Category Archives: Reading

Murder with Deja Vu

Somewhere along the way I finished reading Murder with Peacocks but forgot to mention it. Oops. Well, here goes. Murder with Peacocks by Donna Andrews Grade: B This is another Meg Langslow mystery (the first, actually) and it is likable, … Continue reading

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Not a Knee-Slapper

Slapstick by Kurt Vonnegut Grade: B Though Vonnegut never once mentioned the word granfalloon, this story is about the greatest group of granfalloons ever invented. The president of the United States thinks that artificial families will make everyone “lonesome no … Continue reading

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Doggone It!

I read a strange book recently. I had picked it up at an overstock store, so I expected absolutely nothing from it. Consequently, it had a real chance to dazzle me, and dazzle me it did. Lives of Monster Dogs … Continue reading

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They Were Doomed

Here’s a favorite excerpt from Breakfast of Champions to keep you warmed up for the marathon. “Earthlings went on being friendly, when they should have been thinking instead. And even when they built computers to do some thinking for them, … Continue reading

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Breakfast with Vonnegut

Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut Grade: B Breakfast of Champions is my least favorite Vonnegut novel so far. He said in the book that he was trying to clear his head, and the novel came off as deeply personal, … Continue reading

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LOL, Really

The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore Grade: A- I think this is the first “minus” rating that I’ve given. I included the minus because this is an A-level comedy that’s marred by awkward sentences, jokes that are stretches, and even … Continue reading

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A Real How-To

How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card Grade: A+ Many writing books are written by writing teachers, and you know what they say about teachers: “If you can’t do, teach.” A subject that’s all about facts … Continue reading

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Owl Be Back

I’m back to tell you about my recent reading adventures. Owl’s Well That Ends Well by Donna Andrews Grade: B+ This is another book in the Meg Langslow mystery series. The action takes place right after the events of Crouching … Continue reading

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Marathon Reading

I’m the only one running in the Vonnegut Marathon. If I don’t finish, no one will, but I’ve fallen behind. To catch up, I’m going to read several novels back-to-back. I’m reading Breakfast of Champions now and have both Slapstick … Continue reading

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A Couple of Disappointments

Krondor, the Assassins and Krondor, Tear of the Gods by Raymond E. Feist Grades: C+ and D, respectively Assassins was tolerable all the way through and even ended on something of a high note (there’s nothing like a little human … Continue reading

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