Library Moment of the Week

So...this guy comes to the desk and says there is this author...and he can't remember her name but she has a series out...and he thinks they might be called Twilight or something.  We suggest he might mean Stephanie Myers.  He says "Oh, yes.  That is it.  Well, I understand that those Twilight books are full of nonsense and make-believe...like with vampires and werewolves.  But, she has this other book...I think it's called 'The Host' and it's about aliens...."

Because I am a professional, I didn't laugh until he left...he just so sincerely wanted to learn more about the no-nonsense aliens....it was awesome!

Movie: Quantum of Solace

Mari and I went to see the new Bond movie the other night. She might have fallen asleep…but that was only because she was REALLY tired. I stayed awake…but I’ll admit I was a little bit confused through parts of it. I highly recommend watching ‘Casino Royale’ before seeing this new film if you haven’t watched it in a while.

With that little disclaimer, this movie delivered all the classic Bond elements. Violence, chase scenes, unbelievable escapes, blatant chauvinism…you know…the usual good stuff. I really like Daniel Craig’s Bond…and I was a fan of Pierce Bronson (up until the Mama Mia! fiasco which I don’t even like to think about)….but Craig is a lot darker and right or wrong…I like it better….go ahead and judge me ☺

Book Review: The Whiskey Rebels

Ethan Saunders was a spy for General Washington’s army until incriminating documents framed him as a traitor. In the ten years that followed he sunk into drunkenness and self-loathing, losing the love of his fiancé and the respect of almost everyone he knows. Joan Maycott and her husband have lost everything several times because of the greed and manipulation of speculators and government representatives. She blames Hamilton and his unfair whiskey task for the financial ruin she faces. These two characters find themselves embroiled in schemes and deceptions centered around the newly founded Bank of the United States and the countries emerging financial market.

There are two things I love about David Liss’s novels. I always fall a little in love with his heroes and their shady backgrounds, cavalier attitudes, and their snarky comments. I also find it fascinating how he can take current financial concerns and show them in the context of earlier times…demonstrating that history does, in fact, repeat itself.

Book Review: The Hero of Ages

THE HERO OF AGES: Brandon Sanderson: Tom Doherty Associates: Fantasy: 572 pgs.

‘The Hero of Ages’ is the third and final installment of Brandon Sanderson’s ‘Mistborn’ trilogy. It seems that many trilogies start off really strong, with the second book seeming to be just a tool to get from here to there, and finally the third book can either bring it all together or leave you disappointed. I totally did not feel that with this trilogy. Each of the three portions continue the story in an interesting and gripping way.

Sanderson has created an intriguing world filled with vibrant and relatable characters. I will admit that at times I skim sections of theoretical musing, but other than that I thoroughly enjoyed it and whole heartedly recommend the series to anyone who enjoys fantasy.