Review: "The Night House" by Jo Nesb0, 2023

The Night House by Jo Nesbø, 2023
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jo Nesbø's foray into the domain of horror with "The Night House" marks a daring pivot from his famed crime-thriller series featuring Inspector Harry Hole. Notably known for his multi-faceted career, including his roles as a rock band vocalist and children's book author, Nesbø's latest release cements his status as a maverick in genre-bending narratives.

"The Night House" is artistically split into three distinct parts, each unraveling with increasing

complexity and depth. The initial section sends readers spiraling into the 1980s, where nostalgia interweaves with a young adult (YA) horror vibe. Here, we meet Richard Elauved, a fourteen-year-old whose life in Ballentyne morphs into a living nightmare as his acquaintances begin disappearing under bizarre and terrifying circumstances. The narrative in this part, reminiscent of a Lovecraftian tale gone awry, unfolds through the eyes of Richard, whose unlikable persona as the school bully makes him a suspect and, paradoxically, a victim of the hauntingly mysterious events. This section has been likened to the dark, eerie undertones of "Stranger Things," albeit through a lens that seems to simplify the complexities of the supernatural.

The second part of the book is a paradigm shift, a jolt that catapults the reader fifteen years forward, where Nesbø masterfully executes a twist that reshapes the entire storyline. This revelation is not entirely unprecedented in horror literature, but in Nesbø's hands, it becomes a fresh and captivating narrative device that enhances the suspense.

In the third and final segment, Nesbø delivers yet another volte-face, plunging the narrative into an even more profound psychological maze. It's a testament to his ingenuity, drawing comparisons to the likes of Catriona Ward in crafting mind-bending turns that leave readers questioning their grasp on the plot's reality.

Throughout the novel, Nesbø teases the reader, embedding clues and foreshadowing that might seem heavy-handed in retrospect but are easily overlooked during the first encounter with the story. Literary and cinematic references abound, providing a tapestry of cultural touchstones that enrich the reading experience.

"The Night House" steps beyond what you might expect from a typical horror story. Instead of just scary

moments, it gives us a deep dive into the main character's personal struggles and his journey to figure out who he is, all while spooky, supernatural things happen around him. Jo Nesbø's writing may be different from the usual horror fare and not as dark as his detective stories, therefore comes across as intended for YA. The book invites readers on a unique and creepy adventure that really gets into the mind of the hero/anti-hero.

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Book Review: "My Year of Rest and Relaxation" by Ottessa Moshfegh, 2018

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh, 2018
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In the bustling labyrinth of contemporary literature, Ottessa Moshfegh's "My Year of Rest and Relaxation" emerges as a peculiar gem that is absurdly wacky, provoking a spectrum of emotions ranging from amusement to exasperation. Its narrative, set against the backdrop of an early 2000s New York City, captures the essence of a privileged yet profoundly disillusioned protagonist who embarks on a quest to "hibernate" from life. While the premise is unorthodox and humorous, the journey, at times, treads the line between engaging and repetitive.

The characters of this tale are intricately woven, each playing their part in magnifying the central themes
of emptiness and societal pressures. Despite the assortment of eccentric personalities that populate the narrative, none struck me as profoundly as Reva. On the surface, she might seem like a mere accessory to the protagonist's escapades. However, as the pages turned, it became evident that there's a depth to Reva, concealed beneath layers of what isn't explicitly mentioned. Her evolution, or perhaps my perception of her, shifted from a secondary figure to a character whose silent intricacies became more intriguing with each chapter.

At the heart of this narrative is a character who challenges conventional literary norms. The protagonist is

neither likable nor traditionally relatable, and yet, Moshfegh masterfully crafts a tale that keeps the reader hooked. It's a testament to the novel's prowess that despite my palpable disdain for the lead, I found myself oddly entertained. "My Year of Rest and Relaxation" is not just a story; it's an experience, one that evokes conflicting emotions, making you question the very nature of storytelling. Can a book centered around an unlikable figure be enjoyable? Moshfegh answers this with a resounding yes, pushing boundaries and redefining character dynamics.

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Book Review of "Cleanness" by Garth Greenwell, 2020

Cleanness by Garth Greenwell, 2020
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Garth Greenwell's "Cleanness" is a mesmerizing tapestry of human emotion and connection, set against the evocative backdrop of Sofia, Bulgaria. As a continuation of Greenwell's debut, "What Belongs to You", this novel skillfully intertwines the trials and tribulations of an unnamed American English teacher as he navigates the intricacies of love, desire, and identity in a foreign land. The novel, with its casual and winding tone, presents each encounter and observation with an exquisite tenderness, highlighting the delicate balance between pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow.

One of the novel's early encounters, an arranged meeting with Gospodar "which means master", is

particularly titillating, creating an atmosphere thick with anticipation and anxiety. It's a testament to Greenwell's storytelling prowess that he can transform such moments into a visceral experience for the reader. However, it's the poignant and searing encounter with the 'little saint' that truly stands out. The raw emotion in this scene – where the narrator re-enacts a form of learned abuse and is overcome with an 'acid grief' – is both harrowing and deeply moving. The culmination of this encounter, with the narrator breaking down and being comforted, showcases the complexities of human relationships, where pain and tenderness often coexist.

The heart of "Cleanness" lies in its exploration of love – its highs, lows, and the compromises it often demands. The central relationship with R., introduced in Greenwell's previous work, encapsulates the novel's themes of passion, vulnerability, and the often cruel dance between love and cruelty. The stories set in the decaying city of Sofia, juxtaposed with the moments of beauty and connection the narrator finds, create a rich, atmospheric setting that complements the emotional depth of the narrative.

In summary, "Cleanness" is a beautifully crafted novel that delves deep into the human heart, capturing the myriad emotions and experiences that define our existence. With its keen observations and intricate character dynamics, it's a poignant reflection on love, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves. Whether you're a returning fan of Greenwell's work or a new reader, this novel promises a journey that is both introspective and profoundly moving.

#BookRecommendation #GarthGreenwell #Cleanness #LiteraryJourney #SofiaStories #DeepReads #BooksOfInstagram #EmotionalOdyssey #ReadingRecommendations

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Review: "The Quiet Tenant" by Clémence Michallon, 2023

The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"The Quiet Tenant" by Clémence Michallon, 2023

Review: "The Quiet Tenant" by Clémence Michallon - An Edge-of-Your-Seat Thriller

In 2023, amidst a plethora of thrilling novels, one stands out not just for its suspense but for its deep psychological exploration: Clémence Michallon's "The Quiet Tenant". This book isn't just another thriller; it's an exploration into the human psyche and the various facades we present to the world.

From the outset, the story grips you with an intensity so palpable that there were moments I had to pause,
catch my breath, and remind myself it was fiction. The character dynamics, especially the manipulative brainwashing of Rachel by Aidan Thomas, is harrowing to witness. Aidan, a seemingly hardworking family man and a respected member of his community, is the embodiment of the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing. His dual nature is distressing, and Michallon masterfully unravels his facade, layer by layer, through the eyes of those he deceives.

What sets this novel apart is the multi-perspective narrative. The viewpoints of Rachel, Aidan's captive; Cecilia, his innocent daughter; and Emily, the unsuspecting woman smitten by Aidan, are interwoven seamlessly. Each perspective reveals a different side of Aidan, painting a chilling portrait of a man who is both predator and charmer. This storytelling technique, which offers insights into Aidan's impending moves, adds to the heart-pounding suspense that keeps you glued to each page.

While the book sheds light on the disturbing dynamics between a captor and his victim, it also highlights a more subtle societal observation. In the modern age, where charismatic and handsome figures often lead the narrative, "The Quiet Tenant" offers a stark reminder: appearances can be deceiving. In an era where the allure of aesthetics often masks sinister intentions, Michallon's novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of superficial judgments.

"The Quiet Tenant" is more than just a thriller; it's a reflection on society's biases and the many masks individuals wear. Clémence Michallon's tight narrative is both tense and gripping, making this novel not only one of my top picks for 2023 but a must-read for anyone seeking a deep, thrilling experience.

In conclusion, heed the words of an avid reader: Dive into the world of "The Quiet Tenant", but be prepared - it will grip you, challenge you, and leave you contemplating long after the last page.

https://shortbookreview.blogspot.com/2023/10/review-quiet-tenant.html

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Review: Zorrie by Laird Hunt, 2021

Zorrie by Laird Hunt
My Goodreads rating: 5 of 5 stars

As I delved into Laird Hunt's beautifully crafted novel, Zorrie, I found myself on an emotional journey through the life of an ordinary woman in the rural American Midwest. The poetic and evocative prose captivated me, capturing the essence of a bygone era and creating an atmospheric setting that allowed me to experience the landscape and culture alongside the protagonist. Hunt's masterful writing style gracefully wove together the story of Zorrie, as both graceful and earthy, grounded yet transcendent, while capturing the complexities of human relationships.

The portrayal of compelling characters, particularly the protagonist Zorrie, struck a chord with me. This character study of a woman of quiet strength and resilience showcased the tenderness, vulnerability, and endurance of the human spirit, making her life experiences feel both ordinary and extraordinary. The novel's exploration of love, loss, and resilience invited me to reflect on my own life and experiences, finding beauty in seemingly mundane moments.

What stood out to me was the emotional resonance of Zorrie, amplified by its concise storytelling. Despite being a relatively short novel, Hunt skillfully conveyed the entirety of Zorrie's life with precision and depth. This economy of language resonated with me, as the author's ability to create a rich and poignant narrative within a compact form made the story even more powerful. As the story unfolded, I was moved by Zorrie's ordinary yet extraordinary journey, evoking deep emotions with each turn of the page.

Hunt masterfully combined these elements to create a heartfelt exploration of the human experience. The novel's vivid imagery, keen sense of the passage of time, and relatable characters immersed me in Zorrie's world. Its emotional resonance, strong sense of place, and concise storytelling won my admiration, making it a deeply moving portrait of an ordinary life that reminded me of the strength and resilience that can be found in the quiet moments of our own lives.

I rate this book 4.9 out of 5 stars.

#Zorrie #LairdHunt #MidwestLiterature #RuralLife #HistoricalFiction #CharacterStudy #LiteraryFiction #BookReview #ReadingRecommendations

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Review: Paradise Rot: A Novel, by Jenny Hval, 2018

Paradise Rot by Jenny Hval
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Paradise Rot: A Novel, by Jenny Hval, 2018

Right off the bat, if bodily fluids, particularly urine, gross you out, this book isn't for you. The author is clearly obsessed with urine and intricately details activities involved in the act of pissing.

The story is a sexual self-discovery of a young Norwegian college girl, Jo, who is studying biology abroad in Britain. There she meets a girl, Carral, slightly older than her, who she becomes obsessed with. She shares an apartment in a converted brewery with Carral and starts a peculiar three-way affair with a studly male neighbor named Pym.

The writing is surreal and exquisitely detailed with the grotesque banalities of human existence: mold, decay, and urine. The prose evokes striking images, from rotting slimy apples to a man exposing himself on a train. 

I rate this book 4.75 out of 5 stars.

#MagicalRealism #LGBTliterature #LGBT

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Review: Yellow Jessamine, by Caitlin Starling, 2020

Yellow Jessamine by Caitlin Starling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yellow Jessamine, by Caitlin Starling, 2020

Yellow Jessamine is a fantasy horror novella with sapphic undertones that started strong. The atmospheric details, creepy vibes, and strong plot teased for a fantastic ending but ended up venturing into the "left field."

I enjoyed this intense novella-- filled with fierce lesbians, poisonous herbal gardens, and a mysterious creepy sickness; it's a have-to-read book.

I rate this novella 4.25 out of 5 stars.

"Evelyn Perdanu is a shipping magnate, the only living survivor of her family. She walks the city veiled and hidden away from the eyes of those around her. Her country is slowly dying, rotting away like food left out to spoil. Arriving from her last voyage, she discovers that a plague has visited her city, which is traced back to her crew. They act erratically and slip into catatonia. She begins to investigate the plague as much for the city's sake and those in it as for her own company and family name. What she finds is complicated and horrific." -- from the book jacket

#YellowJessamine #CaitlinStarling #LGBTQ

 

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Review: Book Lovers by Emily Henry, 2022

Book Lovers by Emily Henry
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Book Lovers by Emily Henry, 2022

I trite retread of any one of Nora Ephron's rom-com novels turned movie starring Meg Ryan. Some may consider Book Lovers a fresh coat of makeup for all the tropes found here and updated for the times. It was a guilty read for me at first, but by the time I was halfway through and half invested in the characters, I was reading faster to get it over with and done.

In Book Lovers, Nora Stephens (I'm sure this is a nod to Nora Ephron) is an intelligent workaholic literary agent living in New York. Dragged into a monthlong trip to the picturesque small town in North Carolina by her younger sister (ulterior motives and all), Nora runs into her professional arch nemesis, Charlie. I don't think I have to say much else, but yes, Nora and Charlie get it on more than once, lurid details and all.

I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.

#HateRead #RomCom #EmilyHenry #NotMegRyan #NotNoraEphron

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Review: A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay, 2015

A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay, 2015

The Barret family from Massachusetts comes under financial and emotional strain when their fourteen-year-old daughter, Marjorie, exhibits signs of severe mental illness or demonic possession. They decide to allow a production company to film and air the events in their household as a reality tv show.

Roshomon in full effect! Without a doubt, the author intended for us never to know the truth of what happened the night of the central premise the novel is written around. We get three perspectives from the same narrator, all unreliable; when she was eight (8) years old, then as an adult after the trauma had been processed, and from her alter-ego blogger persona. I feel that the blogger persona "breaking the fourth wall" can be distracting, but in this case, it was not only necessary to achieve the Roshomon effect but was done pretty well. It was "Meta" just enough.

It took me a couple of false starts to get going with the book, but once I got about a quarter of the way in, I could not stop. I looked up, and several hours had passed, and it was past midnight when I reached the story's climax. While the book isn't much of a horror, I got goosebumps and frights at the climax and the final twist at the end. 

Typically not the type of book I would read, but I was glued and enjoyed it very much. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

#AHeadFullOfGhosts #PaulTremblay #RoshomonEffect #FourthWall

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Review: "Just by Looking at Him" by Ryan O'Connell, 2022

Just by Looking at Him by Ryan O'Connell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Just by Looking at Him" by Ryan O'Connell, 2022

The book is darkly comic and an unflinching story following a gay TV writer with cerebral palsy. He fights addiction, searches for acceptance,  and navigates through love in an overwhelmingly ableist world.

The book oozes wit and dark humor perfectly balanced with a commentary on gay life- specifically gay life in Los Angeles and in the entertainment industry (television show writing). Several times, I had to stop, laugh out loud, and think to myself, "yep, I know what he means about that place and in that situation."    I don't know how much truth from experience the author put into the novel, but almost everything mentioned felt authentic based on my own experiences.

For a book I randomly picked up at Powell's in Portland and an author I've never heard of, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the maybe fictional accounts of "gay living" in my hometown of Los Angeles. So much so I got the audiobook and listened to the author himself narrated. 

I give this book 5 out of 5 chuckles.

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Review: The Hole: A Novel, by Pyun Hye-young, 2017 (translated by Sora Kim-Russel)

The Hole by Hye-Young Pyun
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Hole: A Novel, by Pyun Hye-young, 2017 (translated by Sora Kim-Russel)

A bestseller in Korea, The Hole tells the tale of the horrors of isolation and neglect. Some comparisons are made to this novel with Stephen King's novel Misery.

The Hole is a character-driven novel but has the suspense of a thriller. Oghi becomes paralyzed after a car accident that killed his wife. Without any of his own family to care for him, his mother-in-law becomes his caregiver. With Oghi as the driver of the car crash, he questions his mother-in-law's motives and does not trust her.

With only the ability to blink as his form of communication, Oghi struggles and panics through everyday banalities. With the only view out of his window being his mother-in-law digging a huge hole, Oghi searches for a way to escape.

I rate this book 3.75 stars our of 5.

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Review: "Oh William!" by Elizabeth Strout, 2021

Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Oh William!" by Elizabeth Strout, 2021

The compact novel packs mesmerizing prose and a richly layered narrative of marriage and divorce, grief and sadness, and strength and fragility borne of the human condition. Strout's constant weaving of new threads alongside the story's main fabric was so elegant and natural that it was easy to follow. 

"Oh William!" is a quiet, character-driven novel. Ultimately the story is a reflection on the very nature of our existence and the subtle forces that hold us together.

Initially thinking I might find the story unrelatable, I was surprised to learn there are some parallels. I'm happy I gave this book a chance, and I look forward to reading other works by Pulitzer Prize winner Strout.

I rate this book 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Plot (Non-Spoilery)

In Oh William! Lucy, now 64, is mourning the death of her beloved second husband, a cellist named David Abramson. She finds some welcome distraction in revisiting her relationship with her first husband, William Gerhardt, the philandering father of her two grown daughters.

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Review: The Candy House

The Candy House by Jennifer Egan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Candy House, Jennifer Egan, 2022

The novel is a sequel of sorts to the 2011 Pulitzer prize-winning "A Visit from the Goon Squad." While it's not necessary to have read the former to understand the latter, there may be some benefit in doing so if you want a fuller set of details for some of the characters appearing later in the book.

It's hard to describe this book as a whole other than a collection of loosely connected short stories centering around a Black-Mirror-ish world where human memories are recorded and, at times, reviewed. "Own Your Consciousness" is a technology that allows people to upload a life's worth of memories — even long-forgotten ones — share them in a collective archive and access others'.-- kind of like all the social media apps integrated into one and pumped up on super steroids.

There are so many characters that it may have made sense to take notes to make it easier to see the connections to the other stories in the book. Some characters were exciting and memorable, while others were forgettable. The same applies to the set of stories-- in fact, it may be better to describe them as vignettes were it not for the fact there were time jumps, location jumps, and sometimes both.

I dare hazard that I understand what the author is trying to do as a whole with the book, but the moirée of stories was just too jarring going from one to the next. Don't get me wrong, the book was written well and a pleasure to read, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if the stories weren't so seemingly disconnected by the order in which they were placed.

Lulu, the spy, was my favorite story, followed by the story of the heroin-addicted woman.

I rate the book 3.25 out of 5 stars.

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Review: Train Dreams

Train Dreams by Denis Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a sad and beautifully told story of a rugged and rough life in the American Northwest during the first quarter of the 1900s. Fundamentally ahistorical fiction, elements of magical surrealism adds to the depth of and emotions conveyed in Train Dreams. The novella is a Pulitzer Prize nominee for 2012.

The language and prose is evocative of the brutality of nature entwined with human life from days gone by. It's hard to fathom in our current times how Americans used to live about a hundred years ago- or at least a lifestyle that is considered outside of the mainstream in early 1900s.

I've read somewhere a book reviewer describing the book as "imagine Toni Morrison flirting with Paul Bunyan" with how the Denis Johnson uses magical surrealism "as a means of melding humans and 

animals into a single life-force that animates the mountains and valleys." I would have to agree.

I rate this book 4.25 out of 5 stars.

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Review: The Promise, by Damon Galgut, 2021

The Promise by Damon Galgut
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

The Promise, by Damon Galgut, 2021

2021 Booker Prize winner, The Promise is a depiction of the Swarts, a white family in post-apartheid South Africa. The death of the Swart matriarch borns a promise to gift the house to a servant that goes unfulfilled until the lives of the three siblings, Astrid, Anton, and Amor, wrestle through life events that shape their feelings of guilt or lack thereof. They are brought together over funerals over three decades, told in four chapters.  

I found most of the characters unlikable, which is not to say is a bad thing, but unlikable without the depth of character to give reason is one of the reasons I did not care much for this book. The other reason is the writing style did not keep me engaged. I found the author's omniscient intrusions and "tell-not-show" made the read almost unbearable for me. I was very close to shelving this book under #DNF (did not finish).

I rate this book 1.5 out of 5 stars.

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Review: The Tenant, by Katrine Engberg, 2016

The Tenant by Katrine Engberg
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The Tenant, by Katrine Engberg, 2016

The Tenant is a Nordic-noir fiction-crime novel that blends suspenseful drama with Danish police procedural. Copenhagen police detectives Jeppe Korner and Anette Werner are assigned to solve the brutal murder of a young woman whose face is carved with intricate patterns.

The novel started strong and interesting until about halfway when several new characters were introduced, and I couldn't follow what was going on. Part of it, I think, was the names were foreign, and I had a hard time tracking them along with their associated plotlines. Before I knew it, I was at the end of the book, and I had no clue how the bad guy was caught. I realize there were a couple of twists that were supposed to be dark and biting, but I can hardly agree they are as such and think of them more used for shock value or as red herrings.

I rate the book 2.5 out 5 stars.

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Review: Oracle," by Andrew Piper, 2021

Oracle by Andrew Pyper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Oracle," by Andrew Piper, 2021

Oracle is a psychological thriller by author Andrew Pyper and narrated by Joshua Jackson as an Audible Original.

In ORACLE, Nate Russo, an FBI psychic, tracks an elusive serial killer, finding the missing and murdered by "reading" those close to them. The latest case has Nate and his partners tracking a serial killer who likes to bury women and girls alive. 

This is crime-fiction, psychological thriller, and haunted house all blended and done very well. The first few chapters started slow but quickly built momentum. And as I got to the halfway point, I found myself racing faster and faster towards the conclusion. For a book I normally wouldn't pick up given the nature of the story, I am delighted I did. I will probably continue on to the Dreamland Murders to get my fill of Nate Russo.

I give it 4.5 out of 5.

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Review: "Work Like Any Other" by Virginia Reeves, 2016

Work Like Any Other by Virginia Reeves
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Watch out! It packs a one-two punch at the end.

"Work Like Any Other" by Virginia Reeves, 2016

The story takes place in the 1920s about when electricity is just spreading throughout the country. The main character is Roscoe, who we see an electrician by trade, turn farmer, then convict.   Roscoe gave up his job with the power company in the city to live with his wife and son on the family farm she inherited from her father. The farm is failing, unproductive, and in disrepair but could be saved if electricity was brought onto the land. Roscoe decides to skim/steal power and wire it to his land. A utility worker from the power company is electrocuted by Roscoe's handiwork. The resulting death of the worker sent Roscoe to prison for 20 years.

Ultimately the story is about guilt and resentment tearing a family apart and the resilience of the human spirit. With the narrative taking place in the Deep South during the 1920s, the story wouldn't be complete if it was not repletely painted with racism and the violence that comes with it.

Here we find shattered dreams, moral failure, empathy, and compassion tied to a well-grounded story, with dialogue that seems reminiscent of the time and place.

"Work Like Any Other" is Virginia Reeves 2016 debut novel and Booker Prize Nominee for Longlist (2016).

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

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"Station Eleven" by Emily St John Mandel, 2014

"Station Eleven" by Emily St John Mandel, 2014

This book has been on my shelf for a few years now after I picked it up from Barnes and Noble. I had no notion of what it's about, other than it is science fiction, a winner of various awards, and its callbacks to Star Trek: Voyager. Upon seeing commercials and learning of its adaptation to a television series, I decided now is the time to read the book before the tv series is released.

The story is less science and more fiction. "Station Eleven" is as much a mystery as it is a post-apocalyptic tale, and the author is pretty good at giving enough clues that thicken the plot to keep me reading. The stories of all the characters are told beautifully intertwined and in multiple timelines centering around Arthur Leander. The book opens at the onset of an outbreak of a virulent flu. In a matter of weeks, it will quickly decimate the world's population. In its wake is a place that is disconnected, desperate and dangerous, with small communities of people trying to make their way in this brave new world.

One of the things I struggled with reading this is wrapping my head around what was happening and when because it's set over so many timelines and tricky to track. Because so many past events influence future events, having a good idea of the chronological sequence is really important. The easiest way to trace the chronological order of events is by following the critical characters over time- make some notes or diagrams.

Where the book falters, I think, is in its imagination of disaster. Having accepted the science that says a flu pandemic is highly probable in our future, Mandel chooses a worst possible situation, a plague that results in the immediate and total collapse of civilization. But the survivors do not think, act or speak like people struck by such a cataclysm. For the most part, they do not behave very differently from people living in ordinary, civilized times. Hunger, thirst, and exhaustion are alluded to, but there is no penetrating sense of the day-to-day struggle of vulnerable human beings lacking the basic amenities of life.

On another level, Station Eleven is not so much about an apocalypse as about memory and loss, nostalgia and yearning; the effort of art to deepen our fleeting impressions of the world and bolster our solitude. Mandel evokes the weary feeling of life slipping away, for Arthur as an individual and then writ large upon the entire world. In Year Twenty, Kirsten, who was eight when the flu hit, is interviewed about her memories, and says that the new reality is hardest to bear for those old enough to remember how the world was before. "The more you remember, the more you've lost," she explains – a sentiment that could apply to any of us, here and now.

I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars.

"The Authorities™" by Scott Meyer, 2015

The Authorities™

by Scott Meyer, 2015

Sinclair Rutherford is a young Seattle cop with a taste for the finer things. Doing menial tasks and getting

hassled by superiors he doesn't respect are definitely not “finer things.” Good police work and bad luck lead him to crack a case that changes quickly from a career-making break into a high-profile humiliation when footage of his pursuit of the suspect—wildly inappropriate murder weapon in hand—becomes an Internet sensation.

But the very publicity that has made Rutherford a laughing stock in the department lands him what could be the job opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to work with a team of eccentric experts, at the direction of a demanding but distracted billionaire. Together, they must solve the murder of a psychologist who specialized in the treatment of patients who give people “the creeps.”

There is no shortage of suspects. 

________________________________________________

The Authorities tries to be sharp, witty, and funny. The dialogue is flat, without the pacing or timing required to make it humorous; I see how the jokes would work in a comic strip or tv show, but they fail in this novel.
The rest of the humor is of the 'point and laugh, painfully awkward' kind, which I despise. The backer is in need of a butt kicking. The rest of the cast is odd but okay, though it takes forever to meet them.
The central plot is ... uninteresting.

Overall, avoid. Try the sample, see if it works for you. The rest of the book doesn't get any better.

My rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1 out of 5 stars) - I did not like it.