The Final Girl Support Group

As with every Grady Hendrix book that I have read, I always come in with preconceived notions that are immediately shattered. This book was not the exception. I did enjoy the book and I am sure that I enjoyed it more for a recent addiction to “The Last Drive In” with Joe Bob Briggs. We watched many of the referenced movies last fall and over the Christmas holidays, including the movie where a character is impaled on antlers. It was a fun conceit that the movie characters went on to live broken lives and that they actually had a ‘club’. I did sympathize with Lynette, but, like the other members of the support group, I had a hard time believing her - she seemed to go straight to “I’m positive THIS is the killer”, I understand that this was intentional, and it worked. I often thought she was a bit too reactionary. My favorite aspect of her character was her attachment to Fine (Final Plant) and the attributes she attached to him (Likes America's Funniest Home Videos) and when he stops speaking to her. Too funny. This is a good addition to the collection and I’m sure I will continue to read and recommend this author. It’s nice to know that a good title can still hook you into a whole new world of books. 4 out of 5 stars https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55829194-the-final-girl-support-group

The Constant Rabbit

This was an AMAZING book. I have always appreciated Jasper Fforde’s ability to build a thorough and, though fantastic, believable universe. The fact that he had footnotes to studies and papers that do not exist but support the plot - amazing. There was also SO much to unpack, I was glad this was a book-club book so that I will be able to talk about it. The way it dealt with issues of race without actually naming the reality of race relations - there was no question in my mind what area of society was referenced, but it was never said out-loud. I loved the characters, the relationships, the awakening of Pip and the culture sharing between the neighbors. I highly recommend this book and this author, he is so creative and many of his books are laugh out loud funny along with subtle lessons. 5 out of 5 stars January selection for our Books and Brunch book club https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53263304-the-constant-rabbit

The Moonlight Child

I really enjoyed this book. I believe I found it on a 'trending' list on Goodreads and it happened to be available from the library when I was looking. The author draws believable characters for the most part, I was most impressed with how visceral of a response I had to the mother. She was just awful! I can’t believe that the husband didn’t take action earlier. But I did like all of the other characters and enjoyed spending time with them, especially the relationship between Sharon and Niki. It is an interesting concept in this world where we don’t necessarily know our neighbors any more and outlines some of the complications with doing that! The end was exciting and I was happy with where it landed, though I would have liked to hear a final word from the Mother, was she redeemed? Did she continue to live with her delusions. 4 out of 5 stars https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54733883-the-moonlight-child

At First Light

I am often dismayed to find that a new book I am reading is the first of or part of a series. That is TOTALLY not the case here! I loved this book so much that I can't wait for more! It combined a little bit of the Dan Brown with National Treasure and made smart sexy and valued. What's not to love. I like all of the characters - anyone who doesn't think the author had a picture of Peter Dinklage on her desk while she was writing is smoking something. I'm excited to spend more time with these characters. I feel like the book stumbled a little in exposition of the characters/team - but understand the necessity of laying out an entire ensemble for up-coming cases while still keeping it as relevant as possible to the story at hand. I thought the writing was solid and I read almost half the book in one sitting (delaying dinner by almost an hour!) Very exciting end. This was the January selection for the Operations Book Club - 5 out of 5 stars. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54477646-at-first-light