The Jungle

What a great story. Interesting that all the creativity of this story is just a front for Mr. Sinclair's Socialist leaning. Turns out he's quite the social reformer.

At any rate, the story was excellent and in accord with the grammar Nazi only a couple of errors.

The Glass Castle

Ah, we're talking about success. If this is a true story then it lends credence to my uneducated theory on several issues: success, character and life are what you want them to be. I'd say each of the characters is a success in their own vision with Maureen a bit slower on the uptake of understanding. Looks like these kids were brought up under excellent conditions to formulate really adaptive strong people - and they turned out that way. Each of them led the life they chose and paid the price of that success. It'd be interesting to follow some similar families who did not have genius parents, but were just everyday grunts and see how they turn out.

Charlie is a tick away from Rex, by the way.

Killing Your Friends

I bought this because the guy is named Niven. Our little clan, with the exception of Bruce, is pretty literate. The Old Man spent decades writing drivel, Charlie has written a bunch of unpublished stuff, I'm not bad and of course our Harvard partner is exceptional. So, I thought it would be interesting to see another Niven in action.

Yikes, this guy is disturbed. Not a bad writer, some grammatical errors (yeah, now I'm searching as well), but he's one disturbed individual. Amusing read once you get past the continual disturbance.

Anthem

You know Ayn Rand is just a good writer. It amazes me how advanced in thinking she was for a woman in the 30's. What is really amazing is that many women were accepting of their roles in life. What might have been done if more thought like Rand.

Downtown Owl

Yes, Cam is correct once again. This is a well written, excellent book. I'm still thinking about the ending.

The American Dream

The author experiences the fringes of several "American Dreams", such as being a carnie, illegal alien, a pot farmer, game show contestant and other activities.

Mediocre writing, but interesting topics. He never really delves into the details of the activities, but enough to give the readers a feel for what it's about.

The Book of Vice

Interesting brief look at several activities that are considered vice. I read the book with an interest in understanding what vices might be, since I have none.

You know, writing styles are different. The book was interesting; however, the writing style was very good. Writing quality does make a difference.