4-22-05 The Spellsinger series Bks 1-3 by Alan Dean Foster - Fiction

4 - This is a great fantasy series, blending modern man with a fantasy realm. Jon Tom, a law student, is sucked into a world where animals talk and wear clothes and magic replaces science. He discovers he is a spellsinger in this world. It is also discovered that he's not so good at it. Foster's references to modern (80's) songs keeps the modern twist on this fantasy tale. The humor is enough to make you literally laugh out loud. A fairly clean series, a couple of swear words, a sexual referenc here and there (ususally by Mudge the otter), this is a great intro for kids/teens to fantasy books. Unfortunately, this series is out of print but I found mine in a used book store, so they are still out there.

3-19-05 Mystic and Rider by Sharon Shinn - Fiction

5 - A more traditional fantasy than most of her other books. This is an author that gets better with every book. The first in the Thirteen Houses series, Shinn introduces us to a world divided. Lords of the Twelve Houses are choosing sides for or against their king; mystics are fighting for their right to exist against the fearful and the religious. Her characters are well rounded and fleshed out more in each successive book.

3-15-05 The Last Dive by Bernie Chowdhury - Non-Fiction

5 - A facinating look at sport and technical diving and the ambitious and daring people who pursue it as a hobby or career. Paassion and obsession ride a very fine line in this story about a WWII vessel that was lost for decades. A search for history, money, and fame drive the people involved. This book shows that even the best and brightest can be overcome by passionate drive.

3-5-05 Still Life With Crows by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child - Fiction

5 - As usual, a gripping and thrilling story. Agent Pendergast is taking a "vacation" in Kansas. This story centers around a serial killer and a mystery surrounding an Indian massacre that took place near town. Corrie is introduced to us through Pendergast's need for an assistant familiar with the town and its people. She's a loner teen and a great addition to the cast of characters the authors have entwined with Pendergast.

2-27-05 Knight Life by Peter David - Fiction

5 - As always, it is a joy reading one of his books. this is a funny and quirky story about King Arthur and Merlin. It is set in present day New York City and King Arthur is running for mayor.

2-24-05 Vertical Run by Joseph Garber - Fiction

4 - This was a surprisingly good military thriller set in present day New York and taking place mostly in one building. Just a touch of virology too.

2-19-05 Tell No One by Harlan Cobin - Fiction

5 - This is an excellent thriller. He draws you in and just when you think you've got the story, he throws you a curve. Wonderful twists. He actually got me with one on the second-to-last page.

Angie made me do it. (Read Me)

OK. I am an avid book reader and movie watcher. I keep a book journal that I started in February 2005 and have read over 140 books in that time. Angie was a coworker at one of my jobs who discovered how much I read and used me for book recommendations. She saw my book journal once and told me I needed to post it online so that she could refer to it whenever she needed to find something new. So, here you go Angie!

The dates I put with the books are the dates I finished them. I rate each book 1-5, 1 being crap on paper and 5 being a required book in my personal library. Some of the books are listed more than once. That is because I felt a need to reread them, typically because of the mood they set or because the story and characters are so fantastic I feel a need to revisit them. Just a warning: some books are out of print or are advanced copies. If I know, I'll fill you in. All the opinions are my own and if you don't agree, tough crap. Actually, if you don't agree, respond. there is nothing more entertaining than a good, intelligent dialogue.

If you have any recommendations for me to read please let me know. I have a wide variety of interests and am always looking for new titles.