Absolute POISON

I've decided that 200 pages is the perfect length for a book. And if the chapters are short enough, I can finish the whole thing in just a day. Absolute Poison by Geraldine Evans is a murder mystery set in England (the best place for murder mysteries). I don't know why so many murder mystery authors are female, but Evans does the genre justice. It wasn't so compelling that I was on the edge of my seat, but the book did provide an entertaining diversion.

Like so many of these books, I give it a 3

Absolute Friends

Finished! Yes, this book is very anti-Western and pro-Communist in nature, but hey. It's a good book. If you are interested in world events and spy stories, I definitely recommend it.

3

Absalom, Absalom

I feel like I've just forced myself to eat a whole head of raw cabbage on the statement that it's "good for me." William Faulkner is something else. First of all, I got to deal with the n-word constantly. Given the time, this is understandable. But that's not what made this book painful to read. There is no variety in characters. Sure, they all have various backgrounds, but their style of speech is unbelievably all the same: stream of consciousness. No one talks like this. At least not more than one character per book. After chapter two, I was able to catch a certain flow, but it was still nearly impossible to care about the story line.

To demonstrate the long-windedness of everyone involved, consider this. The book is 303 pages. There are, however, only 299 paragraphs.

Sadly, this only merits a 1.

Commies and Amish

Ah the Holidays! I had an idea I'd be getting more reading time in this week, but turns out family keeps me pretty occupied. That's a good thing, btw.

I'm currently reading Absolute Friends by John Le Carre. It took me a chapter to really get into it, but I'm enjoying it so far. Our main character is a British man whose life has led him into the thick of political life. Son of a British Army officer, co-conspirator with Communists, and accidentally turned into a British spy. The 1st chapter takes place in the present, but starting in chapter 2, we get a flashback leading through his childhood, presumably to end right back where we started.

I'm also still reading through the Abram's Daughters series by Beverly Lewis. I've still 2 books to read before I can give any real opinion and believe me, the opinion has wavered quite a bit so far.

Absolute Smut

Still not done with the "Ab.." section, but I've run across a long list of books in the library beginning with the word "Absolute." For some odd reason, most of these books seem to be full of smut. I thought Absolute Fear by Lisa Jackson would be different, but I only got two pages before changing my mind. Moving on...

Absinthe: History In a Bottle by Barnaby Conrad III

As much as I love absinthe, this book didn't get interesting till the middle. The first 6 chapters talk exclusively about various artists who influenced and WERE influenced by The Green Fairy. The only problem is that more is said about the artists, than the drink itself.

So for those of you who don't know, the 1769 recipe for absinthe contains the following herbs: wormwood, anise, hyssop, dittany, sweet flag, Melissa (a type of mint), coriander, veronica, camomile, parsley, and even spinach.

As a response to some of the less than scientific medical experiments attempting to prove that absinthe causes epilepsy, Van Helmont conducted his own experiment as follows:

"Tank A was filled with three liters of distilled water, chemically pure, boiled and allowed to cool at air temperature; the bottom of the tank was filled with gravel sterilized at 130 degrees Celsius; in the tank were placed two freshwater fish, two saltwater fish, and a frog; a little wooden ladder (sterilized at the same time as the gravel) would permit the frog to leave his tank.

Tank B was filled with three liters of seawater (gathered at Trouville, at the end of the jetty-promenade) and lined with gravel and a ladder as before, and in this tank were put two freshwater fish and a frog.

Tank C was filled with three liters of spring water (from Dhuys), gravel and a ladder, and in it were placed two saltwater fish and a frog.

Tank D was filled with three liters of spring water (Dhuys) and one centiliter of sixty degree commercial absinthe. No special brand name. Only a frog was placed in this tank with a ladder and the gravel.

This is what resulted:
1) The four fish in Tank A died; the frog left to lodge himself in Tank D.
2) The two fish in Tank B died; this frog also went to Tank D.
3) The two fish in Tank C died; the third frog joined his colleagues in Tank D.

Van Helmont concluded:

1) Distilled water, chemically pure and boiled, is a poison since the four fish plunged in it died quickly; the frog did not give his last salute and took refuge in Tank D.
2) Sea water is a poison, since the two fish placed in it died quickly; the frog left hastily."
3) Spring water is a poison, since the two fish put in it also died.
4) Spring water with a small quantity of absinthe spirits is a very clean environment because the four frogs took refuge there and seemed to stay there with pleasure."

Because this book is outdated and the US has legalized absinthe again, I'm forced to only give it a 2 although the author gets kudos for having such a cool name.

Absent and losing my mind

Mary Westmacott is the name Agatha Christie used when writing romances, but this book is definitely not a romance by modern standards. The main character, Joan, is not meant to be loved by the reader. Pitied perhaps, but not loved. She is so naive to the way she hurts people that she mistakes their criticism of her as either impertinence or compliments. Assuming she is well-loved and more importantly, loving, she finds herself stranded in the desert with nothing but her own thoughts as companions.

Pieces of memories start coming to her mind that make her begin doubting whether she really is loved or if people are happier without her. During one of these memories, I particularly love an exchange between her husband and her oldest daughter. Rupert (the husband) weaves a logical, indisputable argument as to why Averil (the daughter) should not run off with a married man, 20 years her senior. So calm and firm in the face of a panicky situation.

I won't spoil the ending, but I am FRUSTRATED!! Since no one was murdered, I supposed Christie had to make up for it by leaving off a happy ending. *sigh* I'm glad I read it, but it's not exactly one you can read twice...at least not soon.

I give it a good, solid 3.

Absent In the Spring

This day just keeps getting better. This morning I went to my library and picked up this book. Small inconspicuous little novel, black, leather-bound, with nothing but the title and author in small print on the spine.

During my quite brief lunch break at work, I cracked it open and started at the first few pages. The language instantly placed me in the earlier half of the 1900's and the writing style was engrossing. Work picked up pace and I didn't get to read any more till getting home just now. After finishing the first chapter I wondered to myself when it was written. Looking at the spine it read "Mary Westmacott". Doesn't wring a bell. And then flipping to the first couple pages, I read again "Mary Westmacott: Known to millions as Agatha Christie" Copyright 1944

Abs and multiplication

Chapter 5 is all about calculating your body fat, perfect weight, waist-to-hip ratio, etc. One thing I DO like about this diet is that it's rather simple and relies heavily on the dieter's level of self-control.

Once we get to the middle of the book is when I start getting really hungry. Zinczenko lays down the what and how of each of the Abs Diet Power foods and suggests loads of recipes and meal plans. *drool*

The last half of the book is all about exercise and how to best make it part of your life. He even does a chapter on how to work the diet around those pesky feminine hormones.

All in all, I'd say this is a pretty good plan. I'd have to prove it to believe it, but for now I'm gonna stick with copying down some of those recipes and reminding myself to get some exercise. I have a feeling I'll be reading this again.

4

Abs. Need more proof?

The whole second chapter...is basically an extension of the first. If the first was about why obesity is bad, the second is about why the Abs Diet is good. Zinczenko starts off with a simple two page (4 column) shopping list, after which the diet is described as a "simple plan."

And what is the simple equation? more food + more exercise = less flab

One thing I've gotta give this book credit for is the fact that it makes me hungry. Hungry for good foods. And because it pokes fun at the Atkins diet. A few things did make me nervous though, and that's Zinczenko's suggestions for lowering blood glucose levels.

High Fructose Foods Replace With
Regular Soda Diet Soda
Commercial Candy Chocolate
Pancake Syrup Real maple syrup
Frozen Yogurt Ice Cream
Fruit-flavored yogurt Organic yogurt
Pasta Sauce Sugar-free pasta sauce
Energy Bars HFCS-free energy bars

Diet soda? Really? Haven't "they" proven that diet sodas make you crave more fatty foods? hmmm... And I'm a bit skeptical of ice cream being better than frozen yogurt, but I can't complain cuz I LOVE ice cream.

Abs Stats

The first chapter is basically a long list of reasons that flat abs are important. I thought it interesting to include some of the tables in the book to inspire us all. And don't worry. If you're not a woman, I think you might still be safe to read this book.

Overweight People:
50% more likely to get heart disease
up to 360% more likely to get diabetes
16% more likely to die of their first heart attack
50% more likely to have bad cholesterol
14% less attractive to opposite sex
37% more time at the pharmacy
stay 19% longer in the hospital
20% more likely to get asthma
19% more likely to die in a car crash
120% more likely to get stomach cancer
up to 90% more likely to get gallstones
590% more likely to develop esophageal cancer
35% more likely for kidney cancer
14% more likely for osteoarthritis
70% more likely for high blood pressure

The Abs Diet for Women

Just in time for the holidays!!! Many of you may have already read this book or some variation of the Abs Diet series. Let me start off by saying that I'm a diet skeptic. Diets, on the whole, don't work, or at least don't work on a long-term scale. No pun intended. Nevertheless, this book has gained quite a bit of attention, so I feel I should at least be informed. I hope you all brought donuts, cuz this is gonna be fun.

David Zinczenko opens the book with a summary suggesting 6 daily meals, lots of protein, easy on the carbs, one cheater meal a week, and light exercise. How is this different from other diets? Glad you didn't ask. Here are the so-called "Abs Diet Power 12" aka the 12 food groups Zinczenko suggests you include at least 2 of in every meal

- Almonds and other nuts
- Beans and legumes
- Spinach and other green vegetables
- Dairy (lowfat)
- Instant oatmeal (unsweetened, uninteresting)
- Eggs
- Turkey and other lean meats
- Peanut butter (to make up for the lean meats I suppose)
- Olive oil
- Whole-grain breads and cereals
- Extra protein powder
- Raspberries and other berries

Abraxas and the Earthman

Imagine you're in Jr. High and you're instructed to create a graphic novel. You combine Moby Dick, sci-fi, and Violence Jack, and come up with this failed piece of paper.

I'm not a huge fan of graphic novels, but I am able to enjoy them from time to time. This was not one of those times. Rick Veitch cut so many corners in this plot and tried too desperately to be profound that it just fell flat. Not only that, but after he quickly wraps up everything at the end, he concludes with "Twenty-Five Years Before the Mast: An Abraxas Memoir" by Rick Veitch, in which he explains the process of creating this and how all his childhood dreams have come true.

Don't read this. It earned a 1.

The Abrams Guide to American House Styles

PICTURES!!!! I'm unfamiliar with The Abrams Guide, but after "reading" this book, I'm quite happy it exists. The book is written by William Morgan, but his job was nothing compared to photographer Radek Kurzaj. Fifteen house styles ranging from colonial to curiosities make this an interesting venture for anyone. Unfortunately, I came away from the book still not quite grasping what a Tudor or a Cape Cod are. Yeah. I'm a girl. I'm supposed to know these things. At best I can describe certain design details, but I can't assign them to a specific style.

This isn't exactly recommended reading because there is so little reading. Yet again, this would make a good coffee table book if only it were the right shape and size.

As much as I liked looking at it, it still gets a 2.

The swamp that is Dickens

So, I have now started into my very fist Dickens novel which is David Copperfield. From the very first chapter the book is wonderful. The characters are interesting and often hilarious and the story is witty and engrossing.

On the other hand, me being a somewhat slow reader and a busy individual means that you, the huddled masses (I use the word masses generously) that read my postings on this blog may have a long while to wait for my conclusion of the book. Dickens is an exceptional writer, but is also a Victorian era novelist. This means that his books are long and smothered in fine detail. For the first time I am not bored by this kind of detail as I was in high school when reading the abomination that is Grapes of Wrath that my sadistic English teacher assigned. Instead I find myself drawn in to the life that young David is leading at his boarding school and the lives and personalities of his other characters.

I am only about 150 pages into this 845 page behemoth but I can tell, even as long as it is going to take me, I am really going to enjoy Dickens. Perhaps next, however, I will push into something a little lighter like..................... basically everything else on the list excepting Tolstoy.

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

To answer the very first question that everybody will be having; no, this is only Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I have not read the other book's in the series of 6 or the short story. My book does have all of them in the proper order, but this will only be about the first book as it is the only one on the list. I will read the other books when I decide to take breaks from the list and read something just generally enjoyable. It will be between that and Terry Pratchett novels on those occasions.

So, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a silly book. This fact, along with the dry and matter of fact humor that Douglas Adams uses in the narration makes it a wonderful and memorable read. Most people do not realize, however, that the BBC miniseries and the recent Hollywood movie of the same title contain much more than the original book. They have taken bits and pieces here and there out of the other books and sewn them into the original. The miniseries does this to a much greater extent than the film.

They have also left out very interesting bits such as how the ship gets stolen, some small and interesting characters, and other small details. The book is mostly in the voice of a cheeky narrator that often explains things through the information given in The Guide. Continual pokes at modern life make it a hilarious and perhaps even culturally relevant book. Perhaps this is the reason that it is one of the very few modern satires to be considered a classic of literature. If I were a Ph.D. student in literature this book would be the basis of my thesis.

I find that HGttG is entertaining and engrossing and I can't imagine a person that enjoys reading not enjoying this book or the others that accompany it. It is certainly one that I am proud to now own and I would recommend it to anybody that knows how to read. My next project will be my very first Dickens novel. More on that later.

Abraham's Children Conclusion

We had blizzards here the last couple days. Now the temperature is -13C and my fingers are having a hard time typing!

Entine explores the various sects of Judaism. He also poses the question of whether "race" and "ethnicity" are have any scientific basis. Studies with the National Human Genome Research Institute have shown that all Americans are 99.9 percent genetically identical. And what about IQ levels? Is it true that Jews are smarter than the rest of us?

So what's Entine's conclusion after all this questioning? Does DNA and science help define what it means to be Jewish? Well according to him, it can and it can't. Yep. That's the best answer we're gonna get here. We start right where we began...confused.

Although this book had some enjoyable moments, it was overall a waste of time for me. For people who are already interested in genetics, it might be better. As is, I have to give this one a 1.

Just to let you know

Every once in a while, I'll come across a library book that is part of a series. So far, these books haven't been worth reading, but this time I'm gonna give the whole series a try. Beverly Lewis has written a group of novels called Abram's Children. There are five books in the series, and instead of reading them all at the right time and in the right order, I'm going to be reading them alongside my other alphabetical books and only blogging about them when I've finished the whole series.

I know this decision will probably change your lives. That's why I thought I should warn you.

Abraham's Children A skeptic

It's obvious by his language that our author has taken a stance against the validity of Scripture. He himself was raised Jewish and describes himself as one who left the faith. Instead of simply commenting scientifically on his genetic study, he throws in words that show his extreme distaste for most of the historical teachings.

While looking at the history of Judaism, Entine examines Jews from Spain, Africa, and Germany, trying to determine if they are indeed descended from the Israelites of the Bible. The German Jews, some have claimed, are actually descended from Jewish converts in Khazaria (Russia/Turkey), making them Slavic, not Semitic. DNA evidence can't disprove or confirm this, however.

Side note: Muhammed is formally named Abu al-Qasim Muhammad ibn Abd Allah ibn Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim.

Abraham's Children

Despite our attempts at wiping out the "race" issue, DNA still separates us. In the book, Jon Entine will be discussing some of the things that define Jews as being...Jewish.

The author gives an interesting viewpoint when he combines the communion cup and the Christian claim of Abraham as an ancestor. Jesus said "This is the new covenant in my blood." From this point in history onward, this blood ritual means that "for followers of Jesus, the covenant would be grounded not in blood ancestry but in the symbolism of blood represented by faith."

Entine digs further into the topic of genetics in his chapter entitled "Eve and Adam". The atypical positioning of their names is not an attempt at calming feminists, but rather a reference to the DNA testing which dates Eve as being born some 13 years before Adam. In order to find a genetic commonality among Jews, Entine searches for DNA testing within the most regulated group of Jews in history (the priests), finding a signature mutation pattern.

On an unrelated note, I found out that the "V" symbol Spock uses in Star Trek, was invented on the spot by Leonard Nimoy as an imitation of the symbol that Cohanim (descendants of Aaron) make in front of the congregation in every Orthodox synagogue.

I'm only a third of the way through so far.

Abraham Go get it

Another diamond in the rough! The next couple books I read will be slightly similar, but for this one, I can at least say that it was well worth it.

In the middle section, Feiler interviews a number of leaders in each of the three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Some of it intrigued me. Some of it confirmed my own beliefs. Still more had me disheartened. Regardless of Feiler's own feelings on the issues, he asks some excellent questions.

This is not just a book of interviews and exegesis, however. Feiler's excellent writing style makes the reader feel as if the title's description is really true: A Journey to the Hearth of Three Faiths. In the process, we are submitted to a background on each religion as well as hearing from people who wave the "coexist" flag.

I definitely give this book a 4

Abraham Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths

*deep sigh of relief* And now I'm back into familiar territory. You may recognize the name of our author, Bruce Feiler, from his bestselling book Walking the Bible. If not, let me introduce you to his work.

Abraham is THE pivotal character in the formation of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. All three religions are monotheistic. All three hinge on Abraham. The book opens with a scene of Feiler walking through Jerusalem. If you've ever been to Israel, you know that anytime someone describes their journeys there, or a clip is shown on television, you're transported back there and find yourself experiencing it from the inside. If you have NOT been to Israel. Go. Go now while you can.

Feiler makes a number of judgments I may or may not agree with, but the subject matter is very interesting. Feiler himself was raised Jewish.

One chapter I highly recommend is Isaac where Feiler uncovers the details of the famous sacrifice and how it's been perceived through generations and within the various religions. I'm halfway through at the moment and hoping to finish on my way to Wisconsin tomorrow.

Welcome to the 100th post!!

So it's not that exciting, I know. But if you can't tell, I'm a person that likes landmarks such as a hundredth post or finishing the "abo.." section of the library.

Above Us Only Sky by Marion Winik makes for an odd landmark, but fate doesn't always smile. This book is formatted rather nicely for the casual reader. Much like About This Life, it is split into easy to chew pieces and are organized as brief essays on Winik's life. It's another way to do memoirs without saying "memoirs".

But wait! Another book from the Iowa City Public Library written by a Marxist feminist? What a surprise. Yes, I was put off by the title when I was in the library, but yet again I thought I'd give it a try. Sadly, the longest essay by far is the one entitled "Above Us Only Sky" in which she describes all her post-modern views on bisexuality, Lennon's murder, etc. laced with vulgarities of every kind.

This book got a 1...but only barely.

Above the Law finale

I'm so glad I'm not in law enforcement. Life is so much simpler this way. I've been reading the rest of Above the Law during commercials for the final episode of Monk so I'm in a full-on police mood.

The middle section of this book discusses what the authors think cause police officers to use brutality in their positions. One theory they use is that police are considered soldiers in a "war on crime" and also that the police administrators are either crooked or just narrow-minded.

Finally, they suggest that police be made more accountable by both external and internal factors.

I have to include that this book was written in 1993 and many things have changed since then. ALSO, I am incredibly ignorant where law enforcement is concerned because I've never been close to it on either side. I'm neither knowledgeable or particularly interested in this topic. If you ARE interested in police work, you may get more out of this book than I did.

I give it a 2.

Above the Law Groan

It's the start of a new month and the start of a new group of books. Above the Law by Jerome H. Skolnick and James J. Fyfe is about police brutality. Not a pleasant topic no matter how you look at it. In the prologue, they explain that the country is split into two basic groups. The first is multicultural and enlightened, and the second is white and sheltered. They temper this argument in the end of the prologue by saying that it's not just a race issue.

The book will hit on three points.
1. What are the occasions for police brutality?
2. How can it be explained?
3. How can it be remedied?

The first few chapters discuss the Rodney King incident of 1991 in detail and pose the question: When and how much force should law enforcement officers use?