Review 632: Neither Here nor There

Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe by Bill Bryson
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Bryson goes to many different countries across Europe, mostly revisiting places he had been to before with a friend of his several decades earlier.

He tries for humor, it mostly doesn't work with me. The exaggeration for comedic effect was overdone. All that is okay. My main gripe with his writing is how the exaggeration was often done as a way to denigrate the place, or generalize the people. Of course, there is also the suffering of Bryson.

As I was nearing the end of the book I was starting to wonder if I will ever read another of his books. Maybe. The last couple places he visits had tipped in his favor. So often he was describing his everyday experiences, mostly complaining, but with the last couple of places he visited, there is a small amount of history.

These locations were part of the USSR that broke up when the soviet communism collapsed. When Bryson was in Sofia, a city in Bulgaria, the people were struggling; inflation was rampant and there was practically no food to be found, except for the few tourists in the only hotel in the city. This chapter he treated with a bit more humanity than I would have expected based the previous 90% or so of the book. But it did take him a minute to get there. It’s hard to be a comedian when faced with such dire circumstances.

I’m not unhappy I read the book. Bryson visited many countries I visited while on a brief European tour of my own a couple decades ago and this book reminded me of my own experiences, which does improve my impression.

Review 607: French Lessons

French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork, and Corkscrew by Peter Mayle
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Peter Mayle and his wife are British ex-pats in Southern France and use this Englishman non-French way of poking fun at both the English and French for their differences. In this book Mayle tours a few of the unusual festivals or fairs, sometimes with a companion.

There is the frog in Vittel, the snail in Martigny-les-Bains, blue footed chicken in Bresse, and the most pungent cheese in Livarot, just to name a few. Lots of food and flowing wine, and a lot of light-hearted interactions.

The shortest essay is the one where he got the wrong place and ended up in a muddy field while it’s raining, asking the farmer where to find Monthureux. Which one? The farmer asks. So, he missed the event. Mayle mostly pokes fun at himself.

My favorite essays are the first and last. The first being when he has fine French food for the first time as a young assistant. It opened up another world for him. The last essay being on the history of the Michelin Guide book. Mayle was hoping to do a ride along with one of the tasters. No, that was not going to happen. Secrecy is the most important.

This year I’ve been digging deep into my bookshelves, to those forgotten ones, this is another. The book is overall enjoyable, but I’m not much of a foodie.

Review 529: Water, Water

Water, Water: Poems by Billy Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Typically there is a large dose of humor found in the poetry by Billy Collins. This collection does have some of that here, but not to the degree that is usually found. Overall, they are still accessible poems.

There are sixty poems broken into four unequal parts. Many of these poems were previously published in magazines or journals through the years, and are collected here together. I found it hard to find a connecting theme for all of them other than observations about everyday life and surprise, which is fairly typical of his poems.

Another highly enjoyable collection by a past U.S. Poet Laureate.

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for an advance review copy of this book.

Review 527: I Hope This Finds You Well

I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue
My rating: 3.75 of 5 stars

I’ve read a few work fiction books; they tend towards satire and have extreme situations that seem quite implausible. This book has a bit of that, particularly of the later, but it also turned out to be more than I expected.

The main character Jolene has extreme anxiety from a situation in high school that dealt with her best friend. It apparently ruined her family as well, and now they live in a different major metropolitan area of Canada. The result is Jolene has trouble with personal relationships, and she has become an outcast at work. Landing in trouble she has to undergo a training program with HR in order to save her job.

What develops is a little predictable at times, but the story was told well enough that it wasn’t enough to turn me off entirely. It has quite a bit of humor but in the end, not as sarcastic as one might expect. I listened to the audio book which was narrated quite well.

Review 503: Email

Email by Randy Malamud
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This is a short book in the ongoing Object Lessons series. Each book is focused on one topic and the books vary on how the author approaches the subject.

For this book on email the author stayed very close to the subject and made it quite entertaining as well. There was so much humor in this book, it was a delight to read this.

One of the best chapters was called Junk. Yes, it is about that unwanted spam, but written well. That chapter alone was worth the read, and quite short. It’s one of the shorter ones, not quite two pages long.

The author shows bias towards this necessary form of communication, but not entirely likely it. There are many examples of why there is a dislike, such as how easily overwhelming it can be by the immediacy of contacting anyone at any time. He also contrasts to what is no longer done, the writing of physical letters and what was lost in that.

And yet, it seems the goal of the book was to make the reader look at email in a new light. And it did that for me, so I’d say this was a success.

Review 491: I'd Rather Not

I'd Rather Not by Robert Skinner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a delightfully short book of autobiographical essays filled with humor. The author is Australian so most locations mentioned were lost on me. Exaggeration is used most often to make the humor, but in the end not sure what the purpose of the collection. Perhaps since he was part of a group that ran a short story magazine for a while, the only one in Australia.

It could be a good breather book in between long serious ones. I really was in the mood for something short, didn't know how quick that would go. The author said the first thing he was happy about the book was the length and I would agree with that. Probably a book better read via audio instead of print like I did.

Initial quick review:

A short book of autobiographical essays from Australia. Places names (usually) I had no idea where they were. They were filled with humor but in the end not sure what the purpose of the collection. The author himself said the first thing he is happy about the book is the length and I'll agree with that.

Review 489: Get Me Through the Next Five Minutes

Get Me Through the Next Five Minutes: Odes to Being Alive by James Parker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is a collection of short essays each on a subject as an “Ode”. They are a positive reflection, a way of acknowledging something in a positive light in a light-hearted and quirky way. Most of these first appeared in the Atlantic magazine are collected here for publication as a book.

I had not read anything by James Parker before but the idea and the cover hit my funny-bone for a moment so I picked up the book. I read a few “Odes” a day which is a good way to get through this book.

As with other collections, some are better than others, some will appeal to one or other. I didn’t like the ones that delved deep into soccer and sports, but some fans will likely appreciate that more than myself.

These daily things one would not expect to appreciate held a wide range an example of some - an Ode to: Middle Age, Rushing, Sitting There, Not Meditating, and so on.

Thanks to W.W. Norton and NetGalley for an uncorrected electronic advance review copy of this book.

Review 463: Still Life with Woodpecker

Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins
My rating: 2.75 of 5 stars

Fairly disappointed with book. Perhaps I enjoyed this writing style more when I read them many years ago, or I had too much expectation from this book based on previous reading, way back when. Still has that zany humor and a few nuggets were embedded but so much other junk to wade through. I have another Robbins book that I got way back when, perhaps I'll attempt that at some point, but not any time soon.

Skinny Legs and All made me want to write a comparative literature paper, or maybe a critical analysis paper, when I wasn't even taking an English course. It sparked ideas that were brought up in another book I had read around that time as well, but no longer remember which book and never did get around to writing down those thoughts...but here it is years later and I still remember there was that spark. 

Previously Read Tom Robbins books:

• Jitterbug Perfume
• (4 stars) March.1994
• Even Cowgirls Get the Blues
• (3 stars) April.1995
• Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas
• (4 stars) January.1996
• Skinny Legs and All
• (5 stars) December.1997

Review 381: Revenge of the Librarians

Revenge of the Librarians by Tom Gauld
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mostly cartoons about writing, some on reading and being a book person, and not many about librarians. The title doesn't exactly fit. But the book is enjoyable. I really did laugh out loud several times.

All are just one page image cartoon. A few are reimagined titles of classic books with a twist. Quite a lot about editors, or not not writing.

I really enjoyed the style of the art as well. I may have to look for more of Gauld's work.

Review 365: I Served the King of England

I Served the King of England by Bohumil Hrabal
My rating: 2.75 of 5 stars


Likely closer to 2 stars, the book was absurd, and meant to be, but it was difficult reading. I barely continued reading, but went ahead since it was highly rated. The last portion of the book did redeem it. The author is a Czech, written during that time when occupied by the Russians, so there's a lot going on under the surface.

I read a few glowing reviews and I understand their affection, but I found the novel too absurd, gross, pitiful and outrageous. It is a wonder I did continue and finish the book, but this is one of those cases where the last portion makes it all worthwhile. The main character redeems himself slowly but surely.

It is ridiculous and meant to be that way, often where the unbelievable came true.

Review 355: Other People's Rejection Letters

Other People's Rejection Letters: Relationship Enders, Career Killers, and 150 Other Letters You'll Be Glad You Didn't Receive by Bill Shapiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read over one day: Sunday, November 6, 2022

Wasn’t feeling too well that day and read it off and on over the day.

Is it sad to have enjoyed reading these rejection letters other people received? Some were truly sad, but others a bit funny, and a couple a bit shocking. The book is very colorful, images of the original letters. I've wanted to read this book for a long while, and glad I finally did. It was a short read.

Review 338: The Edge of Everything

The Edge of Everything by Jeff Giles
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



A different sort of book than my usual, that's for sure. Paranormal - romance for teens. I'm definitely not the target audience.

There is some humor, but I think I rolled my eyes way more than chuckled.  Slightly annoyed at the ending. Of course there is a book 2.  No, I won't be reading it.

Review 336: Fuzz

Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is about the human-animal encounters, mostly when they are nuisance, but sometimes when they harm or kill humans, yeah that's a nuisance. I enjoyed the humor Mary Roach puts into her topic. It helps particularly when the topic is a bit gruesome.

I’ve already found myself quoting how many deaths by animals in other countries from this book! It’s amazing how things are handled throughout the world, different policies in different countries. Mary Roach took on some questionable adventures in seeking the full story, even going where her guides were feeling it was too dangerous. Glad to have gone along the ride while sitting in my armchair!

Although I have to say there were many stunned moments for me, how callous farmers are for birds or other species. Certainly, hope these practices of outright killing “pests” to extension will no longer be the mainstream viewpoint.

This was the first Mary Roach book I read, although I've wanted to read others, happy to have finally finished one.

Review 325: Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs

Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs by Beth Ann Fennelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a surprise this book turned out to be. Somehow, I got mistaken on what the book was; thought it was a compilation of authors with Fennelly as the editor. Instead, it is all Fennelly’s own life, her memoirs. And with each entry a continuation on her life, it grew to be something bigger than the micro moments written.

Some entries are just a sentence or two, while others are longer covering several pages. The entire book can easily be read in an hour or two. The fact there is humor radiating out of every essay is what makes this book something I will read again.

Review 239: The Rain in Portugal

The Rain in Portugal by Billy Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Billy Collins makes me want more poetry in my life. His poems invite you in. The poems are relatable and enjoyable. Many have humor where you may actually laugh out loud.

In this collection of poems animals come up quite often, as if a theme. Often it is cats, but there are a few about dogs, turtles appear more than once, there’s an elephant and other animals. From the cats who misbehave to dogs who don’t know what city they reside in, you can be sure an animal is lurking around the next line.

One of my favorite poems in the collection is Traffic. We have all sat in a car, stuck, feeling like everyone including a "family of snails" are travelling faster than you.

I may now have to include a poetry book or two by the bedside table for daily reading.

other read Billy Collins books:

The Trouble With Poetry - Sept.2011

Nine Horses - June.2006

Questions About Angels - January.2003

Sailing Alone Around the Room - Aug.2002

Picnic, Lightning - January 1999

Review 205: Anxious People

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

The story is told in a fragmented way, which bothered me a bit during the beginning of the book. It was harder to connect with the characters and understand what was going on. There is shifting points of view, with a cast of people, and some shifts in time too. I stuck with it and after a while the group of strangers become known to each other, and to the reader. I’m glad I kept going and happy to have read the book.

This is a light-hearted tone about some heavy-hearted issues, and you may find some profound statements about life.

Review 180: The Short Reign of Pippin IV

The Short Reign of Pippin IV: A Fabrication by John Steinbeck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was something completely different from your typical Steinbeck. Funny and still holds well to today. Only Kings are outdated! Enjoyable and easy read.

Have to admit one of my favorite parts is the King of France scooting around and the image on the cover! 😄

Also, love the little line drawings that are in the book.

Not serious one bit. Is it making fun of France or the United States, or both?  United States corporations are run like governments, so the book says….or the corporations take place of government is more accurate.

 

Kings are outdated. The world has moved on from a reigning ruler based on heredity.

Read a library book copy, as I bought a first edition of this book in November 2018. The library copy was also a first edition, which held up well to a lot of use. As Steinbeck is one of my favorite authors, and I love the cover, I had to splurge on a 1st ed. of this book. It is in my treasured library. Happy to now have read the book as well.

Review 131: Reincarnation Blues

Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A soul named Milo, has been reborn nearly 10,000 times. Once your soul gets to that many lives it will be annihilated forever, ceased to exist. The goal for a soul is to reach perfection. Once you reach perfection your soul goes to join the oversoul. Milo also has this problem of loving Death, who is also named Suzie. Suzie has decided she no longer wants to be Death. Over the long 8,000 plus years, of Milo being reborn, they grow to be lovers while Milo hangs out in the afterlife, between being dead and being born down below again.

The book highlights some of the lives Milo lived, going forward and back in time, although generally when reborn you do go forward in time, although not always. Just the story didn’t always stay linear in that way.

Something in this tale clicked for me. There is the overall relationship, trying to find a way to have their love, and the universe finds it out of balance. They are rebels, both of them. Plus Milo doesn’t seem to know what exactly he is doing wrong so he cannot reach perfection. Suzie and Milo have a plan, when he finally does reach perfection he will refuse to join the oversoul so they can stay together. In his last five or six lives, he finally does really try hard to get to that perfection.

It is a goofy book, for sure. And it goes to the far future, so there’s weird sci-fi kind of things, but not much.

The more I think about this book, the less I appreciate it. Yes, I did find enjoyment within the pages, but there were some areas that bothered me, and it looks like they are being highlighted when I think of the book. There are some extremes here, where it did not need to go. Why did we have this seemingly okay guy go out and shoot at people on a highway? This is just one example, others are even worse. So there’s that aspect. Major discomfort with aspects in the book, and I think it was there on purpose. It bothers me. Another part that bothers me is why does Milo live all these lives and we mostly get the character as a straight male. Once, very briefly we get a female life, but she dies young. We are told in passing his soul was a female many times, but we don’t see that in the book.

I downgraded my initial rating of stars. And now feel somewhat chagrined I did enjoy the book more than I expected, and particularly now with hindsight. Its now short-lived enjoyment. I think the tone reminded me of a couple of authors I like when I was younger. It's been years since I read those books, and now wonder if some flaws there would stand out. Although, those books were written in an earlier time.


I received a free copy of this book at a library conference. I was not required to write a review, but felt like it and, of course, the above opinions are my own.

Brief Review 95: Hope Never Dies

Hope Never Dies by Andrew Shaffer
My rating: not rated

I'm stopping this at 30% finished. I got the audiobook and the narrator doesn't work for me. I wonder if I would get the book more if I was reading it in print, or had a different narrator. I'm not one to read a lot of mysteries either, so maybe some of the humor is lost on me. In any case, this book didn't work for me in so many ways, I decided to move on to something else.

No rating as I didn't finish the book.

Review 7: Radio Free Vermont: A Fable of Resistance

Radio Free Vermont: A Fable of Resistance by Bill McKibben
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I took this with a grain of salt, gave into the humor aspect. I'm there was serious intentions behind the book, but I viewed it as purely fantasy. Although maybe I learned a little about what it's like to live in Vermont.

This is the first book I've read by Bill McKibben and he is known and an environmentalist and non-fiction writer. I started here since it was the last book he published. Also planning on attending an event where he is speaking and wanted to finally read something by the author.

Bill McKibben books read later:

• Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? (NonFiction)
•  (3 stars)   May.2019 
• The Bill McKibben Reader: Pieces from an Active Life (NonFiction)
• (4 stars) Feb.-April.2019
• The End of Nature  (NonFiction)
•  (5 stars)   Jan-Feb.2019