Sam Worden

• Rated 0 stars

“Not terribly exciting so far, but I'm pretty early in too. I need to brush up my skills before class starts in January.”

Sam Worden wrote this review Wednesday, April 17, 2013. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 0 stars

“I've just started this on audible. I'll update my review when I'm done.”

Sam Worden wrote this review Wednesday, April 17, 2013. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“This was a really eye-opening look at urban poverty in Chicago. It's kind of hard to believe that people live like this so nearby. Starts a little slow, but this book will stick with you long after you finish it.”

Sam Worden wrote this review Tuesday, April 16, 2013. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“A really fun read set in the Great Depression. Full of animals, romance, and sex, this book is a little bit like Sophie's Choice in a circus, only not quite as heartbreaking. The movie's not bad, but it's a little tamer than the book. Check it out.”

Sam Worden wrote this review Tuesday, April 16, 2013. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“This may have been the first Stephen King book I ever read. Considered by many to be his best work, it's a great ride. A huge, sprawling story filled with instantly understandable characters, both good and bad all dealing with the end of the world. A superflu wipes out 99% of the population, leaving the survivors to rebuild or complete the destruction. A very cool premise that barrels along at full speed until the slightly underwhelming ending. However, the journey is more important than the destination, and in this case the journey is incredible.”

Sam Worden wrote this review Thursday, April 4, 2013. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“I'm listening to the Audible version of this book now during my commute to and from school. It's kind of fun to hear Michael Kramer read, as I remember him from the Wheel of Time Books. I'm enjoying the book so far, which is kind of like a fantasy Ocean's Eleven in a world in which Frodo kept the Ring for himself so to speak. It gets a little geeky at times, though: Sanderson is really into the complexities of his magic systems, while I prefer my magic to be more enigmatic, a la The Lord of the Rings, or A Song of Ice and Fire. Still, the book is fast-paced, and has several enjoyable characters. I'll definitely start the second one as soon as I am finished with the first one.”

Sam Worden wrote this review Wednesday, April 17, 2013. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“I read this book while I was stuck in Iowa doing a Sinatra tour. A great intro to Stephen King, and as a bonus, it takes place in the high school in which I used to teach. They are making a new movie version of this now, which I have mixed feelings about. Do we really need another version? The original was pretty good. I'll still see it, though.
I guess I should say something about the book itself. It's been a while since I read it, but I remember really enjoying Carrie's growth from shy wallflower to powerful, psychotic rage-killer. It's a great revenge fantasy for anyone who's ever been picked on. Even so, it's still not pure escapism. There are consequences on all sides.”

Sam Worden wrote this review Thursday, April 4, 2013. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“I didn't really want to read this book. I wasn't in the mood for an inspirational look at one man's triumph over diversity. It struck me as the kind of thing we force on teenagers to make them see what they can accomplish if they really try. Well, I was wrong. I mean, the book is inspiring, but it's not preachy. Connolly's voice is simple, honest, and funny throughout, and the book is great fun. Definitely worth reading.”

Sam Worden wrote this review Monday, April 1, 2013. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Practically the definition of a page turner. When you finish this one, you will want to run out and grab the sequel right away. Good mystery, great characters, awesome pacing. A blast from beginning to end.”

Sam Worden wrote this review Friday, March 22, 2013. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“I think I read these books before the Hobbit, but I can't be 100% sure. I could say that these books are heavily influenced by The Lord of the Rings, but that applies to 99.9% of the epic fantasy genre. I will say that the tone is light here, more in line with the humor in The Hobbit, but with a greater focus on character and character growth than was present in The Hobbit. In many ways this series is similar to Harry Potter: it's got a great coming of age story, and the series is a blast from beginning to end.”

Sam Worden wrote this review Saturday, March 9, 2013. ( reply | permalink )