majortomwaits's reviews
269 reviews

Brighton Rock by Graham Greene
Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.

Guess that I am simply not into Greene's writing. The plot summary seemed as if it'd be perfect for me, very reminiscent of Peaky Blinders. However, the plot's not the issue, I read nearly 100 pages and none of it got registered in my brain, it's a bit of a bore, if I'm being honest.

Hail to the Chin: Further Confessions of a B Movie Actor by Bruce Campbell, Craig Sanborn

fast-paced

5.0

One thing that Bruce Campbell won't do is leave you bored. And sure, he's been in his share of dull movies, but he himself or his characters were never dull nor boring. 

I loved his writing in his previous memoir, as well as in his novel, so I figured I'd give the second memoir a go. My only issue is that I've never watched Burn Notice and a fine chunk of this book is about it, which is completely understandable in its own right. 

All in all, I loved this, it's quick and fun and it had me laughing out loud numerous times.

Alright, Bruce, how about part 3?

The King in Yellow by Robert W. Chambers

3.0

I honestly expected more out of this, but it was still rather interesting.

Liarmouth by John Waters

funny fast-paced

5.0

Just what I expected of John Waters. Much like his films, this book is incredibly fast, funny and, of course, filthy. All in all, a perfect novel in which absurdities keep piling up and you can only pray that they never stop.

All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy

adventurous medium-paced

4.25

Bubba Ho-Tep by Don Coscarelli, Joe R. Lansdale

fast-paced

5.0

Bubba Ho-Tep is one of my all time favourite movies, and, until tonight, I had no idea that it was based on a short story, so I rushed to read it. Reading it has only added to my appreciation for the film, but it also encouraged me to read more of Lansdale. His writing style is simple and sometimes crude, raw, even, but it has such a good flow and there are so many hilarious wordings that I can't help but love it.

The Labyrinth of the Spirits by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

4.5

A book series that changed my life.

Despite the rating, this is a brilliant finish to the series, but it is, in my opinion, the weakest of the series. It is understandable in a way, considering that it slows to a halt and ends in the most fitting way by closing a circle. 

Poetic as always, with numerous plots and twists, Tafon never ceased to amaze me with his unique descriptions and word plays. And I'm glad that it did not end in a way that I dreaded, because he was better than that. May he rest in peace.

Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

medium-paced

4.25

It took me quite a bit to get through this one, but it was well worth it. This was brilliant, maybe too sluggish at some points, but altogether an excellent and tense read with unexpected turns.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Addiction

Moderate: Sexual assault and Vomit

Minor: Animal death

On the Road by Jack Kerouac

3.0

Butcher's Crossing by John Williams

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is perhaps the truest western ever. I can see how it affected Cormac McCarthy's writing style with it's brutality and honestly. The writing is beyond detailed and doesn't hold back even in its worst moments. A masterpiece that can't be replicated.