thebacklistbook's Reviews (304)

 In this book Randy Rainbow shares how he became so culturally relevant. Through various anecdotes he lets the reader explore what it is like to go viral. In particular, Randy shares how people have tried to cancel him as antisemitic. Randy Rainbow is Jewish and a comedian.

He freely admits that some of his earliest material isn't the best out there. People seemed to forget that one of the core functions of comedy is to hold a mirror up to society. Many comedians adopt a persona, or shtick, as it was once called to garner some laughs. It doesn't always mean they agree with what they portray.

This book is about growth, the incomparable Babs, Bernadette Peters, and what happens when people are allowed to redeem themselves. 

I was provided with an ARC PDF for review by the author. This book is currently a dnf for me. I will reconsider reading it after it's been published. I found there were some Grammar and syntax issues. 

There is potential for a great story in here. It needs some heavy editing. I had a glance through the rest and found that the bulk of the story seems written in first person with third person use of names. Lots of telling, I tend to prefer more showing. I hope the author has a trusted editor.

Too pornographic. also featured bestiality and rape/abuse.

 This book deals with heavy themes. Suicide, discrimination, sexual harassment, and addiction.

Georgia is a urologist in the south. She is fiercely independent, a fact her bosses hate, and her best friend Jonah loves. When one of their careers is on the line Georgia struggles with making the right decisions...

This book while heavy is also a very compelling read. This is the author's second novel. It reads like the author has been writing about these characters for decades. The only thing that slowed me down at all was receiving another book on hold from the library. Kimmery Martin is definitely on my auto request list.

 

I read the 2002 preface and skimmed the rest. What I did read was wildly out of touch. I can understand how a disillusioned professor coming into his career at the height of war-time rationing would have been influenced to think like this. However wanton capitalism as Friedman suggests is also the "wrong cure for the wrong disease". All I can say is I feel far more free with universal healthcare than I ever could without it.

Hope Harbor is a small town America analogue. Two tortured souls find their way to each other. Add in one kooky taco chef, one town recluse, an ailing cranberry farm, and a charity in need. Together that is the recipe for a redemption arc.

The story itself was pleasant enough and an easy read. it only gets two stars because I am not a fan of certain aspects of the narrative. There is a part in the epilogue which suggests one needs be religious in order to find love, or peace. It also suggests that one won't feel at home unless they are in a relationship or aspiring to be in one. Overall not a bad read.

Annie is a femmebot. She comes in three basic presets nanny, cuddle bunny, and Abigail (housekeeper). Doug is human. He owns Annie. A short while ago he decided he wanted an upgrade. Annie is now autodidactic. 

She can learn. Doug likes teaching her. But he can't control what she learns.... 

This book is an interesting look at what it might be like to be in an abusive relationship. It explores the nuance of seeming to be property. It also explores consent. This book will make you squirm, and it should. I only give this two stars because it reads like a first draft, rather than a completed product.

That was the least humorous thing I've read that was trying to be funny. Her COVID stress oozed right off the page. 

The essay on twilight and Titanic were the highlights of the book. Honestly I feel quite ambivalent about his book. I didn't love it, didn't hate it. It just exists. 

I loved this book from the first page. As soon as I saw the map I knew it would be a wild ride. The story follows a group of bandits struggling to get by because they insist on helping others as well as themselves. Through magic, emotional turmoil, and war they persevere. But will they get what they need or only what they want? You will just have to read it. 

This book was one I checked out just to have something to listen to. It was very informative about the suffering she has been through.