Michael Schmitt

November-December 2024 — Bookclub read that we have not yet discussed, so I'm hoping that chat will help clarify my thoughts and feelings about this work. But as it stands, a book that just made me feel dimwitted for missing the magic that others felt.

November 2024 - A cozy mystery with woodland animals. What more do you need? My 11 year-old, Redwall-obsessed self would be quite pleased with me.

October 2024 - Bookclub read. Wasn't really for me. I got my hopes up waiting to hear the events of Dracula from the narrator's perspective, or an interesting twist on them, and was let down.

September 2024 - Again Leckie weaves a heart-warming sci-fi tale around truly alien -- and this time downright disturbing -- characters. One of the best sci-fi writers who can deliver jaw dropping moments without epic space battles.

Loved the Expanse. This first entry in their new series is different but not wildly so: still very readable, fast-moving, but more brutal in ways (it is an apocalypse-type story afterall) with real trauma the characters spend most of the book dealing with in different ways. Looking forward to the next entry.

Book club read. Both genuinely creepy and heartwarming. Once the book grabs you, you'll finish in an afternoon to unravel the mystery. Surprisingly made one my favorite classic horror stories (to name it would be a spoiler) seem downright shoddy by comparison.

Re-reading as a refresher before starting Translation State. As delightful as I remember! Leckie's Imperial Radch universe is so fascinating -- at once truly alien but with characters that make it feel downright cozy. Simply one of my favorite authors.

Quick tense thriller in a sci-fi near-future setting. The less you know going in the better.

Fast-moving conclusion to an engaging Pre-Columbian American-inspired fantasy trilogy. Honestly didn't know how this was going to be wrapped up & was not disappointed!

Dahm is a genius and I adore everything he does. I fondly recall following his updates on this work during the pandemic. Worth the wait! A surreal & dizzying experience. Highly recommend reading in one sitting.