Review
"The Mystery Guest": A Must-Read Sequel
I don’t read mystery or thrillers as much these days, but Nita Prose’s 2022 award-winning debut The Maid was an exception, thanks to its unforgettable protagonist Molly Gray. When I saw Prose had written a sequel, I knew I had to read The Mystery Guest.
By J. S. Wong2 years ago in BookClub
"If You Loved That Bestselling Novel, You'll Enjoy This Nonfiction Gems"
1. "Unveiling the Depths: A Journey Through the Seas of Identity" Sabrina Imbler's "How Far the Light Reaches" plunges readers into the depths of the ocean, where sea creatures and personal reflections intertwine in a mesmerizing dance of discovery and introspection. Through a unique blend of science, nature writing, and memoir, Imbler invites readers on a transformative journey through the underwater world, illuminating the parallels between marine life and the complexities of human existence.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
Our Fate
Fate is something that people in old stories say they are bound to and could never escape, but what exactly is fate? For those who believe, fate is the growth of events far beyond an individual’s control. I think fate is something that nobody can change; it’s inevitable. On the other hand, I would say that fate can be something we can influence. In older tales like that of Beowulf, they believed that fate would be presented in small things like a noble warrior coming to save a land of people from a monster or omens portraying either that dangerous or harmless adventure, even the unfortunate death of a valiant warrior during battle. Fate shows itself differently, but it all leads to everyone's inescapable death.
By Jaidah Hodge2 years ago in BookClub
"Exploring the Magic: Books About Walt Disney and the Disney Parks VI"
1. "Disneyland on the Mountain: Walt, the Environmentalists, and the Ski Resort That Never Was" by Greg Glasgow and Kathryn Mayer is a captivating exploration of a little-known chapter in Disney's history, set against the backdrop of the burgeoning environmental movement of the 1960s. At the center of the narrative is Disney's ambitious plan to construct a ski resort in Mineral King, California, a project that sparked a fierce clash between the entertainment giant and environmental activists.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"Exploring the Magic: Books About Walt Disney and the Disney Parks V"
1. "Walt Disney’s EPCOT Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow" by Richard R. Beard is a captivating exploration into the creation and evolution of one of Disney's most ambitious projects, EPCOT. As a fan of the park, this coffee table book offers a treasure trove of insights and visuals that illuminate the fascinating history and development of EPCOT, making it a must-have for any Disney enthusiast.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"Exploring the Magic: Books About Walt Disney and the Disney Parks Part IV"
1. "The Animated Man: A Life of Walt Disney" by Michael Barrier offers readers an immersive journey into the complex life and legacy of one of the most influential figures in American culture. From Walt Disney's humble beginnings in the Midwest to his rise as an iconic pioneer of animation and entertainment, Barrier's biography provides a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the man behind the legend.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"Exploring the Magic: Books About Walt Disney and the Disney Parks Part III"
1. "Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation" by Mindy Johnson is a groundbreaking exploration into the often-overlooked contributions of female artists within the storied history of Disney animation. While much attention has been rightfully given to the legendary "Nine Old Men," Johnson's meticulously researched book shines a spotlight on the talented women who played a pivotal role in bringing Disney's iconic characters and stories to life.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
Fletch and the Man Who
2024 is turning out to be a pretty ugly year. There is the continued war in the Middle East (when isn’t there one, you might say; so cynical), price inflation for basic food items (priceflation is an expression I will not use after completing this piece), there is the election noise of the various parties up here in my beloved Canada…and down below. Our parties seem to grow quickly, like mold in a basement. And I tend to wonder why there isn’t more growth in that noisy basement I refer to as the United States. I tend to ignore politics until it is trying to take more money out of my wallet, or asking me to care…or entertaining me on the page or screen.
By Kendall Defoe 2 years ago in BookClub
"Exploring the Magic: Books About Walt Disney and the Disney Parks II"
1. "Team Rodent: How Disney Devours the World" by Carl Hiaasen offers a provocative and unflinching critique of the cultural and corporate influence wielded by The Walt Disney Company. Drawing upon his experiences as a Floridian who has witnessed the transformative impact of Disney World on Central Florida, Hiaasen delivers a scathing indictment of the Disney "machine" and its pervasive reach.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"Exploring the Magic: Books About Walt Disney and the Disney Parks"
1. "The Story of Disney: 100 Years of Wonder" by John Baxter is a breathtaking homage to the iconic legacy of The Walt Disney Company. Released in commemoration of the company's remarkable centennial milestone in 2023, this lavishly illustrated coffee table book offers readers an immersive journey through a century of Disney magic and innovation.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"Essential Nonfiction Reads by AAPI Authors VIII"
1. "The Collected Schizophrenias" by Esmé Weijun Wang emerges as a groundbreaking and deeply insightful exploration of mental illness, offering readers a compelling firsthand account of living with schizoaffective disorder. Through a series of candid and fearless essays, Wang bravely shares her own experiences with the condition, providing readers with an intimate glimpse into the complexities of living with a misunderstood and often stigmatized illness.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
