Cannonball Read 18

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time


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Elder LOTR/Holmes fan girl/writer since forever. (Learn more about this Cannonballer: elderberrywine's Quick Questions interview.)

elderberrywine's Reviews:

Well, that’s just your opinion, man.

The Seven Lamps of Architecture by John Ruskin

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There is no doubt at all that John Ruskin was an odd bird indeed.  But good Lord, the man had Opinions.   In 1848, Ruskin toured northern France with his bride (poor girl), and I assume, earlier Italy.  It was here that he fell in love with (certain examples) of Gothic architecture.  For Ruskin, architecture was the first of the arts, because it was not created by a person, but rather by a culture (his primary examples being cathedrals that took, in some cases, hundreds […]

There’s having a stiff upper lip, and keeping calm and carrying on, and then there’s. . . this. One of the best True Life Adventure Tales ever.

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

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Sir Edward Shackleton sets off in 1914 on a quest to cross the continent of Antarctica.  Half of his group will land on one side and plant supply catches half way across.  He and his men will land on the other side, and using these supplies, will cross the continent.  Except, no.   The other side (presumably) accomplished their task.  But he and his 28 men never got to Antarctica itself.  Instead, less than two weeks later, their ship, the Endurance, was trapped in ice […]

Picture, If you will. . . .

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

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All right, I know that is not a legit Twilight Zone quote, but it is the perfect intro to this book.  This was a ride.  Great mystery and ghosts, how can you go wrong?   Young Viv Delaney, on her way from Illinois to New York City, ends up at a rundown motel, just off the main road, in Fell, New York. You know the kind of motel, mid-century, pull your car up to the door of your room, and the power tends to dramatically […]

Delicious Froth

The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer

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In fraught times such as these, I am so glad I still have one or two Georgette Heyers that I have not yet gotten around to reading.  So even though this might not be prime Heyer, it was a delight nevertheless.   The ultimate Corinthian, Sir Richard Wyndham (he of the Windham Fall fame) is being pushed into marriage with a suitable bride, a veritable (as she is in no ways loath to admit) iceberg.  Even her own brother, Cedric, advises Windham to make a […]

So 2/3rds of this person is interesting, or what even is an editor?

The Flame Throwers by Rachel Kushner

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Well, it’s 1975, and the Red Brigade has exploded in Italy. Riots in the streets, and the wealthy (especially their kids) are kidnapped with impunity. You might have heard of J. Paul Getty’s grandson. His kidnappers sent a piece of his ear to his grandfather to show they were serious. Getty famously replied, meh. At least the grandson eventually was let go, but others did not survive. Fortunately, all of Getty’s money ended up resulting in a couple of fabulous museums. So this the world […]

Wait a Minute, Haven’t I Seen This Before?

HeartSick by Chelsea Cain

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All right, the writing was pretty decent, no quibbles there.  I just got hung up on the impossible key character. So, real life serial killers, right?  Dime a dozen out there, right?  And you know how they always turn out to be these gorgeous blonde brilliant psychopaths, who not only kill scores on their own, but even cultivate their minions, much like a troop of Manchurian candidates, who at any time will unleash their own personal killing spree just to glorify her, because she’s just […]



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