Ralphie Rough Road

“Waking Up” by Sam Harris

Non-fiction, 206 pages

This book had its good moments.  However, there were entire chapters I felt were a waste of my time.  His style is a bit too abrasive at times, for me personally.  The chapter regarding psychedelics was intriguing and interesting.  This was another book, Shane requested from the library and I decided to check it out while we had it.  I guess my hopes were higher than the book could deliver.

Although it’s a short book, it felt like it took me forever to read.  Some chapters were more interesting than others turning a short read into a long one.   The lesson here, stick with picking books on my own.  🙂

“The Coincidence Makers” by Yoav Blum

Fiction, 291 pages

I was excited about this book.  Yet, I found it hard to get into.  It was a different and interesting story but also hard to follow at times.  I found myself wanting to read until the end just to see how it ended.  However, this was not a page turner for me.

In fact, I felt this would be a book best read again after knowing how it ends.  I think a second read through would make the entire novel make more sense.  Not sure if this is due to my retention or the book is really hard to follow.

I declined reading it through a second time.  In my opinion, a book should make sense the first time through with an ending tying most everything together.

“Lying In Wait” by Liz Nugent

Fiction, 310 pages

Unlike the previous two books, this was a page turner and an easy read.  I read this one in record time, for me.  Reading the last 200 pages in two days, it was tough to put down.

Loved how it was written from 3 different perspectives.  It was easy to become intrigued by each of the characters.  The plot was exciting and the ending, well I did not see it coming.

I recommend this book.  Perfect for a cold winter night on the couch with a cup of hot tea cuddled under a blanket.

“The 7.5 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” by Stuart Turton

Fiction, 430 pages

What a fantastic and unique book.  The author A.J. Finn said it best in his review, “Agatha Christie meets Groundhog Day”.  What a wild ride of a novel.  Each of the characters are vivid and imaginative.  I found myself drawn to each with their unique personalities.

A word of caution, you must pay attention while reading this book.  It requires the reader to keep track of 8 different hosts of the narrator.  Switching back and forth between each of them throughout the book, it requires some focus and memory.  But I loved it.

I actually read the first forty or so pages and found myself confused (because I did not really pay attention like I should have).  In this case, I re-read the first forty pages, which helped immensely.

I really enjoyed the premise behind the novel.  The author makes wonderful use of a fictional platform to bring light to an issue.  I will leave it at that, would hate to spoil it for you.

Read this book and pay attention.  Enjoy the ride!

That catches up my book reading for the last month and a half.  I have a few more books to round out the year.  Until then, happy ready blogging world.