Happy!

author: Grant Morrison

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.40

book published: 2013

rating: 3

read at: 2013/04/30

date added: 2013/04/30

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

A gritty, extreme graphic novel by one of the industries boundary pushers. If you are new to graphic novels and/or easily offended, this is not your starting place. If you like a darkly comic story with a likeable anti-hero, then proceed.



Nick Sax, ex-cop turned hitman, is having a bad day. Due to circumstances, he finds himself in the hospital with a new strange ally, a flying blue donkey unicorn that seemingly only he can see. The juxtaposition of this character on the landscape is jarring and strange (think My Little Pony meets Pulp Fiction). Happy, the blue invisible friend, saves Nick's life and in return wants a favor from Nick. Much violence ensues, but there are some pretty funny scenes (a poker game with low lifes is a favorite). When it's all said and done, there is even a happy ending, of sorts.



There is at least one f-bomb per page, but many pages have multiple. So many, that it really took me out of the story with the excess. But it's a crazy, interesting story and the art by Darick Robertson is quite good. Seeing a bright blue flying donkey on gritty backdrops is quite a juxtaposition, but it works in a very strange way.





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The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win

author: Gene Kim

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.24

book published: 2013

rating: 4

read at: 2013/04/29

date added: 2013/04/29

shelves: non-fiction-computer

review:

A business book told in novel form, this one, for me, was more relevant than most.



Bill is suddenly promoted to interim CIO at his company after the previous CIO is let go. At the same time, payroll isn't running, auditors have a list of security issues, and the rollout of the company's new software seems doomed to fail. For quite a few chapters, things go from bad to worse as Bill scrambles to figure out how to fix things, but in true rags-to-riches fashion, everything gets turned around. Although that portion of the story seems a little too neatly wrapped up, the lessons along the way are the true heart of this book. How IT should be viewing their operations like a manufacturing production flow, figuring out where the bottlenecks are to increase workflow.



So much of what I do could rely more on a glance at the larger picture, so this book was a breath of fresh air.





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White Horse

author: Alex Adams

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.58

book published: 2012

rating: 3

read at: 2013/04/28

date added: 2013/04/28

shelves:

review:

'White Horse' is the story of Zoe, a woman dealing with a world decimated by a strange disease. The story takes place in Zoe's present, as well as her past.



In the past, Zoe worked in a biochemical lab as a janitor. One day, she comes home to find that someone has left a strange vase in her apartment. Zoe can't decide what to do with this strange object. Slowly, people around her start to get violently ill and die. She has sessions with Alex, a psychiatrist, to try and cope. She travels to the library, where lists of the war dead are posted, to see if her lover is listed. Things get bleaker and bleaker.



In the present, we find Zoe in Europe, pregnant, surviving and trying to get to Greece where the babies father is. She rescues a woman who is also pregnant and blind. Zoe has learned that to survive in this world means to be cruel since women are valued so little. Along the way, they meet up with a man from Switzerland who initially offers protection, but eventually threatens and stalks Zoe and her unborn child.



It's a pretty bleak novel, but there are sparks of hope throughout. Interesting is Zoe's approach to staying alive and the acts of kindness that she needs to retain her humanity. It's an interesting approach to the end of the world, and I found it a compelling read.





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Judge Dredd Volume 1

author: Duane Swierczynski

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.33

book published: 2013

rating: 3

read at: 2013/04/27

date added: 2013/04/27

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

A fun romp through Mega-City One that manages to pay decent homage to the 2000 AD series that I used to read back in the 1980s. Judge Dredd is featured as well as Judge Anderson from PSI division.



The graphic novel features the first four issues of the series by IDW. The story by Duane Swierczynski is okay and has continuity over the 4 issues, but the book does end with a cliffhanger of sorts. The art by Daniel and Gulacy is garish and violent, which is perfect for the tone of the series. Judge Dredd is as rock-jawed as ever, and justice is doled out swiftly and violently. Each main story is followed by a smaller sub-story.



It's good to see Judge Dredd back in comics, and this was dark fun.





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Empire State (Empire State, #1)

author: Adam Christopher

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.17

book published: 2012

rating: 3

read at: 2013/04/25

date added: 2013/04/25

shelves:

review:

The 'Empire State' is a fantastical novel filled with noir detectives, battling rocket powered superheroes, a robot army and a mysterious Enemy, somewhere out in the fog.



In a city where it is always dark, the Empire State is a city at war. Ships filled with robots leave to fight the enemy, but none of these ships ever return. In the meantime, Rad Bradley is a private detective who has been hired to find a missing woman, but first, he needs to stop by Jerry's bar for a much needed drink.



There are some interesting surprises along the way, and I enjoyed it, but I did get a little weary of Rad always wanting a drink and explaining it in the narrative. The story is a bit confusing to start, but all becomes clear by the end, including, I suppose, Rad's continuous thirst. An interesting romp through an alternate New York city.





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Playing at the World

author: Jon Peterson

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.35

book published: 2012

rating: 1

read at: 2013/04/24

date added: 2013/04/24

shelves: non-fiction

review:

'Playing at the World' is a 720 page book about the history of the game Dungeons and Dragons that is exhaustive and completely exhausting. So much so, that I gave up on page 345, and I wasn't even halfway through. I wouldn't normally review something that is unfinished, but I did look through the remainder of the book to see that is was more of the same.



The book discusses everything that influenced the creation of the game. While much of this is interesting, the amount of detail bogs everything down. Starting with Avalon Hill's wargames in the 1950s, we see the development of a gaming community. Discussed are fanzines, gatherings, and play by mail campaigns. The early days of GenCon are discussed (which is still an annual convention).



From there, we move to an extensive discussion of much of the fantasy literature of the 20th century that D&D finds inspiration from. As a fan of SF, this was also interesting, but more detailed than it needed to be. Mixed in is a discussion of the political times during the forming of the game, and the backlash that more modern wargames were suffering from a nation at war in Vietnam.



The third section of the book goes way back into the history of wargaming, discussing chess and moving forward to D&D. This is really where I lost complete interest in the book. While the Kriegsspiel games are interesting, and the formulation of dice as a randomizer for war simulation, this section should have been it's own book.



Sections four and five come back to discuss mechanics of the game as we know it today. This level of detail seems more appropriate since it deals with the actual subject matter of the book.



The writing is fine, and for true fans of the game, this is a comprehensive history. For the rest of us, the sheer scope of the book is completely overwhelming, and not likely to gain new fans to the hobby.





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Hot Dogs and Hamburgers: Unlocking Life's Potential by Inspiring Literacy at Any Age

author: Rob Shindler

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.22

book published: 2012

rating: 4

read at: 2013/04/22

date added: 2013/04/22

shelves: non-fiction

review:







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Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void

author: Mary Roach

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.92

book published: 2010

rating: 4

read at: 2013/04/19

date added: 2013/04/20

shelves:

review:

Mary Roach's quirky science writing is always a favorite of mine, and I love space travel, so this book was sure to be a hit with me. She explores the most difficult piece of machinery in a spacecraft, namely the humans. The book talks about all sorts of experiments and attempts to find out what happens to humans when they travel in space.



Not for the easily queasy, and there are probably chapters you shouldn't read during a meal. Topics include bone loss, how human waste functions, what happens when you don't bathe for a certain amount of time, different food experiments (including the unofficial "corned beef incident" that happened when an astronaut smuggled a sandwich aboard the Gemini 3). She discusses spaceflight experiments with animals and corpses. All very interesting, some a bit disgusting and disquieting, and all with a dash of humor. Her enthusiasm for learning comes through in her writing.





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Lone Ranger Omnibus Volume 1 Tp

author: Brett Matthews

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.00

book published: 2013

rating: 3

read at: 2013/04/15

date added: 2013/04/15

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

Featuring all 25 issue's of the comic by Dynamite, this update by Brett Matthews is grittier than earlier versions. Excellent art by Sergio Cariello and Paul Pope add to the pleasures in reading. The publication couldn't be timelier with a new Lone Ranger movie about to open.



My review copy only included the first 100 pages, but they retell the origin of how the ranger lost his family, made a friend, and found a horse. Butch Cavendish is featured as the main villain, and we see his machinations in full swing as he plots to kill off. We also see some jabs at the way Tonto was racially stereotyped in previous versions. In this book, Tonto is not only an equal, but also a mentor.



For those looking for more after the movie ends, or anyone with a craving for the old West, the Lone Ranger Omnibus is a sure fit.





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The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastard, #1)

author: Scott Lynch

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.24

book published: 2006

rating: 4

read at:

date added: 2013/04/12

shelves:

review:







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The Art of Bioshock Infinite

author: Ken Levine

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.33

book published: 2013

rating: 4

read at: 2013/04/12

date added: 2013/04/12

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

An excellent look at the artistic evolution of one of the most visually creative games, Bioshock Infinite. Irrational Games has created unique and immersive environments and horrifying opponents for their Bioshock games and the newest game is no exception.



The book begins with a forward by Ken Levine who is Creative Director at Irrational Games. He discusses the perception of the creative process and the reality. It's a one page introduction, but one of the best I've read recently.



From there, aspects of the game are presented, mostly in their idea form. There are early design concepts and treatments for the main characters Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth as well as finished drawings. The evolution of the floating city, Columbia is shown, as well as Songbird, the Vox Populi, enemies you will encounter and normal citizens. Also included are the weapons, devices and machines encountered throughout the game. The section showing the Vigors bottles is particularly beautiful.



Everything is presented from sketches to watercolors to finished digital rendering. The art is detailed and beautiful and shows why their games are so popular. If you think video games lack creativity, this book should give you a different view. Now I can't wait to play this newest entry in the Bioshock franchise.





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The Best of All Possible Worlds

author: Karen Lord

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.74

book published: 2013

rating: 4

read at: 2013/04/11

date added: 2013/04/11

shelves:

review:

If Jane Austen wrote an SF story, what would it look like? It might look very much like 'The Best Of All Possible Worlds,' a wonderful new book by Karen Lord.



When the Sadiri lose their home planet, they are faced with racial extinction. Their only hope lies in sending expeditions out, including to Cygnus Beta where offshoots of their bloodline are thought to exist. An expedition is sent to explore and, hopefully, save their very existence. They are led by a monk-like leader of the Sadiri named Dllenahkh, and an unconventional native of Cygnus Beta named Grace Delarua. Grace is chosen because of an affinity for languages and emotional intuition, which will benefit communication with her visitors. Although Grace and Dllenahkh couldn't be more different, we see their relationship develop over a series of encounters with these distant tribes and cultures of the Sadiri.



Besides Austen, this book is very reminiscent of classic SF works by LeGuin, Bradbury and newer works by Bujold, as well as Star Trek. It's a sociological view of SF as the characters try to understand each other and deal with their mannered faux pas along the way. The approach to problem solving by the characters is refreshingly mature, and while some of it felt a bit predictable, I enjoyed every page.



I hope this book is remembered next year during awards season. If so, I shall be cheering loudly for it. A breath of fresh air and highly recommended.





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Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore

author: Robin Sloan

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.82

book published: 2012

rating: 5

read at: 2013/04/08

date added: 2013/04/08

shelves: favorites

review:







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The Decision Maker

author: Dennis Bakke

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.75

book published: 2013

rating: 3

read at: 2013/04/07

date added: 2013/04/07

shelves: non-fiction-business

review:







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Wild Children

author: Richard Roberts

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.00

book published: 2011

rating: 4

read at: 2013/04/06

date added: 2013/04/06

shelves:

review:

A young girl is lured by a wolfboy into staying out late on Walpurgis night and her life is changed forever. This is just one of the linked stories in 'Wild Children,' a book reminiscent of the darkness of classic fairy tales, but these are consequences without action. No curse was due or punishment needed.



Young children are turned into a variety of different animals in the book. It never happens to anyone over 15 (at least, not without disastrous effect). The wild children receive long lives and don't appear to age, but are told to forget their names and their lives before they changed. Most adults look on these children as slaves or pets. The wild children are told they are this way because of sin, but it's never quite clear what their sin was to make them turn this way. Gothic sadness makes up most of these characters, forced to live life as something other, never celebrating the wonders of strength or flight.



At the center of it all is Hind, a young girl, who is treated like a doll. Although her existence is better than most, there is a great deal of sadness in her life, and she is still forced to wear a collar, even if it is only for show. She sees her friends suffer and leave her, while she lives in her perfect dollhouse of a room.



An interesting series of stories that looks at who we are, and who we think others are. Themes of prejudice and injustice are prevalent. It's a quirky fantasy with some unforgettable characters.





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Mind Mgmt Volume One: The Manager

author: Matt Kindt

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.53

book published: 2013

rating: 3

read at: 2013/04/05

date added: 2013/04/05

shelves: graphic-novels

review:







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William and the Lost Spirit

author: Gwen Bonneval De

name: Wayne

average rating: 2.00

book published: 2013

rating: 4

read at: 2013/04/04

date added: 2013/04/04

shelves: graphic-novels

review:







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World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War

author: Max Brooks

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.02

book published: 2006

rating: 4

read at: 2013/03/30

date added: 2013/04/03

shelves:

review:

A series of interviews that occur post-zombie apocalypse shows a broad spectrum of humanity affected by the crisis. The multitude of characters in the book include political leaders, lone survivors and those fighting on the front lines.



It does lack a bit of suspense, because if the interview is occurring, the person telling their story obviously survived. Also, it does feel like all the action happens off-screen because it is told in flashback, so if you're looking for a traditional thriller, this might not be your cup of tea, but it is pretty well written book, and I did enjoy it.



The audiobook version I listened to had an incredible cast (and I hear they are remaking a more complete version with an even bigger cast), with Donald Sutherland, Mark Hamill and Rob Reiner among the cast. I really have no idea how they will make this into a movie since just about every chapter features a new character. I am looking forward to seeing how 'The Battle of Trenton' on the big screen, though.





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