If Chins Could Kill

46. If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor by Bruce Campbell. 302 p. Published 2001.

I’ve been meaning to read this memoir for a long time, but the moment just never seemed right. Until last week after an extended Evil-Dead/Army of Darkness marathon. Or course, you may recognise him from his other works: Congo, The Adventures of Brisco County, appearances on Hercules and Xena, as a spokesman for Old Spice, or from his current roll on USA’s Burn Notice (great show).

This autobiography begins with Bruce’s childhood, detailing his days as a Michigan youth. Growing up in a world without camcoders or YouTube, Campbell and his peers (like visionary directors Raimi and Coen) develop an attraction to film. Starting with home movies and low budget 8mm, the small group of enterprising moviemakers soon begins to collect experience and funding for larger projects. Taking us through each production, this book not only follows Campbell’s development as an actor/director, but documents his personal struggle with his chosen profession.

With a candid behind-the-scenes approach, Campbell tells it like it is. Whether acting or directing, the film/TV industry is hard, demanding work. As Bruce takes us through his life, he shares the wealth of experience gleaned over the years, refrencing each nugget with a cherished moment. Campbell’s love for film runs richly through If Chins Could Kill, invigorating the reader and providing insight into the golden age of independant cinema.

Rating: 3 out of 5

The Innocent Mage

45. The Innocent Mage (Kingmaker, Kingbreaker) by Karen Miller. 672 p. Published September 2007.

Asher is the youngest son in a family of Olken fishermen, and wants to make his own way. Vowing to return rich in a year’s time, Asher runs away to Dorana, the capital city of Lur. Unlike the coasts where Asher grew up, Dorana boasts a large population of Doranen – the magic-wielding race that rules Lur in exchange for protecting it. A twist of destiny puts Asher in the employ of Prince Gar, who, due to his derth of magic, is ill recieved by his people.

Asher soon comes to help Prince Gar in assuming many of the administrative duties of the King. In so doing, the two grow close and an invaluable friendship is formed. Asher comes to know the royal family and both peoples far better.

However, unbeknownst to Asher and many others, there are people of his own race secretly tracking him. Ancient prophecy has marked him The Innocent Mage, destined to bring an end to the Kingdom of Lur and save it’s people. And as the king ages and ancient foes bear their teeth, it’s looking more and more like the end of days is coming.

I found Innocent Mage to be an okay read, but nothing really stood out to me. The places and settings are well described, but not vivid. The characters are flawed (in a good way), but don’t naturally develop. It’s as if the story and all its components rely on being driven by the winds of destiny, undermining Miller’s talent for bracing action sequences and compelling plot twists. That being said, I intend to read the sequel. Perhaps with all the tedious world building out of the way, Miller’s story will finally shine through.

Rating: 2 out of 5

Hell’s Faire

44. Hell’s Faire (Legacy of the Aldenata) by John Ringo. 336 p. Published May 2003.

This fourth book in The Legacy of the Aldenata was supposed to be part of the third, When the Devil Dances. However, the events of 9/11 being what they were, the story was postponed to the point where another book was necessary.

Continuing directly after When the Devil Dances, this novel follows Michael O’Neal and the 555th Mobile Infantry as they attempt to plug the Posleen push into the Appalachian defenses. Meanwhile, Shiva Nine is repaired and refitted; it’s mission – to move in and support the 555th before they are eliminated. However, the Posleen, having infiltrated the Human’s intelligence network, have begun to adapt their tactics, tailoring them to methods learned from mankind itself.

Nearby, Cally, Wendy, Elgars, Shari, and Mosovich have their own problems. With nuclear arms now regularly pounding the region, they will have to really work hard at surviving.

Hell’s Faire includes some of Ringo’s greatest combat scenarios. With a stunning mix of mayhem and merriment, this novel is a true pleasure to read. Admittedly, the ending comes off a little contrived, but there really is no alternative possibility.

Included with the hardcover version of Hell’s Faire is a CD containing a real cache of bonus material.

A free online version of this book is available by the publisher.

Rating: 4 out of 5

NYTimes Literacy Debate: Online, R U Really Reading?

I wanted to post about this NYTimes article debating the difference between Digital and Print media (Via Omnivoracious’ Amazon Blog). The article, which begins a series on “The Future of Reading” fields a very important question: “Is the Internet the enemy of reading, or has it created a new kind of reading, one that society should not discount?”

Personally, I will always hold books over any other form of reading. I don’t even like EBooks - when Amazon’s Kindle was announced, I cringed. It took me weeks to accept my friend’s obsession with audiobooks. I empirically believe that there are crucial developmental stages and skills that can only be obtained through literature. And don’t even get me started on the use of the internet as an academic reference – what the article mentions in relation to a study regarding The Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus is reminicient of my own experiences in college.

I will conceed some validation for the Digital argument, mostly revolving around the improvments in non-linear thinking. But the internet, and the digital form as a whole, is simply too fluid – even after a decade of mainstream use – to be relied upon as a literary tool. It corrodes concentration, refutes grammar, and provides facts without the need for research or actual learning (yes, there is a difference between fact-finding and learning).

But that is my opinion. What’s yours?

July ‘08 Wrap Up

Wow, July just flew right past. If you haven’t noticed by the scarcity of posts (and my lack of involvement in challenges), I’ve been pretty busy with work and random real life issues. But, I still managed to get some reading done.

In June I read 8 books (totalling 2,531 pages) and 5 graphic novels. July, however, was far more graphic novel intensive.

For books, we have these five:

1. Renegade’s Magic by Robin Hobb

2. Gust Front by John Ringo

3. When the Devil Dances by John Ringo

4. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

5. Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

Number of Books: 5
Number of Pages: 2,882

As for Graphic Novels, however, we have 8 read and 6 reviewed (Empowered 1 and 2,  Sandman 4 and 5, the 2nd volume of Buffy Season 8, and the 1st volume of Fables). I also read the newest trade of Invincible and the final volume of Y the Last Man, both of which I’ll review shortly.

August is going to be interesting. There are a few newer books waiting for me, including The Decieved, sequel to The Cleaner, which was the first book I reviewed for Chain of Letters. At the same time, I’ll be spending the end of the month on vacation, which means a lot of last minute review writing.

If you have any recomendations or wish to discuss the books I’ve reviewed, feel free to comment here or on any of the posts. I look forward to your feedback.