This is a great book detailing life at sea on a whale ship in the early 19th century. The true account of the inspiration for Melville's Moby Dick, itThis is a great book detailing life at sea on a whale ship in the early 19th century. The true account of the inspiration for Melville's Moby Dick, it's a must read for those interested in life at sea....more
This book was a great window into Kerouac's sense of dualism, his search for the self and his place on art and society. It talks about the biographicaThis book was a great window into Kerouac's sense of dualism, his search for the self and his place on art and society. It talks about the biographical aspects of his work, and how he found his voice....more
This was a really scary, realistic book about zombies- and a comment on society. The story itself is told in interviews, reminiscent of the structure This was a really scary, realistic book about zombies- and a comment on society. The story itself is told in interviews, reminiscent of the structure of Bram Stoker's Dracula. It tells, through various accounts by people from around the world, the story of a zombie infection, and how different people, societies, political systems, fare in the war to end the horror. Smart, engaging, well told....more
This book depicts the deficiency of American intellectualism and the culture war between Liberals and Conservatives. Topics discussed are junk scienceThis book depicts the deficiency of American intellectualism and the culture war between Liberals and Conservatives. Topics discussed are junk science and junk thought, manipulation of science to suit the needs of conservative Fundamentalists, the war against intellectualism, the bastardization of the American Constitution, the Third Awakening, cultural norms between the north and south, segregation of the sexes, the fall of American foreign policy, etc. If you find a lot to disagree with in this book, it has done its' job in making you think. It should be a kick in the butt to improve our country politically and intellectually....more
I had read The Scarlet Letter before and loved it. My focus was The House of the Seven Gables. A great tale with themes of the sins of the father beinI had read The Scarlet Letter before and loved it. My focus was The House of the Seven Gables. A great tale with themes of the sins of the father being visited onto the children of a family. The house itself, built on the uneasy foundation of bloodshed and dishonesty is seemingly cursed by the wrongdoing of the patriarch of a New England family during the witch hunt, is a great metaphor of the Pyncheon family; itself teetering on its' faulty beginnings. "God will give you blood to drink"- an unforgettable line and brilliant curse, stolen by Hawthorne from the curse spewed by the real victim of the Salem witch hunt, Sarah Goode. No ordinary ghost story, the living characters in this book haunt more than the dead. A bit verbose for my taste, it is nonetheless a great example of American classical literature. ...more
I love most of her films- as a person, she appears even more interesting than her characters. Charlotte Chandler's book revealed many facets of this cI love most of her films- as a person, she appears even more interesting than her characters. Charlotte Chandler's book revealed many facets of this complicated woman's life, personal and professional choices....more
This was an interesting character study of an enigmatic and I think, frequently misunderstood figure. The man wasn't a saint, but he was driven by a pThis was an interesting character study of an enigmatic and I think, frequently misunderstood figure. The man wasn't a saint, but he was driven by a pure sense of right, albeit a flawed and obsessive sense of right. As flawed as he was, he deserves a kind of consideration and perhaps even respect for his drive and determination....more
A fun study in popular culture. I found this book to be very light reading, (which is what I was looking for), and an interesting study of the pop culA fun study in popular culture. I found this book to be very light reading, (which is what I was looking for), and an interesting study of the pop culture obsession with vampirism. I would recommend the book to anyone who has an interest in sci-fi, camp, and classic horror. A comedic study of popular culture, alternative lifestyles, and people in general. Not too in depth, but the author is fun to read. Not above making fun of himself as well as other people. ...more
This book really showed the science and craftmanship of art and the art of science. The author depicts the lives of various artists and their scientifThis book really showed the science and craftmanship of art and the art of science. The author depicts the lives of various artists and their scientific contribution. He shows how various artists explored scientific concepts relating to our psychology in an intuitive way, rather than a traditional scientific way, before the scientists came to the same conclusion. Definitely worth a read- it beautifully makes the point of the importance of art in our (or any for that matter) culture....more
I enjoyed this book; it shed well deserved light on an author eclipsed by his own oeuvre "Cyrano de Bergerac". Sue Lloyd gives an easy read with much I enjoyed this book; it shed well deserved light on an author eclipsed by his own oeuvre "Cyrano de Bergerac". Sue Lloyd gives an easy read with much depth and perception. Loved it, and you should too!...more
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