Author Archives: tom

About tom

B.A. in Literature, Minor in Film Theory and Criticism, thus meaning all I’m trained is to write blog posts here. Neptune is my favorite planet–it vents methane into the solar system like my brother does. I think Chicken McNuggets look like Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Indiana. There are times when I’m medicated, which is why I wrote about McNuggets. Buy some today and tell me I’m wrong! Anyway, Beyond that: mammal, Floridian, biped.Good Night, and Good Luck. Besos, tom

The Hound at The Gate, by Darby Karchut (2015)

Once again, author Darby Karchut shows off her amazing knack for building on each installment of a series, making each book better than the last. In the Adventures of Finn MacCullen series, Ms. Karchut hasn’t struck a bad note yet, … Continue reading

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Suicide Watch, by Kelley York (2012)

Suicide Watch is a website, where people contemplating suicide gather and discuss their pain, their hopelessness, and their plans to end their lives. Kelley York’s novel, “Suicide Watch,” is one hell of a read. The book’s narrator, Vincent, has been … Continue reading

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Beckon Me (Beckoners #1), by Cindy Thomas (2015)

College sophomores Karina and Rainey are enjoying a night on the town. They close down an art museum, which was featuring a photography exhibit. An excellent photographer herself, Karina especially was enchanted with the beautiful images. On the walk back … Continue reading

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Give War a Chance, by P.J. O’Rourke (2003; orig. published 1992)

“Give War a Chance: Eyewitness Accounts of Mankind’s Struggle Against Tyranny, Injustice, and Alcohol-Free Beer” is a collection of P.J. O’Rourke’s various writings from the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. If you grew up during the Reagan Years, you’ll probably … Continue reading

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Songs Unfinished, by Holly Stratimore (2015)

(nb: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley) In many ways, love is like music. It can soar with passion and verve, or it can ring dissonant and harsh. In most relationships, we experience … Continue reading

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The You Know Who Girls: Freshman Year, by Annameekee Hesik (2012)

The last place Abbey Brooks wanted to be that day was at the mall with her fashionista BFF, Kate, but she couldn’t have imagined what would happen next. She orders fries and a small lemonade from Hot Dog on A … Continue reading

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Driving Lessons: The You Know Who Girls Soph Year, by Annameekee Hesik (2014)

Abbey Brooks is ready for her sophomore year. She’s determined to get her driver’s license, come out to her mom,, live through basketball season, and get–and keep–a girlfriend. With Abbey Brooks, though, nothing is ever as easy as it sounds. … Continue reading

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Maxine Wore Black, by Nora Olsen (2014)

“Maxine Wore Black” is basically two stories mashed into one. Mostly, it works. The first–and primary–story is an updating of Daphne du Maurier’s classic, “Rebecca.” In the acknowledgements, author Nora Olsen calls “Maxine Wore Black” an homage to “Rebecca,” and … Continue reading

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Season’s Meetings, by Amy Dunne (2014)

(nb: I received a review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley) Catherine is a type AAAAAAAAAAA (read that, extremely type A), and she hates Christmas. When her boss suddenly demands Catherine’s underlings turn in reports just before … Continue reading

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Treasure, by Rebekah Weatherspoon (2014)

(nb: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley) “Treasure” is a fun book to read, a concentrated lesbian romance between a shy college freshman and a stripper from her sister’s bachelorette party. The two … Continue reading

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