Defenders (2014) Will McIntosh

Defenders (2014)  Will McIntosh

The author of one of my favorite books – Faller – has written an unusual Alien takes over the world epic.  In this book telepathic aliens (Starfish) are taking over the Earth.  To fend them off scientists develop a new being that is 17 feet tall and lack dopamine so that the aliens cannot read their mind.  They easily whip the aliens but then go on to take over the world since they are clearly superior to humans.  So what are humans to do now?  Well, maybe those alien starfish aren’t so bad after all……

Faller (2016) Will McIntosh

Faller  (2016)  Will McIntosh

A story that violates both physical and biologic laws cannot be all bad. Or can it?  Our hero finds himself on a floating bit of Earth with no memory of how he got there and only a few clues (including a toy paratrooper) to guide him.  Soon he is making his own parachute and the adventure begins.  In it he finds his past and his mistakes and gratefully forgets them again.  He meets the love of his life (multiple times) and learns the truth of his worst enemy.

A perfectly delightful book with a surprisingly, satisfying ending. 

Not usually my piece of cake but I got it and liked it.

14 (2012) Peter Clines

14 (2012) Peter Clines

Nate Tucker is sort of a loser.  Working a temp job in his mid thirties -  no girlfriend – no prospects.  He is cheered when he gets in a studio apartment for only a little over $500 per month.  Unfortunately there are some “extras” with the apartment.  Weird writing on the walls, crazy light bulbs, mutant cockroaches and some strange neighbors.  On the good side, there are some attractive ones (one who sunbaths al natural).  They start comparing notes and the next thing they are exploring the secrets of this weird house.  Anit does get pretty strange.  A little, mystery, sci fi, fantasy and -  yes – HP Lovecraft thrown in for good measure.  It is a little over the top but a fun ride.  A clear set up for a sequel. 

Final Jeopardy 11-6-2017

November 6, 2017

Final Jeopardy Category:

Music and History

Final Jeopardy Clue:

This 1880 piece was written more than 6 decades after the Battle of Borodino, the conflict it commemorates

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Final Jeopardy Answer / Question:

The 1812 Overture

On Trails (2016). John Moor

On Trails:  An Exploration (2016)  John Moor

Not just another book about hiking the Appalachian Trail.  Not saying that would be a bad thing. Those books are great.  This one goes way beyond the AT.  It explores the whole concept of what a trail is and how they are made over time.  John Moor visits people studying ancient trails made by now extinct organisms.  He describes how ants and elephants make trails that others can follow.  He reviews the expansions of the AT all the way to Morocco!  All along he laces these bits with pieces of his experience in the wild, which ties it all together.  I liked this book a lot!

Final Jeopardy 10-25-2017

October 25, 2017

Final Jeopardy Category:

Americana

Final Jeopardy Clue:

The tiny town of Cayce, Kentucky was the home & supplied the nickname of a man famous in this job

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Final Jeopardy Answer / Question:

Railroad Engineer

“Casey” Jones