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drblockbooks's reviews
92 reviews
Light the Dark: Writers on Creativity, Inspiration, and the Artistic Process by Joe Fassler
5.0
I'm about halfway through this collection of essays, and I feel compelled to write a review. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is a writer, wants to be a writer, or just wants to know more about how writers think.
The essays are from working writers -- some famous, some well-known, others more obscure -- who discuss what has inspired them or taught them valuable lessons about what it means to be a writer and, just as important, to be human.
All of the essays are good; some are transcendent. I won't say which those are, since I am sure my list will vary from your list.
Lastly, if you are someone who struggles to find time to read, this book is nice because most essays can be read in 10-20 minutes, so it is a good book if you can't find long windows of time to read.
The essays are from working writers -- some famous, some well-known, others more obscure -- who discuss what has inspired them or taught them valuable lessons about what it means to be a writer and, just as important, to be human.
All of the essays are good; some are transcendent. I won't say which those are, since I am sure my list will vary from your list.
Lastly, if you are someone who struggles to find time to read, this book is nice because most essays can be read in 10-20 minutes, so it is a good book if you can't find long windows of time to read.
Creating Character Arcs: The Masterful Author's Guide to Uniting Story Structure by K.M. Weiland
5.0
This book is a great overview of the different kinds of character arcs -- positive change, negative change, and flat -- you can use in fiction writing. The book is chock full of illustrative examples from well-known books and movies.
I think reading this book will be most beneficial to writers who have never studied character arcs before or have only examined them briefly. This book will also be helpful if you have a completed novel but find yourself thinking, "Something just isn't working." It might be you need to revise your character arc(s).
If you've studied creative writing or have read your fair share of craft books, this book likely won't be as helpful. However, the multiple, but brief examples given in each chapter can be helpful even if you've already studied character arcs. Several of the examples triggered ideas for me about how to make my current work-in-progress better.
In short, I strongly recommend this book to novice and intermediate writers. More advanced writers should look at the TOC and decide if the book will be worth their time.
I think reading this book will be most beneficial to writers who have never studied character arcs before or have only examined them briefly. This book will also be helpful if you have a completed novel but find yourself thinking, "Something just isn't working." It might be you need to revise your character arc(s).
If you've studied creative writing or have read your fair share of craft books, this book likely won't be as helpful. However, the multiple, but brief examples given in each chapter can be helpful even if you've already studied character arcs. Several of the examples triggered ideas for me about how to make my current work-in-progress better.
In short, I strongly recommend this book to novice and intermediate writers. More advanced writers should look at the TOC and decide if the book will be worth their time.
The Broken Earth Trilogy: The Fifth Season, the Obelisk Gate, the Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin
5.0
I enjoyed this trilogy very much. I wish there had been more dialogue and less internal narration at some points, but the story was well told and interesting.
The first book in this trilogy was one of the most amazing works of fiction I've ever read. I couldn't stop talking about it and recommending it to people. I even convinced my wife, who rarely reads fiction, to read it, but she couldn't get past chapter two. So, obviously, these books aren't for everyone. I'll say this: If you think the first few chapters of Book 1 are good, then you'll enjoy the entire trilogy; if you struggle with the first few chapters, stop reading and find a new book because the storytelling style doesn't change.
Books 2 and 3 were also good, though I think the best book in the trilogy was the first book. I think I had become used to Jemisin's style after the first book, so the style of writing didn't seem as--pardon the pun--earth shattering as Book 1.
The climax of the trilogy--the penultimate chapter of Book 3--was one of the better final scenes I've read in a fantasy/speculative fiction novel in quite some time. Exciting, terrifying, and moving.
Highly recommended.
The first book in this trilogy was one of the most amazing works of fiction I've ever read. I couldn't stop talking about it and recommending it to people. I even convinced my wife, who rarely reads fiction, to read it, but she couldn't get past chapter two. So, obviously, these books aren't for everyone. I'll say this: If you think the first few chapters of Book 1 are good, then you'll enjoy the entire trilogy; if you struggle with the first few chapters, stop reading and find a new book because the storytelling style doesn't change.
Books 2 and 3 were also good, though I think the best book in the trilogy was the first book. I think I had become used to Jemisin's style after the first book, so the style of writing didn't seem as--pardon the pun--earth shattering as Book 1.
The climax of the trilogy--the penultimate chapter of Book 3--was one of the better final scenes I've read in a fantasy/speculative fiction novel in quite some time. Exciting, terrifying, and moving.
Highly recommended.
Wings of Fire 1-5 Boxed Set by Tui T. Sutherland
5.0
I read all five of these books. I thought they were entertaining and fast-paced. The five books are a complete story, so even though there are 15 books in this series, you could stop after book five if you wanted to. I thought the best books of these five were books 1 and 4.
I recommend these books for anyone who liked the Warriors series, is interested in dragons, or likes action & adventure stories. These books are targeted at children ages 9-12. Please note: There are a few rather violent scenes in these books involving dragon battles, deaths, and even mutilations, so be warned if that sort of thing upsets you.
I recommend these books for anyone who liked the Warriors series, is interested in dragons, or likes action & adventure stories. These books are targeted at children ages 9-12. Please note: There are a few rather violent scenes in these books involving dragon battles, deaths, and even mutilations, so be warned if that sort of thing upsets you.
The Unfamiliar Garden by Benjamin Percy
5.0
I discovered this book when browsing in the "Recent Additions" section of my local library. And, I just discovered it is book 2 of a trilogy?!? It reads like a standalone book, so that surprised me. I'll have to grab a copy of book 1, [b:The Ninth Metal|53968532|The Ninth Metal (The Comet Cycle, #1)|Benjamin Percy|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1620355807l/53968532._SY75_.jpg|65581843], because I really enjoyed this book.
This book takes place about 10-15 years in the future in Seattle and surrounds. I'd classify the story as a mystery/thriller in the guise of a work of speculative fiction. It is very fast-paced, so much so that in a few parts I was wishing for more background information--which may be what I'd get if I read Book 1, I don't know. But all the information needed to enjoy the story is in the book, so this is more of a personal issue that a complaint.
If you like soft sci-fi and/or action mysteries, you'll probably enjoy this book. Although this book isn't very violent, it is disturbing in parts. I'd recommend it for ages 12+.
This book takes place about 10-15 years in the future in Seattle and surrounds. I'd classify the story as a mystery/thriller in the guise of a work of speculative fiction. It is very fast-paced, so much so that in a few parts I was wishing for more background information--which may be what I'd get if I read Book 1, I don't know. But all the information needed to enjoy the story is in the book, so this is more of a personal issue that a complaint.
If you like soft sci-fi and/or action mysteries, you'll probably enjoy this book. Although this book isn't very violent, it is disturbing in parts. I'd recommend it for ages 12+.
Story Fix: Transform Your Novel from Broken to Brilliant by Larry Brooks
5.0
I stumbled upon this book at my local library a couple weeks ago, and I am so glad that I did. It treats the editing and revision process in a manner I'd never heard before. This might be because I haven't read enough books on craft. Or, it might be because Larry Brooks's take on the subject is just different. I don't know the answer, but I do recommend any writers who are struggling with revision grab a copy of this book. There are plenty of "tough love" and "scared straight" moments in here. Not for writers who are afraid to face their weaknesses, but very illuminating if you are open to change and growth as a writer.
Recommended.
Recommended.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
5.0
This book reminds me of reading a Monty Python movie.
The Toll by Neal Shusterman
5.0
As I expected, the final book of the ARC OF THE SCYTHE trilogy was very good. The ending … the final words of the book … hit hard. Very emotional. Perfectly crafted.
The book itself, like the second book of the trilogy, seemed to take a while to get going. Once you get to the end, though, you realize everything was part of the puzzle, but while you are reading it, it does plod here and there. I’m not saying I could do better. I’m just saying that is my experience. These books are not thrillers; they are intelligent explorations of a possible human future, and to do that well – as Shusterman does – takes some time.
One thing that truly impressed me was that by the time you reach the last 10-20% of the book, you realize that certain conclusions you’ve reached as a reader were dead wrong. These twists were well done, subtle, and powerful. I’d like to say more, but I fear spoiling the book for those who plan to read it.
Recommended.
The book itself, like the second book of the trilogy, seemed to take a while to get going. Once you get to the end, though, you realize everything was part of the puzzle, but while you are reading it, it does plod here and there. I’m not saying I could do better. I’m just saying that is my experience. These books are not thrillers; they are intelligent explorations of a possible human future, and to do that well – as Shusterman does – takes some time.
One thing that truly impressed me was that by the time you reach the last 10-20% of the book, you realize that certain conclusions you’ve reached as a reader were dead wrong. These twists were well done, subtle, and powerful. I’d like to say more, but I fear spoiling the book for those who plan to read it.
Recommended.