Review: Stories Are Weapons: Psychological Warfare and the American Mind

Stories Are Weapons: Psychological Warfare and the American Mind by Annalee Newitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to Stories Are Weapons: Psychological Warfare and the American Mind written by Annalee Newitz and narrated by Alexandra Cohler.  I only listened to this because that was the version that was available.  I actually think I would want to go back and read it so I can absorb more of the content and really sit with some of the examples.  

Sadly, Annalee Newitz couldn't have picked a better time to release Stories Are Weapons.  This is one of the most important books people can read right now.  Annalee digs into the history of propaganda and how it is used to mold our minds.  Annalee's writing is always engaging, and I found I wanted to keep going long after the book was over.  I want to take psy ops classes!  They have laid out a perfect case for why everyone should be critically thinking about the information we are consuming on a daily basis and ensuring we have responsible sources.  Even if you aren't a history buff, the examples were compelling, and I learned a lot about topics I thought I already knew well. If you only add one book to your to-be-read list this year, make it this one (and then read it!).

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Review: For the First Time, Again

For the First Time, Again by Sylvain Neuvel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For the First Time, Again is the third book in the Take Them to the Stars series by Sylvain Neuvel.  You could start reading here although you would be better served by starting with book one and reading in order.  The stories and characters build on each other.  However, they can be read as standalone and you will still understand what is going on.  

If you like cunning female protagonists with a good dose of space talk, this is the perfect series for you.  I am not very good at math and science, but I really find learning about the space program and space exploration fascinating.  And while there might be some alternate history in here, much of it is grounded in fact.  It is also still easy enough to understand for the non-nerd. 

Bonus points for having a soundtrack to listen to while you read.  I loved that the chapter titles are songs and what a kick ass playlist!

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Review: We'll Prescribe You a Cat

We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We'll Prescribe You a Cat is the first book in the We'll Prescribe You a Cat series by Syou Ishida.  I would start here because it sets up the backstory for future books.  Cat lovers will totally understand why cats are the perfect prescription for whatever ails you (except maybe cat allergies).  This fantastical tale involves a mysterious clinic that seems to pop up just when you need it and has a cat that can cure your troubles even if you don't see how it might be possible.  The doctor and nurse are just as mysterious and have their own secrets. 

Warning: If you don't already have cats, reading this may make you want to adopt one immediately. 

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Review: End of Story

End of Story by A.J. Finn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

End of Story by A. J. Finn will keep you guessing up until the end (of story).  If a writer I admired asked me to spend their last months with them so I can write their story, I would jump at the chance, and I am not even a good writer.  Would I hesitate if if there was a question as to whether they had killed their spouse and child, maybe, but the temptation would be great.  I like a mystery.  I would be tempted to try to get some answers.  It was giving me Rebecca vibes, and I adore that book.  Everyone seems to have a secret.  Will you live long enough to find out what they all are?

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Review: The Killer Question

The Killer Question by Janice Hallett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure:  I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Killer Question by Janice Hallett from Atria Books via NetGalley. The book is set to be published September 25, 2025. 

I was so excited to read The Killer Question by Janice Hallett.  Not only have I enjoyed all of Hallett's books because I love her style of writing, this one involves pub quizzes!  I am such a trivia nerd.  I could only have been happier reading this if the quizzes had been included.  But don't worry, there is plenty of trivia included even without the full quizzes.  Much of the story is told through text exchanges.  That gives all the characters another layer of personality.  The story has a few different mysteries going on.  There is one in the past, the murder in the present, and one involving potential cheating on the quiz circuit.  It will keep your brain buzzing.  If you like a good game of trivia, give this book a read.

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Review: Witchcraft for Wayward Girls

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix felt a little different from his other books.  There is still the horror element and the great pop culture references.  There is even a little bit of humor.  However, you feel that there is a more important story to tell.  It is one that still happens today even if we don't hear about it.  Young, unwed, pregnant women and girls parceled off to a location to have their babies to avoid shaming their families.  Not surprisingly, there is often a religious element to it.  To the shame, that is.  The babies are most often put up for adoption.  Whether that is really what the young mother wants is up for debate and usually doesn't matter.  It is a reminder of how much ground we lost when Roe vs. Wade was overturned.  Ultimately, the book left me wanting to give all these girls a hug because compassion goes a lot further than shame.

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Review: Lessons in Magic and Disaster

Lessons in Magic and Disaster by Charlie Jane Anders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Lessons in Magic and Disaster by Charlie Jane Anders from Tor Books via NetGalley.  The book will be published around August 19, 2025.  You can preorder a copy now.

Lessons in Magic and Disaster by Charlie Jane Anders is a touching story of family and love in its many facets.  While the title tells you there will be magic involved, I found the part about literature to be really compelling.  I loved the quotes that opened the chapters and learning more about female writers in the 1700s. Could we get a copy of the dissertation as bonus content?  I would read that.  If you want a book that sort of hugs you like a warm blanket but also doesn't shy away from the darker side of life, you'll want to check this out.  

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