Finished We need to talk about Kevin, by Lionel Shriver I think the movie was a bit more unsettling only for the fact that Erza really plays his part well.

Currently reading Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch

Finally finished up Till We Have Faces, by C.S. Lewis. Enjoyed it for the most part, definitely a fan of his writing style. I was a little underwhelmed about the actual plot and details of the myth portion of the story but whatever.

Also made it through Sea of Monsters, by Rick Riordan and The Titan's Curse, by Rick Riordan. Both very entertaining kids reads, I will probably finish up the next two books in the series this week.

I also started Dark Matter by Blake Crouch. This seems like it will be a quick read which is good because I leave for a work trip this upcoming weekend and will be too busy to read much next week.

Finished Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch in less than a day. I have no clue why I held off for so long with this book, but it was fantastic. Arguably, one of the best books I have read this year.

Now reading Gardens of the Moon (Book One of the Malazan Series). I knew going into it I wouldn't understand too much of it as r/fantasy mentioned most people wouldn't, but the literature hooks you from the start.

Finished off Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch. Really enjoyed it and got through it in only a couple of days. Great standalone sci-fi thriller.

I’m now reading Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn. I’ve seen the movie so totally spoiled this one for myself before I’d started. I’m enjoying the comparison though. There’s a lot of subtext that the movie didn’t quite capture so I’m definitely getting more out of the book despite knowing the big twist.

This week, I finished:

• A Gathering Of Shadows, by VE Schwab. Schwab is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and I absolutely adore this series.

• Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch I picked it up not knowing what I was getting into and wow, did I fall into it. I loved the story.

This week, I didn't finish:

• Artemis, by Andy Weir I'm still searching for the reason why I didn't continue reading and I think it has something to do with the main character, Jazz. I really enjoy caring about characters and I just couldn't connect with her.

I'm hoping to start Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas this evening.

Finished reading **Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch**

I read this book in a few hours. Such a fast paced story, I couldn't put it down. This one really pulled me into the story and not many books do that.

I finished Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch. Didn't enjoy it as much as others did. It wasn't bad just that it wasn't as fun. I've noticed that I like mystery/thrillers but I always end up being disappointed. My next mystery/thriller I'll be reading will be by Raymond Chandler(?) fingers crossed. Currently reading American Gods, by Neil Gaiman. Have heard so much, hopefully this wouldn't be a letdown. I have a long TBR for this month because holidays ...aaahhh!

Finished:

Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline A fun, fast-paced and entertaining read, though not terribly literary. Ton's of 1980s references.

Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch Also a well-paced and entertaining read with an interesting thought-experiment in physics, though some scientific holes.

Started but abandoned:

The Year of the Flood, by Margaret Atwood Loved Oryx & Crake but just could not get into this.

Tinkers, by Paul Harding Beautifully written but was desirous of something more plot-driven. Will likely return to it some day.

The Fifth Season, by N.K. Jemisin Just not my cup of tea.

Started and currently reading:

Red Mars, by Kim Stanley Robinson A little slow getting started but so far it's interesting.

I finished Childhood's End, by Arthur C Clarke. It's the first novel of his that I've read, I haven't really read a great deal of SF in general, but I loved it. I got hit by a spoiler when I was early in the book, I was googling something relevant and it popped up with an image from the tv series based on it. That was a bit annoying as it was something I wouldn't have guessed, but I very much enjoyed it regardless.

Also read The Old Man and the Sea, by Ernest Hemingway. I enjoyed it, but I don't think I was in the right frame of mind for a book of this type. I thought some parts were beautifully written but as stressed as I am right now I couldn't really appreciate it properly. I will reread it at some point down the line when I'm hopefully in a better place.

Next up is Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch.

Finished Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky. I loved this book. Raskolnikov’s inner struggle is really captivating. I enjoyed the moral questions that were raised, and Raskolnikov’s philosophical stance is pretty interesting as well.

Finished The Silent Patient, by Alex Michaelides. Pretty interesting read. This book was released fairly recently, and it’s sure to be one of my favorite new books. Its references to Greek mythology are well-done, and the twist was unexpected!

Started Dark Matter, by Blake Couch. I can’t comment too much on this one yet, but I’ve heard it’s good.

Still reading The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, by Anne Brontë. I’m really enjoying this one so far. I’m in the middle of it, and am interested in Mr. Markham and Mrs. Graham’s story.

Edit: formatting and rewrote a sentence

I just finished Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch

And started Dune, by Frank Herbert

Finished:

The Martian, by Andy Weir Brilliant book, thoroughly recommend to any fan of Sci-Fi.

Murder on the Orient Express Ended up going out of my comfort zone for this one, never read any Poirot stories, let alone any Christie. Surprisingly enjoyable, although I didn’t like the ending but that’s the Legal Mind in me I guess.

Why Do We Sleep, by Matthew Walker Very fascinating non-fiction book about the science of sleep and dreams. Actually eye opening to the mystical concept of sleep.

Started:

Stories Of the Law and How It’s Broken by, The Secret Barrister I have a feeling I’ll finish this tonight as I’m currently 30 pages from the end. I recommend this to anyone who lives in the UK. As someone who is a year or two away from becoming a Solicitor (hopefully), this book is eye opening to those within the legal profession and it should be incredibly worrying to those outside of it. I can not recommend this book enough.

Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch Saw a lot of recommendations so elected to pick this up. First chapter was mad, very intriguing. Looking forward to my long train rides on Friday and Sunday where I hope to smash it out.

Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch

This was a really fun book! If you’re interested in the multiverse theory or Crichtonesque sci-fi, then I recommend this one. It was a fun and well paced book that really makes you think of “what if” scenarios.

Finished :

Dark Matter : A Novel by Blake Crouch

Took me a while to complete. Kept putting it down and getting sidetracked. I found it an intriguing scientific mystery that lead to a different direction.

​

Began :

A Gift of Time by Jerry Merritt

Just began last night and am only about 25% into it. Very interesting concept. Looking forward to see where it goes.

Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch

Wasn't there supposed to be a movie based on that book? I thought that's how (ok, the blurb also worked) it landed on my to-read list.

I'm at 70%+ mark now and I really like it, it's surprisingly good. It reads like a thriller mixed with some sci-fi (quantum physics) and a pint of customary book (if anybody knows how you call books about everyday life in English - please let me know).

Finished:
Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch
I really enjoyed this one. Very fun page-turning sci-fi about the "path not taken" conundrum.

Started:
Sleeping Giants, by Sylvain Neuvel

Just finished Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch I loved this book despite its flaws. It really got me thinking about the paths not taken in my life. And it stirred up a lot of emotions.

Physical book:

Finished - Dandelion Wine, by Ray Bradbury

Started - Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline

Book on phone:

Finished - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll

Finished - Through the Looking Glass, by Lewis Carroll

Started - Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch

Audiobook:

Finished - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J. K. Rowling

Started - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, by J. K. Rowling

I'm about 2/3 of the way through Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. I'm enjoying it but wishing it had more of his surreal elements.

I'm a little past half way in the audiobook for Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch. I'm not loving it so far. The narration might make it more obvious, but the dialogue is cheesy and the general flow is terrible. The sci-fi element is interesting, but the plot Crouch wrote for the amazing technology has been predictable so far. Jason's big revelation about 1/3 of the way in was obvious within the first chapter. We'll see how it all wraps up, but I don't have high hopes.

Two weeks again - with the return of warmer weather my reading goes down as my yard work increases:

​

Finished:

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro - loved it, same as most of his other books. Don't know really what else to say that isn't a spoiler so I will leave it at that.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Tom Sweterlitsch - another winner by this author as well. I preferred The Gone World and it was better written but this was one hell of a debut novel. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson - first time I have read this author after seeing him recommended so much. It definitely seemed like a YA novel (which I don't read much of) but it was interesting, engaging and a nice quick read. I liked it enough that I have put a hold on Mistborn (and now I just have to wait 20 weeks to read it).

​

Reading:

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch - about 30% in. Interesting concepts so far but I am not a huge fan of the writing. Plowing through it fairly quickly though.

Finished:

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch - interesting concept, horrible execution.

Bear Town by Fredrik Backman - I grew up in the Canadian equivalent of Beartown. This book was written superbly and he captured the real essence of a "hockey town".

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson - after feeling wrung out from Beartown I sought out lighter fare and this was available. I dislike superheroes but this is an interesting take on the concept. A middling read - I preferred Skyward.

Mitosis by Brandon Sanderson - I can be a bit of a completionist.

Started:

Firefight by Brandon Sanderson - again, that whole finishing a series so long as it isnt awful. Quicker, easier reads which is what I am craving right now.

Finished:

Vampires in the Lemon Grove, by Karen Russell - Found the stories hit or miss. Loved "Proving Up." Didn't love the one about the seagulls.

White Teeth, by Zadie Smith - Been meaning to read for a long time. Glad I did. Love Smith's writing, and the focus on immigrants and their children in the west seems apt for the day. Not sure if I'd put this above or below On Beauty.

Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch - Not particularly deep, but definitely a page turner. Follows the path of a sci-fi thriller screenplay - fun read.

Started:

Blood Meridian, by Cormac McCarthy

The Years, Months, Days, by Yan Lianke

In the last few weeks:

The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal

This was not what I thought it was! I thought it was Hidden Figures but fiction. No! It’s about a natural disaster that happens in the 50s that requires humans to do more space exploration, and this one scientist wants to be an astronaut... but she’s a woman. I’ll pick up the sequels soon.

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

Meh. I liked it enough to finish it, but didn’t feel emotionally invested or anything. Plus the science bit sort of stopped midway.

Recursion by Blake Crouch

Way better than Dark Matter. The science (fiction) kept coming and I actually cared about the outcome. I also couldn’t see how it would end.

Nine Pints by Rose George

Great nonfiction book about blood.

There Are Little Kingdoms by Kevin Barry

Book of short stories by an Irish guy. They were very well-written, and a couple of them are new favorites.

The Best American Short Stories 2018 by Roxane Gay

Diverse set of excellent short stories, I love this series a lot.

Heft by Liz Moore

Liz Moore wrote one of my favorite books, The Unseen World. This wasn’t quite as good, but I liked the main character, a 6-700 pound agoraphobic man, and the young woman he befriends. It wasn’t all Oprah and not everyone got a happy ending. Not sure how fat-phobic it actually was; the protagonist hates himself and his weight, but the book seemed really gentle with him. Wish the author had spent less time on the other main character.

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

On par with Little Fires Everywhere. Meandering story about a mixed-race family before and after the death of one of the daughters in the 1970s (not a spoiler, she dies in the first sentence). I can’t wait for the author to write another book.

Working on:

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (for /r/bookclub)
• Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace (for /r/infinitesummer)
• The Migration by Helen Marshall
• A Train in Winter by Caroline Moorehead

Finished:

The Bride Test, by Helen Hoang - It was a super fun and sexy romance. Great for summer and a great break from a lot of the other stuff I have been reading. Definite recommend if you love romance.

Started:

Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch - Intriguing so far. I am about 30% into the book and I feel like I am about to be taken for a crazy ride.

Started and completed last week: Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf & Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

Started yesterday: Mapping the Interior by Stephen Graham Jones & The Cider House Rules by John Irving

Finished Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch Really enjoyed this book. It was a quick fun read.

Currently reading All The Presidents Men, by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein I was born way after watergate and new nothing about it really and am finding it very interesting so far.

I finished Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch I loved it. The story kept going in directions I never saw coming. The characters felt vivid, real, and familiar. I would highly suggest it to anyone looking for sci-fi book with plenty of thrills, heart, and emotion.

Finished:

Black Leopard, Red Wolf, by Marlon James

Started:

Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch

Finished: Stories Of the Law and How It’s Broken by, The Secret Barrister I can not recommend this book enough to people. I think the author does a very good job of explaining 'legalese' so that the reader doesn't feel confused by the terminology used and it's very eye-opening to the current state of the UK legal system.

Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch Finished this on my train rides over the weekend. Very well written sci-fi book. I enjoyed it a lot. I really enjoyed the Wayward Pines TV series, so I'm tempted to read the books now given that Crouch also wrote them. Tempted by his new release as well that's a spiritual successor to Dark Matter.

Started:

I'm between books for now. I've read about 7 books in June alone, so I want to dial it back a bit so I don't burn myself out. For now, I've got Blood of Elves, by Andrzej Sapkowski, Metro 2035, by Dmitry Glukhovsky or A Storm of Swords, by George R. R. Martin to start!

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

Just started it after a friend recommended it.

I've also started to take up Graphic Novels and just finished up Apocalyptigirl: an aria for the end of time by Andrew MacLean I enjoyed it quite a bit. Next on the list is Ghost world by Daniel Clowes

I'm also trying to get an appreciation for management/leadership books, my office eats them up but I just can't seem to get into the genre. But I'm part way through The Outward Mindset by the Arbinger Institute and have The ideal team player : how to recognize and cultivate the three essential virtues : a leadership fable by Patrick Lencioni to work through though next.

So a few different directions here, but I have a work road trip next week so I'll have 900 miles and a few nights in the middle of nowhere to work my way through them.

I finished Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch It was awesome. I did not expect to see that twist. Although I feel that the ending was rushed I was expecting some battle royale right there lmao.

Finished: La Horde du Contrevent, by Alain Damasio

Started: Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch

Finished Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch