David
While only 177 pages, I almost ditched this book around page 50, especially once I learned that the big question of the book is never really answered. Yet, much like our tireless narrator, I pushed onwards. Things picked up once the first big plot twist arrived, and thus my interest was piqued.
A philosophical sci-fi tale on what it is to be human, where there are more questions than answers.
It's a bleak tale, but one worth reading.
Detective Holly Gibney returns in Stephen King's latest crime (not horror) thriller! This time she is dealing with not one, but two killers. One a serial killer and the other a “pro-lifer” intent on killing a popular feminist activist. There's a lot going on in this book and there were moments I temporarily got confused as to who was who. Yet, it was a very enjoyable and suspenseful read.
Signed,
Totally Biased Lifelong Stephen King Fan
This book offers valuable insights and is easy to read, guiding you on how to manage your emotions and not allow the opinions of others to affect your mood or overall life goals. Whether it's dealing with a spouse, a friend, or your child, “The Let Them Theory” lays out a clear path for managing various situations, ultimately leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.
Star Wars Holiday Special
Paul Lynde Halloween Special
Snow White Oscar telecast
The Brady Bunch
The Village People
Carol Channing
Charo
If any of those shows and/or celebrities mean anything to you, then you should definitely pick up this book.
A fun, witty and gossipy behind-the-scenes memoir of what went into the making of some of the worst TV specials ever made during an era in Hollywood that is no longer.
This book is guaranteed to send you down a YouTube rabbit hole!
I loved the set up and the isolated setting for this novel about a father and his three children on a research island near Antarctica who are harboring a secret. A secret that is at risk of being exposed when a woman washes up on their shore.
Despite figuring out the major plot twist towards the end, we have great world building and fleshed out characters you truly care about that make this a riveting read.
Giving women their due, Kristin Hannah explores the life of women serving as nurses both during the Vietnam War and the aftermath.
There were moments where I felt a lack of subtlety when it came to the historic high points of the story, but overall, a moving and compelling read with some surprising twists along the way.
Loved everything about this book! From its short little chapters, to its compelling characters, propulsive narrative and several references to my favorite Elton John song, “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters”. Spanning over 3 decades, it's a story about family, love, obsession, secrets and a serial killer named Eli. I could not put this down!
Coincidentally, EJ's new album dropped this week. Its opening track, an ode to Laura Nyro, uses the repeated refrain “Eli's coming”.
If you're looking for a detailed “How to” manual, this is not it.
The idea is to get ahead of potential health problems before they become actual ones.
He calls these problems The Four Horsemen: Cancer, Heart Disease, Neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic diseases (i.e., diabetes).
Cliff Notes Version: Exercise!!
Almost bailed on the book when I was only 10% in....then again at 50%....then decided to just finish the damn thing.
I think this was a “don't judge a book by its cover” except in reverse. The cover was so pretty, but the story itself was not.
Interesting premise, but thought it was overly long and at times confusing. Some funny moments and some interesting twists towards the end, but not enough to overlook the first 80% of the book.
As someone working in the industry, I definitely enjoyed and could relate to the setting of this black comedy/horror/sci-fi hybrid. While I also connected with the struggle of coming out, it's now 2024, and I found it hard to believe that a man in his 30s who works in Hollywood would still be closeted. Additionally, I wasn't particularly satisfied with the resolution to the mystery, which I sometimes found illogical. I was also unclear about the chapters that began like a screenplay featuring our protagonist; that aspect was never explained. Despite these issues, I still enjoyed the ride.
As a Gen X gay man, I have to share that I found myself a little confused by the pronouns and gender references used for the characters, as well as some of the terminology—like “xe.” I must have missed the memo on that one! While it may not be the most crucial part of the story, it did occasionally distract me and take away from my overall enjoyment.
Yeah, I know, soon I'll be yelling at clouds and telling kids to get off my lawn.
But honestly, if you can stick with the story until the end, the resolution is absolutely worth the journey!
With short, compact chapters, Helen Phillips constructs a world where the ecosystem is collapsing and consumerism is rampant. AI robots called Hums advertise products to humans while also serving an unseen government. Amidst all this, we meet May, who has recently lost her job but undergoes a face-altering surgery that will pay her a handsome sum. With this money, she takes her family to a Garden of Eden-style place in the middle of their congested city.
A quick and tense read with an abrupt ending that I'm not sure I loved.
When I think of “Area 51,” I automatically associate it with UFOs. So, when I discovered this book, I assumed it would be all about that topic. However, I was mistaken. While the early chapters discuss UFOs and the closing chapter reveals a jaw-dropping explanation of the Roswell Incident, this book delves into more than just that.
With access to declassified information and a series of interviews with soldiers, scientists, spies, and engineers who were present at Area 51, Annie Jacobson provides a fascinating and detailed account of our government's efforts to conduct top-secret experiments in the realm of espionage and military warfare.
A shocking and fascinating read.
