3.5 stars. I liked Mucho Mojo a smidge more than Savage Season because its plot is more in line with righting injustices that are closer to my heart t3.5 stars. I liked Mucho Mojo a smidge more than Savage Season because its plot is more in line with righting injustices that are closer to my heart than those in its predecessor.
Hap Collins & Leonard Pine are terrific characters, and their misadventures are a lot of fun to follow. If you're ever in the mood for a quick and easy read full of violence, vengeance, and good 0l' fashioned vigilantism, Hap & Leonard is the series for you....more
Hap Collins & Leonard Pine are terrific characters, and their misadventures are a lot of fun to follow. If you're ever in the mood for a quick and easHap Collins & Leonard Pine are terrific characters, and their misadventures are a lot of fun to follow. If you're ever in the mood for a quick and easy read full of violence, vengeance, and good 0l' fashioned vigilantism, Hap & Leonard is the series for you....more
Parts of McHargue's spiritual journey parallel my own, especially his journey from belief to disbelief in God. I enjoyed that part of his story. But lParts of McHargue's spiritual journey parallel my own, especially his journey from belief to disbelief in God. I enjoyed that part of his story. But let's face it: McHargue was born into, raised by, and thoroughly indoctrinated by a conservative evangelical denomination; there was never much doubt he wouldn't find his way back to belief. I find his scientific explanation for God thoroughly unconvincing, and the vast majority of conservative evangelical Christians would repudiate not just his argument but the version of God that McHargue has come to believe in.
In one chapter, McHargue rejects the claim of the New Atheists that religion should not be taught because it is dangerous and actively harmful to humanity with the argument that Christianity has done a lot more good than harm and that there are many more Christians who are good and do good than there are bad ones. But McHargue's description of the way many in his own congregation responded and behaved toward him during his period of disbelief completely refutes his argument.
McHargue has a pleasant voice and is a good narrator. He comes across as open, honest, sincere, and funny. And very smart. He does indulge in a bit too much hyperbole for my liking. Finding God in the Waves isn't bad; it's just not convincing. ...more
Thank you to NetGalley and Europe Comics for the free e-copy for review.
I did not enjoy Beneficio mainly because I was unable to figure out exactly whThank you to NetGalley and Europe Comics for the free e-copy for review.
I did not enjoy Beneficio mainly because I was unable to figure out exactly what was going on. The NetGalley description states that the "work seeks evasive answers to the questions we have all asked ourselves about the mysteries of modern life", but I didn't get that impression at all. Yes, the protagonist poses a few questions, but she doesn't propose any sure answers.
I think it's supposed to be a story about a young woman's journey through depression to self-understanding, but the young woman seems to spend the entirety of the narrative in a drug-induced fugue state before seeming to disappear and possibly die. Or maybe she just thought herself into enlightenment? By way of a flawed understanding of Carlos Castañeda and his journeys with peyote? Which the author misspells as "dopophora" williamsii instead of lophophora. Very hard to understand what's going on.
I think the artwork is meant to tell a parallel tale, but the simple line drawings are so crude, and the muted palette is so blandly monochromatic, that I often had no idea what I was supposed to be seeing. Taken together, the whole graphic novel seemed itself to be a bad trip. Maybe that's the point of it.
Beneficio wasn't for me at all, and I really don't know to what target audience I'd recommend it....more
Vivid, sympathetic, believable characters, one of which must be the evillest literary stepmother since Cinderella's. Good story, nicely-paced plot, anVivid, sympathetic, believable characters, one of which must be the evillest literary stepmother since Cinderella's. Good story, nicely-paced plot, and one very interesting and powerful house. I'm intrigued by the conceit that such an object can wield so much influence over the well-being, mental health, and actions of so many individuals....more
Monsters only children can see are killing, kidnapping, hoarding, and eating children in a small American town where, according to the local sheriff, Monsters only children can see are killing, kidnapping, hoarding, and eating children in a small American town where, according to the local sheriff, “these things just don’t happen”. But they are happening, and the locals are powerless to stop it. Until a mysterious, blonde woman with a backpack and a flip phone arrives to provide relief and starts kicking monster ass.
Tynion writes wonderful characters. They’re varied, believable, likable, and sympathetic. The story is original, the plot is perfectly paced, and the artwork is suitably macabre and dark. This volume collects issues 1 through 5 of the comic book series, is a quick read, and left me wishing volume 2 were already available.
I really enjoyed Something is Killing the Children, but fair warning: this book is not for kids, and that’s a fact. Apart from the gallons of blood spilled and children being gorily dismembered, there’s a great deal of profanity on almost every page....more
After enjoying Horrorstör and My Best Friend's Exorcism, I was disappointed by this earlier offering, which Hendrix self-published at the beginning ofAfter enjoying Horrorstör and My Best Friend's Exorcism, I was disappointed by this earlier offering, which Hendrix self-published at the beginning of his fiction career. It's quite clearly meant to be a spoof of a genre that was popular in the 19th century, that of the English Gentlemen's Club ghost storytelling variety. I found it to be dated, offensive, and quite ridiculous. The themes of racial and socioeconomic prejudice that characterize that genre play very poorly in 21st-century Western society. Although, sadly, it seems like that particular wheel may be in the midst of a cyclical downturn.
I'm sorry, Mr. Hendrix, but I wish I hadn't spent my ninety-nine cents on this one....more
I loved reading Abercrombie's First Law series, but listening to it is even better. I think Steven Pacey may be the best voice actor I've ever heard. I loved reading Abercrombie's First Law series, but listening to it is even better. I think Steven Pacey may be the best voice actor I've ever heard. He is a perfect match for these stories.
Best Served Cold is equally as good as its parent trilogy. Abercrombie has created as detailed and vibrant a world as Tolkien's or Martin's. I know of no other author who writes such easily lovable despicable, nasty characters or who so skillfully portrays combat scenes. I can't get enough. Abercrombie is my new guilty pleasure....more
Horrorstör is more than just a chilling horror story; it's also a biting satire that takes the big-box retail industry to task for the mind-numbing enHorrorstör is more than just a chilling horror story; it's also a biting satire that takes the big-box retail industry to task for the mind-numbing ennui and existential angst it induces in many of its employees as it reduces them to a life of ill-paid servitude.
Grady Hendrix is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed Paperbacks from Hell and My Best Friend's Exorcism, and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires. ...more
I am grateful to Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley for giving me an electronic copy to review in advance of publication.
A Walk Through Hell may I am grateful to Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley for giving me an electronic copy to review in advance of publication.
A Walk Through Hell may be the most aptly-titled book I've read this year. It is beyond Dark, and yes, the capital D is intentional. Macabre, twisted, sick, and bleak are the most accurate descriptors I can apply. That's not to say that the book is bad; I enjoyed it and believe that it paints a dead-on picture of the world we inhabit today. The blackest depths of human nature are on display in this depraved, despondent, despairing chronicle of abuse. If you're looking for hope, there's none to be found; Ennis gives no quarter. If you like literature and art that fits comfortably into those categories, then this graphic novel is for you. Goran Sudzuka's drawings are accurate, realistic renderings, and the muted color palette suits the story perfectly. "Abandon hope, all ye who enter here" indeed.
Warning: A Walk Through Hell is NOT for children, and if you consider yourself a committed Christian, I reckon you'll find this book extremely offensive....more
Hendrix takes his time developing the plot, but once the action finally starts, it doesn't relent. Colorful characters, compelling story, and spot-on Hendrix takes his time developing the plot, but once the action finally starts, it doesn't relent. Colorful characters, compelling story, and spot-on 1980s nostalgia replete with period humor combine to make My Best Friend's Exorcism a scary good time....more
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for giving me a free copy of the uncorrected e-galley version of You're Doing Great!
This was my first exThank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for giving me a free copy of the uncorrected e-galley version of You're Doing Great!
This was my first experiment with a NetGalley-provided book, and I deem it highly successful. Not only did NetGalley make it very easy to obtain my copy, but the book is great!
Tom Papa and I must share a lot of DNA. If I believed in such things, I'd be tempted to surmise we're soulmates. Whatever it is, Tom Papa gets me. On almost every page, I found myself nodding along in recognition as he narrates one hilarious life event after another.
Papa's prose style is folksy and profound, and his writing makes me giggle, belly-laugh, and sometimes even laugh 'til the tears come. On a couple of occasions, his musings were poignant enough to send me reaching for a facial tissue. Not too many people I know are as self-aware and as good at humorizing their lives as Tom Papa is. He's one of those authors I would truly love to hang out and share some good red wine, cheese, and some of his homemade bread with.
I have lamented elsewhere and too often the sad state of copy-editorial affairs in much of modern writing. I was tickled to find that this uncorrected e-galley contained less minor errors than many of the final versions of books I've read in the past few years.
If you're able to get your hands on a copy of You're Doing Great! when it comes out, I highly recommend you do so. It's timely, its message is sorely needed right now, and I have a hunch you'll love it. It being the time of Covid-19 and the worst American economic crisis since the Great Depression, we live in trying times to say the least. I myself have come dangerously close to succumbing to despair, and this book pulled me out of the depths and cheered me up. Thank you, Tom Papa, for this virtual hug of a book. You're doing great!...more
I enjoyed Exhalation, an intelligent and thought-provoking work of literate science fiction. I most liked "The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate" and I enjoyed Exhalation, an intelligent and thought-provoking work of literate science fiction. I most liked "The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate" and "Anxiety Is the Dizziness of Freedom", the collection's opening and closing stories, respectively, but all of the others are good as well. I'll definitely try to get my hands on a copy of Chiang's prior collection, Stories of Your Life and Others and will be on the lookout for whatever he does next....more
It's been years since I read any Steinbeck, and I had forgotten he was such a great writer. East of Eden Steinbeck is a master storyteller who brings tIt's been years since I read any Steinbeck, and I had forgotten he was such a great writer. East of Eden Steinbeck is a master storyteller who brings to life stunningly complex characters, situates them in immaculately described landscapes and environments, and paces plots perfectly. East of Eden is a true classic and a keeper. ...more
I enjoyed The Testaments quite a lot. Margaret Atwood hasn't lost a step. It features 3 strong but very different female protagonists, a clear line ofI enjoyed The Testaments quite a lot. Margaret Atwood hasn't lost a step. It features 3 strong but very different female protagonists, a clear line of continuity from its predecessor, and a welcome and thorough expansion of the world of Gilead and the history of how it came to be. It has a steady, clear plot, plenty of action, intrigue, & treachery, and a good look behind the scenes of Gilead's inner workings. My only complaint is that there are no surprises. I figured out very early who the protagonists are in relation to the story at large and what roles they would play, so any expected plot twists failed to surprise me. Yes, it still leaves many questions unanswered, but I can live with that. It seems to me we can look at American headlines of the last 30 years for clues as to how an embittered minority of conservative evangelical Christians were able (may soon be able) to consolidate power, amass arms, and stage an effective coup on a corrupt corporatocracy that long ago ceased effectively to serve the needs of its several struggling or most vulnerable constituencies.
I've seen quite a few critical comments on Goodreads; "What's the point of this book?"; "Why did Atwood write this?"; "This has all the elements of bad YA dystopian fiction!"; etc., etc., and I don't understand them. Yes, The Testaments is a sequel, but that doesn't mean we can expect it to be written in the same style or even be the exact same genre. The Handmaid's Tale was literary sci-fi that was ahead of its time and written long before the YA genre of books & film exploded. After the success of the T.V. version of the The Handmaid's Tale, Atwood must have surveyed the state of pop culture today and reckoned she could cash in on the YA novel & film craze and that the market could accommodate her sequel as a new entry. Why envy her that? As long as the book is well-written, engaging, and entertaining, more power to her. And it is all three of those things. Here's hoping Hollywood can get the film version(s) right... ...more
With a hold placed on its brand-new sequel The Testaments at my awesome Nashville Public Library, I reckoned I'd better re-read this classic from my hWith a hold placed on its brand-new sequel The Testaments at my awesome Nashville Public Library, I reckoned I'd better re-read this classic from my high school days. I remember liking it then but not being much moved by it; I didn't find it scary because it was so implausible.
The Handmaid's Tale is a different story in 2020 than it was in 1985 because we're living in a different country. We've already ceded control of all three branches of our federal government to the corporations while allowing our majority Christian population to portray itself as a persecuted minority and thereby gain a much firmer grip on our governmental policy apparatus and federal law, so the story is much, much more frightening because it seems that much more plausible. I haven't the teeniest, tiniest bit of trouble imagining now that an organized, well-armed, militant, repressive, fundamentalist Christian sect could, with relative ease and speed, pull off a coup and accomplish a successful secession within a very short period of time.
More good stuff from Lois McMaster Bujold. It's so fun listening to Miles get himself into then back out of dire straits. Grover Gardner is a talentedMore good stuff from Lois McMaster Bujold. It's so fun listening to Miles get himself into then back out of dire straits. Grover Gardner is a talented reader....more
I had not previously read any other translation of the Tao Te Ching, so I have no basis for comparison for how well LeGuin's version stacks up againstI had not previously read any other translation of the Tao Te Ching, so I have no basis for comparison for how well LeGuin's version stacks up against others. This version is clear and accessible, and LeGuin offers plenty of notes and explanations of how and why her interpretation differs from its most popular predecessors. If you're beginning to study or learn about Chinese philosophy or religion, I recommend this version as essential and not too dense to understand....more
Even though Ethan of Athos doesn't feature series protagonist Miles Vorkosigan, it's interesting and entertaining. Dendarii Free Mercenary Commander EEven though Ethan of Athos doesn't feature series protagonist Miles Vorkosigan, it's interesting and entertaining. Dendarii Free Mercenary Commander Elli Quinn takes center stage here and is a delight. Lois McMaster Bujold writes the most cerebral, character-driven sci-fi I think I've ever read. The range of human worlds she's created is astounding, endlessly fascinating, and given what I know of human nature, spot-on....more
A timeless and enjoyable collection of funny, relevant essays covering just about everything from fashion to city life to dining out to politics and cA timeless and enjoyable collection of funny, relevant essays covering just about everything from fashion to city life to dining out to politics and country life and... Well, there's little about the American experience from the mid 1970s through the late 1980s that Blount doesn't take to task here. Though they're dated, the themes are universal and would still apply to today's issues with only the names of some of the subjects changed. I'm fortunate to have found a gently-used 1st edition for next to nothing at McKay's Used Books. Money well spent!...more
Slaying Goliath is an excellent and timely exposé of the network of billionaires, think tanks, policy institutes, and politicians, Republican and DemoSlaying Goliath is an excellent and timely exposé of the network of billionaires, think tanks, policy institutes, and politicians, Republican and Democrat alike, who have sought for the past 30 years to de-fund, demean, and eventually destroy American public education and replace it with a variety of unaccountable, unaccredited, and opaque taxpayer funded(!) private, charter, and religious schools.
Ravitch is a relentless sleuth and has done a meticulous job of researching the issues in order to expose the corruption, nepotism, double-dealing, and theft of public monies that is endemic to the privatization movement. She shows how, in state after state after state, efforts to replace public schools have been characterized again and again by short-lived, failing private charters and religious schools that often end up closing after a few short years and having served no other purpose than illicitly, often illegally, to enrich their owners at the expense of the public and especially of the children and families they were supposed to have helped.
If you ever had, will have, or currently have children or dependents in America's public schools, please read Slaying Goliath. Get outraged. Take action. ...more
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is a moving love letter to the protagonist's mother and an excruciating coming-of-age love story. It's also a fairly aOn Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is a moving love letter to the protagonist's mother and an excruciating coming-of-age love story. It's also a fairly accurate portrayal of childhood and adolescent life among many in the American working class in the late 20th/early 21st century. Vuong chronicles the disaffection and addiction so common in decaying suburbs with brutal honesty, making it at times difficult to read. If you are troubled by descriptions of child abuse, drug use, and graphic sex, you should probably avoid this book. ...more
Although I haven't yet read any of Bardugo's YA fiction, my daughter loves & raves about those books, so I was eager to see how her adult fiction woulAlthough I haven't yet read any of Bardugo's YA fiction, my daughter loves & raves about those books, so I was eager to see how her adult fiction would turn out.
Bardugo almost lost me from the start. I have a 10/50/100-page rule about when to give up on a book if it's not resonating with me, and there were plenty of moments in the first 100 pages that I was ready to add it to my DNF shelf & return it to the library. Bardugo spends so much time introducing the various characters and mysteries while offering so little action and excitement that the building suspense is almost insufficient to sustain a reader's interest.
Almost, but not quite. By page 100, I could sense that things were about to start happening, so I broke my rule and hung in there, and I'm glad I did. I think it was around page 124-125 when all hell broke loose and thins really started happening.
Protagonist Galaxy 'Alex' Stern is a smart, stubborn, tough-as-nails, hard-hitting badass with a keen sense of justice forged in the crucible of her traumatic youth, and I enjoyed watching her piece together puzzles and kick bad guy ass. Bardugo also gifted Alex with a strong, realistically flawed, support team, and I'm eager to see what they do next. ...more
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