The War Against the Rull by AE van Vogt

The War Against the Rull
AE van Vogt
1959, 1973, Panther, Aylesbury
0586028005
156p.

Humans have expanded throughout the galaxy and face one major foe - the Rull, an energy-based being. This story follows a man named Jamieson as he fights for humankind on strange planets and in space.

This was originally a bunch of short stories which have been condensed into a single novel. I've read one of these short stories before in an old anthology of classic science fiction shorts. Jamieson is a great character - heroic but in an intelligent way. And the different alien beings and cultures are so very imaginative as most of van Vogt's creations are.

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How to be a Villain: Evil Laughs, Secret Plans, Master Lairs and More!!! by Neil Zawacki

How to be a Villain: Evil Laughs, Secret Plans, Master Lairs and More!!!
Neil Zawacki
2003, Chronicle Books, San Francisco
0811846660
160p.

A little book which gives details on how to be a classic literary bad guy.

It's a villainous little book! I loved the retro artwork, I think without the art this book wouldn't work. The author seems a little passive-aggressive at times, but that's what makes it so fun.

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Catch Me if You Can: The Amazing True Story of the Youngest and Most Daring Con Man in the History of Fun and Profit by Frank W. Abagnale

Catch Me if You Can: The Amazing True Story of the Youngest and Most Daring Con Man in the History of Fun and Profit
Frank W. Abagnale
2000, 2002, Bantam, Milsons Point
1863253920
285p.

This is the story of Frank W. Abagnale who, at the age of sixteen, impersonated a pilot in order to score free flights and to pass off counterfeit cheques. This begins a career of forgery and counterfeiting all around the world.

This is an amazing story. Abagnale is certainly intelligent and confident, and a good writer too although I note that there is a ghost writer attached to the book. The parts set in the French prison were heartbreaking, but the Swedish prison sounded like heaven!

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The Truth About Past Life Regression by Florence Wagner McClain

The Truth about Past Life Regression
Florence Wagner McClain
1989, 1994, Llewellyn, St. Paul
0875423590
50p.

A very short overview of past life regression - theories concerning the phenomenon and its implications.

I guess this was a good little guide - but way too short! I wanted more information - more practical things to do, and more exploration into the phenomenon. I suppose this book is just to whet your appetite, but I think it would be more successful if they put more in this volume instead of assuming you'll go out and pick up another.

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Unlocking the Meaning of Lost: An Unauthorized Guide by Lynette Porter and David Lavery

Unlocking the Meaning of Lost: An Unauthorized Guide
Lynette Porter, David Lavery
2006, Sourcebooks, Naperville
1402207263
252p.

This book was written half-way through season two of the TV show Lost and takes an in-depth look at the show, its characters, hidden meanings, and fandom.

I thought this was a good guide to the show, even if it's now terribly out of date. But it was good to read about some of the stuff I'd forgotten especially now that we're currently looking at the history of the island in greater detail.

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Driving over Lemons: An Optimist in Andalucia by Christ Stewart

Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Andalucia
Christ Stewart
1999, Sort Of Books, London
09535222709
247p.

Chris Stewart is an English-born sheep-shearer who decides to move to Spain and buy a farm in Andalucia with his wife. The farm they purchase has no running water, road access or electricity and is on the other side of a temperamental river.

This is a beautifully told story of a foreigner making a new life in Spain. Stewart exquisitely describes the beauty of the country, and the true enticement of the idyllic rural culture. It sure makes me want to pack up and try!

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The Surgeon of Crowthorne by Simon Winchester

The Surgeon of Crowthorne
Simon Winchester
1998, 1999, Viking, London
0140271287
193p.

This is the story of the compilation of the Oxford English Dictionary. One of the most prolific contributors to the dictionary was Dr. WC Minor, a murderer and inmate of an insane asylum.

I really loved reading about this story. The author writes coherently and with great precision ... he also uses some nice big words! I thought the writing style and the research was brilliant - the story was certainly done justice.

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