THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO by Stieg Larsson

Stieg Larsson, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Translation by Reig Keeland (Random House, 2008).

Available in hardback, paperback, large print, Kindle, Nook, and Audiobook.

(THRILLER)

Reviewed by Kevin Penrod

I recently went to theater to see the American film adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, after which I proceeded to the store and picked up the first 2 books in the series (they didn’t have the third one that day). Anyway, this isn’t a movie review; it is a book review, so here I go, my fellow book nerds.

This was the most interesting reading experience I have had in a very long time. This is an original story about the mysterious disappearance of a girl 40 years ago. Her uncle hires Mikael Blomkvist who, in need of help, goes to Lisbeth Salander. They join forces for a strange dark and mysterious journey while trying to solve the mystery.  Meanwhile also living amongst the family of whom one or more might be behind it all. This story takes place in Sweden and is a beautifully written masterpiece. It really held on to me mercilessly with every word. This book and its two sequels were written by the highly talented Stieg Larsson. 

CIVIL WAR by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

(GRAPHIC NOVEL)

Civil War 1-7. written by Mark Millar and drawn by Steve McNiven (New York: Marvel Comics, 2010).

Reviewed by Kevin Penrod

This is by far one of my favorite comic books. It’s about all our favorite super heroes from Marvel getting split down the middle and going at it with each other. It starts out with a reality show staring some semi-unknown trying to get their ratings up so they go after a team of very powerful super villains. In the battle there is a huge explosion which causes the death of a lot of innocent civilians including a few children. In the aftermath the government passes the super hero registration act which calls for all masked heroes to make their identities known and register with the government. For some this seems like a good idea, especially with Tony Stark (Iron Man) heading the idea. When it is passed there are a few heroes who go underground because they oppose it. Leading this team is Captain America who was against it from the start. With constant action and a great story to go along with it, Civil War is a comic I recommend to any Marvel fan.

COURAGEOUS by Randy Alcorn

(NOVEL)

 

Courageous by Randy Alcorn (Tyndale House, 2011).

Also available on Kindle and as an audiobook.

Reviewed by Kevin Penrod, Jr.

Randy Alcorn based this book on the screen play written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick. The story focuses around a group of men who are police officers and one who is having trouble with finding work. This book deals with their struggles as officers, husbands and fathers and keeping God at the center of their lives. They all have their own struggles throughout this book and somehow learn to overcome them.

I highly recommend this book. Is you are looking for a book that has everything: action, comedy, sadness, and a guest appearance from the Carpenter-King himself, this is the book for you. I recommend the book over the movie because there is a lot more to it. The book includes subplots, characters, and back story not in the movie. A very powerful inspirational read.

THE SPINAL PERCEPTION by Joshua S. Porter

(NOVEL)

The Spinal Cord Perception by Joshua S. Porter (Aardvark Global Publishing. 2006).

Reviewed by Kevin A. Penrod, Jr.

This is a book that I have read numerous times and have never gotten tired of. It’s excellently written. It is a novel made up of interweaving stories from the narrator’s past experiences. David Rivers, a substitute teacher, loses his teaching license after an incident in an elementary school when he brings a monster to class. The monster, the Llapasllaly, traumatizes the students. David then moves to California where he starts suffering from hallucinations involving a co-worker turning into a giant lizard, a giant talking fly, and more. After an accident occurs, he moves back to Georgia and gets his teaching license back. The Llapasllaly returns and his life is forever changed. This is the debut novel from Josh Porter who is also known by his stage name for the band Showbread, Josh Dies. It is an amazing dark and tragic love story with a great message hidden in its pages. Every word paints a picture of what is happening to this character. The novel is overflowing with imagination and genius in every chapter. The author had great insight on everything he wrote about in this novel. Due to some very graphic content, I wouldn’t recommend it to younger readers. But I highly recommend it to everyone else.


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