Parliament of Whores by P J O'Rourke (1991)

P. J. O'Rourke's Parliament of Whores: A Lone Humorist Attempts to Explain the Entire U.S. Government remains one of the sharpest satirical dissections of American politics ever written. O'Rourke, a seasoned journalist and foreign correspondent, brings both firsthand reporting and a libertarian sensibility to his critique. The result is a book that is both uproariously funny and uncomfortably accurate.

O'Rourke's style is dense with humor; many sentences deliver multiple laugh-out-loud lines. Yet the comedy serves as a scalpel rather than a distraction, laying bare the inefficiency, hypocrisy, and absurdity of government. He skewers politicians across the spectrum, exposing the ways in which taxing, spending, and regulation consistently fail to produce outcomes acceptable to the very citizens they are meant to serve.

Despite his relentless criticism, O'Rourke avoids despair. His libertarian perspective emphasizes not only the limits of government but also the resilience of individuals and institutions outside of politics. He notes, with characteristic irony, that American society functions far better than one would expect given the incompetence of its leaders. That recognition—our ability to thrive in spite of government—gives the book a surprising optimism beneath the satire.

O'Rourke's combination of journalistic observation, libertarian critique, and comedic brilliance makes Parliament of Whores a rare achievement: a political book that is simultaneously serious, insightful, and wildly entertaining. I regret not having read more of his work earlier, and I recommend this one without reservation. 5/5 Stars.

The Dispossessed by Ursula K Le Guin (1974)

Ursula K. Le Guin's The Dispossessed occupies a seminal place in science fiction for its ambitious exploration of anarchism, utopia, and the nature of freedom. Despite the novel's critical acclaim—including multiple Hugo and Nebula awards—I found the execution lacking in depth. The narrative investigates the ideological tensions between the collectivist anarchist society on the moon Anarres and its more capitalist and hierarchical sister planet, Urras. Through the protagonist Shevek, a physicist seeking to unify disparate scientific and social worlds, Le Guin examines themes of individual autonomy versus social conformity, the contradictions within idealistic political structures, and the complexity of human freedom.

However, the characters often function more as vectors for these philosophical inquiries rather than as complex human beings. The dialogue frequently feels schematic, prioritizing political discourse over organic storytelling. The central conflicts sometimes appear contrived to serve ideological debate rather than arising naturally from the characters' lived experience. While the prose aligns with Le Guin's reputation for elegance, the novel's didactic tone diminished my engagement.

The Dispossessed deserves recognition for its conceptual rigor and the urgency of its questions about societal organization and personal liberty. Yet, the book's strengths are counterbalanced by flat characterization and a plot that serves the philosophy more than the storytelling. 2/5 stars.

Day of the Moron by Alan Dean Piper (1951)

I enjoyed this story most for its characters and dialogue, which immerse the reader in a genuine slice of 1951 America. The values and attitudes on display exemplify the rock-solid humanism of the Greatest Generation—men and women who had survived the Second World War, built immense wealth, and launched unprecedented advances in medicine, aeronautics, rocketry, nuclear science, weapons technology, birth control, and even the design of interstellar space probes. Their optimism was inseparable from their accomplishments, and Piper captures that atmosphere with remarkable clarity.

The story itself works because it builds steadily from everyday realism into a problem of enormous consequence, handled with restraint and credibility. The dialogue and pacing create a slow tightening of tension, so when the ending arrives, it feels both inevitable and startling. The resolution strikes with force precisely because it remains true to the world and characters Piper so carefully established.  Rating: 5/5 Stars

The Cookie Monster by Vernor Vinge (2003)

After Vinge's death, I turned to several of his works, including this novella. True Names imagines consciousnesses inhabiting a simulation and struggling against its constraints. It stands as one of the earliest treatments of virtual worlds, anticipating ideas later elaborated in Ken Liu's short stories (adapted in the TV series Pantheon).

The narrative feels pioneering but now somewhat dated, especially in comparison with more sophisticated explorations such as David Brin's Stones of Significance. Still, the novella captures the thrill of speculative extrapolation at a moment when the digital frontier was only beginning to be glimpsed.

Rating: 3/5

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson (2009)

Larsson's second volume shifts the center of gravity from Mikael Blomkvist to Lisbeth Salander, expanding her fractured past into a narrative of systemic violence. The plot retains investigative intrigue but amplifies spectacle, introducing figures whose physical resilience borders on the implausible. Beneath the thriller mechanics lies Larsson's critique of entrenched misogyny, secret surveillance networks, and the collusion of state institutions in suppressing truth. Although less tightly constructed than Dragon Tattoo, the novel's urgency stems from Salander's defiance of structures intent on erasing her. A bold, unsettling exploration of power and resistance. Rating: 4/5

Six Not-So-Easy Pieces: Einstein's Relativity, Symmetry, and Space-Time by Richard Feynman (1997)

Review of Six Not-So-Easy Pieces: Einstein's Relativity, Symmetry, and Space-Time by Richard Feynman (1997)

As an undergraduate I could not penetrate the large, hardbound volumes of The Feynman Lectures on Physics my sister used in graduate school; my mathematics at the time was too limited. Even so, the space–time diagrams and the elegance of Feynman's prose left a lasting impression. Later I devoured his autobiographical works—beginning with Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!—and admired his wit as much as his physics.

This smaller collection, distilled from transcripts of selected undergraduate lectures, offers a more approachable entry into his treatment of relativity, symmetry, and space–time. Freed from the intimidating scale of the three-volume lectures, the material here is accessible without losing rigor. Feynman's charisma, precision, and contagious delight in physics animate every page.

The result is a compact yet deep experience: challenging enough to respect the subject, clear enough to sustain momentum. I read it quickly and with great enjoyment.

Rating: 4/5 stars.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman (2021)

I found the television series adaptation disappointing because of its brutality and incoherent universe. Gaiman's novel has superior storytelling, brimming with bizarre, unpredictable twists. Capricious, inconsistent magic—only lightly horrific—animates fun, colorful characters who are very well written. Interpreting the gods' war reveals metaphors for cultural erosion: immigrant mythologies fade amid ascendant American deities of technology and media, underscoring belief's fragility in forging national identity. 3/5 stars.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (2009)

Stieg Larsson's inaugural Millennium novel thrusts journalist Mikael Blomkvist into a labyrinthine investigation of corporate corruption and a decades-old disappearance within a wealthy Swedish family.  Aided by the enigmatic hacker Lisbeth Salander—a survivor of institutional abuse whose vigilante ethos challenges patriarchal norms Mikael has thrilling adventures unravelling the mystery. The narrative interweaves subplots of financial malfeasance, sexual violence, and latent fascism, critiquing Sweden's supposedly egalitarian society while exposing misogyny's systemic roots. The thriller functions as a feminist indictment, with Salander embodying resilient autonomy amid moral decay, rendering the tightly plotted mystery a vehicle for social commentary on power imbalances. The characterization and pacing are captivating. 5/5 Stars.

When We Were Orphans by Kazuo Ishiguro (2001)

Kazuo Ishiguro's When We Were Orphans (2000) probes the unreliability of memory and perception through Christopher Banks, an acclaimed detective whose myopic adherence to personal convictions blinds him to broader realities.

Exquisite prose illuminates profound character depths, weaving a narrative that exposes the tragic rigidities of early twentieth-century cultural norms and colonial illusions.

This masterful exploration of self-deception and loss merits Ishiguro's eventual Nobel Prize in Literature. 5/5 stars; highly recommended.

Galaxy Raiders: Abyss by Ian Douglas (2025)

In Ian Douglas's Abyss (2025), amortal humans navigate interstellar perils amid enigmatic aliens and colossal galactic empires.

Reminiscent of David Weber's naval sagas, the novel unleashes exhilarating fleet battles on vast scales, fueled by inventive technologies and a gripping narrative.

Compelling characters, including the deeply layered Morrigan, anchor the propulsive story, rendering it prime space opera.

Yet relativistic time dilation falters: near-light-speed voyages shorten traveler durations to destinations, but the profound lag at origins is dismissed, permitting returns to aligned timelines rather than estranged futures—a lapse that dilutes scientific plausibility for plot convenience.

Because of this inconsistency, the book thrills yet only partly fulfills hard sci-fi expectations. 4/5 stars.

Die Welt von Gestern. Erinnerungen eines Europäers von Stefan Zweig (1942)

Stefan Zweigs autobiografische Erinnerungen zeichnen ein nuanciertes Porträt der vor dem Ersten Weltkrieg blühenden europäischen Kultur im Habsburgerreich, einer Ära scheinbarer Sicherheit mit Fortschritten in Technologie, Humanismus und Aufklärungsphilosophie. Der Autor reflektiert über seine Bildung, literarische Karriere und Reisen, unterbrochen durch Begegnungen mit Figuren wie Sigmund Freud, Theodor Herzl, Rainer Maria Rilke und Richard Strauss. Das Werk lamentiert den Verfall von Humanismus, Internationalismus und kultureller Harmonie Europas, ersetzt durch Nationalismus, Kriege und Faschismus – ein Prozess, der in Zweigs Exil und dem Suizid mit seiner Frau kulminiert. Interpretativ verkörpert der Text eine Elegie auf verlorene Ideale, deren Zerbrechlichkeit durch Zweigs persönliche Desillusionierung unterstrichen wird und zeitgenössische Warnungen vor ideologischer Polarisierung impliziert. Der humanistische Schreibstil beeindruckt besonders. 4/5 Sterne.

The Institute by Stephen King (2021)

Stephen King's The Institute (2019) exemplifies his mastery as a mechanical and literary craftsman, with prose that enchants through vivid characters, sharp dialogue, meticulous plot pacing, and rich linguistic texture. Despite such strengths, my aversion to horror—the genre dominating his oeuvre—limits my engagement to his forays into science fiction or historical fiction, which too often veer into horrific territory and disappoint.

Enthusiastic horror fans in my company's book club consume King's works voraciously. A provocative comparison positioning The Institute as "Stephen King reimagines Ender's Game—and surpasses the original"—prompted my purchase. The novel indeed features prodigious children harnessed for extraordinary purposes, yet it pivots to psychic phenomena amid pervasive horror tropes, which alienated me. I savored the core narrative and characterizations but achieved only superficial immersion because of inconsistent handling of the psychic magic system, initially shrouded in mystery and deployed subtly to propel events, these abilities morph unpredictably, culminating in an unsatisfying resolution that undermines interpretive depth—perhaps intending to evoke ethical quandaries in exploiting latent human potential but faltering in coherence. 3/5 stars.

Wie Das Wetter Geschichte Macht (

Ronald D. Gerstes Wie Das Wetter Geschichte Macht (2015) bietet eine fesselnde Sammlung historischer Vignetten, die den entscheidenden Einfluss des Wetters auf historische Ereignisse beleuchten. Das Buch verknüpft faktenreiche Schilderungen mit spekulativen „Was-wäre-wenn"-Szenarien, die alternative Geschichtsverläufe überzeugend und anregend darstellen. Gerstes Erzählstil ist lebendig und unterhaltsam, auch wenn seine Quellenangaben und Erklärungen nicht immer umfassend sind und gelegentlich Fehler enthalten.

Die dramatischen Kommentare tragen zur Anziehungskraft des Buches bei, doch die ausschweifenden Passagen über anthropogenen Klimawandel und leidenschaftliche Klagen über die moderne Gesellschaft wirken ermüdend und fehlen am Platz. Trotz dieser Schwächen bleibt das Werk durch seine originelle Perspektive und den Fokus auf das Wetter als historische Kraft ansprechend.

Bewertung: 4/5 Sterne.

To the Stars by L Ron Hubbard (2024)

L. Ron Hubbard's To The Stars, originally published in 1950 and reissued in 2024, captures the essence of pulp science fiction. The novel brims with futuristic technology, exotic societies, and melodramatic human dynamics—hallmarks of the genre's exuberant era. For readers, it evokes a personal "golden age of science fiction" (14–17), when such stories spark youthful wonder.

The narrative's spirited escapism delivers nostalgic charm, but its appeal fades under modern scrutiny. Simplistic characters and outdated social assumptions clash with contemporary values, exposing the novel's mid-20th-century roots. While entertaining for its historical vigor, its reliance on dated tropes and lack of depth limits its resonance for readers with refined tastes.

Hubbard's work endures as a vivid relic of science fiction's past, engaging yet constrained by its era's conventions.

Rating: 3/5 stars.

Class Clown by Dave Barry (2025)

Dave Barry's Class Clown (2025), an autobiography, distills the humorist's decades-long career into a rollicking narrative that echoes the wit of his beloved columns. Known for eliciting laughter across generations, Barry delivers a memoir brimming with his signature irreverence and keen observational humor. The book traces his journey with self-deprecating charm, offering anecdotes that balance absurdity with warmth.

While consistently funny, the autobiography occasionally lacks the depth needed to elevate it beyond entertainment, skimming over introspective moments that could enrich the narrative. Nonetheless, Barry's knack for finding humor in the mundane ensures a delightful read, faithful to the style that has long captivated readers.

Rating: 4/5 stars.

Kill Them With Kindness by Will Carver (2025)

Will Carver's Kill Them with Kindness (2025) reimagines the premise of a virus engineered to promote altruism, reminiscent of David Brin's 1987 short story The Giving Plague. Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the novel weaves a speculative conspiracy narrative involving global powers and scientific manipulation. The story explores the development of a virus designed to foster kindness and cooperation, while darker forces exploit the ensuing chaos for their own ends. The setting works well because the conspiracy theory provides answers to the unanswered questions of who benefits from the overblown fear and panic world-wide that persists now. None of the preventative care measures had any effect on the spread of covid-19 in humans, and the silly, theatrical, useless prophylaxis measures caused long-lasting, world-wide destruction to society, economics, politics, healthcare, education, etc.

The narrative draws strength from its initial focus on philosophical themes, particularly through characters who embody collectivist ideals, offering a compelling lens on human behavior under crisis. However, the antagonists lack depth, their motivations reduced to simplistic malevolence. The plot, initially engaging, veers into implausible territory with the introduction of exaggerated technological elements, undermining its early promise. The grim resolution feels heavy-handed, failing to fully reconcile the tension between free will and biological determinism.

Compared to Brin's nuanced exploration of symbiosis and agency, Carver's novel ambitiously tackles similar themes but stumbles due to its reliance on far-fetched plot devices and underdeveloped characters. The setting and philosophical undertones captivate, but the execution falls short.

Rating: 2/5 stars.