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BOOK REVIEW: Revival by Stephen King

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Book Length: 405 pages

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Genre: Fiction, Horror, Thriller

Read Start Date: November 9, 2023

Read Finish Date: November 30, 2023

Brief Summary of the Plot from Goodreads: A dark and electrifying novel about addiction, fanaticism, and what might exist on the other side of life.

In a small New England town, over half a century ago, a shadow falls over a small boy playing with his toy soldiers. Jamie Morton looks up to see a striking man, the new minister. Charles Jacobs, along with his beautiful wife, will transform the local church. The men and boys are all a bit in love with Mrs. Jacobs; the women and girls feel the same about Reverend Jacobs—including Jamie’s mother and beloved sister, Claire. With Jamie, the Reverend shares a deeper bond based on a secret obsession. When tragedy strikes the Jacobs family, this charismatic preacher curses God, mocks all religious belief, and is banished from the shocked town.

Jamie has demons of his own. Wed to his guitar from the age of thirteen, he plays in bands across the country, living the nomadic lifestyle of bar-band rock and roll while fleeing from his family’s horrific loss. In his mid-thirties—addicted to heroin, stranded, desperate—Jamie meets Charles Jacobs again, with profound consequences for both men. Their bond becomes a pact beyond even the Devil’s devising, and Jamie discovers that revival has many meanings.

This rich and disturbing novel spans five decades on its way to the most terrifying conclusion Stephen King has ever written. It’s a masterpiece from King, in the great American tradition of Frank Norris, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Edgar Allan Poe.

My Review: The story centers on Jamie Morton, a young boy whose childhood is profoundly impacted by the arrival of charismatic preacher Charles Jacobs. Jacobs is young and has an equally young family. He is interested in electricity, and when he is not preaching, he tinkers with his inventions. When a devastating tragedy leads Jacobs to question his faith, he is fired from his job at the church and moves away from town.

Decades later, Jamie Morton is an adult and addicted to heroin when he sees Jacobs again, this time at a county fair. Jacobs has progressed in his inventions and claims to be able to heal Jamie of his addiction. Using electric shock therapy, Jamie is healed. But his sobriety comes with a terrifying price.

I found Jamie Mortion to be a relatable protagonist, and the complex relationship he shares with Jacobs serves as the emotional core of the novel. King takes the time to meticulously develop their connection as their lives intertwine again and again. The narrative unfolds gradually, allowing the tension to build organically. This book is a very slow burn, but the ending was worth the wait. In fact, the ending had me simply terrified, and I haven’t been able to shake it since.

Although this book was published in 2014 (I am not usually a fan of King’s new books), Revival reminded me a lot of his older works.

Stats: As of the writing of this review (December 11, 2023), this book has only a 3.8 rating on Goodreads. While I would highly recommend this book, it is obvious that it has received mixed reviews. Some of the “negatives” that readers have mentioned are the slow pace and the ambiguous ending. To say a few words on these subjects, as I mentioned above, the book was definitely a slow burn, but I didn’t mind. King’s writing is great, and his storytelling is masterful. The ending was gut-wrenching. I didn’t find it that ambiguous.

BOOK REVIEW: I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

/ E.A. Hoffmann / 1 Comment

Audiobook Length: 6 hours and 26 minutes

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Autobiography

Read Start Date: November 16, 2023

Read Finish Date: November 19, 2023

Brief Summary of the Plot from Goodreads: A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life.

Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called “calorie restriction,” eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, “Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn’t tint hers?” She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income.

In I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette recounts all this in unflinching detail—just as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true. Cast in a new Nickelodeon series called iCarly, she is thrust into fame. Though Mom is ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi (“Hi Gale!”), Jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame, and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships. These issues only get worse when, soon after taking the lead in the iCarly spinoff Sam & Cat alongside Ariana Grande, her mother dies of cancer. Finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, Jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she really wants.

Told with refreshing candor and dark humor, I’m Glad My Mom Died is an inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair.

My Review: I borrowed this audiobook from the library as it was on the “popular” list. I have also seen this book several times at the bookstore. I was unaware that Jennette McCurdy was a child actor who starred on the iCarly show and co-starred with Ariana Grande on Sam & Cat. I’ve heard of these shows but have never seen them. There is a lot to unpack in this poignant, revealing memoir.

I’m Glad My Mom Died is a raw, honest, and deeply personal memoir about the challenges of growing up in the spotlight as a child star and the emotional turmoil caused by a complex and often abusive relationship with her mother. McCurdy, best known for her roles as Sam Puckett on Nickelodeon’s iCarly and Sam & Cat, opens up about her experiences with eating disorders, body image issues, and substance abuse, all of which were exacerbated by her mother’s controlling and demanding nature.

I was really surprised that the mother not only knew about McCurdy’s eating disorder (starting at the age of 12, she went on a “restrictive diet,” but essentially, the mother TAUGHT McCurdy how to be an anorexic. That is so totally sick and made my heart hurt for the author. Mothers are supposed to protect their children, not set them up for a lifetime of trauma and suffering.

The title of the book, which may seem jarring at first, is a reflection of McCurdy’s complex emotions following her mother’s death from cancer in 2013. While she grappled with grief and loss, she also recognized that her mother’s passing had freed her from the unhealthy dynamics and expectations that had dominated her life for so long.

McCurdy’s writing is both heartbreaking and insightful as she chronicles her struggles to find her own voice and identity amidst the pressures of fame (which the author never wanted to begin with–she was living her mother’s dream) and her mother’s relentless pursuit of stardom. She describes her mother’s controlling behavior, which included micromanaging her appearance, her career, and even her personal relationships. McCurdy felt trapped in a cycle of self-loathing and self-destruction, driven by her mother’s constant criticism and her own desire to please her.

Amidst the darkness, there are moments of humor and resilience. McCurdy’s self-deprecating humor and sharp wit provide a counterpoint to her pain, and her determination to break free from her mother’s control is inspiring. She eventually seeks therapy, which helps her to recognize unhealthy patterns and begin to heal from the trauma of her childhood.

I would recommend this book to adults of all ages, especially those who are interested in the entertainment industry.

Stats: As of writing this review (December 11, 2023) this book has a 4.48 rating on Goodreads.

Shelf Control Wednesdays: December 20, 2023

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Shelf Control is hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies. Instead of always looking ahead to upcoming new releases, I thought I’d start a weekly feature focusing on already released books that I want to read. Consider this a variation of a Wishing & Waiting post… but looking at books already available, and in most cases, books that are either on my shelves or on my Kindle!

Title: The Power

Author: Naomi Alderman

Published: 2o16

Length: 341 pages

Brief Synopsis from Goodreads: In The Power the world is a recognizable place: There’s a rich Nigerian boy who lounges around the family pool; a foster kid whose religious parents hide their true nature; an ambitious American politician; and a tough London girl from a tricky family. But then a vital new force takes root and flourishes, causing their lives to converge with devastating effect. Teenage girls now have immense physical power: They can cause agonizing pain and even death. With this small twist of nature, the world drastically resets.

How I got it: I bought this book, used, on a website called medimops.

When I got it: 2023

Why I want to read it: I am writing a sci-fi novel and I used ChatGPT to recommend books that were comp titles. This was one of the recommendations. I had never heard of this book before, and it sounds really interesting!

BOOK REVIEW: Emp Attack: Crucial Lessons on How to Survive the Most Overlooked Disaster the World by Mark Gibbs

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Book Length: 183 pages

Rating:  3 out of 5 stars

Genre: Nonfiction

Read Start Date: November 4, 2023

Read Finish Date: November 8, 2023

Brief Summary of the Plot from Goodreads: Are You Looking for a Deeper Understanding of Emps and an Easy-to-follow Guide So That You Can Safeguard Yourself, Your Family, and Even Your Neighbors From an Electromagnetic Pulse Attack? If That Is You, You’re in the Right Place!In the Aftermath of an Emp Attack, Much of the Population Could Perish From Famine, Dehydration, Illness, Murder, and Suicide. The Power Grid Could Be Down for Years. Almost All Modern Equipment Would Quit Operating Instantly. What Does This Mean for You and Your Family? The Topics That We Will Cover Today – What to Do Right After the Power Goes Out- The Components You Need to Create a Self-sustaining Power System- Solar the Best Kinds to Use- Solar Panels Inverters- Why You Need a Ham Radio- Making Your Phone Untraceable- Building Faraday Cages- Getting Ready for Natural Disasters Even Though the Average American Citizen Is Not Prepared Whatsoever for an Emp Attack, That Doesn’t Mean That You Have to Be. This Book Is Going to Cover Survival Lessons (Plus a Few Bonus Lessons) on How to Prepare for an Emp Attack Before It Strikes and How to Survive Once It Does. It Doesn’t Matter Whether You Are Just the Average Person Looking to Become a Little More Prepared for an Emp Attack or Are Already a Seasoned Survivalist Looking for More Ways to Become Prepared, as There Is Valuable Information That You Will Learn From This Book.

My Review: I am currently writing a sci-fi novel where aliens knock out communications across the globe with a massive EMP attack. However, I know absolutely nothing about EMP attacks, the aftermath, or what to do if one should occur. I went online to see if I could find any books on the subject and came across this book by Mark Gibbs. When it arrived, I noticed that it had been obviously self-published. There is nothing wrong with that (in fact, I intend to self-publish a book soon). As I read the book, however, I soon began to notice various things that did distract from the overall message of the book, which is why I could only give the book 3 stars.

If you are interested in the subject of EMP attacks and you are capable of overlooking grammar mistakes, repetition of words, and headings that are not always correctly formatted, then I would recommend this book. It is very interesting and informative, and it is obvious that the author cares about this subject very much. I would not be surprised if the author himself was a prepper and that he practices what he is preaching.

Stats: As of writing this review (December 11, 2023), the only review on Goodreads is mine.

Shelf Control Wednesdays: December 13, 2023

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Shelf Control is hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies. Instead of always looking ahead to upcoming new releases, I thought I’d start a weekly feature focusing on already released books that I want to read. Consider this a variation of a Wishing & Waiting post… but looking at books already available, and in most cases, books that are either on my shelves or on my Kindle!

Title: The Midwich Cuckoos

Author: John Wyndham

Published: 1957

Length: 220 pages

Brief Synopsis from Goodreads: Cuckoos lay eggs in other birds’ nests. The clutch that was fathered on the quiet little village of Midwich, one night in September, proved to possess a monstrous will of its own. It promised to make the human race look as dated as the dinosaur.

How I got it: I bought this book, used, on a website called medimops.

When I got it: 2023

Why I want to read it: I have long been in love with the movie Village of the Damned, but only recently became aware that the movie was based on this book. Naturally, I had to purchase it. I am really looking forward to reading it.

Shelf Control Wednesdays: December 6, 2023

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Shelf Control is hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies. Instead of always looking ahead to upcoming new releases, I thought I’d start a weekly feature focusing on already released books that I want to read. Consider this a variation of a Wishing & Waiting post… but looking at books already available, and in most cases, books that are either on my shelves or on my Kindle!

Title: The Dark Forest

Author: Cixin Liu

Published: 2008

Length: 512 pages

Brief Synopsis from Goodreads: This is the second novel in “Remembrance of Earth’s Past”, the near-future trilogy written by China’s multiple-award-winning science fiction author, Cixin Liu.

In The Dark Forest, Earth is reeling from the revelation of a coming alien invasion — four centuries in the future. The aliens’ human collaborators have been defeated but the presence of the sophons, the subatomic particles that allow Trisolaris instant access to all human information, means that Earth’s defense plans are exposed to the enemy. Only the human mind remains a secret.

This is the motivation for the Wallfacer Project, a daring plan that grants four men enormous resources to design secret strategies hidden through deceit and misdirection from Earth and Trisolaris alike. Three of the Wallfacers are influential statesmen and scientists but the fourth is a total unknown. Luo Ji, an unambitious Chinese astronomer and sociologist, is baffled by his new status. All he knows is that he’s the one Wallfacer that Trisolaris wants dead.

How I got it: Finally, my wait was over at the library.

When I got it: 2023

Why I want to read it: This is the second book in a trilogy and after reading the first book, I just knew that I had to read the second one.

BOOK REVIEW: The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu

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Book Length: 472 pages

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Genre: Fiction, Science Fiction, Aliens

Read Start Date: October 7, 2023

Read Finish Date: November 5, 2023

No. of Book in Series: 1

Brief Summary of the Plot from Goodreads: Set against the backdrop of China’s Cultural Revolution, a secret military project sends signals into space to establish contact with aliens. An alien civilization on the brink of destruction captures the signal and plans to invade Earth. Meanwhile, on Earth, different camps start forming, planning to either welcome the superior beings and help them take over a world seen as corrupt, or to fight against the invasion.

My Review: The Three-Body Problem is the first book in the Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy. The story begins during China’s Cultural Revolution, a tumultuous period in the mid-20th century marked by political upheaval and ideological fervor. The protagonist, Ye Wenjie, witnesses her father’s public execution during this time, which profoundly shapes her outlook on humanity. Subsequently, she became involved in a secretive government project called Red Coast, aimed at using advanced technology to make contact with extraterrestrial civilizations.

The narrative then shifts to present-day China, where a nanomaterials researcher named Wang Miao gets involved in a mysterious conspiracy. Scientists around the world are facing unexplained suicides, and bizarre occurrences are disrupting the fabric of reality. Wang discovers a virtual reality game called Three-Body Problem, where players are immersed in a world that mirrors the challenges faced by an alien civilization on the fictional planet Trisolaris.

As a lawyer, I know almost nothing about complex science theories, physics, astronomy, etc. Due to my ignorance, I have no idea whether the science explored in this novel is real, based upon actual theories, made up by the author to suit the story or some mixture of all three. Nevertheless, I found it to be utterly fascinating, and the message of the story (I won’t give away the ending) stayed with me — even now, I think about what would happen if this were to really happen in real life.

I have never read a book by a Chinese author before, so I really liked branching out and reading something from a culture I don’t know much about. The book had a slow-burn feel, with a big reveal at the end of the book. I just checked out the second book at the library and can’t wait to delve into it.

Stats/Recommendation: As of the writing of this review (November 27, 2023), this book has a 4.09-star rating on Goodreads. If you haven’t already read this book, I would highly recommend it. This book also won a TON of awards, so you don’t have to only take my word for it.

Friday 56, December 1, 2023: Revival by Stephen King

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Welcome to Friday 56! Hosted by Freda’s Voice, you turn to page 56 or 56% in any book or reading device and pick a sentence that grabs you.

“‘Say something else!” she cried. “Say something else so I don’t think I just dreamed it!’
‘He’s not supposed to–‘ Claire began, but Con interrupted her. Because now he could.
‘I love you, Mom,’ he said. ‘I love you, Dad.'”

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