How to Scare Yourself on Halloween

I've been reading "Hideaway" By Dean Koontz. This is an intreaguing story of suspense and a little supernatural. It starts off a little slowly but gets very interesting quickly. As seems to be a theme with Dean Koontz, very early in the story a character dies, but the twist is that in this story - death is not the end, in fact, it's the beginning. I have to say that my favorite character in the story is a little girl named Regina. Koontz' ability to bring life to her and endear her to the reader is phenominal! She's a hoot, and brings humor and levity to an otherwise, sommber yet quite suspensful story. It's not always clear where the story is going (and doesn't that always make it more fun?), but the ride is very enjoyable. I've read a couple of Dean Koontz' other stories and I'm really liking his story telling. Usually a mix of real and surreal, but always keeps you turning the pages (or in my case - listening to the next audio CD). So if you're looking for a good book to read in honor of Halloween, and need a good scare, or fun story, this book is highly recommended.

Story by Rex Hoss

How to Read Your Way To Riches!

Well I finished book 11 of the Wheel of Time series, called The knife of Dreams. It, like the last few books in the series was long winded and fairly uneventful. If I hadn't invested so much time in the story I'd have stopped reading it several books ago. So, as I wait for Robert Jordan to write what is supposed to be the last book in the series (due out potentially next year). I've decided to change the pace and read something far more useful. Trump, How to Get Rich by Donald Trump is so far an intriguing read. Actually, I listen to the audio version so I can 'read' while I'm driving, and this book is Interesting! I find it a mix of self-help, and life strategy with a frank and honest approach to a subject The Donald is quite familiar. He talks as though you're running a company which, of course we all are! Our life IS our company. Listening to his message is proving to be very informative.

-- By Rex Hoss

Now Reading

Well I finished book 10 Crossroads of Twilight, of Robert Jordan's gargantuan series "The Wheel of Time". There are, so far, 11 books in the series. Book 10 seemed a little slow without much plot development. As a whole the series is somewhat long-winded. The author goes into great detail describing what seem to be superfluous and unnecessary details to give 'depth' to the story. It ends up being a long read of too many books to tell what could be done in a much more compact form. At this point I'm only reading book 11 Knife of Dreams because I want to finish the story. It's a little crazy since Robert Jordan has in fact not finished the story! There are apparently going to be 12 books and he's working on that last one - due out sometime next year (in theory).

At least the 10th book ended with a 'cliff-hanger' but otherwise as a long and somewhat tedious read. There are in my opinion too many characters, too many lengthy descriptions of things that ultimately don't move the story along. Note to R.J.: Speed it up, loose the tedious descriptions, and for crissake, stop introducing endless new characters! I can't keep track of all of their names and story lines-I don't know how anyone could!

OK, I'm done with my rant! It's on to the reading. Actually, I listen to the stories on audio book format! My new means of entertainment.

--Rex Hoss

Harry'ed Potter

Just to jump on the Harry Potter bandwagon. I figured I'd do a post on the latest, and last(?) Harry Potter book, the Deathly Hallows. It's in stores at midnight and available online now (though it won't ship until tomorrow). At any rate, just for the record, I haven't seen the latest H.P. Movie yet (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix). I'm probably one of about 20 people in the world who hasn't seen it yet. I actually have never READ any of the books, preferring to see the movies instead. Stop screaming at me all you Harry loyalists, who claim the books are better!!! They probably are, but I just never read any and figure why buck tradition now! Perhaps after they've made all 7 books into movies, I'll go back and actually read the books, but don't hold me to it.

Books I'm Reading

Well, I finished book 9 "Winter's Heart" of the Robert Jordan Magnum Opus "The Wheel of Time" series. I'm on to book 10 called Crossroads of Twilight. Book 9 was mostly about the main characters on-going character development and Rand's desire to clean the taint from the male side of the One Power known in the books as Saidin. The taint is a foulness which pollutes the power and can eventually make the male using the power go mad and eventually kill him. So obviously, Rand has an interest in cleansing the taint from the One Power.

On a personal note, while the series of books is overall very good, I feel the author is long-winded in his story telling. I find myself wanting to get to the good stuff and he seems to get bogged down in telling minutia of details. While details do make the overall experience of the story more rich and full, as a reader, I find myself a little disinterested in knowing every little detail about each character's dress choice on a given day, exactly what they ate, and how they liked it and so forth.

Again, if you choose to read this series, start at the beginning, there's just too much back story in each book, and it's definitely written as a series, without any really satisfying conclusion to each book.

So now it's on to Book 10 Crossroads of Twilight. We'll see where this book takes the story!

Shakespeare Word of the Day

While rehearsing the play Much Ado About Nothing, which I'm playing Balthasar in for the CCPT organization, there came a word I was not familiar with. The word is BUCKLER. So, thanks to the Internet, Google, and some very useful websites which give word definitions, I found out what it is. A bucker is a small hand held shield used in battle with a sword. Found the definition here. Also I heard the word used in the book I'm reading "Winter's Heart" by Robert Jordan (see a previous post) for more details on that book. Well, it's back to rehearsing lines and songs for the show!

Books I've Been Reading

Robert Jordan and The Wheel of Time Series Since I spend a LOT of time in my car (who doesn't, living in L.A. you may ask?), I've had to find a way to better use the time. Well I discovered Audio Books, and what a GREAT discovery! You can find TONS of audio books available on a wide range of subjects. I've been trying to split my time between something "useful" like personal development titles - be a better person type books, and other books for sheer reading pleasure. I particularly like fantasy and suspense books. It all started with the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown but I'm currently reading (or more accurately - listening to) a series of books by Robert Jordan called "The Wheel of Time". I have to tell you this is a really good fantasy series, but the author is a powerhouse writer. There are so far 11 books in the series, he's reportedly working on the last book currently. I only just started book 9, called Winter's Heart. If you're up for a good, LONG story check out the series - but I suggest starting with the first book. This story isn't done justice starting in one of the later books - you miss too much back story. If you have other good books to suggest, I'm all ears - drop me a comment and let me know what you think.