Take a photo of a barcode or cover
mchester24's reviews
141 reviews
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
3.0
This isn’t a book I normally would have gravitated towards to read, but it was selected by a podcast book club so I saw it as a great ‘outside your comfort zone’ excuse, and I’m pretty happy I did!
I read Harry Potter when I was younger, and Babel was one of my favorites last year, so the magical school was already a fun tripe, but kicking it off in the vein of “how annoyed might the other students be of Harry Potter’s heroics and attention” definitely drew me in as a fun premise. From there I felt the world building in a matter of fact rather than overly explanatory way was a neat way to dive in. And the shifting nature of the school and the tinker bell-like “this magic only exists when you believe” was a fun story-telling tool.
Once fully in, I definitely felt there were times to story dragged or lost me, but consistently what kept me engaged was the vibes. Loved the setting, the attitude, etc, and that kept me turning pages. Despite the fantasy setting, so much felt real (you may criticize the awkward, painful romance plot points— but hey, that’s high school!)
From there I felt symbolism front, a lot of on the nose but still effective discussion of class, social hierarchy, and how those differences feel depending on where in the ladder you land (are they constantly on your mind? Are you seeking out leisure vs comfort vs basic safety?). That theme played well on the classic ideas of good vs evil, are good-evil innate or chosen, and how do you treat those choices when you will get credit/blame vs when no one is watching. The last theme that really resonated and was powerful were the themes of El feeling socially isolated, filled with self doubt and blame, and the skepticism of others that built (warranted or not). Seeing her overcome that and build towards collaboration and friendship really felt nice, but the allegories for internal negative talk and struggles were poignant.
Overall the best thing I can say is when I finished I sighed and realized I would indeed feel compelled to buy the second. That’s as resounding of a review as possible IMO!
The Island of Dr. Moreau by H. G. Wells
5.0
I really enjoyed this story— a tale that has become a classic such that you feel you know the main beats before actually reading, but the ride itself is well worth taking all the same.
This is the second HG Wells book I’ve read in the box set I bought, and I’m finding I really appreciate the style: direct, fact-reporting language as if a reporting wiring you the chain of events. While if that was done poorly I could see it being drab, Wells somehow uses that style to expertly build tension, make you feel what the reporting narrator feels, and squirm in your seat— not for the grotesque events and the moral discomfort.
On those morals shared, I’m already on board with why Wells has that father of sci fi moniker— he’s not just delivering this story driven by hypothetical science, but he’s using that to make us question all sorts of ethics and supposed truths— are humans distinct from animals really? What is the morality of science experiments that cause pain, torture, death? Even if we can find cause for those experiments, does that make them moral? Are humans a part of nature or above it— what’s our role? What can/should we do to break away from humanity’s inherent animalistic urges? So many times reading you get a flash of modern sci fi that’s clearly been influenced by this little island: Jurassic Park’s “just because we can, does that mean we should?” take, and sort of body horror media, the animal-like humans or human-like animals of Planet of the Apes or the Twilight Zone. The list goes on!
This read, like others from Wells, goes by quickly. So if you like modern sci fi I recommend grabbing this for a weekend to dive in and enjoy!
This is the second HG Wells book I’ve read in the box set I bought, and I’m finding I really appreciate the style: direct, fact-reporting language as if a reporting wiring you the chain of events. While if that was done poorly I could see it being drab, Wells somehow uses that style to expertly build tension, make you feel what the reporting narrator feels, and squirm in your seat— not for the grotesque events and the moral discomfort.
On those morals shared, I’m already on board with why Wells has that father of sci fi moniker— he’s not just delivering this story driven by hypothetical science, but he’s using that to make us question all sorts of ethics and supposed truths— are humans distinct from animals really? What is the morality of science experiments that cause pain, torture, death? Even if we can find cause for those experiments, does that make them moral? Are humans a part of nature or above it— what’s our role? What can/should we do to break away from humanity’s inherent animalistic urges? So many times reading you get a flash of modern sci fi that’s clearly been influenced by this little island: Jurassic Park’s “just because we can, does that mean we should?” take, and sort of body horror media, the animal-like humans or human-like animals of Planet of the Apes or the Twilight Zone. The list goes on!
This read, like others from Wells, goes by quickly. So if you like modern sci fi I recommend grabbing this for a weekend to dive in and enjoy!
Vanishing Treasures: A Bestiary of Extraordinary Endangered Creatures by Katherine Rundell
4.0
What a treat of a book. Each of the twenty-odds chapters are essays covering a different splendid animal from across the world, each with a specific species or subspecies that is endangered or at risk in some way.
Initially, I read this as a fun trivia way to learn facts about animals both commonly discussed and more rare— Greenland sharks live for centuries? Seal milk is the consistency of mayo? A trip to read.
Then I started to get a bit confused— each chapter is disjointed, leaving out the ‘now what?’ That naturally comes out when told these precious creatures are at risk and it’s primarily our fault.
But what Rundell keenly does is in fact take you on a journey— showing us how these animals have been referenced and revered by human art and culture from thousands to hundreds of years ago: indigenous tales, mentions in Shakespeare, reverence by ancient Egyptians, etc. Then in the later chapters as you let sink in the long co-existence between human and animal, Rundell’s exasperation and anger that modern man can do the same but is choosing not to bleeds through. That righteous indignation is what I felt and it was cathartic to get it from her too.
The last two parts— on humans, and the afterward, take that frustration and pull you back to feel hope, to want to take action, and to live and act in a way that undies these modern human inclinations. While I anticipate revisiting specific animal chapters (and the charming artwork of each) as they pop into my head, it’s those last two parts o foresee treating as an instruction manual worth rereading time and again.
Initially, I read this as a fun trivia way to learn facts about animals both commonly discussed and more rare— Greenland sharks live for centuries? Seal milk is the consistency of mayo? A trip to read.
Then I started to get a bit confused— each chapter is disjointed, leaving out the ‘now what?’ That naturally comes out when told these precious creatures are at risk and it’s primarily our fault.
But what Rundell keenly does is in fact take you on a journey— showing us how these animals have been referenced and revered by human art and culture from thousands to hundreds of years ago: indigenous tales, mentions in Shakespeare, reverence by ancient Egyptians, etc. Then in the later chapters as you let sink in the long co-existence between human and animal, Rundell’s exasperation and anger that modern man can do the same but is choosing not to bleeds through. That righteous indignation is what I felt and it was cathartic to get it from her too.
The last two parts— on humans, and the afterward, take that frustration and pull you back to feel hope, to want to take action, and to live and act in a way that undies these modern human inclinations. While I anticipate revisiting specific animal chapters (and the charming artwork of each) as they pop into my head, it’s those last two parts o foresee treating as an instruction manual worth rereading time and again.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
5.0
I find it’s always easier for a short novella like this to get me to rate it 5 stars, since they’re to the point and pack a punch. That’s definitely the case here, and I could have easily sat and read this in one go. What’s odd about saying that, though, is it’s not like it was chock full of action and page turning drama— this story just sort of happens, just kind of ‘is,’ and that sounds nonsensical but sitting here after reading the eighth and final chapter it just makes sense. And in moments of existential anxiety or being overwhelmed by the stressful but ultimately less important parts of life, I can see myself picking this up just to read chapter 8 again so Mosscap can remind me: life is a miracle and worth reverence, and that can be the extent of our role in it
Was drawn to this book because I love the juxtaposition of machine and nature for a good environmental lessons— vibes of Wall-e and the Wild Robot, but having those placed against the innate and challenging questions of what it is to be human was moving. In our current state of AI focus, the idea of robot consciousness rising up but simply choosing to leave us is a fun premise too. I could definitely go for a thick prequel book all about how this world got there!
Was drawn to this book because I love the juxtaposition of machine and nature for a good environmental lessons— vibes of Wall-e and the Wild Robot, but having those placed against the innate and challenging questions of what it is to be human was moving. In our current state of AI focus, the idea of robot consciousness rising up but simply choosing to leave us is a fun premise too. I could definitely go for a thick prequel book all about how this world got there!
The Valley of Fear by Arthur Conan Doyle
5.0
The last of the four Holmes novels in the penguin classic anthology— and it’s the one I devoured the quickest. I can’t say if it’s because I’ve come to know the style and characters more over this read, if Doyle’s style evolved as they were written, or something else, but the two part story definitely gripped me and came with very satisfying conclusions and demonstration of the classic Holmes/Watson deduction and narration. My only real gripe is i wish more was done to intertwine the Valley of Fear prequel part II to the Holmes murder solving in part I. They obviously tied in, but I wish we saw more reveal and clever connection in Part II that made part I feel even slicker as it unfolded, outside of the epilogue.
I guess the other negative is I was excited to hear an early mention of Moriarty who is infamous to know before you start reading Holmes, but his actual connection is tenuous at best. So I guess with the novels done and my curiousity/enjoyment of it all piqued: that just leads to the obvious next step of moving to the anthology of stories!
I guess the other negative is I was excited to hear an early mention of Moriarty who is infamous to know before you start reading Holmes, but his actual connection is tenuous at best. So I guess with the novels done and my curiousity/enjoyment of it all piqued: that just leads to the obvious next step of moving to the anthology of stories!
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values by Robert M. Pirsig
3.0
I really bounced back and forth on how to rate this book— in the depths of the philosophical droning (IMO) it felt like a 2 star, simply because these type of meta-philosophy discussions definitely aren’t my cup of tea. But then when that was flipped to practical insights on things like religion, relationship, human-technology interactions, I felt energized and inspired. I know Pirsig intended these aspects to go hand in hand— can’t have one without the other— but the slow, dragging parts were really slow and really dragged. But I’ll settle on the three stars because I do feel I got some value out of it in the end.
I’ll note also that the later written intro and afterward that reflected on the book’s success over the half century since it was written definitely helped with context. In many ways, the esteem this book comes from the moment in cultural revolution it was written, a time I am too young to have seen. So criticizing or taking for granted much of what Pirsig was sharing about things like mental health and technology feels like calling the Beatles overrated because you weren’t around to experience how they changed things.
In the end, I think I’ll be happy to keep my copy on my shelf and May even revisit some of the particularly interesting and moving passages dedicated to the motorcycle trip and the gather-son relationship (god, I feel so sorry for Chris), but I can’t see myself slogging through it all again.
I’ll note also that the later written intro and afterward that reflected on the book’s success over the half century since it was written definitely helped with context. In many ways, the esteem this book comes from the moment in cultural revolution it was written, a time I am too young to have seen. So criticizing or taking for granted much of what Pirsig was sharing about things like mental health and technology feels like calling the Beatles overrated because you weren’t around to experience how they changed things.
In the end, I think I’ll be happy to keep my copy on my shelf and May even revisit some of the particularly interesting and moving passages dedicated to the motorcycle trip and the gather-son relationship (god, I feel so sorry for Chris), but I can’t see myself slogging through it all again.
William by Mason Coile
4.0
I was attracted to this book by the compelling overall concept of AI-based horror and the bookstore rec and reader reviews highlighting that the story grips you in a way that you could feel compelled to read in one sitting. I see now after finishing that this was all well delivered!
I suspect AI goes wrong horror will be a common trope moving forward, and this story was contained and driven enough you could readily see it as a Black Mirror episode. Would be a fun Halloween read for something quick but also tense, a bit gory, and surprising through it all.
Feel like the author attempted to get into some of the ethical, big picture AI questions with this story as the vehicle, but I do wish that was treated with more of a deep dive reflection— it could have served well to turn from novella into full novel with more meat on the bone. That’s what brings it down from the give star potential for me!
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
5.0
Third of the four Sherlock novels from Doyle, and it’s definitely my favorite yet which is why I had to elevate to five stars (is it perfect? No. But it’s clear Doyle has hit his stride with Holmes and Watson and that deserves a star bump!)
I’m thinking about why this one stands out, I found myself extra compelled by things like the fact that they’re questioning whether the case involves super natural (really highlighting the Scooby Doo nature of the case— which I mean as a high compliment!), the more gothic and morose tone that grips you and paints quite the mental images, the series of the middle that is really only through Watson’s perspectives and experiences, and the classic story elements of romance, betrayal, deception, and having it all come crashing down.
I immediately sense that this will be a fun one to re-read, and I suppose that stands alone as high praise!
Once again, this all leaves me even more excited to keep going with the Sherlock Holmes dive!
I’m thinking about why this one stands out, I found myself extra compelled by things like the fact that they’re questioning whether the case involves super natural (really highlighting the Scooby Doo nature of the case— which I mean as a high compliment!), the more gothic and morose tone that grips you and paints quite the mental images, the series of the middle that is really only through Watson’s perspectives and experiences, and the classic story elements of romance, betrayal, deception, and having it all come crashing down.
I immediately sense that this will be a fun one to re-read, and I suppose that stands alone as high praise!
Once again, this all leaves me even more excited to keep going with the Sherlock Holmes dive!
Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology by Shane Hawk, Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology— short stories are terrific format for horror, and among the three dozen stories here so many stuck with me in vivid imagery well after finishing them, expert tension throughout.
Having horror be the genre for these Native-driven stories was so compelling as well. It wasn’t done intentionally, but I had recently read Braiding Sweetgrass so the contrast of the Native/scientific perspective and this with the horror-fiction side really provided a great one two punch of getting across the wisdom on Native tribes and their experts in unique, memorable, and convincing ways. I’m not indigenous and I didn’t really grow up knowing much about these cultures, but scary stories as allegories help so much with empathizing with their feelings, their treatment, the injustices, and more.
Some stories were standouts and deserved five stars (immediately coming to mind are Navajos Don’t Wear Elk Teeth, Snakes Are Born in the Dark, Behind Colin’s Eyes, the Prepper, Sundays, and Collections), while others didn’t resonate necessarily as much for me, so four stars is where I land (such is the dilemma of rating an anthology!)
Having horror be the genre for these Native-driven stories was so compelling as well. It wasn’t done intentionally, but I had recently read Braiding Sweetgrass so the contrast of the Native/scientific perspective and this with the horror-fiction side really provided a great one two punch of getting across the wisdom on Native tribes and their experts in unique, memorable, and convincing ways. I’m not indigenous and I didn’t really grow up knowing much about these cultures, but scary stories as allegories help so much with empathizing with their feelings, their treatment, the injustices, and more.
Some stories were standouts and deserved five stars (immediately coming to mind are Navajos Don’t Wear Elk Teeth, Snakes Are Born in the Dark, Behind Colin’s Eyes, the Prepper, Sundays, and Collections), while others didn’t resonate necessarily as much for me, so four stars is where I land (such is the dilemma of rating an anthology!)
The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan
3.0
I consider myself a very amateur observer and lover of nature, less knowledgeable than those like Amy Tan but with just as much glee for the various wild neighbors you can find. So this book had been on my list and I was excited to finally get to it.
The reading experience definitely had some positives and negatives. Tan’s drawings were terrific, the humor she wove in was very warm and welcome, and I loved that even when tired I could quickly read one or two entries then give in to heavy eyelids. But at the same time the serialized nature of just reading a journal left we wishing this was all structured in a way that had more of a narrative thread. That’s obviously not how a real journal works so it’s not super fair, but at times it led to me counting the pages before I was done rather than wholly enjoying the read so that’s where I knocked off some stars.
What I’ll remember of this book definitely includes the wonder (and jealousy) Tan’s backyard birding setup gave me, the fascination as the birds remained the star while subtle life backdrops changed (COVID, wildfires, personal loss, etc), and the relatable way Tan bounced between scientific observation and tepid anthropomorphism (ultimately and confidently declaring that her staunch respect for the circle of life doesn’t mean she can’t feel for the struggle/death of any individual creature— a great passage that spoke to this scientifically minded vegan!)
The reading experience definitely had some positives and negatives. Tan’s drawings were terrific, the humor she wove in was very warm and welcome, and I loved that even when tired I could quickly read one or two entries then give in to heavy eyelids. But at the same time the serialized nature of just reading a journal left we wishing this was all structured in a way that had more of a narrative thread. That’s obviously not how a real journal works so it’s not super fair, but at times it led to me counting the pages before I was done rather than wholly enjoying the read so that’s where I knocked off some stars.
What I’ll remember of this book definitely includes the wonder (and jealousy) Tan’s backyard birding setup gave me, the fascination as the birds remained the star while subtle life backdrops changed (COVID, wildfires, personal loss, etc), and the relatable way Tan bounced between scientific observation and tepid anthropomorphism (ultimately and confidently declaring that her staunch respect for the circle of life doesn’t mean she can’t feel for the struggle/death of any individual creature— a great passage that spoke to this scientifically minded vegan!)