Recent Reads

21. 1984
I listened to the audiobook, which is wonderfully narrated by Richard Brown.

The really scary thing about this book, which was first published in 1949, is how accurately it describes so much of the world we live in today. This classic has been dissected in so many ways over the years, so I'm not sure I have anything new to contribute. My only regret is that I waited so long to read it. This book is bloody marvelous, and should be required reading for every citizen (no matter the country) every decade or so. Rating: 5 stars.

22. Ōoku: The Inner Chambers, Volume 5
I am slowly making my way through this manga series, and they continue to be really good. How often can one say that about a 10 book series?

When one's most important role is to produce an heir at any cost, things tend to get crazy. This volume introduces new characters, brings back some old dearly loved ones, and the intrigue, and plotting continue unabated. Deliciously fun. Rating: 4 stars.

23. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? #1
I've seen the Blade Runner movie several times, and was curious to read the book the movie is based on. What I did not realize is that this is not a graphic novel in the classic sense of the word. It is really an illustrated novel; it contains the text of the novel in its entirely. As you might imagine, this leads to some clunky solutions as every descriptive word, scene setup, etc. are faithfully captured, while at the same time the art show you what you are actually reading. It does not work well in my opinion. I quite like the art, and really like the story, but though I also read the next volume in this series, as I already had it in hand, I'm abandoning the comic series, and plan to finish up by reading the novel itself. Rating: 3 stars.

24. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? #2
Below is my review of the first volume, and it applies to this installment of the series as well.

I've seen the Blade Runner movie several times, and was curious to read the book the movie is based on. What I did not realize is that this is not a graphic novel in the classic sense of the word. It is really an illustrated novel; it contains the text of the novel in its entirely. As you might imagine, this leads to some clunky solutions as every descriptive word, scene setup, etc. are faithfully captured, while at the same time the art show you what you are actually reading. It does not work well in my opinion. I quite like the art, and really like the story, but though I also read the next volume in this series, as I already had it in hand, I'm abandoning the comic series, and plan to finish up by reading the novel itself. Rating: 3 stars.

25. Playing with Sketches: 50 Creative Exercises for Designers and Artists
If you are a creative type of person looking for inspiration I'd suggest you get your hands on this one. The book delivers on what the title says, and it is full of fun and creative ways to play and get your juices flowing. Each exercise is accompanied by a gallery of art that pertains to it. I have no doubt that I will dip into this fun and informative book again when the well runs dry. Rating: 4 stars.