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Book Notes

The Dresden Files, book 12

I suspect I will have multiple reviews of this book before too long (where "too long" is a couple years, but not "too long" given this site is over 13 years old).

This is my second favorite Dresden book, after Dead Beat. Knowing this when I read it, I, again, tried to figure out what parts I like so much about this book. I'm unsure if I have all the reasons, but I believe Harry's vulnerability, his willingness to ask for help, the good pacing with the action, and the perfect, horrific climax are the major reasons why.

We learn of Harry's daughter in this book, no spoiler, we knew this from the ending of the previous book. Since Dresden was an orphan, being a good parent, being the parent he didn't have, would be incredibly important to Harry. Those emotions and needs we see in the book. Butcher does a good job with hiding just enough from the reader, and revealing other details, that the action pulls the reader along.

I didn't like the ending, but, well, that's to be expected, given the ending. There were following books, so I guess I'm okaaaaaaaaay with the ending now. First reading, not so much.

Of course, I recommend this book.

“Anxiety, anger, and agitation cloud the mind. That’s why the Worry Room is here.”
Page: 53

“You get yourself an apartment and your plumbing goes bad, he’ll still be there,” I said quietly. “Some guy breaks your heart, he’ll come over with ice cream. A lot of people never have a dad willing to do that stuff. Most of the time, it matters a hell of a lot more.”
Page: 101

Multnomah Falls

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Claire took us up to Multnomah Falls today. The "hike" to the view of the falls was... uh... not difficult, and minorly annoyingly occupied by... tourists. Go fig.

You Know You've Found the Right Person

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When they can dork with you just fine...

Update: Except for that part where he paid for Grace's trip to London at the same time and lied to me about meeting up with her. I had to see her photo of being in London to even catch him. Meanwhile, I was battling the boys while he was "taking time for himself." Yeah. Thanks, Jonathan, for that one.

Mount Baldy

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I wish I could remember who I was talking with when he mentioned Mount Baldy. We were talking about something or other and hiking in Southern California, Mount Wilson was likely in the conversation, too. Definitely something about the San Gabriel Mountains, and a non-zero chance we were talking about skiing in Southern California, since the mountain is the highest peak of the San Gabriel Mountains, as well as the highest point in L.A. (the county).

What I'd Put Into A Conference Bag

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Last week, Claire asked our group for conference schwag suggestions. "What would be good to receive in a conference bag?" In today's ponder time, I thought about this question.

It's such a great question. So many times I look through a conference bag and just throw away everything in it. What a waste, all of it tossed into the trash. Someone might have thought some of the items worth keeping, but one size never fits all. I shudder thinking of all those pens I tossed away, along with the stress balls and plastic things no one knows that to do with.

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