24) White Coat: Becoming a Doctor at Harvard Medical School by Ellen Rothman

Rothman provides a stark, plantive and humble account of her journey through medical school. It helped steady my thoughts about entering medical school and more fully understand the challenges to come. I would consider the book a relatively swift read, for her writing style is straight forward and consise. Personally, I also consider her writing style a tad restrictive at times - for it felt repetitive, especially during her introductory descriptions of people. Beyond that, I felt it was an overall solid book and an inviting read.

25) Wizard and Glass by Stephen King

I know people have their reservations regarding this book, due to its flashback into Roland's past, but I certainly found it delightful! Talk about a western smashed with a post-apocalyptic world - and something strange and wonderful comes out. The further I travel down the pat to the Dark Tower, the more I liken my life to this journey. The parallels are becoming uncanny.... :D King's writing is always addictively amazing and I can only look forward to the next three volumes with dry-mouthed anticipation.

26) Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

Well, I thought I was going to start The Wolves of Calla by King, but somehow this novel interjected and got finished in between. :D It was a trip to a very different world than the dusty plains of Mid-World. I have already gushed my praise over Sanderson's Elantris, the book in which he broke into the fantasy scene, and this book proves itself just as extraordinary as his first. Sanderson's gift to the fantasy world is his ability to craft new magic systems. Let me tell you, having read shelves full of fantasy books, I've seen my fill of vague magicks doing vague and cliche things. This author thrusts you into a novel system and there's no stopping the fascination from there. In this standalone novel, colors serve as the basis for the magic. A person possessing Breath, which I likened to a soul, can gain more Breaths and thus attain different levels of awareness. Certain numbers of Breath can heighten one's senses, achieve perfect pitch, see the harmonics of color, and more fantastic things. There are so many implications to this color system, such as a script based on colors - readable only by those who have a certain amount of Breath.

This is only a scratch at the surface for the complexity Sanderson has fabricated into this fantastic world.

Politics, plot, characters - this book has it all. Action, love, religion - there is enough of everything to satisfy your palate.

As always, I give Sanderson's novel my highest recommendation.

-Lila

23) The Wastelands by Stephen King

Steadily, steadily, the series is picking up speed, dragging me in on a train (that's a pain ^^). I cannot put these books down!

*gobbles next book*

- Lila

16) Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson



Beyond wanting to chuck my computer out the window (due to problems pretty much stemming from my abuse ;p), everything that Sanderson has done, has said, is enough to cool my mind and make me breathe.


This is one spectacular piece. I urge you to read this, not as a fantasy book, but as a true work of literary art.

My god, my opinion of Mr. Sanderson simply hits the roof sometimes, just because I can't contain my enthusiasm having found an author I appreciate.

Ok.

Well, yes, I do have a list of authors I hold in high esteem - such as Gene Wolfe and Barbara Hambly. But, what really kills me is that Hambly is an author that help inspire him. (from his Blogger blog  Aug 25, 2007 - mistborn.blogspot.com/2007_08_01_archive.html ) I love seeing that connection, and it makes me respect Mr. Sanderson even more.

But, enough effusive shouts of praise, because this is what I have to say, if I were to bother the author again with a fan-born email.
 

Dear Mr. Sanderson,

I just can imagine that you would feel ever so slightly miffed to have fans effusing themselves and slavering away at your feet in pure devotion (surely they must do this); but I fear that in the next few sentences, I'm just about to do the same.

In all honesty, I thought Elantris was magnificent.

But, let me say, Mistborn totally blew past my love for Elantris by a couple windstorms. :D

I cannot quite articulate the magnitude of what I feel, but at least I can say, I am at the full lull of your characters and their stories. I feel very attuned to your writing, because I have strived hard to make sure for whatever little writings I do, my full effort is spent fleshing out characters who are believable and real, with their own set of motivations and flaws.

They are tangible. And they speak to the reader as a person could to another.

There's nothing more that I appreciate than being sucked into the author's world, and enjoying the immersive experience.

I fear (here, I may adopt the tone of a physician), there has been a dreadful consequence after I finished Mistborn. I am having an extraordinarily hard time coping with the fact that I am unable to find books suitable for my raised expectations.

I mean, what book can match the sheer amount of surprise I encountered within, let's say, the final chunk of pages. The subtle twists, revelations - pushed the capacity of my heart. The amount of thrill, anticipation, action, and dialogue ennervated me like no book ever has.

Reviewing such symptoms, like withdrawal, despondancy (in the face of books that aren't really up to par), and heart palpitations (just read it, and you'll see feel), I see there is one solution, and one solution only. 

Certainly, the proper course of action is to take in a healthy dose of the next book, in which I will definitely (and most gladly do so).

Wrapping up the mad ramblings of a faithful reader, I at least give you:

My highest regards,

Lila

Can I offer any higher recommendation?

I didn't think so.

Read it.


You will not be disappointed.

:D

-Lila

(Hot damn. I just want to know how this entry will read tomorrow, when I'm actually somewhat awake. Woo. I'll see!)
 

 

15) Yendi by Steven Brust



16) Teckla by Steven Brust



So, I feel slightly guilty. I should have written these entries right after I read the two books, but.... I didn't. So, I'm smooshing my review on the two books into one entry.


This is not to say that they are not good books. Considering the fact that they are well-written first person narratives, easily places these books high on my admiration list. By far, the adventure's provided by Brust's witty character, Vlad Taltos, are refreshing, surprising, and utterly human. 

Yes, human.

Because, Taltos is an assassin, but he has his motivations, origins, and humanity. And, there's a such thing as revival in case of an un-permanent death. Handy, eh?

Yendi focuses on the events leading up to Brust's first book: Jhereg. Teckla I believe happens somewhat after the two (but, don't take my word on it).

Returning to an aforementioned statement: I like how I am surprised. I do not find Brust's books very predictable and having spent a lifetime with my nose stuck fantasy novels - being surprised is.... surprising.

Unfortunately, (I'm so sorry Mr. Brust!), I feel that my new read, Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson, somewhat overshadows what should have been an effusive review of Brust's novels. Unfortunately the deadly combination of time and new interest dampened my enthusiasm. No offense meant - the Taltos novels are excellent reads and I give my full-hearted recommendation!

With great regret,

-Lila

To the readers out there who find bookshelves (and their dusty Gems) near and dear to their hearts:

Visit here: www.shelfari.com


You will find an amazing site that will keep your friends posted on what book you're reading, what book you have read, what book you want to read... and everything bookish!

*obsesses some more*

:D

-Lila

14) Jhereg by Steven Brust



In the wake of my mental destruction while scribing adversaria entry number 13, I find myself sufficiently calmed to present to you, my dear readers, an exemplary work of fantasy fiction. From the first page, the first sentence, to the final sentence, I was absolutely captivated. I am thankful for such talented writers in this world, for Steven Brust's introduction to his fantastic world is simply spectacular.

    "There is a similarity, if I may be permitted an excursion into tenuous metaphor, between the feel of a chilly breeze and the feel of a knife's blade, as either is laid across the back of the neck. I can call up memories of both, if I work at it. The chilly breeze is invariably going to be the more pleasant memory. For instance..."

    -Prologue of Jhereg

Following the main character, an assassin, from his point of view (I absolutely adore first person narratives - and well done ones too!), the dialogue is humorous, action-filled, politically infused, and overall engaging. I feel a true part of Vlad Taltos' world, for his eyes are mine, and together there is much to be seen. The characters are real and unique.

And guess what?

There were turns in the plot that were unpredictable! *Thank goodness!* There is no sense of cliche-ness in the magic of the world. Sure, it was familiar in the sense that I could somewhat understand how the magic worked, but, it was different enough that I said, "wow" at times. For example, the source of their power is reachable via an orb. This orb can sustain major magical efforts, or for a more practical sense, allow people to know what time is it. ;p

I am so incredibly excited to continue reading his series. Brust says that he did not write the books in chronological order, therefore you really could start wherever you chose. (He did provide the information that Taltos, Yendi, Jhereg, Teckla, Phoenix, Athyra, and Orca follow a chronological sequence - so maybe someday, I shall read them in that order for fun!)

*grins* I have found a gem!

-Lila

13) The Summoner by Gail Martin

"Run," the old woman hissed through broken teeth. "Run for your life."

    pg. 345

*rolls eyes* That about sums up my feelings on this book.

How sad is this? : I got more pleasure out of looking at the beautiful cover than actually reading this book.

(I'm sorry! I would hate to hear that as an author, but it is my honest opinion!) As a reader, I was severely disappointed on several counts.

Severely.


Currently I'm on page 422 out of 637. I don't even know why I pushed it that far. Around page 300, it suddenly occurred to me that - wow, I don't have any feelings for any characters whatsoever. For me, the value of a book comes with writing that literally takes me to that world. The characters become people that I know well and their world is one that is tangible. The plot must be structured against cliches and unpredictable. For me not to contain any feelings for the main character or his comrades quite irritates me. This book had stereotypical characters (an evil brother who usurps his father for the throne, a blamed younger brother - on the run (oh noes...) and he's wronged on the accounts of a murdered family, an evil sorcerer acting as a sinister presence behind the new regime) and it  was a cliche fantasy thriller - and it wasn't even that thrilling.

Seriously, if the main character died by falling down a hole or some other ignominious way, I would feel rather satisfied. "Good, he's gone and done. Now, I can pick something else up worth my valuable time."

Another thing: the writing. I do not exactly understand how this book got published. The words were simplistic. Nothing invigorated my word-thirsty mind. I simply stared at the sentences and got pissed off. Not to mention the number of sayings that forced me to look away and roll my eyes. Seriously? Can you get away with this?

I thought my blood was going to boil out of anger. (And yet, I hung on, hoping, just hoping the book would live up to its cover).


Nope. I'm done. (Actually, if it makes me angry enough now - it's probably healthier for me to stop). I'm just incredibly disappointed how a book with an incredible premise (I love necromancers like none other...) can fall so flat. I mean, I am arrogant enough to believe that I can write something better than this - and not be ashamed.

You see? It was bad.

Do I recommend it?

No.

Please, unless you have the time to kill or are really new to the fantasy genre, don't bother reading this book. (By the gods, hearing that come out of my mouth! O.O)  I think I need to curl up with a real book and get this stupidity out of my system. I swear my brain is melting, and my command over language is dying alongside it.

*huffs*

-Lila

12) Elantris by Brandon Sanderson



I sought a book that was different. I was tired of traditional fantasy, of traditional characters, of traditional roles and faces. I wanted something fresh, and by Domi, I found it in here. :D

    ELANTRIS was beautiful, once. It was called the city of the gods: a place of power, radiance, and magic. Visitors say that the very stones glowed with an inner light, and that the city contained wondrous arcane marvels. At night, Elantris shone like  a great silvery fire, visible from a great distance.

    Yet, as magnificent as Elantris had been, its inhabitants had been more so. Their hair a brilliant white, their skin an almost metallic silver, the Elantrians seemed to shine like the city itself. legend claimed that they were immortal, or at least nearly so. Their bodies healed quickly, and they were blessed with great strength, insight, and speed. They could perform magics with a bare wave of the hand; men visited Elantris from all across Opelon to receive Elantrian healings, food, or wisdom.
They were divinities.
 
    And anyone could become one.

    The Shaod, it was called. The Transformation. It struck randomly - usually at night, during the mysterious hours wen life slowed to rest. The Shaod could take beggar, craftsman, nobleman, or warrior. When it came, the fortunate person's life ended and began anew; he would discard his old, mundane existence and move to Elantris. Elantris, where he could live in bliss, rule in wisdom, and be worshiped for eternity.

    Eternity ended ten years ago.

I was first drawn by the cover, hopeful that this book will present me something different than normal fantasy fare. (Yes, I know I should never judge books by their covers... but the tantalizing prospect of a futuristic looking city masked in a book demarked fantasy gave a delightful lurch in my heart. I thought, maybe this will be some meld of science fiction and fantasy - just as I like it!) Opening the cover, Sanderson's dedication to his mother, in short claiming that his mother wished a doctor and ended up with a writer placed the final clinch in me. I thought of my own position, en route to medical school, yet I still feverishly devote time to my dear Abaeran and his worlds both in drawings and in words. Yes, I would read this book.

My few resisting thoughts that had persisted in my mind disappeared as I began reading. I wanted a book with characters who have motivations and reasons. I truly believe that everyone is human, no matter what side of the battlefield he comes from (and my philosophy extends to both fictional characters and real people). There is some root to reason (or unreason) - and this is precisely what the author did. He eventually explains (or at least hint) all character motivations.

The magic is vaguely familiar, like a sort of alchemy with glowing symbols, yet rich and different enough that I would call the magical system fresh. In addition, I liked the involvement and characterization of the city Elantris as a character herself, adding a dynamic that I have sought in books, but have never found. Again, this struck a chord with my own writings and personal imaginings of Abaeran's world, since I consider my cities as alive or at least like a greater organism built from the dynamic human beings living within (like cells in a body).

The characters themselves are thoroughly enjoyable. They are fully fleshed and real; their personalities lasting past the final pages of this book. (I only wish the character Hrathen had more time in the timeline of the novel...) I fell into the pace of the book satisfyingly. The pages disappeared, and I was part of a world that is rich and real. The variety of cultures are fantastic, and I definitely enjoyed learning of the distinctions of each.

I tend to gravitate towards authors like, but not limited to, Barbara Hambly and Gene Wolfe who add obscure words (enormously obscure words in Wolfe's case :D) to intensify their writings. Sanderson did not quite do this, but I found it (to my surprise) completely fine. His words flow easily and clearly - and cleanly. (I say quite because he did have plenty of words from native speakers of different lands' languages spread within the conversations. I had fun picking up and interpreting words, like kayana - all the more fun when I translated correctly! :P)

Plot wise - the complexity was utterly thrilling and satisfying! There were a number of threads to follow and in the end they tied together fantastically. It is not only a story of a kingdom, and a princess and a prince - generic faces of a familiar throne. No, instead factors like political unrest, religious tension and so many others fed upon each other, weaving here, there every where. Simply awesome. :D (Besides, the pacing in the end was brilliantly swift and I strive to provide that sort of speed for what I have in store of the conclusion of my writings.) I do hope for another book continuing in the wonderfully rich world of Opelon (and I sensed perhaps there could be? There were small frays of story threads that I feel can continue... *a hopeful grin*).

The glossary at the end sent shivers through my spine, because I had studied each symbol at the head of each chapter in search of meaning. There, at the end, the meanings and the ties with character and place names were clear.

My thoughts spin in a thousand different directions regarding this book. I did not expect much, and therefore was astounded to find myself thoroughly satisfied by this book. I give my full recommendation for all seeking a fantasy novel that stands well above the crowd of mundane stereotypical fodder (that have so thoroughly upset my literary stomach *grimaces*).

(I still have a foot stuck in the novel's world - so I beg pardon for any jumpiness here. Please understand my helter-skelter attempt to convey my excitement for having found such a rare gem, Kolo?)  :D

-Lila

11) The Dragons of Babel by Michael Stanwick

A war dragon of Babel crashes in the idyllic fields of a postindustrialized Faerie and, dragging himself into the nearest village, declares himself king and makes young Will his lieutenant. Nightly, he crawls inside the young fey's brain to get a measure of what his subjects think.

Forced out of his village, Will travels with female centaur soldiers, witnesses the violent clash of giants, and acquires a surrogate daughter, Esme, who has no knowledge of the past and may be immortal.

Evacuated to the Tower of Babel - infinitely high, infinitely vulgar, very much like New York City - Will meets the confidence trickster Nat Whilk. Inside the Dread Tower, Will becomes a hero to he homeless living in the tunnels under the city, rises as an underling to a politician, and meets his one true love - a high-elven woman whom he dare not aspire.

I have mixed reviews on this novel. First of all, it wasn't what I expected. I did anticipate the integration of our world with a fantasy world, but not quite to the strange meld of this book. My criticism (and this may well be directed as my own misunderstanding or misreading) is why have this blended world, a world like ours with Hard Rock Cafe t-shirts and Marlboro cigarettes mashed up with strange creatures. What is the reasoning behind such a blend other than it is the mythical city of Babel? To be honest, I got lost some point midway - a bit disoriented and directionless. The events, though well written seemed a little disjointed and I could not see where they were going until maybe the end. I believe if the book was a little longer, these pieces could have been put together more smoothly. Also, the ending was incredibly abrupt leaving me less than satisfied.

Stanwick is an incredible writer, and I don't want my words to detract that. I feel that this book had a lot of potential coursing beneath it and certain aspects simply prevented this book from being as good as it should have been. I have to admit I was a little weary of the sexual content that pervaded throughout the end. I felt distracted from the real story. Yea a little humor is fine (I liked the beginning where the main character runs into a group of female centaurs - their characterization was top notch as well as unique), but enough is enough.

This book is the sequel to The Iron Dragon's Daughter and I have a feeling that maybe if I read that book first, I may have gotten a better notion of this particular book.

So - my final verdict is - read this book. It has something to offer that no other books ever will. Sure, it is not a perfect product and I probably won't reread it, but it was still worthwhile to have done so.

10) Forever Odd by Dean Koontz

"I see dead people. But then, by God, I do something about it. Odd Thomas never asked for his special ability. He's just an ordinary guy trying to live a quiet life in the small desert town of Pico Mundo. Yet he feels an obligation to right by  his otherworldly confidants, and that's why he's won hearts on both sides of the divide between life and death. But when a childhood friend disappears, Odd discovers something worse than a dead body and embarks on a heart-stopping battle of will and wits with an enemy of exceptional cunning. In the hours to come there can be no innocent bystanders, and every sacrifice can tip the balance between despair and hope. You're invited on an unforgettable journey through a world of terror and transcendence to wonders beyond imagining. And you can have no better guide than Odd Thomas."

The first Koontz book I ever picked up was Dragontears sometime and somewhere in my dusty highschool library. I liked it and went on to read a bunch more by this prolific author. Of all the Koontz books I have read, my favorite has been Coldfire - by far. This one was good like all of Koontz's books but, I would not consider it extraordinary. It is simply an entertaining read, fast paced and adventurous. I definitely like the first person narrative which kept the book very personal and real. This book is the sequel to Odd Thomas and it is followed by Brother Odd.

Not a book that I will reread, nevertheless it is a satisfying read.

5) The Woman Who Swallowed a Toothbrush (and other bizarre medical cases) by Rob Myers



I'm not typically a person to read nonfiction.

At all.

Thus, for me to pick up this book and actually enjoy it is saying much! Truly, this book is a swift read. The stories (yes, they are true) are a collection of medical diagnoses that veered from norm. By a lot. Quite a few are amusing, some are gross, and a few are dark. Each is presented in a short narrative (a few pages) with the mystery unfolding before your eyes. I found it fun to guess what the proper diagnosis should be (and somewhat disappointed in getting them all wrong ;p). Myers does not push big words into the readers face. Instead, he presents the definition and then offers the proper (doctor-speak) term for it, making the whole book informative and educational!

I liked it - it was fun, it was different. Perhaps more nonfiction to come! :D

4) The OtherWorld by Mercedes Lackey, Mark Shepherd, and Holly Lisle

  

Lackey was my once long favorite author. She fell out of my radar after I tried (oh gods, I tried so hard...) to read Aerie. The first book of that particular series, Joust was pretty good, along with its sequel, Alta. The third book, Sanctuary, slightly annoyed me due to a severe lack of inventiveness and I never finished the fourth book. I usually don't put down a book after I start it, but Aerie was simply unreadable. Everything seemed to follow a sequence of events I already predicted in my mind and it simply was more a burden than an enjoyment. Thus, I never read Lackey's novels again, until I picked up this one (again).

I say again, since I actually read this novel when I was much younger. I loved it then, and now, I see why Lackey was my favorite author. She simply is the master of reality. Ironic, eh? Yea, I know what you are thinking. Realistic, and there is a horridly rendered elf on the front cover (the whites of his eyes are green, good gracious) with a flaming sword in one hand and a semi-automatic machine gun (I really don't know what it is...) in the other. To make matters worse (or better?), the whole cover is shiny; it's dipped in chrome, I swear. Mind you, the covers for the Bedlam Bard series, or Urban Fantasies, are enough to make a reader want to put the book down (and it's hard not to judge these books by their covers - I would not walk around with this book in hand; I fear I won't be taken seriously...).

But, aesthetic matters aside - Lackey is a bard, truly. She captured me with a story, with a believable plot (true that - even with elves walking among us!), and simply fun storytelling. This book has actually two separate "novels" of sorts within. Both hold their own weight and altogether, The OtherWorld is satisfying from start to end. Both feature a very real problem: child abuse. The first revolves around a fundamentalist Christian cult, and the second around abuse within a wealthy family. You will simply have to read it to find out what elves, racing cars, guns and magic have to do with each other. ^^

 It's is easy to get caught up in the whirl of emotions presented, and I am left wondering when I walk out my door, what the true identity of the person who passed me could be. (An elf - eek! :D )

-Lila

3) A Sleep of Stone by Louise Cooper



Of course I am extraordinarily fond of Cooper's Time Master Trilogy, thus I was quite excited when I found this at my local library's book sale. The story is sweet and reminiscent of classical folklore, featuring a  love story between Ghysla, a shapeshifting gremlin-like creature, and Prince Anyr. Unfortunately, her love is one-sided, for he never knows that the seal that gazed at him while he fished, or the doe that stayed at his side, or the bird that came to his shoulder were all Ghysla. At the news of Anyr's marriage with his true love, Sivorne, Ghysla plots to make Anyr hers. The events that follow are quite tragic...

While I liked Cooper's use of language, at times I felt that it was awkward in this particular book, like she tried to use more archaic words to convey the sense of time, but she did not quite have the skills to do so. I also felt that the characterization of Anyr, when he turns around and was understanding of Ghysla's plot even at the price of his love and bride, Sivorne, was unrealistic. I understood that Cooper wanted to place sympathy on Ghysla, but I don't think it was executed well. More time was needed for Anyr to realize the motivations behind Ghysla to truly make the book a heartwrencher.

I would recommend this book as a good read for younger readers for they will encounter vocabulary that's unique and feel familiar with the style of mythic storytelling, but I don't find myself wanting to reread it any time soon. It's short and sweet.

-Lila

2) Invasion of the Body Snatchers by Jack Finney

Slowly, very slowly, I am veering in the direction of the science fiction genre (yet, my greatest preference is that boundary between fantasy and science fiction - namely science fantasy and urban fantasy that utilizes the best aspects of both literary genres). I have very positive impressions on this classic science fiction novel, although I thought it would be a rather tough read. Overall, it is an enjoyable read, though it does not quite sate my  appetite for intellectual fulfillment.  However, what really drew me into the book was the first person narrative. I am always a sucker for the first person point of view, therefore I was quickly embraced by the conversational tone. The narrator is ordinary in most senses, even though he is a medical doctor. He does not bombard the reader with medical jargon, while references are still there to assert his knowledge. The narrator (Miles) can't help saying what he is familiar with. The invasion is unique and I do appreciate how the protagonist handled it. He continues to assert that he is not a 'movie-hero' or he can't do things out of the movies, which is a interesting touch.

From a reader's standpoint, I was surprised to find the author (perhaps) referring to himself in the narrative (?). Maybe? I'm not sure (hehehe). There's a character named Jack Belecic who possesses characteristics extraordinarily similar to the author, Jack Finney. For example, they are both around forty (the age which Finney would have been when the book was published) and both writers. At first, I thought it was a little strange, but then perhaps not. We have movies with directors acting in their own scripts. Who better to move the story the way it should? :D

I believe Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a book to be read, if not to just familiarize yourself with a classic in science fiction. There isn't much to glean out of it beyond an entertaining read, but sometimes that's enough. :D

Oh! I was also greatly reminded of Dean Koontz's novel The Taking which follows a dark and grittier path than this novel. If you enjoy this sort of fiction, I would follow up with Koontz's. It was a frightening read!

-Lila

In a not so subtle copying move of Riah's (remembrancer19 - *waves*) 50 books in a year, I'm attempting to catalog what books I have actually completed, which isn't much. I have my fingers bookmarking at least five different books simultaneously, yet none of them have quite finished due to attention issues and school/time issues.

However, it is to my great pride to say, yes, I have completed a novel in full! I think the last (new) things I read were the first two books of Janny Wurt's Light and Shadow Wars. The rest of the books I've read have all been rereads of my favorites.

Anyways, to cut to the chase.




-Lila