All in Fiction
Alix Christie’s "GUTENBERG’S APPRENTICE"
The public sale of the mechanically printed Bible and its positive reception was the outcome of many years of experimentation, hard work, political intrigue, religious subversion, even imprisonment.
Robert Harris’ “DICTATOR”
As the old saying goes, power corrupts. In this book we see how all can become ensnared by its tendrils, even those who like Cicero profess to aspire to higher ideals.
Marie Brennan's A NATURAL HISTORY OF DRAGONS
This is a work of imagination. The story is clever, the prose is well written, and for this audiobook Kate Reading’s “performance” is impeccable.
Stephen King’s “THE STAND”
Reading the extended edition of Stephen King’s massive novel THE STAND was a reminder of why I never took up reading his books when I was younger: his writing style was flat and uninspiring. Now that I’m older I’ve returned to reading his books and recognize his mastery of two very important fiction elements:
Robert Harris' “CONSPIRATA”
Much of the novel portrays events, conspiracies, and betrayals that, in ancient Rome at least, could never be overcome by “trying to do the right thing.”
Andy Weir’s THE MARTIAN
This novel shows better than most what it’s like to “work the problem” and how it pays be creative, smart, disciplined, and brave