Classic 4/5
When tourists bring John to a supposedly Utopian world, he cannot understand their lack of basic morality. This classic is a must-read, if only to understand modern cultural references. It describes a world that in many ways reflects our own, taken to appalling extremes. As a novel, however, its opening promise is dispersed by a wandering plot.
Just finished going over the publisher’s proofs for the nonfiction book on courage (Undaunted) which should be out for pre-order in a few days, and had a really good meeting with the co-author (homicide detective Dave Sweet) about a launch and promotions. Also, I am very close to wrapping up the biography I’m working on. Then the summer is clear to work on Book 4 of my Addicted to Heaven series.
Young Adult Fantasy 3/5
Twelve-year-old Adam is irresistibly drawn to the ocean where he is transported to the mythical city of Atlantis, called by his destiny—to save Atlantis from destruction. This is a fun YA adventure into a mysterious and mythical world full of danger and untrustworthy opponents.
Finished my novel edits, and got critique back on the biography I’m writing; got a good start on those edits, too. Taught a workshop on the weekend.
Statistics and data drive Perez’s conclusions about how the world—political, medical, economic, historical, educational, technological, even transportation design—is designed around the needs of men, and women are…invisible. Although, as a woman, I was aware on some level of many of the processes described in the book, many were not—and shocking. Even tiny things we all know like women’s clothing having no pockets, or phones built for larger hands, were revelatory. Taken all together, the insights are stupendous—and on hind-sight, obvious.
