This is one that I'm not sure how to rate--it's billed as "tales of everyday horror" and I think these absolutely are horror stories. But I...had hoped that they wouldn't be? I was hoping for something that skewed more funny and less horror-y. And I mean, it is funny, and has some Extremely Ortberg turns of phrase. But also I couldn't read this before bed (as is my custom) because it was really fucking me uppp

Which speaks to the power of the writing, but also I DON'T LIKE THAT.

aw yissssssssssss

This was a very satisfying YA fantasy with basically exactly my preferred level of worldbuilding--ENOUGH that you get it but not so much that I get annoyed about it. (I know this is a personal thing and some fantasy readers like a LOT more details.) The fantasy based in West African mythology also makes it feel fresh.

I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for the sequel!

Do I like Doctor Strange now? I'm so mad about this turn of events HONESTLY.

I'm living for his librarian friend Zelma. I'm also glad that Doctor Strange himself refrained from making out with any tentacle lady demons in this one.

This was...disappointing. I really like Greg Pak and I GUESS I LIKE DOCTOR STRANGE NOW but this was not really my jam on any level. Also, the artwork made it really confusing what was supposed to be actually happening and what was maybe a magic illusion or something?! I know the Season 1 series was supposed to be kind of a good entry point for new fans but this one didn't land for me. Also honestly I know it's his origin story and character growth etc but he AND WONG were both super unlikeable for like 95% of this jeezzzz I'd rather read something where they're already bros.

I LOVED this, oh my gosh. The character voices are so strong and it's such a moving story that so perfectly conveys all the little moments that are so important to middle school life (and life in general). Great for tweens looking for contemporary sad-ish stories. And adults who like crying, whatever.

oh my gosh, this is so good. It's a novel told through an interlinking set of stories/chapters about a large cast of characters, all of whom are American Indians, and I found each character so compelling that I was simultaneously mad and excited every time a POV changed, I'd read a full book about each of them individually. UGH so beautiful on a sentence level and so powerful on a story level.

mmm I mean there are some good anecdotes in here, I think ALW could have written like a couple of good BuzzFeed posts. It's very rambly though and I don't think ALW has a good sense of what a dirtbag he's making himself come across as, esp w/r/t his child bride. And also his pervasive sense of himself as an underdog, rather than like...one of the most commercially successful composers of all time? Who had success from a very young age?

more on the podcat, but in short, only recommended for diehard fans :

http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/episode-98-unmasked/

This is so fun and suuuch a good Percy Jackson readalike! (Which I know is like, the entire point of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, but I'm telling you: nailed it.) It's the same blend of humor/pop culture references, characters to root for, and fantasy adventure. Can't wait for the next one!!

These essays are collected from the last few years and I'd already read some of them, or some versions of them, online. But it was still a valuable use of my time to read all of her sharp insights about American culture (and how fucked up it is). If you're not familiar with Sarah Kendzior, she's such a smart and insightful writer, I can't recommend her insights enough.