Welcome to the entertainment room. Here you will find books, movies and music that we have enjoyed.
Books
The Da Vinci Code
Author: Dan Brown
Rating: 3
It was an enjoyable read. Seemed simplistic in the sense that it was pretty easy to see what was coming and to solve some “puzzles,” but it did capture my attention and kept me going. Will watch the movie as it seems like a made-for-movie type book.
Rating: 3
It was an enjoyable read. Seemed simplistic in the sense that it was pretty easy to see what was coming and to solve some “puzzles,” but it did capture my attention and kept me going. Will watch the movie as it seems like a made-for-movie type book.
The Templar Legacy: A Novel
Author: Steve Berry
Rating: 3
Torn on this one. I read it and wanted to know what was going to happen but also bothered by it. Things were left at the end that I was curious about but apparently the author wasn’t. The author seemed to think I’d be curious how Cotton got his name, I’m not. I do have to say that I enjoyed this book more than The Da Vinci Code.
Rating: 3
Torn on this one. I read it and wanted to know what was going to happen but also bothered by it. Things were left at the end that I was curious about but apparently the author wasn’t. The author seemed to think I’d be curious how Cotton got his name, I’m not. I do have to say that I enjoyed this book more than The Da Vinci Code.
Crashers
Author: Dana Haynes
Rating: 3
Good characters, a fun summer read.
Rating: 3
Good characters, a fun summer read.
Destroy All Cars
Author: Blake Nelson
Rating: 4
Blake Nelson read from Destroy All Cars at Wordstock 2009. My daughter, her friend and I laughed throughout the reading. Of course they wanted the book and they had it signed by the author. Being that the book is about and told from the perspective of a teenage boy (and knowing how teenage boys think) I told the young ladies (both 10 at the time) that perhaps I should read the book first. They agreed. Some time later my daughter inquired about Destroy All Cars and I summarized the story and noted a couple more mature matters dealt with. My daughter stopped me and suggested she read it in a couple years.
Rating: 4
Blake Nelson read from Destroy All Cars at Wordstock 2009. My daughter, her friend and I laughed throughout the reading. Of course they wanted the book and they had it signed by the author. Being that the book is about and told from the perspective of a teenage boy (and knowing how teenage boys think) I told the young ladies (both 10 at the time) that perhaps I should read the book first. They agreed. Some time later my daughter inquired about Destroy All Cars and I summarized the story and noted a couple more mature matters dealt with. My daughter stopped me and suggested she read it in a couple years.
Very fun book. The author truly brings a teenage boys thoughts to the paper. I also love the inclusion of James’ writings for Junior AP English. It must be fun to be a Mr. Cogweiller.
The Lightning Thief
Author: Rick Riordan
Rating: 3
An enjoyable read. Really enjoyed the adventure and presenting a “learning disability” into an unknown ability.
Rating: 3
An enjoyable read. Really enjoyed the adventure and presenting a “learning disability” into an unknown ability.
Stubborn Twig: Three Generations in the Life of a Japanese American Family (Oregon Reads)
Author: Lauren Kessler
Rating: 5
Great history of Japanese generations in Oregon and of Hood River. Powerful story, happy, sad, beautiful, ugly. An inspiring story to grow and learn from.
Rating: 5
Great history of Japanese generations in Oregon and of Hood River. Powerful story, happy, sad, beautiful, ugly. An inspiring story to grow and learn from.
Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People
Author: Ken Watanabe
Rating: 5
This is a great problem solving book for everyone. I read it with my daughter who really enjoyed it as well. Good techniques to learn young.
Rating: 5
This is a great problem solving book for everyone. I read it with my daughter who really enjoyed it as well. Good techniques to learn young.
Two Years Before the Mast: A Personal Narrative of Life at Sea,
Author: Richard Henry Dana
Rating: 5
An amazing story of adventure and U.S. history.
Rating: 5
An amazing story of adventure and U.S. history.
Before the Wind: The Memoir of an American Sea Captain, 1808-1833
Author: Charles Tyng
Rating: 5
Tour the world of the early 1800s with Captain Charles Tyng. His story and travels are quite amazing. I kept thinking it was time to go home and rest, Tyng kept on going from one port to the next. Very interesting also that his wife accompanied him on many travels. She must have been quite an adventurer as well. Great book even though I like the sea memoir of another sailor better: Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana, Jr.
Rating: 5
Tour the world of the early 1800s with Captain Charles Tyng. His story and travels are quite amazing. I kept thinking it was time to go home and rest, Tyng kept on going from one port to the next. Very interesting also that his wife accompanied him on many travels. She must have been quite an adventurer as well. Great book even though I like the sea memoir of another sailor better: Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana, Jr.
Breakpoint and Beyond: Mastering the Future Today
Author: George Land, Beth Jarman
Rating: 5
Looking back at a classic on change and creativity.
Rating: 5
Looking back at a classic on change and creativity.
Music
Carried to Dust
Artist: Calexico
Rating: 5
I learned of Calexico from Austin City Limits and archive.org. Thought I’d share their upcoming release with you here. If you haven’t heard them, you should.
Rating: 5
I learned of Calexico from Austin City Limits and archive.org. Thought I’d share their upcoming release with you here. If you haven’t heard them, you should.
Déjà Vu
Artist: Crosby Stills Nash & Young
Rating: 5
Classic with wonderful array of music from a diverse set of musicians.
Rating: 5
Classic with wonderful array of music from a diverse set of musicians.
More Hot Rocks: Big Hits & Fazed Cookies
Artist: The Rolling Stones
Rating: 5
An awesome collection of Stones’ songs. You can hear many early influences and enjoy their covers.
Rating: 5
An awesome collection of Stones’ songs. You can hear many early influences and enjoy their covers.
Astor in Paris
Artist: 3 Leg Torso
Rating: 5
We just saw 3 Leg Torso live at the Washington Park Amphitheater with the Portland Festival Symphony. A wonderful evening of music.
Rating: 5
We just saw 3 Leg Torso live at the Washington Park Amphitheater with the Portland Festival Symphony. A wonderful evening of music.
Sacred
Artist: Los Lonely Boys
Rating: 4
Nice range and fun music from the brothers.
Rating: 4
Nice range and fun music from the brothers.
Bam Bam Bam
Artist: Ray Brown Trio
Rating: 5
We have had this CD since it was new and got to enjoy listening to much of the music live at Jazz Alley in Seattle. Memorable. You have to hear Summertime featuring Gene Harris on piano.
Rating: 5
We have had this CD since it was new and got to enjoy listening to much of the music live at Jazz Alley in Seattle. Memorable. You have to hear Summertime featuring Gene Harris on piano.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Original Sound Track Recording Of The CBS Television Special
Artist: Vince Guaraldi Trio
Rating: 5
A large part of what makes Peanuts so wonderful is the music. Of course I didn’t recognize this as a kid, but now the music is a must whether or not you watch this classic.
Rating: 5
A large part of what makes Peanuts so wonderful is the music. Of course I didn’t recognize this as a kid, but now the music is a must whether or not you watch this classic.
Time Is Tight
Artist: Booker T. & the MG’s
Rating: 5
A great collection from instrumental rock masters. Influential music and inspirational tunes on a fine and extensive three-cd set.
Rating: 5
A great collection from instrumental rock masters. Influential music and inspirational tunes on a fine and extensive three-cd set.
More Hot Rocks: Big Hits & Fazed Cookies
Artist: The Rolling Stones
Rating: 5
Great music, great fun! This has always been a favorite with an interesting collection of songs. If you haven’t heard it, get it.
Rating: 5
Great music, great fun! This has always been a favorite with an interesting collection of songs. If you haven’t heard it, get it.
Remember the good times.
Superharps
Artist: Harp Masters…
Rating: 4
Great music from master harp players. A fun listen!
Rating: 4
Great music from master harp players. A fun listen!