Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

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Book Review: Divergent

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On February 20, 2014

In Book Review

Divergent (Divergent, #1)Divergent by Veronica Roth

My rating:[rating=5]
(Click here to read this review on Goodreads)

I really liked this book, more then I thought I would. It’s not often that I read many books where the hero is female and that’s just a coincidence. The book takes place in the future again, it a dystopian Chicago (which is immediately a win for me). There is definitely a Hunger Games vibe to the book where society is broken into 5 factions and once you choose a faction (either your own or changing factions) you must remain a part of that faction and adhere to its ideals or become factionless.

However, there are anomalies that many consider to be a threat to that way of life. Divergents are among all the factions and perhaps they are the key to breaking down faction walls, but there are those in power that do not want to see that happen.

There is a heavy romance plot to the book as well which might help to appeal to a broader range of readers. I am now excited for the movie (and I hope its as good as the book). If you enjoyed Hunger Games then I would pick up a copy of this book, before its out in theaters.

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Book Review: Ready Player One

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On January 28, 2014

In Book Review, Geek Canon

Ready Player OneReady Player One by Ernest Cline

My Rating: [rating=5]
Click here to read the review on Goodreads.

The star ranking of “it was amazing” seems trite compared to how much I enjoyed this book. I knew within the first three chapters that this was going to be a top five book for me. The entire book was living my early childhood from the 80s. I grew up playing several of the games that were mentioned in the book. I still watch all of the movies that were mentioned in the book.

I am an avid gamer so the concept of the story had me completely immersed as if it were the OASIS itself. It’s also kind of humorous to think that I actually live fairly close to Middletown, Ohio. While I don’t think our MMO games will ever dominate our lives as the OASIS does, it’s still rather exciting to imagine the world Halliday created becoming real; although some of the concepts (i.e. attending school or performing a regular job in a virtual world) are not really that far fetched. In fact, in today’s world, I think it’s quite conceivable.

Ender’s Game is #1 on my list of non-classic literature. I haven’t decided if this book has dethroned Ender’s Game yet, I may have to read it again to decide; in the meantime, its definitely a tie.

If you are a product of the 80s and a gamer geek, this book is a priority 1 must-read.

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Book Review: Sherlock Holmes, Vol 1

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On January 14, 2014

In Book Review

The Complete Sherlock Holmes, Volume IThe Complete Sherlock Holmes, Volume I by Arthur Conan Doyle

My Rating: [rating=4]
Click here to read this review on Goodreads.

I love a good classic and the last time I read a classic was probably right around my senior year in high school. The popularity of Sherlock Holmes has grown immensely since the release of the movie starring Robert Downey Jr. Now we have two modern day interpretations of Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved character so I had to finally read the original stories so I could understand where the inspiration came from.

These stories are classic literature so if you’re not a fan of classic literature then I wouldn’t advise trying to read this book. There is a chapter early on that seems completely out of scope of the rest of the book; clearly it’s purpose is to give the reader some perspective on the details of the life of one of the criminals.

Every story is told from the perspective of Dr. Watson (except for the aforementioned chapter). Personally I don’t feel that I am violating any Conan Doyle Canon by saying that I can definitely see several plausible parallels between all three interpretations of Sherlock Holmes (i.e. RDJ, Johnny Lee Miller, Benedict Cumberbatch). I can also, quite easily, draw parallels between the other characters and themes of the book and television series/movies. Granted, nothing is ever as good as the original, but reading this book has greatly improved my enthusiasm for all three renditions of Sherlock Holmes.

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Book Review: Mockingjay

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On September 23, 2013

In Book Review

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, #3)Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

My Rating: [rating=4]
Click here to see the review on Goodreads.

Personally, I think this book has more twists than M. Night Shyamalan and more character surprises than George R. R. Martin! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that like its a bad thing. I knew when I reached a specific point (which I won’t mention for purposes of sparing folks from spoilers) that I knew I wouldn’t be putting the book down until I finished it.

This book is completely different then the previous two. I assure you that you won’t be able to stop reading and the only reason it took me so long is work life. This book had me shaking with anxiety, even choked up at times, and by the end it left my mind reeling for hours.

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Book Review: Catching Fire

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On August 29, 2013

In Book Review

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2)Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

My [rating: 5]
Click here to go to Goodreads.

A-mazing!

I thought GRRM was good at cliffhangers, but the end of this book had me opening the next book immediately even when I was half asleep.

I’ll admit that I kind of guessed at a few things in this book but I’m not going to get into that as I don’t want to include any spoilers. If you have read the first book but on the fence about the second, get off the fence and start reading! You could easily get through the book before the release of the movie. I don’t say that because the book is relatively short. Once you start reading you’re probably not going to put the book down!

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Book Review: The Hunger Games

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On August 16, 2013

In Book Review

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

My [rating: 5]
(Click here to read this review on Goodreads.)

I have seen the movie several times prior to reading the book but that didn’t affect how quickly I was drawn into the story. As is pretty typical of all movies based off of books, the book is better. Much better. There are things going on that the movie doesn’t even begin to cover; and that’s not even the biggest difference between the two.

Don’t get me wrong, I still think the movie is great, but I think its great independently of the book. You almost need to separate the two and enjoy them on their own merits.

If you’re on the fence or even remotely thinking about reading the book, I’ll tell you right now – read it! I don’t care if you seen the movie a dozen times, reading the book will give you a completely different perspective.

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