Paul's Book Reviews: 2021

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

2021 1st Quarter Top 10

10. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde Great concept, but failed in execution for me. Very slow moving. Couldn't actually finish it, as I honestly didn't care for any of the characters. I guess 1 star. As a DNF, still better than the other fiction book I read which doesn't make the list!

9. The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo A self-help "parable" that just didn't land for me. I appreciate what it tried to do, so maybe 1.5 stars.

8. Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule Pretty mediocre until the end which was a nice pay-off. When all is said and done, I am leaning to 4
stars. A generous 3 if it didn't end the way it did.

7. Dracula by Bram Stoker A nice classic. More of a love story/crime drama than a horror story. Unique "found footage" format.

6. Seeker of Time by J.M. Buckler Fun YA fantasy adventure which sets the stage nicely for the rest of the trilogy. 4 stars.

5. Hero of the Fallen by W. Sherry Coming of age fantasy adventure that keeps the action moving without long expositional passages. 5
stars. Sets the stage for the next book in the series.

4. The Outsider by Stephen King A crime mystery with a dash of horror. 4.5 stars because the ending was a bit week, but everything leading up to that emotionally engaged me more than any other book I've read in a very long time.

3. Bird Box by Josh Malerman A well-executed post-apocalyptic/horror story which dives deep into the human mind. I wish I had read
this before seeing the movie, as it took some of the edge off having a general idea of how things would resolve. Would be 5 stars if I read it before seeing the movie.

2. Doctor Sleep by Stephen King An under-rated and satisfying sequel to "The Shining." I would say it was more creepy than full-on horror. A power and beautiful exploration of a man battling alcoholism. Was sad to see it end. 5 stars.

1. Dune by Frank Herbert Every bit the masterpiece it's reputation suggests. Most complain about the political positioning sequences, but I found them deeply engaging. Earned every bit of 5 stars. I'd give it bonus stars if I
could. Has likely taken over the #1 spot for my all-time favorite novel.