Vicious

On By mphiferdavisIn Reviewed by MeganLeave a comment

” Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong. “

If you have ever read VE Schwab, then you know this is going to be a great story. This is a great magical realism/science fiction book that has quite a bit of action in it. It is sort of like a graphic novel, good guy vs. bad guy (if there is even a good guy between Victor and Eli) type without the graphic panels. While I love to read, I don’t come across many books where all I think about is the story. This was one of those books. Victor and Eli are left with odd powers after testing Eli’s thesis of near death experiences. But getting those powers cost them something great and now both characters are out to get each other.

This story is written like a puzzle and you get bits and pieces throughout the text. When everything starts falling in place and you can start to see the big picture, it is absolutely amazing. I believe there was one night I woke up from a deep sleep having deciphered something within the book. That is how great this series is, you dream about it. Schwab’s writing always hooks me, but this series is my favorite of theirs. Did I mention series? Yes! This is one of two books, so you know you have another story with Victor and Eli after this one. 🙂

If you are interested in reading this book and are part of the Lindenwood community, you can request a copy through MOBIUS. You can also check your local library!

The tale of the dueling neurosurgeons : the history of the human brain as revealed by true stories of trauma, madness, and recovery / Sam Kean

On By nancyjmessinaIn Book Reviews, Reviewed by NancyLeave a comment

” Early studies of the human brain used a simple method: wait for misfortune to strike–strokes, seizures, infectious diseases, horrendous accidents–and see how victims coped. In many cases their survival was miraculous, if puzzling. Observers were amazed by the transformations that took place when different parts of the brain were destroyed, altering victims’ personalities. Parents suddenly couldn’t recognize their own children. Pillars of the community became pathological liars. Some people couldn’t speak but could still sing. Sam Kean explains the brain’s secret passageways and recounts forgotten tales of the ordinary people whose struggles, resilience, and deep humanity made modern neuroscience possible.”

So this book took me almost an entire year to read and you might be thinking, well then I clearly didn’t like it, but that wasn’t the case at all. In truth, I am so used to reading fiction, that reading nonfiction was very refreshing, but it was time consuming. The material in the book was dense, but fascinating. I always wanted people to comment on the book when I was out and about with it, so that I could tell them whatever fascinating story Kean was explaining at the time.

I have recommended this book to many people throughout my year of reading it and I wanted to recommend it here as well. This book might take a while to get through if you are used to quick fiction stories like I am, but if you have any interest at all in understanding the brain, this is a perfect book to read. I didn’t even know I wanted to know about the brain until I started reading this book and then I was hooked. I wanted to know about the crazy experiments that have been done and gain a better understanding of how the different areas of the brain work. You never know when the information from this book will help you understand what is happening with a friend or loved one.

If this sounds like something you want to try out, check out The tale of the dueling neurosurgeons from our shelves today.

Kate Daniels Series

On By nancyjmessinaIn Book Reviews, Reviewed by NancyLeave a comment

” When the magic is up, rogue mages cast their spells and monsters appear, while guns refuse to fire and cars fail to start. But then technology returns, and the magic recedes as unpredictably as it arose, leaving all kinds of paranormal problems in its wake. “

I am always looking for books that have that the hint of romance and fantasy piece and this series delivered. Kate is a strong female lead that has no problem working in a magically unpredictable world. Even when the romantic interest part joins the series, it doesn’t weaken her character, which was a relief.

The first book in the series might be a little confusing as the world building took a bit to adjust to, but once I understood the rules and how things worked, I flew through this series and each time I finished a book I couldn’t wait to start the next one. The nice part about the series though is that you don’t really have to read the next one in most cases. Each book is complete in itself, but does have an overarching villain that I was always curious about.

I think the author does a great job of building suspense and doesn’t rush into situations or conclusions of a particular story line. I would say that having read straight through everything that was listed as a main Kate Daniels’ story, I would recommend that you also read the supplemental material in the correct order. There were a couple of times where I felt I had missed something and having gone back and read some of the supplemental materials, it all comes together.

So if you are looking for something a little different and love fantasy with a hint of romance, I would say this is a great series for you.

Eye of the World

On By mfetters22In Book Reviews, Reviewed by MichaelLeave a comment

” The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow. “

I had started this novel, The Eye of the World, when I was a senior in high school. I never finished it. It was not due to the quality of the book so much as I had so many other things to keep me busy, distractions to keep my mind moving rapidly, and other books to read. This November, I decided to return to this book and to complete the journey I had begun so long ago. I am glad I did.

While the main protagonist has the minor irritation of being whiny (often seen in some characters in anime) at times, there is much to recommend this book. Jordan has created a rich tapestry of characters set in a mythology that’s a cross between eastern and western myths, incorporating concepts from major religions as well (which fantasy nerds like myself totally geek out about). The story never seems to drag too much, and while the generalized chase motif is used, it doesn’t feel stale or plodding. If anything, the one flaw for me is the growth of Rand Al’thor, the main protagonist, doesn’t feel quite enough, at least when considering all he has gone through in the book (and beyond, as this trend continues into the second book). While stubborn is one of his traits, it seems to bend too far into unrealistic for me.

I won’t go so far as to say this is one of my all-time favorite series, at least not yet, and I doubt it will ever dethrone Tolkien as my favorite (I have yet to find one that has come close), but there is alot to like here. The magic in the world feels unique and cohesive, and the mythos Jordan creates feels full and deep, and lends itself to a world that stretches across many ages and has experienced many great events. The cultures all feel mostly unique, if not always as fleshed out as I would like at times. Perhaps this grows and changes as the series progresses, so I can’t completely hold that against the novel. Jordan is doing alot here, and sometimes too much detail too soon might detract from the story.

For those who haven’t read Jordan but are looking for a new author or series to check out, I would highly recommend it. My own opinion (and to some this will seem like blasphemy) is that the Wheel of Time series is superior to the Game of Thrones series, at least as fantasy series go. While Game of Thrones feels more like a political intrigue with a fantasy backdrop, the Wheel of Time feels far more grounded in fantasy and the magic that makes up the world. That is an aspect I highly appreciate and enjoy.

Arc of a Scythe Trilogy

On By mphiferdavisIn Reviewed by MeganLeave a comment

“A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery. Humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control. “

Scythe is the first novel in the Arc of the Scythe trilogy and it became a favorite read immediately! Honorable Scythe Faraday takes two apprentices under his training, something that has never been done before. Citra and Rowan don’t really want to be scythes, but it is an apprenticeship they simply cannot turn down. The first book has you pulling for both protagonists and the whole scythedome as you learn that even in a perfect world, there are still greedy, corrupt people. Not mentioned in the blurb is that the entire world is ran by something called The Thunderhead. Well, I shouldn’t say “the entire” world as there are some people that are marked unsavory, some that choose to not abide by the AI (the tonists), and scythes cannot communicate with the Thunderhead. Citra has a strong connection with the Thunderhead, but if she becomes a scythe, all connections with the Thunderhead are cut. Think of the Thunderhead as a 100% successful Alexa or Google Home. As you can see from the title, there is a stronger focus on the Thunderhead in the second book in the series.

Thunderhead picks up where Scythe left off and this was a book I finished quick and thought about for days afterwards. I am currently reading The Toll and I am excited, and nervous, to see the ending. If you are into science fiction or fantasy, this is a definite recommended read!

Want to read this? Check out the first series at the Lindenwood library in our popular reading collection if you are affiliated. If not, check your local library or bookshop!

Exhalation

On By Ryan D YarberIn Book Reviews, Reviewed by RyanLeave a comment

The universe began as an enormous breath being held.

 

Exhalation

“This much-anticipated second collection of stories is signature Ted Chiang, full of revelatory ideas and deeply sympathetic characters. In “The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate,” a portal through time forces a fabric seller in ancient Baghdad to grapple with past mistakes and the temptation of second chances. In the epistolary “Exhalation,” an alien scientist makes a shocking discovery with ramifications not just for his own people, but for all of reality. And in “The Lifecycle of Software Objects,” a woman cares for an artificial intelligence over twenty years, elevating a faddish digital pet into what might be a true living being. Also included are two brand-new stories: “Omphalos” and “Anxiety Is the Dizziness of Freedom.” In this fantastical and elegant collection, Ted Chiang wrestles with the oldest questions on earth–What is the nature of the universe? What does it mean to be human?–and ones that no one else has even imagined. And, each in its own way, the stories prove that complex and thoughtful science fiction can rise to new heights of beauty, meaning, and compassion.”

I couldn’t help but notice a theme to this collection. One I can’t quite explain with accuracy. The best I can do is say that many of the stories include some form of fatalism. They either question free will or question the reasoning behind our choices. None of this is done directly, which may be the genius of Chiang’s writing. There are notes in the back of this collection that give brief insights into what inspired each story. It’s fun to see where he got some of these ideas, especially since some of them came from unexpected sources.

Though I will admit that my favorite story in this collection ended up being either the title story “Exhalation” or “The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate” with “Anxiety Is the Dizziness of Freedom” and “Omphalos” as close seconds, all nine of the stories in this collection are worth a read.

Interested in this book? Look for it at your local library. If you’re affiliated with Lindenwood, you can request this book from the Lindenwood Library.

The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide

On By Ryan D YarberIn Book Reviews, Reviewed by RyanLeave a comment

HHGG-UltimateI’m recommending The Ultimate Guide because it contains all five books of the series. If you like the first book then you’ll likely want to read the rest, so it makes sense to get them all in one. Anyway, the five books contained in this volume are as follows:

  • The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1979)
  • The Restaurant at the End of the Universe (1980)
  • Life, the Universe and Everything (1982)
  • So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish (1984)
  • Mostly Harmless (1992)

As you may have guessed from those titles, these stories are a bit on the ridiculous side. They are funny, absurd, and sporadic. To put this in perspective, the first book starts with Earth being destroyed (without warning to its inhabitants) to create an intergalactic bypass.

I’ll admit that I grew a little weary of the whole circus a few times while reading through this volume (it may be a good idea to split the five books up instead of reading it all at once), but I enjoyed them all. Depending on your literary preferences and sense of humor, I believe you will too.

According to this book, the answer to life, the universe and everything is: 42. There is a great anecdote about this number in the world of computer programming that I believe Douglas knew about and he intentionally chose the number as a brilliant, truthful question to “the” question. I’ll refrain from providing the details despite the fact they are not in the books themselves, but I recommend you find this “real” answer after reading the books or whenever you want really.

Interested in this book? Look for it at your local library. If you’re affiliated with Lindenwood, you can request this book from the Lindenwood Library.

Man’s Search for Meaning

On By Ryan D YarberIn Book Reviews, Reviewed by RyanLeave a comment

Man's Search for Meaning“In this work, a Viennese psychiatrist tells his grim experiences in a German concentration camp which led him to logotherapy, an existential method of psychiatry. This work has riveted generations of readers with its descriptions of life in Nazi death camps and its lessons for spiritual survival. Between 1942 and 1945 the author, a psychiatrist labored in four different camps, including Auschwitz, while his parents, brother, and pregnant wife perished. Based on his own experience and the stories of his many patients, he argues that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose. His theory, known as logotherapy, from the Greek word logos (meaning), holds that our primary drive in life is not pleasure, as Freud maintained, but the discovery and pursuit of what we personally find meaningful.”

Please try to prevent yourself from letting that information bias your opinion of this book. In fact, I suggest you try to temporarily forget what you know of World War II as you read it to better grasp what this book is attempting to discover. This book is a record of events and a psychological analysis of the human mind. The themes found here are dark at times and unveil some of humanity’s worst traits, but there is a triumph. Human history is plagued with injustices. This book doesn’t try to make sense of those injustices, it tries to make sense of the human mind and the differences between individuals. It attempts to discover what humanity really is.

This book was published in 1946. The first half contains Viktor’s experiences in the concentration camps where he spends time analyzing the camp guards, but he also spends much of his time analyzing his fellow prisoners. The second half delves into Logotherapy, which is Viktor’s theory that human nature is motivated by a search for a purpose for one’s life. This search is individual and suggests that each person discovers their own answer to what their meaning is.

Most copies of this book are printed as a small paperback. Small enough to fit in a pocket and is roughly 150 pages. Despite its brevity, this book has the potential to cause introspection for the reader that in turn causes analysis of others. At the base of it all is a hope for humanity.

Interested in this book? Look for it at your local library. If you’re affiliated with Lindenwood, you can request this book from the Lindenwood Library.

Ready Player One

On By Ryan D YarberIn Book Reviews, Reviewed by RyanLeave a comment

Ready Player One“In the year 2045, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he’s jacked into the virtual utopia known as the OASIS. Wade’s devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world’s digital confines—puzzles that are based on their creator’s obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. But when Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade’s going to survive, he’ll have to win—and confront the real world he’s always been so desperate to escape.”

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline is a fun ride. The movie adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg is an equally fun ride though it does have major differences from the book. Many of the differences make sense for cinematic purposes, but all the fun references (and some new ones) are still there and fun to see on-screen.

Though set in a dystopian future where there everyone scrambles for resources, humanity has created an online universe where many people work, play, and live most of their lives. The intricate puzzles and race to find the clues within the virtual galaxy keep you turning the pages. This future doesn’t seem too far off considering the exponential growth of technology and the ever expansive worlds being created within the internet. Let’s hope we create a better world than the one our friend Wade Watts inhabits.

Interested in this book? Look for it at your local library. If you’re affiliated with Lindenwood, you can request this book from the Lindenwood Library.

Haunted

On By mphiferdavisIn Reviewed by MeganLeave a comment

“Haunted is a novel made up of stories: twenty-three of the most horrifying, hilarious, mind-blowing, stomach-churning tales you’ll ever encounter. The stories are told by people who have all answered an ad headlined ‘Artists Retreat: Abandon your life for three months‘. They are led to believe that here they will leave behind all the distractions of ‘real life’ that are keeping them from creating the masterpiece that is in them.

But here turns out to be a cavernous and ornate old theater where they are utterly isolated from the outside world – and where heat and power and, most importantly, food are in increasingly short supply. And the more desperate the circumstances become, the more desperate the stories they tell – and the more devious their machinations to make themselves the hero of the inevitable play/movie/non-fiction blockbuster that will certainly be made from their plight.”

I absolutely love Chuck Palahniuk. His books usually cross a line many wouldn’t cross and this book is no different. There are stories in here that will make you feel sick and others that will make you put the book down and walk away for a bit. The first background story will have you questioning if you should keep reading; it is that gross. However, Palahniuk does a great job describing the dark side of people and how easily those dark sides come to light, which is why he is one of my favorites. I recommend this book only to put something different on your palate.

Fun fact about the paperback version: the face glows in the dark. Scared me half to death one night as I was going to bed and could see the face shining across the room. Also, I’m sure my face looked like that 75% of the time while reading .

To read this book, request it through MOBIUS.