The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications

I was recommended this book to help me prepare for a substantive editing exam. Although I am no copyeditor and have no interest in becoming one, I went ahead and read the book. As far as substantive editing goes, the book is extremely light. It focuses strongly on copyediting (not surprising giving the title), and would likely be of help for those who care about things such as word spellings, etc. In addition to my disappointment due to its particular lack of utility in my situation, I actually had 2 main complaints. 1) The book is quite dated - focusing heavily on editing hard copies of text (in my experience quite rare if not non-existent today). 2) The exercises were not at all helpful. Rather than laying out a clear set of guidelines and then testing comprehension, the text seems to highlight rather than clear up the capriciousness of copyediting and editing in general. Overall, I feel that there are significantly better style/grammar guides out there and that this one should definitely be shelved.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Robert Louis Stevenson

I greatly enjoyed this book, although, as with most of the classics that have moved into pop culture, the original novella was not as I expected. It was better. In my mind, Jekyll had created Hyde to try to purify himself from the 'evil' within, and Hyde was a large, evil overbearing sort to Jekyll's weakness. At the end of the day, Hyde was too strong for Jekyll and won. In reality, Jekyll was a good but complex man who was looking for an escape to pursue the desires of his 'lower nature' without offending his pride and reputation. He is much more realistic as such. I'm forced to wonder what these desires were. Either way, he ENJOYED the freedom that came with being Hyde (a much smaller, younger man) until Hyde's lack of self-control stepped over the bounds that Jekyll deemed appropriate. His failing was the once he started down the slippery slope of giving in to his darker nature, his darker nature started taking over. His courage in committing suicide at the end merely highlighted this internal struggle between the complexities of the man.

Around the World in 80 Days - Jules Verne

I do like Jules Verne. His books are adventurous and fun, as well as hold up high moral standard of the best kind. Even if the skew is anglo-centric (with the inherent superiority of the colonial English assumed), Phileas Fogg is a good man at heart. In a truly dry British sense, he is pulled from his regular life by a bet - not made rashly but based on the firmest of scientific convictions. He is willing to risk his fortune for this bet, but at the same time is willing to risk the bet for both his servant (to whom he owes nothing) and strangers (including a woman that he saves from immolation). The inclusion of the mistaken detective adds plot complexity to what would otherwise have maybe been a plodding journey. I love Fogg's ingenuity and sticktoitiveness - would I be so creative and sure of myself in similarly difficult situations? It's inspiring.

The Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner - Daniel Defoe

Ah, the difference between perception and reality. I thought Robinson Crusoe was going to be an adventure book of a man shipwrecked on a deserted island (style along the lines of Treasure Island). Alas, it was preachy and insipid, full of pro-Christian dribble and the superiority of "civilized" over "uncivilized" man. The key message seemed to be to take the 'middle way' and listen to your elders, with some very anti-hubris themes. I didn't really find it enjoyable at all.