We Are Lost and Found

 Book 35 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from April 15 - 20

We Are Lost and Found

by Helene Dunbar

My Opinion

2 stars

This book tackled a scary and uncertain time - being gay (in New York) at the very beginning of the AIDS crisis.  Although the seeds were there, I kept waiting for more depth that did not come.  I was primed to be emotionally pulled but just felt detached. 

I would read this author again though.

Tough Titties

 Book 34 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from April 13 - 14

Tough Tittles: On Living Your Best Life When 

You're the F-ing Worst

by Laura Belgray

My Opinion

4 stars

I picked this book up on a whim at the library and read it in a day.  Normally I switch between books throughout the day but I kept picking this one up again because it was a quick, easy read.  I'm not enthralled enough to search out further work or sign up for her newsletters but spending the day in her life was a good way to pass the time.

I'm not familiar with the author at all but she started off with a frame of reference and even though the book travels through time, she writes with a very clear voice of who she is so I didn't have any trouble staying on board.

If the book looks interesting, read a few pages.  If you're enjoying it, that will continue but if you're not, put the book away because she shows the reader from the very beginning what the tone will be.

The Glass Ocean

 Book 33 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from March 30 - April 13

The Glass Ocean

by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White

My Opinion

2 stars

I'm conflicted.  The book was incredibly readable and I was sucked into the relationships of the characters while I was reading it.  But as soon as I would set the book down it would be difficult to pick it up again because I wasn't really enjoying it.

The characters were good and the use of different authors made three very distinct voices as the chapters alternated.  But it was too much - too many double crossers, things that could've been resolved super quickly taking too long (a misunderstanding taking 2 years to talk through, the reader being kept in the dark about the grandmother by refusing to say her name at natural opportunities, the super late reveal of both the traitor on the ship and the maid's identity even though both were clear, etc.), and not enough wrap-up on Patrick which was the character that started the whole thing.

So I'm conflicted.  This particular book didn't work for me because of too many plots but I also can't pinpoint what I would've removed because I liked them all separately.

This Is How It Always Is

 Book 32 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from March 20 - 30

This Is How It Always Is

by Laurie Frankel

My Opinion

4 stars

This is a lovely book.  The quiet respectfulness of the situation was clear throughout the book and when the author mentioned a kernel of the story is from her own life, I understood how the details could feel rooted in realism.  There were big discussions and moments but they were not presented in an after-school special way, they were woven into the fabric of everyday life.

It went off the rails for me in Thailand but other than that, it was a roller coaster of a book in a good way.  There were hills and valleys for everyone throughout the time of the book and while there weren't definite answers at the end, it felt hopeful.

Quote from the Book

"Because you know what's better than happy endings?"

"What?"

"Happy middles."

"You think?"

"All the happy with none of the finality. All the happy with room enough to grow. What could be better than that?"

The Lady's Handbook for Her Mysterious Illness

 Book 31 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from March 9 - 29

The Lady's Handbook for Her Mysterious Illness

by Sarah Ramey

My Opinion

3 stars

This book is a labor of love and I may not have been exactly the right audience for it but I'm going to donate it and hope it finds the reader that will dogear, highlight, and cherish it because that reader is out there.

I'm rating it in the middle because it all evens out to a fairly neutral read.  I'm not upset I read it and there are some things I'll think about further but I don't know what kind of audience I would recommend it to.

The memoir/personal aspects of the book are soul-baring.  I have fibromyalgia and there was a definite feeling of "at least I'm not going through this much" which is an awful thing to think when there's a real person attached to the story.  I also thought about how "lucky" she is to have such a strong support system that could help her for such a long time.  I know it wasn't the support she needed and I'm glad she stood up for herself but not having to worry about a place to live or money for treatments (at least as far as she said) removes a huge boulder as she was able to focus on her recovery.

The other aspects, kind of scientific, kind of medical, kind of "woo woo", are what gives me pause.  I'm not saying the "kind of"s to discount what she's saying, I don't know what category to put the information in.  It should be medical but our system is fucked and it is scientific but it's also new and mostly unproven.  Although she acknowledges the many barriers that would prevent people from accessing everything she talks about (and also cautions many times that she's not advocating for anyone to take her word as medical fact), it did skirt a little too close to "you can overcome it if you focus on xyz" for my personal taste.  It was a little more palatable because "xyz" was lifestyle adaptations and not just positive thinking and sunshine but for most people it's still foreign and unattainable.  Even though the author's heart and mind is in the right place and there are lots of things to consider for the future, I think of those I know now with chronic illness and telling them to "eat healthier/stress less/sleep more" (which I KNOW is a gross oversimplification of what the author said) would feel accusatory and similar to a doctor suggesting weight loss for any ailment.

So that's how I'm stuck.  It was a good book and there are things I agree wholeheartedly should change and hope they will for the future but I'm feeling a little defeated as I finish it.  

Spirits and Ghouls

 Book 30 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from March 3 - 19

Spirits & Ghouls

My Opinion

3 stars

This series from Flame Tree Publishing is the only one I would buy purely for aesthetic and how cool they look on my shelves.  It's an added bonus that I read them as well; it's been hit or miss on the collection so far so I hope for the best and prepare for the worst.  

This collection is solidly in the middle.  Most of them were short so even though I wasn't in love with all of them, I appreciate the variety included.  There were 36 stories, 16 of them new and 20 previously published (with the oldest published in 1856).

My favorite was "Shrieking Willow".

As always when reviewing multiple authors, I'll include a small opinion on each individual story below.

The Mother of Sands

It was very short and unexpected.  The circumstances that brought them together were fairly tenuous but since the meat of the story happened after they were together I'll ignore it.

Good Lady Ducayne

I'm torn because I like the happy ending but it also took the steam out of the story because it was so out of character.

Bella being so naive meant that I knew what was happening long before she did but luckily she had friends to look out for her.

The Widow Watcher of Wooten Creek

It was haunting but in a good way.  I liked the conversation the granny and granddaughter were able to have, almost like a changing of the guard.

Holding the Light

Thoroughly creepy.  Everything happening in the dark left it all to the imagination and that's even scarier.

They Come at Night

Good story but on the short side.  More suspense could've been built in between the time they found the campsite and the ending to give it even more edginess.

Once Upon a Graveyard

I would read more about this character and if the author decided to expand, this short story would be a good, concise introduction.

Sister Johanna's Story

It was fine, nothing that stirred me one way or another.

The Story of Salome

Although the ending threw me for a loop (in a good way), it didn't change my overall boredom with the story.  It was written in 1867 and it showed in the style of taking many pages to sum up a very basic premise.

The Poor Clare

I skimmed.  Written in 1856, it had the style of the times; using a million words when ten would do.  If the story is interesting I'll wade through and find the nuggets but this one didn't grab me at the beginning and I didn't try.

The Devil of Avalon

The story was a good length with the right amount of arc.  I'm not clear if the 'Historical Epilogue' is actually true information for the reader or if it's an added footnote to the story.

In Bleak December

I was expecting a ghost but not the person it turned out to be.

The Smoke Market

The kernel of the story was interesting but it felt longer than it needed to be.

Nine Rings of Silver and One of Bronze

This story was so full of regret it took my breath away.  I'm not convinced it was actually the human but the leader thinks it is and the guilt will drive him mad.

Two Trees

Vivid depictions of scenes and emotions, this was a creepy story.

Atticat

That was soothing for a ghost story with no frights and everyone banding together as a community.

Apartment 3G

It started off strong but was too contrived making everything work in the end.  I'm torn though because I appreciate knowing what happened to her girls but it did feel clunky.

A View from a Hill

Meh.  I knew where it was going fairly quickly but the story didn't really explain itself so I'm not sure I would've gotten it just from the story itself if I didn't have experience with these kinds of tropes.

What Have You Brought Me?

There was a melancholy softness I wasn't expecting from what was at its core a creature luring a woman to death.

Shrieking Willow

Excellent!!!  Spooky and disorienting with multiple "this is the end just kidding here's another twist" turns that would get my hopes up for a happy ending only to dash them again.

The Story of Sidi-Nouman

The story was fine but the method of telling it was boring.  Recounting everything in a monologue after the fact removes any suspense or concern.

Squire Toby's Will

I skimmed it.  Too long and too much dialogue, it was obviously an older story and I didn't want to invest in keeping everything straight.

The Shabah

It was fine but I think I would've liked it more if it had been a few days shorter.  The author did a good job conveying a lot of backstory without a lot of words.

Pickman's Model

I agree art can be incredibly creepy, especially when the line appears to be blurred between imagination and real-life inspiration.

The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath

It was on the long end of a short story (50 pages) which was unfortunate because I didn't like it.  Even skimming I didn't read it all in one sitting because I was falling asleep.

Only Monsters

The dread of inevitability made me sick to my stomach.  I wish there had been more blanks filled in about what the creature was and how the "partnership" came to be.

The Jumper

The premise was really interesting.  I don't think I would try the jumper on if I'd been in the lecture hall.  What's the saying..."I'm not superstitious, I'm just a little stitious."

Afterlife on Mars

The isolation adds to the creepiness.  I'm glad they didn't waste time and shared information with each other immediately.

You Can Never Go Home Again

Very short, this would be a good campfire story.  I was more upset about the betrayal of the wife than anything that the husband experienced.

The History of Gherib and His Brother Agib

Too long, too religious.  I don't understand why old stories are so frickin' wordy...wasn't it expensive to print?  

Words for the Dead

There was a lot of emotion packed into a short story.  I'm happy there seemed to be an optimistic ending.

Tangled Tales of Jumbies and Silk Cotton Trees

Riveting story with one last twist of an ending.

Walnut-Tree House

This was like a ghost story written for the Hallmark Channel.  A benevolent ghost, a man who has no problem sharing his newly found riches, and cousins getting married.

Oh Bury Me Not

An unreliable narrator added to the uncertainty of the story.  It had a good, unexpected pace.

Xarus's Mirror

That was a gripping story but I wish it had a different ending.  I don't like that she was going out to be alone.

Three Years

Riveting and emotional.

Just as I can sometimes tell which stories are older based on the language, this is the first one that I knew was new because the pandemic and quarantining were key factors.

Ghost Festival in the Desert

Great story to finish out the collection.  Revenge and a happy ending.

The Cleaners

 Book 29 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read on March 16

The Cleaners 

by Ken Liu

My Opinion

4 stars

This short story is part of the Faraway collection available through Prime Reading.  It was an enjoyable read with an interesting premise.  I understand introducing three main characters because they all show different experiences but it also took away from the development by splitting a short story into three POVs.

Pretty Guilty Women

 Book 28 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from March 10 - 15

Pretty Guilty Women

by Gina LaManna

My Opinion

3 stars

I'm torn on this book.  It was a fast-paced quick read and I really liked the characters' interactions with each other.  However, there were a lot of things that fit together implausibly to make a perfectly imperfect arc.

It had a weird combination of women spilling secrets within minutes of meeting a stranger yet not communicating with their known friends/partners.  The oversharing was necessary and moved the story along but some of the concerns could've been cleared up very quickly if they had been shared with the actual parties involved instead of strangers.

Just over halfway through I started to form an idea on the victim and circumstances but did not predict the final twist at all.

So all in all, I'm rating it in the middle.  If you can ignore some plotholes and go along for the ride, this would be a good, light read.  But I also can't recommend it wholeheartedly without adding the caveat that it won't stand up to scrutiny.

The Princess Game

 Book 27 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read on March 11

The Princess Game

by Roman Chainani

My Opinion

1 star

This short story is part of the Faraway collection available through Prime Reading.  It's a miss for me.  I didn't like the format of voice notes, the bumbling detective was more annoying than comedic, and it had a strange ending.

Emmy & Oliver

 Book 26 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from March 8 - 10

Emmy & Oliver

by Robin Benway

My Opinion

3 stars

I started reading and before I knew it 100 pages had passed.  It's a very easy style to get sucked into.  Although it took me 3 days to read it, I read it in 2 sittings; there was a day in between where I was too busy to read at all.

So the book was incredibly readable, I liked the dynamics between the characters, and I would definitely read this author again.  So why only 3 stars (and a low 3, almost a 2, rating at that)?  The situation that led to the 10 years apart was too contrived and then the ending was even worse.  I think the book either needed to be the light read it was the majority of the time and find another reason to create tension and drama, or it needed to dive more into the kidnapping.  This book didn't really do justice to either one...I was overlooking it until the resolution at the end and I just absolutely couldn't get behind it.

Wildhood

 Book 25 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from February 20 - March 8

Wildhood: The Epic Journey from Adolescence to Adulthood in Humans and Other Animals

My Opinion

4 stars

The title and description is accurate so if the book looks interesting I would say it's worth the reader's time.  I'm not an expert on any of these topics but when there are 51 pages of notes in a 355 page book it seems well-researched.

The very first paragraph sums up what to expect from the book.

"Wildhood, the shared experience of adolescence across species, begins with the physical changes of puberty and ends when an individual has acquired four essential life skills. To become successful adults, all Earth's animals must learn how to: stay safe; negotiate social status; navigate sexuality; and live as adults."

They primarily focused on four wild animals biologists tracked through adolescence and beyond: Ursula the king penguin, Shrink the spotted hyena, Salt the humpback whale, and Slavc the European wolf.

The prologue felt like reading a textbook but the rest of the book had a narrative approach and was much smoother and more readable.

I'm a softie who can't watch animal documentaries and even this book teeters close...it "humanizes" the animals so I felt sad when they were bullied or had to leave their parents but I also cheered for them when they succeeded.  I had an especially soft spot for Shrink.

UNSUB

 Book 24 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from March 3 - 7

UNSUB

by Meg Gardiner

My Opinion

5 stars

Fuuuuuck.  This was a trip from start to finish.  Perfect pacing because I didn't skip ahead at all.  I love to read thrillers yet have a low tolerance for the uncomfortable feeling so I usually have to find a spoiler and relieve some tension.  With this book I was incredibly tempted twice but I didn't peek.

I had to get up and take a lap about halfway through after a particular reveal.  It didn't feel right (and wasn't right) but it was such a gut check.  And the ending added one more little punch to wrap things up.

However, after raving about this book, I probably won't continue the series.  My library only had the first one and the main reason I liked this book was the case itself (which was solved) and the dynamic between some of the characters that would not be continuing in future books.  I'd probably read more if I saw them but I'm not seeking them out.

The Echo of Old Books

 Book 23 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from February 27 - March 2

The Echo of Old Books

by Barbara Davis

My Opinion

5 stars

First of all, what a lovely gift, to be able to feel the emotions of the previous owners of the books she holds.  I understand there would be downsides of sadness and/or fear but the character reveres books as a reader and a bookstore owner and I can see how this would add an extra layer to her already enthusiastic reading.

5 stars because I read about 90% of it in the span of one day; I just kept coming back to it and was thinking about it when I wasn't reading it.  

This one hit me.  I'm not going to overanalyze it because 5 stars are usually more about how they made me feel.  It may not connect with everyone but it did with me.

The story progressed nicely and the circumstances teetered justthisclose to believable.  Having it set in the 80's helped with some of the reveals; you couldn't just get on the Internet and have answers in minutes.

The ending was a little cheesy but I don't mind having everything wrapped up with a little bow.

Hazel and Gray

 Book 22 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read on March 2

Hazel and Gray

by Nic Stone

My Opinion

2 stars

This short story is part of the Faraway collection available through Prime Reading.  I predicted the connection very early so while I kept reading to see if/how they would escape, the rest was unsurprising.

His Hideous Heart

 Book 21 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from February 27 - March 1

His Hideous Heart

My Opinion

4 stars

This book has multiple authors reimagining works by Edgar Allan Poe.  An unusual aspect that I really appreciate is it has Poe's original works as the second half of the book if the reader wants to read those as well.

As always when reading books with multiple authors, I'll include a small opinion on individual stories below.  I've also decided to begin by reading the inspiration story by Poe first to lay a groundwork of comparison.

My favorites were "Night-Tide" and "The Glittering Death".  Although there were some I didn't enjoy a ton there were no complete duds in the inspired stories (I can't say the same for Poe's) so that was a plus too.

She Rode a Horse of Fire (inspired by the original tale "Metzengerstein")

Poe's original story didn't keep my interest so the new story was already starting behind the eight ball for me.

I can see the similarities and thought the new story updated circumstances well, including making the object a car instead of a horse.  It kept my interest more than Poe's story but I still wasn't super invested.

It's Carnival! (inspired by the original tale "The Cask of Amontillado")

Short and to the point, there was enough time to convey the motives and create distaste for the victim.

It held true to the emotions of Poe's story but had a current twist in method.

Night-Tide (inspired by the original tale "Annabel Lee")

LOVE!!!  This was a beautiful story, stark and emotional.

It greatly expanded Poe's poem and made the story between two girls but kept the same longing and romance.

The Glittering Death (inspired by "The Pit and the Pendulum")

"The Pit and the Pendulum" is the most memorable story by Poe that I've read and I have a visceral reaction every time I read it.  Somehow this inspired story generated an even stronger reaction.  It was terrific.

My jaw hurts from the tension I was holding reading Poe's story followed by this one.

A Drop of Stolen Ink (inspired by " The Purloined Letter")

Even without the knowledge of the inspiration, this was a fully realized story.  I'd read a million more of their adventures.

Although it took the original story's "hidden in plain sight", everything else was updated and unique.  I really liked it.

Happy Days, Sweetheart (inspired by "The Tell-Tale Heart")

The author was able to take inspiration from arguably one of the most famous stories and still surprise with a twist.  I know I was supposed to root against her but I couldn't.

The Raven (Remix) (inspired by "The Raven")

I understand the concept behind it but in practicality it was difficult to read when individual letters were left uncovered to form words.  My eye naturally wanted to scan and it took immense concentration to not only find the letters but figure out what they were spelling.

Since this took the original text and repurposed it by blocking out many words, I'm guessing this will be the closest to the actual story behind each author's inspiration.

Changeling (inspired by "Hop-Frog")

Poe's original story was outdated and offensive so I was already on edge when I started the inspired story.  It wasn't offensive and made enough changes to make it palatable but I was still uncomfortable.  I had trouble keeping the voices straight.

The Oval Filter (inspired by "The Oval Portrait")

The inspired story was really compelling which was a relief because I thought Poe's story was a dud.

It was the perfect length and kept things moving enough that the reader was unsettled but also didn't muddy the waters with extra characters or events.

Red (inspired by "The Masque of the Red Death")

It was fine.  I understand what the red death symbolized in Poe's story but not in the inspired one.

Lygia (inspired by "Ligeia")

Poe's story was boooooring but the inspired story was much better.  I felt awful for Roberta though.

The Fall of the Bank of Usher (inspired by "The Fall of the House of Usher")

It felt especially long because I wasn't super interested in the plot.  I don't fully understand what happened but am glad they both made it out.

I wasn't interested in Poe's original story either.

The Murders in the Rue Apartelle, Boracay (inspired by "The Murders in the Rue Morgue")

An interesting spin and update on Poe's original story.  I'm glad the narrator wasn't harmed physically or emotionally.

The Wickeds

 Book 20 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read on February 27

The Wickeds

by Gayle Forman

My Opinion

5 stars

This short story is part of the Faraway collection available through Prime Reading.

I was engrossed with this new perspective.  Although the last page took me out of the story a bit I understand it was necessary to wrap up the story.  I want to read what happened next.

The Village Healer's Book of Cures

 Book 19 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from February 19 - 26

The Village Healer's Book of Cures

by Jennifer Sherman Roberts

My Opinion

4 stars

This book had a slow start but once it got going it was impossible to put down.  There was also a bit of "right place right time" to keep the story moving but I looked past it in appreciation of the quick pacing. 

I've discovered I like books that have suspense but also a grounding of characters the reader can trust; not everyone has to be suspected.  The twist was a complete shock.

I like that the mystery was the mystery and the personal relationship stuff wasn't complicated by miscommunication or dishonesty.

The Prince and the Troll

 Book 18 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read on February 25

The Prince and the Troll

by Rainbow Rowell

My Opinion

3 stars

This short story is part of the Faraway collection available through Prime Reading.

I really liked the dynamic between the two characters and how they built a little more closeness each day.  I felt like I knew them even though all that was shown was a small snippet of their daily life.  But I'm rating it 3 stars because I wanted more and wish there had been less buildup and more once the rain started.

Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All

 Book 17 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from February 20 - 24

Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All

by Laura Ruby

My Opinion

3 stars

The title was a perfect way to start the book with a hazy, ethereal feeling.  I really enjoyed the pacing and development.  It helped a lot that the beginning showed Frankie's location in the future so I had an underlying ease knowing that the worst wouldn't happen and she would get out.

It was close to a 4 star read but I rounded down to 3 because there were so many things thrown at the reader out of nowhere at the end that it felt frantic.  It was also a little confusing at first when Frankie and Pearl both have inner thoughts without any paragraph breaks or indications of character switches but once I settled in, it flowed better than I expected.

Forever Golden

 Book 16 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from February 19 - 20

Forever Golden

by Christine Kopaczewski

My Opinion

3 stars

This is a box set of 4 small books, each one an "autobiography" by the Golden Girls Rose, Blanche, Dorothy, and Sophia.  I received it as a gift because The Golden Girls (and reading in general) is something my sister associates with me.  This set is perfect for that purpose and it will be cute as a display item on my bookshelf, although I hope she didn't spend a lot of money on it.

As far as the actual reading, meh.  I'll just watch the show again if I want to hear their quotes and stories and enjoy it more.  

How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse

 Book 15 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from February 7 - 19

How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse

by K. Eason

My Opinion

3 stars

I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting to read this book right now.  I'm making an effort to read books off of my "to-read" list so I randomly picked a page of the list and got any books from that page my library had available to check out.  When going through that pile to choose what to read next, I didn't think I would have the mind space for this; sci-fi can be notoriously laboring with world building and such to keep track of.  I thought I would give a chapter a try and then return it to read at a later time.

Instead, I was pleasantly surprised at how accessible this book is.  It reads like YA if not even a little J Fic (not an insult) so things move quickly to keep interest and layers are revealed little by little.

What I REALLY liked about the book was that I as the reader was not kept in the dark even though Rory the main character was.  Even though there was some murkiness and shadiness, the characters were straightforward enough in their thoughts that there was a basic foundation of whom to trust. 

I admit it, I was so nervous about the fate of one character that I skipped to the end to see if his named still appeared.  And I admit it, I got a little antsy in the last 25% and skimmed to get the gist before going back and seeing all the breadcrumbs.

There was a bit of an info dump at the end to wrap everything up but that was also nice because it went far enough into the future that most questions were answered.  I was on the fence about whether or not to read the next book in the series but my library doesn't have it and I'm not interested enough to search it out so I will probably not read it.

Cast Member Confidential

 Book 14 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from February 15 - 19

Cast Member Confidential: A Disneyfied Memoir

by Chris Mitchell

My Opinion

3 stars

A quick read that was fine while reading it but fine that it ended too.

At very beginning he explains how he's able to write this book.  It was published awhile ago so I was curious to see if he had any backlash.  In the briefest of Google searches after finishing the book, it doesn't appear there was anything major (negative reviews, of course. but legal action, no.)

I was concerned with the tone as the book started because he was really leaning into "edgy outsider who questions everything".  I may agree some of the rules seem silly but I'm also not applying to work there.  The "Disney experience" is a very real thing many people take seriously so I continued reading hoping he either leaned into the job or got out.  He did end up leaning in much further than I expected which made the abruptness of his exit surprisingly sad.

It's expected and understandable to let down and be a real person behind the scenes so those stories were fun and the best part of the book.  I just took everything with a grain of salt (or a spoonful of sugar, excuse the bad Disney joke).  It doesn't bother me because it wrapped everything up but there's no way every single thing happened all in one day, his last day, and then he just left.  I hope he was telling the truth about his mom's health though and that he was able to get closer to his family.

Contemporary American Short Stories

 Book 13 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from January 28 - February 14

Contemporary American Short Stories

My Opinion

2 stars

Before Reading:

I bought this book used and had no idea it came out in 1967 so the stories are not contemporary to me.  It will be interesting to see how the stories stand up many years later.  I'm also guessing there will be themes and/or language that would be offensive or outdated today.

Overall Thoughts After Reading:

As expected, there was language casually used that would not be used today.  There was only one story that had black characters and didn't use the n-word.

I felt meh about the book as a whole.  I'm guessing this will always be an issue with anthologies; the stories may have been fine at the time but I don't think they're worth preserving and reading decades later.

I like the little author bios at the beginning of each story instead of a full list at the beginning or end of the book.

As always when reading multiple authors, I'll put thoughts about individual stories below.

Greenleaf

It was fine.  I'm sure there was symbolism somewhere but it just felt like a judgmental unhappy woman meddling with other people.

Why I Live at the P.O.

I'm glad she was able to get away from her family.  Her sister was horrid and it would be incredibly frustrating to see her get away with everything.

The Fancy Woman

Even among other stories that used it, this one stood for a million n-words.  Even if it hadn't been that word I still would've noticed and said the author needed more variety in describing people because it was one single word over and over and over.

As for the story, I didn't really understand what was happening.  I think part of my confusion is the unfamiliarity with the customs of the time; things she was getting upset about or being judged for seemed trivial and minor.

Battle Royal

The story was emotionally charged with strong descriptions of the room, first with a sexual energy and then with violence.  It was disturbing to read because I could picture it being written from experience.

Come Out the Wilderness

The story was absorbing.  It was about scenarios and lives I don't have any experience with but I could still feel everything.

The Crime

The story was well-written but so so sad.

The Last Mohican

This was a story that could fit in any time or place.  I could feel the character's obsessiveness and wasn't sure how it was going to end.

A Woman of Her Age

I would've liked the story more if it had been half as long.

The Conversion of the Jews

A very odd story.  I was worried because of the title but there wasn't anything overtly offensive about the story itself.

A & P

I was with him until the end and then it didn't make sense.

Cruel and Barbarous Treatment

It was boring because it was well-written.  The main character was a self-absorbed woman who droned on and on and she was so realistic I wasn't interested and was angry at her as though she was real.

The Country Husband

I hated this story.  It's written as though the man is supposed to be the victim with no choice but to blow up his life because his wife was giving too much attention to the kids.  That would be bad enough but the GIRL he starts obsessing over is their teenage babysitter - gross and predictable.

In Dreams Begin Responsibilities

Abrupt ending.  I could've liked the concept with a little more finesse and timing.

Sex Education

That must've been very progressive for the time it was written because I could've believed it was a newly published story with no changes.

Holiday

It's not a good sign when I have to put a bookmark in a short story because I don't read it all at once.  It took me 5 sittings to get through this 34 page story.  Nope.

The Ram in the Thicket

I didn't really understand what was going on and have no idea how the title factors in but I did feel sad for the loneliness of the two main characters.

Among the Dangs

It was a fully fleshed-out story but didn't hold my interest.  I was uneasy reading it because the author did a good job blurring the line between what was actually happening and what the narrator was imagining.

The Gonzaga Manuscripts

Just as it was starting to feel like a farce there was a definitive ending.  I'm glad there was a clear answer even though it wasn't the answer he wanted.

Prince of Darkness

The story wound through many different scenes and narratives.  It held my interest while I was reading it but as I reflect on it now, there were a whole lot of words but not a lot of substance.

Encore

It was fine.  This was a story that I wouldn't have known was written years ago, the themes of family and disappointing an overbearing mother still apply today.

Tell Me a Riddle

Incredibly raw.  I felt so much empathy for the mom.

I Look Out for Ed Wolfe

That had the awkwardness of watching someone completely melt down.  It worked in a short story because it would've been too much if it had lasted longer.

A Shower of Gold

I couldn't find the grounding.  It felt like the kind of story someone would read after dropping acid to find "the meaning of life".

Ten Steps to Nanette

 Book 12 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from February 2 - 23

Ten Steps to Nanette

by Hannah Gadsby

My Opinion

3 stars

It hurts.  Even knowing she's alive and seemingly happy and successful, I'm so sad for the bewilderment and loneliness she felt for such a long time. I'm not a hugger and neither is she but I wish I could go back and give that little kid a hug.

It was a tough read (for subject matter, not for writing) and I had to keep reminding myself she finds diagnoses that help her cope, she finds a group of acceptance, and she seemingly finds happiness.

She herself said it best - "I wish more than anything that I had known about my ASD when I was a kid, just so I could've learnt how to look after my own distress, instead of assuming my pain was normal and deserved. There is no one to blame, but I still grieve for the quality of life I lost because I didn't have the key piece to my human puzzle. But until someone unlocks the riddle of time travel, little me will have to flail and fail their way through the world for thirty-odd years."

I think that's the part of reading her words that is the hardest.  She presents her struggles as something inevitable or deserved.  

Overall I'm rating it 3 stars because it was a bit long, especially the last few steps.  It makes me want to rewatch her shows though.

The Light We Lost

 Book 11 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from January 21 - 30

The Light We Lost

by Jill Santopolo

My Opinion

3 stars

In the Beginning:

After about 20 pages I will say this book is light and easy to get sucked into.  Having it written in her voice talking to him as she recounts past memories makes it feel intimate and emotional.

Checking In (about 20% through):

Uh oh, I just felt a little pinprick in my heart after reading a certain line and I feel the smallest inkling of where this is going.

Checking In (about halfway through):

This book keeps speeding along, it's only been 2 loads of laundry since I wrote the previous update (that's a common measurement of time, right?).  The narrator stays in the present of the time she's looking back on so there isn't much foreshadowing and I enjoy it.  I still have that little pit in my stomach, not just for the concern I had earlier but also about the comparisons she's making.  I hope she continues to make good choices.

Checking In (about 60% through):

haha, this is embarrassing.  I thought something major was going to happen because the chapters switched from Roman numerals to 1 but as I flipped through to see if the pattern continued I realized it actually was an l (the next chapter is li) so there's no change.

I'm a little frustrated about the continued fluctuating.  I understand about past loves and how they affect your present but mentally upending things every time there's a conversation, especially when those conversations are very very rare, isn't really fair to anyone.

Checking In (about 85% through):

Oh no.  I hate the direction this has gone, especially the unconfirmed justification.

Up until this point I thought one of the good things was that she didn't add extra drama by lying and I don't like the path she's taking now.

The End:

Fuuuuuck.  Nah man, that was too much in a short amount of time and the ending-not an ending left too much unanswered.  I really really want to know what she told her husband.

Final Overall Thoughts:

I didn't love the choices but understood the characters until that one big thing and then it was too far gone.  And my prediction from that one line early on turned out to be correct.

Things My Son Needs to Know about the World

 Book 10 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from January 27 - 30

Things My Son Needs to Know about the World

by Fredrik Backman

My Opinion

2 stars

This was disappointing because I loooove the author's fiction books so much and this felt surprisingly impersonal.  I felt more emotion from characters he created than from this book talking about his own life.

The funniest piece of advice was remembering to spit on a napkin and then wipe a child's face; do not spit directly on a child.

Nebula Awards Showcase 2014

 Book 9 of my 2024 Reading Challenge

read from January 22 - 28

Nebula Awards Showcase 2014

My Opinion

4 stars

This collection includes the winners and nominees of the Nebulas and includes short stories, novel excerpts, poetry, and more.

I enjoyed the book a lot which isn't surprising since they were aiming to curate the best of the best.  These are annual publications and I would definitely read more.

As always, since there are multiple authors I will add a little something about each one individually below.  

Immersion

Good story and interesting concept.  Even though there wasn't really a resolution I also think it ended at the right time.

Close Encounters

Excellent story that engrossed me from beginning to end.

After the Fall, Before the Fall, During the Fall

It was over 100 pages but didn't feel like it.  I lost interest a little during some of the 2014 flashbacks but the majority of the story was riveting.

The author did a great job of creating full characters without a lot of backstory or extra details.  I was surprisingly sad when Julie died.

Excerpt from 2312

The first half of the excerpt was really interesting but once it moved away from Swan's perspective and the personal aspects into the more scientific aspects of various surroundings it lost me.  I think excerpts are hard in general because you want to give enough of a taste to interest the reader but it's often unsatisfactory because you also can't give away too much since the goal is to have someone read the whole thing.

Not related to the story itself but someone was described as dipping their head in "a kind of autistic bow".  I don't have any idea what that would be.

The Bookmaking Habits of Select Species 

What a lovely thought that every being "reads" and passes knowledge in some form.

Excerpt from Fair Coin

I immediately added the book to my "to-read" list based on this excerpt.

Five Ways to Fall in Love on Planet Porcelain

My favorite.  The story filled me with feeling even though it was sparse and delicate.

Christmas Inn

The story was riveting.  I wish there had been a little more explanation to the ending because I didn't get it.  Maybe if I reread it it would become clearer.

The Library, After

I would read an expansion of that.  I love the idea of a library turning feral.

I never would've described it as a poem if it hadn't been listed in that category but it didn't bother me, I'm not the poetry police.

The Curator Speaks in the Department of Dead Languages

Winner of the best long poem, it also has the longest title.

The poem was emotional.

Blue Rose Buddha

This feels like a poem the author would read at a show and everyone around me would be nodding and snapping while I felt too shallow to understand it.  I feel that way about a lot of poetry, actually.