Recent Reads

46. One Watercolor a Day: A 6-Week Course Exploring Creativity Using Watercolor, Pattern, and Design
A really fun way to explore ways to play with watercolors. The book has some great exercises, and examples of how various artists capture the same subject. Rating: 4 stars.

47. Incidents in the Night: Volume 1
Book blurb: David B. understands that subconsciously we search books for magics that will help us avoid being confronted by our own mortality, and he has made this the conscious subject of Incidents in the Night.

This graphic novel starts with a man dreaming. He dreams about finding a particular series of books, and when he awakes, he wanders the Paris bookstores in search of said books. History, mythology, literature, and a murder mystery all play a role in how this story unfolds. I loved the black and white illustrations, but found myself confused at various times in the story. Maybe something is lost in the translation? Rating: 3 stars.

48. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Running
A little dated, but still a good resource for the beginning runner. Skipped the marathon and other sections that are not applicable to me.

So, I knew this, but was reminded again that we burn about 100 calories per mile. Whether one walks or runs. Hopefully one can run more miles than one walks in the same time, so more calories. But still 100 calories per mile. So that Starbucks scone is the equivalent of 4 miles? Sigh. Rating: 3 stars.

49. The Martian
Originally self-published in 2012, this debut novel got purchased by Crown and re-published this year.

The story is about an astronaut who is left for dead on Mars. Turns out he is not dead, but will he survive? To write more is to give away some of the fun in discovering what happens next. 

It is clear that the author is a nerd, and I mean that as a complement. This is the kind of sci-fi that I enjoy - no green aliens, just human skill and ingenuity working out how to survive in a tough situation. And let's face it, it does not get harsher than being stranded on Mars while everyone thinks you are dead. The science and math is great, and I'd hope that teachers in middle school can look past some of the language and recommend this book to their students. Seeing how all those potentially boring classes could save your life - what better lesson plan could one ask for?

I found this a highly entertaining and fast read, and though the weakness of a debut author are evident, it is a fun way to spend a couple of hours. I hear the movie rights has been optioned. Cannot wait. Rating: 4 stars.