Brig Berthold
This story was good. By good, I mean solid. It moved, not slowly, but methodically. I appreciated that despite the pace being somewhat laborious in parts; you could always feel of the importance.
I was a bit diasapounted in the ending, but only because I have built a high expectation through a life of creativity and glimpses into the darker parts of life. The climax was so easily explained–in the end–it was almost too realistic. I suppose you have to appreciatr that, and give Hawkins the credit that deserves.
The characters were magnificent. Despite this being a mystery, typically plot driven, Hawkins does a wonderful job making it character driven.
Not bad.
The best book I've ever read on baseball.
We all needed a way to help us tell the story of the 2016 Chicago Cubs and the layers of nuance and the whisps of magic that lead to their World Series win. This is the perfect companion to generations of yet unborn fans that will hear of that season with tear-filled eyes twinkling with rememberance. Those of us lucky enough to have witnessed it will certainly indulge here and there but this book will be the definitive truth of what actually happened.
This is, aguably the greatest baseball story ever. The only things required were a solid narrative structure and a capable hand. Someone willing and able to unlock the depths of research necessary to give the greatest baseball tale the weight it deserved. Someone with the practice and care which only comes with years of honing one's craft. Add a healthy portion of respect for the story and a dash of youthful awe, and you've got the perfect writer for the job.
Verducci, and his team of editors and beta readers, handled this entire story in fine form. Flying colors. Flying the W, you might say, from start to finish.
Some will see his moments of fanhood that bleed through as a demerit. In fact, those moments added a charm and texture to the story which I found perfectly appropriate and well moderated.
DO. NOT. SKIP THIS BOOK.
If you feel like your life is a bit, or a lot, off the rails, read this book. Gary delivers on his promise and he will teach you his techniques for unfucking yourself.
This was a totally solid book. nothing he presented was revolutionary. But, his presentation, his delivery, the context of his thoughts, all of that was refreshing.
Gary hooked me with a catchy title, an author narrated audiobook, and the premise of a handful of personal assertions he advises people adopt. I enjoy personal assertions, or personal affirmations, and I use my own statements on a daily basis. So I was predisposed to enjoying his angle. I also value my things born of the stoic philosophy which brought me even closer to Bishop's message.
His advice is easy to digest, simple (not easy) to act upon, and compelling in many ways.
Not bad! I enjoyed the characters and the story. I wasn't overwhelmed with enjoyment but it was absolutely solid.
I know I risk a lot by giving this such a low rating. How do you articulate that you didn't enjoy something so beloved?
Pro: Tom Bombadill is a truly terrific character and why the story couldn't be about him, I'll never understand.
Pro: The linguistics in this book are off-the-charts incredible. The rhythmic speech was, at times, intoxicating. Almost dry, his rhymes are metered so well you can tell that Tolkeien was as much scholar, as anything.
Pro: Sam is such a terrific sidekick.
Pro: Without Tolkien, there may have never been a Robert Jordan, Patrick Rothfuss, or James Islington... unimaginable horrors.
Con: The story drug on. Pacing was awful, even for part one of a sweeping epic.
Con: Frodo's chief attributes, those which make him perfect for the task to which he's called, are mostly his lack of desire and his ignorance. “Frodo, we believe you really are the only one suitable to carry the ring because you do not understand its power and, if you did, it wouldn't matter because you have nothing driving you which would leave you susceptible to it's power.”
Con: The (incessant) singing. Which, much of the time, felt like a gimmicky plot device to pack-in exposition late.
Con: Too much of any good thing is bad and the bouncing, rhythmic wit of Tom Bombadill was completely lost when employed by other characters; Frodo, in particular.
Con: Did I mention the pacing?
I'm sorry. I promise I still love story. Just not this one.
Loved it. I really, really hope there will be another. The only thing I felt I didn't get from this installment was the list of rules Nick lives by. In book one, his rules are clearly defined and support some of the strongest and most compelling aspects of Nick's character. Those rules also served the plot well. Otherwise, this was as compelling a modern noir story you could hope for, and it was awesome!
I did the audiobook version of this from Audible, and Ray Porter is the narrator. Porter is as capable a narrator as I've ever encountered. He does the finest accents and everything about his delivery is velvety smooth. The audiobook was so good, I cruised through this in about 24 hours.
I loved this book so much! Seriously, I will be recommending it widely, especially to a certain dramatic demographic. I went into this cold, with no understanding of what was to come, and I believe that was a terrific stroke of luck. Now I suggest everyone do that.
I was wrong... This is probably the best of the series. I'm probably tainted by the excitement I experienced when I learned of its release. Nonetheless, this was excellent and fun.
This is a story collection. A River Runs Through It is only the first story. This is critical because THAT story is really good but I really couldn't get into the others.
Okay, I hated them.
The end.
I honestly don't see what all of the hoopla is about. Not that this was a bad story, it was fine–but that's just it, it was only just fine.
Not a complete waste of time, but I saw this coming. I wish I could give this 2.5 stars. Two is a bit harsh, three is far too generous.
I thought most of the character development was decent, given how concise it was. Certain aspects, such as the Trolley Witch, were nearly unforgivable. While the introduction and dynamic brought by Scorpious was well achieved.
Since it was formatted as a script, very little can be said for character voice. That detail being largely left to actor/director interpretation. Lack of voice was distracting to a reader, and brought an almost monotone to the narrative.
Now, let's talk about one specific scene. Scorpious and Albus scheme to inform their parents of their whereabouts, and when-abouts for that matter. Despite this being the literal crux of the story, the point on which everything hinges, it was forced and I hated it. As a writer, I understand the pressure to impact the reader just right, while letting the story tell itself. It seemed the writers were also feeling the pressure, sadly, the buckled. The point was made, the plot was forwarded, the flow was halted. Forced and utilitarian.
Well-balanced. Great pacing. Excellent characters. Very easy to recommend. Not for kids.
I can't say enough good things about this book. It is officially one of the best novels I have ever read.
It was charged with emotion from start to finish. The characters were exceptional, well thought-out, deep, and filled with flaws that were relatable. The storyline is unique and rife with the appropriate level of moral and ethical dilemma you hope to see in a Young Adult novel. This book has the ability to guide and direct readers to ask themselves excellent questions.
On a deeper level, there are some incredible style points that you usually are advised to avoid as a writer—which Shusterman does anyway—and he is incomprehensibly successful. For example, he hops between character points of view within the same chapter. He does so with an added hard return between paragraphs but, still, he does it. When he does, it's not forced, or awkward, or confusing. Who gets away with breaking rules like that? Well, Shusterman...I guess.
The one grievance I had was the selection of one character name. It's not a show-stopper but I was bothered by it.
I didn't like this one as much as the others but I'm excited about all the things it set up.
All-in-all, this is a remarkably fun and clever series.
Not bad. I wish Graham would have presented a more intruiging character. Alas, you can't always get what you want.
I STRONGLY recommend you listen to this book.
By no pure chance I chose the audio version of this book due to an audible BOGO. The author makes numerous points throughout where it would be very hard to glean the same understanding from print as opposed to verbally. Voice inflection, subtle accent points and sylable emphases would likely be incomprehensible without listening to the author explain directly. Fortunately the author narrated the audiobook.
All-in-all this was a fun journey throught the edimological evolution of the English language. Interesting analysis of the ways, whys and hows americans speak were delivered with expertise. It's a book for language geeks.
Somewhat formulaic but a load of fun. Excited to see how this sets up the remainder of the series.
