Book reviews

[kmusser]

Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama - Finally got around to reading this, it's an excellent book. It is an autobiographical telling of Obama's search for his roots. It does have some political and racial commentary, but that's not really the focus. I did find the politics interesting as he was talking about Chicago during a time when I was politically active in the same area, it's been a while since I heard anyone mention Vrdolyak (who somehow still isn't in jail). The racial stuff will make more sense if you read "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" first, as Obama references it several times (I'd recommend it anyway if you want even a basic understanding of racial politics in this country). But where the book really shines is where Obama is talking about his own background and especially recounting his trip to Africa. I think wanting to know where you come from is pretty universal, and I'm a little envious that when Obama goes looking for his roots that he actually finds them.

Serenity by Keith R. A. DeCandido - The novelization of the movie; it's been a long time since I've read a book this bad. Really it's just a prose scene by scene description of the movie. Usually a novelization is an opportunity to offer a little more depth than the movie, but not here, just watch the movie instead, the actors performances convey more meaning.

Definitely Dead, All Together Dead, and From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris - Doing some catch up on the Sookie Stackhouse books, I read 1-4 several years ago and here are 6-8, somehow I skipped 5. All are fun reads, I think Harris does a good job of keeping the series interesting. From Dead to Worse wraps up nearly all the plots lines so I'm curious where the next book goes. I might have to actually watch some of "True Blood" now.

Bone by Jeff Smith - Graphic novel, I read most of these back when kolyada and I were together and didn't keep up with them after she left. When I saw there was an all-in-one collection I treated myself and finally finished the series. It's fun stuff, epic fantasy with a high dosage of humour and the art is fantastic.

The Mystery of Grace by Charles de Lint - I almost always love his stuff and this is no exception. It's a bit of a departure as it's not set in Newford and there isn't a faerie to be found - it's about a girl that dies and finds herself somewhere unexpected. I don't want to say too much because it is a mystery, but it's an excellent read.

Comments

[evcelt.livejournal.com]

I finally got around to reading "Bone" earlier this year. It's wonderful!

[rainmerlot.livejournal.com]

True Blood is awesome - but they are not following the books all that closely there was a lot of adaptation that needed to be done to make it ready for TV. But it's still a really good show.

[selki.livejournal.com]

I've liked some of the de Lint I've read. Is this one standalone?

BTW the MIB NE RD sent you email on the list, he's trying to reach you, in case you didn't know.

[kmusser]

Yes it is. And MIB responded to, thanks, I am still subscribed to the main list but don't always read them.