Masters of Doom

I just finished Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture The author David Kushner does a great job of combining his many years of research and interviews into a great book. Besides being extremely entertaining and full of insightful and interesting tidbits about two famous game makers, this book made me smile and remember back to my early video game days. When John Carmack and John Romero were brainstorming, creating, and delivering their massive hits like Wolfenstein 3-D and Doom, I was busy playing and modifying them. I don't think I ever grew into a fanatic and played them nonstop for hours every day like some fans, but looking back I can absolutely remember the great time I had with all their games.

These guys were pioneers. I was born in early 1980, so I was the perfect age to witness the advancement in PC graphics and game genres and game design that id Software created and perfected. They were the main reason for a renaissance and rebirth in the PC gaming industry. They made fun, inventive games and showcased outstanding graphics that no one else had figured out how to do at the time. This book is an easy-going read that was hard to put down. Absolutely a must read story for anyone interested in PC games, programming, and game companies.

Fun Book for Adults - Five Very Good Reasons to Punch a Dolphin in the Mouth

I found a book at my local library that I had never heard of before, but the title sounded neat and the cover art was funny...so I checked it out. Once at my house, I started to read this book called 5 Very Good Reasons to Punch a Dolphin in the Mouth (And Other Useful Guides) and couldn't put it down until I was finished. It is hilarious, edgy, and intelligent - but only for adults. Kids shouldn't read this book as it is definitely intended for mature audiences. The funny drawings and dialogue combined with interesting historical and scientific facts makes this book hard to put down. It is tough to describe the book. Essentially, the book is like Seinfeld - it is about "nothing" and "everything" at the same time. The comic titled "Why it's better to pretend you don't know anything about computers" is especially dear to my heart and hauntingly true to life. This is one of those books where you wish you had written it. The author doesn't know it, but he and I are kindred spirits.

Did you like the movie Rango?

My family and I watched the movie Rango today. We all enjoyed the film, and I thought it was unique and hilarious. Of course, if you enjoyed Rango you will also enjoy Bloated Goat Both stories are full of wacky characters and off-the-wall humor, sometimes pushing the envelope as a children's black comedy. Seeing Rango's beautiful animation made me pine for a day when Bloated Goat will get the same treatment. It would be amazing to see Cocky Doodle, Granny Hammy, Crazy Ned, Maxine, and all the others up on the big screen in all their dysfunctional glory. Any producers out there interested?

Jack Reacher - Super Hero Extraordinaire

I finished another great Jack Reacher book the other day. Lee Child, the author, really knows how to put together an interesting, believable plot for his (super) hero Jack Reacher to get tangled up in. Nothing to Lose is the 12th book in the series and doesn't fail to entertain. This time Reacher gets involved in a small Colorado town that goes to great lengths to hide their mysterious business and church dealings. Of course, they make the mistake of kicking Reacher out of town which is probably the worst thing they could have done.

I can't wait to read the next book, and luckily, there are a few more before I get caught up.  Child is releasing book 16 later this year.

Jack Reacher is an everyman's hero. He is like a human Superman, if that makes sense. If you haven't heard about Reacher yet, then you need to start. They are perfect for anyone who loves action, adventure, and mystery with several strategic punches thrown in. Definitely start with the first book, Killing Floor ...you'll be hooked on Reacher for life.

You can learn much more at Lee Child's website.

Videogame Book Review

I recently finished a book called All Your Base Are Belong to Us written by Harold Goldberg. It is an interesting look at how the videogame industry has gone through various growing pains and technological changes to become the monster money maker it is today. I thoroughly enjoyed the inside stories from people and companies who were directly involved with the iconic games and systems we all know and love. The writing was easy to follow and the stories and quotes were entertaining. The author does a good job of pulling material from reliable sources and first person accounts. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys videogames and wants to know more about the history of their favorite companies, games, and systems.

4-Star Review on Amazon

Bloated Goat just received its 17th review on Amazon.com.

Reviewer Malay<3sia had these nice things to say, "If you enjoy juvenile humor, you will undoubtedly enjoy this book. With its laugh-out-loud moments, corny humor, and zany cast of characters, this story is like reading a cartoon that comes to life in your head. Some of these characters will stay with me for a very long time."

This review brought a knowing smile to my face. While writing the rough draft and creating the initial characters for Bloated Goat, I was amazed at how easy it was for me to visualize the crazy scenes unfolding. It was just like watching a great cartoon in my head, so it's wonderful to find someone else who feels the same way.

5-Star Review on Amazon

Bloated Goat received a new 5-star review on Amazon recently.


Grannyreader writes, "I read this with my Granddaughter and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a bit mischevious and absurd, but funny and it was lovely to hear my Granddaughter laugh so much. Fun stuff. I recommend it to everyone for a cheeky giggle."


Hmm...I wonder if Grannyreader is related to Granny Hammy?

Isaac Asimov Autobiography

I.Asimov: A Memoir is a touching, intimate look into one of the greatest scientific and creative minds ever to grace this fair planet. Written shortly before Isaac passed away (and edited by his faithful wife Janet), the various stories took me through a roller coaster of emotions. Never at a loss for words, the book totals more than 500 pages (and none of it is boring). He just has a way with words that makes it so easy to follow his thoughts, dialogue, and feelings on far too many topics to mention here. The memoir is technically his third autobiography with the the first two coming two decades earlier. It is only fitting for the most prolific and relevant author of the 20th century to have three autobiographies. This book is absolutely a must read for any science fiction or Asimov fan. It is full of wonderfully funny, thoughtful, and poignant observations over the 72 years of his interesting life. My only regret is not having read it earlier, and of course, not being able to meet him in person. Alas, he passed away when I was only 12 years old. Rest well, Isaac Asimov...you deserve it.

New Cover Art for Bloated Goat

I'm very excited about these new changes to Bloated Goat.

1. Brand new cover art.

2. Newly updated text now totaling over 20,000 words.

3. Even funnier than before.

More Bloated Goat Reviews

Bloated Goat received two great reviews recently. The first one is from Amazon, and the second is from Barnes and Noble Book Clubs.

1. "I've been reading The Bloated Goat on the subway to and from work for the past few days. It got to be really embarrassing because I would be sitting there cackling like a crazy train lady amid the silent, serious strap-hangers. I am going to read it again, just to relish some of my favorite ridiculous moments. Mr. Peterson's silly turn of phrase is effortless, and seems to emit from a genuinely funny person, not just someone trying to be funny for posterity. I was impressed with the diverse cast of characters; sometimes a lot of characters can be hard to follow, but they were all so distinct and original, linked together with a common thread of madness and hilarity. I loved every one of them. After a stressful night at work, I always looked forward to reading a few more pages of this story about friends, feathers and flatulence."

2. "Just finished this book. Not so sure it is suitable for kids per se -- maybe pre-teens and up -- because of the hilarious, convoluted story line. This was a fun book to read. I especially enjoyed the heroic, yet loopy, Maxine. Maybe her friends can invest in a pair of eyeglasses. Crazy Ned was a riot, too. Thanks for the laughs, Manley. Well done."

Bloated Goat Sales - 7 Months

Well, here are my current sales numbers for Bloated Goat after roughly 7 months. This includes Kindle, Nook, and Smashwords. I'm very happy to have passed 350 sales, but as you can see, my sales have really dropped off from the holiday rush of December/January. I think I have a few negatives going for me:

1. Until a week ago, I only had one book for sale. The second being a short story collaboration called Twelve Worlds. This limits my exposure, and makes it easy for Bloated Goat to fall off the rankings.
2. Bloated Goat is a children's book, which I have found doesn't sell as well as other fiction in the e-book world.
3. My book cover isn't professionally done. It was created by my wonderful daughter and I love it. It justs seems raw and cute and perfect for the story. But, I'm sure some readers would look at that and pass it over.