This year started out strong for my reading goals, and at one point I was ten (yes, ten) books ahead on my Goodreads goal. As of today, I’m happy if I’m “on track,” haha!! But spring is here and I find myself reading more gardening catalogs than actual books…but, hey, it’s still reading, right?!
What I’ve Been Reading
Red Sands: Reportage and Recipes Through Central Asia by Caroline Eden — 5 out of 5 stars
Caroline Eden takes us on a very personal journey through Central Asia, from the shores of the Caspian Sea in West Kazakhstan to a truly strange (and kind of creepy) “health spa” in West Tajikistan. Along this journey, she relates the histories of various areas and introduces us to amazing people, ordinary citizens who have found a way to survive in, at most times, very hostile situations. Hidden amongst these stories are recipes that embody the regions and people Eden encountered. I’ve always been fascinated by Central and East Asian culture and history, so this book was a must-read for me that I totally enjoyed. Highly recommend.
Starter Villain by John Scalzi — 4.5 out of 5 stars
Charlie is a substitute teacher with not a lot going for him. He finds out about an estranged trillionaire uncle’s death and his world changes forever. Between the “talking” cats, the dolphins that are demanding a labor union, and certain characters that seem like they’re straight out of an Austin Powers movie, this book was a fun ride from beginning to end. It was a book I didn’t know I needed in my life, and I had a blast reading it. I can’t recommend this one enough.
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis — 4 out of 5 stars
I’m sure you’ve heard of this novel, and I’m sure you’ve heard the controversies surrounding it and have read some of the shocking reviews. I finally picked up this 1991 horror “classic” with pretty low expectations as I’ve learned over the years that lots of hype doesn’t necessarily mean a great book. The hype is real on this one. Good god. It’s been a few weeks since I finished it and I am still having nightmares and having random passages pop up in my head. There is a connection between the extreme excess of the 1980’s and the extreme depravity of Patrick Bateman, and the author does a masterful job of connecting the two through this dark satirical tale. Even if you have a strong stomach for the extreme, I would still say enter Bateman’s twisted thoughts and deeds at your own risk. And, because of this book, I will never eat brie cheese again (if you know, you know).
The Rocky Road to Ruin by Meri Allen — 4 out of 5 stars
One of my March TBR selections and the first book in Allen’s Ice Cream Shop Mystery series. I read book three a few months ago and really liked the characters and writing so I tracked down the first two in the series. I’m glad I did. A great start to the series, we have Riley returning to her small hometown to help her friend, Caroline, after the death of Caroline’s mother. In typical cozy fashion, murder and mayhem happen, with a large list of suspects and a couple of very intelligent cats. I also appreciate that romance wasn’t automatically (and awkwardly) thrown in, and instead, the author is building the characters before that inevitably happens. This is definitely one of my top five cozy mystery series at the moment, so if you like the genre, be sure to check it out.
Searching For Van Gogh by Donald Lystra — 3 out of 5 stars
Set in the early 1960’s, this is a coming of age story told through the eyes of young Nate, who has left home and forms a friendship with young Audrey, a broken spirit in her own right. Nate stumbles through various experiences, some with Audrey and some without, and by the end of the novel I was wondering if all young men during this time period were as stupid and yet as arrogant as Nate. There was a good story here, but for me, Nate’s narration came across as flat and ultimately left me wanting more from the other characters and less from Nate.
–Novellas, Short Stories, and Anthologies–
Root Rot and Other Grim Tales by Sarah Read — 4 out of 5 stars
It’s easy to see why this collection was recently nominated for a Bram Stoker award. These eighteen tales are atmospheric, haunting, some with a gothic feel while others are just plain dark and disturbing. There are several trigger warnings for violence/darkness regarding animals, children, pregnancy, and suicide, so while I highly recommend this collection, please keep these in mind.
Stay safe, and Happy Reading!
All Dragons Read 