That’s a boring title. Sorry.
But the exciting part is a passel of book reviews! Some I read, some I listened to. Some rocked, some sucked.
Let’s get to the my reviews of books I read/listened to during the first quarter of 2025.
Synopsizes are generated by computers. Review are created from my brain and feeling center.
Ratings: 🙂 = Good 🙂 🙂 = Great, I’ll read it again 😐 = Meh/Ok 🙁 = Crap
The Mercy of Gods 🙂 – Synopsis: Humanity on the planet Anjiin faces subjugation by the technologically superior alien race, the Carryx, who abduct the planet’s elite to serve in their empire, exploring themes of survival, resistance, and the quest for meaning under alien rule.
MY OPINION: Took a little to figure out why I should keep reading but then got more interesting. First in a series that has no #2 yet. Curious to see it continue.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
The Future 🙂 – Synopsis: In a near-future dystopia, three tech billionaires control the world’s economy and politics, while a group of individuals plot to save humanity from their destructive influence, highlighting themes of technology, power, and resistance.
MY OPINION: A fun and different look at the future with a ending a lot of us would like: three billionaires left on a deserted island while the rest of the world takes a different, not so money-grubbing path to health. Uplifting with a little romance.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
The Library Book 🙂 – Synopsis: Susan Orlean explores the history and significance of libraries through the lens of the 1986 Los Angeles Public Library fire, weaving together stories of librarians, the fire’s aftermath, and the broader cultural role of libraries.
MY OPINION: Delightful and enlightening telling of the fire in the Central Library of LA in 1986.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
Livesuit 🙂 – Synopsis: Set in the universe of “The Captive’s War,” this novella follows Kirin, a soldier melded with advanced technology to fight in an eternal war against an alien enemy, delving into themes of identity, war, and the human cost of conflict.
MY OPINION: Says it is part of a series, 1.5, but it really seems a stand alone just fine. Interesting concept and a short novella. Fascinating concept and a quick read.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
Same As Ever 🙂 – Synopsis: Morgan Housel examines the timeless aspects of human behavior and decision-making, arguing that understanding what never changes can provide a stable foundation for navigating an unpredictable world.
MY OPINION: A good review of sorts of what changes and what doesn’t. Not a lot of actionable stuff in here but it helps you understand cycles and maybe not get too bent out of shape.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
Armageddon In Retrospect 🙂 – Synopsis: A collection of Kurt Vonnegut’s unpublished works, focusing on war, peace, and human folly, with a poignant introduction by his son, reflecting on Vonnegut’s life and literary legacy.
MY OPINION: Short works of Vonnegut’s are quirky and sometimes feel incomplete. But I’m a fan of his work and biased to like it.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
Timequake 🙂 – Synopsis: Kurt Vonnegut’s novel where a timequake forces humanity to relive the past decade, exploring themes of free will, determinism, and the human condition through the experiences of his alter-ego, Kilgore Trout.
MY OPINION: A bit of a wacky Kurt Vonnegut that I have enjoyed before. Doesn’t take much mental investment and it is a fun story.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
The End of Average 🙂 – Synopsis: Todd Rose challenges the concept of the average as a measure of human potential, advocating for systems that recognize and nurture individual uniqueness in education, work, and beyond.
MY OPINION: Interesting look at statistics and why average doesn’t work in so many cases.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
In Too Deep 🙂 – Synopsis: Jack Reacher investigates a case involving a woman who has disappeared, uncovering a web of corruption and danger in a small town, showcasing his characteristic blend of action and mystery.
MY OPINION: My first Jack Reacher book and it was a pretty fun listen. Not too brain-strainy.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
The Luck Factor 🙁 – Synopsis: Gunther explores the concept of luck, suggesting that it can be influenced by certain behaviors and attitudes, providing strategies to increase one’s luck in life.
MY OPINION: Crap and vague. You can learn all you need to know by looking at the chapter headings and reading maybe the first page.
Don’t bother getting it.
To Die For 😐 – Synopsis: A political thriller where a female Secret Service agent investigates a conspiracy involving the assassination of the First Lady, revealing deep-seated secrets within the White House.
MY OPINION: A bit of a stretch in some points and he never explains really why the lead character is in this situation, but it’s a page turner. I have read over 20 Baldacci books so my 😐 should be taken accordingly.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
Breakfast of Champions 🙂 🙂 – Synopsis: Kurt Vonnegut’s satirical novel where characters from his own works come to life, meeting in a fictional Midwest town, exploring themes of American culture, free will, and the absurdity of life.
MY OPINION: Classic Kurt Vonnegut and a book I’ve read many times before.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
House on Mango Street 😐 – Synopsis: Sandra Cisneros’ coming-of-age story about Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, capturing her dreams, struggles, and the vibrant community around her.
MY OPINION: I didn’t get all the way through this book because something about it wasn’t clicking with me. I do think I should revisit it though.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
Cat’s Cradle 🙂 🙂 – Synopsis: Vonnegut’s satirical take on science, religion, and the end of the world, where the narrator investigates the legacy of a scientist who invented a substance that could end all life on Earth.
MY OPINION: Probably my favorite Kurt Vonnegut book. It’s got some deep ideas in there, but is still a playful book.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
Make Me 🙁 – Synopsis: Jack Reacher arrives in a small town named Mother’s Rest to meet a woman, only to find himself embroiled in a mystery involving disappearances and a dark secret the town is hiding.
MY OPINION: One of a few books I really didn’t like but finished. The writing was just not good after about 2/3 of the book. And some of the descriptions were just off and hard to follow.
Meh, get some Vonnegut instead
Armed With Good Intentions 🙂 – Synopsis: A memoir chronicling Wallo267‘s transformation from a troubled youth in North Philadelphia, marked by crime and a 20-year prison sentence, to a motivational speaker and cultural influencer. Through self-reflection and a commitment to change during incarceration, Wallo embraced a philosophy of positivity and entrepreneurialism, inspiring others with his journey of redemption and success
MY OPINION: Very uplifting and real. Phenomenal to see how someone can pull themselves up from the depths they dug themselves down into. Grab the audiobook which he also narrates.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
Kierkegaard in 90 Minutes 🙂 – Synopsis: A concise introduction to the life and philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard, one of the founders of existentialism, presented in an accessible format.
MY OPINION: It’s a good effort overview with not much depth, but gets you an idea of who the guy was if you want to explore more.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
Life In Three Dimensions 🙂 – Synopsis: This book challenges traditional ideas of a good life by introducing the concept of psychological richness—prioritizing curiosity, exploration, and diverse experiences alongside happiness and meaning. Through research, anecdotes, and practical advice, Oishi demonstrates how stepping outside comfort zones and embracing uncertainty can lead to personal growth, resilience, and a more fulfilling existence
MY OPINION: Brings up the concept of psychological richness as far as a way of measuring happiness and usefulness of life alongside hedonism and purpose. Sometimes the explanations were long-winded.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
Architects of Memory 🙂 – Synopsis: A science fiction novel where a woman with a unique ability to manipulate memories must navigate a future where her skills are both a gift and a curse, exploring themes of identity and control.
MY OPINION: Interesting concept and good character development. Really enjoyed the different idea of alien contact and intent.
Find it at Bookshop.org or Libby
