meg reads and reads

Title: The Wind Through the Keyhole Author: Stephen King A story inside a story inside another story sounds like it should be a mess, but somehow The Wind Through the Keyhole isn't. Stephen King's return to the Dark Tower universe--set between the fourth and fifth books--is surprisingly tight and ended up being one of the most enjoyable trips I've taken through Mid-World. The book starts with Roland and his ka-tet taking shelter from a brutal freezing storm. While they wait it out, Roland tells them about a mission from his youth, when his father sent him and Jamie DeCurry to a small town to investigate a series of murders committed by a shape-shifting creature. Roland would have preferred to take Cuthbert or Alain, but his father chose Jamie instead. We've spent plenty of time with young Roland before, but I enjoyed seeing him dropped in what is essentially a murder mystery. Tracking the creature requires more than being quick with a gun, and the investigation fits sur...

Title: 11/22/63 Author: Stephen King 11/22/63 is more than 800 pages long, which sounds like a commitment until you're several hundred pages in and wondering how you got there so quickly. Jake Epping is a high school English teacher whose friend Al introduces him to a portal hidden in the back of his diner. It leads to the same moment in 1958 every time, and Al has spent years thinking about what could be done with it. His answer is ambitious: stop Lee Harvey Oswald from assassinating JFK. There are rules. Every trip begins at the same point, only two minutes pass in the present no matter how long you're gone, and going back again resets whatever you changed the last time. Al also warns Jake that the past is obdurate. It resists being changed. Jake makes one test run before committing himself to the much larger task ahead. One of his first stops on the main trip is Derry, Maine, not long after the events of It . Richie and Beverly turn up briefly, and Derry is about as welcomin...

Title: Three Ordinary Girls Author: Tim Brady Tim Brady's Three Ordinary Girls brings to light the astonishing, bone-chilling courage of Truus Oversteegen, her sister Freddie, and Hannie Schaft--three teenage Dutch freedom fighters who spent World War II seducing, sabotaging, and assassinating Nazi occupiers and collaborators. On paper, this is an absolute blockbuster of historical non-fiction. These were literal teenagers riding bicycles through the Netherlands with pistols tucked into their coats, carrying out hits for the Dutch Resistance. It should be impossible to make that boring. Yet, somehow, the narrative structure almost manages it. The primary drawback of the book is its execution. Brady's research is undeniably thorough, but the prose often reads less like a propulsive narrative thriller and more like an academic log of logistics. The pacing tends to stall, turning what ought to be heart-pounding, high-stakes undercover operations into a somewhat listless sequence o...

Title: Careless People Author: Sarah Wynn-Williams Sarah Wynn-Williams's Careless People enters the ring as a blistering, tell-all expose of tech-giant arrogance, and for the most part, it lands a heavy blow. The author originally fought hard to join Facebook as an idealistic young international lawyer eager to shape social media's global impact. What follows is a slow-motion descent into corporate disillusionment as the "frog in a pot" reality sets in, kept bubbling by golden handcuffs, stock equity, and basic self-preservation (like needing health insurance--which, honestly, fair). The most satisfying part of the book is watching Wynn-Williams dismantle the reputations of people who have spent years carefully curating their public images. She pulls back the curtain on the rank hypocrisy of "leaning in," exposing how high-minded feminism and performative empowerment routinely dissolved into workplace toxicity, explosive rants, and a culture that turned a bl...

Title: Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come Author: Jessica Pan As a devoted introvert whose ideal afternoon is one spent in blissful solitude, I approached Jessica Pan's Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come with a healthy dose of side-eye. The premise alone--a self-proclaimed shy introvert pledging to spend an entire year acting like an extrovert--sounds less like a self-improvement journey and more like a custom-designed psychological thriller.  I wasn't expecting it to become one of my favorite nonfiction books of the year. What follows is hilarious, deeply relatable, and unexpectedly moving. Most motivational "get out of your comfort zone" books feel like they were written by innate extroverts who simply don't understand the physical drain of a crowded room. Pan, however, writes entirely from the trenches of true introversion. After her closest friends move away, she realizes she's left with the adult version of an almost impossible task:...

Title: Under the Dome Author: Stephen King I spent the first few decades of my life actively avoiding Stephen King. While other teenagers were devouring his paperbacks in the school library, I was perfectly content staying in my lane with less "messed up" literature. However, about eleven years ago, I finally decided to see what the fuss was about. This late-blooming curiosity eventually landed me at Under the Dome , a 1,072-page beast that is the literary equivalent of a massive bag of theater popcorn--you know it's not exactly high-brow nutrition, but it's addictive, and you're sure as can be not stopping until you hit the bottom. The setup is delightfully simple: the town of Chester's Mill is suddenly encased in an impenetrable, transparent dome. One minute you're driving to the next town for groceries, the next you're hitting an invisible wall like a confused sparrow. While the government spends 1,000 pages scratching its head on the outside, the t...

Title: Stories of the American Revolution Author: Thomas Fleming Thomas Fleming manages to pull off a neat trick in Stories of the American Revolution by making the birth of the United States feel less like a series of inevitable dates and more like a high-stakes accident. The book is structured as a collection of essays, which admittedly gives it a bit of a polished, simplified feel at times. While individual chapters can feel like mere anecdotes, the collection as a whole builds a compelling case for just how unlikely the American victory truly was. It forces you to realize that the country didn't just happen; it was cobbled together through a messy, intertwined series of events that probably should have failed. One of the most interesting aspects is the way Fleming reevaluates the Howe brothers. He offers a fresh take on their roles and motivations that shifted my own perspective on British strategy. I also appreciated the brief, candid looks behind the curtain of the Constituti...

Title: Duma Key Author: Stephen King Duma Key isn't one of King's more popular novels, and while the length and unconventional rhythm might explain that, I loved it. The scenery is so visceral that I will forever hear the grinding of the shells whenever I think of this story. From the beachfront setting to the sci-fi and paranormal elements, the plot remained completely unpredictable. The standout element of the book was the way King described the act of creation. He captures how art and talent actually feel when they unfold--that burning itch deep down when the muse starts to stir. He nails the way you can lose yourself for hours in the "flow," ending up ravenous, exhausted, or even a little mad. The writing in these scenes was executed extremely well and felt entirely authentic to the creative experience. The story is elevated by flawed characters and a friendship that feels entirely believable. Even when the plot takes its darker turns, the emotional core stays gro...

Title: The Radium Girls Author: Kate Moore If you are looking to try reading more non-fiction, The Radium Girls by Kate Moore is a compelling choice. It is certainly not the most joyful subject, but it is an incredibly interesting and frequently enraging account of a dark chapter in American industrial history. Moore utilizes original interviews, diaries, letters, and court accounts to reconstruct the lives of working-class women hired to paint luminous watch dials for the military. These women were taught to use their lips to point their brushes, effectively swallowing radium with every stroke. Even those who didn't use the lip-pointing method were coated in radioactive dust that they inadvertently carried home to their families at the end of every day. The physical descriptions of the radiation poisoning are harrowing. The narrative tracks a progression of horror where a woman's jaw literally falling apart is only the beginning of the tragedy. The book details a litany of suf...

Title: Bitter Blood Author: Jerry Bledsoe Jerry Bledsoe's Bitter Blood is a haunting, definitive account of a slow-motion train wreck that spans generations and geography. While many entries in the true crime genre leave a reader feeling a sense of somber reflection, this chronicle of the Lynch and Newsom family murders is more likely to leave you in a state of pure, unadulterated fury. What makes the book so terrifying is how "normal" the setting appears. Bledsoe peels back the veneer of Southern social standing to reveal a toxic brew of explosive personalities. Most families have their quirks, but the people in this book take dysfunction to a lethal level. It is a stark look at how easily a facade of respectability can hide something much darker. The central figure, Susie Lynch, emerges not as a victim of Fritz Klenner's influence, but as a master manipulator who controlled everyone and everything her entire life. Bledsoe does a phenomenal job of detailing the trail...

Title: A Lion Among Men Author: Gregory Maguire Wicked was a masterful reinvention, a brilliantly imagined and intricate take on a familiar world. It wove together elements of L. Frank Baum's original Oz books with sharp social commentary, creating a wholly new and enthralling narrative. It was a complete story with a perfect ending, leaving it open for readers to draw their own satisfying conclusions. But where Wicked was a genius work of fiction, A Lion Among Men feels like a tired and unnecessary extension. This book, like the previous one, Son of a Witch , feels like part of a different story altogether, one that strays far from the magic and intrigue that made the first book so captivating. The plot centers on Brr (the Cowardly Lion), but his tale is long, depressing, and all too similar in theme to the previous installment. While the pacing has improved, the story itself is a convoluted mess of flashbacks and unfulfilling revelations. It's an easy read, but mostly because...

Title: Cell Author: Stephen King Stephen King. The name conjures images of masterful storytelling, chilling suspense, and characters that burrow their way into your soul. He's crafted some of the best stories ever written, tales that have shaped the landscape of modern horror. And then there's Cell. About halfway through this book, I remember thinking, "Wow, this must be what diarrhea reads like." And no, I'm not being intentionally crude for shock value. That's genuinely the most apt description I can muster for the experience of reading this book. It's a messy, unpleasant, and ultimately unsatisfying slog. The premise--a cell phone signal turns people into homicidal maniacs--had potential. King is a master of taking the mundane and twisting it into something terrifying. But in Cell, the execution falls spectacularly flat. The characters are largely forgettable, the plot meanders aimlessly, and the violence feels gratuitous rather than genuinely scary. It...

Title: Bad Mormon Author: Heather Gay Heather Gay's Bad Mormon isn't just a juicy tell-all about the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City; it's a raw and honest explanation of faith, family, and the enduring impact of religious trauma.  Bad Mormon pulls no punches. Gay bravely dissects the complexities of Mormon culture, exposing its contradictions and the often-unspoken pressures placed upon its members, particularly women. She doesn't shy away from the pain of her divorce, the challenges of single motherhood within a judgmental community, or the struggle to reconcile her desire for authenticity with the expectations of her former faith. What struck me most was the vulnerability with which she shares her journey. It's not a simple narrative of good versus evil, or believer versus apostate. Instead, Gay paints a nuanced portrait of a woman grappling with the fallout of leaving a deeply ingrained belief system, even when that departure was, in some ways, a relief. While...

Title: Educated Author: Tara Westover Tara Westover's Educated is a captivating memoir that chronicles her extraordinary journey from a secluded, isolated upbringing to a world of academia and intellectual exploration. Raised in a survivalist family in rural Idaho, Westover's childhood was marked by a lack of formal education and a deep-seated distrust of mainstream institutions. Despite these challenges, Westover's innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge propelled her to defy societal expectations. She taught herself mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and eventually earned a scholarship to Brigham Young University. Her determination and resilience led her to Cambridge University, where she earned a Ph.D. in intellectual history. Educated is more than just a personal narrative. It is a poignant exploration of the power of education to transform lives and challenge deeply held beliefs. Westover's honest and unflinching portrayal of her family's unconventional lif...

Title: Talking to Strangers Author: Malcolm Gladwell Malcolm Gladwell's Talking to Strangers is a thought-provoking book that grabs you and doesn't let go, even if it doesn't necessarily convince you. The text explores a variety of intriguing topics, weaving together psychology, anthropology, and even true crime. One of the book's most fascinating sections explores how we misinterpret facial expressions, especially across cultures. The idea that a machine can assess criminal risk more accurately than a human judge is downright shocking. These sections spark curiosity and raise interesting questions. However, the book falters when Gladwell attempts to draw grand conclusions from these disparate examples. For instance, the parallels he draws between police misunderstandings and political miscalculations feel like a stretch. Similarly, the discussion of the Stanford rape case as a "misunderstanding" is rightfully met with skepticism. Despite these weaknesses, Tal...

Title: Five Flying Penguins Author: Barbara Barbieri McGrath Looking for a vibrantly illustrated counting book with a twist? Five Flying Penguins might surprise you! While the title might spark questions from astute young readers (after all, penguins are flightless, and no penguins in this book fly!), this book delivers a pleasant story with adorable artwork. The rhyming text incorporates counting, adding a layer of learning to the narrative. The meter and rhythm may not be perfect, but it's still easy to read aloud. What truly shines are the illustrations. The artist brings a diverse group of penguins to life, showcasing their colorful plumage against a backdrop that goes beyond the typical snowy white. This creative choice adds visual interest and avoids monotony. If you're searching for a cute counting book with a touch more story and stunning artwork, Five Flying Penguins might just take flight on your bookshelf. Be prepared, however, for some potential scientific correctio...

Title: Mrs. Fletcher Author: Tom Perrotta Tom Perrotta's Mrs. Fletcher is a delightful surprise. The story of a middle-aged woman embarking on a sexual reawakening resonated deeply, even though the premise seemed familiar. Eve Fletcher, a divorcee facing an empty nest, grapples with a newfound freedom. A community college class becomes a springboard for self-discovery, leading her to explore romantic possibilities and a renewed sense of purpose. The concept of an older woman's sexual awakening isn't new, but Perrotta breathes fresh air into it. Like Something's Gotta Give , the story celebrates the vibrancy of women beyond their youth. Perrotta's writing is a winning combination of humor and insightful social commentary. He tackles themes of dating failure, feminism, and the pervasiveness of pornography with a sharp wit that entertains and provokes thought. The chapters following Eve's son, Brendan, felt like a drag on the narrative. His self-absorption and lack...

Title: Fear Is Just a Word Author: Azam Ahmed In Fear Is Just a Word , journalist Azam Ahmed masterfully weaves together the harrowing tale of Miriam and her family, whose lives have been forever altered by the brutal violence of drug cartels. Set against the backdrop of a wounded nation, this book serves as both a heart-wrenching account and a beacon of hope. The narrative unfolds with unflinching honesty, exposing the raw pain and desolation that drug-cartel violence inflicts upon families. Ahmed's vivid prose transports readers to the frontlines of this war, where fear and loss are palpable. Through Miriam's eyes, we witness the shattered dreams, the sleepless nights, and the relentless struggle to survive. Ahmed's journalistic feat lies in his ability to collect these painful pieces of Miriam's story with compassion. He doesn't merely report; he immerses himself in the lives of those affected. The result is a mosaic of grief, resilience, and courage. As readers,...

Title: Nothing Rhymes with Orange Author: Adam Rex Nothing Rhymes with Orange by Adam Rex is a juicy read (pun intended!) that bursts with humor and a heartwarming message. The story centers around Orange, a dejected citrus fruit left out because, well, nothing rhymes with orange! As other fruits sing their rhyming praises in a playful parade, Orange feels like the odd one out. But fear not, fellow readers! The astute fruit step in with a clever solution that not only includes Orange but celebrates his unique identity. Rex's witty wordplay and use of silly rhymes will have kids giggling, while the underlying message of acceptance and embracing differences resonates with adults as well. The vibrant illustrations, a playful mix of photographs and drawn expressions, perfectly capture the personalities of each fruit. Nothing Rhymes with Orange is a delightful tale perfect for story time or independent reading. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, leaving both children and adults with a...

Title: The Women Author: Kristin Hannah Kristin Hannah's The Women opens with a description of a wealthy estate. The scene is clear, but the prose feels uninspired. Phrases like "a world unto itself" and "twilit evening" come across as cliches, failing to set a vivid or engaging atmosphere. So we didn't get off to a good start. Unfortunately, it didn't really get better. While some readers might prioritize intricate plots over writing style, I think that, while plot is obviously very important, I also value prose that's fresh and avoids overused expressions. Generic descriptions can make the story feel flat. It's important to note that Kristin Hannah is a bestseller, and the story itself is compelling. However, if you, like me, prefer clear, concise writing that paints a picture with its words, this book might not be the best fit. The descriptive language doesn't quite deliver the evocative power it strives for.