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Michael Gouker Locked account

mgouker@wyrms.de

Joined 3 years ago

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Jonathan Gottschall: Story Paradox (2021, Basic Books)

Review of 'Story Paradox' on 'Goodreads'

It's funny but I was very surprised by the current events nature of the book. It really helped to see exemplar stories in context with events that were also provoked by stories.

David Deutsch: The Fabric of Reality (1998, Penguin (Non-Classics))

Review of 'The Fabric of Reality' on 'Goodreads'

A slog through a very interesting subject left me conflicted. I enjoy considerations of consciousness and virtual reality, but there is also a dispensation of magic and religion, which isn't unexpected, but is a bit repetitious.

Zoraida Córdova: Incendiary (Hardcover, 2020, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)

Review of 'Incendiary' on 'Goodreads'

Really good story with interesting protagonist who learns her true story through the images of others' memories. Clever twists in the plot keep it hopping.

Ian C. Esslemont: Night of knives : a novel of the Malazan Empire

Night of Knives is the first novel of the Novels of the Malazan Empire series …

Review of 'Night of knives : a novel of the Malazan Empire' on 'Goodreads'

An important moment in the history of the Malazan Empire. Unfortunately, the story lacks the deep characterizations and humor of Erickson's novels. Even so, it's a lot of fun and worth reading. I sampled it before Bonehunters on this series read.

Adam Rutherford: How to Argue With a Racist (Hardcover, 2020, The Experiment)

Racist pseudoscience has become so commonplace that it can be hard to spot. But its …

Review of 'How to Argue With a Racist' on 'Goodreads'

The science and reasoning are excellent, and it is handy to have this concise but powerful weapon at hand. Rutherford's prose is clear and deliberate, entirely descriptive about the power and limitations of the technology of genetic anthropology today. I also loved the humor. Brilliant!

Blake Crouch: Pines (Wayward Pines, #1) (2012)

"Secret service agent Ethan Burke arrives in Wayward Pines, Idaho, with a clear mission: locate …

Review of 'Pines' on 'Goodreads'

I thought this was great and am interested in the sequels. The premise seemed a bit flimsy (expecially when compared to Crouch's later novels), but, man, I respect the imagination mined. The characters were sometimes caricatures, but that also fits into the plot. The kicker of the book comes from the unveiling of the true nature of the tale, and I hope that in the sequels the story further solidifies. In any case, it is a very worthy story and time well spent. Thank you, Mr. Crouch and all involved.

Josh Clark, Chuck Bryant: Stuff You Should Know (Hardcover, 2020, Flatiron Books)

Review of 'Stuff You Should Know' on 'Goodreads'

Though well-researched it was more entertaining than informative. Some of the subjects would not be my first choices for "interesting things" to know, but your mileage may vary. The audiobook is narrated by the authors.

Grady Hendrix: The Southern Book Clubs Guide to Slaying Vampires (2020)

Review of 'The Southern Book Clubs Guide to Slaying Vampires' on 'Goodreads'

Quite honestly I am overwhelmed. I feel like I am bathed in blood, as if it drips from my mouth and fingers. This is the best horror I've read in ages.