Cannonball Read 18

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

“I didn’t smuggle the dog into the country; I merely caused him to be smuggled out of Baluchistan.”

Frederica by Georgette Heyer

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CBR15 Passport Challenge: Different (sub)genres #2 The Marquis of Alverstoke, wealthy, vain, and immensely bored, sees no reason why he must put himself to any trouble for anyone at all. But when he agrees to sponsor a beautiful young woman’s debut in society, he can’t help but become tangled up with her managing older sister. I read Georgette Heyer’s romances sparingly. Not because I dislike them, but indeed the opposite – I adore their sharp humor, hijinks, and immersive historical setting – and I don’t […]

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan

Devil House by John Darnielle

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John Darnielle is best known for being the creative force behind The Mountain Goats, a band I’ve gotten into in the last few years after seeing them open for one of my favorite artists. I remember when each of his first two novels came out I considered picking them up because I thought it was cool that he was also a writer, but it took the description of Devil House, his third novel, to get me to part with my money. The title building is […]

“… sometimes a woman has to be a bitch to survive, but bein’ a bitch is hard work….”

Dolores Claiborne: A Novel by Stephen King

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This was another holiday book exchange gift from Black Raven — a book I requested thanks to the recommendations of other Cannonballers [EDIT: Narfna!! I think it was you again! It’s like I’m your literary stalker.]. I don’t generally read in the horror category (although I did review King’s Carrie a few years ago and thought it was great). While there are some horror-y elements to Dolores Claiborne, I think “psychological thriller” is a better description and it is indeed a thrilling story. I was […]

“No one tells you before you procreate that the hardest thing about being a good parent is that you never feel like one.”

The Winners by Fredrik Backman

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I have been reading Fredrik Backman since A Man Called Ove. I mean reading everything he has ever written (including the novellas).  So, when a friend suggested we go see him at a local library, I jumped at the chance. I have seen lots of author presentations (I call myself a bit of an author groupie), and his was one of the best. He was wonderful: well spoken, polite, humble, insightful, smart, and most of all, very funny. The event included a signed book, so I […]

Foul foe, or foul play?

A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay

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A Head Full of Ghosts is a possession/exorcism tale… or is it? The eldest teenage daughter of the Barrett family, Marjorie, is not quite herself. She’s telling horrible stories, hearing voices, and vomiting green goo. She’s terrifying her little sister Merry with tales both true and imagined. Although she’s taking her prescription medication and dutifully attending her various medical appointments, her condition does not appear to be improving. Her parents or – more specifically – her father, reach out to a local catholic priest, Father […]

The land is Bailiwick, the hero is Barb

Barb The Last Berzerker V03 Barb and the Battle for Bailiwick by Dan & Jaso

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CBR15Passport Different Countries. (The magical realm of Bailiwick) Barb The Last Berzerker V03 Barb and the Battle for Bailiwick is the third installment of the Dan & Jason series. However, while it was still funny, it was not as strong as the first two. It did continue the story of Barb the Berzerker and friends (and enemies) as they battle for their home, families, and friends. We see how different people (monsters, humans, etc.) come together as a team. Now, they do not fight each […]



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