Review: Famous Fantastic Mysteries, Sept-Oct 1939

Famous Fantastic Mysteries, Sept-Oct 1939 by J. U. Giesy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: The Hugo Winners 1955-1961

The Hugo Winners 1955-1961 by Isaac Asimov

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I read this in the light of the recent Sad Puppies/Rabid Puppies controversy over the 2015 Hugo Awards. While I am certain there were factions and groups in the fifties and sixties in SF it appears that for these years they did not negatively impact the quality of the winners. This is a great collection with Isaac Asimov's signature wit and warm remembrances serving as introductions to each story. The highlights for me were Russell's hilarious "Allamagoosa" and Keyes' "Flowers for Algernon". Highly recommended! Individual rankings below:

Isaac Asimov - Editorial Matters - *****
Walter M. Miller, Jr. - The Darfsteller - 1955 Novelette - ****
Eric Frank Russell - Allamagoosa - 1955 Short Story - *****
Murray Leinster - Exploration Team - 1956 Novelette -****
Arthur C. Clarke - The Star - 1956 Short Story - ***
Avram Davidson - Or All the Seas with Oysters - 1958 Short Story - ****
Clifford D. Simak - The Big Front Yard - 1959 Novelette - ****
Rober Bloch - The Hell-Bound Train - 1959 Short Story - ****
Daniel Keyes - Flowers for Algernon - 1960 Novelette - *****
Poul Anderson - The Longest Voyage - 1961 Novelette - ****

Overall Collection - *****



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Review: Steampunk Back to the Future with the New Victorians

Steampunk Back to the Future with the New Victorians by Paul Roland

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This book was provided in eArc format by NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Overall this is a nice introduction to steampunk culture by one who was there at the beginning. Numerous aspects of steampunk are covered such as literature, music, movies, design, and fashion.

Roland is nothing if not opinionated and can come off rather dismissive in places of others' opinions. In fact he often makes pronouncement that suggest that he and he alone is the arbiter of what is and is not steampunk. Examples include suggesting that the Will Smith feature, Wild Wild West could be ignored as steampunk as it was "so goddamn awful." And that other steampunk favorites such as Brazil, and the Adventures of Baron Munchausen were unworthy of the name saying, "Call [them] Steampunk if you must, but do it in your world, not in ours. Thank you." Worse still in this steampunk's mind is the neglect of my favorite steampunk band, The Men Who Would Not Be Blamed for Nothing.

If you are a steampunk novice this is a goof place to start but do not neglect to read the Steampunk Bible by Jeff VanderMeer for a more balanced vision. Steam on!



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Review: How Google Works

How Google Works by Eric Schmidt

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Two of the Google principals explain the principles behind Google's success. The focus is on flexibility and the hiring of "Smart Creatives". The book discusses famous Google ideas such as 20% time and Google labs. While the ideas here have been covered in other works on the company, the presentation is entertaining and informative and the idea that you only hire the very best people and give them the room and flexibility to do their thing bears repeating. Obviously issues such as the impact of Google's growth and recent reliance on contract employees in recent years is not covered extensively. This work focuses primarily on Google's most productive period.



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Review: BiblioTech: Why Libraries Matter More Than Ever in the Age of Google

BiblioTech: Why Libraries Matter More Than Ever in the Age of Google by John Palfrey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



John Palfrey is a noted academic and educator who has served as head of the Harvard law Library (as a non-librarian), as a leading proponent and President of the board of the Digital Public Library of America, and is now the head of the Andover Academy. He has written extensively on the intersection of technology and information.

This book makes the argument that the role of libraries should expand as technology advances. He believes that in order to remain relevant that libraries need to learn to adapt to these changes. Specifically, libraries need to embrace the transition from print to digital information and the transformation of the role of the physical space of libraries from an area for book storage to an area for community building and knowledge creation.. He prescribes a steady transition rather than an abrupt one but makes it very clear that these changes are necessary and that in those cases where old services conflict or are incompatible with new ones that the new ones need to move out.

These recommendations can seem harsh from a person outside of the librarian fraternity but Palfrey's reverence for libraries and his continual acknowledgement of librarians who are already moving in this direction makes things more palatable.

Libraries are understandably slow to change, this is one of the reasons libraries have lasted so long. However, in the digital age all organizations have to adapt more quickly - libraries included. There are worse places to start than the ideas in this book. Highly recommended.



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Review: Operation: Outer Space

Operation: Outer Space by Murray Leinster

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I read this as part of the "Startling Stories" Spring 2009 magazine. The magazine combines new and classic material and in this issue features Operation: Outer Space.

In this short novel Leinster follows the somewhat coincidental development of interstellar space travel as an unplanned side effect of the psychiatric treatment of a wealthy scientist with self-concept issues.

The overcrowded Earth portrayed in the novel is one where individuals have little hope of advancement and Leinster does an excellent job of showing the psychological impact of this. The main character, Jed Cochrane, is a television producer who cleverly finances the development of interstellar travel through the production of a reality series and in so doing restores hope to humanity. There is also a strong theme throughout the book of man's separation from nature due to the urbanization of Earth and the healing aspects of a return to a more naturalistic setting.

Characterization is fairly strong for a novel first published in 1954. Recommended.



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Review: Operation Arcana

Operation Arcana by John Joseph Adams

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



John Joseph Adams, publisher of _Lightspeed_ magazine and editor of a large number of themed anthologies, gathers together here sixteen stories under the general theme of magical military operations. The stories range from modern incursions into fantasy/magical lands such as in David Klecha and Tobias S. Bucknell's "Rules of Enchantment" to Tanya Huff's shape-shifting story "Steel Ships".

As different as the stories selected were, they each brought a fresh perspective to the theme and they were uniformly enjoyable. It is hard to pick a favorite though Simon R. Green's "Bombers Moon" which is set in a WWII where in the Axis Powers have sought demonic assistance which is matched by angelic assistance for the allies would be a good candidate.

If you are a fan of military science fiction or fantasy, If you enjoy a little magic with your combat ops, or if you just want to sample some of the best short stories out there I recommend that you give _Operation Arcana_ a shot!



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Review: Zombie Elementary: The Real Story

Zombie Elementary: The Real Story by Howard Whitehouse

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



The star of our story is Larry Mullet. He is in the fourth grade and life is about to get very interesting for him. All around Larry people are beginning to become zombies. This includes folks at school, on his little league baseball team, and all over town. Larry and his friends must defend themselves and search for a way to stop this outbreak.

Howard Whitehouse does an amazing job telling the story with humor and the perfect pace (and just the right amount of grossness) to keep the attention of middle grades readers (and this middle aged reader). Highly recommended!



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Review: A New Dawn

A New Dawn by John Jackson Miller

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I had not read a Star Wars novel since the old Rogue Squadron books and was not sure what to expect. This book is not only a great Star Wars novel but it qualifies as darn good science fiction in its own right.

The book takes place on the periphery of the movie story line and is in many ways not dependent upon those events (except for the main characters origin). However, the events of the story are enriched by previous events and hopefully the story told here will be a part of the new continuity for the Star Wars Universe..



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Review: 1636: The Viennese Waltz

1636: The Viennese Waltz by Eric Flint

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Yet another solid entry in Eric Flint's fantastic 1632 series. This book features the popular (and romantic) Barbie Consortium as they begin to flex their political muscles in Vienna.



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Review: Harry Harrison! Harry Harrison!: A Memoir

Harry Harrison! Harry Harrison!: A Memoir by Harry Harrison

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Harry Harrison's memoir was sometimes sad, sometimes inspirational, and all of the time interesting. While the book is not perhaps the behind the scenes tell all of the science fiction world that it could of been it is a look at a fascinating writer who led a singular life. What comes clear as you read this work is Harrison's devotion to his family, his love of the craft of writing, and the many ways that his interest in Esperanto worked to open doors in his life. If you have ever read any of Harrison's work or are simply interested in the history of science fiction then I recommend Harry Harrison! Harry Harrison!



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Review: The History of the Science Fiction Magazine, Part 2: 1936-1945

The History of the Science Fiction Magazine, Part 2: 1936-1945 by Mike Ashley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



In volume two of Ashley's History of the Science Fiction Magazine he again provides a first half filled with easy to read, incredibly well researched history covering this time the years 1936 to 1945. As before, he points out the editors, authors, magazines, and stories that shaped the era (which in this book covers the beginning of the Golden Age of Science Fiction). The second half again contains a single, carefully selected story indicative of each year covered. This book is essential for any science fiction fan.



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Review: The History of Science Fiction Magazine Vol. 1 1926-1935

The History of Science Fiction Magazine Vol. 1 1926-1935 by Mike Ashley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Part history of science fiction and part anthology, this book succeeds completely. Int he first section, Ashley details the beginnings of magazine science fiction in the pulp era, beginning with the publication of the first all science fiction magazine, Amazing Stories, in April 1926. He follows the history through 1935 pointing out when each new science fiction magazine premiers and discussing important editors, authors, and stories. In the second half of the book, Ashley carefully selects a representative story for each year covered. The stories are all excellent and give the reader a feel for the evolution of science fiction during the period.

I highly recommend this as a first text for someone wanting to systematically study the history of science fiction. As a long time reader I was familiar with some of the authors and stories but Ashley puts everything into context and provides the reader a solid foundation in science fiction history.



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Review: Trial by Fire

Trial by Fire by Charles E. Gannon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Charles Gannon Does it Again

Gannon continues his excellent Caine Riordan saga in "Trial by Fire". This time Caine finds himself first in a huge space battle and then in another first contact situation.

The job that Gannon does in imagining the psychology of the insectoid Arat Kur is nothing short of brilliant! I have read no better imagining of a truly alien species than is done in this book.

Like the first book in the series, this book combines great action sequences with solid characterization and abundant political intrigue. This is a must read for military sci-fi fans and fans of good, old-fashioned space opera!



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Review: Anthopology 101: Reflections, Inspections and Dissections of SF Anthologies

Anthopology 101: Reflections, Inspections and Dissections of SF Anthologies by Bud Webster

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Bud Webster has published his Anthopology 101 column across a number of science fiction magazines and fanzines over the years. This book collects a number of those columns together.

In the columns Bud examines the history of science fiction anthologies. He begins by talking about how he, as a youngster in Virginia, discovered the anthology format in his public library. As he progresses through his columns he discusses various editors such as Frederick Pohl, Harry Harrison, and most significantly for him, Groff Conklin. He looks not only at the overall body of work put together by these worthies but at the significance of the individual stories within each anthology. Foe most of the anthologies discussed he provides a complete table of contents.

By the time that you finish reading this book you will doubtless have a long list of anthologies on your to buy list and you will have been swept up by Bud's enthusiasm, fascinated by his insider anecdotes, and utterly amused by his wonderfully outrageous turns of phrase. If you love science fiction - buy this book now!



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Review: The Joy of Booking: A guide to buying and selling used SF books

The Joy of Booking: A guide to buying and selling used SF books by Bud Webster

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Bud Webster, a longtime science fiction writer, critic, bookseller, and above all fan provides the reading of this work with am expanse of practical advice on becoming a successful dealer of science fiction books. Most of this advice is applicable to any sort of bookselling or in fact to the sale of anything you might wish to sell. If this is what you are looking for then I highly recommend the book. However, my personal reading of the book and my own recommendation has nothing to do with learning to sell books or anything else. I recommend this book so that you can share in the excitement that Bud feels about science fiction and the book business. Bud has a great sense of humor and the many anecdotes that fill this book are truly priceless.



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Review: Doc Savage: His Apocalyptic Life

Doc Savage: His Apocalyptic Life by Philip José Farmer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This fictional biography discusses the life of Clark "Doc" Savage, Jr. The story is told as if the events published in the pulp magazines were fictionalized accounts of real events. Farmer not only summarizes the events of the most prominent of Doc's adventures but provides chapters on the allies, gadgets, and villains that Doc faced. Appendices provide a chronology of the adventures, a bibliography of Doc related stories, and a genealogy of Doc that details his links to Tarzan and other prominent figures. Whether you are new to Doc or an old hand this book will enhance your study of the Man of Bronze.



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Review: ePulp Sampler Vol 1

ePulp Sampler Vol 1 by John Picha

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



This is a small collection of five New Pulp stories offered as a sampler pack for readers. Obviously, the hope is that upon reading these short stories you will want to no more about the characters and/or follow the authors. As such this collection is a mixed bag.

The first story, Rurik of the Demonwatch: Arena of Death by Russ Bopp,has a promising title character but as one reads it becomes more and more disappointing. While the story moves along quickly and is interesting enough if overly formulaic. It is obvious that the author was in desperate need of an editor for this story as there are numerous typos and grammatical errors. As second draft of this story might have been a winner but this unpolished work seems ill fit in a sampler volume designed to draw readers.

Dead Reckoner by Matthew J. Davies is the story of a Zulu cursed soldier named Axamander and is better written than the first story with few issues with grammar or spelling. The author does an excellent job setting the mood and his description of war in the trenches of World War I rings true. The dialogue moves the story along nicely.

N.R. Grabe's Wild Marjoram: The Pill is an interesting Noir tinted story with several twists that make it difficult to talk about in detail without giving too much away. Suffice it to say that this story is the gem of the collection.

The final two stories; Pandora Driver: Blind Luck and Skyracos: Set Adrift, both by John Picha, were both decent stories and did not suffer from the problems of the first.

Overall this is definitely worth a look. Most collections or samplers are uneven in quality and this one is no exception. I recommend that folks give this FREE sampler a try - if you like pulp you are bound to enjoy one or more of the stories.



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Review: Skin Game

Skin Game by Jim Butcher

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



In yet another great romp in Jim Butcher's Dresden Files universe Dresden finds himself again entangled in the politics of the Fey. Being the Winter Knight comes with a lot more than just a power boost. In order to pay off a debt held by Mab he is placed on loan to one of his worst former enemies and finds himself involved with powers beyond even those he has faced in the past.

As always, Butcher tells a fantastic story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and hurriedly turning the next page. While Dresden himself is a fantastic character what I feel makes these books special is the well written supporting cast. His support crew of Murphy, Butters, Molly, Michael, and of course Mouse all show up here and play significant roles in the plot. Highly recommended!



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Review: Don't Put That in There!: And 69 Other Sex Myths Debunked

Don't Put That in There!: And 69 Other Sex Myths Debunked by Aaron E. Carroll

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



"Don't Put That in There" is an amusing and informative romp through all of the questions that you, I, and everyone else have always wondered but were afraid to ask (and even more afraid to Google). From classics like whether size matters the G-spot to helpful advice on piercings and shaving and on to more risque topics including anal sex and the toys and other aids topic that forms the title of the book, nothing is considered taboo.

Those readings this work for practical answers to questions in their own lives can feel secure that the advice contained herein is reliable. Carroll and Vreeman are both medical doctors with a broad range of applicable experience in these areas. Moreover, the authors have included an extensive list of references to medical studies discusses in each section for further reading. Those reading simply for enjoyment will find the authors' direct prose and matter of fact approach to these questions a delight.



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