Permutation City Blog

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The Swiss Family Robinson, Johann David Wyss

This is the most irritating books I've read in a while. One would suppose as the book is about a shipwreck and the families survival far away from how it would be about hardship. That's wasn't really the case. The ship was packed with almost everything they could want. They had dogs, pigs, asses, ducks, geese, and a bull; all of whom they managed to save. It also had also sorts of tools and supplies you would want for a colony. A lush land was nearby and it was easy for them to make their first camp. The land provided fruits, vegetables, and yet more animals. They gained parrots, an eagle, more asses, a buffalo, an ostritch, and doves. Not only did they have all this but the father seemed to know everything about what sort of animals and plants might be found and all sorts of techniques that could be used to improve their life. He, his wife, and sons were uniformally talented at everything they turned their hand to. It may not be fair to think so but they all need taking down a peg or two.
Publication date: 2009-08-27

The Andromeda Strain, Michael Crichton

Although I was familiar with the film I wasn't sure what to expect from the book. I wasn't even sure which came first, it was the book. It was readable but it had an unusual style. Alongside a typical third-person story story are extracts from "military documents", "scientific reports", and comments on the mistakes that are made. It's all tied together as a "report" into the incident.
Publication date: 2009-08-25

The Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy of Mr. Punch, Neil Gaiman

In another collaboration with Dave McKean, Gaiman presents a man exploring his childhood memories of the seaside, grandparents, and throughout this Mr. Punch from eponymous show. This is a slice of life piece with great story to tell. You get to look through a child's eyes at everyday events with some eclectic artwork.
Publication date: 2009-08-23

Hav, Jan Morris

A story of travelling to the fictional city of Hav. A factual book about a fictional place is a wonderful idea. For me the application wasn't as quite as good as the idea although I did like the book.
Publication date: 2009-08-20

The Bourne Identity, Robert Ludlum

I'm not really sure how much the book and the film have in common, apart from lots of running about. It's not really my sort of book and the action doesn't come through as being exciting. Stuff happened then it was the end.
Publication date: 2009-08-13

The Sandman Library, Neil Gaiman

The Sandman Library is a collection of ten main graphic novel plus a number of spin-offs. It tells the story of Dream of the Endless, personifications of fundamental aspects of the universe. This was my first real exposure to comics as an adult. I'd heard about the series a lot but hadn't happened to pick it up. It tells a wonderful story. Really it tells wonderful stories because there are many central characters. This is definitely worth reading.
Publication date: 2009-08-08

The Trial, Franz Kafka

It took me two attempts to finish this. The main character is arrested, that is one of the few things that is clear. The charges, the way the trial is to be conducted, the identities of others involved remain obscure both to the reader and the accused. He rallies against this but none of his actions are affective. It seems to me a perculiar way to organise a legal system. It is also peculiar that he is constantly surprised by the workings of a city where he has lived his whole life.
Publication date: 2009-08-06

The High Cost of Living, Neil Gaiman

A spin off from The Sandman Library this tells of day when Death must take on mortal form.
Publication date: 2009-08-06

The Time of Your Life, Neil Gaiman

A spin off from The Sandman Library has one story for each of the Endless.
Publication date: 2009-08-05

The Time of Your Life, Neil Gaiman

A spin off from The Sandman Library this is the story of Death's dealings with a singer.
Publication date: 2009-08-04
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