madameblogalot

State of Fear: Wow! This Michael Crichton book has lots to think about! If asked I would say it’s “about” global warming. But it’s about so much more than that. I really appreciate how much research Crichton puts into his stories; the author’s notes state that he read environmental publications for three years. And the bibliography list is impressive and interesting. I like though what the story is really about, the “state of fear”, the politicization of science and state, the control of the environment and the state, the place of the media in all this, the quest for power….I rate this one a HIT (except of course for my usual disclaimer on the harsh language.)

Leviathan ‘99: When I heard that the premise of this story was to do a Moby Dick type set in space, I was intrigued. I have to say though, that the story-while short and easy to read-was a MISS with me.

Somewhere a Band is Playing: I enjoyed the poetic use of language in this story. It was very reminiscent of Tuck Everlasting. Even so, I’ll rate it as neither a HIT or MISS.

The Andromeda Strain: I really like Michael Crichton novels. Our library does not have a big enough selection of them. I did find this old one. I think I even remember there being a movie when I was a kid. This story was a little more dry but I definitely like the lack of harsh, vulgar language! I don’t know if I quite “got” the whole story. While it was not quite the HIT most of his stories have been with me, it definitely is not a MISS.

In training for any sport it can become tiring to the point of not even feeling motivated to do it. But while doing my therapy, the doctor told me something interesting, something that has even become a bit motivating for me at times when I am tired and just don’t want to finish or even start a work out. As I was doing squats down the hall one day, he came to watch me. I told him he should have watched when I first started. He told me that anybody can do it when they are “fresh” and that the real test comes in doing it when we become fatigued. So when I have a few more sprints or a few more squats to do these days, I remember that anybody can do it when they’re fresh….

I was thinking just yesterday about Father’s Day coming up. I was trying to figure out what to get my husband and how to have it be “from the kids”. Each year for the past several years, my family is gone to church camp for the whole week leading up to Father’s Day, so trying to shop during that week means me just picking out something and having the kids give it. So I thought it would be better to get an early start this year!

In trying to think about a good gift for Father’s Day, of course ties always come up. But I think my husband (and his closet) has his fill of ties. And then there are nicer gifts, like watches. That could be a good idea. There are many different types of watches to choose from: casual watches, sport watches, dressy watches, scuba dive watches and Military Watches. Any of those would make a perfect Father’s Day gift, sure to last several years and sure to get used almost daily.

Whatever we end up choosing, I am glad I thought about it earlier this year and hopefully we can come up with a great gift to give on Father’s Day.

Just what is it about the power of that little word “no”? It drives some (most) people to the very thing they are told “no” about. And in my limited experience, I think it is more pronounced in children and teens. Just watching both ends of the spectrum in my house has really blown my mind.

I keep a little girl who is nine months old. She can get around really quickly and is really starting to understand just what “no” means. And it is amazing to me just how much it mirrors the teen behavior in my home. When I tell the baby “no” she only wants that thing. Never mind all the toys and interesting objects I give her, she would rather pull out papers from my desk or play with the plug outlet. And the driving force behind teen behavior (rebellion)? Well, it seems to be that little word.

Why? I honestly don’t know. But there sure is some draw, some power in “no”.

Fahrenheit 451: I read this book several years ago and liked it. I found another copy on the library paperback exchange shelf so I grabbed it up (having given away two other copies.) I thought my son would like to read it. He still may, but in the meantime I read it again. I still like the book and I feel like it has some good things to think about. I am not crazy about the ending, but I do feel like the open ending was a good idea. I still rate this book a HIT.

Politically Correct Bedtime Stories: These “modern tales for our life and times” are pretty hilarious! Even after 15 years, they reflect the politically correct ideals that have become pervasive in our society. Most of the stories are a pretty funny poke at ourselves! I rate this little collection a HIT.

Disclosure: I guess I am on a Michael Crighton kick these days! Although I was not sure what this story was about and I was not prepared to read a two page sex scene, it was vital to the story. I really do like how Crighton takes contemporary issues and puts them in an easy to read story yet makes you really think about the issue itself. This novel was based on a true story, and even if it was not, it is likely that there are plenty of similar stories. While I still have to put my personal disclaimer on the language used throughout the book, and the explicit sex scene (which again is vital to this story) I will rate this one a HIT as well.

The Scarlet Pimpernel: (on stage) While visiting the campus of Faulkner University, I saw that The Scarlet Pimpernel was playing. I enjoy the book and tried to get a ticket. The show was sold out but an admissions officer got me a free ticket for the night we were visiting! The performance was fine and I did have to laugh at how outrageous they made the “dandy” pimpernel and his cohorts. I think I still like the book better but I’ll give the show a HIT anyway.