Category Archives: Sarah’s Book Reviews

Books that Sarah reads, updated monthly. Some of these books are free review copies, the rest are mostly checked out from the library.

May Reading

Albert and the Others, Guy Delisle
I really liked Delisle’s books on Burma and North Korea, this is his first fiction graphic novel I have read, an A to Z of men in wordless vignettes. I like his visual style, but the stories didn’t grab me. Actually, I found them fairly unsettling. Hm. Two stars.

Brave New World, Huxley
I had very much wanted to read this after having read 1984, since they were books on similar themes from writers who were friends. I am left wanting to learn more about the present it was written in, since having sufficient background to 1984 really increased my appreciation. Which is to say, my appreciation wasn’t all that high for BNW. I came away thinking “great writer, ok book.” Well, great use of language and description, poor structure and storytelling. I can’t think of this as a great SF book where there is a whole chapter of two characters discussing the themes of the book. Guh. Show, don’t tell. Three stars.

Veeps by Bill Kelter; artist, Wayne Shellabarger
A historical overview of US Vice presidents, with nice illustrations. The best part was the overview of the political wrangling that leads to the selection of a running mate. The worst part is that the book didn’t seem to have been proofread. Three stars

Bonk: the curious coupling of science and sex, Mary Roach
I like Roach’s style, but again I liked her first book (Stiff) best. This book also covered a lot of genital surgery, which was pretty gross, and the audiobook reader wasn’t amazing. Two stars.

Getting the girl: a guide to private investigation, surveillance, and cookery, Susan Juby
I do really love how Juby captures the voice of her characters and the thinking of a semi-oblivious person without being condescending. That said, she takes on some deep stuff with a touch that was maybe too light? I’m not sure, I may have to digest this one. Three stars.