Book Nook Cafe

[StickMang]

Digging back into my memory, in more of my lighter reading fare, I recall an interesting novel by Piers Anthony, part of the Incarnations of Immortality series, called, On a Pale Horse.

I thought his concept of Death (proper noun here, ya know Grim Reaper, living metaphor and all that) was really quite creative, and it was very interesting how Piers interprets him/it.

As I recall, the remaining books, while still creative, were more disappointing, though there were some very memorable Incarnations, and typical PierXanthony trickery and chicanery. I even think I remember the series becoming quite interesting with the final two Incarnations, especially the 6th book.

Does anybody remember these?
-Mang

[JohnnyREB1977]

The Camel Club: A Review

Conspiracy. Conspiracy is the watch-word for this riveting novel by Virginia native David Baldacci. The action in the story is nonstop, beginning with three Muslims, two Arabs and a Persian, racing away in a Suburban while being chased by a helicopter. Later, a murder is witnessed by four eccentric friends. Both actions set up a chain of events which keep the reader flipping page after page, following with the main character, Secret Service Agent Alex Ford, as he and his partner Jackie Simpson, then Kate Adams attempt to find out just what in the world is going on.

Baldacci shows his Southern roots with his writing style full of charm, wit, history and humor which seems to be genetically ingrained in the storytellers of Dixie. The setting is vivid, brightly or darkly so where appropriate, the plot is fast-paced, and the characters so well rendered that they almost seem like family. This reader laughed out loud at parts, almost wept at parts, and cheered at the end when victory for the protagonists was finally achieved.

The Good: The characters are memorable and loveable. With the exception of one of the antagonists, the others are not your usual black hatted villains. Each has reasonable motivations for their actions. While we can hope that we would never cross the lines they did, Baldacci writes in such a way that this reviewer can at least contemplate the idea. The plot is intriguing. And the setting is described so well that one has to look up from the book to make sure one isn't in Virginia, D.C, or Maryland.

The Bad: There was really nothing bad about this book. There were a few editorial errors, but nothing as bad as in other books read and reviewed.

In closing, if you've read Baldacci before pick up The Camel Club. If you haven't, pick this book up. It is a great introduction to a wonderful author.

[sab1ne]

StickMang - I remember those books! I liked On A Pale Horse too. They were interesting and didn't get quite as over-the-top silly as some of the later Xanth books.

JohnnyREB1977 - Your review is making me want to pick up something by Baldacci. Any suggestions for which one toread first?

[JohnnyREB1977]

Stick:

I read some Anthony ages ago. I think the title was Vale of the Vole. Haven't picked him up anymore, though.

sab1ne:

I've only read The Camel Club all the way through. I'm currently reading Hour Game. It's as good, if not better, than The Camel Club so far. You might want to try either one of those.

[lmwwashington2]

Oh,oh.... I want in I LOVE to read!!! It's about the only thing I get to enjoy in between chasing the family around!!! There's nothing better than snuggling up with a good book!
I'm an addict (embarassingly enough) to romance novels, especially (how predictable) Nora Roberts and Jennifer Crusie!! Of course theres nothing like a good Dean Koontz book (does he even have a bad one?!?!) Since Steven King's gotten all lovey dovey lately Koontz is about the only one that can give me chills and actually get physically ill reading...I LOVE IT!! I also love the classics too... Steppenwolf, Jane Eyre, P & P (didn't like the new film Mr. Darcy as much as the YUMMY Colin Firth!!) I also consider Maeve Binchy a classic though. I'm pretty much a fan of anything that's written on paper & wrapped in a cover!!! Looking forward to conversing with you all and getting more ideas on what to broaden my intellect with!!

[JohnnyREB1977]

lmwwashington2:

Welcome! We're a pretty good bunch here (cept for that Reb guy ). Enjoy. Post often and post well. Oh, and don't forget to check out the board. We've got boards for Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance, Sci-fi and Fantasy, Westerns, etc.

[thelizinator297]

Hey everyone! I had exams this week, but I'm on break now so I've got time to get on the 'lage and do lots of reading! I'm planning on finishing a bunch of stuff for starters: Hawksong by Amelia-Atwiter Rhodes which is way good but I haven't had much time to read, Secret Window, Secret Garden and The Once and Future King. I'm also going to try to read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and reread A Ring of Endless Light by Madeline L'Engle. If I can accomplish all that (which I should be able to) I plan on starting Everything Is Illuminated.

Oh, and I got some great news today--I've been accepted early decision to Kenyon College, so I'm going there next year! They've got a really great English department and creative writing program and their literary magazine The Kenyon Review is really well-known. Plus their book store is the number one college book store in the country (it is seriously awesome). I'm pretty excited about it

[StickMang]

Originally Posted by JohnnyREB1977

lmwwashington2:

Welcome! We're a pretty good bunch here (cept for that Reb guy ).

Don't let his humility fool you, Reb is most excellent.

Welcome aboard Imwwashington! And remember to read at night with proper lighting.

-Mang

[StickMang]

Originally Posted by thelizinator297

Oh, and I got some great news today--I've been accepted early decision to Kenyon College, so I'm going there next year! They've got a really great English department and creative writing program and their literary magazine The Kenyon Review is really well-known. Plus their book store is the number one college book store in the country (it is seriously awesome). I'm pretty excited about it

Congratulations Lizinator! That sounds excellent for you! College was so long ago that I can't tell whether I went in a past life, or whether I'm just so darned old to remember!

-Asha'Mang

[sab1ne]

Originally Posted by thelizinator297

Hey everyone! I had exams this week, but I'm on break now so I've got time to get on the 'lage and do lots of reading! I'm planning on finishing a bunch of stuff for starters: Hawksong by Amelia-Atwiter Rhodes which is way good but I haven't had much time to read, Secret Window, Secret Garden and The Once and Future King. I'm also going to try to read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and reread A Ring of Endless Light by Madeline L'Engle. If I can accomplish all that (which I should be able to) I plan on starting Everything Is Illuminated.

Ooh! I *love* The Once and Future King, The Secret Garden, and A Christmas Carol!!

Oh, and I got some great news today--I've been accepted early decision to Kenyon College, so I'm going there next year! They've got a really great English department and creative writing program and their literary magazine The Kenyon Review is really well-known. Plus their book store is the number one college book store in the country (it is seriously awesome). I'm pretty excited about it

Congratulations!!! Wow - I've heard of The Kenyon Review. That's really impressive!