14 for 2014

On occasion I do this thing, maybe you are familiar with it. In the past not everyone could do it and today I think everyone takes it for granted. It's this little thing called reading. Kurtis and I have this goal of 14 for 2014. That's 14 books read by each of us by the end of 2014. I am already on book three in month two and feeling pretty confident that our goal will be met. My first two books of the year where written by author Michael Crichton, (best known for Jurassic Park). Michael Crichton died in 2008 but his assistant found two manuscripts left on his computer, so using what was left of these manuscripts and all the notes that Crichton had made on these books the publisher finished and published them. 

Micro, "Vintage High-Concept Crichton"- NY times best seller list.  Bugs, Bots, & Bruises. This book was not finished when they discovered it on Crichton's computer so the publisher brought in sic-fi writer Richard Preston. This book tells the story of a few graduate students from Cambridge University who find them selves in a "little" trouble in the Hawaiian rain forest. For fans of Crichton and sic-fi fans alike who are willing to push through a few over explained boring chapters I would say pick this up and give it a read. For those squeamish, bug hating people as well as those who find the become attached to characters easily maybe pass this one over.  This one started like a classic Crichton book and if he had more time with it I feel all the "bugs" would have been worked out.  The voices in my head give it three of five 

stars. ***

Pirate Latitudes tells the story of one Captain Charles Hunter, a British Privateer that sets sail from Port Royal in the Spanish main to raid and plunder a Spanish Galleon. This done in the name of the king of course, Hunter and his crew expecting their share for putting their lives on the line. Pirate Latitudes reads how a good pirate movie is watched. I felt very much part of the adventure the entire time, never felt bored and very much appreciated the realism that Crichton brought to the story.  If you want a book that is accurate to the time and every detail of living the life of a privateer this is the read for you. The voices in my head give it four out five stars. ****

Thank you Michael Crichton for all your works.