My Last 5

As you can see, I've been very busy whilst in Maryland!

1. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks. One of his first novels to be made into a movie, starring Mandy Moore, no less! It's been so long since I saw the movie, I had difficulty remembering it well enough to compare. If my memory served me correctly, though, the movie protagonists were much shallower and poorly developed in comparison to those in the book. While the lovers in this effort are younger than some of his other works, it definitely is not a children's book. The theme of sacrificial love is far more mature than Jamie and Landon. Sir Sparks' writing style here is less polished, perhaps an effort at reflecting the youth of the main characters, or perhaps indicative that this is one of his early works and his style is less developed. This isn't a book I would go out of my way to read, unless you are just trying to complete that Sparks collection, or have run out of other material. It is not a complete waste of time, but not at the level of his other efforts.

2. Thunderhead by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. This collaborative effort shows promise, but ultimately fails to live up to its Tony Hillerman aspirations. The premise is that a 20+ year old letter arrives from an explorer father who mysteriously disappeared while searching for the lost city of gold. Based upon the clues contained therein, manipulation of NASA flight plans and other sundry morally offensive but technically legal efforts, a team of explorers is put together to track it down. They do, finding it not what they had hoped, and nearly all meet their deaths at the hands of some modern day Indian "witches" who have resurrected ancient Anasazi killing rituals. This book has multiple elements that should combine to form an intriguing and taught plot, but it simply fails to gel. Maybe one of these authors 4 other collaborations is a better read? If this novel is indicative of their work, I shant pursue any of their other works.

3. The Devil's Teardrop by Jeffery Deaver. An interesting read along the lines of a CSI-type murder mystery. The story follows an ongoing investigation into a mass murderer whose demands of 20 million dollars are met, but he fails to appear to collect and continues to kill. My only negative in this book is the developing attraction between the lead investigator and a retired specialist called in to help on the case seems forced, as if it takes place simply because there must be a romance brewing between two of the main characters if a book is to be published. The writing proceeds at a vigorous pace, alternating well between murderer, mastermind, and FBI efforts. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of several verbal puzzles. Most are answered within the story, but one is not. The author answers this puzzle in a note at the end of the story. Overall, well done!

4. Lake News by Barbara Delinsky. In short, don't bother. Perhaps I just wasn't in the mood to appreciate this newspaper reporter helps innocent cabaret piano player smeared by another newspaper reporter story. I greatly appreciated the descriptions of loons on the lake, since they stirred childhood memories, but otherwise felt it was a waste of time. If you like journalistic reportings of journalistic doings tangled up with a love affair, check it out. Other wise, see my second sentence.

5. Some Danger Involved by Will Thomas. Another mystery, but well written in the style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I might venture to say better written than Sir Arthur, but there are a lot of folks who would be terribly upset by that. This is an first novel, introducing the Enquiry Agent, Cyrus Barker, and his assistant, Thomas Llewelyn. The author does a wonderful job developing the characters in the context of the story. It it tightly paced and suspenseful, as well as introducing an aspect of London's history I was completely unfamiliar with. If you like Sherlock Holmesian mysteries, be sure and get to your library and get a copy of Some Danger Involved.

A Penguin of International Appeal

    I was sitting here minding my own business, wondering what I should post about today. I was considering whether it was to soon to post another "My Last 5," when I happened to notice a tab at the top of the page labeled, "Stats." Now I'm a geek. I freely admit it, and those of you who know me can confirm it. As a geek, stats appeal to me, so of course I clicked on the tab.
   The page slowly loaded (the internet connection here at the hotel leaves a bit to be desired at times!), and I considered what I might find. A world of wonder and amazement suddenly revealed itself to me. I was amazed to see that hits to this blog have come from Taiwan, China, Canada, and various and sundry other countries. I had expected to see Iraq and Turkey listed, as I have previously been in communication with prospective readers in those locales, and they were there. It was the others that surprised me so much. I was flabbergasted to find a total of 16 countries listed!
    The first question to cross my mind was, "how did these people find this blog?" Did they stumble across it accidentally whilst looking for hockey information for the Pittsburg Penguins? Are they saddened to find that this blog doesn't deal with those runners known as Penguins?
     What do these international peruser's of the Penguin's wanderings and wonderings think? Am I a typical egotistical American, focused so narrowly on myself and my narrow worldview that my musings are simply derided by international readers without considering there merit? Do my ponderous ponderings provide some bemused expat a reminder of home? Am I making the most of my opportunity to be "a light to the world"?
     Suddenly my words have gained more weight, psychologically, knowing that they are an international representative of me. It's heady stuff, but humbling as well.
     Whoever you are, and wherever you are, I hope you enjoy my ramblings. If not, keep coming back anyhow. It makes me feel good! Wander and wonder at will, me fellow penguins. Until next time, keep waddling!

My Last 5

1. Some Danger Involved by Will Thomas. Another mystery, but well written in the style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I might venture to say better written than Sir Arthur, but there are a lot of folks who would be terribly upset by that. This is an first novel, introducing the Enquiry Agent, Cyrus Barker, and his assistant, Thomas Llewelyn. The author does a wonderful job developing the characters in the context of the story. It it tightly paced and suspenseful, as well as introducing an aspect of London's history I was completely unfamiliar with. If you like Sherlock Holmesian mysteries, be sure and get to your library and get a copy of Some Danger Involved.


2. Maximum Security by Rose Connors. Although I'm not sure what the title had to do with the actual book, this is an interesting novel written by a lawyer. John Grisham she is not, but law is always interesting to me. This particular novel involves a beautiful (aren't they always) heiress who is accused of the murder of her deceased husband. While rather short, a lot of action is covered in the span of the 150 or so pages. If you like Mr. Grisham, Mrs. Connors would be a good addition to your list of authors.

3. Blood is the Sky by Steve Hamilton. I don't believe I've had the privilege of reading Mr. Hamilton's work before, but if this 300+ page novel is typical of his work, I have a new mystery/detective favorite. This story takes place in Northern Michigan and Ontario and involves a setting I am personally familiar with, hunting camps. The pace is fast, the characters are flawed, and thus entirely believable. The mistakes they make, and the motivations for doing so provide as much interest as the actual action itself. Another book that I would recommend.

4. Nighttime is my Time by Mary Higgins Clark. Mrs. Clark has never been one of my favorite authors. Reading this book reminded me why. I found the plot tedious, often bogged down in introspective musings of the characters. They flow was disjointed, the characters poorly developed, seeming like character cut-outs. If you like Mrs. Clark's work, more power to you. We are all entitled to our opinions, and mine is that her writing is sub-par and insipid.

5. The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks. I have become a huge fan of Monsieur Sparks efforts. He writes very believable stories, based on entirely human characters and the struggles, conflicts and motivations of folks from all walks of life. This novel was written from the perspective of a gentleman who is succesful as a businessman, but a failure at his marriage. I could easily identify with his workaholic attitude, and hopefully learned some lessons from his efforts to save his marriage. I almost hope Mrs. Penguin doesn't read this, as some of his efforts are inspiring and a touch awe-inspiring. If you liked the movie FIREPROOF, you'll probably enjoy this book.

My Last 5

Here is an updated My Last 5. It's been a while, but I had gone probably 2 months without reading a book. Lots of articles and magazines, but no books. So, I've made up for it in the last week or so. In fact, I have 7 books to review. Here goes.

I am grateful to a long-time SF Giants Fan and fellow bibliophile for some Readers Digest Select Editions. It's nice to have 4 books in one. They still are paper, which I appreciate much more than trying to read extended pages on the screen. That's why I'll probably never get an e-reader or try to read books on my I-touch.

1. Maximum Security by Rose Connors. Although I'm not sure what the title had to do with the actual book, this is an interesting novel written by a lawyer. John Grisham she is not, but law is always interesting to me. This particular novel involves a beautiful (aren't they always) heiress who is accused of the murder of her deceased husband. While rather short, a lot of action is covered in the span of the 150 or so pages. If you like Mr. Grisham, Mrs. Connors would be a good addition to your list of authors.

2. Blood is the Sky by Steve Hamilton. I don't believe I've had the privilege of reading Mr. Hamilton's work before, but if this 300+ page novel is typical of his work, I have a new mystery/detective favorite. This story takes place in Northern Michigan and Ontario and involves a setting I am personally familiar with, hunting camps. The pace is fast, the characters are flawed, and thus entirely believable. The mistakes they make, and the motivations for doing so provide as much interest as the actual action itself. Another book that I would recommend.

3. Nighttime is my Time by Mary Higgins Clark. Mrs. Clark has never been one of my favorite authors. Reading this book reminded me why. I found the plot tedious, often bogged down in introspective musings of the characters. They flow was disjointed, the characters poorly developed, seeming like character cut-outs. If you like Mrs. Clark's work, more power to you. We are all entitled to our opinions, and mine is that her writing is sub-par and insipid.

4. The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks. I have become a huge fan of Monsieur Sparks efforts. He writes very believable stories, based on entirely human characters and the struggles, conflicts and motivations of folks from all walks of life. This novel was written from the perspective of a gentleman who is succesful as a businessman, but a failure at his marriage. I could easily identify with his workaholic attitude, and hopefully learned some lessons from his efforts to save his marriage. I almost hope Mrs. Penguin doesn't read this, as some of his efforts are inspiring and a touch awe-inspiring. If you liked the movie FIREPROOF, you'll probably enjoy this book.

5. The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks. This was an interesting novel, made easier to relate to because it involved a military character. I'm not sure if this was written before or after Dear John. While Mr. Sparks occasionally slips in his portrayal of military life, or so it seems to me, he strives very hard to stay authentic. Again, his characterization and motivations are well done. I did find the story a little harder to believe than some of his other works. I realize that reading fiction requires a suspension of belief, but I've come to expect such great things from him that this book was a bit of a let-down. Perhaps that is because this book actually upset me quite a bit. Why? This was the first book I ever remember reading where I identified with the antagonist more strongly than the protagonist. The poor parenting, impatience, and jealousy displayed by the ex-husband/father character seemed much more understandable and relatable than the perfectly patient, seemingly selfless lead.

6. Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters by Jane Austen and Ben H. Winters. Having never read the original, I can't compare this revised work, so I have to take the book on its own merits. I'm still not sure that I actually liked the book. It was an interesting premise, but the meshing of two different worlds is less than seamless. Thanks to my bibliophile friend, I have a copy of Northanger Abbey to read. Perhaps after I read that I will be better able to distinguish between Ms. Austen's work and Mr. Winters "additions." Perhaps Ms. Austen is really a poor writer and this is better than the original, or perhaps not. Overall, I was less than impressed and will be reluctant to read anything else this duo might publish.

7. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. I had already seen the movie, thanks to Mrs. Penguin, so I had a pretty good idea of the story. I found the book to be better than the movie, as is usually the case. I much prefer the ending of the book. It seems more in keeping with the character's portrayed. I am always disappointed that this author's books contain pre-marital sex, since he professes to be a Christian (Catholic, I think). Maybe that's what it takes to get a book published these days. I doubt it, but then again, what do I know?

I hope you enjoyed My Last 5, or in this case, My Last 7. Stay tuned fellow penguins. The wanderings and wonderings continue.

Updated Wanderings

Greetings Fellow Penguins!

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, it just seems like it. A quick update on my wanderings: I am currently in the wonderful City of Baltimore, MD getting my C-STARS training. My 6 month plus field trip begins next month. Last month I managed to hit MO, IA & AR in a whirlwind trip. We are all eagerly holding our breath to find out where we will be headed when I return, or if I will stay in Cali one more year.

As for wonderings, stay tuned in the next few days for an updated "My Last 5."

Addendum: Be sure and follow this link http://www.gerber.com/photo/gclid=CI6C74DuhKUCFRtqgwodjihiNQ#/vote
to vote for the littlest penguin, Ms. Alyeska! You can vote each and every day this month. Thank you for your support of her college tuition!

That is All,

Penguin Out