50bookchallenge 2010: 20-35/50
So late posting these! Most of my reviews for these are cross-posted on Goodreads or in the "what I've read" list I've recently switched from Google Wave to Google Docs. Uh, enjoy?
20. The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It For Life by Twyla Tharp
This was a fun, inspirational read. It didn't make me rush to the blank page to write, but it did have some interesting ideas for artists of all kinds on how to be less fearful of starting, and more productive and consistent in practicing their art(s) of choice. Though her tone is conversational and pleasant to read, Tharp by no means coddles the reader. Her view of the artist's life is practical, grounded in good habits and the judicious use of play.
What interested me most about the ...more This was a fun, inspirational read. It didn't make me rush to the blank page to write, but it did have some interesting ideas for artists of all kinds on how to be less fearful of starting, and more productive and consistent in practicing their art(s) of choice. Though her tone is conversational and pleasant to read, Tharp by no means coddles the reader. Her view of the artist's life is practical, grounded in good habits and the judicious use of play.
What interested me most about the book was how Tharp's ideas about creativity have shaped her life as a dancer and artist. That aspect was fascinating to me, and her from-life illustrations were well done. I'm not used to reading about creativity from a dancer's perspective, so I'd recommend this book for that alone. As a creative manual, however, while Tharp's exercises and recommendations are good, there was little I'd not already seen in other, better (for me) writing books.
21. Dance with the Devil by Megan Derr
For some bizarre reason I didn't post a review of this, so I will mention a few things here. I read many of these stories originally on Derr's site, and loved them enough that when the book came out, I bought it. It was money well spent--I adored re-meeting everyone, laughing at the snark, and grinning like like an idiot at the romance. I love how detailed the world is, and that different kinds of fantasy creatures and magic types work, and seamlessly, in these stories.
22. Retribution (Refuge Shifters #2) by Carol Lynne (ebook)
...Okay, I apparently didn't post a review of this one, either. This, however, was likely because I didn't want to post a review saying "I read it so I could find out what happened, but once again, the plot's potential was offset by angst for angst's sake, lots of sex (the pool scene at the end still makes me wince and clench with discomfort), and poor handling. As much as I'd like to give the Refuge Shifters a third chance...I just can't. I felt like I was reading online homoerotic badfic. I know some people really liked the book (based on the goodreads ratings), so perhaps my disappointment is partly because I dislike the kind of book it was written to be. Still, I don't recommend this one.
23. Instructions by Neil Gaiman (children's picture book)
A fun book I read numerous times to the tykes while on the trip to Canada. Given the number of times I read it, I'm impressed I didn't start to dislike the book--not even a little bit! It's about what to do should you find yourself in faery, or living a fairy tale, and Charles Vess's illustrations are GORGEOUS and full of surprises, which goes very well with the straightforward, (British-y?) instructions. The book works well as a whole and as separate pieces. I like that.
24. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
(I guess these books were all from before I started writing out my post-reading thoughts?)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a year in the life of the author, who embarks on a year-long project to increase her happiness and generally enjoyment of life. I liked reading about each month's goals--which were a struggle, what she noticed about herself and her family related to particular goals, and what she learned through each experience. I'd recommend this, not only because it's a fun look at a woman's efforts to better herself and her life through a system, but also because if you're curious about other peoples' lives, I think you'll appreciate the inviting openness of Rubin's writing.
25. "Trial and Error" by Illian Obsidian (ebook short story)
...Yeah, I don't remember. Wait--this was the one about the two attorneys who spontaneously jumped into bed together! (I checked to be sure.) I remember mostly worrying about how their work was going to blow up in their faces for this, since they were working opposite sides of the same case. The premise just seemed unrealistic/faulty to me, so I couldn't enjoy the sex for worrying.
26. Disney's The Sorcerer's Apprentice film adaptation by James Ponti
This was a story I read to the tykes--a mid-level reader chapter book. I had fun reading it to Runa, who adored it. My overall memory of this book is of good fun. I enjoyed the action and the characters and the backstory. I actually think I didn't like the movie as much as this book...which is hilarious, since, well, this is an adaptation. Whatever. I still liked them both. ^_^
27. Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah and James Howe
(Ah, I started writing reviews with this one!)
I loved this book when I read it as a little girl. Remembering it as one of my favorites, I bought it to read to my little siblings on a road trip. Some of the references in the book probably went over my head at their age, but I enjoyed the story as much as the kids did. Bunnicula strikes a good balance between humor and child-appropriate mystery/thriller. Definitely a classic!
28. Savage Worlds: Explorer's Edition (tabletop RPG handbook)
The system is still a little confusing to me with the details, but the basics and the way characters are made seem quite fun. Also, there are lots of fun spin-offs in the Savage Worlds system, and some of them look particularly awesome. (See: "Rippers" and "Necessary Evil.") I want to run a game with this system for some friends of mine. Or, rather, I want to run a practice game with them as my guinea pigs. After which I'll run a more official game. :P
29. Lust Bites: Gay for Pay by Kim Dare (ebook)
Cute story, and an interesting view of D/s--both what it should be, and what it definitely isn’t. I liked the dynamic between the D and s, and the way the D got it into his sub’s head that he wanted him, not his money. The highlighting of mutual respect and the reassurance of being in control vs. not having to be in control was really interesting to read. A good balance of sex and plot, both of which were necessary to the other. Well done.
30. The Sight of Home by Sean Michael (ebook)
Too much sex, not enough plot. I had a lot of unanswered questions: why, if BlindMC is such a livewire in bed, did his ex get bored with him? Why, if the premise suggested the story would be about the book tour, and the two MCs getting to know each other, did we see mostly the BMC’s bedroom before the tour, and the hotel bedrooms during the tour, rather than learn anything about the tour or book BMC was promoting? Why do I know more about their sex lives than their personalities? And what will become of BMC should AssistantMC ever leave him alone for 2 minutes, as BMC is CLEARLY terrible about taking safety precautions for himself? I feel like as much as this story glorified BMC for being capable and beautiful despite not being able to see, it also made him seem really irresponsible because of things he didn’t take precautions about because he was blind. In conclusion: 90-odd pages of smut, with a few paragraphs of “plot” thrown in, does not a story make.
31. Talk Dirty To Me by Jack Greene (ebook)
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The main character’s progression from unsure and hopeful to confident, both on the phone and in real life, was well done. I like the way the phone sex was handled, and that despite the story’s premise, the the sex and plot were well balanced and well handled. The very end was rushed, a bit abrupt, but the rest of the book was good enough to outweigh that--good enough to have me rereading my favorite sections, only to realize I’d reread most of the story. I’d definitely read more by Jack Greene.
32. Legends of Blood by Bartlett and Idriceanu
Contained a lot of useful information, but some chapters were more interesting to read than others.
33. Midnight by Megan Derr
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Derr is amazing at characters, building fantasy worlds, and romance. For reasons relating to certain lyrics, Florence and the Machine’s song “Cosmic Love” was often in my head during the reading.
34. Vampires, Werewolves, and Zombies by Stuart A. Kallen (children's book)
Kids book. This book is unevenly written, and there are a surprising number of grammar and spelling mistakes given the book's short length. The last section, on zombies, is by far the best. It did a good job weaving the history of zombies and voodoo with the story it used to illustrate them. This section, to me, makes the book worth reading.
35. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
I got this book for one of my classes, but it looked interesting enough that I read it ahead of time. I liked it. It was a short, fast read, with the first two sections dedicated to recognizing and breaking through resistance. The first section, on forms resistance takes, was especially good for me to read; it pinpointed a lot of the things I do myself. I'm glad I read it.
The list sans reviews of what I read:
20. The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It For Life by Twyla Tharp
21. Dance with the Devil by Megan Derr
22. Retribution (Refuge Shifters #2) by Carol Lynne (ebook)
23. Instructions by Neil Gaiman (children's picture book)
24. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
25. "Trial and Error" by Illian Obsidian (ebook short story)
26. Disney's The Sorcerer's Apprentice film adaptation by James Ponti>
27. Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah and James Howe
28. Savage Worlds: Explorer's Edition (tabletop RPG handbook)
29. Lust Bites: Gay for Pay by Kim Dare (ebook)
30. The Sight of Home by Sean Michael (ebook)
31. Talk Dirty To Me by Jack Greene (ebook)
32. Legends of Blood by Bartlett and Idriceanu
33. Midnight by Megan Derr
34. Vampires, Werewolves, and Zombies by Stuart A. Kallen (children's book)
35. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
[Some of] What I'm currently reading:
- The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman
- Mean Streets by Jim Butcher, Simon R. Green, Kat Richardson, Thomas E. Sniegoski
20. The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It For Life by Twyla Tharp
This was a fun, inspirational read. It didn't make me rush to the blank page to write, but it did have some interesting ideas for artists of all kinds on how to be less fearful of starting, and more productive and consistent in practicing their art(s) of choice. Though her tone is conversational and pleasant to read, Tharp by no means coddles the reader. Her view of the artist's life is practical, grounded in good habits and the judicious use of play.
What interested me most about the ...more This was a fun, inspirational read. It didn't make me rush to the blank page to write, but it did have some interesting ideas for artists of all kinds on how to be less fearful of starting, and more productive and consistent in practicing their art(s) of choice. Though her tone is conversational and pleasant to read, Tharp by no means coddles the reader. Her view of the artist's life is practical, grounded in good habits and the judicious use of play.
What interested me most about the book was how Tharp's ideas about creativity have shaped her life as a dancer and artist. That aspect was fascinating to me, and her from-life illustrations were well done. I'm not used to reading about creativity from a dancer's perspective, so I'd recommend this book for that alone. As a creative manual, however, while Tharp's exercises and recommendations are good, there was little I'd not already seen in other, better (for me) writing books.
21. Dance with the Devil by Megan Derr
For some bizarre reason I didn't post a review of this, so I will mention a few things here. I read many of these stories originally on Derr's site, and loved them enough that when the book came out, I bought it. It was money well spent--I adored re-meeting everyone, laughing at the snark, and grinning like like an idiot at the romance. I love how detailed the world is, and that different kinds of fantasy creatures and magic types work, and seamlessly, in these stories.
22. Retribution (Refuge Shifters #2) by Carol Lynne (ebook)
...Okay, I apparently didn't post a review of this one, either. This, however, was likely because I didn't want to post a review saying "I read it so I could find out what happened, but once again, the plot's potential was offset by angst for angst's sake, lots of sex (the pool scene at the end still makes me wince and clench with discomfort), and poor handling. As much as I'd like to give the Refuge Shifters a third chance...I just can't. I felt like I was reading online homoerotic badfic. I know some people really liked the book (based on the goodreads ratings), so perhaps my disappointment is partly because I dislike the kind of book it was written to be. Still, I don't recommend this one.
23. Instructions by Neil Gaiman (children's picture book)
A fun book I read numerous times to the tykes while on the trip to Canada. Given the number of times I read it, I'm impressed I didn't start to dislike the book--not even a little bit! It's about what to do should you find yourself in faery, or living a fairy tale, and Charles Vess's illustrations are GORGEOUS and full of surprises, which goes very well with the straightforward, (British-y?) instructions. The book works well as a whole and as separate pieces. I like that.
24. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
(I guess these books were all from before I started writing out my post-reading thoughts?)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a year in the life of the author, who embarks on a year-long project to increase her happiness and generally enjoyment of life. I liked reading about each month's goals--which were a struggle, what she noticed about herself and her family related to particular goals, and what she learned through each experience. I'd recommend this, not only because it's a fun look at a woman's efforts to better herself and her life through a system, but also because if you're curious about other peoples' lives, I think you'll appreciate the inviting openness of Rubin's writing.
25. "Trial and Error" by Illian Obsidian (ebook short story)
...Yeah, I don't remember. Wait--this was the one about the two attorneys who spontaneously jumped into bed together! (I checked to be sure.) I remember mostly worrying about how their work was going to blow up in their faces for this, since they were working opposite sides of the same case. The premise just seemed unrealistic/faulty to me, so I couldn't enjoy the sex for worrying.
26. Disney's The Sorcerer's Apprentice film adaptation by James Ponti
This was a story I read to the tykes--a mid-level reader chapter book. I had fun reading it to Runa, who adored it. My overall memory of this book is of good fun. I enjoyed the action and the characters and the backstory. I actually think I didn't like the movie as much as this book...which is hilarious, since, well, this is an adaptation. Whatever. I still liked them both. ^_^
27. Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah and James Howe
(Ah, I started writing reviews with this one!)
I loved this book when I read it as a little girl. Remembering it as one of my favorites, I bought it to read to my little siblings on a road trip. Some of the references in the book probably went over my head at their age, but I enjoyed the story as much as the kids did. Bunnicula strikes a good balance between humor and child-appropriate mystery/thriller. Definitely a classic!
28. Savage Worlds: Explorer's Edition (tabletop RPG handbook)
The system is still a little confusing to me with the details, but the basics and the way characters are made seem quite fun. Also, there are lots of fun spin-offs in the Savage Worlds system, and some of them look particularly awesome. (See: "Rippers" and "Necessary Evil.") I want to run a game with this system for some friends of mine. Or, rather, I want to run a practice game with them as my guinea pigs. After which I'll run a more official game. :P
29. Lust Bites: Gay for Pay by Kim Dare (ebook)
Cute story, and an interesting view of D/s--both what it should be, and what it definitely isn’t. I liked the dynamic between the D and s, and the way the D got it into his sub’s head that he wanted him, not his money. The highlighting of mutual respect and the reassurance of being in control vs. not having to be in control was really interesting to read. A good balance of sex and plot, both of which were necessary to the other. Well done.
30. The Sight of Home by Sean Michael (ebook)
Too much sex, not enough plot. I had a lot of unanswered questions: why, if BlindMC is such a livewire in bed, did his ex get bored with him? Why, if the premise suggested the story would be about the book tour, and the two MCs getting to know each other, did we see mostly the BMC’s bedroom before the tour, and the hotel bedrooms during the tour, rather than learn anything about the tour or book BMC was promoting? Why do I know more about their sex lives than their personalities? And what will become of BMC should AssistantMC ever leave him alone for 2 minutes, as BMC is CLEARLY terrible about taking safety precautions for himself? I feel like as much as this story glorified BMC for being capable and beautiful despite not being able to see, it also made him seem really irresponsible because of things he didn’t take precautions about because he was blind. In conclusion: 90-odd pages of smut, with a few paragraphs of “plot” thrown in, does not a story make.
31. Talk Dirty To Me by Jack Greene (ebook)
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The main character’s progression from unsure and hopeful to confident, both on the phone and in real life, was well done. I like the way the phone sex was handled, and that despite the story’s premise, the the sex and plot were well balanced and well handled. The very end was rushed, a bit abrupt, but the rest of the book was good enough to outweigh that--good enough to have me rereading my favorite sections, only to realize I’d reread most of the story. I’d definitely read more by Jack Greene.
32. Legends of Blood by Bartlett and Idriceanu
Contained a lot of useful information, but some chapters were more interesting to read than others.
33. Midnight by Megan Derr
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Derr is amazing at characters, building fantasy worlds, and romance. For reasons relating to certain lyrics, Florence and the Machine’s song “Cosmic Love” was often in my head during the reading.
34. Vampires, Werewolves, and Zombies by Stuart A. Kallen (children's book)
Kids book. This book is unevenly written, and there are a surprising number of grammar and spelling mistakes given the book's short length. The last section, on zombies, is by far the best. It did a good job weaving the history of zombies and voodoo with the story it used to illustrate them. This section, to me, makes the book worth reading.
35. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
I got this book for one of my classes, but it looked interesting enough that I read it ahead of time. I liked it. It was a short, fast read, with the first two sections dedicated to recognizing and breaking through resistance. The first section, on forms resistance takes, was especially good for me to read; it pinpointed a lot of the things I do myself. I'm glad I read it.
The list sans reviews of what I read:
20. The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It For Life by Twyla Tharp
21. Dance with the Devil by Megan Derr
22. Retribution (Refuge Shifters #2) by Carol Lynne (ebook)
23. Instructions by Neil Gaiman (children's picture book)
24. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
25. "Trial and Error" by Illian Obsidian (ebook short story)
26. Disney's The Sorcerer's Apprentice film adaptation by James Ponti>
27. Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah and James Howe
28. Savage Worlds: Explorer's Edition (tabletop RPG handbook)
29. Lust Bites: Gay for Pay by Kim Dare (ebook)
30. The Sight of Home by Sean Michael (ebook)
31. Talk Dirty To Me by Jack Greene (ebook)
32. Legends of Blood by Bartlett and Idriceanu
33. Midnight by Megan Derr
34. Vampires, Werewolves, and Zombies by Stuart A. Kallen (children's book)
35. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
[Some of] What I'm currently reading:
- The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman
- Mean Streets by Jim Butcher, Simon R. Green, Kat Richardson, Thomas E. Sniegoski