Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Michael, here is your new thread in 2015. Happy reading in the new year.

Our Required Format:

JANUARY

1. by Winston S. Churchill
Finish date: January 2015
Genre: (whatever genre the book happens to be)
Rating: A
Review: You can add text from a review you have written but no links to any review elsewhere even goodreads. And that is about it. Just make sure to number consecutively and just add the months.

I am back after being missing in action for the last part of the year. Life was pretty full on I was put in charge of removing Tobacco from our prison system. I took over the project after it had ground to a halt. It was a fairly steep learning curve and left not much time for what I love best reading and talking about books.

This year I am going to crack the magic 100 book mark. My best effort so far has been 87 so I need to pick up my game.

JANUARY

1. by Tim Willocks(no image)
Finish date: 7 January
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: C
Review: Never has a book given me such joy & pain as The Religion. Tim Willocks delivers a real mixed bag that sits on the precipice of an epic with the wasteland of mediocrity spreading out below.

So let’s have a look at what I liked about this book. I loved the characters as they were well fleshed out, each with their own back story that could easily become a book in their own right. The historical context was spot on with enough information given to let you get a good sense of the times. The action was fast and brutal without getting bogged down with a blow by blow report. At times the story flew right off the page and had me reading in a state of great excitement.

Now it is time for what I did not like about The Religion. This book is so, so, so long. Which is not by itself a bad thing, but boy can this author prattle on. I found myself at times during this book not caring about what was going on. Several times I nearly chucked up my hands in surrender to walk away never to return. This book in my humble opinion could have shed 200 odd pages without detracting from the story.

The Religion for me was far from an enlightening read. A real life Jekyll and Hide, combining what I love and detest about reading all in one book. Make sure you prepare before committing to this read. Because once you set off there is no turning back you are in for the long haul.

2. by Larry Correia
Finish date: 11 January
Genre: Action
Rating: A-
Review: Larry Correia man I have missed you and the Monster Hunter International serious. Reading Nemesis was like returning home after a bad day at work. This book had all the elements I have come to expect from the series. We have bad ass monsters trying to destroy the world, ultra-cool and hip monster hunters, action, suspense and that trade mark humour I have come to love.

Nemesis puts a new slant on the world of Monster Hunter International with the focus put on Franks. For those who are familiar with the series Frank’s role is normally that of a pain in the side of MHI. He is a Government man who only just tolerates our main heroes and would not shed a tear if they dropped dead.

This change of focus is well executed and adds a huge amount of value to the series. It ties in nicely with the story so far to date and is a delight to read. So if you are in the mood for some good ole fashion monster kicking action that will bring a smile to your dial, this is the book for you.

3. by Henry Marsh
Finish date: 11 January
Genre: Medical/Memoirs
Rating: B-
Review: I went into this book like a expect a lot of readers do knowing not much about Neurosurgery. Dr Marsh delivers a crash course for the layman in a way that engages the reader well. He is brutally honest about the high & lows of his career and I found his self-reflections very engaging. This book managed to bring a tear to my eye and had me laughing at loud, mind you not at the same time.

I was left with a much better understanding of the mysteries of the human brain and those who we rely to care for it. The author gets the mix spot on between the technical and personal sides of his profession.

I do think though the book could have been better structured with it jumping around his long career a bit too much for my liking. I also found that some of the facts were repeated over and over again. Overall an engaging and good read that just could have done with some tweaking.

4. by Tim McBain
Finish date: 16th January
Genre: Thriller
Rating: C-
Review: This book drops you right in the deep end feet first and leaves you to sink or swim. It took me a couple of chapters to get into this book as there is a lot going on, but once I did I was hooked.

The main character in this book has picked up a bad habitat of lately, he keeps having seizures. These seizures enter him into a dream world in which he inevitably ends up strangled to death. No matter what he does differently in the dream the end is always the same. If this was not bad enough these dreams have connected him to some sort of strange underworld and someone in it wants him dead for real.

This story has a great mix of characters that are at times uncomfortably familiar. Once I got into the grove of the story I found it very engaging. I have on complaint though I am not a big fan of a book that ends with more questions than answers. Yes I know it is a part of series but the book by itself does not feel complete. But putting that aside Fade to Black is a jolly good read.

5. by Andy Weir
Finish date: 17 January
Genre: Sci-Fi
Rating: A
Review: I was in two minds when I started reading this book. On one hand I was feeling sceptical as it has just recently bumped out my favourite author John Scalzi’s, to win the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ best Scifi book. On the other hand I was excited because it was the winner of the best Scifi book.

It did not take me long to see why it had got over the line. The books from the get go grabs you and takes you along for the ride. The author has obviously done a lot of research to add a layer of realism to this book and it works so well. The real stand out for me though is the main character. Mark Watney is one of the most realistic characters I have encountered in a book. It does not take long to take shine to this unfortunate botanist.

The book is written in a couple of different styles that work well together. I really enjoyed how the author patiently adds the layers to the story. This layering is very effective in building up the suspense and often had me reading way past my bedtime. But it is the humour of this book that makes truly a great read. I often found myself laughing out loud at the sarcastic comments coming out Watney's mouth. This humour for me is what made the character so realistic.

So well done Mr Weir on a great book. I will definitely be looking out for your next piece of work. This Martian is a well deserved winner of Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ best Scifi read for 2014.

Michael are you still interested in being an Admin for the audiobooks area you love? I did try to reach out to you but I thought you had fallen off the cliff in Tasmania where you live (lol)

Thanks for updating the month - pitch perfect now.

Then citation one: (you have no image - should be no photo) Where there is a book cover missing we use (no image) but with the author's photo (no photo)

by Tim Willocks (no photo)

Citation Five - pitch perfect - thanks.

Everything else A-OK - good progress.

Michael wrote: "I am back after being missing in action for the last part of the year. Life was pretty full on I was put in charge of removing Tobacco from our prison system. I took over the project after it had g..."

The Martian was wonderful; one of my two favorite SF books of last year, along with Red Rising.

by Andy Weir

by Pierce Brown

Peter and Michael, I added those two books on my list.

Oh, I am now reading MHI #2 and it is a fun series.

by Andy Weir

by Pierce Brown

by Larry Correia

Please to be of help Bryan. I will have to add by Pierce Brown to my TBR list Peter it sounds right up my alley.

It is good to see another fan of Larry Correia I now have a new book to add to TBR pile. Said in a good way!
Larry Correia

Kathy.....let's clean up that citation just a bit....

"It is good to see another fan of Larry Correia. I now have a new book to add to TBR pile. Said in a good way!

Larry Correia

Bentley wrote: "Michael are you still interested in being an Admin for the audiobooks area you love? I did try to reach out to you but I thought you had fallen off the cliff in Tasmania where you live (lol)"

Hi Bentley I would love to be an Admin for audiobooks.

Wonderful - I will send you the details on admins.

6. by Michael Robotham
Finish date: 27th January
Genre: Thriller
Rating: D+
Review: After seeing so many 5 star reviews about this book I took a seat in my reading chair and strapped in for the ride. But I should have put my slippers on and got a hot coca instead, as Life or Death delivers a very pedestrian paced story.

There were no surprises or plot twists to be found, no heart in your mouth moments and you knew how it would end way before the last chapter. The book spends most of its time in the past as a tool to expand and explain the now. While I am not adverse to this type of narrative in Life or Death I felt it needed to come with a spoiler alert. Overall my first disappointing read of the year.

FEBRUARY

7. by Brett Battles
Finish date: 2nd February
Genre: Sci-Fi, Alternative History
Rating: A
Review: Finally a time travel book that does not bore me to tears. Rewinder delivers a well-paced and intelligent narrative that explores the old question of what if?

The author sets the scene with a well thought out and developed alternative reality where the British Empire lives on. Within this narrative we are introduced to our main character that lives in the lower castes of society. He is introduced to a secret world in which his job is to travel through time and to check first hands historical facts. At first this new world is full of wonderment but as time passes cracks start to appear. What lies beneath these cracks is far from savoury and this is when the story really becomes interesting.

This book excels at exploring the butterfly ripple effect and by doing so develops a story that sets its hooks in and takes you along for the ride. Rewinder is a book that leaves you pondering about it long after it is back on the shelf gathering dust.

Awesome Michael, put February in caps and you got it.

8. by Mark Miodownik
Finish date: 5th February
Genre: Science, History
Rating: A
Review: Stuff is the sort of book I love and my family dread me reading. It is a book that is crammed with interesting facts and history of everyday items. Items that we take for granted and hardly give thought to. Take for example concrete. Think about the role this material plays in our life and then imaging life with out it......I know pretty mind blowing. Well I think it is even if my family think I am odd.

Mark Miodownik takes us on a scientific, historical, social and personal journey of some of our most important stuff to be found in our World. This book will have me boring people for years to come. I can't express how much enjoyment this book gave me. From the opening chapter you know you are in for a very unique read.

So do yourself a favour and pick this book up. You will be entertained and also learn things about stuff. Stuff that you will never look at the same way again, including the very material it is printed on.

9. by E.E. Giorgi
Finish date: 8th Febraury
Genre: Sci-Fi
Rating: B+
Review: This is my first book by E.E Giorgi and I am happy to say it will not be my last. Gene Cards delivers a smart futuristic thriller that ticks all the right boxes.

The world created by the author is a frightening amalgamation of global warming and science gone mad. We are immersed into this world with a combination of good character and story development. This is a story that is well thought and this shows in throughout the development of the plot. What I loved about this read was that the futuristic components were not that much of a stretch of one’s imagination. This lends to a more realistic feel to the plot.

Gene Cards will have you hooked to the end. I look forward to the delving back into this dystopian world soon.

Great progress Michael and reviews

Great reviews Michael!

Thanks Donna

Hi Bentley sorry that is why I mentioned nothing by name it was meant as putting into context my reviews.

I understand - I caught it - no worries.

10. by Johann Hari
Finish date: 16 February
Genre: Science, Medical, Social Issues
Rating: A+++
Review: Every now or then a book comes along that leaves you breathless and changes the way you look at the world. Chasing The Scream is one of those books a profound read that has made me rethink the war on drugs on made me look at how I carry out my own work.

The war on drugs whether you know it or not has changed the very nature of the society we live in. It has turned a health issue into one of crime and by doing so encouraged more crime and violence. The evidence gathered in this book is overwhelming and when coupled together with the stories gathered by the author make for an unforgettable read. I defy anyone to read this book and tell me the War on Drugs is right and just. The author not only gathers evidence and personal stories but also traces the history of the War on drugs to deliver a well rounded read.

As a Correctional officer that deals with the Drug Policy I thought I had a good grasp on this issues. I now find myself completely rethinking how we go about our drug policy and how we can move away from a punitive model to one that is supportive and understanding of drugs and addictions. I am in total awe of what Johann Hari has managed to deliver in this book and rate this as one of the most important books I have read.

Wow, that is some recommendation. Sounds great. Thanks for the review, Michael.

I have put it on my list, Michael. Thank you for the review.

My pleasure

You do not have to have a blank line after Review: - in fact your review can start a couple of spaces after the colon.

Ok

This is the standard: (no blank lines underneath Rating: and before Review: and no blank lines after Review:

Start the review a couple of spaces after Review:

JANUARY

1. by Winston S. Churchill
Finish date: January 2015
Genre: (whatever genre the book happens to be)
Rating: A
Review: You can add text from a review you have written but no links to any review elsewhere even goodreads. And that is about it. Just make sure to number consecutively and just add the months.

11. by Matt Gallagheruar
Finish date: 23rd February
Genre: Military, Iraq War
Rating:D-
Review: This book was a rarity for me it as it now belongs to a hand full of books I could not finish. No that’s a tad unfair it was a book I could NOT be bothered finishing. From the outset I found myself wanting to skip pages to see if this book improved and alas it did not.

The title to this book is completely misleading in my opinion, it led me to believe this was going to be another action packed true life story from within the suck. What I got instead is a story best suited to the blog from which the book was derived. If I knew the author then I am sure I would have found it fascinating to read what my friend was up to. As a true life story from a troop serving in Iraq this is by far the worst book I have read in the genre.

As I stated in the beginning after reading about 70% of this book I waved my little white flag and put it back on the book shelf. Why I can't recommend this book please don't write it off as it has got a high average rating it just was not my cup of chai.

12. by Hugh Howey
Finish date: 24th February
Genre: Sci-fi
Rating: B-
Review: Can Hugh Howey do no wrong? It appears not with another spellbinding story delivered on the pages of Sand. It is a very well thought and fresh storyline that delivers on numerous levels.

But why only three stars do I hear you ask? The book ends a bit too abruptly for me. Why there is nothing wrong with the end I feel there was still a lot more story to tell. Any other author I may have given 4 stars but as a seasoned Hugh Howey reader I rated it against his other offerings.

Despite the ending Hugh Howey delivers a story that is well balanced between plot and character development. The world he creates on the pages makes you feel that you can reach out and touch it. As the reader you feel the heat, the pressure and taste the sand as you submerge yourself into the world that is Sand.

13. by Talia Haven(no photo)
Finish date: 24th February
Genre: Short Story
Rating: B
Review: Mama Cried is yet another fine example of what can be achieved in the short story genre. The author delivers a mysterious story that slowly resolves itself as you progress. The end of this book is very powerful and moving and leaves you thinking about what could you forgive someone for.

So if you are looking for a short but powerful read then you cannot go pass Mama Cried. It is a fine example of what you can do deliver in a few pages.

Michael, you also didn't separate the bookcover, the word "by" and the author in the following way:

by Talia Haven (no photo)

Could you be kind and do it, please?

Ok I think I have it.

You do (congrats)

14. by Hans Goebeler (no photo)
Finish date: 27th February
Genre: WWII, History,
Rating: A
Review: This book delivers an excellent insight into what it was like to serve on one of Germany's U-boats during World War II. The author has written this book in the twilight of his life and as such has a great perspective tempered by time on this part of history.

What really stood out for me was the humility shown by the author and the respect he displays to those that make up his story regardless of what side they fought on. Also the icing on the cake in this story is how the author in his post war life worked hard to bring both sides together so they could respect, remember and celebrate those who did not return.

I also think that the author helps distinguish the difference between the Nazi's and those ordinary Germans that where caught up in the war. It is way too easy to label all those that fought for Germany as Nazi's and it is humbling to be reminded that this was not so. So if you are looking for a great insight into the life as a U-boat sailor this book is a great place to start.

That sounds right up my alley, Michael. I will try the library but it may be hard to find.

MARCH

15. by Phil Leonetti (no Photo)
Finish date: 7th March
Genre: True Crime
Rating: B
Review: Mafia Prince takes the reader into the secret world of La Cosa Nostra through one time mobster and FBI informant Phil "Crazy Phil" Leonetti. Phil does not hold back when describing the world he lived in and quite often you have to remind yourself that this is not fiction. The book is all the top Mafia movies rolled into one, being a cross between the Godfather and Goodfellas with a touch of the Sopranos.

What sets this book apart is that we see the transformation and realization of the author that there is more to life than the mob. This transformation see's him making a deal with the FBI after he his jailed for 40 years. This see's him becoming a rat and help bring down some of the biggest mobsters of the day. Now don't get me wrong this does not make him a saint. I am sure that under a different set of circumstances Leonetti would still be in the family.

While this book delivers a fascinating read it does have a few features that ended up grating on me. This mainly being the constant repeating of phrases and facts, with a bit of editing these could have avoided. Overall though Mafia Prince deliver a very satisfying read and is a must for anyone with an interest in the American Mafia.

16. by Tennent H. Bagley (no photo)
Finish date: 12 March
Genre: History, Cold War
Rating: C
Review: I opened this book with much excitement as I was returning to one of my favourite periods of history the Cold War. The book cover promised startling revelations and I looked forward to gaining this new knowledge. What I got was far from startling it was what you would have expected both the USA and USSR to have been doing in the war of espionage.

While the stories told in this book where interesting I found myself getting lost in all the names and dates that pepper the pages. I found it hard to keep track of who was who. The author does do a good job in covering all the different tactics that where employed in espionage war. The book never reaches the point where I was compelled to keep reading on.

Overall a good read but it did not deliver in my opinion what was advertised on the cover. It did though leave for me an intriguing question, what happened to those inside sources and double agents that where never found. Do they still to this day sleep with one eye open hoping their past never sees the light of the day?

17. by Rashad Freeman (no photo)
Finish date: 17th March
Genre: Post Apocalyptic
Rating: A
Review: This is the second book I have read from this author, and like the first it delivers a great story from the get go. Rashad Freeman has mastered the art of ending chapters on a cliff hanger that compel you to keep reading.

In this offering the author enters the crowded Post Apocalypse genre and manages to delivers a story that is fresh and engaging. True it does not break any new ground in this genre but the solid storyline and characters make for a very entertaining and suspense filled read.

If you want a fast paced thrilling read that screams entertainment then this is your book. I look forward to reading more of this series soon.

Good progress, Michael!

Thanks Michael

Jill wrote: "Good progress, Michael!"

Thanks Jill a little bit behind schedule but should catch up.

18. by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Finish date: 18th March
Genre: Post Apocalypse, Thriller
Rating: A
Review: This book is responsible for my tired and slightly cranky mood as I type this review. Nicholas Sansbury Smith has produced a book that I simply could not put down. This second book in the Extinction Cycle series powers on from its predecessor to deliver a first class story that mixes so many genres together seamlessly.

Extinction Edge pull together a touch of Post-Apocalypse, Sci-fi, Science, Thriller and Action to deliver a narrative that compels you to read on way past bedtime. Like all good series the main story-line continues to develop along with the main characters and ends leaving the reader wanting more. The author's ability to pull you into the story is what makes this book a fantastic 5 Star read. I look forward in seeing how this series evolves and adapts in it's next offering.

19. by A.G. Riddle
Finish date: 20th March
Genre: Sci-fi
Rating: A-
Review: The Atlantis Plague is the second offering from A.G Riddle in his Origin Mystery series. Like the first book A.G Riddle delivers a story full of twists and turns that keeps you engaged to the very last full stop.

What really impresses me about this book is how all the individual story threads are weaved into very strong tapestry worthy of the label epic. I was truly impressed at the depth of the narrative and the fullness of the world created by the author.

For me though, there was one glaring issued that kept me from giving five stars. Unlike a lot of other follow up books in series this one starts off exactly where the first book finished. Now that probably does not seem too many a issue. But for me those little tit-bits of back story so often used in the beginning of books in other series was missing. What this meant for me that it took a while for me to get back in the story as I felt I was playing catch-up.

With all that aside The Atlantis Plague is very fine example of intelligent and entertaining Science Fiction writing. I would encourage all to experience the Origin Series.

20. by Ludwik Kowalski (no photo)
Finish date: 21st March
Genre: Non-Fiction, History
Rating: D
Review: This is the second book this year I have not been able to finish. The book started off well enough giving a great overview of the Gulag system in Siberia. It gave very good insight into the reason behind setting these camps up in some of the most inhospitable places in the world.

So where did it all go wrong? For me it was the referencing system used in this book. It made no sense and made the read so frustrating that in the end I gave up. For example quite often he would write as “described in the book (9)�. This drove me so crazy I felt like pulling my hair out. It would have been bearable if (9) actually linked to the reference section so I could see what the book was. Sorry if I sound fussy, but really how hard would it have been to write the actual book title.

Apart from this the book started to wonder around the subject with no real clear direction. I hate not finishing a book but time reading time is at a premium for me at the moment.

21. by Judy Melinek (no photo)
Finish date: 24th March
Genre: Medical, Memoirs
Rating: A

Review: Working Stiff tells the story of a young Medical Forensic Examiner in her first two years of training in NYC. Judy Melinek does not hold back in this memoirs and the result is a fascinating and heart felt look into her life and profession. At times this book had me in tears as I read some of the cases she had to work on.

Yes she has some very firm views on suicide that may not sit comfortable with some of the audience. But with her personal experience in this matter one cannot blame her for that view.

What I truly found humbling about this book was how she wrote about her experience with the 9-11 tragedy. She did not down play its horror but neither did she allow it to dominate the book or overshadow the everyday tragedies she bore witness to. The couple of chapters dedicated to 9-11 where harrowing and some of the images that where conjured up in my imagination will stay with me for a very long time.

Overall Working Stiff delivers a deeply personal account of one Doctors induction into the world of Forensic Medical Examiners. I for one thank the author for giving us a view into this very difficult and technical line of work and the impact it has personally on her.

APRIL

22. by Sudhir Venkatesh
Finish Date: 4th April
Genre: Sociology, Science
Rating: A-

Review: Sudhir Venkatesh once again shows his ability to take academic learning from the classroom to the streets and put a real life spin on it. In this book he takes sociology to a whole new level by becoming a part of the community he was studying. Ignoring all safety warning Sudhir enters the projects to see how it works from the street level.

I can hear all the academic minded screaming "NO, NO, NO" you cannot become a part of what you are studying. To them I say this book is a shining example of what can be produced when you immerse yourself into your subject why maintaining an objective view.

The inner workings of the projects are truly mind-boggling and had me thinking how can society turn a blind eye to the goings on in these lower social economic areas. Often left to look after themselves the communities developed are complicated and the line between legal and illegal are blown away. This book goes way beyond the gangs and lets the readers into the inner workings of a part of society many would prefer to sweep under the carpet.

Michael wrote: "APRIL

22. by Sudhir Venkatesh
Finish Date: 4th April
Genr..."

I have heard about this sociologist but I wasn't sure how good his book would be. Seeing your review of it, this now goes on my must-read list.

My pleasure Radiah this was my first book I have read of his and I plan to read a few more.

23. by Andrew Roberts
Finish date: 22nd April
Genre: History
Rating: A
Review:I sat before this very daunting looking book, coming in at over 900 pages, feeling slightly excited as my expectations where high after Dr Roberts last offering. I have read a few books about Napoleons campaigns before but never had I taken a look at the entire life of the man.

I am pleased to write that this book delivers an informative and enthralling read that sees the pages melt away as you are pulled into Napoleons life. This book is very balanced, with the author trying to peel back the stories and legends around the man to tell as best as possible the real story behind the man.

The huge amount of research that went into this book is evident and gave the author some great insights into Napoleon’s characteristics. This book is a must read for anyone that loves history.

What a great review, Michael. I didn't want to take on another huge book right now but you have tempted me!!!

You can always do it in bite sizes.

It seems I can never do big books in bite sizes. Once I get started, it is no holds barred!

Adding it to my list, too. Thanks, Michael!

24 by Matthew Reilly
Finish date: 23rd April
Genre: Thriller
Rating: B-
Review: Hell Island sees my first foray into the works of Matthew Reilly, which as a fellow Australian really is not good enough. I decided on trying this bite sized read first after several friends recommended it.

I have to say the book did not WOW me as much as I was expecting. Don't get me wrong all the elements for a great action read where present but the premise of the story as a whole seemed a bit tired to me.

It was like I had read it or seen it play out on the Silver screen before. What was written on the page was definitely a page turner if not a tad predictable. This did disappoint me but at the end of the day I was overall entertained. I think that to get a better feel for this author it is time to try one of his more substantial works.