Books
Print books and audiobooks.
2025
- On The Road by Jack Kerouac (1957)5.5/10. Narrated by John Ventimiglia. The characters are unlikeable and the story is slow and boring. I don't like how Jack or his friends treat other people, and the whole book is infused with racism, sexism, and a bit of jingoism for America. I read about 75% of the book before I decided to give up.
- Stasiland by Anna Funder (2003)8.0/10. Narrated by Denica Fairman. Funder's narrative is a bit sporadic and hard to follow (I tried reading this book twice in the past and failed) but once you get a grasp on the different characters, the book takes on a new light. Her imagery and vocabulary are truly magnificent. The story of the people who lived in the GDR are so moving I cried. It's truly horrific to see the past being covered up.
Favorite quotes:
"At that time, it was the right decision," she says through tears. "And even later too, I could always say to myself, 'I did not make myself guilty. I can sleep at night with what I have done.'" She doesn't try to cover her face.
"You know though, it was worth it. All the courage I had is in that plate. The whole shitty little skeric of it. That's all I had. That plate," he says, pointing behind him, "stays there."
- The Institute by Stephen King (2019)7.1/10. Narrated by Santino Fontana. In my humble opinion Stephen King is one of the best writers of all time and his recent writing still reflects that. The plot is engaging, the details horrifying, and characters wonderfully written. I only wish this story had more horror.
- The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (2008)8.0/10. Narrated by Christopher Evan Welch. I love Enzo's commentary on life and the fragility of it. This book kind of makes peace with existential dread and I love that.
Favorite quotes:
"I don't want to be like this," She sobbed. "It's not me. I'm so sorry. I don't want to be mean. It's not who I am." Beware, I thought. The zebra hides everywhere.
- Born with Teeth: A Memoir by Kate Mulgrew (2015)6.9/10. Narrated by Kate Mulgrew. Her story is both tragic and motivating.