Green by Ted Deker

The first book I ever read by Ted Dekker was Black - the first book in his circle trilogy and, even more so, the beginning of a unique universe where the future mingles with the past and where evil and goodness meet.

When I discovered that Dekker would be writing a fourth book directly related to the Circle Trilogy, I was anxious for its release. The ending to White (the last in the trilogy) was a satisfying conclusion, but at the same time I was left wanting more. Along the way, Deker dropped hints in his other books suggesting that life went on for Thomas Hunter, the book's protagonist. Green did not totally disappoint.

The story starts off slow in my opinion. However, Dekker states that all of his books can be read in any order. When one considers that this may be the first book one reads of Thomas Hunter, then I suppose the start does a nice job of presenting characters and back story. For those already immersed in the history, it may not get off to the quick start you're hoping for.

The story is full of the actions sequences and world (or is it time) hopping that were staples in the previous novels. Dekker also does a nice job of answering questions that we left hanging at the conclusion of White. What became of both the worlds? Did Justin ever return? What became of the Forest Guard and their battle against the Horde? In which world did Thomas really belong?

I know many people who were on the fence about this book and I can understand why. While this book is well written and full of that Dekker-esque mystery, it just lacked something. As I mentioned, I've found that those who have already been through the trilogy as well as the other related books (Showdown, House, Skin, The Lost Books, Sinner, Saint, etc) did not enjoy this book as much as the others. The ending, while great and something I definitely didn't see coming, left something to be desired. Especially when compared to White's conclusion - there were questions yes...but it really stemmed from a desire of wanting the story to continue. I believe if I had read Green before any of the other books, I would have felt differently.

I'd rate this book 3/5 for returning Circle fans and 4/5 for newcomers.

The Austin Daytripper

A friend of mine from Port Neches-Groves High School has created and hosts this great show which will be featured on PBS soon. You can watch the pilot at this site though:


http://www.theaustindaytripper.com/PILOT.html

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Great Giveaway Ends Saturday!

Sister blog "If You Think Round is Funny..." is having a great giveaway! Three wonderful prizes (that would be great for Mother's Day) are being given away, and all you have to do is go to her aunt's site who made the prizes and then comment on "If You Think Round is Funny" about her aunt's site and which prize you hope to win! It's just that easy!


Prizes include beautiful earrings, a bookmark and a bracelet. Each of these was hand made by her aunt and are really beautiful.


So what are you waiting for? Hope on over by clicking on this link:
If You Think Round is Funny...

On Everyone's Christmas List?

I am not sure if this has been done before when other president's have taken the oath of office (guessing it hasn't) but this item is too good to pass up. I fully intend to buy all my family and friends this "historic" plate for the next gift giving occassion! Hey, it is better than the Obama Thong (not joking, Google it)!

Friday Night Lights Season 3

I just wanted to type up a quick reminder that season 3 of Friday Night Lights officially returns to NBC tomorrow night (Jan. 16th) at 9/8c!


The show was able to come back this year thanks to the powers that be at Direct TV. They offered to shoulder a portion of the productions costs (because obviously NBC is poor) in order to get season 3 out. As a result, an exclusive Direct TV channel has already aired season 3. I am about to watch the final episode, but can tell you that is has been a fantastic season. Probably my favorite out of all three.


Last year ended abruptly thanks to the writer's strike. There were many unresolved story lines as a result. The first episode will quickly clean those up (for the most part) and quickly get rolling with what I found to be more engaging stories. So if you've never seen an episode, you'll be able to keep up well enough.


So be sure to check out Friday Night Lights on NBC tomorrow! You are missing out if you don't.

Divisional Playoffs

Just some quick picks for this weekends NFL action:


Saturday's games:
Titans over Ravens (in a close, defensive battle)

Cardinals over Panthers...upset special. Much like the two teams I will talk about in a moment, the Cards have momentum working for them in many forms. First they wrap up the NFC West and then played horribly. Everyone wrote them off quickly (me included). So they wanted to win to prove everyone wrong, which they did last week. Add last week's big win to the momentum and the Cards are a team to be reckoned with. I'd like the Panthers to win, but if the Cards can pull it off then why not. Plus their QB (Warner) is down with J.C.


Sunday can go either way. The home teams should win, but I wouldn't be suprised if the visitors pulled upsets. Kinda like the Cardinals, both the Chargers and Eagles ended their seasons on a hot streak. The Giants lost their top receiver (to prison) and had issues getting it back together - though they had a huge win over the Panthers in week 17. The Steelers/Chargers game might be good. Both teams have late injuries. The Chargers are all offense while the Steelers are gritty on defense.


Sunday's games:
Giants over Eagles (just can't give the Eagles the win)

Steelers over Chargers (A good defense usually beats a good offense. If the Steelers QB isn't in top form though the Chargers have a shot)