so-soI really like the premise behind this novel. It's unique (and quite a treat to read about the US falling from power for reasons other than climate change or zombies), but it didn't quite hit for me in the execution. (Also the narrator gave a Brooklyn accent to a character with a Boston accent, which is a small thing, but it bugs me.)
so-soA compelling premise, the alternate history undertones and noir storytelling vibes attracted my attention to this book. While this is ultimately an interesting story that unpacks some complex ideas about history, nations, and the ways that we exert social control over people, I felt like the intersection of three styles of storytelling and construction impacted the pacing and kept me a bit at arms length which was a shame.
pickI found this clever and entertaining, but it‘s not one that will stay with me too long. I don‘t see it winning the #ToB24.
pickA global conflict in the 80s left the US in tatters and no longer a world power. Now, pigments, which alter people‘s emotions, are used medically, recreationally, and in warfare. Agent Curtida is assigned to a crime scene that seems to involve a new, illegally made pigment. I found this fascinating, both the dystopian world and the mystery story. Well constructed plot and world. #tob24
bailedI tried to read this real #tob24 shortlist pick, and I just couldn‘t get into it. It‘s a crime novel with a sci-fi alternate history twist. Sounds cool, but it was actually quite boring. 🤷🏻♀️
If you‘re also disappointed with the tob shortlist, it is not too late to vote for the #LitsyToB24 shortlist and help us award the first Turkey! https://forms.gle/uKQCk4G5XU7qhErx8
The #tob24 shortlist is so disappointing!! I do want to remind those of us who are on the #completist side that US Spotify premium members get 15 hours of streaming audiobooks per month as part of membership. That‘s how I listened to Cold People and probably how I‘ll do this one and maybe Brainwyms 🤢🫣. Stay safe out there! 🤣
The shortlist: https://www.tournamentofbooks.com/the-2024-shortlist
pickCreative and colorful, Pardo‘s debut novel mashes together noir-detective style with dystopian sci-fi in a hard to categorize, but compulsively readable fashion! Agent Kay Curtida approaches retirement age (40!) in that backwater of Daly City, CA while her best friend from the academy reached greater heights in the Big Potato. But when a case involving illegally manufactured emotions becomes larger than expected, it takes her all to solve it!
pickHad to keep reminding myself that this wasn't a Jasper Fforde book. Like Thursday Next meets Shades of Gray. I was thoroughly entertained even if it was a bit madcap occasionally.
#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks
Pub date is 2/14/23
#ARC #Netgalley
The Shamshine Blind: A Novel | 
