Book Review - Finding Normal: Sex, Love, and Taboo in Our Hyperconnected World by Alexa Tsoulis-Reay

 

Finding Normal: Sex, Love, and Taboo in Our Hyperconnected World by Alexa Tsoulis-Reay is a journalist’s exploration on how different people use the internet to find their community. Alexa finds people who identify in a variety of ways that are different from sexual norms. The book is based on a collection of candid interview series conducted for a popular magazine.

The book was interesting because each chapter was based on a different identity. The chapters were interesting to read even though I couldn’t relate to any of the people. I like that the author allowed each person to tell their story and then shared her assessment. I at first felt disgusted by some of the behavior but then I try to reign in my emotions and realize that sometimes, the people sharing their story do not want to be that way or I should be more empathetic and more open minded towards them. 

The book is split into two sections. The first section has mild taboo behaviors like asexuality, multiple partners, and age difference while the second half of the book might not be for everyone as it has more “extreme” ones.  I thought the book was well researched and written. I would be open to reading more articles or books by the author.

Book Review - The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz

 

The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz is an epic sci-fi about people creating and exploring worlds. Destry is a part of the ERT, Environmental Rescue Team. The team is responsible for caring and protecting the planet while maintaining the young eco-system at optimal levels. Destry has followed the same path as her parents and grandparents.  She has dedicated her life to the newly created planet Sask-E. She wants to ensure that the planet has everything it needs to thrive and prosper. As she begins her daily tasks, she notices an intruder on the planet. She decides to break protocol and deal with the problem as she feels is best for the planet. Little did she know she was going to set off a chain reaction that will change the trajectory of the planet and its inhabitants. 

The book is split into three sections with each narrator connected to the previous narrator. I was on the fence with this novel. It was interesting reading about the different sci-fi elements and how different beings were considered “people”. However, I am at a loss as to what the actual point of the book is. 

The author went into detail about the scenery and it’s vivid, but I had a hard time imagining some of the concepts. At times, the book was a bit boring and seemed pointless. The middle arc was about a group of researchers/explorers trying to find a way to create public transit to the planet. They go into detail about trivial things for pages with the point being so mundane that I kept yawning while reading. I was confused as to why corporations would create workers to maintain their worlds but then there were workers who weren’t owned. It was confusing on how the corporations hired some workers and created others. I felt more backstory was needed to explain certain aspects of this world.  If you like reading about world building and epic sci fi novels, then you would enjoy this one.

Book Review - The Farm by Joanne Ramos

Photo Credit - Amazon

Somewhere hidden in the Hudson Valley, New York is  luxurious retreat with every amenity imaginable available. Participants have access to organic meals, personal fitness trainers, massages, beautiful and personal rooms. People who stay at the retreat reeive a small fortune in exchange for living there for full nine months of their pregnancy on the retreat property. The hosts are not allowed to leave the property and have their movements monitored in hopes that they will produce the perfect baby for someone else.

Jane is recently divorced single mother, who lives with her older cousin, Ate in a boarding house. As an immigrant from the Philippines, she has limited opportunities for a better life.  She is desperate to find a job that pays enough to take care of her daughter. Without much options, she takes on the opportunity to be a host at the Golden Oaks retreat. Jane becomes homesick and begins to miss her daughter. She yearns to be reconnected with her life outside of Golden Oaks. However, she cannot leave the retreat otherwise, she will lose out of the bonus on deliverying her child.

When I first read the summary of this novel, I was very excited to start reading it. However, I felt disappointed after completing the novel. I felt like the novel built up some great horrorific story about the retreat but, didn't actually quite deliver. Yes, being monitored and having limited outside interaction is scary but, quite understandable for the safety and privacy of the clients. After reading the novel, the story felt pointless especially, the ending. It was abrupt and jarring. I am not sure what the purpose of not only the ending but, the entire book. After I finished reading the novel, I was left wanting more from it. Maybe a secret plot of producing multiple babies for each client and only the best speciem survives (yes, this makes me terrible human to say that but, I was hoping for something that was so shocking and scary). Although, I did like that the author included a lot of minority women but, as one can say, they were taken advantage of. Overall, I would have liked this book if it had more going on and the writing was smoother and more fluid.

*Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Cleansweep Conspiracy: A Matt Tremain Technothriller by Chuck Waldron + Giveaway

Matt Tremain was an ordinary investigative blogger until he discovers a dark secret that threatens his beloved city, Toronto. He discovers that billionaire, Charles Claussen, who has government ties, wants to remove the city of "undesirables". Matt must decide whether he is prepared to deal with Charles's wraith when his plot is revealed. He must rely on a local TV reporter and a police detective for help in keeping him alive. Will Matt be able to stop Charles?

The novel had an interesting premise but, not necessarily a new idea. I thought it was an enjoyable read about how technology can be used for both good and evil. I found the novel to be relevant in today's political atmosphere. However, I thought the story fell flat, especially, since there was no indicating of time being changed along with one-dimensional characters.  The novel had the backbone of something great but, sadly, it didn't deliver for me.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Details:

Book Title: The Cleansweep Conspiracy by Chuck Waldron
Series: A Matt Tremain Technothriller Book 1
Category: Adult Fiction, 310 pages
Genre: Thriller / dystopian
Publisher: Bublish Inc.
Release date: April 2018
Tour dates: Aug 13 to Sept 21, 2018
Content Rating: PG-13 + M (Adult language)

Book Description:

In this riveting technothriller, investigative blogger Matt Tremain is covering devastating riots in Toronto when he learns of a plot to rid the city of “undesirables.” The operation is called CleanSweep, and appears to be led by billionaire Charles Claussen, who want to sweep Toronto clean of all street people and any citizens who don’t match his restrictive screening matrix.

Matt questions whether he has the courage, skill or influence to take on Claussen, but the murder of one of his sources convinces the blogger to put his life on the line. He gambles on the loyalty of a Toronto police detective and a local TV reporter for help. If his trust is misplaced, Matt will become yet another victim of CleanSweep, and the truth will be buried with him forever.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble 

Chapters Indigo ~ Indiebound

Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Chuck Waldron is the author of four riveting mystery, thriller and suspense novels and more than fifty short stories. Inspired by his grandfather’s tales of the Ozark Mountains and local caves rumored to be havens for notorious gangsters, Waldron was destined to write about crime and the human condition. Those childhood legends ignited his imagination and filled his head with unforgettable characters, surprising plots and a keen interest in supernatural and historical subplots.

With literary roots planted in the American Midwest and South, and enriched by many years living in the fertile cultural soil of metropolitan Ontario, Waldron now resides on Florida’s fabled Treasure Coast with his wife, Suzanne. While keeping an eye out for hurricanes, alligators, and the occasional Burmese python, visitors will find Waldron busy writing his next crime thriller.

Connect with Chuck: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook 

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Sept 29, 2018

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