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Dr. Lane Bravo's Lectures on Bervin "The Blue"
This is the history of Bervin "The Blue" as recorded by Dr. Lane Bravo. Young Bervin of the planet Kelner was picked to unite the Common Sense Stones of Sight, Sound, Taste, Hearing, and Touch. As his journey progresses, and he recovers the stones from there protectors, Bervin experiences dramatic changes in his own senses and abilities. His actions are also responsible for dramatic changes on his small planet. Bervin's actions are credited for raising the wondrous Brietta Mount up above the existing atmosphere, allowing the sun's rays to ricochet around in it and shoot blue into the sky all over Kelner. It is Dr. Bravo's job to record this history. He does this by compiling first person accounts of the events, and presenting those as interviews. He also presents legends and lore. The final piece of information he presents is Bervin's own journal from the journey. Although few, the accounts offer the closest to first person history that we have to this historical event.
180 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2011
632 people want to read
About the author
Chris Sweigard
7 books15 followersChris Sweigard lives and works in Cincinnati, OH. He runs a Nature Shop with his Mother and Father. He and his wife have three boys, and a dog named Scooby Doo.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 20, 2017
When I first read the synopsis for Dr. Lane Bravo's Lectures on Bervin "The Blue", I knew I had to read it. It sounded like it was unlike anything I had ever read before. The perfect mix of fantasy with a unique story telling method. Unfortunately, I disliked this book quite a bit. I ended up DNF'ing it at just twenty-two pages because I couldn't read anymore.
Most of the first twenty-two pages of this book was a complete info-dump. It was way too much information to try to take in at once. It made everything confusing, and hard to pay attention to. I felt my eyes glaze over several times while trying to read this. I wasn't absorbing any of the information. Doctor Lane Bravo would also go off, and randomly get sidetracked throughout the book, and go on random tangents. That didn't help my attention span at all. By the time I DNF'd the book at twenty-two pages, I had a terrible headache from trying to figure out what was going on. At that point, Bervin "The Blue" was barely mentioned at all. Therefore, I decided to give up, and DNF the book.
At this point in time, I will not be going back to try to read the book again. Days later, even the thought of this book still gives me a headache. However, I can't say that I don't recommend Dr. Lane Bravo's Lectures on Bervin "The Blue" to anyone. My husband read the book, and he enjoyed it. Therefore, it might be more of a personal preference thing. However, if you do start it, be prepared for a lot of info-dumping.
Most of the first twenty-two pages of this book was a complete info-dump. It was way too much information to try to take in at once. It made everything confusing, and hard to pay attention to. I felt my eyes glaze over several times while trying to read this. I wasn't absorbing any of the information. Doctor Lane Bravo would also go off, and randomly get sidetracked throughout the book, and go on random tangents. That didn't help my attention span at all. By the time I DNF'd the book at twenty-two pages, I had a terrible headache from trying to figure out what was going on. At that point, Bervin "The Blue" was barely mentioned at all. Therefore, I decided to give up, and DNF the book.
At this point in time, I will not be going back to try to read the book again. Days later, even the thought of this book still gives me a headache. However, I can't say that I don't recommend Dr. Lane Bravo's Lectures on Bervin "The Blue" to anyone. My husband read the book, and he enjoyed it. Therefore, it might be more of a personal preference thing. However, if you do start it, be prepared for a lot of info-dumping.
October 23, 2012
If only all lectures were as captivating and fascinating as those delivered by Dr. Lane Bravo! I would gladly sit through a few more! Chris Sweigard has delivered a sweet, alien world in his book, Dr. Lane Bravo’s Lectures on Bervin “The Blue”.
Dr. Lane Bravo, a Historical Scientist, travels through time and space to interview those who came into contact with the infamous Bervin and through them reveals Bervin’s exploits. Juxtaposing viewpoints of Bravo giving the lectures and the reflections of secondary characters, Sweigard draws us into the quest of Bervin to unite the Common Sense stones, thereby uniting the planet Keln and its peoples. These characters are entertaining, confusing, and at the same time richly portrayed. The Iaya sisters (three sisters of the same name) are especially amusing as they bicker and bumble out their versions of the truth of Bervin’s escapades as they smoke their pipes.
Bervin, himself, however much information we are told through the interviews, his journals, and Bravo’s own lectures remains somehow vaguely elusive throughout the story. It’s a bit like reading about George Washington today. We know his exploits and his triumphs and we see his iconic profile with his white-haired wig and prominent nose, however, as a real-life, breathing person, we will never quite be able to capture him. And so this is the case with our main character, Bervin. Sweigard presents us with a picturesque description of his physical appearance, but never really gets deep enough to allow us to feel anything for Bervin.
Likewise, the action in Dr. Bravo’s Lectures seems so far away, as it would have to be as we are mostly told about it through second-hand sources and never really brought directly into the action. As soon as the action begins, things seemed to get fuzzy around the edges, lacking details to bring the action sharply in focus.
Despite those two shortcomings, Sweigard has delivered to us a deep world in the planet Keln and Bervin “The Blue” with plush details, history, and intricate culture. Bravo! (Pun intended!) I look forward to the attending Bravo’s next lecture about Andl Zenl and his adventures with asteroids.
Dr. Lane Bravo, a Historical Scientist, travels through time and space to interview those who came into contact with the infamous Bervin and through them reveals Bervin’s exploits. Juxtaposing viewpoints of Bravo giving the lectures and the reflections of secondary characters, Sweigard draws us into the quest of Bervin to unite the Common Sense stones, thereby uniting the planet Keln and its peoples. These characters are entertaining, confusing, and at the same time richly portrayed. The Iaya sisters (three sisters of the same name) are especially amusing as they bicker and bumble out their versions of the truth of Bervin’s escapades as they smoke their pipes.
Bervin, himself, however much information we are told through the interviews, his journals, and Bravo’s own lectures remains somehow vaguely elusive throughout the story. It’s a bit like reading about George Washington today. We know his exploits and his triumphs and we see his iconic profile with his white-haired wig and prominent nose, however, as a real-life, breathing person, we will never quite be able to capture him. And so this is the case with our main character, Bervin. Sweigard presents us with a picturesque description of his physical appearance, but never really gets deep enough to allow us to feel anything for Bervin.
Likewise, the action in Dr. Bravo’s Lectures seems so far away, as it would have to be as we are mostly told about it through second-hand sources and never really brought directly into the action. As soon as the action begins, things seemed to get fuzzy around the edges, lacking details to bring the action sharply in focus.
Despite those two shortcomings, Sweigard has delivered to us a deep world in the planet Keln and Bervin “The Blue” with plush details, history, and intricate culture. Bravo! (Pun intended!) I look forward to the attending Bravo’s next lecture about Andl Zenl and his adventures with asteroids.
May 5, 2016
(I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.)
This book was a first for me, I'd never read a self-published author, and I'd never read a book in the style he uses. But I very much enjoyed it all the same.
The story itself was surprising in that it is written entirely as a lecture to students from information compiled by a professor who loves what he does; and therefor the reader is not transported directly into the position of the protagonist, Bervin, but instead into the position of the student, Dr. Bravo, the inhabitants of the planet, and for several Journal entries, Bervin himself. All within one chapter. The whole system is a bit hard to explain unless you've read the book, but it works. Very well, actually. A lot is left to the imagination, and I reckon that is what the author intended all along. It certainly gives one an appreciation for history and learning as a whole.
On a side note, the artwork is quite spiffy, and I applaud Ursula Andrejczuk.
This book was a first for me, I'd never read a self-published author, and I'd never read a book in the style he uses. But I very much enjoyed it all the same.
The story itself was surprising in that it is written entirely as a lecture to students from information compiled by a professor who loves what he does; and therefor the reader is not transported directly into the position of the protagonist, Bervin, but instead into the position of the student, Dr. Bravo, the inhabitants of the planet, and for several Journal entries, Bervin himself. All within one chapter. The whole system is a bit hard to explain unless you've read the book, but it works. Very well, actually. A lot is left to the imagination, and I reckon that is what the author intended all along. It certainly gives one an appreciation for history and learning as a whole.
On a side note, the artwork is quite spiffy, and I applaud Ursula Andrejczuk.
August 23, 2012
One of the best classes I've had the experience of sitting in on!
Aside from a few editing/spelling/grammar mistakes, this book was an absolute joy to read. The lectures provided by Dr. Lane Bravo are not only engrossing and informational, they're incredibly entertaining as well! Being three years into college myself, I loved the idea of taking this class in a lecture hall. There aren't nearly enough fun courses to take in the American schooling system, particularly those like this one that inspire the use of one's imagination!
I sincerely hope the brilliant self-publishing author continues to write such fun little adventures! (Although I might (humbly) suggest having a friend or two read the manuscripts prior to publishing, to minimize editing/spelling/grammar mistakes in the future!)
Easy to read, fun story, and a great lecture course overall!
Aside from a few editing/spelling/grammar mistakes, this book was an absolute joy to read. The lectures provided by Dr. Lane Bravo are not only engrossing and informational, they're incredibly entertaining as well! Being three years into college myself, I loved the idea of taking this class in a lecture hall. There aren't nearly enough fun courses to take in the American schooling system, particularly those like this one that inspire the use of one's imagination!
I sincerely hope the brilliant self-publishing author continues to write such fun little adventures! (Although I might (humbly) suggest having a friend or two read the manuscripts prior to publishing, to minimize editing/spelling/grammar mistakes in the future!)
Easy to read, fun story, and a great lecture course overall!
January 20, 2012
In Dr. Lane Bravo's Lectures on Bervin "The Blue", as I was reading them, I found myself feeling like I was just relaxing in a cozy chair being read a story by a fireplace. Chris Sweigard was able to bring to life a new world full of adventure. I loved that the author included a map of Kelner in the front of the book because there were parts of the book that became confusing without looking at the map as a reference. I found the books easy to read and understand and I think any 9 year old and up would find them fun to read. Also, the way the book was written made it a great book for an elementary school library because it was easy to read, yet, it challenged your mind at the same time and I think that's a very important aspect for books for that age group.
January 26, 2012
It was an interesting story, but I wasn't as invested in the characters and the world because of the lecture format. I would have enjoyed it more if we were part of the story instead of sitting in a lecture hall listening to recordings of interviews. One question I wish a student had asked: Why didn't you interview Bervin, after it was all over, or towards the end of his life? And why do we start tape and end tape? As if anyone uses tape any more. My son doesn't even know what that means. It was a nice overview, or introduction to Kelner. I know if I were in that class, I would have been asking all sorts of questions!
September 2, 2013
Dr. Lane Bravo's Lectures on Bervin "The Blue" by Chris Sweigard
The author wrote in a unusual way a least to me. As a Professor lecturing a class and students asking question. Each day a new event or recording of events about Bevin the Blue. Dr. Lane Bravo The Historical Scientist of N.A.S.H. goes into the past on a silver surfer to record events of how a planet in the Mikey Way Galaxy came about. So each chapter is called a Lecture and he tells the story of Bevin the Blue the Unification of the planet By the stones. After getting uses to the way it was told I found the book to be quite enjoyable and interesting.
The author wrote in a unusual way a least to me. As a Professor lecturing a class and students asking question. Each day a new event or recording of events about Bevin the Blue. Dr. Lane Bravo The Historical Scientist of N.A.S.H. goes into the past on a silver surfer to record events of how a planet in the Mikey Way Galaxy came about. So each chapter is called a Lecture and he tells the story of Bevin the Blue the Unification of the planet By the stones. After getting uses to the way it was told I found the book to be quite enjoyable and interesting.
April 29, 2012
Excellent witty story telling, Sweigard manage to engage the writer into this story in the same magical manner that campfire stories, and oral traditions have kept our interest throughout history. I only could wish my lectures in college where ass entertaining as this story. Please do yourself a favor read this an allow yourself to enjoy a great story told in an alternative manner.
Want to read
April 16, 2012Excited to get going on this one! It looks adorable.
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I am required to disclose that I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I am required to disclose that I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
September 12, 2019
I liked the framing story of this book — the lecture format and the style of gathering history— more than the utopian-feeling story recounted in the lectures. I probably would have really liked this, though, as a read-aloud story when my kids were young.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews