Review: I Can't Believe It's Not Better: A Woman's Guide to Coping With Life

I Can't Believe It's Not Better: A Woman's Guide to Coping With Life by Monica Heisey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I Can't Believe It's Not Better: A Woman's Guide to Coping With Life by Monica Heisey is a humorous collection of essays, lists and other writings.  The title immediately attracted me to this book.  That and the fact that the cover looks like a ransom note from a seriously unbalanced unicorn.  

Why is life not better?  That's an excellent question.  If you've been asking yourself the same question, this book is not going to give you the answer, but it might make you feel just a little less shitty than you did before reading it.  And really, isn't that the best we can all hope for at this point?  

As someone who was once gifted the box set of The Wire from a man who shall remain nameless (he knows who he is), I most appreciated "A Poem for Boys."

If you are uncomfortable with graphic talk of sex, I would suggest finding a different book.  Sex is not the only thing covered in this book, but Monica did kind of write about sex for a living, so you've been warned.  

Bonus points for the Simon Cowell obsession.  I am not obsessed (I swear), but he is really much nicer in person than on TV.  He also loves dogs tremendously, and I can get on board with that.  Also for being an unapologetic Cat Fancier.  That's me too!  

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Review: Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered: The Definitive How-To Guide

Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered: The Definitive How-To Guide by Karen Kilgariff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I own an ebook copy of Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered: The Definitive How-To Guide by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark by I opted to listen to the audiobook version.  Confession:  I'm a Murderino.  A Murderino is a fan of their true crime podcast, My Favorite Murder. You maybe guessed true crime would be an interest of mine based on some of the books I read.  The podcast taps into that while also being funny.  While this is not a review of their podcast, you should check it out if you are also into true crime.

I don't always recommend the audiobook over the written version, but this is one of the exceptions. 

 Maybe it is because I enjoy listening to them already that this was a delight.  The audiobook version is not very traditional.  Mostly read by Karen and Georgia, there is at least one surprise guest reader.  It is also interspersed with live readings of the chapters from their various live shows. SSDGM isn't just about true crime or the origins of the podcast.  It includes stories of Karen's and Georgia's lives prior to the podcast and how they came to true crime.  Even though they deal with dark topics, they are juxtaposed with humor so as not to leave you feeling completely bummed.

Fans of the MFM podcast, fellow Murderinos, will enjoy this book.  If you aren't familiar with the podcast, the audiobook will give you a good flavor of what it is like and maybe you too will find yourself becoming a Murderino.

Bonus points for including Elvis.  I tear up EVERY SINGLE TIME!

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Review: To Be Taught, If Fortunate

To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To Be Taught, If Fortunate is a stand-alone story in the Wayfarer universe by Becky Chambers.  You don't have to be familiar with the Wayfarer series to read this book.  

I had just finished the Wayfarers series when I realized I still hadn't read this.  I love the Wayfarers universe, so this was a treat, one last chance to visit.  Much like the other books, the characters in To Be Taught are just good, nice people.  Nobody is an asshole.  So refreshing!  The book is written as a letter to Earth from Ariadne O’Neill, the captain (?) of a space exploration mission.  From the way it is set up, you don't know what prompts this particular communication, but it seems to be something dire.  When you do find out, it is heartbreaking and uplifting and will hit you in all your feels.  At least it did to me.  It also made me do some deep-thinking which is something I love from a book.  

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Review: The Decagon House Murders

The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji is a locked-room mystery, more accurately, a locked-house mystery.  If you like Agatha Christie, this might be a book for you to check out.  I read this because it seemed to keep showing up in recommendations for me.  There were some aspects that I didn't understand why they were included until the very end.  I gave it four stars for keeping me wondering about the murderer until the near end.  

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Review: Meaty

Meaty by Samantha Irby
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meaty is a collection of essays by Samantha Irby.  I've said this before, but I just appreciate how much she says the things that are already in my head.  So much in common!  I probably have more highlights in a Samantha Irby book than in any other author's work.  Many of the essays are laugh out loud funny, but I also love how she tackles really tough topics.  I don't know many "humor" books that can also make me cry.  

If you like raw and unfiltered takes on life, you will want to give this book a read.  If you can't handle truth, bad language, or frank talk about sex, this is not the book for you.

Bonus points for always having the most adorable covers!  This one reminds me of my hedgehog, Netta.  Such a sweet baby girl.

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Review: The Readymade Thief

The Readymade Thief by Augustus Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Readymade Thief by Augustus Rose is billed as a book that includes a secret society/cult which means it fits right into my wheelhouse.  I don't even remember how I got my copy.  It just sort of appeared which only lends to the whole mystery of the thing.  

There is definitely a secret society devoted to Marcel Duchamp and plenty of mystery and physics.  What does it all mean?  Why is a troubled teenage girl at the center of it all?  It is just as easy for you to get sucked in with her.  As for me, I wanted to know even more about Duchamp and unified field theory.  I fell down a lot of rabbit holes.  

If you like to bend your brain like I do, this is a good read.

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Review: The Galaxy, and the Ground Within

The Galaxy, and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Galaxy, and the Ground Within is the fourth and final book in the Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers.  You can start here or at the beginning.  While the other books are all set in the same universe, you don't need to have read them to understand what's going on.

I received a copy from Harper Voyager, and I am so thankful I did.  I've enjoyed this series, but this was by far my favorite.  I love that you want to spend time with these characters.  You want to be friends with them.  The books themselves leave me feeling good and with a sense of peace.  I also love the message that no matter how different we may be superficially, there are common themes that unite us.  I was so glad that Pei was back, so I could say goodbye to her.  She is a personal fave.  At the same time, I didn't want the book to ever end.  I even shed a tear or three when it did.  What a beautiful way to tie up a series!  

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Review: Cat Person and Other Stories

Cat Person and Other Stories by Kristen Roupenian
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had heard all the buzz about Cat Person and Other Stories by Kristen Roupenian, but as is my normal habit, I avoided reading any of it.  Once the buzz died down, I decided to read it for myself and find out what it was all about.  I only have myself to blame that the book turned out to be gritty and dark, not what I expected.  There is also an element of sexy, especially if kink is your thing.  

I don't know if I actually liked it, but I gave it four stars because I did read through until the end because I was intrigued at what twisted possibility could be next.  What kind of mind writes these stories?  I'm still not sure why Cat Person got so much buzz.  Is it because nearly every heterosexual woman may have a story somewhat similar?  I may have to go back and read the buzz now.

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Review: On Being 40

On Being 40 by Lindsey Mead
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On Being 40(ish) is a collection of essays and thoughts on being 40 by a variety of female writers and edited by Lindsey Mead.  

Perhaps the odd coincidence that the book opens on Chappaquiddick just as I returned from my first trip to Martha's Vineyard especially endeared it to me.  Or maybe because I am now 40, I can truly appreciate the experiences of these women (also mostly Gen Xers).  We have a shared experience of the world.  They "know" me.  Or maybe it is because Meghan Daum's "Same Life, Higher Rent" could have almost been written by me that I feel a kinship to these women.  There are many good essays in this book, but that is my favorite by far.  I've reread it a few times.  In fact, I found a copy of it and saved it so I can keep rereading it.  

If you are a woman in her 40s (or curious about what it is like to be a woman in her 40s), I recommend reading this.

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Review: Devil Days in Deadwood

Devil Days in Deadwood by Ann Charles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Devil Days in Deadwood is the 11th book in the Deadwood series by Ann Charles.  While you could start reading here (I'm not going to stop you), I would recommend starting the series from the beginning.  There is a lot of background that can really help you appreciate where we are now.

Was it just me or was this a bit longer than the previous books?  So much happens!  We make significant progress in the overall storyline.  There's still lots of witty banter.  There are some steamy bits.  There's fighting.  Something for everyone.  This is one of my favorite series, and I would recommend to anyone who wants to read something different.

Bonus points for Elvis the chicken and just a general love of animals.   Also, I really want a pair of those purple boots, vegan please.

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Review: Never Nag Your Neighbor

Never Nag Your Neighbor by Edie Claire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Never Nag Your Neighbor is the twelfth book in the Leigh Koslow Mystery series by Edie Claire.  The books are such that you could pick up here and not have any problem understanding the story.  However, I love this series so much I recommend starting at the beginning.

There was two years between books, and this book feels a bit different from the others.  There is a weight to it.  Not a heavy weight but just slightly perceptible.  Characters have grown.  The trope you have come to expect in this series is nowhere to be found. Surprise!  

If you like mysteries without too much violence or gore, this is a great series for you to try.

Bonus points for still including so many animals and having the most adorable covers.

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Review: Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts

Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts by Kate Racculia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts by Kate Racculia is a book that really talks to me too.  Tuesday and I have a lot in common.  We share the same taste in pop culture.  We both love to do research and can fall down an Internet rabbit hole looking for answers.  Everyone knows I love scavenger hunts and games.  When the game is introduced in the book, I was ecstatic.  It's also really nice that even though the book deals with heavy topics, it still feels somewhat light and easy-to-read.

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