Category Archives: book review

Ghost Drum by Susan Price

Posted on July 24, 2018 by Pat Bowne

I would say it’s rare for me to read the first in a series and then go immediately and buy the rest of the series, but it’s not. However, that won’t keep me from saying good things about Ghost Drum! … Continue reading →

Posted in book review | Comments Off on Ghost Drum by Susan Price

Night Calls by Katharine Eliska Kimbriel

Posted on July 12, 2018 by Pat Bowne

Because I missed the sale, Cat Kimbriel was kind enough to send me a free copy of Night Calls with no strings attached – but since I devoured it in a day and enjoyed every minute, it deserves a review! I … Continue reading →

Posted in book review | Comments Off on Night Calls by Katharine Eliska Kimbriel

Review: Too Like The Lightning by Ada Palmer

Posted on June 10, 2016 by Pat Bowne

How can you go wrong with a book that has been officially permitted by six governmental agencies, certified nonproselytory, and has a page full of detailed trigger warnings for sex, violence, discussion of religion, and opinions likely to cause offense? … Continue reading →

Posted in book review, reading | Leave a comment

Sin is a Puppy That Follows You Home – a modern Hausa novel

Posted on March 19, 2016 by Pat Bowne

I just read what’s supposed to be the first book translated from the Hausa into English: Sin is a Puppy That Follows You Home by Balaraba Ramat Yakubu. CORRECTION: Carmen McCain, author of the articles I linked to below, tells … Continue reading →

Posted in book review | Comments Off on Sin is a Puppy That Follows You Home – a modern Hausa novel

Turn your child into a marine biology fanatic

Posted on December 9, 2015 by Pat Bowne

Pagoo by Holling Clancy Holling was one of the best science books I ever read as a kid. As soon as we arrived at our vacation spot I would race to the library, take this book home, and lose myself … Continue reading →

Posted in book review, reading, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Turn your child into a marine biology fanatic

Dr. Mutter’s Marvels

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Pat Bowne

When the Human Anatomy & Physiology Society met in Philadelphia, a highlight was our visit to the famous Mutter Museum of anatomical curiosities – not a Ripley’s sort of museum, but a collection of study specimens maintained by the College … Continue reading →

Posted in book review, From the museum, reading | Comments Off on Dr. Mutter’s Marvels

‘So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed’ by Jon Ronson

Posted on April 6, 2015 by Pat Bowne

I preordered this book a while ago, and by the time it was delivered I was having second thoughts. I’d seen so many articles about it and excerpts from it that I wondered if there was anything left to be … Continue reading →

Posted in book review, reading, real life | Comments Off on ‘So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed’ by Jon Ronson

The Martian is just the right mix

Posted on April 3, 2015 by Pat Bowne

I loved The Martian by Andy Weir from the first page to the last. The Martian is Competent Man fiction. This is the good kind of competent man fiction, too; the competent man takes his competence for granted. His moments … Continue reading →

Posted in book review, reading, Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Martian is just the right mix

Bees

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Pat Bowne

First there was Bonsels’  Maya the Bee, which my folks gave me way, way back in the day. I must have been five or thereabouts. I did not notice any of its political subtext. Then there was The Mother Hive … Continue reading →

Posted in book review, reading | Comments Off on Bees

I seem to love stories about bears

Posted on March 21, 2015 by Pat Bowne

I’m half-way through The Secret History of Fantasy and this is the story I’ve enjoyed the most: Bears Discover Fire by Terry Bisson. What a fine story this is! It felt completely real from beginning to end, and like the best fantasies … Continue reading →

Posted in book review, reading, writing | Comments Off on I seem to love stories about bears