Month: May 2015

20 Books of Summer 2015: Sign Up

E.F. Sunland

I saw Cathy746books’s 20 Books of Summer reading challenge on FictionFan’s site. Happily, she provided a lovely graphic to share for the challenge, because I lack the tech skills to create one myself. I know, I know… the thought of my posting regularly over the summer is laughable as I just took a two month break from this page, but time to read/post comes more easily in the summer. The challenge officially runs from June 1 thru September 4. The last couple weeks will be sticky, but it’s technically possible. I’d originally planned to spend a fair chunk of the summer with Infinite Jest, but I wouldn’t have time for 19 books after. Rumor has it that IJ‘s density is more serious than it’s length. I don’t usually fret book length, but it was the first thing I checked when all 20 books were in a pile. read more

Review: Bird Box by Josh Malerman

E.F. Sunland

Bird Box, Josh Malerman’s first book, is an odd one. There are teensy grammar issues, inconsistencies, and an annoying coincidence at the climax, BUT I forgive everything. From the beginning, this book was glued to my fingers. I wanted to skim to figure out the ending sooner, but so enjoyed the creepy ride that I forced myself to stay the course. This self-control was worth it. The premise of Bird Box is simple: there is a worldwide epidemic that when people see something (the “thing” remains unknown) they go instantly, violently mad. In their frenzied state, they kill themselves and sometimes others too. Survivors get through by boarding up their houses, locking doors, and only going outside while blindfolded. Years into this new reality, Malorie begins a blindfolded journey with two children to find a safe place. read more