Starting to keep track again

I guess its because of my research wikis that I figured I better also keep up with documenting my "fun" reads, so here goes.

Just tonight, I finished Donna Kossy's Strange Creations--Aberrant Ideas of Human Origins from Ancient Astronauts to Aquatic Apes.

It was odd but interesting. The section on Eugenics didn't really fit in with the rest of the book--it would have if it had been fit in under the Ancient Astronauts section. Why didn't it fit? Because that section (along with the Heaven's Gate section) was more about what certain segments of the population believe must be done to save the future--and the book was supposed to be focused on the past, or beginnings, of mankind. There may have been some editing and scaling down involved, but I noticed in sections, Kossy uses judgment calls without explaining why she arrived at her position. One such area was in her damning of von Daniken's assumptions of proof of ancient astronauts. Because there are other times that she explains her viewpoints by pulling out textual examples, I wonder if some things weren't just cut for length's sake. However, it did jump out at me.

Before this, I read Haunted Places of the South (can't remember the author). While most of the book now utterly escapes me, I enjoyed it while I read it and now know of some spots here in Mississippi as well as in Louisiana and Alabama that maybe I could visit and do a little "ghost hunting" myself. One of the spookiest parts for me was the writeup about Shiloh in Tennessee. It reinforced an experience I had as a child when we visited. Maybe it all wasn't my imagination, since I was 5 at the time and hadn't heard of Shiloh, much less the folklore about the place.

I've also just finished reading "I, Avatar" but the writeup for that is in my Higher SLeducation research wiki.

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder--November 14-15, 2006

First, let me say that I really did enjoy this read. For a book of this length, its unusual for me to do it in one sitting, but I almost did that with this one. Snyder spins a good yarn. For the most part, the writing was clean and kept the story going forward, pulling me along. In a way, it reminded me of Richardson's Pamela and some of those other older stories--how much can the author put his/her heroine through and still have her come out victorious in the end.

If there was a weak spot in the book for me, it was when Yelena and Valek finally "got together." The voice totally changed. Instead of the clear, easily captivating voice, it got all flowery and overly dramatic, rather reminiscent of what Harlequins are infamous for. That was really one of my few issues with the book--that and the whole Commander Ambrose being a woman trapped in a man's body. I thought that could have been worked more seamlessly into the story. Instead of popping up somewhere around mid-way and then having so much to do with the ending.

That said, I'd still recommend it to a buddy.

You Cannot Die by Ian Currie

July 15-August 8, 2006--You Cannot Die by Ian Currie

Even though it took me a while to read (I was doing it bit by bit just before bed each night--all my everyday life would allow me), I really did enjoy this book. More than simply spine-tingling ghost stories, Currie--at least to me--provided a text that was really uplifting. Too many of us are afraid of death. He shows documented cases of those who have returned--and really, the accounts are comforting.

Granted, at times the book reads a little too "urban legend-y," but then there's the endnotes that document where each story comes from. If I were of a mind to, I could find the original texts and read--or at least that's the assumption.

The text isn't hard to read, either. Currie finds a way of explaining his theories in a matter of fact way without demeaning them. He also provides ample narratives of first-person experiences. By using these primary sources, it adds intimacy--near death or out of body experiences are extraordinarily personal and the very act of telling the story of it is an act of courage. Currie himself is courageous in approaching the subject that, for some reason, seems to scare the bejesus out of scientists and doctors alike. Thankfully, as he mentions in his book, there are a "damned few" who are pushing the spiritual envelope and doing real research experiments trying to get "scientific proof" in the existence of the soul/spirit.

Will it make a difference? I side with Currie when he makes the statement that, for some people, no matter the evidence, they still won't believe it--at least, until they experience it for themselves.

Charmed Circle by Dolores Stewart Riccio

review coming

Circle of Five by Dolores Stewart Riccio

review coming

Pathways to the Gods: The Stones of Kiribati by Erich von Daniken

review coming

The War Against Women by Marilyn French

June 13-17, 2006--War Against Women by Marilyn French

Okay, so something's happened to me since I went through composition studies training and taught freshman comp. I once was able to sit and read a feminist tome and get so very angry at society, believing everything I read. Comp studies, though, taught me to find holes in arguments. I have to say that I'm rather surprised at how popular Marilyn French is. I found her argument full of areas that lacked support and, at times, she came across as ranting (not good). If this had been presented as theory or some such, yeah, I could've bought into that (I "buy into" spiritual writing all the time), but it isn't--she presented the book as stone cold fact.

I'm trying to keep in mind that this was written back in the early 80's. There are some things that she touches on that improvements have been made. But there's this one section that really got me--a series of "scenes" of women being downtrodden and brutalized. The way it was written--without any documentation at all--it might as well have been a work of fiction. It goes back to that same old adage--show me, don't just tell me.

Something else--I agree with her about some of E.O. Wilson's findings--the way he leaps to conclusions in some of his work. However, it seemed to me that in almost the same breath French was condemning Wilson's leaping, she herself was doing the very same thing!

Final thoughts--if you're a die-hard feminist, maybe you'll agree with everything French puts on paper, without the need for her "showing her work," so to speak. I, however, think that there are other authors out there with much better thought out and proven arguments. 'Nuff said.

Red is for Remembrance by Laurie Stolarz

June 12, 2006--Red is for Remembrance by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Again, I figured out the plot of this book within the first third of the plot. That didn't keep me from keeping on reading.

I liked the juxtaposition between Stacy and Porsha. I was also pleased to see that Stolarz didn't take the easy "happily ever after" road by playing up Jacob's memory loss. That kind of trauma doesn't go away overnight and I was happy that Stolarz paid homage to that by not having everything wrap up quite too nicely at the end of the book. It also, of course, left the door open for another novel. :o)

Silver is for Secrets by Laurie Stolarz

June 12, 2006--Silver is for Secrets--by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Again, I have to say that Stolarz' work is very readable. About half way through the book, I figured out what the ending would be, but heck, it was still an enjoyable read.

I still question the police actions in the story. Thanks to knowing some police officers personally, I wonder if they'd react in anywhere near the way that occurs in the story.

Ah well, because what I figure would be a more realistic reaction would screw up the plot, I guess I can let it slide.

Actually, I read the final two novels in the series in the same night. We had a critter intruder and I couldn't get to sleep for worrying about it, so I figured why not read?!?

White is for Magic by Laurie Faria Stolarz

6/11/06--White is for Magic by Laurie Faria Stolarz

As you might have guessed, I'm quickly working my way through the series. The books are easy enough to read, I can do one per night, more or less. And while I think they're a bit on the "fluffy" side, they're entertaining enough to keep me engaged. For this book, I had a bit of a problem with the suspension of disbelief. As an adult, I cannot believe that there would be so many slips of security at a boarding school that has just had a student murdered. That said, I can certainly see how a young person could very well buy into it--particularly when they must feel like their schools, in general, are so out of touch with what's "really going on."

I'm wanting to see, also, if all of Stolarz books have this sudden resolution--out of nowhere, the police arrive and suddenly, everything's okay. The shift of gears seems incredibly abrupt to me and I'm curious if that's a style issue with the author. Or maybe its part of the young adult category style.

Blue is for Nightmares by Laurie Faria Stolarz

6/10/06--Blue is for Nightmares by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Okay, I have to remind myself that this book was placed in the "Young Adult" category for a reason. Earth shattering literature it is not. Actually, it was more than a bit fluffy, but at least it was entertaining. I read it in one sitting, more or less. The chapters are short enough that it keeps the action moving forward. The rituals, especially, have a lot of detail (I guess that's why Llewellyn liked the series). For a kid interested in the occult, sure I'd recommend it. As an adult, I found myself rolling my eyeballs at some of the antics of the teens, but hey, I wasn't exactly among the book's intended audience.

Highways of the Mind by Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki

2/1/06-2/22/06--.Highways of the Mind: The Art and History of Pathworking by Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki.

This is one of those books and one of those authors who have a cult following and, if I were to do a negative review publicly, there would be people who would like to see me strung up.

Not that this review is all negative--nor all positive.

First off, let me say that I'm glad I read the book. Now I at least have a starting point from were to push off into the subject of pathworkings and what they can (or cannot) do.

Where I take issue with D.A-N. is in the vagueness of her references to the ancient past. The skeptic in me wishes she'd give more "proof" to her points by mentioning specific materials from which she gained her "facts"--materials that were penned by a hand other than her own.

There seems to also be some confusion in her mind as far as how often one should perform pathworkings. At one point, she says a month, then another point, ten days, then a week--and finally, there are some instances that she seems to insinuate that someone should do them daily. I'm under the assumption that she's speaking of totally different types of pathworking of which she's speaking, but that's not exactly made clear.

I did enjoy the sections on poetry, art and music. She pulled out specific passages and described specific pieces of art and music and it really made the section into a good read. My inner skeptic stayed quiet for the most part because I could *see* what she was saying and not being asked simply to take her word for it

Vinegar Hill (from Ex Libris)

7/23-7/24/05—Vinegar Hill by A. Manette Ansay
Why are so many “literary” books so damned depressing??? This one, according to one of the blubs on the back cover, was supposed to show something akin to a feminist rebirth or some such. What that basically means is that, right at the end, after all the shit that the main character, Ellen, has had to go through—she’s finally going to get her own apartment and move out. Or at least that’s what she says. The only action she’s taken thus far is to accept the job out of town. At the end of the book, everything else is just talk. The grandmother, I have conflicting feelings for. I guess that was Ansay’s purpose. I can’t stand her actions—I think she’s a vicious old bat. But then the reader’s allowed glimpses into her past—some of what made her that way—some of what made her son the way he is—and I understand a bit more. Big but coming—but, each person has his/her own responsibility for his/her own actions. Her lack of strength shows in the fact that she never left. Some might say that her staying with a husband who abused/raped her shows strength of character, but I see the opposite. She was too weak to face the world outside the relationship—instead, she stayed, making everyone else’s life miserable. I half expected the grandfather to rape the little girl, but it never came to that. It was hinted at, but the book ended before it could come to fruition. The question still remains for me—Ellen’s supposed to be the “heroine” in this story (if there is one) and yet—and yet—I can’t believe a mother of any kind of caliber would leave her twelve year old daughter alone with a man who she knows has a violent history. Very very dumb. I wouldn’t have been surprised in the least if this book had ended very differently.

The Life and Hard Times of Heidi Abromowitz (from Ex Libris)

7/23/05—The Life and Hard Times of Heidi Abromowitz by Joan Rivers
After the last few books, I needed a cotton candy breather. I read this in one sitting. I can remember when Donita Ruehs brought this with her to middle school and we’d huddle around it, stifling our giggles with our hands, like it was major contraband and there’d be hell to pay if we were caught. Reading it now, it’s more than a bit creepy, especially the first chapters. Rivers is basically playing right into the hands of pedophiles by sexualizing this fictional woman as a child. The book makes it sound like “Heidi” began her sexual exploits as a baby. Knowing the world around me like I do, that’s not at all funny to me. While I finished the book, Rivers had already lost me as a reader by the time the book could have been funny. Just one more reason to think she’s a crass jerk of a woman who’ll write/do/say anything for a buck and a minute in the spotlight.

Songs in Ordinary Time (from Ex Libris)

7/18-7/22/05—Songs in Ordinary Time by Mary McGarry Morris
Another long book—over 700 pages. While I can appreciate the way the scenes of various lengths played out much like an ongoing song and chorus, it made it harder to read. There were many, many—too many—characters to keep up with. I very nearly put the book down early on because I couldn’t keep up with everybody. It was only after I decided to relax and simply read and not worry about who was who that I could begin to enjoy the book at all. In the end, as well, there weren’t a lot of sympathetic characters. Morris apparently hones in on the mother at the end as if she were the main character (I thought all along it was more Benji than anyone else), but its hard for me to feel at all sorry for her being alone at the end because I spent the majority of the novel wanting to slap the crap out of her.

Gap Creek (from Ex Libris)

7/17-7/18/05—Gap Creek by Robert Morgan
Why did it take me so long to read this book?!? I mean, I’d gone to a reading by the author a few years ago—the passages he read certainly peaked my interest. So why did it take me nearly three years (or so) to finally get to it? I guess the same reason I won’t go to the movies anymore—fear of disappointment. I zipped through the novel—totally enjoyed it, even though some of the plot twists were gritty and heart-wrenching. I wanted her to leave him, though I knew it wouldn’t happen (after all, I’d met their great-grandson!). With the confusion after the old man’s death, it leaves me wondering how anybody knew who anyone really was back then. We have all these forms of ID now that supposedly confirms identity, but how were they to know for sure who was being sent by the old man’s heirs? While I knew of some of the better scenes and how they’d play out, I don’t think it diminished the read any.

For Whom the Bell Tolls (from Ex Libris)

7/10-7/17/05—For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
I was beginning to wonder if I’d ever get through this book. Its not one that I’d read on my own anyway, unless it was simply a whim—which I guess you might say of this latest reading spurt. I’m not much on war stories, especially ones that are so chocked full of male bravado it sometimes makes my eyes roll back in my head with disbelief. There are only two major female characters in the novel—one is more male than female in her actions and responses (including a scene that she very nearly professes lesbian love for the younger girl). The injenu is so one-sided and un-fleshed out its laughable. I guess Hemingway became famous because of the testosterone crowd that still haunts the halls of upper academia. I have a hard time believing that this would make a splash if it were released today.

The Heart of a Woman (from Ex Libris)

7/7-7/10/05—The Heart of a Woman by Maya Angelou
Angelou’s autobiographical novel was a bit disconcerting to me. As a read, I rather enjoyed it (even though I was made to feel throughout like “my kind” was the ultimate enemy). The disconcerting part was in that it was a blow to my image of Angelou. I’ve always thought of her as this elegant lady full of wisdom whose voice could read anything and make it sound lovely. I never thought of where the wisdom must have come from. I didn’t expect to read that she’d been a bed-hopping social climber who put as much or more in stock of her own agenda as that of her teenaged son.

The House of the Seven Gables (from Ex Libris)

7/3-7/7/05—House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne
This read really slowed down my pace that I had going. I won’t say that it was a bad read, just bogged down. Hawthorne here depicts his penchant to force a moral on the state of mankind or life itself into nearly every single description. In the author’s prologue, he says that it’s a romance, but I found that it was much more his own romantic notion towards the house’s history, that he’d created in his own mind. Because of the comments by the author, I figured that the two younger characters would eventually “hook up,” but there was little development for the reader’s sake of their budding relationship. Near the end of the story, the young man shows up long enough to profess his love as well as his secret identity to wrap everything up nicely—a little too nicely for me, but then again, I know that this is how things were expected to be written at the time.

Black Trillium (from Ex Libris)

7/2-7/3/05—Black Trillium by Marion Zimmer Bradley, Julian May and Andre Norton
The comment above about the lack of denoument? Ditto here. Apparently I know little about genre fantasy/sci-fi. My biggest aggravation with this book was the mountains of terms, place names and character names that I, as a reader, was expected to remember. I thought it was best for a novel to have ten main characters or less? This one was published and sold, but yeah, I can see why Carolyn Haines would swear by that rule. I finally gave up on keeping everything and everyone straight and simply kept reading. The book could’ve been much shorter as well. The authors seem to much joy in trying to prove how creative they can be in torturing the three princesses (which I thought, by the way, were a bit too cliché—triple goddess, blonde, redhead and brunette—yeah, I get it—hit me over the head with a brick, why don’t you?). And where they could’ve spent more time was in the exploration of what happened to the Vanished Ones. The Archimage Binah implies that she’ll tell Haramis, but then the idea is dropped. Er, did somebody drop the ball here or are we to wait for it to show up in the next installment??? I know I’m rusty on the whole area of Sci-fi/Fantasy, but if this is the best of the best that’s out there—I can do this!!!

Witch Hill (from Ex Libris)

7/1/05—Witch Hill by Marion Zimmer Bradley
I liked Mists of Avalon, so at some point, I gathered a few more by MZB. Well, it may very well be that Mists of Avalon was the high point in MZB’s writing career. While I read it in one sitting, Witch Hill was a bit fluffy (of course, I guess being able to read it in one sitting might, itself, point to that fact). It appears that MZB wanted to write erotica and so crammed as many sex scenes as possible into under three hundred pages and then tried desperately to form a plot around it. She confuses the Great Rite with “promiscuity” and Witchcraft of the most Ancient Ways with Devil Worship, even while, at the same time, she’s trying to draw a dividing line among them. Still, there was enough forward action that it kept me reading. I noticed, however, that there wasn’t much of a dénouement after the climax—the story almost immediately wrapped up after the main action, rather like the author had spent all her time and energy in the buildup and simply wanted to get the story over with.

Pure Drivel (from Ex Libris)

7/1/05—Pure Drivel by Steve Martin
This collection of essays reads rather like a really good episode of Saturday Night Live, only smarter. I’ve heard that Martin has written some novels and now, I’ll have to check those out. While there were no Earth shattering revelations in this offering, it was still well-written enough, intelligent enough, to impress the hell out of me.

Crazy in Alabama (from Ex Libris)

6/30-7/1/05—Crazy in Alabama by Mark Childress
Even though it became a downright painful read, I enjoyed the book. I don’t agree with the blurb on the back that the story has anything remotely in common with Stephen King, however. If anything, it reminds me a bit of the movie, Forest Gump in that Peejoe unwittingly continues to fall into the major events occurring around him, without necessarily trying to. All the killing, by the end, had me exhausted. And, if I had a largest gripe, it would be that those who were the least faultless—those whose actions were the most giving and heartening—were the exact ones who Childress seems to take glee in persecuting. Making Meemaw a racist seems almost added as an afterthought—perhaps to make the reader feel less sorry for her, with all that she is having to endure in her old age. Peejoe’s Uncle Dove also seems to go through much torture, to the point of madness, for doing only what he thought was right—taking in his orphaned nephews and standing up to those who were evil. Peejoe seems to come out relatively unscathed in the end. His Aunt Lucille, though she’s totally self-involved from the get-go, also seems to come out okay. Even with all the death in the book, in the end it all is shucked off under the auspice—“All’s Well that End’s Well.” While I enjoyed the trip through these peoples’ lives and local events, I thought the attitude at the end was a bit blasé about the whole thing.

Ex-Libris intro and first entry (from former blog)

Ex Libris

Book Diary beginning June 29, 2005 on my 33rd Birthday (under the remembrance of a New Year’s Resolution).


6/29-6/30/05--The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
The book that, more or less, set off my latest splurge in reading. While there were certain areas that I thought tied up a bit too simply (like the molester/murderer’s death being caused by an icicle which the “ghost” of his victim—the narrator--had mentioned earlier as the perfect murder weapon—several times, in case the reader might miss it). I also didn’t understand why, if Susie’s spirit could take over Ruth’s body for a night, why it couldn’t then explain where her body was. Considering the title, it was a bit of a let-down for me that the body was never discovered—I figured that would be the lovely bones but, unlike other aspects of the novel, that bit didn’t turn out as simply tied. I can’t say that, even with my gripes, this wasn’t a great read. I didn’t want to put it down to sleep but eventually realized that I had to.