Hiaasen has been around since the mid eighties and I have no idea why I haven't read any of his books until now. He writes biting, zany, outrageous satire and creates characters who are as bizarre as any in literature. He also gives the occasional speech, and if you google him, you can watch some great comedic performances on Youtube. He is as much fun to listen to as he is to read. If you are squeamish about expletives, you will want to give him a miss, as he rolls out some of the most creative curses ever invented - a kind of folksy, metaphorical spice to the already delicious prose.
Hiaasen's books do not have to be read in order. Some of his characters recur, but there is no thread to lose if you read the more recent books first. This is cynicism at its best, for those of us who cannot get enough of that brand of humor.
Hiaasen also writes nonfiction, children's books and a column for the Miami Herald. In my opinion, he's a genius.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Kingsolver
Poison wood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
This is a great book. I read some lukewarm reviews, but I cannot think of a reasonable criticism for this book. It is a terrific story, creatively done, and the fact that Kingsolver had parents who were missionaries lends the book a quality of authenticity.
This is a great book. I read some lukewarm reviews, but I cannot think of a reasonable criticism for this book. It is a terrific story, creatively done, and the fact that Kingsolver had parents who were missionaries lends the book a quality of authenticity.
McInerny
Father Dowling Mysteries by Ralph McInerney
I discovered these shortly after writing the last list. They are mind candy, to be sure, but they're better than most television by a long shot. The setting is a Catholic community outside of Chicago and the Notre Dame professor/author informs the reader about the dilemmas and issues of Catholics.
I discovered these shortly after writing the last list. They are mind candy, to be sure, but they're better than most television by a long shot. The setting is a Catholic community outside of Chicago and the Notre Dame professor/author informs the reader about the dilemmas and issues of Catholics.
Nurture Assumption
Nurture Assumption by Judith Rich Harris
Free Press, New York: 1998
This is a very important book written about child rearing and the nature/nurture controversy. Harris takes on the entire industry of child development and parenting literature. Her book is convincing and well researched.
Free Press, New York: 1998
This is a very important book written about child rearing and the nature/nurture controversy. Harris takes on the entire industry of child development and parenting literature. Her book is convincing and well researched.
South Asia
Infidel by Ayan Hirsi Ali
This is a riveting tale of the life of a youngster in war torn Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. She lives in the US, currently, and is in danger from Muslim extremists because she has renounced (and denounced) the Muslim faith.
Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad
This is an astounding story of a Norwegian journalist who was invited into the home of an Afghani family following the US takedown of the Taliban in 2001- 2002.
This is a riveting tale of the life of a youngster in war torn Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. She lives in the US, currently, and is in danger from Muslim extremists because she has renounced (and denounced) the Muslim faith.
Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad
This is an astounding story of a Norwegian journalist who was invited into the home of an Afghani family following the US takedown of the Taliban in 2001- 2002.
John Dean
Conservatives without Conscience by John Dean
Dean describes the difference between the Goldwater version of conservatism and the modern variety. This is informative and interesting.
Dean describes the difference between the Goldwater version of conservatism and the modern variety. This is informative and interesting.
Imagine
Letter to a Christian Nation by Sam Harris
After publishing The End of Faith, Harris received so much hate mail, particularly from Christians, that he composed a treatise that speaks directly to Christians. It refutes specific right wing positions with concrete data, i.e., stem cell research, abstinence, and all religious beliefs and practices that result in increased suffering rather than increased well-being. It is clear and concise.
God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything by Christopher Hitchens
Hitchens, like Dawkins, is an author who is well acquainted with religious texts of many sources, and is particularly well versed in Bible scholarship. While both he and Dawkins are appreciative of the Bible as literature, Hitchens is adamant that there is no reason to adopt any supernatural beliefs based on these readings.
God Delusion – Richard Dawkins
This is a perfect companion to Christopher Hitchens’ God is Not Great and Sam Harris’ Letter to a Christian Nation.
After publishing The End of Faith, Harris received so much hate mail, particularly from Christians, that he composed a treatise that speaks directly to Christians. It refutes specific right wing positions with concrete data, i.e., stem cell research, abstinence, and all religious beliefs and practices that result in increased suffering rather than increased well-being. It is clear and concise.
God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything by Christopher Hitchens
Hitchens, like Dawkins, is an author who is well acquainted with religious texts of many sources, and is particularly well versed in Bible scholarship. While both he and Dawkins are appreciative of the Bible as literature, Hitchens is adamant that there is no reason to adopt any supernatural beliefs based on these readings.
God Delusion – Richard Dawkins
This is a perfect companion to Christopher Hitchens’ God is Not Great and Sam Harris’ Letter to a Christian Nation.
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