Reviews and Comments

There are plenty of far-future stories set long after the demise of the world we know, but few as delightful, provocative, stirring, and clever as Mortal Engines. Centered on two young people, one gripped by a desire for revenge, the other swept up in her wake, the tale takes place in a fantastical landscape of moving cities that is somehow completely believable and easy to imagine. There's adventure, terror, joy, and woe: and the tale always moves in the most unexpected of ways.

Tina Fey's a huge personality and one of those social icons almost everyone has at least heard of, so diving into her perception of herself, and the world she inhabits, is fascinating in the extreme. She's led an interesting life in the arts, interacting with intersections of bizarre and brilliant people, as well as terrible and polished people. She highlights moments from her life with scathing, witty humor that speaks to her experience as a professional SNL comedian, but her wit is frequently turned inwards, and this ability to poke fun at herself makes her at-once relatable and likable. I don't always agree with her views in life, but I sure appreciate her opinions.

One of my favorite books on secularism, Religion for Atheists is at once extremely approachable, funny, profound, and reverent. It's a rarity to find a combination like this in a secular book, since, so often, atheists in the public eye tend towards sardonic attacks on religion. To find a book that's not only free from meanness, but that actually explores how ancient traditions, functional rituals, and mindful celebration can have a positive impact on our daily lives, is surprising and wonderful.