach. It makes for a very good reading experience. And it's one of the main reasons I recommend this book.

Oh, it's a short book, it's not going to consume your life to read it. And it's not fatalistic. Yes, it presents some scenarios that align with what many cultures and religious beliefs have predicted about the future of mankind. Does that mean we're doomed? The author, and I believe, the reader, in then end, will come to the same conclusion: "It's not so cut and dried". Yes, a lot of this is true, and yes the prophecies can not be so fantastic (unbelievable) if they align so accurately with the science, but mankind has a window of opportunity, albeit a small one, a window in which to act, to preserve itself, to fight for its future. That's the positive message I'd like to leave with after finishing this book.

Mankind has a hopeful future if we try...

I give this book fours stars, easily:



PS. If you are on BookMooch and you really want to read this book, and YOU really want to get a hold of my copy and not buy your own, drop me an e-mail (I am "Hercules40") and we'll arrange something!!!

1004. Empire

Empire by Orson Scott Card

It should be stated that when I first saw this book by Card in the bookstore, I expected it to be completely different in tone, politically, than it turned out to be. Stay with me though, as I try to explain a couple of more points. At the time, my TBR (to be read) pile was rather large, and I was low on funds, so I skipped it. I don't necessary 'worship' everything Card has written, but since the story of Ender Wiggins came out, I made it a point to read quite a few of his novels.

So, finally, the paperback version of the book got published, and in preparing for the 2007 holiday season, I went to add it to my Amazon 'wish list' (don't hesitate to buy me a book from there!)--hoping! Well, I read a couple of reviews, and suddenly I was starting to worry that this might not be such a good book. Was it the politics of Card that would not agree with me? Was it something else entirely in this book? Finally, after joining BookMooch and PaperBackSwap, the book became available and I decided to 'get it' and read it for myself.

So, yeah, the politics of Mr. Card do not seem to agree with mine. On the other hand, we are not that far apart -- it's not simply a matter of 'Blue States' versus 'Red Stated' as the Civil War in his book becomes. Politics in the America (USA for you foreigners--I know, we're very obnoxious like that) of today are more complicated. That's not necessarily a reason to NOT read a particular book. Unless of course you already know that a particular person is an outright liar and a deceiver. I have read things and watched movies or documentaries from a perspective that I did not agree with, yet I wanted to learn that side of the story.

The premise of the book is very simple. A grizzled old vet, Captain Malich, returns home to finish his post-graduate education in order to advance both his military career and his post-retirement civilian one. As he advances to the rank of Major, we find him deep in the bowels of the Pentagon working on various assignments, most of them secret, and with purposes that not even his wife can fathom. It all seems pretty bewildering when Captain Coleman (Cole as he will come to be known) joins Malich as his #1 aide. But Cole is not the sort that gives up easy on new assignments, however obnoxious or overbearing or secretive the boss might be. He goes around the secretary and takes a drive to Major Malich's house where he meets Cecily, the major's wife. She has no clue what Reuben Malich is up to either -- but, Captain Coleman's initiative is enough to convince the major that he can be trusted.

And very quickly the action begins and escalates. There is an assassination attempt / terrorist attack in the Capital, Washington D.C. The major and the captain figure it out and are almost able to prevent it. But, through the attack, the American President is killed and the US government is thrown into chaos. This is but the first 'shot' in a 'war' played out mostly in rhetoric and behind the scenes. Because it appears that the movers in this war which threatens to engulf the whole United States are driven by left-wing forces (what we would call, "the Liberals in America"). And that's where Mr. Card lost me. So, yeah, maybe "the liberals" are unhappy that they 'lost' the 2000 election, but would they even contemplate the actions Mr. Card describes in this book? What sort of fantasy is this? Probably one concocted by 'Fixed News Channel' urm, sorry, meant to say 'Faux News Channel' which plays a prominent role in this book.

Okay, you can throw a counter-argument at me and say: 'well, no, it's not really the liberals that are causing all the problems and bringing the country to the brink of Civil War, but rather the puppeteer behind the stage who is manipulating events. Throughout the book we're given little hints that maybe things are not the way they appear, that something else might be going on, that there might be another reason for what is happening. But even that story thread is not resolved by Mr. Card by the end of the book.

And then there are the Mecha. Now, if you're a fun of Japanese Animation, you probably are very familiar with these mechanical fighting vehicles. There are a concept of near Fantasy or advanced Science Fiction, depending on how you want to view them. They are the "Mobile Suits" of Robert Heinlein's 'Starship Troopers'. In this case, they have advanced a bit to suit our 21st century tastes. In some ways they do jar the senses. Are they technologically feasible? The major characters in the story, like Major Malich and Captain Coleman believe that they are producible with today's technology.

So, Card's novel, becomes a Tom Clancy wannabe story full of intrigue and mystery and political background machinations with some spectacular climactic battles. Does Card pull it off in the end?

Sadly, I think that is precisely the moment where he fails. His background is spectacular, even if you don't agree with his politics. And his premise, about the power behind the throne is certainly plausible enough to have the ring of truthiness in it... But truthiness DOES NOT in any way equate with the truth. The danger this republic currently faces actually does come from real forces which are not even in hiding or pulling strings from the background.

Normally, Orson Scott Card's characterizations are flawless. But he does not give enough development to climactic political machinations. It is as if, that particular chapter was thrown in as an afterthought. In addition, Major Malich's old Ranger/Special Forces unit makes an appearance in the book. And while these characters are very enjoyable, they are sort of cartoonish and not fully developed. Finally, Cecily Malich could have been utilized just a bit more. In the end, her talents were left undeveloped in the closing chapter which left me wanting for more...

Fair warning: This book was written as a tie-in to a supposed video game franchise by Chair Entertainment. Whether that game ever came out or not, I don't know, but this could account for some of the problems with the book.

One final thought. Orson Scott Card has a longish essay at the end of the book trying to explain some of his views that underlie the novel. While there are some very good thoughts in there as a whole, in the end that essay comes across as more shrill than most of the debate taking place on American Airwaves today that it is aimed against.

I am not yet giving up on Orson Scott Card, but I am only giving this book 2 stars out of 4--and that's barely. I really thought about giving it 1.5 stars, but I did enjoy Captain Coleman and some of the action.

Jericho: Termination for Cause (2.5)

Jericho is the best show on television. It's true, I do go through some phases, and I have previously declared that XYZ show was the best, and before that UVW and so on... So, I have cycled, through 'Heroes' which severely disappointed through its sophomore season, 'Lost', which almost lost me (forgive the pun) during the end of the second season and beginning of the third season, and '24' which after a brilliant first season has almost fizzled. After all, how do you overcome the brilliance of that story? With more torture of course!

Then again there is always Babylon 5, quite simply, a glorious concoction of brilliance in television film-making. But I won't go there.

No, instead, I just want to discuss this brilliant episode of Jericho (Episode 2.5). For those who have not watched Jericho from the beginning, I have to tell you, you have missed the most frightening, the most prophetic, the most well written cautionary tale of television, EVER!

Good television should entertain, but should also instruct and educate. This is the reason I grew up watching cartoons, but I also grew-up watching all the Disney nature shows and all the documentaries. Documentary watching turned into historical and political and social documentaries and other educational shows, and my entertainment got more extreme! Very few shows however have managed to combine the intelligence of both.

Babylon 5, as I mentioned was one. It easily cautioned about the abuses of power and the extreme avarice it brings. Power begets the need for more power, and sometimes the protectors are very few and a line must be drawn. Those who state that they defend freedom might not be the true defenders of freedom, and in truth, they might me usurpers that must be defeated first. It is difficult to tell who is who. 'Wolf in sheep's clothing'. This is why Babylon 5 was such a great show.

Jericho has achieved that excellence in a lot less time that Babylon 5. It had to be, because the poor show was under the gun from the CBS network from the beginning. This great show about an attack on our nation (a Fifth Column if you will), from the inside has supposedly struggled for ratings since day one. Yet, people who have watched this show know, it's not about the ratings, it's about the story-- and the quality of the story. It's the story of some simple people caught in the literal and figurative cross-fire after a terrorist nuclear attack on our nation. Of course we retaliate. But that's not the point. The point is is this: How are the lives of these people affected?

Don't read beyond here if you don't want to be spoiled about this episode.

Episode 2.5 is Stanley's episode for me. At the end of episode 2.4, Bonnie is killed by 'Ravenwood' (aka Blackwater) while defending Mimi over the ledger that purports to show the $10,000 in stolen money by the 'Ravenwood' director Goetz. Goetz is of course responsible for the murder. And by the end of Episode 2.5 events reach a point where Goetz is fired from 'Ravenwood' AND Stanley exacts his revenge on Goetz by pulling the trigger and killing him.

When I watch such intense scenes on TV sometimes, I often ask myself, WHAT WOULD I DO in that person's place? To be honest, if my sister had been murdered like that by someone like Goetz, I am not sure, I would not have lost it like Stanley did--no matter how Christian I promote myself to be. Was that the right thing for Stanley to do? Of course not! That's not the point! But I can definitely understand where he came from. And I never actually promote capital punishment--I think it's an outmoded method of punishment. Yet, there are cases, such as this, where it it imperative, and the only step left.

But the real lesson of this episode was the "Boston Tea Party" moment of the episode as I called it. The moment when the 'Rangers' (so called Jericho protectors made up from the town volunteers) united to confront the 'Ravenwood' police presence threatening both Mimi's life and the town's security.

As I said before, sometimes the danger lurks within and does not come from without. If we're not prepared to defend our homes, our freedoms and our livelihoods against all comers it will be too late. The unfortunate part in all of this is that such a great cautionary tale has not been watched by a greater number of Americans, so that we'd all be prepared. Instead, I am afraid, we will be led, like sheep to slaughter, without protest as they take our country from us.

It might be soon....

1003. Final Impact

"Final Impact"

This book by John Birmingham is the third novel in the "Axis of Time" trilogy. A fascinating alternate history / alternate reality science-fiction story set in the year 2021 (or rather beginning there), but actually taking place during the height of World War II (or '2' if you prefer).

But, first of all, let me set the stage for you: In 2021, an international Task Force headed by the USS Super-Carrier 'Hillary Clinton' is sailing off the Indonesian waters to enforce some sort of U.N. edict. There are various politics involved as to why this task force is in the area. Mention is made of 'The War on Terror' having commenced following the attacks of 9/11, as well as the fight against various terrorist organizations. In some sense, the world of the future, in the few pages allotted to it by John Birmingham, is just as fascinating as the world of the past he's about to build.

One of the premises that I always find 'funny' (in all its connotations) in Science Fiction is the 'mad scientist' invention. Mr. Birmingham doesn't necessarily stoop to the level of using it in this trilogy, but he embraces it.... BUT, I am not here to review the whole series or trilogy. Suffice it to say, that the ships of 2021 end up in 1942, and the history of World War II is changed forever. So, it's time to jump ahead (or rather back, if you'll forgive the pun....) If you have not read the first two books in the series, do yourself a favor, and go get those books: "Weapons of Choice" and "Designated Targets". And stop reading this review right here, before you spoil your enjoyment.

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Events in the third book begin with the alternate 1944's D-Day landings in Calais. Why Calais and not Normandy? That's what Hitler would like to know. The Allies have brought into the fight a lot of modified weapons. These weapons are not from the future. Rather, they are what 1940s technology can produce with 2020s know-how. This gives them a clear advantage over the Axis powers, even though, the Axis powers also have in their possession some of these 'future secrets'. And of course the 'The Sword of Damocles' in this whole fight is the fate of one of the Task Force's 'lost ships'. Did the 'HMS Vanguard' slip through time and end-up in the hands of the Russians who at this time in history absolutely control the USSR and are in turn ruthlessly controlled by the brutal dictator Stalin and his cronies? And do the Soviets now possess sufficient modern technologies (aka, 21st century technologies) to oppose the emerging victory of the Allies?

If you've read the first two books, you will know that John Birmingham uses a cast of thousands and many historical figures as key players in his books. It's not as if other fiction writers have not attempted this method before. Harry Turtledove is well known for doing the same, and I have read simple short stories that fictionalized the lives of presidents and others. But the scope in which Mr. Birmingham does it, is breathtaking and awe-inspiring. How can you know the man and president, Franklin D. Roosevelt? How can you know the man and General, Dwight D. Eisenhower? Yet, somehow, John Birmingham has done significant enough research to pull of some magnificent characterizations for these people. This is one of the endearing features of this trilogy.

At the same time however, the author has enough 21st century characters who are completely fictional (but could be based on real people -- in the sense that a TV reporter in the book is inspired by a real life TV reporter), who are very prominent. And in this final chapter of the trilogy, the base characters, the ones who came to the past from 2021 with the 'Hillary Clinton' task force return to the foreground. Their adventures are the link in the important pieces that set-up the ending of the book and the ending of the trilogy.

The old girl, the USS 'Hillary Clinton' has been retrofitted to fight with an amalgam of 1940s/1950s technology. It is still the most fearsome weapon on the sea, except the sea it prowls is set in 1944. Finally, the other plot point that I can reveal here (bit of an annoying spoiler, I know, but you kind of knew that it was coming) is the existence of nuclear weapons. Many of the engineers and the technology that came back with the 'Clinton' are utilized by all the Powers in the World in the development of Nuclear Weapons. Who succeeds and who uses them first and with what kind of results is left for you to find out.

"Final Impact" works both as a Science Fiction / Alternate History Fiction novel, as well as a cautionary tell. All good Science Fiction novels must operate in this arena. You take some characters from our world and place them in a situation which is completely outside of our experience. What you hope to achieve with this ploy is the discovery of some new ways of looking at the world. Some new interpretations and analyses of life as we know it today. Why is that important? Well, how else are we going to learn something new? There are three main ways: a) We experience it for ourselves; b) We learn it from the experience of others (another form of learning) and finally, c) We imagine it.

In this book, John Birmingham successfully puts his characters in a highly charged and segregated atmosphere, the Second World War. Our people, 'our avatars' transferred for our sakes to the past, to experience the adventure for us, come face to face with 'the barbarians' (who are also us, our forefathers) who caused and fought the great war in the 1940s, of the greatest generation. The same place where a black man could not fight side to side with a white man. In a place with people that committed the atrocities of genocide and ethnic cleansing. Able to stop the people that caused the HOLOCAUST of the Jewish people. If we were to visit back then, given the opportunity to stop the atrocities, I wonder, like the characters in the book, how we would react... I wonder, if we were given the chance to stop the atrocities what we would do...

Yet, the most engaging feature of the trilogy, and in particular the third book is how John Birmingham turns the tables on us and shows another side. Are we that much more advanced with our high tech weapons and over the horizon rockets? Are we that much more brilliant since we can spy on everyone in the world, with stealth, and attack them 'at night' while they least expect it? Are we that much better for the way we fight our battles, especially in our so called, 'War on Terror' which for purposes of this book has been ongoing for 20 years (5 times longer that World War 2) ? In the end, the people of the 1940s, adapt our technologies and our freedoms with open arms, but also see our barbarism, and our 'advanced human morality' displaying the cynicism which we flaunted on them when we arrived in the past. And that's a great lesson to take from any book. Don't think, from all the strides that the 'Human Animal' has made, that we have advanced that much in 60 or so years.

I easily give this book 3 stars out of four. With a half star more for the whole trilogy.

John Birmingham is a writer to watch.

1002. Three Days To Never

"Three Days To Never"

Years ago, I attended a science fiction convention and actually got to meet Tim Powers, the author of a tidy little book I finished reading just a few weeks ago, called: "Three Days to Never". At the time of the convention, when I talked to Tim, I wanted to learn as much as I could about writing. The things that he described to me about the writing task made it seem very daunting, a really difficult profession and a really difficult art. You might have the talent for it, or you have the desire for it, but you might not necessarily have the zeal or the work ethic to pull it off.

Now, I am not saying that those words of wisdom from Tim, put me off from writing, nor am I saying that his approach to writing is the only correct approach. It is true that I have written one Novel, two novellas and a number of short stories on my own. For the most part though, most of what I have written has come from the imagination, using almost only my creative energy to describe people and places, and as people and editors have become more sophisticated, it has become more and more difficult to pull off what I was able to do with ease in junior high and high school. When I was that young, imagination was enough to allow me to describe something with such adequacy and such force of narrative that most adults (especially teachers) found my writings well above average. In fact, creative writing was my strongest subject at school even though I pursued a different career path.

I describe my own experiences in the creative writing arena, not only because this is my Journal, but in juxtaposition to Tim Powers' writing brilliance. Obviously, he is not the BEST author I have ever read, and OBVIOUSLY, "Three Days To Never" is not the best book I have ever read. Yet, it is a tour-de-force and an excellent example in modern American fantasy with a lot of science fiction sprinkled in.

Before I jump into the meat of my review, I have to add a couple more things about Tim Powers the writer. The first thing that impressed me when I met him and talked to him over drinks, was how much of an unassuming man he was. Nothing overwhelming about his personality, a bit of the "professor" look in him, but yet, very down to earth, a very grounded person. The other thing he described to me (I really should say the group that was sharing the opportunity to listen to him) was the way he prepared for his books. In most important scientific jobs, there is a high amount of research involved. I would dare say that Tim performs this amount of research AND MORE while preparing for each one of the books he writes. And it shows.

Events in "Three Days to Never" take place 20 years ago from present day, in the Los Angeles of 1987. This is where the high degree of preparation and research pays off for Tim Powers. I lived through 1987, but even if Los Angeles was my home in that year, I would doubt that I 'd remember specific topographic details or place names, or where a specific road dead ends. Yet, Tim Powers, the author, keeps meticulous notes and records and knows exactly what kind of structure existed on a particular hill behind the "Hollywood" sign in 1987. This is the type of detail that help this novel rise above the average read and achieve a level of intimacy with the reader that most reading escapades can not match. It is not simple entertainment, but you get to live the lives of the characters.

The main characters are Daphne Marrity and her father Frank, a professor. They and Frank's sister are somehow related to Einstein--this will become clear later in the book. We all of course know that Einstein was the father of the "Theory of Relativity" and later revised "Special Relativity". Throughout his life, Einstein had to contend with a number of issues that arose from the publication of his theories not least of them being the almost simultaneous rise of a competing theory, that of "Quantum Mechanics". Einstein did not outright reject this theory, but yet he had many issues with it. In many ways, Tim Powers attempts to conquer the unheard of task of overcoming the difficulties that Einstein had with "Quantum Mechanics" and putting forth a theory of what he might have achieved if he had done so.

Is it far fetched for Einstein to have created a machine that could change the world? Not when you consider the intellect involved. Are the means that Tim Powers uses to describe the search for this machine and its control that far fetched? I don't believe so -- yet, I have to qualify my statement. I have always been open to psychic powers, out of body experiences, traveling in other planes of existence through a spiritual plane, etc. All these and many other elements can be found in this book. Tim is able to incorporate them, along with excellent descriptions of the people and their motivations and the places that surround them. All in all, this makes for a very interesting tale with many elements reminiscent of a thriller or spy novel, yet, still grounded in the fantastical world of science and fantasy. If you can call that grounded ;-) !!!

I would give this book three stars out of four, and recommend it to anyone without reservation. Now of course, I have to remedy an oversight. I have to go and read other Tim Powers books. I don't know why, but for some reason, even though I met the fellow, I never actually read anything of his until this book. There is a first time for everything, isn't there? And now there is time for more Tim Powers, I say....

Heroes Spoilers # 1

(Warning! The post below, might contain spoilers!)

So anybody who knows me, knows that I spend way to much time watching and "consuming" everything to do with the show "Heroes". In fact, I spend way to much time over at my favorite forum: Superhiro.org where we discuss all sorts of spoilers and theories about "Heroes".

Of course, "Heroes" was one of the shows that was severely affected by the writer's strike that just ended in February, just prior to the Academy Awards. The strike ended-up shortening the season to just eleven episodes and one volume, Volume 2: "Generations". In order to preserve artistic integrity, the creators of the show decided to not return for 2-3 episodes in late spring of 2008 once the WGA strike was concluded and actually re-tool the show and return "with a bang" in the fall of 2008.

One of the big mysteries that the 11th and final episodes of the second season left us with was "Who Shot Nathan Petrelli?" Especially since he was about to reveal the existence of "mutant powers" to the general public. Nathan is played on "Heroes" by the excellent Adrian Pasdar, an actor that many of us have grown attached to. I would hate to see the "Nathan Petrelli" character depart the show in the way depicted in Episode # 11 of Season Two.

Now comes word that "Nathan Petrelli" might not be dead, and in fact will most likely return for Season 3 of the show which will start "shooting" in Hollywood as early as May of 2008. This information was revealed during a panel of the "MegaCon" Convention which a number of people who attended are now reporting. Here is a quote from a person who attended the convention:

He also referenced Nathan constantly in the present-tense.

He jokingly mentioned a 'theoretical' scenario for how season two really ended. He was like "the clues were all there for what really happened". He posed the scenario that Nathan wore a vest -- and either
a) knew the attack was coming
b) planned it himself
Both were really interesting, and he really seemed to be pushing them, because the guy who was leading the Q & A (can't remember his name) was like "You used the word 'vest' twice" and Adrian started laughing.

Adrian alluded to the fact that he will have a lot of scenes with Claire next season, and him being a 'father' will be really important.

If this information is true, it certainly brings hope to those fans who are fanatic about this show. And here's hoping that Adrian Pasdar not only returns next season, but has a much bigger role.

Thank you Kara (aka, moosewizard) for the info from MegaCon!

Lost 4.6: "The Other Woman"

Do you watch Lost? Are you addicted to it like I am? Have you watched every single episode of "Lost" since the beginning?

Well I have! Now, this post is not to review or discuss the whole history of the show "Lost" -- although, that is a worthwhile subject that I might touch upon in later posts.

What has always aggravated me, or made me question what I am seeing on the screen with "Lost" is the morality of some of the characters. Many of the actions taken by the major "players" of "Lost" seem to be of a dubious nature. And yet, after Season 1, after the twists and turns and tribulations suffered by the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815, another character was introduced with even murkier morals, with even murkier actions, with a way of viewing the world and acting on it totally "alien" to my sensibilities. It was at this point that I almost dropped "Lost" from my regular viewing schedule. The character in question? "Benjamin Linus".

Ben's actions and morals are central to the story and the action of the episode we just witnessed on Thursday, March 6th, 2008. How truly evil is Ben? How truly manipulative is Ben? How dark is his heart? What actually lies in his heart? What motivates him? Why does he do what he does?

We've seen Ben affect the actions of others from events that took place years or even months in the past. We've seen Ben's actions affect Juliet and her budding love for the doctor Jack. And we have seen the fear that Ben can cause to people -- both to those from the "rescue boat" and those wanting to get off the island.

So, why, when faced with such Evil (with a capital "E") has no one taken the action to "kill" Ben? Why then, do people still allow Ben to exist? Why then do people allow Ben to talk them into doing things for him? What gives him that kind of power?

I have always questioned the morality espoused by this show. I wouldn't call it twisted, but it is definitely, not in agreement with my beliefs. So why do I keep watching? Ah! But that is the question, and something about which, I am going to keep on posting!

Must Read: The Twenty Science Fiction Novels that Will Change Your Life

Would you call these 20, must read? Or, books that would change your life? That's even a higher level of praise than the first question I asked. Well, this website does:

Must Read: The Twenty Science Fiction Novels that Will Change Your Life

As anyone who knows me well, knows that I read a lot of books. Of the books that I read, a high portion of them is in the "Science Fiction" genre. Of the books the author of this article lists, I have read the following:

"Frankenstein"
"The Time Machine"
"I, Robot" (but just the short story -- not the collection)
"A Fire Upon the Deep"

A couple more of these belong to my bookshelf, or on my wish list, meaning they are books that I would like to read at some point. But the question remains: Are these books, or novels, or short story collections life altering as the site claims?

I have read enough fiction to wonder from time to time about the impact of the books I have read. Personally, I am not so sure about these twenty books. I wish I had read all of them by now. One thing is for certain, I have added some more titles to my list of titles awaiting to be read. And that is not a bad thing now is it?

1001. The Kite Runner

I finally got to read this book. It wasn't in preparation for the movie that came out in December of 2007. I have been looking at this book at the bookstore for a significant amount of time, always wondering if I should pick it up to read it. When I have enough money, I always have these pangs, these questions about books, especially after I read the back page notes, or especially after I hear from someone else that a particular book was a good one.

Of course, there is the flip side to this argument, and there are times when I DO NOT like books that have received a lot of acclaim, but it always comes down to this question: "How am I ever going to discover anything new, anything exciting to read unless, I take the plunge and purchase something on the spur of the moment?"

Well, as it turned out, my sister-in-law let me borrow this book last September, so I went ahead and added it to my TBR (yeah, that means "To Be Read") pile. So, finally in November, I went ahead and read it. Below, you will find my brief synopsis and review of this book. It's nowhere near as literary or as complete as those done by those expert book reviewers -- however, this book review comes from the heart.

Amir is a young boy living in pre-Soviet invasion Afghanistan. His life is one of relative privilege because of the position of his father and because he has servants. Or rather, his father has servants. One of them is Hassan who with his father Ali live in the servants house in one of Kabul's more respectable neighborhoods (not necessarily the most well to do though). For as long as he can remember, Ali has grown up with Hassan and in many ways, Hassan is his best friend and confidant. At the same time though, Hassan, being a Hazara boy, is considered a second class citizen by Afghan society at large. When the heart thinks, Hassan, is Amir's best and closest friend, but there are times when Amir envies Hassan for the attention he receives from Baba (Amir's father).

Amir loves to read Hassan the adventures of heroic characters from different epics. Hassan, as a servant and having grown a Hazara is illiterate. So, these stories become central to Amir's life in the sense that he lives through them. Baba, his father recognizes that Amir will never be strong or courageous enough in the face of a challenge despite the example of the "Heroes" he reads about in his epics. The other important character in the story, the family friend Rahim Khan, gives Amir a notebook, a journal in which he starts writing stories of his own inspiration.

In a way of course, the story of Amir reminded me so much of that of my own life. I, too, was mainly wrapped up in the stories and the heroes I read about. I, too, was more that impressed with the fictional life rather than the life around me. This has an effect on the way a person develops. Not so much because Baba told Amir that he was not courageous, but rather because Amir felt that he did not measure up in Baba's eyes.

This becomes very clear then in the events that unfold in the winter of 1975. Amir and Hassan participate in the annual Kite tournament which involves fighting the other kites, and the person assisting you go after the kites that fall from the sky. This is called: "Running the kites". Hassan is the best "Kite Runner" in Kabul. These tournaments can take a whole day sometimes. During this particular tournament, Amir decides that he will prove his father (his Baba) wrong. He will show him that he can be good at something, that he is courageous. With the help of Hassan, Amir has a successful kite launch and as the day progresses his kite survives. Hassan successfully runs down those kites that Amir knocks down from the sky.

Until Amir's kite and one other are left in the sky. After some deft maneuvering, Amir succeeds in knocking it down, and asks Hassan if he could "Run it" for him. Hassan responds: "For you a thousand times over!" That's what a best friend is supposed to say isn't it?

And It is at this point that everything changes. We are of course going to find out things about AmirHassan and about Baba that we did not know up to this point. We will eventually follow Amir and his dad to the USA where Amir will get married. But there will always be something hanging over him. Something that will eventually take him back to his beloved homeland in search of Hassan and in search for redemption.

In addition, we're also treated to a glimpse of Afghanistan through the pre-war years, the Soviet invasion in 1979, the many year of the occupation and struggle by the rebels (through the eyes of those that immigrated to America), all the way to the pre-9/11 Taliban days of decay, decadence and destruction. Sometimes, this sort of glimpse is worth a thousand pictures on the TV screen, because the TV screen can not evoke the passion of the people. The TV screen can not describe the feeling of being stuck inside a fuel truck while being smuggled across the border to Pakistan to avoid capture by the Soviets. Nor does it evoke the terror of watching "half-time entertainment" at a Taliban sponsored Soccer game in Kabul in 2001. The evil that men do can be shown on TV, but I have always felt the most powerful weapon still is the written word. This is why, our youth today, who do not read, are missing on the greater context of what is occurring in the world around them

Khaled Hosseini weaves a very good tale in his first novel of a protagonist from a part of the world that is little known and maybe little understood. Yet, as different as the religion or some of the words, or some of the customs might be, the underlying themes remain the same: Love, Forgiveness, Happiness, Guilt and Redemption. It does not matter the strokes of the painter or the paint used. The message is clear. By the end of the book, we come to love these characters, we come to accept their failings and shortcomings because maybe we see similar things in us and we come to believe in their quests. Because just as we're on a quest, every day of our lives, so are the characters in this book. Some of us, do not know the path we're taking, and we wake late in life to find that the journey is at an end, unfulfilled. For others, the purpose is clear. The drive begins early. The road is easy and open. In a way, Amir's father was such a man, and he was much loved by all those who knew him. This is why Amir was "Baba's son" and everyone knew him and respected him for that alone, for all the good deeds his father did, for all the people he helped.

Amir falls to the group in between. His road is not completely clear, yet he knows he has something unfulfilled in his life, something that still haunts him. This is the reason why he accepts the opportunity to travel the road and not be just a passenger on the journey. Whether he displays the courage that his father Baba said he lacked is for you the reader to find out, but it is important to remember that in the journey of life, when given a second chance, those who accept are most often the most courageous, most triumphant winners of all.

I concluded this review, the same way I use to conclude all my reviews in my old book Journal. By giving this book some stars. I'll have to find some appropriate gif or jpg to add later, but for know, this book draws *** (3) stars from me.

(My ratings scale if from 1 to 4 stars. Books I really, really like, get a HUGE star....!)

I recommend it.

The "Star Wreck" movie

Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning

Of course, that's a play on words. It really means: "Star Trek: In the Beginning", and this movie is a parody.

I belong to what one can describe as an online Science Fiction Fan Club or Association. Years ago, some other members had alerted me to the presence of this 2005 movie from Finland. It is a very well made parody of Star Trek made in the vain of the "Airplane" movies. The movie is just over an hour and a half long. At the time, the folks who had produced the movie were promoting it, and I had just gotten high-speed Internet. So, I took their offer of a free download. But, since that time, I had not had the opportunity to watch it.

But, technology finally caught up with this common man. I am the owner of a TiVo Box and there now exists the technology, via this wonderful program called pyTivo to watch any video stored on your computer via your TiVo on your TV.

Isn't Technology great? Thanks armoo and krkeegan, two of the developers of pyTivo!

Anyway, onto the movie . CAUTION! This contains some spoilers.

The story opens with Captain Pirk (yes, I know -- hilarious!) leading a combined fleet through some sort of "wormhole" (oh, you will like, what they call wormholes in this movie). But before, the movie continues, we're given some background. How Captain Pirk came to be in this situation.

Apparently, he and his crew, are caught in some sort of time warp that takes them to Earth's past (our present) where they try to blend in -- in a rather funny way. But then, they decide, enough with that, we'll speed up progress and conquer the world. So, Captain Pirk, becomes the leader of this new United World and goes on a mission to discover more habitable planets.

I will leave the rest of the movie UNSPOILED, for those who want to watch it. It is imperative to remember that some of the sensibilities of the actors are European from Finland, but a lot of the humor is universal. It's also important to remember what these folks accomplished without a big Hollywood budget. I was thoroughly impressed.

Even though, I got this movie for free, I will definitely be willing to spend money to purchase it, and I intend to do so. I think, the creators intended for word of mouth to spread the fame of this movie. So, if you don't find subtitles daunting, I recommend you go and find this movie, buy it from Amazon, or from whatever other online source, and enjoy it. You'll have a blast. More importantly, you'll question, WHY it takes Hollywood so much money to produce the kind of crap they put out, when a couple of guys from Finland can succeed with an effort like this. But even if you don't care about Hollywood politics, the movie is FUN.

My Book Journal

Years ago, I had this great book journal where I used to record ALL the books that I've read. And believe me, I read a lot. By this point, you're going to say, "Oh, No! Not another book review blog!", and I am afraid, I won't be able to assuage your fears. Yes, this is another "book review blog".

But, I will also sprinkle in it some movie reviews, some Journalistic thoughts (nothing TOO political, I promise!) and maybe a short story or too! Since, I have barely been published -- oh yeah, I have been rejected a lot (I wonder why? ) -- I guess this will be a forum for me to publish my stories.

Another thing, I used to do, when I kept my multitude of book journals when I was younger, was number my books, like keeping track of how many I had read. Now this wasn't very accurate for sure, but it was something to amuse me. It wasn't accurate, because before I started it when I was 15 or 16, I must have read at least that many books.... And since the time, I stopped my written book journal, I must have read at least DOUBLE that amount of books. So, I decided that the first book that I will review here, I will number as number 1001. Why do this? I don't know! Maybe I am insane! Or maybe that's how I keep my sanity.

So, I hope you enjoy this new blog. I will slowly build up the links in it, and I hope you take advantage of the services I link to. Additionally, I hope you enjoy reading AND you teach your kids to read! Books ARE fun! Books are knowledge! Books are great! Long live books!

Take Care!