Agnes at the End of the World by Kelly McWilliams

ok but she released this book about a pandemic and quarantining and stuff...during the pandemic.

My brain kept thinking of the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
And the line "it's not a war, it's not a rapture" from Paramore's Ignorance. 
Zeke. fajdfkljsfk;a

Danny sfkdjlska;j

Just...

I want to get on my soap box about indoctrination and brain-washing and jklfds and how that isn't God. But I'm just gonna sit here and stan for Agnes.
432 Pages

Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff

This book was awesome. Lovecraftian horror infects two families in Chicago during 1950s Jim Crow era.  Tentacled rock monsters, a secret cult society of alchemists, mechanical clockwork space machinery, ghost mansions, demon dolls, and those aren't even the really scary parts. Set up as a collection of interrelated short stories, it makes for a really fun yet thought-provoking read. Also, I hear it is being turned into an HBO series soon!

Fun, social-commentary filled horror.

372 pages

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

A mysterious inheritance, an old mansion, and the legacy of a cult's suicide pact. These are the things Libby recieves on her 25th birthday. But nothing seems completely clear in the story behind her birth parents and their home. An engaging thriller with enough twists and turns to give readers whiplash, this story is as fun as it is shocking.

A great read for fans of thrillers and family mysteries! 

340 pages

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The concept is great. The execution is good. The characters are unusual and distinct. The nonlinear format is an interesting way to tell this story about a girl who is in juvenile detention after the prophet of her cult has been murdered and the camp of the cult set aflame.

This has all the classic factors that should add up to equal a perfect book, and yet I still wanted to hold it at arm’s length the whole way through. I just wouldn’t or couldn’t let this book get too close, and I’m not sure why. I think that maybe something about it feels a bit too prescribed, and not authentic enough. I guess I wanted more emotional resonance, and this is a bit flat and dry at times. Almost mechanical.

It’s not really a book that you enjoy. It’s more like it’s a book that you survive. That being said, it was compelling, and I kept moving forward, even when I sometimes felt a disconnect.

Book 416 read in 2018

Pages: 400

Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology by Leah Remini

Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology by Leah Remini
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I bought this book on a whim, knowing little about Scientology but wondering how such an extremist religion draws in such high profile people, who live such public lives, due to their careers. My typical impression of cults is that they keep people away from the rest of society, and it's the lack of education and level of ignorance about life and the world that helps keep people down.

Remini's perspective was absolutely fascinating, and she has a unique voice. She does a good job of explaining more about how the church functions (which was absolutely horrifying--I am still shocked), but she also talks about how she came to be a member in the first place, as well as the principles and reasons she stayed for so long.

I feel strangely proud of the fact that she stood up for herself, broke from the church, and is now speaking up. I confess that even though I've seen glimpses of the show that made her most famous, I never really watched it, so I picked this up due to an interest in cults, as opposed to already having an interest in Remini as an actress.

Book 41 read in 2018

Pages 256

Long Lost by David Morrell

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

His younger brother was kidnapped  by a cult family, raised for decade.  His life was bad, he did bad things.  He’s back and now he wants his brother's family and will kill to get it.

Audio:  7 hrs. 9 min.
Print:  384 pages

"Widdershins" by Jordan L. Hawk

Percival Endicott Whyborne is a young philologist who speaks 13 languages (but reads more) and studies ancient texts at the Ladysmith Museum in Widdershins, MA, during the end of the 19th century.  He tries to keep to himself as he is shy and feels homely and clumsy, but when his skills are required to help an ex-Pinkerton detective with a murder investigation, he must leave his office and his comfort zone to do so.  However, this turns into a much bigger and more dangerous case involving a cult stretching back centuries.  Griffin Flaherty, the detective, must convince Whyborne to overcome his many fears to help him defeat the evil sorcerer and the monsters he has created.  Whyborne's best (and only) friend is fellow scholar Dr. Christine Putnam, a strong and likable woman who helps the men with their investigation at crucial times.

This is an exciting, original, and imaginative story with adventure, romance, action, and more.  Both Whyborne and Griffin have interesting back stories that are pertinent to the story and make them richer characters.  The descriptions of the monsters that the cult creates are effective but not overly gross or disgusting.  I really enjoyed the story and hope to read more in the "Whyborne & Griffin" series.  There is also a kitty.  226 (Kindle edition).

Gathering Prey by John Sandford

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

They are called travelers who move from city to city but commit no crimes.  Exception to the rule:  one group led by a killer and drug dealer is among them, and he has about 20 members.

Audio:  10 hrs. 55 min.
Print:  416 pages