Monthly Archives: October 2010

Book Log – The Last Olympian

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The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5) by Rick Riordan

This is the last of this “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series, though the same characters can be found in his new series, “The Heroes of Olympus”.

This is a fine bunch of books, neatly weaving the mythology into modern day. My only complaint is that they felt like books that were written to be made into movies, like treatments rather than novels.

I was wondering why I didn’t feel the same attachment to Camp Half-Blood as to, say, pick a random example, Hogwart’s, and I guess because not much really happens at the Camp. There’s some off-stage training and a chariot race or two, but other than that, the stories take place in the big, wide world, which is fine.

I’ll place these on my kids’ shelf, and wait for them to grow into them.

Book Log – Slam

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Slam by Nick Hornby

This is Hornby’s first Young Adult novel, and it’s good. It tackles teenage pregnancy, and there’s some honest truths there but it doesn’t come across as an after-school special.

This is the story of a young skater (not skateboarder, that’s not what the cool kids call it) who knocks up a girl. The story is funny, and realistic, and it’s full of the stuff you’d want your teenager to know about having a kid.

Or an adult having a kid. Either one.

Book Log – The Girl Who Played with Fire

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The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson (translated by Reg Keeland)

The second in Steig Larsson’s The Girl series, continuing into the story of The Girl with a new mystery or two.

Purportedly, he had planned 10 books, but only three have been published, a fourth (or fifth) sits on his laptop, and sketches for one or two more exist.

It’s disappointing, because they’re engrossing, addictive books.

I would wish to ask him, were it possible… why the constant references to brand names? There’s an entire chapter where the main character shops at IKEA, and in it details what exact items she purchased. We always know the complete specs on whatever computer she’s using, and cellphone capabilities… it’s just a little strange.

Maybe he just felt it was important to promote Swedish products to the world.

Book Log – Legitimacy

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Legitimacy by M. H. Van Keuren

This book log will do no one any good… yet.

Because you can’t read this book yet. It hasn’t been published.

That’s right, I’m part of an elite handful of people who have been allowed to read this book. That’s how cool I am.

A friend of mine from college wrote it, and asked me to take a look at the manuscript. I was a little wary, because the last time I was asked to read a friend’s science-fiction book, it was an painful disaster1. But, that was written by a janitor with a high school education, this by a graduate of Northwestern’s Radio/TV/Film school. So… different.

And different in quality, too. This book’s legit. It’s got compelling and interesting characters, smooth and readable writing, and an intriguing and believably built world. Also, a lemur. Sort of.

The only downside is I had to print and staple it, cause I couldn’t get it to format right for reading on my phone.

I like to read new things2.

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1 The book is so bad, I’ve hidden my review in a private post that no one but myself can read. You are welcome.
2 I’m so cool and exclusive, I reference lines from books you can’t possibly have read.