Apologies. This blog is no longer active. Posts have been moved to my main site todd-wheeler.com.
Sorry for any inconvenience.
-T
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
New Address
Apologies. This blog is no longer active. Posts have been moved to my main site todd-wheeler.com.
Sorry for any inconvenience.
-T
Friday, December 28, 2007
Dune
Author: Frank Herbert
Published: 1965
I love this book. Every time I read it, I realize what I missed before, what I didn't remember, and what I learn anew. The world Herbert created is just fantastic, insanely detailed.
I love my copy of this book. Original paperback. In time it will fall apart. I should treat myself to a nice hardcover version; then again I would miss holding it close while reading, like my very own copy of the OC Bible.
Published: 1965
I love this book. Every time I read it, I realize what I missed before, what I didn't remember, and what I learn anew. The world Herbert created is just fantastic, insanely detailed.
I love my copy of this book. Original paperback. In time it will fall apart. I should treat myself to a nice hardcover version; then again I would miss holding it close while reading, like my very own copy of the OC Bible.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
American Gods
Author: Neil Gaiman
Published: 2001
Excellent novel. The conceit of gods being brought to America by the immigrants from around the world is done perfectly. I continue to be amazed by how well this English bloke portrays American characters and the landscape and culture of the U.S.
I must address an issue as it was raised in the other blog and for better or worse stuck in my mind as I read American Gods. Is this a better book than Anansi Boys? I'm going to punt and say it is a different book.
In my humble opinion (I don't claim to be very good at analyzing or even reviewing books) Anansi Boys was a much lighter tale. Intended or not by the author, it seemed to have a lot more humor and, despite the dangerous situation one of the boys finds himself in near the end, I never felt like any of the characters faced serious threats at any time.
In American Gods, however, the entire enterprise seemed very grave. There was a point maybe mid-way through the novel when I thought not only may all of these 'good guys' wind up dead, they may even lose! The tension is maintained from beginning to end.
Hard for me to say, therefore, that one was better than the other since I enjoyed reading both of them but for different reasons.
I will risk wading into analytical waters. I think from a technical perspective, Anansi Boys is better written. This shouldn't be too controversial, the novel is four years removed from American Gods after all.
The earlier book seemed to have a lot of passive sentences in the early going. There were also a lot of actions by characters that seemed to just take up space rather than move the story along or better defining the characters. At one point I wondered how many more times Odin was going to excuse himself to use the bathroom. Maybe I'm missing something in those moments but I found myself thinking "Okay, let's move along now."
But these are minor points. American Gods is an excellent read.
Published: 2001
Excellent novel. The conceit of gods being brought to America by the immigrants from around the world is done perfectly. I continue to be amazed by how well this English bloke portrays American characters and the landscape and culture of the U.S.
I must address an issue as it was raised in the other blog and for better or worse stuck in my mind as I read American Gods. Is this a better book than Anansi Boys? I'm going to punt and say it is a different book.
In my humble opinion (I don't claim to be very good at analyzing or even reviewing books) Anansi Boys was a much lighter tale. Intended or not by the author, it seemed to have a lot more humor and, despite the dangerous situation one of the boys finds himself in near the end, I never felt like any of the characters faced serious threats at any time.
In American Gods, however, the entire enterprise seemed very grave. There was a point maybe mid-way through the novel when I thought not only may all of these 'good guys' wind up dead, they may even lose! The tension is maintained from beginning to end.
Hard for me to say, therefore, that one was better than the other since I enjoyed reading both of them but for different reasons.
I will risk wading into analytical waters. I think from a technical perspective, Anansi Boys is better written. This shouldn't be too controversial, the novel is four years removed from American Gods after all.
The earlier book seemed to have a lot of passive sentences in the early going. There were also a lot of actions by characters that seemed to just take up space rather than move the story along or better defining the characters. At one point I wondered how many more times Odin was going to excuse himself to use the bathroom. Maybe I'm missing something in those moments but I found myself thinking "Okay, let's move along now."
But these are minor points. American Gods is an excellent read.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Against The Day
Author: Thomas Pynchon
Published: 2006
The man can write, no question. After over a year of stalking then slogging through the latest by Pynchon, I have to cry 'Uncle'. I made it through about 325 pages, but to quote the famous line from Engineer Scotty: "I canna take na more!"
Beautiful prose, incredibly researched. The tipping point came on a paragraph describing the steeple of a church in some remote, Colorado town at the turn of the 20th century where one of the characters was getting married. An entire paragraph on the steeple. I got the sense that Pynchon not only could clearly see that steeple but probably knew how the paint was made and had background notes regarding the life of the backstage character who cut down the tree for the freakin' wood!
Beautiful. Exhausting. I give. Maybe I'll finish it some later time in my life.
Maybe.
Published: 2006
The man can write, no question. After over a year of stalking then slogging through the latest by Pynchon, I have to cry 'Uncle'. I made it through about 325 pages, but to quote the famous line from Engineer Scotty: "I canna take na more!"
Beautiful prose, incredibly researched. The tipping point came on a paragraph describing the steeple of a church in some remote, Colorado town at the turn of the 20th century where one of the characters was getting married. An entire paragraph on the steeple. I got the sense that Pynchon not only could clearly see that steeple but probably knew how the paint was made and had background notes regarding the life of the backstage character who cut down the tree for the freakin' wood!
Beautiful. Exhausting. I give. Maybe I'll finish it some later time in my life.
Maybe.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Anansi Boys
Author: Neil Gaiman
Published: 2005
From published reports and reviews, I expected no less than perfection. Expectations were met.
As I predicted, Gaiman is the kind of author who makes me want to give up writing because there is just no point, is there? My efforts will fall short and besides he's here on earth, writing these things which means that people need not seek out more entertaining, witty, hilarious works because such works don't exist.
On the other hand, as one can tell from the Wikipedia entry, Mr. Gaiman is a renaissance-dude multimedia rock star. It's like trying to compare one's 21st century made for late-night television infomercial handy gadget with the efforts of Da Vinci.
Best not to think about it and just continue on one's way.
Published: 2005
From published reports and reviews, I expected no less than perfection. Expectations were met.
As I predicted, Gaiman is the kind of author who makes me want to give up writing because there is just no point, is there? My efforts will fall short and besides he's here on earth, writing these things which means that people need not seek out more entertaining, witty, hilarious works because such works don't exist.
On the other hand, as one can tell from the Wikipedia entry, Mr. Gaiman is a renaissance-dude multimedia rock star. It's like trying to compare one's 21st century made for late-night television infomercial handy gadget with the efforts of Da Vinci.
Best not to think about it and just continue on one's way.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Housing The Airship
Author: Architectural Association
Published: 1989
Very nice oversized book with beautiful photos and diagrams. The features of sheds, the term used for constructing and housing airships, are described in detail.
The styles varied widely within and between countries as engineers explored different functional ways to contain the mammoth dirigibles. The photos, many full and two-page, all in black and white, show the scale of these enormous vehicles.
Very cool.
Published: 1989
Very nice oversized book with beautiful photos and diagrams. The features of sheds, the term used for constructing and housing airships, are described in detail.
The styles varied widely within and between countries as engineers explored different functional ways to contain the mammoth dirigibles. The photos, many full and two-page, all in black and white, show the scale of these enormous vehicles.
Very cool.
Friday, October 5, 2007
How We Talk
Author: Allan Metcalf
Published: 2000
Covering accents and curious local terms, Metcalf conducts a tour of the U.S., region by region. Also has a section on ethnic accents and slang, and also how well, or poorly, accents are portrayed in the movies.
Among the interesting facts, I learned why nearby Woods Hole is called a hole (term for a bay or channel), what Southerners mean by butter bean, and how the milk shake got the name 'kabinet' in Rhode Island (just be sure to ask for a frappe in Massachusetts if you want ice cream in it).
Published: 2000
Covering accents and curious local terms, Metcalf conducts a tour of the U.S., region by region. Also has a section on ethnic accents and slang, and also how well, or poorly, accents are portrayed in the movies.
Among the interesting facts, I learned why nearby Woods Hole is called a hole (term for a bay or channel), what Southerners mean by butter bean, and how the milk shake got the name 'kabinet' in Rhode Island (just be sure to ask for a frappe in Massachusetts if you want ice cream in it).
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Lighter Than Air
Author: David Owen
Published: 1999
An illustrated history (lots of pretty pictures). A few technical tidbits and pointers to contemporary airship companies, most of which have since gone bankrupt.
Published: 1999
An illustrated history (lots of pretty pictures). A few technical tidbits and pointers to contemporary airship companies, most of which have since gone bankrupt.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
The Airship
Author: Basil Collier
Published: 1974
Very dry account of the history of airships. At times, it goes into excruciating detail, especially in accounts of airships used by Germany in both World Wars.
In a sense, very objective and academic, but in no way tells a story about the craft. Useful for some technical data, but very much outdated info.
Published: 1974
Very dry account of the history of airships. At times, it goes into excruciating detail, especially in accounts of airships used by Germany in both World Wars.
In a sense, very objective and academic, but in no way tells a story about the craft. Useful for some technical data, but very much outdated info.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Dishwasher
Author: Pete Jordan
Published: 2007
Very cool memoir by a very lazy man. Pete Jordan gets into dishwashing (aka suds busting or pearl diving) because it requires little training or thought, he gets free food, and he can quit whenever he wants to.
He sets himself a challenge to wash dishes in all fifty states of the U.S. Along the way with his 'zine, he learns about the proud role dishwashers have had in forming unions in U.S. history and fighting for workers' rights. Not to mention the various celebrities who have busted suds on their way up the ladder of fame.
The descriptions of the 'Wash Tub Buffet' might leave some queasy. His lack of work ethic is extreme, but is balanced by a very thoughtful set of plongeur ethics. In the end, he works as hard as any one, and discovers a place where he is over qualified for the simple task.
Published: 2007
Very cool memoir by a very lazy man. Pete Jordan gets into dishwashing (aka suds busting or pearl diving) because it requires little training or thought, he gets free food, and he can quit whenever he wants to.
He sets himself a challenge to wash dishes in all fifty states of the U.S. Along the way with his 'zine, he learns about the proud role dishwashers have had in forming unions in U.S. history and fighting for workers' rights. Not to mention the various celebrities who have busted suds on their way up the ladder of fame.
The descriptions of the 'Wash Tub Buffet' might leave some queasy. His lack of work ethic is extreme, but is balanced by a very thoughtful set of plongeur ethics. In the end, he works as hard as any one, and discovers a place where he is over qualified for the simple task.
Green Plastics
Author: E. S. Stevens
Published: 2002
There is a lot of science in this book. Skimming those sections is okay. The point still comes across that plastic materials can be made not only biodegradeable but also compostable. What is required is markets and the will.
Interesting to learn that the problem with plastics is not their feedstock necessarily, although the petroleum, natural gas, and coal are limited resources. The toxicity of the stew is due to the additives included to make the plastic stable and durable. The danger of leaching later is compounded by the difficulty to recycle some plastics due to the additives fouling the plastic stew during reprocessing.
Stevens makes the point that current plastics are simply over-engineered for their purpose. A sandwich bag doesn't need to last 50-100 years. Some applications for plastics could be re-engineered right now to starch based products which have very short shelf lives.
And corn starch is, as of the writing, the cheapest and therefore most economically viable option. I thought I had read about problems composting corn starch, but searching around proved my memory faulty. This seems to be the way to go in the short term. Some kind of new 'chasing arrows' labeling system is needed though so that mass produced products will have a clear indication of their compostability.
Published: 2002
There is a lot of science in this book. Skimming those sections is okay. The point still comes across that plastic materials can be made not only biodegradeable but also compostable. What is required is markets and the will.
Interesting to learn that the problem with plastics is not their feedstock necessarily, although the petroleum, natural gas, and coal are limited resources. The toxicity of the stew is due to the additives included to make the plastic stable and durable. The danger of leaching later is compounded by the difficulty to recycle some plastics due to the additives fouling the plastic stew during reprocessing.
Stevens makes the point that current plastics are simply over-engineered for their purpose. A sandwich bag doesn't need to last 50-100 years. Some applications for plastics could be re-engineered right now to starch based products which have very short shelf lives.
And corn starch is, as of the writing, the cheapest and therefore most economically viable option. I thought I had read about problems composting corn starch, but searching around proved my memory faulty. This seems to be the way to go in the short term. Some kind of new 'chasing arrows' labeling system is needed though so that mass produced products will have a clear indication of their compostability.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Big Papi
Author: David Ortiz with Tony Massarotti
Published: 2007
About what I expected. Not an in depth analysis of Ortiz' life, but honest and upbeat. The auto/biography (a third of the chapters are by Massarotti) doesn't go into much detail about Ortiz' childhood. It does cover the last three seasons in some detail, and some key at bats over the years.
Good, quick read, especially for a Red Sox fan.
Published: 2007
About what I expected. Not an in depth analysis of Ortiz' life, but honest and upbeat. The auto/biography (a third of the chapters are by Massarotti) doesn't go into much detail about Ortiz' childhood. It does cover the last three seasons in some detail, and some key at bats over the years.
Good, quick read, especially for a Red Sox fan.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Stars In My Pocket Like Grains of Sand
Author: Samuel R. Delany
Published: 1984
This year I read The Left Hand of Darkness which does well to portray the otherness, for lack of better vocabulary, of a truly alien human culture. Stars In My Pocket ... by comparison is like being in an alien culture. It is like reading an account in English translated from Russian about the gift economy of an aboriginal people. The book describes human beings, but in a culture and technology that is, to paraphrase Clarke, indistinguishable from magic.
This book is mind-blowing.
At times, it is a hard read, the jargon and alien cultural references so thick it is difficult to keep up. There are rewards when the mists lift and the story unfolds further. And several cool moments.
The Story:
Humans mix with aliens on thousands of worlds. Human behavior remains that, elevated and tolerant here, ignorant and violent there. A political struggle is heating up, an entire planet's worth of people are boiled away. Gender references are generically female (e.g. people are referred to as women, a reversal of mankind in a way) and are specified only when the narrator feels the need to clarify his relationship with he or she. Or needs to describe, if you will, the naughty bits.
The heart of the novel is about intense, pure, sexual desire. The two men involved are oblivious to the storm that roils around and ultimately separates them.
Cool moment number one:
In the city of Morgre the tracer cooperative "form the primary advisory council for the domestic and industrial boroughs that govern our complex." The tracers provide vital information about what is going on, past and present, that informs the culture.
They do this by collecting and cataloging the city's trash.
Cool moment number two:
Technology is incredibly advanced, mind-computer interfaces the norm. Passwords are thought out as a string of numbers/words/tastes/smells. At one point, an ancient recorded personality asks to be shut off. The main character hesitates, not knowing the proper sequence to think; tomes of ancient knowledge must be consulted. The personality makes it simple:
Push the off button.
I started reading knowing there was a second book which might have to be read. I finished this knowing I had to read the second book.
Except Delany hasn't finished writing it! It's been 23 years, man. Polish off that puppy!
Published: 1984
This year I read The Left Hand of Darkness which does well to portray the otherness, for lack of better vocabulary, of a truly alien human culture. Stars In My Pocket ... by comparison is like being in an alien culture. It is like reading an account in English translated from Russian about the gift economy of an aboriginal people. The book describes human beings, but in a culture and technology that is, to paraphrase Clarke, indistinguishable from magic.
This book is mind-blowing.
At times, it is a hard read, the jargon and alien cultural references so thick it is difficult to keep up. There are rewards when the mists lift and the story unfolds further. And several cool moments.
The Story:
Humans mix with aliens on thousands of worlds. Human behavior remains that, elevated and tolerant here, ignorant and violent there. A political struggle is heating up, an entire planet's worth of people are boiled away. Gender references are generically female (e.g. people are referred to as women, a reversal of mankind in a way) and are specified only when the narrator feels the need to clarify his relationship with he or she. Or needs to describe, if you will, the naughty bits.
The heart of the novel is about intense, pure, sexual desire. The two men involved are oblivious to the storm that roils around and ultimately separates them.
Cool moment number one:
In the city of Morgre the tracer cooperative "form the primary advisory council for the domestic and industrial boroughs that govern our complex." The tracers provide vital information about what is going on, past and present, that informs the culture.
They do this by collecting and cataloging the city's trash.
Cool moment number two:
Technology is incredibly advanced, mind-computer interfaces the norm. Passwords are thought out as a string of numbers/words/tastes/smells. At one point, an ancient recorded personality asks to be shut off. The main character hesitates, not knowing the proper sequence to think; tomes of ancient knowledge must be consulted. The personality makes it simple:
Push the off button.
I started reading knowing there was a second book which might have to be read. I finished this knowing I had to read the second book.
Except Delany hasn't finished writing it! It's been 23 years, man. Polish off that puppy!
Friday, September 7, 2007
How To Write Science Fiction and Fantasy
Author: Orson Scott Card
Published: 1990
In the first half of the book, a very slim volume and a quick scan/read, there are interesting bits. Some history of SF, the distinctions between SF and Fantasy and why they are important and why, ultimately, they don't matter much. Pleasant to read.
The second half pretty much focuses on how to write, though not as much about how to write SF and Fantasy.
Which brings up the second book (this is a two-for-one bonus post!): Characters and Viewpoints.
Cheryl Mills cautioned me it was quite basic stuff, and it was. A curious choice on Card's part was many (many, many) examples from movies to explain points about writing fiction. Okay book, very much for the beginning writer who does not know the difference between first and third person.
Published: 1990
In the first half of the book, a very slim volume and a quick scan/read, there are interesting bits. Some history of SF, the distinctions between SF and Fantasy and why they are important and why, ultimately, they don't matter much. Pleasant to read.
The second half pretty much focuses on how to write, though not as much about how to write SF and Fantasy.
Which brings up the second book (this is a two-for-one bonus post!): Characters and Viewpoints.
Cheryl Mills cautioned me it was quite basic stuff, and it was. A curious choice on Card's part was many (many, many) examples from movies to explain points about writing fiction. Okay book, very much for the beginning writer who does not know the difference between first and third person.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Web Design on a $hoestring
Author: Carrie Bickner
Published: 2003
Nice book on getting a website done well, quickly, and cheaply. This goes against on of my favorite sayings: The job can be done well, quick, cheap. Pick two.
It all depends on how much one charges, doesn't it? Having the tools and skills and organization can certainly get the job done well and fast.
Published: 2003
Nice book on getting a website done well, quickly, and cheaply. This goes against on of my favorite sayings: The job can be done well, quick, cheap. Pick two.
It all depends on how much one charges, doesn't it? Having the tools and skills and organization can certainly get the job done well and fast.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Guatemala, Belize, and the Yucatan
Editor: Huw Hennessy
Published: 2000
Tourist guide on the Mayan areas of Central America. Picked it off the shelf at the library for a quick overview of ancient Mayan culture. Background research for a character in the next novel. Not sure whether to research more, as the list of to-do items is long.
Published: 2000
Tourist guide on the Mayan areas of Central America. Picked it off the shelf at the library for a quick overview of ancient Mayan culture. Background research for a character in the next novel. Not sure whether to research more, as the list of to-do items is long.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Radio Freefall
Author: Matthew Jarpe
Published: 2007
Google failed me here. I seem to recall a quote from Asimov, something about how all great science fiction stories have a mystery at their heart. But, since I can't locate the quote, it could have been the Dalai Lama who said it for all I can remember.
This much I know. The first half of Radio Freefall, in my opinion, is all about solving the mystery of who done what. The rest is an accelerating roller coaster of conflict resolution. And it's all fun.
Hard science fiction fans should love this book. Cyberpunk fans should love this book. Heinlein fans (I hear) should love this book. With good reason. It's a well written book.
Published: 2007
Google failed me here. I seem to recall a quote from Asimov, something about how all great science fiction stories have a mystery at their heart. But, since I can't locate the quote, it could have been the Dalai Lama who said it for all I can remember.
This much I know. The first half of Radio Freefall, in my opinion, is all about solving the mystery of who done what. The rest is an accelerating roller coaster of conflict resolution. And it's all fun.
Hard science fiction fans should love this book. Cyberpunk fans should love this book. Heinlein fans (I hear) should love this book. With good reason. It's a well written book.
Monday, August 6, 2007
YOU: The Owner's Manual
Author: Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz
Published: 2005
Final book for my summer reading challenge. Information about the body, inside and out, is presented very well with amusing cartoons, side bars, bullet points, and off-beat writing. It has a rather heavy emphasis on vitamin and mineral supplements. Seems like much of the dosage can be gotten through diet. Overall, very good book. I learned a lot.
Now for putting it all into practice.
Published: 2005
Final book for my summer reading challenge. Information about the body, inside and out, is presented very well with amusing cartoons, side bars, bullet points, and off-beat writing. It has a rather heavy emphasis on vitamin and mineral supplements. Seems like much of the dosage can be gotten through diet. Overall, very good book. I learned a lot.
Now for putting it all into practice.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Yoga Basics
Author: Mara Carrico
Published: 1997
This is book #2 for my three volume summer reading challenge. I've dabbled in yoga and like it, but can't seem to practice consistently. I keep reading books like these to be inspired.
This is well written, very much for the beginner. The pictures are okay. There are a few that show incorrect position which is always helpful for solo practice. The section on breathing is well done. Since this is a library book, I'll have to take some notes.
Published: 1997
This is book #2 for my three volume summer reading challenge. I've dabbled in yoga and like it, but can't seem to practice consistently. I keep reading books like these to be inspired.
This is well written, very much for the beginner. The pictures are okay. There are a few that show incorrect position which is always helpful for solo practice. The section on breathing is well done. Since this is a library book, I'll have to take some notes.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Finder
Author: Emma Bull
Published: 1994
Set in the shared universe of the Borderland, the main character, Orient, has a gift for finding things. This talent gets him drafted into a police investigation. Clues are followed, elves are implicated, innocents die, and the guilty get caught.
This novel followed Bull's Bone Dance which had very clear gender bending issues and themes. With Finder I found the same themes, though more subtle. The main character is male, yet is teased several times for not being a manly-man. Whether this is because of his talent, his friend (female elf), or his borderline emotional stability, is not clear. The cop is a strong female character who is very much in control of her emotions and the investigation. The two have a bit of a fling, yet it is Orient that is left hearbroken. A refreshing change of roles, I must say.
Two books down, two thumbs up. Looks like I'll have to read all the rest by Ms. Bull.
Published: 1994
Set in the shared universe of the Borderland, the main character, Orient, has a gift for finding things. This talent gets him drafted into a police investigation. Clues are followed, elves are implicated, innocents die, and the guilty get caught.
This novel followed Bull's Bone Dance which had very clear gender bending issues and themes. With Finder I found the same themes, though more subtle. The main character is male, yet is teased several times for not being a manly-man. Whether this is because of his talent, his friend (female elf), or his borderline emotional stability, is not clear. The cop is a strong female character who is very much in control of her emotions and the investigation. The two have a bit of a fling, yet it is Orient that is left hearbroken. A refreshing change of roles, I must say.
Two books down, two thumbs up. Looks like I'll have to read all the rest by Ms. Bull.
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