Nonfiction oddments:
- I’m a sucker for motivational How-To books, even though what I invariably get from these ubiquitous sermons is at most a single insight or two. I’m certainly in favour of the rather obvious premise of The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything but, I’m afraid to report, this one’s a dud. Despite his guru credentials, author Ken Robinson rattles off pious descriptions, one after another, in a breathless style that prevents acceptance. Some of the many case studies are interesting but as for improving your life . . . forget it. 1 star
- Just as jocks adore sports hero books, geeks love reading about geeks. After all, we now rule the world, so we may as well figure out what we are. Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks is a wonderful journey by author Ethan Gilsdorf, a lapsed Dungeons & Dragons obsessive, through the endearing, wacky world of gamers, from those who still play the old fantasy board games to those addicted to World of Warcraft. Gamers come across as gentle, determined types – no surprise there. Gilsdorf’s connecting narrative strains credibility but his portraits are lively and vivid. A treat. 3 stars