Books I've Read

Specter of the Past

2008-10-25T06:59:00.000-07:00

Author: Timothy Zahn
Format: Print

Oh no! Thrawn is back! I didn't like this Zahn book as much as his first trilogy, I guess I'm done with Star Wars novels for a while. I'll look forward to the third Drew Karpyshyn Bane novel, but other than that I think I'm done for a while.

The Golden Compass

2008-07-25T07:20:00.000-07:00

Author: Philip Pullman
Format: Audiobook

It was a pretty good story. Took me a while to read this one, it didn't leave me wanting more. I think I prefer audiobooks read by one talented individual rather than a cast of people like this on. The Lyra characters voice and accent really got on my nerves. I like how Pullman mixes ideas from religion, physics, and mathematics into his fantasy world. There's even a mention of imaginary numbers.

The Number Devil

2008-07-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

Author: Hans Magnus Enzensberger
Format: Print

A quick little adventure; this would be ideal for the middle school student. It does a great job of raising your curiosity but leaves the "why?" for you, the adventurer, to discover. I also like the analogy it gives for proof which I will use in class. It compares writing a proof to crossing a river, you have to jump from rock to rock.

Jedi Search

2008-06-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Author: Kevin J. Anderson
Format: Print

Great. Han goes back to Kessle, home of the infamous "Kessle Run." Luke finds some Jedi students to begin training, the Empire has yet another super weapon that the New Republic takes care of. Excited to read Dark Apprentice, the next in the duology.

Allegiance

2008-05-31T21:41:00.000-07:00

Author: Timothy Zahn
Format: Print

Pretty good. Neat to see what Mara Jade (a character created after the movies) was up to during the timeline of the movies. Katie bought me this book for my birthday. :)

Shape Shifter

2008-04-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

Author: Tony Hillerman
Format: Audiobook

Listened to this one with Katie on the way back from Chicago. I liked this one better than "Listening Woman." I guess it just held my attention a little better, even despite the 2.5 hour search for a windshield wiper after mine flew off on the freeway!

Listening Woman

2008-04-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

Author: Tony Hillerman
Format: Audiobook

Katie and I listened to this one while driving to Chicago. Ended with a great canyon chase.

A Briefer History of Time

2008-03-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

Author: Stephen Hawking
Format: Print

A great overview of some of the ideas of physics that have entered the public view. Relativity, quantum mechanics, string theory, black holes, the big bang, worm holes. By the way, did you hear about the black hole with the mass of 18 billion suns?

Star Wars: Darth Bane: Rule of Two

2008-03-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

Author: Drew Karpyshyn
Format: Print

Also very good. I read this one very fast as well. Stealth, cunning, lies, trickery, these are the ways of the dark side... Just when I thought they were done for those foolish Jedi get punked (i.e. remind blind to the presence of the Sith). Great ending, but we were totally set up for a sequel. I can't wait to read it, so hurry up Karpyshyn!

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction

2008-03-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

Author: Drew Karpyshyn
Format: Print

For some reason I got really excited about this book. A whole history before the start of the Star Wars films really intrigued me. I read this book very quickly which is unusual for me to do, usually I set printed books (as opposed to audio) down for a while then pick them up from time to time. This book though had me so interested and excited about the plot that I used mostly every free moment I had last week to read it. Needless to say at this point, the book was great! It was amazing how in the beginning of the novel I established a connection with the character, I understood him and could empathize with him. Then, I hung on to this connection with him even in spite of the horrific things that he did. I had to take a moment to "snap out of it." Had I fallen to the dark side? Bane's transition certainly made a lot more sense to me than Annakin's, Annakin's allegiance seemed to come out of the blue even though it was clear how Palpatine was playing him. I also like how even though it takes place about 1000 years before the movies a clear connection is made between this novel and the movies.

Favorite line: "Did your master give you that lightsaber when he died?" "No I killed him and took it." Those silly sith make me chuckle.

Dark Tide II: Ruin

2008-03-08T12:03:00.000-08:00

Author: Michael A. Stackpole
Format: Print

I got through this one quickly once I finally started going, mainly because I was excited to get to the "Darth Bane" series which I've now started. I thought with the title "ruin" the New Republics demise would be more complete, but I guess there are still a lot of books in the series. I started to like Shadoa Shai by the end of the book, I look forward to meeting more of the Yuzhan Vong throughout the rest of the series. This was a great read full of some great ideas and adventure that kept me turning the page.

Never Sniff a Gift Fish

2008-02-10T14:18:00.001-08:00

Author: Patrick E. McManus
Format: Audiobook

This was a great read. It's a comedy book equal to what I've read from Dave Barry. Especially funny if you've ever been camping or enjoy outdoor sports such as hunting or fishing. Great light reading.

Einstein: His Life and Universe

2008-01-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

Author: Walter Isaacson
Format: Audiobook

Great! I really enjoyed reading this book. Mr. Isaacson does exactly as his title describes, including the important biographical elements as well as great explanations of Einstein's ideas in physics. This book makes me want to delve deeper into this world of curved space, quantum questioning, and the quest towards a unified field theory. Things I will take with me: think visually, think creatively, and challenge the norms.

Dark Tide I: Onslaught

2008-01-02T18:51:00.000-08:00

Author: Michael A. Stackpole
Format: Print

Very good. What's really great are the characters, not only do we have the old favorites like Luke who busts out with the dual light sabers to kick some extragalactic amphistaff, but we have the Leia and Han's children who I would imagine will become more and more important as the series progresses. These compelling characters keep me reading, I already have Dark Tide II on my night stand and look forward to reading it.

Whiteout

2008-01-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

Author: Ken Follett
Format: Audiobook

Since we share a last name I felt compelled to read some of Ken Follett's work. This book takes place during Christmas-time in snowy wheather so I read it during the appropriate season. It was okay, I guess I'm not to keen on mystery-thrillers, it really didn't pull me in.

Hugo Award Winners

2007-12-29T08:19:00.001-08:00

The World is Flat

2007-11-10T18:32:00.001-08:00

Author: Thomas L. Friedman
Format: Audiobook

This book should be read by people "all around the world." I'm wishing I had counted the number of times Mr. Friedman used this phrase in his book, I'm sure it is in the hundreds. However, "all around the world" pretty much sums it up, in his "history of the twenty-first century" Mr. Friedman more or less concludes that our era is all about globalization. Wait, wait, wait! All around the world! I thought it was flat now, Mr. Friedman? If anything the new connectivity of people around the world pulls it in tighter and increases the curvature or this sphere. When people lived on a flat earth it was full of unknowns, the people on one side of the coin didn't even know the people on the other side existed. All this to say, the terminology of a flat world annoys me. Still, a good read full of interesting anecdotes about technology and globalization. If you've been asleep for the past few years, wake up and read this book.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2007-10-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

Author: J.K. Rowling
Format: Print

I read this over the summer and forgot to post it. Once again, another great read to finish off the series. But, what happened to innocent Harry who plays chess to defeat his foes. Did I actually hear him say the words "crucio", do the words "unforgiveable" mean anything these days. But when Mrs. Weasley uses the "b-word" in reference to a certain death-eater, that's way pushing it for a children's series in my humble opinion. J.K. needs to take lessons from L'Amour, "...and then he swore bitterly..." let your imagination fill in the blanks.

The Rider of Lost Creek

2007-10-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

Author: Louis L'Amour
Format: Audiobook

A quick read. It was nice to travel to a forgotten land. The "gun slinging" made me think of some of my students. Ag students with images of guns on their over-sized belt buckles and urban students with these images on their over-sized t-shirts. The same romance of power and justice threads itself through our diverse American culture.

The Audacity of Hope

2007-08-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

Author: Barack Obama
Format: Audiobook

Mr. Obama discusses his political views in this book and his hope for the future of America. This book definitely influences my vote for the upcoming presidential election. This man just might have a shot. I like what he says about education, I agree with him, we need to pay teachers more and pay them based on their performance. The trick will be doing this without taking power from the unions, oh and paying for it. I also like his commitment to tackling poverty and ending hefty tax cuts for the extremely rich. He ends his book with talking about the importance of family and bringing in his own personal family story, a cheap trick but it works.

The Old Man and the Sea

2007-08-02T05:01:00.000-07:00

Author: Ernest Hemingway
Format: Audiobook

A survival story about an old fisherman. What struck me most is the spiritual connection to the ocean and the idea of eating for survival rather than enjoyment.

Star Wars New Jedi Order: Vector Prime

2007-07-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

Author: R. A. Salvatore
Format: Print

An extragalactic invasion! Great opening to what looks to be a great series (New Jedi Order). It's clear that the challenges will be fighting this alien species which has an amazing set of anticomputer technology and rounding up the jedi and reforming the council. Another interesting thing about this book: a major character died! Great book.

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim

2007-07-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

Author: David Sedaris
Format: Audiobook

I found this book by listening to the "This American Life" podcast. David Sedaris is a regular guest voice reading some of his stories. This book is full of hilarious short stories about Mr. Sedaris and his family, a great read. I especially like stories about his hillbilly brother including where he trains his dog to eat his little dogs ummm.... presents. Ewww.

Teacher Man

2007-07-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

Author: Frank McCourt
Format: Print

Frank McCourt's account of his 30 year teaching career. It was a well written entertaining book that mixes in parts of his past as a child in Ireland and young adult in New York. Most striking is his meandering sense of adventure throughout his career. His 30 years is divided up by an attempt at getting a doctoral degree, getting fired and changing schools, lessons on cookbooks that don't seem to have any point.

Blink

2007-06-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

Author: Malcolm Gladwell
Format: Audiobook

Interesting book about the unconscious mind "thinking without thinking" and the advantages and disadvantages of making snap judgements.

The Way It Spozed To Be

2007-06-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

Author: James Herndon
Format: Print

This book described Mr. Herndon's experiences during his first year of teaching in an urban environment in the 60's. It seems that Herndon goes into the school as a blank slate, he doesn't really have a plan, or a mission, or educational theories and practices. He doesn't attempt to "control the class" but observes as it chaotically organizes itself and he steers it towards education. In ways I had a similar experience: 5th period didn't change, they didn't decide to listen to my lectures, or quietly work like they should--I changed, I stopped lecturing, and stopped expecting quiet, I found a way to communicate to people who won't listen.

Summer Reading List

2007-06-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a tentative summer reading list:

Vector Prime (Star Wars Novel)
What is it about me you can't teach?
Teacher Man
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Lawn Care for Dummies
Dress your Family in Corduroy and Denim
The Audacity of Hope
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Dune

2007-05-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

Author: Frank Herbert
Format: Audiobook (20 discs)

Took me 5 years or so to finish it. I started with the print version and ended up listening to the audio. This was really a great story despite its inability to hold my attention at times. I can definitely see Tatooine in Arrakis.

The Last Command

2007-04-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

Author: Timothy Zahn
Format: Print

The conclusion to the Trawn trilogy. Took me long enough to finally finish it. It was good. Ever wonder what happened to Luke's severed hand that was cut off by Darth Vader? Find out when you read this book...

Tatooine Ghost

2007-02-17T11:25:00.000-08:00

Author: Troy Denning
Format: Audiobook

This novel fills in some of the details of Anakin and his mother's life on Tatooine. It features the newly married Han and Leiah as they learn about Anakin's past while trying to prevent the Empire from acquiring an important artifact. Again, Star Wars audio does a really great job with sound.

My Life

2006-12-27T19:13:00.000-08:00

Author: Bill Clinton
Format: Audiobook

Hey, I read nonfiction! About politics! This book actually made me think, "hey, I could be President--it doesn't seem that hard." Ofcourse, it also made me appreciate the skills that President Clinton brought to the table even if spoken from his own mouth. I wish he had said more about "[his] Life" it would have been better named "My Presidency" I suppose, although he does talk about issues and events outside of politics, it seems like it is a lot of "name clearing" that goes on in this book. Does he need to be on the defensive even after retiring from being the president? It was neat that it was read by the author.

Artemis Fowl: Eternity Code

2006-12-26T12:43:00.000-08:00

Author: Eoin Colfer
Format: Audiobook

Yet another great installment in the Artemis Fowl series. Katie and I read the others together but decided to go our seperate ways on this one when she took the audio on a business trip. Can't wait to read the next one, great light reading.

The Screw Tape Letters

2006-11-11T20:12:00.000-08:00

Author: C.S. Lewis
Format: Audiobook

From the perspective of Screwtape an exprienced deamon writing to Wormwood who is new to the profession of "temptor." Another great work by C.S. Lewis. The words that stick with me most from this book are something to the affect of, "a trap humans fall into is in thinking that their time belongs to them."

Dave Barry is Not Making This Up

2006-10-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

Author: Dave Barry
Format: Audiobook

Very funny collection of Mr. Barry's columns. I enjoyed the section about people "teaming" in China. Beware of toilet snakes.

The Seven Habbits of Highly Effective People

2006-10-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

Author: Stephen R. Covey
Format: Audio

Not exactly an audiobook version of "7 habits." It seems to be more of a supplementary audio program. Great intro to the 7 habits, definitely something I'd like to revisit.

Welcome to the Monkey House

2006-10-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

Author: Kurt Vonnegut
Format: Audiobook

A great collection of short stories. Some are science fiction, others are just great tales. Did you know Edison's dog invented the light bulb? ;)

Mere Christianity

2006-08-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

Author: C.S. Lewis
Format: Audiobook

C.S. Lewis reminds me a lot of Isaac Asimov in that he uses logic in his writing beautifully. This book attempts to give a good overview of what it means to be a Christian and gives logical evidence for why things are the way they are. A great read, it was difficult to put this one down.

Star Trek: Genesis Force

2006-08-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

Format: Audiobook

This audiobook also did an excellent job with sound effects. It centered around Warf as an ambassador and his two sons. Seems I didn't have the whole story but apparently the federation created something that is being used as a weapon and has the ability to destroy entire planets.

American Gods

2006-08-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

Format: Audiobook (20 hours)
Author: Neil Gaiman

Great book. Strange and x-rated at points. The basic idea is that people moving to America bring their gods with them. Oddly but perhaps wisely it leaves Christianity out of the picture almost entirely. It focuses on a war between old and new gods concluding that "America is a bad place for gods." My birthday March 23 becomes a significant date, so that's cool.

Star Trek: Double Helix Book 1 - Infection

2006-08-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

Format: Print
Author: John Gregory Betancourt

Pretty good. A quick read. This was my first star trek book, my dad recommended the Double Helix series as a good starting point. I'll definitely read the next in the series when I get the chance. I read this one while in Goochland, Virginia on a missions project with my church. Everyone else brought more sophisticated books, I felt a little embarresed reading it, "it's my first one I swear."

Innumeracy

2006-07-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

Format: Print
Author: John Allen Paulos

"A billion, a trillion, whatever." We say these things but do we really have a sense of magnitude for big and small numbers as well as the risk and probabilities associated with our daily lives. Paulos tries to give the reader a good number sense as well as an understanding of probability while explaining the effects and causes of "innumeracy." The book is pretty entertaining with some great examples.

Infinite Ascent

2006-07-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

Format: Print
Author: David Berlinski

This was a great overview of Math History. This topic is lacking in my math education so this book was a great help. It is very poetically written and could be good for even non-math types all though some passages were a little difficult to wrap my head around. Point of interest: Cantor claims that there are different sized infinities, he calls the size of the natural numbers "Aleph null." Also, not only is Euclid the "Father of Geometry" he is the Father of Proof as well.

Star Wars: Shatterpoint

2006-07-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

Format: Audiobook

Not all that great. Didn't hold my attention as well as the other Star Wars audio. Star Wars audio does an amazing job with sound, it isn't distracting but enhancing, this book was no exception to that rule. I learned that there are 7 jedi fighting styles and Mace Windu invented one, I guess this makes him pretty cool.

Books Katie and I have read.

2006-06-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

It all started with Chronicles of Narnia. I wanted to read them because I never had so I started reading the first one. Katie asked me to read the first one to her while I was reading it one day. After a time we finished reading the whole series.

Chronicles of Narnia series
Peter Pan
Journey to the Center of the Earth
The Phantom Toll Booth
Touching Spirit Bear
Artemis Fowl
Currently reading: ArtemisFowl the Arctic Incident

Some books I've read since Hume Lake.

2006-06-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Harry Potters
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and the Hobbit
Ender's Game and the Ender Books by Orson Scott Card
Bee Season
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
Foundation by Isaac Asimon
A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Bless Me, Ultima
Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis (and the other two in this series)
Have Space Suit Will Travel by Heinlein

A whole bunch of Star Wars books:
The Rise of Darth Vader
Darth Maul Shadow Hunter
The Thrawn Trilogy
Jedi Trial
Cloak of Deception
...
Doesn't seem like much, I'll add more as I think of them.

A book a week.

2006-06-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

My goal is to read one book per week. I launched myself on this track in the summer of 2001 while working as a Grill Cook at Hume Lake Christian Camps. Before this time I wasn't much of a reader and since then have read many many books. However, the book a week goal hasn't been very realistic. Until recently.

I discovered the power of Audiobooks when I got my Saturn from my Grandparents in Spring 2002. One advantage it had over my old car (besides newer with less miles) was that it has a tape player. With a six hour drive back to college ahead of me I went out and bought my first book-on-tape. Tony Hillerman's "The First Eagle," I enjoyed the experience so much that I actually took the long way home so that I could finish the book.

We're not quite up to "recently." MP3s, need I say more. With the advent of MP3 players I saw the advantage of buying a MP3 playing CD-man because one disk can hold twelve albums worth. This was spurred on by me realizing the awesomeness of listening to music while walking to school.

Moved to Cleveland, got married, and Katie helped me to discover the awesome resource that is the public library. The public library which has Audiobooks on CD. One Audiobook which might be up to 12 CDs fits quite nicely on an MP3 disk. At some point I realized that listening to an Audiobook while doing the dishes made the chore almost bearable.

This past Christmas my parents gave me an iPod nano which will fit an Audiobook of any size, and the rest is history. Thus, even though I find myself insanely busy reading is possible! And I owe it all to Hume Lake, my Saturn, MP3s, the Public Library, my wife, my grandparents, my parents, and my iPod. Thanks.