Reviews: "Airman" and "A Book of Luminous Things"

Work is keeping me busy, so it's been a while since I've posted anything, but I can't be kept away from reading and writing for long.

Airman
Eoin Colfer

Having read Colfer's entire "Artemis Fowl" series, I expected a similar style in these books. The truth is, Airman is very different novel, but one that I still thoroughly enjoyed.

The story follows Conor Broekhart, the son of the captain of the guard in the small kingdom of the Saltee Islands. Born in a hot-air balloon, from a young age he has an interest in flying and is able to be tutored by a dear friend of the king as he spends his time in the castle, falling in love with the princess at the same time. However, a tragedy occurs when the king and his tutor are killed and Conor is framed for their murders. He is transported to the prison island of Little Saltee depressed and without hope of escape. And yet, he cannot let go of his dream of flying and, years later, escapes. But will he turn turn his back on those who abandoned him in his time of need? Or will he right his name and save the kingdom from the ones who threaten it?

Some have called this book a "swashbuckling" novel, and I would agree. There's plenty of action and excitement and the books move at a quick pace. There are many interesting characters and the plot is engaging. My only complaint is that it almost moves too quickly - a part of me would have wished for less time skips and more time to get to know all these characters in depth. Instead of being told about the changes that happen in the characters, I wouldn't liked to see it more. The book is 400 pages or so, but it could have been longer.

That being said, I like the book enough for what it is that I care about the plot, the characters, and the moments left unwritten. If you enjoy a good adventure story with some romance and revenge, give this book a try. This book is children's literature, so if that's not your style, you might not enjoy it as much.

A Book of Luminous Things
Czeslaw Milosz

I was first introduced to poetry from this book when I took poetry classes at Savannah College of Art and Design. I enjoyed the poems and commentary so much that I kept the printed copies and stashed them in a poetry folder that I keep of poems that inspire me.

This book is an international poetry compilation by the famous polish poet Czeslaw Milosz. Above each poem, provides some commentary about his own insights into the poems. The poetry here is the type that's easy to get into - readable poetry. The messages or images are usually relatively clear. If I were to ever teach a poetry class, this would probably be a book I'd pull from often.

Although it says international, it isn't equally international - it definitely leans heavier on certain groups or poets than others. But I didn't care, it's still an excellent group of poetry and a collection I am happy to own. I am still inspired often by the poetry found inside these pages. What more can I ask for as a poet?

If you love poetry, read this book. That is all.