book review: Erase Me, Happy Head, and Dead Head by Josh Silver

From my book review post yesterday it is clear that I discovered a new favorite author in Josh Silver! After devouring the over four-hundred pages of Fruit Fly in a single sitting, I immediately requested his three other novels from the library and proceeded to binge read every single one of them.

What makes Silver's writing so addictive? Each book is a dark, twisty, wild ride featuring complex, outwardly damaged characters that Silver infuses with a deeply compelling, lovable core. He expertly uses inner dialogue to inject unexpected humor into heavy topics -- including mental health, addiction, violence, rape, suicide, sexual identity, and domestic abuse. These spots of lightness serve as a brilliant reminder that, beneath it all, we are a beautifully messy work in process.

While each of Silver’s books are built around similar themes, each boasts a completely unique and highly original plot. I can’t get across just how impossible these books are to put down (and, I’m not alone in feeling this since all of these books get a solid 4.25 stars from other reviewers). Here is a breakdown of Josh Silver's other books.

Erase Me (published under the title Traumaland in the UK), is a total mind trip. Halfway through, I literally stopped and said out loud, "What?! This is bonkers." 

To preserve the jaw-dropping twists, I will just say this novel is about a seventeen year old, Eli, who was in a near fatal car crash and goes to extremes to try and get both his memories and his emotions back.

Happy Head and Dead Head are a duology that follow Seb and Finn at a facility for troubled teens. Run by Dr. Stone and Madame Manning, the facility claims to cure modern unhappiness by giving stressed teens the tools to cope. Unfortunately, not everything is what it appears and it ends up being more like a dystopian Squid Game than a place where “commitment, growth, and gratitude can lead to a happy head.” As these teens try to determine who can be trusted as they try and escape, they explore love and what it actually means to be happy - being who you are, not changing for anyone, and hoping to inspire those others to do the same.

All four of Silver's books are ripe for being adapted to the screen. So, I was so excited to see Happy Head and Dead Head were acquired in a “highly competitive auction,” according to the author’s wikipedia’s page. 

Silver’s unique background explains why his books are so deep and relatable. He originally attended the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and performed in the West End and on Broadway. At 30, he shifted paths going back to school to get training as a mental health nurse, saying he himself has struggled with mental health his whole life, and still can. While working in adult inpatient settings, in adolescent wards, and with younger children, he enjoys writing in spare moments. His joy for writing, and also his personal struggles with mental health and his clinical experiences, seep into the pages offering such a wonderful perspective. Be sure to read more about the author in a wonderful interview with him in the back of Happy Head. “The notion of happiness is prescribed to us. It’s everywhere. I mean, social media says I should make loads of smoothies and film myself drinking them. Those people look happy. Or do a dance to a song I hate so people like my stuff and follow me. Those dopamine hits will help. I can apparently care about the climate and important things, definitely, just need to make sure I look hot while I’m out protesting. Then post about it. If you’re gay, be a cool one, please. Effortlessly cool. Like it’s not been difficult.”

book review: Fruit Fly by Josh Silver

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 

Thank you Crooked Lane Books for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Fruit Fly by Josh Silver will easily be knocking a book off to take its place on my top five shelf! I desperately hope this gets adapted for the screen because I was so incredibly invested in these characters. The depth is just remarkable; the authors ability to read people and capture both their inner and outer dialogue is masterfully done.

Mallory seemingly has the perfect curated life - a stately house and a handsome husband. Yet, she's been unable to write another book since her debut novel and fights demons in both her marriage and her mind. On the flip side is Leo, a fellow writer of poetry, who battles addictions and demons of his own. Mallory attempts to claw her way back to the life she wants when she crosses paths with Leo, realizing his personal story is just the plot for her next novel. But, at what cost? And, is his story truly hers to tell?

As we navigate everything that unfolds, it's unclear whether either of them is a reliable narrator. Interjections of diegetic text from both Mallory and Leo provide an even deeper layer of these characters. Ultimately, in their similar lives - if not for money and location - they are both just trying to survive. I was wholly unprepared for the incredible ride of this book - it is a raw, dark, nail-biting, and deeply relatable.

book review: Awake Awake by Fiona Mozley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 

Thank you Algonquin Books for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Fiona Mozley’s Awake Awake is a timely and uniquely modern literary novel that follows a diverse group of classmates from their school days into their thirties. I was immediately drawn in by this rich cast of characters, who represent a wide spectrum of backgrounds, religions, politics, and life paths. Mozley delivers information through seamless storytelling, making the reader feel like an organic extension of the friend group. 

Alongside this group dynamic, the protagonist, Mary, works through the shifting realities of her own memories. Did her grandfather have a hand in Hitler’s death? Or do she and her brother share similar mental health struggles? These nuanced discussions on mental health are incredibly important. I appreciate how the novel centers this topic, exploring it not just in a clinical setting, but through the support from friends and family as well.

The religious and political themes are woven beautifully and authentically into the plot without feeling forced. Having lived my own formative years in the 2000s and 2010s, I can definitely attest that life isn't siloed from these issues—they really have been a constant background presence in our lives. Mozley perfectly captures the tension between activism and peace, being pro-war, or caring deeply but lacking the agency to act. The last quarter of the book brings these thought-provoking topics to a head, leaving me with several favorite quotes to revisit.

I highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates slow-unfolding, coming-of-age stories. If you also love the extra depth that subtle dialects and British settings bring to a narrative, Fiona Mozley is an author to add to your list. I certainly plan on reading more of her work.

book review: Etna by Paul Yoon

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 5/5

Wow. Just… wow. I’m calling it now: this will easily be my favorite book of the year, and honestly, likely one of my favorites for a long time to come.

As my own dog napped, head laid contently on my legs, I began this book. And from that first paragraph until the last, I was immersed, seeing so much of Etna in my own. She is taken from the only place she’s known and thrust into the front lines of a war. As the war finishes, Etna yearns to go back home, encountering humans and animals along the way, all lending to a deeply woven journey of the harshness and strife of life, but also the beauty and humanity as well. So much emotion is contained within this short book, I’d like to start back over on the first page to experience it all over again. 

I think almost anyone could find something to connect with in this story. It’s a beautiful, universal tale.

Thank you Scribner for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

book review: The Lost Mozart by David K. Israel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  5/5

Thank you Post Hill Press for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of classical music! David K. Israel, the author of The Lost Mozart, is a composer and musician himself, so this literary work is deeply infused with musical history, songs, and classical composers.

This is a coming-of-age story about Noah, a twenty-one-year-old college senior trying desperately to figure out how to use his degree—partly to prove his parents wrong, and partly to prove something to himself. While interning at a radio station, Noah forms an unlikely friendship with Bertram, an elderly radio announcer. Noah is welcomed into Bertram’s wider circle of friends, who provide a listening ear, crucial support, and wise guidance during this pivotal time in his life.

While hanging out and discussing music with this eclectic group, Noah unbelievably stumbles across the beginning of an unfinished Mozart string quartet. He decides to complete the piece in an effort to gain notoriety and earn money to help his friends. Getting the piece finished and finding an audience is a bumpy ride, but Noah’s inner circle stays close, and he even navigates a new romance with Eos along the way.

Israel’s personal background in classical music brings an incredibly rich layer to the characters and the overall story. The musical tidbits are woven in beautifully without ever feeling forced, and I came away with a much deeper understanding of the genre. However, readers who are already familiar with—or have a deep love for—the ins and outs of classical music will likely appreciate this the most. While the narrative always expertly circled back to the main plot, there were times when the heavy musical detours caused me to lose track of the story a bit. Still, I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a rich, rewarding, and challenging read.

book review: It Audit Be You by Madylen Valdes

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  4/5 

Thank you author Madylen Valdes for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

It Audit Be You is a quick, witty romantic comedy that serves as the perfect beach read or weekend escape!

Fresh off a breakup, Louisa packs up for a new tax law job in D.C. where fate would have it her ex-best friend from law school, Jackson, also happens to work. As Louisa navigates the steep learning curve of her new career, she is forced to confront the unresolved feelings reigniting between them.

The author has a knack for crafting flawed, goofy, and totally relatable characters. Louisa is instantly endearing, and her chemistry with Jackson feels completely authentic. Flipping between past and present worked really well to share their history. 

While this sweet, immersive story is a perfect match for anyone navigating early-career stress and romance, it is just as delightful for readers looking back fondly on that chaotic chapter of life.

book review: The Circle and The Every by Dave Eggers

Utterly absurd, yet completely plausible. Much like 1984, The Circle and The Every, by Dave Eggers, feel like fiction, but also undeniably like real life at the present time. The Circle was written in 2013, only three years after Instagram was released. So, it’s amazing to me that the author had so much insight and imagination into what social media would transform into over the years. And, the struggles we would have with wanting to use the services social media (and other apps like health tracking and AI) offer in order that we might share with the world and feel connected, while also battling internally with constant issues of data and privacy. 

The stories and characters alone would make The Circle engrossing to read. But, with how closely this mirrors our current situation, the author provided so much more contemplation above the baseline narrative. For example, the apps that become integrated in everyday life are so imaginative. And, if not for all the pressing privacy issues, I would want them all. It’s much like today, the conundrum weighing the costs to benefits these services provide, yet also being mindful, and cautiously aware, of the associated risks and negative impacts. It’s astounding the similarities in how much data and privacy the characters in the story freely give up, much like us today. Seeing things evolve in the storyline, slowly at first and then snowballing, made me realize how normal things become over time, unquestioned and accepted. While this is a fictional story, I highly recommend reading it in the present moment. It will definitely push your mind to consider what path is right for you going forward. And, it's definitely not all doom and gloom. There is so much humor strung throughout - the workplace scenarios, especially, are hilarious, yet completely accurate.

The Every is a good follow-up story to The Circle, doing a great job of continuing on with some of the same characters from the first book as background, while introducing storylines for two new main characters that feel fresh and worthwhile to be told (not re-purposed from the first book). I continued to enjoy the imagination the author has in all of the apps and services he comes up with! Many, I legitimately think he should pursue trying to make a reality in the real world! This book continues to engage the reader to ponder deeply the balance we have between sharing and privacy, topics very relevant in todays world as people start to discuss backtracking to a more analog world in an effort to claw back some privacy and free thinking, and pursue real-life connections over digital. Like The Circle, the author did a really great job of talking about such a serious topic, while also making the storyline and characters light hearted and relatable. Even if someone chose to read this book without digging into any of the messages in a meaningful way, they would enjoy the plot and character development.

book review: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  3.5/5

Yellowface kept me engaged as an enjoyable and interesting read. I did recently read The Plot/The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz and Fruit Fly by Josh Silver and will say I found those to be a bit more of a unique take on this trope. Both also created a higher level of pace and suspense in needed areas. I did appreciate R.F. Kuang's discussions on cultural appropriation and authenticity. Possibly, if I had read it before any other similar books, the plot and execution might have knocked me off my feet better.

book review: Jaws by Peter Benchley

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5

The suspense in Jaws by Peter Benchley is expertly crafted - characters are put in situations where as the reader you're just yelling for them not to do what they are about to do. Particularly in the beginning of the book, the narrative goes from the person to the shark and continues back and forth creating such wonderful suspense. I wish that would have continued a bit more in the later parts of the book (the shark's perspective wasn't provided any longer). The characters were interesting and had compelling back stories. However, I did find some of the commentary and situations quite raunchy, racist, and unnecessary. I don't think these would make it through it to the final copy if this was published today, which I think is good. Even in 1974, though, even if they weren't considered taboo or unacceptable, the plot probably would have benefited if more focus was put on the situation with the shark versus so heavily character driven. I wanted to read the actual book since I never had and overall I enjoyed it and am happy I did. 

book review: Quarantine by Greg Egan

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 4/5

Greg Egan's Quarantine dives deep into the Observer Effect, which was my primary motivation for reading it. The author crafts a highly detailed storyline exploring how the subconscious not only determines reality but can also actively manipulate its outcomes. Because there are so many theories about the true capabilities and limitations of the Observer Effect, it was fascinating to experience a vivid, albeit fictional, visualization of how this concept could play out.

The book also toys with the psychological impact of realizing we may not be in complete control of our destiny. This reminded me of a concept from I believe Cixin Liu’s work: the idea that if humanity ever confirmed the Observer Effect—or discovered extraterrestrial life—we would struggle to find fulfillment, crushed by the knowledge of how minuscule our lives are in the grand scheme of things.If you enjoy exploring these philosophical themes alongside the concept of neural "mods" altering human choices and emotions, this book is an excellent fit. However, it is a challenging read that requires a basic grasp of quantum physics, or at least the patience to digest complex scientific theories alongside a fictional narrative.

I deducted one point because I found the first half of the book skipped over important information in the search to find the missing woman and why she was abducted. And, I didn't feel like the remainder of the book resolved that fully, instead relying more on a different subjects contribution to Ensemble.

book review: Observer by Robert Lanza and Nancy Kress

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 4/5

I'm fascinated by quantum physics, particularly different perspectives on how it could play out. This book is fictional, but written in part by Dr. Lanza who primarily seems to work in medical and biological sciences. But, has an interest in, and has co-authored publications in, the cosmos and physics. So, that's enough to craft an interesting take on it, in my opinion. The more layman explanations of The Observer Effect, as well as some of the other theories that likely intersect with it, provided me a deeper understanding of what I already knew. And, the plot of the book toying with the idea that The Observer Effect creates the world around us, not the other way around. And, that it could even open multi-dimensions. That would have been satisfying enough, yet Observer also included well developed characters that had complex relationships with each other, creating an additional storyline that almost any reader could be drawn into. The pace stayed strong, inviting me to open the pages every evening.  

book review: Capital From Zero - Reading Marx in the Age of Climate Catastrophe by Kahei Saito

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  5/5

Thank you Astra for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Kohei Saito’s Capital From Zero: Reading Marx in the Age of Climate Catastrophe is both timely and accessible. Though designed at its core as an introduction to Marx in an effort to make his work more approachable, this volume is valuable for readers with varied purpose, current stance on political theory, or familiarity with Marx. For those wanting to understand some of the terms being thrown around in political debates — such as capitalism, socialism, communism, neoliberalism, association etc. — Saito breaks down these concepts in layman’s terms. He thoughtfully outlines the viewpoints of not only Marx, but other important philosophers as well. This allows the reader to confidently participate in future discussions in a more knowledgable way, come to their own decisions whether they ascribe to some of the negative connotations attached to some of these terms, and whether some of the ideas may be a path forward, either in piece or in whole. It is a compelling standalone read for anyone just beginning to contemplate an option other than capitalism, as well as an excellent springboard for those planning to read Marx’s work.

book review: Retro by Jessica M. Goldstein

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 4/5

Thank you Ballantine for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Retro by Jessica M. Goldstein is a refreshing spin on time travel that blends a whimsical, Wonka-esque atmosphere with a deeply relatable character study. We follow Ash, who, after losing her job, begins hosting tourists on trips to the past. As she moves between eras, she’s forced to weigh her own life and relationships against the snapshots of history and those in the present that seem to have achieved “success.” The conversational, rambling prose makes it easy to inhabit Ash’s headspace, and the 80s and 90s pop culture references are a total delight.

My only critique is that it was slow to build upon the strangeness Ash was noticing with her memory and relationships outside of Retro. Capitalizing on that eeriness closer to the midpoint of the book would have allowed for a stronger crescendo ending. Despite that, the history tidbits and relatable social themes carry it through providing a more than satisfying read. 

This is a perfect pick for anyone seeking a nostalgic, lighthearted coming of age story with a sprinkling of time travel.

book review: The Truth of Time by Bryan Whelan

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  5/5

Don't let the serious cover art fool you, The Truth of Time by Bryan Whelan is a delightfully clever page turner that weaves a smattering of sci-fi with history and a whodunit into a complex wondrous tale. 

The author takes the reader on a jovial roller coaster ride of discovery alongside a fully realized diverse group of characters to a futuristic place, masterfully detailed points in the past, and then back to the future again. The worlds are incredibly layered and the magic is believable. The dialogue is sharp and the twists are so sophisticated they constantly caught me off guard. All told, this book was powerfully rendered, managing to be both fun and intellectually rewarding. 

I hope the author will decide to market this book, or a publisher will take notice and offer to take this book under their wing, because this book has so much potential and needs to reach more readers! I think pretty much anyone would enjoy this book - history buffs, sci-fi lovers, thriller cravers, and the casual reader. Its boundless imagination and fast pace make it a perfect 'crossover' hit for Young Adult readers as well.

Please consider this as your next read...sometimes the books you stumble upon are the best, as was my experience with this one!

book review: Once We Forget by Elise Geither

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  4/5 stars

Thank you Hidden Shelf Publishing for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own. 

Once We Forget by Elise Geither is a moving exploration of how memory enriches our lives, recedes into deep forgotten places, or is lost altogether, potentially never to surface again. 

 

The story follows Rose and her mother’s partner, Henry, as they navigate the increasingly evident changes dementia takes on her mother’s mind and body. Simultaneously, Rose grapples with holes in her own memories: she cannot remember anything before the age of nine. Why is this? And, who is this mysterious blonde girl Lily that begins haunting her dreams? 

 

Through vivid, fragmented narration, Geither masterfully captures depicts how the world almost stands still for dementia patients and their caregivers. They spend their days either fighting to stay afloat or desperately grasping at remaining memories to maintain a connection to the past. As Geither beautifully writes: “We don’t know what becomes of the words. We only know they go away. And there is a soft white page left where they used to be, like a book being erased page by page.” 

 

The secondary plotline—Rose’s quest to uncover memories of a potential sister—unfolds through minor revelations. However, I craved deeper exploration and stronger narrative milestones. The story misses ripe opportunities to expand this mystery, such as the weekend Rose watches Jolie, her stay at a haunted cabin, or the moment she receives her mother’s journal. The revelation came instead in a memory that was finally poured out in full. This left me unsatisfied and still with questions. Utilizing her mother’s journal or diving deeper into her stay with Aunt Grace—the exact day her memories stopped—could have fully realized this subplot's potential. 

 

Despite wanting a more fulfilling resolution to Rose’s arc, I am grateful to have read this book. It is deeply sorrowful, yet it offers a healing space for anyone navigating cognitive decline with a loved one. The raw emotions on the page make it incredibly easy to connect with, and fans of literary fiction will deeply appreciate Geither's craft.

book review: The Gospel According to Hobby Lobby by Michael Blanding

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 5/5

Thank you PublicAffairs for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Born in 1980, right when evangelical support ushered Reagan into office, I have felt my life punctuated by the evolution of American evangelicalism. My childhood cartoons and The Price is Right viewings were routinely interjected with Billy Graham’s specials and Tammy Faye’s tear-streaked please for money. My teens were defined by True Love Waits, Promise Keepers, The Left Behind Novels, and The Passion of the Christ. In my professional life, working retail in Florida meant navigating a polarized landscape where choosing between “Happy Holidays” and “Merry Christmas” carried real consequences, all while driving past oddities like Dinosaur World and the Holy Land Experience. Now, what should be the best years of my life are marred by the chaos of radical Christian Nationalists and money-backed politicians. I doubt evangelicals realize how a lifetime of witnessing their double standards and corruption pushes away people who grew up close to God.

This ongoing chaos forced me to scrutinize where my money goes, ensuring my dollars do not fund agendas actively fighting against my well-being. Wanting to make an educated decision about a major corporation, I turned to Michael Blanding’s The Gospel According to Hobby Lobby. It delivered exactly what I needed, and more.

At first glance, using profits and tax breaks to fund a mission to share the Bible globally sounds noble. However, their hypocrisy is maddening. The Greens forcefully impose their ideas on others while turning a blind eye to the greed, corruption, fraud, sexual misconduct allegations, theft, scams, hate, and violence tied to themselves and the prominent figures they bankroll. Alongside the family history, the book masterfully details biblical history, the separation of church and state, religious antiquities, and complex judicial proceedings. It is incredibly fast-paced and engrossing for non-fiction, compiled seamlessly from countless sources without an ounce of fluff. My only wish is that it were fiction, rather than a true story of real people damaging innocent bystanders.

What struck me most is how the Green family and other evangelical leaders view themselves as God’s chosen stewards. They claim the Bible is inerrant and that only their interpretation is correct, dismissing all others. Yet, history shows everyone manipulates scripture to fit their own agenda. The book notes they worry about their legacy 50 years from now—a bizarre concern if their work is truly strictly for God.

I commend Blanding for his impartial, matter-of-fact presentation. Nearly every sentence is sourced, completely free of editorial opinion. The facts are so compelling that they require no authorial bias; the story indicts itself. Because of its logical, research-driven presentation, I hope people of all viewpoints read it. As for me, my stance is clear.

book review: Astronaut! by Oana Aristide

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  5/5

Thank you W. W. Norton & Company for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own. 

In 1989, dictator rule clouds Romania. Eight-year-old Lia doesn’t fully grasp why she is constantly getting into trouble. She sees the oppression, rations, and suspicion among neighbors, but naively she just wants to be a kid. The fear and tension from her parents is palpable, that any mis-step their child might make could cause them to be imprisoned or worse. Paralleling Lia’s innocence is Detective Constantin, who is trying to solve a serial killer case without offending the high-ranking officials watching his every move. These two storylines eventually collide in a deeply satisfying conclusion. 

Through not only Lia’s eyes, but Constantin’s son as well, we get a really beautifully orchestrated look at childhood under oppression. I especially loved the nightly parables Constantin reads to his son to explain the world’s harsh truths; including the full text of these stories was a wonderful touch. Lia’s simple, poignant desire to “get the colour back into the world” really resonated with me. 

I highly recommend Astronaut! by Oana Aristide to anyone who wants to open themselves up to something a little different, fresh, thought-provoking, and intriguing.