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phidgt's reviews
468 reviews
The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Wow, what did I just read? It's as if Groundhog Day and the board game Clue got together with Agatha Christie and Hercule Perot and had a rager. I think if I were to read this again, I would create a story board like the ones you see in detective shows. The kind where they have the pictures of suspects and locations connected by string. It definitely got a little confusing sometimes trying to keep track of all of the different characters, the various plots and all of the other moving pieces.
The concept of the story is really good. I haven't read anything quite like it before and it was quite a fun ride... and here's the 'but':
Once the Plague Doctor gets revealed as a prison warden and that Blackheath is basically a prison, the whole story falls apart. After watching the whole scenario play out over and over again for thirty years(!) how is it possible for there to be "new" revelations that the Plague Doctor had never entertained before? The ending is not very satisfying, either. Anna and Aiden are set free and that's it.
This book is probably perfect for anyone who likes 'who-dunnits' with twisty plots.
The concept of the story is really good. I haven't read anything quite like it before and it was quite a fun ride... and here's the 'but':
This book is probably perfect for anyone who likes 'who-dunnits' with twisty plots.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
4.0
After the results of the 2024 election I was in the mood for a good dystopian read. I wasn't in the mood for anything with too much science fiction or set way into the future. Therefor, I found it quite interesting (and eery) that the book starts off on Sunday July 21, 2024. The book was originally published in 1993 and I am genuinely considering the idea that Octavia Butler could see into the future.
Basically, the planet has been ravaged by climate change, the United States is no longer a superpower (more like a third world country), Alaska has seceded and drugs, crime and chaos run rampant to the point of anarchy. It's an election year and the popular candidate believes he can fix all of America's problems with more religion and less regulation. Sound familiar? Well, there are many points throughout the book that either mimic our actual present day events or are so probable seeming that it wouldn't be too far of a leap for them to become reality.
The story starts off in Los Angeles where Lauren Olamina lives with her family and a few other families in a gated community. They are the lucky ones since they have money paying jobs and can still obtain food, water and other necessities. However, due to shortages of everything, vast quantities of the population are constantly on the move, migrating north to find better opportunities. Among the bands of people relocating there are also those who are hell bent on reaping destruction and death along the way.
There is a religious theme throughout the story. Lauren is somewhat of a prophet for this new religion/cult where she believes that everything we do changes us and everything around us and while we can influence change, we cannot stop it. It is this religion, Earthseed, that Lauren believes is her mission to spread - God is change.
During a conversation in 1999 with Octavia Butler the interviewer asked her, "What would you like readers to get from this novel? What would you like them to think about?" Her response, "I hope people who read "Parable of the Sower" will think about where we seem to be heading - we the United States, even we the human species. Where are we going? What sort of future our we creating? Is is the kind of future you want to live in? If it isn't, what can wed o to create a better future? Individually and in groups, what can we do?"
The writing is great, characters well developed and, even though the book is 34 years old, it definitely stands the test of time. "Parables of the Sower" is the first book in the Earthseed series.
Basically, the planet has been ravaged by climate change, the United States is no longer a superpower (more like a third world country), Alaska has seceded and drugs, crime and chaos run rampant to the point of anarchy. It's an election year and the popular candidate believes he can fix all of America's problems with more religion and less regulation. Sound familiar? Well, there are many points throughout the book that either mimic our actual present day events or are so probable seeming that it wouldn't be too far of a leap for them to become reality.
The story starts off in Los Angeles where Lauren Olamina lives with her family and a few other families in a gated community. They are the lucky ones since they have money paying jobs and can still obtain food, water and other necessities. However, due to shortages of everything, vast quantities of the population are constantly on the move, migrating north to find better opportunities. Among the bands of people relocating there are also those who are hell bent on reaping destruction and death along the way.
There is a religious theme throughout the story. Lauren is somewhat of a prophet for this new religion/cult where she believes that everything we do changes us and everything around us and while we can influence change, we cannot stop it. It is this religion, Earthseed, that Lauren believes is her mission to spread - God is change.
During a conversation in 1999 with Octavia Butler the interviewer asked her, "What would you like readers to get from this novel? What would you like them to think about?" Her response, "I hope people who read "Parable of the Sower" will think about where we seem to be heading - we the United States, even we the human species. Where are we going? What sort of future our we creating? Is is the kind of future you want to live in? If it isn't, what can wed o to create a better future? Individually and in groups, what can we do?"
The writing is great, characters well developed and, even though the book is 34 years old, it definitely stands the test of time. "Parables of the Sower" is the first book in the Earthseed series.
Carrie by Stephen King
4.0
I can't remember exactly when I first read "Carrie", but it had to be around 1986-ish. This was the year that "It" was first published and the year that I became one of King's "Constant Readers". I basically devoured his back catalog of books at that time.
"Carrie" is Stephen King's first published work dating back to 1974. So, how does this 47 year old book hold up? Quite well, actually. It's a quick read compared to many of King's other works, clocking in at 199 pages and, while most people know the story, for me, it was interesting to reread it and see the progression of his writing style. For example, the character development, which King is a master at, is a bit lacking. In my opinion, the story feels rushed; the elegant attention to detail that will become the cornerstone of many a Stephen King novel is only hinted at. However, it is still a very good story.
"Carrie" is Stephen King's first published work dating back to 1974. So, how does this 47 year old book hold up? Quite well, actually. It's a quick read compared to many of King's other works, clocking in at 199 pages and, while most people know the story, for me, it was interesting to reread it and see the progression of his writing style. For example, the character development, which King is a master at, is a bit lacking. In my opinion, the story feels rushed; the elegant attention to detail that will become the cornerstone of many a Stephen King novel is only hinted at. However, it is still a very good story.
Blaze by Stephen King, Richard Bachman
4.0
This book was originally written in 1973, but wasn't published until much later, in 2006 when it was "rediscovered in the attic" by Stephen King. It is also credited as being the last book that King published under the pseudonym of Richard Bachman.
It's a simple crime story of a conman wanting to make his last big money score by kidnapping a baby for a million dollar ransom. It's fast-paced, suspenseful and not your typical King fare. What makes this such a good story is King's ability to create such "real" characters. Blaze is a massively tragic figure and you can't help but feel sorry for him. Considering how old the book is, it retains its readability and isn't really dated. I'd recommend as a very good King starter book.
It's a simple crime story of a conman wanting to make his last big money score by kidnapping a baby for a million dollar ransom. It's fast-paced, suspenseful and not your typical King fare. What makes this such a good story is King's ability to create such "real" characters. Blaze is a massively tragic figure and you can't help but feel sorry for him. Considering how old the book is, it retains its readability and isn't really dated. I'd recommend as a very good King starter book.
Serial Killer Investigations: The Story of Forensics & Profiling Through the Hunt for the World's Worst Murderers by Colin Wilson
2.0
I would describe this book as a good serial killer starter book for anyone who wants to dip their toes in the genre of true crime. You get an introduction to early profiling as law enforcement tried to understand these types of crimes. The author does describe some of the more grisly aspects fo the murders, so it's definitely not for the squeamish.
Running with Sherman: The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero by Christopher McDougall
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
I entered into this book with a bit of trepidation. Reading about the abuse of animals is a topic I tend to stay away from. Thankfully, Christopher McDougall doesn’t focus a lot of the attention there. It’s enough to say that Sherman was rescued from an unfortunate situation and with much love, care and attention, he is able to recover physically. I feel that this book’s focus is more on Sherman’s mental recovery and, in a way, the mental recovery for some of the people around him.
There’s quite a bit to unpack in this book. Christopher McDougall and his wife end up moving from Philadelphia to their dream house which ends up being deep in the heart of Pennsylvania Amish country. Just this could be a whole book. So, then the McDougall’s decide to rescue this donkey and nurse him back to health. However, due to the severe neglect that Sherman had suffered he still isn’t fully recovered; Sherman had forgotten how to donkey.
Enter the world of burro racing. Apparently, this is an extremely popular and competitive sport in quite a few towns in Colorado (I had no idea) and they have a World Championship, which the McDougall’s think is just the thing Sherman needs. It also just happens that training to run alongside Sherman turns out to be much needed medicine for his human friends.
Add in some quirky characters; both human and animal, the Amish, and the ability of Christopher McDougall to make you laugh out loud, and you have one heck of feel good story.
There’s quite a bit to unpack in this book. Christopher McDougall and his wife end up moving from Philadelphia to their dream house which ends up being deep in the heart of Pennsylvania Amish country. Just this could be a whole book. So, then the McDougall’s decide to rescue this donkey and nurse him back to health. However, due to the severe neglect that Sherman had suffered he still isn’t fully recovered; Sherman had forgotten how to donkey.
Enter the world of burro racing. Apparently, this is an extremely popular and competitive sport in quite a few towns in Colorado (I had no idea) and they have a World Championship, which the McDougall’s think is just the thing Sherman needs. It also just happens that training to run alongside Sherman turns out to be much needed medicine for his human friends.
Add in some quirky characters; both human and animal, the Amish, and the ability of Christopher McDougall to make you laugh out loud, and you have one heck of feel good story.
Joyland by Stephen King
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
“All I can say is what you already know: some days are treasure. Not many, but I think in almost every life there are a few. That was one of mine, and when I'm blue -- when life comes down on me and everything looks tawdry and cheap, the way Joyland Avenue did on a rainy day -- I go back to it, if only to remind myself that life isn't always a butcher's game. Sometimes the prizes are real. Sometimes they are precious.”
Ever since I read "Joyland" the first time through, it has been my go-to recommendation for first time Stephen King readers. There are a couple of reasons for this. It's short in comparison to many of King's books; you can easily read it in a weekend, and it doesn't follow King's typical "horror" genre.
"Joyland" is the perfect example of why Stephen King is my favorite author. He is the master storyteller, plain and simple. This is one of those books to enjoy on the front porch with a glass of your favorite libation on a summer evening as the sun is just setting.
It's a coming of age story about 21 year old Devin Jones, working his way through college, nursing a broken heart who gets a summer job working at a beachside carnival. Since this is Stephen King there's a little mystery to solve about a ghost. I generally don't like to know a lot about the novels I read beforehand, so that's all I'm going to give you. There are plenty of reviews that will go on and on ad nauseam. If you're looking for a book to escape into for a little while, something that won't require a massive commitment or you think Stephen King is all scare and gore, give this one a shot. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Ever since I read "Joyland" the first time through, it has been my go-to recommendation for first time Stephen King readers. There are a couple of reasons for this. It's short in comparison to many of King's books; you can easily read it in a weekend, and it doesn't follow King's typical "horror" genre.
"Joyland" is the perfect example of why Stephen King is my favorite author. He is the master storyteller, plain and simple. This is one of those books to enjoy on the front porch with a glass of your favorite libation on a summer evening as the sun is just setting.
It's a coming of age story about 21 year old Devin Jones, working his way through college, nursing a broken heart who gets a summer job working at a beachside carnival. Since this is Stephen King there's a little mystery to solve about a ghost. I generally don't like to know a lot about the novels I read beforehand, so that's all I'm going to give you. There are plenty of reviews that will go on and on ad nauseam. If you're looking for a book to escape into for a little while, something that won't require a massive commitment or you think Stephen King is all scare and gore, give this one a shot. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.