Reviews and Comments

Marcus K.

mkaz@sfba.club

Joined 3 weeks ago

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Riley Sager: Survive the Night (Hardcover, Dutton, Penguin Random House) 2 stars

Review of 'Survive the Night' on 'Goodreads'

2 stars

As the rating descriptions go, 2 is about right, it was ok. If I could give half-stars, maybe I would bump it up 2.5. The overall story was a good premise, but the execution needed a few more passes. Many of the characters key actions did not seem to match their motives or established personality. The three plot twists at the end seems a bit much, and the ending wrap rather implausible.

I enjoyed Riley Sager's Home Before Dark book, so I'll still give others of his a shot.

Grady Hendrix: We Sold Our Souls (Hardcover, 2018, Quirk Books) 3 stars

"In this hard-rocking, spine-tingling supernatural thriller, the washed-up guitarist of a '90s heavy metal band …

Review of 'We Sold Our Souls' on 'Goodreads'

2 stars

This one did not work for me. A good premise, selling out to a banal world; but the execution, conspiracy and story just didn't come together. I enjoyed his two more recent ones, Southern Book Club, and Final Girl Support Group.

Benjamin Alire Sáenz: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (Hardcover, 2012, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers) 2 stars

Fifteen-year-old Ari Mendoza is an angry loner with a brother in prison, but when he …

Review of 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' on 'Goodreads'

2 stars

Nothing happens, there is no plot or story, just the meandering of a teenager. The writing didn't work for me and I didn't get hooked by the characters. I think I'm just not the audience for this book.

Review of 'More Myself' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Audiobook - I'm not really a fan of R&B and Alicia Keys music, but the book and narration is excellent, a great listen! It is so well read by Alicia, partly her sultry voice, but she also brings a great energy and enthusiasm to it. There are numerous guests that give short intros, and she breaks into song a few times, all great touches making for a enjoyable listen to her story.

Bill Bryson: The Body (2019, Doubleday Books) 4 stars

Review of 'The Body' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Audiobook - The Body is an extremely informative book, it is a complete anatomy and physiology class. Plenty of useful and interesting information. It felt heavy on names, dates and history but I'll chalk it up to being comprehensive and shining light and credit to all the scientists and doctors who worked hard to advance the field.

Michael Diamond, Adam Horovitz: Beastie Boys Book (2018) 4 stars

Review of 'Beastie Boys Book' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

I started listening to the audiobook, but it has a different narrator for each chapter and most chapters are written by Mike D. or Adam Horovitz so I found it disorienting to hear a different voice each time speak as if they were them.

I ended up getting the print book and glad I did, there are a ton of pictures from the Beasties throughout the years. I enjoyed the book but probably more so since I love the band.