Chaos & Confetti

Even when life gets a bit more hectic, I try to find the time to read.  From February to April, I squeezed in thirteen books.  I may be behind my usual number of books by this point in the year, but I am still proud I got through so many.  I am also happy that my successful comic reading didn’t fall apart like it can sometimes when other life needs start taking priority.  

As always, books will be rated on a 1 – 5 star scale with 1 being bad, 2 being meh, 3 being good, 4 being great, and 5 being absolutely excellent.  If you enjoy what you see and don’t want to wait until the next book post, please follow us on Goodreads.  We’ll stay consistently updated there before compiling our month’s reading and thoughts here.

The comics I have read will also be included at the end of the post.  Those will just be listed and not officially reviewed.  However, if you ever want to hear about any specific comic in particular or want my thoughts, don’t be afraid to ask.  I enjoy discussing everything I read. 

Let’s Go!

I Came to Say Goodbye by Caroline Overington – 3/5 Stars

Med, a resident of New South Wales, Australia, recounts the heartbreaking tales of his life and those of his children.  When his wife walks out on him, he is left to care for kids he doesn’t know how to properly parent.  Med’s story is one looking for understanding for both his and his children’s actions.  

I Came to Say Goodbye is a unique story that is difficult to talk about without spoiling.  It is hard to predict where the novel is going because it’s full of unexpected turns and tragedy, in a way giving the book a sense of realness and rawness.  Med is written in a very human and relatable way, even if the reader will not always care for his actions.  

Overington is successful at pulling at readers’ emotions, as I found myself on the verge of tears several times and at others wondered if I could finish a book that could make me feel so sad.  This is an emotional ride.

Where the books falls down is its writing style, which may fit Med’s more down to earth and simplistic character, but is still harder to read through.  Also, some of the conclusions and messages of Med’s/the story’s feel a bit off.  

This is a harder book to recommend fully because why would I want anyone to feel sad or to read through what at times feels like a hate letter towards the Australian government/courts/and welfare system?  However, for those who enjoy fictional stories that feel authentic and evoke a lot of emotions, I Came to Say Goodbye may be the book for you.  

Olivia Strauss is Running Out of Time by Angela Brown – 3.5/5 Stars

As Olivia Strauss turns thirty-nine, she feels the weight of aging while still assuming she has plenty of time left to do all the things she’s been meaning to get around to: chasing dreams, prioritizing her relationships, and taking care of herself.  Then, Olivia’s friend takes her to a special clinic that claims it can give the exact date of someone’s death.  Suddenly, Olivia sees her time as a much more finite resource.  Olivia decides to start making the most of the life she has left, even if it might seem a little crazy.

Olivia Strauss is Running Out of Time will feel relatable to anyone who has ever felt stuck in a rut, especially as their lives settle into routine.  The novel gives a clear message of: live life now and don’t wait as your time runs out.  Live!  The story’s intent is obvious but it still does a good job of delivering it in an enjoyable fashion.  As Olivia discovers her own path towards making her life her own, she provides a lot of emotional depth and humor for the readers, even if she does get into her own head a bit too much at times.

Though Olivia is a relatable and fun character, many of those around her come off as a little more bland or two-dimensional.  The novel shines most when it’s focusing on the human experiences and elements of Olivia’s life-crisis.

Olivia Strauss is Running Out of Time is perfect for those feeling the pressure of age or those who also want to start the next great stage of their life.       

Clown in the Cornfield by Adam Cesare – 3/5 Stars

Quinn Maybrook and her father move to Kettle Springs for a new start.  However, Quinn isn’t so sure the outdated and slowly dying town is the right fit for her, especially since she’s now so removed from the life she knows and prefers.  Quinn believes if she can just make it through this next year of school, she can escape Kettle Springs and get her life back on track.  A whole school year may be aiming a little high though when Quinn should really be thinking about surviving the night.  When the town’s clown mascot goes on a massacre, all bets are off.

Clown in the Cornfield is a fast paced young adult horror.  The novel is a strong mix of scares, action, and twists.  The novel reads like a good popcorn flick.  The entertainment level is high even if the story doesn’t merit much literary analysis.  The cast and setting are established enough to give readers a good feel for them and to get readers to care a bit about the characters’ fates when things start falling apart for them.

The novel’s biggest achievement is staying interesting throughout.  There is never a dull moment as the cast of characters is put through a living nightmare in a highly enjoyable (to the reader) way.  

Those who enjoy horror, slashers, and gore will find exactly what they want in Clown in the Cornfield.  The story will fly by as readers devour the kills and twists littered all over the book.

Small Moves Big Gains by Nancy Motley – 4/5 Stars

Nancy Motley gathers together numerous teaching strategies that will help students talk more, think more, and achieve more.  Motley aims to get the most success out of the smallest effort.

Nancy’s strategies are meant to be quick to implement with little to no preparation.

Many experienced educators will look at the ideas within Small Moves and think “no duh,” but that turns out to be the beauty of the book.  The teaching skills presented are probably many that teachers have learned before and may already be using to some degree.  However, Motley’s approaches how to best implement each with little effort and how to maximize their effectiveness.  Even practices that are already in use may come in ways that enhance them.  

Each skill is presented with ways and reasons to use it, along with examples on how to differentiate them and apply them to different learning groups.  

Small Moves Big Gains feels like a guide to common sense teaching strategies, but it is also a guide to how to finally get around to implementing those strategies and rolling them out effectively.  I would recommend this book to teachers of any level or content area.

Scattered Showers by Rainbow Rowell – 3.5/5 Stars

Rainbow Rowell presents a collection of nine love stories, some completely original and others bring back characters from her other works.  

Scattered Showers is a solid collection of love stories that feel aimed at a more young adult audience, even if not all the protagonists fit that age range.  The stories cover high schoolers discussing the merits of a dance, college-aged people dealing with changing lives, adults handling their fears of covid and closeness, encounters with trolls under a bridge, texts about possible romantic opportunities, the anticipation of a big movie, and the idea of becoming part of a leaving an unwritten purgatory.  Whether Rowell is exploring a more realistic scenario or letting her imagination run a bit more wild, she does a good job of giving readers a story to sink their teeth into and characters to enjoy.

Like any short story collection, different stories will probably appeal to different readers.  However, none of the tales are a complete dud, and each one offers a lot of likeability.  If you’re a reader who is in the mood for some romance and cheesiness, Scattered Showers may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt – 4/5 Stars

Tova Sullivan works in an aquarium in Sowell Bay.  This is work she takes pride in and hides within to avoid her loss and loneliness.  At the aquarium is Marcellus, a giant pacific octopus, who knows and see more than anyone expects.  His days are numbered, but Marcellus plans to help his friend Tova before its all over.  Finally, there is Cameron Cassmore.  Cameron has struggled to make anything of himself, as his friends are getting married and having kids. Now, he shows up in Sowell Bay looking for his father along with some possible cash to get his life back on track.  What Cameron finds instead may be what he finally needs to figure himself out.    

Despite having a supersmart octopus who gets to narrate his own chapters and plays an important part in the story, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a mostly grounded novel.  It’s full of complex characters all dealing with their own struggles, hopes, and limitations.  Even when characters make bad choices or act like manchildren (Cameron), their motives are understandable and they remain mostly likable.  The important aspect is that characters learn and grow as the story progresses.  The novel will pull at heart strings and emotions while always remaining hopeful.

The plot remains simple and pretty predictable, but the magic of this one comes from the strong writing and great character work.  Any major moments and revelations are all done in service of the characters and their journeys.  Van Pelt is able to build characters that readers will care about and want to see get their proper endings.  The close knit community she surrounds her main characters with also contains depth, which make them just as important to the story and helps the book feel more alive.

Remarkably Bright Creatures will be appreciated by readers who look for great character work and hopeful reads.    

The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros – 3/5 Stars

After a very public divorce from one of the world’s most famous directors, Georgia Stanton returns to Colorado, the home of her great grandmother’s estate.  That great grandmother was Scarlett Stanton, possibly the greatest romance novelist ever.   Georgia returns to Colorado just in time to catch her mother trying to make a deal in selling the rights to Scarlett’s unfinished book, one meant to capture the heartbreaking love story of Scarlett’s own life.  As the actual owner of the rights, Georgia moves forward, allowing best-selling author Noah Harrison the opportunity to finish the book, as long as Georgia gives final approval.  Georgia and Noah don’t see eye-to-eye on a lot of topics, including the direction of the novel, but they may soon find they agree on matters of the heart.

On the surface, The Things We Leave Unfinished fits the traditional mold of romance novels where two seemingly mismatched people are forced to work together and then slowly discover their love for one another.  While the novel definitely follows that pattern and many of the tropes of romance literature, including barely contained sexual desires (which don’t stay contained), it is able to rise above the standard stock through its character work and strong writing style.

Yarros is able to give her characters depth as she has them deal with the juxtaposition of their budding feelings and the baggage each carries.  Georgia and Noah alternate perspective chapters and each is given their own fully fleshed out character arcs.

At the risk of adding too much, Yarros also interweaves the love story of Scarlett Stanton throughout the novel.  This acts as a period piece romance housed without the modern day story.  Surprisingly, the extra love story works and only works to compliment its modern day counterpart.

The Things We Leave Unfinished is a layered love story that should please both lovers of the genre and those who want more from it.

The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens – 3/5 Stars

Joe Talbot’s college class requires him to interview a stranger and write their life story.  Joe soon ends up at a nearby nursing home, getting the life story of an ill and aging convicted murderer, Carl Iverson.  Carl’s claims of innocence begin to sound less farfetched to Joe, who quickly become determined to absolve the man before it’s too late for him to enjoy his regained reputation.

The Life We Bury feels like a standard mystery/thriller centering on a cold case that heats up very quickly.  The plot moves along at a brisk pace and there are enough twists and action sequences to keep readers going.    

The characters are likable and Joe is given enough depth to make him a protagonist worth rooting for.  Yes, he’ll make some boneheaded and unrealistic decisions, but nothing comes off as too eye rolling.  Readers simply have to accept that college students will step up where law enforcement and detectives can’t.  Joe’s determination to find truth and his deep caring for his special needs brother give him enough depth to help him stand out slightly from other mystery/thriller heroes.

 The Life We Bury is solid mystery/thriller that should leave lovers of the genre more than satisfied.

It Ended Badly: Thirteen of the Worst Breakups in History by Jennifer Wright – 3.5/5 Stars

Jennifer Wright looks across cultures and eras to share thirteen of the worst breakups in history.  

It Ended Badly is perfect for those who love history and strange facts.  Wright’s breakup stories span from ancient Rome to  medieval England to the renaissance to 1950s Hollywood.  Each tale gives the gritty details while also providing plenty of historical context and other fun facts about the time period.

For the most part, Wright keeps her stories entertaining and thematically fitting.  Each breakup feels well researched before being turned into an easily digestible and humorous tale.  Some of her retellings do feel more like an excuse to talk about the specific historical events or people, but the entertainment value stays high.

Wright tries to use her breakup stories to pull lessons or morals for modern relationships.  These can be hit or miss, or at least feel slightly stretched.

It Ended Badly is a unique way to learn about some history and to remind yourself that your own breakups could have been worse.

The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners by Sabrina Little – 4/5 Stars

Ultramarathon runner, Sabrina Little views running and competition through a philosophical lens, looking into the norms and attitudes that contribute towards running culture and those that athletic activities may produce.  Little delves into the ethics of sports and how when used correctly, they may shape better virtues and morals within their participants.

Little begins The Examined Run by warning that its content does require a more thoughtful and slower paced reading.  In many ways, the book reads like a philosophy textbook or a dissertation.  Definitions, theories, and sources are all clearly laid out and established throughout, with some even being repeated in case a section is read out of order.  As someone who is neither a runner nor a seasoned philosopher, I appreciated the extra step to keep me on top of Little’s claims and ideas.

Despite being very focused on running and feeling intended for a more athletic audience, Little’s writing felt very approachable and understandable.  Without leaning too far into the comedic side, Little does a good job of including just enough character and humor into her prose to keep her big ideas grounded and enjoyable.  In terms of writing style, Little crafted a solid and accessible piece of text.

Thankfully, the actual content of Little’s writing also delivers.  Her clearly well throughout and researched material provides a good dose of insight into the world of running and athletic, while also exploring many of the aspects that shape those who perform in them.  Little is able to highlight the positives of disciplined athletics so well it almost made me want to pick up running.

The Examined Run is a great resource for those who enjoy either athletics or philosophy, and provides good thought into why both matter.

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer – 4.5/5 Stars

After surviving a childhood that lacked enough love and attention, Lucy Hart is looking to give what she never had to Christopher, a former student and orphan.  However, the road to successful adoption appears less likely than ever, until Lucy is given the opportunity of a lifetime.  Jack Masterson, the most famous children’s author ever, has returned after years of absence with a new book.  He invites four guests, Lucy included, to his island for an opportunity to win the only copy of the book in existence.  Lucy knows that winning the book from her all-time favorite author would be life changing, but does she have what it takes to win?

The Wishing Game is a sweet and charming read that acknowledges the hardships that people go through while also standing firmly in the belief of hopes and dreams.  The characters deal with issues of loss, self-doubt, illness, toxic-relationships, and trauma, but problems are handled as things they can be fixed, overcome, or at least accepted in healthy ways.  While some may wish for a gritter and more realistic approach to these issues, The Wishing Game tries to portray a path of positivity and rising above our struggles (results may vary for different readers).

Lucy Hart is an easy to root for protagonist, and the rest of the cast, including author Jack Masterson and illustrator Hugo, are also very likable.  Even Lucy’s competition mostly lacks unlikability, simply being fellow fans of Masterson’s and people who have their own wishes.  

Jack is a man of riddles, quirkiness, and mystery, so it’s fun to solve some of the puzzles given to the characters alongside them, but those are quickly set aside for more character work.  While I personally would have enjoyed more riddles and puzzles, I also understand the need for the novel to focus on more important themes and the actual character arcs.

The Wishing Game is a light and enjoyable read, which wants to leave its readers feeling good and hopeful.  Tougher issues are brought up, but the novel does its best to avoid ever becoming a downer.  I recommend The Wishing Game to those who like a little whimsy and upbeat reading.           

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton – 4/5 Stars

Aiden Bishop must solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcaste, which will take place at 11:00pm.  Aiden will have eight chances to figure out who the murderer is as he relives the same day through eight different hosts.  Each host will bring their own set of skills and deficits.  Aiden is not the only one trying to solve the murder though, and his competition may feel that the best way to gain an edge is simply to kill Aiden too.  It’s a race of truth and survival in this twisted competition.

The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle does a great job of balancing an interesting plot (the murder mystery and hosts swaps) with good character work.  Aiden’s lack of both memories and a firm self-identity allow for entertaining points of conflict throughout the novel as he tries to piece together the world around and within him.  It’s hard to know who to trust or what to do, when a character doesn’t even know their own motives.

While the novel can drag at a few points, due the recursive nature of the story, Turton does a good job of making further revelations feel rewarding and earned due to Aiden’s previous experiences.  As pieces fit together, are reshaped, and refit together, the reader goes on a wild ride alongside the protagonist.  The layered mysteries of murder, deception, memory loss, and more allow for the novel to give plenty of bread crumbs and twists without ever feeling like too much has been shown or thrown at the reader.  The story and plot build wonderfully.

The 7 ½ Death of Evelyn Hardcastle is a great read for those who are looking for a solid mystery novel with an interesting twist.

The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid – 2.5/5 Stars

Anders wakes up one morning to discover that his once white skin has darkened overnight.  Soon, others join him in this transformation.  A changing world brings questions of identity and societal unrest.  While the world around him struggles to accept a new reality, Anders must figure out how to handle the changes in the relationships around him.

After setting up an interesting premise, The Last White Man decides to focus more on Anders and Oona, Anders’ girlfriend, and the small world around them.  Readers get tastes of the changing world at large, but it mainly stays unexplored.  The wider world is mostly painted as potentially hostile with groups resistant to the change, but the deeper impacts on society are left to the imagination.  Instead, the novel highlights Anders and Oona’s relationships with each other and their parents.  While the change in skin tone definitely affects these relationships and the actions of the characters, it feels secondary to so much else.  They observe how their community and its reactions to the worldwide darkening of skin tones, yet it often feels limited by one or two characters’ points of view, especially when those two characters keep mostly to themselves.  

The messages of The Last White Man feel muddy.  There are obviously themes of family, race, self-identity, and media presence, but the short vignettes of the main characters’ lives, never seem to delve deep enough.  Readers are left with impressions that can best be interpreted as love is important, race only kind of matters, and some media can be poisonous to its listeners.  

While the writing style wasn’t my cup of tea, I’m still left wondering about how the transformations altered the world beyond Anders and Oona’s immediate circles.  Also, since the novel is told mostly from the point of view of white/formerly-white characters, the perspective of someone of color also feels absent.        

The Last White Man puts forth an interesting premise and gives a lot for readers to ponder, but this shorter novel will leave a lot unsaid and unexplored.  

Comics Read:

• Amazing Spider-Man vol. 4: Dark Web by Zeb Wells
• Amazing Spider-Man vol. 5: Dead Language Part 1 by Zeb Wells
• Amazing Spider-Man vol. 6: Dead Language Part 2 by Zeb Wells
• Damage Control: New Employee Handbook by Adam F. Goldberg
• Dark Web by Zeb Wells and various Marvel authors
• Headlocked: Tales from the Road vol. 1 by Michael Kingston
• Headlocked: Tales from the Road vol. 2 by Michael Kingston
• Headlocked: Tales from the Road vol. 3 by Michael Kingston
• MurderWorld by Jim Zub
• Ultimate Spider-Man issues 1-4 by Jonathon Hickman