Andrew Kyle Bacon
Central Arkansas Library System
Andrew Kyle Bacon's Completed Shelf
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The Screwtape LettersThe Screwtape Letters, BookWith, Screwtape Proposes A Toast
by Lewis, C. S.Book - 2001Book, 2001
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Jul 15, 2022
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Jul 15, 2022
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Jul 15, 2022
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Sep 15, 2021
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Jul 03, 2021
Comment:
One of the best children's fantasy books I've ever read, and the audiobook is narrated by Mr. Gaiman himself! Highly, highly recommend this, and I think it contains many good lessons children should learn. Terrific book.
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Jun 21, 2021
Comment:
Incredibly thrilling and satisfying, but perhaps slightly less so than the first volume? It's a tough call. All of the character work is great though and comes to a satisfying conclusion. Kept me turning the pages every time I picked it up, which is about all you can ask of any book.Incredibly thrilling and satisfying, but perhaps slightly less so than the first volume? It's a tough call. All of the character work is great though and comes to a satisfying conclusion. Kept me turning the pages every time I picked it up, which is…
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Jun 08, 2021
Comment:
Thoroughly enjoyed this book's blending of fantasy and western. King's preface/introduction is well worth the read, and the short stories within the actual book are all very engaging. And know that this is a collection of short stories. There is disappointment within because the character of the titular Gunslinger (Roland Deschain) is fairly unlikable in this book, but King sticks to his guns and foreshadows his ending well enough that it shouldn't really surprise the reader all that much. Chances are, if you don't like how the first short story plays out that you will not like the remainder of the book. I however am very excited to see how the rest of the series plays out. This is, for my money, like the Witcher books and the Fallout video games had a child set in the old west.Thoroughly enjoyed this book's blending of fantasy and western. King's preface/introduction is well worth the read, and the short stories within the actual book are all very engaging. And know that this is a collection of short stories. There is…
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Apr 21, 2021
Comment:
I'll begin by saying that I was made to read this for a college class. For the first half of the semester, we studied the inner workings of the American system of government, and for the second half we studied ways in which it has (or one day might) fail us. I've walked away from this with the belief that democracy is not only terribly fragile, but difficult to implement and oft misunderstood. We have in our country two parties derelict of their duties, putting us on the brink of democratic failure, and yet the only hope we have of healing the political divide in our nation is for those two parties to practice the unwritten rules of mutual toleration and forbearance.
These are, in turn, the "understanding that competing parties accept one another as legitimate rivals, and ... the idea that politicians should exercise restraint in deploying their institutional prerogatives" (9).
That is to say, the folk in Washington often have incredible powers granted to them by the Constitution (the President has the veto and executive order, Congress has the power of impeachment, the Senate has the ability to deny confirmation hearings), but it's important that they choose the smooth working of the system over partisan bickering: that means the President must sometimes sign laws he does not like or work with Congress instead of taking fiat action, Congress must work with the President instead of trying to paint them as a villain, and the Senate should allow the sitting President to appoint qualified people when the availability arises. Because when one branch of government decides to play hardball and flex its muscles, it can begin a tit-for-tat back and forth that ends with a political gridlock at best, and the absolute end of democracy at worst.
The book lays out many instances of this happening throughout history (and recent, very recent history at that), and in countries that used nearly exact copies of the American Constitution: the point being, American exceptionalism doesn't stem from some high and lofty standard set by our Constitution (the same document has suffered democratic failure elsewhere) but from the unwritten rules our government leaders have historically chosen to follow: mutual toleration and forbearance. In truth though, and the book goes into this, folks in the streets would do well to practice those things as well, to be more tolerant of one another, to practice forbearance more; but it's unlikely this can happen without it being demonstrated first at a national level. Our government has to get its act together, and that's the main take away I have from this book.I'll begin by saying that I was made to read this for a college class. For the first half of the semester, we studied the inner workings of the American system of government, and for the second half we studied ways in which it has (or one day might)…
The Invention of Hugo CabretThe Invention of Hugo Cabret, eBookA Novel in Words and Pictures
by Selznick, BrianeBookeBook
Added Mar 18, 2021
The Tower of SwallowsThe Tower of Swallows, eBook
by Sapkowski, AndrzejeBook - 2016eBook, 2016
All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Added Mar 18, 2021
The Adventures of Tom SawyerThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer, eBook
by Twain, MarkeBook - 2010eBook, 2010
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Mar 18, 2021
Comment:
This book, more than many other books I can remember (perhaps The Mad Scientists' Club by Brinley?), can make me feel boyish. This book makes me want to go fishing, go float the Buffalo River and pretend to be a pirate, to dig for bury treasure, and to pester my wife as much as I can because she's a girl and thinks I'm a tad bit silly sometimes.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who has an adventurous spirit (whether they be boyish or not!), but note that there is some ugly language (in terms of slurs) that some young readers might need to be guided through. I don't think the book should be avoided however, and, in fact, I think it desperately needs to be read and discussed. Can beautiful works of art also contain ugly things? Can characters we enjoy reading about sometimes be hurtful? Absolutely.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, despite some signs clearly showing its age, is one of the best adventure stories I've ever read. I can't believe I managed to avoid it as a kid. I would have loved it.This book, more than many other books I can remember (perhaps The Mad Scientists' Club by Brinley?), can make me feel boyish. This book makes me want to go fishing, go float the Buffalo River and pretend to be a pirate, to dig for bury treasure, and…
Suitability
Ages 9
Simple Fly FishingSimple Fly Fishing, BookTechniques for Tenkara and Rod & Reel
by Chouinard, YvonBook - 2014Book, 2014
Added Mar 07, 2021
FrankensteinFrankenstein, BookOr, The Modern Prometheus
by Shelley, Mary WollstonecraftBook - 2003Book, 2003
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Mar 06, 2021
Comment:
The book's vocabularly is amazing, unfortunately it is...verbose. That's about the only word you can use to describe it. The characters just prattle on and on without ever saying anything, and the book's internal narrator (Dr. Frankenstein) does the same. In truth, Frankenstein is one of the most tedious books I've ever made myself read.The book's vocabularly is amazing, unfortunately it is...verbose. That's about the only word you can use to describe it. The characters just prattle on and on without ever saying anything, and the book's internal narrator (Dr. Frankenstein) does the…
Do the Right ThingDo the Right Thing, DVD
DVD - 2001DVD, 2001
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Mar 05, 2021
Comment:
Not sure how I slept on this one for so long, because it's as great as everyone says it is. I think it's a tad long in the middle, but the opening and ending are phenomenal. I am uncomfortable with the story about Rosie Perez, Spike Lee, and the ice cube scene, however. This movie is still painfully relevant today, and imagine how many more names the characters would be able to list after the death of Radio Raheem? It has to stop.Not sure how I slept on this one for so long, because it's as great as everyone says it is. I think it's a tad long in the middle, but the opening and ending are phenomenal. I am uncomfortable with the story about Rosie Perez, Spike Lee, and the ice…
The Way of KingsThe Way of Kings, BookBook One of the Stormlight Archive
by Sanderson, BrandonBook - 2010Book, 2010
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Feb 28, 2021
Comment:
If you want high fantasy, look elsewhere; if you want lite-sci-fi with fantasy tinges and trappings, then pick up The Way of Kings. Honestly, while Sanderson is normally a fantastic plotter (his books come together in satisfying ways), this book is dull, meandering, and for incredible stretches of time boring. Unfortunately, that is the worst complaint I can lodge against it: The Way of Kings is boring, and a book this long (it is VERY long) cannot stand to be boring; yet here we are!
And this doesn't even get into the characters, who veer from cardboard cutouts of Judah Ben-Hur, to Generic General, to Teenage Girl from Disney Show. And the humor so often falls flat, or is cringe inducing. Truthfully, Sanderson is writing young adult fiction through the lens of adult fiction: it's true that some of the material would be over the head of a kid, but there's nothing here inappropriate really, and whatever depth does exist in this story is so shallow you could hardly get your socks wet standing in it.
I am a big Sanderson fan. So far as I can tell, he's a great and kind man, and I appreciate him and his work. But it's not for me. I think his standing as the current, so-called, "king of fantasy" is hugely overblown. Writing fantasy is more than just writing hundreds of thousands of words and calling it a day by slapping on a satisfying ending. There has to be more, and whatever it is I'm looking for (sometimes these things are hard to quantify) is missing from this book. Go listen to Sanderson's podcast Writing Excuses, or watch his lectures on YouTube about writing fiction; heck, go read Elantris!
But, please, if you make it 100+ pages into The Way of Kings and you don't like it, think it's boring, or think it's shallow, then put it down and don't feel bad about it. Go pick up something that will excite you instead. Some folk enjoy this, and I am glad they do. It's just not for me.If you want high fantasy, look elsewhere; if you want lite-sci-fi with fantasy tinges and trappings, then pick up The Way of Kings. Honestly, while Sanderson is normally a fantastic plotter (his books come together in satisfying ways), this book is…
C.S.AC.S.A, DVDThe Confederate States of America
DVD - 2006DVD, 2006
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2021
Fly Tying and Fly Fishing for Bass and PanfishFly Tying and Fly Fishing for Bass and Panfish, Book
by Nixon, TomBook - 1968Book, 1968
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Feb 11, 2021
Comment:
I mostly use a fixed-line rod (a Japanese style of fly fishing called tenkara) when fishing for bass and bream (panfish), but this book was nonetheless fascinating, insightful, and helpful. The drawings of different fly patterns are beautiful and the author's writing is casual and none too technical. It was incredibly helpful and will be a reference work that I return to again in the future.I mostly use a fixed-line rod (a Japanese style of fly fishing called tenkara) when fishing for bass and bream (panfish), but this book was nonetheless fascinating, insightful, and helpful. The drawings of different fly patterns are beautiful and…
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Feb 11, 2021
Comment:
Fundamentally vapid and empty, written by a man who may have been a brilliant warrior and tactician but was certainly not a philosopher of any merit. Frankly, anyone who lauds this book has drank the cool-aid. Do not waste your time.
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Nov 17, 2020
Comment:
This is a phenomenal work of historical fiction. The prose is elegant, the narrative fascinating, and the presentation incredible. The entire story is written in first-person-plural, meaning the whole story is told from the collective perspective of a group of women, not an individual. These women are Japanese immigrants, coming to America as picture-brides, to marry Japanese men who work in menial labor jobs. They come to America expecting to find a land of promise and prosper, only to discover poverty, racism, and, eventually, the inside of internment camps when World War II breaks out. This book is beautiful, haunting, and sharp. So sharp that it often hurts to read. This book will break your heart and pierce your soul. The Buddha in the Attic is one of the finest works of literature I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It is also a very brisk and short book.This is a phenomenal work of historical fiction. The prose is elegant, the narrative fascinating, and the presentation incredible. The entire story is written in first-person-plural, meaning the whole story is told from the collective perspective of…
SelloutSellout, BookHow Washington Gave Away America's Technological Soul, and One Man's Fight to Bring It Home
by Bruce, VictoriaBook - 2017Book, 2017
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Aug 05, 2020
Comment:
There is a quote, often attributed to Mark Twain but which he more than likely did not say, that goes something like this: "Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it." By that same token, I offer this thought: Washington is either where smart people go to die, or dumb people go to feel important.
Victoria Bruce's wonderful book SELLOUT, is like a picture of this quote, page after page, showing how our government system is tied up in so much bureaucracy and red tape that it is impossible to do anything. Even when our own free market values show the potential of being a clear risk to our country, we allow the free market to gut us on the international stage. While we were once a powerhouse in terms of technology, we slowly allowed China to seize control and rob us of our own dignity.
At the heart of all this is a man you've never heard of: Jim Kennedy. He isn't a politician, and he isn't relatively important in the grand scheme of the world. In fact, he was a total loser and self-described "punk kid" until he decided to make something of himself just to spite his abusive father. Somehow he ended up owning a huge iron mine that couldn't be used because it contained a high concentration of thorium, and then he discovered the truth about thorium.
What if America could have, clean, safe energy, created from an abundant source which could not be easily weaponized? Sounds great, right? Well, it should be. Instead the government poured its money into uranium, and that was largely because weapons could be made from it. Fun fact: thorium yields more energy than uranium, being far more energy dense; and its waste is toxic for literally 1/10th the time of uranium waste (1000 years vs. 100 years).
And American can't do anything with thorium because of weird legislation, lobbying from oil companies, because people are scared of nuclear energy in general, and, finally, because China bought an American magnet company. That's the weird part. The weird part is how seemingly unrelated things are so intrinsically intertwined, and how the pocket book of the Chinese government is in the midst of it all. They control our ability to build technological devices, and they control our ability even to defend ourselves, and it's all because they bought a magnet company. They own patents which they didn't develop; patents developed using American dollars; and they maintain a monopoly on "rare earth elements" from mining, processing, and ultimately selling.
It's a nightmare, and Jim Kennedy (along with a team made up of lobbyists, a general, and a nuclear scientist) is largely the only guy trying to do anything about it. Yet no one listens, and at every turn he is shot down. Government offices issue false reports, lying outright about our reliance on rare earth elements, and even allow companies to do the same.
There is a thorium problem, according to Jim Kennedy, and no one wants to do anything about it.
From where I'm standing, there's a Washington problem, and no one wants to do anything about it.There is a quote, often attributed to Mark Twain but which he more than likely did not say, that goes something like this: "Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it."…
Batman and SonBatman and Son, Graphic Novel
Graphic Novel - 2014Graphic Novel, 2014
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Jul 18, 2020
Comment:
Overall a great book. I wish it had more content with Bruce and Damien interacting with one another, but otherwise everything here is a lot of fun. The book gets especially weird and trippy toward the end, which I've come to expect from a Grant Morrison book, but I love the foreshadowing here of some of Morrison's later work on Batman. There's only one dud in this collection, and that's the story where Batman visited Joker in the asylum: it's written entirely in prose with the test printed on an illustrated background, making it near impossible to read; it also has some of the worst illustration I've ever seen in any professional published book. That one issue knocks this book down a star.Overall a great book. I wish it had more content with Bruce and Damien interacting with one another, but otherwise everything here is a lot of fun. The book gets especially weird and trippy toward the end, which I've come to expect from a Grant…
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Jun 27, 2020
Comment:
This thing is pretty bleak, but it's also incredibly moving. I will definitely have to revisit this one in another translation, just to get a better feel for it.
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Jun 27, 2020
Comment:
Started this last week before a camping trip, but ended up not being able to do much reading on the trip. Finally finished it today. While I think the ending of the book is phenomenal, I thought the middle dragged a bit. Overall, super enjoyable. I love this period of speculative fiction a lot, and Wells is becoming one of my favorite authors.Started this last week before a camping trip, but ended up not being able to do much reading on the trip. Finally finished it today. While I think the ending of the book is phenomenal, I thought the middle dragged a bit. Overall, super enjoyable. I…
A Hidden LifeA Hidden Life, DVD
DVD - 2020DVD, 2020
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added Jun 27, 2020
Comment:
"If God gave us freewill, then we are responsible for what we do and what we do not do."
Malick has created one of those films; one of the films that should go down in the annals of history; one of the films everyone should see. I wish my brothers and sisters in churches would have the patience to sit through this, to see that one cannot accept the evil all around you in the name of your own safety (or nationalism, or patriotism, or any other -ism); that this is, in fact, evil itself, making you complacent with the vile wickedness of the world.
Franz Jagerstatter died a martyr's death, because he refused to take an oath of loyalty to Hitler. He saw what evil stood before him and decided that he would play no part in it; even when he was told he could serve in a hospital and that the oath was only "symbolic," that "God doesn't care what you say. Only what's in your heart," Franz stood firm.
Then when it came time for him to report to military training, he went, stood before the commanding officer, and refused to raise his hand and speak the oath.
His journey is harrowing, and Malick reveals it to us in his regular, painterly, dream-like fashion. Narrative is a greater focus here than what has existed in his more recent films (apparently, Malick has been quoted as having "repented" of making films without scripts); yet this is still a Terrence Malick film: every frame of it is a Malick film. The dreamy voice-over is here (here motivated by the many, many letters the real Franz and his wife Fani sent one another), along with the romantic undertones, only glimpsed, never actualized, making us observers into a romantic friendship between two human beings in a way only Malick can achieve.
It's also life-affirming in some way. It's like a less bleak (how, you ask? I do not know) version of Scorsese's Silence; here the silence of God is taken as a sign of his goodness, almost like a parent standing by and nodding in approval of a difficult but correct decision their child has made. Here Franz and Fani know that the difficult decision they have made is the right one; they know that some times doing the right thing is the hard thing.
I do not know if Malick intended this as a commentary upon today's world; I do not know if this film is somehow a reflection of Trump's America, a reflection of Trumpian Evangelical Christianity; all I know is, at the end of the film, all of the characters who mocked the decision Franz Jagerstatter made as cowardly, look ashamed of themselves.
"It is better to suffer injustice than to do it.""If God gave us freewill, then we are responsible for what we do and what we do not do."
Malick has created one of those films; one of the films that should go down in the annals of history; one of the films everyone should see. I wish my…
Perfect bluePerfect blue, DVD
DVD - 2000 | JapaneseDVD, 2000. Language: Japanese
Andrew Kyle Bacon's rating:
Added May 19, 2020
Comment:
One of the most terrifying and uncomfortable films I have ever seen. The blending of reality, fiction, dream, and lie is only possible (at least in this way) in the medium of animation. A brilliant film that I am not sure I will ever be able to stomach watching again.One of the most terrifying and uncomfortable films I have ever seen. The blending of reality, fiction, dream, and lie is only possible (at least in this way) in the medium of animation. A brilliant film that I am not sure I will ever be able to…
Suitability
Ages 17
Comment: