Review: The Many

The Many by Sylvain Neuvel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Many by Sylvain Neuvel from Rebellion via NetGalley. This book was just published.

Let's face it. If Sylvain Neuvel writes it, I will read it. I was excited to see he had a new book coming. Look at that gorgeous cover! I had to read it and thankfully, I got my hands on a copy early. Whew! This is a standalone novel unlike his other books. The Test is technically a novella I suppose so it doesn't count? The point is, you can read this without worrying that you might be investing in a whole series if your reading time is limited. I love that this book is told through multiple perspectives with each chapter alternating viewpoints. There are also not many books that tell the story from a tick's perspective. As someone with an allergy that may have been tick-induced, I related hard to Carole even though I didn't particularly like her. I also haven't read anything with such a diverse cast of characters in a long time. I'm not sure you could get more diverse than The Many.

I liked the idea that if people could just understand how others think and feel, we might be able to change society for better. There are a host of ethical issues that come up with that. Also, who gets to define what better means. And also, would you want to know what other people really think? While that could of taken us to some deep dark places, Neuvel keeps it fairly light and positive.

Bonus points for the giraffe. I will not say more than to say it was trippy but so fun.



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Review: Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success

Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success by Jeff Hiller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read, rather than listened to, Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success by Jeff Hiller only because it was the version that came off hold from the library first. I think the audiobook version would be great. I don't usually reread books but I would make an exception to listen to this one. If you don't know who Jeff Hiller is, shame on you. You need to get HBO or HBO Max or Max or whatever they call it RIGHT NOW and watch Somebody Somewhere. I will wait...

I love that show so much because I feel like it gets me. I grew up near Lockport, IL where it was filmed. I moved away, saw the world, and now I am back in the Midwest finding my place. It gets me! I wanted to be besties with Joel and now Jeff. I love getting in my steps! But this book is not all about the show or Joel. It is about Jeff and the amazing, hilarious, and delightful person that he is. He should be in all the things because I would watch the hell out of them. When I lived in New York, I went to a debate on Flight vs. Fight specifically because Jeff was on the panel. Can you guess which side he defended? If you read this book, you would know. Have I convinced you yet? Seriously, watch the show, read or listen to the book. You will thank me later.

Bonus points for mentioning my favorite banana pudding place in NYC. And no, it is not Magnolia Bakery!

Extra bonus points for having the same taste in memoirs that I do. Every chapter I was like, I read that one and that one, yep, that one too.

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Review: Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I'd Known About Menopause

Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I'd Known About Menopause by Naomi Watts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I'd Known About Menopause by Naomi Watts is a little bit of memoir mixed in with a lot of information about perimenopause and menopause for those who will experience it at some point.  It is never too early to educate yourself because it can happen much younger than you think as Naomi found out.  I read a lot about this topic, so I was familiar with much of the information.  I did jot down some suggestions though, including her own company focused on products for menopausal women.  It was just nice having another source reinforcing that everything you are going through is normal.  While Naomi is not a medical professional, she packs the book with plenty of experts and good resources to get reliable, factual information.  At the same time, it is easy-to-read and gives you good topics to discuss with your doctor.  

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Review: Cher: The Memoir, Part 1

Cher: The Memoir, Part 1 by Cher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've always been a big fan of Cher.  In fact, I had a Cher Barbie when I was young.  I also had a Sonny instead of a Ken, but even back then, I knew he was kind of an ass.  Cher: The Memoir, Part 1 by Cher confirms my suspicions of Sonny even if she still found a way to love him and co-parent with him.  I thought I knew a lot about Cher, but I clearly didn't know the half of it.  And now that I have read Part 1, I only know half of it.  I'm eagerly awaiting Part 2.  If you love Cher, you will want to dig into this!

Bonus points for no longer wearing fur!  

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Review: Florida

Florida by Lauren Groff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: The Secret Book Society

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: The Shadows Tomorrow

The Shadows Tomorrow by Noëlle Michel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Shadows Tomorrow by Noelle Michel from Simon & Schuster via NetGalley.  This book will be published around August 4, 2026.

The Shadows Tomorrow by Noelle Michel was translated into English by Frank Wynne.  The story is told across a span of the near future in alternating chapters from different character perspectives.  I won't be giving anything away to say that in this near future, scientists have brought Neanderthals back from extinction much like we have already done with dire wolves.  For research purposes, they are kept in remote sanctuaries and kept from having contact with Homo Sapiens.  They even use the research footage to make a reality TV show called Another Eden so that people can watch them like a virtual zoo.  Ethicists would be losing their minds.  Disturbing premise aside, it is a great book!  

Bonus points for travel bans on meat eaters.  At least, I think that was the proposal.  I'm sure it had to do with carbon footprint or something, but I am all for it!  Would make my travel so much easier!

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