Queer Joy 2026

 Rose Moon Books!

Click the link above to check out this queer friendly book store located in the Okanagan Valley of BC. Featuring a broad selection of titles on numerous topics, both fiction, and nonfiction.

They are a proud partner of Vernon Pride. Local area book clubs enjoy 10% off.

Pride Festivals:

There are several PRIDE festivals throughout the area. Vernon Pride culminates in a huge open air market and party at Polson Park on June 5th and pride picnic at Kin Beach on the 6th.

If Kelowna is more your speed, hit that link and learn all about it. The main event is held at City Park this year on June 6th. The Drag and Burlesque Brunch is not to be missed for those 19+.

If small town charm is your vibe Armstrong Pride is held on June 13th at Memorial Park. hit taht link for more details.

Review: The Honjin Murders

The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was absolutely a product of it's time. attitudes towards women are blatant in that most female characters are either window dressing or just there to provide exposition. It is also very obvious in the attitudes towards virginity and purity being one and the same.

The Honjin Murders is the debut Detective Kosuke Kindaichi novel, Translated by Louise Heal Kawai. The story follows the brutal slaying of a couple on their wedding night. In a room locked from the inside. With mysterious music being played the entire time. There's family drama, bumbling local police, an outsider young upstart detective, and secrets best left buried.

Due to this story being a translation and my woeful lack of Japanese language skills, I don't know how faithful a translation this is. Based on what I read this was an entirely predictable story, and easy read. figuring out how the author felt about the attitudes of his time was much more murky.

all in all a decently enjoyable read.

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Review: Hot Wax

Hot Wax by M.L. Rio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay, okay. I waited a tad to marshal my thoughts. They are: Holy Shit. Damn. Read This book. Pterodactyl screech.

The plot and pacing of this novel builds so slowly that you almost miss it as it speeds up. The layering and nuance provided by the decision to bounce back and forth through time was impeccable. Revealing details of the past at the exact right moment for them to become relevant to the present *chef's kiss*.

I already knew going in that I would love the writing style, having read other works by this author. The characters are so deliciously complicated and human. Suzanne is a raw nerve still processing her father's recent passing. She embarks on a bat out of hell journey that can only be described as running. But, what, dear reader, is she really running from. A by all accounts flaccid marriage, her grief, or that one thing she witnessed when she was eleven.

Full disclosure, there is a moderately graphic scene or two featuring drug use, and violence. What this book is emphatically not, however, is horror. It just isn't. What it is, is a beautiful coming of age story presented in a way that is raw, and human, and messy. This book will rip your heart out in the best way possible.

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The Finished Book Questionnaire

1 . Do you keep a list of the books you have read?

You bet. I use Storygraph, Primarily. I just personally love the granularity of control over the user experience. I am also still on Goodreads because that's how my reviews get on this blog. I also use Librarything, which is super amazing and  a great place to get reviewer copies. before these services existed at least once a year or so I would accidentally pick up a book I previously DNF'd and start reading it again only to realize I still didn't like it.

2. If you record statistics, what statistics do you record?

Librarything likes you to track physical dimensions and weight of your books, so I do that over there. Storygraph provides me with stats on genres, how many books by which author, pages read, total books read, all by the year or the month.

3. Do you give star ratings for books and if so, what do you score books out of and how do you come about this score?

Yes, I do:

My rating System:
* = I got through it, but it barely held my attention
** = It was just okay
*** = I Liked it quite a bit
**** = I really enjoyed it/it made me think
***** = Phenomenal, outstanding, author on my automatic library list.

I also have certain author's I will automatically by at thrift stores or Friends of the Library/charity book sales, or garage sales. I never buy something new without reading it first.

4. Do you review books?

Absotively, but you already knew that. *wink*. This is a book blog after all. I post my reviews here, Librarything, Storygraph, Goodreads, and tumblr.

5. Where do you put your finished books?

I usually return them to the library. If they are a review copy and I disliked it, I follow the instructions from the provider. Either recycling it or donating it as appropriate. for audiobooks that are Advanced Listening copies I delete them when finished/DNF'd.

6. Do you have any other rituals for when you have finished a book?

Aside from writing that review, not really. Though I am considering making a book bandana, or scarf maybe.

Credit to the Twirling Book Princess for the idea to do this post

Crown Villa Repairs

 

A Go Fund Me has been launched on behalf of the residents of the Crown Villa. This property has fallen into extreme disrepair. A circumstance that befalls many who are low income. A local news paper the Vernon MorningStar has independently verified the offer from a business that wishes to remain anonymous. The organizer is one Rhonda Poffenroth, a concerned citizen.

Poffenroth will steward the fundraiser and ensure all donations go directly to the company for repairs. The fundraiser is not in any way for the landlord, whom many feel has been negligent. This is the latest development in a saga of woe for the residents. 

As of this writing the fundraiser has raised $1900. The need is $80,000.

Review: Trust Me, I'm Dr. Ozzy: Advice from Rock's Ultimate Survivor

Trust Me, I'm Dr. Ozzy: Advice from Rock's Ultimate Survivor by Ozzy Osbourne
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This one had its' good moments. Mostly it was a major head scratcher as to why anyone would want to get advice from him. In this book you will find topics spanning from ball care to dyslexia and everything else besides. Some of these questions are quite disgusting, and some are quite disturbing. You have been warned. 

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Review: Of Jade and Dragons

Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought this book was going to be so predictable until the last 40-5o pages. Then it veered so hard I'm still digesting it.

This book is part (Hua) Mulan, and part Cinder, with a heaping helping of original flair. I think Silkpunk may be my new favorite genre. Our intrepid main character is Ying...

When her father has his life brutally cut short in front of her, Ying embarks on a quest of revenge. Infiltrating elite organisations and falling for forbidden souls are just some of the things awaiting anyone who choses to read this fantastic novel.

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Review: As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is for anyone who loves The Princess Bride in particular or Cary Elwes in general. Rob Reiner also read his own parts of this memoir.

The Passion it takes to get a project like this made, has increased exponentially since the movie first came out. Against all odds it prevailed. A very enjoyable listen.

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Things to do in BC to Celebrate Autumn

 Looking for some fun in the autumn sun?

Well, look no further. Below I have compiled some of my personal favorite harvest season activities.

First up is visiting your local pumpkin patch. This works for outings with friends and family alike. It also works as date opportunity, too. Basically any time you want to get some fresh air and have some great photos. 

Of course picking out your own pumpkins from a local, organic grower has great benefits for the local economy as well. I've Included some ideas to get you started:

1. The Pumpkin Patch in Armstrong
   
2. McMillan Farms in Kelowna
3. Greendale Acres in Chilliwack 
4. Davison Orchards in Vernon
5. Glacier Valley Farm in Brackendale

Next up, corn mazes and Corn picking. This is a great one for atmospheric pictures, and for some fun, and frustration, while honing navigation skills.

1. Greendale Acres in Chilliwack
2. Field of Screams in Vernon (Halloween horror themed)
3. Cariboo's Corn Maze north of Williams Lake

If you prefer your autumn fun a little more structured, many communities have harvest festivals:

• Armstrong
• Feast of Fields
• Nelson

Review: The Third Gilmore Girl

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Don't cry because you think your best days are gone. Smile because you had them in the first place. - Kelly Bishop

Words to live by, truly. In her memoir Kelly Bishop take you through her professional career, her love life, her home life, and her faith. From the Radio City Music Hall to The Watchful Eye, and, hopefully, beyond. Enduring through numerous red eye flights, bad relationships, good relationships, cancers (Lee) and blood clots (Kelly).

I've always known she is a force of nature. Since the first moment she drew breath as Emily Gilmore, I have loved her work. This book is no exception. Even if you have never, ever, seen Gilmore girls this book is worth the read.

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Review: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future...

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future... by Michael J. Fox
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Michael J. Fox is inarguably in my top 5 favorite actors.

In this book, which he reads, Fox takes us through what it was like getting Marty Mcfly, being diagnosed with Parkinson's, and the process of grieving the life he would never have, and the realization he could still have an amazing one.

I found this book to be illuminating, sad, and, uplifting. Illuminating because he shares information about his life and career that was news to me. Sad because his disease is known to shorten lifespans, a fact he does not shy away from. Uplifting because he actively chooses life, which is evident in this book. Definitely worth the listen.

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Review: Rebel Skies

Rebel Skies by Ann Sei Lin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rebel Skies dives into a world of the future, and of magic. Kurara is a Crafter, an ancient race that can control creatures made of paper. She has wants and needs, she breathes and eats, she feels pain and joy. In all the ways that matter she is human.

Kurara, together with Haru, will journey from a life of drudgery as a scullery maid to an airship full of bandits. These bandits have something she needs, and she can help them too. 

This story initially felt very slow-paced. It needed to be that slow to expertly craft the world these characters live in. I was entranced by this story within the first chapter. The imagery and aesthetic were vividly communicated, allowing me to settle right in. I highly recommend this series to anyone who ever enjoyed the magic and sense of wonder that Harry Potter and Lord of The Rings brought upon their debuts.

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Review: Playing with Myself

Playing with Myself by Randy Rainbow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this book Randy Rainbow shares how he became so culturally relevant. Through various anecdotes he lets the reader explore what it is like to go viral. In particular, Randy shares how people have tried to cancel him as antisemitic. Randy Rainbow is Jewish and a comedian.

He freely admits that some of his earliest material isn't the best out there. People seemed to forget that one of the core functions of comedy is to hold a mirror up to society. Many comedians adopt a persona, or shtick, as it was once called to garner some laughs. It doesn't always mean they agree with what they portray.

This book is about growth, the incomparable Babs, Bernadette Peters, and what happens when people are allowed to redeem themselves.

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Review: The Night Auction

The Night Auction by Lila Mary
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

I was provided with an ARC PDF for review by the author. This book is currently a dnf for me. I will reconsider reading it after it's been published. I found there were some Grammar and syntax issues.

There is potential for a great story in here. It needs some heavy editing. I had a glance through the rest and found that the bulk of the story seems written in first person with third person use of names. Lots of telling, I tend to prefer more showing. I hope the author has a trusted editor.

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AI vs Algorithmic learning: What's the Difference?

     Lately everyone, and I mean everyone seems to be claiming to use AI. Are they, though? The short answer; no. Let's expand that.

    

    Above you see a poster for the movie AI: Artificial intelligence. The movie is about AI. The definition of AI is clear: AI is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity and autonomy.

    That last bit about autonomy is key. Both in the film and in the definition. The last part means that once you build it you no longer have any control over what it does, or doesn't, do. This is why Asimov made his rules.

They are:

(1) Don't HARM HUMANS 

(2) OBEY HUMANS 

(3) Protect robots unless it conflicts with rules 1 or 2.

I am paraphrasing for conciseness. IF we think back to the definition of AI, it can learn and it has autonomy. This means it can decide to ignore it's programming. Basically Asimov's rules exist to try and nullify AI.

    Can today's technology do any of this? It CAN solve problems depending on complexity. IT CAN'T do any of the rest of the list. It can't think for you, it isn't creative, it can't decide things for you, and it doesn't have autonomy.

 

   Algorithmic learning, in the context of artificial intelligence, refers to the process where machines or algorithms learn from data to improve their performance on a specific task.

 

   So algorithmic learning is best illustrated in action by Alan Turing's ENIGMA machine used during World War II. This complex beast of a machine was programmed to try and crack codes used by nazis. The machine required a human to program it. 

 

   It ran day and night trying all possible combinations of letters and numbers to break this code. On it's own it may have taken decades to break the code, had someone not realized the same length grouping of letters was always at the bottom of each message. Once a human figured out those words. they could program ENIGMA to break the code every time it was changed.

    While algorithmic learning is the foundation of AI, it is not AI. Not by a long shot. Could you imagine what may have happened if ENIGMA had autonomy and the capacity for decisions. It may have refused to do it's job, started making up answers to spite its' bosses, or maybe even given bad Intel due to sympathising with nazis.

 

   It's a very good thing all it could do was solve a problem. Today's algorithms have complex capacity to solve what they are programmed to solve. That is not AI. Not yet.

Wildcard Wednesday: Independent Bookstore Day

    This Wildcard Wednesday is dedicated to Independent Bookstore Day! What is that you ask? It's an initiative designed to uplift independent bookstores.

    So, today April 26th, go forth and read! look up and enjoy your nearest independent bookstore. bookshop.org can help you on your way to greatness. They help indie shops in the US and UK to bridge the gap to provide online sales.

If you are, like me, hailing from Canada a quick online search on indiebookstores.ca will help you find your new favorite haunt.

The two I want to highlight are; Ebenezer's and Expressions of Time. The former provides access to a plethora of comics, collectibles, books, movies, CDs, toys, cards, video games and more! Expressions of Time has new and used books, crystals, jewelry both vintage and new, as well as bookmarks and trinkets.

Definitely worth the trip to the Okanagan. Expressions of Time is right near the beach too! Beach reads, anyone?

So, get out there and Enjoy Independent Bookstore Day!

Review: Graveyard Shift

Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

If we were villains remains one of my favorite reads of the last several years. This novella, however, not my speed at all. I found the multiple POV a bit exhausting to deal with in such a short story.

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Review: The Antidote For Everything

The Antidote For Everything by Kimmery Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book deals with heavy themes. Suicide, discrimination, sexual harassment, and addiction.

Georgia is a urologist in the south. She is fiercely independent, a fact her bosses hate, and her best friend Jonah loves. When one of their careers is on the line Georgia struggles with making the right decisions...

This book while heavy is also a very compelling read. This is the author's second novel. It reads like the author has been writing about these characters for decades. The only thing that slowed me down at all was receiving another book on hold from the library. Kimmery Martin is definitely on my auto request list.

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Okanagan Entertainment

 

The Divya Sutra Plaza Hotel & Conference Center is the new home of the Winter Farmer's Market in Vernon, BC.

If you love getting farm fresh produce and artisanal products year round, it's the place to be. Until the End of October, weather permitting, the Vernon Farmer's Market will be held outdoors at the Kal Tire Place parking lot from 8AM -1PM Monday and Thursday. 

In addition, Saturdays from 9AM-2PM at the Divya Sutra parking lot, have been added to the remaining outdoor season. The Market moves all its days indoors at its new location beginning in November. Check out the Market at their socials on Instagram and on Facebook to keep up with any schedule and vendor announcements.

Also worth mentioning are the markets in other Okanagan communities:

Click here to learn more about all the markets on offer and their dates of operation.

As long you're in town take in a movie or intimate concert at The Towne theater. This venue has been a staple of the downtown core for decades. First as a dance hall, then as a cinema. In its latest iteration, the theater plays host to all manner of events. Upcoming is a concert featuring Darby Mills and PressPlay.

Borderlands: The Movie

 

Cate Blanchett, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Black (voicing Claptrap), Kevin Hart, Florian Munteanu (Krieg), and Ariana Greenblatt as Tiny Tina.

If the core cast list hasn't already sold you on this epic video game inspired anti-heroes journey, I don't know what will. Saw This film today in theaters. See it in a theater. It really benefits from the big screen.

The acting is so good that I forget green screens and CGI were involved. Not gonna lie, the start of the movie is rough. So rough I almost bailed on it. But I paid money so I stuck it out. The final scenes were well worth the struggle to get there.

This movie will most likely appeal to any '90's kid that grew up on video games and comics. the biggest mistake was having Jack Black underutilized. It would have been better to let him be him but robotic.

So to recap: first 1/3 to 1/2 is a slog, final scene worth it, needs big screen.