Book Review - From the Notebooks of Dr. Brain

I am so enamored with the new superhero genre.

From the Notebooks of Dr. Brain, by Minister Faust, is written from the point of view of Dr. Eva Brain-Silverman, therapist to hyper-humanoids. Dr. Brain has written a self-help book just for superheros and the cape-induced issues that they suffer.

The book focuses on the therapy sessions for the Fantastic Order of Justice--the dysfunctional super-team. Through the various therapy sessions and crises, we learn what it is like to be a hyper-hominid in today's world and what psychological turmoil being a superhero raises.

Although Minister Faust does write with an agenda, it is well-woven through the entire book and really only comes to light in the finale. He has valid points, but don't let that scare you. It is a sold and well-written.

The real meat of the book is the back story and cultural references that he makes. From the absolutely astounding names for the superheroes to the mind boggling powers they posses. There were so many that it is impossible to single out my favorites. But Mr. Faust did a credible job of weaving the backstories together.

It is deceptively easy to trace the characters to the inspired origins. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Spiderman all exist as the main characters, but with different names and psychological problems.

I highly recommend this book. There is some rough language in it, but if you grew up watching the Justice League or reading comics, you will love this title.

I just finished Invasive Procedures by Orson Scott Card. I am a big OSC fan, but I didn't really enjoy his previous work, Empire, compared to his other titles. I am a huge fan of the Alvin Maker Series and the Ender/Bean works. So, I did approach this title with trepidation.

I liked this book and I do recommend it. OSC is pretty forward that this book is written with a screen writer (Aaron Johnston). It would make a great film. I liken the book to classic Michael Crichton--without the need of a Ph.D--and Lincoln Child. OSC writes a great page turner and adds science and medical information that makes sense to the layperson. There isn't much I can tell you that won't ruin some part of the book, though. It does deal with gene manipulation and a megalomaniac that runs as the book's protagonist. With some unexpected twists and fun to read action scenes., it will fill a weekend easily.

It is a great read.