Venus, Inc. by Pohl and Kornbluth

In this edition, you get the original book and the sequel. Both are pretty good.

In this future Earth, advertising has gotten out of control and basically rules the world. Most people are rather pathetic consumers. A human colony on Venus is trying to go a different way.

The story is a little hard to do a short summary, so you’ll have to read to find out the details. The ending is hopeful.

To me the story is a bit scary in that we might actually be on the path to become this crazy world. So much social media is stupid, yet dangerously addictive. This is how this could start. Time to wake up before it’s too late.

Most of those influencers don’t know squat. Don’t let them rule your life.

Ordeal by Innocence by Agatha Christie

This book is among Christie’s personal  favorites. 

The plot is good, but it moves slowly in spots. Perhaps a touch contrived. Dialogue seems a little dated.

I think I figured out who was the killer very close to the end, but not really the reasons until revealed. 

Should keep you entertained. Lots of complex characters. 

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Enter a world that no longer exists. The customs seem strange at first, then they start to make sense - at least, they have a consistency and order about them. Everyone knows what’s expected, and there is something to be said for that. It may not be perfect, but then what is.

It’s not a very long book, but a lot goes on in these pages. 

Suddenly, things change. The colonization of Africa. Not everyone can handle the change. 

That’s the book in a nutshell. Read it. The details are really something. Five stars for sure. Enjoy!

Crooked House by Agatha Christie

I’ve read many of Christie’s books and liked most very much. 

I saw this book named in an article on Christie’s supposed best books. It was on her list of personal favorites as well. This led me to read it. 

The book was a bit of a disappointment. It was missing something - depth I guess you could say. Felt like it just meandered around. 

I was pretty sure I knew who the killer was before the end. It was as I suspected. A bizarre choice who had strange motives for murder I think. Not satisfying you could say. 

I would not recommend it to others. 

Peril at End House

Agatha Christie wrote a lot of really great books, but this one was only OK. 

Too much going on and more than a bit contrived. 

The ending was a surprise, but it wasn’t very satisfying.