Austin Central Library

Nov19

The Austin Central Library is something to explore in awe. It is located at a prime spot along Lady Bird Lake with nice views on all sides. It cost around $125 million and has everything you could imagine a Library would have. Six stories, nearly 200,000 square feet, a three story clock with red grackles, a rooftop garden, a technology petting zoo, portables and MacBooks to check out on loan, a two story underground parking garage, and so much more. The building is full of light and people are everywhere to be seen, admiring the design and discovering their favorite reading locations. It will probably become one of my favorite spots in Downtown Austin to take a break and enjoy a book or magazine, so look for me there on some lazy weekend afternoon.

The Girl on the Train

Aug6

This is the story of a girl who takes the train to London almost every day. She has some interesting life circumstances. At one particular train stop along the way, she begins to watch a couple at their house. She sees something odd, and then the story gets more interesting. I enjoyed the novel, and it will soon be a movie – I can’t wait for the film version.

No Baggage – The Book

Jun14

I read this book written by Clara Bensen. I think I had high hopes based on the description from her website.

“Newly recovered from a quarter-life meltdown, Clara Bensen decided to test her comeback by signing up for an online dating account. She never expected to meet Jeff, a wildly energetic university professor with a reputation for bucking convention. They barely know each other’s last names when they agree to set out on a risky travel experiment spanning eight countries and three weeks. The catch? No hotel reservations, no plans, and best of all, no baggage.”

I had hoped for an awesome travel story, but instead got short descriptions of some of their adventures and long stories about their life philosophy. It seemed like for them, travel was a race across countries with the intention of annoying the native population as much as possible. And what great lovers of travel would actively look to cut their vacation short by actively seeking out a flight that leaves a day earlier than planned? Travel should be about marvelous experiences that show up unexpectedly, and not about being drug along by one of the most annoying people on the planet. I think for her next book she should travel alone and enjoy the little things that make other countries full of wonder.

True Grit

May17

The other thing you can do when you are not feeling so well is finish the novel you are reading. This time I opted for a classic western called True Grit. Probably almost everyone knows about this story from the movies that have been made. It is about a 14 year old girl from Arkansas who hires a Marshall to help her bring her father’s killer to justice. Read the book or see the movies if you haven’t already. They are all great.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens – The Novel

Feb22

This book is a fast read. The story follows the movie, but provides a little more detail. If you just can’t get enough of the latest story from Star Wars, then pick this one up and give it a go.

No Baggage

Jan29

Would you do this? Clara Bensen from Austin met someone on OKCupid (a story in itself as this dude lived in a dumpster for a year) and then they decided to take a three week summer trip to Europe with the clothes on their back and a few necessities stuffed in pockets and a purse. On the flight out, a flight attendant asked a great question – “What will you wear when you’re washing your clothes?” Anyway, she survived and wrote a book about her adventures. I think I know what I am reading next when I finish the one I am working on now. If I get a chance to catch them in Austin, I will let you know what happens. For now, I am thinking about planning a trip somewhere.

Trigger Mortis

Jan23

This book was a pretty fast read. It tells a James Bond story set in 1957 and includes adventures like Grand Prix racing in Germany and a space race rocket launch from the Virginia coastline. As a bonus, Trigger Mortis contains previously unpublished material from Ian Fleming that Anthony Horowitz has been able to weave into this story. If you are a James Bond fan, then go and find this novel.

A Dance with Dragons

Oct31

One benefit of being sick is the ability to read a little. Today I finished the fifth book in the Game of Thrones Series by George RR Martin. This was an excellent long read with all of your favorite characters from the series. If you haven’t read these books, I recommend that you give the first in the series a try. If you are like me, you will become hooked and will be anxiously waiting for the publication of the sixth book in the series.

A Feast For Crows

Jun4

It has been a long time since I finished a book, so this event is pretty important. 🙂 Back in December of last year, I completed the third book in the Game of Thrones series and now I have finally completed the fourth. “A Feast For Crows” was a tough book for me. George R. R. Martin decided to split the next part of his series into two books and “A Feast For Crows” followed only a part of the characters instead of following all of the characters in a chronological order. The next book will tell the story of the other characters. Indeed an odd choice for his series. My favorite character this time was Brienne. She is a noble warrior who travels throughout the countryside on a quest of sorts. And yes, now I am starting the fourth book in the series called “A Dance With Dragons”. We will see how long it takes to finish this one…

Alice

Feb26

My visit to the Harry Ransom Center was to see the Alice in Wonderland Exhibit. It was full of wonderful things. There was art, books, games, records, films, photos and other things of interest. They told the story from when Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) first dreamed up the concept, all the way to works of present day artists. The exhibit is there until July 6, so check it out if you get the opportunity.

earthrobert

Tag Archives: Books