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Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated A Boy and His Dog in Books
Nov 30, 2020
I was very saddened to hear the news of Harlan Ellison's passing. While I didn't agree with him on some things, I did agree with him on a great number of them. Cantankerous, but not snarky or mean-spirited, in his writings and conversations. I found him to one of the best writers on the planet. Now, he's joined the likes of Shakespeare, Emerson, Vonnegut, all at God's assembled roundtable of literary greats! :)
Okay, that's enough of my tribute-of-sorts to Harlan Ellison. Now, for my review of A BOY AND HIS DOG.
This was a a quick, fun read. Quite literally, it is the adventure of boy (Vic) and his telepathic dog (Blood). The two rely on each other, sharing bond that comes through in all of their exchanges. A four-legged friend who became so much more than just a "canine companion".
The tale was written in 1969 and was later adapted for film by L.Q. Jones. Despite the time written, the book still reads as if written yesterday. And that was something unique about Ellison: his writing felt timeless, as if it was not tied to any particular time during which it was written.
Yes, the language can be deemed coarse at points, but still far less offensive than anything written today. The use of profanity is given to the way Vic speaks, a product of the post-apocalyptic world he was born. It never feels forced or anything approaching offensive. It just feels, for want of a better word, natural.
Again, this is a fun short story about a boy and his dog. It may not appeal to everyone, but I surely liked it and I hope that maybe you will, too.
Also, stick around after the story, as "AHBHU: The Passing of One Man's Inspiration and Best Friend". It is Harlan Ellison's tribute/memorial to his rescued dog, a Puli (essentially, a Hungarian sheep dog), and how much he meant to him, so much so that he was whom Ellison based Blood's character on. I challenge you to NOT tear up by the conclusion!
By all means, good people, please check this one out!
Okay, that's enough of my tribute-of-sorts to Harlan Ellison. Now, for my review of A BOY AND HIS DOG.
This was a a quick, fun read. Quite literally, it is the adventure of boy (Vic) and his telepathic dog (Blood). The two rely on each other, sharing bond that comes through in all of their exchanges. A four-legged friend who became so much more than just a "canine companion".
The tale was written in 1969 and was later adapted for film by L.Q. Jones. Despite the time written, the book still reads as if written yesterday. And that was something unique about Ellison: his writing felt timeless, as if it was not tied to any particular time during which it was written.
Yes, the language can be deemed coarse at points, but still far less offensive than anything written today. The use of profanity is given to the way Vic speaks, a product of the post-apocalyptic world he was born. It never feels forced or anything approaching offensive. It just feels, for want of a better word, natural.
Again, this is a fun short story about a boy and his dog. It may not appeal to everyone, but I surely liked it and I hope that maybe you will, too.
Also, stick around after the story, as "AHBHU: The Passing of One Man's Inspiration and Best Friend". It is Harlan Ellison's tribute/memorial to his rescued dog, a Puli (essentially, a Hungarian sheep dog), and how much he meant to him, so much so that he was whom Ellison based Blood's character on. I challenge you to NOT tear up by the conclusion!
By all means, good people, please check this one out!
Strategic Reassurance and Resolve: U.S.-China Relations in the Twenty-First Century
Michael E. O'Hanlon and James Steinberg
Book
After forty years of largely cooperative Sino-U.S. relations, policymakers, politicians, and pundits...
A Place Called Winter
9.0
Rate It
Book
Read our exclusive interview with Patrick Gale here Picked for the BBC Radio 2 Simon Mayo Book...
QL
Queer, Latina/o and Bilingual: A Critical Sociolinguistic Ethnography
Book
In this book, Holly R. Cashman presents a sociolinguistic ethnography of gay and lesbian Latinas/os...
Bostonian916 (449 KP) rated Ghost in the Shell (2017) in Movies
Sep 2, 2020 (Updated Sep 2, 2020)
Ghost in the Shell (this movie) got a ton of vile response when it was announced and released. While the source material differs from this film VERY much, as a standalone movie, Ghost in the Shell is actually quite good.
I'm a big fan and advocate of letting a movie based on anything else (comic book, novel, whatever the case might be) stand as its own entity. Conveniently, this allows me to enjoy a ton of movies that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to. This is a classic example of this mentality in action.
Scarlett Johansson does a fine job in her role, regardless of whether people think she should have ever been cast in what is traditionally an Asian role. She doesn't deserve a lot of the hate that she received. She is doing a job that she is being paid to do. Simple as that, the same way that you and I go to work every day and do things we might not be in love with.
Anyway, if you can get over the disconnection from the source material, Ghost in the Shell is an enjoyable experience. The only way to know is to watch for yourself.
I'm a big fan and advocate of letting a movie based on anything else (comic book, novel, whatever the case might be) stand as its own entity. Conveniently, this allows me to enjoy a ton of movies that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to. This is a classic example of this mentality in action.
Scarlett Johansson does a fine job in her role, regardless of whether people think she should have ever been cast in what is traditionally an Asian role. She doesn't deserve a lot of the hate that she received. She is doing a job that she is being paid to do. Simple as that, the same way that you and I go to work every day and do things we might not be in love with.
Anyway, if you can get over the disconnection from the source material, Ghost in the Shell is an enjoyable experience. The only way to know is to watch for yourself.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Isla Emerged in Books
May 28, 2020
95 of 200
Kindle
Isla Emerged (Isla Emerged book 1)
By Deidre Sequeira
Anger. Betrayal. Exile.Isla always knew she would be queen. One day. But after the death of her mother, matriarch of the Southern Pacific merfolk kingdom, that day grew much closer than she was prepared for. Worse, to become a mermaid queen, she must marry. It is the only way to protect her kingdom.Forcibly betrothed to her childhood friend and father's fiercest warrior, Isla is desperate for an escape--no matter the cost. But until she marries, her father is filled with a power his body cannot handle, and his control is steadily slipping.After an explosive fight with her father, Isla flees to the surface, only to find herself in the middle of a violent storm with two choices: swim to safety or save the human man she sees drowning in the tumultuous waves.Her decision will change her life, as well as her kingdom, forever.A story inspired by "The Little Mermaid" like you've never seen before.
I am usually weary of classic stories being retold but I really enjoyed this one. Loosely based on The Little Mermaid it’s full of action! Decent characters and a well written story! I'm looking forward to more from this author
Kindle
Isla Emerged (Isla Emerged book 1)
By Deidre Sequeira
Anger. Betrayal. Exile.Isla always knew she would be queen. One day. But after the death of her mother, matriarch of the Southern Pacific merfolk kingdom, that day grew much closer than she was prepared for. Worse, to become a mermaid queen, she must marry. It is the only way to protect her kingdom.Forcibly betrothed to her childhood friend and father's fiercest warrior, Isla is desperate for an escape--no matter the cost. But until she marries, her father is filled with a power his body cannot handle, and his control is steadily slipping.After an explosive fight with her father, Isla flees to the surface, only to find herself in the middle of a violent storm with two choices: swim to safety or save the human man she sees drowning in the tumultuous waves.Her decision will change her life, as well as her kingdom, forever.A story inspired by "The Little Mermaid" like you've never seen before.
I am usually weary of classic stories being retold but I really enjoyed this one. Loosely based on The Little Mermaid it’s full of action! Decent characters and a well written story! I'm looking forward to more from this author
Today We Die a Little: The Rise and Fall of Emil Zatopek, Olympic Legend
Book
LONGLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD. The definitive biography of one of...
Active Training: A Handbook of Techniques, Designs, Case Examples and Tips
Melvin L. Silberman and Elaine Biech
Book
The all-time bestselling training handbook, updated for new technologies and roles Active Training...
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>
<i>Mrs B</i> is a contemporary novel by lecturer and writer Elizabeth Walcott-Hackshaw. Whilst loosely based on Gustave Flaubert’s <i>Madame Bovary</i>, it is set in Trinidad and contains a number of themes. Beginning in June 2009 it spans the course of a year before finishing in July 2010.
The titular character <i>Mrs B</i> is a middle-aged woman named Mrs Elena Butcher who, due to dislike of her husband’s surname, is always referred to as Mrs B. At the beginning of the book Mrs B and her husband, Charles, are driving to the airport to collect their daughter, Ruthie, who has flown home from Boston University. It is revealed that Ruthie suffered a nervous breakdown a couple of months before hand, but what is yet to be discovered is that she is pregnant. Whilst in Boston, Ruthie had developed an intimate relationship with a man dubbed the Professor. Mrs B’s daughter was once her pride and joy but the result of Ruthie’s down fall begins to have a negative effect on Mrs B’s life and sours her relationships with those previously close to her, particularly her husband.
Pregnancy and romantic affairs are not the only themes of the novel. Trinidad is becoming a dangerous place with crimes, such as murders, becoming a daily occurrence. Politics plays its hand in these everyday occurrences, so it is not very reassuring when Mrs B’s ex-lover becomes involved with the government. However the events in Trinidad seem more normal than the emotions Mrs B feels within her own family.
The story line jumps around a lot from character to character and also from past to present. Whilst not exactly confusing it is difficult to understand what the actual plot line is. There was not much of climax and the reader does not really get a chance to connect with the characters and so the conclusion feels neither disappointing nor satisfactory.
For readers unfamiliar with the Caribbean and life in Trinidad this book is quite educational, providing descriptions of the culture and customs of the islands inhabitants. So despite the lack of a strong story line, Walcott-Hackshaw writes effectively to make this an interesting read.
<i>Mrs B</i> is a contemporary novel by lecturer and writer Elizabeth Walcott-Hackshaw. Whilst loosely based on Gustave Flaubert’s <i>Madame Bovary</i>, it is set in Trinidad and contains a number of themes. Beginning in June 2009 it spans the course of a year before finishing in July 2010.
The titular character <i>Mrs B</i> is a middle-aged woman named Mrs Elena Butcher who, due to dislike of her husband’s surname, is always referred to as Mrs B. At the beginning of the book Mrs B and her husband, Charles, are driving to the airport to collect their daughter, Ruthie, who has flown home from Boston University. It is revealed that Ruthie suffered a nervous breakdown a couple of months before hand, but what is yet to be discovered is that she is pregnant. Whilst in Boston, Ruthie had developed an intimate relationship with a man dubbed the Professor. Mrs B’s daughter was once her pride and joy but the result of Ruthie’s down fall begins to have a negative effect on Mrs B’s life and sours her relationships with those previously close to her, particularly her husband.
Pregnancy and romantic affairs are not the only themes of the novel. Trinidad is becoming a dangerous place with crimes, such as murders, becoming a daily occurrence. Politics plays its hand in these everyday occurrences, so it is not very reassuring when Mrs B’s ex-lover becomes involved with the government. However the events in Trinidad seem more normal than the emotions Mrs B feels within her own family.
The story line jumps around a lot from character to character and also from past to present. Whilst not exactly confusing it is difficult to understand what the actual plot line is. There was not much of climax and the reader does not really get a chance to connect with the characters and so the conclusion feels neither disappointing nor satisfactory.
For readers unfamiliar with the Caribbean and life in Trinidad this book is quite educational, providing descriptions of the culture and customs of the islands inhabitants. So despite the lack of a strong story line, Walcott-Hackshaw writes effectively to make this an interesting read.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Trying to Float: Coming of Age in the Chelsea Hotel in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>
Written about a young girl by a young girl, <i>Trying To Float</i> is the amusing, witty story of Nicolaia Rips’ life thus far. About to graduate from LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts in New York City, Nicolaia talks the reader through her life from birth, through preschool and elementary school, before coming to rest at the end of her middle school experiences.
As the strap line <i>Coming of Age in the Chelsea Hotel</i> indicates, Nicolaia has lived in the Chelsea Hotel in New York for her entire life. Her unconventional father and travel obsessed mother decided to settle there after the birth of their only child, resulting in an unusual upbringing surrounded by avant-garde writers, artists and musicians, as well as the plethora of drug addicts, alcoholics and eccentrics.
Although Nicolaia’s lifestyle caused her to be the worldliest wise of five year olds, she was completely alien to the knowledge of friendships, hard work and the generally accepted behaviour of children. This resulted in numerous, often awkward, situations throughout her schooling which, although must have been soul destroying at the time, Nicolaia writes in a highly amusing tone.
<i>Trying to Float</i> reminded me of a television programme aired on the BBC last year: <i>The Kennedys</i> – a story of the daughter of highly peculiar and embarrassing parents, who was constantly surrounded by a mass of oddball characters. I could not help but see similarities even though there is absolutely no correlation between the two stories.
While Nicolaia has based this book on a journal she kept during her childhood, there are many scenes that have been warped by exaggeration and imagination to add comedic effect. Due to this, her original writing has been worked over so much in order for it to flow like a story, that it is more fiction than biographical.
It is not completely clear who the target audience is. Naturally a story about a child’s experiences at school would relate more to young adults, however the coarse language used by the inhabitants of the hotel make it more appropriate for adults. Whatever your age and background, you are likely to relate to something in this gem of a book. Nicolaia makes light of her experiences, but deep down it is a very heart-wrenching story.
Written about a young girl by a young girl, <i>Trying To Float</i> is the amusing, witty story of Nicolaia Rips’ life thus far. About to graduate from LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts in New York City, Nicolaia talks the reader through her life from birth, through preschool and elementary school, before coming to rest at the end of her middle school experiences.
As the strap line <i>Coming of Age in the Chelsea Hotel</i> indicates, Nicolaia has lived in the Chelsea Hotel in New York for her entire life. Her unconventional father and travel obsessed mother decided to settle there after the birth of their only child, resulting in an unusual upbringing surrounded by avant-garde writers, artists and musicians, as well as the plethora of drug addicts, alcoholics and eccentrics.
Although Nicolaia’s lifestyle caused her to be the worldliest wise of five year olds, she was completely alien to the knowledge of friendships, hard work and the generally accepted behaviour of children. This resulted in numerous, often awkward, situations throughout her schooling which, although must have been soul destroying at the time, Nicolaia writes in a highly amusing tone.
<i>Trying to Float</i> reminded me of a television programme aired on the BBC last year: <i>The Kennedys</i> – a story of the daughter of highly peculiar and embarrassing parents, who was constantly surrounded by a mass of oddball characters. I could not help but see similarities even though there is absolutely no correlation between the two stories.
While Nicolaia has based this book on a journal she kept during her childhood, there are many scenes that have been warped by exaggeration and imagination to add comedic effect. Due to this, her original writing has been worked over so much in order for it to flow like a story, that it is more fiction than biographical.
It is not completely clear who the target audience is. Naturally a story about a child’s experiences at school would relate more to young adults, however the coarse language used by the inhabitants of the hotel make it more appropriate for adults. Whatever your age and background, you are likely to relate to something in this gem of a book. Nicolaia makes light of her experiences, but deep down it is a very heart-wrenching story.