Sword of Truth Series, by Terry Goodkind

Once again, I'm in over my head.  I picked up the first book in this series The Wizard's First Rule, as a special offer in my Audible subscription.  I'm now through the second book, Stone of Tears, and beginning the third, Blood of the Fold.  All are the story of Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell as they pursue adventures through political intrigues, magic, wizardry, and evil plots generally devised by demented wizards or witches (Sisters of the Light or Sisters of the Dark usually).  I am primarily listening to the series through audio book versions.  They are good companions on my walks and while I garden.

I was a bit dismayed to find out that reviewers see Goodkind as a follower of Ayn Rand and a believer in Objectivism.  (I have to go back and reread Anthem, by Rand.   I read it in the 70's. It now appears to be a seminal work in the thinking of conservative Christian politicians.)  Since I learned of the connection I listen to the books with a close eye on the philosophical premises underlying with Wizard's Rules (each book explores one of the rules).  I'm on the third rule now--Passions Rule, For Better or Worse.  Since I am studying Buddhism and the works of Thich Nhat Hanh I am experiencing some cognitive dissonance.  I expect Nhat Hanh would guide me to watering more peaceful/serene seeds in my store rather than filling my mind and ears with this violence. 

I enjoy the action and adventure.  However, these books are definitely fantasy.  There is a great deal of sadomasochistic sex in the first book and other detailed sexual or violent content throughout the series.  I would not suggest it for those with conservative sexual values or those disturbed by physical violence. 

Peak, by Roland Smith

Everest! What would lead a 14-year-old to Everest by surprise? Smith's story follows Peak Marcello, the son of two "rock rats" from his illegal skyscraper climbing in New York City to Everest. Most of the story is about the attempt at Everest, but there are also several other story lines with in the book including: political relations between China and Nepal, the relationships of climbers and sherpas, family dynamics, sensationalism in the news business and coming of age.

Smith always tells a good story and this one is particularly strong. It kept me up well past my bed-time to finish reading and I had trouble sleeping afterward. (Or it may have just been my biorhythms--who knows.) Although I am not a rock climber I have plenty of exposure to them (my daughter works at REI and there are many climbers in the area where I live). I've also read Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer another book about the various factors around the current craze of guided trips to Everest. I believe both have significant questions about the wisdom of continuing to allow this sort of activity.

Smith's webpage is a great resource, but I am having trouble accessing its content today. I had hoped to gather some information about his research for this book. I know Smith has been around the world and experienced many of the situations (or at least nuggets of them) that he writes about. I wanted to know more about how he researched this book. I'll try his site again later. www.rolandsmith.com

This will be a great read for any

The Demon King, by Cinda Williams Chima

A student (thanks Stephanie!) recommended this to me.  I'm hooked!  In fact, I had to exert a great deal of self-discipine to drive past the library this morning.  I badly wanted to pick up the next book in the series, but have four other library books stacked up that I need to read first.  (As well as mountains of papers/projects to read.)

I figured out much of the plot as I was reading, but Chima's story telling skills got me through to the end.  I now want to know what happens next as the two main characters, Han Alister, and Raisa ana'Marianna are drawn together toward what appears to be a disastrous attempt to escape the dangers facing them.  The characters in the book are given enough depth to move this book beyond the simple popular series format into something substantial that can be read as a parallel or entry level book into more classic books.  It will appeal to readers who like the Lord of the Rings.  I would use it as a companion piece to The Odyssey.

I think I had best wait until the end of the semester to pick up the next title in the series.