Fiction

How to Piss Off Men

Background

Published in 2023, “How to Piss Off Men: 109 Things to Say to Shatter the Male Ego” is a humorous guide by Kyle Prue, offering over 100 witty phrases and comebacks designed to challenge “toxic masculinity and leave even the most persistent mansplainers at a loss for words.” The book provides readers with tools to confront and dismantle everyday sexism in a clever and impactful manner.

How to Piss Off Men
How to Piss Off Men

My Thoughts

This book originally came from a viral TicToc post from Prue which eventually led to a published book. The target audience is men and the stated reason for writing the material is to help men sit with the content and think about why that particular statement would bother them. It was a very fast read and several of the items won’t make sense as time goes on. (E.g. “Let’s go Brandon.”) However, some were genuinely amusing.

Recommendation

It was a fun list that went by fast. I would recommend listening to the audiobook which featured a conversation with the author and his mother about the work.

The Scrivener’s Bones

Background

Published in 2008 and republished in 2016, “The Scrivener’s Bones” is the second installment in Brandon Sanderson’s Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians series. In this sequel, young Alcatraz Smedry continues his battle against the nefarious Librarians, venturing into the mysterious Library of Alexandria to rescue his father and grandfather.

The Scrivener's Bones
The Scrivener’s Bones

My Thoughts

The series continues with the whimsy and humor appropriate to a writer not afraid to poke fun at the craft. Sanderson keeps his dialog surprisingly light as tragedies and trauma unfold in the plot. Young Alcatraz’s character continues on the hero’s journey seeing his first real experiences in leadership as he develops into that role.

Recommendation

It was a fun read.

Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians

Background

Published in 2007, “Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians”, is the first book in Brandon Sanderson’s Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians series. Readers are introduced to Alcatraz Smedry, an ordinary 13-year-old boy with a knack for breaking things—until he discovers that his “talent” is actually a powerful magical ability. On his birthday, Alcatraz receives a mysterious bag of sand and is plunged into a secret war against the Evil Librarians, a group that controls knowledge and history to maintain their grip on power.

Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians
Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians

My Thoughts

This was a fun book was an interesting premise. Much like Pixar films or the world of Harry Potter, this universe is portrayed as along side our own. Sanderson has done a great job of creating a whole new world complete with hidden continents, peoples, technologies, and all of it is being kept from “The Hushlanders” better know as us. The book uses a narration style commenting directly on the literary devices employed through the plot. The result is a fun and whimsical narrative that not only exposes readers to writing methods and terminology but also teaches these concepts directly through its self-aware use and first-person commentary.

Recommendation

I enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series.

A Christmas Carol

Background

Published in 1843, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, is a timeless novella that tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and bitter old man who detests Christmas and all it represents. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, and three spirits: the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Through these encounters, Scrooge reflects on his life, witnessing the pain he has caused and the love and joy he has missed. Transformed by these revelations, he awakens on Christmas morning with a renewed spirit of generosity and compassion.

A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol

My Thoughts

There is nothing quite like going right to the source of a story that has been told and retold as many times as this. It was a relatively quick read and felt rushed in comparison to most more contemporary versions. Scrooge’s change of heart happened much quicker in this version and there was very little following up after his interviews with the spirits was over.

It was also interesting to see the common elements that persisted through the various retelling and see which version was the most true to the source document. Oddly enough, the Muppet Christmas Carol came the closest to any version I can recall. The first time I saw it, I didn’t much care for the Spirit of Christmas Past. However, the Muppet version was very true to the original. Also, several lines are pulled directly from Dickens. Of course, the singing, the rat clerks, and the hybrid frog-pig-abominations of the Cratchett family certainly were not in the original.

Recommendation

A classic and a good quick read. The language may be hard to navigate, but it shouldn’t be too difficult for a modern reader.

The Lost Metal

Background

Published in 2022, “The Lost Metal” is the fourth and final book in Brandon Sanderson’s Wax and Wayne series, set within the Mistborn universe. This novel concludes the saga of Waxillium “Wax” Ladrian, a lawman-turned-senator, as he confronts the enigmatic organization known as the Set. Alongside his companions—Wayne, Marasi, and Steris—Wax uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the stability of their world, Scadrial.

The Lost Metal
The Lost Metal

My Thoughts

This was a fitting end to the series and Sanderson did a good job of tying up enough loose ends to leave it alone while allowing enough unfinished to continue on the story if wanted. This book put together several of pieces of Sanderson’s Cosmere and answered several questions about how his literary worlds are connected.

This book continued the fast pace action and intrigue we see throughout the series. Wayne continued to be one of my favorite characters with his quips, talents, and his good heart. It was enjoyable to watch the characters through their developmental arcs and the plot left them in a good place.

Recommendation

I enjoyed the book and the series as a whole.

The Bands of Mourning

Background

Published in 2016, “The Bands of Mourning” is the third novel in Brandon Sanderson’s Wax and Wayne series, set in the Mistborn universe. The story follows lawman Waxillium “Wax” Ladrian as he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the mythical Bands of Mourning. Accompanied by his loyal companions Wayne, Marasi, and Steris, Wax’s journey leads him to the city of New Seran and beyond, where he confronts new technologies, uncovers hidden secrets, and faces the enigmatic organization known as the Set. The novel blends elements of fantasy, steampunk, and detective fiction, exploring themes of identity, power, and the evolution of society. Sanderson’s intricate world-building and dynamic character development offer readers a compelling continuation of the Mistborn saga.

The Bands of Mourning
The Bands of Mourning

My Thoughts

It’s interesting to see the progression of technology through this series as the population mirrors our own in many ways. Of course, we don’t have mistborn among us, but it is fun to see Sanderson’s view of how we would cope if we did.

I enjoyed the character arc of Steris through this novel. Though she was present in the previous books, her character was presented as unpleasant and shallow. The ending was unexpected and enjoyable. Everyone loves a good Hallmark ending, yet it presents problems with where to go from here. However, the surprise change in the villain should give fertile ground for new directions.

Recommendation

Not as good as the last, but still worth the read. I’m excited for the next installment in the series.

Shadows of Self

Background

Published in 2015., “Shadows of Self” is the second book in Brandon Sanderson’s Wax and Wayne series, set in the Mistborn universe. In this installment, Wax, along with his partners Wayne and Marasi, investigates a series of murders that threaten to destabilize the city. Their pursuit leads them to confront a rogue kandra named Paalm, who has gone mad and seeks to incite chaos. As they delve deeper, they uncover a conspiracy that challenges their understanding of law, justice, and the very nature of their society.

Shadows of Self
Shadows of Self

My Thoughts

This book expands into the uses of differing metals giving abilities to characters. Sanderson does a good job of thinking through what a society with these “metal-born” citizens may look like and how they would get along. I find myself wishing I had read this series some time ago before I read so many of his books.

The story itself was compelling and enjoyable. I found myself actually laughing a few times and I enjoyed the ending.

Recommendation

This is one where the 2nd was better than the first. I’m excited for the next book.

The Alloy of Law

Background

Published in 2011, “The Alloy of Law” by Brandon Sanderson is a fantasy adventure that takes place 300 years after the events of the original Mistborn trilogy. The story introduces Waxillium Ladrian, a noble-turned-lawman who returns to the metropolis of Elendel after years spent in the untamed Roughs. Wax, possessing Allomantic and Feruchemical powers, must navigate a new era of technology, blending magic with industrial-age innovations.

The Alloy of Law
The Alloy of Law

My Thoughts

Although, it’s hard to miss the pun of the names of the main characters and the fundamental concepts of metallurgy are still too far fetched, I really enjoyed the book. Wax is a fun character without being over the top and Wayne does a great job at the comic relief. Throw in a young woman infatuated with the protagonist and you have yourself a story. This story however, leaves the main character pining for his late wife and he is refraining from the woman throughout the book. It was an interesting counterpoint to the usual tension between a potential couple.

As usual, found Sanderson’s writing to be engaging and just plain fun to read.

Recommendation

Great book, I’m excited for the next one in the series.

To the Far Blue Mountains

Background

Published in 1976, “To the Far Blue Mountains” is the second novel in Louis L’Amour’s Sackett series. The story continues the adventures of Barnabas Sackett, who, after returning to England, faces a royal warrant accusing him of possessing a treasure believed to be lost by King John. To escape persecution, Barnabas flees to America, where he establishes a trading post and starts a family. The novel explores themes of exploration, survival, and the challenges of settling in the New World.

To the Far Blue Mountains
To the Far Blue Mountains

My Thoughts

Similiar to the first book, L’Amour paints a picture of the nearly unstoppable force that is Barnabas Sackett. However, this time around the reader is treated to his rise and demise in the Americas, showing he can indeed be beaten. Sackett had 5 children and all are ready to continue the legacy of the Sackett name and more importantly, are there to continue on the series.

I enjoyed the time taken by L’Amour to get the details right. His depictions of the peoples and times seem to fit well in the time period and his writing would stand up to more contemporary standards when dealing with minorities and native populations.

Recommendation

I enjoyed this sequel even better than the first. I will be continuing through the series.

The Hero of Ages

Background

Published in 2008, “The Hero of Ages”, is the third book in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy. Vin and Elend Venture continue to attempt saving the world from Ruin. The mists are growing more dangerous, ash chokes the land, and the Lord Ruler’s final legacy threatens humanity’s survival. Vin and Elend must unlock the secrets of the Well of Ascension and uncover the true nature of Allomancy, Feruchemy, and Hemalurgy.

The Hero of Ages
The Hero of Ages

My Thoughts

This really was a fun read and good climax to the trilogy. Sanderson has a way of writing that keeps you guessing till the last and this was no exception. The premise of the story is pretty weak in terms of the metals and their abilities. However, we all have to suspend our expectations to some degree and there certainly have been worse forms of magic. (White Gold Wielder comes to mind. Another great series with a less than perfect premise.)

Recommendation

It was worth the read.