Book Reviews on EdgeCurve.com

The Greatest Stories Never Told

EdgeCurve Rating:
The Greatest Stories Never Told
by

Tales from History to Astonish, Bewilder, and Stupefy - One-hundred historical accounts where history was made through less than heroic or even noble actions. It's funny learning how different modern times COULD be if certain lucky or ridiculous situations would have been different. Some examples from the book: The Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock because they ran out of beer. Some Roman officials were so corrupt that they actually stole time itself. Three cigars changed the course of the Civil War. The Scottish kilt was invented by an Englishman. Anyway, if you're a fan of history, I recommend this.

More information:
- The Greatest Stories Never Told on Amazon.com
- Full review on EdgeCurve.com

A Frozen Hell

EdgeCurve Rating:
A Frozen Hell
by

It's a fascinating look at a war that is largely unknown outside of Finland. Attacked by Russia, the Finns were up against incredible odds. The huge Red army consisting of millions of troops invading small Finland.

Demonstrated is mankind's instinct for survival. Without fancy weapons or large numbers the Finns had to defend themselves as best they could. For example, the "Molotov cocktail" got its name from this war. Molotov was the soviet leader of the Leningrad (St. Petersburg) area at the time and the Finns made several of these "cocktails" to serve to him. Other, more gruesome, tactics were used but I won't go into those here.

The fact that the country was able to maintain its independence by successfully defending itself against seemingly insurmountable odds without much external support is incredible. If military conflicts or history interests you I recommend checking out this David vs Goliath history book.

More information:
- A Frozen Hell on Amazon.com
- Full review on EdgeCurve.com

Absurdistan

EdgeCurve Rating:
Absurdistan
by

Wry, biting humor and wit is found on almost every page of this book. These snippets pop up in sentences where you do not expect them...at least I didn't. Anyway, I read this book because I enjoyed the author's first book, "The Russian Debutante's Handbook". Both novels are similar in that they focus on a character, of Russian heritage, and his problems/successes/exploits. Overall, it's not QUITE up to the level of "Debutante" but it is a funny window into a world I am very removed from.

More information:
- Absurdistan on Amazon.com
- Full review on EdgeCurve.com

Jumper

EdgeCurve Rating:
Jumper
by

Who hasn't wanted to teleport? Teleportation has to rank right up there with super strength, the ability to fly, and mind reading as desired super powers. It's certainly the most practical. Well the main character in Jumper, Davey, has just that ability. He can teleport! And should anyone ever develop that ability, this book would be a good manual on how best to use your new skill. Learn from his mistakes.

This book doesn't just focus on his cool power either. It's an exciting and suspenseful story where his special ability almost takes a backseat to the plot. And one more reason to read this book, your view is soon to be tainted by Hollywood. They've got their hands on this book and the movie is slated to hit theaters in 2008. The lead actor choice is not a good one either. If you were disappointed by Anakin Skywalker, then you'll probably be disappointed by the film version of Davey too.

More information:
- Jumper on Amazon.com
- Full review on EdgeCurve.com

The Real Animal House

EdgeCurve Rating:
The Real Animal House
by

This book is by one of the writers for the movie "Animal House". It contains some of the most vile, disgusting, and sordid affairs too extreme for the movie...and it's GREAT. Granted, it's rude and crude, but so was the movie. Fans of the film need to read this book. Die-hard fans will love the tales of "Bags" and "Seal", the two real-life inspirations for Animal House's Bluto, the role played by John Belushi.

More information:
- The Real Animal House on Amazon.com
- Full review on EdgeCurve.com

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

EdgeCurve Rating:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
by

I'll admit it. I haven't read most of the Harry Potter series. But this one, the final chapter, promises to be VERY intriguing. The author is calling this one the "darkest" of the series...which is sort of like calling it a black stallion of My Little Pony™ or something like that. Regardless, it's already broken pre-order sales records. Check it out.

More information:
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on Amazon.com
- Full review on EdgeCurve.com

Chuck Klosterman IV

EdgeCurve Rating:
Chuck Klosterman IV
by

For you pop culture junkies, A Decade of Curious People and Dangerous Ideas is a must read. Chuck Klosterman's snarky wit is a joy to read. There's several laugh-out-loud remarks. The book is mainly about TV, music, and movies but ventures off into the McDonald's McNugget-land. The best part about reading about all these famous people is how Chuck maintains his common-sense and avoids getting all starry-eyed in his adventures. This makes it so much more approachable. Go to your bookstore, read the first chapter. If you enjoy it, the rest of the book is even better.

More information:
- Chuck Klosterman IV on Amazon.com
- Full review on EdgeCurve.com

Mind Performance Hacks

EdgeCurve Rating:
Mind Performance Hacks
by

Boing Boing states "The book is like a user's guide to your brain complete with new "software subroutines" that you can run to optimize various mental processes like memory, creativity, emotional response, learning, and logical analysis. O'Reilly's online catalog has a handful of sample hacks from the book posted as PDFs. Mind Performance Hacks is a thinking person's self-help book. Highly recommended." I've just started it and I feel smarter already.

More information:
- Mind Performance Hacks on Amazon.com
- Full review on EdgeCurve.com

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell

EdgeCurve Rating:
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell
by

This book is about the use of magic in the 1800's in England. It's got style, a truly realistic "feel", and perfectly developed characters. It feels almost like a history book with a storyline. The magical element takes some time to form. It very much succeeds in making you feel like you are in another time and place.

More information:
- Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell on Amazon.com
- Full review on EdgeCurve.com

The Complete Calvin and Hobbes

EdgeCurve Rating:
The Complete Calvin and Hobbes
by

Ok, don't get me wrong, while I said the Far Side is my favorite comic, I didn't mean I have just one favorite. I have two, the Far Side and Calvin and Hobbes. With Calvin and Hobbes, I feel that most of the male population must have some sort of an affinity toward Calvin - everyone must see a bit of themselves as a child in him. It's that memory that makes Calvin and Hobbes more than just a comic strip.

More information:
- The Complete Calvin and Hobbes on Amazon.com
- Full review on EdgeCurve.com

The Complete Far Side

EdgeCurve Rating:
The Complete Far Side
by

This is my favorite comic strip ever...and now it's all wrapped up into one collection. I think the mind of Gary Larson would be a strange and wonderful place to be. The creativity required over so many years to produce, The Far Side, or anything of this caliber, is incredible. Gary is a genius and a virtuoso of his profession.

More information:
- The Complete Far Side on Amazon.com
- Full review on EdgeCurve.com

The Devil's Picnic

EdgeCurve Rating:
The Devil's Picnic
by

It's a tour of the forbidden fruits around the world. From home brew in Norwat, to stinky cheese in France, to poppy seeds in Singapore, to cigars in Cuba. The author travels the world seeking strange consumables and examines the laws surrounding these sometimes taboo items. Not only is it a good premise for a book but it's carried off by the author exceedingly well. His style of argument and subtle comedy is more than readable. This is a book to enjoy (while you cringe) at several levels.

More information:
- The Devil's Picnic on Amazon.com
- Full review on EdgeCurve.com

Never Let Me Go

EdgeCurve Rating:
Never Let Me Go
by

This is the best "boring" book I've ever read. When you read it, not much happens from page to page. But something is always being discovered. There's something strange going on that these characters don't fully realize...nor does the reader. The atmosphere created is like a dream. Highly recommended.

More information:
- Never Let Me Go on Amazon.com
- Full review on EdgeCurve.com

Wrecking Crew

EdgeCurve Rating:
Wrecking Crew
by

This book took me by surprise. I'm not a really a fan of baseball, or Trainspotting-type stories, but I found myself deeply caring what happened to the characters in this novel. It's the story of former convicts and drug-addicts forming a city league baseball team in Los Angeles and how being on the team, with something (anything) to look forward to, helps them past their demons. Lastly, as a portrait of a city, this book does an amazing job of sharing the feel of L.A. with the reader; it has a soul.

More information:
- Wrecking Crew on Amazon.com
- Full review on EdgeCurve.com

Get Stoned and Read This Book

EdgeCurve Rating:
Get Stoned and Read This Book
by

Get Stoned and Read This Book. Those are the instructions...but it's not actually necessary. This book was entirely conceived and executed under the influence of marijuana. Lots of marijuana. Oh, and you can tell that by reading it.

More information:
- Get Stoned and Read This Book on Amazon.com
- Full review on EdgeCurve.com