alexdicanio's reviews
332 reviews

System Collapse by Martha Wells

adventurous funny tense fast-paced

4.5

I wanna be Murderbot’s friend so badly. 

Wordslut by Amanda Montell

funny informative medium-paced

5.0

Ladies, if a guy ever tells you to stop saying “like” or “you know” or to stop cussing so much, tell him to fuck off. 

I really enjoyed this book. It was well researched and put together. I definitely learned a lot. I also very much appreciated that the author talks about and acknowledges the contributions that black, Latinx, and LGBTQIA+ communities have contributed to language throughout history. 

Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells

funny mysterious fast-paced

3.75

Not my favorite in the series but still had a great time. 

Dracula by Bram Stoker

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

4.0

I love gothic novels, and I do enjoy epistolary novels as well. So if you’re wondering why I have this 4 stars instead of 5? It’s because of several ridiculous comments about women and their nature. Bram, buddy, Mina does all this work, and typing out a timeline only for 4 dudes to use it and try to keep her out as they continue on their quest that they say is too much for a woman’s disposition? Not the best idea. 

Also, some parts felt quite repetitive. 

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

2.0

I’m upset I didn’t love this, or even really like it that much. The 2nd star is specifically for Zachary Webber, he’s an amazing narrator. 

I had issues with the premise, and how these characters had this “instant connection” after seeing each other for the first time. I know this is a fictional book, but in what world would a person give up going to Hawaii for a random dude they met on the internet and talked to a hand full of times? Do you not care for your personal safety? 

Speaking of safety… why was the first date not somewhere public? You let a man you’ve never met in person before drive you to a strangers house that you’ve also never met before? 

Ughh…

Network Effect by Martha Wells

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

“I am actually alone in my head, and that’s where 90 plus percent of my problems are.”

Same, Murderbot. Same. 

I don’t think I’ve ever related this much to a robot in my life. 

I read this on my kindle in tandem with the audiobook. If you can, I highly recommend the audiobook, the narrator is extremely talented and brings Murderbot, and the story to life. 

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

dark reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

Humans, you know?

I didn’t take a star off for this, but I’m fairly positive I read the word “countenance” on every single page, sometimes twice. 

Anyway, this is a great classic, definitely more accessible than some other. 

Also, it was pretty uncomfortable that Frankenstein and Elizabeth would continue to call each other cousin (Elizabeth was adopted) but were set to be married. 

Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson

dark funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.5

Very entertaining. I enjoyed how the book was written in a unique way from other mysteries.

Cook County ICU: 30 Years of Unforgettable Patients and Odd Cases by Cory Franklin

If you’re looking for a memoir from a medical professional, skip this one. The doctor literally admits to using a dead person for a prank, administering medicine without a patient’s consent, or informing the resident because he was curious, and countless other examples. 

Also, his tone was so arrogant, but that can be said for a lot of doctors. 

The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

5.0

Literally one of the best books I’ve ever read. Absolutely incredible.