The Wrong Plane by Robin SloanMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
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Sunday, July 12, 2026
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Review: Three Bags Full
Three Bags Full by Leonie SwannMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Three Bags Full is the first book in the Sheep Detective Story series by Leonie Swann. They did just make it into a movie (which I haven't watched). You can read this as a standalone.
When their shepherd is murdered, his flock takes it upon themselves to solve the mystery because they feel they owe it to him for being good to them. Also, they are a little afraid of ending up on the butcher's block if they don't. They can tell that not everyone has their best interests at heart. The sheep are fun and interesting characters. We get to delve into their inner lives and back stories. They all bring something to the table to help solve the mystery. While it is mostly funny, it was also sad. Whether people believe it or not, animals do grieve. There were some very touching moments.
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Review: Letters from an Imaginary Country
Letters from an Imaginary Country by Theodora GossMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Letters from an Imaginary Country is a collection of short stories by Theodora Goss. I was already a fan of Goss, but this is also a great introduction to her work for those that might not be familiar. She tends to look at "monsters" through a different lens. I also like that she explores language, especially Hungarian which is so unique. If you like the L. Frank Baum books, vampires, Mary Shelley, or sometimes feel like an alien in your own culture/country, I highly recommend reading this book.
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Saturday, July 4, 2026
Review: The Rabbit Back Literature Society
The Rabbit Back Literature Society by Pasi Ilmari JääskeläinenMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Rabbit Back Literature Society by Pasi Ilmari Jääskeläinen is possibly the first book I've read by a Finnish writer. It was translated into English by Lola Rogers. I was drawn into this mysterious secret society of famous Finnish writers who all come from this small town of Rabbit Back. How is it possible for one place to generate nine incredible authors across a variety of genres? That they are cultivated by a mysterious woman who may or may not be real or a witch or something from a C.S. Lewis story makes it even crazier. There are several mysteries going on and the answers are revealed as the various authors spill their stories or some story. Maybe not a story? Maybe the truth? You'll have to decide whether you believe them. While there are fairy-tale elements, this is an adult novel. There are graphic discussions of people's bodies and sex. It was very frank which you don't see frequently.
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Review: The Crone Zone: How to Get Older with Style, Nerve, and a Little Bit of Magic
The Crone Zone: How to Get Older with Style, Nerve, and a Little Bit of Magic by Nina BargielMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Crone Zone: How to Get Older with Style, Nerve, and a Little Bit of Magic by Nina Bargiel is worth reading for the illustrations alone. Just kidding although they are fantastic. I've always known I would be a crone. Even when I was younger, I liked to wear a caftan, preferred the company of animals over people, and read lots of books on witchcraft. When I saw this book, I knew it was for me. I am in my crone era! I live woods-adjacent with my animal familiars. I discovered that Ross has a caftan section. A whole section! I bought two...for now. So while The Crone Zone didn't have a lot of revelations for me, it was enjoyable to read the insights of a fellow crone and know I am in good company. It is also nice to embrace the positive aspects of aging. Be yourself, unapologetically. I also liked that there is not just one way to crone. You can mix it up! This is perfect for the aspiring crone, somebody looking for a mid-life pick-me-up, or the seasoned crone who wants a laugh.
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Review: Penny: A Graphic Memoir
Penny: A Graphic Memoir by Karl StevensMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you like cats in the least bit, you will want to read Penny: A Graphic Memoir by Karl Stevens. The illustrations are great, but Stevens really gets at the inner life of Penny. If you have or have had a cat, you have probably wondered what they were thinking. Cats are often enigmatic. This is a fun exploration of the cat mind.
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Sunday, June 28, 2026
Review: The Devil's Bible: A Cotton Malone Novel
The Devil's Bible: A Cotton Malone Novel by Steve BerryMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Devil's Bible is the 20th book in the Cotton Malone series by Steve Berry. I wouldn't start here unless you want some serious spoilers. Fans of the series will recognize flashbacks to previous books.
The Devil's Bible or the Codex Gigas is an actual manuscript from Bohemia that has quite an interesting story of its own. While it is the title of this book, I didn't find it played as much of a role as I anticipated. Or at least, it wasn't as prominent in the story. There was much more about the Swedish royal family or this fictional version of it and spycraft. Without giving anything away, this book also changes the course of the series whether you were ready for it or not. It was a gut punch for me, but I respect Steve Berry and trust he has a plan!
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Review: The Mystic and the Missing Girl: A Mystery
The Mystic and the Missing Girl: A Mystery by Vikki VanSickleMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Mystic and the Missing Girl: A Mystery by Vikki VanSickle from Minotaur Books via NetGalley. This book will be published around September 8, 2026.
The Mystic and the Missing Girl: A Mystery by Vikki VanSickle is sort of cozy mystery adjacent. When Drew moves back to her home town to take over the shop her aunt left her, she gets involved in solving a cold case that her aunt had also tried to solve using her mystical gifts. I share Drew's love of whipped cream-topped beverages and tarot cards. I enjoyed the witchy elements of the story and the shop. It seemed like a cool place. Fun characters and perfect small-town drama. There are some hot guys, but this isn't really a romance-type of book. I felt it had the potential for a sequel or a series.
Bonus points for having a shop cat!
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Sunday, June 21, 2026
Review: The Secret Dinner
The Secret Dinner by Raphael MontesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Secret Dinner by Raphael Montes from Celadon Books via NetGalley. This book will be published in English around August 18, 2026.
The Secret Dinner by Raphael Montes is dark. It was described as a mystery/thriller, but it is more horror in my opinion. There was definitely dark humor in it as well. Four childhood friends trying to make it in the big city find themselves struggling to pay rent and resort to some pretty extreme measures to get the money so they won't be evicted. Throwing a pop-up dinner when one of them is a chef isn't a bad idea. But even that doesn't go as anticipated. You will need a strong stomach to get through this menu. Don't say I didn't warn you!
P.S. Have never been more grateful to be a vegetarian!
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Review: The Art of Confidence
The Art of Confidence by Wendy LeeMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wendy Lee is related to a friend of mine, so I was gifted a copy of The Art of Confidence when it first came out. Now that I've finished it, I am sorry I didn't read it sooner. I was hesitant in case I didn't like it. As it turns out, it is quite good! The focus on art in general was fascinating. The inclusion of Chinese art history and culture were a wonderful surprise. It took me back to studying art in Hangzhou. And yes, you do basically just copy the masters. The story follows several characters as their lives intersect. There are mysteries and misunderstandings. Some of the men are loathsome but not all male artists are letches apparently. If you like art, give this a read.
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Review: Unlocked: An Oral History of Haden's Syndrome
Unlocked: An Oral History of Haden's Syndrome by John ScalziMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Unlocked: An Oral History of Haden's Syndrome is the prequel novella to the Lock In series by John Scalzi. I haven't read the rest of the series yet. This could definitely be read as a standalone story. I'm not sure if it has any spoilers for the rest of the books. I really enjoyed this novella and finished it in one sitting. It reminded me so much of the COVID times I had to go see when it was written. It was published way before COVID which makes it even scarier to think John Scalzi warned us of what was coming. Haden's Syndrome is not COVID though. If it doesn't kill you, there is a chance it will leave you "locked in" your body. Your mind works just fine but your body won't move. This creates a whole host of other issues for the entire world. The history is told through a series of interviews with various people who were touched by Haden's in some way. So good!
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Sunday, June 14, 2026
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Review: Identity Unknown
Identity Unknown by Patricia CornwellMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Identity Unknown is the 28th book in the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. You could read this as a standalone, but it will have a few spoilers from earlier books. You also wouldn't have quite the idea of how important one character is. I won't say who because I don't want to spoil it for you. If you read the series, all your favorite characters make an appearance. This is a tough one though because the initial case involves suspected child abuse. There is also a very emotional death. Again, no spoilers, but it hits Kay hard. I wasn't sure how it was going to all come together, but it did! However, I don't think things are going to be quiet for long.
Bonus points for Merlin, a very smart kitty.
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Review: The Glass Box: The Shocking True Story of How CrossFit Broke the Rules, Made Millions, and Changed Fitness Forever
The Glass Box: The Shocking True Story of How CrossFit Broke the Rules, Made Millions, and Changed Fitness Forever by Calum MarshMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Glass Box: The Shocking True Story of How CrossFit Broke the Rules, Made Millions, and Changed Fitness Forever by Calum Marsh from HarperOne via NetGalley. This book will be published around October 27, 2026.
I'll admit I had some preconceived notions about the cult of CrossFit prior to reading The Glass Box: The Shocking True Story of How CrossFit Broke the Rules, Made Millions, and Changed Fitness Forever by Calum Marsh. The first notion was that it is culty as the CrossFit adherents are pretty adamant that their way is the best way. It looked tough. It didn't always look safe. This book didn't necessarily convince me I was wrong, but it did give me a much better appreciation of why people get so into CrossFit and how the diet and exercise CrossFit promotes does have science behind it and does produce results even if the execution is sometimes flawed. I now realize how many of our current fitness trends have their roots in CrossFit. If you are/were ever into CrossFit or CrossFit-curious or enjoy reading about fitness, you will want to read this book.
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Thursday, June 4, 2026
Review: A Parade of Horribles
A Parade of Horribles by Matt DinnimanMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Parade of Horribles is the eighth book in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman. You do need to read these books in order, but I guarantee it is worth the investment. You will look at the number of pages and say NO WAY AM I READING 784 PAGES! Then, you will start reading, finish, and be sad that there are not 784 more. Seriously. These books fly by so fast even when I force myself to put them down because I don't want to finish because I don't want to wait however long until the next one and I have to do things like sleep and eat.
We are now at the 10th floor of the dungeon. It is like the most twisted and deadly version of Mario Kart you can imagine. If you survive, you get a brief respite to participate in a celebration on the extremely short 11th floor. There is a parade! Yay? I remember making floats for parades when I was in high school. Good luck, Donut! Also not sure why everyone has an aversion to peach-flavored beer. Of all the things to be tortured with, it doesn't sound that bad.
Bonus points for Penelope and all the other critters that make an appearance in this book. I don't think I could choose a biological mount because I would be too worried about their safety to race.
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Review: The Silent Appeal
The Silent Appeal by Janice HallettMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Silent Appeal by Janice Hallett from Atria Books via NetGalley. This book will be published around August 2, 2026.
The Silent Appeal is the second book in The Appeal series by Janice Hallett. There is also a Christmas story that features the same characters so really, three books? Doesn't really matter how many. You will want to read them all. I recommend reading in order too since there are references to the previous stories in this one. Since they are mysteries, you probably want to reduce the number of potential spoilers. Janice Hallett writes some of my favorite books. They are mysteries with plenty of humor and interesting characters while also written in an epistolary way so you are getting multiple perspectives while having to piece together everything. And because everyone has their own perspective, their conclusions may not be reliable. I find it fun to draw up my own theories. Because there are also multiple mysteries, we don't know which one we are actually trying to solve until almost the end. Can't recommend this book enough!
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Review: The Porcelain Sisters
The Porcelain Sisters by Daryl GregoryMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Porcelain Sisters by Daryl Gregory from Tachyon Publications. This book will be published around October 2026.
I haven't read everything Daryl Gregory has written (yet), but I have immensely enjoyed what I have read. When the opportunity came up to read this new piece, I was very excited. The Porcelain Sisters feels like it could be part of a bigger story. When I read the acknowledgements, I learned that it really is. Maybe there will be more adventures with these sisters. Creepy dolls, French witches, a magical cat and crow, there is a lot packed into this story. Isabel might take umbrage at my characterization of the dolls as creepy, but as someone who collected porcelain dolls for awhile (they are staring at me as I write this), I stand by my assessment. While this is horror, it is also quite funny. I love Gregory's sense of humor and so many amazing pop cultural references for those of us of a certain age.
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Review: House of Splinters
House of Splinters by Laura PurcellMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
House of Splinters by Laura Purcell is the prequel to The Silent Companions. I would probably read The Silent Companions first so as not to spoil anything. But if you like The Silent Companions, this is a great way to learn the history behind the story and how we got there. It is dark and gothic. Not as mysterious as The Silent Companions but definitely has a spooky vibe.
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Sunday, May 31, 2026
Review: The Bachelorette Party
The Bachelorette Party by Camilla StenMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten is the first novel she has written in English on her own. She usually writes in Swedish and then has a translator do the English version. I never would have guessed. That fun fact aside, The Bachelorette Party is a locked-room type of mystery except the room is an island. There are also two bachelorette parties involved. The first ends in an unsolved murder mystery that inspires a guest of the second to try to figure out whodunnit when she has an opportunity to go to the island under similar circumstances. I have never done when of these types of bachelorette parties, but I do like a yoga retreat and going to an island for that sounds fun. Getting murdered for doing either sounds less fun.
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Review: O Sinners!
O Sinners! by Nicole CuffyMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
O Sinners by Nicole Cuffy is an intense read. An investigative journalist gains access to a group that has been labeled as a cult and decides to spend six weeks living with them to do a story. Present day with the group is intertwined with chapters about a group of American soldiers in Vietnam. One of them is now the leader of the group, but we can only guess which one. It also tells you a lot about the mindset of this leader. There is also a third set of chapters which is a transcript of a documentary about the group and clash with a church in their original location. It is a lot of information to piece together but very cleverly told. It did make me want to gather a group of friends and move into a remote area where we focus on enjoying life. If you like epistolary novels and/or culty stuff, you'll want to read this.
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Sunday, May 24, 2026
Review: Dreamers of the Full Moon Coffee Shop
Dreamers of the Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai MochizukiMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Dreamers of the Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki from Ballantine Books via NetGalley. This book will be published around August 25, 2026.
Dreamers of the Full Moon Coffee Shop is the third book in the Full Moon Coffee Shop series by Mai Mochizuki. I recommend reading the books in order because the stories build on one another. For those that have read the other books, Dreamers is slightly different. I highly recommend reading the acknowledgment section where Mai explains why it is different. While different, it is still a soothing read. It is a reminder that there are many types of love, and they are all meaningful. The astrology is also still there but less detailed than before. Again, the acknowledgments really helped elucidate the astrological aspects.
Bonus points for a gorgeous cover!
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Review: Thrilling Tales of Modern Men: Stories
Thrilling Tales of Modern Men: Stories by Danny McBrideMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Thrilling Tales of Modern Men: Stories by Danny McBride from Random House via NetGalley. This book will be published around June 23, 2026.
Admittedly if I just saw the title, Thrilling Tales of Modern Men, I would snort and pass this right up. Who needs to hear more about what men do? Not this woman. However, I saw that it was written by Danny McBride. Now, that changes things! I am a big fan of McBride's sense of humor, and I figured this book would be chock full of it. It was. I could almost hear McBride's voice reading the dialogue. This is a collection of short stories, so you don't have to read them in order or even read them all. If you have enjoyed any of Danny McBride's TV shows or movies, you owe it to yourself to get a copy of this. You will laugh. You may also groan because you might know some of these guys in real life.
Bonus points for the cover. That tiger is absolutely perfect!
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Sunday, May 17, 2026
Review: The Enigma Challenge: A Novel
The Enigma Challenge: A Novel by S.C. GodfreyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Enigma Challenge: A Novel by S.C. Godfrey from Viking Penguin via NetGalley. This book is due to be published on August 11, 2026.
If you like puzzles, ciphers, or cryptograms, I strongly suggest reading The Enigma Challenge by S.C. Godfrey. This story scratches the same itch as books like The Da Vinci Code or shows like the Amazing Race. The title alone piqued my interest. I was delighted to find that it was about a mysterious, global puzzle challenge that has a prize to die for. My favorite part were the puzzles that S.C. Godfrey included and the explanations of how to solve the various types of ciphers. Yes, I tried to figure the answers out myself before reading on. I had trouble putting this one down because I couldn't wait to get to the next location, the next puzzle. I'm also hoping there is a next book.
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Review: The Last Session
The Last Session by Julia BartzMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Last Session by Julia Bartz was very unique and unexpected. I thought this was going to be a mystery about a wellness cult, but it turned out to be a lot more than that. It gets very trippy, delving into the interconnectedness of beings and reincarnation. There were more twists than I anticipated. Sometimes, I wasn't even sure what was "real" anymore. If you are looking for something different and like culty things, you should get this book a go.
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Review: Gingerbread
Gingerbread by Helen OyeyemiMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
It felt very meta making and eating gingerbread while reading Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi. I didn't even intend to do that. It was serendipitous. I have also been experimenting with what I put in it to make sure I get the right combo. Gingerbread inspired me to try honey instead of maple syrup. It was a good idea!
Gingerbread is a modern fairy tale. You can see the nods to classic fairy tales throughout the story. Magical realism is not always easy to follow. You have to be comfortable letting go of certain structures to let the story bloom. Once I let go, I enjoyed it much more. I also can't promise that I won't force a loaf of gingerbread on you the next time I see you.
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Review: The Indigo Room
The Indigo Room by Stephen Graham JonesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Indigo Room by Stephen Graham Jones is part of the Shivers Collection of Amazon Original Stories. It stands alone, so you don't need to read the rest of the collection if you don't want to. This was not nearly as gory as I have come to expect a Stephen Graham Jones book to be. It goes fast, and the end is a surprise. I snickered at the representation of office life. There is always that one person who never seems to have to work on Fridays.
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Sunday, May 10, 2026
Review: America Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the Hidden Wonders of the United States
America Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the Hidden Wonders of the United States by Atlas ObscuraMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of America Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the Hidden Wonders of the United States by Atlas Obscura from Ten Speed Press via NetGalley. This book will be published around October 20, 2026
I am a huge fan of the Atlas Obscura website, so when I saw this book, I knew I would have to read it. If you like to travel off the beaten path in the United States, this book is for you. When I travel, I don't want to go to the regular tourist destinations. I want some place quirky, some place fun, or some place where I won't run into a million other people and wait in super long lines. I want a place that is going to give me a good story to tell. An example: I once did a road trip to visit holy sites for alternative, non-mainstream religions. I had the best time! America Obscura gave me a bunch of ideas for future road trips. It is organized by part of the country and state. Interesting sites are grouped sort of in categories. The published book will also include maps. It is bright, colorful, and fun! Even if you don't plan to travel a lot, this is a great coffee table type book to get people talking. Plus, you can learn about some of the crazy things that inspire people!
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Review: Follow Me
Follow Me by Elizabeth Rose QuinnMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I wasn't sure how I would feel about Follow Me by Elizabeth Rose Quinn. I am not a mom (to humans) or into influencers of any type. Surprise! I was sucked in from the very beginning and could barely put this book down. The mom influencer retreat was giving culty vibes. The main characters are twin sisters, Chiara and Adrienne. Chiara is a mom of twins. Adrienne is a single, party girl. Drugs aside, my life is probably closer to Adrienne's, and I would also approach any coMOMunity with a heavy dose of skepticism. When Chiara goes missing at the retreat, Adrienne tries to infiltrate the group to find out what happened. By this point, I was fully invested. Was this really a cult or just terrible stereotyping??? I admit that some parts felt a little campy, but I absolutely enjoyed them!
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Review: The God of the Woods
The God of the Woods by Liz MooreMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have somewhat complicated feelings about The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. I thought the writing was great. I liked that there are two mystery separated by time told from various perspectives. Siblings go missing years apart. Several suspects but no good answers. They come from a rich family who seem to be covering something up with their money and trying to focus blame on working class people. It did feel a little too long and convoluted. I started to confuse people at a certain point. Some unnecessary plot points added to make figuring everything out more complex. Still overall a good read.
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Review: Compulsory
Compulsory by Martha WellsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Compulsory is a prequel short story to the Murderbot Diaries by Marth Wells. This is very short, like 8 pages. Just a taste of what Murderbot is like. You can read it first or go back and read it if you read need a hit of Murderbot while waiting for the next story to come out. I enjoyed it because it is all the things I love about Murderbot, humor and soap operas.
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Sunday, May 3, 2026
Review: The Secret of Secrets
The Secret of Secrets by Dan BrownMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was very excited to read The Secret of Secrets, the sixth book in the Robert Langdon series, by Dan Brown. Has it been six books? Apparently it has and apparently I have read them all. I like iconology and symbology. I find it really fascinating. Set it in Prague? Even better! I love Prague. It is a great city. I would even say you can read this book as a standalone if you aren't ready to invest in a whole series. It's a really long book that covers a lot of ground on consciousness. I was all in on that. The research, experiments, and theories of noetic science make this worth the read alone. I wanted to know the secret of secrets!
However, and this is a personal issue, I am a retired diplomat. I could not suspend enough disbelief about the U.S. Embassy Prague or the people working there. I have been there. I know people who have worked there. There were too many inconsistencies that it put a damper on my overall enjoyment of the story. If you know nothing about the inner workings of an Embassy or the diplomatic community, you should have no problems!
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Saturday, April 25, 2026
Review: The Many
The Many by Sylvain NeuvelMy 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 HillerMy 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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Monday, April 20, 2026
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 WattsMy 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 CherMy 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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Sunday, April 12, 2026
Friday, April 10, 2026
Review: The Shadows Tomorrow
The Shadows Tomorrow by Noëlle MichelMy 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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Review: Cat Tales
Cat Tales by Herbert S. RolfesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Cat Tales by Herbert S. Rolfes from the author via NetGalley. This book has already been published.
Cat Tales by Herbert S. Rolfes is exactly what the title suggests. It is a collection of short stories told from the perspective of cats. The book is broken up into different sections including cats of famous people and cats with occupations. I really liked the pet store cat. Each story is fairly short. They appropriate for most ages. You don't have to read them in order. You can read whatever tickles your fancy for the moment. If you like cats and wish they could talk, give this a read. It was very fun, and the illustrations are super cute.
Bonus points for being about cats. That's enough to earn extra points.
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Review: The Library After Dark
The Library After Dark by Ande PliegoMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Library After Dark by Ande Pliego from Bantam via NetGalley. This book will be published around May 5, 2026.
The Library After Dark by Ande Pliego is one of the best books I have read. If you like Clue or locked room mysteries, you will absolutely want to read this book. The setting is a spooky, haunted (?) library of death in New York City. The Daedalus library has sent out invitations to a select few to attend an after hours tour and viewing of an upcoming exhibit. The exhibit will showcase a supposedly cursed book that is the basis for many myths and fairy tales you might recognize. Everyone is dying to read it! Pliego tells the story in alternating character viewpoints as they tour the library and stories from the "cursed" book. These stories are dark just as the unvarnished fairy tales were. Putting all the pieces together was so much fun for me! It was probably less fun for these poor characters.
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Review: Hunger and Thirst
Hunger and Thirst by Claire FullerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Hunger and Thirst by Claire Fuller from Tin House via NetGalley. This book will be published around June 2, 2026.
Hunger and Thirst by Claire Fuller comes across as horror although it may all just be in the mind of the narrator. Nobody seems to be able to fully corroborate anything she claims happened. If anything, people appear to believe she is not guilty of the things she said she did. Is that because people underestimate teenage girls or because she really is innocent but so traumatized that she blames herself? You'll have to read it to decide for yourself. Using a documentary to tell the viewpoints of other characters is clever. I'm not sure I trust what people say when cameras are rolling.
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Saturday, March 28, 2026
Review: Violent Femmes' Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes' Violent Femmes by Nic BrownMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Violent Femmes' Violent Femmes by Nic Brown from Bloomsbury Academic via NetGalley. This book will be published around May 14, 2026.
Violent Femmes' Violent Femmes by Nic Brown is part of the 33 1/3 collection of short books about music. Each book is a deep dive into a single album. This one is about the debut album from the Violent Femmes. Nic Brown is a fan and so am I. For as many time as I have listened to this album, I had a lot to learn. I feel like Nic did too. I didn't know that Gordon Gano was a teenager when he wrote so many of their songs or even when the band started. I never thought about the instruments they played or why they played those specific instruments and how that impacted their sound. As I read each chapter about a song on the album, I couldn't help but hear it in my head. I also couldn't have told you what the cover art was because I too came to the album from mix tapes made by friends. If you asked me when the album came out, I would have been extremely wrong. I went back and listened to the album a few times. Now with a deeper appreciation for every bit of it. What a great album! What a great book!
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Review: Guilty Creatures: Sex, God, and Murder in Tallahassee, Florida
Guilty Creatures: Sex, God, and Murder in Tallahassee, Florida by Mikita BrottmanMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Guilty Creatures: Sex, God, and Murder in Tallahassee, Florida by Mikita Brottman is a true crime Lifetime movie waiting to happen. Maybe it has happened? I don't watch much Lifetime. Anyway... Right in the title you know someone died. How and why are the big questions. Will the murderer get away with it? Sure the sex is titillating, but for me, the most interesting part was the religion component. I will always find religious fanaticism fascinating. The level of hypocrisy is astounding. I would have read it even without the murder. Finally, this book is about a mother who never gives up on her son. People think she is crazy. You might think she is crazy. She might actually be crazy. But if it wasn't for her, people probably would have forgotten anything ever happened.
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Sunday, March 15, 2026
Review: Your Behavior Will Be Monitored
Your Behavior Will Be Monitored by Justin FeinsteinMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Your Behavior Will Be Monitored by Justin Feinstein from Tachyon Publications via NetGalley. This book will be published around April 7, 2026.
I was not prepared for how engrossed in Your Behavior Will Be Monitored by Justin Feinstein I got from the moment I picked it up. I thought I would just read a chapter or two before bed and found myself staying up until the wee hours of the morning because I couldn't quite put it down. I did eventually because my eyes refused to stay open but picked it right back up as soon as I could and finished it. I needed to know how this was going to end. I should have guessed I was going to love this from the moment I saw it was written in an epistolary form. I tend to really get into books that are not traditionally formatted. In this case, you are mostly reading transcripts of videos and exchanges recorded by the corporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) that is monitoring everyone at this cutting-edge AI company. In fact, the employees agree to have everything monitored in order to feed their data to the AI to make it better at what it does. And as we are seeing in the real world, AI is getting better and better at what it does. The problem is people are not inherently good and tech bros are definitely not interested in using AI to benefit humankind over turning a profit. Even the AI recognizes this! And while this book is set in the nearish future, many of the topics are already here. Personalized advertising is already happening to an extent. I don't want to give anything else away because I want you to read the book. If you are interested in AI at all, even the slightest, I think you will want to read this book. I hesitate to say enjoy because oof, that's probably not the right word. It is a bit heavier than that and yet, also offers just a glimmer of light.
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Review: Salt, Sweat & Steam: The Fiery Education of an Accidental Chef
Salt, Sweat & Steam: The Fiery Education of an Accidental Chef by Brigid WashingtonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Readers Copy of Salt, Sweat & Steam: The Fiery Education of an Accidental Chef by Brigid Washington from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. This book will be published on April 28, 2026.
I was drawn to Salt, Sweat & Steam: The Fiery Education of an Accidental Chef by Brigid Washington for two reasons. I really wanted to know what it is like to attend the Culinary Institute of America (the other CIA). I also have lived in the Caribbean and looked forward to indulging in some nostalgia given Brigid's Trini roots. This book delivered on both. I drove by the CIA when I visited the FDR library in upstate New York. I wondered what it would be like to go there. It has produced so many famous chefs, including Roy Choi (my very favorite). It looks impressive even from the outside. Brigid's descriptions of the campus and the courses are incredible. If I had lots of money, no food allergies, and no aversion to meat products, I would absolutely want to go there. It sounds intense, but the food sounds amazing. Brigid also makes sure that her Caribbean heritage is prominently featured throughout the book. It is important to her and her own food journey. I was dying for some doubles and sorrel by the time I finished. It was a reminder that the most meaningful food doesn't have to be fancy. It is the heart behind it that makes all the difference. That being said, I couldn't help but smile a bit at the mention of Eleven Madison Park. EMP is hands down the best food experience I have ever had in my life. It was fun to see a little behind-the-scenes there. If you like food or cooking or ever thought about attending culinary school, I suggest reading this book.
The book isn't just cooking. Brigid attends the CIA to escape heartbreak and find her path in life. It was a pretty expensive lesson, but who knows if she would have ended up where she did had she not taken that chance. I give her props for sticking out what sounded like some really tough lessons. It seems she ended up in a pretty good place though after all.
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Review: How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay
How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny LawsonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of How to Be Okay When Nothing is Okay by Jenny Lawson from Penguin Life via NetGalley. This book is set to be published on March 31, 2026.
How to Be Okay When Nothing is Okay by Jenny Lawson is slightly different from the other books or articles you may have read from Jenny. Although it does include humor and stories of her life, this is more of a companion for you when times are tough and you need a pick-me-up or to know someone cares about you. Because Jenny does care about you. She knows as well as anyone what it can be like when the darkness starts to take over. The book is segmented to address different times of not being okay. The introduction of each part will give you examples of when it might be a good time to read that section. The really nice thing is each "chapter" is fairly short, so you can pick it up and read it in a few minutes to get that refreshing burst you were looking for. The timing of this book also feels like a gift because even if you don't feel like you have mental health struggles, you may still feel like nothing is okay right now. This book will remind you that you aren't the only person who feels that way.
Bonus points for giving the animals in our lives the credit, and snacks, they deserve.
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Thursday, March 12, 2026
Review: The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London
The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London by Christopher SkaifeMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I recently read a book involving ravens at the Tower of London that recommended The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Raves at the Tower of London by Christopher Skaife because it was used as part of that author's research. I just happened to own a copy of this but hadn't gotten around to reading it yet. I decided now was the time! If you are curious about ravens or the Tower of London, this is a really good introduction. As the title implies, Christopher Skaife was the Ravenmaster at the Tower of London. He retired from that position in 2024. The book has a lot of interesting information about ravens but also about becoming a Yeoman Warder and what life is like for those living at the Tower of London. Before reading this, I didn't realize people live there. How cool! If birds freak you out, this book is probably not going to help with that. Ravens are crafty. I already thought they were cool, but this gave me whole new level of appreciation for them. I will be sure not to confuse them with crows in the future! This also reinforced my already firm belief that you should not piss off crows or ravens. They remember faces and can hold a grudge!
If you are looking for an entertaining and informative book about birds, give this a read. The writing is very accessible for those who don't know much about birds while still providing a fascinating perspective for those who do.
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