Reader’s Diary

William R. Forstchen

This is probably the most terrifying post-apocalyptic novel I’ve ever read, and believe me, I’ve read a few.   After an unknown enemy detonates electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons the residents of a small North Carolina town have to learn to survive in a world with little food, no cars, and almost no medical care.  “One Second After” is scary, plausible, and emotionally moving.  It forces the reader to think about just how dependent we are on our technology.

R. Cameron Cooke

In this sequel to “Pride Runs Deep” Cooke’s hero Jack Tremain returns to the Pacific in command of the submarine Whitefin.  He defies orders to hunt – Ahab-like – the Japanese destroyer that sunk his earlier command.  It’s a solid historical techno-thriller but unfortunately the character development that distinguished its predecessor takes a back seat to somewhat implausible action as Tremain finds himself fighting ashore with guerrillas in the Philippines.

Stephen Johnson

This in-depth book provides a real understanding of how digital photography works.  It’s a sharp contrast to the seemingly endless numbers of superficial “tips and tricks” books on the subject and is the digital equivalent Ansel Adams’ “Basic Photo Series”.  Johnson ends with essays on ethics of manipulation and on the new dawn of “straight” photography not limited by film’s deficiencies