pineconek's Reviews (816)

This book had my heart pounding. 

Stepford Wives is a terrifying story of moving to suburbia as a wife and mother and losing yourself in that role. No social commentary is overtly said, yet each page is rich with it. I'm impressed and horrified. 

I've heard people quote a study that allegedly shows that mariage makes women unhappier and die sooner, while the reverse is true for men. It's so good to have a wife, her stereotypes taken to an extreme - someone to cook, clean, look beautiful, take care of the children, all without fuss. At the end of the day, who wouldn't want a wife? 

And who would actually want to become one? 

Recommended if you enjoy stories of characters descending into madness (or are they?), understated domestic horror, and find nothing more frightening than being barefoot and pregnant. This was my first read by this author, and look forward to my next ones. 4.25 stars.

Last year, I admitted to myself that I like vampire stories. I think it's finally time to come to terms with the fact that I like zombie stories. 

I'd heard that this is best experienced as an audiobook and I highly, highly, extremely highly, hyperbolicly highly, recommend doing so. The book is a series of (fictitious) interviews by the author with people all over the globe as they recount key moments of World War Z. Testimonies from ruthless generals, frightened families, political dissidents, ex soldiers, survivalists, and many more come together into a tapestry of horror. 

Mild spoilers from here on out. 

I enjoyed hearing some familiar voices (many famous actors have minor roles in the audiobook) and generally found the narrative compelling. Some horrors will stick in my mind for a while (decimation, the South African plan, the family camping out north and running low on food, transmission through organ transplants, mercy killings of children, etc), but others dragged a bit too much for me. Zombie stories are difficult to finish in a satisfying way, and the ending left me a little wanting. But I loved the ride. 

Recommended if you are ready to admit to yourself that you like zombie stories, enjoy sci fi with premises of "what would happen in wider society if -", and are looking for an incredible audiobook production. 4.5 stars rounded down.

And you thought /you/ had a rough six months?

This was so fun. The audiobook (stylized as a radio play) produced on the Re:Dracula podcast was exquisite. I fell behind multiple times (and finished a few days late) but I had a blast. 

I look forward to rereading Dracula for real  :D