Reviews and Comments

ApparentParadox

ApparentParadox@outside.ofa.dog

Joined 1 year, 11 months ago

GWM living in Oregon.I used to love books that would really stretch me, but lately I've needed more solace from the books that I read.

My ratings are as follows: * 5 stars: it's truly a great book, and I'll want to re-read it again and again. * 4 stars: it's a good book, and I enjoyed reading it. I'll probably re-read it. * 3 stars: It's a fine book, just not special. I may re-read it if I'm looking to just relax and not have to think, but I would probably pick up a new book instead. * 2 stars: I finished it, but might have given up if I were in a different mood. * 1 star: I didn't enjoy the book and probably didn't finish it. I wouldn't blanketly recommend against it, because it might speak to someone else.

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Armistead Maupin: Mona of the Manor (2024, HarperCollins Publishers)

Much like his other books, with one exception

This is very similar to his other "Tales of the City" books. If you read those, then you have an idea of what this one will be like.

The one problem I had with this book is that it is written about the past. With the other books, he was basically describing "current events" and the people were all aging along with the books. This is a throw-back to a previous time, and so it felt a bit strange in that way. Not really so different for those who are coming fresh to the books (because for them, they are all in the past), but for people who have read the books as they were released, it just feels a bit odd.

Not the book for me as a hobbyist musician. His focus was on people who are very serious about becoming better musicians. I'm playing an instrument for fun and to exercise my mind, so most of what he talks about isn't useful to me.

finished reading Jon's Boom Shaka Laka Problem by AJ Sherwood (Jon's Mysteries Case, #4)

I enjoy these books, but I sometimes get annoyed at minor problems in them. There's a lot of talk about how likely the plane is to crash if Jon is on board because he'll mess up the electronics. OK, planes have lots of safety features. He might kill the engines and the radio, but the pilots can still fly the plane and probably even land it decently if they are skilled pilots. Yep, they may have to do an emergency landing, but knowing they have Jon on board, they should be prepared for that.

Kristen Painter: Sucks To Be Me (Paperback, 2020, SportsX, Kristen Painter)

Interesting premise, but not sure I'll continue the series

I read this on an airplane flight. I kept trying to decide if I would continue or stop it and try another book. Some items in the book were pretty interesting, but others just didn't resonate with me. I'm not sure whether or not I'll continue the series.

Not really my style

This was a fine book, but not really my style. The humor was about the only thing that kept me reading it. The characters are a bit like comic book characters, but that fits the style of the book. I did like most of them, even the ones that are the "unpleasant people".

One pet peeve is getting technology completely wrong. At one point someone is supposed to be good at navigating, so they could find the island without GPS (and so the coast guard wouldn't know). But, GPS doesn't work like that! Nobody knows whether you're using it (or LORAN, which is more likely for a boat). That doesn't really affect the plot, just a pet peeve.

finished reading Tell Me A Secret by Chloe Garner (Tell, The Detective, #1)

Chloe Garner: Tell Me A Secret (A Horse Called Alpha) No rating

Tina's old life ended the day she discovered her parents, murdered.

Her new life …

A somewhat interesting urban fantasy book, but I'm not sure I care about reading any more in the series.

Minerva Howe: Healing Winter (Turtlehat Creatives)

Jameson has been living for the pack ever since he and his brother took over …

Nice characters, not completely satisfying ending

I did like some of the characters and events, but the ending wasn't completely satisfying. It just kind of petered out with a semi-ending, but nothing really resolved.

Still, it was an enjoyable read.

reviewed Harpist in the wind by Patricia A. McKillip (Chronicles of Morgon, Prince of Hed -- vol.3)

Patricia A. McKillip: Harpist in the wind (1979, Sidgwick and Jackson)

Though Morgon the Riddle-Master was reunited with his beloved Raederle, his purpose in life and …

A great ending to a wonderful series

I love this series. So many of the characters (even the "bad guys") feel so real and you can empathize with them.