Blog

In which I briefly comment on the books I read each month, so a few years from now when I’m trying to remember one of them, I’ll be able to find it here. Since I’m a media omnivore, it also includes games, movies, and any other media of note that I engaged with.

Do we have similar tastes, or will you be questioning how we ever got connected? Let’s find out!

Books

{STAR} Parable of the Sower: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Octavia E. Butler, Damian Duffy, John Jennings

An impressive adaptation that’s more accessible than Butler’s novel in all the right ways, as Duffy takes full advantage of Jennings’ ability to add nuance to every panel. It might be blasphemy, but I loved this more than the original novel. I’d jump right into Talents but it’s only available in hardcover right now, and I can’t mix formats!

{STAR} The AI Con: How to Fight Big Tech’s Hype and Create the Future We Want by Emily M. Bender & Alex Hanna

The most accessible critique of AI hype I’ve read so far, it’s a good starting point for the curious and mildly skeptical. I wrote more about it, along with three other related books you should read.

The Day the Klan Came to Town by Bill Campbell and Bizhan Khodabandeh

“We Americans love forgetting. It’s how we keep doing what we do.” An important slice of historical fiction illuminating a lesser-known moment of American history via the experience of a Sicilian immigrant and the Pennsylvania town of Carnegie. Sadly, it’s timelier now than when it was published in 2021 — when it was also timely.

Blue Hand Mojo: Hard Times Road by John Jennings

Great concept (Hoodoo Noir) and an entertaining story that Jennings delivers with an interesting mix of prose and sequential art. I’d read more of Half Dead’s adventures in any medium!

Games

Evil West (Xbox)

I love a good 3rd-person action game and Evil West is another good example of AA games done right. I’m currently halfway through and the story is entertaining, the combat is challenging without being punishing, and each chapter is just long enough to not overstay its welcome.

Movies & TV

Duster (HBO Max)

Way more entertaining than it should be, although with one episode left, I’m hoping Abrams can actually pull off the cliffhanger ending while still wrapping up some part of the ever-escalating story. Holloway has a predictable charm, but Hilson carries the show on her upbeat shoulders. I especially love the opening credits‘ toy cars chase scene and new easter eggs every week. It hooked me in the first episode, and we never skip it. It’s apparently all digital — no 3D Botmaker, unfortunately — but nevertheless, it’s impressive.

NY Mets (SNY & Audacy)

Ouch! O_o

Your Notes?

If you’ve engaged with any of these, let me know what you thought. And if you have any related recommendations, drop ’em in the comments or on the socials! Some of you prefer email, which is cool, too. You do you!