Author: Tamora Pierce
Genre: Fantasy
Date Finished: December 30, 2010
Rebeka Cooper's second year as a member of the Provost's Guard.
Terrier
Author: Tamora Pierce
Genre: Fantasy
Date Finished: December 29, 2010
Rebeka Cooper's first year as a member of the Provost's Guard, commonly known as Dogs.
Genre: Fantasy
Date Finished: December 29, 2010
Rebeka Cooper's first year as a member of the Provost's Guard, commonly known as Dogs.
Halt's Peril
Author: John Flanagan
Genre: Youth Fiction (Fantasy)
Date Finished: October, 2010
Halt, Will and Horace pursue the fleeing Tennyson.
Genre: Youth Fiction (Fantasy)
Date Finished: October, 2010
Halt, Will and Horace pursue the fleeing Tennyson.
The Tibetan Buddhist Life
Author: Don Farber
Genre: Non-Fiction
Date Finished: August 12, 2010
This is a photographic description of Tibetan life with a focus on the monastic and religious aspects. Very informative.
Genre: Non-Fiction
Date Finished: August 12, 2010
This is a photographic description of Tibetan life with a focus on the monastic and religious aspects. Very informative.
Ranger's Apprentice: Erak's Ransom
Author: John Flanagan
Genre: Youth Fiction (Fantasy)
Date Finished: August 7, 2010
The seventh book of the Ranger's Apprentice series, this book details the adventures of Halt, Will, Horace, Evalyn and Gilan travel to Arrida in an effort to ransom Erak free from the Arridi.
The book begins with Halt's marriage to Lady Pauline. Will's apprenticeship is coming to an end. When Svengal of the Skandi arrives with news that Erak, the Oberjarl of the Skandi, is being held for ransom, an expedition is organized. Once the ransom has been negotiated, the party travels inland to get Erak. Then the trouble begins.
When Tug escapes Will during a sandstorm, he leaves the others to find his lost horse. The others are captured by Erak's enemies and Will, with new found friends, must rescue them.
Genre: Youth Fiction (Fantasy)
Date Finished: August 7, 2010
The seventh book of the Ranger's Apprentice series, this book details the adventures of Halt, Will, Horace, Evalyn and Gilan travel to Arrida in an effort to ransom Erak free from the Arridi.
The book begins with Halt's marriage to Lady Pauline. Will's apprenticeship is coming to an end. When Svengal of the Skandi arrives with news that Erak, the Oberjarl of the Skandi, is being held for ransom, an expedition is organized. Once the ransom has been negotiated, the party travels inland to get Erak. Then the trouble begins.
When Tug escapes Will during a sandstorm, he leaves the others to find his lost horse. The others are captured by Erak's enemies and Will, with new found friends, must rescue them.
Surviving the Dragon
Author: Arjia Rinpoche
Genre: Non-Fiction (Tibetan Buddhist Autobiography)
Date Finished: August 9, 2010
The story of the Arjia Rinpoche, from when he was a young boy and first recognized as a reincarnation, his initial education as a future lama, occupation of Tibet by the Chinese. The abuse he suffered growing up as a monk, and a reincarnation, under the Chinese occupation. His participation in the Chinese 'selection' of the Panchen Lama. At one point in the book, he writes that a Chinese official admitted to him the selection was fixed and the actual Panchen Lama selected by the Dalai Lama was captured by Chinese security.
In the end, unable to continue to participate in the Chinese occupation of Tibet, and unable to refuse to participate, he escapes to the United States via Guatemala.
Genre: Non-Fiction (Tibetan Buddhist Autobiography)
Date Finished: August 9, 2010
The story of the Arjia Rinpoche, from when he was a young boy and first recognized as a reincarnation, his initial education as a future lama, occupation of Tibet by the Chinese. The abuse he suffered growing up as a monk, and a reincarnation, under the Chinese occupation. His participation in the Chinese 'selection' of the Panchen Lama. At one point in the book, he writes that a Chinese official admitted to him the selection was fixed and the actual Panchen Lama selected by the Dalai Lama was captured by Chinese security.
In the end, unable to continue to participate in the Chinese occupation of Tibet, and unable to refuse to participate, he escapes to the United States via Guatemala.
Sorrow Mountain: The Journey of a Tibetan Warrior Nun
Author: Ani Pachen & Adelaide Donnelley
Genre: Non-Fiction (Tibetan Buddhist Autobiography)
Date Finished: July 29, 2010
This is the biography of a Tibetan woman who grew up in Chinese occupied Tibet. She describes the incredible abuse by the Chinese, years of prison. Eventually, she is released from prison and escapes from Tibet into India where she ordains.
Genre: Non-Fiction (Tibetan Buddhist Autobiography)
Date Finished: July 29, 2010
This is the biography of a Tibetan woman who grew up in Chinese occupied Tibet. She describes the incredible abuse by the Chinese, years of prison. Eventually, she is released from prison and escapes from Tibet into India where she ordains.
The Twinkie Squad
Author: Gordon Korman
Genre: Fiction (Youth)
Date Finished: July 24, 2010
There is a new kid in school, Douglas Fairchild, the Ambassador's son. A little mishap in the courtyard and Commando, the star basketball player, is suddenly a member of the Twinkie Squad, the after school counseling group with Douglas. Chaos ensues.
Genre: Fiction (Youth)
Date Finished: July 24, 2010
There is a new kid in school, Douglas Fairchild, the Ambassador's son. A little mishap in the courtyard and Commando, the star basketball player, is suddenly a member of the Twinkie Squad, the after school counseling group with Douglas. Chaos ensues.
The Magicians
Author: Lev Grossman
Genre: Fantasy
Date Finished: July 19, 2010
This was not a special book. Do not read it. It's the story of a shallow, self absorbed, emotionally repressed boy who, much like Harry Potter, is invited to a school of magic. It's a university of magic actually, so there are fraternities, sex, drugs and alchol. The book meanders on and he eventually graduates, wasting his time drinking and partying until he stumbles by accident into a magical world (think the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) and a quest. But since it took nearly 3 quarters of the book to find the quest, and nearly the remaining quarter of the book for him to mope around after the quest, there really wasn't much meat to the story.
Genre: Fantasy
Date Finished: July 19, 2010
This was not a special book. Do not read it. It's the story of a shallow, self absorbed, emotionally repressed boy who, much like Harry Potter, is invited to a school of magic. It's a university of magic actually, so there are fraternities, sex, drugs and alchol. The book meanders on and he eventually graduates, wasting his time drinking and partying until he stumbles by accident into a magical world (think the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) and a quest. But since it took nearly 3 quarters of the book to find the quest, and nearly the remaining quarter of the book for him to mope around after the quest, there really wasn't much meat to the story.
No Coins Please
Author: Gordon Korman
Genre: Fiction (Youth)
Date Finished: July 18, 2010
Documents the trip of a Canadian youth touring group across the US as one young entrepreneur attempts to amass a fortune.
Genre: Fiction (Youth)
Date Finished: July 18, 2010
Documents the trip of a Canadian youth touring group across the US as one young entrepreneur attempts to amass a fortune.
The Ruins of Gorlan
Author: John Flanagan
Genre: Fantasy
Date Finished: July 18, 2010
Read this book once before, but I liked it, so here we go again.
Genre: Fantasy
Date Finished: July 18, 2010
Read this book once before, but I liked it, so here we go again.
Go Jump in the Pool
Author: Gordon Korman
Genre: Fiction (Youth)
Date Finished: July 17, 2010
This edition has also been updated from when I last read it. There is a reference to e-mail (definitely something not available to your average grade school kid when I last read this book in the mid 80's), and also the 2002 World Series bubble gum cards Mrs. Sturgeon won in the grab bag.
Genre: Fiction (Youth)
Date Finished: July 17, 2010
This edition has also been updated from when I last read it. There is a reference to e-mail (definitely something not available to your average grade school kid when I last read this book in the mid 80's), and also the 2002 World Series bubble gum cards Mrs. Sturgeon won in the grab bag.
This Can't Be Happening At MacDonald Hall
Author: Gordon Korman
Genre: Fiction (Youth)
Date Finished: July 17, 2010
Classic hilarity from Gordon Korman. I think the edition has been slightly updated. This book refers to a group of teachers from Athabasca, Alberta who tutor Boots' eccentric roommate for final exams. Now that I'm older and know that the University of Athabasca (a distance education institution) is in Athabasca, I wonder if that detail was always there and I just missed it before.
Genre: Fiction (Youth)
Date Finished: July 17, 2010
Classic hilarity from Gordon Korman. I think the edition has been slightly updated. This book refers to a group of teachers from Athabasca, Alberta who tutor Boots' eccentric roommate for final exams. Now that I'm older and know that the University of Athabasca (a distance education institution) is in Athabasca, I wonder if that detail was always there and I just missed it before.
The Bancroft Strategy
Author: Robert Ludlum
Genre: Fiction (Spy)
Date Finished: July 17, 2010
When Todd Belknap is cut loose by his own agency, he starts searching for his kidnapped friend. In the course of his pursuit he comes across Andrea Bancroft, a member of the Bancroft Foundation. Together they uncover a world wide conspiracy, decades old.
I can't say I recommend this novel. I only finished it because there was nothing else around.
Genre: Fiction (Spy)
Date Finished: July 17, 2010
When Todd Belknap is cut loose by his own agency, he starts searching for his kidnapped friend. In the course of his pursuit he comes across Andrea Bancroft, a member of the Bancroft Foundation. Together they uncover a world wide conspiracy, decades old.
I can't say I recommend this novel. I only finished it because there was nothing else around.
The Last Guardian
Author: David Gemmell
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Date Finished: July 7, 2010
This is, I believe, the second of three books about Jon Shannow, also known as the Jerusalem Man, so named for his life quest to see the lost city. Shannow lives in a world about 300 years in the future, 300 years after a vague event which seems to have rotated the world causing the oceans to redistribute.
In this new world, the level of technology has reverted and people live at about the same technology as the mid 1800s. Jon Shannow is a gunfighter and sometimes lawman, called a towntamer in his world.
A man of iron principles, he is often tired and filled with self-doubt.
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Date Finished: July 7, 2010
This is, I believe, the second of three books about Jon Shannow, also known as the Jerusalem Man, so named for his life quest to see the lost city. Shannow lives in a world about 300 years in the future, 300 years after a vague event which seems to have rotated the world causing the oceans to redistribute.
In this new world, the level of technology has reverted and people live at about the same technology as the mid 1800s. Jon Shannow is a gunfighter and sometimes lawman, called a towntamer in his world.
A man of iron principles, he is often tired and filled with self-doubt.
Psion
Author: Joan D. Vinge
Genre: Science Fiction
Date Finished: July 5, 2010
The story of a half alien boy, Cat. He grew up in filth and squalor on the streets of the Old City until one day his mental talents were recognized. He was recruited and trained to help find and stop a mental terrorist.
Some descriptions call Cat an anti-hero. As far as I can tell, he's just weakminded. He stumbles from one event to another, barely understanding what is happening, constantly the pawn of the people around him. He seems to be just a self absorbed adolescent, who can also read minds.
Genre: Science Fiction
Date Finished: July 5, 2010
The story of a half alien boy, Cat. He grew up in filth and squalor on the streets of the Old City until one day his mental talents were recognized. He was recruited and trained to help find and stop a mental terrorist.
Some descriptions call Cat an anti-hero. As far as I can tell, he's just weakminded. He stumbles from one event to another, barely understanding what is happening, constantly the pawn of the people around him. He seems to be just a self absorbed adolescent, who can also read minds.
The Rural Living Handbook
Author: Editors of Mother Earth News
Genre: Non-Fiction
Date Finished: July 4, 2010
This book could be considered an encyclopedia of the basic skills required to maintain a country home with information on building stone walls, log cabins, basic carpentry, tractors, cultivating gardens, raising livestock and preserving food.
Genre: Non-Fiction
Date Finished: July 4, 2010
This book could be considered an encyclopedia of the basic skills required to maintain a country home with information on building stone walls, log cabins, basic carpentry, tractors, cultivating gardens, raising livestock and preserving food.
Busman's Honeymoon
Author: Dorothy L. Sayers
Genre: Fiction (Detective)
Date Finished: May 30, 2010
This is the book that follows Gaudy Night. In the beginning of the book we get what we were promised at the end of the last, the marriage of Harriet and Lord Peter Wimsey.
Sayers describes this book as 'a love story with detective interruptions', which seems quite accurate. It is a lovely story, largely about the beginning of married life for Harriet and Peter. I found the previous book a bit of a slog to get through, but this one grabbed me and I read right through.
Genre: Fiction (Detective)
Date Finished: May 30, 2010
This is the book that follows Gaudy Night. In the beginning of the book we get what we were promised at the end of the last, the marriage of Harriet and Lord Peter Wimsey.
Sayers describes this book as 'a love story with detective interruptions', which seems quite accurate. It is a lovely story, largely about the beginning of married life for Harriet and Peter. I found the previous book a bit of a slog to get through, but this one grabbed me and I read right through.
The Library - An Illustrated History
Author: Stuart A. P. Murray
Genre: Non-fiction (History)
Date Finished: May 5, 2010
This was an interesting history of the written word and the evolution of libraries. It talked about clay tablets, the library of Alexandria, Caves of a Thousand Buddhas, libraries as private book collections eventually leading to state funded libraries.
Genre: Non-fiction (History)
Date Finished: May 5, 2010
This was an interesting history of the written word and the evolution of libraries. It talked about clay tablets, the library of Alexandria, Caves of a Thousand Buddhas, libraries as private book collections eventually leading to state funded libraries.
Wind Walker
Author: Elaine Cunningham
Genre: Fantasy
Date Finished: April 25, 2010
The final story of Liriel.
Genre: Fantasy
Date Finished: April 25, 2010
The final story of Liriel.
The Magician's Apprentice
Author: Trudi Canavan
Genre: Fantasy
Date Finished: April 21, 2010
A precursor to her Black Magician Trilogy, this book takes place centuries earlier, before the Magician's Guild, before healing magic had been discovered.
It starts off as the story of Tessia, daughter of a village healer who aspires to be a healer herself, even though women may not have that role. When she is discovered to be a natural magician, her life changes course. She is taken as the apprentice of her father's lord, Lord Dakon where she is introduced to the study of magic.
When dissidents from the near by country of Sachaka invade, as an apprentice, Tessia is drawn away to the war to support her master.
Genre: Fantasy
Date Finished: April 21, 2010
A precursor to her Black Magician Trilogy, this book takes place centuries earlier, before the Magician's Guild, before healing magic had been discovered.
It starts off as the story of Tessia, daughter of a village healer who aspires to be a healer herself, even though women may not have that role. When she is discovered to be a natural magician, her life changes course. She is taken as the apprentice of her father's lord, Lord Dakon where she is introduced to the study of magic.
When dissidents from the near by country of Sachaka invade, as an apprentice, Tessia is drawn away to the war to support her master.
The Adventure of English
Author: Melvyn Bragg
Genre: Non-Fiction (Linguistics)
Date Finished: April 16, 2010
This is an interesting book that traces English from it's humble beginnings as a marginal tribal language of a people who migrated to the British Isle's in search of land, through Alfred the Great, the Danes, William the Conqueror, 3 centuries of French rule, Chaucer, Shakespeare, the British Empire, Australian English, American English, Jamaican English and Indian English.
There is also a really great series of four DVDs that covers the same material.
Genre: Non-Fiction (Linguistics)
Date Finished: April 16, 2010
This is an interesting book that traces English from it's humble beginnings as a marginal tribal language of a people who migrated to the British Isle's in search of land, through Alfred the Great, the Danes, William the Conqueror, 3 centuries of French rule, Chaucer, Shakespeare, the British Empire, Australian English, American English, Jamaican English and Indian English.
There is also a really great series of four DVDs that covers the same material.
Language Death
Author: David Crystal
Genre: Non-Fiction (Linguistics)
Date Finished: April 13, 2010
A small book that discusses the death of languages in the world, why we should care about language death, how the death occurs and what can be done to reverse language death.
Genre: Non-Fiction (Linguistics)
Date Finished: April 13, 2010
A small book that discusses the death of languages in the world, why we should care about language death, how the death occurs and what can be done to reverse language death.
Freedom's Landing
Author: Anne McCaffrey
Genre: Fiction (Science Fiction)
Date Finished: April 6, 2010
Earth's invasion and the enslavement of humanity happened some months ago at the beginning of the story when we are introduced to Kris Bjornson, a former university student from the Seattle area, now an escaped slave on an alien world.
When she is recaptured, the Catteni overloads decide to dump her on a new, 'empty' planet with a bunch of other troublesome slaves. There, the ex-slaves band together and begin to build a colony.
Genre: Fiction (Science Fiction)
Date Finished: April 6, 2010
Earth's invasion and the enslavement of humanity happened some months ago at the beginning of the story when we are introduced to Kris Bjornson, a former university student from the Seattle area, now an escaped slave on an alien world.
When she is recaptured, the Catteni overloads decide to dump her on a new, 'empty' planet with a bunch of other troublesome slaves. There, the ex-slaves band together and begin to build a colony.
Stones for Ibarra
Author: Harriet Doerr
Genre: Fiction
Date Finished: March 31, 2010
This is Harriet Doerr's first book, which she published at the age of 74. She had just finished her BA at Stanford 7 years earlier.
This book was based on her experience living in Aguascalientes, Mexico, with her husband as he restored and ran a mine for about 20 years.
Genre: Fiction
Date Finished: March 31, 2010
This is Harriet Doerr's first book, which she published at the age of 74. She had just finished her BA at Stanford 7 years earlier.
This book was based on her experience living in Aguascalientes, Mexico, with her husband as he restored and ran a mine for about 20 years.
Gaudy Night
Author: Dorothy L. Sayers
Genre: Fiction (Mystery)
Date Finished: March 10, 2010
I found this book a slow start. The language is British which made it difficult for me to understand. However, as time went on, the novel became easier to read. Particularly interesting was Peter Wimsey, one of the protagonists of the story, who did not make much of an appearance until nearly half way through the book.
Genre: Fiction (Mystery)
Date Finished: March 10, 2010
I found this book a slow start. The language is British which made it difficult for me to understand. However, as time went on, the novel became easier to read. Particularly interesting was Peter Wimsey, one of the protagonists of the story, who did not make much of an appearance until nearly half way through the book.
The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything
Author: Ken Robinson and Lou Aronica
Genre: Non-Fiction (Self Help)
Date Finished: March 5, 2010
This was an interesting book, and an easy read. Worth the effort. It talks passion and vaguely references skill as well. It is mostly a series of motivational stories about people who found their passion and how they discovered it. It covers a wide variety of stories. One of the stories it tells is about Richard Feynman who observed a student tossing a spinning plate in the air. Out of pure curiousity, Feynman spent some time thinking and calculating how the spin and wobble relate. The reason that story struck me so strongly was because it is also told in Feynman's book, which was actually more interesting than this book.
Genre: Non-Fiction (Self Help)
Date Finished: March 5, 2010
This was an interesting book, and an easy read. Worth the effort. It talks passion and vaguely references skill as well. It is mostly a series of motivational stories about people who found their passion and how they discovered it. It covers a wide variety of stories. One of the stories it tells is about Richard Feynman who observed a student tossing a spinning plate in the air. Out of pure curiousity, Feynman spent some time thinking and calculating how the spin and wobble relate. The reason that story struck me so strongly was because it is also told in Feynman's book, which was actually more interesting than this book.
Elvenbane
Author: Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey
Genre: Fiction (Fantasy)
Date Finished: February 27, 2010
The first book of the series, this follows the life of Lashana, from her illicit birth of an human concubine to an elf lord, through her growing years with the dragons who found her to the beginning of the war between the humans, half elves and the elves.
Elvenborn is the third book of this series.
Genre: Fiction (Fantasy)
Date Finished: February 27, 2010
The first book of the series, this follows the life of Lashana, from her illicit birth of an human concubine to an elf lord, through her growing years with the dragons who found her to the beginning of the war between the humans, half elves and the elves.
Elvenborn is the third book of this series.
Myrren's Gift
Author: Fiona McIntosh
Genre: Fiction (Fantasy)
Date Finished: February 26, 2010
The first book of the Quickening series. The protagonist, Wyil Thirsk is a noble in his homeland. With his father's death while he is young, he assumes the hereditary position of General of the Legions, and antagonizes the Prince of his homeland. When he shows compassion to a dying woman on trial for witchcraft, he is gifted with an unusual power. When he dies, his spirit takes over the body of his killer. With this sort of gift, he doesn't really know what it is, until the first time he dies.
I think he should just get King (former Prince) Celimus to kill him, then he would assume the mantel of leadership of his homeland and prevent the wars Celimus seems intent on starting, as well as protect all the people he cares for from the wrath of Celimus.
It was a nice read and an interesting twist, but not a book to change the face of fantasy.
Genre: Fiction (Fantasy)
Date Finished: February 26, 2010
The first book of the Quickening series. The protagonist, Wyil Thirsk is a noble in his homeland. With his father's death while he is young, he assumes the hereditary position of General of the Legions, and antagonizes the Prince of his homeland. When he shows compassion to a dying woman on trial for witchcraft, he is gifted with an unusual power. When he dies, his spirit takes over the body of his killer. With this sort of gift, he doesn't really know what it is, until the first time he dies.
I think he should just get King (former Prince) Celimus to kill him, then he would assume the mantel of leadership of his homeland and prevent the wars Celimus seems intent on starting, as well as protect all the people he cares for from the wrath of Celimus.
It was a nice read and an interesting twist, but not a book to change the face of fantasy.
Elvenborn
Author: Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey
Genre: Fiction (Fantasy)
Date Finished: February 25, 2010
Third book in the Halfblood Chronicles. There was suppose to be a fourth book, but Andre Norton passed away, at the age of 93.
The book was quite nice. The on going adventures of Shana, Lorryn, Keman and the others. In this story, the focus shifted away from the half blooded wizards to an elf sympathetic to the human condition.
Genre: Fiction (Fantasy)
Date Finished: February 25, 2010
Third book in the Halfblood Chronicles. There was suppose to be a fourth book, but Andre Norton passed away, at the age of 93.
The book was quite nice. The on going adventures of Shana, Lorryn, Keman and the others. In this story, the focus shifted away from the half blooded wizards to an elf sympathetic to the human condition.
Rodgers & Hammerstein
Author: Mordden, Ethan
Genre: Non-fiction
Date Finished: February 18, 2010
An overview of the careers and works of Rogers & Hammerstein. With photos. The background on the people and plays is quite interesting.
Genre: Non-fiction
Date Finished: February 18, 2010
An overview of the careers and works of Rogers & Hammerstein. With photos. The background on the people and plays is quite interesting.
Sassinak
Author: Anne McCaffery
Genre: Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Date Finished: February 14, 2010
I read the trilogy once, a long time ago. I thought I'd give it a try again. It was kind of an interesting book, but it really glossed over details of the story, and the reader arrives, suddenly, without explanation, somewhere.
Genre: Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Date Finished: February 14, 2010
I read the trilogy once, a long time ago. I thought I'd give it a try again. It was kind of an interesting book, but it really glossed over details of the story, and the reader arrives, suddenly, without explanation, somewhere.
Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else
Author: Geoff Colvin
Genre: Non-fiction
Date Finished: February 10, 2010
This was a very interesting book, along the line of The Talent Code or Outliers. It presents the premise that talent is not the distinguishing feature of skillful, effective people, but how knowledge and skill are developed through practice. It introduces the idea of deliberate practice, taken from a 1993 psychology paper. It is slightly business oriented, speaking several times about how organizations can apply the principals, or don't apply the principals as the case may be. However, mostly the business aspects are mentioned in passing, not detracting from the true appeal of the book.
Genre: Non-fiction
Date Finished: February 10, 2010
This was a very interesting book, along the line of The Talent Code or Outliers. It presents the premise that talent is not the distinguishing feature of skillful, effective people, but how knowledge and skill are developed through practice. It introduces the idea of deliberate practice, taken from a 1993 psychology paper. It is slightly business oriented, speaking several times about how organizations can apply the principals, or don't apply the principals as the case may be. However, mostly the business aspects are mentioned in passing, not detracting from the true appeal of the book.
Elfshadow
Author: Elaine Cunningham
Genre: Fiction (Fantasy)
Date Finished: February 6, 2010
This book is good, but not as good as I remember. The author tends to skip over some aspects of the story. Fight scenes are heavily abbreviated for example.
Genre: Fiction (Fantasy)
Date Finished: February 6, 2010
This book is good, but not as good as I remember. The author tends to skip over some aspects of the story. Fight scenes are heavily abbreviated for example.
Super Memory: A Quick-Action Program for Memory Improvement
Author: Douglas J. Herrmann
Genre: Non-Fiction (Self Improvement)
Date Finished:
There seems to be a bit of a divide regarding memory books. There are memory books about the science of memory, how the mind works and so forth, such as Seven Sins of Memory, and there are practical books with techniques for enabling faster memorization of information, such as Learn to Remember and Complete Guide to Memory Mastery.
This book is quite firmly in no where land, with little science (there are a couple of vaguely referenced studies), common sense suggestions for helping you remember things (review at graduated intervals) and a couple of memory systems which are quickly brushed over, and incorrect. The Major System (called the number letter system in the book) does not translate Bill to 955, it translates to 95 because the major system is phonetic and two l's represent a single sound. Billy Lee translates 955. The Method of Loci does not mean you stick a map of Europe on the wall and add some pins for you favorite attractions. Given the level of factual information about memory systems in this book, you are better off learning them from Wikipedia.
Genre: Non-Fiction (Self Improvement)
Date Finished:
There seems to be a bit of a divide regarding memory books. There are memory books about the science of memory, how the mind works and so forth, such as Seven Sins of Memory, and there are practical books with techniques for enabling faster memorization of information, such as Learn to Remember and Complete Guide to Memory Mastery.
This book is quite firmly in no where land, with little science (there are a couple of vaguely referenced studies), common sense suggestions for helping you remember things (review at graduated intervals) and a couple of memory systems which are quickly brushed over, and incorrect. The Major System (called the number letter system in the book) does not translate Bill to 955, it translates to 95 because the major system is phonetic and two l's represent a single sound. Billy Lee translates 955. The Method of Loci does not mean you stick a map of Europe on the wall and add some pins for you favorite attractions. Given the level of factual information about memory systems in this book, you are better off learning them from Wikipedia.
Learn to Remember
Author: Dominic O'Brien
Genre: Non-fiction (Self Improvement)
Date Finished: January 27, 2010
This book is written by an 8 time winner of the World Memory Championships. It contains some history of memory techniques, some information on how memory works as well as practical techniques for systems of memory for memorizing information. A very interesting book.
Be aware, this book is just like a book on juggling techniques. A little information requires a great deal of practice.
Genre: Non-fiction (Self Improvement)
Date Finished: January 27, 2010
This book is written by an 8 time winner of the World Memory Championships. It contains some history of memory techniques, some information on how memory works as well as practical techniques for systems of memory for memorizing information. A very interesting book.
Be aware, this book is just like a book on juggling techniques. A little information requires a great deal of practice.
The Seven Sins of Memory: How the Mind Forgets and Remembers
Author: Daniel L. Schacter
Genre: Non-fiction (Psychology)
Date Finished: January 25, 2010
This book is a breakdown of the various unreliable traits of the human memory, how memory works (and doesn't), and how it is probably beneficial for us that we don't infallibly remember everything.
There is a brief mention of memory systems used for memorization and how they function by creating an extra cognitive load to help us remember the things we are trying to memorize.
The following various ways our memories are unreliable are covered:
There is a final chapter that talks about how the infallibility traits of our memories are probably good and useful characteristics. For example, the lack of details allows us to easily generalize.
Genre: Non-fiction (Psychology)
Date Finished: January 25, 2010
This book is a breakdown of the various unreliable traits of the human memory, how memory works (and doesn't), and how it is probably beneficial for us that we don't infallibly remember everything.
There is a brief mention of memory systems used for memorization and how they function by creating an extra cognitive load to help us remember the things we are trying to memorize.
The following various ways our memories are unreliable are covered:
- The Sin of Transience
- The Sin of Absent-mindedness
- The Sin of Blocking
- The Sin of Misattribution
- The Sin of Suggestibility
- The Sin of Bias
- The Sin of Persistence
There is a final chapter that talks about how the infallibility traits of our memories are probably good and useful characteristics. For example, the lack of details allows us to easily generalize.
The Mageborn Traitor
Author: Melanie Rawn
Genre: Fiction (Fantasy)
Date Finished: January 23, 2010
The second book of the Exiles series, it details the lives of Sarra, Collan and Cailet after the rebellion has finished as Sarra works in government, Collan raises their children and Cailet starts a new Academy.
Genre: Fiction (Fantasy)
Date Finished: January 23, 2010
The second book of the Exiles series, it details the lives of Sarra, Collan and Cailet after the rebellion has finished as Sarra works in government, Collan raises their children and Cailet starts a new Academy.
Improve Your Memory
Author: Robert Allen
Genre: Non-Fiction (Memory)
Date Finished: January 23, 2010
This was not a very special book. The author discusses some random information on memory, introduces a few techniques in passing, and moves on to memory tests for the remainder of the book. For a much better introduction to memory techniques, try Complete Guide to Memory Mastery by Harry Lorayne, or any of the books by Dominic O'Brien. These people have well documented systems of memory that they have spent years practicing.
Genre: Non-Fiction (Memory)
Date Finished: January 23, 2010
This was not a very special book. The author discusses some random information on memory, introduces a few techniques in passing, and moves on to memory tests for the remainder of the book. For a much better introduction to memory techniques, try Complete Guide to Memory Mastery by Harry Lorayne, or any of the books by Dominic O'Brien. These people have well documented systems of memory that they have spent years practicing.
Terrier
Author: Tamora Pierce
Genre: Fiction (Fantasy)
Date Finished: January 23, 2010
The beginning adventures for Beka Cooper. I've read this one before, but I can't find it in my list.
Rebecca is a trainee in the Provost's Guard, the police force for the city of Corus in the land of Tortall. She has just graduated from her year of training and she is assigned as trainee (puppy) for two of the most famed of the Provost's Guard (Dogs) in the Lower City, the slums of Corus. Beka escaped the slums as a child, so she knows the Lower City and it's people. Now that she's back she hears whispers of missing children and mass unmarked graves.
Genre: Fiction (Fantasy)
Date Finished: January 23, 2010
The beginning adventures for Beka Cooper. I've read this one before, but I can't find it in my list.
Rebecca is a trainee in the Provost's Guard, the police force for the city of Corus in the land of Tortall. She has just graduated from her year of training and she is assigned as trainee (puppy) for two of the most famed of the Provost's Guard (Dogs) in the Lower City, the slums of Corus. Beka escaped the slums as a child, so she knows the Lower City and it's people. Now that she's back she hears whispers of missing children and mass unmarked graves.
Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship
Author: Robert C. Martin
Genre: Non-Fiction (Computers)
Date Finished: January 18, 2010
I'm afraid I did not find this book so helpful. It covered not so ground-breaking ideas like:
as well as contradictory points like:
If you are interested in being a better programmer, try The Pragmatic Programmer, or The Passionate Programmer (formerly known as My Job Went to India).
Genre: Non-Fiction (Computers)
Date Finished: January 18, 2010
I'm afraid I did not find this book so helpful. It covered not so ground-breaking ideas like:
- name your variables meaningfully
- keep your functions small
- functions should do only one thing
- formatting your code is good
as well as contradictory points like:
- reduce the number of function parameters by using member variables
- don't let your functions produce side affects (make changes to member variables)
If you are interested in being a better programmer, try The Pragmatic Programmer, or The Passionate Programmer (formerly known as My Job Went to India).
Coders at Work
Author: Peter Seibel
Genre: Non-Fiction (Computers)
Date Finished: January 18, 2010
This is a series of interviews with some really famous programmers and pioneers of computer science. There is a separate chapter for each interview. It is really interesting to see how some of these people started programming, how they program (text editors are overwhelmingly favored over IDEs, though many of them feel that IDEs are a good idea) and what they are working on.
Genre: Non-Fiction (Computers)
Date Finished: January 18, 2010
This is a series of interviews with some really famous programmers and pioneers of computer science. There is a separate chapter for each interview. It is really interesting to see how some of these people started programming, how they program (text editors are overwhelmingly favored over IDEs, though many of them feel that IDEs are a good idea) and what they are working on.
Bloodhound
Author: Tamora Pierce
Genre: Fantasy
Date Finished: January 17, 2010
This is a re-read for me. I was actually looking for the first book in the series, Terrier, but it wasn't at the library, so I tried this one again. It was a good read.
Genre: Fantasy
Date Finished: January 17, 2010
This is a re-read for me. I was actually looking for the first book in the series, Terrier, but it wasn't at the library, so I tried this one again. It was a good read.
The pleasures of slow food : celebrating authentic traditions, flavors, and recipes
Author: Corby Kummer
Genre: Non-Fiction (Cooking)
Date Finished: January 17, 2010
This was a pretty interesting book with several different stories about traditional food production in Europe and America.
Genre: Non-Fiction (Cooking)
Date Finished: January 17, 2010
This was a pretty interesting book with several different stories about traditional food production in Europe and America.
The Dogs of Windcutter Down
Author: David Kennard
Genre: Fiction
Date Finished: January 17, 2010
A story of the trials of sheep farming in the UK. And Border Collies.
Genre: Fiction
Date Finished: January 17, 2010
A story of the trials of sheep farming in the UK. And Border Collies.
Outliers
Author: Malcolm Gladwell
Genre: Non-Fiction
Date Finished: Jan 11, 2010
Examines the environmental factors that affect the success of those we so frequently think of as geniuses.
Genre: Non-Fiction
Date Finished: Jan 11, 2010
Examines the environmental factors that affect the success of those we so frequently think of as geniuses.
Brisingr
Author: Christopher Paolini
Genre: Fantasy
Date Finished: Jan 10, 2010
This was a re-read. Beginning with the recovery of Katrina from her imprisonment, following Eragon to the dwarven city, then back to see his teacher again. A sword fitting for a Rider and an incalculable loss.
Genre: Fantasy
Date Finished: Jan 10, 2010
This was a re-read. Beginning with the recovery of Katrina from her imprisonment, following Eragon to the dwarven city, then back to see his teacher again. A sword fitting for a Rider and an incalculable loss.
Way of the Peaceful Warrior
Author: Dan Millman
Genre: Non-Fiction (Self Help)
Date Finished: Jan 8, 2010
In the tradition of Illusions (Richard Bach). An inspiring book.
Genre: Non-Fiction (Self Help)
Date Finished: Jan 8, 2010
In the tradition of Illusions (Richard Bach). An inspiring book.
The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How.
Author: Daniel Coyle
Genre: Non-Fiction
Date Finished: Jan 7, 2010
This book really feels like it was written by a reporter, though the dust jacket doesn't list any reporter credentials.
The premise of the book is that most, nearly all, world class talent is not due to talent at all, but due to huge over whelming amounts of practice.
The initial parts of the book are talking about myelin, a coating that develops over nerve connections to enhance impulse transferance. These parts of the book were interesting to read, but seemed a little weak. No references were sited, just the author's personal supposition about myelin and informal interviews with researchers.
The remainder of the book focuses on stories of skill development, attempting to reinforce two ideas:
1. practice at the edge of your skill level.
2. inspiration is key to correctly motivating practice.
Genre: Non-Fiction
Date Finished: Jan 7, 2010
This book really feels like it was written by a reporter, though the dust jacket doesn't list any reporter credentials.
The premise of the book is that most, nearly all, world class talent is not due to talent at all, but due to huge over whelming amounts of practice.
The initial parts of the book are talking about myelin, a coating that develops over nerve connections to enhance impulse transferance. These parts of the book were interesting to read, but seemed a little weak. No references were sited, just the author's personal supposition about myelin and informal interviews with researchers.
The remainder of the book focuses on stories of skill development, attempting to reinforce two ideas:
1. practice at the edge of your skill level.
2. inspiration is key to correctly motivating practice.
The Lost Symbol
Author: Tom Brown
Genre: Fiction
Date Finished: Jan 6, 2010
The further adventures of Robert Langdon, comfortable in his customary tweed jacket. The adventure takes place in Washington DC, when Langdon is lured there under the guise of helping an old friend, only to find his friend has been kidnapped. He is forced to quickly solve an old Masonic mystery in the hopes of finding the lost treasure hidden in DC, hindered by the Masons, pursued by the CIA.
Genre: Fiction
Date Finished: Jan 6, 2010
The further adventures of Robert Langdon, comfortable in his customary tweed jacket. The adventure takes place in Washington DC, when Langdon is lured there under the guise of helping an old friend, only to find his friend has been kidnapped. He is forced to quickly solve an old Masonic mystery in the hopes of finding the lost treasure hidden in DC, hindered by the Masons, pursued by the CIA.
Secrets of a Buccaneer-Scholar
Author: James Marcus Bach
Genre: Self Help
Date Finished: Jan 4, 2010
Some thoughts by the author on the process of continuing self education.
Genre: Self Help
Date Finished: Jan 4, 2010
Some thoughts by the author on the process of continuing self education.
Stones into Schools
Author: Greg Mortenson
Genre: Non-fiction
Date Finished: Jan 1, 2010
The sequel to Three Cups of Tea, this book covers the on going efforts of the Central Asia Institute to build schools in Afghanistan.
Genre: Non-fiction
Date Finished: Jan 1, 2010
The sequel to Three Cups of Tea, this book covers the on going efforts of the Central Asia Institute to build schools in Afghanistan.
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