Dungeon Party - John Gastil - Book Review

Dungeon Party 

John Gastil

John Hunt Publishing

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    Dungeon Party is a fun dive into the world of roleplaying fantasy games, with a unique twist to the plot line I didn't see coming at the beginning. 

    Very few contemporary fiction books feature 'nerds' as the main protaganists, so when I saw this title pop up, I knew I had to read it. The book starts off slow, but picks up as it goes. Over all, it was an enjoyable read.

    The characters were varied, and while there was one very definite nerd stereotype that left me disappointed, overall I appreciated the author's work to show off the world of roleplaying fantasy. These games have become so much more mainstream over the years that I thought some of the representation in the books to be a little hard to swallow however. This isn't a game reserved just for basement dwellers and the unfit, nor is it the type of thing to make you a social pariah in school anymore (at least not where I am from)

    That being said, there were lots of fun nods to different types of games and other nerdy franchises that put a smile on my face and in this time of a pandemic, the overall climax become that much more unsettling and effective as a result. 

    I also enjoyed the opportunities to follow the characters into the world of their own characters for a story within the story. It was a fun writing choice to move the plot along and help you connect with the characters themselves. 

    Anyone looking for a light, fun, read with lots of nerdy flavour, I would recommend this book; just don't take it too seriously. 

Ain't Never Not Been Black - Book Review

 

Ain't Never Not Been Black

Javon Johnson

Button Poetry

                                                                   

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    In minimal words, Javon Johnson manages to convey the complexities and emotions of existing as a person of colour. More than once, I was moved to tears, or left to linger over the words on the page as the over all weight of his poems left me thinking and digesting. Mr. Johnson allows a glimpse into the struggles faced in everyday life as a black person in today's world, of the bias and disadvantages levelled against them. 

    My partner is a person of colour, and through her eyes I've been able to learn a lot about the privilege that I have had in life, through years of conversations, of comparisons. Mr. Johnson's words convey those same themes but in succinct phrasing, colourful imagery and heart wrenching honesty. Wishing Well took my breath away, and left me feeling cold, goosebumps down my arms as he managed in 5 short lines to portray the very real fears I have every time my partner's phone goes to voice mail when I know she's been out.

    Cuz He's Black draws to mind the comparisons of my conversations with my 4 year old nephew regarding the police, of the very different conversation we had compared to that of the narrator. What kind of world have we created where children have to be taught to fear those who are supposed to help? Again Mr. Johnson delves to the heart of the matter, wasting no time or words to spell out the differences with fluidity and ease, leading the reader down a well of emotion.

    In this time of Black Lives Matter, Javon Johnson is able to hone in on the issues of this movement and present them in a way that is unavoidable and filled with humanity. There is no beating around the bush. The truth is laid bare, in digestible chunks that let the reader easily draw parallels to their own lives, to see their own privilege exposed for what it is. I can not recommend this book enough, for readers of all generations, of all races. This book needs to be read. 

Book Review - Dear Girls by Ali Wong

Dear Girls

Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life

  ALI WONG

 Penguin Random House Canada

                                                                   

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    This is not my usual style of book; I'm going to put that out there right now. But I have loved Ali Wong ever since I saw Baby Cobra with my sister (who had just had a baby and was relating to her hard) so when this title popped up I had to give it a go.

The paperback is the perfect size to slip into my work briefcase, and I read the whole thing in one little hop skip and a jump flight from Vancouver to sunny Edmonton, laughing the whole way. 

    Ali is vulgar, provides way too much details about her life and leaves you wanting more in the most wonderful way. I'm a bit of a prude in life, I don't swear, or talk about my personal life, I don't do public displays of affection and anything that happens below clothes is definitely a taboo; these same rules don't apply to Ali and I was surprised how much I didn't mind it. 

   

     If you have someone reading over your shoulder, this may not be the book to read unless you really want to freak them out; there were definitely moments when I was horrified for her poor girls who would be reading these letters some day (although really, if they had her for a mother, i'm sure that sort of talk would not be shocking to them in the least by that point in their life)

    

    Ali is witty and owns her life experiences through this story, whether good or bad. She switches between outright humor to being surprisingly touching with ease and I was disappointed when I reached the end, because I didn't want to say goodbye. 

  

     I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a laugh and a light read, though be warned there is sometimes some swearing and it can be graphic if you are a prude like me. A solid 4 out of 5 stars. 

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There is an old superstition that however you begin your new year is how the rest of the year will go. While I've never been an overtly superstitious person, I have facetiously ensured that my January 1st are always days with good food, good friends and a safe snuggly day with books. Until this year. 

My January 1st involved moving a loved one, falling and hurting my knee and worst, my wrist with an injury that keeps coming back every time I so much as hold a phone in that hand. Not the best start, and surely my first sign that 2020 was not going to be everything I wanted from a Double 2 year. 

What is a Double 2 year? All the best things in my life happen in Double 2 years, I was born in 1984. (equals 22 when added together) I graduated in 2002. I got hired by the company I still work with in 2004 (4 is 2x2 so technically I consider this a triple 2 year), promoted to head office in 2012, promoted again to buyer in 2014 (triple 2) and in 2020 I was going to start my dream job, manager of books.  

The dream job turns out to be the only thing actually going in my favour in 2020. As Covid-19 closed borders and forced people into lockdown, I was separated from my loved one that I had helped move Jan 1 by a border that was no longer a minor inconvenience to cross but a figurative wall between us, but I was able to work remotely and had my health.

With the border still closed, I've taken to focusing on my job instead of worrying about things I can't change. I get to buy books for not just myself, but for 180+ stores, approximately 2200 feet of shelves to fill with product over all. I'm getting paid to read, something I've done voraciously all my life. And with all my reading, I thought maybe it's time to review some of the things I actually get to read, to share with others what's out there. 

And so for that purpose, here is my blog. We will see if I can keep it up.