It’s already repetitive and it’s not even half over. 

I just can’t settle into this writing style and I’ve only felt really engaged with one scene so far. 

Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend is a riotously funny debut from MJ Wassmer. In short it's the story of a couple that goes on a resort vacation and then on the first page of the book, the sun explodes. And we all know humankind and the earth cannot go on like that!

So with a literal bang, the surprises and problems start. The couple has a lot to sort out, and wouldn't you know it the world ending pushes those issues to the forefront. There are also lots of (hilarious) characters at the resort that create a Lord of the Flies type situation, and I couldn't look away from the Bible thumping MLM lady who tries to run the show. 

If you need a palate cleanser and a laugh, this is such a fun book. The voice acting on the audiobook was incredible, truly top notch; I was laughing out loud. So if you've got a little bit of summer left in you, forget the usual vacation read and give this a go! 

Damnation Spring is the story of a few families that depend on the logging industry in California in the 1970s. Colleen is the area midwife, if unofficially, but she has had countless miscarriages. Her husband Rich Gunderson is a logger who wants better for their only child, Chub. The Gundersons have relied on logging California Redwoods for as long as anyone can remember, and it is a rugged, dangerous life. 

When others in the community start to reveal their own problems, Colleen starts to wonder if her losses have a reason outside of herself. This novel blends excellent character work with a rich, vibrant setting and environmental themes. I do think it ran a bit too long and I hoped for more from the ending, but I'm recommending this to anyone who enjoyed Greenwood by Michael Christie or Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate. It struck me as a blend of the two in how it revered nature and trees (Greenwood), while developing characters with messy lives in need of help (Shelterwood). If you read this one, I hope you'll find it worthwhile. 

I wanted this to be more weird. 

Time of the Flies tells the story of Ines, a woman who has been out of prison for one year after serving fifteen years for killing her husband's lover. Along with her best friend Manca, Ines has her own business now working in pest fumigation. Through this work, Ines has found an appreciation for flies that weaves throughout the book. 

Unfortunately, Ines can't escape her past and is asked to do something highly unethical. But with high stakes, it's a hard decision to make. This story compelled me to keep reading, once I settled into the unique storytelling that included chapters that read like dialogue between two people having an intellectual argument, including footnote citations. I enjoyed wondering who was speaking in these chapters, and I also enjoyed the way Pineiro weaves in subtle perspective shifts in the more traditional chapters that move the plot forward. 

I think this was written and translated brilliantly. And with the intellectual argument sections and the topics brought up by the plot, I think this would be a great pick for a book club. 

The Examiner is another solid multi-media format novel from the brilliant Janice Hallett. I've been a fan of Hallett since her debut, The Appeal, and I've read all of her releases. She continues to raise the bar with The Examiner, a story of a small Masters program that will supposedly help its students blend art with business, but what really happens is another story. 

The characters in this story are all quite intriguing and each a bit messy in their own ways. Early on it becomes clear something went awry in this MA course, but what happened and when? I won't say much because I think that keeps this novel fun and engaging from the get go. But I will say Janice Hallett mixed it up with this one; this is not formulaic at all while it follows her tried and true format. Hallett had me wondering if she was dabbling in new territory, and I loved trying to solve the mystery and wondering what twists she was going to deliver. 

I think this one is great for fans of mysteries, especially if you are attracted to stories with an academic setting and small dysfunctional groups. I can't say enough about Janice Hallett's ability to weave an intricate story that will impress you with its creativity and consistency- there are no plot holes here! I had a heck of a time and the students and tutor from this MA course feel quite real as I continue to think about their unfortunate turn of events.