Cannibalism Culture: The Bushido Horror in WWll

Cannibalism Culture: The Bushido Horror in WWll 

So this book was NOTHING like I thought it was going to be. I guess I didn't read the synopsis close enough because I didn't realize it was literally about cannibalism during World War 2. None the less I did find it interesting but also very disturbing. I have read a lot of books about The second world war and I thought there wasn't going to be much about this war that would surprise me anymore. Enter this book. The author talks about how some of the reasons for  the Japanese soldiers to turn to cannibalism was due to starvation and little to no supplies. But he also says that there was a lot who looked down upon their enemy and those affiliated with them so much. That they didn't see them as human at all. He also speculates that it could be a way of ultimate victory over the enemy by consuming their flesh. the authors go on to say that there is still much speculation regarding why some of these Japanese soldiers and commanders performed these war crimes. But this is a topic from WW2 that hasn't been researched as much as others. With the years slipping by and the generations that lived through the war get older and dying and taking their stories with them, there could be no way of finding out more answers.
 

Extra's

 Extras By: Scott Westerfeld

Honestly after the last book I wasn't quite sure where the story was going to go from there. So I was slightly surprised to start this book and find it 3 years into the future. Okay that makes sense. But what floored me was the completely new characters and city. It was a little distracting for me at first but I finally just gave into the storyline. When Tally Youngblood was mentioned (as the most famous person globally) I though ok well at least she's "in" the book. 

It was interesting to see how the cultures in the series had evolved from the last book and to see all the changes and to get to know characters such as Aya Fuse who wants more than anything to be famous like her brother as a type of reporter or digital journalist. In order to do that she puts herself in a lot of precarious situations until she discovers a story of potential world ending consequences. When her story goes live for all to see it rockets her to fame. But also alerts the new "Special Circumstances" and Tally Youngblood herself to come meet Aya and dig deeper into this story.

This was not at all what I was expecting and Scott Westerfeld really keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen and how is it going to get resolved as the book gets closer and closer to the end. I actually really enjoyed this book and it may potentially be my favorite in the series. 

Specials

 Specials By: Scott Westerfeld

This book started out much like the others, so I was expecting just that kind of story line but then it all changed. The author did a really good job flipping everything on its head. I thought I had the story somewhat figured out. But when I was done with the book I was left wondering what just happened, The bad guy I thought was the bad guy isn't/wasn't the bad guy and the story wasn't anything like I thought it was going to be. After each book, I felt like I at least knew or had a base impression on what to expect from the next book. Not this time. I cant wait to get into the next book just to see what happens and how this story continues.

Pretties

 

Pretties By: Scott Westerfeld

Continuing the adventures of Tally Youngblood it was interesting to see the transition that was made with the character from the first book (Uglies) to this one. As well as the other characters associated with her mostly Paris and Shay. It also took a minute to get use to the new lingo this book had what the characters call "pretty" talk. The book started out very fast paced, it leveled off a bit and part of the story that was told I have a feeling is going to be important in the future books but didn't seem to align with the story as much as the rest. A sort of side story I guess, but like i said I think its going to come into play a lot more in the other books.

Uglies

 Uglies By: Scott Westerfeld

I actually stumbled upon the movie on Netflix before I realized this was a book series. It didn't take long once the movie ended more abruptly than I had anticipated. So I went searching for the reason and discovered it was based off this series. This is another post apocalyptic story about how society changed and "adapted" after a nonnuclear type fallout. There wasn't to many big surprises since I had already seen the movie, but the book is still definitely better. I am excited to continue on to the next book.

Murtagh

 

Murtagh BY: Christopher Paolini

This book was excellent. It was nice to learn more about Murtagh and Thorn, even if their backstory is super tragic. It was interesting to see the evolution of the character through their own eyes instead of through another's viewpoint. The conflict of finding a witch was nail-biting at times. This book had me on the edge from start to finish. If you enjoyed the Inheritance series, this book is a must-read. 

The Second Coming of the Lord

The Second Coming of the Lord By: Gerald N. Lund

This was a really fascinating read. I wish I had read this as a hard copy, so I could have made notes. It was interesting to take a look at all the revelations and prophecies associated with the second coming of the Lord and to be able to see what has already come to pass and things that haven't yet. 
 

Inheritance

 Inheritance By: Christopher Paolini

Reading this again and knowing/remembering most of the outcome of the book (the big stuff). I was able to go into this book with a different perspective and look at it subjectively. That being said the first time I read it I wasn't thrilled with the outcome of the book. This time around, although I am still biased about how the book ended. Although it was hard saying goodbye to Eragon and Saphira again. I can understand why it ended the way it did; as well as see how well the author did making sure there were no loose ends left. I have thoroughly enjoyed revisiting this series and I am excited to read the other books by Christopher Paolini. Especially those books that take me back to the mystical land of Alagaësia. 

The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero

 

The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero BY: William Kalush and Larry Sloman

This is a book I found on the shelf at a previous job. It looked so interesting I added it to my "to read" list. It was a perfect choice for my pick when it was time in the book club I'm in. 

Erich Weisz aka Harry Houdini was such a fascinating person, I had no idea that he was instrumental in helping law enforcement from local all the way to the CIA. Not just here in the US either, but in Europe as well. From helping to improve their restraints to even being a liaison and working in various undercover works. I also had no idea that Houdini was an author and was so pivotal in bringing to light the falseness of various mediums and spiritualists including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his second wife. Everything about this book and the life of Houdini was fascinating and one thing I also found remarkable was the love and partnership he had with his wife. Also I was under the impression that Houdini died due to one of his tricks gone wrong. I had no idea he died after having his appendix rupture. I really enjoyed this book and learning about this fascinating man.

Brisingr

 Brisingr By: Christopher Paolini

I know I sound like a broken record, but I have seriously enjoyed revisiting this series. It's been fun to revisit and see the character developments through each book. I think if I had just read his new book Murtagh without revisiting this series I probably would have been fairly lost. There is a lot that I forgot and revisiting this I think is going to pay off when reading Murtagh. One more in the series before I can start the new book.....I cant wait.

Eldest

 

Eldest By Christopher Paolini

It has been so much fun re-reading this series. It's fun to revisit and see how many details I have forgotten in these stories. The character development is also intriguing. Having a different perspective and more life experience the second time reading this. I feel that I can see a bit of insight into the author's personality this time. What he feels is important, and what he values as well as how he views the various roles of leaders, diplomats, and heads of state and genders in general. Given that he wrote this series as a teenager and then recently came out with another book to go with it. I'm interested to see how his writing style is going to differ.