Tuesday, April 29, 2014

on book 19.

book 18 of 60: the scorch trials by james dashner

date started: 4.22.2014
date completed: 4.29.2014


thoughts:
i abhorred the first book in this series.  it was poorly written schlock, in my humble opinion. on the recommendation of a couple respected book-lovers, i went ahead with this book.

it is MUCH better. dashner doesn't repeat himself endlessly and dance around as many unnecessary secrets here.  

there are a couple moments where zoning out took over, but they pass quickly and the end is definitely enticing enough to carry me into the next book.

all in all, not great, but not bad, either.
probable next read:  the coldest girl in coldtown by holly black

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

on book 18.

book 18 of 60: a dance with dragons by george r. r. martin

date started: 3.21.2014
date completed: 4.22.2014


thoughts:
the book that would never end.  i am now officially caught up with the song of fire and ice series, and while this book wasn't my favorite (in that it moved the central plot forward but a millimeter and was SOOOOOOOO long), i am left desirous of book six.  

the cliffhangers!  

the revelations!

the theories abound!

i really can't say too much about this book and it's key bits without revealing MAJOR spoilers, so i'll just say this:  it's not as bad as a feast for crows, but it's definitely not one of the best books in the series.

probable next read:  the scorch trials by james dashner.  i HATED the first book in this series, but i've been told by numerous trustworthy sources that the second is much better.  we'll see.

Monday, April 7, 2014

on book 17.

book 17 of 60: writing machines by n. katherine hayles

date started: 3.20.2014
date completed: 4.6.2014


thoughts:
this is another book for a research project, which may sound incredibly boring to some.  about the ways in which text and technology cooperate to create meaning, and as such should be considered inseperable, hayles presents ideas here that are not only interesting and fresh but, in my opinion, woefully overdue.

i did not think research on textual studies could get better than jerome mcgann...until i found hayles.  AMAZING.

probable next read:  on hold.  i'm in the middle of a dance with dragons and feel that it might never end...