Book reviews written by anarresa

“The author's bias is that he believes America should provide health care for all, not an unreasonable bias. I liked his approach because he both participated in and interviewed members of various countries' health care systems, then took aspects of those sytems and described ways they are in use, or could be in use, in America.”

anarresa wrote this review 4 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )

Boston Noir (Akashic Noir)

by

Rated 2 stars

“This is actually my third attempt at the city noir series and I just find the stories TOO short. I can't get into any of them. I thought I would enjoy Boston more because I know the area, but that's not necessary. If you like short stories, go for it, go for all of the series, you'll like some but not others, it's worth a read. I prefer only four or so stories in a book this size.”

anarresa wrote this review Saturday, November 28 2009. ( reply | permalink )

Devices and Desires

by K. J. Parker

Rated 2 stars

“I want to enjoy this book, but just couldn't. The world is realistic, slightly medieval, and full of creative countries and peoples. The plot is complex and intriguing. It's the main character, he's just too unbelieveable. He's not even likeable so I can't forgive his impossibility. It's also very detailed and drags in some sections, but they can't be skimmed over because important details are hidden in the excess. The side characters aren't fully fleshed out yet, but I imagine they will be in future novels and they're more than sufficient for this story.
If you're bored or annoyed in the first couple chapters stop before you get sucked into the intrigue. If you're not bothered by the main character and the level of detail, you'll love it. I am going to search for a synopsis of the rest of the trilogy to see what happens without having to actually read the next books.”

anarresa wrote this review Friday, October 23 2009. ( reply | permalink )

Beneath the Bleeding

by Val McDermid

Rated 3 stars

“Probably my least favorite Tony Hill novel. Not bad, but something was missing making this just an average crime drama. Very nice crime though, creative.”

anarresa wrote this review Tuesday, October 6 2009. ( reply | permalink )

Cruise Confidential: A Hit Below the Waterline: Where the Crew Lives, Eats, Wars, and Parties. One Crazy Year Working on Cruise Ships (Travelers' Tales)

by Brian David Bruns

Rated 4 stars

“Fun story. A little heavy on the drinking and romantic musings, but the whole thing moves well along and is quite enjoyable.”

anarresa wrote this review Saturday, October 3 2009. ( reply | permalink )

I Believe In Yesterday: My Living Hell in Living History

by Tim Moore

Rated 4 stars

“Not the greatest writer (plus he's British so I had to re-read a couple sentences to get the slang) but such a fun and humorous adventure I just flew right through each chapter. It was in the Travel section of my library but it will appeal to history buffs and live action role-players (LARPers, you're mentioned!) as well.”

anarresa wrote this review Friday, September 25 2009. ( reply | permalink )

Power to Save the World: The Truth About Nuclear Energy

by Gwyneth Cravens

Rated 3 stars

“Incredibly detailed look at everything there is to know about nuclear energy. Perhaps too detailed, it's quite long and I hate having to skim over parts. She is very descriptive in her interviewees' backgrounds, it helps to know their experience and education before hearing their opinion (or their facts). Very accessible to the non-scientific reader, there several figures to go along with some concepts and descriptions. Some parts are a little dull for any scientist, I'm a straight biologist and there were bits in there from high school physics. Good overall.”

anarresa wrote this review Saturday, August 22 2009. ( reply | permalink )

Moveable Feasts

by Sarah Murray

Rated 4 stars

“This is quite interesting and a surprisingly fun read. The chapters are based on common foods (bananas, canned tomatoes, tea...) but wind up meandering from MREs to Indian lunch deliveries to cold war food drops, somewhat seamlessly. It's very informative and enjoyable, I got it from the library but it might be worth purchasing.”

anarresa wrote this review Sunday, July 5 2009. ( reply | permalink )

Don't Go There!: The Travel Detective's Essential Guide to the Must-Miss Places of the World

by Peter Greenberg

Rated 2 stars

“A collection of short articles more than a book. As well done as it could be, with little story insets and a sense of humor, but not at all worth purchasing Even from the library it's just a quick scan, not a good read. The statistics and information will probably date quickly so pick it up fast if it interests you.”

anarresa wrote this review Friday, July 3 2009. ( reply | permalink )

Furies of Calderon

by Jim Butcher

Rated 3 stars

“I needed a 2.5 star, "it's OK" rating for this book. Fairly standard fantasy fare, largish cast, some timeline/shifting problems in the writing (because of the multiple points of view), some creative bits but I would likely forget the book in a year or two. Perhaps it's meant for young adults? It certainly would be interesting and appropriate for teens. I think the Dresden Files are more exciting and creative, though both series are easy reads. I may give the next book a try at the beach or something.”

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anarresa

Reviews

The Healing of America

by T. R. Reid

anarresa wrote this review 4 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )

Boston Noir (Akashic Noir)

by

anarresa wrote this review Saturday, November 28 2009. ( reply | permalink )