Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The Origins Of The Internet

Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The Origins Of The Internet by Katie Hafner

My rating: 4 of 5 stars This was an excellent read, rightly described as a definitive work on the birth and early years of the Internet. It was highly technical throughout, which was a treat when compared to more lightweight histories I have read, but might prove to be too onerous for those new to the subject. Recommended for the technically minded/curious. View all my reviews >>

Run at Destruction - A True Fatal Love Triangle

Run at Destruction: A True Fatal Love Triangle by Lynda Drews


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well, what a read that was, very powerful and emotive. This isn't a genre I have dabbled in before - True Crime - or a subject I have much interest in - running. But that is what reading is for me, new experiences, people, emotions.
I found this to be a book of two parts or styles. The first being the author's very personal recollections of life at the time and her interactions with the main characters, and the second the incredibly detailed trial descriptions. The level of detail tells of what must have been an awesome research project, you are given insight upon insight into every aspect of the trial and its participants. I truly felt involved at every stage.
We are not only led through introductions, actions, and the trial itself, but an excellent post story review - revisiting participants for opinions with hindsight - very clever.
Oh, the author totally threw me with the sentencing details tease, very clever and well written too.
Did I agree with the verdict? Reluctantly, yes, even with the knowledge that wasn't available to the jury. I have sat on a jury in the UK for a trial of a similar duration and complexity and did not envy this jury their task.
Lynda, you have done Pam proud, thank you for sharing her with us.

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My Political Views

My Political Views
I am a center-right moderate social libertarian
Right: 2.99, Libertarian: 2.8

Political Spectrum Quiz

Frantic

Frantic by Katherine Howell

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read this following author Tom Reynolds recommendation on his blog. This is ex-paramedic Katherine's first novel and an excellent debut it is too. It seemed light on character depth at first but this was more than made up for by the pace of the storytelling. We are led through the mystery at breakneck speed from the viewpoint of many major characters, clever. There is no guessing the ending, it is revealed in a final headlong rush, one that will have you staying up too late just to see what happens. It is quite the page turner, I will look out for more from this author.


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Making Money

Making Money by Terry Pratchett

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
It feels like a very long time since I have returned to the Discworld but as always it was a welcome return. This is a minor character novel that didn't disappoint. Clever writing, good characterisation and humour abounding. There is much to learn about the theory of money and would you believe it, greedy bankers. It was also nice to see Lord Vetinari having a prominent role, somebody we don't see enough of. Recommended.


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American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880 - 1964

American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880 - 1964 by William Raymond Manchester

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well, this has been three months in the reading, but what a read. I had read that this would read like a novel and that was certainly true, quite the page turner. Douglas MacArthur's reputation had fleeted in and out of my awareness for many years so the opportunity to read this was one I couldn't pass by. Most of my previous knowledge gave me the impression that what was written had to be somewhat embellished, could one man have done all that? Well, this book said not, he had actually done so much more. The amazing level of research had me following MacArthur's life on an almost daily basis and what a trip through history it was. From his family's civil war exploits, through his actions in the First World War, the Second World War, Post war Japan, and the Korean War. I feel quite the authority now in areas I had never considered before. I thoroughly recommend this to all, I remain spellbound.


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