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The Truth really isn’t Out There

Reviewed: 11-14-18

Christopher Buckley has a well earned reputation as one of the best political satirists around, so I was extremely curious when I heard he wrote a Sci-fi novel. I don’t know that this story strictly fits into that genera, but it sure was funny. Remember the weird public fascination with “true” alien abduction stories back in the 90s? This novel answers the question, “What if the U. S. government decided to take those investigations way more seriously?”

WARNING: There are some rape jokes in here, so I can’t recommend this book for everyone. Also, the audio quality is less than ideal. Still, if those problems don’t totally turn you off, check this out. This is the first of his novel I’ve ever read, but it certainly won’t be my last.

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Fundamentals Polished

Reviewed: 11-14-18

If you want to improve your marksmanship, this book is an invaluable resource. Sajnog’s focus is on improving fundamentals, but I’d recommend this for both novices and veterans shooters. I’ve been shooting for quite some time and even I learned new information. The wealth of knowledge here is definitely worth multiple listens. Beyond highly recommended!

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Enter Joe Hill

Reviewed: 11-13-18

This is an excellent collection of Joe Hill’s early short stories. About one fourth of these are more literary stories than strictly horror, but I found almost everything here highly compelling. My personal favorite is the vampire story titled, “Abraham’s Boys.” If you’re curious about Joe Hill, this is a great sampling. Highly recommended!

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Excelsior!

Reviewed: 11-12-18

First of all, if you love Marvel/Stan Lee, this audio book is a must. It’s astonishing how much material about Stan’s life gets covered in such a short amount of time. Plus, Lee himself narrates the intro!

Second, this is one of the funniest things I’ve listened to in quite some time. Stan Lee always was one of the best showmen in the world and every sentence in this book is polished with his patented charm. Nuff’ said. Beyond highly recommended!

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1 person found this helpful

Clarity, Clarity, Clarity!

Reviewed: 11-04-18

If you want to become a better writer, this book is one of the best resources available. Elements of Style is often considered one of the most authoritative books on the craft of English language writing to have ever been published. That reputation is well earned; the tips in here definitely lead an attentive student to quality writing. Strunk and White should be mandatory reading in more schools.

I had some doubts about this in audio format, but that actually significantly improved to my experience. First of all, Frank McCourt is a brilliant narrator and his voice is simply a treat in general. Second, the titular elements Strunk and White have on the English language are far easier to grasp when actually hearing how the English language is meant to flow. What more can I say/write? Beyond highly recommended!

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Nothing Funnier than Death and Taxes

Reviewed: 10-08-18

This is the first novel in the saga of Fred, the vampire accountant. I won’t say more about the plot for fear of spoilers, but I will say that this is one of the funniest novels I’ve come across in recent years. I’d compare a lot of this to Buffy the Vampire Slayer; moments of high stakes supernatural drama, but mostly just hanging out with a bunch of goofballs with powers. If that sounds like a good time to you, check this series out. I had enough fun to finish this book in two days!

Also, Kirby Heyborne is exceptionally well suited to this material. He’s perfect for capturing Fred’s mild mannered, milquetoast, yet surprisingly crafty demeanor. Heyborne really turns in an absolutely stellar performance. Very highly recommended!

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Silent Stars

Reviewed: 09-27-18

This story is actually the result of a writing challenge between C.S. Lewis and J.R. Tolkien. The two friends decided to try their hands at science fiction; Lewis would write a space based story and Tolkien would write a time travel based story. Unfortunately, Tolkien never finished his assignment, but Lewis’ story turned out great! This reads like a cross between Voyage of the Dawn Treader and a more meditative H.G. Wells novel. I won’t spoil anything, but if all you know C.S. Lewis for is the Narnia novels you are in for a treat. This is a true hidden gem of the genre.

As for the narration, it’s good. Nothing special, but perfectly clear and engaging. Overall, I had a terrific time with this novel. Very highly recommended!

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The Invisible Hand in American Politics

Reviewed: 09-18-18

Howard Zinn lived from 1922 till 2010, meaning that his life encompassed nearly a quarter of all American history. In short, this history is Zinn’s attempt to explain the economic forces that have influenced American politics since before the founding of this country and that still exist today in more subtle forms. The book’s central thesis is that most (if not all) American wars were fought not in the name of democracy, but in order to achieve American economic dominance abroad and at home. Zinn’s history is unapologetically socialist, but his research and arguments are strong enough to survive any discrediting claims of bias on his part. Agree or disagree with Zinn, the ideas in this book are well worth the thought and consideration asked for.

As for the narration, this audiobook is read by Howard Zinn’s son, Jeff Zinn. Jeff is very clear, but also a bit dry at times. Still, the respect and passion he has for his father’s legacy shines through. Highly recommended.

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81 people found this helpful

Visiting with the Gods

Reviewed: 09-18-18

This book is often considered one of Arthur C. Clarke’s best works, if not the best. It’s also one of the few science fiction novels to have won the Hugo, Gernsback, and Nebula awards, so you know you’re in for something special.

In short, this is the story of an alien spacecraft that unexpectedly barrels into Earth’s solar system. I won’t go any further for fear of spoiling an incredible story, but Clarke dives deep into the scientific, societal, and political implications of such a finding for humankind. This story is not one to be missed.

Finally, the narration is absolutely fantastic. I’ve enjoyed many of the Audible originals, but this is a particularly good one. What are you waiting for?! Beyond highly recommended!

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Propose, not Prose

Reviewed: 09-17-18

This is an examination of Justice Steven Breyer’s theory of Constitutional interpretation. In short, Breyer stresses the importance of legal analysis focusing on the drafter’s intent and practical goals, rather than an overemphasis on the plain text alone. He does this bearing in mind the importance of “active liberty,” an ancient concept meant to encourage civic participation by the public at large.

A word of warning: This is book was written for an audience already comfortable with more advanced aspects of legal theory, not the general public. Because of that, I would certainly recommend it for attorneys or for someone interested in advanced Constitutional Law. If that sounds like you, there is a wealth of knowledge contained in here. Go for it!

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