Review: And the Mountains Echoed

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And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Khaled Hosseini knows the precise formula required to pluck at my heart strings and wring tears from my eyes. I'm not an emotional man by nature but as I sat here between patients in clinic and finished 'And the Mountains Echoed', the crevices of my face nearly became salt rivers. With every book of his I read, this man reaches right into my soul and sucker-punches me - giving me an always-needed reminder of my humanity and of the joys and heartbreak of life.

Like his other novels, I found 'And the Mountains Echoed' beautifully crafted and intricately designed. Unlike many other novels with multiple perspectives, every character is complex and relatable. I felt like I could live the happiness and misery of every single character. What I love most about the book is that although the story is interesting and can stand on its own, Khaled Hosseini crafted every sentence with the stroke of a master and each flowed like poetry. Even without a central storyline this book would have been fantastic.

I simply couldn't recommend this book emphatically enough! In return for transforming me into a blubbering emotional basketcase, I give 'And the Mountains Echoed' a loud gracious cheer and a tip of my hat. Mr. Hosseini, you sir should be mighty proud of this work of art.



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Review: Dad Is Fat

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Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Jim Gaffigan is one of the best comedians performing today so I was sincerely excited to read this book. It came as a huge surprise to me that 'Dad is fat' just wasn't that funny. Sure, there were a few giggle moments and I smirked during many moments of his short essays but overall it just sounded like the daddy humor that I've heard a million times before. It certainly wasn't to the standard I expected. I have heard most of this book before Jim ever wrote it - in daddy bitch-fests while I hang out with my buddies.

I can picture my wife laughing hysterically at this book because she appreciates family humor a bit more than I do but this just wasn't enough comedy for me.



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Review: Hounded

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Hounded by Kevin Hearne

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



I only read Hounded based on the recommendation of a friend who probably oversold it by describing it as the best book he'd ever read. I can see why the book might appeal to some people - the characters are exciting and it is full of mythical and historic references. It's right up the alley for fantasy geeks... if you prefer your fantasy of the more light-hearted variety.

For me, this simply just wasn't my cup of tea. The writing was flippant and didn't make me want to emotionally invest in the characters. I like the concept much more than I liked the execution. The first-person voice in this particular novel also annoyed me a bit, adding to my lack of interest. I think I'll stick to the more serious, non-buttery fantasy novels in the future.



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