4.0 Stars This is such a fun twist on the classic travel guide. I was not previously familiar with the authors’ podcast but I intend to check it out no4.0 Stars This is such a fun twist on the classic travel guide. I was not previously familiar with the authors’ podcast but I intend to check it out now. However this book completely stands on its own and does not require previous knowledge.
This book is separated in sections for different areas of the United States, from California to New York. I really appreciated the variety of locations and would love to actually use this guide for a future trip to America.
Each section includes a hidden gem, famous crime, spooky movies, things to do, where to stay, things to eat and travel tips.
The book hit the right balance between being fun and informative. I enjoyed reading as a whole, and not simply as a reference piece.
Most of all, I appreciated that the details felt well researched and prepared. So many books like this can be so superficial and oversimplified but that was not the case here.
I would recommend this one to any horror buff, especially if they are planning an American road trip.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.0 Stars This is a memoir that explores the career of an FBI forensic artist. I found those parts fascinating and I wished she had dived into more det3.0 Stars This is a memoir that explores the career of an FBI forensic artist. I found those parts fascinating and I wished she had dived into more detail.
The novel was a very heavy focus on the terrible workplace toxicity and corruption she experienced. It was sad to read what she gad gone through. However I wish it hadn't taken up so much of the book. It felt like more of a “tell all” rather than a piece of true crime writing....more
4.0 Stars This was an interesting examination of MLMs. As someone critical of these businesses, I enjoyed the deep dive. If you sell for Amway, You’ll 4.0 Stars This was an interesting examination of MLMs. As someone critical of these businesses, I enjoyed the deep dive. If you sell for Amway, You’ll probably hate this book....more
4.0 Stars This was an interesting non fiction book that discussed the search of life in our galaxy.
Some of the information I knew before but other inf4.0 Stars This was an interesting non fiction book that discussed the search of life in our galaxy.
Some of the information I knew before but other information was new to me. The information was interesting but I would suggest that it is written for an audience that is already interested in these topics. The author wasn't afraid to dive into some basic science and assume the reader is education on the foundations of these topics.
This was a reasonably short book which felt just right for the topic discussed. I would recommend this to readers who like to learn through their reading time.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars This is the victim focused narrative that was sorely missing from the cannon of Ted Bundy true crime books. The authors do not shy away from 4.0 Stars This is the victim focused narrative that was sorely missing from the cannon of Ted Bundy true crime books. The authors do not shy away from the grotesque or brutal aspects of the crimes, which sometimes made this one hard to read. These details were not provided to sensational the crimes but rather to ground the true in the true wickedness of these acts. I also appreciate that this book set out to debunk the common myths about Bundy and instead bring the attention rightfully back to the victims....more
4.0 Stars As someone fascinated by kidnapping stories, I was immediately drawn into this horrifying true fiction tale. I wasn't previously familiar wit4.0 Stars As someone fascinated by kidnapping stories, I was immediately drawn into this horrifying true fiction tale. I wasn't previously familiar with the case so I spent the entire book nervously wondering about the conclusion. As a parent, it's a nerve-wracking story. It was hard to read about the treatment of the young witnesses....more
4.0 Stars This is another “must read” for anyone like me who loves the amatuer perspective of true crime investigations. Like with I'll Be Gone in the 4.0 Stars This is another “must read” for anyone like me who loves the amatuer perspective of true crime investigations. Like with I'll Be Gone in the Dark, this one chronically a woman who develops a deep drive to solve cases. This book specifically focuses on Jane/John Does who haven't previously been identified. I thought it was a fresh focus that shred light on an area of investigation that doesn't get enough media attention. I found it fascinating to learn more details of the challenges that these cases face....more
4.0 Stars This is such a dark true crime account that happened right here in Canada. The author did a good job creating a narrative. I found the part s4.0 Stars This is such a dark true crime account that happened right here in Canada. The author did a good job creating a narrative. I found the part surrounding Dexter particularly interesting....more
3.0 Stars I absolutely believe in the importance of non romantic friendships and the importance of investing in these relationships. Given all that, I 3.0 Stars I absolutely believe in the importance of non romantic friendships and the importance of investing in these relationships. Given all that, I expected to absolutely love this book.
Unfortunately I did not. I instead found this one quite dry. The research and case studies just felt very obvious and not particularly interesting.
Again, I love the intent behind this book, but the execution left me wanting more.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
This was an interesting history of Christmas that focuses on the creepy aspects of the holidays. I'm glad it was short because there didn't seem to be enough meat to justify a longer book. I appreciated the Office references. I enjoyed it bit I wish it had a little more depth. Most of the information was stuff I basically already knew from pop culture.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars This author writes my favourite non fiction science books and this one did not disappoint. Technically it is the re-release of a previously p4.0 Stars This author writes my favourite non fiction science books and this one did not disappoint. Technically it is the re-release of a previously published book with a new audio version but I am happy that this format will bring this book to a larger audience.
This book is largely framed around hyperspace or dimensions beyond the four we can already perceive. This topic alone was fascinating but I appreciated that the author expanded into adjacent topics from multiworld theories to discussions of an intelligent creator.
Disclaimer I received a copy of the audiobook from the publisher....more
3.5 Stars I love true crime memoirs written by amatuer detectives so I was fascinated by the premise of this one. In terms of execution, I found this o3.5 Stars I love true crime memoirs written by amatuer detectives so I was fascinated by the premise of this one. In terms of execution, I found this one a little long and meandering. As always with true crime, the author has little control over the ending. This one has some resolution but it's the kind that feels satisfying, as it creates further questions. I love these types of narratives so I still enjoyed this one, even if it wasn't perfect....more
This memoir had a slower start but soon enough I was completely hooked in by this compelling case. I would recommend reading I'll be Gone in the Dark and Unmasked first to get a fuller explanation of the case. This memoir focuses much more narrowly on the DNA/ancestry mapping of the Golden State Killer which was absolutely fascinating. I was completely engrossed in how painstakingly precise and complex it is to complete this work. The book also contains a series of smaller stories, which were used to demonstrate more of the potential and challenges that come up in investigatory family tree building....more
4.0 Stars I don't read a lot of nonfiction but this one was told in such an engrossing manner. The event was absolutely horrific and the account of the4.0 Stars I don't read a lot of nonfiction but this one was told in such an engrossing manner. The event was absolutely horrific and the account of the deaths, particularly the children, really disturbed me. The narrative is told through fact and personal accounts. The title is an interesting reference to the sighting that emerged in the aftermath as the survivors dealt it the trauma....more
3.5 Stars This non fiction book contained some interesting information about memory but most that I already knew. Some of the information regarding hea3.5 Stars This non fiction book contained some interesting information about memory but most that I already knew. Some of the information regarding health and BMI were outdated but the overall messaging about memory/mental was good.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.5 Stars This was an interesting non fiction book that discussed black holes and other related scientific ideas. I liked it but there are other space 3.5 Stars This was an interesting non fiction book that discussed black holes and other related scientific ideas. I liked it but there are other space books I prefer....more
4.0 Stars This was a gripping piece of True Crime that explores the problems that arise in investigating rape. This narrative offers some sad case stud4.0 Stars This was a gripping piece of True Crime that explores the problems that arise in investigating rape. This narrative offers some sad case studies while challenging many of the myths and biases surrounding this crime. This is a tough but important read....more
I enjoy John Green's YouTube channel and books, but I'm not specifically a nerdfighter superfan. Yet I am always impressed by his intellect, 4.0 Stars
I enjoy John Green's YouTube channel and books, but I'm not specifically a nerdfighter superfan. Yet I am always impressed by his intellect, vocabulary, and insights.
With any collection of essays, I enjoyed some more than others. Here are some of my favourites…
4.0 Stars This author is amazing at writing narrative nonfiction. I have previously read his work and now I will read anything they publish.
This is a 4.0 Stars This author is amazing at writing narrative nonfiction. I have previously read his work and now I will read anything they publish.
This is a haunting piece of true crime. I appreciated that the narrative focused on the victim and fleshed out the surrounding environment.
As someone fascinated by Japanese culture, I appreciate the deep dive into the police procedural and justice system of the country. This book was well researched and thoughtfully written.
I would highly recommend to readers of narrative nonfiction, even thar don't read much true crime....more
4.0 stars This is a must read for any mega fan of Degrassi. I loved learning the behind the scenes behind the creation of this iconic Canadian show. Li4.0 stars This is a must read for any mega fan of Degrassi. I loved learning the behind the scenes behind the creation of this iconic Canadian show. Linda's life was equally compelling. I appreciated her owning up about her infertility and surviving that horrific car crash. My only criticism is that some of the story is told out of chronological order which often lead to moments of temporary confusion. Otherwise I loved spending more time in the world of Degrassi. Such a shame that HBO just dropped the reboot....more