The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II by Denise Kiernan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Category: Reviews
Did you have a favorite planet as a child?
A favorite planet? Who has a favorite planet? Well, if you’re a science fiction geek like me, I suppose that’s a fair question. I mean even now, as I write this, I can look up at framed artwork of faux travel posters put out by NASA for various planets in our solar system and further out in the galaxy.
But this question asks about a favorite planet as a child and that requires a bit of thinking. Of course, the standard answer would consist of a 1 in 9* choice, right? Sure, we could get a bit more choice in there if we include the planet-like moons of the gas giants, which, if we were to colonize the outer reaches of our solar system, would be where we’d lay down roots. So now the obvious answer would be, say, a 1 out of 15 or so choice, yes? Continue reading “Did you have a favorite planet as a child?”
What are your favorite books?
This week’s question about my favorite books is, as you’ve probably guessed, going to be a bit more difficult than merely spitting out some title and moving on. Then again, this is my 16th answer, just over 30% done for the year of this project, and if you haven’t figured out by now that none of these answers are that simple for me, well then, you haven’t been paying attention. Continue reading “What are your favorite books?”
On Literary and Genre Canon
While on lockdown and teaching from home this week, my Media Issues class discussed the idea of “canon” in literature and they asked me if I would give them a list of things I think should/could be canon. Immediately I said the only list I could really give them were my own thoughts and they said that was fine, so here we go. Continue reading “On Literary and Genre Canon”
Jaq’s Year in Books – 2019 edition
Well, another year is over and I’ve gotten through quite a few books to mark that passage of time.
I read a lot. Overall, this year, I read 90+ books. This translates into more than 20,000 pages and a good deal of time spent. Continue reading “Jaq’s Year in Books – 2019 edition”
On Preparedness
So I just got back from a wonderful trip to Disneyland Paris (which you can read all about here) but as I was unpacking I realized something. See that book over to the left? Golden Blood by Jack Williamson? I’ve never read it. And yet, it’s travelled with me all over the globe.
See, whenever I travel, in addition to all my electronics, I always bring a good, old fashioned paperback book, just in case. In case of what? I don’t know. In case with all my battery operated equipment I somehow have a power failure and find myself stranded alone with nothing to do? Maybe? Continue reading “On Preparedness”
Marilyn Monroe’s personal library: an epic reading list | AbeBooks’ Reading Copy
In 1999, Christie’s staged an auction of Marilyn Monroe’s belongings, including her books. The books in Marilyn Monroe’s personal library, number between 400-500 titles, and reflect a wide range of interests and maturity levels.
When she died in 1962, she was only 36 years old and had publicly made the statement she found intellect the sexiest attribute a person could have.
I can only imagine what she would have done had she lived longer. I think the world definitely missed out on something good here.
Is There a Perfect Order to Watch the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Movies?
Or there might not.
The truth of the matter is that with Avengers Endgame showing up in less than a month, an event which is the culmination of 11 years and 21 feature films, a lot of people, including me, are trying to catch up and reinvesitigate everything leading up to this momentous occasion. All of which led me to wonder what is the best way to deal with the rewatch (not to mention that at some point in the future, I’ll be doing it all over again with Monki, I hope) Continue reading “Is There a Perfect Order to Watch the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Movies?”
Audiobooks – a good listen
So it’s no secret I love to read. Over the last decade or so, I’ve also picked up the audiobook habit. If I’m walking around the streets, or on the bus on the way to work, odds are I’ve got my headphones in and I’m listening to a book. Over at Goodreads, you can see my audiobook list (as of right now, at almost 400 books long), which has a number of classics I’ve always wanted to read but never got around to or wasn’t able to get into in text form. I’ll also pick up dramatized productions and old radio shows. Continue reading “Audiobooks – a good listen”
End of Footnote
Beat the Backlist 2019 Hogwarts Mini Challenge | NovelKnight
I know I already posted my 2018 reading post, but I just came across this, over at NovelKnight, and feel, as a proud Hufflepuff, I have to participate as well. Come and join me – earn points for your house! Beat the Backlist 2019 Hogwarts Mini Challenge.
Continue reading “Beat the Backlist 2019 Hogwarts Mini Challenge | NovelKnight”
Jaq’s Year in Books
Check out My 2018 Year in Books on Goodreads.
I didn’t do too bad this year. Originally, I had set my goal at 80 books, then upped it to 100. Eventually, I topped out at over 120.
Now here’s some interesting stats: Continue reading “Jaq’s Year in Books”
A Christmas Carol
Review: Bonfire by Krysten Ritter
Bonfire by Krysten Ritter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Yup.
Like most people, I came to this book through the auspices of Krysten Ritter, actor. Her performances in various TV shows have long since labeled me a fan. Add to that I like a good mystery novel and this seemed like something at least worth a try.
It was. And more. Continue reading “Review: Bonfire by Krysten Ritter”
Review: Fantasticland by Mike Bockoven
FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book had such potential.
The basic premise, that a storm wipes out contact with the skeleton crew of a Disney-esque amusement park, who then revert to literal tribalism and savagery fits in well with today’s YS dystopias and the tagline of “Lord of the Flies” meets “Battle Royale” is fairly accurate. Continue reading “Review: Fantasticland by Mike Bockoven”
Getting the Hang of Thursdays 