Loony Literature

The Outsider by Stephen King My Rating: 3/5 Stars We all knew Stephen King would make an appearance one day, and if you didn't, you probably don't know me all that well. I will admit, this one took me awhile to get through, which partly results in the low rating. I'll say it bluntly; Stephen King's novels are long, and if you're not particularly invested or signifucantly strong-willed, they aren't the books for you. Sure, some of his novels are shorter - more reasonable for a reader with commitment issues - but regularly lack character building and world envelopment. I am sorry to admit that this review will undoubtedly be sub-par, mostly because I don't remember the first half of the book too well. But what I do remember is brilliant. This mix of mystery and horror leaves you wanting more in a disgusting, queesy sort of way. The hunt for the "outsider" is an epic one that transforms the classic "who-done-it" plotline. Any more talk...

Scarlett Epstein Hates it Here by Anna Breslaw My Rating 4/5 Stars Do not let the discount sticker fool you; do not let it push you away from reading an entirely quirky and relatable story about a teenage girl who's best friend is a 70 year-old pothead. Alright, maybe that last part isn't so much relatable as it is crazy. Nonetheless, anyone who loved Rowell's "Fangirl" will no doubt devour this story just as I had. Fall in love with Scarlett and her not-so fantasy world of billionare fathers and sex robot friends. This wild mashup of realistic fiction and fantasy is a breath of fresh air in the pollution of overused, stinky cliches. The overall plot suffered a bit when it succombed to the "happy-ever-after" ending template, but was otherwise a fantastic read that I highly recommend.