Star Wars ABC

Star Wars ABC by Scholastic
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It only gets 3 stars because it has some stuff from the "first three" movies, which I can't stand. Luke, Han, & Leia all the way (and no CG Yoda)! Darth Vader and the Emperor - really? do you need more sith lords? I didn't think so. That's what all the published fiction is for.

Anyway, it has R2-D2, so Seth is happy. And he wants to know the names of the individual stormtroopers. Maybe I'll have him write to George Lucas about that. ;D

Otherwise, it's fine - I have no other complaints. Geek parents and their geeklings will love it. :D

View all my reviews

Feed

This book by MT Anderson is set in a future not too far from ours - and not too different from our own. Intended for young adult audiences, I think it draws from and bears comparing to Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. I thought Feed was a good book, but I didn't really like any of the characters. I think their flaws annoyed me (which they're supposed to) - just a little too over-the-top for my taste as a (sadly) early-30's adult.

Some readers will be turned off by the thrill-seeking behavior of most of the book's characters. Reading through the whole thing, I suspect many people will realize the pathetic nature of this behavior and the horror of the boredom bordering on insanity that generates that kind of search for the next thrill.

Very highly recommended for middle school and high school readers - especially who need to write a book report and want to sound smart for their teachers. Highly recommended for readers who enjoyed Fahrenheit 451 and/or like dystopian scenarios.

Ender's Game

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card is a terrific book. To detail it's plot or underlying themes in a brief review would likely detract from the enjoyment of those who might not have read it. This is a classic example of science fiction at its best!! Action, psychological drama, and more - this book's got it!

Very Highly Recommended for all readers. Especially recommended to read or re-read for people who "used to be" science fiction fans. It will renew your faith in the genre!

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

I just finished Verne's masterpiece today. I would have liked to have had a 19th century dictionary (or a very good current one!) with me while reading it, as some of the old words for different marine life were confusing for me. The ship-talk was a little dull, but I would have probably enjoyed it more if I'd been plotting the Nautilus's course on a map with latitude and longitude.

That being said, however, I really enjoyed 20,000 Leagues. I read it as part of a Barnes & Noble online discussion group and the variety of discussion was very thought-provoking. The idea that Verne created science fiction is really exciting to me and that so much of what he imagined has come to pass is inspiring.

I would definitely recommend the book to those interested in studying the science fiction genre. Also, I think that the book would be excellent for parents trying to teach geography & introduce classic literature to kids in a fun way. It would have been great to plot the Nautilus's course on a map and look up all the different sea life P. Arronax (the narrator) describes!

Recommended