Review: Dear Committee Members

Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable read. I could almost hear the voice of the main character, and that is not something that normally happens when I read. He's distinct. Reminds me of the Midwest, college, and graduate school and why I'm not in academia. And while I don't really like him much as a person, I do appreciate his lack of filter as one who is known for unvarnished truth bombs. I also appreciated that when he did find someone he believed in, he was relentless in promoting him. I can relate to that.

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Review: A Dead Red Alibi

A Dead Red Alibi by R.P. Dahlke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 4 in this series takes us to a new locale meaning some new characters and hijinks. It may also signal the end of the world we knew and the start of a new adventure. I hope we don't lose all of our old characters. We already lost the goat and dog I liked.

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Review: In the Woods

In the Woods by Tana French
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had heard so many good things about this book that I was worried it wouldn't meet my expectations. I was even more worried when I saw how long it was. Could it keep my attention? Yes, it could! I did figure out pretty early whodunit, but it was still worth the journey to reach the reveal. The characters were interesting, and I liked learning their backstories as the main character did. The only thing I found disappointing was the older mystery. I don't want to give too much away, but I hoped for more from it. Maybe in a future book?

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Review: The Power

The Power by Naomi Alderman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A friend recommended this book to me. It was just before it came off hold from the library that I realized Naomi Alderman was the same of Zombies Run. I love Zombies Run and have convinced many friends to get the app. Suddenly I was even more excited to read The Power. The book held up to my expectations. I liked seeing the story from various viewpoints. Having gender roles turned on their head was also quite cool. I don't know if I agree with Naomi that things would turn out the way she wrote them, but I do think it raises many good questions about the nature of humans and power.

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Review: A Dead Red Oleander

A Dead Red Oleander by R.P. Dahlke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read a lot of books about unconventional women who somehow always end up in the middle of a murder mystery. Thanks, Murder She Wrote. This series is much in the same vein. This book introduces some new characters to the series, relatives of the main character, Lalla Bains. I wasn't a fan of the stereotypical Texan women. I really wasn't a fan of the super-thirsty, man-crazy cousin. The rest of the story moved along at a good pace and kept me guessing long enough to keep my interest.

So why four stars? I'm a sucker for an animal. Each book has had an animal in the Bains family that, while not central to the plot necessarily, is just enough flavor for me to really like Lalla and her father for having them. Yes, I judge people based on their interactions with animals. I also learned something about oleander, and any book that teaches me some interesting trivial fact is worth one extra star.

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Review: Feminasty: The Complicated Woman's Guide to Surviving the Patriarchy Without Drinking Herself to Death

Feminasty: The Complicated Woman's Guide to Surviving the Patriarchy Without Drinking Herself to Death by Erin Gibson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you cringe at profanity, relate to the phrase "I'm a delicate flower," and/or cannot handle radical honesty, this book is not for you. Put it down now. Normally, I would say one should challenge one's world view by reading different opinions. However, this is not the book to make that transition. This is the book you read when you are mad as hell at the crap going on in the world and want reassurance that someone else feels the same way. This book might not make you feel better about the world, but it might inspire you to make some changes. Time to stop being feminice and get feminasty.

I admit that I bought this book for the cover. It reminded me of vintage paperbacks in a tongue-in-cheek way. I used to devour those paperbacks. When I saw this cover, I knew I wanted it in my life forever. I wasn't familiar with Erin Gibson before I started reading this book, but now I know I need her in my life too. Not in a creepy way. She has a podcast. That's plenty. Unless you want to hang out, Erin. Then by all means, message me!

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