Book Review: Breathless

Picture by Chocolate Geek

Puzzle and Riddle. There two enchanting creatures are the main reason why I liked this book. As a huge Dean Koontz fan, this was the latest book on my list. I am continually intrigued and captivated by the ideas and characters Koontz presents.

Breathless will leave you just that – holding your breath in anticipation of the next chapter, the next unique synchronous event to boggle your mind and stretch your imagination farther than it’s gone before. Although it may be a bit disjointed and rambling at times, if you love to stretch your brain into areas of the unknown and unusual, this story will deliver. Chaos theory, evolution, and glow-in-the dark pigs await.

His love and adoration for the canine species pops up again with Merlin, a gentle and good-natured Irish wolfhound, who with his master Grady Adams discover an unusual pair of animals unlike anything seen before. The playfulness, beauty and features of Puzzle and Riddle will captivate you and have you pondering the beauty and variety of life on planet Earth.

Grady requests the help of veterinarian Dr. Camillia Rivers to identify these eccentric creatures. Meanwhile synchronicity brings seemingly unrelated events together. In Las Vegas the casinos are visited by a card counter of a most unusual nature. Dr. Lamar Woolsey, mathematician and physics professor uses his knowledge of cards to give great gifts. A disfigured vagrant begins a strange journey into the unknown, following signs only he can see. Violent psychopath Henry Rouvroy hunts down his identical twin to steal his identity. Elsewhere a law-breaking lawyer sets up the murder of his own family.

With his fast paced story telling, Koontz reveals intriguing characters bit by bit. They can be both innocently charming and hideously evil. He weaves together story lines and characters so vastly different and divergent you are left contemplating their connection with each other and the unpredictability of life.

While this may not have been Koontz’s best work, it was none the less an interesting and enjoyable read. Unlike many authors, Koontz leaves you with unanswered questions, things for you to ponder and think about. And that is what I love best about Dean Koontz – how he makes you think.

Fun with trees.

Treehouse from below Uploaded on September 5, 2004 by D'Arcy Norman

As I watch the last of the trees lose their leaves this fall, I think about how I’ve always loved the beauty and majesty of trees. When I was little I used to climb like a monkey (and I hardly ever fell – luckily). I vividly remember climbing to the top of a really tall pine in the woods by my home. From there you could see past our neighborhood and the next one, all the way out to the highway. I felt like a queen surveying her kingdom.

Who doesn’t enjoy a shady tree on a hot day, a delicious apple or pear or the fireworks of color during autumn? So I’d like to share how much fun trees add to our life everyday.

1. Designer trees. We can clip, shape and grow our trees in an infinite number of sizes, designs and colors. Check out some wonderful ideas here.
2. Tire swing. How many of us had a tree swing of some kind when we were little? Doesn’t just the thought of it make you smile?
3. Hammock. Sunday afternoons wouldn’t be the same without a trusty tree or two to shelter us and provide a strong foundation to hold us up while we read, nap or daydream in comfort.
4. Wood floors and banisters. Okay I bet right now you’re thinking how much you’d love to go home, take off your shoes and slip across the freshly waxed floor, or slid down the banister. I’m smiling right now as I remember how many times I did it as a kid.
5. Leaf piles. Raking might be a boring job, but jumping into a soft pile of leaves is worth the effort! Hide and scare the dog (or your brother), or stuff some orange plastic bags to make giant leaf-filled pumpkins.
6. Tree house. Oh how I want one of my own! I love seeing the designer tree houses on TV. There’s something about being up high, hidden among the leaves that is like having your own personal sanctuary.
7. Rocking chairs. Mmmm, just thinking about that makes me want to sit down and take a load off. That rocking motion is so soothing – just ask any baby!

Well, that’s all I can think of off the top of my head. I’m sure there are a million other fun uses for trees. So next time you pass one, stop for a second and send a silent bit of thanks for the wonder and beauty of that ordinary tree.