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Kerri-Anne's Book Page
"All that we see or seem
is but a dream within a dream."
-Edgar Allen Poe
WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS
There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.
Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.
Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark,
and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.
--Shel Silverstein
The Increasingly Inaccurately Named Hitch-Hiker's Trilogy
I always liked Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker books. They're funny all the
time, and it's nice to be able to have a reliable chuckle at your disposal. For those of you who've asked, THIS is where the
'42' in my Yahoo! ID is from. For those who haven't read them,
well, go pick up a copy!
Apprentice Adept Series
Not too many people I've spoke with enjoyed this series, but I've always
liked stories that involve some sort of culture-shock, and the clash of a scientific world and a magickal one is perfect
territory for a story, don't you think? Anyhoo, I like these books.
Incarnations of Immortality Series
I really enjoyed these books. But without a doubt, my favorite is 'For
Love of Evil' - such a tale of the fall from good to evil, I loved every second of it!
Mode Series
These books appealed to my intellectual nature. I have always been
fascinated by fractals, and this was a fun way to look at them.
Xanth Series
Although the later books have not been quite as satisfying, I always enjoy
them for a quick read. Puns may be the lowest form of humor, but they can still be funny!
Myth Series
Again with the puns and the culture shock, mixing up of different kinds
of worlds. Although I liked the earlier books better, that was probably because there was always another one to read, and
now I've been waiting in vain for years to see another Myth book released. Oh well, there are always more authors!
Phule's Saga
LOL! Oh, these are some of the funniest books I've ever read!! These
are the books I'm likely to be reading at lunch time when I dissolve into giggles over my salad and people are all staring at
me wondering if I'm sick or if I really am laughing. (What could she be laughing at? She's sitting all alone!)
Landover Series
Okay, maybe these aren't the most sophisticated books out there,
but they're fun and cute, and a nice easy read. I don't re-read these ones too often, but I still have several of them
in my bookshelves.
Shannara Series
Now these books had a nice, complex world with a long history. I
loved finding out in dribs and drabs - the detective in me enjoys the inevitable guessing game that ensues while I wait
with bated breath for the author to let drop another hint to try and place in the puzzle.
The Tripods Trilogy
I read these books only after seeing the BBS television series based on the
books. The television version was excellent, provided you enjoy British television (which many Americans do not). It took me quite
a bit of effort to find these books again more recently when I realized my original copies had been destroyed. But well worth the
effort!
Ender Series
Unquestionably one of the books that have changed my outlook on life was the
first of these books, 'Ender's Game.' Originally recommended by an online friend who was amazed I had managed to overlook these
books, I don't think I'd even finished the book when I went to the store to purchase a copy for myself, as well as picking up the
sequel.
The Dark Is Rising Sequence
Although this series is written with a younger audience in mind, I still enjoyed
reading it when I was a bit older. A great coming-of-age story about a boy becoming part of a larger, mystical world that co-exists
with our world.
Microserfs
Do you love legos? Does your computer talk to you? This is the story of some
misfit Microsoft employees who are trying to find lives. Does this strike a chord with you too? I read one paragraph of the dust
jacket and knew I'd have to read it! A must-read for computer geeks everywhere!
Belgariad
Mallorian
Belgarath the Sorcerer
Polgara the Sorceress
I first began reading these books years ago. They encmpass the growing up of
a boy, and him coming to terms with the world. Especially the fact that he, a farm-boy, is destined to be a sorcerer and ultimately
the long-awaited lost Overlord of the West. The second series is almost an echo of the first, however this fact is important later
as the forces of Dark and Light face each other once again.
The Riftwar Saga
The Riftwar Saga is a long battle between two worlds. Unlike so many authors,
Raymond Feist takes us to both worlds, and manages to portray the best qualities of each world. He masterfully creates not just one
world to escape to, but two vastly different worlds full of intrigue, adventure and (of course) romance.
The Prophet
Quite a moving series of parables, where all the basic principles he is relaying
are put forth in simple, everyday terms. I first read 'The Prophet' in high school, when I had to write a paper about a paradox. Luckily
enough I had just recently read part of 'The Prophet' and that contained a perfect quote for my paper. After that, of course, I had
to read the rest of the book! (And I got an A+ on the paper!)
Sword of Truth Series
A rich world, and very believable. There is something in Terry Goodkind's style that
makes you feel as if the characters are real people. In addition to writing a fascinating tale to capture the imagination, he also has
the ability to really make his heros suffer, instead of coddling them along with amazing streaks of good luck.
Gord the Rogue Series
I enjoyed these books, although the copies belong to my brother, and I don't want to
give them back! I've hunted up and down and am still struggling to piece together another copy of all the books so that my brother
can have a copy and so can I!
The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress
I think what I like the most about this book is how very alive and human the Artificial
Intelligence is. He goes far beyond the normal realm of AI and includes poetry, and voluntary involvement with a revolution! A
wonderful story!
Job: A Comedy Of Justice
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I came across it when I was reading quite a bit about
religions of the world. It is a story of temptation, belief and the strength of character to weather the storms they live through in order
to find some happiness together.
Stranger In A Strange Land
I do not know how I went for so long without finishing this book. It has become such a
popular story that I've found references to grokking and water-sharing in all sorts of other literature. Valentine Michael Smith grew up on
Mars, but is human and when he comes "home" to Earth, he teaches as much as he learns, trying to grok human-kind.
Starship Troopers
I first read this book several years before it was made into a movie.
My biggest disappointment with the movie is that it was not entirely true to the book. I will however, be the first to
admit that there are few, if any, movies that I like as well as or better than the book.
Dune Series
I think the reason I first read this book was because having watched the movie several times,
I still didn't get it. So I read the book. And then, of course, all was clear. And now, of course, I find myself explaining the movie to those
friends who haven't yet read the book. I also continued with the series, although before long it started getting somewhat difficult to follow. I
still want to know one thing: How many times can he kill off Duncan?
DragonLance Chronicles
I suppose it goes without saying that since I read and have played a
variety of Role-Playing games that I must have read the DragonLance Chronicles. And of course, the answer is yes, I
did read them. I love them, the characters came right to life, swooping into my imagination and taking off on a wild
adventure. I strongly recommend these books to anyone!
DeathGate Cycle
This series is a perfect example of what I love in books; it kept me
interested and guessing all the way through the series. The characters are interesting, and come to life in my mind
quickly, without having to read several books to "see" the character take shape in my mind's eye.
Rose of the Prophet
A fantastic tale of the War of the Gods, begun when one of the twenty
gods tips the balance of power, causing the beginning of a long upset that affects not only the plane where the gods dwell,
but also the plane where men dwell.
Tao of Pooh
I really enjoyed this book, and am planning on finishing "The Te of Piglet"
soon. I like how he so clearly explains the concepts of Taoism through the classic childhood stories of A.A. Milne.
Wheel of Time Series
I'm really enjoying these books, but they are so complicated that I find myself
needing to almost keep notes in order to keep track of everyone. I tried to pick up a new book in the series and read it, but I
was unable to recall enough details to follow the story without going back and re-reading the earlier novels. So now I wait and every
two or three books I start from the beginning of the series again so I can properly enjoy this epic tale.
Deverry Series
I really enjoyed the way we get to see the spirit of our heros in different bodies,
in different lives, growing, learning, and the recurring disappointment of Nevyn in his quest to bring the spirit of his beloved to the
dweomer. A very unusual way of telling the stories of the growth of the soul.
A Wrinkle in Time
I remember when I first read this book, I had been sick and my mother came in and
gave me her copy and suggested I might enjoy it. I also remember that for all the pages of the book, I was able to forget how
miserable I felt. I think my biggest disappointment was when the book ended!
A Wind In the Door
This is the sequel to "A Wrinkle in Time" where the youngest son in
the Murray family falls ill, and his sister, with some amazing friends, go on an adventure to save her baby brother.
A Swiftly Tilting Planet
This book takes place some years after the conclusion of "A Wind In the Door"
where Charles Wallace, the youngest child in the Murray family, must travel through time to find and fix situations, ala the television series
"Quantam Leap".
The Phantom of the Opera
I really enjoyed this book, even if my mother did have to "bribe" me to read it. As
I recall, I listened to the soundtrack for the musical over and over again while I read this book. I'm quite sure my family was heartily sick
of the music by the time I finished the book!
The Chronicles of Narnia
I first read these books a long time ago, but I still enjoy picking them up and re-reading them
on a rainy weekend. I was very pleased with the parts of the series that I saw turned into a BBC production, which is an unusual admission
from me!
Druids
I've always been interested in the Druids, and historical fiction is about the only way I can
actually follow history at all (sorry, I find it dull!). I picked up this book for two reasons: 1. The title (how cool!) 2. The author's
name (how pretty!). I loved it so much, I went out and bought some more of her books!
Finn Mac Cool
Finn Mac Cool is the historical fiction about the legendary leader of the Fianna, an elite group
of warriors defending and guarding the high kings at Tara.
The Red Branch
According to legend, Cuchulainn was half god, half mortal, and the finest warrior of ancient
Ireland. He earned his name, the 'Hound of Culainn', when he killed a watchdog one night. This story takes us from his earliest years through
to his unhappy demise.
Pern Series
This is where it all began. As a kid, I read plenty, but as I got to be old
enough to be bored by the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys stories, my mom started buying books from different genres to help
me find something that appealed to me. She bought me 'DragonFlight' and 'DragonQuest' and that was it. I was hopelessly
addicted to sci-fi and fantasy before I was done with the first book. On a side note, I still have those two books mom gave
me so long ago. The cover is gone from one and almost gone from the other, but even if I have to laminate every page in the
book, I refuse to ever give those two books up!
The Ship Who Series
I've found this series to be interesting, a new idea to think about. Something
that I enjoy about books that present new ideas, or old ideas in a new way, is the inevitable thinking that follows. How could a
society get to that point? Or why would people do this?
PTB (Powers That Be) Series
And what if the planet were alive? The planet in this story seems to be alive.
It heals, communicates, and the hero in these stories begins (of course) as an unbeliever.
Telepath Stories
I've always been entranced by stories with telepathy and related concepts. In
addition, these stories bring in the conflict of alien species. Some helpful, some not, and how they are dealt with. Culture shock,
and the clash of radically different cultures has always been a favorite topic of mine.
Doona Series
There's always the question of how we may eventually meet other races from
other planets, and until we do, it will be a source of endless fascination and speculation.
Planet Pirates
With the concept of space travel and colonization of other planets eventually
must come the question of what kinds of crimes might arise?
Dinosaur Planet
Sort of tied into the Planet Pirates books, these poor people land on a planet
where creatures shockingly close to Dinosaurs roam.
Recluce Series
I've enjoyed these books, they're full of adventure, and the heros are
frequently on the edge of losing, instead of being supremely confident and alwyas victorious. I appreciate an author who makes
his heros suffer, and makes them work for their rewards. I especially enjoied how he introduced the history of the world where
these stories take place.
Ringworld Series
A very different concept than anything I'd ever encountered before,
Larry Niven brings his world to life, and lets you feel the mystery surrounding them, as well as the tensions between the
characters as they learn to co-operate. Or not.
Brother Cadfael Mysteries
I've always enjoyed a good mystery, and when this series of murder mysteries
with a monk as the hero, solving the mysteries with his herbs and logic and worldly experience were suggested to me, I eagerly began
reading them as fast as I could find them in the store.
The Blood of Ten Chiefs (Elfquest)
I never followed these books, until Piers Anthony
introduced an elf into his Xanth books. After reading a book of his with this character, my curiousity was piqued, and I found
these books. I was wrapped up in this mystical world and really enjoy these books!
Discworld Series
Anyone who can conceive of a flat world carried on the backs of four turtles that
are walking in circles on the back of an elephant... well let's just say I couldn't resist. And the books are great!
Good Omens (with Neil Gaiman)
This insane story of the Armageddon. The world will end next Saturday just before
dinner. Unfortunately the legions of evil seem to have misplaced the Antichrist. And the Four Horesemen ride motorcycles. It's a
bundle of laughs from beginning to end!
Ishmael
A quote on the front cover of this book says something like 'After reading this
book, I have separated all books I have read into two categories: those I read before 'Ishmael' and those I read after.' I doubt
there is a bookworm alive who could resist a challenge like that. What really surprised me is how true that statement is. I recommend
this book to anyone and everyone.
Atlas Shrugged
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. While not the lightest kind of
reading, the story doesn't drag and the characters are very realistic. I have yet to read anything else by Ayn Rand, but if her
other books are as well-executed as this one, I look forward to them!
Dragon Prince Series
Dragon Star Series
These books are the story of a Dragon Lord who instead of slaying dragons wishes
to champion and defend them. He and his wife, a Sunrunner witch looked down upon by the people of the land, struggle to learn how
to work together and how to be stronger than the other kingdoms surrounding them.
Harry Potter Series
The Harry Potter books are excellent! I have enjoyed every second of these
books, and for Christmas my wonderful mom gave me all four of them in hardcover. These have adopted an honored spot on my
shelves. I am glad to see the interest these books have sparked, and find myself having discussions in bookstores with lots of
parents whose children have read these books and now want to find other books to read as well.
Where The Sidewalk Ends
A Light In The Attic
The Giving Tree
The Missing Piece
There is something magickal about the words of Shel Silverstein. I am
always able to recapture something of being a kid when I sit down and read his poems and stories.
The Hobbit
What an amazing adventure! I've read this book so many times, I can
quote large passages. At one point when we were younger my brother had this on tape, and I had actually memorized most
of the story. Which came in quite handy a few years later when we read it in school. Oh, do I remember the moans of
anguish from most of the students, 'Do we have to read science fiction?' - and my low-voiced comment to the other bookworm
in the class - 'It's not science fiction, the nitwits.' Ha! Shows you what I think is important, right?
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers
The Return of the King
Well it goes without saying that I've also read the books following The
Hobbit. I mean, the story wasn't even close to complete! I loved these stories, although at points I have to admit that
J.R.R. got a little long-winded for my tastes.
DragonLance Chronicles
I suppose it goes without saying that since I read and have played a
variety of Role-Playing games that I must have read the DragonLance Chronicles. And of course, the answer is yes, I
did read them. I love them, the characters came right to life, swooping into my imagination and taking off on a wild
adventure. I strongly recommend these books to anyone!
DeathGate Cycle
This series is a perfect example of what I love in books; it kept me
interested and guessing all the way through the series. The characters are interesting, and come to life in my mind
quickly, without having to read several books to "see" the character take shape in my mind's eye.
Rose of the Prophet
A fantastic tale of the War of the Gods, begun when one of the twenty
gods tips the balance of power, causing the beginning of a long upset that affects not only the plane where the gods dwell,
but also the plane where men dwell.
Amber Series
Wow! From the beginning of the first book to the end of the tenth, these
books consitently keep me in their thrall. While my favorite is the seventh novel, 'Blood of Amber' all of them are intense
and quick to read. I first read 'Nine Princes in Amber' when I was in 7th or 8th grade, and have been hooked ever since.
This Immortal
This story is great! Hard to find now (my current copy came from poking
through numerous sale bins until I found an old copy of the book - I think the cover price is $.75) but well worth
the effort! Zelazny leads you around by the nose, making it hard to determine the "good guys" and the "bad guys" and
illustrating the point that we are all a mixture of the good and the evil.
Darkover Novels
Being female, I suppose it goes without saying that I am drawn to novels
written by women and with women as the heros. These stories cover thousands of years of history on the planet of Darkover,
from the original unintentional crash landing through recontact with Terra and beyond into the mingling of cultures and the
efforts to find a common ground by the two societies.
My Pages
kerrianne42@yahoo.com
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