Terrier and Bloodhound - Tamora Pierce
Pierce is one of my favorite fantasy authors. I've read through her other Tortall based series (Protector of the Small, Song of the Lioness, The Immortals) and her Circle of Magic sets. I enjoy Pierce's writing as a combination of almost "period" fiction - readers are transported so thoroughly into the world of the novel, it feels as though you have slipped into an ancient pre-Crusades Holy Roman Empire. Of course, this is an H.R.E. where the knights are accompanied by a pantheon of gods who walk the earth disguised as talking creatures, wandering crones, and magic wielding humans. Terrier and its sequel, Bloodhound, pick up in the ancient history of her previous Tortall series.
These stories are written as the journals of Beka Cooper (ancestress of George Cooper from the previous Tortall universe). Beka is a fiesty and lively female character (in the tradition of most of the lead characters in Pierce's novels). Reading her journal, you are immersed in the language and culture of the landscape as she experiences it.
In Terrier, Beka has entered service in the "police force" of the Lower City. Considered "puppies," she and her friends learn to adjust to the normal bribe taking/fee collection, dealing with the criminal element and solving the disappearances among the children of the realm. Beka, with the help of a mysterious cat and her own special abilities, makes a splash in her first year of service.
In Bloodhound, Beka is into her first year as a full-fledged "Dog." She gets called on for some special work along with her partner, Goodwin, to flush out counterfeiters threatening to undermine the strength of the kingdom. Of course, we follow the clues as we read Beka's journal and go with her through the investigation and experience of a whirlwind romance as well.
I look forward to the third and final book in the series next year!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Reading Again
Okay. Back again from my 1/2 year hiatus.
Recently, I've been doing some reading. I just finished Lucy by Laurence Gonzales. Intriguing is the word for it right now. I'm still really trying to process it. In this fiction novel, Lucy is the child of a researcher working with Bonobos (a greater ape also known as a pygmy chimpanzee) in the Congo - and her mother is a bonobo. This novel works through a short period of Lucy's life as she is moved to live with other humans for the first time. Adopted by another scientific researcher, Lucy lives as a teenage girl in high school preparing for college until her biological history is made known. Gonzales writes the novel in a way that makes me feel as though I'm reading Jurassic Park (without as much of the technical jargon) and thinking it sounds so wrong, yet so very probably possible.
Gonzales pulls no punches against people and the blatant reactions of both left and right, Christian and non-Christian, military verses medical. He showcases characters who respond to Lucy with a sheer hatred and with heartfelt compassion. I haven't even begun to fully deal with my own feelings of how would I respond in that situation - would I go first to disgust? If I feel that it is ethically wrong to create a human hybrid, would I still respond in kindness, recognizing her as the creation, not the one who created? Never mind the consideration of has this already happened - we just don't know it. Life I said, definitely a book to make you think. I just need more time to think.
This isn't a thorough review - though I hope to start doing more consistent reviews....I read a lot. I do recommend this book if you enjoy Michael Crichton, like science fiction or want a thought-provoking read that may force you to consider the question - What is humanity?
Recently, I've been doing some reading. I just finished Lucy by Laurence Gonzales. Intriguing is the word for it right now. I'm still really trying to process it. In this fiction novel, Lucy is the child of a researcher working with Bonobos (a greater ape also known as a pygmy chimpanzee) in the Congo - and her mother is a bonobo. This novel works through a short period of Lucy's life as she is moved to live with other humans for the first time. Adopted by another scientific researcher, Lucy lives as a teenage girl in high school preparing for college until her biological history is made known. Gonzales writes the novel in a way that makes me feel as though I'm reading Jurassic Park (without as much of the technical jargon) and thinking it sounds so wrong, yet so very probably possible.
Gonzales pulls no punches against people and the blatant reactions of both left and right, Christian and non-Christian, military verses medical. He showcases characters who respond to Lucy with a sheer hatred and with heartfelt compassion. I haven't even begun to fully deal with my own feelings of how would I respond in that situation - would I go first to disgust? If I feel that it is ethically wrong to create a human hybrid, would I still respond in kindness, recognizing her as the creation, not the one who created? Never mind the consideration of has this already happened - we just don't know it. Life I said, definitely a book to make you think. I just need more time to think.
This isn't a thorough review - though I hope to start doing more consistent reviews....I read a lot. I do recommend this book if you enjoy Michael Crichton, like science fiction or want a thought-provoking read that may force you to consider the question - What is humanity?
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Time flying
Well....as usual I have waited my full 6 month span to write.
My sister has moved overseas for work. I've been staying in the same place. It is still fun to live in Tennessee.
My roommate has talked me into training for a mini-marathon. It has been going well. I'm finally up to running 3 miles. The small issue is going to be training for longer runs, since we've been running before work. I don't think I can get up any earlier and still function! I've actually been enjoying the runs quite a bit. Surprising to me, since I would never have pegged myself as a runner.
But the best part of the past few months...the new puppy. She is a cutey! Named Gidget, she's a shiu-tzu, fun and fuzzy. I never had a dog as a kid, so I am enjoying the experience.
My sister has moved overseas for work. I've been staying in the same place. It is still fun to live in Tennessee.
My roommate has talked me into training for a mini-marathon. It has been going well. I'm finally up to running 3 miles. The small issue is going to be training for longer runs, since we've been running before work. I don't think I can get up any earlier and still function! I've actually been enjoying the runs quite a bit. Surprising to me, since I would never have pegged myself as a runner.
But the best part of the past few months...the new puppy. She is a cutey! Named Gidget, she's a shiu-tzu, fun and fuzzy. I never had a dog as a kid, so I am enjoying the experience.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
USA
So, I had a new first tonight. I went to a World Cup Qualifying round game at LP field in Nashville-USA vs. Trinadad and Tobago. It was a great night and a fun game. I didn't grow up around soccer, so I still don't understand the game completely. But for a great night's fun, with a huge crowd on a beautiful spring night in TN - it was a wonderful time.
Spoiler Alert
USA won 3-0. I lost my voice...a more than fair trade I'd say.
Spoiler Alert
USA won 3-0. I lost my voice...a more than fair trade I'd say.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
One more time...
The blog begins again...
Okay. so if you notice I haven’t blogged in 9 months, for one thing, you are among the three people reading this and you are not shocked.
So…since the last time I wrote. I’ve been on a vacation with my sister (cruise, woo-hoo), been to Poland, read lots of books, survived my mother’s heart attack and the holidays. Most recently, we have suffered the loss of our step-grandfather who we lovingly called our James. So, all of the past few months have put me in a mind to thinking about life and changes I want to make.
I want to spend more time enjoying life and being healthier. I want to read more and think more about what I’ve read. I hope to actually write some reviews of the things that I have been reading, some of these I may actually share here.
I have also begun pondering a move to the sunny climes of Florida. But, that is still in the pondering (not so much the planning stages).
I have finally gotten a computer with wireless internet capabilities, so I might actually be able to maintain my blog without so much trouble as well. We’ll see.
Okay. so if you notice I haven’t blogged in 9 months, for one thing, you are among the three people reading this and you are not shocked.
So…since the last time I wrote. I’ve been on a vacation with my sister (cruise, woo-hoo), been to Poland, read lots of books, survived my mother’s heart attack and the holidays. Most recently, we have suffered the loss of our step-grandfather who we lovingly called our James. So, all of the past few months have put me in a mind to thinking about life and changes I want to make.
I want to spend more time enjoying life and being healthier. I want to read more and think more about what I’ve read. I hope to actually write some reviews of the things that I have been reading, some of these I may actually share here.
I have also begun pondering a move to the sunny climes of Florida. But, that is still in the pondering (not so much the planning stages).
I have finally gotten a computer with wireless internet capabilities, so I might actually be able to maintain my blog without so much trouble as well. We’ll see.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Goals
I am realizing things about myself this year. I like to talk about starting new things and setting goals, but I seem to have some difficulty in following through. This is where the blog comes in. If I post my plans here I might actually have someone ask me how its going (or I will at least be annoyed by looking at the proof in writing).
One of my most recent goals is to attempt a sprint triathlon. My roommate and I have actually started a training plan together, so I have already made some progress. We have a plan to do an event in Arizona in December. We have some short term plans as well--run a 5K in October as well as doing a 25 mile charity bike ride in the fall.
I hope to do another of my goals--blogging--to go along with our training. So...there I go. I may actually get this goal thing down.
One of my most recent goals is to attempt a sprint triathlon. My roommate and I have actually started a training plan together, so I have already made some progress. We have a plan to do an event in Arizona in December. We have some short term plans as well--run a 5K in October as well as doing a 25 mile charity bike ride in the fall.
I hope to do another of my goals--blogging--to go along with our training. So...there I go. I may actually get this goal thing down.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Adventures
Two weeks ago I traveled with my co-workers to a campground area in Newport, Tennessee for a retreat/staff meeting of sorts. While we did work, we also adventured a little bit. I haven't had the chance to enter my thoughts from this time...so here they are...
June 3, 2008
So, we tried to hike up the mountain last night (we being 5 other women). We didn't leave until 8 pm EDT so it was close to sunset. We were only heading up to a lookout a mile or so up the hill where you can look over into North Carolina. We thought there was a clearing to see from, so we kept walking. Well...(do you see where this is going)...It got dark. The worst part was I ended up getting separated between the two small groups we had formed.*
I'm by myself on the side of a minor mountain. Did I forget to mention that this is basically the edge of the Smoky Mountains? We have bears (wildcats, snakes, spiders the size of VWs, etc) in East Tennessee. So, I began heading back down by myself when I could no longer hear my friends ahead of me on the trail. At this point in my journey, I discovered a few things about myself.
1) We get so intent upon goals that sometimes we leave the safety of support. I and the two friends ahead of me, were so intent upon reaching the ambiguous "stopping point" that we got separated. I also noticed that I really didn't enjoy what was actually a glorious sunset. We really shouldn't spend life so goal oriented that we live utterly separated from friends and support systems.**
2)Apparently, I panic easy! It seems our true natures can come out when we are left on the side of a mountain in the dark alone (who knew). I made great use of the time to beg God to keep my stupidity from getting me killed (tripping over something; running into a bear, etc.).
3) It gets dark fast when you aren't paying attention. I'll let you make the life lesson connections.
4) God has a wicked sense of humor. My Psalm for this morning's devotion. Psalm 121:1-8 "I look up to the mountains-does my help come from there. My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth...." (NLT). Thank you, God for the reminder that you are with me, even on the mountain.
I love the fact that I got a good work out--physically and spiritually--all by simply walking/hiking up a mountain. So, I hope I can take these lessons to heart in life.
Now...where did I put the heating pad? Climbing hills ain't easy...
*In our defense, this was a well laid trail (more like a small road that cut across the mountain), so although it was dark and, granted, dangerous from a wild animal standpoint there was little likelihood of getting lost.
**This is as high philosophy as I usually get...don't worry.
June 3, 2008
So, we tried to hike up the mountain last night (we being 5 other women). We didn't leave until 8 pm EDT so it was close to sunset. We were only heading up to a lookout a mile or so up the hill where you can look over into North Carolina. We thought there was a clearing to see from, so we kept walking. Well...(do you see where this is going)...It got dark. The worst part was I ended up getting separated between the two small groups we had formed.*
I'm by myself on the side of a minor mountain. Did I forget to mention that this is basically the edge of the Smoky Mountains? We have bears (wildcats, snakes, spiders the size of VWs, etc) in East Tennessee. So, I began heading back down by myself when I could no longer hear my friends ahead of me on the trail. At this point in my journey, I discovered a few things about myself.
1) We get so intent upon goals that sometimes we leave the safety of support. I and the two friends ahead of me, were so intent upon reaching the ambiguous "stopping point" that we got separated. I also noticed that I really didn't enjoy what was actually a glorious sunset. We really shouldn't spend life so goal oriented that we live utterly separated from friends and support systems.**
2)Apparently, I panic easy! It seems our true natures can come out when we are left on the side of a mountain in the dark alone (who knew). I made great use of the time to beg God to keep my stupidity from getting me killed (tripping over something; running into a bear, etc.).
3) It gets dark fast when you aren't paying attention. I'll let you make the life lesson connections.
4) God has a wicked sense of humor. My Psalm for this morning's devotion. Psalm 121:1-8 "I look up to the mountains-does my help come from there. My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth...." (NLT). Thank you, God for the reminder that you are with me, even on the mountain.
I love the fact that I got a good work out--physically and spiritually--all by simply walking/hiking up a mountain. So, I hope I can take these lessons to heart in life.
Now...where did I put the heating pad? Climbing hills ain't easy...
*In our defense, this was a well laid trail (more like a small road that cut across the mountain), so although it was dark and, granted, dangerous from a wild animal standpoint there was little likelihood of getting lost.
**This is as high philosophy as I usually get...don't worry.
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