BOOK: The Origin Of Species - Charles Darwin

Title: The Origin Of Species
Author: Charles Darwin
Genre: Science, Biology
Publisher: Collector's Library (2004), 1859
Pages: hardcover, 526
Language: English
Rating: 9/10
Summary: In this book Darwin outlines his theory of "descent with modification" in which he proposes that species have not been independently brought into being by a creator, but have arisen from a single common ancestor and have evolved and differentiated over time through the process of natural selection.

Review
If you kept an eye on the books I read in the past year, you already know the subject of evolution -and consequently the debate about religion- is high on my list of interests. After reading a couple of modern day books about it, I felt it was time to tackle the one that started it all.
I must admit I struggled with Darwin's writing; he uses a lot of long sentences before he gets to the point. But once I got used to his style I thouroughly enjoyed his extensive explanations. He goes out of his way to make the reader understand what he means and offers an overwhelming amount of examples to make his point. His enthusiasm is heartwarming; his many references to pigeons made me smile and reminded me of Sesame Street's Bert. But of course Darwin does not limit himself to one species to prove his theory; he applies it to the whole living world; from animals and plants to geology, Darwin covers it all. In addition he mentions a lot of other researchers and gives credit where it's due. He's also not afraid to doubt his conclusions, which is of course the basis of science and a reason to keep searching for answers to any questions that arise.

I remembered a lot of the scientific information from high school biology and found it wonderful to gain more in depth knowledge on the subject. I loved the detailed research that was provided and how Darwin makes comparisons between his conclusions and the teachings of creationists. I wasn't aware that Darwin already touched on the issue of religion. I had always thought that debate started after he published his theory. I was also surprised that he doesn't mention the word 'evolution'; as stated in the summary it's not part of the theory. Not until the final chapter does Darwin even use the word 'evolve'!
As I understand it his theory of "descent with modification" was the basis for what is now called 'the evolution theory', which is not a belief, but a scientifically accepted explanation of the development of life.

The composition of the book makes it very suitable as a reference guide; every chapter ends with a summary and the final part offers a recapitulation and conclusion of the whole book.

I loved this book and recommend it to everyone.

BOOK: Dash & Dingo In Search Of The Tasmanian Tiger - Catt Ford & Sean Kennedy

Title: Dash & Dingo In Search Of The Tasmanian Tiger
Author: Catt Ford & Sean Kennedy
Genre: Adventure, Romance
Publisher: DreamSpinnerPress 2009
Pages: paperback 294
Language: English
Rating: 6/10
Summary: When Jack "Dingo" Chambers whirlwinds into his office, British archivist Henry Percial-Smythe isn't too pleased. But when Dingo invites him to travel to Australia to search for the near extinct Tasmanian Tiger, Henry doesn't have to think long. This could be the last chance to preserve the creature. Although the men try to keep their focus on saving the rare animal, in between fighting off poachers they can't help being distracted by each other.

Spoilerfree review
After reading Sean Kennedy's first book Tigers and Devils I was looking forward to his new book. I wasn't sure what to expect from a story that was co-written. I've known Sean to be fascinated by the Tasmanian Tiger for years and his personal love for that now extinct creature did shine through in both the main characters' s enthusiasm. Their interaction with the Tasmanian Tigers was very exciting to read. But I felt the main adventure was reduced to the background by the amount of sexscenes.
Don't get me wrong: I like a bit of porn in between the adventures, but I hadn't expected the overload of it in this story. I wasn't aware this book was meant to be erotica, especially after reading Tigers and Devils, which is a character-driven romance. And while I could relate to the people in that book, I couldn't get a grip on Jack and Henry. I had problems visualizing them and they often seemed to switch personalities. I am aware people other than me have a variety of emotions and are capable of change, but with these guys it often felt forced to fit the occasion. Despite the enjoyable physical scenes the men never really came to life for me.

I did get a good sense of the era (1934) and loved the descriptions of the way the men traveled from England to Australia and through Tasmania. A lot of the dialogues made me smile and grin. Some conversations were maybe a little predictable, although that probably wouldn't have bothered me if I had managed to perceive the characters better.

Since the book ended with a hint of a new adventure, I'm curious to find out if Dash and Dingo will be able to convince me they are indeed more than just bodies to enjoy.
Because however pleasant those sexscenes were, I'm convinced they could be even better when there are actual characters involved.

BOOK: Månefeen - Kjersti Scheen

Title: Månefeen (Maanmeisje)
Author: Kjersti Scheen
Genre: Teen, drama
Publisher: Lemniscaat 2005 (1993)
Pages: hardcover, 157
Language: Dutch (translated from Norwegian)
Rating: 7/10
Summary: Fourteen year old Cindy is a good student,athlete and a popular girl in school. When she falls in love, she gets insecure and starts to feel uncomfortable in her body. To gain control over her life again she stops eating.

Spoilerfree review
Every year during the "Children's Bookweek" I purchase a teenbook, mostly from the excellent Lemniscaat collection. Their covers are beautiful and the stories are usually not too cliché, even if they deal with subjects that have been written about a thousand times before. This story about anorexia is no exception.
Even though I now apparently reached that age where teen-struggles make me roll my eyes more than ever before, I still recognized the inner turmoil and drama. Food has been an issue in my life as well, although I use it for comfort not punishment. I didn't really relate to Cindy's fight with food, but I completely understood the being in love confusion.
Despite the drama, it's a sweet story; to me it seemed the author has a bit too much faith in people; everybody is so very understanding, it sometimes made me nauseous. But even if it at times her family and friends seem too good to be true, it's clear Cindy's journey is not an easy one and the book doesn't provide solutions or an 'all's well that ends well'. I consider it another worthy addition to my teen-collection.

BOOK: The Mill On The Floss - George Eliot

Title: The Mill On The Floss
Author: George Eliot
Genre: Novel, family, drama
Publisher: Penguin Popular Classics (1994), 1860
Pages: paperback, 534
Language: English (read parts in Dutch)
Rating: 6/10
Summary: Maggie and her brother Tom grow up living in the Dolcote mill near the river Floss in small town St. Ogg's, England around 1830. When their father ends up in debth their lives change drastically and they are forced to leave their comfortable surroundings.

Spoilerfree review
I found an old Dutch edition of this book on my shelf but bought the original English version to read.
I was amused when two characters were having a rather negative conversation about 'Dutchmen' and I wondered how that had been translated. As it turns out, the translator probably didn't think it was funny at all and LEFT THE WHOLE BIT OUT! The Dutchmen weren't even mentioned!
After that I was determined to definitely read the rest of the book in English. But I struggled a lot with the language and accents so after a while I decided to speed things up and read a couple of chapters in translation. Even in the old language (early twentieth century Dutch) it was a lot easier to comprehend than the original English. But when I tried to compare another reference I noticed not only missing bits but also completely changed texts and I once again returned to the English paperback.
In the end I learned the Dutch translation was mostly missing the parts that I didn't like about the book. In between the story the narrator goes off to give his/her opinion on the characters and events. I found this to be very distracting. At the beginning of the book I thought this person would turn out to be a part of the story, but he/she never actually reveils his/her name or source of information. (I mentioned the same issue in my review of The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer which was written in the same era, maybe a sign of the times?)

The main story of Maggie and Tom was not very satisfying for me. I didn't like either one of the characters as Maggie is too much of a cry baby and Tom is too arrogant to care about. I did understand that both of them were obviously products of their upbringing; Maggie was always told she was a naughty girl and good for nothing because she didn't fit in with the expectations people had of females in her class. Tom was taught to be a man and surpress his feelings. Even though they are brother and sister they approach each other according to these (ancient) stereo-types. I got all that, but the context of their struggles just wasn't fascinating enough for me to care. The story jumps in time to events that aren't even that interesting and after a while Maggie's inner turmoil is mostly annoying.
Maybe I wanted to like this story too much, because it came highly recommended by a good friend. But while I think I understand the appeal, it didn't work for me.

10 Word Reviews; how do you like them sprouts?

STATISTICS:
Title: Oeroeg
Author: Hella S. Haasse
Genre: novel
Publisher: Querido 1948
Pages: paperback, 105
Language: Dutch
Rating: 7/10
5 WORDS SUMMARY: Dutch classic about Colonial Indonesia

10 WORDS REVIEW
Friendship tainted by class-difference saddened me; historical and emotional rollercoaster.

STATISTICS:
Title: De Wraak Van Het Spruitje (The Revenge of the Brussel's Sprout)
Author: Jan Paul Schutten
Genre: Children's book, educational, food
Publisher: CPNB, 2009
Pages: paperback, 94
Language: Dutch
Rating: 8/10
5 WORDS SUMMARY: Trying to make sprouts appealing

10 WORDS REVIEW
Nice effort, but still not convinced they're worth a bite.

BOOK: Anything Goes - John Barrowman

Title: Anything Goes
Author: John Barrowman (with Carol E. Barrowman)
Genre: Autobiography
Publisher: Michael O'Mara Books Limited, 2008
Pages: 245, paperback
Language: English
Rating: 9/10
Summary: 40-ish actor/entertainer John Barrowman (Captain Jack Harkness on Doctor Who and Torchwood) talks about his dazzling life on stage, the (big) screen and behind the scenes.

Spoilerfree review
I'm always a bit apprehensive when a not-very-old person (shut up) decides to share his "life" story. Granted, me and John go way back: I was already a fan in his Children's BBC days in the early nineties, but I was wondering if he had enough to tell to justify an autobiography already.
When I saw his quest on The Making of Me in which he investigated whether being gay is innate at birth or acquired later in life, I was tempted to buy the book. But it wasn't until after I saw him on stage in La Cage Aux Folles and he made me cry with his performance of "I Am What I Am", that I couldn't ignore his book any longer.
I'm thrilled to say that his exuberant attitude translates to the page very well.
I dare anyone who hasn't fallen for John Barrowman yet to not be head over heels at the end of the first chapter. When he tells us about his response to the news that he was gonna be in Doctor Who, you can't help but smile and squee about his enthusiasm. The book takes off from there and John jumps back and forth in time to explain how he grew from pretty boy performer to leading man in Torchwood.
The book did slightly remind me of Rupert Everett's book 'Red Carpets And Other Banana Skins', but only because he and John are both actors from the same generation. The tone of both books is very different; unlike Rupert's bitchy account of showbiz, John focusses on the joy he finds in working with fellow thespians. Sure he can gossip like the best of them, but it's never spiteful (with exception of that one guy who was being a total bitch and had it coming). I'll take enthusiasm over bitterness anytime. John is of course surrounded by people who love him, but it's obvious he gives as good as he gets.
I loved this book and love John even more for not hiding anything. Even if he can get a little overwhelming, he is clearly not playing a part; he truely is as dazzling as his smile.

I hear there is already a sequel, I will definitely read that and whatever John writes next.

BOOK: Dolfje Weerwolfje - Paul van Loon

Title: Dolfje Weerwolfje (Alfie The Werewolf*)
Author: Paul van Loon
Genre: Children, Fairytale
Publisher: Libris, 1996
Pages: 141, Hardcover
Language: Dutch (*English available in 2010!)
Rating: 8/10
Summary: On the eve of his seventh birthday something strange happens to Dolf; while he can't keep his eyes off the full moon he gets all furry and growly... He's turning into a werewolf!

Spoilerfree review
I still read children's/teen books even if I haven't been the target audience for a very long time. Paul van Loon is one of the most popular writers in the Netherlands and famous for his scary books for kids, but I had never read any of them. For Children's Bookweek his books have been released in a new hardcover-version and I finally bought one.

I was only ten lines in when I understood why he is loved so much.
His language is extremely funny and filled with throw-away thoughts that are very familiar. (Being scared and excited at the same time while staring at the moon, Dolf imagines the stars are shining especially bright just for his birthday:)
The book is written in short sentences and clearly aimed at children, but it never talks down to them. Dolf's adoptive family is not quite mainstream (his father likes to wear dresses) but this is not an issue. Although Dolf does worry that being a werewolf may be a step too far to be accepted.
I am a little sad that I feel too old to continue with the series. I was very satisfied with this introduction to Dolf and I'm sure kids who read it will want to have all the parts of the collection. And then continue with Paul van Loon's other books. If only I could be a kid again.

BOOK: Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them - Newt Scamander

Title: Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them
Author: J.K. Rowling Newt Scamander
Genre: Fantasy Biology, Encyclopedia
Publisher: Obscurus Books (2001) in cooperation with Arthur A. Levine Books
Pages: Hardcover, 42
Language: English
Rating: 8/10
Summary: An A to Z guide to the world of magical creatures. According to the foreword by Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, these beasts are all fictional. They seem pretty real though.

Spoilerfree review
Not only is this book filled with descriptions of beasts you may already know because of their encounters with Harry Potter, it also features many creatures that are not even mentioned in ordinairy fairytales. From the different kinds of dragons to the exclusive unicorn, this is a very educational read. I especially liked the footnotes which mention why Centaurs and Merepeople are also considered 'beasts'. This book is so full of information, it's a valuable addition to anyone's library.

BOOK: Quidditch Through The Ages - Kennilworthy Whisp

Title: Quidditch Through The Ages
Author: J.K. Rowling Kennilworthy Whisp
Genre: Fantasy History, sports
Publisher: Whizz Hard Books (2001) in cooperation with Arthur A. Levine Books
Pages: Hardcover, 56
Language: English
Rating: 8/10
Summary: From the library of Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, this book teaches about the origin of wizard-sport Quidditch. Nowadays the sport is played with state of the art brooms and other magical equipment, but it hasn't always been that sophisticated.

Spoilerfree review
I'll just come out and say it: I'm not a fan of Quidditch. Mostly because I do not care about sports or at least not care enough to go crazy about it. But I love to be educated about history and this book gives plenty of interesting information to even entertain me. I imagine it's all the more fun if you're mad about the game:) I recommend it to everyone who read about all the Quidditch matches at Hogwards:)

BOOK/PLAY: Angels In America - Tony Kushner

Title: Angels In America
Author: Tony Kushner
Genre: Drama, Transcript of a play (1990)
Publisher: Nick Hern Books (2007)
Pages: Paperback, 289
Language: English
Rating: 10/10
Summary: 'A Gay Fantasia On National Themes' is the subtitle of this two part play. It tells the story of several interlinked people dealing with big issues of life, death and politics.
The first part 'Millenium Approaches' takes place in the late eighties when the USA -and the rest of the world- was struggling with AIDS, right wing politics and religion. The future seemed bleak.
The second part 'Perestroika' is more optimistic as the nation moves into the nineties and there may be a glimmer of hope for compassion, reason and healing.

Spoilerfree review
I first saw this through the TV-series that was made of the play in 2003. That's a little more structured than the original play, but watching it still was an overwhelming experience. I saw the play last year when it was performed by Dutch group Toneelgroep Amsterdam. Even in my own language the plot is too complex to explain. The characters connect on so many levels, I can't even begin to summarize. The actors all play several parts to emphasize their connections and show the metaphorical meaning of the characters and actions. It's just such an amazing story and it captures the confusing doom and gloom of the eighties perfectly.

I wish I could tell you about how Louis can't handle the illness of his lover Prior and how Prior has hallucinations and is talking to The Angel. Or about how he meets Harper who lives in a fantasy world because her husband Joe can't admit he's gay because his Mormon faith assures him that can not be. Or about how Joe's boss, right wing asshole attorney Roy Cohn is in the closet to preserve his power in politics.
But it's all so much more complicated than even those little summaries suggest, and no description can do it justice.
I really can't do anything but urge you to read this play or, better yet, watch it if you get a chance. Since it's not performed often (due to its massive lenght of five hours) you probably won't be able to, so you should definitely track down a DVD of the mini-series. It will be worth it.

BOOK; Tigers And Devils - Sean Kennedy

Title: Tigers And Devils
Author: Sean Kennedy
Genre: Romance
Publisher: DreamSpinnerPress (2009)
Pages: Paperback, 363
Language: English
Rating: 8/10
Summary: Simon's life is going along nicely: he has a good job and friends he loves. He doesn't need anyone else in his life, no matter how much his friends push him to go out more. Even if anyone would be interested in him, he is not looking for someone to mess with his reasonably comfortable existence. He's perfectly fine spending his time working, hanging out with his friends and watching football together.
Then his friends drag him to a party where he meets famous footballer Declan and as it turns out Simon wasn't wrong about relationships making life complicated.

Spoilerfree review
For the sake of full disclosure let me first say that I know the author. We've never met in person, but we have shared enough personal stuff online that I consider him a friend. That wouldn't in any way stop me from critisizing his book though. I would absolutely say it if I thought it sucked, but the honest truth is that I loved it. The dialogues in this book are brilliant; they had me grinning and cringing, depending on the situation. Varying from comfortable talks amongst friends to miscommunication and awkward conversations they are all a joy to read. I loved hanging out with these people. Obviously I related most to Simon, because I'm as apprehensive about relationships as he is. I was nearly biting my nails while he struggled to figure out if it is all worth it. I may have even learned a thing or two. Huh.

BOOK: 40 Days and 40 Nights - Matthew Chapman

Title: 40 Days and 40 Nights
Author: Matthew Chapman
Genre: Non fiction; Courtroom report
Publisher: HarperCollins books (2007)
Pages: Hardcover, 272
Language: English
Rating: 7/10
Summary: Following the case of Kitzmiller v. Dover in which a group of parents sued the Dover highschoolboard for wanting to put Intelligent Design on the science curriculum, Matthew Chapman talks to people on both sides of the argument. He also compares the case to the Scopes trial from 1925 when a teacher was put on trial for teaching Evolution.

Review
Written like a movie script with extensive descriptions of appearances and backgrounds of all the people involved, this is a fascinating read. In- and outside the courtroom Matthew Chapman gives both defendants and opponents ample opportunity to talk about their point of view, even if his own opinion is assumed and known. He is after all the great great grandson of Charles Darwin, a fact he has to mention at every opportunity. Obviously he isn't trying to be objective about the issue and there is more than just a little arrogance shining through, but to his credit he doesn't hide it.
What I found most surprising about this case and book was how little differences there are between the people involved. They may be on opposite sides of the argument, but their backgrounds are eerily alike. Being an avid atheist and supporter of the Theory of Evolution, I had hoped to be able to point and laugh at the losers. But I couldn't.
Matthew Chapman makes a great case in favour of keeping an open mind. I just hope the people who believe in Intelligent Design learned that as well.

BOOK: De Revue - Kees 't Hart

Title: De Revue
Author: Kees 't Hart
Genre: Novel
Publisher: ECI (2000)
Pages: Hardcover, 285
Language: Dutch
Rating: 6/10
Summary: Written from the first person perspective of a man whose been working for an archive-sorting business for over twenty years. On a job in Amsterdam he receives an invitation for a reunion and he remembers when he used to live there as a student, working backstage on the Revue.

Review
The whole premise of the book is leading towards reveiling a 'Big Dark Secret In The Past' that the main character is obviously struggling with. When he was a student he shared the top-floor of a house with one of the chorus-dancers. He had some sort of awkward relationship with the girl, even if he was already dating his future wife. Apparently something dramatic happened that made him run away from the Revue. He tracks down former employees to get a grip on the past. The build up to the reunion is very dramatic and the tiny hints about what happened are intriguing enough to keep reading, but as it turns out the 'Big Dark Secret' maybe wasn't as big and dark as he made it to be, in fact it wasn't even a secret. I was slightly disappointed.