Scar Tissue

Truly fascinating account of a relapsing mega star from his roots to his rock star success. Kiedis is unabashedly open and honest, making for some breathtakingly bizarre recounts of some serious train wreck behaviour. It's great that he's managed to get it all down, given the events of his life could very well have ended in premature death. Having lived through what he has, the stories roll off the page, as the first person narrative is fresh and conversational. He doesn't hold back on his critique of himself, but it would have been even more interesting if he held a harsher view of the people in his circles (granted, his own behaviour shouldn't warrant anything but love of those who put up with him).

The band, the music, the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll lifestyle all receive insightful reflection. Save for the limited insight from and about his band mates (i would have liked to hear opinions and commentary from Flea, Chad, Dave and John, but it IS Kiedis' story and not a book about the band, after all), this autobiography is nearly as perfect as having the chance to sit down with the man himself and listen to him tell stories. Highly engaging!

4 1/2 stars out of 5

Pygmy

This one may not be for any casual fan of Palahniuk, but it certainly is rewarding to those with stick-to-it-ed-ness. The only comparison i can make is to A Clockwork Orange, in the sense that you need to be immersed in the book to fully comprehend and understand the language at hand. NO, there aren't any terms like "yarbles" or "moloko", just broken English explanations courtesy the foreign exchange lead character known as Pygmy.

The broken language makes for a difficult read, but after awhile you are in his head and his limited terminology used to describe the most mundane things as a Walmart greeter seem equally as peculiar as more personal items such as a vibrator or the crucifixion, all described to hilarious effect. Boiled down, it is a rather simple plot, made all the craftier by Palaniuk's use (or misuse?) of the English language.

i won't try to explain it any further, when Chuck does a pretty good job himself in this article. If after you've read the article and are intrigued, i will definitely recommend this book. But it's not the place to start if you are new to Chuck Palahniuk's work.

4 stars out of 5

Living Dead in Dallas

Continuing the fun that started in Dead Until Dark, with some nicely added twists and characters that should set up some great future installments. Having watched True Blood season 2 before reading this, i'd have to say i was a little bored following one story line, but the books really bring Sookie's personality front and center.

4 stars out of 5

Scalped: Indian Country

I read this in about an hour. Totally into it from the get go. Rather violent and gritty, like the crime genre should be, with some interesting (yet depressing) history lessons along the way. After volume one, I'm totally intrigued and can't wait to read more in the series.

4 1/2 stars out of 5

Dead Until Dark

Every bit as funny, frightening and sexy as the show True Blood, which is based on this series. I enjoy the mashing of genres and the authenticity of the characters and their actions. Goes to places the TV show doesn't, in a way that is equally enjoyable. A rare occurrence where each medium explores the same content but uses their diverse techniques to bring out the best of what's at its core. A delicious treat that's none too serious, but riveting and engaging.

4 stars out of 5

Code Talker

This is a great book if you have any small interest in the role of Code Talkers in WWII, or language preservation, or Native American boarding school history. There are plenty of lessons to be taught from the text (perfect middle school novel) and the author keeps it realistic but not too overly detailed. Just right for a young teen's interest and reading level. I highly recommend it as a school resource, but even as a quick, personal read, whether or not war stories are your thing. It's more about a culture and a Nation, as it is told through a Navajo narrator. Great read!

4 1/2 stars out of 5

New Moon

i actually didn't read this in French, but i wonder if that would have made it more interesting. These Twilight books are great. Great, because it gives hope to any hack writer out there, that with a good publicist and shitty writing, you can still make it in the book industry. This one was worse than the first one. A third act that had little to nothing to do with the first two acts, an inconsistent and annoying set of characters, and writing that seems devoid of any edits, revisions, or a thesaurus. Why did i waste my time, again. Here's to pop culture and hysteria!

2 stars out of 5

Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and what it says about us)

This is a truly fascinating book. It explores traffic from a variety of perspectives. There's the psychological angle, the sociological angle, a cultural/anthropology angle, as well as scientific explanations. All written in a very accessible and entertaining manner. i know it has changed my outlook on traffic and the way i drive, while it actually makes sitting in traffic a little more bearable, now that i have a greater understanding of what is happening and why. i highly recommend this book for anyone who has spent any amount of time wondering what the hell is wrong with some people on the road.

Prince: A Documentary

Very thorough, yet very boring. Basically a time line run down of live shows and music releases. Nothing interesting or insightful, but very detailed. The inclusion of reviews from critics around the globe are somewhat interesting, but overall not very worthwhile, for even a fan like myself.

3 stars out of 5

Batman: Haunted Knight

It's been awhile since i've read comics, and i'm pleased to see that Batman is every bit as good as it ever was. Interesting, reflective character study, paired with dark, detailed artwork. Tim Sale's take on classic Batman villains really makes them more menacing than ever. Certainly not a classic, but a nice collection, which i bought in advance of reading The Long Halloween. It has certainly whet the appetite.

4 stars out of 5

Hate That Cat

For a teacher that both loves to read and loves to teach poetry, this is a must have book. The sequel to "Love That Dog", this one gets a little deeper into the poetry and into the main character's life. It has a little bit of heartfelt sentiment, which made the first book feel complete. However, this one seems a little more forced. i do like that it explores poetic conventions a little more clearly and directly, but it also makes it come across a little more contrived. A good companion piece to the original "Love That Dog".

4 1/2 stars out of 5

The Lump of Coal

Another bit of silliness from Snicket, just in time for Christmas. i think he does these holiday books (the Latke was last winter) for the fans, and possibly the publishing company. Nothing special, just some of his typical wit and humour, turning an odd spin on the usual Christmas tale. The really nice bonus is to see Helquist's illustrations in large, full colour form.

Goin' Deep: The Life and Times of a CFL Quarterback

A quick read, but not thoroughly engaging or entertaining, it just prattles along like an episode of sportscenter, with cliches and worn out sports stories. It doesn't get into too much detail, probably to protect the innocent and his marriage.

Besides the suggestive porn title, there's very little dirty details, except when he gets into his brief stint in Calgary as the head coach and how that all went down in flames. This is perhaps when the book is at its best, as his words become incendiary and personal, a welcome change from the book's statistical rundown and play by play banality.

This isn't a horrible read, but it doesn't offer too much insight in an undercovered part of the sports world.

3 stars out of 5

Noisy Outlaws, Unfriendly Blobs, and Some Other Things . . .: That Aren't As Scary, Maybe, Depending on How You Feel About Lost Lands, Stray Cellphone

Some seriously talented writers banding together to assist the future talents of tomorrow. This hodge podge collection of short stories by authors that happen to write for children, but in all honesty are crafting tales more readily enjoyed by adults, certainly has something for everyone, and that's in a good way. From the absurdly silly to the poignant and graceful, to the heart touching and thought provoking, this collection runs a gamut of emotions.

What remains at the center of it all is a freshness, and a fondness for fun, humour, wit and charm, with a children's tale setting. There is some superbly imaginative tales, that only fans of dry, British humour could love. One story, in particular, about a boy whose parents leave him for a week, but not without a bizarre trail of notes and notices of how to fend for himself, reminded me of a Douglas Adams novel, or a Roald Dahl trip, or a Monty Python skit. That same mix of sly wit, coupled with societal commentary, situated in the absurd seems to weave its way throughout the book.

As a whole, it's a lot of fun. Taken bit for bit, equally delicious.

4 out of 5 stars

Twilight

Teen romance melodrama, yet still quite a page turner. The literary equivalent of Degrassi Jr. High (wait--i don't mean to demean Degrassi in that way), what with it's teen lens that finds so much drama in a cafeteria setting. Still, Bella's POV narrative is somewhat engaging, and whisks along at a brisk pace, you'd almost think that Meyer was once a teenage girl.

The whole vampire genre never really interested me, but i like the suspense in figuring out what rules apply in this version. i still don't quite understand what Bella sees in a jerk like Edward (how's that for inviting the wrath of the Palefaced Lovers) but then again, i never did understand why teenage girls go for jocks (i mean, jerks--sorry, typo).

i don't need to recommend this to anyone who's ever thought to read it. Just the fact that you're thinking about it, probably means you will given the mass hysteria around it. i also would not recommend it to people who haven't read it, because it really won't satisfy anyone who's not really interested.

i can see the reasons why it's been such a great seller. It has a trash romance quality that Fabio could sell, and a reading level that definitely makes it a guilty pleasure easily consumed. i just don't feel inclined to read on based on what i got out of it.

3 1/2 stars out of 5

Watchmen

It's amazing how strangely relevant this graphic novel is today, despite being set in the Cold War era. The themes still surround us, the paranoia of war time, the Us vs. Them rhetoric, the need for everyday heroes, the question of suffering losses for "the greater good".

Another striking element of the book is how well conceived it all is. So meticulously planned and plotted, written with symmetry, drawn with consistent style. The layout and planning of the 12 parts, and how each seems to focus on a key character, while balancing out multiple storylines, is just brilliant storytelling.

i'm curious to see how this film turns out. It unfolds so interestingly, and uses flashbacks and cutaways and foreshadowing that there shouldn't be any need to change the structure of the graphic novel. That being said, it's been in development forever, i wonder if they'll try to make it more appealing to comic book movie fans, as it really isn't about crime fighting and fisticuffs. Very dramatic, with characters much older than a typical comic book. A lot of dialogue too. Can't wait to see it.

4 1/2 stars out of 5

Snuff

Classic Palahniuk, in that it explores the topics and subjects we (meaning typical society) tries to avoid for dinner conversation, while also rewarding us with a plethora of tidbits about Hollywood stars' odd behaviours and deaths, all in the name of vanity.

This isn't as large in scope as say, Fight Club or Rant or Choke, as there isn't as much theological subtext, (at least not on first reading). Yet, Palahniuk's uncanny ability to pull us along, at the novelistic equivalent of a rapid editing montage, is ever present. As we proceed towards a climax of which we can easily predict the possibilities, while never knowing which one he'll actually surprise us with, he still manages to add that one extra twist for good measure.

A very quick read, which feels like one he tossed off in a hurry (pun intended), while we await a grander scale book. This is good filler in the meantime, and its nice to see him continue to experiment with ways of telling a story through multiple narratives. Snuff's method of a chapter per character works better than Rant's "E-Hollywood's true story" style, while offering multiple views on the same scenario. Another excellent read, but not a recommended starting point for readers new to Chuck's stuff.

4 stars out of 5

Into the Wild

Not really my type of book, but the fact that i finished it so fast is a testament to how interesting he makes the death of a young man who wondered into the wilderness of Alaska. It is nicely structured, and by adding his own exploits and those of past known wilderness enthusiasts, not to mention some very telling quotes from key authors, it really elevates the novel into highly readable territory.

4 stars out of 5

The Life of a Children's Troubadour: An autobiography

This book was truly awesome. It satisfied me as a father, as an educator, as a fan of Raffi's music, and as a caring person who shares this earth with all of you. He writes about all this, and more, with intelligence, wit, and passion. Part biography, part call for environmental activisim, and part soul searching for meaning in his family relationships, Raffi shows his complexity and love for children and their future. A must read for anyone interested in any of these angles.

5 stars out of 5

Rant

Palahniuk continues to amaze, in that he is unabashedly his own style, while continuously altering the style of his own writing. This time he takes on "Behind the Music" type biography structure to spin an oral retelling of a man celebrated for all the wrong reasons. At times a horror vampire zombie tale (kind of like Haunted), while also exploring theological themes and religious behaviour (like Survivor), while continuing to explore subcultures that exist to circumvent how unalive our lives have become (like Fight Club), he manages to conjure up all these styles, all these modes and genres, into a new tale that may actually be his first crack at science fiction.

He continues to amaze, and though Rant doesn't quite have the pacing and narration that makes his better books crackle like a skid on a bonfire, it may be his most mature work in the sense that he enters into even bigger concepts and thought provoking speculation that challenges our society's beliefs of racism, god, celebrity, belonging and chronology.

Give it some time, and like an infectious disease, it will grow on you.

4 1/2 stars out of 5

Adverbs

Daniel Handler has a way with words, that is equally gut splitingly hilarious, mind blowingly witty, and heart wrenchingly beautiful. Adverbs is all of the above and then some. Exploring the many faces, shades, and pits of love, through a series of short stories selectively related to an adverb modifying how we all experience love, Handler has crafted a novel that builds upon the wit, humour, and sadness that populated his "A Series of Unfortunate Events", only for a more mature audience.

i emplore you to read this book and marvel in his way with the English language, and the language of love.

4 1/2 stars out of 5

All Heart: My Story

i was hoping a book written by the Pinball would have a glimpse of the amazing orator that he is. Unfortunately, this book occured at a time when Michael Clemons hadn't chosen a direction. The football pages pale in comparison to the chapter on community work, which sparkle with the insight and positivity that this man exudes. Still, i'd love to hear an audio version, as he's such an amazing speaker.

3 1/2 stars out of 5

The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming

Silly little entry from Mr. Snicket, using his hilarious style to tell a Hanukkah tale in response to the customs of Christmas. A welcome addition to any Snicket fan's library, but i'm not sure what others will think.

4 stars out of 5

The Golden Compass

WOW. Very entertaining read, filled with all the usual fantasy highs and lows. The characters are interesting with varied motivations, but the whole fantasy genre trapping of "travel here, obtain object and/or meet new character, rest, travel elsewhere, repeat" gets tiresome. Really cool theological premises abound and look interesting for parts 2 and 3.

4 stars out of 5

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

What a fantastic finish. Worthy of any and all praise. Amazingly tight narrative that stays true to character and delivers a mesmerizing final spell over the reader. What's next, J.K.?

4 1/2 stars out of 5

Flight

Alexie is a very powerful author. He tackles abuse, abandonment, genocide and other issues that affect Native Americans with brutal honesty and just a touch of humour. This one reads like a stream of consciousness, which is part of the book's strength and mystery, as we can only trust the narrator as he comes of age. Not for everyone's tastes, but extremely well written.

4 stars out of 5

Slam

Read this aloud to my class...they seemed to enjoy it...Myers has a keen way of getting into the character's voice that seems very authentic and not forced...traipses through issues of tweens without being preachy or too racy. Enjoyable year end read.

4 stars out of 5

The Complete Alice in Wonderland

Probably the best rendering of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland yet. Better than a book edition because of the wonderful imagery (i know imagining for yourself is one of the beautiful things about reading, but seeing someone's vision for the Alice books is always entertaining). Better than any of the filmed versions, because there's something so enjoyable about reading the written word and the wit of Lewis Carol's prose and poetry. Putting those two together in graphic novel form is pure genius. Absolutely loved this version of Alice!

4 1/2 stars out of 5

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

My newest favourite book. A nice little mystery filled with a small handful of characters, that exhibits an old cinematic charm straight out of the French New Wave. The interweaving of graphic novel style storyboards to the traditional novel text gives it a cinematic pacing and feel. Plus the thematic elements of magic and silent films falls directly within two of my most beloved interests. It may seem cliche to say this, but i'd love to see a film made of this book, as i could picture the energy, mystery, and sweetness that envelopes the main characters. For authenticity sake, i could imagine the director of Amelie putting a deft cinematic hand on this French tale. I would highly recommend this to anyone, old or young. Despite its some 500 page heft, it was a very, very quick read. You won't be disappointed.

5 stars out of 5

Hard Core Road Show

A nice companion piece to both the original work that was adapted and the film from whence this came...or should that read, which came of this...it's interesting in its exploration of the trials and tribulations of a screenwriter in the Canadian Film industry, both the minute and mundane moments alongside the monumental.

5 stars out of 5

A Clockwork Orange

If ever there was a must read, this is it. Do yourself a favour, my brothers, and immerse yourself in this world. Compelling, and unlike anything i've ever read, before, or since. Amazing in both style and structure, narrative and theme, it is a classic, despite some of the ultraviolence. Read it, it's worth the yarbles. That's if you've got any yarbles.

5 stars out of 5