Review: The Hollow Ones

The Hollow Ones by Guillermo del Toro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Hollow Ones is meant to be the first book in the Blackwood Tapes series by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan.  I say meant to be because there isn't a second book yet and sometimes a second book never comes to pass, so the series part remains to be seen.  Still, you will want to start here because it lays the groundwork for any future books.  The story is told from a couple of different perspectives and jumps around in time to explain how we get to the somewhat present day situation.  I like the idea that in New York City there is a mysterious mailbox that you could easily miss as you walk by, but that if you do just the right steps, you could summon a paranormal detective like Hugo Blackwood.  I'd drink his tea any day.  While this is probably considered horror, it is really a supernatural thriller.  It moves fast.  I read it in two days.  I didn't even realize I was almost halfway finished when I put it down the first time.  The ending does set up for a second book, but it is not a cliffhanger so you can read this without worrying that you will be left hanging.  


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Review: Devil House

Devil House by John Darnielle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Devil House by John Darnielle is a tough one to write about.  The title leads you to think this might be a horror novel.  It is actually more fictional true crime although it is a horror how we treat survivors of crime.  It has a book within a book with a couple of different stories being told at the same time.  It has epistolary elements.  If you like true crime, this is a really fantastic read.  It will make you think about the true crime stories you've heard or read.  It might make you question how you consume them in the future.  Perspective is everything.  I think this would also be good in audiobook form, and I would love to see a visual representation of Devil House.  

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Review: The Unexpected Spy: From the CIA to the Fbi, My Secret Life Taking Down Some of the World's Most Notorious Terrorists

The Unexpected Spy: From the CIA to the Fbi, My Secret Life Taking Down Some of the World's Most Notorious Terrorists by Tracy Walder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to The Unexpected Spy: From the CIA to the FBI, My Secret Life Taking Down Some of the World's Most Notorious Terrorists written by Tracy Walder.  I found the first half of the book very interesting.  It aligned with things I know, things I had nearly forgotten.  The second half was not as detailed about the process of joining the FBI as it was about joining the CIA.  I had hoped it would have more details understanding there is only so much you can share.  Instead, it exposed something that I think isn't just an issue in the FBI.  Bullying and discrimination exist in other agencies too.  We should be shining a light on it.  I'm glad she ended up doing something she enjoys and that helps young women feel they belong in a world that has been deemed men's work for too long. 

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Review: The Vela: Salvation

The Vela: Salvation by Ashley Poston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Vela: Salvation is the second and final book of the Vela series.  I listened to the podcast because I couldn't find it in the library.  It has a different set of authors from the first book, but they still alternate writing chapters.  Each chapter is an episode of the podcast.  This book takes place a few months after the last book which left on a cliffhanger.  While it leaves the possibility open for future books, it wraps up The Vela storyline.  I suggest reading it if you are curious to know how things ultimately turn out.  

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Review: The Vela: A Novel

The Vela: A Novel by Yoon Ha Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Vela is the first book of two. This book has chapters written in an alternating fashion by SL Huang, Yoon Ha Lee, Becky Chambers, and Rivers Solomon.  I enjoy reading things by all of them, so I figured this book would be just right, and it was!  You can also find it in podcast form along with the second book.  Each chapter is an episode.  The Vela takes on climate change on an interplanetary level.   Having mined their sun beyond the point of no return, some planets have reached the point of extinction, others have people desperately trying to get anywhere else.  Those planets not yet affected are dealing with an influx of climate refugees in various ways.  Does any of this sound familiar? Plenty of food for thought going on here.

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Review: Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: The Story of Schitt's Creek

Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: The Story of Schitt's Creek by Daniel Levy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I went to a book launch event in New York City where Daniel and Eugene Levy talked about their book, Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: The Story of Schitt's Creek.  I got a copy of the book at the event.  I don't normally need to have books about the shows I watch, but I really, really, REALLY loved Schitt's Creek.  I love those characters and the cast that played them.  I will watch anything they are in.  Reading the book was a walk down memory lane.  I am surprised about how vividly I can remember the scenes they talk about.  I also enjoyed all the extra visual bits, like seeing all of David's sweaters and all of Moira's wigs.  If those wigs could talk!  If you loved the show too, this is a nice companion piece.  Looks lovely on a coffee table.  

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Review: Oh. It's You.: Love Poems by Cats

Oh. It's You.: Love Poems by Cats by Francesco Marciuliano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh. It's You.: Love Poems by Cats by Francesco Marciuliano is exactly that, a collection of love poems written from the perspective of cats.  Lots of people think cats aren't very loving.  They have a reputation for treating their people like servants.  In fact, they are very loving.  They just show their affection in a way that most people can't understand.  Once you unlock the cat psyche, you will start to see their every action, no matter how distressing, as a loving gesture.  The book is short and can be read in one sitting or savored over a period of time.  While I found the poems quite humorous, as someone in on the joke, I am sure they were written with serious intentions.  If you are a dog person, this book is not for you.  

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