Case's Book Blog

I love reading sci-fi, fantasy, dystopian and eutopian literature. I also read technical books related to software development.
1984 - George Orwell, Erich Fromm People talk about how society is more like "Brave New World" than 1984, but I find they are the same story, but from different perspectives. In "Brave New World", you are the proletariat. In 1984, you are the upper class.

Harper Madigan: Junior High Private Eye

Harper Madigan: Junior High Private Eye - Chelsea Campbell This book has got a lot going for it. Is this a hard boiled detective novel, or a teen adventure story? You decide. For me, the juxtaposition of the two is what makes it shine. If you liked Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys, you'll enjoy Harper Madigan, not because it's similar, but because it's so different.Reminiscent of Buffy or Angel, the story bounces between serious and funny without giving the reader a minute to catch his breath. It's not "belly-laugh" funny, but more, "cool as a cucumber" funny.
The Magic Engineer - L.E. Modesitt Jr. I liked this book just as much as the first two, but the first half of the book had a lot of the same story elements as the first book, which felt weird. I might have read this book first, actually.

Just a Geek

Just a Geek: Unflinchingly honest tales of the search for life, love, and fulfillment beyond the Starship Enterprise - Wil Wheaton I just bought this book from the second ebooks Humble Bundle. If someone had told me what this book was about, or its format, before I read it, I honestly would have ignored it. But out of curiosity and having just finished a rewatching of TNG I decided to start with this one. From first page to last Wil kept me hooked. He brought us home into his family and talked with us as though we were trusted friends. He shared his trials and triumphs in heart-breaking and hilarious short stories that helped remind me why I love being alive, and why I love being a geek. So yes. Read this book, and get to know the man behind the character, and likely yourself, a little bit better.
The Way of Kings - Brandon Sanderson Brandon Sanderson is AWESOME! High Fantasy at its best. I have to admit I was somewhat frustrated at first. In the first 10 chapters or so, there was one chapter per character, and each character's story was so interesting I didn't want to move to the next, so I would get MAD at the end of each chapter. But I suppose that liking each part of the story is actually a GOOD thing. Now that I've finished the book, I definitely wouldn't sacrifice any of the characters.
Anathem - Neal Stephenson I don't know that it's possible to overestimate how much I like this book. It's now my favorite of Stephenson's and in the running for favorite overall.I like that it reminds me of topics I learned back in college physics and makes them strangely relevant. Also that it blends philosophy and technology and math in crazy unpredictable ways. I got bogged down in the Baroque series, but not this 890 pager. Suggestion - save your arms. Read it in ebook form.

The Rise of Renegade X

The Rise of Renegade X - Chelsea M. Campbell Engaging story and believable characters. Looking forward to hearing more about Damien!

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: Book 1 of the Millennium Trilogy (Vintage Crime/Black Lizard)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - 'Stieg Larsson' I love that this book gave me a great story, insight on the financial market, a glance at life in Sweden, and took on hard topics...highly recommended.
Elantris - Brandon Sanderson Another fantastic offering from Brandon Sanderson. This and the Mistborn series are some of the most engaging and unique fantasy stories I've read in years. Love it!
Under the Dome - Stephen King Entertaining, but I didn't get a lot out of it. I'm impressed with his ability to characterize so quickly, and the storytelling is masterful, but it felt like eating candy - no real value.
A Princess of Mars - Edgar Rice Burroughs, John Seelye Entertaining, but lacking substance.
Steal This Computer Book 4.0: What They Won't Tell You about the Internet - Wallace Wang Too elementary for me. Nothing new.
The Divine Invasion - Philip K. Dick Worth reading but completely bizarre.
The Transmigration of Timothy Archer - Philip K. Dick Worth reading.
VALIS - Philip K. Dick I'm rating this book poorly but I still think it is worth reading. Very interesting thoughts on self.
Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card A nice change from the other fiction I've been reading lately, the writing is actually good! Much better than the Shannara series.

Currently reading

Test-Driven Development with Python
Harry Percival