Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts--Becoming the Person You Want to Be

author: Marshall Goldsmith
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.64
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2015/05/27
date added: 2015/05/27
shelves: non-fiction-business
review:
'Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts-Becoming the Person You Want to Be' by Marshall Goldsmith takes a no-holds bar approach to confronting us about the habits we are trying to quit.

The book is broken into three sections. The first explains the things that keep us from becoming who we want to be. The second guides us through a process to change. The book finishes with ways to give readers more structure for the changes we want.

The book explains the environmental factors that influence us, but rather than let us off the hook, it's here merely to bring it to our awareness, not to give us excuse fodder. The reader is encouraged to develop of set of guided and hard questions to ask to direct the change that is desired. Real life examples are given.

It's a tough love approach. Brutally honest but with an encouraging level of encouragement. There is a definite call to action and the steps can be adapted. While I've read other books on this subject, I think this might be the best one on transforming oneself out of damaging behaviors.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Crown Business and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Hand Drawn Jokes for Smart Attractive People

author: Matthew Diffee
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.17
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2015/05/27
date added: 2015/05/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Hand Drawn Jokes for Smart, Attractive People' is a collection of comics and humor by Matthew Diffee. His previous collections supposedly feature rejected cartoons from The New Yorker.

The book is collected into sections for smart, attractive lumberjacks, or pet owners, or people who use utensils, and so forth. Each section begins with a sort of stand up monologue to introduce the section. Then there follows some one panel cartoons revolving around this subject. There are little silhouette asides on some of the pages with humorous comments.

The panel comics are a bit strange but mostly humorous. The comic asides are meant to be humorous, but they fell a bit flat. The introductions to the sections were mostly vaguely humorous. Like I said they felt like an attempt at a stand up routine. Some worked better than others, but they ended up feeling like filler until the cartoons could begin. I ended up wanting more of the comics, and less of everything else. Perhaps I'm neither smart enough, nor attractive enough to appreciate this collection. Perhaps you will be.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Scribner and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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A Glance Backward

author: Tony Sandoval
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.09
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/26
date added: 2015/05/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'A Glance Backward' by Tony Sandoval is kind of a strange beast. The art sort of makes this look like a story for kids, but the story is quite dark.

Joey is an 11-year old kid with an active imagination. One day, he decides to buy some fireworks before he gets home. Once he gets home and before he can play with them, he gets pulled into the walls of his house and sent on a weird adventure. He's able to push himself through walls, but that just leads to other places. He runs across strange people and creatures, like an oversize statue from his house, or a large duck. Every wall brings a new environment like gardens, or a completely submerged room. Joey keeps trying to get through and find his way home. Will he make it out and what waits for him if gets there?

It's truly strange and I kind of liked it. The ending seemed a bit of a weird twist, and nothing prior seemed to hint at it. The art is beautifully grotesque. The story reminded me a bit of the strange animation I used to watch by Bill Plympton, and the book feels like it could work as a strange animated film. It's definitely dark and probably not for everyone.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Magnetic Press, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Dawn of the Algorithm

author: Yann Rousselot
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/25
date added: 2015/05/25
shelves:
review:
'Dawn of the Algorithm' by Yann Rousselot is a collection of modern poetry fused with pop culture and an overriding sense of doom. But a doom that one is rushing for with a sense of maniacal glee.

There are poems about movie tropes, and t-rex memes. There are sections titled 'The Art of Destruction' and 'Robot Monster Movie War.' Poems cover kaiju and ebola and video games. There are references to everything from Watership Down to T2. It's all thrown at the page with a fast rhythmic pace, and finishes with a strange set of haikus from a satellite returning to a desolate earth. Throughout the book there are also illustrations: some comical, some abstract.

The rhythm and pace is something I don't see much in modern poetry. It's like it's gotten deconstructed out, but it's evident here. The poetry has a raw intensity, but also a full on sense of humor. In combination, these could work against each other, but not here. A knowledge of modern culture is probably necessary to get full appreciation. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this collection, and I enjoyed the heck out of it.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Inkshares and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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MPH

author: Mark Millar
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.37
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2015/05/24
date added: 2015/05/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'MPH' takes the premise of ordinary people who discover superpowers and spins a pretty good tale. That these people are living on the shady side of the law just ramps up the tension a bit.

Roscoe is a guy with a dream. He understands the laws of attraction and knows what he wants. He wants a good life for himself and his girl Rosa, which will start happening once he finishes the next big drug deal. When Roscoe's plans get waylaid by a 15 year prison sentence, he meets a strange man selling a drug called MPH. One pill makes you super fast. Roscoe uses it to escape and plan his future with Rosa, his friend Chevy, and Rosa's problematic brother Baseball. Because there are a finite number of pills, Roscoe has everything planned out. They will steal what they need to set themselves up for life. That is, unless the cops, and a strange man who can see the future don't stop them.

The story begins in Detroit and there is definitely some social commentary being made about the haves and have-nots. I mostly liked the story, and it's all complete in this volume. It takes some interesting twists along the way, and there is more than a little trouble and backstabbing. While I'm not a fan of stealing because you deserve it, and the superpowers seemed to morph into strange ridiculously overpowered versions, I still thought it was an okay story. The art by Duncan Fegredo is quite nice, and the book also includes a few alternate covers. Mark Millar seems like quite the idea factory, and his output has been interesting and varied.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Image Comics, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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In Search of Lost Dragons

author: Élian Black'mor
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/24
date added: 2015/05/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'In Search of Lost Dragons' is part art book, and part travel journal, and, I think, it is completely successful.

An explorer who is both illustrator and explorer goes in search of elusive dragons. Tracking them throughout Europe and into Asia, he has the gift of seeing the unusual and capturing it in beautiful illustrations. Whether it is in the mountains, or caves, or snow or swamps, the traveler stalks his prey. Along the way, he finds unusual customs that surround the beasts, like unusual sideshows. He has detractors at home who want to discredit his work, but still he plows on.

The book is full of illustrations, sketches, product labels, train tickets, playbills for unusual shows, and ticket stubs. I loved the layout and idea of this book. The pictures are beautiful, and might not be as interesting on their own without the travelogue to go with them. The journal makes it feel like an exotic trip that you've been invited on. The playbills, ticket stubs, etc. are presented as if they are taped inside the journal as mementos from the trip. While the journey doesn't reach a definite end, it seems that it's the journey and not the destination that makes this a memorable read.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Diamond Book Distributors, Dynamite Entertainment, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review such a gorgeous ebook.


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Slimy Underbelly

author: Kevin J. Anderson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/24
date added: 2015/05/24
shelves:
review:
'Slimy Underbelly' by Kevin J. Anderson is the 4th installment in the Dan Shamble P.I. series. For those who don't know, Dan is a zombie detective working in New Orleans in what is now known as the Unnatural Quarter.

In a world full of monsters, or at least a corner of one city, you have to have someone you can rely on for help. Dan Shamble, who used to be alive and human, has set up shop and takes all cases. In this outing, he takes on a few different cases. An operatic ogre has had his voice stolen and wants it back before he loses his job. A young evil genius has been evicted by his landlord. A weather wizard running for office thinks his opponent is cheating on the campaign. And along with that, there is a mysterious extra-dimensional being buying up real estate underneath the city. Could all these stories be related?

It's a fun series. The puns are groan-inducing. I even like how they kind of break the fourth wall to talk about Dan's exploits being printed in book form (although, apparently, the details aren't correct). I'm actually not that familiar with the series, but I had no problem diving right in with this book, and based on how much I liked it, I'd be pretty likely to read another one at some point.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Kensington Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Ghostbusters

author: Erik Burnham
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/23
date added: 2015/05/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Ghostbusters' is a 4 issue crossover comic that was actually a lot of fun.

When a new invention goes wrong, the Turtles are sent to an alternate New York where the Ghostbusters live. Instead of weird mutants and anthropomorphic animals, they have to learn to deal with ghosts. The Ghostbusters likewise have to figure out what to do with these human size talking turtles.

The turtles are chasing a strange new enemy who has captured their friend Casey Jones. They also have to figure out how to get back to their New York. Before long, the 'busters and the turtles have paired off according to style and strength. Brainy and brainy, wise-cracking and wise-cracking, etc.

Sometimes these team ups don't seem to work so well, but I think this one worked out great. I liked how the two teams seemed pretty well matched up. The art is kind of a cartoony looking style, but it fits the book well. It was a lot of fun to read.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, IDW Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Knights of the Round Table

author: Daniel Mersey
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/22
date added: 2015/05/22
shelves:
review:
'The Knights of the Round Table' by Daniel Mersey is part of the Osprey Myths and Legends series. I've loved this series, and this one is no exception.

The focus this time around are the knights of the Round Table, but, more specifically, the quests they embarked on. The stories of the quests are given, and the origins of the stories in literature are also given. There are insets throughout the book with deeper information about some of the main characters. Knights are tempted by women, or made to ride in carts, or challenged to feats of arms. One knight wields a fish knife and defends the lady who mocks him for his stink. One knight marries a hideous woman and discovers a surprise.

I've loved stories of King Arthur since my childhood, and I've read a lot of books on the subject. These are great shorter translations of some of the stories. I liked the illustrations by Alan Lathwell, and all the other ones from various sources. There is a nice section at the end with selected reading and watching for those who want to learn more.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Osprey Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Cottonmouth and the End

author: C.S. Fritz
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.80
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/18
date added: 2015/05/18
shelves: children-s
review:
'Cottonmouth and the End' concludes the series by C. S. Fritz. I wasn't really a huge fan of the first two volumes, but I did like this one a little more.

The book begins by discussing why some folks are afraid of the dark. This is because when we last saw Frederick Cottonmouth, he was stuck in the dark. He was on his way to deliver a black egg for Tug and ran into the kind of trouble that ended the last book on a cliffhanger. With the return of an old enemy and some old friends, can he get out of the fix and continue on the mission he was given?

I still think it should have been maybe two books or one larger book, but this book concludes things in a lot more satisfying way. I liked the way the black and white space was used during the story to show the battle between light and darkness. I think the bad guy characters are drawn in a way that little ones might find them scary. The message in this book is closer to what I thought the whole series might have been. Perhaps if I'd read the whole thing in one sitting, I might have been kinder to the earlier books, but I wanted to review them as a reader might: one at a time.

I received a review copy of this ebook from David C. Cook and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Action Bible Study Bible ESV

author: David C. Cook
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/18
date added: 2015/05/18
shelves: non-fiction, children-s
review:
'The Action Bible Study Bible ESV' combines the great Action Bible art by Sergio Cariello with a pretty decent study Bible for younger readers.

This includes the entire text of the ESV Bible. Each of the 66 books includes an introduction. Within the text are study boxes including verses to memorize, ancient and interesting items from the Bible (like the ark of the covenant, or the Shema), sections that ask and answer tough questions that come up during the reading. There are devotional sections and illustrations by Sergio Cariello. There are marks in the margins showing what sections have been illustrated in the Action Bible. Also included are 40 full-color pages in 4 page sections with kind of an abbreviated look at the Action Bible.

The study content is solid. The addition of the Action Bible illustrated pages is good. The entire story of the Bible is told in those pages, but abbreviated. It feels a bit abbreviated, but the illustration work by Sergio Cariello is solid. I really liked the Bible book intros. They include an overview, some key people to look for, and a cool key word collage. It's a pretty great package, and I'd recommend it for a younger reader needing a study Bible.

I received a review copy of this ebook from David C. Cook and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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SNEAK PEEK: Corsair SAMPLE

author: James L. Cambias
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2015/05/17
date added: 2015/05/17
shelves:
review:
'Corsair' by James L. Cambias seems like it will be a good novel. I was only provided with a brief preview, and while I can make guesses where I think the plot might go, I might also be completely wrong.

In the not too distant future, two young hackers meet at MIT. Elizabeth and David hit it off right away, even though one of them isn't actually enrolled in the school. The novel tracks them by moving back and forth in their lives. One of them works for law enforcement to try to stop hackers from capturing helium shipments in space. One of them likes the challenge of capturing and reselling these shipments for huge profits.

What's unclear is why these two don't immediately recognize each other's future personas. If one purported to like nautical pirates when you knew them when they were younger, it might be a safe suspicion that they still liked them by naming themselves after one. So, it's a cat and mouse game. I think. And it might also end up being a romance, or a con job, or a few other things.

About the time I was getting into the novel, the preview ended. I would like to know what happens, so I'll probably track the book down at some point to finish the story.

I received this preview from Mcmillan-Tor/Forge and NetGally in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Ink

author: Hari Kunzru
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.38
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/17
date added: 2015/05/17
shelves:
review:
'Ink' by Hari Kunzru is a short story in part of the Vintage Shorts collection. It's part of their 'Short Story Month' collection, and it's a good one.

A Wall Street businessman is on his way to a very important meeting. The trip involves a plane flight. While he is travelling, he thinks about his life and the things that got him to where he is. His mind wanders back to his youth and a series of incidents that occurred then about a boy who was bullied. Why this occurs is unknown, but it had it's impression on him as we see in the story's outcome.

I like short stories, but don't usually find the time or inclination to read them due to other demands. This story read more like a character study or method acting type of piece. I don't think we are necessarily supposed to like our narrator. He comes across as pompous and smug in his wealth and position, but I think that's ok. I enjoyed the writing and I would definitely read more by Hari Kunzru.

I received a review copy of this short story ebook from Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, Vintage, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Sword of Rhiannon

author: Leigh Brackett
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.49
book published: 1949
rating: 3
read at: 2015/05/15
date added: 2015/05/15
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'The Sword of Rhiannon' was a book club pick for the month. I've been wanting to read some Leigh Brackett, so I gave it a shot, once I could track down a not-so-easy to find copy.

When Matt Carse, Earthman, archaeologist, and adventurer, has a chance to buy a rare sword from the distant past of Mars, he gets more than he bargains for. He finds himself sucked into the past of his planet, where there is water, and more than one warring clan. He finds himself enslaved aboard a galley on one of the seas of Mars. He also finds himself trying to find his place among the strange tribes of Mars. Add to that, the pesky side effects of his sword, and he's in for a real adventure.

It reads like classic swashbuckling pulp sf. I was in the mood for such a thing, so it filled the bill nicely. By the end, I was ready for it to be over. There are elements of the story that are definitely from a different time, and it's curious that based on that that the book was written by a woman, but it's still a fun page turning romp, and I wouldn't mind reading more Brackett.


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Dungeons & Dragons: Legends of Baldur's Gate Volume 1

author: Jim Zub
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2015/05/15
date added: 2015/05/15
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Dungeons & Dragons: Legends of Baldur's Gate Volume 1' comes along with the new 5th edition of D&D. It's a fun story, but not a great story.

We meet young magic user Delina who is in the city to save her twin brother. When we meet her, she is being chased by winged demons and using her random and sometimes unreliable powers to defend herself. When her powers hit a statue of Minsc, the revered (and long gone) ranger, he shows up in the flesh to help out, along with his space hamster Boo. After adding a couple of thieves into the mix, we're off to find Delina's twin brother. Except that the city guard and another faction are also in the mix chasing our little band. We get some back story on Delina and her brother, but mainly we get hilarious wise-cracking from Minsc.

The art is only ok, but the story is fun enough. I loved Minsc, and who wouldn't love Boo? The thieves are fairly standard, but I liked Delina's random, uncontrolled magic. A nice sword and sorcery graphic novel for those looking for one.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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A Calculated Life

author: Anne Charnock
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.43
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2015/05/15
date added: 2015/05/15
shelves:
review:
In 'A Calculated Life' the question about what it takes to be human gets asked in an interesting way.

In a not too distant future, corporations hire humans engineered as supercomputers to calculate probabilities and other high mathematical functions. They work a shorter work day, but use their brains constantly to work on projects. They live in their own housing and eat at their own cafeteria.

Jayna is a newer model working at predictive agency Mayhew McCline. When news of a co-workers death hits the office, Jayna is thrown out of her routine. She becomes curious about the world that the humans around her inhabit: their children, living quarters, food, etc. This leads her to circumvent the rules and live dangerously. This could lead to a recall by her creator and factor, but Jayna can't help herself. Is this a defect?

This is not quite a dystopian future, but things are trending towards not so great. Outside the part of the city where Jayna lives, people live in run down apartments and trade for used books and clothing. There is a noticeable downturn in food quality for these people. There is not much violence in this society thanks to genetic engineering, and Jayna doesn't experience much prejudice, but she is treated differently.

I really enjoyed this book and the questions it puts in the reader's mind. The closest equivalent to this book I can think of is Kazuo Ishiguro's 'Never Let Me Go.' The stories aren't that similar, but the mood of the book is. And since that book is one of my favorites, I call that high praise indeed.

I received a review copy of this ebook from
Amazon Publishing, 47North, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this wonderful ebook.


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Woodstock: Master of Disguise

author: Charles M. Schulz
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.83
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/14
date added: 2015/05/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Woodstock: Master of Disguise' is a great reprint of strips from Charles Schulz featuring Woodstock. They've been rendered in color, but that just makes them more fun to read.

I've always liked the character of Woodstock. The title of the book is a little misleading since he doesn't always wear a disguise. Except when he's invited to Thanksgiving dinner. Or when he wants to be in Snoopy's beagle scout troop. He also has a bad habit of flying upside down, and into things like trees. He can get lost in snow pretty easy too, since he's so small. He doesn't say much I can understand, but he sure likes to talk a lot.

It's great to see these in reprint, and I think the humor holds up. It's definitely a kinder, gentler, subtler humor from another era. That may or may not play for younger audiences, but as a beloved part of my youth, Peanuts can always make me smile.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this fun ebook.


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Spread, Vol. 1: No Hope

author: Justin Jordan
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.43
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/11
date added: 2015/05/11
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Spread, Volume 1: No Hope' is what would happen if Lone Wolf and Cub ended up in a strange post-apocalyptic world filled with monsters. It's gleefully gruesome, and was a total guilty pleasure for me.

It's 10 years after the monsters came. No is a double axe wielding scavenger who manages to survive with violence and his limited vocabulary. He finds a baby named Hope in a plane crash, and the baby seems to have strange power that might mean a brighter future for mankind. That's assuming No and Hope can survive monsters that burrow and billow from the ground, slave traders, cannibals, religious fanatics, and megalomaniacs along the way. They find help in Molly, a woman who has gone a bit crazy, but would do anything to save Hope. Will this baby save the world? Will No say anything besides 'No?'

The blades and body parts fly about liberally. the color palette is mainly red. There are tentacles everywhere. I kind of loved it, but it is certainly not for the faint of heart. I really liked the characters created here. No is the silent but deadly hero. Molly reminded me of some of my punk favorite anti-heros from the 1980s. I dug it.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Image Comics, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this grisly graphic novel.


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7th Sword

author: Nelson, II Blake
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.33
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2015/05/11
date added: 2015/05/11
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'7th Sword' is a cross between a SF story and a samurai one. I liked the story but wondered how easy it really would be to kill a robot with a sword.

Daniel Clay is a mysterious man with a past. When he finds himself in the quiet town of ZenZion, he discovers that it's directly in the path of the planet's maniacal warlord who expects the people of the city to just peacefully accept his overbearing rule. If they won't, he's got an army of killer robots to help get his point across.

The town knows that Daniel Clay could help them, but Daniel wants nothing to do with it. He agrees to train a group of warriors to wield special swords to defend the town. They make a brave and suicidal stop Quentin Kavanaugh and his army of robots. Can Daniel leave it all behind and find peace once and for all?

It's a fairly standard small band of good guys against impossible odds story. With robots. I was reminded of 'The Seven Samurai' but the title of the comic does serve as a bit of a spoiler if the reader stops to think about it. The art isn't too bad, but I kept thinking of television animation as I read it. Maybe that's not a bad thing. I really wanted to know what Daniel Clay was running from, but we don't get a lot of backstory. Not a bad against all odds story.

I received a copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, IDW Publising, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Sinergy Vol.1

author: Michael Avon Oeming
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.10
book published: 2015
rating: 2
read at: 2015/05/11
date added: 2015/05/11
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Sinergy Vol. 1' is a story about a girl learning to fight monsters alongside her father. It's got a garish color scheme that I kind of liked, and some weak artwork that I wanted to like more.

The day that Jess loses her virginity, she can suddenly see the monsters. Her dad knows about them and battles them every night. Jess' mom can't see them, and through some trickery remains ignorant of the danger her husband and daughter face when they go out at night. The monsters feed on a sort of sin energy, at least that's vaguely explained at first, but then never explained further. Even Jess' dog is a monster, but he's on the side of good (and he can fly). Jess finds out the boy she likes is on the side of the monsters, and now she has to decide what to do.

The story and art were kind of a mess. I had questions about the story that didn't seem to get answered, like why Jess wears a mask to fight monsters when her dad doesn't, or why didn't they just draw the monsters as monsters instead of the patchwork way they did. I liked the color scheme and it really popped off the page, but the art was kind of a slapdash mess. There are better types of these stories around with better art.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Image Comics, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Star Trek: The Original Series: Shadow of the Machine

author: Scott Harrison
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.71
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2015/05/10
date added: 2015/05/10
shelves:
review:
'Star Trek: The Original Series: Shadow of the Machine' by Scott Harrison is a short Trek novel. It's more about character reflection than anything else. If you like your stories more dramatic and action packed, this may not work for you.

The story takes place in between the first Star Trek movies. In the aftermath of their encounter with V'ger, the crew finds themselves back on Earth to get the Enterprise repaired and refitted. This story follows three of the crew. Kirk is on his Aunt and Uncle's farm trying to come to terms with the death of crew by V'ger and the death of his brother. Sulu is a new father and faced with some doubts about that job. Spock travels back to Vulcan to finish his Kohlinahr.

Sulu's story is perhaps the weakest, Kirk's gets him set up to meet his son in the second movie, and Spock's continues his wrestling with his human and Vulcan parts. Not a lot externally happens, but with such a short page count, it's over fairly quickly. If you are a Trek novelization completist, it's not bad, but there are probably better Trek novels out there.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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A Leader's Gift: How to Earn the Right to Be Followed

author: Barry Banther
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.70
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/10
date added: 2015/05/10
shelves: non-fiction-business
review:
'A Leader's Gift' is aptly subtitled How to Earn the Right to Be Followed. It's a better than average leadership book with principles the author has learned over his career.

The author, Barry Banther, begins with a story from his early days of being a leader. He is honest with the mistakes he made, and it affects how he leads from that point on. The concepts in this book are about what it takes to lead a team of people. Presented as a series of gifts, like the Gift of Investing Time in Others' the chapter is laid out like a gift that you must receive, wrap, and give to others. The last half of the book reinforces the overall concepts and talks about using these gifts outside of a work situation.

The writing style is approachable with the right amount of self-effacing honesty. The concepts are good for building a team. This would be a good gift for a first time leader, if they are open to learning from someone else's mistakes. I enjoyed reading it and learning from Barry Banther.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Greenleaf Book Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this informative ebook.


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Wild Cats, around the globe with Suki and Finch (Volume #1)

author: Muhammad Tauhidul Iqbal Sampad
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2015
rating: 1
read at: 2015/05/10
date added: 2015/05/10
shelves: graphic-novels, children-s
review:
'Wild Cats, around the globe with Suki and Finch: Volume 1' is the beginning of a new kids series. It features real photos and CGI characters on top of them. I had some issues with it.

Suki and Finch are excited. They are hired by an apparently anonymous organization and sent out into the wilds of Canada. Alone. They meet a Canadian lynx named Tip and a falcon named Screech that help them along the way. They run into cranky grown ups, friendly relatives, ecological devastation and other surprises.

The format of the book is a bit strange with the characters dialogue happening on the right side of the page like a text conversation. Most of the left side is the animated characters on top of photos. This doesn't look too bad, for the most part, but I got tired of them breaking the fourth wall to remind readers that they were not real. I had problems with 2 kids being sent into the wilderness with no supervision. They approach wild animals as if they are domesticated, and I find this careless in a book for children. The characters break into a cabin in the woods to spend the night, and the concept of "squatting" is defined. This seems like something rather dangerous to be teaching children. The somewhat heavy ecological issues seems to really clash with the presence of talking animals and other fantasy elements. I like the concept of the book, but the execution left me scratching my head.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Bark and Howl Press Ltd, IBPA Members' Titles and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Jupiter's Legacy, Book One

author: Mark Millar
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/07
date added: 2015/05/07
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Jupiter's Legacy Volume 1' by Mark Millar seems to have a SF title, but the story is another in a line of superhero deconstructionist fables. The art by Frank Quitely is worth the price of admission.

Then: A group of people find a mysterious island that gives them each unique powers. They use these to fight evil in whatever form they find it. Along the way they find fame and admiration. They also settle down and get married.

Now: The children of those famous heroes have superpowers , but they also have mommy and daddy issues. Some live the sort of spoiled life you'd expect. Some want to follow in their parents footsteps, but there are no supervillains left. Some want to change the world.

I like the setup, but it feels like it's kind of been done before. Most of the characters are interesting and you do feel a bit towards them. The violence seems a bit over the top in it's gore factor. The art by Frank Quitely is very good, and the coloring is different than in most superhero books moving to richer tones versus primary colors. A good effort. I'm interested to see where this goes.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Gandy Dancers: And Work Songs from the American Railroad

author: Vanita Oelschlager
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/07
date added: 2015/05/07
shelves: children-s
review:
'The Gandy Dancers: And Work Songs from the American Railroad' is a beautifully illustrated book about working on the early American railroad. It includes songs from the period.

In 1910, there were about 1.7 million people employed by the railroad. The book briefly explains some of the jobs like brakemen, firemen, pullman porters and others. The main job of the book were the section gangs that worked to keep the tracks straight. One of these groups was known as the Gandy Dancers who sang work songs to help keep them working together. In between refrains, they would call out "huh!" to keep their rhythm and work aligned. There are lyrics to many famous folk songs of the era that the Gandy Dancers might have sung. Songs like Skip To My Lou, I've Been Working on the Railroad, and John Brown's Body among others. The lyrics to The Battle Hymn of the Republic are included. It's always been one of my favorite American songs. The book ends with a list of resources for further information.

Mike Blanc's illustrations are simply wonderful. The book's cover drew me in and I wasn't disappointed. The book tells a story that could be politicized or preachy and it's not. Kudos to Vanita Oelschlager for keeping the story interesting at a kid level. The songs work along with the illustrations. All in all, an interesting non-fiction picture book about a group of hard working Americans.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Vanita Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this interesting picture book for young readers.


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The Job: True Tales from the Life of a New York City Cop

author: Steve Osborne
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/07
date added: 2015/05/07
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'The Job: True Tales from the Life of a New York City Cop' by Steve Osborne is a straight-from-the-hip collection of true stories from the career of Mr. Osborne. I first became familiar with him from The Moth, so I was excited when I saw that he had written a book.

After a career of 20 years in the NYPD, Steve Osborne has more than enough fodder for some great stories. The introduction tells us how he started writing them down, then ended up on the stage at The Moth. Steve's father was a cop, and he couldn't imagine being anything else. Not because it's easy, but because it was just something in his blood. He's one of the few cops who made an arrest on his first day on the job as well as his last day on the job.

The stories range from funny to heartbreaking. From busting drug dealers in Washington Square to having to inform a family member about a dead relative. There are also personal stories about a family dog and Steve's last days with his father. Steve was a cop when the attack on the World Trade Centers happened, and he recounts that here as well.

In a time when law enforcement isn't viewed with the most respect, this book offers a look at what it's really like to wear a shield and a gun. This is a boots on the ground view of the job. It's raw, and the language is often rough. Steve Osborne is a good storyteller, and the book feels like sitting down over a beer and swapping stories. It's not the most polished writing, but that just adds to the authenticity of it.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Doubleday Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Super-Deluxe, Epic Journal of Awesomeness

author: Hourglass Press
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2015/05/06
date added: 2015/05/06
shelves: children-s
review:
'The Super-Deluxe, Epic Journal of Awesomeness' is a creative outlet for young kids. It would make a fun gift for a long summer road trip.

The pages ask you to do things like see how many folds you can put in a page, or how to make an origami crane. There are weird things like drawing the contents of your stomach, or what your tattoo would look like (if you could get one). There are things like drawing all the furniture in the room, or drawing your favorite painting.

I guess my only issue might be calling it a journal due to the lack of actual writing that it asks the user to do. It's almost completely drawing or crafts. That's not a bad thing for a little creative mind, but creative writing exercises might have been fun. As it is, I can see a parent saving this short book in a memory box.

I received a review copy of this book from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.


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Snoopy Features as Master of Disguise (Peanuts Pocket)

author: Charles M. Schulz
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2003
rating: 3
read at: 2015/05/03
date added: 2015/05/03
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Snoopy Features as Master of Disguise' by Charles M. Schulz is a pocket edition of Peanuts reprints featuring Snoopy. It's a fun little book that harkens back to pocket book editions of comics I read years ago.

Snoopy is a master of disguise. Whether he is pretending to be Joe Cool, a surveyor or a famous surgeon. He is a hired hand that can't seem to use a shovel correctly. He is an astronaut. He is a grocery clerk who likes to comment on magazine reading customers. He is a veteran out drinking root beers with his fellow veterans. He is the Masked Marvel locked in an arm-wrestling contest with Lucy. He is all of these and more, and almost all of them "world famous."

It's a good little collection. Missing is the Red Baron, which is certainly a disguise Snoopy is known for, but there are plenty of other great Snoopy moments. A weird addition is a series featuring a girl named Tapioca Pudding. Snoopy eventually plays into it, but he's not around for quite a few pages. It seemed like an odd choice, but perhaps only certain years got licensed for this collection. Still, Peanuts is a classic, and it's good to see it getting any sort of reprint.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Open Road Integrated Media, Peanuts, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.



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Horrorstör

author: Grady Hendrix
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/03
date added: 2015/05/03
shelves:
review:
'Horrorstor' by Grady Hendrix is both a tongue in cheek look at the horrors of working retail, and also a horror novel involving wandering around an empty store at night. I liked it quite a bit.

Amy is marking time at big box furniture store Orsk , where the prices are lower than Ikea, and, the author assures us, that is where the resemblance ends. She is trying to 1) avoid her manager, who is out to fire her, 2) come up with the shortfall in her rent, 3) and get transferred back to the store she came from. When her manager Basil offers her the chance for overtime by investigating strange doings in the store during the nighttime hours, Amy can't pass up the opportunity for the double overtime. This is where all the horror aficionados scream "No! Don't do it!" because this is the set up for all the things that follow. She is stuck in the store with her manager Basil and overly cheerful cashier Ruth Anne. Unknowingly, a couple co-workers who want to make it famous in the ghost hunting game have also decided to spend the night. What follows is a gradual unfolding of events from slightly uneasy to outright terrifying. From strange graffiti appearing in the employee bathrooms to a showroom maze that seems intent on confusing Amy to torture and possible death.

The book is designed like an Ikea catalog. It includes all the things you might expect to find, and things you won't expect to find. The cheeriness of the catalog and ideals of the employee values, along with Amy's feelings of being trapped help to create a strange prison-like environment which fits perfectly with what happens later in the store. There is plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor for the horrors of working retail, and for fans of the store this book parodies. The humor is balanced with the horror and the evil that is found in the store is pretty grotesque and scary, so be warned about that. But for those who like their horror mixed with dark humor, this certainly fills the bill.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quirk Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this great ebook.



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