Children of Men

Children of Men is billed as an exciting thriller and a look at a possible future. Instead I found it depressing and boring. I nearly gave up on it half way through. I admit, I picked up this book because the movie did look exciting - perhaps with some re-writing.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part develops the background of the main character and sets up the story. The first part takes up over half the book. It is the most boring part of the book and the reason I nearly gave up on it. It drags at a snails pace. And when the worst happens to humanity, people turn into the worst of humanity. People all of sudden give up their freedoms and hopes and begin to participate in mass, organized, suicide - the most depressing part of the story.

The second part of the book finally picks up speed and interest. I don't quite get the love angle that is introduced. It makes no sense, IMO. The main character and scooby group experience violence as they flee from authorities. Frankly, I didn't get the second half of the book either. It speeds along, assigning actions and events to people randomly.

The story has so much potential. But why does tragedy have to bring out the worst in people every stinking time. Please, somebody write a futuristic story that brings some HOPE. This story ends with pseudo-hope, but I doubt the altruistic motivations of the main character. Is he really any better than the evil ruler of Britain?

Book Rating: 2 1/2 stars

Up next: Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns

Don't Worry, Make Money

I read a lot of business related books. Some are better than others, but they all repeat the same information. Don't Worry, Make Money by Richard Carlson takes a completely different approach. Dr. Carlson is a motivational speaker and small business owner. Even though his business is about motivating people, he still has to deal with the every day, mundane details a business requires. Gaining new clients, balancing the books, developing new ideas. Anyone in business can relate.

It is the daily worries about starting or running a business that Dr. Carlson tries to help with. This book is divided up into about 100 small mini-ideas. If you need a quick boost, you can read a quick one page idea about how to worry less and focus on the task at hand. Read two or three chapters in about five minutes and feel good for the rest of the day.

Because of the style of the book, I have yet to finish it. I am still only on Chapter 34 after a month. It is not the kind of book that you can sit and absorb in a short time. Instead, I will list this as one of my business must-have books (someday).

Book Rating: 5 Stars


Up next: Children of Men by P. D. James.