Ever since I read his 1992 cyberpunk novel Snow Crash, Neal Stephenson has been one of my favorite authors. He writes in a broad variety of genres, including the “Baroque Cycle” historical fiction series. His 2017 novel The Rise And Fall of D.O.D.O., co-authored with Nicole Galland, is an interesting twist on the theme of […]
Harry Houdini, the world-famous illusionist and stunt performer, was born on this day in 1874 in Budapest, Hungary. His real name was Erik Weisz. His best-known acts involved escaping from impossible situations such as being chained upside-down in a tank of water. Erik’s family emigrated to the US in 1878, where his father served as […]
The Night Circus was not what I expected. I knew it was a work of fantasy set in the Victorian era, with perhaps a few steampunk elements. What I didn’t expect was how thoroughly I’d enjoy this book. It has elements of mystery, romance, and magic, all expertly woven into an immersive and absorbing experience. […]
I haven’t read much young adult fiction since Rowling’s Harry Potter and Westerfeld’s Leviathan series, so this was a departure from my usual reading material. I became aware of the book because it sparked an odd controversy, but before I address that issue I’ll discuss it on its own merits. The Black Witch takes place […]
One of the great things about the Internet is the opportunity to experience shows and movies from around the world. A few years ago, my son Lowell introduced Arlys and me to Japanese animation (anime) and we became serious fans. These shows are not cartoons in the American sense. Many are aimed at adults with […]
