This was an interesting read! An older novel composed of two different stories with the same main characters taking place one after the other. It was aThis was an interesting read! An older novel composed of two different stories with the same main characters taking place one after the other. It was a very unique view of God vs Satan. Blish actually did a lot of research into this. He referenced real books of magic and magical rituals that members of the occult actually use. He went as far as stating that the rituals he included were not complete. Is this a warning or a bit of showmanship to sell more books, who knows. One thing for sure though, this was an eye opening, entertaining read! ...more
Good read. These Campus books are starting to feel a little repetitive, almost like they’re following a template. Although this one had John Clark bacGood read. These Campus books are starting to feel a little repetitive, almost like they’re following a template. Although this one had John Clark back in action which is always awesome! We also get an informative history lesson which is always an added bonus to these books! ...more
Mitch Rapp’s back in action baby! This novel was basically centred around a possible dystopian modern America unless Rapp could save the day. It definMitch Rapp’s back in action baby! This novel was basically centred around a possible dystopian modern America unless Rapp could save the day. It definitely changed the landscape that we usually see Rapp operate in. Some good action, was also a frightening wake up call of how delicate certain industries are to disruption and the difficulties of remedying them. I was hoping for a more old school Rapp but it was still good. 4/5...more
Second last Sandman Slim novel! Regular, same old James Stark, kicking ass and not caring who it is! This one was a bit morose and definitely tried to Second last Sandman Slim novel! Regular, same old James Stark, kicking ass and not caring who it is! This one was a bit morose and definitely tried to personify Stark. It ended with an eerie foreboding for the last book and I can’t wait! ...more
Where to start. This book offered a loose glimpse into F Scott Fitzgerald’s life in the 1920s. We follow along with the protagonist, Dr. Dick Diver anWhere to start. This book offered a loose glimpse into F Scott Fitzgerald’s life in the 1920s. We follow along with the protagonist, Dr. Dick Diver and his exploits in the French Rivera in high class society. The novel is displays several social issues still relevant such as elitism, sexism, alcoholism homophobia to name a few. There was something about this book that made it feel real. There was a certain amount of contempt you feel for the characters, the mood was generally very morose throughout. Even though these people are living the high life, vacationing in southern France and Italy for weeks, months on end they’re still miserable. Their interpersonal relationships with each other still crumble and fall apart just like everyone else’s. I’d describe the style of writing as very elegant. Fitzgerald displays his literary knowledge in such a way that it flows flawlessly. He would often use a paragraph or two to describe the reasoning behind certain decisions or why someone said something but then would jump right into something else so it keeps your attention and doesn’t bore you. I still find it hard to believe Fitzgerald only wrote 4 novels and two are on the 100 greatest novels of the 20th century but only had major success after he passed away. Overall, good read. 4/5...more
To The Lighthouse was a bit of a struggle. It’s on the classics list I’m trying to read through and this is a good example of what you’d expect to comTo The Lighthouse was a bit of a struggle. It’s on the classics list I’m trying to read through and this is a good example of what you’d expect to come across on one such list. The writing itself was similar to Joyce, multiple steams of consciousness and the plot isn’t relevant to the story. Wouldn’t recommend this to the average reader....more
Catch 22 has probably been one of my favourite books I’ve ever read. It was on my list of classics I’m trying to read and it’s definitely worth readinCatch 22 has probably been one of my favourite books I’ve ever read. It was on my list of classics I’m trying to read and it’s definitely worth reading.
This book had pretty much everything a book should have. I think it was the first time I actually laughed out loud and couldn’t stop...several times... looking like a fool ...more
Lolita was another book on my 100 books to read list. I had heard of it before but was unsure of the plot.
I found myself feeling more and more uncomforLolita was another book on my 100 books to read list. I had heard of it before but was unsure of the plot.
I found myself feeling more and more uncomfortable as I continued to read. The way the main character, Hubert Hubert (yes Hubert Hubert is his name) normalized pedophilia was sickening. He submerged us into his dark mind that was obsessed with the 12 year old Dolores Haze, his step daughter aka Lolita, but the more you read, the more you attempt to rationalize and understand his compulsion. We can logically deduce that his obsession stemmed from the passing of his first real love who was around the same age as Haze. That traumatic event was most likely the catalyst that started Huberts dark and perverse journey that would ultimately lead to his inevitable downfall. Examining the actual writing style, I was actually impressed. It was easy to read and we were painted a vivid picture of high society at the time. Cool little fact, there’s a line written in the book that says a characters child potentially living long enough to retire in 2020... the year I happen to read it! I can see why at the the time NO-ONE was interested in publishing this. As society became more progressive, it allowed more and more to slide by, which lead to the eventual success of Lolita and solidified it as one of the classics. ...more
I loved this Last Kingdom book. The way Cornwell describes the emotions felt in a shield wall while an army, thousands strong, slowly march to kill yoI loved this Last Kingdom book. The way Cornwell describes the emotions felt in a shield wall while an army, thousands strong, slowly march to kill you and all your brothers in arms is nothing short of terrifying. Sad endings to some key characters but at the same time it felt like we got some closure for others. Really impressed with this one. ...more
This Horvath book read like an action packed history lesson of the beginnings of the American financial system. If all history textbooks read like thiThis Horvath book read like an action packed history lesson of the beginnings of the American financial system. If all history textbooks read like this there’d be a lot more history fans out there! Great read....more
“Englaland” is almost a reality, in what would become England, Uhtred, finds himself in the last non-Christian kingdom and he’s feeling pressure from “Englaland” is almost a reality, in what would become England, Uhtred, finds himself in the last non-Christian kingdom and he’s feeling pressure from all sides. The series started with Wessex being the last kingdom left not conquered by the Danes and we’ve nearly come full circle with Northumbria being the last kingdom that hasn’t been reclaimed by the Christians yet. Uhtred is now in his 60’s with grandchildren, he’s helped shaped the land and guide kings, even made kings. You could argue he’s a Kingmaker! It’s sad to realize his time is almost up with only one book left in the series but it’s been an exciting ride! Looking forward the the last chapter in the Last Kingdom series!...more
Wow! This is one of the best Mitch Rapp books that’s been released in the last couple years!! Sharp writing, very relative plot, explosive action and tWow! This is one of the best Mitch Rapp books that’s been released in the last couple years!! Sharp writing, very relative plot, explosive action and that no non sense attitude we love made this one a hit! The only negative thing I can say is that as the author, Mills, points out in a couple different spots is that Rapp is getting old in a young mans field. He’s not part of the CIA anymore, his joints are starting to age. How much longer can he keep this up!? Like all great series, it’s sad to think it could be coming to an end but if/when it does you can just tell it’s going to be something crazy! ...more
Loved these King stories. I always find King challenges your understanding of reality and perception. He used this novella as an outlet or rather, alloLoved these King stories. I always find King challenges your understanding of reality and perception. He used this novella as an outlet or rather, allowed us access to his mind for these 4 very different short stories. Each one unique but had that signature stomach drop, hair raising King trademark. Would definitely recommend to those looking to get a glimpse at his writing style before taking on a full novel. Lots of subtle references to other books in this one ...more
Under the Volcano, another novel on my Classics to Read before you die list. This was a surprisingly good novel. I found my myself getting borderline Under the Volcano, another novel on my Classics to Read before you die list. This was a surprisingly good novel. I found my myself getting borderline frustrated with the amount of detail Lowry put into describing every.single.thing. But all of those details would come together perfectly and paint a masterpiece. There were several main themes that were blatantly obvious, alcoholism, love and despair to name a few. Almost everything in this book can be a metaphor for something from the two volcanoes always looking down on everything to the horse with a 7 branded into it that always appears at main points in the plot. I found myself rereading paragraphs finding whole new meanings to what I read. I can see why it’s on the classics list. There were also several subtle references to other famous authors I found neat. ...more
Sons and Lovers was one of the books on my list of classics I’m working through. I came into this one with no previous knowledge of D.H. Lawrence. FroSons and Lovers was one of the books on my list of classics I’m working through. I came into this one with no previous knowledge of D.H. Lawrence. From what I understand, this novel was loosely based on his own life. His writing clearly reflected the culture at the time. It was incredibly sexist and at times profound. The mothers (Mrs. Morel) relationship with her husband was somewhere in between what I would call polite hostility and downright abusive. As a result the mother turned all of her affections towards her children. After the death of her eldest son, her second eldest, Paul, becomes the center of her world. The rest of the novel revolves around Paul and his relationships. I felt very frustrated with Paul but I suppose that’s why this novel is a classic because of the depths Lawrence goes to in describing Paul’s morality. I perceived a slight oedipus complex happening with Paul’s genuine, almost perverse love for his mother and hatred for his father, although the hate for his father can also be explained from his drunken abusive behaviour. Any child would rally against that. It becomes clear that the love he has for his mother will never be matched by anyone. He struggled with having intimate, adult relationships with women. Even when they clearly have feelings for him, he repeatedly makes questionable, head scratching decisions that end with him choosing his mother. These choices ultimately lead him to a sad fate of loneliness and depression once his mother passes away. “The people hurrying along the streets offered no obstruction to the void in which he found himself... On every side the immense dark silence seemed pressing him, so tiny a spark, into extinction..” This was a very well written and fluid novel. I almost wish all the classics were written this way ...more
Good, fast paced read. Action packed adventure, more wide spread than the average Rapp book. It was good to see the plot change, the books were fallinGood, fast paced read. Action packed adventure, more wide spread than the average Rapp book. It was good to see the plot change, the books were falling into the same kind of repetitive mold. ...more
Great read. This is a good book for people who want to understand the current political landscape in a condensed, easy to follow guide. It’s a thoughtGreat read. This is a good book for people who want to understand the current political landscape in a condensed, easy to follow guide. It’s a thought provoking and insightful text that challenges the reader to learn and apply that knowledge to be able to recognize the many forms of tyranny and how to resist and overcome. Snyder links modern day governments to the likes of the tyrannical leaders of the world in the early 1900’s and shows step by step how those leaders were able to ascertain their power and win over their countrymen. Leaders like Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, It didn’t happen over night, citizens were fed and baited by a story that they alone controlled. Definitely worth checking out. ...more
