Adventure - From My Armchair

Adventure or thriller - how do you define it?

"The adventure novel is a literary genre of novels that has adventure, an exciting undertaking involving risk and physical danger, as its main theme. Adventure has been a common theme since the earliest days of written fiction.

Indeed, the standard plot of Medieval romances was a series of adventures. Following a plot framework as old as Heliodorus, and so durable as to be still alive in Hollywood movies, a hero would undergo a first set of adventures before he met his lady. A separation would follow, with a second set of adventures leading to a final reunion. Variations kept the genre alive.

From the mid 19th century onwards, when mass literacy grew, adventure became a popular subgenre of fiction. Examples of that period include Alexandre Dumas, pere, Jules Verne, H. Rider Haggard, Emilio Salgari, Louis Henri Boussenard, Thomas Mayne Reid, Sax Rohmer, Edgar Wallace, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, and Robert Louis Stevenson..

Adventure novels often overlap with other genres, notably war novels, crime novels, sea stories, Robinsonades, science fiction, fantasy, and Westerns. Not all books within these genres are adventures. Adventure novels take the setting and premise of these other genres, but the fast-paced plot of an adventure focuses on the actions of the hero within the setting." (source Wikipedia)

I have a number of authors that I follow, picking up their books as I find them. I enjoy the chase to "save the world" or the breathtaking actions taken by the hero under daunting circumstances. And quite often, just the puzzle presented joined with the "what if" premise that can often be used in today's work. Here's a few that are in my stack, waiting to be read (or re-read):

BLASPHEMY by Douglas Preston ( of the Preston & Child writing partners)

The world's biggest supercollider, locked in an Arizona mountain, was built to reveal the secrets of the very moment of creation: the Big Bang itself. The Torus is the most expensive machine ever created by humankind, run by the world's most powerful supercomputer. It is the brainchild of Nobel Laureate William North Hazelius. Will the Torus divulge the mysteries of the creation of the universe? Or will it, as some predict, suck the earth into a mini black hole? Or is the Torus a Satanic attempt, as a powerful televangelist decries, to challenge God Almighty on the very throne of Heaven? Twelve scientists under the leadership of Hazelius are sent to the remote mountain to turn it on, and what they discover must be hidden from the world at all costs. Wyman Ford, ex-monk and CIA operative, is tapped to wrest their secret, a secret that will either destroy the world…or save it. The countdown begins.

BATTLE CRY by Leon Uris

They came from America's cities and farms and reservations -- boys who became men under the withering fire of a bold and terrible enemy. In Pacific killing zones called Tarawa and Guadalcanal, they stared into the savage face of war and did not flinch. In their country's most desperate hour -- in the blood, anguish, and terror of combat -- they would grow to be comrades, soldiers, heroes, Marines. This is their story.

I read this book during my high school years -- I was totally enthralled with it and it remains one of my favorite books to this day.

THE SANCTUARY by Raymond Khoury (This one was recommended to me by a friend)

More than 250 years after a pretender marquis escapes the decimated palazzo of his vengeful prince, an army unit in Baghdad has just discovered an underground lab filled with victims of strange, deadly experiments. The doctor heading the lab has escaped, leaving behind a single clue--what appears to be an ancient snake symbol. As the secrets of the symbol are slowly revealed, the human race faces its greatest crisis.

KCs Kozy Korner

http://www.kcskozykorner.net

It's Been A While

It's been a while... a while since I've written anything in the blog ... and a while since I felt like doing so. Time to recover I suppose - time to come to terms with the loss. And it's time - time to start moving forward again and making the days count.

And the books! Oh, my, the books have piled up around my ears... I'm trying to make a dent in my stacks of books -- and enjoying every minute of it. There's the "just maybe" book stashed in the car ( you know, for those times you're waiting in line at a drive up/through, etc.), the book carried in the purse (yeah, really there's two in there just in case I can't make up my mind what kind of reading I want to do), the books stashed in my drawer at work (lunch time ya' know) and the books beside my computer here at home, the books on the nightstand in the bedroom and the books on the table beside my chair in the living room. Hmmm, I did I mention the books I've stashed in the extra bedroom 'cause it looks a little neater? I think I may come close to a compulsive hoarder of books -- but truthfully, the books that I've been referring to are those that I haven't yet read. I have no problem passing books I've read along through our website.

Well, that only applies to mass market fiction. I've begun collecting cookbooks again.. each one is a treasure, something that provides a new idea or least an intriguing one. But here's one that I'm looking forward to reading in that it's about food rather than a cookbook:

Sweets: A History of Candy by Tim Richardson

Tim Richardson has always looked at life through candy-colored glasses (his grandfather worked for a toffee company and his father was a dentist), but in Sweets, as the world's first "international confectionery historian," he takes a look at the history of mankind. From prehistoric cave paintings of our forefathers eating honey to references of cocoa beans used as money by the ancient Mayans, Richardson has left no gobstopper unturned. Through intensive research, plenty of taste testing, and field trips around the world to places such as Hershey, Pennsylvania, and the Haribo plant in Pontefract, Yorkshire, "birthplace of all English gummy bears," Richardson leads a whirlwind tour filled with unforgettable characters, intrigue, and high stakes. Along the way, he explains our planet-wide obsession with anything sweet--it's been scientifically proven that even newborn babies and elephants love anything sweet--and offers up a lifetime of trivia for the sweet-obsessed.

It's in my stack and I expect to finish it this coming weekend....that is if I don't pick up one of the others. In any case, books are wonderful companions - and there are so many yet to view and review.

Read Any Good Cookbooks Lately?

I collect cookbooks. I'm always looking at them in bookstores, on-line book vendors, small local shops, and even airports on occasion (the larger airports have the local cuisine cookbooks on a rack, etc.) I just ordered two more last week from Amazon - cookbooks that provide recipes to make things from scratch that I would ordinarily buy as a convenience food.

Now, here's the problem. I'm very likely one of the world's worst eaters. I don't like vegetables as a rule, don't like dishes that have cream cheese in or on them, have a problem with most dishes that include cheese (Parmesan, pizza and Mexican food are always an exception).... and the list goes on. I'll fix shrimp scampi for my husband, but wouldn't touch the stuff myself. So, you kind of get the picture. But I find cookbooks so very interesting.. I have no problem browsing through all kinds of them - not to mention collect them. And since my husband will try just about anything that I can cook, I have fun trying recipes for all kinds of things. After all these years, though, he still asks why I would cook something I won't eat. I don't know, but if I limited myself to just what I'd eat how boring would that be?

Over the years I've drifted towards picking up regional cookbooks or cookbooks about a single subject. I do tend to pick up at least one recipe out of each of them that I add to our list of things to cook, such as:

From While The Pasta Cooks

Basil and Prosciutto Sauce w/Pasta
1 pound of pasta (such as penne or wagon wheels)
6 tablespoons of olive oil
1 bunch of basil leaves (about 2 cups)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 ounces of prosciuto, finely chopped
1 large tomato, stemmed and dices
pinch of crushed red pepper flakes & salt/pepper to taste

While the pasta cooks (hence the name), combine all the other ingredients in a serving bowl. Drain the pasta and add to the sauce. Simple, but a lot of flavor..not to mention quick to fix after work.

Someone shared a recipe with me that included candy bars in the recipe at work some years ago. It made a great cake, and of course I started looking for a cookbook devoted to the use of candy bars. Darn, if I didn't find one. Talk about decadent... but fun.

From The Candy Bar Cookbook

Mounds German Chocolate Cake
For the cake:
4 Mounds Bars (1.9 oz bars)
1 box dark chocolate cake mix

For the frosting:
3 Mounds bars (1.9 oz bars)
1 egg, beaten
1 can evaporated milk (5 oz)
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, butter & flour 2 9-inch cake pans. Chop the 4 candy bars into 1/4 inch pieces and add to the cake batter (mix as directed on the box). Pour the batter into the pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.. Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting: Chop 3 candy bars coarsely and place in heavy sauce pan. Add beaten egg, evaporated milk, sugar, and butter. Heat and stir until mixture becomes thick and bubbly, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the flaked coconut and pecans until well combined. Cool the frosting to room temperature before frosting the cake.

KCs Kozy Korner
http://www.kcskozykorner.net

So, When Did They Go From Scarry to "Yum?"

Once upon a time the vampire was a feature of our nightmares... undead creatures that existed by drinking the blood of humans. While not the first such novel, Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula" certainly popularized the concept. Oh, there's considerable folklore from which tales of this nature were drawn, and even today some cultures believe in the existence of such creatures. How many tales, told through novels or movies, have there been that revolved around such a creature? How many movies have used this as a twist in some way or form? And how many times have we frightened ourselves while reading or watching?? Ah yes, for the days of pulling the blanket up over my eyes (yep, I did that until I was in my middle teens when I had to prove I was all grown up and not scared!), and wondering, in awe, of such a terrifically frightening specter.

I bought the video "I Am Legend" last week ... thoroughly enjoyed it too. Again, a form of vampire shown in the diseased souls he so desperately sought to find a cure for. In turn, it reminded me of so many other movies over the years that either included or hinted of the same. While I have watched so many of the movies and, later, TV shows, I hadn't really read many of the novels until recent years. While the movies could be gory, it was fairly short term. When reading the images stay with me for a long while. Somehow, reading about something has more of an effect on me than watching a movie/TV show. Hmmm, may be why I seldom watch TV, too.

I tried Anne Rice .. was uncomfortable. But then the romance genre picked up the vampire as a tormented hero type. Hmm... now that was interesting. A little easier on the fear factor, right? I've watched this particular theme grow over the past few years ... from a trickle to a downright flood of books. Some pretty good, some downright awful. Some with interesting story themes, some I wonder how the heck they even got published.

Ever done an internet search for "vampire novels?" How many days do you have to read through the listings??? Everything from oppressively serious to outrageously funny. But that's OK.. ya' know? I have to admit that I've got a couple of favorite series that I follow. I like the story lines being used -- enough of the fantasy to pull me and pretty well written. But then, I've already admitted to being drawn in by the paranormal themes. I like the edge of "what if."

KCs Kozy Korner
http://www.kcskozykorner.net

Sometimes the World Just Comes to a Stop

No matter what you think, you are never prepared. Sometimes the world just comes to a stop. That's the only way to describe it. Parents expect to raise their children, watch them grow, and leave them behind. It just doesn't always happen that way.

We lost our daughter .. Jennifer. Oh, some would say that we lost her years before to the alcoholism, but the emotional reality is that no matter how bad her circumstances were, how the choices she made were painful for the family... she was still my baby. Yes, I turned her away after so many years of seemingly never-ending heartache and problems. But even then I harbored that small hope that she'd reach that corner and make the turn back to a life shared with family and friends. Now that hope is an empty ache.

We knew that she was dying... a slow death by alcohol and diabetes and depression that couldn't be alleviated. She wavered from excitement to suicidal within the span of a single day... always searching to a solution to her needs. At thirty-five years of age, Jennifer died in an accident that had nothing to do with her alcoholism or her health. How ironic, and how horribly hurtful to have lost her at all.

The two police officers rang our doorbell after 1:00 a.m. on Saturday night, asking to speak with Jennifer's parents. It wasn't the first time such a thing had happened, after all, Jennifer had by this time become well acquainted with the law and inside of both a courtroom and a jail cell. This too, we thought was one more request to pick her up, bail her out, etc. Asking me to sit down didn't really register as anything unusual... no one expects death to knock on your door.

It was elegantly simple - that first straight-forward statement. "Mrs. Ernst, Jennifer was killed tonight in an auto accident. She was hit by two vehicles while waiting to cross a street. We're so sorry to have to tell you this." And the world just comes to a stop.

She deserved more.. she deserved a better life. I've had the lectures about the choices she made, the reasons for what she did and what she became. I carried the anger at the damage done to herself and to her father and I. All the real questions are inside - seldom voiced because there are really no answers. Doing the "right thing" for her doesn't alleviate the ache of turning away from her, doesn't soothe the pain. And now she's gone and there's no hope left. But the pain is selfish -- even while living it, I know that it's selfish. Jennifer is no longer searching, no longer hurting, and can't be tortured by her own demons anymore.

She's at peace.. I have to believe that.. And soon I will. The world has begun to start spinning again.

Gentle Puzzles or Cozy Mysteries?

How to define the many different "types" of mysteries? Sometimes I'm not sure when a novel is a mystery, a thriller, and/or action. But, the "cozy" mysteries seem to be much easier to segregate and define. While I'm not a great fan of cozies - I have a number of friends who love them. So I keep trying, either to read them myself or just "find" books that I think they would enjoy. I'm the one who said she's addicted to action adventure - and the cozy mystery doesn't lend itself to that kind of thing.

So, I spent a little time looking up "cozy mysteries" on-line...reading other people's descriptions and lists of favorites. There are a number of very good blogs specifically devoted to cozy mysteries, and if you have an interest I would suggest doing a little 'surfing.' What I found was that, for me, reading ABOUT them was more interesting than actually reading them. I love books... as objects that I really enjoy acquiring and collecting. Even though I don't read them, finding a trove of cozy mysteries in some dark corner that are in really great condition is just as exciting as finding that elusive copy of favorite author's book that I don't yet have. It's kinda like finding cookbooks that look interesting (now that's another blog at another time!).

Here's what I found in terms of descriptions about cozy mysteries:

The stories almost always involved solving some form of puzzle. Observation, a keen understanding of human nature, and a heavy reliance on gossip are the tools used in the solving of the mystery. Usually these stories are located in small-town locales - and the characters usually know each other. The sleuth is often female, but not always. If you watched "Murder, She Wrote" on TV, I think that may be an excellent visual of the cozy mystery. No forensics, no technology (generally), and unlikely to have any real access to criminal records. Now that said, the protagonist is intelligent, intuitive and creative in approach to the solving of the mystery. It seems that the actual crime is often "glossed over" so that the attention is focused on the sleuth and the way the crime is solved. Not a standard to read the "blood and gore" of any crime in these books. Nor is "hard edged" ever a term that could be applied. Good books for a quiet and relaxing read.

But I grew up reading my dad's books, you know the ones that the kids weren't supposed to pick up and read. I read his Raymond Chandler mysteries and Dashiell Hammett - and a host of others that have long since disappeared. Heck, I was the 7th grader who's mom got called in for a conference because I turned in a book report on "Battle Cry" written by Leon Uris. How was I to know that the book was "an adult" novel and not for my young eyes??

KCs Kozy Korner
http://www.kcskozykorner.net

A Little Paranormal... Please

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm one of those who read the novels with elements of paranormal -- some only slight and some 'way out there.' I also watch the movies with elements of paranormal - like "Deja Vu" with Denzel Washington, or "Next" with Nicolas Cage... and the list could go on. And when I'm reading, I'll read just about all of the various authors. Some I like, some I don't. But then that's what can make it interesting. I have a number of favorite authors and will purchase most anything they write. I tend to like the suspenseful novels that keep you on the edge of your seat the most. But there are those that are just plain fun to read.

While she is not a favorite of mine, Christine Feehan has been writing about vampires for a few years now and is very popular. I've read most of her books - but I enjoy her "...Game" series more that the Carpathian (vampire) series. Told ya', I'm a sucker for the paranormal stuff. I've picked up "Predatory Game" and it's on the corner of the table by the chair in the living room... I really will get to it soon. Haven't read it yet, but here's a few of the others of hers that I have read:

Wild Rain by Christine Feehan

There's different kind of sensual predator—a half-human/half-leopard species of shapeshifters. Mysterious freelance paramilitary operative Rio Santana is a member of this breed, but he's been banished from his clan and lives in a solitary rainforest dwelling. Enter Rachel Lospostos, who has marooned herself in the jungle to escape a group of murderers. Blood runs hot between the two, both emotionally and literally—their first meeting is a near-terminal cat fight that leaves Rachel bedridden with a mangled leg and a broken wrist. As Rio cares for her, it becomes clear that their relationship is fated, but it may soon be cut short if they don't figure out who wants Rachel dead.

Conspiracy Game by Christine Feehan

Briony Jenkins, who performs in a trapeze act with her four brothers, was adopted and diagnosed as autistic as a toddler. In reality she was one of the infamous Dr. Whitney's victims enhanced with both physical and psychic talents. Her extreme empathy makes it painful for her to be around people, but her career puts her into the midst of crowds every day. Performing in Africa, she sneaks away from the hotel for some necessary solitude and is saved from rebel troops in the jungle by Jack Norton, a member of the armed forces who has the ghostwalker enhancements. He has escaped from a rebel camp where he had been horribly tortured. She saves him, and he shields Briony from the sensory overload that torments her. They go their separate ways, but Briony is pregnant, and Dr. Whitney's minions want her baby. (Pssst .. this one I enjoyed - so sue me!)

Dark Celebration by Christine Feehan

The blood-drinking, mind-reading, shape-shifting Carpathian clan and their human friends gather for Christmas—and to stave off encroaching enemies. The guests hunt vampires, confront a dark mage and, most importantly, face the extinction of their species due to a mysteriously low birth rate and high infant mortality. Shea—once a human surgeon, now a Carpathian healer—studies the Carpathian's procreative problem even as she carries the child of her "lifemate" Jacques, whose brother, Prince Mikhail, also hopes for more children with his mate, Raven. This book also sets the scene for more stories by adding characters.

KCs Kozy Korner
http://www.kcskozykorner.net

Too Many Books --Oh My!

My husband says that if I don't show up at the local big box book store at least three times a week, they call him to ask if I'm ill. I mean, really, I don't go that often.... but the books are piling up around here. I have a habit of buying books as I see them for myself. Just in case I want to read them... someday. Hardbacks or softcovers...trade-size or mass market. Doesn't matter, if it looks interesting, I'll pick it up and tell myself that I'll read it this week.

Now I'm a fast reader - can read on average one good size mass market a day easily (and I work a full 40 hour job). Reading is a necessity from my point of view. And, darn, if there isn't something always just a bit interesting. But, here I'll be honest.... I don't always finish the books that I start. If the book (story) doesn't grab me very early into the book, I don't bother to stay with it. That's my primary requirement. The book has to hold my interest, it should be well written, tell a story if it's fiction...or if non-fiction, be written well enough to capture my interest, let me learn something without overwhelming me with technical jargon (I leave the technical manuals to my husband who loves them).

Last count, there are 7 books on the end table in the living room near my chair, another 23 books on the shelf of the end table on the other side of the chair waiting to be read, and 6 books on the bedside table. Oh, I forgot... there is a book in the car just in case I get stuck somewhere, a book in the tote that I carry back and forth to work, and three books just under the monitor here at my computer.

And this is why I ended up selling books -- simply to make room for more and help finance my obsession. Now I can just smile innocently at my husband while I'm picking up books at sales, stores, and most anywhere else I can....why they're for the website dear. (He just snickers and looks the other way).

KCs KOZY KORNER
http://www.kcskozykorner.net

It's That Time of Year-We're Looking At Gardening Books!

Winter is waning -- at least that's the story that I'm spreading. I'm so very tired of the cold and so looking forward to spring. And every year at this time I start browsing seed catalogs, flower catalogs, gardening books, and checking out websites that pertain to gardening. Now, that said, I am the world's worst gardener. I just have hopes and dreams - from March through the end of June. At the end of June a switch is flipped off in my head - gardening is over, I'm not going out there anymore. Hello weeds, aren't you pretty!

I have wonderful intentions....honest. I really mean to stay with it each year, but somehow I seem to find excuses when the weather turns really hot. So, over the years I've learned to plant perennials - those that are hardy and drought resistant. I'm the "oh, darn, I meant to go out there and water the flower beds..." person.

I still look forward to it though and still browse those catalogs and pick up those books. Now, my reasoning is that when I retire...I'll do a better job. Hmmm... we'll see.

Here's a few books that I found interesting.

The Spare-Time Gardener by Barbara Hill Freeman

A gardening book is made especially for those who are looking to squeeze gardening into their already hectic schedules. Freeman brings a realistic view to gardening, allowing you to actually achieve and enjoy the time you spend. The Spare Time Gardener covers design, planning, enhancing and maintaining all for the gardener on the go.

Heirloom Flore Gardens by Jo Ann Gardner
Favorite old varieties of plants are a lot like old friends: easy-going, dependable, and enduring. Even with all of the dazzling new flowers that appear every spring in catalogs and garden centers, most gardeners still treasure those time-honored plants that have proven their worth over many years and earned an abiding place in our hearts.

Heirloom Flower Gardens celebrates more than 300 classic ornamental plants, and explores their uses in the landscape and the home. This charming and influential book is now back in print, and even better than before. It features more than 25 additional plant portraits, as well as expanded information on growing, landscaping, and preserving flowers and herbs for culinary and craft use. Other new sections provide information on creating period plantings and designing specialty or theme gardens.

Small Space Gardening by Peter Loewer

There'e no end to the advantages of gardening in containers, and gardening expert Peter Loewer's new book on the subject provides the perfect introduction.

Containers, of course, are the norm in cities and suburbs, where space is at a premium, but even gardeners with plenty of room will appreciate the benefits of container planting. Potted plants dress up front walks, hang brightly from the limbs of trees, and energize a deck with color and life. they are a great laboratory for "experiments," and also allow a gardener to grow plants that wouldn't otherwise winter over in northerly climate zones. Older gardeners also love container gardening for its relative simplicity and ease of maintenance.

KCs Kozy Korner
http://www.kcskozykorner.net

Armchair Adventure - I'm Addicted

I'm not a brave person.. unless you call raising and dealing with kids brave (and in some circles I think that counts). However, I love a good book with a lot of suspense, action and/or adventure. I love cliff-hangers, shoot-outs, spies, political intrigue, strange and bizarre happenings of things that might have been, could possible happen, or just darn good imagination. And then I had to admit.. I just like books -- as long as the story is written well enough to hold my attention.

If you read, you very likely have favorite authors... authors whose books you hope will be just as good as the one you just finished. Sometimes they are, and sometimes they just aren't. But, if it's a favorite author I'll still take a chance. When I read something I enjoy I will "backtrack" on that author's books: hoping to find earlier books of theirs. This in turn, started me down the path of collecting and searching for books in used book stores and libraries, and then sharing those books with friends, trading them and eventually selling them myself.

Talked myself into it. It was just the excuse I could use to buy more books.... sell some of what I had and use that to find more. But what I have found out is that there's always another book that looks interesting...always another book that someone I know might want to read. And so it went.... Now, I have a website where I can make available books that I've been collecting and books that I keep picking up because they look interesting.

But back to adventure.... one of my favorite authors is James Rollins. I will admit that I prefer his earlier works to the more current Sigma Force series. Here's one of the earlier books that I enjoyed:

Excavation by James Rollins

(you can find it at KCs Kozy Korner)

High in the Andes, Dr. Henry Conklin discovers a 500-year-old mummy that should not be there. While deep in the South American jungle, Conklins nephew, Sam, stumbles upon a remarkable site nestled between two towering peaks, a place hidden from human eyes for thousands of years.

Ingenious traps have been laid to ensnare the careless and unsuspecting, and wealth beyond imagining could be the reward for those with the courage to face the terrible unknown. But where the perilous journey inward ends—in the cold, shrouded heart of a breathtaking necropolis—something else is waiting for Sam Conklin and his exploratory party. A thing created by Man, yet not humanly possible. Something wondrous . . . something terrifying.