#165. The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter

Title:	The Long Earth
Author:	Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter
Genre:	Science Fiction
Synopsis:	Humanity learns to ‘step’ to a seemingly unending number of alternate Earths that exist in realities alongside our own. Explorers set off, businesses and economies are affected, society is shaken, and humanity is forced to confront its own view of itself in the face of parallel evolution and untouched worlds.
Verdict:	An amazing concept, well executed. Makes you really think about what opportunity could bring and how humanity would react to a much more concrete experience of the infinite.
Pages:	344
Read:	November 2014

#164. The Crying Of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon

Title:	The Crying of Lot 49
Author:	Thomas Pynchon
Genre:	Post-Modernist Literature
Synopsis:	Oedipa Mass is sent on a strange journey when her ex-boyfriend names her executor of his will.
Verdict:	Incredibly strange, an interesting lens through which to view America and Western society but not really my cup of tea. It seemed like everybody could have benefitted from some counselling or medication. There was some pretty gorgeous imagery and turns of phrase in there though.
Pages:	127
Read:	November 2014

#163. Heat Wave by Richard Castle

Title:	Heat Wave
Author:	Richard Castle
Genre:	Crime Fiction/Detective
Synopsis:	Detective Heat is required to take reporter Jameson Rook on as she tries to solve the suspicious death of a millionaire who fell from his apartment window.
Verdict:	A little bit sensational in places but an enjoyable crime novel that complements the series. I like how obvious they make Castle’s crush on Beckett, and the way they included various words or quotes from the episodes.
Pages:	349
Read:	November 2014

#162. Gulp by Mary Roach

Title:	Gulp
Author:	Mary Roach
Genre:	Humorous Research/Non-fiction
Synopsis:	An overview of the studies on the alimentary canal and the development of our understanding of digestion and the role it plays in human health.
Verdict:	Interesting look at the historical treatment and studies, all the way up to modern times. It features the expected tales of wild assumptions and initial inaccurate medical ‘knowledge’ but it is surprising to discover how little we still know and how much of an influence digestive health turns out to have on our overall wellbeing.
Pages:	327
Read:	May 2014

#161. Closure Limited And Other Zombie Tales by Max Brooks

Title:	Closure Limited And Other Zombie Tales
Author:	Max Brooks
Genre:	Short Stories/Zombies
Synopsis:	A small collection of extra stories based mostly in the World War Z universe, with one story with a bit of a supernatural cross-over.
Verdict:	The world can always use a bit more World War Z and the detail that comes with it. The depth of Max Brooks’ planning and attention to detail continues to make me deliriously happy.
Pages:	124
Read:	April 2014