The One with All the Rage

140. Title & Author: All the Rage (A Repairman Jack Novel Book 4) by F. Paul Wilson (383 pages)

Genre: Fiction--Thriller & Science Fiction

Completed: 23 April 2010

Summary & Review:

As Repairman Jack is enjoying an evening at the Met with his girlfriend and her daughter, a riot breaks out caused by ferocious middle-aged preppies. Confused at their violent and animalistic rampage, Jack digs around to find out what caused these otherwise normal men to lose all control. Coincidentally, as he is investigating one of his fix-it's for a young research doctor named Nadia, he learns the truth: a new drug named "Berzerk" has hit the streets which causes users to lose all control and give-in to their most violent tendencies. As Jack learns more about the drug, he is horrified at the source from which it comes: the blood of a living Rakosh.

After being a little disappointed in the quality of the last Repairman Jack book I read, Conspiracies (Book 3 in the series), I was happy to see Wilson return to form here. The story was fast-paced and well thought out with suspenseful twists and turns that prevented the novel from ever turning stale. Jack continues to be one of my favorite thriller protagonists, and this book was a good vehicle for that character. While there may be a tad too much science fiction for many thriller fans, I think those elements distinguish this series and make it unique from the more typical alpha-male driven series like the Jack Reacher or Mitch Rapp novels.

This was a Christmas present from my wonderful wife.

Rating: 9.0

The One with The Silver Chair

139. Title & Author: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis (257 pages)

Genre: Fiction--Fantasy & Adventure

Completed: 8 April 2010

Summary & Review:

After his adventures in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Eustace Scrubb returns to Narnia with his school friend, Jill. Upon their arrival, Jill meets Aslan, the great lion, who sends her on a mission to find the missing prince of Narnia, Rilian. Aslan gives Jill four sings to look for and follow as they go about their quest, but these sings are harder to find than they expect making their journey all the more arduous. Eventually, however, they are able to locate the missing prince and free him from the enchantment of a beautiful and evil witch.

This was a good entry in the series. While Eustace was by no means my favorite character from his last appearance, it is always fun to see familiar characters in new stories and adventures.

Rating: 7.0

The One with Liberal Fascism

138. Title & Author: Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left from Mussolini to the Politics of Meaning by Jonah Goldberg (413 pages)

Genre: Nonfiction--History & Politics

Completed: 6 April 2010

Summary & Review:

While the title of this book may make it seem as though the substance within is little more than partisan attacks on the left, Goldberg actually offers a thoughtful, fair, and fact-based assessment of the roots of modern liberalism. He traces the ideological paths of some of the infamous fascist movements such as Nazism and Italian Fascism and illustrates how those movements found their home in America under the guise of Progressivism. It is, of course, certain that the contemporary fascism pushed forward by the left is not nearly as hateful as the fascism of 1930's Germany, rather, it is a gentler, nicer kind of fascism--fascism with a happy face. Goldberg argues these points and clarifies how the left's accusations that conservatives and libertarians are "fascists" and "brownshirts" are inaccurate and misleading.

I enjoyed this book immensely. Undoubtedly, Goldberg has been attacked about it based on the title (and cover art) alone, but those who take the time to read and understand his argument cannot but see the scholarship and objectivity he used while arguing his thesis. To me, I've always understood that the right-wing in American politics pushed for less government intervention in the lives of individuals, and thus, the extreme edge of this wing was anarchy, not fascism, at least, that is, when fascism is properly understood. Thus, I never comprehended how the left could hurl names like "Nazi" and "Stormtrooper" at conservatives and libertarians. Fascism is an encroachment of personal liberty and free market principles by government intervention, and whether that is done because of racism (like the Nazis), nationalism (like the Italians), or for the sake of the environment (like the current leftist movement), that does not change what it is.

This book was a Christmas present from my sister and brother-in-law. I recommend it.

Rating: 9.5

The One with Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff

137. Title & Author: Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (259 pages)

Genre: Nonfiction--Religion & LDS

Completed: 21 March 2010

Summary & Review:

The life and teachings of President Wilford, the fourth president of the church, are presented using direct quotes from his sermons and teachings as well as stories from his incredible life. The twenty-four chapters cover topics such as understanding death and the resurrection and living by faith.

Although President Woodruff died in 1898, his teachings presented in this book are incredibly applicable and helpful in living a happier life today. As always with this series of Teachings of Presidents of the Church, I appreciate how President Woodruff's teachings are offered without commentary or editorializing.

Rating: 8.0