Latest Reads
Here are two books you should read after you've read mine. The only thing they have in common is they were both due back at the library on Tuesday. I don't like reviewing books (my philosophy is "Those who can't do, teach; those who can't do or teach, become critics."), so if you want to find out more, click on the links to read the descriptions and reviews on Amazon.Big Lies by Joe Conason. Mandatory reading for anyone who cares about the truth (as a fiction writer, occasionally I omit myself from this group, but lately reality is SO much more entertaining and scary than fantasy). I plan to buy my own copy because it begs to be highlighted, dogeared, exclamation-pointed, frownie-faced, etc.
Basically, the book dispels in plain, non-academic, non-pundity language some common misconceptions that the right-wing screed-spewers would like you to believe. He picks the lies apart using -gasp!- FACTS, which is something I hear journalists used to look for before they turned into press release-regurgitating robots.
Conason's writing style is clean, compelling, and witty, without the distracting wackiness of some of the more overtly comic writers. This is pure substance, but moves as fast as a novel. You can easily read it in an afternoon. A revised, updated paperback came out in June 2004. Only $10 on Amazon!
On Fire's Wings by Christie Golden. This fantasy novel has phenomenal characters, a well-developed world, and a plot that takes risks at every turn. It blew me away. It's the first in a series, and though usually I'm not a series reader, no matter how much I like the first installment, this one I'll be waiting for next year.
On Fire's Wings is full of surprises. For instance, after the two main characters have sex, what happens to him is--well, you just won't believe it. It ain't pretty, but it is beautiful.
