Book Reviews

Growing up, I was never the type of kid who complained to my math teacher with the common saying, "When am I going to use this in real life?" Instead, I was always trying to find the weird and fantastical things that made math interesting. Unfortunately, many people get to adulthood and work on important engineering projects having probably asked that "real life" question at some point in their past. Humble Pi is a collection of many such stories of when math goes wrong in real life.

I can appreciate how Parker formatted this book to poke fun at some of the common math errors that have led to real-world situations. Things like the page numbers counting backward, the chapter numbers being poorly rounded, or that there are 314 pages in a book with "Pi" in the title are not lost on me. I had heard of many of these amusing anecdotes about math, but learned plenty of new ones that gave me a good chuckle as simple oversights nearly led to disasters.

My only qualm with Humble Pi is the tonal whiplash of the stories. It's hard to keep laughing about mathematical foibles when every third story is how an error led to the deaths of hundreds of people. These stark reminders of the importance of checking and double checking our calculations were quite sobering. But when the very next story is making light of a fairly innocuous mistake in a jocular manner, it feels a little disrespectful of the people who lost their lives in the previous story (or the next one). Either way, this is an important book to read if you've ever wondered what "real life" math can (and can't) do.

Some amusing and sobering examples of "real life" mathematics, I give Humble Pi 4.0 stars out of 5.

WOW! This book is full to the brim of constant plot twists, intriguing character arcs, and creatively contrasts good vs. evil. It follows the life of Mr. Utterson who is dear friends with Dr. Jekyll.
After multiple concerning events occur, Mr. Utterson becomes worried for Dr. Jekyll and his eerie relationship with the cruel Mr. Hyde. The plot is beautifully developed as it follows the storyline of many characters while focusing on one main plot and theme.
I recommend this book because it is truly enthralling and I could not put it down!

Wow, wow, wow, wow. This book is absolutely incredible! Bob Goff takes you through many of his life stories. And wow...he has had such an incredible life! From saving kids from human traffickers to hiking Half Dome in a snowstorm, to flipping his Jeep, his stories are revealing of his zeal and compassion for people and Jesus.
He encaptures what it truly means to live and how to navigate life while praising the Lord. I highly recommend this book because it is one of the most powerful and rewarding books I have ever read!

As I'm working my way through Pulitzer winners and finalists, I approached Housekeeping with skepticism. I knew nothing about this book other than its inclusion on these lists for "high literature." Having now read it, this book completely underwhelmed me. I'm going to include this with other books of literature like One Hundred Years of Solitude or Ulysses , both of which I found extremely boring and lacking of any kind of plot that I could latch onto. At least this was short and had some occasionally flowery prose.

Even now, thinking back on what I read, I can't pick out anything significant that happened in this book. That I'm having trouble remembering what it was about should indicate how little impact it had on me. I vaguely remember there being something about an aunt who was a drifter and the bigger metaphor of "home is where the heart is." And, of course, extrapolating to the title, I can estimate that we must keep our hearts clean so we can live our best lives. Of course, this is all spitballing as even the synopses I've read to remind me of the plot don't help much either.

If Housekeeping left me with anything, it was a feeling. Like an ephemeral sense that the words that were used were meant as fluid poetry in narrative form. Would I recommend this book on its feeling alone? Probably not. But that's fine. Just because a book has many accolades and lots of people like it doesn't mean that I also have to enjoy it. Perhaps I'm more of a shallow reader for not "getting" these books of high literature, but I also know life is too short to spend time on unsatisfying books.

The essence of a deep poetic treatise on life but in an extremely boring package, I give Housekeeping 2.0 stars out of 5.

This book will always have a special place in my heart because it is SO GOOD! This is my second time reading it, and the plot, characters, and theme are rich with strong vocabulary, enticing twists, and lovely friendships.
love how it illustrates the power of a positive mindset and attitude. The story follows a young girl named Pollyanna who recently lost both of her parents. She must live with her aunt, who has a very hard heart.
Throughout the book, we get to follow Pollyanna through her adventures, ups, and downs while navigating life and family. I highly recommend this book as it has everything for a coming-of-age story!

The political realm is filled with conflicting messages about how economics affects the American people, and what can be done to refine American economics. Thomas Sowell eloquently presents facts and logic about the most common fallacies used by politicians. He covers topics such as the gender wage gap, and the housing market, and that titles of bills or movements are often misleading.
This book is very informative concerning the consequences of championing big government, and not allowing free-market capitalism to run the country. It is a wonderful book to read if you want to learn about the foundation of the American economic system, and how it can be made better so every American can soar with purpose.

Until now, I've enjoyed the somewhat serial format of the novellas from the Murderbot Diaries series. Each story grows the story of the main character with a concise plot that does a little world building along the way. It didn't matter if the characters changed between each book, as the focus was always on the first person perspective. With Exit Strategy, we loop back to the beginning as old faces come back into the major thrust of the plot.

I appreciate that there seems to be an overarching narrative across this series. Now that things are connecting together, it feels like a much more thought-out universe instead of the "flavor of the month" stories that the series could have become. Granted, with each one being so short, this book feels like a solid arrival in the second half of the entire story arc—maybe even the pivotal half-way point. The more the titular Murderbot learns about their universe, the more they cannot silently stand by and let things happen. There's no more time to be passive.

Perhaps the best part about each iteration of this series is how the SecUnit grows to become more human. There are legitimately tough decisions that come up in these novellas that cause the main character to face a choice that either reinforces their programming or pushes them down the path away from those murderbot tendencies. And while Exit Strategy didn't have quite the impact of Rogue Protocol , there's at least an end in sight for where this sequence of events will logically take us. I'm hooked now. I want to see how this all ends.

Familiar faces return as the larger plot comes further into focus, I give Exit Strategy 4.0 stars out of 5.

"Reveal Me" is an absolute masterpiece, a literary gem that shines with brilliance from beginning to end. The author's deft touch weaves a tapestry of mystery and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn. Characters leap off the page, fully realized and deeply compelling, drawing readers into their world. The pacing is flawless, propelling the narrative forward at a relentless pace that leaves no room for boredom or distraction. With its spellbinding plot and unforgettable characters, "Reveal Me" is a triumph of storytelling that deserves every praise it receives.

"An Emotion of Great Delight" is a captivating journey through the depths of euphoria, evoking a profound sense of joy and wonder in the world of a Muslim girl named Shadi. The author masterfully navigates the complexities of human emotions, painting vivid scenes that resonate with readers on a deeply personal level. Each page is infused with a palpable energy that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. While the book undoubtedly delivers on its promise of delight, there were moments where the pacing faltered slightly, hindering the overall flow. Nonetheless, this minor flaw is overshadowed by the sheer brilliance of the author's storytelling, making "An Emotion of Great Delight" a must-read for anyone seeking to experience the full spectrum of human emotion.

"Defy Me" by Tahereh Mafi intrigues readers with its intricate world-building and rich character development. Mafi masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn. The novel's pacing is relentless, propelling the narrative forward with a perfect balance of action, romance, and intrigue. Juliette's journey of self-discovery and growth is both compelling and emotionally resonant, drawing readers deeper into the heart of the story. Overall, "Defy Me" is a thrilling addition to the series that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

In "If I Stay," Gayle Forman crafts a narrative that delves into themes of life, death, and the power of choice. While the novel has garnered praise for its emotional resonance and exploration of complex emotions, it may not appeal to all readers. Some critics have cited issues with pacing and character development, feeling that certain aspects of the story lacked depth. Additionally, the nonlinear structure of the narrative has been divisive, with some finding it engaging while others found it disjointed. Overall, "If I Stay" offers a thought-provoking examination of grief and love, but its execution may leave some readers wanting more coherence and depth.

The Shatter Me series is one of my favorite book series ever. "Shadow Me" is a novella published after the 4th novel, "Restore Me".
"Shadow Me" by Tahereh Mafi provides readers with a glimpse into the mind of Kenji Kishimoto, a beloved character from the series. Through Kenji's perspective, readers gain insight into his thoughts, fears, and motivations, deepening their understanding of his character. Mafi's writing style shines as she navigates Kenji's emotional landscape with honesty and vulnerability, immersing readers in his world of friendship, loyalty, and inner turmoil. With its fast-paced plot and compelling character development, "Shadow Me" is a must-read for fans of the series eager for more insight into Kenji's journey.

Charter Schools and Their Enemies eloquently lays out statistics that show the difference between charter and public schools.
It talks about the reasons why charter schools produce better school-wide academic success based on statistics. It also covers the many pieces of sweeping legislation that have been introduced to prohibit charter schools from being implemented in different states.
Moreover, it explores the future of the educational system with charter schools competing for students with public schools.
Overall, this book was very insightful and compelling about how the education system is expanding, so that parents can have more options about how they choose to educate their children.

Every so often, I read a non-fiction book so eye opening that it continues to stay with me long after reading it. These are the books that point a light at something so obvious that I have to wonder why I didn't see it that way before. And perhaps these are the best non-fiction books because they can pull an entrenched mind out of the status quo to look at the system surrounding it with an entirely new perspective. Bullshit Jobs is one of these books for me.

I've been fortunate to have worked at a job that I like for about 15 years now. But even within these comfortable confines, I see much of what Graeber talks about when he refers to these so-called bullshit jobs. It's present in the bureaucracy, the middle managers, and the micro managers. That almost all jobs today have some element of BS in them shows how pervasive it is in society. Learning the reasons these jobs still exist despite decades of technological efficiencies and improvements is mind-numbingly simple—and equally frustrating.

However, being educated is only half the battle against these kinds of jobs. Actionable plans to get rid of these jobs were scarce in this book. And while I appreciated (and stand by) his intended solution, a few other options that could be enacted in the near term would have been nice. After all, this glut of bullshit jobs keeps unemployment low while also depriving people of the freedom to pursue more fulfilling—albeit not as well paying—creative endeavors. As it stands right now, this book is good at making us aware of the problem, but not necessarily being able to pull ourselves out of it.

An eye-opening book with few solutions, I give Bullshit Jobs 4.0 stars out of 5.

Thomas Sowell, one of the most prominent American economists, opens readers to a whole new side of his life through the letters he wrote to people throughout the 1960-2000s.
The book is comprised of letters which were written by him through the rise of the civil rights movement, to the debate on the effects of minimum wage.
The candid notes in this book reveal the thoughts and beliefs of a controversial but compelling figure in American economics and politics. It was inspiring to watch American history unfold through the eyes of a distinguished American leader. A Man of Letters inspires readers to spark change and never forget America's founding principles.

"Queen of Shadows" by Sarah J. Maas is a continuation of the Throne of Glass series, delivering non-stop action, intricate political intrigue, and romance. As Celaena embraces her true identity as Aelin Galathynius, she returns to Adarlan with vengeance, determined to free her kingdom from tyranny. Maas skillfully orchestrates alliances and betrayals, keeping readers guessing with every twist. From thrilling battles to heart-wrenching reunions, the stakes are higher than ever as Aelin confronts her enemies head-on. With its dynamic characters, gripping plot, and powerful themes of sacrifice and redemption, "Queen of Shadows" is an epic fantasy that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Aelin's journey.

"Heir of Fire" by Sarah J. Maas is an addition to the Throne of Glass series that takes readers on a journey of self discovery, magic, and redemption. As Celaena Sardothien ventures to Wendlyn, she grapples with her identity, haunted by her past and uncertain of her future. Maas intricately weaves together multiple storylines, introducing new characters and expanding the richly detailed world of Erilea. From the breathtaking landscapes of Wendlyn to the intense training sessions with a Fae warrior, Rowan, every moment is filled with suspense and emotion. With its gripping plot twists, powerful character development, and heart-pounding action, "Heir of Fire" is a great continuation of the series.

"The Assassin's Blade" by Sarah J. Maas is a collection of prequel novellas that delve into the backstory of Celaena Sardothien, the assassin of the Throne of Glass series. Through a series of interconnected tales, Maas unravels the intricacies of Celaena's past, exploring her early exploits, friendships, and the events that shaped her into the formidable assassin she is. From the dangerous pirate-infested seas to the courts of rival kingdoms, each novella presents adventures filled with action, intrigue, and unexpected twists. Maas expertly balances character development with excitement, drawing readers deeper into Celaena's world with every story. "The Assassin's Blade" serves as both a prelude to the main series and a standalone masterpiece, offering fans a richer understanding of Celaena's journey and leaving them hungry for more.

"Crown of Midnight" by Sarah J. Maas is a continuation of the Throne of Glass series, diving deeper into the complex world of Celaena Sardothien and the kingdom of Adarlan. As Celaena takes on her role as the king's assassin, she grapples with moral dilemmas, political intrigue, and her own dark past. Maas masterfully crafts a story filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with every chapter. The stakes are higher, the action is more intense, and the emotional depth of the characters is revealed, making this installment a page-turner. With its blend of magic, romance, and high-stakes drama, "Crown of Midnight" is a great continuation of the series.

"Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas is a fantasy novel that follows the journey of Celaena Sardothien, a deadly assassin who is offered a chance at freedom in exchange for competing to become the king's champion. Maas creates a tale of intrigue, magic, and romance as Celaena navigates the dangerous politics of the royal court while uncovering dark secrets about her own past. The novel is filled with action-packed scenes, intricate world-building, and a diverse cast of characters that is very engaging. With its strong female protagonist and unpredictable plot twists, "Throne of Glass" is a gripping read that will appeal to fans of epic fantasy. Maas's dynamic storytelling and immersive writing style make this book a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling adventure.

"One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez is a novel that spans generations, blending magical realism with themes of love, family, and the cyclical nature of history. Set in the fictional town of Macondo, the novel follows the Buendía family through triumphs, tragedies, and the passage of time. García Márquez's prose and vivid imagery create a picture of Colombian culture and folklore, immersing readers in a world where the extraordinary is commonplace. As the Buendía family grapples with their destinies and the ghosts of the past, García Márquez creates a narrative that transcends time and place, offering insights into the human condition. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" is a masterpiece of literature that enchants, leaving a mark on all who read it.

"The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro is a novel that explores themes of duty, regret, and the passage of time. Set in post-World War II England, it follows the life of Stevens, a butler reflecting on his decades of service at Darlington Hall. Through Stevens' introspective narration, Ishiguro skillfully reveals the inner workings of a man dedicated to his profession to the detriment of his personal life. As Stevens embarks on a journey to confront his past, readers are drawn into an exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of missed opportunities. Ishiguro's elegant prose and subtle storytelling make "The Remains of the Day" a timeless piece, inviting readers to ponder the meaning of loyalty and the nature of true greatness.

"Othello" by William Shakespeare is a tragedy that delves into themes of jealousy, manipulation, and racial prejudice. The play follows the Moorish general Othello as he navigates the treacherous waters of Venetian society, facing betrayal from those closest to him. Shakespeare masterfully crafts characters like Iago, whose schemes drive the devastating downfall of Othello and those around him. Through powerful soliloquies and scenes of emotional turmoil, Shakespeare explores the fragility of trust and the destructive power of unchecked jealousy. "Othello" stands as a timeless work of literature, showcasing Shakespeare's ability to probe the depths of the human psyche with unparalleled insight and complexity.

"Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte is a haunting tale of passion, revenge, and the destructive power of obsession. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, Bronte creates a narrative that delves deep into the complexities of human nature and the dark corners of the human psyche. Through the relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine, Bronte explores themes of social class, love, and the relentless cycle of vengeance. The novel's richly drawn characters and evocative prose create an immersive reading experience that lingers in the mind long after the final page. "Wuthering Heights" stands as a timeless classic of English literature, captivating readers with its raw emotion and portrayal of the human heart's capacity for both love and cruelty.

"Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison is a profound exploration of identity, race, and society in mid-20th-century America. Ellison's masterful storytelling and vivid prose paint a gripping portrait of an unnamed African American protagonist navigating a world that refuses to see him as an individual. Through his journey, the protagonist grapples with the complexities of self-discovery and the nature of prejudice and invisibility. Ellison's exploration of themes such as the quest for recognition and the power dynamics inherent in society resonates with readers long after they turn the final page. "Invisible Man" is a timeless classic known for its insightful commentary on the human condition and the pursuit of identity in a world that often seeks to render individuals invisible.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a prequel to the first book The Hunger Games. This book shines a new light on how you see the overall world of the Hunger Games. The main protagonist in this book is Coriolanus Snow the ruler over the Capitol in the original Hunger Games. It was an odd spin on the book, but it works out perfectly. The number of characters from the original book that are in this book helps it feel more connected to the original series. It also shows how in this world the richest stay the richest and hardly anyone new climbs up the ranks to become wealthy and powerful. In The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the Hunger Games are also viewed a different way. It is viewed as a way of power over the districts, so they don't have any of the tributes perform, unlike the 74th Hunger Games. I picked this book because I wanted to know what happened before the original Hunger Games. I enjoyed the world-building the most in this book. This book surprised me quite a bit because I didn't think I would like it as much as I did. This is definitely one of my favorite books I've read this year.

Mockingjay is the third book in The Hunger Games series. After the events of the 75th Hunger Games District 12 was destroyed, leading to even more uprisings across the districts. In the book Katniss and her allies try to recruit districts to their cause with the help of the newly rediscovered District 13. After everything is planned out the districts start an all-out war with the capitol. With both sides fighting fiercely, it could go any way. I chose to review this book because it is the 3rd book in The Hunger Games series. I enjoyed the war between the Capitol and the Districts the most in this book. This book is fairly predictable. I could relate to Katniss Everdeen in this book because she stands up for what's right even if it's not the easiest route to take like I do.

The Hunger Games Catching Fire is a sequel to the first book in the series The Hunger Games. The book takes place after the 74th Hunger Games where Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark from District Twelve unexpectedly won the Hunger Games. Katniss, Peeta, and their loved ones were far from safe even after The Hunger Games due to their defiance against the Capitol. The districts were starting to rebel against the Capitol because of what happened in the 74th Hunger Games. President Snow (the leader of the Capitol) forces Katniss and Peetah to make the districts as well as himself believe that they weren't trying to defy the Capitol. After several failed attempts to calm the districts down President Snow took action when the Third Quarter Quell (75th Hunger Games) took place. I picked this book because it is a prequel to The Hunger Games. I enjoyed getting to know the aftermath of the 74th Hunger Games the most. My least favorite part of the book is how they handled The Hunger Games. I didn't feel like it was nearly as intense or interesting as the 74th Hunger Games. This book is also fairly predictable. I could relate to Katniss Everdeen in this book because she didn't know her allies from her enemies in the book, and I'm not too good at reading people in real life. This isn't one of my favorite books but it's definitely a solid book.

The Hunger Games is set in a dystopian world where the Capitol controls 12 districts. Every year each district is required to send in 2 tributes to compete in the Hunger Games. One female and one male between the ages of 12-18 are drawn at random to compete in the hunger games. The Hunger Games takes place in an arena where all tributes fight to the death until one tribute is last standing and crowned the winner. Tributes can also earn an advantage over other tributes before the games even begin by becoming liked by the general audience of the Hunger Games. If the audience likes a tribute in the Hunger Games, they are more likely to get a sponsor to send them supplies while they are in the arena. I read this book because of the dystopian genre. I enjoyed reading about the tributes in the arena the most in this book. This book is fairly predictable but that doesn't make it any less good to read. This is probably my favorite book of all time.

This book is about a young girl named Coraline. When Coraline moves into her new house, she finds a weird door in her house that is supposedly bricked off. Later she revisits the door to find out that the bricks are randomly gone. She goes through the door which leads her to an alternate life where everything seems creepily perfect. Everything seems much better in the other world. One weird detail is that everyone in the other world, except for Coraline has button eyes. Is the other world as good as it seems? I picked this book because of the genre. I enjoyed how creative and creepy the book was the most. This book surprised me when I found out about what the other world was. This is one of the best books I've read this year and recommend it.