Josh Krysak
Ruth Ware's books are just fun. This was a great popcorn read. And, Ware just keeps getting better with time. Her writing is elevated enough to bring these types of stories to life with a hint of sophistication but a whole lot of old fashioned suspense. Very enjoyable.
*3.5 stars - I was fascinated by the series of murders that laid the foundation for Harper Lee's attempted work, The Reverend, but much as Lee found the copious notes and disparate details unyielding to the structures of a “nonfiction novel,” so, too, is what Cep captures here. A smattering of interesting concepts and characters and rabbit holes pulled together loosely but somewhat haphazardly. As such, the book doesn't exactly work, but the details about the murders being explored, the Rev. Maxwell's life and spectre, Lee, Lee and Truman Capote's relationship, To Kill a Mockingbird, In Cold Blood, etc., kept me intrigued and engaged.
*3.5 stars. Evaristo can certainly write. Each chapter/character is well-drawn and interesting. The points of view, with the through-points about race, class, sexuality, feminism, individuality, generational change, etc. had enough heft to sync the stories enough to cobble them as a “novel.” The experimental writing style is hypnotic and easy to fall into rhythm with. I do think there was a tendency to lose the characters to the mission of enlightenment, but I still found them relatable, albeit a bit one-note in their activism.
*2.5 stars. He just can't recapture his Bird Box magic for me. Too repetitive, more than anything.
*3.75 probably. A fun and creepy tale that brings to mind Ruth Ware and Jennifer McMahon. Enjoyable escapism.
Ummm, wut? It was fun and confusing and overall enjoyable but I learned early on to just go with it and see where it landed rather than try and truly follow along with all the twists and clues, etc. I agree with those that would love to see the spreadsheet Turton used to stay organized.
The historical elements, both the Kentucky blues and the Pack Horse Library Project, should have laid an exceptional foundation for literary, historical fiction. Instead, Richardson weaves a trite, tiresome tale lacking emotional depth; devoid of the truly interesting aspects of the history that could have been included; and filled with insipid and vacuous characters that do little more than play-act scenes in a poorly wrought grade school play. It was predictable, tone-deaf, uninspired (which is so disappointing considering the historical foundation) and not at all for me.
I led a book club at my workplace reading this book. We had 30 leaders commit to reading and had three discussions throughout the summer that proved insightful and acted as great team-building and trust-creating exercises. The general concepts of psychological safety are ones that successful organizations and leaders must foster and cascade if they are to reach their full potential. Be curious, not judgmental. Reframe failure. Eliminate fear as a rate-limiting or mitigating factor. Definitely good and thoughtful concepts. If I am able to take one or two nuggets from this book and apply them practically to my team, I believe this concept will begin to form a foundation for our communication and ultimately lead to greater success.
*4.5 stars I really enjoyed this book. It is a fairytale and an ode to storytelling. The river draws you in and the characters are unique and wonderful.
Melancholic meditation on loss and death. The science explored here is fascinating. However, some plot points were just too loosely explored to really work for me.
This was a fast, fun read, well developed, and while one twist was obvious, at least to me, another did catch me by surprise. I was thoroughly entertained throughout. “Good Popcorn Reads” that are actually well written can be rare finds and The Silent Patient is that.
I loved the voice of this. I felt instant connection to the main character and her inner monologue was entirely believable. The creepiness and claustrophobia was well done and while it drifted a bit through the middle to latter stages for me, as many, many horror novels do, it had enough strength from overall concept, writing style and genuine thrills to hold on to an early mental 5-star tag as I read it. Can't wait to read more Kingfisher.
An entertaining popcorn thriller. Fast-paced and exciting, ridiculous and far-fetched, No Exit is the perfect “one-night stand” book - not one that is an all-time favorite or a recommendation to all readers, but one that was thoroughly enjoyable all the same.
*4.5 stars. I could not put this one down. The sense of unease is palpable and drives you through the odd and satisfying story. The twist wasn't too much of a twist by the time I reached it, but it didn't matter. I was in and hooked. Compulsively readable and eerie. I really enjoyed this.
Poe Ballantine is one of the most fluent writers of this generation and I eagerly devour everything he writes. In God Clobbers Us All, his craftsmanship is again on display and his wit and descriptive forays engage and entertain, as always. That said, the story was a bit lacking and the narrative became lost.
Every star. I feel like I need to try and collect my thoughts to give this wonder a proper review, but I don't think I have the words to describe how much I loved it. It is incredible and I will never forget it. It has earned a spot among the few that make up my favorites of all time.
This is a satisfying collection, with a few true standouts, most notably Diablitos by Cody Goodfellow and You Are Released by Joe Hill - both of which were easily 5-star stories.