Month: July 2010

Book Review: “The Great Reset” by Richard Florida

I'm not sure that anyone other than Richard Florida (author of The Rise of the Creative Class) could thoroughly examine today's economic climate and its long-term implications, and write a book that leaves the reader with a rather surprising feeling of optimism. Nonetheless, he's done just that in The Great Reset: How New Ways of Living and Working Drive Post-Crash Prosperity. It's a absolutely fascinating and even exhilarating, if perhaps a bit too broad, read. More importantly, it expresses a vision that seems to make readers on both sides of the vast political divides want to roll up their sleeves and get busy. Like the best visionary works, it's a very practical and timely call to action.

Beer Review: Claymore Scotch Ale

I first tried Great Divide Brewing Company's delicious Claymore Scotch Ale at Mac McGee's, one of the fine pubs here in Decatur (I've gone out on a limb and called the area that stretches from my beloved Marlay House and past Mac McGee's, The Brick Store, Leon's, and Twain's the very best pub crawl district … Continue reading Beer Review: Claymore Scotch Ale →

“Secrets of the Sands” by Leona Wisoker

In Secrets of the Sands, Leona Wisoker has created an elaborate, well-crafted fantasy world that doesn't feel like the too-familiar pseudo-Celtic Medieval Land, and a complex desert society that doesn't feel like, say, Dune or The Arabian Nights. She's created a logical and consistent language that feels exotic but (despite the ubiquitous apostrophes) doesn't feel like Klingon or Tolkien's masterful Elvish. She manages to use her language to make her world seem textured and real, but still keeps her dialogue fresh, lively, and yes, even contemporary. Secrets of the Sands is a fun read—it's delightfully original, and it deserves attention.