I farm. I write. I am. I hope to be.
— "The road to hell is paved with works-in-progress." —Philip Roth
My favorite books: errantruminant.com/blog/favorite-books/
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"Our books became ash, then dust, years ago. The girl looks a little younger than my son, maybe ten, not old enough to remember books, schools, our lives before this life. I can hardly remember what came before. Before hurts so bad it's not even a memory."
This short story collection is bold. Penetrating. Each story a story of lives laid bare. So stunningly well written.
"A fourth grader fights back when From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler …
Banned in a Florida school on 5/20/2024. I immediately purchased it. Of course.
Excellent middle grade novel about students finding their strength and learning a harsh lesson about the real world and the awful (and not so awful) people who fill it.
The characters are vibrant and relatable and the author teases out a narrative that is so creative and nuanced. I am forever impressed when authors reach deep and somehow find their childhood voice so effectively.
This book touches upon a host of thoughtful topics and I can't recommend it enough.
On January 28, 1742, a ramshackle vessel of patched-together wood and cloth washed up on …
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.
On January 28, 1742, a ramshackle vessel of patched-together wood and cloth washed up on the coast of Brazil. Inside …
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 …
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.
When Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New …
Wow.
My prediction: next year's National Book Award winner or the Pulitzer. Yes, it's that good.
When Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife …
Four seekers have arrived at the rambling old pile known as Hill House- Dr. Montague, …
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
Four seekers have arrived at the rambling old pile known as Hill House- Dr. Montague, …
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
Mallory Viridian would rather not be an amateur detective, and fled to outer space to …
I'm acquainted with the author. So no review.
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.
In remote northern Canada, a team led by a visionary American architect is breaking ground …
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.
A romance. A murder mystery. A couple side characters needed to be fleshed out a bit more, but a well-crafted, …
