Artemis

Book 25 of 2018 is Artemis by Andy Weir.

I loved The Martian so much,. I laughed, I cried and I scienced. Despite and in honour of the poo jokes, I read this book.

It took me a few months to get through it, while reading other books. It was enjoyable the whole time.

The female protagonist is immature but relatable. Mars is alien but relatable. The whole book is challenging but relatable.

It is not The Martian but it's great. Just great.

I gave my copy of this book to a bartender who served the bar I sat at while reading this. Hope he likes it.

4 domes out of 5.

Should I read this? Yeah, she's a cool character who I'd hang out with.
What did I learn? Humans will survive in all situations. We just do.

Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging

Book 24 of 2018 is Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger.

He talks about ancient cultures and primal cultures and current native cultures. He talks about how they have support and lack high rates of suicide because of support. The idea that the tribe and building a tribe is the way humans are meant to live.

Although I come from a modern tribal culture and the idea of building your clan, I disagree with the modern and ancient culture of total acceptance of who you. I can name many things like homosexuality, refusal to breed and wanting to leave the group as reasons why traditional tribes are not perfect.

He doesn't use data but instead make declarative statements about how the world should be and how a group of people you conform to makes that better.

There were some great ideas. We do need people. We do need acceptance or at least the place to voice who we are. We do need belonging.

My challenge is that it isn't as easy as finding a group to belong to. I belong to may groups and they satisfy a lot of my needs and wants. It's not black and white.

3 white defects to native American tribes out of 5.

Should I read this? Only with the intention to expand your philosophical views. Otherwise, nay.
What did I learn? We build our networks. They do not pick us.

The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O.

Book 23 of 2018 is The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. by Neal Stephenson.

Since Allison made me read Snow Crash, I have been craving every single thing he writes. It's always a loooong book with a great idea that I think I can't possibly finish but it ends up being a ravenous consumption of fiction.

The female lead is respectable, relatable and remarkable.

When science fiction, time travel and historical fiction mixes, you have a winner. At least when Stephenson writes it.

5 Neanderthals out of 5.

Should I read this? Yes. Yes. Yes!
What did I learn? History is much more interesting when you have context, any context.

Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death

Book 22 of 2018 is Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death by M.C. Beaton.

I do love this series and this book did not disappoint. After months away from this series, this was a wonderful snap back.

Agatha is independent and in love with James but not changing her life for him. You go, girl!

This is a series you should read if you like Christie.

4 shoes in the mud out of 5.

Should I read this? Only if you like Agatha Christie.
What did I learn? Read ALL the things!

Treasure Island

Book 21 of 2018 is Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Having read this book over 30 years ago, I thought I'd scan through it since we all know the story so well. The thing with me remembering books is that I recall the peaks and troughs but forget the detail after that long. I'm glad I re-read it.

Like all true classics that define their genre, it isn't perfect or even at the pace I would expect of a swashbuckling adventure but it is true to form. The characters are more complex than I remember them and the classism is cringeworthy but I must keep it mind that it was published in 1883.

This is more than a children's books and less than an adult's book so I am not sure whether to recommend it based on that. I can however recommend it based on it being fun and adventurous.

You can decide if that is for you.

4 Yo-ho-ho, and  bottles of rum out of 5.

Should I read this? Do it. It's a short fun adventurous read.
What did I learn? Rum is not a life for me.

The Gender Game

Book 20 of 2018 is The Gender Game by Bella Forrest.

I wanted to like this so much but I didn't.

For a perfect feminist book, it mansplained a lot of why the world is how it is and maybe how a female run world would be just as bad. It doesn't discuss how close to equality the female world is. Women are less oppressive. Children of Time did it better.

The premise is brilliant so I will read the second book and hope that she doesn't pursue the relationship with the hermit hipster.

2 mansplains out of 5.

Should I read this? No.
What did I learn? Women can mansplain too.

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

Book 19 of 2018 is Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend.

I only found out after reading this that it was written by an Aussie female author. That makes me proud because this is one of the best books I've read this year.

The female protagonist is curious, robust and sensible. Unlike most young adult novel heroines, she isn't clueless and silly. She thinks for herself and makes sensible decisions.

This world is phantasmagorical and wonderful. Reminds me of Night Circus.

Read it. Read it. Read it.

5 destinies out of 5.

Should I read this? Yep.
What did I learn? Female authors write brilliant characters and not just female ones.