Review - Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Ready Player One
by Ernest Cline
Publisher: Crown Publishing
Copyright: 2011
Format: Hardback

I don't usually read hype books - books with so much media build-up even non-readers know the title.  That makes me a little late to the game on this one.  It seems everyone has read this book.  It came out last August and after passing by it for months in the bookstore, I finally broke down and read the synopsis.  The hook for me was all the 80's and computer gaming trivia hailed as the best throw back since the era itself.  Being a huge fan of the 80's, I decided to give this book a try.

 The first several chapters were phenomenal.  I was completely drawn in and invested.  I know a story works for me when I talk about it even when I'm not reading.  I was yammering about this book constantly; telling the kiddo he should give it a read; telling the hubby all the interesting bits; and so on and so on - you get the idea.  I couldn't shut up about this book.

But then the story flattened.  The main character was no longer emotionally interesting and the plot became predictable.  The pop-culture references were thrown out like Wikipedia entries.  I was disappointed with the direction.  The middle of the book was redundant and almost boring. You know, sort of like this post <smirk>.

I held on and finished the story.  The end did pick up a bit and even though the reader knew certain things would be key to ending the story, it wasn't always obvious how those things would land.  I was sad to end the book without more detail on the real world subplot though.  The majority of the action took place inside a virtual world but the most interesting bits were the sneak peaks of the real world in my opinion.  I wanted more of those bits.  I also wanted more growth from the characters in general.  The ending was way too tidy for me and left things all hunky dory which just didn't seem to fit the landscape. I guess money really does change everything to quote the great Ms. Lauper. <Yes, I'm looking for 80's geek pints now.>

Overall, Ready Player One is a descent read, especially for a first novel.  It's fast and entertaining.  The pop-culture references are great even when they don't fit the 80's craze (um, Firefly, hello) or are delivered without enthusiasm.  I do recommend the book - it's just not a "run out and buy it now" endorsement.  Who knows, maybe the story will age well - you know like Pac-Man did. O.o

Spring CSA has sprung

Today, I picked up my first CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) package for the spring season.  Yeah!!

For those unfamiliar with the CSA concept, I basically bought food shares from a local farm.  Each week I receive a selection from their harvest.  Super fresh, community reinvested, low carbon footprint produce.  For someone with a brown thumb, this is the way to go.

This week we received the following from Texas Prairie Farms: lettuce, snap peas, chard, onions, carrots, turnips and oregano.  I'm stoked about the fresh oregano; can't wait to spice up some dishes!

I'm also fairly elated about the TPF newsletter I received.  It has recipes! ^_^  Below is one I'm dying to try with the turnips...

Creamy Turnip-Potato Purée: 

Prep: 15 minutes; Cook: 15 minutes; Total time: 30 minutes.

·         YIELD: 8 servings (serving size: 3/4 cup)

·         COURSE: Side

·         Dishes/Vegetables

Ingredients

·         2 pounds turnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

·         1 pound Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

·         2 garlic cloves, crushed

·         2 teaspoons salt

·         1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

·         1/4 cup light sour cream

·         1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

·         3 tablespoons prepared horseradish, drained

·         2 teaspoons sugar

Preparation

1. Place turnips, potatoes, and garlic in a 5-quart pot. Cover with cold water to 2 inches above the vegetables; bring to a boil. Add salt; simmer, uncovered, until tender (about 15 minutes).

2. Drain the vegetables in a colander; return to pot. Cook over medium heat to remove excess water, stirring well (about 5 minutes). Stir in the remaining ingredients; mash with a potato masher until smooth. Transfer mixture to a serving dish.

Review - Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer
by Lish McBride
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Copyright: 2010
Format: e-reader

I have my In-Laws to thank for this read; specifically my uber cool cousin-in-law Emily over at Gnocchi No Plan.  Over Christmas she suggested several books including this one.  I downloaded the book on my Nook back in January but just got around to reading it last week.  The sample you can get for the e-reader version is a good hook, but it does not do this story justice.  So skip the sample and go straight for the full monty.  You'll be glad you did.

I read this book in one sitting in less than 24 hours, turning virtual page after virtual page until 3AM.   It was exciting, fun and different while still feeling familiar.  The writing was good - a first person with some third person passages.  I found this a little distracting but only for the first few transitions.  It's a Young Adult (YA) read so keep in mind the intended audience is not an English professor.

The story wasn't new but the characters were engaging and the use of talking heads and skateboards cranked the entertainment value.  I also enjoyed the song references throughout the book; kuddos for the Sound of Music nod. ^_^

The story itself had a very Cassandra Clare feel - a mom trying to shield the main character from what he really was, only to have the issue forced by a third party; evil lairs under big houses; cages made to hold unique creatures. Yes, very familiar story lines.  But the original bits, the necromancers, the hybrid were-fey combos, gave the story it's own street cred.

If you enjoy YA Urban Fantasy, this is a definite TBR (To be read).  If you enjoy witty writing, it should also make your list.  It's a fun fast must read.

AWOL Excuses

I have missed a TON of posts.  I've missed our last book club update.  I've missed several food posts. I've missed the last two Five Sentence Fiction entries.  AND I've missed all of the Hounded read-a-long posts so far.  I'd like to say it's because I've been doing something super cool but really I've just been a slacker.  Hhmmm, seems to be a recurring theme around these parts.

Oh well <sigh and heave>.  Below are links to the great posts for the Hounded read-a-long.  Make sure you pick up Hearne's new book Tricked on April 24th. 

Discussion Schedule:

March 02nd: Chapters 1-5 hosted by Geeky Blogger's Book Blog

March 09th: Chapters 6-10 hosted by On a Book Bender

March 16th: Chapters 11-15 hosted by Smash Attack Reads!

March 23rd: Chapters 16-20 hosted by In the Closet With a Bibliophile

March 30th: Chapters 21-25 + epilogue hosted by The Unread Reader

April 06th: Special interview with Kevin Hearne & announcement of winners!
Oh and did I forget to mention there is a new Cal Leandros book out??  It's called Doubletake.  Yeah, go get that one too!