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Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library is a captivating exploration of life, regret, and the myriad paths we could have taken. This isn't just a story; it's an experience, a poignant journey through the "what ifs" that haunt us all. Haig blends elements of philosophy and science to create a narrative that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving.

The book's brilliance lies in its unique approach to regrets. Instead of simply wallowing in them, Haig presents a library between life and death, a liminal space where Nora gets a chance to explore the alternate lives she might have lived. This concept is well executed, offering a fresh perspective on the choices we make and the roads not taken. It's a testament to Haig's skill that he manages to make this exploration feel both fantastical and utterly real.

What truly elevates The Midnight Library is its profound analysis of the art of living. Haig delves into the complexities of human existence with a delicate touch, weaving together philosophical insights and scientific concepts to illuminate the beauty and fragility of life. The book doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the human condition, such as depression and despair, but in the end it offers a message of hope and resilience. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there's always the possibility of finding light and meaning.

The Midnight Library is more than just a book; it's a mirror reflecting our own lives, our regrets, and our potential. It’s a powerful reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of embracing every moment. I loved this novel, and I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.

“The only way to learn is to live.” - Ms. Elm

–This review was partially drafted by A.I. (Gemini) with a fairly lengthy prompt containing my opinions and the notes I took while reading. Much of the review is rewording of the prompt I entered and my notes. –

So, three out of five probably isn’t fair since this book isn’t meant for me, and I’m sure if I was five years old, I would have given it at least four stars, possibly five if I was a girl too.

Olaf is my favorite character in the Frozen oeuvre, and since this was short and free on Audible, I thought I’d add it to my collection in case I needed something refreshing. Well, after my last non-fiction book, I definitely needed a palate cleanser, and this worked really well.

Olaf’s is questing for a mysterious library in a city over the mountain and through the woods. Along the way he collects new stories from his friends and those he meets. Some of the stories seem very familiar, while a few are unique to this story. I loved the one told by the sheep herder.

This was fun to listen to, and it made me wish my kid was young again, so we could listen together.

This book is an eye-opening exploration of how influencers and their audiences have shaped our current information ecosystem, for better or worse (and it’s mostly for worse). DiResta’s clear writing makes even complex concepts easy to understand, but the book’s disturbing implications about our current information culture in the United States can be a difficult pill to swallow. It’s rare that I consider quitting a book because of the content over the writing, but I definitely struggled. In the end, if knowledge is power, the book has been worth the struggle.

One of the book’s strengths is its detailed examination of the history and development of the post-truth society. DiResta begins with the anti-vaccine movement and the measles outbreak, then moves through the evolution of propaganda from the printing press to the internet. She also explores the role of influencers in shaping culture, politics, and society, and how their unchecked power has led to the spread of disinformation and the erosion of trust in traditional institutions.

The book also delves into the psychological and social factors that make people susceptible to propaganda and misinformation. DiResta discusses the phenomenon of crowd behavior and how it can lead to the formation of “bespoke realities” where individuals only see and hear information that confirms their existing beliefs. She also examines the role of algorithms in amplifying and spreading disinformation, and how they can be used to manipulate public opinion.

While “Invisible Rulers” is a sobering read, it also offers some hope for the future. DiResta discusses potential solutions to the problems she outlines, including the need for better education, more transparency from social media platforms, and a greater emphasis on critical thinking skills. She also highlights the importance of individual responsibility in combating the spread of disinformation and the need for a shared desire to live in the same reality.

Overall, “Invisible Rulers” is a must-read for anyone concerned about the state of our information culture. It is a chilling reminder of the power of propaganda and the importance of critical thinking in the digital age. While the book’s conclusions may be depressing, they also serve as a call to action for individuals and society as a whole to work towards a more informed and truthful future.

–This review was partially drafted by A.I. (Gemini) with a fairly lengthy prompt containing my opinions and the notes I took while reading. Much of the review is rewording of the prompt I entered and my notes. –

The Mark of Athena continues Rick Riordan's tradition of crafting engaging and interesting characters within the Heroes of Olympus series. The groundwork laid in the first two books regarding the backstories of the new characters pays off here, allowing for a seamless continuation without excessive exposition.

While the characters grapple with self-doubt and internal conflicts, their overall development remains relatively static compared to the previous installments. However, the strength of their established personalities and relationships carries the narrative forward, making them enjoyable to follow.

The overarching plot is undeniably intriguing, keeping the pages turning at a steady pace. However, the journey to the central conflict is peppered with numerous side-quests, a signature element of Riordan's writing. While these diversions offer additional excitement and world-building, I occasionally found myself yearning for a more direct path to the main story.

Although the primary objective of this particular quest is achieved, the ending leaves readers on a cliffhanger, setting the stage for the next installment. While I'm not a fan of cliffhanger endings, the availability of the entire series allows for immediate continuation, mitigating my frustration. 🙂

Overall, The Mark of Athena is another enjoyable addition to the Heroes of Olympus series, driven by its captivating characters and intriguing plot. Despite my minor grievances with the side-quests and cliffhanger ending, my fondness for the characters and the world Riordan has created keeps me eagerly anticipating the next book. I'm particularly hoping for more focus on Nico, even though he's not one of the seven.

Robert McCammon delivers an amazing finale to the Matthew Corbett series with Leviathan. From the first page to the last, the tension is palpable, the action relentless, and the mystery intriguing without being overly elusive.

McCammon masterfully ties up the loose ends of his beloved characters—Fell, Greathouse, Berry, Corbett and even Cardinal Black —giving each a satisfying conclusion to their individual arcs. The story is peppered with nostalgic callbacks to previous novels, serving as delightful "Easter eggs" for long-time fans of the series. These subtle nods to past adventures added an extra layer of enjoyment for me.

The epilogue leaves the door open for future adventures, hinting at the possibility of more "problem solver" mysteries to come. While this may be the end of Matthew Corbett's story, McCammon's world is rich with potential, and I, for one, would eagerly welcome further exploration.

"Leviathan" is a must-read for fans of the series and a testament to McCammon's skill as a storyteller. It's a fitting conclusion to a remarkable journey filled with danger, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. I loved it!