A game of Thrones:George R.R. Martin

Never before have I professed to being a fantasy reader. After reading the first installment of Fire and Ice: A Game of Thrones; I not only only admit to being a fantasy freak, but can't shut up about it. This book has most likely cost me quite a few dates.

This book is the ultimate yummy confection of all things that make a great read for me. You've got healthy doses of treachery, oath-breaking, chivalry, love, loss,murder and enough Ser's and Lady's to make your head spin. Oh, and did I mention the blood and bone crushing that comes from mace weilding Knights and longsword swinging Lords?

You will at times find yourself skimming over all the titles and names that accompany a world of royal courts and outlaws. I also found myself rooting for borderline bad guys, and being heartbroken when the underdog doesn't always come out on top. The characterizations follow real life rules: some people are fascinating, and others are just scenery. You won't know until much later who is who.

The premise goes something like this:There are 7 kingdoms which you are introduced to in this first installment. Our most intimate knowledge is of the Lady, Lord, and Children of House Stark of Winterfell in the North with their honor bound actions and foreshadowing house motto of "Winter is Coming," They are brought into the Game of Thrones as the King of their realm bestows the honor and duty of royal service on Lord Stark. Foes and treachery come out of the woodwork as the great houses vie for the throne and protect the kingdom from the otherworldly creatures beyond the great wall. It's a great ride, and I could spend a few thousand words in summary.

I found this book to have wonderful characterizations, a compelling story, and writing that is worthy of at least a high school level.

After I turned the last page, I immediately went to the bookstore and bought the rest of the books in the series if that is any indication of my grading.

835 PGS, 7.99

Kessler's new book

And by the way, David Kessler has a new book out.... this one is on food. Also topical, President Obama today signed legislation giving the FDA some regulatory rights over the tobacco industry. The story is not yet over.

Who's Afraid of Marie Curie?

Subtitled: The Challenges Facing Women in Science and Technology, by Linley Erin Hall

The majority of Hall's book is spent focusing on women in Post Doc/graduate programs in the "hard" sciences (physics, chemistry, engineering) and covers their struggles to prevail in an area that is often not suited for them for various reasons, ranging from innate differences in how men and women learn, to "good ol' boys club" to work/life balance with children and overt sexism. She also covers other sciences (biology, computer science, social sciences), undergraduate programs, and emerging areas such as biotechnology. She interviews women and seeks to understand why they succeed, or why they leave the sciences to pursue other interests.

I found this book to be a fast and interesting read. It is not too "in your face", as it seeks to understand all sides of the story. The last chapters are on how to encourage women to go into science. In 8th grade, I attended a "women in math and science" day at my future university, UC Irvine, and decided on the spot that I would attend that university, so I can speak to the importance of programs such as these, and mentors to go along with them. Having a science degree from a med-school focused university and a career in biotechnology, I found all too often, things that I could relate to in the book... and many were very positive.

Lisa Trent