52 Books In 52 Weeks

2011 List!

2011-09-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

I slacked off in keeping this updated, so I decided to just post the whole list in one shot and then update it until the end of the year:

2011 Books

1. Sparrow Volume 0: Ashley Wood Sketches and Ideas (Art Book Series)
2. Doomed Presents: Ashley Wood
3. Atomic Robo Volume 1: Atomic Robo & the Fightin Scientists of Tesladyne TP (v. 1)
4. The Sneetches and Other Stories
5. Hellspawn: Complete Collection
6. Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World's Most Versatile Medium
7. Switching to VoIP
8. Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 (v. 1)
9. Mouse Guard: Winter 1152 (v. 2)
10. Digital Fantasy Painting Workshop
11. AWOL on the Appalachian Trail
12. Fantasy Workshop: Mastering Digital Painting Techniques (ImagineFX)
13. A Long Trek Home: 4,000 Miles by Boot, Raft and Ski
14. A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush
15. Backpacking Pennsylvania: 37 Great Hikes
16. Lens of the World
17. ABC Warriors: Meknificent Seven
18. Can You Survive the Zombie Apocalypse?
19. A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: Eastern and central North America (Peterson Field Guide)
20. Street Sketchbook: Journeys
21. Locke & Key Volume 1: Welcome to Lovecraft HC
22. Chinese Painting Techniques for Exquisite Watercolors
23. The Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturnes (New Edition)
24. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
25. Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads
26. Batman: Hush Unwrapped Deluxe
27. How to Make a Watercolor Paint Itself: Experimental Techniques for Achieving Realistic Effects
28. I Kill Giants Titan Edition
29. Zero: JM Ken Niimura Illustrations TP
30. The Last Unicorn
31. Bad Island
32, 33, 34, 35. Pooh's Library: Winnie-The-Pooh, The House At Pooh Corner, When We Were Very Young, Now We Are Six (Pooh Original Edition)
36. Batman: Year One
37. Malinky Robot TP
38. Ronin
39. Fables: The Deluxe Edition Book One Fables: The Deluxe Edition Book One

#5 - Inkheart

2010-05-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

I picked this book up a good while ago solely on the cover and an attraction to it. I had started to read it at the time but had put it down and forgot about it. The spell was too great though and drew me back in when I saw it sitting on the bookshelf. Originally written in German it is a good translation of a contemporary fantasy tale aimed at young adults. It is a bit darker than most YA books, but in a good way and while maybe not a perfect execution it is a good tale and does a great job of transporting the reader into the world. I found out it had been turned into a film and there are additional books in the series which I am looking forward to.

#4 - Zombies Vs. Robots Complete

2010-05-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

Another Ashley Wood creation and this time it is a trade paperback collection of all of the Zombies Vs. Robots (vs. Amazons vs. mermen) which is a force of art and style telling the tale of human nuclear annihilation at the hands of Warbot to end a zombie invasion. Instead of ending, it is just the beginning, and one hell of a ride! Genius work.

#3 - World War Robot Complete

2010-05-19T18:54:00.000-07:00

After a bit of a hiatus in posts it's time to catch up. First up is Ashley Wood's World War Robot Complete. WWR is, at first glance, an art book with seemingly disconnected snippets of text strewn about in letters, communications, etc. The artwork is outstanding and truly speaks more than words could to create a rich world that draws you in as well as any novel. Mankind has split into two factions, those on Earth are fanatically religious and the atheists have jumped ship to Mars. An enterprising figure based out of the Moon creates the robots that help each side wage war against each other while he profits from it all. It's an awesome book and also the background for some of the most amazing toys ever created by Ashley's company Three A Toys.

#2 - Corduroy

2010-02-01T07:50:00.000-08:00

When it comes to selecting children's books for gifts, my wife (who's an elementary school teacher) is perfect for those 10-and-under titles and I generally handle the young adult and up. I had never read or heard of Corduroy before, but being a 40th anniversary edition I knew it must be a classic and favorite of many. I love the artwork and imagination in many children's books, and I am always sorely disappointed when they are just frivolous and phoned-in stories with no real depth or care. Happily this is not the case here! Great artwork and a tale that provokes thought and a jumping-off point for discussion and learning greeted me and actually left me wishing this title was the start of a novel instead of the end of the journey.

Brief synopsis: A teddy bear in a toy shop that is missing a button is constantly passed over, and despite his best efforts to "fix" his shortcoming a little girl desperately wants to love him anyhow. Highly recommended!

#1 - Life in a Medieval City

2010-02-01T07:31:00.000-08:00

A new year is upon us! Last year I fell a bit short at 26 (halfway there, and still 1 book every two weeks on average), but I also had forgotten to post a few books I read and lost track of the final tally... my guess was that it really ended somewhere around 35-38. Sometimes I am reading two books at a time, or one at home and one on the go or during travel, and sometimes I'll sit and read a book at a bookstore and forget to add it to the list. This year I will try to better capture the full list, and I've been making notes in my iPod Touch so that no matter where I am, I don't forget.

Starting off the year is another in the "Life in a Medieval..." series focusing on city life. Troyes to be exact. Thankfully there wasn't a lot of overlap with the previous castle title, and this really did give a different view and perspective on life and times in a bustling medieval city. Fair's were the big draw of the day and whole economies thrived around these festivities at specific times of the year. Trade, shops, commerce, food, homes, and all of the things that make up daily life are given a great overview with some aspects receiving much more in-depth coverage. Sometimes it feels like things get too glossed over, and some are covered again and again, but on the whole it pulls back the cover and affords a great peek at a time and life long passed. For anyone interested in the period this is a recommended read.

#26 - Tricycle (magazine)

2009-11-24T06:26:00.001-08:00

I only include magazines when they are of some real depth, and this is certainly one that fits that category. A quarterly published magazine on Buddhist and Eastern thought, Tricycle could be one of my new favorites. Rather than catering to the new-age yoga crown with fluff pieces an happiness, this magazine comes with articles by true luminaries and masters. The foreword alone hit me with a quote from Pablo Picasso that I had never heard before and blew my mind:

“You must always work not just within but below your means. If you can handle three elements, handle only two. If you can handle ten, then handle five. In that way the ones you do handle, you handle with more ease, more mastery and you create a feeling of strength in reserve.” - Pablo Picasso

This is an amazing magazine, I couldn't recommend it highly enough.

#25 - The Book of Tea

2009-11-24T06:17:00.000-08:00

Kakuzo Okakura's classic work, The Book of Tea, was the first book I ever picked up upon getting into tea many years back. To be honest, I had no idea that it was a classic work and was less about tea and brewing tea as it was about "Chadao" or "The Way of Tea." The history, and ceremony, and spirituality of tea. I flipped through it and put it away at the time. A few years later, as my interest and knowledge grew, I picked it back up again and still had trouble enjoying or appreciating it, but understood more. As my interest in Taoism and Japanese tea blossomed, I then revisited the book and enjoyed every moment of it. I found a free digital copy for my ebook reader before a recent trip, and re-reading it I realized just how much more I pulled from it. Few books grow with you, and when they do that is a sure sign that there is a very deep amount of knowledge and wisdom contained within. This is one of those books, and one that I hope to continue to grow with. Not for everyone, but Highly Recommended!

#24 - Life in a Medieval Castle

2009-11-24T06:06:00.000-08:00

This book kicked off a whole chain of similar books written in a quasi-historical fashion based on the Medieval times, so I decided to start from the beginning. The book starts off a bit wordy and nebulous in the beginning and threatens to lose the reader, but then snaps onto the track and never derails with part history and part storytelling to convey each aspect of life in great detail. It is an excellent peek behind the curtain of what went on in daily life and manages to dispel some long-held beliefs of crude and barbaric lifestyles in favor of surprisingly modern conveniences and interactions. There are some tales, however, that do cement just how tough things could be at the time. A perfect blend of history and story that easily explains how this book could have spawned the legion of additional books in the series. I'm looking forward to the rest. Highly Recommended!

#23 - Stir: Mixing It Up in the Italian Tradition

2009-11-24T05:54:00.000-08:00

I picked up Stir: Mixing It Up in the Italian Tradition by Barbara Lynch simply because I have a fascination with what I term "food porn" books. These are often the overly showy "cookbooks" showcasing a renown chef's work and then offering a recipe so complex and expensive that it is only present to solidify the reader's reverence and fear. I have a love-hate relationship with such books. I often pick up a single technique or idea rather than any whole recipe, and it does serve as a bit of inspiration, but they often leave me feeling a bit inadequate and hollow. So when the striking black cover with just two spoons showcasing a bit of Bolognese and a twirl of fresh pasta, I thought I was in for more of the same, only possibly worse because Italian food is my core and heritage. I don't believe it should be made into overly-expensive tiny portions and foams and whatnot. Thankfully I was completely surprised. This book is completely approachable, offers wit and humor, and is just stunning. There are still a few unapproachable dishes, and some that just don't appeal to me, but over half of the book are recipes I will make... and look very much forward to enjoying. This is a winner. Highly Recommended!

#22 - The Call of Cthulhu

2009-11-24T05:46:00.000-08:00

I'm a geek, I've played games with the Cthulhu theme, it's referenced all the time, so I figured it was time to read the original work. I do have to add the disclaimer that I'm a high fantasy-favoring geek, I'm not into Sci-Fi or Horror or the more supernatural sides of geekness. As such, this wasn't really my bag. It's OK, I think the writing style is awkward at times... for me it was much ado about nothing. I read the Kindle version which omits the other stories. YMMV. Not Recommended.

#21 - The Artist's Guide: How to Make a Living Doing what You Love

2009-10-15T05:52:00.000-07:00

My grandfather was an artist and sign painter, and owned an art shop with which he and my grandmother raised a family of five children. I love art and making art but I have always taken the safe road of technology and a steady paycheck, however my grandfather's passion and ability to do what he loved always nags at me to just go for it. Being the logical and safe creature that I am, and sadly without his guidance any longer, I sought out information online and in books to get some insight on how it is done today. I gleaned a few tidbits here and there but nothing covered the full spectrum, until I stumbled upon this book. It comes highly praised by working artists and for good reason, it covers all of the bases and gives great examples, advice, and templates along the way. Easily the best resource I have found so far in my research. Highly Recommended.

#20 - Where The Wild Things Are

2009-10-15T05:41:00.000-07:00

With the upcoming film adaptation I figured I should try re-reading this book again. Admission: I've never seen what all the fuss is about, even when I was a child. I'd take The Berenstain Bears any day. I've revisited it a few times through the years to see if my opinion had changed, it hasn't. I think it is a completely empty tale that is far too short and basic to actually capture the imagination of a child and tells a story that has been told many ways before. Maybe I was a complex kid, but get angry, get sent to bed, have a fantastical dream, wake up, and then the "oh it was just a dream"/"was it a dream?" question just doesn't do it for me. Still doesn't. Not for me.

#19 - The Metamorphosis

2009-10-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

A true classic work by Kafka. When you can all-too-well relate with the drudgery of a life of monotonous work and being cooped up in a small room, few books capture the feeling as well as The Metamorphosis. I know this feeling. However, as with most works by Kafka, it is very wide open to interpretation and you can find your own message and relationship within the tale of a man who wakes up one day as an insect and the ensuing trials. Works like this can't be "reviewed" I won't even try, just read it. Even if you were forced to read it for school at some point, read it again without the pressure and with new insight and experiences and see if the story itself doesn't take on a new meaning and look. Highly Recommended!

#18 - The Way of Shadows

2009-09-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

Brent Weeks' Night Angel Trilogy is one of those series that caught my eye and I just couldn't resist. In a sea of dark, grim, looking covers, the bright white of this series stands out too much to be ignored. I'm not normally one for assassin tales because I find them a bit boring with all the slinking about and cover of darkness business, but these seemed filled with enough action to keep my interest. And they sort of did. The author lacks creativity and imagination and it shows through terribly all over the place, so much that it made me cringe more times than I could count. Everything is cribbed from the heavy handed use of Japanese words to the alphabet being "Hyrillic" which is a barely altered name of the real "Cyrillic" alphabet. C'mon. Maybe the average target audience wouldn't pick up on any/many of these but there are a lot who will and it is just lame. There's some confusing lore and a bit too much of the author's attempts at dramatic plot twists (hint: none are). The book was actually hard to get through because while it does have a lot of action, there isn't enough substance. It's light fantasy work that drags on a bit too long for what it is. Recommended but not highly and only if you accept what you're getting into before cracking the cover.

#17 - World of Warcraft Master Guide, Second Edition

2009-09-28T11:56:00.000-07:00

World of Warcraft is the juggernaut of the MMO world. Millions of players in a virtual world that has defied all odds and continues to eclipse any who dare to enter the market. I had actually played WoW when it first came out for about a year and got annoyed by some aspects and left for other games. After working through a number of other games and MMOs I decided to come back and see how things have progressed in my absence. Completely would be the answer. It is much easier now which can go both ways, but it also so much bigger and more complex in a few areas. I decided to turn to the strategy guide for those times when online help doesn't cut it. A great strategy guide that will help piece together some of the confusing or new bits. Highly Recommended.

#16 - Photoshop Creative

2009-08-10T09:59:00.000-07:00

Photoshop Creative is actually more of a magazine, but it is priced in more of a book range and contains more information and instruction than most tomes on the subject. It is an imported magazine from the UK and does include a DVD-ROM for the computer filled with tutorial videos, samples, and stock photography. The subscription seems hefty but is actually quite a bargain compared to the $29.99 cover price in book shops. Full color and amazingly detailed, each issue walks you through all of the tips and tutorials that the pros use to accomplish amazing results. From photography work, to digital painting, to true digital artwork, and all of the tools, brushes, layer tricks, and tips to achieve these same results... It's all there, every issue! It's almost mind-boggling that there is more to cover in the next issue because each one is so exhaustive. If you do any sort of photography or graphic design and would like to take your craft to the next level, this is it. Far better than any Photoshop book I own. Highly Recommended.

#15 - No Touch Monkey

2009-08-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

I took this one along on vacation since it was a travelogue sort of read. It turned out to be quite prophetic because we did actually end up touching monkeys on vacation whereby a sign in broken English advised against it because "it could bring hurt to both." Neither brought hurt, and it was actually one of the coolest moments of my life. So back to the book, it starts out well and follows a fairly hapless young woman and her travel on a budget tales with old boyfriends which has quite a few funny spots... and then it all falls apart. Somewhere about half to three-quarters through it takes this terrible nosedive into an uninteresting account of fashion show parties and her having a baby and some disjointed acting gig with her and her husband. None of which are funny in the least and are painful to endure. What a disaster for what could have been a decent book. Not recommended.

#14 -Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook 4th Edition

2009-08-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

Even though I haven't played for over 10 years I have a love for gaming systems and design and really like the direction 4th edition went. Apparently I'm the only one though since most players have rebelled against it. I'd love to play again, but there is just no one to play with these days sadly. I really enjoyed the new book, I didn't like the Dragonborn thing but other than that I'm down. Recommended, especially if you'll DM and I can play again!

#13 - The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test

2009-06-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

Well, while on the drug subculture kick, here is a classic: The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe. What a great time in history and what a crazy ride. Get an old bus, paint it day-glo colors, attach all kinds of speakers and recording gear, pack it full of free spirits and drugs and drive it essentially across the U.S. while freaking out the marshmallows in suits and shiny shoes. It makes for quite a book, although a lot of the participants were highly regarded "beat" generation luminaries I've never been a fan of most of them personally. I think they were largely hypocritical and I think many had ulterior motives behind what they tried to publicly pass off as groundbreaking and selfless. The author is also a bit too "square" for the journey and his own judgments and bias shows through often as does his disconnect from the group. All that said, it is a classic, and a great insight to a lost time in America's past. Recommended.

#12 - Watchmen

2009-06-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

This Watchmen graphic novel is a collection of the entire story as originally released in comic book form. I will admit I haven't watched the recent film adaptation, but most comic books turned movie don't do much for me anyhow. This is no mere comic book either, it isn't some happy-go-lucky tale of a do-gooder or mutant/superpower fest, it is simply magnificent writing and execution. I'd say this is about as good as it gets when it comes to graphic novels and really stands in a league of it's own. Highly recommended.

#11 - Peopled Darkness

2009-06-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Peopled Darkness is not the average book, instead it is one man's recounting his experiences with the entheogen Salvia Divinorum, a psychoactive member of the mint family. Much of the book are his notes taken directly following his experiences and while some a slightly profound it doesn't make for the best reading ever. Which makes sense because much of a journey like this is personal and internal, not really the best basis for a book. The fascinating part of it all, though, is how the author's accounts match up so closely with so many other people's reports found online. Drugs, especially hallucinogens seem to take people on wildly different "trips" and each is unique to the individual, but Salvia seems to be very different and takes everyone on the exact same journey. The same concepts are talked about over and over. The loss of ego/self, a female figure welcoming them, a plane of people who seem both welcoming and distant... these are almost always the same. This author contends that this is a land of the dead and that these people are actually deceased and the reason they are distant is because they know the Salvia user is not. His theory is interesting, and the transformative effects Salvia has on him are life-changing. It is just a shame that this ancient plant is best known for dumb, suburban, kids on Youtube making fools of themselves and having no respect for the history and effects. This one is a quick read and is recommended.

#10 - Heat

2009-06-22T06:56:00.000-07:00

Bill Buford makes the journey from a journalist to a cook in this mess of a book. I really wanted to like this one, and it comes with many high regards from the food world... I have no idea why. It is a jumbled mess of disjointed accounts that would make far better individual newspaper or magazine shorts, which I would not be surprised if that was the original intention that somehow spawned into a book. From weak accounts of life inside Babbo which centered inexplicably on individuals with no importance rather than the cooking to jumpy tales of the author's time in Italy which don't flow or develop into much of anything. This book is almost worthless. I couldn't recommend this to anyone.

#9 - Snake Eyes: Declassified

2009-05-19T13:10:00.000-07:00

Ahh... Snake Eyes. Pretty much *THE* most central figure/hero/idol in my life from age 4 onward. My love for just about any other character in any form (music, film, comics, books, cartoons, etc.) is nowhere near the pedestal that on, alone, stands Snake Eyes. This collection of a 6-part mini-series by Devil's Due Publishing was an instant buy for me. But even with my devout affinity, I buy anything related to him with some trepidation. He is wildly popular, and as such he is one of the most exploited characters and in reality he has the least to cover. By nature he is an enigma with almost no identity, information or past. As you can imagine then, all of these types of tales are simply made up to either pander to the fans or try to give back-story where there really is none. Sometimes it comes off as a bad gimmick and occasionally, not often, someone has a unique angle that works. This is one of those times it worked... thankfully. It takes the parts and pieces that have come out over the years and adds just the right amount to them to form a cohesive story. For any fan this is not to be missed. Highly Recommended!

#8 - The Dragonhead

2009-05-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

John Sack's "The Dragonhead" was a bargain bin find I came across a few months back and shelved for the right time. That time finally came and while I enjoyed it it required some work on my part to keep it that way. The writing style is not for me at all and smacks of trying to be a bit too clever for his own good. The other drawback for me is that it is "literary journalism" which basically means it is all based on reality and truth but the writer takes some liberties and creates dialogue and environments and situations. I find this incredibly frustrating and you have to suspend your belief to enjoy the minute details because you know they are fabrications. Even with all of this, the story is true and it follows the life and times of Johnny Kon, The Dragonhead, essentially the head of the Chinese Mafia and it is a decent ride. It's long, a bit contrived, a bit repetitive, but engaging and interesting to see things through his eyes such as the Vietnam War, America, and retribution. It's a tough call on this one, but I'd say in the end it is Recommended.

#7 - The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen

2009-04-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

Wow, where to begin? I learned of this book from a quick comment made by Anthony Bourdain in one of his books, and having great respect for Jacques Pepin, ran out and picked it up. From his time with the late, great, Julia Child to the miserable shows with his dopey daughter I have always loved Jacques' classical French technique and work... although his dishes aren't ones the average home cook would attempt, heck I rarely even tackle his projects, but they are amazing. I always thought he was a bit snooty and high-class but that is all brought crashing down by looking at the photo of the tough 12-13 year-old dressed in his kitchen whites and holding a battered ladle as big as himself on the cover. It is also quickly dispelled in the account of his life within which ranges from growing up in wartime France to his own stint in the armed forces to some wickedly grueling appointments and terrible mishaps. He has paid his dues and in ways I had never known or would have expected. His writing style is exceptional and he even tossed in topical recipes which I'm dying to try out. This is unlike - and better - than most foodie/cooking/chef books out there, and just an amazing read. This is now firmly in my personal favorites short-list, and it goes without saying: Highly Recommended.

#6 - Miracles on Maple Hill

2009-03-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

This is a special one to me. My mother has a love and a connection with nature unlike anyone I know, it is magical. After excitedly watching this past years PA Farm show and learning about making maple syrup from a demonstration by Janet Woods she decided to finally act and tap the sugar maple standing in their front yard. It ended up producing over 12 gallons of sap! During the demo Janet Woods had suggested two books, one called "Backyard Sugaring" and "Miracles on Maple Hill," a 1957 Newbery award winning children's book. It turns out that, while fiction, it is written about a real place and it just so happens to be around Lake Erie which is where Janet Woods' Hurry Hill farm is located. We got to take a trip to the farm recently to see the process firsthand and I decided to read the book. Miracles on Maple Hill is a tale of childhood, adventure, country life, struggles, and joy... and quite an accurate account of the maple sugar process it turns out. Everything is captured in such a real and honest way that you will completely forget this is a work of fiction shortly after beginning. Truly a timeless read for young and old alike, Highly Recommended. Thanks Mom!

#5 - Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure

2009-02-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

Whew, that's a long title. I'm not normally a fan of books aimed at a particular certification because they tend to just teach to the test and offer no real insight. I'm similarly not normally a fan of any Microsoft written book on their own products because they tend to do a lot of self-promotion and hide inadequacies while ignoring possible better third-party solutions. Despite all of this I still plunged ahead and took this large tome of geekness on since it is an area of interest to me. I actually liked this book. Sure, some of the network info gets a broad brush and little depth but the overall Active Directory coverage is very good and does a good job of taking a pretty nebulous concept and making it concrete. If you would like to learn about Active Directory or support it in your daily life this is a solid low to mid-level book on the topic. Recommended.

#4 - Linux Bible, 2008 Edition

2009-02-08T09:24:00.000-08:00

The "Bible" series by Wiley have always provided a large amount of content for the money covering a wide range of products and operating systems. Sometimes they can just be big, for big's sake only and a bit unfocused, however, when I picked up the latest edition on Linux I was pleasantly surprised. There was the usual chapters every Linux book seems to include but there were a ton of new and helpful sections as well as a broad spectrum covering almost all of the top distributions briefly and including them on the DVD that comes packed in. If you are a newbie or a grizzled veteran of the Linux game this is a great pick up. Recommended.

#3 - Asterisk: The Future of Telephony

2009-02-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

Asterisk is one of the cooler products to come out of the open source front over the years. Most people don't think much of their telephone in this connected world, you pick it up and there is a dial tone. In America we have also never really had a choice in our phone carrier due to monopolies or large corporations locking down price and features. Asterisk punches through this artificial barrier and allows companies and individuals to regain some control of their phone systems, for free. It is a game breaker and a well written and tested piece of software. It could be a bit more user-friendly though so a book like this is a great companion. Highly Recommended.

#2 - Waiter Rant

2009-01-27T06:30:00.000-08:00

As much as I hate the term, I could be considered a "foodie." I love to cook, I love to eat well, I love to eat adventurously, and I love to read and watch almost everything about it all (except for The Food Network). I've worked through a number of chef/authors such as Pepin, Bourdain, Ramsay, Zola, etc. and through the huge expensive food porn books filled with chemistry experiments and tiny morsels like Alinea. One piece mostly left out is the experience of the front lines. I had hoped Waiter Rant would be that tale, especially due to the high praise... even from Anthony Bourdain himself. It wasn't. The book is all filler and no meat. A handful of actual tales and page upon page of uninteresting drivel. To make matters worse the "author" really thinks he is good at his craft, and while busy churning out cringe worthy garbage he is tooting his own horn and spending quite a bit of time explaining the actual writing of the book you are reading to again fluff up the page count. Ugh. Amateurish and pretentious at best.

As always this book sits with high marks on sites like Amazon while it honestly doesn't even deserve to be published. I think people's expectations are so low and the acceptance of terrible writing so high that no one knows what good is anymore. If it can be read in a few days and not eat up much brainpower while being the literary equivalent of Top 40 radio it is destined for lavish praise and critical acclaim these days. This stuff might make for a middle-of-the-road blog (which it was) but certainly not a book. NOT Recommended.

#1 - Zen Shorts

2009-01-20T10:19:00.000-08:00

OK, so a new year is upon us and that means 52 more books (hopefully). I imagine I probably read around 40-45 books naturally in a year so it can be a bit of a push to hit the magical 52 but we shall see if I can repeat the effort. Here goes:

Zen Shorts popped out at me in the bookstore both because of the title and the art style of the cover. I have a great love for Zen Koans, which are generally short tales that have some sort of morale or thinking point. I have often thought that many would make great children's stories and it seems someone has beat me to it. Stillwater the panda is the sage and his three child friends are his pupils as he relates a famous ancient tale to a modern situation. This book has won a number of awards, including The Caldecott Honor Award, I would give it none. The retelling of the tales is far too wordy and muddled which obscures the essence and the half-hearted application of the story to the children is even worse. Pitiful. I honestly think the author has no real grasp of the subject matter and instead has a basic curiosity/understanding and sought to cash in on the idea (which seems to be working despite the effort). I really could not recommend a book less, terrible.

#52 - Mongo: Adventures in Trash

2008-12-31T14:00:00.000-08:00

Woo-Hoo made it! Down to the wire! (Well, truthfully I've read more than 52 books but I wanted to end on something special) I managed to still hit my mark even with a wedding tossed in which basically consumed June and July, but my extended break now in December got me back on track.

Mongo: Adventures in Trash by Ted Botha is a book about Mongo. Mongo is loosely defined as any found item discarded by someone else, i.e. trash. I can appreciate a good find myself, and my bedroom TV would be considered "Mongo" since it came from a neighbor who was lovingly setting it out on the curb with remote and all. When I asked about it he said it worked fine but they had got a new bigger one and that he hoped someone would give it a good home since it was in excellent shape. I had a bad experience in college when we found some nice padded bar stools that after lugging across campus we found to be soaked through with what we hoped was just rainwater, they went quickly back out for the trash man or a braver hunter than I.

Ted Botha becomes one with the homeless, vagabonds, rebels, collectors, and even businessmen. Each chapter follows a new person's story and he jumps right into their world with very little apprehension or judgment. The tales are all very interesting and unique. Some are what you would expect, but others tell of rare book sellers (all found) and a man with a particular knack for hunting out some real treasures. Others hunt for food, while some hunt out of compulsion. If it were not New York City I have a feeling much of the hunting would not be so hot, but on the other hand it is nice to see that even with such riches and massive waste that there are those who turn it into a positive. This book offers a little of everything; sadness, humor, rags, and riches. Highly Recommended.

#51 - King of the Dead

2008-12-30T07:27:00.000-08:00

King of the Dead is R.A. Macavoy's second book in the Lens of the World Trilogy and continues the tale of Nazhuret, the wandering optician. While many fantasy books, and I've read hundreds, prefer action and fights and cliche aplenty Macavoy has gone a completely different direction and focuses her considerable writing skill on depth and culture and characters. Not in the Tolkien way of boring the reader to tears but by drawing you in ever further into a world and a character's mind that is slightly absurd but still one of the most believable and rewarding characters ever put on paper. Make no mistake, though, this book does suffer the fate of all sequels in that it runs a bit flat so that it can introduce some plot and gear up for a finale. Even still, easily one of the best series I've ever read and Highly Recommended.

#50 - Bone

2008-12-28T11:04:00.000-08:00

Bone: One Volume Edition by Jeff Smith is the complete collection of 13 years of the comic books in one massive black and white tome. I bought this a few years back when it was rarer than hen's teeth and prices were astronomical, although I found mine for cover price by chance, however now it has been reprinted and easily found. I've read and re-read this one quite a few times and it is just a great journey that puts a smile on my face every time. Following the Bone cousins and their individual quirks through an epic adventure filled with humor and drama and excellent characters is a delight. Even at 1300 pages this is a must read for just about anyone and I could imagine any kid would love to have this tale read to them and following along the quest with the great artwork. Absolutely Recommended.

#49 - The Book of Tea

2008-12-23T18:42:00.000-08:00

102 years old, reprinted countless times by as many publishers The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura is a masterpiece. After the unremarkable time with the Japanese gift box set I had to cleanse my palate with the real deal. This is a book I have owned for over 10 years and have read and re-read often. It is almost equal parts history, philosophy, and tea ceremony. It delves into Taoism, Zen, Teaism, culture, art, and tea and in quite short order... many copies are 80 pages or less. It is centered around Japan and Japanese tea so it is not a great general information resource on tea, but what it does do it does better than any other book out there, which is why it continues to be reprinted 102 years on. Highly Recommended.

#48 - The Japanese Tea Ceremony

2008-12-23T18:15:00.000-08:00

This is a gift box type set from Border's Bookstore that I bought a while back and shelved. One of my great passions in life is tea, not your average teabag or flavored concoction but real teas from China, Taiwan, and Japan many hand harvested and processed. The Japanese tea ceremony is a very interesting and educational ritual but I have always found it to be too formal and scripted for my tastes, I do practice "Gong Fu" brewing however which is also a skilled brewing technique.

This box contains a very small pouch of powdered green tea, a bamboo whisk, and a book titled "The Japanese Tea Ceremony." The wares are pretty much garbage with the whisk being the best of the lot but very crude. The tea is abysmal and dark and the bowl is like a terra cotta flowerpot with no resemblance to a proper tea bowl. The book, however, is very nice. It is solely centered around Japanese tea, history, and ceremony but handles it well and seems to be properly researched and as thorough as its small size allows. I'm actually Not Recommending this one as it offers no great value or benefit and there are better books on tea ceremony out there.

#47 - Southern Exposure: A Solo Sea Kayaking Journey Around New Zealand's South Island

2008-12-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

I love to kayak and unfortunately I didn't get out at all this past summer due to being so busy with wedding preparations and being Pennsylvania winter is right out for paddling. I love the solitude and exploration it affords even in waters I have either walked, fished, or traveled via motorboat. I caught the bug on my first trip down the Shenandoah River on a summer vacation where we tackled class 2-3 rapids totally unprepared, miles of flatwater, a bald eagle, and huge carp and turtles swimming along with us. Southern Exposure is Chris Duff's account of his journey around New Zealand. It is well written and delves into his head and thoughts on a number of occasions which can be a bit long and tedious but very real in that when alone you live entirely in your own head. It isn't a harrowing tale of survival or exposure, yet it does have moments, so it can seem a bit mundane or boring but I think I related well due to our similarities in personality and thought. I've always wanted to visit New Zealand ever since close family friends moved there and I was enthralled by the stories and sights. This one probably isn't for everyone but I'd still Recommend it.

#46 - Where the Sidewalk Ends

2008-12-19T10:53:00.000-08:00

I'll probably upset someone with this one... to be honest this just isn't for me. I had never read "Where the Sidewalk Ends" or had it read to me in my younger years but I figured I'd give it a shot since it is so widely revered. I have a great sense of humor and enjoy silliness, whimsy, and fantasy but this just was not my cup of tea. People see a lot in this book and find great depth and humor and imagination, I found it mostly to be just kiddish absurdity and some silliness that at times works and others where it falls flat. I actually re-read it in a different mindset than the first time and I still couldn't get into it. I did enjoy a few of the pieces, though, and I will admit it is more than likely my sensibilities and humor just not syncing up to the material than anything "wrong" with the work itself. I love smart absurdity such as Monty Python, but not childish absurdity like silly songs or Spongebob. I did enjoy some of the illustration work but even that did not grab me as I had expected from all of the high praise I have heard over the years. Recommended but not a classic in my eyes.

#45 - Hardening Network Security

2008-12-11T12:34:00.000-08:00

Another big, bulky computer book... This one also specialized to the networking trade, specifically security practices and information. Networks are something most people know nothing about but use every day. The Internet, an office file share, a central network printer everyone can print to, etc. For many the network is a little jack on the wall they plug a cable into and get Internet access or they flip open their laptop and connect to a wireless access point. To make that happen there are thousands of wires, switches, devices, protocols, configurations, and languages all working hard behind the scenes often jammed in janitor closets or basements. As if that isn't enough there are a million more headaches involved in securing that network to keep unwanted people out, wanted people safe, files protected, and on and on. Unfortunately it only comes up when we learn of another hack that leaks thousands of credit card numbers or personal information to the wrong people. I've worked in very high security positions, such as a bank, and take network security very seriously and that is why I read huge tomes such as this in my spare time to stay informed. This is a bit of an older book by now but it still contains a lot of useful information and insight. Recommended.

#44 - Twisting the Rope

2008-12-11T12:23:00.000-08:00

Twisting the Rope is the followup to R. A. MacAvoy's first novel, Tea With the Black Dragon that I recently covered. This one is more of an attempt at a murder mystery novel in addition to some of the suspense created in the first book. On its own I'd have to say it is an average story, after reading the first it is only marginally better. Tea With the Black Dragon was a very quick read and had solid pacing whereas Twisting the Rope tried to be a bit more ambitious and fell short. The two books really aren't connected in any meaningful way so it really isn't a continuation of the first tale, it's worth reading to be complete but not necessary. I'm going to make this my first Neutral Recommendation.

#43 - Eragon

2008-12-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

While I was writing the last two entries for The Bartimaeus Trilogy it sparked my memory that I hadn't posted a book I read earlier in the year, Eragon. There is a reason I had forgot... well more like put it out of my memory. Yeah it was written by a kid, Christopher Paolini, yeah it is fantasy-like and has dragons but it is simply an insult to the genre and to the intelligence of any reader. It is a hack, heavily plagiarized, over-hyped piece of trash. Yes, I feel that strongly about it. While The Bartimaeus Trilogy borrowed quite a lot it did so in a smart way and used a number of fantasy cliches and Potterisms to come out with a totally unique world and tale, this was just derivative and pretentious at best. The kid's parents both work in the publishing industry and they did their best to capitalize on every aspect they could. Having heavily read much of the required fantasy canon over the years, each page of Eragon was a pure bastardization of at least two or three classic/groundbreaking works. I never wanted to actually destroy a book before this one and if it hadn't been my wife's book I would have. I struggled to just finish it and I could NOT recommend a book less than this garbage.

#42 - The Golem's Eye

2008-12-03T12:21:00.001-08:00

The Golem's Eye is the second book in the Bartimaeus Trilogy. If the first had you cringing from the blatant similarity to Mr. Potter, this one manages to borrow even more! Harry, I mean Nathaniel is working for the Ministry of... I mean Office of Internal Affairs which is defending against Muggl... I mean commoners in the Resistance movement threatening to overthrow the magicians. Hermion... I mean Kitty enters the picture as a female counterpart and edges out Bartimaeus the djini for attention to some disappointment relegating the much loved djini to a minor role in this one. Normally this much cribbing would put me off totally, but damn it! these books are just too good! As much as I initially want to dislike them they present a great world, frenetic action, and a ton of fun. Rather than the plodding tomes and tales of Harry Potter these are smart, sarcastic, action-packed romps with great characters and storytelling. I've just given in to it all and enjoy the journey for what it is, not something I normally or easily do. Recommended.

#41 - The Amulet of Samarkand

2008-12-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

The Bartimaeus Trilogy, by Jonathan Stroud, was a series I picked up a book at a time from Borders' bargain bin. It is a young adult series I had feared was going to poorly proxy the Harry Potter series, especially due to the bargain bin part, but I bit anyhow... hey the covers are metal/foil iridescent and I can't pass up shiny fantasy books. :) You know the story, orphaned boy wizard sent off to study and learn of his "ultimate sacrifice." Seriously, except for Hogwarts it is an almost carbon copy. But, and most importantly, it all wildly diverges and quickly redeemed itself in my eyes. The boy summons a 5,000 year old djini that adds humor and character to a well written tale that is easily worth reading regardless of your age. In this case I'm glad I judged a book by its, shiny, cover and not the quick summary which screamed of a poor copy cat young adult fantasy novel. Recommended.

#40 - Tea With The Black Dragon

2008-12-03T11:45:00.000-08:00

Sometimes seemingly random events in life become much more. A book I wrote about a while back "Lens of the World" by R. A. MacAvoy that I picked up on a whim in a dollar store led me to seek out and purchase the rest of the trilogy and while I was at it I decided to grab the first two unrelated books "Tea with the Black Dragon" and "Twisting teh Rope." This book was not a fantasy novel as I had thought but ended up being a suspense/mystery title involving Taoism, Tea, Zen Buddhism, and Chinese mysticism/legend... I don't think a single book could contain more of my interests unless I personally wrote it. Totally took me by surprise and in fact was an amazing read that did not allow me to stop turning the pages. Highly Recommended!

#39 - Lonely Planet Guide Kaua'i

2008-11-21T11:49:00.000-08:00

Lonely Planet Guides are always tops on my list and earlier in the year when we were planning our honeymoon to Kaua'i it was my first choice. However there is a reason this is one of the books I forgot to post up after reading... it just wasn't the quality I was used to and while useful it was forgettable. This was the guidebook that sent us to a horrible dinner at Kintaro which had been highly applauded. A greasy and unseasoned massacre of Japanese cuisine where I was glad the overly strong Mai Tai at the bar while waiting for a table kept us in good spirits. It did turn us on to a few neat sights but nothing that wasn't covered as well or better in a different guidebook. Depending on your vacation style it might be more useful than it was for us so I'll say it is Recommended. Just stay away from Kintaro no matter what the book says.

#38 - The Complete Idiot's Guide to Project Management with Microsoft Project 2003

2008-11-21T11:40:00.000-08:00

Long title, decent book. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Project Management with Microsoft Project 2003 was another tech book I picked up just for personal interest and betterment. MS Project is one of those neglected programs that many people use but few use properly. I have always found it to be only used in one of two ways: overly simplified or overly complex, and even with some familiarity I'd still be in the simplified group. This book, however, is great on the actual topic of project management overall and covers quite a lot of ground. This is a good book for the first time user or the seasoned project manager. Recommended.

#37 - Fiber Optics Technician's Manual

2008-11-14T08:10:00.000-08:00

Another tech book I picked up just for my own research and development. I work with fiber optics on a daily basis but have never been trained to build fiber cables and it is something that intrigues me. Most network people work with fiber optics and never give it a second thought beyond is it single or multimode? Fiber optics transmits data at very high rates over a microscopic-thin piece of plastic or glass using light from an LED or laser beam. The production of the less-than-hair-thin flexible glass core is a marvel in itself. I could go on but I'll spare you the geekery... Let's just say I find fiber optics fascinating. So much so that I read technician's manuals about it for fun. Yes, I know.

The Fiber Optics Technician's Manual ended up not being quite what I had expected and while it could possibly be useful as a textbook it is hard to say if it is as useful in the real world. It has some great information though and is very accurate but at times it gets mired in minutia and math/numbers a bit too weighty for what it is trying to accomplish. I've heard that there is a new addition (3rd I believe) which adds the practical application and installation information, so I'm guessing my critique was accurate and shared by many others but I have not read or seen it to make an assessment. As it stands I can't say it is recommended outside of a classroom or possibly if you grab the latest edition.

#36 - Neuromancer

2008-11-14T07:48:00.000-08:00

While waiting to receive the rest of the "Lens of the World" Trilogy I decided to tackle a "classic" sci-fi title which basically gave birth to the genre of cyberpunk. I'm a techie/IT Guy/nerd by nature but I somehow missed the sci-fi gene and absolutely hate most space-themed/Sci-fi favorites like Star Wars, Star Trek, Galactica, Battlefield Earth, etc. I am however fully into Fantasy/Medieval genres so I am able to retain my geek card. Neuromancer is kind of a blend of both computers and sci-fi so I have always kept a copy in the hopes of someday reading it.

I can at least say I have now, and I do have to be a bit easier on it since it was groundbreaking and genre-defining. It's always easy to look back and nitpick so many years later and especially since my expertise lies in the computer/network/Internet realm. I am so easily turned off because usually an author has a mere basic grasp of concepts and then proceeds to butcher the hell out of them to seem techie... it may fool the average Joe but it drives me crazy. This is, for the most part, not the case here and in fact Mr. Gibson actually presages a number of technologies and ideas that were in infancy or not invented at the time of writing. If not for that I would have never made it through. It is a choppy read that is esoteric and elusive just for the sake of being so at many points but on the whole it is successful and was a nice change of pace for me. It is a must read for fans of the genre and I can say it is Recommended even for dabblers.

#35 - Lens of the World

2008-10-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

I used to work near a dollar store which had an unusual book rack. It would be filled with random garbage romance novels and odd celebrity books about Britney Spears or Tom Cruise and then there would always be one or two out of the ordinary ones like a huge copy of Battlefield Earth or, in this case, Lens of the World. It was #1 of a trilogy and from reading the back it seemed like a strange take on a fantasy novel. For a buck I would always pluck out these oddballs and occasionally they were worth it. This one was without a doubt. A wandering optician is not the usual fantasy hero, but after reading as many cliche fantasy novels as I have it is a welcome change. But unlike silly for silly sake novels Lens of the World is richly detailed and complex with just an undercurrent of humor and lightheartedness. R.A. MacAvoy is a superbly talented writer and I was scouring used book stores for the final two in the series before even finishing the first. It appears this series recently was reprinted so it should make it even easier to find. Highly Recommended.

#34 - Back To Eden

2008-10-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

Back to Eden was another great gift book from my mother. She owns a well loved and used copy that has served her through all of my lifetime and I'm sure before. It is the real, original text for what has now become trendy and hip in the form of organic produce and healthy/green living and whatever else companies have branded it to profit. Basically it is long held knowledge which has served humanity long before 24 hour drug stores, Wal-Mart, or Whole Foods. If you have a malady the natural cure or at least some mitigating relief can be found in Back to Eden. Some great theories and thoughts on living right and healthfully as well as a wealth of knowledge on tons of subjects can be found within. I could see how anyone from a veteran physician to modern day vegan would find this book completely useful and eye-opening. I have read all of the written text but not the entire body of ailment/remedy as that part is meant to be more of a reference and would be like reading a dictionary. I do however consult it all the time and have never been let down even if used in conjunction with prescription medicine or therapy. Highly Recommended.

#33 - The Massage Book

2008-10-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

The Massage Book (25th Anniversary Ed.) by George Downing is an extra special book to me. My mother has always given the best massages. When we were growing up she would put us to blissful sleep by getting us to relax completely as pools of jelly, or when I would be having terrible growing pains in my knees, or just about any time. It was always the most giving and unselfish outpouring of love and her skill could rival any Swedish masseuse. She always had this cool "hippie" massage book well worn and loved. She also always gave this book as a wedding gift to any new couple. Having recently been married one of the most special gifts we opened was the 25th Anniversary Edition of The Massage Book. I knew instantly and it brought a tear to my eye for sure. It does contain nude images but all tasteful and excellently illustrative if a bit hairy :). While I can learn the techniques and skills I don't think I could ever reach the pure essence of love my mother achieved, but that is certainly not a shortcoming of the book. Highly Recommended.

#32 - Off The Beaten Path Hawaii

2008-10-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

You know you read too much when you realize that you forgot about entire books you've read. I was looking at my bookshelf for a new title and came across a few books I hadn't listed. Off The Beaten Path Hawaii, 8th ed. was one of the guide books I bought before honeymooning in Kauai, HI and was one of the better books we had with us while on the island. I'm no good at being a tourist, if there is a line or tickets or tour guides or any such "feature" I'm generally already miles away. I like to truly experience the places I travel, eat where the locals do, do the cool non-toursity stuff, and be my own tour guide. Off The Beaten Path Hawaii is a great guide book for those who have a similar outlook on adventure. The beach guides, restaurants, directions, and history are all top notch. There could be a better map included and one recommended restaurant (Kintaro Japanese Restaurant) was just bad. The upside though was Hamura's Saimin Stand (amazing ramen-style noodle soup in a true local setting) and Spam Musubi at the Pono Market which we would never have found in a million years on our own. Easily Recommended to any traveller to paradise. Aloha!

#31 - Essential SNMP, Second Edition

2008-10-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

O'Reilly makes some pretty solid technical books and for a number of years they have been my choice for learning a new skill or simply brushing up on an old one. Lately I've been working on a SNMP project so I broke this one out. Sadly this may be one of the least useful O'Reilly books I own. While Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) uses the word "Simple" in the acronym, it can be extremely archaic and confusing and unfortunately Essential SNMP doesn't make much of an effort to simplify it any further. This book does give a nice overview and history as well as a detailed MIB listing but ultimately fails at relating any of it to an actual implementation with much success. It is worthy of being in your tech library but I'd still find another more practical SNMP book to round out the edges. Recommended.

#30 - The Tao of Watercolor

2008-10-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

The Tao of Watercolor is a book I have picked up and flipped through more times than I can count but never bought. I finally gave in and just bought it. I've never been big on watercolor painting, preferring oils or Sumi-e due to my inability to think in the quasi-reverse method necessary for watercolors. The one area that does grab me are washes and the ethereal and abstract looks that can be achieved and that is precisely what The Tao of Watercolor showcases. It isn't a howto book though and in fact it is mostly gibberish trying to relate to Taoism filled with the author's, Jeanne Carbonetti, works and some broken down into steps. If you come to it with a solid understanding of watercolors and want to crib a few new techniques and compositions then it is easily worth picking up which was my reasoning, but if you are a beginner or looking for a nice understandable guidebook keep looking. Recommended.

#29 - Living Buddha, Living Christ

2008-10-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

How does one even begin to "review" a work by Thich Nhat Hanh? I don't think I will even try. Living Buddha, Living Christ is an attempt to bridge Buddhism and Christianity and highlight the many common aspects. It is almost an inner dialogue from Thay on his experiences and encounters in both realms. The strongest points in the book are his lessons on "mindfulness" while I think the rest may be more aimed at warming the hearts of those on both sides to one another by showing the similarities. I have never been one to be closed minded on religions/beliefs or subscribe to any one "truth" so I personally do not have this trouble and as a result I think there was less in this book for me. Even still it is recommended reading.

#28 - Korean Cooking

2008-10-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

Korean Cooking is a mass produced book which is basically canned content made to be re-branded by retailers such as Borders or Barnes & Noble. They're the super cheap hardback cookbooks always found in bargain bins. This one stood out because it starts with a very long and great intro to Korea, the people, and the food which is a book in itself and well worth the $4-5 but then follows with some really great recipes and photography. I also have a strong draw to Korea because in a way it was my doorway into Asian culture. My father was stationed on the DMZ and I grew up with tales of this distant land, kimchi, and also my mother had some great Korean family friends who would make us some truly amazing authentic food.

Even though it is a fairly basic overview I actually learned a lot of new tidbits and really enjoyed the photography. I promptly made some kimchi which turned out phenomenally and looking forward to trying the stir-fried kimchi recipe next. Another winner, but possibly too subtly flavored, was a recipe for fish ball soup which I had to slightly alter to increase the flavor of the broth which initially consisted of simply 2L water, 2 tsp of light soy, 2 tsp fish sauce, and a few sheets of nori (dried seaweed). There are many more recipes I'm eagerly awaiting though and for a value cookbook it is Highly Recommended.

#27 - Simple Taoism

2008-09-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

Simple Taoism is a book that was given to me as a gift since many of my friends and family know my affinity for the philosophical teachings of Taoism, but has remained unread because it seemed too "simple." I was in between books so I figured it would make a quick read and maybe contain a nugget or two I was overlooking.

Simple Taoism is broken up into three parts: History, Concepts, and Practical Application. It is a small book so it is a touch ambitious. The history is a nice overview but since much of Taoism is shrouded in mystery and time it is just the author's take and I found it to be somewhere in the middle of different histories I have read. The definition of concepts is again middling in it's effort and very good for a beginners introduction but it does skip over some aspects and skimps on others and fails to offer a frame of reference for the level of importance of each piece. The author then ends with practical applications which are written from his own views and personal relationship with Taoism. He has a few other books on meditation so he does weight it a bit towards that end but again as a brief overview it suffices.

The Tao is simple by nature and in being so, complex. I'm very wary of any book which aims to "simplify" it, especially since most of these titles weigh in at many more pages than the original texts. I'm glad I read it and there were some new/different opinions on certain areas but it was a bit too basic for me and fell a little flat in places. It would have done well to include the Tao Te Ching in some way or at least start each chapter with an excerpt rather than some of the odd choices which were selected. Maybe a good quick basic intro, but I have to say it is Not Recommended.

#26 - Into The Wild

2008-09-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

Right off the bat let me say that I have not watched the movie and I purposefully have not read this book for some time because of my own personal views on this tale. I am an avid outdoors man and fairly knowledgeable about wilderness survival and camping/hiking and Christopher McCandless' reckless adventure is not something I applaud or enjoy being sensationalized. There are two differing opinions on him with one camp saying he was just completely unprepared and foolish and another who maintains he was daring and a bit foolish but full of youthful bravado. I believe the former and figured I'd at least read the full story before cementing my opinion.

It's cemented. Fully. I can appreciate his journey and his desire to renounce materialism and enter the wilds but people underestimate just how soft we have become and how out of touch with nature we are. You can't relearn it by willpower and books alone in short order, especially in a totally unforgiving environment such as Alaska. There were some errors and omissions in the original Outdoors magazine article that were set right in the book but nothing groundbreaking that changed my initial theory.

The book does lose it's way as well at times and ventures into other random tales of failed wanderlust as well as the author's own which just feel like padding to an already well padded story. Fans of the movie will probably enjoy the book and regardless of my views it was enjoyable and quick. Recommended.

#25 - Hatchet

2008-09-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

OK, yes, it is another "young adult" novel but anyone who knows me can attest that they are indeed my favorites, award winners, and not just padding to reach the mythical 52 in 52 number. I genuinely re-read these books yearly around this time and they are the treasured books from my life. I also do not believe in drawing lines between books for "kids" or "adults" to do so would be folly and only succeed in ensuring that one misses out on some great journeys. I grew up in a wilderness-like region of PA and that may have predisposed me to these tales of a young boy's outdoor struggle and survival. Hatchet follows a young boy who is involved in a plane crash in a very remote area and his efforts to survive and be rescued with only a hatchet he had been given as a gift. This story reaches into some tough areas such as divorce and death, but never sugar coats or leads the reader into any particular opinion or view. It is absolutely recommended for anyone young or old.

#24 - The Sneetches and Other Stories

2008-09-10T06:19:00.000-07:00

Ahh... The Sneetches. An oft overlooked story from the beloved Dr. Seuss, but my absolute favorite. It is quite possibly one of my most quoted books as well. The reason is that it is as poignant and accurate today as when it was written, and most likely will be for all time. The basic premise involves two factions of Sneetches, the haves and the have nots... well actually the Sneetches with stars on their bellies and those without. A very simple concept but filled to the brim with message. Beyond highly recommended, in fact go read it now!

#23 - The Sign of the Beaver

2008-09-10T06:05:00.000-07:00

The Sign of the Beaver, a Newbery Honor Award Winner, is one of my all-time favorite books from childhood on. I continue to go back to it almost every year and I was in between books and the weather was turning colder so it was a perfect fit. The story follows a pioneer family who is establishing themselves in Maine and the father has to leave his young son and their new cabin to go back east to their old home to get his expecting wife and daughter to join them. The Sign of the Beaver follows the young boy's trials and tribulations of wilderness survival and interaction with Indians. The survival tactics are actually very accurate and there is a lot of insight packed into this "young adult" novel. I could not recommend a book higher, and no child should be left out of this great tale.

#22 - Possible Side Effects

2008-08-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

While Running With Scissors got all the press for Augusten Burroughs I found it to be little more than a good backstory to truly appreciating his other books. It laid some foundation. Burroughs really hits his stride when he is writing short, true accounts from his life in books like Dry, Magical Thinking, and Possible Side Effects. Few authors can get me to actually laugh out loud while reading, but Burroughs is one of them and there was no shortage in this one. Neurotic, obsessive, strange, introspective and brutally honest all barely begin to describe the contents of any Augusten Burroughs tale and they really must be read to be appreciated. The only downfall is his "need" to end each story with some quip or pun that almost always falls flat. It might be intentionally groan-inducing but often it simply succeeds in wiping the smile off my face that I had the entire time through the tale. It's a minor quibble, but noteworthy. Highly Recommended.

#21 - Cisco IOS in a Nutshell

2008-08-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

I've been mainly working with Alcatel-Lucent switching gear for work but don't want to let my Cisco knowledge fade away from memory so I did some brushing up. To a non-techie that made no sense but a proper explanation would take too long. Basically, Cisco is the dominant maker of network gear and the operating system it uses is very complex and a bit archaic and if you are not working with it daily it can be hard to jump back into easily. Certainly not like riding a bike. IOS in a Nutshell is a great tour-de-force of the operating system and commands and easily catches me back up. This book should be part of any network admin/tech's library and re-read often. Highly Recommended.

#20 - The World Treasury of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics

2008-08-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am probably the only person who considers a fairly large collection of math, physics, and astronomy writings to be a "beach read" but I do. The World Treasury of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics is a great collection because it straddles the line between being too simple and too complex and mostly succeeds. It is understandable to the layman and can be used as a reference or "dictionary" of concepts or read through as a book that properly flows from one concept to the next like building blocks. Einstein, Hawking, Assimov, and on and on are captured from lectures and talks to dissertations and it is all accessible. Highly Recommended.

#19 - Lost on Planet China

2008-08-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

I needed a good plane/beach read so I went with Maarten Troost's newest even though his second book was pretty much a failure for me. Lost on Planet China has brief glimpses of greatness but unfortunately it ultimately falls flat and fails to even tie up any of the story elements before ending abruptly. Just a meandering mess. It did manage to make me genuinely laugh out loud a few times but beyond that it just bombed. I hate to say it but it looks like his initial brilliance was just a flash in the pan. Not Recommended.

#18 - Touch The Dragon

2008-07-16T05:51:00.000-07:00

Touch the dragon is part travelogue, part diary of a young girl's experience of living abroad in Thailand at the age of 17. The author, Karen Connelly, was originally from Canada and a Rotary Club exchange program sent her to live in this strange new land. Ultimately the book fails but the author does a good job of describing certain aspects of Thai life and play that it truly places you there in the middle of it. Much gets glossed over or rushed only to linger far too long on boring dairy-ish 17-year-old-girl bits. I have a love for Thai cuisine and culture and this book was a random purchase with little in the way of expectations. Which is good because I came away with little in the way of insight or depth, so I guess it was a wash. Not recommended.

#17 - The Hedge Knight

2008-06-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

After finishing Legend and still in the fantasy mood, but not enough for another series novel, I turned to George R. R. Martin's "The Hedge Knight" graphic novel/comic book. It is a prequel to the Song of Ice and Fire novels and very centered around the characters and the human side of fantasy and heroes which so often goes underdeveloped in favor of action and tales of love. The Hedge Knight is thicker than a comic book but slightly undersized for a graphic novel, however it is a great mix of dialogue and art that is a treat for any fan of the series or genre. Certainly wordy for the average comic book but easily worth it. Recommended.

#16 - Legend

2008-06-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to read some of fantasy author David Gemmell for quite a while now so I started at the beginning with Legend. Gemmell was known for fantasy that incorporated magic sparingly but intelligently and gripping and descriptive battle scenes. For the most part I can agree with this but I have to say it was just shy of my expectations. A lot of his wording gets reused when it comes to battles and some characters are fully fleshed out while others become a muddy mess. The tale contained within is very enjoyable and worthwhile for fantasy fans and thankfully breaks free from some of the standard cliches but sadly not all of them. Recommended.

#15 - Anthony Bourdain's Les Halles Cookbook

2008-05-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

Anthony Bourdain's Les Halles Cookbook: Strategies, Recipes, and Techniques of Classic Bistro Cooking is the full title of this one. So you may be thinking that a cookbook doesn't count, and to that I would say, without the recipes this would still be one of the best reads so far this year! Even if you took away my predisposition to the man, it again still tops the list easily.

Few people can inject such humor and reality into cooking, but it doesn't end there, this book is almost as informative as a full-on stint at cooking school. It goes even farther by also offering the most insightful tips and tricks of the restaurant industry that I have ever read in a book. Les Halles is the NYC French brasserie where Anthony last cooked before lucking out on the cushy celebrity chef life. The focus is on bistro/rustic style French cooking but I would refuse to believe a cook of any cuisine wouldn't find it indispensable. Many of the recipes call for some exotic ingredients, but nothing over the top that a truly passionate cook couldn't find with a little effort. Hardback, well bound, and reasonably priced. Highly recommended.

#14 - The Return

2008-05-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

The Return is a novel which prominently displays Buzz Aldrin as co-author, how much or little he contributed is unknown. After reading it, one would hope very little beyond technical details and some insight to the mindset and inner struggles of space programs.

It is hokey, scattered, and descends into a dismal slow-motion crash not far past the beginning. This is a case of a book just trying to do too much. There is space tourism, corporate/government spies and espionage, lost love, childhood flashbacks, courtroom drama, a Michael Jordan knockoff, war, and space rescue. Sadly, way too much time is spent on lame courtroom drama and Michael Jordan... er Michael James and almost no time is spent on space. This one drug on for way too long for zero payout, truly terrible. Not Recommended.

#13 - Gullible's Travels

2008-04-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I hit a book like this one. It sounds like a lighthearted, fun, travelogue of sorts with a well known/humorous/"celebrity" author Cash Peters. It managed to make me laugh out loud every 100 pages or so, which left stretches of 99 pages where I wanted to just give up on it. It also had my personal kiss of death, copious use of footnotes for no reason. I HATE to be drawn down to microscopic print at the bottom of the page in the middle of a tale for no reason at all, let alone 2-3 times in as many sentences. Like I said there are a few truly funny comments and observations, but too few to carry this mess of a book. Not Recommended.

#12 - You Know You've Been in Japan Too Long...

2008-04-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

Quirky is a word that frequently comes to mind when thinking of Japan. I have been into Japanese culture, food, and tea for quite a long time now which has brought to light a number of these "quirks." Some are almost incomprehensible to a westerner, a "gaijin," and some are hilarious. You Know You've Been in Japan Too Long... is part comic book, part social commentary, and also written in both English and Japanese. While some of the content is truly meant for westerners who have lived in Japan, most of it can be appreciated by anyone who has had a fair bit of exposure to the people and culture. For the right person it is Recommended.

#11 - Panic Rising

2008-04-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

As you can probably see by now, I love a good tale of survival. Panic Rising is a recounting of a number of other people's true stories about their brushes with death at the hands of nature. I was a bit skeptical about the retelling of a survival story, since I tend to like to read it straight from the source. You lose a lot of the psychological and inner-thought of such a traumatic experience when it is interpreted by someone else, and this is precisely the main shortcoming of the book. The other issue is that all of the tales are similar and many come from the same region and maps are given early on in the story which give away too much detail. There is nothing inherently wrong with the book, but there are much better stories out there. Not Recommended.

#10 - U.S. Army Survival Handbook

2008-03-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Army FM 21-76 manual is basically the go-to guide for survival in many climates and terrains, this version is a more concise and approachable version of that text. For the casual to intermediate outdoorsman this is a great guide packed with life-saving information and techniques for when things go pear-shaped. I think I prefer the real thing myself, but for the average person this book will save a few bucks and is perfectly sufficient. Recommended.

#9 - Hell or High Water: Surviving Tibet's Tsangpo River

2008-03-28T17:50:00.000-07:00

Hell or High Water: Surviving Tibet's Tsangpo River is the true story of a group of some of the best kayakers in the world gathered together to become the first people to successfully descend the mighty Tsangpo. Sadly this book falls very flat and fails in just about every regard. The author was basically an unwanted addition to the team and the entire book only succeeds in descending into his complaints and grousing as well as an inordinate amount of detail on labor disputes and uprisings amongst the Sherpas and porters. There is some good historical data and insight into Tibetan life but it is almost devoid of actual action and proper coverage of the kayaking. A bit of technical jargon, maybe two sentences, and a lot of eddy talk describes just about every section dealing with the descent. Boring. Not Recommended.

#8 - Tao Te Ching

2008-03-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

I've enjoyed the philosophical teachings of Taoism for about ten years now and the Tao Te Ching is the seminal Taoist work. Fundamental in it's nature but hard to approach for a westerner. One must rely on translations and with the Tao Te Ching there are hundreds of versions. The Penguin Classic version translated by D.C. Lau also includes a great introduction and has been a highly regarded translation for well over 30 years now. I like a number of versions but I go back to this one often, and it was the one I chose the last time I read through it. Books don't come much more Highly Recommended from me.

#6 & 7 - CCNA Official Exam Certification Library

2008-03-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm a geek, I freely admit it and yes, I read technical manuals for fun. It's a sickness, I know. The CCNA Official Exam Certification Library consists of two large tomes which is why it takes the sixth and seventh slots on the list. I work in the networking field and Cisco is one of the leaders in the market. These books cover a number of fundamentals and are meant to be a study tool in attaining your CCNA certification. Basically only someone like me even knows/cares about this stuff because most people take the little port they plug their computer into for Internet access for granted, or casually flipping your laptop open and surfing the web wirelessly from your local coffee shop... without networking none of it happens. Highly Recommended (for geeks only).

#5 - On The Beaten Path

2008-03-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

I love the outdoors. I grew up camping and fishing and my parents instilled in me a true respect and unbelievable appreciation for what they can offer. I've become very interested in hiking/backpacking and a personal life goal of mine is to "thru-hike" the Appalachian Trail... the AT. On The Beaten Path follows one man's journey to get his life back into alignment by taking on the challenge of the AT. Unfortunately the writing style becomes very formulaic and never really digs into the meat of any particular subject. It does offer a glimpse into his life, his struggles, and characters and events along the way, but ultimately falls short. Not Recommended.

#4 - Roasting in Hell's Kitchen

2008-03-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

While I was on a foodie kick (and off sick), another great book gift came in handy. Gordon Ramsay is another favorite of mine for his brutal honesty but also for his genuine nature and desire to help. While many only know him from the TV show tyrant in Hell's Kitchen, he has had a number of successes on British television and now in America such as Kitchen Nightmares. This book is an honest look into his life and experiences, good times and bad. He lays it all out there including some very personal issues and nothing is sugar coated or spared. It's a bit uncomfortable and he never seems to be able to admit that he has a few serious problems himself, but I burned through this one in a day because I just couldn't put it down. Not a must read, but for a fan it is Recommended.

#3 - The Nasty Bits

2008-03-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

After reading through Kitchen Confidential I received The Nasty Bits as a Christmas gift from my parents. It's a collection of Bourdain's writings and even some of his fiction work. There is a bit of overlap with Kitchen Confidential but also some great inside information and tales of his exploits in making his TV show No Reservations. If you are only going to read one of Anthony Bourdain's books then go for Kitchen Confidential, but this is a treat for fans. Recommended.

#2 - Kitchen Confidential

2008-03-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

I'm a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain, as well as the culinary arts, and equally as much against the disgrace known as "The Food Network." This book was written long before Anthony Bourdain was much more than a glorified line cook, and no one could have ever dreamed of what it would become. A wonderfully honest and candid peek into what really goes on behind the scenes in restaurants across the globe. Highly Recommended.

#1 - Kon-Tiki

2008-03-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

I decided to start off this year with an older tale of adventure on the high seas. Kon-Tiki is a classic true story of a man on a mission to prove his theory that the Pacific Ocean could be crossed on nothing more than a balsa wood raft. Highly Recommended.

52 Books In 52 Weeks

2008-03-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

Read 52 books in 52 weeks. This is my goal, and one I challenge each and every visitor to take on as well. It started as just a little mental checklist though, and I thought that bringing it to the Internet would accomplish a few things:

1. Archive my lists for future reference
2. Let friends and family (as well as anyone else on the world wide web) in on what I've been reading, good and bad
3. Hopefully inspire at least one other person to tackle the challenge as well
4. Provide yet another way for folks to waste time online

I've always loved to read and there are countless adventures and journeys out there just waiting for a pair of eyes. It may seem an impossible task, but I assure you it can be done. If you do care to attempt the 52 in 52 challenge please feel free to send me your book list and it will be showcased, just a list of titles numbered 1-52+ is fine.

(I will be posting all of the books I've read since January 1, 2008 up until now and then continuing the posts as I complete new ones throughout the year.)

Welcome!