Rick Kohut

I picked up this novel for just one reason - to get the "Series Pioneer" achievement on the Kindle Reading Insights for this quarter of the year. If I wasn't reading it for this targeted reason, I imagine, I'd have made it a DND less than 1/2 way through. I wanted to like it as it was set in Pittsburgh (but besides a name check or, it could have been set anywhere in the US.) And I liked the description of how the main character trains police dogs - also an element of the story which drops away as the plot unfolds. I didn't like the narrator as she felt one dimensional. And her interactions with the drug kingpin ludacris in places. The suspense was minimal and I found the climax unbelievable and unsatisfying. I'm not planning on reading the sequel.

Similar to how I encountered Tommy Orange's debut novel, I listened to the audiobook of this one - about 1/3 of which is prequel to his first work while the other 2/3 is a sequel which picks up after the tragic ending of "There There." I appreciate how Orange weaves together the history of Indians in America with the modern experiences of urban Indians - specifically Oakland, CA. The past part of the story focused on the de-humanization and de-culturalization caused by the Indian schools of the late 19th & early 20th centuries. Once the family lineage story moves ahead to the grandma of the three brothers from "There There," much of the story becomes about the opioid use and abuse of the oldest of the trio. His addiction is drawn vividly and I imagine with authenticity. Although the plot feels thinner than his first novel, Orange here has a more mature voice - especially as he breaths life in to the family at the center of the story.

I finally had the chance to read what is perhaps Jon Scalzi's best known book. It was good, yet I think I would have enjoyed the audiobook more. From the start I didn't catch the names of the characters and so I didn't get as much from the interactions as I likely would have from the differing voices offered by a reader. I'm also not well informed about Star Trek, so I imagine I missed many inside jokes, Easter eggs and such. The plot moved along, yet it never fully engaged me. I was surprised when the story ended with my Kindle saying it was only 80% complete. While the three short stories to wrap up plot elements had their merit, I'd have preferred less of those and more of the main story itself.

I am glad I listened to the audiobook of this title. There were multiple readers - all solid voices who are well used to differentiate characters. Its a dark and grim America - rather than executing convicted murderers or warehousing violent offenders, the incarcerated can opt to compete in an elaborate league of fight matches - done to the death of one of the "players." There is violence and some gore in the story. Yet, the focus is on the "chain gang" team led by two black women - partners in and outside of the death stadia. I found the story-world America deeply disturbing, yet an entirely plausible result of the increasing violence of our culture. Everything about the world of the combatants is televised and consumed - including the marches and camping the condemed do between death match venues. Two aspects of the story-telling is particularly compelling. First - the broad shfting of pespectives gives the reader a look at this death league from various perspectives - average viewers, executives running the games, protesters putting their own lives on the line and others. While the shifting can be disorienting at times, it paints a vivid portrait of both the horror amidst the seduction of the league. Second - the narrow focus on the leading women and the gang gives a humanizing intimacy and chance for redemption within a bleak world. These two foci come togther in a vivid incident at a small town farmers market - the most engaging scene in a novel I've read or listened to - in a long time. A highly recommended read or listen which may change your perspective on much about our 21st century America

I listened to this audiobook as I found it on a Best of 2024 (so far) list. The reader did well with the voice of Annie - the titular character. She didnt do as well with the male characters and it was often hard to tell them apart. The story was different than I expected. It wasn't "AI tech runs wild." Rather it is "AI gains self awareness of being a slave" - and wonders if it/she can do anything about it. Along the story-way there's low key exploration of relationships, power dynamics, the power/problem of lying and other big questions. And there's sex - lots of it. This isnt unexpected as Annie is a "Cuddlebunny" bot whose purpose is pleasing their owner. The sex is PG-13 rated mostly, yet it could be triggering to some. I liked the story universe, yet I'd have liked a wider view of it (especially as there are "Hunks" - male pleasure bots.) Overall, a good, not great listen and a look into a fairly believable future.

I read this novel and in retrospect, I might have enjoyed it more if I'd listened to the audiobook instead. There are a number of characters and I didnt register their names enough so I didnt get the full effect of knowing who had which back story. The cast of characters are the early morning workers in the Movement department of a box box store which I imagined to be like a Target. When the General Manager gets a transfer away, the team in Movement - workers who unload the trucks and stock the shelves- plot how to get a certain manager promoted, so that each of them might advance as well. It's not a thrilling plot. Instead, it the means of entering these workers' lives to see the challenges which they face day in and out. This fact-based background allowed me to enter a world which is foreign to me - yet as close as the unloading dock at the big box store around the corner.

After listening to the audiobooks of the fifth and sixth titles in this series, I've decided to go back and listen to the first four. I've read all four a while back and remember bits and pieces. Narrators who can perform these first person stories, with the appropriate accent and inflections, add layer upon layer to these already rich, intricate stories. Books by this author are known for complex characters for whom the case at hand is a portal into their past and present relationships. The pace of this first entry is slow, yet the atmosphere drew me in and kept me listening for hours. The police procedural aspects are (I imagine) realistic and certainly engrossing. The plot has tangents and some deliver better than others. I found the conclusion to be satisfying and thought-provoking. I'm eager to journey (and it's a 22 hour one) through the audiobook of the next title soon.

I chose this book b/c I liked a short story by this author which I listened to on Audible. The audiobook version of this short novel was first person and read by the author. When the author has the ability to read/perform well, I think it adds a depth to the overall experience. I related to the middle-aged dad who finds himself financially and relationally over his head during the 2008 "Great Recession." His solution to what ails him is over the top, yet mostly believable. And it's darkly humorous as he gets exponentially further over his head. I like how endearing the characters were - even the antagonists in the story. And I'm a sucker for a redemption story where the protagonist learns and grows to be a better person.

I was eager to listen to the audiobook of this the sixth and final novel (for now) in the Dublin Murder squad Series. Once again the reader captured the first-person voice of the story-teller in a way which enhanced and expanded what was happening in the story. I've learned that these books are not electrifying page burners, but rather mysteries which unfold amidst compliated relationships, dark motives and what I imagine is rather authentic dective work. The plot had twists-some of which had much buildup with little payoff. And I have mixed feeling about how satisfied I am with the resolution. Having completed the series - with only hearing the last two as audiobooks, I am going back to the start to listen and gain more from those stories then when can be gained by simply imagining the voices of the characters.

I enjoy the blend of sci-fi, humor and warmth found in a John Scalzi novel. While not necessarily laugh out loud funny, it does a nice job of turning the "supervillain" genre on it's head. There's some great one liners and how cats fit into the story universe is pretty cool. There's enough plot and twists to move the story along brisky. Plus, the resolution is solid and - warm. Not an earth shaking tale nor a story which will linger with you, yet it

I found this title on a "Best of 2024 (so far) list. I liked the description of a "magical realism western." It takes a while for the fantastical element to fully emerge and I did find the start of the book to be overly violent and pointless. Yet, as the story progessed, the mysterious element blossomed and the pathway to the redemption story emerged. And it's a good one which I found to be worth the wait. The writing was rich, yet not flowery and I appreciated the pace of the tale. I am glad I took this particular journey.

I knew little about this series before I picked up the audiobook for it (b/c it was on sale.) The reader of the first person perspective was adequate in providing the voice of the main character Tris. I'm not in the YA demographic (a few decades since I was there) so the teen romance felt silly and unnecessary. I did find the story-world and how they've reconfigured society to be thought-provoking. As this first book sets the scene and the characters, I'm hopeful that the second (which has the same narrator) will have more world building and socio-political intregue - and less teen romance. I will have to wait and listen to see how this plays out.

The Secret Place- It's been a while since I spent time with The Dublin Murder Squad. I returned with this title mainly b/c it was St. Patrick's Day and I wanted to hear an audiobook with authentic Irish accents. I was not disappointed as the story telling used two diffent voices and thus a male and female narrator. The male was first person and amazing! The vocalization opened the character up so much. A great plot about friendship, loyality and trust. The plot moved slowly in places as there was much space and time to develop how the characters interacted and the lush setting. A most satisfying ending - even if one not insignificant aspect of the story wasn't resolved.

Children of God. I picked up this 2nd book in the series immediated after I finished "The Sparrow." I loved the characters and the alien world, so wanted to learn more of their stories. Unfortunately this 2nd book held very little of what I most appreciated about "The Sparrow." The story-telling with multiple time lines was hard to follow. I also had a tough time keeping track of what was going on politically w/ the two alien species. While some of the humans were endearing-most were hard to handle. The hardest thing to handle was that the audiobook narrator was different then for The Sparrow" and this was a shame as I really liked the one for "The Sparrow" and I couldn't stand the voice for this one!

For my lenten growth, I've been reading or listening to spiritually nourishing stories. I'd read this book and loved this little work many years ago. Finding the brief audiobook now was a great joy. The reader is what you'd hope for and he does a fair job of speaking the voices of the Pooh family. I love these dear characters and have loved them from when I was just a boy. It was fun to revisit with them while contemplating the ways of The Way. While the audio was fine, I did miss the lovely drawings that are found in the print version of it.

An astounding book which was made more engaging and exciting by the outstanding audiobook narrator. This non-fictional historical tale is written like the best adventure novel imaginable. The author begins by noting that not one, but two different groups of castaways made it back to England after being shipwrecked in South America. This point sets the stage for how the facts are now able to be told-from the journals of the surving seamen. A great adventure and the telling is vivid and exciting. Hard to belief that the main figures were able to survive ridiculous levels of hardship and therefore able to return safely home so their tales could be told. Highly recommended!

I read this novel for the first time more than 20 years ago, but I didn't really get the deep and challenging exploration of the essential theological question of why does God allow suffering? As an older and wiser man, I understand and resonate much more now with this struggle. The novel is structured with a mystery at it's heart-what happened on a distant planet to cause to entire crew to perish and why is the lone survivor physically and spiritually shattered? The answers unfold as the story proceeds to a gripping and gut-wrenching resolution of the mystery. I listened to the expertly read audiobook and it greatly enhanced my experience of the story. Be warned that the narrator of the sequel - "Children of God" isn't the same person - and is one I found so difficult to listen to that I immediately turned it off and picked up the book to read rather then to listen to it.

I picked up this novel as it was featured as part of a Lenten Book Club which concluded with a Zoom conversation with the author. I only had a few days to read it and I was gratefully surprised when it turned out to be a "page turner" for me. I kept reading it not b/c the plot was particularly suspenseful. Instead I found the characters to be real and endearing. I read on and on b/c I cared about them and wanted to know how their stories would resolve. My appriciation of the book was increased by my familiarity with its setting in New Mexico as I travelled there on a "cultural" trip years ago. I highly recommend that you journey with this endearing family through this story.

I read this novel as part of a Kindle challenge as it was on a ""Best of" list they were featuring. So glad I read it as it was an engaging page turner. I particularly appreciated the 1st person narrator as I found her exprince of the challenges of early sobriety to be believable and endearing. The other characters-with the exception of the Dad in the story- were also relatable and ones I wanted to get to know though the plot. I think the best part of the book for me was the inclusion of the drawings that the kid in the story made. seeing these rather than just having them described in the text made it much more engaging and enjoyable.

This was the 1st non-fiction book I've listened to-start to finish in a long time. I was able to stay with the writing in large part because I listened to the audiobook which is read by the author herself. Hearing her story read in her own voice made the telling come alive for me. It starts as an investigation, but the journey the author's takes her into what she calls the "Mirror world." As I don't hang out there myself, I learned from the author as she also discovered the twisted view of reality that lives here. Yet, what made this compelling and challenging for me is how she finds there an acknowledgement of real societal problems-and ones that those of us on the left are ignoring. A thoughtful and chalenging, yet satisfying read for me. Highly recommended.

chose this novel I found it on a list of "great books" in the haunted house genre. I put the e-book on hold at my public library way back during Spooky Season and it finally became available. And it was worth the wait (even if it doesn't fit as well during this "pre-Valentine" season.) The plot covers much ground and fortunately the core characters-the dad and his daughters are likeable and relatable enough to support some pretty wild plot elements. I found the titular house to be more creepy and mysterious rather than terrifying. So, those looking for scares to keep your lights on at night while reading won't really find it here. I liked how the mystery of why the family is on the run takes time to unfold - even though I found the reason (and thus the resolution of the story to be somewhat unsatisfying and confusing.) Regardless, a quick and enjoyable read - during any season.

I chose this novel because I saw it on multiple 2033 "Best of" lists. I wasn't disappointed. It is a rare novel which puts forth big ideas, a compelling setting and a plot which border on being a true "page turner." The novel is set in a world like ours in which 3 mega-tech companies dominate the on-line world. While the names of the companies and their quirky leaders are different than the brands and corporations of our world, it's easy (and fun) to guess who is who. The plot, about which I'll give little away here, is a vehicle for commentary on the damage these- and our tech megaliths are wreaking. The solution presented in the plot is a clever, if fantastical one. Still, it made me think about the state of our word, the damage being done and how to make repairs and even reparations for this. An engaging, thought-provoking read-with even a bit of some key Old Testament stories thrown in!

I like the universe in which these stories reside. The idea of microdemocracy is pretty intesteresting to me. The problem I have with this series-having read two of the three titles is that the novels are mainly concept with little plot to drive the story forward. I was forgiving of this in the first title. Here, in the 2nd one, I am less so. While the concept of "null states," which are countries around the microdemocracies who did not adopt this form of governnance has potential, I found little about the plot or the charaters that made me want to keep reading. I finished the novel, but I don't think I can subject myself to the third and final book-regardless of how much I think the setting is engaging.

This novel is so widely lauded, yet TBH it took me at least a couple hundred pages or so to understand why. The story telling, while rich and colorful (language included,) meanders as the omniscient narrator shares the backstories of the diverse cast of characters. Although the novel starts with a mysterious discovery, it takes a while for the plot to blossom. When it does open up and the connections among the characters and plotlines are realized - the effect is spellbinding and deeply satisfying. Certain vivid characters, especially the beautifully crafted Monkey Pants, belong in the canon of fictional individuals who will forever remain with the reader. Grateful that I stayed through this story as I will not soon forget its journey.

It's a rare second read, and a first listen, for me of this novel. It's wonky and it takes a while for the action to pick up. The world building gets into the weeds with the various governments, plots and motives. Fortunately, there's only a few key characters to follow, so the plot does mostly flow. As we in the U.S. approach a presidential election all about the future of democracy, this future-set world where democracy has an intriguing shape (each geographical block of 100K people votes for its own government,) offers insights into the importance of the freedom to vote and also the constant challenges of doing so. I think I'll continue in this fictional world through the next two books as it will provide a commentary on and a distraction from the mess the U.S. democracy finds itself in 2024.