Book Review: Mortal Zin by Diane Schaffer

02/10/2025crime, Humor, Mystery, noir, Surreal Fiction, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Diane Schaffer
Release Date: 4 March 2025
Series: A Mortal Zin Mystery (Book #1)
Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Humour
Format: E-book
Pages: 408 pages
Publisher: Sibylline Press
Blurb:
A crusading attorney’s death. Sabotage at a family winery. Secrets buried in California’s past…When corporate attorney Noli Cooper visits her godparents’ Santa Cruz Mountain winery, she’s hoping for a few quiet days to consider her future. But the future will have to wait. The body of her childhood mentor, a crusading social justice lawyer and local hero, is discovered in a rocky ocean cove. The sheriff is quick to call it suicide. Noli knows he’s wrong. Teaming up with PI Luz Alvarado, Noli dives into a world where nothing is as it seems.

As threats mount and the winery teeters on the brink of ruin, Noli and Luz must navigate a treacherous landscape of greed, revenge, and long-buried secrets. Their investigation weaves through the rich tapestry of California’s vineyard history, the mystery of zinfandel grapes, and the haunting legacy of the Vietnam War. With a murderer on the loose, predatory neighbors circling, and Noli’s godfather framed for murder, the clock is ticking. Can two fearless women from different worlds unravel the truth before it’s too late?

Review

Mortal Zin is a lively, character-driven novel that blends crime, suspense, and a touch of dark humor into a story that feels gritty as well as entertaining. From the opening chapters, the book throws readers into a world of ambition, temptation, and danger, where choices are rarely clean and every action carries weight. It’s the kind of story that keeps you engaged with its mix of sharp dialogue, fast pacing, and a cast of flawed, unforgettable characters.

What stands out most is how the author builds atmosphere. The settings feel vivid as bars, back alleys, and quiet corners all carry an undercurrent of tension, making the reader feel like something is always about to happen. The tone shifts seamlessly between high-stakes tension and wry humor, offering moments of relief without ever letting go of the suspense. This balance gives the book an energy that pulls you along while still allowing space to appreciate its layered characters.

At its heart, Mortal Zin is a story about choices and consequences. It digs into how people justify their actions, whether driven by greed, survival, or loyalty, and what happens when those justifications unravel. The protagonist’s arc is particularly compelling, as he is constantly walking the line between control and chaos, morality and survival.

Overall, Mortal Zin is a smart, engaging read for anyone who enjoys crime fiction with depth. It isn’t just about the mechanics of the plot, but about the people who inhabit it, their flaws, ambitions, and the shadows they carry. Suspenseful, atmospheric, and at times darkly funny, it’s a book that will resonate with fans of noir and contemporary thrillers alike.

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Book Review: Operation Dragonhead (PEOPLE MAKING DANGER) by Adam Fike

30/09/202530/09/2025Humor, noir, satire, Science-Fiction, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Adam Fike
Release Date: 19 March, 2021
Series: PEOPLE MAKING DANGER
Genre: Science-Fiction, Satire
Format: E-book
Pages: 78 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
MID-CENTURY SCI-FI SATIRE – Early one morning at the end of the 1950s, an impressive, highly coordinated Army training exercise goes off without a hitch. Until frightened town folk decide to fight back. Based on a true story.
PEOPLE MAKING DANGER is a collection of quick, fun, three-act, feature-length stories, full of suspense, surprises and dark humor. All told in the present tense. Like reading a movie.

Review

Operation Dragonhead by Adam Fike is a wildly inventive, satirical tale that blurs the line between Cold War paranoia, small-town Americana, and comic-book absurdity. Based on a real-life Army exercise in the 1950s, the story reimagines the chaos through the eyes of farmers, townsfolk, and overzealous generals who mistake, or encourage others to mistake, routine maneuvers for a full-blown alien invasion. What unfolds is a sharp, humorous critique of fear, authority, and the fragile trust between citizens and institutions.

What I loved most about this story is its tonal balance. Author Adam Fike layers sharp political commentary beneath a playful, almost cinematic surface. The exaggerated characters, the blustering General Hammertree, the wide-eyed townsfolk, the opportunistic local elites feel like archetypes, yet they capture something essential about human behavior in times of confusion. The dialogue brims with wit, and the pacing keeps the reader engaged, moving seamlessly between tense military briefings and farcical encounters with “aliens.”

Overall, Operation Dragonhead is more than a quirky historical fiction piece, it’s a mirror held up to both the absurdity and the danger of orchestrated fear. Readers who enjoy a mix of satire, history, and speculative playfulness will find this story as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

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Book Review: BILLY 9F by David Finley

16/09/202515/09/2025Dystopian, Humor, satire, Science-Fiction, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: David Finley
Release Date: 3 November, 2021
~~Series~~:
Genre: YA Dystopian Satire, YA Humor, YA Adventure, YA Science Fiction
Format: E-book
Pages: 204 pages
Publisher: FINWORKS
Blurb:
Like Orwell’s 1984 — but even funnier!
In a grim School-centred dystopia where humour is outlawed and laughter—even a single HA!—is met with an excruciating electric shock to the neck, Billy 9F is the ultimate threat: he’s a Class Clown. When he’s labeled a menace for his extremely convincing and sublimely funny fake snot, barf and turd pranks, Billy joins a underground comedic resistance movement with a mysterious new student, Jamie 9F, her mysterious grandfather, the Major, an ultra-mysterious revolutionary leader named Poopoo the Clown, and Billy’s not-at-all

mysterious but highly malfunctioning android mentor, Uncle Mike. To free his imprisoned parents, save his little sister’s life and liberate the joyless populace, Billy must fully realize his own natural-born gifts and harness the awesome power of laughter.
Darkly funny, fast, and surprisingly hopeful, BILLY 9F is perfect for readers 12 years of age to infinity who love page-turners with big ideas—and lots of laughs.

Review

David Finley’s Billy 9F is a wildly inventive YA dystopian satire that blends absurdist humor with biting social commentary. The novel follows Billy, a schoolboy living in a rigid system where laughter is outlawed, rules are enforced with demerits and “Pain Collars,” and conformity is the highest value. His life takes a strange turn when his parents gift him “Uncle Mike,” a 57-year-old man who becomes both an irritating companion and an unlikely ally. From there, Billy stumbles into secret wars with clowns, underground resistance movements, and surreal teachers who bulldoze into dining rooms mid-meal.

What makes the book compelling is its sharp use of comedy as rebellion. Whether it’s fart jokes elevated to acts of protest, or the way “outside laughter” becomes a weapon against authoritarian control, author Finley underscores the importance of humor as survival. The recurring presence of Uncle Mike, bumbling, exasperating, yet oddly endearing, adds both comic relief and thematic depth. Jamie and the Major, resistance figures who guide Billy, give the narrative more emotional resonance and direction.

From an editorial perspective, the book occasionally overindulges in repetition. Uncle Mike’s constant chatter and some extended slapstick routines could have been trimmed without losing impact. Still, the playful prose, the creativity of its dystopian world, and the rhythm of dialogue keep the pages turning.

Overall, Billy 9F is equal parts absurd, satirical, and heartfelt. It asks readers, young and old alike, to remember the radical power of laughter in a world that insists on taking itself too seriously.

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Book Review: Job Junky by Rudy Ridolfo

16/08/2025Humor, noir, Surreal Fiction1 Comment

Book Details:

Author: Rudy Ridolfo
Release Date: 2 May 2025
~~Series~~:
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction, Humour, Essay
Format: E-book
Pages: 131 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Job Junky is a bare-bones memoir of work, survival, and everything in between. Told in short, raw chapters, it reads more like a barstool confession than a polished life story.
Rudy Ridolfo worked over 50 jobs while chasing a creative dream—from managing shady bars and moving trucks to airport tarmacs, martial arts dojos, and indie film sets. Along the way, he crossed paths with unforgettable coworkers, chaotic bosses, and even icons like Al Pacino and Robert Redford—learning not from their fame, but from how they worked

There’s no tidy arc or grand revelation here. Just true stories from the grind—gritty, absurd, and unexpectedly funny.
If you’ve ever clocked in, burned out, or wondered what the hell you’re doing with your life—this one’s for you.

“A funny, delightful, and incisive tour of working odd jobs.”
—Kirkus
“Wild… Reading this book is a ride.”
—Independent Book Review
“Fast, matter-of-fact, and full of memorable moments.”
—San Francisco Book Review
“Insightful, humorous, and engaging.”
—The US Review of Books

Review

There are memoirs, and then there are wild, gut-punched, whiskey-soaked truth bombs like Job Junky. Rudy Ridolfo’s unconventional chronicle of forty-odd jobs spanning decades reads like Hunter S. Thompson and Charles Bukowski got together to document the gig economy before it had a name.

What begins as a sardonic retort to a dismissive remark, “You were in the movie business,” spirals into a fever-dream confession about the absurdities of surviving while chasing a creative life. From sewage trucks and donut shops to nightclubs, acting gigs, and near-death moments, Ridolfo throws you headfirst into scenes that are messy, hilarious, and heartbreakingly human.

The structure is episodic, like reading journal entries dictated by someone who’s part philosopher, part hustler, and part accidental prophet of the working class. And it works. Because Ridolfo doesn’t just tell us what he did—he shows us how it felt to be discarded, desired, disoriented, and ultimately defiant.

There’s something profoundly liberating about this book’s refusal to be polished. The stories are vulgar and vulnerable in equal measure, peppered with gritty humour and surprising emotional depth. As a writer, I found myself admiring how effortlessly he shifts tone—from bawdy to tender, from surreal to sobering. It’s memoir meets street theatre meets a cigarette break in a film noir.

But what elevates Job Junky is that it’s not just about jobs. It’s about identity. About masculinity. About family wounds and inherited violence. About the price of pursuing art when life keeps shoving reality in your face. It’s not merely a working man’s diary, it’s a manifesto of survival with grace, even in degradation.

That said, the book’s rawness may not suit everyone. Some anecdotes push boundaries, and others may come off as overly indulgent or chaotic. But in Ridolfo’s world, that’s kind of the point—there’s no tidy resolution, only a relentless will to keep moving.

Ultimately, Job Junky is a masterclass in lived experience, told by a man who has nothing left to prove and everything to confess. It’s equal parts tragic and triumphant, and if you’ve ever felt like your “real job” was just a myth you’re still chasing, this book is for you.

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Book Review: Evolving Ecstasy (Almost Human – The First Trilogy Book 3) by Melanie Nowak

01/10/202429/09/2024Dark Fiction, Dystopian, Fantasy, Humor, RomanceLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Melanie Nowak
Release Date: July 3, 2008; Re-release: September 20, 2024
Series: Almost Human Trilogy
Genre: Paranormal Romance Fantasy (Very character-driven, with humor, drama, angst, romance & action)
Format: E-book
Pages: 331 pages
Publisher: WoodWitchDame Publications; 2nd edition
Blurb:
The relationship between Cain and Felicity has crested to a peak that leaves them unsure whether to step back from each other for safety, or jump into a future united in death. Felicity is unlike any human Cain has known before. She treats him as an equal; a man worthy of friendship, respect and even… love. She embodies qualities of gentleness and loving trust that he has never found among his own kind. This makes her far more desirable to him than any creature of darkness could ever be. The venom of Cain’s bite could protect Felicity from hostile vampires, but it would give him a measure of psychic control over her as well. Would Felicity only accept becoming a vampire, due to his addictive venom, coupled with the foolishness of a young girl in love? Perhaps there is a brighter future for her in the human world. Is Cain’s desire for Felicity’s love worth the loss of her life?

*ALMOST HUMAN is a series of successive trilogies, not stand-alone books. Each trilogy is self-contained enough to be read alone as a 3 book set, but the story unfolds chronologically, and the characters do continue from one trilogy to the next. Main storyline closure is in each 3rd book, but there are also story-ties leading from one trilogy to the next in the series.
*For series updates and previews, visit: MelanieNowak.com

Review

Evolving Ecstasy is the third book in Almost Human: The First Trilogy by Melanie Nowak (the first book is Fatal Infatuation and the second one is Lost Reflections). Evolving Ecstasy is an exhilarating and emotional ride, especially for fans of character-driven paranormal romance like me. I found myself completely drawn into the complex relationships and the heart-pounding tension between Felicity and Cain.

The book does a fantastic job balancing action with deep emotional moments, especially as Felicity grapples with her feelings for Cain and the dangers that come with loving a vampire. What I loved most was the evolution of their relationship, particularly how Cain’s internal struggles as a vampire play a central role in their dynamic. The scenes between them are both tender and thrilling, making you root for them even as you fear for their survival.

Nowak’s writing shines in this installment, especially when describing the complexity of Cain’s character. As one of the more memorable lines goes: “To drink from a host, for a vampire, is the ultimate experience. Just as sex may be for a human being. Blood, that is true ecstasy.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the intense emotions that run throughout the novel.

While the book is packed with action, particularly as Felicity faces off against zombies and vampire enemies, it’s the quieter moments of vulnerability that stand out. One of my favorite quotes is when Cain reassures Felicity: “For you, I’d fight Satan himself.” The devotion and passion between these characters elevate the stakes and make the story even more compelling.

Overall, Evolving Ecstasy delivers all the suspense, romance, and supernatural intrigue you’d want from a paranormal series. I give it 5 stars for its gripping narrative and emotional depth. The Almost Human: The First Trilogy by Melanie Nowak is an addictive blend of romance, danger, and the supernatural. With captivating characters like Felicity and the enigmatic vampire Cain, the trilogy takes readers on an emotional journey through love, loss, and survival in a world filled with vampires, zombies, and moral dilemmas. It is perfect for fans of paranormal romance who crave deep character development and heart-racing action!

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Book Review: Lost Reflections (Almost Human – The First Trilogy Book 2) by Melanie Nowak

24/09/202424/09/2024Dark Fiction, Dystopian, Fantasy, Humor, Romance1 Comment

Book Details:

Author: Melanie Nowak
Release Date: July 3, 2008; Re-release: September 20, 2024
Series: Almost Human Trilogy
Genre: Paranormal Romance Fantasy (Very character-driven, with humor, drama, angst, romance & action)
Format: E-book
Pages: 353 pages
Publisher: WoodWitchDame Publications; 2nd edition
Blurb:
Felicity has helped her friends to escape the venomous vixen Sindy, but cannot divine the motives of Cain, the vampire who captured first her gratitude, and then her heart.
She finds the historical account of Cain’s past enthralling and frightening. Now she must determine whether the addictive venom in Cain’s kiss is clouding her judgment, and if his thirst for her blood is a driving force too strong for their love to conquer.
It’s difficult to contemplate such questions while under the attack of a vengeful vampire and his zombie slaves. Felicity’s heart has already been lost to Cain; will she lose her life as well?

*ALMOST HUMAN is a series of successive trilogies, not stand-alone books. Each trilogy is self-contained enough to be read alone as a 3 book set, but the story unfolds chronologically, and the characters do continue from one trilogy to the next. Main storyline closure is in each 3rd book, but there are also story-ties leading from one trilogy to the next in the series.

Review

If you enjoyed Fatal Infatuation, you’re in for another exciting ride with Lost Reflections, the second book in The Almost Human Trilogy. Melanie Nowak delivered a fantastic mix of romance, danger, and supernatural intrigue that kept me hooked from start to finish.

This time around, Felicity is grappling with her feelings for Cain, the mysterious and brooding vampire who’s managed to capture both her heart and her trust. But, of course, things are never that simple! Felicity is starting to wonder whether Cain’s vampire venom is clouding her judgment, and it doesn’t help that she’s also caught up in a deadly game involving vengeful vampires and zombie minions. Talk about complicated! One thing’s for sure: her heart may be lost to Cain, but the bigger question is, will she lose her life too?

The best part of this book is definitely the deeper dive into Cain’s backstory. His past is both fascinating and dark, and we get a much clearer picture of why he is the way he is. It’s both enthralling and, at times, a little unsettling. And Felicity’s struggle to figure out whether their connection is real or just a result of his vampire nature adds an emotional layer that keeps the reader invested in their relationship.

There’s a lot more action in this one compared to the first book, and the pacing really picks up. There was vengeful vampires, zombies, and plenty of suspense to keep me on my toes. The romance is still at the heart of the story, but the stakes feel higher now, and Felicity is forced to make some tough decisions about what she really wants.

Overall, Lost Reflections is a great continuation of the series. The characters are even more developed, the action ramps up, and the romance has a darker, more complex edge to it. If you’re into vampire stories with a good mix of danger, drama, and romance, you’re definitely going to enjoy this one. Can’t wait to see how things unfold in the final book!

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Book Review: Fatal Infatuation (Almost Human – The First Trilogy Book 1) by Melanie Nowak

21/09/2024Dark Fiction, Dystopian, Fantasy, Humor, Romance2 Comments

Book Details:

Author: Melanie Nowak
Release Date: July 3, 2008; Re-release: September 20, 2024
Series: Almost Human Trilogy
Genre: Paranormal Romance Fantasy (Very character-driven, with humor, drama, angst, romance & action)
Format: E-book
Pages: 353 pages
Publisher: WoodWitchDame Publications; 2nd edition
Blurb:
Shy Felicity never expected to attract the attention of a handsome young man… or a vampire, but if she can keep them both from killing each other she’ll need all the help she can get to navigate discoveries of desire; perils of zombies and vampires; and struggles with friendship, morality and…college.
Cain is an elder vampire who displays quiet confidence even as he struggles to overcome sins of his past. Surprisingly, he found that in losing his life he gained his faith and a purpose. His mission: find the hostile vampires that inhabit this small college town, and educate them to live in peace with humans. Their leader, Sindy, is a wicked temptress who has set her sights on Felicity’s new friend Ben. She will be difficult to control, but after meeting Felicity, Cain’s most difficult task lies in controlling himself.

Review

Fatal Infatuation by Melanie Nowak is an amazing vampire romance novel, the first in the Almost Human trilogy, with a mix of suspense and exceptional characterisation.

The story centres around Felicity, this shy and kind-hearted college student who suddenly finds herself in a very complicated situation. Not only does she catch the eye of a charming human, but also Cain—a brooding elder vampire who has his own messy past to deal with. Cain’s not your typical vampire though. He’s trying to make peace with his past sins and even works to help other vampires coexist with humans. One line from Cain that really stood out to me was: “In losing my life, I found my purpose.” That just sums up his whole internal struggle so well.

I loved the mix of romance, danger, and a bit of moral dilemma in this book. Felicity is trying to figure out her feelings while literally navigating a world with vampires and zombies, and honestly, I was here for it! There’s a part where she says, “Navigating friendships and desires was already hard enough—now there’s the small matter of survival,” and I think that perfectly captures the vibe of the story.

The characters, especially Cain, are really well-developed. He’s not just a brooding vampire—there’s a lot more to him, and you can’t help but root for him. And then there’s Sindy, a seductive vampire who just loves stirring up trouble, especially when it comes to Felicity’s new friend, Ben.

The only thing I would say is that some parts were a little predictable, but honestly, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. There’s plenty of tension and excitement to keep you turning the pages. If you’re into vampires with some emotional depth and a good mix of romance and action, Fatal Infatuation is a fantastic start to the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

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Book Review: Spooves by Tim Miller

26/09/202327/09/2023HumorLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Tim Miller
Release Date: 8th June 2022
~~Series~~:
Genre: Humour, Short Story Collection
Format: E-book
Pages: 177 pages
Publisher: Gnatcatcher Press
Blurb:
Spooves is Tim Miller’s debut collection of short, humorous fiction. The subject matter includes a yoga studio on the Death Star, a cookbook for frazzled parents entitled, “Quick and Crappy,” the pseudoscience of the TB12 method, a singing, lovelorn egg pan, and more. This book is like a tube of strange goo that will make you laugh, or, at the very least, ponder the plural of “spoof.”

Review

There’s something undeniably human in the way we all seek laughter, especially from the everyday oddities of life. Tim Miller’s Spooves brilliantly taps into this sentiment. In his debut collection of short, humorous fiction, it feels as if you’re conversing with an old friend who always sees the world in its quirkiest light. Imagine practising yoga on the Death Star or flipping through a cookbook titled “Quick and Crappy” after a long day of parenting. And who can resist the serenades of a lovelorn egg pan?

Miller doesn’t just aim for laughs, though they abound. He also encourages readers to pause and find humour in unexpected corners of their lives. Some stories make you laugh out loud, while others leave you smiling thoughtfully, considering life’s little ironies.

The charm of Spooves stems from its dual nature: lighthearted yet deeply reflective. Miller skillfully crafts tales that entertain and provoke thought in equal measure. If you want a hearty laugh or a fresh perspective on the world, Spooves serves as the perfect companion. Dive in, and let Miller’s whimsical world captivate you. You might even find yourself pondering the plural of “spoof” long after you turn the last page.

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ARC Review: Waste Of Height by Michael Kornbluth

24/07/202324/07/2023Humor, Michael Kornbluth, Short-Stories1 Comment

Book Details:

Author: Michael Kornbluth
Release Date: –
Series:
Genre: Short Stories | Humour
Format: E-book
Pages: 299
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Very very short stories

Review

Waste of Height by Michael Kornbluth is a feel-good collection of short stories that will leave the readers craving for more (and more.) The stories are really short making them really quick to read and the best part is there are lots and lots of them, so no need to finish them in one go (unless you want to) one can read them as and when they please—something that I did.

The stories are all colourful, relatable, hilarious at places and very relatable but without getting too heavy which is always something I admire in author Kornbluth’s writing. I would recommend this book to all readers of short stories and to anyone looking for exploring fiction by new and previously undiscovered authors.

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Book Review: Brothers and Strangers: A German-Iraqi Memoir by Junis Sultan

27/06/202329/06/2023Humor, Junis Sultan, memoir, Non-Fiction, Paul FlanaganLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Junis Sultan
Release Date: 11th January 2022
~~Series~~:
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction
Format: E-book
Pages: 330
Publisher: Brandylane Publishers, Inc.
Blurb:
Born in Mosul, Iraq, to a wealthy intercultural family, Junis Sultan’s happy, privileged childhood is abruptly cut short by the start of the Gulf War in 1991. With their home destroyed, Junis’s family flees to Germany, settling in a small conservative town near Frankfurt. As his family struggles to adapt to their new circumstances, Junis finds himself increasingly torn between two worlds—fighting to carve out an identity for himself between his family’s expectations and a culture that demands his assimilation. After the 9/11 terror attacks, Junis begins to keep a diary, in which he reflects on questions of family, friendship, religion, and politics. These deep insights gradually expand beyond cultural borders, as Junis begins to explore the universal human needs for bonding and freedom.

Brothers and Strangers is a unique, heartfelt memoir of endurance, forgiveness, and self-actualization, offering a timely message about the importance of acting with openness and love in a global reality.

Review

Brothers and Strangers: A German-Iraqi Memoir by Junis Sultan is a beautifully written memoir that will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. This book is full of emotional ups and downs and has a great payoff in the end. The author presented a unique perspective in the book, making readers consider the era and issues raised in the book.

I would recommend this book to all readers as this is a story that EVERYONE must read.

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Book Review: Carving Up Riley (Riley MacLeod Series # 1) by Paul Flanagan

15/06/2023Humor, Paul FlanaganLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Paul Flanagan
Release Date: 27th March 2023
Series: Riley MacLeod (Book #1)
Genre: Humour
Format: E-book
Pages: 78
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Meet Riley MacLeod…loving husband…caring father…faithful friend…successful writer…and the world’s biggest idiot. Of course, in Riley’s insane mind he sees himself as the world’s biggest…well…hero. However, when Riley’s wife insists they take a romantic drive from Vermont to Minnesota to spend Thanksgiving with her family who is far from normal themselves, the man who is hated by his neighbors and loathed by an angry tom cat, sets out to prove that he isn’t an idiot…under duress, of course.

The trip begins with Riley getting tied up by his best friend, his clothes stolen by a group of mischievous teenagers, and a tow truck driver with a happy gun finger. Determined to keep pushing forward, under duress of course, Riley continues down the road desperately trying to leave the state of Vermont only to encounter a killer truck driver, a girl with strange colored hair, and a pair of old people who turn out to be drug dealers. Yet, through it all, Riley somehow turns out to be a hero…well, kinda.
Will Riley MacLeod and his wife make it to the Thanksgiving table in one piece or will they end up in a mental hospital locked away in little padded rooms?

Review

Carving Up Riley by Paul Flanagan is the first book in the Riley MacLeod series. This book is a fantastic read and full of funny situational scenarios. The author has an impeccable sense of humour which comes out in the book well and makes the reader laugh heartily in many places (at least it made me chortle and chuckle in many instances.)

I would definitely recommend this book to all humour and comedy fiction fans and to those who are looking for a light-hearted book that they can finish within a couple of hours.

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Audiobook Review: Bell Hammers by Lancelot Schaubert

12/06/202312/06/2023coming-of-age, Historical, historical-fiction, Humor, Lancelot SchaubertLeave a Comment

Author: Lancelot Schaubert
Narrator:
Release Date: 14th March 2023
Genre: Historical fiction, Humour, Coming Of Age
~~Series~~:
Format: Audiobook
Length: 7 hours
Publisher: Vale
Blurb:
PRANKS. OIL. PROTEST. JOKES BETWEEN NEWLYWEDS.
AND ONE HILARIOUS SIEGE OF A MAJOR CORPORATION.
Remmy grows up with Beth in Bellhammer, Illinois as oil and coal companies rob the land of everything that made it paradise. Under his Grandad, he learns how to properly prank his neighbors, friends, and foes. Beth tries to fix Remmy by taking him to church. Under his Daddy, Remmy starts the Bell Hammer Construction Company, which depends on contracts from Texarco Oil.

And Beth argues with him about how to build a better business. Together, Remmy and Beth start to build a great neighborhood of “merry men” carpenters: a paradise of s’mores, porch furniture, newborn babies, and summer trips to Branson where their boys pop the tops off of the neighborhood’s two hundred soda bottles. Their witty banter builds a kind of castle among a growing nostalgia.
Then one of Jim Johnstone’s faulty Texarco oil derricks falls down on their house and poisons their neighborhood’s well.
Poisoned wells escalate to torched dog houses. Torched dog houses escalate to stolen carpentry tools and cancelled contracts. Cancelled contracts escalate to eminent domain. Sick of the attacks from Texaco Oil on his neighborhood, Remmy assembles his merry men:
“We need the world’s greatest prank. One grand glorious jest that’ll bloody the nose of that tyrant. Besides, pranks and jokes don’t got no consequences, right?”

REVIEW

Bell Hammers by Lancelot Schaubert is a unique combination of historical fiction that is interlaced with humor. In this book, the author shares the story of Remmy as he grows up into a man and is exposed to the true realities surrounding him. The author’s deft writing and exceptional observations lend this book an unparalleled quality that makes it both an excellent read (or listen) and a reality check of evils such as corporate corruption that plague our society.

This book is a phenomenal read, especially for anyone who grew up in the good ol’ days but because it is so relatable and mind-blowing and funny, I’d recommend it to each and every reader.

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Book Review: The Adventures of Lord Bolingbroke by Joshua Catchatoor

18/04/202318/04/2023Adventure, Historical, Humor, Joshua Catchatoor, Nancy Maloney-Mercado, Noureddine HifadLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Joshua Catchatoor
Release Date: 3rd November 2022
Series: A Comedic Tudor Tale (Book #1)
Genre: Adventure, Humor Fiction, British Humor, Novellas, Historical, and Tudor Period
Format: E-book
Pages: 105
Publisher:
Blurb:
Herein you will find a comedic romp through the English Renaissance, in which the titular Elizabethan courtier finds himself under increasing pressure to keep both himself and his country out of trouble.
Great men and women have throughout the ages clung on to the swinging tailcoats of history, their deeds nonetheless holding profound significance for centuries to come.
Such is the case with Lord Bolingbroke, a man able to shape the destinies of nations; the hedonistic courses of an evening at the local pub; and contemporary impressions of England’s 16th century populace.
This is the first part of his grand tale.

‘A hilarious adventure guaranteed in all but actual law to have you laughing out loud, as you witness a man attempting to navigate such thrilling matters as: various heads of state (and several horses) of questionable intelligence, political conspiracy, dodgy brewing standards, zealots of diverse persuasion and shenanigans bawdy enough to make a grandmother blush. And that’s just for starters.‘

Review

The Adventures of Lord Bolingbroke by Joshua Catchatoor is a brilliant dose of British humour, especially for those who actively seek and admire the Elizabethan era. The author’s wit is really commendable and his insertions of current events into the historical plot made the story all the more interesting. I liked the author’s writing style and his sense of humour which was neither too subtle nor too over the top.

The extremely well-done characterisation is the bane of this story and the author has done an amazing job with it. Not only the main character of Lord Bolingbroke but also the secondary characters are extremely well-developed and rounded making this book a really fun and interesting read.

I’d strongly recommend this book to all readers, no matter what genre of books they prefer to read, as this book has a lot to offer to its readers.

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Book Review: A Pterodactyl Named Kahoutek by Matthew Levine

05/01/202306/01/2023Children's Fiction, Humor, Matthew Levine, Short-StoriesLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Matthew Levine
Release Date: 9th November 2022
~~Series~~:
Genre: Children’s Humorous Literature, Short Stories collection, Children’s Humor
Format: E-book
Pages: 20
Publisher: –
Blurb:
A short story for youth of all ages with humor adults might enjoy about a clumsy Pterodactyl that befriends a sad teenage girl on a San Francisco bus. Contain discussion questions for students at the end.

Review

A Pterodactyl Named Kahoutek by Matthew Levine is a beautifully written book with an equally beautiful and important message that is delivered adeptly using humour and amazing imagery.

This book is a very short read, but the message it offers to its readers is way broader than the confines of this book as it applies to everyone, universally. The author had done an amazing job of sharing some very important life lessons with great moral value using simple language and a very interesting story that is brought to life with well-developed characterisation.

I would strongly recommend this book to all children and adult readers alike because it has something to offer to all its readers.

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Book Review: Duck for Cover & Other Tales: A Collection of Short Stories by Barbara Venkataramana

06/11/202206/11/2022Barbara Venkataraman, Humor, Short-StoriesLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Barbara Venkataraman
Release Date: 17th August 2022
~~Series~~:
Genre: Short Stories, Humor
Format: E-book
Pages: 58 pages
Publisher: Next Chapter
Blurb:
Fourteen short stories with a twist, Duck for Cover & Other Tales is filled with surprises.
The Yes Man is about a woman who looks after her elderly father with dementia, only to discover he still has life lessons to teach her. Living My Best Life tells the story of an aging rock star who finds his legacy lives on in a way he hadn’t imagined. Thicker Than Blood is about the dilemmas caused by modern technology when a trio of siblings is asked to make the hardest decision of their lives. The Devil’s Workshop is the story of a young man being scared straight from a life of delinquency by a clever probation officer and an ex-con.
Topical, relatable and just plain fun, these and many other stories in this collection deal with friendship, kinship and the complexities of the modern world, and are sure to leave you with a smile.

Review

Duck for Cover & Other Tales: A Collection of Short Stories by Barbara Venkataramana is a beautiful collection of witty short stories that would surely leave a big smile on every reader’s face.

I loved each and every one of the short stories in this collection. Each one of these fourteen stories was funny, sweet, heart-warming and introspective stories that felt really light but, in reality, had so much to say in the deeper sense that only a very skilled writer could have pulled off without making the stories over-bearing and that’s exactly how Barbara Venkatramana did it. The writing felt great and had a good flow making this book a very fluid read. The characters in each of the stories felt realistic and I was able to feel a connection with them instantaneously in piste of the stories being so short.

I would definitely recommend this book to all short story readers. This collection has a LOT to offer!

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Book Review: Meta (Game On #1.0) by Xander Black

11/07/202210/07/2022Adventure, Humor, satire, Science-Fiction, Science-Fiction Fantasy, Xander BlackLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Xander Black
Release Date: 14th March 2022
Series: Game On (Book #1)
Genre: Science-Fiction Fantasy, Adventure, Humour
Format: E-book
Pages: 445 pages
Publisher: BC BOOKS
Blurb:
WELCOME TO THE METAVERSE
2065: the streets are abandoned, shops are empty, parks are silent. But is that really much of a surprise when you can connect to the Cybernet?
Everyone can turn on, log in and drop out.
Cyrus, a failed physicist, and drop-out game designer Everett are on the cusp of their big breakthrough into the meta ranks of Neverborn, the world’s most popular game.

But when several high-profile avatars disappear, and their human counterparts are found dead, Cyrus and Everett find themselves under suspicion. They must clear their names and unravel the deeper mysteries of Brith and the Neverborn. In doing so, they will uncover a dark secret, that threatens not only the game-world but the safety of their physical realm.

Satire, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery combine in an epic adventure where no one ever leaves home, perfect for fans of Ready Player One and Douglas Adams.

Review

Meta by Xander Black is a new science-fiction fantasy adventure novel based on the concept of MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) in a PSW (a persistent state world) where millions of players can develop their characters in virtual reality. In simple terms, this book is based on a future where people spend most of their lives in virtual reality instead of living a normal life in the real world.

This book was a decent read though it did remind me too much of Ready Player One (which I thoroughly loved.) At some point, it got a bit overwhelming and I wanted to quit reading it, though knowing better, and trying not to draw comparisons between the two books because of their common concept, I kept reading and finished the book in the hopes that it would be different and I’m glad that I did because this book proved to be a good read with a nice ending.

I liked the writing because it had a good flow but the efforts of the author to try and sound like Douglas Adam-ish felt pretty annoying and seemed to have killed the author’s natural writing style. I found the satire a bit forced and not correctly executed. Also, the book felt to have been lacking decent editing, it may be because I was sent a review copy and not the final book, but the copy if the copy I have and the final book are the same then the book obviously has editing issues. If the book’s final version is well-edited, it should make for a better read. Apart from these issues, as I previously said, the book was a decent read and would be a great fit for sci-fi and adventure genre readers.

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Book Review: 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir by Poppy Mortimer

01/07/202201/07/2022Humor, memoir, Non-Fiction, Poppy MortimerLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Poppy Mortimer
Release Date: 10th May 2022
~~Series~~:
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction
Format: E-book
Pages: 276 pages
Publisher: Poppy Mortimer
Blurb:
Poppy Mortimer is hungry for love. Will she find The One, or lose her appetite for men, forever?
Smart, attractive, and fueled by wide-eyed optimism, Poppy Mortimer leaves rainy England to start a new life-and find the perfect man-in exotic Australia. Surely somewhere out there, a Chris Hemsworth impersonator is just waiting to whisk her off her feet and show her the real charms of ‘Down Under’.
But as Poppy launches into 28 dates, ranging from the outright hysterical to borderline traumatic, it becomes clear she’s going to have to kiss a few frogs-assuming she doesn’t croak first. From the seven-foot giant with a disturbing workout practice, to the exclusive party that turns out to be a lot more than just cocktails and canapes, Poppy starts to wonder if she should sue Disney for giving her false hope.

With gusto, humour, and a lot of heart, Poppy digs deep into her past as a child of divorce, and her ongoing journey as a modern woman and devoted romantic. Through laughter, tears, and characters that are truly stranger than fiction, Poppy won’t stop until she finds true love-or something even greater.
Fans of Bridget Jones’s Diary and Sex and the City (or any person who wants to feel better about their own dating life) will love this book.

Review

28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir by Poppy Mortimer is a funny account of the author’s troubled yet exciting and often amusing love life. In this book, the author pens down her disastrous dates, the things she learned from each of them, and how she went on to the next, thinking she won’t be making the same mistakes but ending up somehow on another disastrous first date.

I liked how the author used her sense of humour to keep the tone of the book light and made it funny and thus more relatable as well as easily palatable for the readers. The author’s writing style is good and the writing had a good flow which made this book a really easy and fast read.

I’d recommend this book to all readers of humorous non-fiction as I’m sure this book has a lot to offer to all its readers whether they are men or women.

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Book Review: Starstruck And Swindled In Paradise by A.H. Nazzareno

03/06/2022A.H. Nazzareno, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Short-StoriesLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: A.H. Nazzareno
Release Date: 1st June 2022
~~Series~~:
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Short Story, Humour
Format: E-book
Pages: 42 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
A discontent and disillusioned author embarks on a road trip to the desert paradise of Las Vegas, teeming with oddball characters. Starstruck And Swindled In Paradise is a fictional short story about a flawed man attempting to reinvent himself while experiencing an unforgettable adventure.

Review

Starstruck And Swindled In Paradise by A.H. Nazzareno is a short story about an author’s (mis)adventures that will tickle your funny bones.

I enjoyed reading this book because it was engaging, fun and light-hearted. I liked the writing and the characterisation and I found the author’s sense of humour to be really good. It is a short and well-written book that I’d recommend to all contemporary humour readers. Also, if you are a writer then you’ll definitely enjoy this book.

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Book Review: Infernal Relations: A Quintessential English Comedy by P.S. Rover

14/05/202214/05/2022Comedy, Humor, Literary Fiction, P.S. RoverLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: P.S. Rover
Release Date: 4th April 2022
~~Series~~:
Genre: Literary Comedy, Humour
Format: E-book
Pages: 270 pages
Publisher: Forte Books
Blurb:
Eloping Has Never Been So Criminal
Another academic season is in the offing at Lockwood Institute, the eclectic finishing school for those who’ve been barred elsewhere. When Spencer and his interloping cousin, Monty, are summoned back for a special assignment they quickly find themselves in the thick of it with a trophy-hunting Brigadier on a quest to slay a mysterious beast, while his daughter, Natalia, proves a temptation too much for the fantastical Monty. This heady concoction provides the perfect ingredients to rock institute life to its foundations.

As one staggering revelation unfolds after another, does Spencer have the fortitude to cope? Monty couldn’t possibly have done what people think, could he? Is he culpable? Is he capable? As Spencer desperately tries to pull Monty’s chestnuts out of the fire, a head-spinning discovery awaits them. Skulduggery is afoot!

“It IS funny. Just what we all need”

Cassandra Clark (Acclaimed author of the Brother Chandler trilogy and more.)

“A great story.”
– LoveReading

“An intricate and well-written book. Filled with atmosphere … I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to other literary fiction fans.”
– LoveReading

“The beauty of this book is in the writing. Rover has a wonderful way with words and I found myself laughing out loud at several lines where Spencer gave his unusual views on life around him. I thoroughly enjoyed Infernal Relations by P.S. Rover which I have awarded 4.5 stars.”
(Whispering Stories)

“Rover is excellent at crafting unique sentences … with a poetic touch… Readers will leave the book impressed by his ability to squeeze all the juice out of the English language.”
(Independent Book Review)

“A rollercoaster ride”
(Independent Book Review)

This book will especially delight fans of:
The Ransom of Red Chief (O’Henry), The Harpole Report (J.L. Carr), The Ascent of Rum Doodle (E.W. Bowman), Diary of a Nobody (Grossmith), Augustus Carp Esq., James Thurber, Mark Twain, Wodehouse.

Review

Infernal Relations by P.S. Rover is a brilliantly crafted booking roaring with intricately woven English humour.

I recently happened to re-read The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer for my book club’s genre challenge and reading this book right after that one was like stepping into a different version of the same book. I don’t mean that both the books are the same, but what I do mean is that the author of Infernal Relations heavily draws from the sense of nostalgia that is invoked while reading Mark Twain’s masterpiece. I might not have noticed it so acutely had I not just finished re-reading TDOTS right before picking up this one! But I am glad that happened because it made the reading experience of this book even more enriched. The differences in both the books were pretty evident and both the books are very different, yet they are very similar (again you’d notice it only if you’re very observant or, like me, had recently, read both the books so close to each other.)

Moving on from comparing the two books, I loved this book a lot. The writing was marvellous and I enjoyed the lyrical quality of the prose, which is so rare these days, to find in contemporary fiction. I liked how the author used his brilliant sense of humour and an acute sense of using phrases to his advantage to bring out the subtlety of satire in the best possible ways. I chucked more than I was expecting and giggled probably more than I should have. The story had a great flow and the pacing was really good and kept the flow very smooth. I enjoyed reading this book right from the beginning to the very end.

I am not a literary expert, although I am somewhat of a self-proclaimed book aficionado, and hence I’d like to say that, for me at least, the author’s style resembles a lot to that of the revered Mark Twain and therefore, I really really enjoyed his writing and in fact, I am looking forward to reading more of his works in the future (hopefully soon!)

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ARC Review: Pay Me To Do Nothing! How a Lazy, Broke and Tired Boy Found His Calling by Otto Bocktopus

05/04/202202/06/2022Comedy, Humor, Non-Fiction, Self-HelpLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Otto Bocktopus
Release Date: 1st June 2022
~~Series~~:
Genre: Humor, Fictional Memoir, Corporate Comedy, Self-Help
Format: E-book
Pages: 142 pages
Publisher: Purple Piggybank Press
Blurb:
You probably never met anyone who thinks like Otto – laugh your way to a new life perspective!
People always told Otto that working hard would lead to being more successful and that being more successful would lead to being happy. But that wasn’t true.
Shake your head at his antics, giggle at his tales, and come away with a whole new perspective on companies and work and laziness and happiness.
At his first job, Otto Bocktopus busted ass and made $3.35/hour. Last year, like most years, he was paid about $700K and he did nothing. He does only what he wants, yet he is always getting paid. How did he get from there to here? And, can you?

If you believe that working hard will lead to being more successful and that being more successful will lead to being happy, and you find yourself planning to work hard your whole life until around the time your body starts to fail, then this book can teach you the fallacy of your thinking and help you find true happiness.
Told through the lens of his outrageous work experiences, Otto will make you laugh and make you think. You may shake your head at his antics but you will come away with a whole different way of thinking about companies and business leaders and work and laziness and happiness.
Don’t miss out on the hilarious online quizzes at the end of each chapter! Test your understanding of Otto’s perspective and laugh! Check out the quiz on Otto’s website.

Review

Pay Me To Do Nothing! How a Lazy, Broke and Tired Boy Found His Calling by Otto Bocktopus is a funny fictional corporate memoir that has tons of life lessons for its readers.

I loved reading this book, admittedly more than I had been expecting because it had so much to offer. First of all, I loved the way the story (the fictional memoir) was told through the POV of Otto, a character, almost everyone can relate to in some way or another. Secondly, the sheer value of the lessons covered in this book is simply outstanding. In spite of it being a corporate comedy, the lessons from this book can be applied to any area with a little tweaking. And lastly, I loved the humorous undercurrent that ran through the book. I appreciated the author’s clever and subtle sense of humour and it made reading this book feel like a very smooth ride.

I liked the writing style of the author. The characterisation was good and felt apt for the purpose this book was written. I loved the situations that were covered in this book and overall I think this book has a lot to offer to everyone. Therefore, I’d highly recommend it to all readers who’d like to read about a quirky character and learn tons of life lessons in doing so!

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Book Review: Hold The Apocalypse – Pass Me A Scientist Please, And Other Humorous Essays From An Optimist In Dreamland by Bob Lorentson

05/03/202205/03/2022Bob Lorentson, Humor, Philosophy, Psychology, satire, Short-StoriesLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Bob Lorentson
Release Date: 7th October 2021
Genre: Humor, Satire, Science, Philosophy, Psychology
Format: E-book
Pages: 169 pages
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Blurb:
A terrified yet occasionally optimistic environmental scientist takes a humorous look at the science behind the human and animal behaviors that make a doomed planet so interesting.
If you’ve ever wanted to get the real dirt on forest bathing without getting muddied, or on animal arsonists without getting burned, or on DIY transcranial Direct Current Stimulation without risking all those excitable neurons that already have one foot out the door, then this is the book for you. Should you be of the type, however, that has found life’s little pleasures interrupted of late by the loud ticking of the Doomsday Clock, put in some earplugs, because it’s not yet too late to have a good laugh while you learn about ‘Cat Research for Dummies,’ ‘Brain Wars – the Gender Variations,’ or ‘Boredom – It’s Not Just for the Boring.’

In these fifty essays, Bob Lorentson humorously uses science, philosophy, psychology, history, and even poetry to examine a myriad of curious subjects while waiting for the collapse of civilization.

Review

Hold The Apocalypse – Pass Me A Scientist Please, And Other Humorous Essays From An Optimist In Dreamland by Bob Lorentson is a book of essays that are unique, fresh yet, on a deeper level, quite important. These essays are humorous with undertones of various themes such as psychology, philosophy, general sciences, socio-political themes, etc. I enjoyed reading this collection because there was never a dull moment!

The author has a very unique style of writing and his sense of humour appealed to me a lot. I enjoyed each and every essay mostly because aside from the satirical approach and the social commentary, the pieces always had a deeper meaning to them and with each and every essay, the author nailed that bit.

I would highly recommend this book to readers of satire and short-story or essay collections.

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Book Review: The Race by John Russo

01/01/202201/01/2022Humor, John Russo, Short-StoriesLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: John Russo
Release Date: 30th September 2021
Genre: Humour, Short Story
~~Series~~:
Format: E-book
Pages: 24 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
The future. What does it hold?
Sadly, no one knows. Well . . . except for Amazon delivery drones.
Imagine a world where your Amazon package reaches you within minutes, instead of days. A world where technology has outsmarted the mailman for the last time.
This is the world in which Johnny and Robert Hesston find themselves.
The problem is, they’re old school. A bit TOO old school. Equip them with the right primitive tools, and things might get out of hand.

Review

The Race by John Russo is a hilarious and hearty short story about two brothers that will take you on a quick adventurous ride that you won’t be able to forget for a long time!

I loved this book because the story was great, the characterisation was well done and the execution of the plot was great. The writing was simple to follow and had a nice flow which made it a really quick read. I’d recommend this book to all short story readers and to those who are looking for a new author’s work to explore.

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Book Review: Tiny Yellow Hat by J. Michael Chamberlain

15/10/202115/10/2021Humor, J. Michael Chamberlain, memoir, Non-FictionLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: J. Michael Chamberlain
Release Date: 13th April 2019
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction, Humor
~~Series~~:
Format: E-book
Pages: 202 pages
Publisher: Quinn-Hill Publisher
Blurb:
This wildly entertaining book is laced with wicked concepts, cheap shots and a few bright ideas; a feast of funny words and clever notions without once mentioning vampires or zombies. J. M. Chamberlain created the perfect blend of madcap rants and true life experiences guaranteed to put a never-ending smile on your face. Actually, a never-ending smile might be cause for alarm; if your smile lasts longer than four hours, please call a doctor. In a nutshell, this extraordinary slice of life is almost too good to read, but I suggest reading it anyway. I also suggest telling forty or fifty of your closest friends to read it, because www.peopleneedtolaugh.com (less)

Review

Tiny Yellow Hat by J. Michael Chamberlain is a witty, heartfelt memoir that is as entertaining to read as it is relatable.

I enjoyed reading this book because, unlike most memoirs, the author uses his amazing sense of humour to lace even the simplest aspects of life and presents them with so much passion that one can’t help but relate to them while at the same time laughing their butts off. The fact that the author covered topics from his life and career that most people can relate to only adds to the appeal of this surprisingly quick read.

For me, the best part is that the author presented some important life lessons and anecdotes in such a light way that the readers can take away a lot from this book without actually feeling burdened by their weight.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes reading memoirs and enjoys a good dash of humour.

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ARC Review: Winning Streak – Tales and Trivia of the 40 Most Popular Board Games by John-Michael Gariepy

19/04/2021Humor, John-Michael Gariepy, Non-FictionLeave a Comment

Author: John-Michael Gariepy
Release Date: 13th January 2021
Genre: Humour, Non-Fiction, Games
Series:
Format: E-book
Pages: 196 pages
Publisher: Popcorn Roulette
Blurb:
Did you ever wonder:
♞ What makes Clue the best movie based on a game franchise?
♝ What does the doubling cube in backgammon do?
♜ How trains are even supposed to operate in Ticket to Ride: Antarctica?
♛ How the designer of the board game Pandemic feels now that he’s lived through an actual global pandemic?
♚ Whatever happened to the Monopoly game show from the 90s?

Based on Ranker’s poll of almost 400,000 votes, these games define us. From multiple-award winning masterpieces of the past decade, to indestructible classics still going strong after 5,000 years of play, these are the games you must play before you die. Well, except for Sorry!. That game is a blight upon this list and mankind as a whole.

Excuse me. What I’m trying to say is that I wrote this book about games, and I thought you might like it.

Review

Winning Streak: Tales and Trivia of the 40 Most Popular Board Games by John-Michael Gariepy is a fun, informative and entertaining read about the most iconic and loved games int he history of games!

This book was deliciously entertaining and I enjoyed reading ever scrap of information this book had to offer. I loved the writing style of the author because it made the book a quick and easy affair and the straightforwardness only made it all the more engaging.

I would definitely recommend this book to everyone because this book contains trivia and fun bits about games we all have played or heard of at some point or another. So do go for it as it an a delightful and quick read!

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Book Review: Banshee And The Sperm Whale by Jake Camp

30/03/202130/03/2021Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Jake Camp, Literary Fiction, PhilosophyLeave a Comment

Author: Jake Camp
Release Date: 16th February 2021
Genre: Literary Fiction, Philosophical, Satire, Dark Humour
Format: E-book
Pages: 254 pages
Publisher: Pski’s Porch Publishing
Blurb:
A sunset wedding in Kona. An ugly secret discovered on an iPhone. Experimental philosophical marriage counseling. Time travel. Diver Neurons and Angel Neurons separated by Sea and Sky. Banshee and the Sperm Whale takes the reader on a journey into the unconscious mind of Martin, a biracial chef from Denver who suffers from a particular kind of overabundance. Along the way, a modern allegory unfolds, and everyday notions about self-knowledge, the nature of good and evil, and possibility of finding meaning and spiritual significance in the face of inexorable uncertainty are turned inside out.

Review

Banshee And The Sperm Whale by Jake Camp is a beautiful book full of deep and colourful ideas and concepts.

I absolutely loved this book because the author skillfully dissected a wide range of emotions. This book was so different from other contemporary literary fiction reads that I was overwhelmed with the joy of having found this gem of a book! I am truly grateful to the author for writing this brilliant book and letting his readers experience the dual nature of reality.

This book has a beautifully complex plot along with a well-written story that is highlighted by profound and introspective satire and an array of multi-layered characters. What else can you possibly ask for?

I’d recommend this book to all readers. This book is a must-read!

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Book Review: How the Ə Got Producted: A Love Story by N.K. von S.

18/01/202115/12/2021Humor, N.K. von S.Leave a Comment

Author: N.K. von S.
Release Date:
Genre: Humour, Sci-fi
Series:
Format: E-book
Pages: 256 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
A childhood trauma leaves N. yearning for connection and vulnerable to the seductive but damaged Jeremy Sakhdvar, a young product liability attorney with a technology vendetta. Their one-sided relationship ends abruptly when Jeremy marries another woman and runs for elective office. Adrift but resilient, N. mines a series of seemingly random hookups for the raw materials she uses to reinvent herself. N. becomes a prominent lobbyist for the biomedicaltechnology industry and, years later, a top official with the Bureau of

Biomedicaltechnology. Throwing herself into her new position, N. meddles in a plot by a group of antitechnology dissidents to suppress the Ə, a technology that purports to improve human connectedness. The dissidents blow the whistle, provoking an investigation by a U.S. senator and crusading presidential candidate named Jeremy Sakhdvar. Their confrontation pits the regulatory deep state against big tech in a battle to a draw, settles an old romantic score, and clears the way for the Ə to change the world forever.

Review

How the Ə Got Producted by N.K. von S. is a fun satire read about an independent and passionate female protagonist and is unique in its own right.

This book is very unconventional and for that, I did enjoy reading it. It is the story of a protagonist who is trying to navigate through the difficulties of her one-sided love life while at the same time trying to fight for what she truly believes in, in her professional life. The introduction of Ə makes the story very interesting and the book then takes a turn that is both fun to read and interesting to learn about.

I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to sci-fi reads who don’t mind a romance sub-plot underlined with satire with a streak of feminism.

Book Review: The Great American Jew Novel by Michael Kornbluth

10/10/202028/10/2020Comedy, Humor, Michael KornbluthLeave a Comment

Author: Michael Kornbluth
Release Date:
Genre: Family Life, Humour
~~Series~~:
Format: E-book
Pages: 110 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:

The Great American Jew Novel is a religious based, midlife crisis, reinvention tale, about a 9-year old daughter who becomes her Stay At Home Comedian Dad’s Talent Agent, to ensure he doesn’t give up on making money off his special brand of funny, in his pursuit to make his Do It All Dad Year come true. Along the way, Do it All Dad develops life altering friendships with female members of the Jewy Manhattan Book Club, a Jewish Super Angel, a new age Kosher butcher from Crown Heights and his younger plant based cheese wiz inventor brother, to form the Do It All Dad Hero Kosher Cheesesteak Food Truck, which proves Do It All Dad, isn’t the last self-loving Jewish New Yorker after all.

Book Review

The Great American Jew Novel by Michael Kornbluth is a heart-warming tale of exploring relationships of a father and daughter, who’s plight is also explored in trying to help her Daddy who is seemingly different from the rest and of friendships that get tested and of finding one’s self.

This is my second book by the author and I loved reading his familiar style of writing which has the quality of touching your heart without being too overdramatic and then smoothing out the potentially heavy emotions with undertones of quality humour. The characterisation was good and I loved reading about even the secondary characters. The overall concept was brilliant and enjoyed reading this book a lot.

Would definitely recommend it to everyone, no matter the genre preference. It is about relationships so I am sure most of the readers will be able to relate to this engaging book.

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Book Review: Controlling My Kids With Comedy, A Love Story by Michael Kornbluth

30/09/2020Comedy, Humor, Michael KornbluthLeave a Comment

Author: Michael Kornbluth
Release Date: 13th June 2019
Genre: Satire, Humour
~~Series~~:
Format: E-book
Pages: 137 pages
Publisher: Stand Up Staffer
Blurb:

Controlling My Kids With Comedy, A Love Story, is a collection of essays and poems about an unplanned father of three falling for fatherhood and working from home as host of the Do It All Dad Year Podcast to score laughs with his shadow banned jokes from Twitter. Teaching us how controlling our kids through comedy, can make our kids great again. His fuss free children are living proof of it.

Book Review

Controlling My Kids With Comedy, A Love Story by Michael Kornbluth is an endearing compilation of various forms of literature that were presented with an impressive sense of humour.

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would and ended up totally loving every bit of it! It is a short book which proved to be a very smooth read with brilliant writing accented with terrific comedy and endearing characters. The story told in pieces was excellent and had a really good sense of pacing and comic timing. I am really looking forward to reading author Kornbluth’s next book (which is already resting on my Kindle.)

I would definitely recommend this book to everyone who likes to read quality humour.

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Audiobook Review: The Optimist by Roy E. Schreiber

13/04/2020Humor, Roy E. SchreiberLeave a Comment

Author: Roy Schreiber
Narrator: Gary Alexander, Sharyon Culberson, Joe Dempsey, Linda Gilllum, Dillon Kelleher, Patrick Zielinski
Release Date: 16th August 2019
Genre: Satire, Shortie, Play, Radio Show
~~Series~~:
Format: Audiobook (Dramatic Reading)
Length: 1 hour
Publisher: Author’s Republic
Blurb:

This satirical view of college professors features a philosophy professor who believes logic will solve all problems from bringing justice to everyone to personal relationships. His problems include convincing his colleagues to unionize and dealing with a history professor who believes he is the 21st-century version of Henry VIII and an English Lit professor who believes she can become Ann Boleyn.

REVIEW

★★★

The Optimist by Roy E. Schreiber is basically a recording of a play released as an audiobook as I learned from the author himself during one of our emails. I was really excited to listen to it as I have never before listened to anything like this before, though being a fan of audiobooks, I simply couldn’t have passed on this opportunity anyway.

The audiobook is narrated by a number of narrators, which was obvious, but what really took me by surprise was how amazing it all came together. I’ve read a number of dramatic readings, and this one, right from the start itself felt like a very engaging read. I loved listening to this book almost as I loved listening to Narnia audiobooks!

Coming to the story itself, I felt that the plot was a bit complex for such a short narrative. Had it been longer, I think, it wouldn’t have been an issue as many aspects would fit nicely, but at it was a little over an hour, in my honest opinion, it felt a little crammed together. I did like the story, though I cannot say, unfortunately, that I loved it. Though it was pretty evident that the story and the book itself had a lot of potentials, I guess it just lacked in a couple of places in terms of clarity and plotting. Though, given the length of the book, I think it was worth reading.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes satirical works and doesn’t mind experimental stories.

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Book Review: Dreamsphere: The Day We Stopped Dreaming by Samson Tonauac

11/03/202011/03/2020Cyberpunk, dark comedy, Humor, Samson Tonauac, Science-FictionLeave a Comment

Author: Samson Tonauac
Release Date: 23rd September 2019
Genre: Cyberpunk, Sci-fi, Dark Humour
~~Series~~:
Format: E-book
Pages: 143
Publisher: Moonshine Cove Publishing
Blurb:

Dreamsphere is a profoundly philosophic, chaotic, nihilistic story without heroes, plot, climax, or purpose; but with cats, flying pigs and meaning. An epic cyberpunk/science fiction tale about nothing. Life has meaning … does it not?

REVIEW

★★★

Dreamsphere: The Day We Stopped Dreaming by Samson Tonauac is a futuristic sci-fi cyberpunk enlaced with dark humour. The writing is raw and direct and mostly I didn’t mind it as it gave a unique edge to the story. The plot structure was okay and the story was good and in spite of being presented in fragments and a lot of head-hopping, I found it engaging.

The characters were obviously written with the intent of not being loved, but, as a writer myself, I think that it could have been done in a better way. Creating unlikable characters is one of the lesser-used tropes, but done well, it makes the story very interesting, but in this book, I felt the characters lacked personality altogether and that was a major problem for me.

Overall, I’d say it was an entertaining read and would recommend it to die-hard cyberpunk and sci-fi fans.

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Book: Dreamsphere: The Day We Stopped Dreaming Author: Samson Tonauac Pages: 143 Published on: 23rd September 2019 Format: e-book Blurb: Dreamsphere is a profoundly philosophic, chaotic, nihilistic story without heroes, plot, climax, or purpose; but with cats, flying pigs and meaning. An epic cyberpunk/science fiction tale about nothing. Life has meaning … does it not? My rating: ☆☆☆ Verdict: An okay-ish sci-fi read. #bookworm #bookreview #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookdragon #bookish #reading #amreading #amreadingscifi #review #scifi #science #fixtion #cyberpunk

A post shared by Heena R. Pardeshi (@crazycatwriter) on Mar 10, 2020 at 10:14pm PDT

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