Books
and Fireworks
-by Louise Penny
All The Devils Are Here: We continue to focus on family
World of Curiosities: hmm, I didn't love the villain, and I saw through the red herrings. But I am caught up-woo hoo!!
We had special seating very close to the launch site! Fantastic experience.
-by Samuel R Delaney
The Einstein Interaction: a retelling of Orpheus, but in a deep, sci-fi version. I'm not sure I really understand it all, lots of references to mythology, class, language.
-by Martinus Evans
The Slow AF Run Club: I'm signed up for a 10K and getting back into running. Listened to this on audio, read by the author. All the basic info you need, delivered straight. Excellent for beginners who feel like they aren't real runners.
-by Yukito Ayatsuji and Hiro Kiyohara
The Decagon House Murders, vol 1: Japanese university students in a mystery book club go to a creepy island where unsolved murders happen. I thought this would be a stand alone, but it is just the beginning. Didn't love it enough to continue. The people are too trope-y and it looks like it is a bunch of filler.
-by Susanna Clark
Piranesi: I don't have anything to compare this too. Maybe a touch like Italo Calvino. Our guy lives in a seemingly infinite house where every room has statues. There is an ocean trapped in the house. He slowly uncovers exactly what is going on.
A Very Typical Family: Sibling relationship under tragic circumstances
-by Emily St. John Mandel
The Glass Hotel: A few of the people from Station 11 are around the edges, but it is a totally different story. Love the writing.
-by Jennette McCurdy
I'm Glad My Mom Died: Autobiography of an abusive/narcissist/eating disordered/hoarder mom who forces her daughter into acting. She becomes a star, but is super messed up. Works her way out, writes a gripping book.
-by Janice Hallett
The Appeal: A murder mystery told by emails/messages being read third hand. Different in a good way!
The Twyford Code: A twisty tale told by dictation. Also fun!
-by Carl Hiaasen
Squeeze Me: I thought this was one of his kids book from long ago. Turns out to be 2020 and all about our political troubles. If you are not a Trump fan, this book is for you. Fantastic writing as usual from Hiaasen.
-by Patrick Radden Keefe
Empire of Pain The Secret History of the Sackler Empire: I could not put this down, finished it in 24 hours. The Sackler family, owners of Perdue Pharma, makers of OxyContin, kickstarted the opioid epidemic and made billions. Completely evil unrepentant family. The book is riveting, might have to watch some of the tv versions.
-by Blake Synder
Save The Cat: If you want to write a screenplay, read this first. I will never write a screen play, lol. I loved this book! It is clear but complex. Short but complete. I see/understand more going on in movies and tv! Some of the examples and language is dated, but not enough to prevent learning.
-by Martha Wells
All the Murderbot stories. I have read them all before, but this time listened on audiobook. Still fantastic. Comfort reading for me.
-by Jenny Xie
Holding Pattern: Out of her long term relationship, disinterested in her graduate studies, helping with her mom's upcoming wedding is a lot of emotions to juggle. It was ok.
-by Wilson Rawls:
Where The Red Fern Grows: Rereading a childhood book-is it different? I had forgotten all of the parts except the ending, which is still very very sad. For a children's book it has a lot of death and some of it was hard to hear but effective.
Since I am caught up on Gamache, I'm looking for another mystery series. Will audition a few.
-by Laura Lippman
Baltimore Blues: Tess was a reporter, is floundering for what to do with her life. She takes to private investigation to help a friend and is good at it. Solid writing, but I don't know Baltimore, so I miss a bit of the color.
-by Jacqueline Winspear
Birds of a Feather: Second in the Masie Dobbs books. 1930s London and countryside. Mostly ok, but maybe I am tired of England as a setting.
DNF
-by Ivy Pochoda
Sing Her Down: Just couldn't get into it
-by Adalyn Grace
Belladonna: Too much florid language for me.
-by Grady Hendrix
How to Sell a Haunted House: Loved the other book, but this dragged too much.
