Book Review: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King

Book on CD

I had seen the movie a few times already but knew that Stephen King writes great books for listening and reading.  When I saw that Frank Muller is the narrator I had to listen to it if for no other reason than to see what differences there might be between the movie and the book, and yes there are differences.

This is a great story and with excellent narration it is in some ways better than the movie.  If you haven't seen the movie I'd try the book on CD first to really appreciate the detail that is often left out of the movie version.

Not that my rating matters in the case of such a well known and popular story, but I give it five stars. It has all the elements of a great story that include injustice, treachery, friendship, and redemption among many other aspects of life that add to a story.

Try it and I think you'll love it.  Muller is one of my go to narrators because of his perfect tone that never gets in the way of the story.

***** Five Stars - The Highest Rating

Book Review: Leonard by William Shatner with David Fisher

I listened to this book on CD over the course of a few days.  If you are a Star Trek fan as I am then it is a mandatory book to read or listen to.  Since it is narrated by William Shatner I suggest going for the CD version and enjoy his great voice and personal approach in describing his friendship with Leonard Nimoy, the actor who played Spock on the original TV series Star Trek.

Browsing through the library audio books section I recognized the names and photos immediately and my interest was piqued.  I borrowed it and proceeded to enjoy listening to the background of the TV series along with the beginning careers of both Nimoy and Shatner.

I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I was saddened at the end to learn that Nimoy suffered from COPD and also had stopped communication with Shatner.  Such things happen among friends when one suffers a debilitating disease and possibly loses clarity or has psychological challenges as a result of an illness.  I have seen it among my own friends and family.  Despite that cautionary note of sadness I'll say that anything you can learn about the amazing actors and the classic series is a positive experience.  Read it or listen to it, but no matter what you'll enjoy it.  Thanks to William Shatner for writing this book and sharing these stories.

***** 5 stars - Highly Recommend - Especially if you are a Star Trek Fan.


Leonard

Book Review: The Art of the Sonnet by Burt and Mimics

Review - The Art of the Sonnet by Burt and Mimics , 2010

This is a well done book for anyone interested in the history of sonnets and some well examined and explained analysis of some well known sonnets as well as many not known among your average poetry reader.  

I highly recommend it.  It is expensive so it’s a good idea to try your library to find a copy.  That’s how I found this one.  It is an enjoyable read over the course of weeks as you take time here and there to read another of the sonnets and the accompanying review.

Highly Recommend  ****** 5 stars

Free Tennis Book Promotion Today on Amazon

I'm running another free promotion today for my recently published book called Tennis Basics.

If you're taking an introductory tennis class this is a good companion for review.

Free Book Today September 14th.

Please take advantage of it and let me know what you think by making a comment here on my blog or posting a review on Amazon.

Thank You,
Brent

Education: The importance of learning vs getting a degree

Why College?

This video by a professor gives a great insight on what type of education you choose for yourself.  I am a strong believer in the community college model combined with learning on the job or as an apprentice.

The military also is a great way to get your training.

As someone who taught Physical Education Classes in Tennis for a decade at a community college I was very impressed by the quality of teaching there compared to the high cost University Systems.  Online college seems to be just a way to get a credential.  I also found many of the students at community college to be at a formative stage of learning the importance of showing up and actually doing work.  Many had yet to learn that.

If you are about to embark on college education I'd look at the cost versus gain for the particular area you want to learn.

Free Tennis Book Today on Amazon

Tennis Basics:  Learning the Sport

I just published this book on Amazon and decided to run a free promotion on Labor.  Grab a free copy if you'd like one.  Please post a review if you read the book and like it.

Exercise: Sitting a big risk for heart

Sitting is a big risk according to a new study.

It specifies prolonged so how about getting up and moving around regularly.  Take up Tennis, walking, or some other exercise that gives you regular time on your feet.

Even standing up while working on your computer may have some benefits relative to just sitting down.