Finished at Last!

Tonight I finished reading the 12th book, Confessor, in the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind.. This is a series that I started reading back in the mid-90s, and so it has been a part of my life for the past 12-13 years!

The final book was a joy to read and finished the series beautifully. At its core, this series is a love story between two people and they end in a good place. Layered on top of that story is all the magic, fantasy, philosophy, epic wars, and political intrigue that you can ask for. And, just excellent characterization: you grow to love the core group of characters.

Memories of the Series:

I love how the events of book two of the series start just minutes after the events of the first book. The main character literally has no time to celebrate the victory he achieves at the end of book one. Within minutes of his triumph, his back is against the wall and he's fighting for his life!

The end of book six, Faith of the Fallen, was so good, I remember not being able to sit while reading it. Instead, I had to get up and walk off the excitement as I made my way to the end of the book.

I've always loved the character of Shota, the witch woman. Her last scene in the final book was an excellent example of all that is great about her. I hope that Goodkind eventually writes a book in which Shota is the main character. I'd like to know more about her.

Finally, I love the banter that Goodkind writes between Richard, Cara, Zedd, and others. Goodkind says that his goal of writing these books is to document what he finds good about life and its good to see humor and laughter take a prominent position in that portrayal.

Recommendation:

If you haven't read the Sword of Truth series, read it. You've got 12 excellent books waiting for you!

No Such Thing as "The Little Guy"

I give up, its impossible to "help the little guy" and stick it to "the man". Case in point: Buying organic doesn't help the little companies that practice organic growing techniques, because these companies are so small that they are simply snapped up by the big boys. Clink the link above to see well known organic companies in the USA that are owned by much bigger players who certainly do not practice the organic approach to producing food across their entire product lines.

Oh well.

Ken

TSA Keeps Up Excellent Work: Endangers the Life of a Child!

The TSA has sunk to new lows, this time endangering the life of a child.

Way to go! I'm so happy we have the TSA working so hard to keep us all so safe.

Not.

Ken