Inferno (Robert Langdon #4) by Dan Brown

Inferno
Robert Langdon #4
Dan Brown

Front cover

Date read: 19 September - 4 October 2016
Length: 620 pages

Robert awakes in a hospital in Florence, with a gunshot would to the head. Soon after waking, it appears someone is after him. He escapes with Sienna and together they try to figure this out. They discover a plague of some kind is about to be released into the world, designed to kill nearly 3 billion people. Can they stop it in time?


Inferno is slightly different in formula than the previous 3 Robert Langdon novels, which is a welcome relief. Although it is less structured around symbols, there is still a good mystery to be solved, and some good twists and turns along the way!

The "plague" brings to light some very poignant questions about population issues. The planet is rapidly becoming overcrowded and soon there won't be enough resources to cope with the demand. As a whole we are living longer than ever before. Could you take the matter into your hands and "kill" nearly 3 billion people?

Inferno had some good twists which I thought the previous 3 novels just didn't. I felt it makes a novel much more interesting, and keeps you guessing what could happen next!

I think it's fitting that the epilogue ended with the word 'stars'. Of course it was on purpose, but it would have made a lot of people happy, I imagine.


A good read.

Dan Brown

Overall rating

Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist

Life, Interrupted by James McConnel

Life, Interrupted
James McConnel

Front cover

Date read: 10 - 18 September 2016
Length: 343 pages

James McConnel starts developing strange compulsions and movements when he is a young child. Struggling through childhood and then adolescence, these issues progress and mutate. Everyone just dismisses his behaviour as bad habits. Until one day, at the age of 32, it is mentioned he could have a brain disorder known as Tourette's Syndrome. Now, he gets to rediscover himself.


I find it crazy how a person can go for so long without being properly diagnosed. It just goes to show how much more awareness there is of Tourette's Syndrome compared with the late 1950s and 60s.

Most of the symptoms described by James McConnel I would have associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It must be extremely difficult living with Tourette's Syndrome. I think most people assume it's just the ticks and verbal outbursts, but there's so much more going on that an outsider simply isn't aware of.

I'm glad he learned to live peacefully with Tourette's Syndrome. If it was me I probably would have at least tried the medication. It's a difficult situation though, sort of a catch 22. Would taking the medication alter your personality, effectively changing who you are?

Personally I really enjoyed this book and all it taught me. Definitely worth a read.




Overall rating

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Snuff (Discworld #39) by Terry Pratchett

Snuff
Discworld #39
Terry Pratchett

Front cover

Date read: 29 August - 9 September 2016
Length: 476 pages

Vimes and his family go on holiday to the country. But of course, Vimes being Vimes, can't switch off being a policeman and finds a new case to solve. A goblin girl has been murdered and more are being shipped as slaves. Can Vimes solve the murder, and bring "just ice" to the goblins?


Sam Vimes has a great family unit. Lady Sybil knows how to take care of him, whether he likes it or not! Young Sam is funny with his obsessions; currently, poo. Of all kinds. He even has a collection.

Sam Vimes, going on holiday!? Never! I couldn't belive my eyes. I knew it wouldn't last. If there's one thing Sam Vimes doesn't do, it's step down from his duties. Sam Vimes is an honourable man.

Vimes uses his holiday to help the goblin people put and end to murder and slavery. They demand "just ice", but can Vimes deliver? He certainly tries with all his might. You'll have to read to find out.


One day Vimes might take a real holiday, but today is not that day.

Terry Pratchett

Overall rating

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie

Peter Pan
J. M. Barrie

Front cover

Date read: 25 - 28 August 2016

Length: 151 pages

After Wendy's mum traps Peter Pan's shadow in a drawer, he comes to the nursery to retrieve it. When he's there he convinces Wendy, John and Michael to fly away to Neverland. Wendy becomes the mother of the Lost Boys and they have many adventures. But eventually the children want to go home. One last battle with Captain Hook; can they make it home? 

I really rather enjoyed this story. I felt it was much better than The Little White Bird. The characters were more relatable and likeable. I felt sorry for Peter. He really is a Lost Boy, needing the guidance and support of Wendy. 

Tinkerbell is absolutely not what I imagined. What a little madam she is! I don't know how Peter puts up with her going off in a huff all the time. I'm glad Wendy and her sort of made friends by the end though. 

After having a very sporadic knowledge of Peter Pan, I'm very glad I took the time to read these stories. It's got everything you could want in a tale; imagination, adventure, and a healthy dose of reality and common sense to keep you grounded. 

Very much recommended for a little spark of youth. 

Overall rating

Thanks, 

The Wee Librocubicularist