Review: For the Win

For the Win by Cory Doctorow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reading For the Win by Cory Doctorow while Reddit users takes on Wall Street with GameStop stock was a bit surreal.  Both illustrate the power the have nots can wield when they come together against the haves.  I'd say For the Win gave me a better understanding of how and why the GameStop stock situation worked.  If you are a gamer or an economist (or both), this book provides fascinating insight into the lives of gold farmers, virtual economies, and unions.  Yes, I realize that those don't sound like really compelling topics and yet Doctorow explains them in a way that makes them accessible to the layperson AND makes you want to read about them.  As a gamer, I've never really been bothered by gold farmers expect when their spam fills my chat box, or they kill all the mobs/farm all the mats I needed.  I've even joked it seems like an ideal job, get paid to game all day.  People have to earn a living somehow.  It's a shame they have to do so under terrible conditions.  It is about time someone stood up for them.

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Review: Down Among the Sticks and Bones

Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Down Among the Sticks and Bones is the second book in the Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire.  Reading book one will give you an idea of the universe, and the main characters of this story are in that book.  This book actually takes place before book one though and tells you the back story of Jacqueline and Jillian (Jack and Jill).  It's not the story you think you know.  This isn't your typical fairytale.

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Review: All Systems Red

All Systems Red by Martha Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't often give a book a second chance, but sometimes I read something and it just isn't the right moment for it.  I put it down.   Three years later after the universe keeps plopping it back in my lap, and it seems like everyone else in the world loves it, so what's wrong with me...I pick it back up.  And that is how I came to reread All Systems Red, the first book in the Murderbot Diaries series, by Martha Wells.  

Maybe it is all the anger I feel right now with life and with the world, but I could relate so much more to Murderbot this time.  I wish I had a suit I could put on that would mask my facial expressions and emotions (and let me watch TV all day surreptitiously).  Humans are the worst even if some of them aren't so bad.    

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Review: The Princess Saves Herself in this One

The Princess Saves Herself in this One by Amanda Lovelace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Princess Saves Herself in this One is the first book in the Women Are Some Kind of Magic series by Amanda Lovelace.  I'm not sure if these should be read in order, but this one was short enough there is no reason not to start with it.  

I don't read much poetry, but the title of this captured my eye.  I'm really glad I picked it up.  If you also don't read much poetry, this format may surprise you.  You won't find short, neat, rhyming poems.  They tell a story of a woman's life using fairytale imagery when life is anything but a fairytale.   But like Amanda Lovelace, I like fantasy and witches and mermaids and dragons.  She reminds women they are all the princess in their tale.  How it ends is up to her.

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Review: When You Read This

When You Read This by Mary Adkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Told through a series of emails, texts, and blog posts, When You Read This by Mary Adkins is a story about life or maybe best put, lives.  I really enjoy stories told in this unconventional format.  It feels more real because this is the way our lives unfold these days.  It made me wonder what people would think of me if they could only read my digital artifacts.  Also, a good reminder to make my passwords more secure!

If you are looking for a book that has laughs and loves (and some losses), this is a great choice.  It's also a very low stress read that goes quickly.  That's perfect for these stressful times.   

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Review: Changeling

Changeling by Matt Wesolowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I rectified the error I made last week and read Changeling by Matt Wesolowski.  It is the third book in the Six Stories series.  Last week I read book four, oops!  The good thing is it didn't spoil book three for me.  These books are told as if they were a six episode podcast.  This one has some "bonus content" besides the episodes themselves.  

I love this series, and this one was no exception.  The main story centers around a missing boy, but it really is a powerful message about domestic abuse.  I don't want to spoil anything, but the abuser feels so real, probably because he/she is based on real people.  You've met this person or know someone who has.  We give it cute names like "love bombing" and "gaslighting" when really it is a devastating form of emotional and mental abuse.  If you've been in such a relationship, this book might be a trigger for you, or it could be really cathartic.  

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Review: The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness

The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness by Paula Poundstone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have a special relationship to The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness by Paula Poundstone.  My friend, Teresa, suggested I start listening to the podcast, Nobody Listen to Paula Poundstone.  As a fan of Paula and podcasts, I started from the very beginning and have been a fan ever since.  Fast forward to somewhere in 2020 when Teresa tells me Paula is looking for contestants for her new Youtube game show, Nobody Asked You! The premise is two people compete against each other to see who knows the other better.  So, I applied and named Teresa as my opponent.  In November, we were selected to participate (Episode 113, that's a whole other blog post).  Spoiler Alert: Teresa won, but being the very best friend that she is, gave me her prize, an autographed copy of this book!

With 2020 the dumpster fire that it was, I thought it was fitting to take out the old year and bring in the new (even though Paula doesn't believe in that nonsense) with a book about finding happiness.  Paula tries all the recommended things so you don't have to.  Paula created the terms, hep and balou, to help you measure your happiness.  Very handy!  If you already listen to the podcast, you will get a lot of backstory to things Paula talks about.  If you don't, no worries there is still plenty in here for you.  There are too many things I loved about this book to name them all, but I did especially love the chapter on swing dancing (my favorite dance) and pets (I share Paula's penchant for having a plethora of cats and dogs). Also, my mom is in a nursing home and pre-COVID, I did enjoy going there to spend time with her and also the other residents.  It can be a real hoot.  I highly recommend it.   

Bonus:  This book gave me so many balous of happiness while reading even though my cat died and a mob attacked the Capitol.  (I did lose some heps at the mention of Silas Marner.)  Think what it can do for you!

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Review: Beast

Beast by Matt Wesolowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beast is the fourth book in the Six Stories series by Matt Wesolowski.  While there is a reference to things that happened before, they aren't really spoilers if you happen to read the books out of order like I did.  I didn't intend to read them out of order, but I blame 2020 for making me thing I had already read book three when I hadn't.  

If you like podcasts (like I do), true crime (like I do), and/or true crime podcasts (like I do), this is a great series for you.  It is definitely one of my favorite series ever.  The books are written as if you are listening to six episodes of a true crime podcast.  In this one, you already know who is in jail for the crime.  Now, we explore the why and along the way learn more about influencer culture and the perils of perception.  The crime takes place during a bone-chilling extreme cold spell that makes it a perfect winter read.  Oh, and maybe vampires are real?

Bonus points for highlighting the horrors of the meat industry.  I found those parts so hard to read, but it is important to keep reminding people of the cost of their consumption.

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