Category: Non-Fiction Page 1 of 64

PUB DAY REPOST: Elf Unwrapped by Andy Richter with Aaron Karo: A Love Letter to The Movie, Cast, and Crew

DETAILS:
Publisher: Dey Street Books
Publication Date: November 3, 2026
Format: eARC
Length: 224 pg.
Read Date: October 21-22, 2026

What’s Elf Unwrapped About?

This is an oral history of the movie Elf from its initial idea through several studios, a couple of stars attached, several rewrites, and finally into the hands of an untested director and an equally untested lead (for movies, anyway).

The book is a straightforward recounting of the making of the film—with parts of interviews, anecdotes, and jokes along the way.

The Tone of the Book

The book reads like you’d expect a book from Andy Richter to read—it’s happy, it’s jokey, it’s upbeat. Plus, from time to time, it gets really earnest and heartfelt (the closing, in particular).

That tone is matched by the quotations selected from everyone involved in the making of the movie. Obviously, no one knows what didn’t make it into the book—but you walk away with the impression that everyone involved loved the process and the final product.

So, what did I think about Elf Unwrapped?

One thing that comes through loud and clear—is that the authors are fans of the movie, of everyone involved, particularly the way that the impulses and tendencies of Ferrell and Favreau balanced each other out and made the film what it is. Their enthusiasm for the movie connects with the reader’s and carries you through this book. If the reader doesn’t have a decent level of enthusiasm for the movie, they wouldn’t be reading a book about it.

There is just so much trivia about the movie in these pages that I know my family is already making plans to skip our annual viewing of the movie just to avoid me pausing it every now and then to share something I’ve learned. Which is completely understandable—Richter and Karo have given me so much to be annoying with. For the trivia alone, the book is worth picking up.

But it’s about more than that—it’s about a celebration of a piece of filmmaking, how it makes the audience feel, and what the cast felt like during the process. A celebration of individual performances and the fun had off-screen.

I’m not sure what else to say—it’s what you want in a book like this. If you’re a fan of the movie—you’re going to want to read this. If you’re not…skip it. Although you probably don’t need me to tell you that.

It’s a book I think I’ll come back to just to verify my memory about a point—and then get sucked into and will read at least a chapter or two after that. Much the same way that when you’re flipping through selections and find Elf on TV, you’ll likely end up watching a lot of it (if not the rest of the movie). Assuming you still flip through channels.

You’re in for a real treat if you give this a chance.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Dey Street Books via NetGalley—my thanks to both for this. This post contains my honest opinion about a book I chose to read.

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.
Irresponsible Reader Pilcrow Icon

What Saith the Lord? by Mark Ward: While God’s Word Doesn’t Change, Our Words Sure Do

By HCNewton

On November 1, 2026

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

What Saith the Lord?:
KJV Words We’re Getting Wrong—And How to Get Them Right

by Mark Ward/a>

DETAILS:
Publisher: Baker Books
Publication Date: November 3, 2026
Format: eARC
Length: 304 pg.
Read Date: November 11, 2026

What’s What Saith the Lord? About?

Ward starts off with a basic premise—languages, like English, change over time. There are several reasons for this—some good, some bad, some…just happen. This is how languages work. So despite Elizabethan (more specifically, Jacobean) English and contemporary English both falling under the category of “Modern English,” there are a lot of ways they differ—even when it comes to specific words. So a book published in 1611 is going to use many words differently than even a highly educated and well-read person in 2026—much less your man/woman/child on the street today.

One such book published in 1611 is the Authorized Version of the Bible—better known as the King James Bible. Ward sets out to look at 38 words that most of us think we understand (and we do), but not in the way the translators of the KJV did.

Ward’s goal is not to discredit the KJV—he uses it and appreciates it (and wrote a whole book talking about how it can/should be used today, Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible—a book I meant to read 7 years ago, and was only reminded of when I started this). His goal is to help users understand it better—and to equip them to do so.

Ward’s Method (also a weakness for reading the book)

Yes, Ward wants to impart some understanding of the 38 words he selected in this book (he has a list of 150 that would’ve worked as an appendix). But his approach follows the pattern of “give a man 38 fish, you’ve fed him for 38 verses (or so); teach a man to fish, you’ve fed him for a whole translation.”

He has five steps to use for one of these “false friends” (as he calls them)—and walks through those steps in each chapter—giving each chapter pretty much the same outline (he varies how much space he uses on each step per chapter).

This is the biggest weakness of the book—it gets a bit repetitive if you read it in big chunks like I did (it’s probably just as repetitive if you read a couple of chapters at a time, but it’s just not as mind-numbing)

Another problem I have is how often he repeats certain disclaimers—for example, no, he doesn’t think the KJV translators got a word wrong, they just didn’t realize what would happen to the language over 400 years. I didn’t bother counting how many times he said that—but I do wish I had to make this illustration better. I assume this was done because he can’t assume the reader will go cover to cover, but might just tap into a chapter here and there: “What’s up with ‘passenger?'”, “‘By and by’ used to mean something else?”, “I always wondered why Pastor said, ‘drink ye all of it'”

These don’t detract from the value of the book, it just makes reading the book in one sitting a little sluggish (okay, one sitting with a nap-mid way through)

Strengths

This is a word-nerd’s delight—especially if you’re into Bible Study. I picked up so many handy insights and trivia, along with a better understanding of some phrases/words that I’m calling this a win. There were only a couple of chapters that didn’t interest me (“ass” and “bastard” are good examples, everything he gave was pretty obvious to me in them—although his application of 1 Cor. 14 in the “ass” chapter made it worth it—we need to make sure the words we use mean what we think they do for the unbeliever in our midst)

He makes few outright jokes (and those he does are pretty good), but throughout he keeps things light and fun. Because there aren’t a lot of people that relish the history of the meaning of “sodden” or “replenish” the way Ward and I do, so his light tone is the proverbial spoonful of sugar for most readers. And it’s just a nice bonus for the nerds among his readers (he uses the term for himself in this context, it’s not derogatory).

He Was Maybe Too Successful

Frankly, I walked away from this book thinking that people should really rely on the KJV less than they do. I’m not going to get into textual criticism or any of the other things Ward (wisely) avoids. He’s trying to make the KJV more accessible, which is a fine motivation. But I think he was too successful in showing the damage these words can do to one’s understanding.

The old line that so many give (and he repeats here), “if you have a question, use a Dictionary” is good and sound. But there several words he focused on here that Ward didn’t realize were a problem until he started writing the book—some he learned about just before he wrote a chapter (i.e., it wasn’t on his original outline for the book). If the guy who’s whole shtick is “watch out for these tricky words” didn’t know he wasn’t seeing a problem, how are us non-Biblical scholars?

Also, the tools he recommends using aren’t cheap. And really should be used with a decent understanding of Biblical Hebrew and Koine Greek. So, he might have tried to teach me to fish, but he really didn’t take into account that I get my metaphorical fishing gear from thrift stores and charity shops—and I think most of his readers are at similar levels.

So, what did I think about What Saith the Lord??

Other than where I think he overshot his goal, this book is great.

It’s incredibly approachable—readers from 7th grade to 90 years can read and benefit from it. The tone is good, the information is solid and useful.

And for those who have the means and the time, his research steps would be very helpful, I think. I can see myself doing them (if I read the KJV often).

I strongly recommend regular users of the KJV pick it up—especially if you don’t think you need a book like this. Word nerds who looked at any of my examples above and said, “ohhh?” should also get it. Really, anyone interested in the use of the KJV or semantic drift would benefit from this.

Really, it’s a winner all around. Maybe even better than the author meant it to be.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Baker Books via NetGalley—my thanks to both for this. This post contains my honest opinion about a book I chose (and asked) to read.

Elf Unwrapped by Andy Richter with Aaron Karo: A Love Letter to The Movie, Cast, and Crew

By HCNewton

On October 27, 2026

In Non-Fiction

Elf Unwrapped:
Behind the Scenes of a Modern Christmas Classic

by Andy Richter with Aaron Karo

DETAILS:
Publisher: Dey Street Books
Publication Date: November 3, 2026
Format: eARC
Length: 224 pg.
Read Date: October 21-22, 2026

What’s Elf Unwrapped About?

The book is a straightforward recounting of the making of the film—with parts of interviews, anecdotes, and jokes along the way.

The Tone of the Book

So, what did I think about Elf Unwrapped?

You’re in for a real treat if you give this a chance.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Dey Street Books via NetGalley—my thanks to both for this. This post contains my honest opinion about a book I chose to read.

The Spiritual Marriage between Christ and His Church and Every One of the Faithful by Girolamo Zanchi, translated by Patrick J. O’Banion

By HCNewton

On October 25, 2026

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

The Spiritual Marriage between Christ and His Church and Every One of the Faithful

by Girolamo Zanchi, translated by Patrick J. O’Banion

DETAILS:
Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
Publication Date: November 27, 2021
Format: eBook
Length: 150 pg.
Read Date: October 25, 2026

What’s Spiritual Marriage About?

This is an excurses from Zanchi’s commentary on the book of Ephesians, the only part published during his life (the Translator’s introduction suggests there’s no known reason why this was the part he published). In it, Zanchi sets out to explain the benefits of salvation in Christ through the idea of spiritual marriage.

Whatever is conveyed in various passages of Holy Scripture concerning the church’s origin and her spiritual marriage with the Son of God, the apostle deduces, explains, and confirms from the first creation of humankind, as from a fountain of the mysteries of Christ, when, in the epistle to the Ephesians, chapter 5, he says, “Husbands, love your wives even as Christ loved the church” [v. 25], and so forth.

He does this, primarily, by looking at what Genesis 2 teaches about human marriage (he uses the term “carnal,” without any negative connotations, merely to distinguish from “spiritual”) and then applies that to the marriage between Christ and his Church. And then makes a few applications to human marriage from that, too. But his overwhelming concern is not human marriage—seeming to hold that Western culture has the essence of that down (while noting some areas it could be improved), but that Christians are missing out on the idea of the Spiritual Marriage.

He also uses this to address some problematic Protestant ideas (and one or two Roman Catholic notions)—primarily those of Gnesio-Lutherans (unnamed in the text itself, but the Introduction will prepare the reader to see it).

Zanchi’s Method

First off, this is written in a series of theses—not all of which are that thoroughly worked out. But they’re given enough that you don’t need him to turn every 2-5 sentence paragraph into several paragraphs (although there are more than enough theses that do get a multi-paragraph explanation).

Secondly, Zanchi is incredibly Aristotelian in his approach—both in language and the way he breaks down each topic.

The book covers the topic like this:
Chapter One: The Creation of Eve and Her Marriage to Adam
Chapter Two: The Doctrine of Carnal Marriage
Chapter Three: The Doctrine of Spiritual Marriage
Chapter Four: The Final Causes of the Spiritual Union
Chapter Five: The Duties of the Husband and of the Wife

The final chapter being a mix of applications for the believer in relation to the Church as well as to their own spouse.

So, what did I think about Spiritual Marriage?

I expected this to be a thornier work than it is, expecting to spend a couple of weeks on it, rather than one long afternoon. The use of thesis rather than intricate arguments help with that. But also, Zanchi isn’t going for intricate—he has his points to make and he does so. This doesn’t mean he avoids subtlety, or small ideas—he just deals with them in a direct manner.

The Translator’s Introduction says that Zanchi wasn’t an original thinker—you get no new ideas here. Several that I’ve read before (even without the patristic sources he looks to)—and that’s nice. I’m not saying some original thought would’ve been out of place, but just encapsulating a lot of thought into an easily digestible book is just as valuable sometimes.

I really appreciated the way he made his argument and explained things—some of the language about spousal relations and duties may be off-putting to contemporary readers, but in the historical context of the work—and the Christ-like nature of husbands that he assumes/calls for, it shouldn’t.

This isn’t a work that will shake anyone’s understanding of anything—but I do think his use of the Spiritual Marriage between Christ and His Church will be helpful to understand the nature of salvation and the benefits from it. At least it should serve to refresh one’s understanding and see it in a fresh light.

It’s a helpful work, and a good introduction to a Reformer I’ve seen referenced plenty but had never read before.

Irreplaceable: Humanity, Vocation, and the Limits of Technology by Gene Edward Veith Jr and A Trevor Sutton: Close, but No Cigar

By HCNewton

On October 18, 2026

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Irreplaceable:
Humanity, Vocation, and the Limits of Technology

by Gene Edward Veith Jr. and A. Trevor Sutton

DETAILS:
Publisher: Baker Books
Publication Date: October 6, 2026
Format: TEXT
Length:TEXT
Read Date: TEXT

We may be God’s agents, but we also have our own agency. God works through us when we love and serve our neighbors, but we also resist him using the very gifts he has given us to love and serve ourselves, even when that means harming our neighbors. That is to say, we are sinners. We sin in our vocations. And we sin in and through and by means of our technology. In fact, if technology is a medium that extends and strengthens our human powers, it can extend and strengthen our sinfulness as well.

What’s Irreplaceable About?

Essentially, the authors set out to take the Protestant (particularly Lutheran) idea of vocation and apply it to the technology of the mid-2020s. Automation, algorithmic decision making, generative AI, and similar technologies make big promises—but how do they relate to human work, human service, human vocation?

How do we harness technologies as a tool and use them as such, rather than let them displace human workers and diminish them?

Where the Book Succeeds

“Chapter 1: Mediated Work: Our Tools and God’s Tools,” is the best part of the book—and it’s not even close. There’s a lot of wisdom here and it should be meditated on.

A lot of the later chapters about “Technology in ____ Vocations—dealing with work, family, society, church and so on, have a lot to offer as well. Some things that aren’t really worth talking about, too.

The more abstract the book gets, the better it is. It’s when Veith and Sutton try to get their hands dirty and deal with particulars that I find them struggling.

Where the Book Falters

Primarily it’s in what the book doesn’t do or try to address.

“H.C.,” you say, “is that fair? No book can do everything.” This is very true—it can’t and I shouldn’t expect it to. But in a book exploring ethical responses to emerging technology from a Christian perspective, I would like to see some things addressed. The ethics behind the development of this technology—the exploitation of the workers, the theft of intellectual property, the goals and methods of the producers. The impact this technology and its growth can have on the word around us—politically (both in party and governmental senses as well as in what it does to human society) and environmentally. Lastly, the effects it can have on the human mind, not just human vocation.

ChatGPT and the Writing of the Book

Chapter 3 starts with a dialogue between one of the authors and ChatGPT—copied and pasted for our benefit, as an illustration (at least partially). I thought it was interesting—particularly because I thought doing so clashed with a point made later in the chapter.

But I have to think a little—how much more of this book was done aided by it (or a similar product)? While I’d prefer the authors to be able to say straightforwardly “There was no AI involved outside this one illustration,” (or, not at all). I’d really like to read what else they got some help with.

Why did I pick this up?

To say that Gene Veith’s book God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life, was formative for me is to understate it. I can still hear passages and concepts from it as I think through things today. So another book by him related to the idea of vocation? Sign me up without hesitation or forethought. (which is literally how I got this copy, as soon as I saw the title and author, I requested it immediately)

Secondly, I’ve found myself in conversation and books this year about AI/Large Language Models/Generative AI-or whatever you want to call it. Really only one book was a conscious decision to explore it more (I really thought I could dip into things with Doctorow’s book and walk away, rather than getting curious enough to dive deeper)—and thoughts from a Christian who thinks seriously about things (as I assume his co-author did, too), seemed like a good follow-up.

So, what did I think about Irreplaceable?

While the present technological landscape will soon change, God’s plan for human work as a locus for loving our neighbors will remain. While new and difficult questions will arise with each new technological development, God’s callings on our lives and our vocational identities will remain. The more that technology changes the world, the more important it will be to discern God’s work in us and through us and how it has the power to bring about enduring faith, hope, and love.

If I had written this a day or two after finishing the book, I’d have been a lot more positive. But the more I think about it, the more problems and questions I have. So I’d better get this written now, before it becomes a pan, eh? (that was a joke, it’s not pan-worthy).

I do think the book fails to address the AI industry as it actually is, instead presenting it in a way as it’s sold on being and working. Were this book written a few years ago, before the folks at OpenAI had released anything, and instead focused on emerging technologies, social medias, and that sort of thing, I’d be speaking much more positively about it. This it too much about the idea of AI, not the reality as it now is (and seems to be headed).

I don’t need Veith and/or Sutton to be running around like a Chicken Little (even a correct Chicken Little), but I think we should take off the rose-colored glasses for a bit. I did write down a couple of times in my notes, “this is too pie in the sky.” And I probably could’ve done that more.

I like the thoughtfulness of the book. I really did think about some things in a fresher way—and anyone who can invoke the Sewing Riots, the Luddites, and Milton from Office Space within a page or two to build an argument, deserves reading.

We need more books like this, we need more people interacting with Biblical wisdom, insights from the ages past, and contemporary technology—both the doomsayers and the proponents. The conversation started here needs to continue.

Irreplaceable just didn’t deliver everything it should’ve—it took the easy way out on some topics, and skirted others. I think the authors are capable of more, and just didn’t deliver. But, I encourage those curious about addressing the ideas and issues from a conservative Protestant prospective, to pick it up and wrestle with it.

And maybe to come back and tell me where I’m wrong.

Disclaimer: I received this book as a participant in the Baker Publishing Group Nonfiction Reviewer Program—a book that I requested. However, as always here, the opinions expressed are my own.

Theology for Life: A Joy-Filled Introduction to Christian Doctrine by Ronni Kurtz: Does exactly what it says on the tin

By HCNewton

On October 11, 2026

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Theology for Life: A Joy-Filled Introduction to Christian Doctrine

by Ronni Kurtz

DETAILS:
Publisher: Baker Books
Publication Date: September 8, 2026
Format: Hardcover
Length: 256 pg.
Read Date: September 27-October 4, 2026

This book is built on a rather simple conviction: One of the most practical things we can do in the Christian life is get an eyeful of the beauty of the Lord. In a world overflowing with to-do lists and self-help manuals, where pragmatism feels like a gravitational pull, giving sustained attention to the glory of the Lord is among the most preeminent ways to cultivate our souls and shape ourselves as persons.

Contemplating the beauty and glory of the Lord might not feel practical, if by practical we mean helping to meet some utilitarian goal like getting that promotion or being a better whatever. On the contrary, if getting an immediate payoff is the full depth of what it means for something to be useful, then much of theology would be useless. However, if we reconsider what it means for something to be useful and desire more than a shallow behavior or circumstantial modification; if instead we strive for the much more difficult goal of being formed as a person, where we are not merely modified but truly conformed, then what was once “useless” theology will show to be gloriously purposeful.

For example, take the apostle Paul’s instruction for the church in Corinth: “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:18). Notice Paul’s goal for his readers: to be “transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” The image Paul is referencing in this vital verse is none other than the image of Christ. Paul wants the Corinthian Christians to not merely modify a few behaviors or become a better version of themselves. Rather, Paul wants them to be transformed into the image of Christ. What is easy to miss in this passage, however, is that Paul not only gives the Corinthians a goal—to be transformed into the image of Christ—but also tells them the way they will achieve this goal. It is through beholding the glory of the Lord that believers will be transformed into the image of Christ.

What’s Theology for Life About?

To accomplish this—or at least to introduce readers to this lifelong practice—Kurtz examines “ten doctrines and theological ideas” of Christianity, examining them in a way that is approachable—but that might challenge some readers.

After defining and describing them, he looks for some ways (not exhaustively) that these ideas and doctrines will help the reader to behold the glory of the Lord and be transformed in them.

These doctrines/ideas are:

The Trinity
The Divine Attributes
Creation (and not just in a focus on creationism vs. other ideas)
Scripture’s Authority
The Incarnation
Justification
Union with Christ (one could argue that this should come before Justification, but…eh)
Preservation
Ecclesiology
Eschatology

Each item on that list gets about twenty pages—enough to satisfy the reader of an introduction, and enough to make someone want to learn more about some of these—with good footnotes to indicate further reading. I know I added a couple of titles.

Doctrine that Leads to Delight

…in this book, we will turn toward Christian doctrine not just to become better thinkers and theologians but with a particular goal in mind: delight. To put it plainly: Delight is what this book is after, and beholding God in Christian doctrine is the intended means to get us there.

It’s a truism oft repeated, but not oft (enough) seen in practice that good theology leads to doxology. And really, that the latter depends on the former.

Kurtz doesn’t invoke that phrase, but it lives within these pages. Each chapter ends with a section focusing on delighting in the subject—and the whole chapter leads to it. All the theology and discussion of the Scriptures is setting the stage for the idea: how does this lead to delight? How does this lead to worship and joy in my life?

I knew that the book intended to focus on this idea, but I didn’t understand how much it would be bent this way until I dug in. I’d have been more eager to read it if I had.

Preservation: Delighting in Your Security

That’s the title of Chapter 8, and I’m going to pause for a moment on it. I like to focus on a chapter or two per book that really strikes home for me in this type of book. We’ll count the previous section as one of those aspects, and Chapter 8 is the second.

It starts off with a discussion about Preservation of the Saints vs. Perseverence of the Saints, and as I’ve long abandoned any affection for the TULIP, I started to tune out (sorry, Dr. Kurtz). But as he moved on from that into discussion of assurance (or, as he prefers, preservation) in general, I engaged a bit more.

He then begins the “Delighting” section by noting this isn’t an academic doctrine to be argued about.

Rather, the doctrine of preservation of the saints is a doctrine for the pew, for the hospital bed, for desperate prayers, and for the dark nights of the soul. God’s preserving faithfulness ought to be a balm for the weary and life-giving in days of suffering.

He then spends some pages focusing on resting and repenting in light of it, and my notes simply read, “Gold.”

So, what did I think about Theology for Life?

This reminded me, in scope and purpose, of Essentials of Christian Theology, that I read earlier this year. I do think that this is more successful as an introduction—partially because Kurtz didn’t try to do as much as the editors of Essentials did in roughly the same number of pages—but also because of his focus on “Doctrine that Leads to Delight.”

I haven’t focused on the explaining/defining parts too much—Kurtz does a really good job lining out the essentials, showing why it matters and helping his readers to have a good handle on the ideas. As I said above, there’s enough to launch the reader into further reading, too. Solid effort throughout.

But it’s the delighting, the beholding the Lord in such a way that transformation can occur, where this book shines. That’s why we should study theology. Kurtz not only makes the argument, but he shows how to do it. The book is worth your time for this alone.

But it’s worth your time for the rest, too, I should stress.

Basically, this is a book more than worth your time and more than worth the effort in reading (which isn’t that great)

Disclaimer: I received this book as a participant in the Baker Publishing Group Nonfiction Reviewer Program—a book that I requested. However, as always here, the opinions expressed are my own.

Quick-Take Catchups: The Leftovers from May

By HCNewton

On September 16, 2026

In Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, Non-Fiction, Science Fiction

I’m even behind on my catch-ups…this summer really did a number on my organization. Let’s see if I can get some of it back. Again, I want to remind the reader that the point of these quick-takes posts is to catch up on my “To Write About” stack—emphasizing pithiness, not thoroughness.

The Frame-Up

by Gwenda Bond, read by Shannon McManus (Narrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
Publication Date: February 13, 2024
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 11 hrs., 3 min.
Read Date: May 4-6, 2026

This was a solid heist novel with just a dash of magic thrown in. Honestly, I’m not sure the magic was necessary—Bond has enough going on with the dash of romance, the family drama (increased by a “can’t go home again” story arc), and the art heist.

But throwing in the magic just kicked everything up a half a notch, if not a full notch. So I’m not complaining–I’m just trying to say that the criminal found family of it all was enough.

This is my second novel by Bond—and it’s enough to make sure that I’ll take a second look at other books by her.

The Terminal List

by Jack Carr, read by Ray Porter

DETAILS:
Series: The Terminal List, #1
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Publication Date: March 6, 2018
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 12 hrs., 24 min.
Read Date: May 7-11, 2026

Ugh. How did this get so popular? I’m not really that willing to spend time on talking about it. I can’t think of a single moment that I enjoyed–even Ray Porter couldn’t save it. I kept listening to see if it climbed up out of the horrible pit to make it to “extraordinarily mediocre.” Also, because I wanted to be able to tell someone that I gave it a full try.

Both are choices I regret. Cookie-cutter action from a Gary Sue super-soldier. Completely uninspired and derivative. And there are how many sequels???

The Arkadians

by Lloyd Alexander, read by Words Take Wing Repertory Co

DETAILS:
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
Publication Date: November 9, 2010
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 5 hrs., 49 min. 
Read Date: May 18-19, 2026

I feel disloyal to my grade-school self in giving a Lloyd Alexander book a “meh.” But this one pretty much deserved it. Alexander’s playing around with Greek myths fell pretty flat for me, I didn’t connect with the characters, the story (especially the results for each character) was predictable, and the whole thing felt written by a formula. I did find some scenes amusing and/or effective, but I doubt I’ll return to this one again and again. (I probably will give it one more chance down the road, just to be sure it wasn’t my mood)

Booked

by Alison Gaylin

DETAILS:
Series: Sunny Randall, #13
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Publication Date: May 12, 2026
Format: Hardcover
Length: 320 pg.
Read Date: May 25, 2026

This was entirely too quick to read–but I find that’s a thing with Gaylin’s Sunny book–she just gets in the groove and you’re rocketing through the thing. I really liked what she did with the recurring characters here, especially Blake. I’ve given up hope of a decent Richie storyline, but I didn’t mind this one. As far as the latest Malanie Joan drama–this might be my favorite use of her. The mysteries involved were pretty well executed, and I bought the way that Sunny finally uncovered the link that tied it all together. I’d seen the link (or something very much like it) coming for several chapters, but wasn’t sure Gaylin would pull off Sunny’s discovery. I think I’ve learned now to trust her. No Sunny Randall book has ever blown me away–but Gaylin makes me happy to see the series continuing and delivers a satisfying read every time.

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism

by Amanda Montel, read by Ann Marie Gideon

DETAILS:
Publisher: Harper
Publication Date: June 15, 2021
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 8 hrs., 21 min.
Read Date: May 21-26, 2026

This was truly disappointing—the subtitle made me think it would be one thing, and while the text would occasionally tip that way, it didn’t stick with it. Honestly, you should go read what Kathy @ 746 Books had to say about it. She captured my ideas better than I could.

Unread:
A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok

by Oliver James

DETAILS:
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Publication Date: February 24, 2026
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 7 hrs., 10 min. 
Read Date: May 26-27, 2026

James’ achievement—as well as his openness about the life experiences that got him to this point—should be celebrated. Seriously, I’m impressed and would love to sit and chat with him about it.
Everyone should be upset at the education system that failed him—and almost certainly fails many others like him every year.
There’s a lot to commend about this book.
This is not good book. There’s too much redundancy that feels like it was included to make an arbitrary word count. The timeline is a bit muddy, and would’ve been better to follow had it been presented linearly. If it were a series of blog posts, or a book half the length, I wouldn’t have complained.
To reiterate: this is a criticism of the book, not of the author, what he’s doing or how he’s doing it.

Starship Troopers

by Robert A. Heinlein

DETAILS:
Publisher: Ace
Publication Date: June 27, 2006
Format: Paperback
Length: 288 May 25-27, 2026

There’s a lot to like in this—there’s a lot to be disappointed in, too. I was pretty much in until the big battle scene. But after that? It all fell short after that. Heinlein clearly had things he wanted to say about the role of a citizen, the role of the military, war, and so on—and he used this book to say them through various mouthpieces. Sadly, most of what we got was talk, theory, just ideas, unlike similar books that put the talk into action (albeit fictional, it’s more than just haverings).

I walked away dissatisfied. I know I open myself up to ridicule, mockery, and disdain for that—but that’s how it is. Others who’ve clearly been influenced by this novel have done a better job with it (e.g., Scalzi, Hurley, Card).

After the Fall

by Edward Ashton, read by John Pirhalla

DETAILS:
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: February 24, 2026
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 9 hrs., 56 min.
Read Date: May 28-29, 2026

Maybe because of Ashton’s reputation, I went into this with expectations that were too high. Because I felt like I should enjoy what I was hearing more than I did throughout the whole book–and there’s no reason for me to think like that. It was a solid premise, and Ashton (and Pirhalla) did a good job in executing it. But the whole time I kept thinking, “he’s about to knock my socks off in the next development/chapter/scene,” and that never happened. There’s a lot to praise here, but it never made the jump from “pretty good.” And since I came in expecting more and didn’t get it, the book felt like a letdown. I don’t think I’m being fair to the book, but…

Remington Platypus

by Steve Nash

DETAILS:
Publisher: Northodox Press
Publication Date: July 31, 2025
Format: eBook
Length: 362 pg.
Read Date: May 28-30, 2026

I really thought I’d written a full post about this, and I’m rather annoyed to find out that it doesn’t exist.

This is a fairly-standard, but well-executed, Police novel about a grizzled detective who does what it takes to get the job done—sort of a Harry Bosch figure. Although he’s on better terms with his superior and some of his colleagues. He’s taking on a drug supplier and goes too far, resulting in him being transferred to a small town, his hometown, where he struggles to fit in—except for the few who remember him. There he encounters some crimes that lead him right back into investigating the same supplier. And things get ugly from there.

But here’s the thing—all the creatures are animals. Animals who have formed a parallel society to humans, complete with schools, police services, and drug gangs. There are some animals who haven’t taken this civilization thing to heart—and remain wild and without speech, higher thoughts. We’ve seen a lot like this before, but not like this.

Combining these two tried-and-true story types is just brilliant. You make these people instead of animals and most of the novel works just fine. You take out the crime element and just leave the inter-animal conflicts in and it’d be a pretty cool story. The mashup of the two elevates this to something else. The only comparison that jumps to mind is the comic Fables combining crime fiction and fairy tales.

Raven was raving about this last year, and it’s easy to see why. You need to check out their post.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from any of them, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, opinions are my own.

An Icelandic Adventure by S. Bavey: Traveling with the Baveys

By HCNewton

On September 16, 2026

In Non-Fiction

An Icelandic Adventure:
One Family’s Mostly Successful Quest for Puffins, Pleasure, and Perfect Pizza

by S. Bavey

DETAILS:
Publication Date: November 23, 2024
Format: eBook
Length: 118 pg.
Read Date: September 14, 2026

What’s An Icelandic Adventure About?

This is a day-by-day recounting of the Bavey family’s vacation to Iceland in June 2024—a great way to get away from some record heat in New England. The two parents and two teen children visited a number of places in their seven-night trip along the south coast (and back again).

Bavey gives a detailed itinerary, shares some nice photographs, and provides pronunciation guides throughout—I’m sure even with that help I didn’t read correctly, although I tried. That’s on me, not her.

Why did I pick this up?

I helped out with the book’s cover reveal back in November 2024, and picked it up when it came because it sounded fun. And it was.

But what led me to finally getting around to it was The 2026 BookTempter’s TBR Challenge prompt, “Treat yourself to a book that is not from your usual genre. Expand your minds!”

So, what did I think about An Icelandic Adventure?

One—it was a perfectly pleasant read. Bavey writes with a light, conversational touch—and did make me grin a few times. I do wonder about the level of detail when it comes to what was eaten, restroom breaks, and whatnot—and then the relative lack of detail when it comes to descriptions of some of the attractions.

Two, it felt like sitting down with a friend describing a family vacation—you can enjoy it, but not really get invested in it. Particularly if it’s somewhere you’re not terribly interested in visiting yourself.

Three, despite those two thoughts—there’s a reason this is not “a usual genre” for me—I really don’t have a desire to track down more things like this. It’s really not for me. Which isn’t to say that if Bavey, or some other aquaintence/friend, writes something like this in the future that I won’t pick it up (and likely have fun), but I’m not going hunting for them.

I do recommend it for a quick, pleasant read—full of nice tips if you’re visiting Iceland, including some great links in the back to various places.

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Parks and Rec by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong is worth at least 4,999 Candles in the Wind

By HCNewton

On September 10, 2026

In Non-Fiction

Parks and Rec:
The Underdog TV Show That Lit’rally Inspired a Vision for a Better America

by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong

DETAILS:
Publisher: Dutton
Publication Date: April 7, 2026
Format: Hardcover
Length: 268 pg.
Read Date: August 13-28, 2026

What does the Dust Jacket Flap Say About Parks and Rec?

More than fifteen years after Parks and Recreation premiered, it has become a streaming staple. It’s beloved for its jokes, characters, and expressions—the show even created a now widely observed holiday, Galentine’s Day. How did it all happen and how did the show transform from a ratings disappointment into a cult classic? Pop culture historian Jennifer Keishin Armstrong reveals all this and more in the authoritative history of the show, which is as full of humor, optimism, and heart as Parks and Recreation itself.

Through new and exclusive interviews, as well as deep insight and smart and entertaining pop culture analysis, Armstrong tells the story of how Parks and Recreation came to be: how it grew from The Office’s success and Obama-inspired optimism, how producers assembled one of TV’s most lovable casts but barely survived a mediocre first season, how the show found its voice by getting more political and more romantic, and how it became a cultural force despite middling ratings during its network run, going on to become a television savior of the Trump era and a modern classic.

Lovingly told and deeply researched, Parks and Rec is the ultimate history of the show that taught us what’s important in life: friends, waffles, and work.

The Heart of the Book

The subtitle tells the reader what to look for: “The Underdog TV Show That Lit’rally Inspired a Vision for a Better America.” But it’d be clear without that. The Introduction, as it should, points you in the right direction, but the ninth chapter, “‘A Singularly Compelling Representation of the Liberal Spirit’: Political Philosophy in Parks and Rec,'” is Armstrong cutting loose and saying most of what she wants to say about the show, what she’s been slipping in here and there throughout.

The final chapter, “‘Rupture and Repair’: Parks and Rec Meets the Modern Moment,” comes close to that—it focuses on the lasting impact of the show, the popularity on streaming (especially during the pandemic years of 2020/2021), as well as the brief reunion show during the early days of the pandemic.

It felt to me that these two chapters were what Armstrong really wanted to talk about, and she did the rest of the research and writing as an excuse to get them on paper. I’m sure that’s not true, but it really felt that way to me. Honestly, I’d have taken more of Chapter 9—either as a lengthier chapter or with a follow-up chapter on a similar theme. One, because they did seem like Armstrong’s voice and perspective came out clearer there than in the other chapters—but also because I think she probably had more to say on the topic.

My one question about it, however, is the placement. After a few chapters focusing on the individual seasons, we cut away for a look at the political philosophy—before returning for the last two seasons. It was jarring to be taken out of the BTS of the seasons for this discussion, and then jarring to go back to it. There’s a little overlap with the themes of the chapters on either side of it, but it wasn’t enough for me to feel comfortable. It also seems like a good wrap-up chapter before the last chapter.

The One Drawback

Armstrong—as I’m sure she was trained to do—keeps the prose straightforward and fairly dry. Yes, it’s clear that she loves the show, knows a lot about it (probably before her research, too), and appreciates the humor.

But none of that humor comes through. Compare that to What’s Next, about The West Wing (a drama), the authors are joking throughout—about the actors, the characters, stories/scenes. But this book about a comedy? Outside of the foreword, it’s practically without humor (it might even be more than practically, but I might have forgotten a little)

Although, if you really want all that, you can check out Jim O’Heir’s Welcome to Pawnee.

The Foreword

I don’t want to say too much about Nick Offerman’s foreword other than it’s possibly the best one I’ve read this year. It’s funny and heartfelt—it’s everything a fan wants to read a cast member from a beloved show say about that beloved show.

So, what did I think about Parks and Rec?

This was a strong and loving tribute to the show, the spirit of the show, and the ideals it was built on. What Armstrong gained from the interviews and relayed was great. Sure, some of it differs from, if not downright contradicts, what I’ve heard in interviews with various cast members—but that probably says more about the cast’s individual memories than it does Armstrong’s work. (it’s probably safer to believe her version)

One of the primary things I judge a book about a TV show on is: does it make me want to watch the show? Yes, yes it does. Granted, almost anything does—but this book really made me want to pull out my Blu-Ray box set and ignore the world for a couple of days.

I gained a greater appreciation for a lot of what the writers and actors were trying to accomplish; I loved some of the BTS material about episodes/scenes that mean a lot to me. And hearing about the appreciation that the cast had for each other, that guest stars had for their experiences, and that the writers and crew had for the project, just made me enjoy it all the more.

If you’re a fan of the show—or think you should be one—grab this.

20 Books of Summer 2026: Wrap-Up

By HCNewton

On September 1, 2026

In Books, Currently Reading, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, News/Misc., Non-Fiction, Science Fiction, Steampunk, Urban Fantasy

Annabel from AnnaBookBel carries on the work started by Cathy of 746 Books . You can read her kick-off post here .

Phew. By the skin of my teeth–I finished the last book of my 20 at 6pm yesterday. A month ago, I said “I should finish by the end of the month with some wiggle room.” Not a lot of wiggle room, it seems. But at least I didn’t have to stay up to midnight to finish. Even better, I’ve written about fifteen of them. I think that might be my best number in the years I’ve done this challenge–hopefully I can nail the other 5 within a week. All in all…this has been a big success. Thanks to AnnaBookBel for doing this again.

On a semi-related front, but I read six of my Top Ten Tuesday: Books on My Summer 2026 to-Read List (That Aren’t on My 20 Books Challenge) list, too. It’s not the best I could’ve done there–but I’ll take it.

This summer, my 20 were:

✔ 1. The Devils by Joe Abercrombie (My post about it)
✔ 2. Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett (My post about it)
✔ 3. Eyes of Empire by JCM Berne (My post about it)
✔ 4. Cold Iron Task by James Butcher
✔ 5. Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton
✔ 6. Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman (My post about it)
✔ 7. Detained: A boy’s journal of survival and resilience by D. Esperanza and Gerardo Iván Morales (My post about it)
✔ 8. What’s Next: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service by Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack (My post about it)
✔ 9. Killer Vibes by Jack Friday (My post about it)
✔ 10. Manitou by Glen Gabel (My post about it)

11. Wool by Hugh Howey
✔ 12. Eternal Blades by Vlad V. Imakaev (My post about it)
✔ 13. First Mage on the Moon by Cameron Johnston (My post about it)
✔ 14. Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
✔ 15. The Shadow Carver by Nadine Matheson (My post about it)
✔ 16. Squeaky Clean by Callum McSorley (My post about it)
✔ 17. Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto (My post about it)
✔ 18. Crownfall by Michael Vadney (My post about it)
✔ 19. We Be Dragons by Michael Weitz (My post about it)
✔ 20. Everybody Wants to Rule the World Except Me by Django Wexler

How has your summer reading been? If you took part in this, how’d it go? Or if you just had a “we’ll see what comes” plan, how did that work out for you?

20 Books of Summer '26 Chart August Check-in