Yes, it has been a while since I wrote in this blog.
Yes, they grow up fast.
And the other thing that happens when they start to do things by themselves, is you return to thinking about yourself again. I'm a person? I forgot about that. I'm going to do a few things I like, that don't have anything to do with the kid, including not updating a blog about him...
-Suggested our lunch order and where to sit - at Halal Guys, and then where to sit
-Added 35+27 in his head : I seriously don't know where he learned this, and I'm going to ask his teachers to slow down with the math lessons for a while, because really, how much math do you need as a kid?
-Memorized first song on piano - Treble clef (one hand) only, of course. And this is assuming Twinkle Twinkle Little Star counts as a song (Actually, it counts as two songs: See "The ABC song"..)
-Swam the length of the pool - Small, backyard pool, of course. Not an Olympic size.
and more...
Friday, November 1, 2019
Monday, February 4, 2019
The Few Books I Read in 2018 with Brief Thoughts on Each
I read 25 books last year.
A friend of mine without kids posted that she read over 70 books in the same time period, which made me feel pretty lazy.
Then I talked to a friend of mine with two kids. "TWENTY-FIVE FUCKING BOOKS?!? JESUS CHRIST, HOW DO YOU HAVE TIME TO READ SO MUCH!!?!"
So, now I feel alright about the number.
Quick summary of this list: it's mostly science fiction, memoirs, and poker books.
And, last year I reread a lot of my old favorites - mostly the Ender series by Orson Scott Card.* I did this, because I discovered that he wrote a new sequel (A NEW SEQUEL!!) to Ender's Game called Ender in Exile. More on that book later.
Also in 2018, I took some recommendations, so thanks for those, and keep them coming - especially if you're happy where your recommendation ended up on this list.
So, here's the list, ranked from best to worst, with a thought or two on each.
BOOKS READ IN 2018
1. Ender's Shadow - Orson Scott Card
Science Fiction
Reread
Follows the character of "Bean" through the events of Ender's Game. So if you haven't read Ender's Game, read that first. Shadow is slightly more emotional and intellectually interesting than Ender's Game, but both are classics and really deserve to be read.
2. Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card
Science Fiction
Reread
Still amazing after all these years. If you haven't read it, I envy that you get to take this journey for the first time. It's the story of an overachieving boy and his journey through battle school. It's sort of like Harry Potter in space. But like, better...way better than this description.
3. Speaker for the Dead - Orson Scott Card
Science Fiction
Reread
The original sequel to Ender's Game. Speaker is a vivid meditation on what it could mean to encounter an alien race, and what that reveals about our own customs, religions, and communication. Surprisingly deep stuff, and according to Card, this was the book he originally wanted to write - he only wrote Ender's Game to get to this part of the story.
4. The Disaster Artist - Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell
Novel / Memoir
Realistic and painfully hilarious account of misplaced passion and the allure of the Hollywood dream. It turns out, however, if you're really rich, it's possible to make a horrible movie that is unintentionally funny.
5. Ready Player One - Ernest Cline
Science Fiction
Reread
The first time I read it, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happened. This time I sat back and enjoyed the nostalgic ride. Way better than the movie. Seriously.
6. Ender in Exile - Orson Scott Card
Science Fiction
Reread
The "new" sequel to Ender's Game throws Ender back into a political power struggle while on his way to a new planet. Then at that planet, we get to see the boy hero adapt to become the governer of a colony. Surprisingly good, and worth a read if you're a fan of the Ender-verse. And yes, I said "Ender-verse." That's what it's called!
7. Flight of the Silvers - Daniel Price
Science Fiction
Addictive sci-fi read, though a little confusing. Basically it's teenagers who are X-men mutants with powers over time - minutes, seconds, house - forwards and backwards...as well as something to do with an alternate reality...or something. Intriguing!
8. Songbook - Nick Hornby
Memoir / Think Pieces
Essays detailing his thoughts about his favorite songs, the lyrics, as well as self-reflecting by commenting on his OWN THOUGHTS ON HIS THOUGHTS about those songs.
9. Molly's Game - Molly Bloom
Memoir / Poker
More about succeeding in business and dealing with questionable characters than it is about poker, but still a page turner. Spoiler: Tobey Maguire is an asshole.
10. Blue Like Jazz - Donald Miller
Memoir / Religion
Surprisingly honest ramblings about a Christian twenty-something struggling with the church and modern day Christianity.
11. Every Hand Revealed - Gus Hansen
Poker
Hansen explains his decisions behind every hand he plays in a tournament. You really have to like poker, because this is a poker book - but probably the best I've ever read. It's like watching a poker tournament from the inside of a pro's mind.
12. What We Talk About When We Talk About God - Rob Bell
Religion
Interesting thoughts from an open Christian perspective. Also, I got this book at The Dollar Tree, so my expectations were very, very low.
13. Eat that Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done - Brian Tracy
Business
Quick read with a lot of good ideas on how to stay focused and get things done. Incidentally, none of these ideas include making lists of books you've read. So, it seems I have learned nothing.
14. The Name of the Wind - Patrick Rothfuss
Science Fiction
An addictive read that starts off strong, but veers off course. A little over halfway through the book, the main character leaves the interesting action in his town and LITERALLY wanders off to chase dragons. He returns home 300 pages later and resolves a few things quickly, but leaves plenty of questions for the sequel...
The questions I have, after finishing it's 700+ pages, are as such: Why such a quick ending? Why do fantasy books seem like they take place in the cleanest middle ages of all time? And how can people do magic? Is it because they don't understand science? Should we go back to not understanding science as well, so we can become magicians?
15. I Wear the Black Hat - Chuck Klosterman
Memoir / Think Pieces
Meandering, thoughts that are thoughtful at times, and at other times, the thoughts are a bit repetitive thoughts...but interesting.
16. Moneymaker: How an Amateur Poker Player Turned $40 into $2.5 Million at the World Series of Poker - Chris Moneymaker w/ Daniel Paisner
Poker
Fun read that really captures the innocence and excitement of a guy who had never played a live poker tournament, and yet with a lot of patience, skill, and a little luck (especially on two big hands) is able to win the largest poker tournament in the world - the WSOP (World Series of Poker)
17. In the Heart of the World: Thoughts, Stories, and Prayers - Mother Teresa
Religion
Very short book about kindness and generosity. A little too short, as it leaves you wanting things explained a little more.
18. 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 - Thomas Phelan
Parenting
Interesting techniques on discipline which basically amounts to giving your kids two warnings before you get to a punishment. Will probably try it out soon...
19. Shadow of the Hegemon - Orson Scott Card
Science Fiction
Reread
Sequel to Ender's Shadow. Not quite as good as I remember. Vow to stop rereading the "Shadow" series now.
20. I Drink for a Reason - David Cross
Comedy
Cross is a hit-or-miss comedian, and his book is basically the same, with a little too many misses.
21. Scream Free Parenting - Hal Runkel
Parenting
Calm yourself first. Teach kids the actions have consequences, but do it calmly. Sounds easy enough. Should probably try that soon...
22. Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits - David Wong
Science Fiction
Partial Read
Opens strong, with a lot of humor and clever dialog. Then a million things happen, and the humor seems to go away. Read to page 150, hoping the humor and fun would come back. It did not.
23. The Dip - Seth Godin
Business
Quick read out how to know when to quit anything (a project, a job, etc). Not sure I learned when to quit anything, but since it was such a short book, I wanted to prove to the author I wouldn't quit...
24. You Cannot Be Serious - John McEnroe and James Kaplan
Memoir/Sports
Poor writing, way too much name-dropping, but if you like tennis, it's still an interesting read.
25. The Dog of the South - Charles Portis
Novel
Alleged literary masterpiece / classic humor novel is actually just a book with a meandering plot with rambling sentences that are are almost interesting but are really just meandering and repetitive, like this one...
And...
A friend of mine without kids posted that she read over 70 books in the same time period, which made me feel pretty lazy.
Then I talked to a friend of mine with two kids. "TWENTY-FIVE FUCKING BOOKS?!? JESUS CHRIST, HOW DO YOU HAVE TIME TO READ SO MUCH!!?!"
So, now I feel alright about the number.
Quick summary of this list: it's mostly science fiction, memoirs, and poker books.
And, last year I reread a lot of my old favorites - mostly the Ender series by Orson Scott Card.* I did this, because I discovered that he wrote a new sequel (A NEW SEQUEL!!) to Ender's Game called Ender in Exile. More on that book later.
Also in 2018, I took some recommendations, so thanks for those, and keep them coming - especially if you're happy where your recommendation ended up on this list.
So, here's the list, ranked from best to worst, with a thought or two on each.
BOOKS READ IN 2018
1. Ender's Shadow - Orson Scott Card
Science Fiction
Reread
Follows the character of "Bean" through the events of Ender's Game. So if you haven't read Ender's Game, read that first. Shadow is slightly more emotional and intellectually interesting than Ender's Game, but both are classics and really deserve to be read.
2. Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card
Science Fiction
Reread
Still amazing after all these years. If you haven't read it, I envy that you get to take this journey for the first time. It's the story of an overachieving boy and his journey through battle school. It's sort of like Harry Potter in space. But like, better...way better than this description.
3. Speaker for the Dead - Orson Scott Card
Science Fiction
Reread
The original sequel to Ender's Game. Speaker is a vivid meditation on what it could mean to encounter an alien race, and what that reveals about our own customs, religions, and communication. Surprisingly deep stuff, and according to Card, this was the book he originally wanted to write - he only wrote Ender's Game to get to this part of the story.
4. The Disaster Artist - Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell
Novel / Memoir
Realistic and painfully hilarious account of misplaced passion and the allure of the Hollywood dream. It turns out, however, if you're really rich, it's possible to make a horrible movie that is unintentionally funny.
5. Ready Player One - Ernest Cline
Science Fiction
Reread
The first time I read it, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happened. This time I sat back and enjoyed the nostalgic ride. Way better than the movie. Seriously.
6. Ender in Exile - Orson Scott Card
Science Fiction
Reread
The "new" sequel to Ender's Game throws Ender back into a political power struggle while on his way to a new planet. Then at that planet, we get to see the boy hero adapt to become the governer of a colony. Surprisingly good, and worth a read if you're a fan of the Ender-verse. And yes, I said "Ender-verse." That's what it's called!
7. Flight of the Silvers - Daniel Price
Science Fiction
Addictive sci-fi read, though a little confusing. Basically it's teenagers who are X-men mutants with powers over time - minutes, seconds, house - forwards and backwards...as well as something to do with an alternate reality...or something. Intriguing!
8. Songbook - Nick Hornby
Memoir / Think Pieces
Essays detailing his thoughts about his favorite songs, the lyrics, as well as self-reflecting by commenting on his OWN THOUGHTS ON HIS THOUGHTS about those songs.
9. Molly's Game - Molly Bloom
Memoir / Poker
More about succeeding in business and dealing with questionable characters than it is about poker, but still a page turner. Spoiler: Tobey Maguire is an asshole.
10. Blue Like Jazz - Donald Miller
Memoir / Religion
Surprisingly honest ramblings about a Christian twenty-something struggling with the church and modern day Christianity.
11. Every Hand Revealed - Gus Hansen
Poker
Hansen explains his decisions behind every hand he plays in a tournament. You really have to like poker, because this is a poker book - but probably the best I've ever read. It's like watching a poker tournament from the inside of a pro's mind.
12. What We Talk About When We Talk About God - Rob Bell
Religion
Interesting thoughts from an open Christian perspective. Also, I got this book at The Dollar Tree, so my expectations were very, very low.
13. Eat that Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done - Brian Tracy
Business
Quick read with a lot of good ideas on how to stay focused and get things done. Incidentally, none of these ideas include making lists of books you've read. So, it seems I have learned nothing.
14. The Name of the Wind - Patrick Rothfuss
Science Fiction
An addictive read that starts off strong, but veers off course. A little over halfway through the book, the main character leaves the interesting action in his town and LITERALLY wanders off to chase dragons. He returns home 300 pages later and resolves a few things quickly, but leaves plenty of questions for the sequel...
The questions I have, after finishing it's 700+ pages, are as such: Why such a quick ending? Why do fantasy books seem like they take place in the cleanest middle ages of all time? And how can people do magic? Is it because they don't understand science? Should we go back to not understanding science as well, so we can become magicians?
15. I Wear the Black Hat - Chuck Klosterman
Memoir / Think Pieces
Meandering, thoughts that are thoughtful at times, and at other times, the thoughts are a bit repetitive thoughts...but interesting.
16. Moneymaker: How an Amateur Poker Player Turned $40 into $2.5 Million at the World Series of Poker - Chris Moneymaker w/ Daniel Paisner
Poker
Fun read that really captures the innocence and excitement of a guy who had never played a live poker tournament, and yet with a lot of patience, skill, and a little luck (especially on two big hands) is able to win the largest poker tournament in the world - the WSOP (World Series of Poker)
17. In the Heart of the World: Thoughts, Stories, and Prayers - Mother Teresa
Religion
Very short book about kindness and generosity. A little too short, as it leaves you wanting things explained a little more.
18. 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 - Thomas Phelan
Parenting
Interesting techniques on discipline which basically amounts to giving your kids two warnings before you get to a punishment. Will probably try it out soon...
19. Shadow of the Hegemon - Orson Scott Card
Science Fiction
Reread
Sequel to Ender's Shadow. Not quite as good as I remember. Vow to stop rereading the "Shadow" series now.
20. I Drink for a Reason - David Cross
Comedy
Cross is a hit-or-miss comedian, and his book is basically the same, with a little too many misses.
21. Scream Free Parenting - Hal Runkel
Parenting
Calm yourself first. Teach kids the actions have consequences, but do it calmly. Sounds easy enough. Should probably try that soon...
22. Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits - David Wong
Science Fiction
Partial Read
Opens strong, with a lot of humor and clever dialog. Then a million things happen, and the humor seems to go away. Read to page 150, hoping the humor and fun would come back. It did not.
23. The Dip - Seth Godin
Business
Quick read out how to know when to quit anything (a project, a job, etc). Not sure I learned when to quit anything, but since it was such a short book, I wanted to prove to the author I wouldn't quit...
24. You Cannot Be Serious - John McEnroe and James Kaplan
Memoir/Sports
Poor writing, way too much name-dropping, but if you like tennis, it's still an interesting read.
25. The Dog of the South - Charles Portis
Novel
Alleged literary masterpiece / classic humor novel is actually just a book with a meandering plot with rambling sentences that are are almost interesting but are really just meandering and repetitive, like this one...
And...
That's it!
And in 2019, I vow to read more classic literature, novels, and maybe even history.
And less Orson Scott Card.
And in 2019, I vow to read more classic literature, novels, and maybe even history.
And less Orson Scott Card.
Send your recommendations!
Seriously.
-N.D.
*If you're not familiar with the Ender's Game series/shadow series, boy, you're in for a treat. And, I firmly believe, you should read the series in the following order:
Ender's Game
Ender's Shadow
Ender in Exile
Speaker for the Dead
Shadow Puppets
Children of the Fleet
Xenocide
And skip the rest. Seriously.
*If you're not familiar with the Ender's Game series/shadow series, boy, you're in for a treat. And, I firmly believe, you should read the series in the following order:
Ender's Game
Ender's Shadow
Ender in Exile
Speaker for the Dead
Shadow Puppets
Children of the Fleet
Xenocide
And skip the rest. Seriously.
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