Non Fiction Read-ESPN

One of the more recent non-fiction books I have read was a book called Creating An Empire ESPN.  I have to admit that I had to try reading it twice because I couldn't get through the first chapter on my first attempt. The reason I struggled was because the author, Stuart Evey, wrote more about his time spent at Getty Oil Company and his bosses there. I couldn't see the point to spending so much time writing about this and so I quit reading.

I am very glad I picked the book up a second time because I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was my impatience not allowing me to finish the book the first time around. Not only is the chapter about working at Getty Oil Company relevant to later chapters, it is necessary to set up and be able to explain later chapters about ESPN and its fledgling years as a company.

The book was enjoyable because it was a nostalgic review about how ESPN got started as a company, how it almost didn't survive, all of its struggles to become relevant, and its evolution. Stuart Evey spends a great deal of time letting readers know what kind of programming was on the channel in the 1980's. I assure you it is completely different that we we're used to seeing today. It got me to thinking about my own childhood being a product of the 80's. Stuart Evey's book does a wonderful job in allowing your mind to think back thirty years ago.

The book does a wonderful job of describing how much money, and egos were involved in creating, establishing, and evolving the company. Advertisement is involved which means plenty of money and revenue or a lack of caused plenty of stress for all involved.

I highly recommend this read to reminisce back to the 1980's, get a feel for how cut throat starting this company was, and to read about how a sports channel so deep rooted in today's culture almost didn't survive. Hard to imagine cable television without ESPN. KQ9533565FJF

The Power of Words

I had an instructor at Walsh College explain to the class that he liked reading so much because of the power that words evokes. He loved to see the different combinations that words could be used in and the types of responses those combinations would bring. As I have increased my reading rate this year I too now see the beauty of words.

For me I like reading the descriptions used for each individual character. Words can create an image of nationality, age, and gender. It can paint a picture of whether the person is responsible or irresponsible. Words can dictate which decade you're reading about. I appreciate authors ability to paint me a picture with the words they use.

Over my life I have come across some cool words that have stayed with me. Here are a few that I'd like to share;

Quotidian-Occurring every day. A belonging to each day.

Laudanum-Any of various formerly used preparations of opium.

Ubiquitous-Existing or being everywhere at the same time. Widespread.

Quash-To suppress or extinguish summarily and completely.

Stygian-Extremely dark, gloomy or forbidding.

As I come across more words I'll share them. Let me know some powerful, creative, colorful words you've read or used in your writing.

Reviewing Secrets to the Grave

More reading time on the bus definitely gives me an opportunity to peruse more books. The most recent story that I finished is Secrets To The Grave by Tami Hoag. This is the sequel to her novel See No Evil. Both a must read. The story in Secrets To The Grave moves smoothly with plenty of twists and turns to the story. Hoag's book kept me compelled from beginning to end. Some of the specific things I liked about this novel was;

Characters-I love the Vince Leone character. He is a perfect example of a charismatic, smart, hard-nosed Detective that is vulnerable. Surviving a gunshot to the head, introduced in the book See No Evil, is just one reason Vince Leone is vulnerable, and has some frailties.

Hoag does a wonderful job of introducing new characters, as well as, fitting characters from the first book back into the story

Quote-Hoag gave me a couple of quotes that I'll remember. The first one and first part of the quote comes from Ernest Hemingway in the book A Farewell To Arms which is "The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places. May you grow strong at the broken places."

The last one comes from Vince Leone when he tells his partner "We can look at anything and make it simple. Even murder. Every one of them can be boiled down to this: Either somebody didn't get what they wanted, or someone wanted exactly what they got. Disappointment or desire."

Excellent read!

The Bishop review

My first book that I'd like to write about is The Bishop by Steven James. I highly recommend this book as well as James' other three books in this series. Before delving into this thriller be sure to read The Pawn, The Rook, and The Knight.

These books tell the story from the perspective of Dr. Patrick Bowers, a highly intelligent agent with a controversial means of tracking killers from the FBI's views. One of the things that made this book and all of James' novels special is that Bowers is a highly intelligent investigator but shows vulnerabilities. He has love interests, he has lost loves, his stepdaughter struggles to make sense of her life, and Bowers needs to stop dangerous serial killers before they kill another victim or eliminate Bowers himself.

The other thing that I loved about this book is that it offered a memorable quote. The quote is "What is obvious is not always what is true."Thought provoking, which can be used in every day life. This quote fit the story perfectly. If you want hours of good reading please read the Pat Bowers series. You won't be disappointed.

Welcome Readers

Welcome to my book blog. Books have always been a part of my life, and growing more important to me the older I get. I've read the genres of horror, regular fiction, some classics, and my favorite, murder mysteries. I want to create a forum where my audience can share what they are reading, let participating readers know if they like it or not. The reasons they think the book is good or not, and future reads.

I've been thinking about what makes a good book to me. I have decided that I look for a few items in my stories. The first is a compelling story. I want my books to have a point, and an interesting one. Along the way I want interesting characters presented. I want to feel that the main players in the story are vulnerable, have strengths, strong convictions, and are characters I can relate to. I want my books, fiction or non fiction, to teach me something. Whether I learn new words or phrases, new quotes, phrases, geographic information, or just some mundane facts it doesn't matter to me. I want to walk away with something new before I read the story.

I've recently gotten on a roll with reading. I'm focusing more of my time to it and would like to share the books I read with participants of this blog. I hope you find it enjoyable and worthwhile.