Customer Comments

ltobin has commented on (21) products.

City of Bones: Mortal Instruments #1 by Cassandra Clare

ltobin, April 17, 2011

Things you should probably know right off the bat:
1. This is a paranormal book series that was supposed to end as a trilogy but has been extended.
2. Character development is limited as much of it is introducing the world and revving up for the big fight scenes.
3. Young Adult novels are just all the rage now and so are paranormal young adult novels (and unfortunately, there is only so many different spins on paranormal that can happen before it is all "been there done that".

The first three books are interesting and worthy of a quick read if you are just looking for pure entertainment.

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Reefer Madness: Sex, Drugs, and Cheap Labor in the American Black Market by Eric Schlosser

ltobin, December 23, 2010

After reading Fast Food Nation, I was on a mission to find any other book written by Schlosser. I find Schlosser an excellent writer, well-versed and well-researched. Of course, he has a point and a bias, but he does an excellent job of supporting his arguments and backing up his opinion with numbers and rational conclusions. In Reefer Madness, Schlosser addresses the impact marijuana laws have had on the US pineal system (and recreational users), the rise of the porn industry, and day labor issues in California. Overall, Schlosser does a fantastic job when describing how the US's focus on unimportant issues tears our focus away from the real problems faced by our nation. A great (and eye-opening read), I highly recommend this book.

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Dreamquake: Book Two of the Dreamhunter Duet by Elizabeth Knox

ltobin, October 21, 2010

In this follow-up to Knox's Dreamhunter, we continue to follow Laura Hame and the government's involvement in dream hunting. The story does splinter into a few more fragments and increases our exposure to Laura's cousin and Maime, the daughter of a corrupt government official. There is also a minor love story, which I find a bit inappropriate for young readers, thus I recommend this book for youth ages 13 and up. Definitely take time to discuss the book with your teenager though, as Knox introduces teen pregnancy and incest (I think - the end of the book is very vague and may leave you underwhelmed and annoyed). Overall, Knox writes very well and Dreamquake does a allright job of bringing this story to an end.

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Dreamhunter: Book One of the Dreamhunter Duet by Elizabeth Knox

ltobin, October 18, 2010

Dreamhunter introduces us to Laura Hame, a newly minted Dreamhunter. Following in her father's footsteps, Laura has the ability to "catch dreams" and project them to others around her while everyone sleeps. Of course, this is not the entire story (as interesting as dream hunting may be) as we learn misfortune has befallen Laura's father and he has left her a message, asking her to carry out some clandestine work. Knox does a wonderful job of pulling the reader in; however, it takes a bit of time. The first 1/2 to 3/4 of the story are all about setting the scene and much happens in the last 1/4 of the book. Good news though, there is a sequel! It definitely is worth reading, but I would not recommend it for children under the age of 12.

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Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa by Dambisa Moyo

ltobin, October 7, 2010

Although just a handful of pages, it is prudent to set aside some very quiet time to read Dead Aid. After reading it on my own, I was surprised to find Dead Aid on a list of required books for one of my Master's courses. A very analytic look at how aid has been given to African countries and the effects aid has had on African countries, a thorough discussion is the only way you are going to be able to process the information presented by Moyo. Personally, it helped that I had a basic understanding of economics before reading Dead Aid; however, I am sure anyone with access to Google will be able to wade through all the numbers and references. Just be prepared to have all your previous thoughts about aid monies challenged.

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