Does listening to audiobooks count as reading? Here it does. Let’s discuss your favorite reads — or listens.
All in Audiobook
Expectation: A big-hearted family drama with historical fiction elements and the experiences of Caribbean Americans.
Reality: It delivers on the drama and Caribbean experience, but there’s too much plot and too many people making it feel overstuffed and undercooked.
There’s no celebrity gossip or score settling, but we do get an interesting behind-the-scenes view of her time on “Saturday Night Live,” and how she created iconic characters like Mary Catherine Gallagher, Sally O’Malley, Circe Nightshade and Miss Colleen. It was a great nostalgia trip.
Expectation: A science fiction bro-fest with predictable and outlandish plots.
Reality: More political and emotional than anticipated, it reminded me of a 1980s action film — over-the-top and ridiculous but a ton of fun.
Expectation: A romance novel rooted in the world of tech and gaming.
Reality: Nuanced and gorgeous writing, paired with a genre-melding plot made this one of the most immersive and surprising stories I’ve read all year.
Expectation: A dramedy about wanting to hold on to your younger days in the twilight years.
Reality: A unique style of storytelling somewhat masks the affecting exploration of mortality, memory and caring for aging parents.
Expectation: A darkly comedic take on acknowledging your own shortcomings.
Reality: Recursive and mediocre. None of the characters are particularly likeable, which made reading this feel like a chore.
Expectation: A quasi-scifi family drama about carrying the weight of your family’s hopes and dreams.
Reality: A strong first half was ruined by a mid-point plot twist that rendered the rest of the novel far less interesting.
Expectation: A layered, nuanced and tense story of life and death.
Reality: Bogged down by too many characters and writing flourishes, it still packs an emotional punch in the end, but some readers (like my husband) will have given up by then.
Expectation: A big-hearted family drama.
Reality: More depressing than hopeful, you want to root for the Padilla family, but sometimes they make it difficult.
Expectation: I expected a light story about celebrating the future while acknowledging the past.
Reality: A moving portrayal of the transgender experience, but the book-in-verse format didn’t translate well as an audiobook.
Expectation: An unnecessary sequel to a book I enjoyed but didn’t really remember.
Reality: Unnecessary and predictable, sure, but it’s filled with humor and heart that makes it 100 percent escapist fun.
Expectation: A story of regret, but ultimately, absolution.
Reality: A profoundly moving and utterly devastating reflection on life and your missteps.
Expectation: Given the setting, time period and queer themes, an unofficial sequel to Douglas Stuart’s debut “Shuggie Bain.”
Reality: Better paced than “Shuggie Bain,” a truly shocking plot twist about halfway through made this somewhat of a thriller, and Stuart allowed his characters to find a little happiness – a nice change of pace.
Some of the beliefs and opinions shared in “Real Queer America,” may be difficult for blue state or big city gays to fully understand. However, if you’ve been to the only queer space in a town where everyone congregates because there are no niche options, then you’ve experienced the queer community building Allen celebrates here.
Expectation: Stodgy and stiff British literature from a bygone era.
Reality: Remarkably relatable for queer readers, there are elements that still feel dated, but the overall experience is rewarding.
Expectation: Typical YA fare with an historical angle.
Reality: An insightful and entertaining celebration of queer Asian American history and first love.
“Destiny of the Republic” does a fine job honoring James A. Garfield’s legacy, and Candice Millard took great care to not lose the person behind the tragedy by overstuffing the book with anecdotes and ancillary characters.
A meticulously researched and expertly written novel about one of the biggest frauds in American business history. So much of the story is absolutely bonkers.
Expectation: A King classic from his golden era.
Reality: A little long and convoluted, there’s still enough to keep you interested, but this isn’t one of the author’s best works.
Expectation: A fast-paced paranormal mystery with enough plot twists to give you whiplash.
Reality: At times too slow and too long, the story is entertaining enough but far from Simone St. James’ best work.
