errantreads's reviews
219 reviews

Missus Henry's Muse by Donna Campbell Smith

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Heartfelt, introspective, sometimes joyful, sometimes angry, sometimes sad—Campbell Smith weaves you into her lived experience and triggers reflection on your own. I really love this book of poetry.

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann

adventurous dark informative sad tense medium-paced

4.5

An incredible account from the author of _Killers of a Flower Moon_. I'm in awe of the work required to collate and then articulate this story almost as much as the events themselves. 

_The Wager_ is a harrowing tale of perseverance, discipline, brutality, hubris, and survival that illustrates and brings to life humanity at its extremes.

Verity by Colleen Hoover

adventurous dark funny mysterious fast-paced

3.0

A fellow writer handed me this book. She chuckled and said, "You only have to read the first chapter."

Well. I read the first chapter. Then the rest of the book. I know it was supposed to be clumsy and bad, but … I actually kinda liked it. Ha!

Is it often ridiculous? Oh yes. Like, Hallmark movie ridiculous, with enough melodrama to make a romance writer blush. The opening scene alone took WTF? to 11. Did the novel always make sense? Not a chance. Were there plot holes? Yup.

But ...

The writing at the line level mainly was pretty darn good. Zooming out, the structure was solid, and the pacing was on point. And the characters … at least some of them were interesting.

All this book needed was an editor with the power to say "No."

So. Fun read. Don't expect a lot and you may enjoy it. Think of it as a romance writer attempting to write suspense, which should set the right expectations.

Happy reading, folks.

The Overstory by Richard Powers

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

This won the Pulitzer and I can see why. Vast in scope, sprawling even, it's a deep-think that tugs at what it means to be a human in this world and our self-destructive, collateral-damaging place in it. It's also a story of seemingly futile, but important, efforts to right wrongs … no matter what, by folks who simply care. Folks who noticed.

With my editor hat on, I think this book should have been trimmed down 100 pages, but what an ambitious work. It deserves its kudos and will not be the last book I read from this author.

James by Percival Everett

adventurous dark funny inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Wow.

My prediction: next year's National Book Award winner or the Pulitzer. Yes, it's that good.

The Haunting Of Hill House: Screenplay by Cedric Thompson

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

4.0

What makes this book stand out are the characters. Each were so different and written so well. This is particularly difficult for writers and Jackson really nailed it 

Liberation Day: Stories by George Saunders

challenging dark reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

Saunders is one of those authors whose style is a bit off-putting. I would love to crawl into his brain for a day. Always thought provoking, he looks at the world from a curious angle. I didn't love this collection but I would still recommend it if you are a serious reader who values introspective books that stretch you.

Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling

adventurous hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

Clever. Unique. Makes you think. 

Recommend. Let me start off with that. It didn't wow me (hence three versus four stars), but I find this a very unique read with a fascinating voice. The concept is compelling, and the principle characters are folks you really want to sit with and explore.

Most of the other characters, though, even the important ones, get short shrift. The narrative is more than a bit uneven here and there as well, but the pacing is great and the book starts off really strong.

The science: The author needed to spend a bit more on verifying the science. Even some relatively basic things, she misses the mark (insect drones are male. always. oil is not explosive. etc.).

BUT!

Great story, nice and twisty with an unexpected ending that in retrospect is perfect. I really enjoyed this.

Pour Me Another: A Memoir by Kathryn Ewers Bundy

adventurous challenging funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

Wow. What a life. And the telling of it is just as embracing. Recommend.

Suttree by Cormac McCarthy

adventurous challenging dark funny lighthearted reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

A sprawling work of art.
The prose is stunning. Jaw-droppingly incredible The story paints a fascinating portrait of lives drifting along the edge of the world. So good.