Overall this is an excellent resource for writers, whether you are drafting a novel or trying to fine-tune one. There’s a wide range of information that covers topics I’ve never seen mentioned in other writing craft resources (such as how a character's status changes based on which other characters are in the scene and a story’s texture). When I picked up this book, I had some specific issues I was looking for clarity on but I also found many new things to think about as they relate to my writing.

While I did enjoy this book, there are a couple reasons why I can’t rate this a 5-star read. First, it alternates between broad topics that can be applied to all genres and hyper-specific sections clearly written with thrillers in mind. Since the author is primarily a thriller writer, I guess this can be expected. But, since this book is clearly intended to be a general resource for all writers (not just for other thriller writers, look at the title and the blurb), perhaps it would be best to leave genre-specific advice out (or try to broaden it).

Second - and my main issue with this book - there’s an inability to see beyond a Christian worldview in some sections. Since this book isn’t marketed as being Christian theology-based, it was disappointing to see such a narrow focus in those areas. To be clear, theology-based writing craft books are not an issue; however after the length this book went to be inclusive and all-encompassing (and encouraging you to think about your audience), limiting to one hyper-specific worldview only when it’s convenient is a problem. For instance, Chapter 41: Beliefs is only viewed through a Christian lens. 

As another example, in the “Fine-Tuning Your Manuscript” section of Chapter 54: Themes we are encouraged to ask ourselves: “Would the Devil pay to have this book published? Why do I say that? Would God? Why or why not?” This particularly example, for me, was jarringly out of place and perhaps could have benefited from reading the chapters on Continuity (#74) and/or Unobtrusiveness (#75). It seems weird to me that these specific incidents of clear personal bias made it through edits on what was otherwise an excellent book.

Thank you to NetGalley and W.W. Norton & Company for sending me a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Counting is an interesting look into the subjectiveness of the numbers that influence every aspect of our lives, from politics to Fitbits and everything in-between.

I do enjoy statistics and number tracking: part of my day job includes statistical reporting and every year I track my reading statistics (which, in terms of numbers, books have an incredible amount of information you can choose to track, from page counts to the publishers you read most often). And, this doesn’t include the other sources of numbers that sneak their way into your life (such as: Are you meeting your nutritional requirements? Are you drinking enough water? Have you finished the projects you set out to do today/before work/after work?).

One of my favorite books so far this year was Nabokov’s Favorite Word Is Mauve by Ben Blatt; a fascinating look into the statistics of writing, from classics to present-day bestsellers. So, I was looking forward to learning more about how numbers influence us in Counting.

One thing about Counting is it covers a massive amount of information through real-life examples. I wasn’t interested in every example, but as a whole they indirectly encouraged me to think about the numbers I’m directly responsible for - especially when they are available to a wider audience than just myself. While I appreciated the many, varied examples in each chapter, I’m not sure one immediately after another was the best format: there is so much interesting information within these pages and sometimes it was lost by moving on too quickly.

In essence, numbers are subjective and depend on a variety of external and internal factors depending on who is compiling and/or using them. What needs to be counted, and how should it be counted? What cultural assumptions, social conventions, and personal judgements are already influencing the numbers? Once there is a number, how can cultural assumptions, social conventions, and personal judgements give different meanings? In some places, numbers can be a source of motivation and inspiration. In others, numbers can be misleading or flat out inaccurate.

*Note: my advanced copy did not contain an epilogue on COVID-19 statistics, but I would be interested in reading it.

Thank you again to NetGalley and W.W. Norton & Company for the privilege of reviewing an ARC.

This book is an EXCELLENT resource and Kendi has done a masterful job of relaying so much information in an engaging and accessible way. The remixed YA version (Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You compiled by Jason Reynolds) made it into my hands before the original and gives a great overview of the topics covered. In fact, I think I learned more from this book because I had read the YA version first. However, I think it will still take me another pass or two (at a minimum) before I can truly absorb and learn from the information presented.

In short: the YA version is a great introduction, then read this book 2 or 3 times to learn the most (and take your time with it). If you want to better understand systemic racism the U.S. is based on, definitely pick up this book (although I highly recommend reading both books).

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for sending me a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. 

 

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and I’m SO excited to finally share my review! V.E. Schwab has done it again - are we even surprised? 

 

To be completely honest, at first I didn’t find The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue as gripping as I found the Villains series or A Darker Shade of Magic. But, by the halfway point, I was fully engrossed in the story and I’m STILL reeling from the ending (it was satisfying in the most unexpected way). 

 

One thing that really stood out to me while I was reading was how Schwab crafted her words. I know I mention it a lot in my reviews, but beautiful prose is something that draws me to books. And, the prose in Addie LaRue is GORGEOUS; I could keep reading (and rereading) it forever. You can definitely tell the amount of love and work Schwab put into this book - it’s evident on every page. 

 

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a celebration of so many things: art, stories, exploring the world, and the freedom of forging your own path. Most of all, though, it’s a celebration of living. It’s also heavily influenced by the joy and discovery of lifelong learning; throughout the novel Addie makes her own choices and never loses her fascination about the world around her. 

 

This is a book that stays with you, one that deserves to be savored, and one I can see myself returning to again and again. Thank you again to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the privilege of reviewing an ARC. 

Currently paused on page 84. Will pick up for a read-a-long later this year.