So, anyway... by John Cleese

If you enjoy Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Fawlty Towers, “Fish Called Wanda” or anything else that John Cleese was involved in you want to read this book.  The book is an autobiographical account of John Cleese life up through 2014.  He goes into great pains to describe the trials and tribulations of growing up in England as an only child with one dysfunctional parent.  He describes how his parents, being an only child, frequently moving to different houses or towns and how his schools had a major impact how his personality was formed.  He explains that his real passion is writing and acting was just a chance encounter that he stumbled into not once but several times.  In chronological order, he talks about the people he has met, what jobs that lead him into and how that encounter leads him to the next situation.  The connection from when he graduates from college to present is amazing how everything fell into place.   By far one of the more entertaining books I have read this year and yes, it is extremely funny as expected.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.

Dear Mister Essay Writer Guy by Dinty W. Moore

Not looking for an instructional writing book…you found it

Let me first start by quoting the author from one of his many letters, “I just spent a good five minutes trying to make sense of your question, after which I took a good shower, toweled off, and had a two-hour nap.  Now I think I am ready to tackle my answer: What?”  If you replace five minutes with thirty minutes and the question with a book, that would be my response to this book.  Maybe it is my fault, I was hoping for a lighthearted instructional book on writing.  The book about writing but the questions and answers seem to miss the mark in my option.  One question asked if it is possible to write a novel on cocktail napkins.  The author’s reply is on cocktail napkins but it takes 19 pages.  Funny yes, but the humor ended after the fourth napkin. 

There is one section I enjoyed, the authors essay called “Don’t Red this Essay”.  The message driven home is people no longer read for fun or enjoyment.  We no longer have time; our lives are full of text messages, emails, twitters, blogs, etc.  Yes, this is reading but not what most of us would call fun or enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.

Life on the Edge by Johnjoe McFadden and Jim Al-Khalili

If you have read Johnjoe McFadden’s “Quantum Evolution”, you will enjoy his new book “Life on the Edge”.  You do not need a doctorate or major in biology to appreciate this book.  Many of us have heard the term quantum mechanics, quantum evolution, quantum biology, etc. but most of us have little understanding how it applies to our lives.  The authors Johnjoe McFadden and Jim Al-Khalili lead you through examples most of us will understand to help grasp the ideas around quantum biology.  They begin with what is life then move on to the engines of life.  Further, into the book the authors use the example of robins migration and how they know when and where to migrate along with the connections to quantum biology.  They then explore the mind and its relationship with quantum biology.  They conclude the book with how life began and how the book got it name with a chapter talking about life on the edge of a storm, quantum life.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.

The Navy Seal Art of War by Rob Roy

While the title might imply war, the book is really about life.  This book is about the choices we make, the commitments we take on, and the interaction between others we have.  These things make up who we are and how we live.  The author, Chief Petty Officer (Ret.), explains many of the methods and training that goes into developing a Navy Seal.  Not everyone is physically or mentally able to pass the high demands needed for this elite group but we all can learn something from their training.  The author has design the book into short workable chapters that each chapter focuses on a specific topic.  If we could adapt this method of thinking, improve our communication and apply this to the many issues surrounding today’s businesses and our personal lives, we would see rapid improvements.  Focusing as a team, working towards common goals and being accountable for our actions drive many of the outcomes that we experience.  We can sit back and accept what is going on or you can do as the Navy Seals does and plan, prepare, work as a team, and drive towards the mission at hand.  A small book but full of some of the best advise you will ever see in writing. 

 I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.            

The Libarary at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

The Library at Mount Char is different or unique would probably be an understatement. The story is based on a God like figure with human form who has adopted twelve children, each child is trained in a special skill for the God like figure they call Father.  He houses them in his library like prisoners. While the Library at Mount Char is a fantasy/science fiction book that I found it dark and foreboding. Humor is minimal yet rarely changes the mood of the story. 

In the beginning, Father is missing.  No one knows where he has disappeared. If he does not come back, someone new will need to lead them. Who will be next in line?  While the character personalities are interesting, I did not find them believable in the role of people who would be helping a God like figure.  From the first page of this book, I was skeptical about the plot and execution.  Unfortunately, this did not change throughout the book.  The average book this size takes me no time to read but I had a hard time staying interested in this one.  The bottom line is not everyone finds death, rape and abuse as entertaining reading.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.

The Fold by Peter Clines

The Fold is in the classic style of the science fiction novels of the 50s and 60s.  I was pleased to see the author did not fall back on the same old time or space travel theme.  The story is set in modern times making it easier for the reader relate to but also brings back a little of the past as a reference.  While the main character maintains multiple layer of complexity, the author is able to bring out the more personal side rather than letting the characters strengths over power the story.  The supporting character were also well rounded, each adding they own spin on the plot.  The unknown behind the new technology helps to drive why this is such a mystery and why is it guarded so well.  I liked the author’s ability to bring reality into his story, there were issues, problems and glitches those are what fuel the story and motivate the reader to read on.  As a warning if you are looking for a book for a child, here are a few sex scenes and a fair amount of swearing.  While it did not hamper the story, it really didn’t add much to it either. 

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.             

Legend by Eric Blehm

We read, watch movies and pretend to be super heroes, but we are looking for heroes in the wrong place.  Legend is a novel about a real person, fact based story and the moral and ethics we all hope our children learn.  I have read several of the author’s books and I am pleased to see he did a masterful job at capturing the real Roy Benavidez story.  The book provides Roy’s childhood, losing both parents and being raised by other family members.  A t a very early age he learns about helping others and the family values that would guide him the rest of his life.   While his career in the military had, many difficulties he would always strive to fulfill his dream about being in the Special Forces.  After a serious injury that would have left most people mentally and physically disabled Roy kept going.  He overcame many physically limitations and is accepted as a Green Beret.   After being station in Vietnam he finds out a mission has gone bad and they need help extracting the men. Roy volunteers to help.  His efforts are inspiring and altruistic.  This proves we have real heroes around us.  We need to read more about this type of hero and less about a guy in a cape wearing leotards.   If you enjoy history, this book will captivate you.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.