Good Read – A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

A Game of Thrones
by George R.R. Martin

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Product Description:

Here is the first volume in George R. R. Martin’s magnificent cycle of novels that includes A Clash of Kings and A Storm of Swords. As a whole, this series comprises a genuine masterpiece of modern fantasy, bringing together the best the genre has to offer. Magic, mystery, intrigue, romance, and adventure fill these pages and transport us to a world unlike any we have ever experienced. Already hailed as a classic, George R. R. Martin’s stunning series is destined to stand as one of the great achievements of imaginative fiction.

 

Tracy Ross says:

In 2005 Time magazine famously called George R.R. Martin “the American Tolkien” based on his A Song of Ice and Fire series.  After one reads A Game of Thrones, it’s clear that Martin deserves at least that much praise.  Tolkien’s chief talent as a writer was his ability to build worlds.  Martin shares Tolkien’s talent for creating an expansive world that his readers can and will get lost in.  However, whereas Tolkien’s characters were quite clearly good or evil, Martin’s occupy the rather large grey area that exists between the two extremes.  As you read this book, you’ll be transported to the world of Westeros, where the seasons last years rather than months, and powerful families wrestle for control of a great iron throne made from the melted swords of the conquered enemies of a long-dead king.  Martin does not treat his characters well.  There’s plenty of incest, rape, betrayal and murder to be found in Westeros, but also a surprising amount of honor, courage and duty.  In short, the characters in A Game of Thrones talk and act like real human beings.  Characters commit horrible acts out of self-interest and self-preservation rather than to fulfill some grand evil plot.  Finally, don’t assume that your favorite characters will be around at the end of this series.  Martin has consistently shown the willingness to kill any character at any time if it advances the greater story.  And what a story it is; once you start reading A Game of Thrones, your biggest challenge will be putting it down long enough to work and sleep.

Check out our Good Reads page for more recommended books.

Datebook: August 3 – Jungfrau climbed 200 years ago

The Jungfrau is one of the main summits in the Bernese Alps, situated between the cantons of Valais and Bern in Switzerland. Together with the Eiger and Mönch, the Jungfrau forms a massive wall overlooking the Bernese Oberland and is considered one of the most emblematic sights of the Swiss Alps. The summit was first reached on August 3, 1811 by the Meyer brothers of Aarau and two chamois hunters from Valais. The ascent followed a long expedition over the glaciers and high passes of the Bernese Alps.

It’s Wednesday, August 3

Saturday brings the “Bomber Back to School Bash” to Ballard County. Along with academic activities, a health and resource fair at Ballard Memorial High School Gym in Barlow goes from 8:30 a.m. to Noon, at which the Purchase District Health Department offers required immunizations for entering 6th graders, and parents and students can meet with post-secondary schools and prospective employers.

Reed Conder Gymnasium at Marshall County High in Draffenville opens its doors at 5 p.m. Saturday for the 37th annual CFSB Watermelon bust featuring two thousand pounds of cold watermelon, kids games and photos with SpongeBob and Elmo. At 5:45 a concert begins featuring three southern gospel groups. It’s all free.

The Hummingbird Festival is back at LBL’s Nature Station this weekend, while migration is at its peak. There are hummingbird programs from 9 to 4 Saturday and 10 to 4 Sunday. There’s a $20 per person Dinner with the Hummingbirds Friday at 6 for which reservations are needed. Call 270-924-2020.

See more activities at wkms.org. Thanks for listening.

the morning cram [America’s greatest athlete edition]

Jim Thorpe is arguably the greatest American athlete to ever live, and battle is ensuing over his long-buried remains.

NPR reports the body of Jim Thorpe is buried at the Carlisle Indian School, but some do not feel his gravesite receives the respect it deserves.

Kentucky~ Paducah has plans to for a new downtown hotel. An environmental group wants the Gov’s help with rare birds. Gov Beshear is in a place even hotter than here, Iraq. The Board of Education is reviewing an overhaul. The state has a new way to calculate graduation rates.

Illinois~ The Honeywell agreement is in (well that didn’t take very long).