Review: American Oasis: Finding the Future in the Cities of the Southwest

American Oasis: Finding the Future in the Cities of the Southwest by Kyle Paoletta
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While the book was okay and I’m glad to have read it, I don’t think the premise of the book held up. The author profiled a few cities in the southwest looking mainly at: Phoenix, Las Vegas, El Paso and Albuquerque, with a few other cities being mentioned. All of these places are hot desert climates, having water issues and in the last several decades huge growth. Some history about these cities were discussed.

Yet, the author described many personal stories of individuals or families that seemingly had nothing to do with the topic, other than they live in that city. The opening described the author’s upbringing in New Mexico. While one story was about a man who lost his hands in 1946 as a boy while playing with explosives. Dealing with his disability ended up giving him some fame. First a newspaper article then later working in movies. Okay, but how does this relate to that particular city and the future? (not to mention this man had moved to another state.) There are many digressions and stories like this. Interesting characters, but not all that relevant.

The last part of the book seemed to regain focus and keep on topic. Water issues are a problem and will be more so in the future. Looking at these desert and drought-prone areas is a good idea for finding solutions for the future. One interesting piece of information was that despite all the growth in Las Vegas, through their water policies the amount of water consumed has stayed at the same level. I just wish the narrative had kept this at the forefront for most of the book.

Book rating: 2.75 stars


Thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor/Pantheon and NetGalley for an uncorrected electronic advance review copy of this book. However, I read and listened to a published copy of the book.



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Review: American Oasis: Finding the Future in the Cities of the Southwest

American Oasis: Finding the Future in the Cities of the Southwest by Kyle Paoletta
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



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Review: How Can My Manager Be So Stupid?

How Can My Manager Be So Stupid? by Kazumasa Hayami
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another fictional workplace book, this one about being a bookseller. Admittedly I was pulled in by the cover artwork.

The main character, Kyoko Tanihara works at Musashino Bookshop. She is frustrated with her job, the manager especially. She works in the literature department and is frustrated that publishers don’t send the books that she knows would sell. She orders the books, but they don’t arrive, or if they do only one or two copies, when they could sell many more. There are customers who complain that they want the hottest new book, but the store can’t get it. Although it’s the manager who Tanihara mainly complains about and how he runs things. His morning meetings he usually is glowing about a management book that everyone should read.

Through most of the book Tanihara is on the verge of quitting. She does have a lot of anger, but she is a book lover and is very involved in the dynamics of the job and even with an author or two. I was lukewarm through most of the book, but I liked how it ended up.

Book rating: 3.25


Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for an uncorrected electronic advance review copy of this book. However, I listened to a published audiobook copy of the book.


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Review: How Can My Manager Be So Stupid?

How Can My Manager Be So Stupid? by Kazumasa Hayami
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



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Review: The Things We Never Say

The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I understand why this book has such good ratings, but it didn’t work so well for me. Some aspects of the writing really bugged me, such as foretelling what would happen to a character several years in advance. Occasionally the story got to that time period as well. This forecasting happened quite often. I can see how the book could be polarizing as it delves into politics a bit in the middle to last portion of the book. I could have done without it too, as for fiction like this I want a mini-vacation from real life.


Book rating: 2.75 stars


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