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.

View all my reviews

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. 

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

Review: Hope Harbor

Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Hope Harbor is a small town America analogue. Two tortured souls find their way to each other. Add in one kooky taco chef, one town recluse, an ailing cranberry farm, and a charity in need. Together that is the recipe for a redemption arc.

The story itself was pleasant enough and an easy read. it only gets two stars because I am not a fan of certain aspects of the narrative. There is a part in the epilogue which suggests one needs be religious in order to find love, or peace. It also suggests that one won't feel at home unless they are in a relationship or aspiring to be in one. Overall not a bad read.

View all my reviews

Review: George Michael: A Life

George Michael: A Life by James Gavin
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book was a beast. Not only does it weigh a fair bit, it deals in heavy subject matter. George Michael was a deeply depressed individual. This book outlines his meteoric rise to the stratosphere of stardom. It also covers every dark spot on his record. From failed music tracks, fake girlfriends, and severe substance abuse to poor sexual decisions.

If you have come to this book looking for a bubblegum good time, you won't find it. If, however, you have come to better understand one of pop's favorite sons, read this book.

View all my reviews

Review: Annie Bot

Annie Bot by Sierra Greer
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Annie is a femmebot. She comes in three basic presets nanny, cuddle bunny, and Abigail (housekeeper). Doug is human. He owns Annie. A short while ago he decided he wanted an upgrade. Annie is now autodidactic.

She can learn. Doug likes teaching her. But he can't control what she learns....

This book is an interesting look at what it might be like to be in an abusive relationship. It explores the nuance of seeming to be property. It also explores consent. This book will make you squirm, and it should. I only give this two stars because it reads like a first draft, rather than a completed product.

View all my reviews

Review: Of Light and Shadow

Of Light and Shadow by Tanaz Bhathena
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I loved this book from the first page. As soon as I saw the map I knew it would be a wild ride. The story follows a group of bandits struggling to get by because they insist on helping others as well as themselves. Through magic, emotional turmoil, and war they persevere. But will they get what they need or only what they want? You will just have to read it. 

View all my reviews

Review: Bare Bones

Bare Bones by Kathy Reichs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I must admit being an avid watcher of the TV series Bones, which is based on this book series, I was shocked to find that book Tempe and TV Dr. Brennan are nothing alike. Perhaps I could get into it more if I read them from the beginning......fast forward several years, and a failed audio attempt; I was right!

This time around having read it in order made a humungous difference. I connected with the story so much better. Tempe gets thrown of the deep end into the world of exotic smuggling. With trusty Agent Andy by her side she saves the day, but, not before having her butt kicked.


View all my reviews

Review: The Woman in Me

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was one I checked out just to have something to listen to. It was very informative about the suffering she has been through. Britney takes us through her journey to freedom from the conservatorship set up by her father. I can't imagine having people think that that is what help looks like.

View all my reviews

Review: Lost in Paris

Lost in Paris by Betty Webb
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Edition Note: While the ISBN is a match this page count is incorrect, total pages 336, story pages 312.

Well, this book did hold my attention alright. I can't say that I ever came to even sympathize with Zoe. She is extremely unlikeable, constantly sticking her nose places it really doesn't belong. The book was worth reading for all the side characters. Eventually I may continue with this series.

View all my reviews

Review: The Red Garden: A Novel

The Red Garden: A Novel by Alice Hoffman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is an interesting structure. It starts off with each chapter being a short story about different people. The common theme being the red garden and the town of Blackwell. Towards the end of the book it coalesces into one story. This book was definitely engaging. It was also a rough read in terms of subject matter. If you have come to this book for magic, you will be disappointed. This is not that.

View all my reviews

Review: Savor: A Chef's Hunger for More

Savor: A Chef's Hunger for More by Fatima Ali
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I first came across Fatima on her season of top chef. She was tenacious and more than a little pig-headed based on how they edited the show. I read this book because it was honestly a gut punch to learn that she had died of cancer. She was so young. I can't help thinking, if she had chosen to make her career in a country with universal health care could it have made a difference?

This book takes you through her short life from soup to nuts. Or from dahl to sushi. I listened to this on audio because I knew I wouldn't get through it as a physical book. As it is I spent months listening to the audio. It contains both her perspectives and her mother's on key events from her life.

View all my reviews