Book Review
While Television has become the information and entertainment monopoly of present day, occasionally, some among us remember that great stories reside not only on channel 42 but also on a bookshelf. For some, the idea of spending several hours with a book seems an uncertain investment for if the book fails to entertain us we have lost much time.
As for Television, if the newest episode of “Supernatural” just so happens to suck, at least we only lost an hour. Besides, we can channel surf during the commercials. Fortunately, there are people who have read books already and can tell us whither or not the book is worth reading. I just so happen to serve in this capacity.
Each of the below novels are books which I have more recently read and critiqued, then arranged in alphabetical order according to the last name of the author. I’ve ranked each of them on a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being fit only for “Toilet Paper” and 5 being a “Must Read.” You can get your book recommendations from me or another source like Oprah, or you could take a chance on a book yourself [which may be a bit more exciting as you don’t know if it’ll blow, or blow your mind].
Title, Author
Genre or Category
Rating: 1-5 with brief comment
Suggested Locale: Where’s the best place to read this book.
Summary: Content summary with my opinion of the book.
B
“ Throwing the Elephant” by Bing, Stanley
Category: Business Humor
Rating: 4, I found Zen and then sold my shares at premium
Suggested Locale: Huddled conspiratorially in a cubicle or “Bathroom Reading”
Summary: Mr. Bing brings humor back into the all too serious world of business with this clever twist on “self help literature” with principles based on the teaching of “Zen.” While the book is written in a comedic form, it does detail an effective process by which even the lowliest “Handler” [employee] can learn to manipulate the largest “Elephant” [Boss]. Throughout the book, Bing regales the reader with the adventures of “Buddha” as a modern corporate character who discovers enlightenment outside of the business sector and then returns to spread his wisdom and improve his quarterly figures.
“The Government Manual for New Wizards” by Brozik, Matthew and Weinstein, Jacob
Category: Fantasy Humor
Rating: 3, Fans of “Harry Potter” take note
Suggested Locale: Medieval Dungeon or “Bed side reading”
Summary: Brozik and Weinstein summon laughter from the mystic realms with this mock manual for the Wizarding community. Targeting “New Wizards,” the magical government seeks to educate them on several subjects from “Wizard Law” to strange “Magical Creatures” while warning against the draw of “Black Magic” and “Evil Sorcerers.” Throughout the book, a dark Wizard interrupts the usual manual text with wickedly amusing messages attempting to recruit the reader to the side of evil. The faux “Government Publication” style riddled with penned graphitti and the regular interruptions of sinister messages, entertain the reader with presentation as well as content.
D
Star Trek: Next Generation, “Strike Zone” by David, Peter
Category: Science Fiction
Rating: 3, would have been a 4 but for his portrayal of an easily irritated Jean-Luc Picard
Suggested Locale: While cruising the Gamma Quadrant or Waiting for a Bus
Summary: David weaves a thrilling tale with all of the Star Trek flavor and flare that fans of the series have come to expect. A new savage warrior race known as the “Kreel” have stumbled upon a stockpile of highly advanced and deadly weapons that they begin using against their sworn enemies, the “Klingons.” During the heated conflict, a negotiation engagement is arranged between the two races that brings the “Enterprise” into a diplomatic role ferrying ambassadors from both sides. Tension between the two races threatens to end diplomatic efforts violently with the Enterprise crew caught in crossfire of hatred.
“How to Rule the World” by De Guillaume, Andre
Category: Self Help, Humor, World Domination
Rating: 4, you really could you know
Suggested Locale: Secret Military Bunker or in the Park while eyeballing future minions
Summary: Guillaume gives step-by-step instructions on how anyone, even you, could begin a campaign of world domination. While the humor is of a dryer variety than most Americans are used to, the detail and simple ness of his process draws the reader into a power trip fantasy which leaves you daydreaming of your eventual future empire. Complete with regular historical references and character summaries of rulers throughout the worlds past, Guillaume breaks down the effective attributes of a successful dictator, allowing anyone to imagine themselves as a benevolent tyrant. The end of the book is highlighted by a non-fictional attempted Coup by the author himself.
O
“Animal Farm” by Orwell, George [a.k.a. Eric Blair]
Category: A “Fairy Tale” Orwell Claims
Rating: 5, Underlined political tones or not, this is a great read
Suggested Locale: The steps of a Government Building or in Moscow, or both
Summary: Orwell has written a timeless classic that has become a “High School” reading requirement for good reason. Try not to think of this book as “Required Reading” because after all it is quite enjoyable and short compared to other books that your teacher may assign. In this novel, barnyard animals in England overthrow their oppressive human master and establish their own rule. Dreams of utopia quickly turn sour as the pigs gain control and political influence. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in just over three hours.
