Spencer's Bookcase

My Five Favourite Books that I read this Year (2021)

So yesterday I did my least favourite books that I read this year, now let’s be more positive and talk about my favourite reads of 2021!

Honorable Mention: The Outsider by Albert Camus

The Outsider, Book by Albert Camus (Mass Market Paperback) | www.chapters.indigo.ca

I really like Absurdist/Existentialist thought and I thought The Outsider by Albert Camus told a really interesting story that had this philosophy written all over it. Definitely well worth a read if you are into philosophical thought. Best of all it’s a very quick read!

5. The Shining

I really enjoyed this read. The Characters were all great, and I related to what the Torrance’s go through, as when I was reading this there was a stay-at-home order. It also covered the important issues of Alcoholism and Domestic Abuse. It was a very good Horror book and I definitely recommend reading this book during the winter months.

4. Fahrenheit 451

Fahrenheit 451 was the best Dystopian Novel that I read this year, I liked this book so much more than Brave New World. Guy Montag is a great protagonist who really changes in the book. The battle between him and his boss, Captain Beatty was a very good ideological battle. This book is also just great for book lovers as it shows the importance of books and why they need to be protected.

3. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Maybe it’s just because I read this during the Lockdown, but this was the uplifting book I needed during that time. The jokes were witty, the characters were likable and funny. Surprisingly there are some deep questions about the human condition in this novel. And this is a series I plan to continue on reading in the new year, so stay tuned!

2. A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R.R Martin

If you’ve been following my blog, you knew this was going to be on this list. I know I’m cheating here, as it’s five books in total (well, so far). But I still really enjoy this book series, it was the biggest book series I’ve read so far and it was such a good ride! I still feel very accomplished just being able to finish reading this book series. It had great characters, amazing world-building, lore, and very good political intrigue. This is a must-read if you are into Epic Fantasy.

1. A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll

A Kind of Spark has a very special place in my heart. As an Autistic person myself, this book was just oh so relatable to me. This book had me in tears even at certain parts of the book. Since this book really speaks to me, I’m rating this as my favourite book of 2021.

See you all next time!

The Five Most Disappointing books I’ve read this year (2021)

As the year 2021, comes to a close, I’ve read quite a few books. When you read so many books in a year, there’s bound to be a few books that you just didn’t like for whatever reason.

Disclaimer: This list is just my opinion. So please don’t get offended if a book you really like is on this list.

This is my list of the five most disappointing books that I’ve read this past year:

Honorable or Dishonorable Mention: Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

While the book met my expectations (I came in looking for a few laughs and I got what I wanted), I was very disappointed with the ending. The ending was very anti-climatic as it just ends abruptly. And for that reason, I’m going to make it an honorable or dishonorable mention.

5. The Time Machine

The Time Machine by H. G. Wells: 9780141439976 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

I know this book is a classic in the Science Fiction genre, but I just wasn’t blown away by it. As I said in my review: “My perception of it also may be worse than it is because of the oversaturation of time travel in science fiction. It feels like time travel is just everywhere after all! Again the book is ok, but I don’t love it.” I still stand by this, as Time Travel is all over the place. For this reason, I was a little disappointed by this book.

4. Candide

While I still appreciate the Philosophy and the historical references in the book, as a story it’s very flawed. None of the characters grow and are one-dimensional, our main character is stupid and just lacks commonsense. Lastly the book just kept jumping from plot point to plot point with no room to breath! It’s very unlikely that I’ll be reading this book again.

3. The Westing Game

This book was a very disappointing Mystery Novel. There was no real way of ruling out any of the 16 suspects… yes there were 16 suspects in this novel. I became attached to none of the characters. Lastly, the constant POV Switches were just too annoying.

2. One Second After

One Second After (A John Matherson Novel Book 1) eBook: Forstchen, William R., Newt Gingrich, William D. Sanders: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store

This book was the biggest disappointment to me. I was really interested in this book’s premise: What do you do if there was an EMP Attack? But I did not like this book. The romance felt completely forced and it added nothing to the story. The book had a “show don’t tell” problem, the rest of the characters were weak, and all the major scenes are just speeches or meetings that go on for a little too long. The Premise was good but I was really disappointed with this book and I don’t think I’ll ever read the rest of John Matherson’s trilogy or any of other William R. Forstchen books.

1. Brave New World

Brave New World Covers | An Amateur Illustrator's World

I really hated this book, and I thought I was going to like it because I have a soft spot for Dystopian Novels. This was the book that I read that I hated the most this entire year. Almost none of the characters were likable, it had one of the worst main protagonists I’ve ever read. It had terrible world-building and no real perspectives from the other castes. I also still find the worship of Henry Ford still very far-fetched to this day. In my opinion, this is the worst Dystopian Novel that I’ve read so far.

Conclusion:

Well, those are the most disappointing books I’ve read this year. Tune in tomorrow for the five best books I read in 2021!

Show Us Who You Are

Title: Show Us Who You Are

Author: Elle McNicoll

Genre: Disability and Autism, Science Fiction

Pages: 310

Synopsis:

When Cora’s brother drags her along to his boss’s house, she doesn’t expect to strike up a friendship with Adrien, son of the intimidating CEO of Pomegranate Technologies. As she becomes part of Adrien’s life, she is also drawn into the mysterious projects at Pomegranate. At first, she’s intrigued by them – Pomegranate is using AI to recreate real people in hologram form. As she digs deeper, however, she uncovers darker secrets… Cora knows she must unravel their plans, but can she fight to make her voice heard, whilst never losing sight of herself?

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

After reading A Kind of Spark, I found out shortly after Elle McNicoll published her second book earlier this year. Since I loved A Kind of Spark so much and I haven’t really reviewed anything that was published this year, I immediately ordered Show Us Who You Are.

Show Us Who You Are continues the focus on Neurodivergent Characters. And once again Elle McNicoll knocks it out of the park with this book! The friendship between Cora and Adrien was a real highlight, they had great banter and I enjoyed their interactions with each other. The certain event that happens to them almost mid-way through the book really shook me up.

The Science Fiction element in this book had some terrifying concepts. The Pomegranate Institute create very life-like holograms of individuals, so that loved ones can come and visit them when they pass away, so they never have to say goodbye. Some of the concepts done by this such as when Cora meets her own hologram, and the hologram telling Cora to free her is such a scary concept.

Elle McNicoll shows again the importance that being different is okay and should be celebrated and the importance of being true to who you are no matter how different you may be. The speech Cora does during the TV scene even had me in tears.

This book also gets very deep on its themes: Identity and Authenticity, Grief and Loss, Eugenics, Ableism, and Ethics in the field of artificial intelligence.

If I had just one criticism of this book, the main antagonist I was able to spot almost immediately when we first met her. It was pretty obvious who the main antagonist was going to be. Regardless of this, the main antagonist was still a brilliant antagonist.

Just like A Kind of Spark, if you are Autistic or Neurodivergent this is another must-read. I also highly recommend this book if you want to learn and understand more about Autism. There is another book from Elle McNicoll coming out in 2022 and I can’t wait to read that one.

Rating:

Dune

Title: Dune

Author: Frank Herbert

Genre: Science Fiction

Series: Dune#1

Pages: 794

Synopsis:

Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, heir to a noble family tasked with ruling an inhospitable world where the only thing of value is the “spice” melange, a drug capable of extending life and enhancing consciousness. Coveted across the known universe, melange is a prize worth killing for….

When House Atreides is betrayed, the destruction of Paul’s family will set the boy on a journey toward a destiny greater than he could ever have imagined. And as he evolves into the mysterious man known as Muad’Dib, he will bring to fruition humankind’s most ancient and unattainable dream.

My Thoughts:

Dune is considered by many to be one of if not the best Science Fiction Novels ever made. And it’s definitely made its impact on the genre. It’s definitely an Epic story. I really like the World-Building that went on in this book as there is some Middle-Eastern influence here. It was really interesting following the world of Arrakis, the Fremen was a very interesting people. I also just found the idea of water being a currency really interesting. I also just loved the Politics scenes, they were in my opinion the chapters where I was most hooked on. I also was very intrigued by the villain Baron Harkonnen. The action scenes were also pretty good.

I feel like Frank Herbert was quite a visionary, as he was talking about things such as Sustainable Development and Environmentalism. And reminder this book was made in 1965! The Environmentalism in this book to me just made the book even better!

This may get me in hot water, but I didn’t really like Paul Atreides as a character. Paul Atreides seems a bit like a Gary Stu to me. He just seems good at well…. everything. He knows how to survive, fight, and he’s a genius and he has powers too! He has almost no real weaknesses. To be honest, I thought Jessica Atreides was a much better main character. She struggles to live in a world that she is not familiar with, she had to mourn and get over the loss of her partner Leto, and she has to look after her son and later her daughter. Not to mention she avoids getting assassinated by the Harkonnen, defeats one of the strongest fighters among the Fremen, and thrives in an unforgiving land amongst a fierce people.

I also just found the pacing at times a little rough and it was a bit of a slog to get through.

Overall, the book was definitely a joy to read and if you really like Science Fiction, this book is a must-read.

Rating:

The Shepherd

Title: The Shepherd

Author: Frederick Forsyth

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 124

Synopsis:

It is Christmas Eve, 1957, and there are cozier places to be than the cockpit of a de Havilland Vampire fighter plane. But for the Royal Air Force pilot who has just taken off from West Germany, this single-seat jet is the only way to make it back to England for Christmas morning. His flight plan is simple; the fuel tank is full. In sixty-six minutes, he will be back in Blighty. But then the plane begins to fail. First the compass goes haywire, then the radio dies. Lost and alone above the English coast, the pilot is searching for a landing strip when the fog closes in, signaling certain death. He has given up hope when a second shadow appears—a Mosquito fighter-bomber of World War II vintage. The plane is a “shepherd,” guiding the Vampire to a safe landing, and its appearance is a gift from fate, a miracle out of time—but for one lonely pilot, the mystery has just begun.

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

This may have been the quickest read that I read all of this year, as I was done with this book in less than an hour of reading it. So this might be a very quick review. The story is simple it’s about a young pilot trying to get home for Christmas when everything starts going wrong but is saved by a ghost pilot or ghost shepherd. This is a very short and pleasant read, and yeah there isn’t too much to say other than that tbh. It’s an okay read but it’s not mind-blowing or anything like that.

If there is one thing I highly recommend you do, is to listen to the Audio version done by Alan Maitland. The Audio is top-notch, and it’s something I listen to almost every single Christmas Eve. You can listen to it here on Youtube, in case you are interested.

Rating:

The Eye of the World

Title: The Eye of the World

Author: Robert Jordan

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Wheel of Time #1

Pages: 814

Synopsis:

The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

When The Two Rivers is attacked by Trollocs–a savage tribe of half-men, half-beasts– five villagers flee that night into a world they barely imagined, with new dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light.

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

It seems difficult to review this book without going too much into spoilers, but I’ll try. This book while long is a story that I quite fell in love with almost immediately thanks to the lore and the mythology. I was really into the Lore and the Mythology of this world. I also find the world-building interesting as the factions such as: The Children of Light, Aes Sedai, the Traveling People, Darkfriends, and the Forsaken are very well defined with their own unique characteristics. Just the idea of the Darkfriends being anybody is just terrifying! We also get introduced to the creatures of this world: Trollocs, the Ogier, Myrddraal. We also learn that the Monarchy of Andor is female-focused as the ruler of Andor has to be a Woman. Which is a very interesting take on the Monarchy. All of this is decent and interesting world-building.

When it comes to characters my two favourite characters are Rand Al’Thor and Moiraine. Rand Al’Thor was very interesting, as at the beginning he planned to be a farmer just like his dad was. Until his life gets turned upside down by the Trollocs attack. He leaves home to find out why the Dark One wants him, but at the same time, he wants to go back home. It was fascinating seeing him being a scared young adult to him finding the bravery to face Ba’alzamon near the end. While Moiraine, I like her because she’s like a mentor figure like Gandalf, and I kind of like that. Not to mention her being the character that best uses Magic just makes her a badass in my opinion.

As for the story, it’s done mostly as an Epic Quest. And this book is proof that even though Quests have been done to death, are still a great way of storytelling.

I also just want to mention that I think this is the first book I’ve read that had two Prologues.

Now I do have some criticisms: This book has a lot of similarities to The Lord of the Rings. This is both a blessing and a curse. I personally love Tolkein so I was mostly okay with the references to Tolkien’s work, but I can see why people would be put off by it and make the accusation that this is a Lord of the Rings clone.

I also just didn’t like Nynaeve as a character in this novel. She just seems so petty and angry most of the time. A couple of times, I just asked: “Why are you so upset?” As for Matt, while I did like him being the more “fun” character in the group, some of his ideas were just dangerous.

As the first book in this series, it’s definitely a solid first book in the series: it establishes our main cast of characters, some of the themes this series has, the antagonists, and what kind of world this is. I’m giving this the four-star rating as I did really like this book but it just didn’t blow me away. I am definitely interested in reading the next book and exploring more of this world.

Rating:

A Christmas Carol

Title: A Christmas Carol

Author: Charles Dickens

Genre: Classic

Pages: 122

Synopsis:

It tells the story of a bitter old miser named Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation resulting from a supernatural visit by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come.

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

What can I say? This is a Christmas Classic. While I’m sure most people are aware of the story, to really appreciate this story you have to read the actual novella. This is a very heartwarming story about a cold, bitter, and not a nice person getting a second chance at figuring out what really matters in life. This is a story about the importance of family, giving, charity and being a decent human being.

If I have one major issue with this story (besides everybody knowing the story), is how long it takes for Scrooge to figure out that the dead person in the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come visions is him. I thought it was so obvious and I just hate to call it a “reveal”.

Besides this, this story is a timeless classic. And definitely should be on everyone’s Christmas reading list.

Rating:

Christmas at the Vinyl Cafe

Title: Christmas at the Vinyl Cafe

Author: Stuart McLean

Genre: Short Stories

Pages: 250

Synopsis:

The hilarious world of Dave and Morley was even more real–more vibrant–during the holidays. For many, the Vinyl Cafe Christmas stories became beloved family traditions. Now, for the first time, they have been brought together in this special collection–including the classic Dave Cooks the Turkey, as well as five new, never before published Christmas stories. From mishaps with the Turlingtons and the tale of a young Dave’s first holiday disaster to the surprising Christmas Ferret and the touching sign off in The Christmas Card, these wonderful new stories will delight for years to come.
Brimming with charm and humour (often at Dave’s expense), these twelve stories entertain on every page, reminding us what the holidays are all about.

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

Christmas at the Vinyl Cafe is a compilation of “Dave and Morley” stories that took place at Christmas as we follow the misadventures of this family. They were mostly for a Radio show known as The Vinyl Cafe.

Christmas at the Vinyl Cafe is a great collection of short stories all about Christmas. These stories are hilarious but at the same time very heartwarming. The stories really capture what the Holidays are really all about: Family, Charity, it’s better to give rather than receive, and the importance of getting together with people you care about.

My personal favourite stories have to be “Dave cooks the Turkey” (a Christmas classic to me!), “Polly Anderson’s Christmas Party” and “Christmas at the Turlingtons” and “White Christmas”. I enjoyed all of the stories if I’m being honest.

Now my main criticism of this book is that it’s better to listen to these stories on audio. Listening to Stuart McLean himself reading these stories is something truly special.

Christmas at the Vinyl Cafe is one of my favourite things to read/listen during this time year. While I may not read every single story each year, I often find myself revisiting this book year after year. If you are looking for some funny but heartwarming stories for Christmas this is definitely something I highly recommend you give a read.

Rating:

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

Title: Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter Witch

Author: Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett

Genre: Comedy

Pages: 392

Synopsis:

‘Armageddon only happens once, you know. They don’t let you go around again until you get it right.’

People have been predicting the end of the world almost from its very beginning, so it’s only natural to be sceptical when a new date is set for Judgement Day. But what if, for once, the predictions are right, and the apocalypse really is due to arrive next Saturday, just after tea?

You could spend the time left drowning your sorrows, giving away all your possessions in preparation for the rapture, or laughing it off as (hopefully) just another hoax. Or you could just try to do something about it.

It’s a predicament that Aziraphale, a somewhat fussy angel, and Crowley, a fast-living demon now finds themselves in. They’ve been living amongst Earth’s mortals since The Beginning and, truth be told, have grown rather fond of the lifestyle and, in all honesty, are not actually looking forward to the coming Apocalypse.

And then there’s the small matter that someone appears to have misplaced the Antichrist…

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

Good Omens is an interesting book to review. I chose to read this because I felt like I need to read something more fun and comedic to read. Well, I certainly got that through this book. This book definitely was funny as I was bursting out laughing sometimes. I thought the premise of the novel was interesting too, as it’s about an Angel and a Demon teaming up together to delay the apocalypse.

My two favourite characters have got to be the Angel (Aziraphale) and the Demon (Crowley). The two had a fun dynamic and to me is easily the best relationship in this whole novel. I also had quite a bit of fun with the Horsemen of the Apocalypse storyline.

However, I felt the ending was a little anti-climatic. As the final battle between our heroes and Satan, just kind of… ends abruptly. I was disappointed in the ending as it just felt rushed and anti-climatic. Some of the characters I just didn’t like or weren’t that funny.

However, I came into this book looking for a laugh and this book definitely met my expectations.

Rating:

Monthly Wrap-Up: November 2021

Hello everyone! Welcome to the Monthly Wrap-Up where I give updates on my reading and other things I’m up to in the past month. So let’s get to it!

Books Read: 2

I once again was able to read well over 1000 pages! I may have only read two books this month but I was still able to get a lot of reading done!

A Dance with Dragons By George R.R Martin

Well, I did it! I actually did it! I finished ASOIAF series! While I did like this book, I still had some issues with it. But it definitely felt like a step up from A Feast for Crows. This was the biggest book series I’ve read so far and I just feel accomplished that I managed to finish reading it.

A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll

This book really spoke to me as an Autistic Person. It has to be one of the most relatable books that I remember reading as I really related to Addie and her sister Keedie. This was a very beautiful story that I’m still thinking about it after reading it.

Currently Reading:

I decided to read something a bit more comedic and I found it in this book. I really wanted to finish it before the end of the month but sadly I couldn’t before getting this post out. Expect a full book review of this very soon.

Series I’m Watching:

The Office Season 8 DVD Buying Guide • OfficeTally

Right now, I’m watching The Office Season 8. Now I’ve been putting off watching this season for a while now, because… I’ve heard this was the worst season of The Office. But since I’ve watched 7 seasons of this show, I might as well finish what I started. And to be honest, this season isn’t as bad as I thought. It’s still watchable and there were jokes that still got me roaring with laughter, but it’s just not as good as the previous seven seasons. Again, it’s not as bad as I thought but it does feel a step down especially after Steve Carrell left the show.

Plans for Next Month:

The month of December is going to be an ambitious month. I want to finish the year strong by reading hopefully around four books. Two of the books I’m going to read are going to be rereads involving Christmas! I plan to read two bigger books: I want to read The Eye of the World which is the first Wheel of Time book in the series and I want to read Dune (it’s another book that’s been on my reading list for a while). I’m going to be off for the last two weeks of this year, so I’m hoping to use that time to be able to read more. If I can read more than four books consider that a bonus.

I’m keeping my currently reading strategy in place because it’s continuing to work out very well for me.

Oh and stay tuned for the end of the month where I plan to give my list of five least favorite books that I read this year and the five books that I loved the most this past year. See you all soon and Happy Holidays!