January 6, 2021 - The Art of Ghost of Tsushima
This was a gift, and I was pleased to receive it considering how much I enjoyed the source material. Japanese culture and history have always been fascinating to me. While I have not yet been able to travel there in person, I’ve used many sources to “travel” there through books, film, and art. While this book is art of a fictional version of Japanese culture, it does offer the viewer some insight into the beauty of Japan. The source material is a fantastic escape into the world of samurai intrigue many centuries ago on the island of Tsushima – even if you never play the game, I encourage you to check out this book of the game’s art.
The Art of Ghost of Tsushima by Sucker Punch Productions | Goodreads
This was a gift, and I was pleased to receive it considering how much I enjoyed the source material. Japanese culture and history have always been fascinating to me. While I have not yet been able to travel there in person, I’ve used many sources to “travel” there through books, film, and art. While this book is art of a fictional version of Japanese culture, it does offer the viewer some insight into the beauty of Japan. The source material is a fantastic escape into the world of samurai intrigue many centuries ago on the island of Tsushima – even if you never play the game, I encourage you to check out this book of the game’s art.
The Art of Ghost of Tsushima by Sucker Punch Productions | Goodreads
January 5, 2021 - The Queen's Gambit - by Walter Tevis
I recently watched the recently released Netflix series by the same name, and I was impressed. The acting, direction, pacing, and attention to detail are worth watching. Of course, after reading the book, I can see why the show did so well.
The book, though, is a masterpiece of writing, in my opinion. Tevis’s pacing and ability to capture a scene is interesting to study and a joy to read. It is interesting to see the game of chess, in my view, become a character itself. Beth, the main character, not only struggles with her own internal and external conflicts, but she has conflicts with chess. How to get better. How to overcome its seemingly infinite possibilities to see cracks in her own weaknesses and her opponents’ weaknesses or mistakes.
Even if you don’t enjoy chess (or even games) you’ll likely enjoy this story. It is a story that can resonate with anyone – how to overcome life’s challenges, despite being knocked down on occasion. How to learn how to ask for help and accept help that is offered in order to become a better person. To see how much time it takes to become better a something, and that no matter how much natural talent someone has, any skill requires many hours of singular focus.
Considering how closely the show used the book, that alone should be enough of an indication to the book’s quality. Adaptations are hard – they usually fail in many cases, especially in the book to movie/show format. Things that are changed for the sake of the show’s needs, etc.; however, this book’s quality needed very few changes.
The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis | Goodreads
I recently watched the recently released Netflix series by the same name, and I was impressed. The acting, direction, pacing, and attention to detail are worth watching. Of course, after reading the book, I can see why the show did so well.
The book, though, is a masterpiece of writing, in my opinion. Tevis’s pacing and ability to capture a scene is interesting to study and a joy to read. It is interesting to see the game of chess, in my view, become a character itself. Beth, the main character, not only struggles with her own internal and external conflicts, but she has conflicts with chess. How to get better. How to overcome its seemingly infinite possibilities to see cracks in her own weaknesses and her opponents’ weaknesses or mistakes.
Even if you don’t enjoy chess (or even games) you’ll likely enjoy this story. It is a story that can resonate with anyone – how to overcome life’s challenges, despite being knocked down on occasion. How to learn how to ask for help and accept help that is offered in order to become a better person. To see how much time it takes to become better a something, and that no matter how much natural talent someone has, any skill requires many hours of singular focus.
Considering how closely the show used the book, that alone should be enough of an indication to the book’s quality. Adaptations are hard – they usually fail in many cases, especially in the book to movie/show format. Things that are changed for the sake of the show’s needs, etc.; however, this book’s quality needed very few changes.
The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis | Goodreads
December 14, 2020 - The Invisible Life of Addie Larue - by V. E. Schwab
My first foray into Schwab's work. Well-written fantasy about a young woman who makes a decision that will haunt her for centuries. I don't want to offer too much information, so as to not spoil the story. Highly recommended!
My first foray into Schwab's work. Well-written fantasy about a young woman who makes a decision that will haunt her for centuries. I don't want to offer too much information, so as to not spoil the story. Highly recommended!
December 13, 2020 - A Guide to the Good Life - by William B. Irvine
Since my undergraduate studies of philosophy, I have been fascinated by Stoicism; however, very little of the Stoics was covered in any particular class. Professor Irvine, fortunately, realized that the Stoics were not being given their proper treatment. He has written numerous volumes on how Stoicism can relate to your life and how you can implement the philosophy of tranquility into your own life. This particular volume is eye-opening insofar that it helps one understand that certain difficulties in life, such as being insulted, can be shrugged off. Negative visualization is a practice that can be exceptionally helpful to those seeking to appreciate life more fully.
I highly encourage this volume.
Since my undergraduate studies of philosophy, I have been fascinated by Stoicism; however, very little of the Stoics was covered in any particular class. Professor Irvine, fortunately, realized that the Stoics were not being given their proper treatment. He has written numerous volumes on how Stoicism can relate to your life and how you can implement the philosophy of tranquility into your own life. This particular volume is eye-opening insofar that it helps one understand that certain difficulties in life, such as being insulted, can be shrugged off. Negative visualization is a practice that can be exceptionally helpful to those seeking to appreciate life more fully.
I highly encourage this volume.
November 17, 2020 - The Last of Us Part 2 - by Naughty Dog Games
I am hesitant to include a video game review here, as my focus is on books; however, when a story, no matter the format, is presented in this way, then I will do my best to offer folks a glimpse of other media that offers a wealth of storytelling and fantastic gameplay.
Simply put, this is one of the best games I’ve played on any gaming system. (While I don’t play many games anymore, I do seek out anything that will broaden my storytelling ability – this game is one of those things.) It was released in June 2020, and it has already gained a wide variety of positive reviews.
It is, of course, a sequel to The Last of Us, which arrived in mid-2013 and was considered the best game of that year. Fans of Part 1 waited eagerly since 2013 for this sequel. Naughty Dog did not disappoint. If anything, Part 1, in my mind, is the prologue to this fine game. (Part 1 is also one of my favorites, too, for reasons I’ll delve into below.) Part 2 takes the main characters of Part 1 – Joel and Ellie – and puts them though a path of destruction, which I will not spoil for those willing to give the game a chance. It also introduces another main character – Abby – whose story I will not spoil, but it is heart-wrenching and ties back to Part 1 in an unexpected, yet perfect way. In essence, Part 2 took all the best portions of Part 1 and enhanced them into what I would consider a masterpiece of storytelling, art, and gameplay. The game is beautiful visually; exploring the world within the game should offer any author inspiration in their own stories for how to show rather than tell.
Part 1 took traditional shooting/RPG games and stood the genre on its head. The gameplay itself was unique, but the storytelling of a world destroyed by a virus that mutated much of the human population into fearsome killing machines is a bit of zombie trope, but it is done in a new and exciting way. The bulk of the game is 20 years after the virus decimated humanity – humanity is still struggling with the aftereffects of nature taking its original place on earth rather than humanity attempting to have dominion over nature.
If you are not a gamer, these particular two games may change your desire to try something new. If you are a gamer, then these two games are a must-play.
I am hesitant to include a video game review here, as my focus is on books; however, when a story, no matter the format, is presented in this way, then I will do my best to offer folks a glimpse of other media that offers a wealth of storytelling and fantastic gameplay.
Simply put, this is one of the best games I’ve played on any gaming system. (While I don’t play many games anymore, I do seek out anything that will broaden my storytelling ability – this game is one of those things.) It was released in June 2020, and it has already gained a wide variety of positive reviews.
It is, of course, a sequel to The Last of Us, which arrived in mid-2013 and was considered the best game of that year. Fans of Part 1 waited eagerly since 2013 for this sequel. Naughty Dog did not disappoint. If anything, Part 1, in my mind, is the prologue to this fine game. (Part 1 is also one of my favorites, too, for reasons I’ll delve into below.) Part 2 takes the main characters of Part 1 – Joel and Ellie – and puts them though a path of destruction, which I will not spoil for those willing to give the game a chance. It also introduces another main character – Abby – whose story I will not spoil, but it is heart-wrenching and ties back to Part 1 in an unexpected, yet perfect way. In essence, Part 2 took all the best portions of Part 1 and enhanced them into what I would consider a masterpiece of storytelling, art, and gameplay. The game is beautiful visually; exploring the world within the game should offer any author inspiration in their own stories for how to show rather than tell.
Part 1 took traditional shooting/RPG games and stood the genre on its head. The gameplay itself was unique, but the storytelling of a world destroyed by a virus that mutated much of the human population into fearsome killing machines is a bit of zombie trope, but it is done in a new and exciting way. The bulk of the game is 20 years after the virus decimated humanity – humanity is still struggling with the aftereffects of nature taking its original place on earth rather than humanity attempting to have dominion over nature.
If you are not a gamer, these particular two games may change your desire to try something new. If you are a gamer, then these two games are a must-play.
November 15, 2020 - Sapiens: A Graphic History, The Birth of Humankind Volume One - by Yuval Noah Harari, David Vandermeulen, and Daniel Casanave
This first volume, which is a graphic novel adaption of Harari’s tome Sapiens, offers readers an excellent introduction into the species of Homo Sapiens. It clearly shows literally in a visual format how at least six various human species lived on planet earth while offers cogent ideas on how sapiens rose to the top. The cognitive revolution offers the most convincing theory for the rise. The tome covers a wealth of information and should be read by any person with a thirst for knowledge about humanity and the world its inhabits.
This first volume, which is a graphic novel adaption of Harari’s tome Sapiens, offers readers an excellent introduction into the species of Homo Sapiens. It clearly shows literally in a visual format how at least six various human species lived on planet earth while offers cogent ideas on how sapiens rose to the top. The cognitive revolution offers the most convincing theory for the rise. The tome covers a wealth of information and should be read by any person with a thirst for knowledge about humanity and the world its inhabits.
November 13, 2020 - A Life on Our Planet - by David Attenborough
This brief volume offers an excellent succinct view of one man's vision on how to to better humanity and the world.
While it is brief, take your time to enjoy each sentence as it will help you understand the larger picture, which includes how humanity has made terrible mistakes and how we can attempt to recover.
This brief volume offers an excellent succinct view of one man's vision on how to to better humanity and the world.
While it is brief, take your time to enjoy each sentence as it will help you understand the larger picture, which includes how humanity has made terrible mistakes and how we can attempt to recover.
November 11, 2020 - The Testaments - by Margaret Atwood
This second volume The Handmaid’s Tale is a well-written story. For any author to tackle a now-famous story of their own in such a way is fascinating to say the least.
If you enjoyed book 1, The Handmaid's Tale, then you’ll likely enjoy this one, too. Click here for the book link. Click here for The Handmaid's Tale.
This second volume The Handmaid’s Tale is a well-written story. For any author to tackle a now-famous story of their own in such a way is fascinating to say the least.
If you enjoyed book 1, The Handmaid's Tale, then you’ll likely enjoy this one, too. Click here for the book link. Click here for The Handmaid's Tale.
July 26, 2019 - Go Set a Watchmen - by Harper Lee
This novel is set years after Lee's monumental To Kill a Mockinbird. To say the least, it is worth a read, just don't expect it to be a sequel. This book follows its own path and had no intentions of following-up directly on the events of the first book. A short read and good story - I recommend with 3 out 5 stars.
This novel is set years after Lee's monumental To Kill a Mockinbird. To say the least, it is worth a read, just don't expect it to be a sequel. This book follows its own path and had no intentions of following-up directly on the events of the first book. A short read and good story - I recommend with 3 out 5 stars.
September 24, 2019 - Blood of Elves - Andrzej Sapkowski
Excellent novel in the Witcher series, and the first I've read in the series. The books led to vastly popular video game and soon-to-be move series on Netflix. If you are looking for a fascinating fantasy story filled with fascinating characters and magic, then look no further.
Excellent novel in the Witcher series, and the first I've read in the series. The books led to vastly popular video game and soon-to-be move series on Netflix. If you are looking for a fascinating fantasy story filled with fascinating characters and magic, then look no further.
