Music Monday's originated at The Tattooed Book Geek's fantastic blog and has shown up hither, thither, and yon since then.
Crownfall
DETAILS:
Publication Date: March 17, 2026
Format: Paperback
Length: 501 pg.
Read Date: August 8-11, 2026
What’s Crownfall About?
For as long as most people can remember, the island of Burunt was politically independent—but its neighbors kept getting closer, and the island’s government opted to join an Empire. How that particular government came to power isn’t necessarily the cleanest or prettiest story.
This is particularly true for a certain ethnicity, the Draumer. The Draumer have existed in this world always, and are largely accepted in much of it—but not in Burunt anymore. There, they’ve been stripped of everything, hunted down, and locked up away from everyone else. The Draumer possess mystical/magical abilities that make them stand out from others, and are easy to demonize them over—and the Viceroy has made a campaign of it. Many have left Burunt, many have been incarcerated (at best). And then there are a handful like Kyndel Heim, the first character we meet—he’s on the street, thieving to survive. Kyndel also dreams of murdering the Viceroy in revenge for the suffering he’s brought to his people.
Amara, excuse me, Lady Amara is the last representative of a noble house. Her family’s wealth had been built on exporting and importing goods—following the death of her father, Amara’s mother, Dhonya kept the family’s business going. Until age-related dementia robbed her of her ability to do so, but she did a great deal of damage to the family’s business before anyone realized what was going on. Amara has now stepped up; she’s stopped the bleeding—but can she rebuild in time to stave off the debtors nipping at her heels?
Lastly, we have Major Jelert Egarro—an Imperial engineer of some renown and a lot of ability. He chose to be transferred away from the capital—and its proximity to power and access—to come to Burunt for one reason only. There’s a ban on the invention and development of weapons. The first time you read that, you like him—and worry for him. The second time he says that, you really start to worry about him. By the third time…well, you know it won’t be long before he and the reader learn what’s happening with his projects. The only question is what he’s going to do about it.
Take these three and toss them into a political system dominated by power struggles, deception, simmering rebellious movements, and deadly consequences for everyone involved, and you’ve got yourself one exciting read.
Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?
I picked this up because of some of the online buzz around it and the essay I talk about below. I was curious about Vadney’s goals and the story sounded pretty cool.
I was relieved, I have to say, when the characters came across as older than they appear (to my eyes, anyway) on the cover—which helped me get invested, somehow. But really after the second chapter from each POV, I was well and truly invested. I wanted a better understanding of the magic system that Kyndel’s throwing around; I wanted to see how Amara’s work and planning and scheming played out, and I wanted to see if Jelert’s idealism was able to remain intact. As more characters got involved, my investment grew.
And then, boy howdy, when the big surprise weapons were unveiled..forget it, I had to finish.
What does this book tell us about humanity?
I feel pretty solid about this take, after I outlined it, I noted that the back cover opens with the words, “Trust is the hardest lesson.”
Because trust was, if not the dominant theme, it was close enough that you’d be forgiven if you called it that. Trust you should exercise and extend, and trust that you shouldn’t have.
Almost every moment of this novel (and, I suppose you can say this about other novels, but this one stands out to me on this point) hinges on exercising trust—showing a moment of vulnerability, withholding confidence, deciding to go one way or the other. In a city built on mutual distrust, on fear of the Viceroy and his government—that’s really a brave act.
And throughout the city you can tell that there are a lot of people trusting/distrusting each other. Because that’s what societies are based on. You can’t live in peace for long without trusting someone or something. Humans are trusting creatures. It doesn’t always go well for us as such—as many citizens of Burunt can testify, but it’s often rewarding. And nothing can happen—nothing lasting, anyway—without it. As many other citizens of Burunt can also testify.
Nobledark in Practice
Earlier this year, Vadney wrote an essay, The Rise of Nobledark Fantasy and What It Says About Us Right Now, that I just loved. It sounded great, it resonated with what I want to see in a novel (pretty much in any genre).
And I still think that.
But in practice, Crownfall felt like…Fantasy. It really didn’t strike me as that much different from any Fantasy that I can recall, other than most Grimdark or Cozy. This is not a bad thing—there’s a reason I read Fantasy. I like Fantasy that reads like the Fantasy I read as a kid/teen (or as an adult), with similar outcomes and motivations.
Maybe I’m missing the nuance, the fine points that make Nobledark similar to “traditional” (for lack of a better term) Fantasy. It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that, actually. But I wouldn’t mind someone coming along and pointing it out to me.
So, what did I think about Crownfall?
I thought the opening chapters were a little rough. It almost felt like Vadney was just trying to get some basics about the island and the characters established so he could get on to the story, which is what he was more interested in. And I get that impulse—and once he’d established all that, the novel picked up and the writing that bugged me disappeared.
This is one of those novels that built up momentum early and then took off—but even after things got moving, it continued to build up speed. Vadney really didn’t seem to have any brakes installed on this runaway train. Which could’ve led to disaster. In this case, however, it just made for a nail-biting read up until the last few pages. It absolutely worked. Seriously, there’s a 100+ page run leading up to the quiet pages at the end, that will knock your socks off.
While there are no truly “good” characters in this novel—there are a lot of people trying their best, and while you will question a lot of the decisions they make, you will want success for them. On the other side, there are some easily identifiable “bad guys”—if not fully evil, they’re only out for themselves and care not for who they have to destroy to get their way. And there are a significant number of people caught in the middle, some tragically so—reduced to mere tools of one side. Those are the clear victims of everything going on, and if you have anything but pity for them…you should probably read it again.
On the whole, readers are going to identify who’s who in that categorization (even if you end up phrasing it differently, you’ll know what I’m talking about)—the characters will take some time coming to the right conclusions on that point. Some might call this a simplistic way for Vadney to lay things out—I think it’s just straightforward storytelling that doesn’t have to rely on that kind of twist. You get just what you think to you get character-wise, not necessarily plot-wise.
I just realized that I didn’t touch on this world—the mix of magic and tech, Vadney’s rather smooth way of showing it to the reader and explaining enough to get grounded in the world without anything feeling like an infodump. If I had a little more time, I’d add a few paragraphs about that—and I probably should. But my pillow is calling, so this will have to do: top-notch world-building, and it’s a place I wouldn’t mind getting to spend some more time in.
There’s some lightness, a hint of romance, and some good moments of friendship. There are big betrayals, disasters, and events you don’t see coming—which are all great to read. When you populate those situations with characters you’re rooting for (and against) with a plot that moves like a bullet train, you’re in for a good time.
I recommend this—I think you’ll enjoy this, reader. And you’re going to start looking for Vadney’s next novel, too.
This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
The Restoration of All Things:
How the Promise of Christ’s Return Brings Us Comfort Today
DETAILS:
Publisher: Baker Books
Publication Date: June 23, 2026
Format: eARC
Length: 176 pg.
Read Date: July 12-26, 2026
What’s The Restoration of All Things About?
So, I grew up in the shadow of The Late Great Planet Earth, even if the churches my parents attended weren’t big on preaching about eschatology (phew!) Hal Lindsey was the default position. And it terrified me—even as little as I understood. As Larry Norman put it: “Life was filled with guns and war / And everyone got trampled on the floor / Children died, the days grew cold / A piece of bread could buy a bag of gold.” There’s nothing there that sounds appealing. Chick Tracts and related comics about The End didn’t help, either. Frankly, the last thing I wanted was Jesus to return—I knew I was supposed to, but I didn’t want to go through all that.
As I got older, I started to understand that the Scriptures—from both Testaments—didn’t speak that way of The End. Yes, there are some warnings—some stark warnings about it, particularly from our Lord’s mouth. But also, there were all these promises—Earth would be renewed, the groanings of creation would be answered, justice would be established (for the first time post-Fall), suffering would be ended. I’m not talking about some “pie in the sky after you die”—but real change, real restoration on the and of the Earth.
It’s this that Vrbicek writes to remind his readers of. Possibly to inform them of it for the first time—but it largely doesn’t read that way. For those who get weighed down by the world and their circumstances, those who face the end with trepidation for one reason or another (including childhoods—or adulthoods—like mine), Vrbicek wants us to remember that typically, the writers of Scripture point to the End with hope, with confident expectation, even longing—that all things will be restored.
So, what did I think about The Restoration of All Things?
The concluding chapter is called “Loving His Appearing.” This is pretty much the call of the book—to take seriously the warnings, to take even more seriously the promises of Christ, to take seriously the problems and struggles of a world broken by sin—and to love His anticipated return. He’s clear that this should be the goal no matter what one’s eschatology is (although he suggests it’s easier as an amillennial). Then he goes on to give a solid list of reasons to love that appearing.
The book as a whole, is a solid work. Vrbicek isn’t trying to introduce a revolutionary understanding to anything—he’s just trying to blow off a layer or two of tradition and extra-biblical culture of dust off of classic understandings. But more than that, he’s trying to remind his Christian reader of the “main and plain” teachings, to focus on that, rather than to get distracted by the details of this or that eschatological topic. He will return. He will judge. He will restore all things—creating a new heavens and a new Earth for his resurrected people.
It’s that we should long for, should anticipate—should love.
I do think his section on the imprecatory Psalms could use some re-working, if not a reconsideration, it’s just not that convincing of an approach (while better than most, it’s not as good as others). That’s my major criticism of the book as a whole—and if we’re just talking about a few paragraphs, likely a couple of pages at best—that says a lot about the book as a whole, no?
In contrast, the primary thing I appreciated about this book is how Vrbicek kept returning to the Gospel. Reminding us of the heart and character of the Judge. Of the assurances we can draw from the gospel when it comes to considering things like death and the afterlife. To considering our approach to hardship and suffering in this life. And all the other topics. We’re all really good at thinking in terms of X prophecy and how it might be fulfilled, Y promise and what we should anticipate, and so on. But we need reminders like Vrbicek’s to tie X prophecy to the gospel, Y promise to Christ’s work, and so on.
Without resorting to—or slipping into—any type of triumphalism, Vrbicek gives one of the more encouraging books on the future and eschatology I’ve read in a while. The goal isn’t rescue from this life, or to get to heaven—it’s to look with sure hope to the restoration of all things. I recommend you grab this book and enjoy the reminder.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for this post which contains my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.
This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
Secondhand book sales are booming. Is it because of AI?
Tracking the Tide of Language Change—I’m not sure I completely follow this (need more detail), but this is pretty cool. Part 1 of the interview with Bryan A. Garner, Are You an Informed Prescriptivist? is also worth the time.
“POP!” It’s the funniest crime novel of the year. And maybe the most bitter.—Nick Kolakowski gives a one paragraph review that concinves me to pick up the book and then posts an interview with the author, Angel Luis Colón, that solidifies that idea.
Standup Comedian imagines a conversation between William Faulkner and Cormac McCarthy.
Indie Features: Science Fiction—Cozy with Books kicks off new series of posts.
Omaha Public Library’s Museum of Forgotten Bookmarks is just great.
Nearby Garden City library brings you a Private tour of Garden City Public Library with James Patterson!
My favorite sentence/passage/phrase (or two) that I read this week:
“None of this made sense, but we were alive, for now at least, and we had each other, and that was something.”—The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook by Matt Dinniman
To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago This Week?
One of the Few by Jason B. Ladd
Chasing Freedom by Marina Fontaine
The Phantom Tollbooth (Audiobook) by Norton Juster, Norman Dietz
Hammered (Audiobook) by Kevin Hearne, Luke Daniels
And I mentioned the releases of: Rise the Dark by Michael Koryta; Dead to Rites by Ari Marmell; The Eternity Fund by Liz Monument; and Invasive by Chuck Wendig
This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
Pop! by Angel Luis Colón—”a deliciously dark and funny organized crime thriller for every assistant who’s wished they could take out their incompetent boss”
image source: @becs_a_bookworm on Instagram
Squeaky Clean
DETAILS: Series: DI Alison McCoist, #1 Publisher: Pushkin Vertigo Publication Date: June 11, 2024 Format: Paperback Length: 382 pg. Read Date: June 12-13, 2026
What’s Squeaky Clean About?
There are two characters that this book focuses on—although you can make the case that the number should be 4 or maybe 5, or… let’s stick with two—just for the sake of keeping this post in check.
The first is DI Alison McCoist—after a case went south in a pretty spectacular way, she’s been relegated to only the most basic of cases—things that barely call for police attention. Why? Well, she’s either horribly incompetent, or she’s corrupt. One of the two. Now, to be fair—after this, she does take a piece of evidence home with her.* But aside from that, from what we see early on, McCoist is a good detective who stumbled into some bad luck, and maybe got a little ahead of herself once.
Our other character is a guy named Davey Burnet. And it’s really hard not to feel bad for him—not nearly as bad as he feels about himself, but still. He can’t really hold a job down for long—although the job at a car wash is working out pretty well. Well, he can pay rent and the occasional toy for his young daughter (on the rare occasions he’s allowed to see her).
Okay, I lied—we need to also talk about Paul “Paulo” McGuinn. He’s a criminal into this and that—and, occasionally, a few other things. He starts frequenting the car wash and starts doing a little business with it and through it. After a really stupid move by Davey (that goes wronger than anyone could’ve expected), Davey becomes an indentured servant of sorts. This is not something he wants, and he actively looks for a way out of—I mean, he doesn’t want to become a grass. But aside from that…
Still, there’s this detective who keeps dropping by because of something else…
* And when you read about her doing it, you will kind of root for her.
The Glasgow Of It
It’s been a long time since I sounded out words as I read—aloud or in my head. But this book had me doing that constantly—sometimes I’d have to take 2-3 runs at a word before I could really hear it correctly. But somehow, this didn’t slow me down at all—in fact, it felt like it sped up my reading (I’m pretty sure I didn’t). But man, you couldn’t accidentally skim something, either—I had to pay attention to it all, just to make sure I didn’t miss something.
Here’s a little snippet to show you what I mean—I’ll have you all know, it took a bit of work to get something this long without any “adult language.”
McCoist held her ID closer and he snatched it right out of her hand—held it up to his nose. McCoist found herself going for the CS spray in her pocket, fingers gripping the small tin, palms starting to sweat.
“Detective Inspector Alison McCoist right enough.” He looked between her picture and her face like a doorman, feigned familiarity in his voice. “Good name fir a polis in Glesga.” He handed the card back. “Yer pals call ye Ally?”
“No.” Emphatic, humourless, “There’s been a report of someone squatting in this office.”
“Is it the bloke oer the hall? That web designer. He never goes hame.” He grated out a laugh.
“Could you tell me your name, sir?” McCoist got her notepad and pen, having to let go of the pepper spray.
“Bootin oot squatters is a bit below yer pay grade is it no? Fir a detective, a mean.”
“Sir. Name, please.”
“Am just tryin tae get some work done here,”
“What kind of work?”
“The honest kind. A promise.”
“Can I come in?”
” No.” He didn’t even pretend to think about it.
“I can come back with a warrant to search the premises.”
“Al huv the kettle ready when ye dae.”
(this was such a pain for me to proofread)
Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?
I heard a couple of crime writers on a podcast—actually I think it was 3-4 people on different podcasts—talking about how much they were looking forward to the third book in this series coming out a couple of months ago. Their praise of the earlier books and excitement made me think it was worth checking out.
The Prologue was intriguing, and the first couple of chapters’ voice drew me in. By the time Davey made his critical mistake, I was hooked. And each chapter drew me in further. The combination of twisted humor; pathos; and gritty, gritty crime is executed so well, McSorley writes with the confidence of someone like Ian Rankin.
What does this book tell us about humanity?
It’s really hard to get too deep into this without talking about just about everything I shouldn’t talk about with people who haven’t read the book.
But I’m going to say the biggest commentary on humanity that this novel has to offer is about the universality of hope—and how that drives our actions. McCoist believes she can do something to earn her way out of the doghouse with her superiors and colleagues. She also hopes that she can establish a good relationship with her kids. Davey hopes he can find moderate success, straighten up his life, and get more access to his daughter—and, who knows, win her mom back, too. There are several other characters I should mention here, but again, stuff you need to read for yourself.
I guess one exception is Paulo—I don’t see hope for him at all. He’s so convinced that he’s got control of things that he doesn’t need to think about hope or anything. He just wants money and power; that’s really all he can think of. Exception that proves the rule? (probably not, but I don’t want to rethink this section too much)
So, what did I think about Squeaky Clean?
McSorley is just a fantastic writer—again, the way he balances humor, pathos, and the grittiest of crimes—mixing noir sensibilities with a bit of the absurd, and heart. It’s just fantastic.
These characters—from the several I didn’t talk about to the three I did, are all so well drawn you can imagine having conversations with them off-page. You can practically hear each voice thanks to the way McSorley does dialogue.
The way that the plot moves and turns is another example of a writer running on all cylinders—even when you think you know how the next couple of chapters—if not the whole book—is going to go. You’ll either be wrong, or so thrown by something he throws at you that you’ll get a surprise or two—and maybe start to doubt yourself. It’s really not until the last couple of pages that you can be confident in what he’s got up his sleeve. I just love that.
I really can’t think of a negative about this novel—at least not one worth talking about.
This is one of the strongest Crime Novels I’ve read this year—and will likely retain that ranking. Although I do have the sequel, and it might challenge this one. Squeaky Clean is one to check out for sure.
School’s First Day of School
by Adam Rex, Christian Robinson (Illustrator)
DETAILS:
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Date: June 28, 2016
Format: Hardcover
Length: 40 pg.
Read Date: July 30, 2026
What’s School’s First Day of School About?
Anthropomorphizing everyday objects or animals is a pretty standard thing in Children’s Books and Picture Books. But it’s not often that we get a whole building depicted this way. (at least from what I recall) If you’re going to do it, why not do it with a school?
Which is what Adam Rex does here–this building, Frederick Douglass Elementary, to be specific–is freshly constructed and eager to open up. It’s a little nervous, too. Thankfully, it’s befriended a custodian who calms it down and assures it about what’s going to happen.
Like many children, the school is excited to start the first day, but it doesn’t go like it expected and nerves start to rule the day. The custodian steps in and helps out again–and by the end, the school is ready for Day Two.
Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute
Robinson’s pictures are painted–which I always appreciate. They’re just detailed enough to keep the attention and conversation going. There’s a solid, comforting emotion that comes through.
Everything seems juuuust slightly skewed–like 2-3 degrees off from being at 90-degree corners. (I didn’t set a protractor on the page, however). Which works–and I had to stare at a couple of pictures and the cover before it dawned on me. Which also means I could be out to lunch on that observation. Whatever it was that I’m seeing adds some life and movement to the pictures–like a school day, nothing is static on the page.
How is it to Read Aloud?
It’s not a rhyming tongue-twister, which is nice–so you can focus on the text and pointing out/talking about the details in Robinson’s pictures.
So, what did I think about School’s First Day of School?
How relatable is this for the audience? You’re nervous about school (or day care or preschool), guess what? You’re not alone! Even the building feels this way! What student doesn’t want to hear that? And then the school models for the child how to think about the day and be ready for the next. It’s fun, and it’s helpful.
Which sounds pretty good for a Picture book.
Especially this time of year.
School’s First Day of School is cute, imaginative, and easily relatable. Basically, it’s a winner.
This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
There’s no movement at all on the audiobook’s listed last week and today. Which irks me a litte bit–for no clear reason. Hopefully that’s taken care of by the 26th.
This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived on Taking on a World of Words—and shown to me by Aurore-Anne-Chehoke at Diary-of-a-black-city-girl.
The Three Ws are:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
Seems easy enough, right? Let’s take a peek at this week’s answers:
What are you currently reading?
 |
 |
 |
| The Last Rift Dragon by Shami Stovall |
Parks and Rec: The Underdog TV Show That Lit’rally Inspired a Vision for a Better America by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong |
The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook by Matt Dinniman, read by Jeff Hays |
Without realizing it, I tore through the first 52% of The Last Rift Dragon yesterday. I’m more than eager to see what’s next, I’m already hoping for a sequel, and I’m not sure I want the book to end as quickly as I think it will.
I’m having fun with Armstrong’s book, but oddly enough, I think I chuckled more reading What’s Next. Still, it’s a strong book.
I’ll likely finish the third Dungeon Crawler Carl book today–some of what Dinniman has done in this book…wow. And a lot of what Hays has done…wow again.
What did you recently finish reading?
 |
 |
| Cold Iron Task by James J. Butcher |
Good Eggs by Rebecca Hardiman, read by Alana Kerr Collins, Gary Furlong & Siobhan Waring |
Good gravy, how’re things getting worse for our protagonists in each book of the series. Can’t they get a win sometime?
I’m taking so long with The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook is still the most recent audiobook I finished.
What do you think you’ll read next?
 |
 |
| Wool by Hugh Howey |
Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block by Jesse Q. Sutanto, read by Eunice Wong |
I know very little about Wool–it’s some sort of runaway dystopian hit that started off life as a self-published work and then got picked up by a traditional publisher. Between the title Wool and the fact that AppleTV’s adaptation is called Silo I halfway assume there’s some sort of agricultural bent to it. But I’m pretty sure that’s a mistake on my part
As I said above, the newest Sutanto is still next. I don’t have a lot of time to get through it before it’s due, so hopefully work cooperates with me.
How’s your reading going?
If you’ve been on Bookish Social Medial at all in the 6+ months, I’m willing to bet you’ve seen the name Adrian Gibson or at least the cover of Mushroom Blues. You may also know him from the podcast he hosts with M.J. Kuhn, SFF Addicts. Last week, Adrian was gracious enough to struggle with StreamYard (and it was in a mood) in order that we could sit down and talk about Jeff VanderMeer–an author that I’ve been intimidated to pick up and try, but who has been instrumental in Gibson’s career. I walked away excited to try VanderMeer, and I had a good time in general. I hope you watch this and walk away thinking the same.
As I said, StreamYard wasn’t happy, so the video freezes a couple of times on both of us, but the audio is fine.
Adrian M. Gibson Links:
Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Website ~ Newsletter ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads
Are you a Reader of Things and want to chat with me about an author/series/something other than promoting your own work (which we will do, just not primarily)? I’d love to keep trying this, but I’m not ready to start pestering people about it. So please let me know.
Music Monday's originated at The Tattooed Book Geek's fantastic blog and has shown up hither, thither, and yon since then.
Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto: Is it a Crime Comedy? Is it a Rom-Com? Is it a Family Farce?
Dial A for Aunties
DETAILS: Series: Aunties, #1 Publisher: Berkley Publication Date: April 27, 2021 Format: Paperback Length: 320 Read Date: August 12-13
“Easy,” Big Aunt sniffs, shaking her head. “I don’t think it’l be that easy.”
“Why not?” Second Aunt says, raising her chin,
Big Aunt shrugs. “Because it’s never easy. Otherwise people would get away with murder all the time.”
I wince at the word “murder,” even though she said it in Mandarin. And even though I want to have faith in Second Aunt’s simple plan of “get there, find cooler, bring cooler back,” I have a feeling that Big Aunt is right. When it comes to hiding a dead body, it’s never simple—a lesson I’m quickly learning from the previous night.
What’s Dial A for Aunties About?
I feel compelled to assure you that I am not making this up—Jesse Q. Sutanto did. But as I try to summarize this, it feels like I’m just typing random words onto the screen.
Meddy Chan is a photographer for her family wedding business—one auntie does the baking, one auntie helps with makeup and hair, her mother does the floral arrangements, and another auntie is in charge of the entertainment. Meddy wanted to do other things with her photography, but being a good filial daughter, she went along with her mother and aunties when they started the business. Their biggest wedding to date is just around the corner; there’s a pair of children of billionaires getting married at a resort and the Chans are on-board.
But first, Meddy’s mother has a surprise for her. For the last few weeks, she’s been posing as Meddy on a dating site, and things with one suitor have gotten to the point for their first in-person meeting. In just a few years. Meddy doesn’t have the time (or willingness) to explain to her mother how inappropriate this all is—so she goes on the date. Fast-forward: by the end of the night, he’s dead (accidentally). In her panic, Meddy doesn’t report this to the police or anyone. She drives home with the body in the trunk. Her mother calls her sisters in to help. They come up with a hare-brained scheme to dispose of the body after the big wedding and get some sleep before the big job.
Naturally, a mix-up happens when the helpers come and pack up things like the cake to take to the resort. They include the cooler the body is hidden in. While they scamper around trying to decide how to hide and/or dispose of the body while at the resort, Meddy’s college boyfriend, the love of her life, the one who got away (and the one her mother and aunties never knew about) shows up.
And then things start to get weird with the wedding.
And then…well, that’s about enough to get you started, right?
Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?
I got this from a Blind Date with a Book last year at some event at Shared Stories—which was fine with me, I’ve enjoyed Sutanto’s Vera Wang books, and the one YA book by her I listened to wasn’t bad. But I put it on the back burner, and it likely would’ve stayed there except I needed”a book by an author who is not from the UK or USA” for The Book Tempter’s TBR Challenge, and this was the only one that fit. So…
I kept at it because I started laughing within pages—and then you add the dead body and everything else? You have to find out where it goes. I was still laughing and chuckling up to the end (along with uttering the occasional “awwww”). Because as goofy as the above section was…it gets wackier.
What does this book tell us about humanity?
“Meddy is probably cautious because last time when you tried to set her up with Wang Zhixiang’s son, he turned out to be, you know,” Fourth Aunt says.
Ma waves an irritated hand. “Why do you keep bringing up Zhixiang’s son? So he turned out to be some maniac. How was I supposed to know?”
“Kleptomaniac,” I mumble. By the time our date was over, he’d stolen my makeup bag from my purse and, somehow, one of my shoes. I mean, the guy’s an asshole, but you’ve gotta give it to him. Or let him steal it.
In a letter to the reader before the prologue, Sutanto talks about the origin and inspiration of the book (and explains the broken English of many of the characters) and writes, “I hope that this book gives you a little peek into the fierce love with which my family raised us and protects us to this day.” To go with that, there’s a lot about the role of family in the book. Not just Meddy’s family (although that’s so pervasive you could be forgiven for not noticing any others), but Nathan’s (the college boyfriend), and the families of the bride and groom.
These families are sources of comfort, security, aggravation. There are petty rivalries between the aunties that go back decades and will never be resolved—which doesn’t alter in the slightest their devotion to each other—it just flavors it (I’m not 100% certain they even notice them). I’m sure at least one auntie realizes how insane it was for Meddy’s mother to pose as her on a dating site, but doesn’t say anything.
And whether it’s family by blood and birth, a family by choice, a found family, or…whatever. There’s something that everyone can identify with, something that everyone can see themselves in. Something we can all learn from and see humanity in. It might be easier to see it in an eccentric collection of fictional relatives than in our own—but we can then transfer that into our non-fictional families.
So, what did I think about Dial A for Aunties?
Now we know, when it comes to fight or flight, I am neither. I am: freeze like a hamster and then melt into a useless shivery puddle.
Before I get into anything else—I love Meddy’s description of groom-zillas, and how they’re a bigger problem than any supposed bride-zillas. And then this is borne out by the actual bride and groom for this particular wedding.
If you just had the long-lost love showing up at the wedding gig, the story wouldn’t have been as good. If you just had the Chans dealing with the corpse and the wedding, it would’ve been funny, but it wouldn’t carry much emotional weight. If you had the corpse and the long-lost love storylines…I’m not sure any comedy would’ve survived. But somehow when you combine the three elements with Sutanto’s gift for storytelling and comedy, it’s just magic. Madcap magic, but magic.
I’m sure there’s more to be said about the book, but I’m drawing a blank on it. It’s just… Ridiculous. Deliciously ridiculous. Ridiculously sweet. You’ve gotta read this.
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