Booklog: Massive Fiction/Nonfiction Dump

[nebroadwe]

Martin H. Greenberg & Loren L. Coleman, eds., Wizards, Inc.

An anthology bound together by the idea of magic as profession, and a definite mixed bag. There's some overlap of approach (two noir wizards, several corporate wizards, and even a pair of stories set in chocolate shops) and few of these pieces rise above ho-hum. The cream for me were Jay Lake's atmospheric "Different Way into the Life;" Steve Perry's "Audition", with its twist on corporate head-hunting; Mike Resnick's Damon Runyan pastiche, "Occupational Hazard"; and Diane Duane's "Theobroma" about the search for a missing xocolotl. Not recommended for purchase, but perhaps worth getting out of the library.

John Keegan, Intelligence in War: Knowledge of the Enemy from Napoleon to al-Qaeda

Keegan's thesis, that "War is ultimately about doing, not thinking," has him take a critical but not prejudiced look at the gathering, interpretation and use of intelligence in battlefield situations. The book covers various "moments" in the history of intelligence on land, sea and in the air, and Keegan's lively style makes this an entertaining and informative read even for non-specialists.

E. Nesbit, The Enchanted Castle

Jerry, Jimmy and Cathy follow a clue of thread through a labyrinth to discover a sleeping princess -- except she's just Mabel, the housekeeper's niece -- and her ring of invisibility -- except it's not hers, but the house's, and it's not just a ring of invisibility, but a wishing ring. And wishes are perilous ... Not as strongly characterized as some other of Nesbit's books (the children are types, each distinguished by a single personality quirk, such as Jerry's propensity to narrate his life as if it were a book, or Jimmy's for contradiction), but rich in atmosphere and imaginative in its choice of "be careful how you wish!" episodes. Marred by some casual racism in one scene, but otherwise well worth a look.

E. Nesbit, The Magic City

When Philip's beloved sister-and-guardian Helen marries, his entire life is turned upside-down. Lonely in his new home, despite the presence of friendly step-sister Lucy, he comforts himself by building a city from books and vases and other household objects and is amazed to find himself drawn into his own creation and hailed as its potential Deliverer. But the city is threatened from without by Lucy's unsympathetic governess and from within by a veiled pretender. Fantastic characterization of the flawed protagonist, who behaves recognizably like a small boy throughout; stepsister Lucy is slightly more idealized but still a pleasing foil. The city and its inhabitants are one of Nesbit's finest creations: their behavior reflects their origins and they are capable of both low comedy and high seriousness. My favorite Nesbit now; highly recommended.

Adam Rex, The True Meaning of Smekday

What is the Smekday holiday? How has it changed in the year since the aliens left? Essays must be at least five pages long. Seventh-grader Gratuity Tucci remembers Moving Day all too well, when she nailed cans of corn to her church shoes so she could reach the gas and brake to drive herself to the new human reservation in Florida (the alien Boov having taken her mother). But when her car breaks down, it's a Boov named J.Lo. who helps her out, and the fragile trust between them may be all that can save the Earth from a second alien invasion. This is an immensely entertaining book that wears its politics on its sleeve, but avoids preachiness with a zany sense of humor; inventive illustrations complement narrator Gratuity's colorful voice. Lots of fun.

Jill Paton Walsh, The Green Book

A gem of a novella about a perhaps-doomed last colony ship departing Earth for the planet Shine with a bit of technology, a lot of hope and a few books, including protagonist Patti's "choose" -- a green-covered blank book. This is not a "hard" SF story of human biology versus alien ecology, but a meditation on the psychology of emigration, survival and memory. Highly recommended.

... and stay tuned for manga reviews (Emma, XXXholic and Someday's Dreamers) in the near future!