Review: Remote Control

Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to Remote Control written by Nnedi Okorafor and narrated by Adjoa Andoh.  I've just started reading africanfuturism, and Nnedi Okorafor came highly recommended.  I like the way Nnedi blends just hints of science fiction into a Ghanaian mythology or folktale.  If you aren't sure you are into science fiction, this is a good place to start.

In a novella focused on one girl's life, the world is so rich that you can imagine other stories branching off from this one.  Who or what is behind the corporation keeping tabs on her?  And where did the seed that gave her the "remote control" power really come from?  I could definitely read more in this world.  

Bonus points for a fox companion who adds to the mystery.  Besides, what good folktale doesn't have a fox?

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Review: Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way

Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way by Bruce Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook version of Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way written and narrated (mostly) by Bruce Campbell.  I'm going to say that this might be the best way to consume this book as it comes across more like an audioplay with all the various characters voiced.  It is autobiographical in that it is about Bruce Campbell who is indeed an actor.  It is very believable that he could be cast as a doorman at an upscale New York City hotel in a romantic comedy.  I would probably be willing to watch that movie just to see Bruce.  The rest may or may not be true.  I didn't know that when I first started listening. That made for some surprises!  If you enjoy Bruce Campbell, you'll want to check this out.

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Review: Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife

Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife by Mary Roach
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife by Mary Roach is a fun, scientific look at the paranormal and the possibility of life after death.  While I love her books, I think I am mostly jealous that Mary Roach often gets to try these things out for herself or at least witness the experiments.  I want to be haunted in the name of science!  I learned quite a bit from her book that will take some of the awe out of ghost stories, but I still haven't found an explanation for how, on two separate occasions, my dog and I experienced a "ghost."   If you find the paranormal fascinating or wonder if there is life after death, give this book a read.

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Review: The God of Lost Words

The God of Lost Words by A.J. Hackwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The God of Lost Words is the final book in the Hell's Library trilogy by A.J. Hackwith.  Definitely read all three books and read them in order.  The third book harkens back to the first two.  You'll want all that backstory.

I've read that people tend to cry more easily on airplanes.  I don't know if that is true, but I was definitely crying in the airport when I finished this book.  When you go on a journey with someone, you are bound to make a connection.  That's how this felt.  I was drawn into the trilogy by the idea of a library in Hell and the story of the librarian for that library.  I stayed with the trilogy because I like this group of characters.  They are a band of misfits who buck their preconceived roles to forge their own place in the world.  They're scrappy, and you have to admire them for that.  This is also a story of love and chosen family.  There's a good bit of humor as well.  

If you love books and libraries, check this out.

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Review: Rosebud

Rosebud by Paul Cornell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rosebud is a science fiction novella by Paul Cornell.  Cornell always manages to pack a lot into just a few pages.  I'm not sure how he does it.  He also posts a trigger warning before the story begins about in-universe violence against trans people.  Then you start reading and wondering why was that necessary.  This books seems funny and quirky.  The characters are extraordinarily tiny AIs that come in a range of shapes and forms.  My favorite is Bob.  He's a balloon with a filthy mouth and a bad attitude.  But if you were a balloon and vulnerable to darn near everything, wouldn't you be pissed off at the world?  And then it happens....you were having a good time.  WHAM! Now, things aren't so funny, and you're having a bit of an existential crisis.  Thank you, Paul Cornell.  

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Review: A Hard Day for a Hangover: A Novel

A Hard Day for a Hangover: A Novel by Darynda Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure:  I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of A Hard Day for a Hangover, the third book in the Sunshine Vicram series by Darynda Jones, from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.  I would have read it eventually anyway because I think Jones writes fun books with characters I enjoy.  

I do recommend reading this series in order.  It took me less than a week to read all three books.  I had been saving up the first two while I finished other series. When I received this one, it was time to jump in.  I'm not going to spoil anything by saying each book builds on the one before it.  Jones also dishes up a diverse cast of characters who we are slowly learning more about and are all highlighted as assets for what they bring to the story.  It is refreshing.

I tend to read Darynda Jones for the humor, but if you like a dash of something spicy in your stories, Jones will serve you up a huge, hot helping of dark and brooding.  I don't know if I would actually want to date these guys, as noble as they may be, but please smolder at me.  At the same time, I literally laugh out loud every time Sunshine has the birds and bees chat with her daughter, Auri.  I had never heard the expressions "sin cave" or "devil's doorbell."  Thank you for educating me as well.      

Bonus points for Randy.  I was already enjoying the characters, but Randy put me over the top with joy.  

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Review: A Good Day for Chardonnay

A Good Day for Chardonnay by Darynda Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Good Day for Chardonnay is the second book in the Sunshine Vicram series by Darynda Jones.  I highly recommend reading the first book before you get here.  Not only do these books go by fast, but they are delightful to read.  

I like to think that if I had had children I would parent like Sunshine Vicram.  I am only just picking up on why Darynda's characters are always obsessed with coffee.  I get it now!  It is not all Sunshine and rainbows in the town of Del Sol though.  Some very dark things happen, but they are balanced out enough with light that you aren't going to be totally bummed reading this.  

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Review: A Bad Day for Sunshine

A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Bad Day for Sunshine is the first book in the Sunshine Vicram series by Darynda Jones.  I just binge-read the first three books, and you will definitely want to start here.  

If you have enjoyed other books by Darynda Jones, there is a strong chance you will like these too.  They have all the humor, snark, and witty chapter openings, but these have less of a fantastical bent.  This is more like Brooklyn Nine-Nine.  For those of you who read Darynda Jones for the "spice," you can be sure there is still plenty of heat mixed in with the humor and mystery.  

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