In her 2003 novel Oryx and Crake, Margaret Atwood describes a future after humanity had been almost entirely wiped out by a plague. Jimmy, aka Snowman, lives...
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I think it's fair to say this is something of a grownup version of Harry Potter, which, based on the references in the book to Harry Potter, was no doubt Lev Grossman's intention.
While creating a world of magic that is different from that of J. K. Rowling's vision, there is not quite enough plot development to make this an excellent book. While the actual writing is well done, the book within a book concept seemed to be given short shrift.
Grossman spends too much time on unnecessary details then rushes through parts of the book that could have been quite exciting if handled deftly.
In some respects, Grossman may have fallen victim to his own writing skill. The concept is carried along well enough that the reader doesn't feel inclined to give up, drawn in by curiosity at what is hinted at to come.
This book could have used a skillful editor who looked beyond whether the sentences were put together properly. It might even have served the concept to be broken into at least 2 books.
By the time we reach the end, it seems as though the author has simply run his course and is done--not an altogether satisfying finish.
Entertaining enough as long as one's expectations are not too high.
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(2 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
"Fool" is, in the best sense of the word, a romp through a reimagined Shakespeare's King Lear.
Full of literate word play and clever plotting (and somewhat sexually graphic), Moore's take on this classic is refreshing and amusing, sometimes even laugh-out-loud funny.
Highly recommended, especially for those who love a good pun.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(10 of 14 readers found this comment helpful)
When I picked up this book, I thought, here's another nut ranting about medicines that help a lot of people.
I was intrigued that this was written by a well-respected doctor and is carefully thought out The book is a quick read with excellent footnotes.
I was attracted to the book because my own memory has declined significantly and quickly, often leaving me wondering if I had early-onset Alzheimer's. In fact, I was just about to go to my doctor to have myself tested.
I had heard a bit about Lipitor affecting memory as a side effect, supposedly rare. So I was certainly predisposed for this book.
As it happens, the book is quite a reasoned argument that Lipitor certainly has the potential for creating a variety of memory problems, possibly for far greater numbers that physicians assume.
One must always be careful of mere anecdotal evidence, even in one's life, for even correlation is not always causation. But based on recent incidents and on the strength of data (which I confirmed as best I could through Google searches), I stopped taking Lipitor and have actually had what I consider an amazing rebound in my memory and thinking processes.
I am now looking at alternative ways to control my risk factors, and do have some options.
If you or a loved one take Lipitor, this is important reading which makes a good jumping off point for further investigation.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(3 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
The Unthinkable is the best place to start to begin preparing for disasters. Preparation is the key to survival and to quell fears.
The book is highly readable and informative from a practical standpoint as well as helpful in understanding human response to disaster and how to counter the natural reactions which could cost you time (and time is life) in an emergency.
Read this, then instruct your family in disaster preparedness. Pressure your workplace to implement emergency planning and drills.
Use this book as a stepping stone for further personal development. Someday, you'll be very glad you did.
Nobody wants to look old, especially the old. I mean, older. The young-old. Fifty is the new Thirty. Whatever.
I don't want to look old either, so I read a lot of books like this, many of them ridiculous.
So it quite refreshing to encounter Charla Krupp's take on "fast, effortless ways to look 10 years younger."
Ms. Krupp has a very good grip on reality and understands that (a) most women don't want to look like teenagers, they just want to look fresh and attractive; (b) most women don't have a ton of disposable cash to spend on themselves.
The book is well laid out with each chapter devoted to a particular subject (clothes, makeup, etc) and, within that chapter, suggestions and products at a variety of price points.
The style is pleasantly conversational, not pushy; the author's years of experience in the beauty field shows, as well as her own experiments.
I have tried enough of the advice in the book to know that she is on track. Dressing well but youthfully cuts years off your look; good foundation garments make a huge difference. Her advice and brand recommendations are on target.
Her product recommendations are probably worth the price of the book, because you can spend a lot of money experimenting.
This book is probably the best I've read on the subject. Highly recommended.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
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Marie Angell has commented on (22) products.
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Marie Angell, September 15, 2009
I think it's fair to say this is something of a grownup version of Harry Potter, which, based on the references in the book to Harry Potter, was no doubt Lev Grossman's intention.While creating a world of magic that is different from that of J. K. Rowling's vision, there is not quite enough plot development to make this an excellent book. While the actual writing is well done, the book within a book concept seemed to be given short shrift.
Grossman spends too much time on unnecessary details then rushes through parts of the book that could have been quite exciting if handled deftly.
In some respects, Grossman may have fallen victim to his own writing skill. The concept is carried along well enough that the reader doesn't feel inclined to give up, drawn in by curiosity at what is hinted at to come.
This book could have used a skillful editor who looked beyond whether the sentences were put together properly. It might even have served the concept to be broken into at least 2 books.
By the time we reach the end, it seems as though the author has simply run his course and is done--not an altogether satisfying finish.
Entertaining enough as long as one's expectations are not too high.
(2 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
Fool by Christopher Moore
Marie Angell, July 13, 2009
"Fool" is, in the best sense of the word, a romp through a reimagined Shakespeare's King Lear.Full of literate word play and clever plotting (and somewhat sexually graphic), Moore's take on this classic is refreshing and amusing, sometimes even laugh-out-loud funny.
Highly recommended, especially for those who love a good pun.
(10 of 14 readers found this comment helpful)
Lipitor Thief of Memory by Duane Graveline
Marie Angell, October 15, 2008
When I picked up this book, I thought, here's another nut ranting about medicines that help a lot of people.I was intrigued that this was written by a well-respected doctor and is carefully thought out The book is a quick read with excellent footnotes.
I was attracted to the book because my own memory has declined significantly and quickly, often leaving me wondering if I had early-onset Alzheimer's. In fact, I was just about to go to my doctor to have myself tested.
I had heard a bit about Lipitor affecting memory as a side effect, supposedly rare. So I was certainly predisposed for this book.
As it happens, the book is quite a reasoned argument that Lipitor certainly has the potential for creating a variety of memory problems, possibly for far greater numbers that physicians assume.
One must always be careful of mere anecdotal evidence, even in one's life, for even correlation is not always causation. But based on recent incidents and on the strength of data (which I confirmed as best I could through Google searches), I stopped taking Lipitor and have actually had what I consider an amazing rebound in my memory and thinking processes.
I am now looking at alternative ways to control my risk factors, and do have some options.
If you or a loved one take Lipitor, this is important reading which makes a good jumping off point for further investigation.
(3 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes--And Why by Amanda Ripley
Marie Angell, August 25, 2008
The Unthinkable is the best place to start to begin preparing for disasters. Preparation is the key to survival and to quell fears.The book is highly readable and informative from a practical standpoint as well as helpful in understanding human response to disaster and how to counter the natural reactions which could cost you time (and time is life) in an emergency.
Read this, then instruct your family in disaster preparedness. Pressure your workplace to implement emergency planning and drills.
Use this book as a stepping stone for further personal development. Someday, you'll be very glad you did.
Stay safe out there!
How Not to Look Old: Fast and Effortless Ways to Look 10 Years Younger, 10 Pounds Lighter, 10 Times Better by Charla Krupp
Marie Angell, July 20, 2008
Nobody wants to look old, especially the old. I mean, older. The young-old. Fifty is the new Thirty. Whatever.I don't want to look old either, so I read a lot of books like this, many of them ridiculous.
So it quite refreshing to encounter Charla Krupp's take on "fast, effortless ways to look 10 years younger."
Ms. Krupp has a very good grip on reality and understands that (a) most women don't want to look like teenagers, they just want to look fresh and attractive; (b) most women don't have a ton of disposable cash to spend on themselves.
The book is well laid out with each chapter devoted to a particular subject (clothes, makeup, etc) and, within that chapter, suggestions and products at a variety of price points.
The style is pleasantly conversational, not pushy; the author's years of experience in the beauty field shows, as well as her own experiments.
I have tried enough of the advice in the book to know that she is on track. Dressing well but youthfully cuts years off your look; good foundation garments make a huge difference. Her advice and brand recommendations are on target.
Her product recommendations are probably worth the price of the book, because you can spend a lot of money experimenting.
This book is probably the best I've read on the subject. Highly recommended.
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
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