The Book of Five Rings from SmarterComics by Miyamoto Musashi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a graphic novel approach to the perennial classic of strategy. Illustrations are used to show the parallel between Mushashi's ancient words and modern day sports, business, and combat. While some of the analogies can be a little strained, overall this was an excellent approach. Each illustration helped drive home Musashi's points, often in multiple ways.

I found a single proofing error in the book, and like I said, sometimes that parallels are a little exaggerated, otherwise I would instantly give this book five stars. However, I unreservedly recommend this book for those interest in strategy and combat.

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Murder Your Darlings: Algonquin Round Table Mystery by J.J. Murphy
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

"Murder Your Darlings" is an audacious idea: what if Dorothy Parker and her fellow wits at the Algonquin Round Table were embroiled in a murder mystery?

The book does a lot things right. For one, it seems to capture the essence of many of the writers. For instance, Parker's dialog seems to be note-perfect and I found myself reading many of her quips aloud to my fiancee'. Some of the dialog is incredibly funny!

Unfortunately, I lost interest in the book. For one, I didn't feel drawn into the characters. They said interesting things, but they themselves didn't come across as interesting to me. Perhaps I was merely looking for more serious fare, but the book didn't grab me.

Also, the audacity of Murphy's topic -- that of writing about famous writers -- also serves to the book's detriment. It's hard to read a book about historically great writers without being extremely conscious of any failings of the author's own prose. Murphy's writing is serviceable, but alas, looks less so when put into the context of the members of the Round Table. It's also why I think so many books and movies about Shakespeare fall short: when writing about a great author, it's difficult to write prose capable of bearing even the slightest comparison to the Bard.

So while I enjoyed the chapter or so that I read, I ultimately put it down. I may pick it up again someday if the mood hits me just right. It's certainly not a bad book. It just failed to draw me in.

Readers of this review should be aware, however, that I have a notoriously short attention span and lack patience with books that do not grab me immediately. For instance, I could not stand "Dune", which I know has legions of fans. The fact that I did not get into this book does mean that others will not love it.


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