Tag: book-reviews

Warm Rain and Fever Dreams

James HoganLeave a comment

A few short book ramblings this Saturday evening…

65. Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson. Book 3 of the Stormlight Archive, this is a fine Sanderson novel even if I do feel it is a step down from the first two books in the series. Yes, the focus on Dalinar is fantastic and long awaited and his flashbacks are positively riveting. And some of the moments in this book stand as some of the best in the series. We get Dalinar Kholin standing strong against Odium. We get prolonged moments in Shadesmar for the first time. We get to see Shallan really come into her own (or is it Veil? Or is it Radiant?). But some weaknesses creep into this book that seem to only propagate further the deeper we get into this series. Although at first Urithiru was profoundly fascinating and other (and there’s some great moments early on, especially with Shallan’s confrontation with one of the Unmade), this book spends so much time there that I honestly get a bit bored with Urithiru near the halfway point and find myself groaning whenever we return there. Thankfully Sanderson perhaps realises this and moves the action away from there in the latter parts of this book. Also some of Sanderson’s stylistic tics start bothering me a bit more here. So much telling instead of showing. So much hand-holding of the reader. I feel a bit condescended to at times. And the italics. Oh make the italics go away. Please? Ah well, I am being overly harsh. Sanderson’s plotting is still superb and I continue to read this series just to find out where the story is going. On to book 4.

66. Dawnshard by Brandon Sanderson. A nice little novella sandwiched between Oathbringer and Rhythm of War, this book reveals some important plot points as well as further deepens the understandings of some of the characters we know and love (the Lopen!!). I enjoyed this book but was a bit puzzled over the fact that my enjoyment of it was very dependent on which character we were following. I loved the Lopen POVs. Lopen is ridiculous yes, but Sanderson is so self-aware of this fact and so much leaning into it that I can’t but laugh and go along for the ride. And Lopen actually gets a major moment of self-reflection that although maybe a bit too on the nose, still most welcome. Rysn though. I have always loved Rysn POVs before (her interludes were always some of my favourite), but her moments in this book felt a bit stodgy and overly introspective and honestly didn’t really feel like Rysn. Not sure if it was because of Sanderson’s special care to make sure he accurate portrays her disability and subsequent way of thinking, but something just felt a bit off with how he wrote her. Still though, this was a fun book and a good palate cleanser prior to the plunge into Rhythm of War!

67. The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka. A profound book. I will warn readers that if you have not heard of this book yet, I would almost urge to not read the back of the book or a plot summary. After reading, I looked at the description on the back of the book and it made the book sound so trite and I fear would have ruined the reading experience. Instead…if you wish to read a book that is real and deep and dives into the depths of a person and their whole story and being, even as cracks propagate through their very sense of self…please just pick it up and start at page 1, wading into a work that will be well worth your time. I didn’t know what this book would be about (except well, a pool and swimmers, assumedly – as per the title of the book and front cover image) and I’m glad I didn’t. As I read the first third or so of this book, parts of it irked me a bit and felt a tad ridiculous and I wasn’t sure what I was even reading. But once the perspective shifts and you start following one person’s story, you sigh and put your hand over your mouth and yes, you understand. Or you think you understand. Then you keep reading and keep taking in gulps of breath to avoid the claustrophobic feeling that comes with feeling you are in unknown waters and hemmed in on every side by the walls that are closing in more quickly than you would dare imagine. You may think you know what this book will be about if you read a summary or thoughts by strangers online, but you will not truly understand until you feel the weight of this book on your lap and trace your fingers across the words on page and let them soak into your brain which even now sparks and hums in ways that are far more miraculous than you can imagine and which you take for granted as it works so wonderfully (until it doesn’t). This book will hit you hard because though it is a work about a particular person and particular relationship and particular family, it is also universal in scope as you also have a family and you also know what it is to live and be frustrated and to love and to cry. This book is deeply textured and there is so much hyper-specific detail that you can’t help but feel it is a true story. And of course, it is a true story. You know this in your core. And though you may be annoyed at times (as I was) at the 2nd-person POV, it is delicately handled and puts you in this story with such solidity that eventually you come to accept it and feel that this story could not be written any other way. There is a moment near the end that you may cry as I did. Perhaps you have not yet experienced some of the realities that exist so unashamedly naked in this book, yet you can imagine perhaps you will someday? And yes, that terrifies you and makes you almost weep as you imagine someone you love experiencing such loss and pain. This is a sad book. But it is a book that chronicles the true pain and suffering so many people in this world experience. Maybe one day you will experience it. It is a book about universal things, but at the end of this book, you realize also that this is a book that dives into the intimacy of a human soul crying forth to be known and loved and not forgotten or abandoned. To be forgotten is one of the deepest horrors you can imagine. To forget that you are forgotten, perhaps worse still. Life is a breath, smoke in the wind. This book reminds you of that. And refreshingly, it reminds you of hope that beckons.

Warmth of Heaven

James HoganLeave a comment

A few book reviews this evening!

62. Edgedancer by Brandon Sanderson. A fun little novella that is only right and proper to read when you’re doing a Stormlight Archive re-read! I’ve read this once before and while I enjoyed it again this go-around, I must confess it was a little odd to read it and realizing the first good chunk was lifted (oh dear) straight out of one of the interludes from Words of Radiance. Still, despite that repetition, still enjoyed this. Lift’s a bit ridiculous at times but yes she is also rather awesome. And the ending was unexpected but rather heart-warming. Also for such a little novella, so much world-building! Appreciated the look into the western lands of Roshar. I can’t say I read this book often, but I will continue to re-read every time I’m doing my SA re-read! A lot of charm for such a little book.

63. Psalms of Praise – A Movement Primer by Danielle Hitchen & art by Jessica Blanchard. A lovely little encouraging book full of good verses and gorgeous art! This book is probably best for small toddlers (ages 1-2 or so?) but even I much enjoyed the (quick!) read of this book. Verses that point to God and talk about different postures/movements that one ought exhibit before the Lord! Simple, but what is better than reading the Word to our small children? And I mentioned this briefly already, but the art is simply beautiful. Quality children’s book all around. It is never too early to start reading verses out of Scripture to our small ones.

Once Upon a Time Whispers Whispers in the Dark

James HoganLeave a comment

A few books this Monday afternoon!

59. Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson. Still one of the best books Sanderson has written. It stands next to Way of Kings as the best the Stormlight Archive has to offer, and I almost considered placing it first! But I shall not be rash. This book does start out a little bit slow and it’s not perfect by any means, but oh boy the story it tells is a fun one. And once it gets going? It moves. All my favourite characters are at the top of their game here. Dalinar is fantastic, Adolin comes into his own, Kaladin has all his requisite ups and downs and I still love him…and this is probably Shallan’s best book. Which makes sense, since this is her book after all. I love seeing her grow here, even though sometimes she drives me crazy with her recklessness. But she is fantastic. The interludes are fun and worthwhile (always so many good nuggets to unpack!) and though parts of this story confuse me here and there as I don’t always remember all the Stormlight lore, I still love seeing how everything gradually starts to come together. This book is definitely one of the best books Sanderson has ever written and I’ll always be happy to return to it for my fantasy fix.

60. Rejoicing in Christ by Michael Reeves. Sometimes one just must meditate more upon the person and work of Christ, you know? Recently a dear friend recommended this one to me and it has been a joy to read it – slowly! – over the past few months. A book like this is almost devotional in nature, really. Don’t gulp it quickly. Enjoy, savour, meditate upon the truths unpacked about Christ in this really rather small work. At times the prose in this one can be rather purple and I winced a few times at the florid phrasings…but I am almost certainly the last that should accuse others of such. Grateful for those who write such works as aids to necessary and encouraging meditation upon Christ. Reading a book such is this is far more profitable than most things we tend to fill our time with in this day and age.

61. Five Points – Towards a Deeper Experience of God’s Grace by John Piper. A slim volume extolling the truths and virtues of God’s sovereign grace. At first blush, it may appear this book is simply a defense of what is commonly called “Calvinism” – a system of soteriology commonly tied to reformed theology. And perhaps in a way it is, but it is certainly not attempting or trying to mount a comprehensive defense of the doctrines of grace. Instead, Piper here seeks to illuminate and introduce the reformed understanding of salvation to those who may not fully understand it. I would recommend this book heartily to any – Christians or non-Christians alike – who seek to understand more what the Bible teaches about the way of salvation. Piper seeks to increase our devotion to God and joy in our knowledge of Him as we more fully understand what God has done for us and the salvation that He calls us to. Understanding these truths should not result in a dour and combative Christian – oh no! – but rather a deeper understanding of God’s way of salvation should bring overwhelming thanksgiving and joy to those who know themselves to be a child of God! I will not summarize this book – yes it talks about the infamous “Five Points” of Calvinism, and yes, it gets slightly technical at times. Even so, sometimes I wished for a more intense and deeper dive into what the Word says about salvation. That’s not what this book is. This book is an introduction into the beliefs of reformed soteriology and attempts to kindle our love for God afresh as we learn more about Him. This is not merely an academic pamphlet. This is a work written to increase our devotion and faith in the love of our Lord, encouraging us as we walk this path our God has placed before us. Grateful for works such as this, am definitely eager to read this one again at some point soon.

James HoganLeave a comment

Well, not a lot has been going on lately…except I’ve finished HP7…the last Harry Potter book. And it was AMAZING. It’s interesting because I haven’t been involved with HP the whole time like some people…my first exposure was watching the 4th movie. After that, I read the whole series thus far and realized what I was missing…so this was my first time reading the book as soon as it came out. I just have to give props to JKR for such a storytelling masterpiece. I’m not going to say HP is “great literature”, but you know what? I love it anyway. Most “great literature” is depressing and contains much I’d rather not read about anyway.
So part of the reason I loved this book so much was that it DID have a happy ending…Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny all lived…and the ending, with all of them married and with children was SO happy and awesome, that I was very pleased. I just have to say, her whole series was a beautifully crafted tale that while not on the level of Crime and Punishment maybe, is sure a whole lot more fun to read. And I must admit, as Voldemort killed himself and the wand flew into Harry’s hand at the end…I almost got teary-eyed. Almost. And believe me, that NEVER happens to me…especially not when reading. So I have to give credit to JKR for that.
I’m just very pleased and satisfied with HP7 and must say that it is, hands down, my favorite of the series, with Half-Blood Prince close behind. If anyone hasn’t read any of the series yet, give it a try. I did, and her amazingly created characters and alternate world made me sorry I’d missed it for so long. My sister’s reading it now, but I can’t wait until they’re done with it so I can read it again…