Gio'

Sometimes you just want a good story that doesn't change the world but is truly well-written, with great pacing, interesting characters, and the occasional plot twist. Megan Goldin rules—every book of hers is an absolute page-turner that cannot be put down.

A masterclass in narrative execution. The author is easily one of the most talented writers I have ever encountered, and this early work is no exception. The absolute mastery of language, the intricate handling of multiple timelines and viewpoints, and the profound multi-dimensionality of the characters are all fully present. A truly phenomenal piece of writing.

The plot is top-notch, the characters are well-fleshed-out, and the backstory is reasonably original. A sharp, well-written thriller with great pacing.

A compelling concept and opening, but the narrative loses steam over time. While the early training phases move quickly and the dynamic between the two older siblings is well-executed, the progression eventually becomes repetitive. It is a solid standalone experience, but it didn't generate enough momentum to make me commit to the rest of the series.

Boring, thin plot, and forced wit—DNF

The book is boring, with very little plot to keep it moving. The wittiness feels so forced that it ultimately sounds fake. DNF.

Fast-paced and likable, but ultimately forgettable

This is a short story with some interesting and likable characters. The plot is simple, the narrative moves fast, and it is a quick read—but it is also something you forget just as fast.

A glacial pace and a thin plot—DNF

I liked the first book a lot, but this second book was a struggle. The combination of a glacial pace, a complex timeline, and a thin plot made it hard to stay invested. With so many books to read and so little time, I decided to move on. DNF.

A perfect guilty pleasure—smooth, mindless fun

This is not a serious murder investigation book. Instead, it is pure guilty pleasure and mindless fun. While the plot twists are a little too numerous, it is all done intentionally and smoothly.

Richard Osman's style succeeds because:

• Immersive world-building: The writing creates a distinct world where all of these eccentric things happen naturally and smoothly.
• Flawless pacing: Even with the high volume of twists, the narrative flows without friction.

I definitely look forward to reading more of these easy books from the author.

A treat for lifelong AC/DC fans—even better on audio

As a lifelong AC/DC fan, this book was an absolute treat. Having Brian Johnson himself narrate the audiobook made it a double treat.

It was great to learn about:

• His beginnings: Gritty and fascinating insights into his early life before the fame.
• The struggles: The real challenges and massive life changes he had to navigate.

Why 4 stars instead of 5: I only docked a star because I would have loved slightly more content focused explicitly on the AC/DC portion of his life. Still, highly recommended.

Sam Kean's books all sound a little similar. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it makes for a stark comparison with his best effort, The Disappearing Spoon. The Icepick Surgeon is not at that same level, but it's an honest book with interesting stories, it is well-written, and it doesn't have the excess gore of some of his other books.

Jeffrey Archer can write! There are very few things more enjoyable while exercising than proper, tight, gripping fiction. All the characters developed correctly, all the loops closing without infuriating you, all smooth and well-written. Why not? Books that are not meant to change the world, but to entertain us and maybe make us imagine how it was to live in a different time.

I have a huge respect for George Orwell—I'm definitely a fan—but this is minor Orwell. It is not as lively as his other work, and the story is smaller. Of course, the writing is unrivaled in its quality, but if you're not an Orwell completionist like me, I guess you can skip it.

This is a case in which the "tool" or the "hook" is a little thin, so I didn't find it that interesting or relatable. Having said that, the book was short enough and the writing and pace were pretty good, so I powered through it. Good job to me.

Nowhere close in terms of quality to Strange Sally Diamond—not in the same league at all. I wonder if it is the extenuating book structure, written in "reports" from different people, that made an otherwise interesting story a bit of a slog.

I felt like I've read the same story again and again—all the undertones, all the themes, all the scenery. At some point, you have to ask yourself what is the point in reading the same book again and again. DNF.

Extremely thin plot with endless monologue. Very difficult to stay engaged. DNF.

There are some strong stories in this book, while some of them are just average. This is Murakami at his average, complete with fascinating ideas and his usual sexualized takes.