octothorp – Page 39 – Cannonball Read 17

Maybe one of those lesser Greek gods that lord over twigs or something.

Valley of the Gods by Alexandra Wolfe

February 10, 2019 by octothorp 1 Comment

I’ve had a rash of 2019 CBR books that needed more focus and a harsher editor. Welcome to the club, Valley of the Gods. This book follows the fellowship award recipients of Peter Thiel’s “stop out” entrepreneurial contest, young people encouraged to start companies in Silicon Valley rather than pursuing careers through the traditional college system. I think. There were so many tangents about Silicon Valley life, oddballs, and earlier success stories that I’m hard pressed to say that this book is truly centered on […]

Not so fast…

Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham

February 9, 2019 by octothorp Leave a Comment

There’s a reason this is subtitled “From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls;” I think it’s a compliment and would be taken as such by Graham, but this reads A LOT like it was written by Lorelai Gilmore in part because I suspect the actress and her most famous character have much in common. Reading about Graham’s experiences as a young actress, her personal life, and her roles is thoroughly enjoyable, and she has an accessable, conversational writing style that lets her wit shine through. This […]

Well, let’s not say PERFECT…

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

February 9, 2019 by octothorp Leave a Comment

As always, even a flawed Moriarty book is still pretty damn good. This one, like every one I’ve read this far, was enjoyable and a brisk read, in part due to Moriarty’s skill with plotting and perspective – she really excels in showing her characters from all sides, letting us get to know and like one person while seeing how another equally likable person could detest them. But Nine Perfect Strangers should perhaps have been Six Perfect Strangers instead; this book butts right up against […]

Relatively good

It’s All Relative by A.J. Jacobs

February 3, 2019 by octothorp Leave a Comment

This book and the underlying family reunion that the author is organizing (and structuring the book around) get away from him, but given the scope it’s hard to hold a grudge. A.J. Jacobs seems to hold the largest family reunion for his global extended relations, in hopes of proving that there is more that unites us than divides us, all while doing a deep dive into his extended family tree, in the breezy creative non-fictional style of his previous books. I got twisted writing that, […]

Asked and answered

Ask A Manager by Alison Green

February 3, 2019 by octothorp Leave a Comment

Man did I miss an opportunity in not posting this review yesterday, because it would’ve been the perfect Groundhog Day book. I love the Ask A Manager blog; it’s the perfect blend of witty and straightforward advice coupled with truth-is-stranger-than-fiction tales of working life. Alison Green answers questions compassionately and intelligently and always manages to make her obvious-upon-reflection answers kind to the questioners. I love this blog so much that I’ve gone back through the archives for old posts, it’s helped me shape my interpersonal […]

Maybe just nudge the puppy with your foot a little?

Wherever You Go, There They Are by Annabelle Gurwitch

January 22, 2019 by octothorp Leave a Comment

I picked this up because I absolutely loved Gurwitch’s book Fired; for a couple bucks at the library, that and a general regard for the former Dinner and a Movie hostess was enough to part me with my cash. There was a lot of good will going into the purchase. And this wasn’t bad, per se – I got my money’s worth at least, and Gurwitch has an amiable tone with some interesting stories – I’m just not sure there was enough to sustain a […]

Zirza on A Gothic Classic for a ReasonIt's one of those wish-you-could-read-it-again-for-the-first-time books. I loved it.
Emmalita on “It came to something when you found yourself hoping that the footsteps you heard were ghosts.”I loved the ending! I don’t think it’s been out long enough to talk about why though.
Dixie on Track Her Down by Melinda LeighI am just starting Track Her Down and I have read them all in order till now and thought I...
Roland of Gilead on How can you give us the gift of a crazy character named Rando Thoughtful and then just as suddenly take that gift away? We need to talk, Uncle Stevie.I came across this randomly years after it was written because I was searching "Random Thoughtful. But I have the...
Emmalita on “Only you, Em, would refer to heartbreak as a distraction. I think I would have a more sympathetic response if I asked to marry a bookcase.”Oh my goodness, Gallifrey was beautiful. I’m sure her mittens were gloriously murdery.

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