Roswatheist

Not Good Science (but I love it anyway)

Revisado: 03-30-25

Let me say first that I'm completely biased; I love Wil Wheaton and I adore John Scalzi, so my review stars are likely a smidge inflated. Second, a fluffing (and fluff censorship, but what else to do?) work training got in the way of my listening to this quickly and cleanly on the first day.

Okay, now to the meat and potatoes (to go with my cheese) of my review: this book is WEIRD. If you haven't read Scalzi short stories, this might be too weird for you. I think, though, that if you haven't read about yogurt taking over the world or household appliances gossiping about humans, your lack of notice is kinda your problem. Also to the bad science, and the argument for this being the last in something of a goofy trilogy, I still enjoyed the story, particularly for the reactions of the characters. I would still highly recommend reading or listening to this, as lighthearted fun is sorely needed these days.

Finally, I would like to think that we as a species are going to wake up at some point and realize that burning to death when it's perfectly preventable makes now entirely as ridiculous and laughable as this story. I had such a great time, hearing the amusement in Wil's voice and I can't wait for the next book.

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A Twist Too Far

Revisado: 12-28-24

Though the last twist was well set up, it was a bit much and the loose ends were kind of frustrating. Like others, I'm pleased I didn't spend a credit on this, though I did have a good time listening to it.

The moral of the story seems to be that there are some fluffed up people out there.

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Fun Continuation

Revisado: 09-06-24

*Slight spoiler* I have loved Bob and Ray Porter since I found the Bobiverse six years ago. I was thrilled at Teresa's induction to the Moot; I'd enjoyed meeting her in Heaven's River very much. More Skippy shenanigans, AIs, and dragon relations, oh my! An incredible galactic mystery is presented and sets up an intriguing puzzle for the Bobs to work through in the next installment.

Seriously, if you're already familiar with Bob, this is a satisfying (though not satiating) addition to the Bobiverse; if you aren't, and I'm not sure why you wouldn't be, but get on it! I'm looking forward to book 6 and dread the long wait.

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Not Safe For Public Consumption

Revisado: 08-11-24

If you don't want to look like you've lost every bit of your mind, please listen to this in the comfort of your home. I laughed so hard throughout. The narrator is a gem. The family dynamic between Charlie, his sister, his daughter, and his chosen family is touching and spiced with ribald humor. Highly recommend.

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Eerily Relevant

Revisado: 07-13-24

I'm ashamed to say that I hadn't been familiar with Octavia E Butler until recently and now I'm obsessed. This is the third of her books I've read or listened to and I'm shocked at how prophetic some parts of this and Parable of the Sower are. For clarification, there is a successful authoritarian whose supporters are enemies of democracy, dignity, and freedom.

The reality-based plots of these two books paint a terrifying image of current events. (I'll probably edit this review when I've had a chance to think a little more because I'm still just so in awe of the stories and how well they are written.)

The narration was fantastic, but the editing was odd; the beginnings and ends of chapters were abruptly started and stopped. It was distracting, but the performances pulled me back into the story.

The closest comparison to another author's work to Ms. Butler's, would probably be Margaret Atwood. Enjoy isn't the correct word, but I definitely, deeply appreciate their skill and I'm heartbroken to know that when I've finished all of her books, no further stories will be available by Octavia E Butler. If you appreciate The Handmaid's Tale, this duo is for you.

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Different Accents

Revisado: 05-12-24

I was most distracted by a character having a different accent nearly each time they appeared. This applies to all but one of the male characters, and a few of the female characters. I wasn't as impressed with the story as were other reviewers; it was interesting, just not the marvel of ingenuity that was claimed. To be fair, I read a lot.

All of that aside, this was a good book and the narrator did mostly a good job.

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The Missing Phrase

Revisado: 02-25-24

This story was written masterfully, in that the author never once said the phrase guaranteed to anger certain people, though the plot is dripping with that particular kind of patriarchal attitudes (I'm challenging myself to also not use the phrase in this review).

Every Smile You Fake is somewhat like Gone Girl, where a fictional recreation of a real-world event is shockingly familiar and over-the-top, but still credible. If you don't recognize a particular character, I envy you your sand pile into which you've buried your head.

This is the fourth Koomson novel I've listened to, but the first I wasn't able to pause for a second. The narration was lovely; both ladies' tones were enjoyable, despite the subject matter. There was one misdirection that I didn't like, but it didn't detract from the story as a whole.

Overall, feminists will appreciate this story and should recommend it to family and loved ones who have fallen into wackadoo conspiracy theories and poisonous propaganda. There was no TERF behavior by any characters, even the antagonist(s). Please read or listen to this book. Edit: Challenge achieved.

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Crucial Conversations

Revisado: 02-24-24

I found I Hope They're Not Listening on YouTube an hour-and-a-half ago and a blown away. The courage Miss Amber displays in expressing ideas that are dangerous to pearl-clutchers is deeply moving and important for those who may not otherwise hear different perspectives.

As a longtime admirer of Lucien Greaves and Neil deGrasse-Tyson, I'm grateful for their willingness to come on a somewhat small podcast. I wish I'd found it sooner!

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One of My Favorite Books by Mercedes Lackey

Revisado: 11-04-23

I have enjoyed reading this book many times over the past twenty years, so was quite excited when I saw that it was finally available on Audible. Ms. Lackey is my favorite fantasy author. The stolen artifacts and subsequent fraud are an interesting storyline. Native American culture seems well respected in this novel and Jennifer is a lovely protagonist.

Now about the narration: I'm not usually terribly picky about how my story is read to me, but I was incredibly distracted during the whole book by mispronunciations and words being flipped. For instance, Huey Long was pronounced, "H-way", and fate worse than death turned into, "a death worse than fate". Besides this and pauses in odd places, her tone and pacing were good, which saved my performance rating.

Overall, I love this story and distractions aside, this is a wonderful book that I recommend you read or hear.

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A Toxoplasmosis-Induced Fairy Tale

Revisado: 09-19-23

I, too, am impacted. All kittening aside, I enjoyed this story. Being transported to the lair by Scalzi and Wheaton was a fantastic ride. I particularly liked the original use of tropes. Imaginatively repackaging them is my favorite thing about reading or listening to Mr. Scalzi's books. Though not as deep as The Collapsing Empire series, this story is as relevant to current issues. Go dolphins! Seriously, use your credit; you won't regret it.

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