I can't get through a day of work without a conversation about AI. Not shocking given that I work in software strategy. So...why not extend 3.75 stars
I can't get through a day of work without a conversation about AI. Not shocking given that I work in software strategy. So...why not extend that AI fun to my leisure activities?!?
Lori Gold turns the publishing world into a glittery battlefield in Romantic Friction, and it is deliciously chaotic. Sofie Wilde—bestselling queen of “romantasy”—is cruising toward her final curtain call… until Hartley West, a self-published newcomer, drops a bombshell: her debut novel is entirely AI-generated using Sofie's hit series as source material. Instead of outrage, Hartley becomes a viral darling—with Sofie’s fans cheering her on...excited about new books that remind them of Wilde's writing.
Cue Sofie’s meltdown, caught on camera and viral before she can even blink. As Hartley zooms to stardom and Sofie loses her Romance Convention keynote, the rivalry sparks an all-out authors’ revolt at the convention—complete with conspiracy-level plotting and shady alliances.
What really scores? The behind-the-scenes peek at agents, publicists, promo tours, and that sweet, sweet sibling-like camaraderie among writers scrambling for relevance in an AI-upended world Gold mixes witty dialogue with moments of real emotional grit, turning the book into part comedy of errors, part ethical debate about what makes storytelling and art human.
Why it's a 3.75-star hit: +set (in part) hyper-local to me... South shore of MA
+ Sharp satire on AI vs. authenticity (so timely it gave me side-eye for days).
+ Buzz-worthy premise and convention antics.
- I found Sophie to be unlikeable but she got better towards the end
– The thriller-ish gimmick near the end reads like a surprise twist in a rom-com—fun but a little jolting.
Overall, it's a fun, clever romp for anyone who enjoys books about books. A solid 3.75 for its sharp humor, timely theme, and backstage peek at writerly warfare. ...more
Dirtbag Queen by Andy Corren is like if David Sedaris and a raccoon in a rhinestone jacket co-wrote a tell-all over a bottomless mimosa bru3.75 stars
Dirtbag Queen by Andy Corren is like if David Sedaris and a raccoon in a rhinestone jacket co-wrote a tell-all over a bottomless mimosa brunch. Corren—part talent manager, part chaos agent, full-time raconteur—spills his life story with a martini-drenched mix of glam, grime, and gallows humor. From hustling in Manhattan’s underbelly to managing celebs while wrangling his demons, he’s equal parts fabulous and feral.
At times, the memoir reads like a confessional booth with a disco ball, other times like your most unhinged friend at karaoke finally telling all the stories they’ve legally been forbidden to. It's funny, messy, and occasionally exhausting....more
My Mess Is a Bit of a Life by Georgia Pritchett is a candid and humorous memoir that explores the trials of living with anxiety. Pritchett, an accomplMy Mess Is a Bit of a Life by Georgia Pritchett is a candid and humorous memoir that explores the trials of living with anxiety. Pritchett, an accomplished screenwriter (for example, for the show Succession), uses her sharp wit to share stories from her life, weaving together moments of awkwardness, triumph, and struggle. Her short, vignette-style chapters lend the book a unique, "short attention span" rhythm that mirrors the chaos of her thoughts, making it relatable and easy to read. The memoir balances laugh-out-loud moments and deeper reflections on mental health, career pressures, and family life. Pritchett’s voice is authentic and endearing, offering both comfort and amusement. My Mess Is a Bit of a Life is a fun read for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by the messiness of life....more
Tacky by Rax King is a quirky collection of essays celebrating the joys of embracing pop culture and life's so-called “tacky” elements. King’s writingTacky by Rax King is a quirky collection of essays celebrating the joys of embracing pop culture and life's so-called “tacky” elements. King’s writing is infused with humor, vulnerability, and sharp cultural observations as she revisits experiences and media that shaped her, from reality TV to chain restaurants. The essays are both nostalgic and personal, offering readers relatable moments of finding beauty and comfort in the unconventional. Many essays share the author's sexual exploits..for better or worse...good and bad. One essay is focused on how Sex & the City neglects to tackle completely awful/lackluster sex. While the book’s informal tone is engaging, some essays can feel uneven, with a few lacking the depth of others. Nonetheless, Tacky succeeds in being an honest ode to finding joy in what others might dismiss, making it an enjoyable read for those who appreciate pop culture with a personal twist.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review....more
This one was simply delightful. It was like taking a trip to Palm Springs, which is where our protagonist Patrick lives by himself in his big house. HThis one was simply delightful. It was like taking a trip to Palm Springs, which is where our protagonist Patrick lives by himself in his big house. He's a former sit com star but is known as Guncle or GUP (Gay Uncle Pat) to his young niece and nephew. They are left to live with him for the summer after his sister-in-law dies and his brother goes to rehab. Patrick loves Maisie and Grant but is at first unsure of how to take care of them on his own for such a long period of time. He starts coming up with Guncle rules and takes them on lots of little adventures. He goes along with their idea to put up a pink tinsel Christmas tree even though it is summer time to help create some joy in their lives. They are there when he hosts a Hollywood party at his home and they even take over his YouTube channel resulting in an uptick in subscribers.
This was a heartwarming and humorous tale. I really enjoyed it. Patrick starts out so much larger than life and set in his Hollywood ways, but comes to learn from being with the kids how to relax and develop and deeper relationship. He does his best to give these kids a good summer after the recent tragedies in their life. This is a great, uplifting summer (or anytime) read to just take your mind off of life and give you a few chuckles. Highly recommend!
What to listen to while reading... Shadows of the Night by Pat Benatar Let's Go by Wang Chung Ray of Light by Madonna Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree by Tony Orlando & Dawn A Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay We are Family by Sister Sledge Hard Candy Christmas by Dolly Parton
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!...more
Suburban New England Moms. A world of their own. From the Facebook Moms Group to the local gossip. Agatha Arch's life is thrown for a loop when she diSuburban New England Moms. A world of their own. From the Facebook Moms Group to the local gossip. Agatha Arch's life is thrown for a loop when she discovers her husband messing around with the local dog walker in their backyard shed. Agatha immediately loses it and hacks the shed apart with a hatchet. Agatha's life is suddenly changed and she finds herself needing to face her fears and she has A LOT of fears. For example, she is afraid of beans (beans!) after watching Silence of the Lambs. Agatha pretty much rubs the entire town the wrong way. She tries to work through her issues with her therapist, who she refers to as Shrinky Dink. She is continually causing drama on the local Moms Facebook Group. AND during all of this she is supposed to be writing a new novel.
This was a fun read and although Agatha is extremely anxious AND expresses it in a completely different way than I ever would, you can't help but root for her. I cringed at her behavior and choices a lot of the time, but through the course of the book, she learns to "come into her own". The Facebook Moms stuff was relatable. Those groups have plenty of drama! This is a good pick for fans of Where'd You Go, Bernadette and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.
What to listen to while reading... I Don't Wanna Know by Mario Winans Somebody that I Used to Know by Gotye Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi Afraid by The Neighborhood Wind Beneath my Wings by Bette Midler Lost in the Supermaket by Ben Folds Goats in Trees by Foster the People
Thank you to the publisher for the audio book in exchange for an honest review!...more
Yes, yes, I know... another parenting book. But don't worry, this is not one that is going to give you advice that you will roll your eyes at. This boYes, yes, I know... another parenting book. But don't worry, this is not one that is going to give you advice that you will roll your eyes at. This book, as the title indicates, is about how the author is trying not to have her 2 kids grow up to be A-holes. It was hilarious and filled with all sorts of bad words. PERFECTION FOR ME! Karen Alpert is the blogger behind Baby Sideburns and I follow her on Facebook for some entertainment. In her new book, she shares things she has done to try to make her little douchenuggets (her word choice. lol) grow up to be decent humans. She admits that all kids can be little jerks but it is our job to push them into being functional adults who can take care of themselves and be nice to others. I loved the whole thing. It made me laugh and was a pretty quick read. Plus there were photos, which meant it went by even quicker than the page count may lead you to believe. Funny stuff. I recommend this one to parents, wannabe parents, pretend parents and anyone who may have regular contact with douchenuggets.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!...more
If you're like me and read and enjoyed Snapdragon last year, then you will be excited to hear that Kat Leyh has a new book out. This book features a pIf you're like me and read and enjoyed Snapdragon last year, then you will be excited to hear that Kat Leyh has a new book out. This book features a pod made up of two mermaids and a sea witch. They realize they are out of wine from shipwrecks and NEED.MORE.BOOZE so the sea witch casts a spell on them to turn them into humans. They make their way to a coastal community in search of booze. They aren't quite familiar with human ways, so show up on the boardwalk naked. They quickly get some clothes by various means and eventually find a bar call The Thirsty Mermaid where they befriend the bartender who tries to help them out. This was a fun romp of a book, with lots of girl power, messages about mental health, LGBTQ representation and body positivity.
Thank you to the publisher for the lovely review copy!...more
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