Archives for Book Reviews category
Posted on 2010 under Book Reviews |
25
Jul
A boy and his Opus
A lot of things happened in the eighties. Pac man was big, as was rubik’s cube. Walter Cronkite retired after nineteen years doing the news and Harrison Ford stared in Raiders. Meryl Streep took home…..well everything. My dad cast his first vote and Ronald Regan was president. (Please note, dad says he is not to be held responsible for that last one.)
And a young college student set out writing one really cool and funny comic strip, then went on to write screen plays, novels, ect. His characters have become American icons, say one of their names and people all over the world know who you are talking about.
This time around I thought I would review a book collection of one of dad and Jenny’s favorite strips.
Bloom County The complete collection volume one. By Berkeley Breathed.
Review by Darcy Low
The book has comic strips from Mr Breathed very first comics that he did in his college paper, up to 1982. His first drawings were funny, but doesn’t look at all like they do later on. But you can still see his humor and a few of his characters that he stuck with.
The book starts out with even more of a treat after, we get to see for the first time anywhere; six comic strips he did “For emergencies” ; which means these are one papers can use when they need one quick. I guess cartoonist have to do that, i mean think about it; they must have to do a lot and turn them in at once? Just to keep up.
Read more… »
Posted on 2010 under Book Reviews |
19
Jun
Hey Guys,
I hope your summer is going good so far. Been having fun here, pretty busy but still making time to read as much as I can.
I wanted to tell you about this book I just finished that I think you guys will really like, it was a birthday gift to me from Uncle Mike and Aunt Lori. (Major hugs for sending me a great book!)This time around we head back into space, and visit a rocket ship full of teens. They are the earth’s last hope for …… well let’s just see shall we?
The web of Titan – by Dom Testa
A book review by Darcy Low
“When the tail of the comet Bhaktul flicks though Earth’s atmosphere, deadly particles are left in it’s wake. Suddenly mankind is confronted with a virus that devastates the adult population. Only those under the age of eighteen seem to be immune. Desperate to save humanity, a renowned scientist proposes a bold plan: to create a ship that will carry a crew of 251 teenagers to a home in a distant solar system. Two years later, the Galahad and it’s crew, none of eighteen; is launched.”
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Posted on 2010 under Book Reviews |
17
Jun
Dragons, Dwarves and wizened thirteen year olds
Hey guys,
Well since Ashley and I are in a contest to see who can read the most books this summer, you get to see what I am reading in the order I read it. I am more than likely lose some greek creed on this one, seeing how I never read any of the books until now. But with this version of the first book; I think I might have found a gateway. A gateway into a really cool world full of dragons, lost gods, magic, adventure, and “Wizened thirteen year olds.” This time around, I am going to take you to Krynn. As we discover.
Dragonlance : Dragons of autumn twilight. (A graphic novel)
Reviewed by Darcy Low
” A dark and perilous time has dawned in a world beloved by fantasy readers the world over. Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman’s realm of Krynn has fallen under the shadow of war, as vile creatures threaten once peaceful citizens. Now, a unlikely band of companions must embark on a desperate quest. Or watch as all they hold dear is consumed in flame.” – From the back cover.
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Hi everyone! This time, I have a whole lot of great voicemails from Gary and Tim about a lot of recent topics. Gary tells us about his gardening experience with his kids, bemoans the popularity of SillyBands, and calls me out on using the kids as an excuse to collect American Girls stuff and Galactic Heroes figures. Then I compliment Darcy on the great batch of stuff she sent the kids for Amanda’s birthday, and let her know I swiped the Girl Genius comic (It won a HUGO!).
After that, Tim discusses what kids are really good for, and thanks Darcy for reminding him of his and Jenny’s first wedding anniversary (Congrats to you!). After I wistfully discuss the oil drilling disaster in the gulf, Tim lets us know of a great opportunity to catch Jacques Cousteau’s great documentary on the oceans, “Under the Sea,” on June 11.
Call or email me if you have any opinion on which video game franchises you think need a break, or just need to die. Wyatt has a rant on this subject that I am going to do a special episode on soon, and we would love your opinions!
Don’t forget – you have until June 1 to nominate your favorite podcasts for a Parsec Award! I’m not eligible, so I’m not asking for me – I’m asking for all those other great shows that you listen to and love!
Please email me with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek – at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums. And last but not least, you can follow me on Twitter at SusietheGeek or the show at HowToGrowGeek!
Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton
Promos: MilkCartonTV and The Parsec Awards
Posted on 2010 under Book Reviews |
25
May
Stardust – A graphic novel review
Hey guys,
I still have a bad chest cold, but I am still able to give you news on great books to read. This one I am sure everyone knows the story of, or at least has seen the very funny movie that was based on it. But this book is a little different, as all books are from movies. This book brings the novel to life, and really pulls the reader in.
Stardust – the Graphic novel.
A book review by Darcy Low
Stardust is set in the English like village of Wall. It is a quite and humble place. Cobblestone streets, hardy and good people; and then there is the wall that is the border between our world and the world of fairy and gives the town it’s name. The wall itself completely cuts off access with the exception of one small place where there is a gap. The villagers have for centuries set two men from the village to guard this gap at all hours, to make sure no one goes in and nothing goes out. every nine years, though; there is a market day where the gap is open to anyone and the people of our world can cross over and see the wonders of the fairy realm and bring back all manners of magic items and trinkets. The system has worked out very well, with very little trouble for all the years.
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Posted on 2010 under Book Reviews |
28
Feb
The spy who wanted to be a schoolboy
Hey guys,
Thought I would do another book review for you, I have been reading a lot. Just have not have time to write stuff up. But I finished the second book in one of my favorite series, so I had to share.
Point Blank (A Alex Rider novel) – a review by Darcy Low
“Trapped! When an investigation into a series of mysterious deaths leads agents to an elite prep school for rebellious kids, MI6 assigns Alex Rider; fourteen year old reluctant spy to the case. Before he knows it, Alex is stuck in a boarding school high atop the Swiss Alps with the sons of the rich and powerful, and something feels wrong. Very wrong. These former juvenile delinquents have turned well behaved, studious…..and identical overnight. It’s up to Alex to find out who is masterminding this evil plot; before they find him. The clock is ticking, but this time; is Alex’s luck about to run out?”
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Spoiler Alert!
This episode, we focus first on the movie of the first book in the Percy Jackson series,Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief, by Rick Riordan. Amanda helps me review the movie just released, and we go over the similarities and differences from the book version. Then Gary calls in with a great overall review of the movie’s watchability and general quality as a movie itself. Thanks Gary! We think that this movie is definitely watchable for kids, and the books are a must-get!
Don’t forget – Feb. 27 is The BOOM EFFECT Auction! For details visit the website here! Come with your heart and wallet open!
Please email me with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek – at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums. And last but not least, you can follow me on Twitter at SusietheGeek or the show at HowToGrowGeek!
Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton
Promos: The Boom Effect Auction and The Chronic Rift
Sponsor: Try GotoAssist Express free for 30 days!
Spoiler Alert!
This episode, we focus first on the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, The Lightening Thief, by Rick Riordan. Amanda helps me review the book in preparation for us seeing the movie just released, and we even tackle the inevitable comparison to Harry Potter.
Then Wyatt calls in to tell us about the Alien vs. Predator demo, which is suitable for teens. And finally Kevin reviews the original Halo game, as he is now catching up with the series very slowly. I did edit this a little, and you can hear some of Kevin uncut in an upcoming new promo for HTGYG!
Please email me with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek – at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums. And last but not least, you can follow me on Twitter at SusietheGeek or the show at HowToGrowGeek!
Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton
Promos: The Boom Effect Auction
Posted on 2010 under Book Reviews |
18
Jan
Hey guys,
Got another book review for you, and I think you will really like this one a lot. It is an action packed fantasy adventure, written by the son of someone I am sure you all know. It is full of Magic, Pirates, Demons, a boy with a secret and a story within a story. Sound good? Let’s get started.
The Stowaway – A book review by Darcy Low
“Barely a teen and already guarding a secret that could jeopardize his young life, Maimun is marked for death. With the help of a mysterious stranger, the boy escapes his village and flees out to sea, stowing away on the pirate hunting ship, Sea Sprite, where he comes across a most unlikely ally: the dark elf Drizzt Do’Urden. With a half-demon determined to destroy him, and a crew of sailors resentful of the trouble he’s caused, Maimun must find the courage to prove his worth, both to his friends and to himself.”
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Posted on 2009 under Book Reviews, Podcast Reviews |
14
Dec
Hi guys,
As promised I am back again with another review, but this time it is going to be something completely different. Yep, this time you are not going to get one review, but three! Read on and you will see.
The Tales of the Rad Panda – The Crime Cabal.
A book review by Darcy Low.
From the back of the book: “Even the united remnants of Toronto’s defeated underworld couldn’t resist the city’s masked protectors. But when they join with the murderous might of some of the masked man’s deadliest foes, can even the Red Panda match the strength of the Crime Cabal?”
Read more… »
