The Restaurant at the End of the Universe

This review will probably be a short one.  Not because I read a lousy book.  It's not easy writing a review on something that is meant to make fun of everything.  The Restaurant at the End of the Universe does just that, it continues it's parody of a sci-fi novel.

Summary:

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe starts where The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy leaves off.  Arthur Dent and his friends are headed towards the Restaurant at the End of the Universe for lunch.  They find themselves in adventure after adventure once again, starting with another encounter with the Vogons and ending with Arthur and Ford being left on Earth two million years in the past.

Highlights:

The restaurant.  It's in a protected field outside of time allowing patrons to enjoy a meal and watch the universe end as entertainment.  Later, patrons can return to their own time

The Heart of Gold putting so much effort into figuring out what tea is.

Arthur and Ford ending up on a Golgfrincham ship with frozen phone sanitizers and hairdressers.

Recommendations:

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe is for high school age and up.  If you know someone who doesn't like to read, this is a good book.  The chapters are short, dialog is funny, and no analysis is required.
Rating:

I would have to say that The Restaurant at the End of the Universe should be read at least once.  Mostly for the lighthearted take on everything.  We all need a good laugh.

Until next time, Happy Reading.

Next week is Watership Down.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Most of the books I read tend to be a little serious in nature.  I don't mean that I only read biographies or histories.  I enjoy a good Sci-Fi or Fantasy novel.  In fact they make up the bulk of my collection.  In these books, there are rules and these rules lead to a plausible ending.

In The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, all the standard rules the the reader is used to are thrown out.  The story does not go in a plausible direction.  There are twists and turns the further you read.  And to top it off, it's only Book 1.

Summary:

Earth is destroyed to make room for a new highway and Arthur Dent is the only Earthman who survives thanks to an alien named Ford Prefect.  Ford Prefect just so happens to be doing the research needed to update The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a book that's like an encyclopedia of the whole galaxy.

Thanks to Ford, Arthur finds himself on an adventure through the galaxy, learning about improbability drives, Sens-O-Tape...

Throughout the book the reader will meet Marvin the depressed robot, Trillian a female Earthling, and Zaphod Beeblebrox president of the Galactic Government.

Highlights:

I found the explanation for crop circles and alien sighting quite hilarious.

The reader will give a chuckle over who's the smartest being on planet earth.

Short chapters.  Each chapter is only a couple of pages making it easy to find a stopping point when needed.

Recommendations:

This book is for anyone who enjoys Science Fiction and needs a good laugh.  I found myself laughing so many times.  This book is not designed for deep thinking, which provides a good break from a difficult day.

Rating:

This is one of those books that should be read at least once.  And if you need brainless reading without picking up a tabloid, than The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fits the bill.

Until next time, Happy Reading.

And remember "the answer is 42."

Next review will be The Restaurant at the End of the Universe.

Finally Back

By Solana Cortez

It's been awhile since my last post.  I've been to the hospital twice, on home IVs once, and moved.  Whew, I need a vacation.

I know I've caused some disappointment since I promised a review each week and then didn't deliver.  I hope I can be forgiven.  I am trying to find someone who can write reviews when I'm out sick, but since I cannot provide payment willing reviewers are non existent. 

Some good news.  Since I moved, I now have room for all my books.  Three bookcases full to be exact, and my collection is by no means complete.

Now that I have all my books out and properly organized, I have mapped out the order in which I will write the reviews.  Basically, it's alphabetically by author.  Once I get through my collection, I will go back through and add reviews of any new books I've added.  This will allow me to give a head's up on what I will be reviewing for the following week.  Just in case anyone wants to read the same book and add input or thoughts of the book.  My wish is for people to actually discuss the books reviewed, not just my reviews sitting there with no added depth.  Not everyone sees the same book in the same manner. 

I will also be applying for a library card to the county library (I moved to a new county), so hopefully the libraries around here will have some new books I haven't read.  This will also increase what books I review without breaking my banking account.

Hopefully this will help everyone out.  Again, I am very sorry for such a long absence.  I am working on making sure it doesn't happen again.

Happy Reading!

MIA

 By Solana Cortez

No reviews this week.  Currently  in hospital.

A Christmas Carol

By Solana Cortez

I know, I am late in getting this out.  I have been finishing up my Christmas gifts and getting them all wrapped.  I didn't have time to sit down and read, much less write a review.  Now, the gifts are all wrapped and under the tree, and the cards are sent.  All I have left is making a cheesecake for Christmas dessert.

I sincerely hope everyone has finished their shopping and are taking these last few days to relax and enjoy the remainder of this holiday season.

The book I have chosen for your reading pleasure is another classic.  One that we've all seen on TV in some form or another.  I feel this story embraces the holiday spirit in the way it is meant to be embraced.  The story I am talking about is Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

Since everyone has seen some form of this story on TV, or has seen the latest version in the theatre (I, myself, have not had the chance yet), the basic plot is very familiar.

Summary:

Ebenezer Scrooge is a wealthy old man.  He's stingy and a penny pincher.  He's cold hearted and harbours no compassion for others.  Scrooge employs a single clerk, Bob Cratchit, and pays him a meagerly wage.

On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by his dead partner, Jacob Marley, who warns Scrooge of the condition of his soul.  Marley also warns Scrooge that he will be haunted by three spirits.  These spirits will take Scrooge on a journey through his past, present, and future.  This journey hopefully will end in Scrooge's redemption.

Highlights:

The Writing. 

The writing itself is amazing.  Charles Dickens weaves a wonderful tale.  He puts just enough detail to get the imagination running.

Fred Visits Scrooge.

Fred comes to call upon Scrooge at his office.  Fred is a kind, light hearted character.  He didn't inherit any of his uncle's miserlyness.  And Fred is the only person who does not cower before Scrooge, as is evident is this scene.  The reader can't help but smile at Fred's witty remarks.

Belle's Family.

The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge to see Belle.  Every movie has shown the breakup scene between Scrooge and Belle, but it's left at that.  Belle leaves the movie forever and isn't mentioned again.  Dickens does not do this however.  He shows the reader exactly what happens to Belle.  This is a powerful scene.  Scrooge see the life Belle has made for herself.  A life full of joy and contentment.  A life full of love, surrounded by children.  A life Scrooge could have shared with her.  This realization hits Scrooge so hard, he attacks the Ghost of Christmas Past.  And it's the glimpse into Belle's life that opens Scrooge up for a real transformation.

Ghost of Christmas Present.

This is my favorite spirit.  The Ghost of Christmas Present is so jovial.  It makes the reader want to spread a little Christmas Joy himself.

Bob Cratchit's Family.

The Ghost of Christmas Present takes Scrooge to see how his clerk lives.  Scrooge sees Tiny Tim for the first time and feels genuine compassion for the child.

Tiny Tim's Death.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come takes Scrooge to see Tiny Tim's family mourning over the child's death.  This is a huge contrast to the unfeeling or happy way people are towards the unknown man's passing.

Recommendations:

This is a great story for anyone over the age of 10 years old to read on his own.  I wouldn't recommend this book for younger readers merely because the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is a bit creepy.  It's a great book for the family to read together.  And the story itself is not very long (only 114 pages).

Rating:

This story is timeless.  The theme never gets old.  And in the rush of the Christmas season, A Christmas Carol
is a great reminder of what's truly important.

A Christmas Carol rates a MUST READ AGAIN.

Until next time, happy reading.

And a very Merry Christmas.

Or as Tiny Tim would say, "God Bless Us, Every One!"

Books Make Great Gifts

By Solana Cortez

Christmas is around the corner and people are out getting gifts for everyone on their lists. Children have written and rewritten their letters to Santa asking for the latest toys or coolest clothes. The ladies are hoping for that pretty necklace that they see in the jewelry store window or a ring from that special someone. And the guys are hoping for some power tools or that large screen T.V. Everywhere you go, the sound of Christmas music is permeating through the air.

If you are like me (which I suspect, since you are reading this blog), then reading is one of your passions and you want to be able to spread that passion around this Christmas. So I have sat down and compiled a list of books that would make great gifts this season.

1. Where The Wild Things Are.

I know this book has been made into a movie. Why not give your child (and some adults) the book. The reading is quite simple. Only one or two lines per page. And the illustrations are great. It's one of those books that is timeless. And no matter what your kids say, they will never truly outgrow it.

2. Cloudy With a Chance Of Meatballs.

Another book that has been made into a movie. I found it quite fun to read when I was growing up. I actually found myself wishing that meals would fall from the sky each day.

3. Anything Doctor Suess.

Youngsters never tire of the rhymes. The words are easy to follow for beginning readers. And they give the young at heart a smile. You can pair these books with a video and some popcorn for an extra treat.

4. Chronicles of Narnia.

This is a timeless series. Young and old alike will enjoy it.

5. Redwall Series.

What's more fun than reading about battles between animals. And the banquets. The detail is great. These books are great for children starting at age 10 to read on their own. Also great for parents to read to their younger childern. The books can be read in almost any order.  Just remember to include a snack since these books will make you hungry.

6. Little House In The Big Woods Series.

Another classic series. Great set of first novels for children. Easy to read, but doesn't skimp on detail. Not just a series for girls. Laura is pretty much a tomboy. And Farmer Boy is about her husband growing up on a farm.

7. City of The Beasts, Kingdom of The Golden Dragon, and Forest of The Pygmies.

 

 

This series of books are by Isabel Allende. Can usually be found in the junior section of the bookstore. Very hard to put down. They would be great for the Fantasy reader in your life. While they are considered young adult type of books, adults will more than enjoy them and they can be read to younger children (if their attention spans can handle it).

8. Ender's Game.

For the Science Fiction reader. It's a great read. Not too difficult, but is not a dumbed down book by any means.

9. Earth Sea Series.

For the Fantasy reader. Great detail. These books transports the reader to another world where magic exists and rules must be followed to keep it balanced.

10. Pride and Prejudice.

Great classic for females on your list. Even some guys I know have enjoyed it.

11. The Odyssey.

Another classic. Hard to put down. Angry gods, seductive gods, monsters, a man beating the odds to return to his family no matter the cost. A great story that's timeless for a reason.

12. Edgar Allan Poe Collection.

For the dark and deary reader on your list. This collection contains both his short stories and his poems. I believe every reader should have a dose of Poe within his lifetime.

Of course this is only a short list of the great books out there to give as gifts. I had to narrow things down just to these ten. If I had listed every book that would make a great gift, no one would one to read this post.

Hopefully this list inspires you to give the gift of reading this Christmas.

Until next time. Happy Reading.

The Lost World

 By Solana Cortez


Since I did a review on Jurassic Park, I thought it would only be fitting to do a review on The Lost World. Now I'm not talking about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Lost World, rather Michael Crichton's book of the same title. And if you have seen the movie then you really don't know what the book is about. The movie plot and the book plot deviate quite a bit to a point where the story lines can't be adequately compared.

Summary

Jurassic Park ends with the island being distroyed. What isn't known is that there is a second island where all the dinosaurs were born before being brought to the park island. And that is where the adventure is. Like the first book there are hungry dinosaurs running around. The story takes place six years after the Jurassic Park incident. INGEN no longer exists, and those involved with Jurassic Park have been well compensated to avoid any publicity on the event.

Ian Malcolm is back after spending a long time recooperating from the injury he incurred while on a trip to Costa Rica. He now works at the Santa Fe Institute giving seminars. It is there, Malcolm finds himself unwilling recruited for a trip back to Costa Rica to look for dinosaurs.

The story turns into a rescue mission when an over zealous scientist rushes off to the island (Site B) to get the proof he needs. Malcolm and a team (predetermined by the scientist) go off to find him. On the island they uncover more of INGEN's dirty secrets.

Highlights

There is less mathematics and science involved and more action for those who found the first book overwhelming.

Sarah Harding is a kick butt type of female. She's intelligent and definitely doesn't play the damsel in distress. In one scene Harding is hiding under a car with a guy who had tried to kill her. She gives the guy a good shove making him tyranosaur fodder.

If you are into philisophical or indepth thinking, there are good portions of it throughout the book.

Recommendations

I would recommend this book to people ages teen through adult. There is violence throughout (dinosaurs eating people can be considered violent), so keep that in mind. This is a good book for those who want something entertaining to read and for those who want something thought provoking. Some of the words and ideas presented are college level, but it does not hinder the experience. If anything it encourages more research into ideas.

While I personally prefer the first book, The Lost World ranks among my top books for pleasure.

Rating

The Lost World rates A MUST READ

Until next time.  Happy Reading.