Devon's Book Log
105 books since January 2021
T h e S u n A l s o R i s e s by E r n e s t H e m i n g w a y
A tragic tale of people just trying to enjoy life. More fun than some of Hemmigways somber titles. Rereading this shortly after having visited these places brought it to life in a new way.
Read November 2025
T h e O n l y W a y i s W e s t by B r a d l e y C h e r m s i d e
A story more about the people on the authors walk than about the Camino itself. Description of women feel a bit cringe. Still an entertaining adventure telling.
Heard October 2025
T h e H e a v e n a n d E a r t h G r o c e r y S t o r e by J a m e s M c B r i d e
Homey historical fiction carried by colorful characters reminds us of the roots of American culture both troubling and heartwarming.
Read May 2025
T h e H a u n t i n g o f H i l l H o u s e by S h i r l e y J a c k s o n
Horror elevated to the ranks of literature this is fully dignified telling of a perfect haunted house story.
Read May 2025
E v e r y t h i n g i s T u b e r c u l o s i s by J o h n G r e e n
A summary education on the history and present state of this disease illuminated by the light of humanity Green is adept at finding in all of his subjects.
Heard May 2025
D e a t h ' s E n d by C i x i n L i u
This does much more than simply wrap up the trilogy bringing broad thinking creative narrative hooks just as engaging as those in the first book.
Read May 2025
F r o s t b i t e by N i c o l a T w i l l e y
We take ubiquitous refrigeration for granted. This book reminds you how recent readily available cold is and describes complex and unexpected ways it affected diets commerce and culture.
Heard April 2025
S i l v e r o n t h e T r e e by S u s a n C o o p e r
The clash of light and dark teased since the second book finally wraps up. Ive long wondered how the rest of this series compares to the mystery and mysticism of The Dark is Rising that captured my imagination as a young reader. I still think that second is something uniquely special. Reading the rest of the series does a lot to fill out the picture of how that storytelling fits in the landscape of ancient myths and culture.
Heard March 2025
T h e B r o t h e r s K a r a m a z o v by F y o d o r D o s t o y e v s k y
A worthwhile read but maybe overrated. Things start slow and a bit confusing as we work through the exposition for multiple story threads. There are many places ramblings and repetition could be abridged without loss of meaning. It does come together well later in the plot and there are valuable insights about human nature but some of the thinking is antiquated. The characters present subtle internal conflict but they are often manic and over dramatic. One wonders what features of Karamazov have been lost in translation.
Read March 2025
T h e G r e y K i n g by S u s a n C o o p e r
Another installment advancing the series through an invocation of a different mythological figure. This book felt more mysterious and sets up anticipation for the series conclusion.
Heard February 2025
G r e e n w i t c h by S u s a n C o o p e r
This story ties together the open threads from the previous two books with a new plot line of mysticsl lore.
Heard January 2025
T h e D a r k i s R i s i n g by S u s a n C o o p e r
Its probably about 30 years since I visited this classic and it holds up well. Grounded enough to make magic seem possible it is an easy reading but not trivial taste of the mystery of the deep winter weather that also feels like it hasnt visited for 30 years.
Heard January 2025
T h e D a r k F o r e s t by C i x i n L i u
This second volume cements for me that this series is on par with any of the great hard science fiction standards. Imaginative and unpredictable it explores philosophical possibilities simultaneously with technological ones. The best science fiction Ive encountered since Hail Mary.
Read January 2025
O v e r S e a , U n d e r S t o n e by S u s a n C o o p e r
The innocent excitement that only kids can put into a treasure hunt when the mystery is as much making sense of the world as it is reading a map.
Heard December 2024
T h e G o l d e n E n c l a v e s by N a o m i N o v i k
The final Scholomance book ties together the events of the previous two into a resolution that is satisfying while incorporating new developments that keep the story interesting. Authors deserve credit when a finale succeeds in making sense of the unexplained ideas the plot was built on.
Read December 2024
T h e L a s t G r a d u a t e by N a o m i N o v i k
This book continues the alt magic school romp with enough creativity to stay interesting.
Read November 2024
A D e a d l y E d u c a t i o n by N a o m i N o v a k
Part Harry Potter part Lord of the Flies this is an easy read in YA style built on familiar fantasy tropes that is nonetheless fun and creative enough to be entertaining.
Read October 2024
T h e E l e g a n c e o f t h e H e d g e h o g by M u r i e l B a r b e r y
Rich in language and introspection. Not at all dry. Remarkable translation work. The plot is thin but theres enough to think about here one reason might not be enough.
Read October 2024
T h e R o a d by C o r m a c M c C a r t h y
Plain and effective language conveys gritty and heartbreaking survival.
Read September 2024
C r y i n g i n H M a r t by M i c h e l l e Z a u n e r
An intimate personal peek at loss and the complex facets of relationships in a Korean American family.
Read September 2024
T h e H o b b i t by J . R . R . T o l k i e n
I may have read this before but it was long enough ago Ive forgotten. Hobbit introduces the depth of Tolkiens creativity with an ounce less gravity than the most famous trilogy. Its more fun pure and sweet.
Read September 2024
B a b e l by R . F . K u a n g
Part Harry Potter and part His Dark Materials Kuang instructs the reader in the joy of words and the hazards of racist Imperialism in a cozy English narrative.
Read August 2024
N o r t h W o o d s by D a n i e l M a s o n
The experience of walking into an old house and imagining all the life that has been lived there put to the tune of well composed writing. A fringe of subtle Massachusetts callouts will make Boston area readers feel at home.
Read June 2024
T h e C i t y W e B e c a m e by N . K . J e m i s i n
A cross between Ghostbusters and a superhero movie. There is a pattern of thinking here which is recognizable as that of the Broken Earth series author. I was hoping for something with more philosophy but it is an entertaining read.
Read May 2024
B e f o r e t h e C o f f e e G e t s C o l d by T o s h i k a z u K a w a g u c h i
A collection of small and personal tales inspecting how we view ourselves through the lens of time. Heartwarming and bittersweet.
Read February 2024
O n W r i t i n g by S t e p h e n K i n g
Although apparently written genuinely with other writers as the intended audience the autobiographical content and insight into Kings creative thinking here is certainly of interest to any of his constant readers.
Heard November 2023
T h e A l c h e m i s t by P a u l o C o e l h o
Not quite the great work of philosophy some would have you believe this is indeed a beautifully written demonstration of classic storytelling. A long form fable about bravely authentic self discovery.
Read November 2023
S l a u g h t e r h o u s e F i v e by K u r t V o n n e g u t
Familiar tone from one of my favorite authors. However this view on the moral horror of war feels more personal and bitter than other Vonnegut novels.
Read October 2023
S e a o f T r a n q u i l i t y by E m i l y S t . J o h n M a n d e l
Reminiscent of Time and Again this story is soft science fiction that resolved with more meaning than I expected.
Heard September 2023
R a d i o by A l a s d a i r P i n k e r t o n
History and anecdotes from the development of radio and its various uses through today. Although chapters end somewhat abruptly the writing avoids being dry and the book is decorated with a rich set of interesting graphics and photos from radios past.
Read September 2023
E l e v a t i o n by S t e p h e n K i n g
A quick and fun story in a quintessential King style of grounded everyday characters experiencing plausible fantasy.
Read June 2023
H o w H i g h W e G o i n t h e D a r k by S e q u o i a N a g a m a t s u
Dark and prophetic its hard to believe parts of this were written before 2020. Another novel in the form of a short story collection this one succeeds in tying them with a coherent thread but the point of the book is more in the messages of the shorts than the larger narritive.
Read May 2023
S e c o n d F o u n d a t i o n by I s a a c A s i m o v
Comprised of only two novellas this has the most continuity of the trilogy and thus I most enjoyed reading. Asimov certainly deserves credit as science fiction visionary and these stories have interesting plot turns but I find the disjointed assembly of the series challenging. Perhaps an Asimov novel written monolithically would be a better place to start.
Read May 2023
B u r n by H e r m a n P o n t z e r , P h D
A rare instance where claims about human metabolism are presented through compelling research. The ideas commonly held about how our bodies manage energy are wrong in subtle but substantial ways. Far from a diet culture book the author offers an anthropological perspective and sets the modern findings in the context of evolution.
Read April 2023
F o u n d a t i o n a n d E m p i r e by I s a a c A s i m o v
While the first book was originally published as five stories this was originally published as two and is resultingly more cohesive as a novel. The discussion based storytelling is still dry but the ending was more satisfying than I expected.
Read April 2023
P o t t e r y F o r m by D a n i e l R h o d e s
Reread of an old favorite. The plain discussion and examples of functional forms never fails to inspire those of us for whom form follows function. In a casual parenthetical comment Rhodes mints my potting mantra by mentioning the eventual fate of all pots to be broken
Read April 2023
F o u n d a t i o n by I s a a c A s i m o v
The first section of this book builds an engaging setting. From there things move along very rapidly with characters seemly created and destroyed every chapter such that the reader is always in a position of catch up. We are not shown events themselves but instead learn most of the plot by observing conversions a style that must have inspired Frank Herberts writing but I do not myself enjoy. Foundation occasionally shows its age but holds up well to modern Sci Fi sensibilities. This is a shorter read and leaves the top level story arc quite incomplete. I will keep reading.
Read March 2023
R e m a r k a b l y B r i g h t C r e a t u r e s by S h e l b y V a n P e l t
Easy reading with a made for Hallmark plot. One of the leading characters is obnoxious but a secondary character is endearing.
Read February 2023
T h e S t o r y t e l l e r by D a v i d G r o h l
Genuine peeks at who Grohl is and the rock community. Although not immune to the pitfalls of fame one appreciates Daves humility. His perspectives help make sense of the events he was present for.
Heard February 2023
T h e S t o n e S k y by N . K . J e m i s i n
Not everything is tied together as neatly as I would like but there is sufficient resolution and explanation to recommend the series. I would welcome more from this universe if Jemisin ever comes back to it.
Read January 2023
L e t t e r s f r o m F a t h e r C h r i s t m a s by J . R . R . T o l k i e n
Endearing and personal the depth of these little stories make plain how Tolkien must have truly enjoyed spinning tales.
Heard January 2023
A l l t h e L i g h t W e C a n n o t S e e by A n t h o n y D o e r r
Humanity shines under the duress of wartime in this historical fiction with realistic characters.
Heard January 2023
T h e O b e l i s k G a t e by N . K . J e m i s i n
We are shown a level deeper into the workings of this world as our characters continue their struggles and again are left holding most of the major story threads. The pieces we have do fit together. Hopeful the third book can tie this together.
Read December 2022
A M a n W i t h o u t a C o u n t r y by K u r t V o n n e g u t
A short collection of thoughts from Vonnegut that appear to confirm the narrative voice of his novels is no act.
Read December 2022
G r a n d m a G a t e w o o d ' s W a l k by B e n M o n t g o m e r y
A heartwarming account of experiencing the trail in a simpler time. The trail was rougher back then but Gatewood sounds more aligned with the mindset of modern through hikers than I might have expected. It is profound to realize that many major landmarks from her stories are the same ones I encountered.
Read December 2022
T h e F i f t h S e a s o n by N . K . J e m i s i n
Achieves the challenging goal of original fantasy world building but the book ends feeling incomplete. One presumes this will be rectified with the subsequent volumes.
Read November 2022
F a i r y T a l e by S t e p h e n K i n g
As far as I can tell Fairy Tale is built with elements recycled from prior King novels such as Talisman Waste Lands and Wizard Glass. If youre a fan looking for more of the same this is it. A scatter of little references are included to satisfy Dark Tower readers.
Read November 2022
T h e H a n d m a i d ' s T a l e by M a r g a r e t A t w o o d
Presented in succinct prose An eerily contemporary take on how precarious freedom is despite a copyright almost 40 years old.
Read October 2022
P r o j e c t H a i l M a r y by A n d y W e i r
Realistic science presented with simple language lovable characters and a series of mini cliffhangers add up to a hard to put down story likely to be a modern classic.
Read September 2022
W h e r e t h e D e e r a n d t h e A n t e l o p e P l a y by N i c k O f f e r m a n
Offerman tells various personal stories of interacting with the outdoors in ways only people with a lot of money could or would. There is less philosophy than the subtitle might suggest and the positions he takes on most topics are well established liberal positions. The stories are all from immediately recent years and I think the book could have been enriched were there tales from deeper in Offermans past to share. Nonetheless his prose is entertaining and reveals the actor in reality isnt to far from his characters. This falls into the category of celebrity books whose chief value is in making you feel like you spent an afternoon hanging out with the author. It would probably be best consumed as the audiobook which is read by Nick himself.
Read September 2022
T h e T h r e e - B o d y P r o b l e m by C i x i n L i u ( t r a n s l a t e d b y K e n L i u )
This book replays many well worn science fiction themes but feels fresh anyway thanks to cultural perspectives not found in English novels. The translation work is very good. It reads like historical fiction which enhances the storys realism.
Read August 2022
T h e P e r f e c t M i l e by N e a l B a s c o m
The excitement of watching your horse win a race in the form of a book.
Read August 2022
C r i m e a n d P u n i s h m e n t by F y o d o r D o s t o y e v s k y
Excessively dramatic and not as long as people think. I was getting impatient with the characters halfway through but in the end felt it was worth it for the implied commentary on society and human nature.
Read July 2022
P a p e r T o w n s by J o h n G r e e n
Arguably Greens least daring offering it is perhaps my favorite because it is intensely bittersweet.
Read July 2022
A W a l k i n t h e W o o d s by B i l l B r y s o n
Instructive and entertaining but definitely not a guide to hiking. Its tough to respect this book without a foreword from the author condemning the acts of gross littering and poor etiquette depicted within. Nonetheless it does a good job capturing many of the challenging and emotional moments nearly all through hikers must experience in some form. I also feel that the critism directed at some of the labs management authorities is totally warranted.
Read July 2022
A n a t h e m by N e a l S t e p h e n s o n
Another creative futuristic world with a touch of the juvenile wackyness I remember from Snow Crash. The adventure is a bit circuitous but it kept my interest and I wish the novels setting existed so I could visit it.
Read July 2022
T h e S t o r y o f M y B o y h o o d a n d Y o u t h by J o h n M u i r
Muirs writing is strongly descriptive. The progression of his life introduced a welcome narrative thread to pull you through. Muirs passion for nature might rub off on you a little. Undoubtedly his life is impressive but the reader is left with a suspicion of embellishment.
Read June 2022
T u r t l e s A l l t h e W a y D o w n by J o h n G r e e n
Theres some about Greens writing I find immensely entertaining despite that it also always deals meaningfully with dense human challenges. Although this one didnt leave me with the same urgency to love life as the earlier titles this was a one sitting read.
Read May 2022
T h e D h a r m a B u m s by J a c k K e r o u a c
A remix of On The Road with characters and settings more focused in nature. Perfect for reading on a mountain. I note that the first person narration of these books leaves the reader to judge if the main character is a philosophical genius or a societal leech.
Read May 2022
T h e F a u l t i n O u r S t a r s by J o h n G r e e n
In the two sittings this book consumed me I experienced a near lifetime of emotion. John Green again lays bare who we really are.
Read May 2022
T h e R i s e o f E n d y m i o n by D a n S i m m o n s
Some of the descriptive content on this longest book of the series could have been abridged but it satisfyingly broadens the scope of the Endymion story and does a commendable job of tying together the series in a sensible conclusion.
Read May 2022
E n d y m i o n by D a n S i m m o n s
Another adventure tangent to the Hyperion characters but moves the larger storyline forward. Not as intricate as the prior books and the protagonists action scenes feel overdone but I enjoyed it.
Read April 2022
L o o k i n g f o r A l a s k a by J o h n G r e e n
Having been touched by the humanity in John Greens podcast work its wonderful to find the same in the writing that got him started. This is a quick read by any measure but I das drawn in to finish it in three days. The young adult classification is accurate in describing the characters but this book is for anyone who wants to value life a little more.
Read April 2022
W i n t e r ' s T a l e by M a r k H e l p r i n
A bit chaotic and beautifuly written. This story captures the majesty of the power of the coldest season as it stretches from reality into fantasy.
Read March 2022
H e r e t i c s o f D u n e by F r a n k H e r b e r t
If you cant get enough Dune heres some more but it feels like fan fiction written by a randy teenager.
Read February 2022
G o d E m p o r e r o f D u n e by F r a n k H e r b e r t
I enjoyed this more than the last one perhaps because the plot was less convoluted. Its fun imagining characters experiencing thousands of years in their own future. Were far enough from the first Dune that this could pass as fan fiction.
Heard January 2022
T o E n g i n e e r i s H u m a n by H e n r y P e t r o s k i
This book provides a few interesting stories and explanations of a few real failures but far less than I was hoping. A majority of the text is a rambling and occasionally repetitive monologue that can be summarized Engineering failures are hard to avoid. When they happen its important to embrace the learning opportunities. However it was not unpleasant to read and the occasionally antiquated viewpoint of this 40 year old writing unintentionally provides some historical value as well.
Read January 2022
C h i l d r e n o f D u n e by F r a n k H e r b e r t
The politics of this volume are still more convoluted than necessary but there is more story action and resolution than in Messiah. Arrakis is still an enjoyably unique place although it is losing its uniqueness as it is developed. If youve made it through the first two books this is is worth reading.
Heard December 2021
S n o w C r a s h by N e a l S t e p h e n s o n
An irreverent dystopic scifi comedy with a surprise twist of historical fiction that is notable for coining the term Metaverse. Much of the fun of the book is discovering the universe of Snow Crash and I wish Stephenson had chosen to tell more stories in this setting.
Read December 2021
1 1 / 2 2 / 6 3 by S t e p h e n K i n g
Built around the Kennedy assassination but not only about that day a timeless quality and lovable characters make this story favorite from the many King novels this year.
Read December 2021
T h e M u s e u m o f E x t r a o r d i n a r y T h i n g s by A l i c e H o f f m a n
An endorsement on the cover called Extraordinary Things a love story but thats a reductionist summary. Hoffman employs unique narrative structure interleaving first and third person voice to test how far a story can stretch out in the exotic framework of early twentieth century New York without spilling over into fantasy. I appreciated the acknowledgement given the joys of open water swimming a rarely discussed subject. The parallels between Extraordinary Things and the recently read Tree Grows in Brooklyn is yet another serendipitous development of unintentional strong New York themes in this years readings.
Read November 2021
D a r k T o w e r 7 - T h e D a r k T o w e r by S t e p h e n K i n g
I feel some explanations are left wanting but overall this final installation resolves the Dark Tower quest satisfactorily and in a spirit consistent with the series. While some quirks of Kings writing style are stale for me I will dearly miss these characters and the provincial customs of the Dark Tower world. These books are quintessential King and I recommend them if and only if youve enjoyed other King novels.
Read November 2021
A T r e e G r o w s i n B r o o k l y n by B e t t y S m i t h
There is surprisingly sparing arboreal discussion in this novel. Instead the main character herself quietly fills the titular role. What this beloved coming of age tale achieves superbly is conveying the emotion of concurrently celebrating and suffering life. In doing so it endears the reader by validating that balance which all recognize similarly in their own living. People always think that happiness is a faraway thing ... Yet what little things can make it up Leaving our tree behind on the final page is bittersweet.
Read November 2021
D a r k T o w e r 6 - S o n g o f S u s a n n a h by S t e p h e n K i n g
This far into the series its like hanging out with family and one can forgive some eccentricities. That made this book fun It went some places I was not expecting. Theres no resolution to be had here. I cant explain why it ends where it does. Anyone whos made it through 6 volumes is probably going for the sixth so perhaps this demarcation doesnt matter.
Read October 2021
L o v e & M a t h by E d w a r d F r e n k e l
This book interleaves the story of Frenkels career path out of antisemitic Russia interleaved with explanations of the math making up that career. His story is a compelling glimpse into Russia at the time and what math is like at this level. Unfortunately Frenkel fails at the attempt to make the math explanations accessible to the lay person but it can be fun to follow as deep as you can and then its worth glossing over the remaining head scratching for the gist of the larger story being told.
Read October 2021
T h e F a l l o f H y p e r i o n by D a n S i m m o n s
Continues the storylines of Hyperion innovatively if not as uniquely as its predecessor. Excepting brief passages of poetry and concept description I found too vague and abstract to hold my attention this was great science fiction. In addition characters offer perspectives on ethics and morality that are meaningful.
Read October 2021
D a r k T o w e r 5 - W o l v e s o f t h e C a l l a by S t e p h e n K i n g
The story structure of this volume is strongly reminiscent of Wizard and Glass. I enjoyed them both but Wizard and Glass remains favored. This book made needed progress in pulling together and explaining things that have happened earlier in the series and I hope that continues in the final two volumes. Reading salems Lot before this one is highly recommended.
Read October 2021
N e w Y o r k : T h e N o v e l by E d w a r d R u t h e r f o r d
Even the 330000 words of this tome can only scratch the surface of New Yorks history but oh if history were taught this way it would have so many more fans. The fiction is effectively a sequence of short stories linked by a generational march through the citys evolution. While the characters are at times thin they provide perspective that makes the history personal and add up to a rich stories of family lineage. The reader is rewarded making connections across centuries of which the characters themselves are not fully aware.
Read October 2021
F r o m a B u i c k 8 by S t e p h e n K i n g
I dont care for the anxiety provoked by horror movies but Im mostly okay with horror novels. The position of reader offers more experiential control than watcher. Reading this book demonstrates that difference by being a fun story despite the darkness.
Read September 2021
B a g o f B o n e s by S t e p h e n K i n g
Molded in classic ghost story form. I think this one does a better than average job of depicting how a real person wound react to the unexplainable.
Read September 2021
D u n e : M e s s i a h by F r a n k H e r b e r t
This entry in the Dune saga is mired in politicking with less action than the first book and it disrupts some plot lines in ways readers may find unsatisfying. However its shorter and sets up everything that is to happen in Children of Dune.
Heard September 2021
C a t ' s C r a d l e by K u r t V o n n e g u t
The bizarre plot and intriguing ending are secondary to Vonneguts satire which I find unspeakably hilarious.
Read September 2021
A p p a l a c h i a n T r i a l s by Z a c h D a v i s
This short book written for aspiring thru hikers makes the point that the biggest challenge is psychological and gives the reader ideas and encouragement to deal with that. Perhaps the most effective part is that you finish the book really believing Zach Davis thinks you can succeed.
Read September 2021
T h e F o u r W i n d s by K r i s t i n H a n n a h
This historical fiction makes the tragedy of the dust bowl real for the modern reader. It is well written but there were a few turns of language that felt anachronistic to me.
Read September 2021
H y p e r i o n by D a n S i m m o n s
I almost stopped reading after the geeked out preface but that would have been a mistake. Simmons goes on to demonstrate a capability for diverse and engaging stories as a mystery is explained. Stands alone but leaves enough unresolved to beg for the sequel.
Read August 2021
T h e J u n g l e by U p t o n S i n c l a i r
Perhaps in the scope of history it makes sense this is known for its presentation of the meat packing industry but I see its value differently. As a classic novel its strength is actually in its depiction of the horrors of the poverty trap that time and again the wealthy use to control labor.
Read August 2021
T h e G r e a t H u d s o n R i v e r B r i c k I n d u s t r y by G e o r g e V . H u t t o n
This book teaches a little known aspect of New York history and the mostly ignored ceramic craft of brickmaking. Though some of the content is a bit dry it changed the way I see the banks of the Hudson and the buildings of New York.
Read August 2021
T h e W i n d T h r o u g h t h e K e y h o l e by S t e p h e n K i n g
A quick Dark Tower side story within a story that again shows Kings fantasy capability.
Read August 2021
H e a r t s i n A t l a n t i s by S t e p h e n K i n g
I really enjoyed this one for its view of the imperfect ways people care about each other. Evoking imagery of my alma mater likely helped ingratiate me.
Read July 2021
T h e T r u e T a i l s o f B a k e r a n d T a y l o r by J a n L o u c h
Its about two cats who live in a library. Fiction Nonfiction. More entertaining than it sounds and heartwarming. Full disclosure I am a cat person.
Read July 2021
F o r W h o m t h e B e l l T o l l s by E r n e s t H e m i n g w a y
Superb writing reveals the timeless humanity in this war story. This is a novel I was thinking about long after I finished reading it.
Read July 2021
L o r d o f t h e F l i e s by W i l l i a m G o l d i n g
Short yet it still escalated slowly. Then it ended abruptly. Not so philosophically profound to the contemporary reader but worth reading for the cultural background alone.
Read July 2021
B l a c k H o u s e by S t e p h e n K i n g
The most satisfying parts of this story rest on the foundations set by The Talisman. Id recommend this be read as a sequel to that. Alone it is an average whodoneit.
Read July 2021
T h e T a l i s m a n by S t e p h e n K i n g
Told from the perspective of a young boy this is borderline YA except it has a more dark maturity than that. There are bits of Kings unexplained random turns but overall it holds up.
Read June 2021
D u n e by F r a n k H e r b e r t
Revisiting this scifi standard in advance of the upcoming film release I most appreciate how its world feels original even set against the array of todays scifi and fantasy. It has a timeless futurism because it avoids getting bogged down in technology. A must read in any scifi education.
Heard May 2021
E v e r y t h i n g ' s E v e n t u a l by S t e p h e n K i n g
14 short stories that are all as advertised dark but in a spectrum of different ways. All the stories draw the reader in effectively. A handful end satisfyingly. Either way you get some new idea for your imagination every time you sit down with this book.
Read May 2021
O b j e c t s i n t h e M i r r o r by S t e p h a n K e l l o g g
A lighthearted review of whats important in life told through amusing anecdotes. Kellogg makes a few too many excuse for his own behavior but the fundamental messages are sound.
Read May 2021
T h e B o x by M a r c L e v i n s o n
Less technical than I was expecting and more of a history of container shipping development. I learned a lot about how ships were and are loaded. Also interesting information about the development of major ports and labor relations.
Read May 2021
' s a l e m ' s L o t by S t e p h e n K i n g
This is early King and the story is low in originality but the storytelling is all there.
Read April 2021
D a r k T o w e r 4 - W i z a r d a n d G l a s s by S t e p h e n K i n g
The best put together story in the series so far. This one takes a turn from the plot development prior but then each of these books has its own style.
Read April 2021
I n s o m n i a by S t e p h e n K i n g
Candidate for favorite Dark Tower connected novel. Kings Derry feels more like Bangor than ever and our protagonist feels like a neighbor.
Read March 2021
D a r k T o w e r 3 - T h e W a s t e L a n d s by S t e p h e n K i n g
In the form of a classic journey story The Waste Lands shows the Dark Towers steampunk side and introduces my favorite creature of the series.
Read February 2021
D a r k T o w e r 2 - T h e D r a w i n g o f t h e T h r e e by S t e p h e n K i n g
Character development that is foundational to the Dark Tower series. I felt distracted by the things that happen seemingly at random without explanation. Not recommended unless you are reading as part of the series.
Read February 2021
T h e E y e s o f t h e D r a g o n by S t e p h e n K i n g
I believe the purest example of fantasy by King. Possibly my favorite King novel. This was at least my third time reading it.
Read January 2021
D a r k T o w e r 1 - T h e G u n s l i n g e r by S t e p h e n K i n g
Gritty fantasy western with weak plot redeemed by fascinating characters and world. Despite that its the setup for millions more words of the series it stands on its own reasonably well as a quick read.
Read January 2021
© Devon Fernandez
