JLMason
Ottawa Public Library
JLMason's Completed Shelf
Filter your results by...
The Bullet That MissedThe Bullet That Missed, Website or Online Data
by Osman, RichardWebsite or Online Data - 2022Website or Online Data, 2022
Added Jan 18, 2023
JLMason's rating:
Added Jan 13, 2023
JLMason's rating:
Added Jan 12, 2023
Comment:
The dry, deadpan humour, twisty plot, and warm friendships continue to delight and entertain in this third book of the series.
JLMason's rating:
Added Jan 03, 2023
Comment:
The avatars of New York City and its boroughs are back: bad ass, sassy, and a tinge neurotic as they battle human and alien forces bent on destroying the city, the Earth, and our universe. Love these characters! Unfortunately this is the second of a duology that was originally intended to be a trilogy. However, Jemison cleverly leaves the door open at the end for an epic battle with, well, another broad-shouldered, upstart metropolis. I hope she reconsiders!The avatars of New York City and its boroughs are back: bad ass, sassy, and a tinge neurotic as they battle human and alien forces bent on destroying the city, the Earth, and our universe. Love these characters! Unfortunately this is the second…
How Great Science Fiction WorksHow Great Science Fiction Works, DVD
DVD - 2016DVD, 2016
JLMason's rating:
Added Dec 30, 2022
Comment:
This course is an overview of science fiction from Mary Shelley, Jules Verne, and H.G. Welles to China Mieville, Nnedi Okorafor, and yes, Margaret Atwood, in the twenty-first century. Over the last 100 years science fiction has evolved and matured. Authors and themes are global and more diverse. The genre deserves to be recognized for its literary value and its ability to explore the human condition and philosophical questions using what-if scenarios. The overview of authors provides a source for years of new reading material. (For OPL users: stream the course through Kanopy. It's free and you don't have to wait for a DVD.)This course is an overview of science fiction from Mary Shelley, Jules Verne, and H.G. Welles to China Mieville, Nnedi Okorafor, and yes, Margaret Atwood, in the twenty-first century. Over the last 100 years science fiction has evolved and matured.…
The Best of Connie WillisThe Best of Connie Willis, BookAward-winning Stories
by Willis, ConnieBook - 2013Book, 2013
JLMason's rating:
Added Dec 28, 2022
Comment:
Connie Willis' impish sense of humour, interest in history, and wide-ranging imagination are in evidence in these mainly very long "short" stories of science fiction and fantasy.
The Banshees of InisherinThe Banshees of Inisherin, DVD
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
JLMason's rating:
Added Dec 25, 2022
Comment:
The Irish Civil War may be a distant backdrop, but the relationship between the two men is a parable about its absurdity. Irishman fights Irishman causing needless self-inflicted harm. The donkey - an ass - is particularly symbolic. Like many well-told stories, its message stays with you.The Irish Civil War may be a distant backdrop, but the relationship between the two men is a parable about its absurdity. Irishman fights Irishman causing needless self-inflicted harm. The donkey - an ass - is particularly symbolic. Like many…
JLMason's rating:
Added Dec 20, 2022
Comment:
The SciFi marine biology story is just the backdrop to a short book about a relationship, examined in intimate detail, through two womens' first person accounts. Perhaps the slow transformation that occurs is a metaphor for the gradual metamorphosis of a relationship over time, one that ends in letting go of someone no longer found compatible, an amorphous organism slipping through the fingers. Or maybe I missed the point of it all entirely, because the more interesting narration was about what happened under water and no satisfying answers were provided!The SciFi marine biology story is just the backdrop to a short book about a relationship, examined in intimate detail, through two womens' first person accounts. Perhaps the slow transformation that occurs is a metaphor for the gradual…
DogDog, DVD
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
JLMason's rating:
Added Dec 18, 2022
Comment:
It stars a dog (yay!). And Channing Tatum (bonus!). Two damaged war veterans are on a road trip. Yeah it's a cliché. But this movie is quite funny. The scenes in and around Portland are particularly humorous. And it's got heart. If you're not choking up in the funeral scene, you're not human. Seek!It stars a dog (yay!). And Channing Tatum (bonus!). Two damaged war veterans are on a road trip. Yeah it's a cliché. But this movie is quite funny. The scenes in and around Portland are particularly humorous. And it's got heart. If you're not…
JLMason's rating:
Added Dec 17, 2022
Comment:
Although the mass-murders were far-fetched and a few of the plot devices were a bit contrived, this was a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down mystery set in Edinburgh. The over-the-top mayhem and the elaborate deviancy of the crimes reminded me of Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole series.Although the mass-murders were far-fetched and a few of the plot devices were a bit contrived, this was a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down mystery set in Edinburgh. The over-the-top mayhem and the elaborate deviancy of the crimes reminded me of Jo…
Davos ManDavos Man, BookHow the Billionaires Devoured the World
by Goodman, Peter S.Book - 2022Book, 2022
JLMason's rating:
Added Dec 16, 2022
Comment:
The sensationalist and snarky tabloid tone of Davos Man was disappointing coming from a NY Times journalist. Frankly it undermined the book's credibility. Nevertheless it does provide an alternative perspective on how the wealthy wielded globalism to their own advantage, which ultimately gave rise to a backlash in the form of populism. Goodman demonstrates his thesis by highlighting the individual actions of key global power players, including successfully lobbying for tax cuts that caused underfunding of social safety nets and health care, looting pension plans, and exploiting the pandemic. Collectively, the profiles make a pretty powerful story.The sensationalist and snarky tabloid tone of Davos Man was disappointing coming from a NY Times journalist. Frankly it undermined the book's credibility. Nevertheless it does provide an alternative perspective on how the wealthy wielded globalism…
JLMason's rating:
Added Dec 15, 2022
Comment:
The writing is above par for a spy thriller. The book provides seemingly well-informed insight into the uneasy relationship between Cubans and Americans at Guantanamo, the claustrophobic atmosphere at the base, inter-agency rivalry, and the interrogation techniques used there following 9/11.The writing is above par for a spy thriller. The book provides seemingly well-informed insight into the uneasy relationship between Cubans and Americans at Guantanamo, the claustrophobic atmosphere at the base, inter-agency rivalry, and the…
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRueThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Website or Online Data
by Schwab, VictoriaWebsite or Online Data - 2020Website or Online Data, 2020
JLMason's rating:
Added Dec 04, 2022
Comment:
Three things stand out in this engrossing fantasy novel: how we are remembered within our community of family, friends, and even new acquaintances defines us; the evolving duel of wills between Addie and the Darkness; and the unconventional, but very satisfying ending.Three things stand out in this engrossing fantasy novel: how we are remembered within our community of family, friends, and even new acquaintances defines us; the evolving duel of wills between Addie and the Darkness; and the unconventional, but…
Rare exportsRare exports, Streaming Videofrom the land of the original Santa Claus
Streaming Video - 2010 | FinnishStreaming Video, 2010. Language: Finnish
JLMason's rating:
Added Dec 03, 2022
Comment:
If you're looking for a different type of Christmas movie and enjoy dark, nordic humour, Rare Exports may fit the bill. In the far north of Finland near the Russian border where people live off the land, an intelligent young boy struggles to fit in with the macho culture. But like many heroes he is underestimated! Some scenes may be a bit too gruesome for young children, which is too bad.If you're looking for a different type of Christmas movie and enjoy dark, nordic humour, Rare Exports may fit the bill. In the far north of Finland near the Russian border where people live off the land, an intelligent young boy struggles to fit in…
JLMason's rating:
Added Nov 28, 2022
Comment:
A short psychological thriller told from four third-person perspectives with a weak, unsatisfying, and abrupt ending.
JLMason's rating:
Added Nov 26, 2022
The Hidden Kingdom of FungiThe Hidden Kingdom of Fungi, BookExploring the Microscopic World in Our Forests, Homes, and Bodies
by Seifert, Keith A.Book - 2022Book, 2022
JLMason's rating:
Added Nov 18, 2022
Comment:
This book is a delight! I love a science book that takes a poorly understood topic and makes you see it in a completely different way. Agriculture Canada scientist Seifert explores the world of microscopic fungi and shows us how critical they are to our health and the well-being of a living planet. He covers not only the role of fungi in forests, but also in our homes, bodies, crops, food, and future technologies. This is done with humour, analogies, and thought experiments: "What if Google Earth didn't stop a few thousand feet above your house but just kept zooming in?" We humans are symbionts of our own tissues and other microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that we can't live without. As Dr. Seifert says, "Let me introduce you to some of my friends."This book is a delight! I love a science book that takes a poorly understood topic and makes you see it in a completely different way. Agriculture Canada scientist Seifert explores the world of microscopic fungi and shows us how critical they are…
JLMason's rating:
Added Nov 17, 2022
Comment:
The Daughter of Time is a mystery classic that has held up well despite its dated tone and vernacular; one can hear the clipped, flat BBC English that characterizes the rapid fire, erudite speech in movies from the 1940's and 50's. A Scotland Yard inspector applies modern police techniques and his experience of human nature to historical evidence to exonerate Richard III of his nephews' murders and other calumny. The core of the book is that one needs to understand the motives of those who write history. History is not just about events. The personalities and motives of historical figures must be examined critically and holistically in the context of the times to determine the plausible narrative(s). The book is also a very entertaining history lesson about Edward IV, Richard III, and Henry VII. One wishes that history were taught with this type of interpretive approach.The Daughter of Time is a mystery classic that has held up well despite its dated tone and vernacular; one can hear the clipped, flat BBC English that characterizes the rapid fire, erudite speech in movies from the 1940's and 50's. A Scotland Yard…
OblivionOblivion, BookL'oubli
Book - 2013Book, 2013
JLMason's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2022
Comment:
A visually stunning movie with a few plot twists. It's a SciFi action pic with no deep message.
JLMason's rating:
Added Nov 10, 2022
Comment:
The Ink Black Heart is one of the best in the Strike and Robin series: a complex plot with many characters and their online pseudonyms, well-paced through all 1000+ electronic pages. Rowling knows how to describe just enough about routine tasks like looking for a new flat to create an intimacy between the main characters and the reader. After six books, we really know and care about Robin and Strike. The story's internet troll element is likely well-informed by Rowling's own online issues.The Ink Black Heart is one of the best in the Strike and Robin series: a complex plot with many characters and their online pseudonyms, well-paced through all 1000+ electronic pages. Rowling knows how to describe just enough about routine tasks…
BreathlessBreathless, BookThe Scientific Race to Defeat A Deadly Virus
by Quammen, DavidBook - 2022Book, 2022
JLMason's rating:
Added Nov 05, 2022
Comment:
Quammen's reputation as a knowledgeable and credible science journalist (e.g. Spillover) gave him exceptional access to the world's scientists involved in immunology research. Breathless is a detailed account of the science to understand SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) from its first known human infections to the Omicron variant. What stands out is the integrity of the scientific method as scientists work to discover the nature of the virus and incorrect conclusions are weeded out by peer review and replication experiments. Quammen also addresses the origin issue: natural origin by spillover from animals; accidental escape from a lab doing research on coronaviruses; or bio-engineered to infect humans. What is clear is that SARS-CoV-2 will not be the last virus to cause a pandemic.Quammen's reputation as a knowledgeable and credible science journalist (e.g. Spillover) gave him exceptional access to the world's scientists involved in immunology research. Breathless is a detailed account of the science to understand SARS-CoV-2…
JLMason's rating:
Added Oct 28, 2022
Comment:
A hard-to-put down police procedural set in London. It follows a formula, but is never dull. Quite the twist at the end.
Fen, Bog & SwampFen, Bog & Swamp, BookA Short History of Peatland Destruction and Its Role in the Climate Crisis
by Proulx, AnnieBook - 2022Book, 2022
JLMason's rating:
Added Oct 21, 2022
Comment:
If you want a depressing litany of damage inflicted on the planet by humanity, then the first chapter of this book is for you. Proulx's anger is palpable. The book is more interesting in the subsequent three chapters on fens, bogs, and swamps, particularly the historic information on the English fens and European bogs. Her concern and her despair about the destruction of peatlands around the world are heartfelt. But ultimately this short book is only an introduction to the value of peatlands that Proulx has researched with little firsthand knowledge or expertise. For a more in-depth treatment, read Edward Struzik's Swamplands.If you want a depressing litany of damage inflicted on the planet by humanity, then the first chapter of this book is for you. Proulx's anger is palpable. The book is more interesting in the subsequent three chapters on fens, bogs, and swamps,…
JLMason's rating:
Added Oct 16, 2022
Comment:
Meh. It was intriguing at the start, but went on way too long and was simply not plausible, particularly with the use of supernatural events to create tension.
JLMason's rating:
Added Oct 16, 2022
Comment:
These crime-themed stories, laced with sly wit and all with a twist, showcase Herron's versatility and excellence as a writer. Even the repugnant Jackson Lamb makes an appearance in one, opaque with ambiguity and betrayal. The short story with the Santas was LOL funny and spot on as a social commentary about the commercialism of Christmas.These crime-themed stories, laced with sly wit and all with a twist, showcase Herron's versatility and excellence as a writer. Even the repugnant Jackson Lamb makes an appearance in one, opaque with ambiguity and betrayal. The short story with the…
Comment: