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.