The Laughing Wolf

Good Thoughts Needed For Jim Baen

I found out this morning that Jim Baen, founder of Baen Books, has suffered a stroke and is in ICU. If you log into Baen's Bar through the previous link, there is a new "Waiting Room" forum that has been established for news and for sending thoughts to Jim, his family, and the greater family of authors, readers, and fans.

Jim has earned the ire of the leftest literati by giving a home to, and making a living from, science fiction that held to plot, fact, characters, and messages other than the party line. Most especially, Jim has given a home and life to military science fiction, oft written by those who have seen the elephant. Jim and Baen Books have supported the troops on many levels and in many ways, including sending the latest and greatest out to the troops. The legions of Barflies have joined in, sending books and more in care packages to those serving on land, sea, or air.

Jim's emergency plans have been implemented, and now it is time for ours. Please keep Jim and the Baen Family in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

LW

Book Review: Kildar by John Ringo

A few weeks ago, I posted a review of John Ringo's book Ghost as part of a series looking at the "gaming" of scenarios that can't be touched except as something like fiction. That work examined the true nature and face of the enemy, the enemy within, and the costs that can go with battle. There were a few who blew it off for superficial reasons, but that is their loss.

John has out a new book in the series, Kildar. Once again, he has a lot of fun, there is some food for thought on several levels, and we have the fun of reading it (and laughing ourselves silly). For those who complained about some of the absurdities liberties taken in the first book, the second is a bit more down to Earth in those respects. Maybe.

I won't spoil it for you by going into details other than to say that Ghost buys the farm, and all the farmer's daughter jokes you can handle (or not, some are weak). But you just know that you are going to enjoy any book that starts with:

"This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental. This book and series has no connection to reality. Any attempt by the reader to replicate any scene in this series is to be taken at the reader's own risk. For that matter, most of the actions of the main character are illegal under U.S. and international law as well as most of the stricter religions in the world. There is no Valley of the Keldara. Heck, there is no Kildar. And the idea of some Scots and Vikings getting together to raid the Byzantine Empires is beyond ludicrous. The islands described in a previous book do not exist. Entire regions described in these books do not exist. Any attempt to learn anything from these books is disrecommended by the author, the publisher and the author's mother who wishes to state that he was a very nice boy and she doesn't know what went wrong."

It only gets better. Highly recommended.

LW
who hopes he does get redshirted for voting in that romance book competition... Also, if you have not read Princess of Wands, you should.

Book Review: The Weapon

The Weapon by Michael Z. Williamson is a very good exploration of the morality of war and a discussion of what is just and right in a war. In some ways,it reminds me of the book Vengeance in tone, and somewhat in pacing.

Again, this is not an easy read, and that is deliberate. No, don't get me wrong, it is an easy read if one does not stop to think about the deeper parts. It is an excellent action/adventure story, but Williamson also loads it with layers that can be pursued. So much so, that it reminds me very much of an Air Force officer I knew who wanted to be sure that a callow bunch of kids understood what we were swearing to do, and spent some time one day forcing us to think about the unthinkable. Williamson does that, and more, in this book.

Recommended.

LW

Book Review: Ghost

Well, John Ringo is at it again. You have what appears to be a typical lite read action/adventure story about a former SEAL who breaks up terrorist plots around the world. Lots of action, sexy women, death (it is a Ringo book after all, there is a great battle and everyone dies...), and the testosterone that comes with such books.

Yes, but no.

This is a book that has a surprising (to anyone not familiar with Ringo) number of levels. It deals with the whole "rough men" and sleeping soundly concept, and reminds us of them and why we need them. It deals with the "plaster saint" concept and why trying to perpetrate it is a bad thing. It deals with some of the dark things that drive people to be protectors, to be those rough men. It also deals with how such people cope, and a bit more. This book is anything but a typical "fluffy" action adventure book.

I could tell you more, everything from a description of the flawed but ultimately noble protagonist to how reading opened up some dark places in my soul. I could do all that, but why spoil the book.

I will, however, address some quick points. There will be some that describe the first part of the book (if not all the book) as over the top and unrealistic. Got news for you: go read the jihadists own works, look at what Saddam did to his own people, look at what the Taliban did to girls as young as 5. Don't take my word for it or the government's, go read their own frelling words and records. Go read the reports from the UN, for some of the less-well-known ones will give you more detail than you can stomach. In that regards, the book is a good reminder of why we fight and why we must fight and win.

The book reminds us that no, we are not perfect, but that there is a world of difference between our striving for perfection and failing and what the enemy practices on a daily basis where it can.

Go read it. For many, it will not be an easy lite read. Make the effort and do it. The food for thought is well worth it.

LW

Continuation Of A Theme/Meme: Non-Fiction

Continuing the theme, five non-fiction writers who have touched my life at various points include:

William Manchester: serious history done well, and if you are interested in Sir Winston Churchill, his books are a must.

Peter Townsend: Pilot, not "rock star" who became the figure of the RAF in the Battle of Britain. Duel of Eagles was a frequent read growing up.

Col (Gen.) Robert Scott: God is my Co-Pilot was another frequent read growing up and it was an honor to meet him. His other book is a must read for anyone with an interest in China and the current situation in China.

Richard Tregaskis: Guadalcanal Diary was read several times before I was past the 5th grade.

Geoffrey Ashe: If you have any interest in Arthurian legend, his works on the reality of such and those times are a must read. He is also a very engaging speaker who is most generous to his audience.

So, which non-fiction authors are your favorites or had an impact on you?

LW

Continuation Of A Theme/Meme

Yesterday's post and some recent unpacking of books has had me thinking about the writers who have influenced my life. The five fiction authors that have had the most impact include:

Ernest Hemingway: The man is depressing as all get out when you get right down to it, but his visual imagery is superb. His works set a standard for my own writing to reach.

J.R.R. Tolkein: What can I say?

Robert A. Heinlein: His works have heavily influenced my philosophy and my life. Lots of food for thought in those works.

Roger Zelazny: It was an honor to meet him, for his style of writing and subjects have had a strong influence on my writing. Again, strong visual/sensual imagery, with sensual in terms of the senses. His works evoke sights, smells, and sounds in a way that few can do.

Arthur C. Clarke: Interesting and fun stories (Tales From The White Hartbeing a favorite collection) and the first to hit me with the idea that sex could be fun and was not a sin

Honorable Mention:

C. S. Lewis: I still love his books, and began reading them when I was in about the sixth grade as a part of some religious studies. While his works and other studies have taken me in directions of which he might not approve, his stories still move.

So, which five fiction authors have most influenced you?

LW

Book Meme

Well, it looks as though Da Goddess is not just content with hitting a major milestone (Congratulations!), so she hits me with this meme. Glad to know I am her favorite wolf. So, here we go:

1. Number of books I own
I honestly don't know, but suspect it is in excess of 1,000. What I do know is that there were roughly 50 boxes of books involved in the recent moves. That does not count what was in the car, suitcase, etc.

While it is not asked, I will admit that they tend to fall into the following categories:

Science Fiction/Fantasy
Cookbooks
Fiction
Biographies/History
Science (aerospace, bio, psych, materials science)
Weapons
Communications (text, research, etc.)
Photography/Art
Religion
Sexuality
General Reference

2. Last book bought

Oh dear, not really sure. I think it was Jock Sturges: Notes Jock Sturges is to people photography as Adams was to nature/scenic photography. He got a very bad rap a few years ago when an overly ambitious (and clueless) DA tried to charge him with child pornography because there were nude children in some/many of the shots. Absolute and unmitigated bullshit. What that man does with faces and eyes is incredible.

3. Last book I read
Last new book I read was either a wolf book or We Few by Weber and Ringo. I think. Not real sure as I tend to read quite a bit and split it between old favorites and new work. It used to be I had to read before I could fall asleep, and I still tend to read every night.

4. Five books that mean a lot to me:

Just Five?

The Crystal Cave
Young Winston
Duel of Eagles
Lord of the Rings
Stranger in a Strange Land

Not going to tag anyone, but if anyone cares to take up the challenge...

LW

There's A Hair In My Dirt

A while back, I mentioned a book by Gary Larson you should read. It was out of print in hardcover, but is now out in paperback. If you have any interest in nature, the environment, ecology, or anything outdoors, you need to read this book. Besides, it is hilarious even if it is non-fiction. Warning, this is NOT a Far Side book, so you are warned. My suggestion, go buy it and read it ASAP.

LW

Book Review: Blog

I took the time recently to read Blog: Understanding The Information Reformation That's Changing Your World by Hugh Hewitt. If you are a blogger, much of what is in there is already well known to you not only from his own site, but from the much fuller discussions that have occurred "in the tail" of the blogosphere. If you are not a blogger, but are in business or communications, then this book is a must read for you.

What it does is lay out exactly what has happened to communications in the last few years, contrasting it to the introduction of the printing press and the Reformation. This is done with a great deal of thought, buttressing fact, and a fair sense of style. There is hyperbole, fortunately usually only a sentence or two at the start of a chapter, but there is a good bit of food for thought enclosed. Hugh makes good use of data in regards circulation and viewership, information which I had been studying just a few days before reading his book, so I can attest to the basic accuracy of that material as presented. Of course, I also like the fact that he picks up on some of the arguments made in some of my media posts, since the printing press lies at the heart of our freedom of the press.

I am not entirely comfortable with some of where he appears to think blogging should go, but am surprised that some of the dirty tricks blogging has not been tried (or more apparent). While I hope that blogging does take some different routes than those mentioned, I do strongly endorse the idea of businesses bringing in bloggers to talk to them about blogging. Having anyone else do so would be like having virgins to come in to talk about the joys of sex. For myself, I would recommend anyone in communications look long and hard at blogs, for they are going to play a major, if not the major, role in mass communications in the coming years.

Blog is a book well worth reading, particularly for non-bloggers. If you are in communications, it is a must read.

LW

Book Review: The Genomics Age

This really should have gotten done before Christmas, but with the move and such it did get delayed. Actually, that is only part the reason: The Genomics Age by Gina Smith (ISBN 0-8114-0843-5) was interesting, and I took my time with it as a result.

You hear a great deal in the news and other hype about genomes, genes, and genomics. What has been sadly lacking, in my view, is a clear and fun overview of just exactly what it is that is being talked about. This book is a very good primer on the entire subject, and takes you from the basics to some discussions of the ethical and legal implications of what the biological revolution means to you. Yes, you, for this subject is affecting legal cases (DNA evidence), medical diagnosis, medical treatment, insurance, pre-natal decisions, and may alter the human race.

One of the delights in the book for me was a very simple and easy-to-understand definition of gene expression. It is a term oft tossed about that most people really don’t know and can’t explain. I remember vividly someone trying to come up with an explanation that a certain NASA Administrator could easily understand, and this book has it. Think of a light switch: if the gene is expressed, the switch for that gene is on. If it is not expressed, the gene is switched off.

It is a fun read in many ways, with lots of good quotes from scientists, ethics specialists, and others involved in genomics. My only complaint overall is that the design of the book was a bit distracting, and I wish the sidebar quotes had been different from the quotes in the text – it would have made a great way to emphasize points.

For all that it is science, there are ethical issues, legal issues, and a host of political issues. While I think the author’s opinions on the politics do come forth, I also have to admit that the book is one of the most balanced that I have come across. As a supporter of individual rights and liberty, I share the concerns of many over genetic privacy and related issues, and the book gives a start to understanding this major challenge.

If you like science, are interested in learning about genomics and how it stands to revolutionize law, medicine, and maybe even the human race, then this book is a very good start.

Disclaimer: I was provided this book as a review copy and did not pay for it.

LW

Another Good Read

Ring of Fire, edited and created by Eric Flint, is a VERY good read. The collection of shorter stories goes with the books 1632, by Eric Flint, and 1633, by Eric Flint and David Weber. These are set in a universe where a cosmic accident/art project sends a chunk of West Virginia back in time to the year 1632. The implications of what could happen, and what it will take to survive and make it happen, are more than merely fascinating. For anyone interested in the history of technology, and what it takes to bring non-tech cultures up to speed, it is a must read. For those just looking for a good read, a fun read, then I would say the same. A good bit of the philosophy within the books is also well worth considering by anyone interested in the present day war on terror and false or stagnant ideologies, as some of the fundamental roots of such are rather starkly exposed in the books.

All of the stories in this volume are well done, and unusual in any anthology is the crucial role these stories play in the “real” books by Flint (and Weber). In that respect, the book is a radical departure from traditional anthologies in any genre, and it is a departure that works. Then again, this should be no surprise as Baen Books, the publisher, makes a fair bit of money bucking the established trends. As a result, you get good reads that introduce key characters and concepts, flesh out existing characters, and generally set the stage for the next major novel – one that better be coming soon. It also avoids some previous pitfalls, including a character that said “I am Vasa!” so often that it came very much to remind me of “I Am Weasel!”

Yes, it is hardcover, but well worth the expenditure. Thank you, Stacy, for my copy. If you have not yet read 1632 and 1633, go get them in paperback and enjoy. Then get this anthology, and enjoy.

LW

Book Review: There Will Be Dragons

John Ringo is at it again. He is taking a break from the Posleen universe he created and has come up with a new and wonderful universe to explore. I had the chance to read a good bit of the book before it was published, but chose not to so, and am glad I waited.

There Will Be Dragons is a delight, and so far he has avoided his usual great-battle-and-everyone-dies routine. The world is our own, a few thousand years in the future, where utopia is shattered and civilization must reform amid war and strife. Yet, part of it is a war of the gods, part is of the legions, and throw in the fact that there are sentient AI’s, modified individuals who range from were-bears to unicorns, and a race of Elves and you get something truly unique that appears to combine portions of the Norse Eddas, Paradise Lost, Celtic Mythology, and more into a realistic and self-sustaining whole. There are some insider jokes, and I was glad to see Heather Alexander and Bun-Bun make guest appearances. If you don’t know who these people are, shame on you. Click and learn. :)

I admit, one of my favorite characters is Bast, the nymphomaniacal Wood Elf, because she does seem like my ideal date: deadly warrior, wild lover, thoughtful philosopher. And an apparently ongoing feud with Bun-Bun, which to mortals would be deadly. There are many other good characters here, and a lot more thought below the surface than may be readily apparent.

Read it once for pleasure, and then go back and start picking at that which is below the surface. See how many mythological and historical references you can find, for there are a large number there.

Recommended.

Book Review: The Dragon Of Despair, By Jane Lindskold

First off, if you have not yet read anything by Jane Lindskold, you are missing a real delight. This latest entry in the “Firekeeper” saga is outstanding, and builds expertly on the first book in the series, Through Wolf’s Eyes, and its companion Wolf’s Head, Wolf’s Heart.

Harry Potter

Okay, I have read the book and I loved it. There were two points that came up that deserve some attention, though they should not be spoilers. Both are philosophical points. One brought laughter, the other some concern and thought. Today, I am going to take on the fun one, based on a comment made by Harry. Even if it may draw down the wrath of Ith and others. :)

Leon Uris

Leon Uris, an author who helped shape my adolescent years, has passed away. Others are citing his works that pertained to Israel and the Middle East and they are good books, but for me it was another that hit me.

Book Reviews

For those of you who like, or love, to read here are a couple of books to consider. One is new, the other is older but still worth a good read.