Stuff I've read recently 5

Wow! It's been a long time since I've done this, this is testament to my never failing laziness, my capacity for putting books in places I'll never pick them up from and being far busier than I ever have been before. I'm also really bad at reading my blog, so much so that I've missed comments that people have kindly put up on my blog, including one from the author of one of the books I talked about in my last post!!! I think it's partly the whole blogger self-esteem issue and I just assume that no one's commented at all. But enough self-deprecation, on with the post.

As per usual start with Christan stuff

The Bible - God et al

Right, it's going to be too much effort to actually recall what I've read, but basically I found my Bible, finished the book I was on (Acts or Romans) and then went back to wherever I was in the old testament and am now storming through Luke and nearly back to where I should be...yeah...that makes...moving on. Anyway it was all very good and helpful as the bible always is.

Ultimate Questions - John Blanchard

A nifty little booklet containing key questions people might ask or should ask about God and the Christian faith. Usually something you'd maybe give to a friend top help them understand, but I figured I should probably read the thing should it ever be something I'd need to do. And it was a pretty good and clear explanation of key information people might need to clear up, and going over the fundamentals of Christianity can never hurt!!

Moving on to "incidentals" books I've picked up along the way and aren't my "main" book, generally because they're easier to read!!

Star Wars Legacy of the Force: Invincible - Troy Denning

This book wrapped up the galactic civil war covered in the Legacy of the Force series of books, this book resolves the conflict across the stars, the reign of Sith Lord Jacen Solo and the tension between the Solo and Skywalker families because of the actions of their children. A fitting end to the series I thought, and I'm intrigued as to what they'll bring out next.

Dark Horse Heroes Omnibus vol 1 - Various

I bought this out of curiosity more than anything, but was pleasantly surprised at the story that unfolded in the book. The publishers started with a crossover title to introduce a load of new characters, some of which were popular enough to spawn their own series, such as X, Barb Wire and Ghost, who appears as only a minor character yet turned out to be the most longlived! The first part covers the experiment of an alien scientist and how it went wrong, creating superpowered humans all across the globe, we view the adventures of the more heroic of these individuals and the aliens who track them searching for the man who gave them their abilities. The next part covers one hero, Titan and how his powers coupled with his insecurities end up making him one of the most dangerous forces on Earth -a very good read.

Maus - Art Spiegelman

One of the most fantastic pieces of work done in the comic book format, if anyone says comic books are stupid or just for kids hand them a copy of this. This true account of holocaust survival is brilliantly illustrated with the characters drawn as animals based on race to emphasise the cruel racial distinctions made by the Nazi regime. The story is powerfully honest as it shows the survivor (also the author's father) as he was in present times, a cantankerous olf man that the author found frustrating to live with. A fantastic piece of art.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns - Frank Miller

Another one of these great works of comic book writing I'd heard about and it was on the cheap so I purchased it and was glad I did. The story revitalised batman which had become something of a joke with the camp costumes and the "Kapow" and all that and this story is credited with bringing it back to the dark brooding title it should be. The story takes place when Batman is an old man of about 60, and is retired from his life as the caped crusader, and yet he feels something calling to him, something from the darkness. He returns to his former identity but finds there are big consequences and big changes ahead for the Batman. I can see it's been a big influence on the recent Batman movies and it's a very good read.

And now my "main" book.

Crime and Punishment - Fyodr Dostoyevsky

A really great book, and not hard to read at all so it's to my shame that I haven't finished it sooner. The story is of a student, who is compelled to murder and the consequences of his actions, but it's far more than just his journey to justice. The story explores his feelings as he deals with trying to have a normal life, the unexpected arrival of his family and his reactions to people who suddenly become part of his life. His sense of guilt and relief when he thinks judgement is passed is very tangible and real and the book is exciting and believable to read and I certainly enjoyed it and if you want to get into classic and/or Russian stuff this would be no bad start.

OK and that's (probably) it, I'll make no promises about when I do the next one of these!

Word of the post: Novel –adjective

of a new kind; different from anything seen or known before: a novel idea.