Gio'

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Quicksilver ★★★½

Quicksilver is long—very long—and often hard to stay focused on. While the historical backdrop is fascinating and some characters are genuinely interesting, the story itself isn’t gripping. Much of the book consists of drawn-out conversations with very diluted action. That said, the prose is fairly plain and the tone surprisingly light, making it easier to follow than expected. If this had been a standalone, I likely would have DNF’d it. But I’m intrigued enough by the broader scope of the series to give the next book a shot.

Childhood’s End: ★★★★½

Childhood’s End is exquisite and has aged remarkably well. The story is both original and deeply thought-provoking, yet told with an impressive lightness of touch. Clarke manages to explore grand, complex ideas without ever feeling heavy-handed. It's a very classy display of narrative control and philosophical depth—a true classic that still feels relevant and engaging today.

A Ladder to the Sky – 4 stars

John Boyne is one of the most talented writers I’ve ever read. His command of language is exceptional, his plots are rich and vivid, and his characters fully formed—definitely a superior breed. That said, A Ladder to the Sky felt a bit too “commercial” at times—overly manipulative and melodramatic, leaning too hard on emotional beats. Still, there are plenty of memorable moments, and the book draws you in. I read it quickly and was thoroughly entertained, but I found it less honest and with less soul than some of Boyne’s other work.

Zodiac – 3.5 stars

This is a relatively simple book from Neal Stephenson. Undoubtedly, he became much more ambitious over the years, and if his later works hadn’t reached such highs, Zodiac might have been forgotten. That said, the story is fun, and the characters have a bit of spark that makes the read enjoyable. It’s not particularly memorable, but it works well as a light, summer read.

Summer of Night – 4 stars

Every sci-fi fan owes Dan Simmons for the Hyperion books, so I was curious to see how he handles horror—and the answer is: mostly well. Comparisons to IT (and The Body/ Stand By Me) are absolutely warranted. The first half is the weakest: Simmons spends too much time meticulously setting the stage, and it starts to feel like it’s getting out of hand. Unlike Stephen King—who often hooks you in the first few pages even if then goes to write very long books—Simmons takes a slow, roundabout approach that doesn’t fully pay off, IMHO. But once the second half kicks in, the pacing improves dramatically. The story picks up, characters act as rationally as horror allows, and it’s just a lot of fun. Solid book overall—it just needed tighter editing.

I Am Legend – 4.5 stars

I was worried this might feel dated, but it turned out to be one of the most original takes on vampires I’ve ever read. The approach is completely different from the usual tropes, and the writing is superb. Both the characters and the internal dialogue are sharp and vivid. A surprisingly fresh and powerful read. I loved it.

The Yiddish Policemen’s Union – 4.5 stars

I'm not sure why this book doesn't get higher ratings. It’s a tightly written noir in the best hardboiled tradition, but with fresh elements that make it stand out. The alternative history setting is compelling, but the real strength lies in the well-developed characters and a plot that’s far from linear. It also carries far more cultural and historical weight than a typical detective story. I really enjoyed this.

Oblivion – 2.5 stars

Once again, I find DFW’s fiction lacking. I’ve loved much of his nonfiction, but every attempt at his fiction has been a struggle, and this collection is no exception.

"Mister Squishy" – Boring and pointless. I had to skip to the end.

"The Soul Is Not a Smithy" – Quite crafty and interesting. Of course it’s overlong (par for DFW), but there’s something worthwhile here.

"Incarnations of Burned Children" – Short, powerful, lyrical. This is how a short story should be. The standout of the collection.

"Another Pioneer" – Another bore.

"Good Old Neon" – A strong piece, deep and introspective. Given how Wallace’s life ended, it takes on extra weight. One of the few fiction pieces from him that worked for me.

"Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature" – Not boring, but didn’t resonate with me.

"Oblivion" – A waste of time.

"The Suffering Channel" – I actually liked this one. The more journalistic tone suits DFW well and makes it more engaging.

Overall, a mixed bag leaning toward disappointing

Children of Time – 5 stars

Imaginative, original, weird, ambitious—this book is all of that and more. It's not the easiest story to follow, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. A truly impressive piece of speculative fiction. I’m very curious to see where the story goes in the next installments.