Cliff's Journal: A Reading Recommendation: _Charisma_ by Stephen Barnes

Hello, again!

I've been failing to keep this thing up, but it seems that I only write in it when I have something to write about, and I've discovered that it doesn't have to be daily, or weekly, or even monthly, so these pages don't get much attention. It's not that I haven't been trying, it's just that the impulse to write just isn't there. So I've limited myself to writing only when I need to, and I think it's worked out for the best.

So what brings me out of my shell today? Well, if you read the title, you'll know the book I just finished reading (I just put it down, and then promptly typed in this entry). I'll repeat it again, for the title-impared =):

Charisma by Stephen Barnes

After a long and protracted break from recreational reading it's rare I read a book that affects me enough to write about it. Damn! I wish I could write like this man. It's not enough that he can spin a good yarn, but books like this are like crack (in a way)...you can't put them down, even when they get intense, and this one is no exception.

I don't want to summarize the plot, if you want spoilers, and other reviews, you can go here for them. Needless to say the one thing I find in this book that I rarely find in other books is the attention Barnes gives to his characters. None of the characters in this book fall into the category of "two dimensional cutouts". They all have backgrounds, emotions, dreams and trauma. When they speak they each have a voice and mannerisms. Maybe I'm just overly imaginative, but as I read this book, I saw the events in my head, like a movie.

I was blown away.

For those who are into philosophical discussions surrounding the age old argument on "nurture vs. nature", I encourage you to grab a copy of this book, either new or used, and give it a read.

This weekend I'm off in search of the remaining books in Jack L. Chalker's latest trilogy, if it's even half as good as Charisma or even one of Barnes' previous works. Blood Brothers, be sure you'll find me extolling its virtues, here.

Ah! It's good to be reading, again.

Books!

[flikx]

It's really sad. I hadn't picked up a book besides a textbook in six years [because I have no free time], but when I finally did get a book, it was about submarine design.

I think that I've lost the ability to read for recreation.

What was Once Lost, May Still Be Found...

[Cliff]

For the longest time, I thought the same, then I just picked up a book (a sci-fi yarn) that literally called out to me. It wasn't the greatest that I had read, by any sense, but it was an easy read, and that was all it took.

I suggest you give it a few more tries. Don't force it, just try and pick up stuff that really seems like it would be enjoyable and give it a go.

I've always been a recreational reader, though, so it surprised me that I had gone this long without reading.

It's amazing how quickly