"I Feel Bad about My Neck" by Nora Ephron

I quite enjoyed this short collection of essays about aging. Ephron's observations didn't always resonate with me, but her entertainingly ironic and self aware attitide enabled me to zoom through the book effortlessly.

"The Cockroaches" by Jo Nesbo

One of the fun things about this book is that it takes place in Bangkok, which I've visited, so I could relate to some of the scenery and atmosphere. Jo Nesbo certainly has a lot of murder in his books, but I enjoy them enough to read further. One weakness is that I'm pretty sure there is a bit being lost in translation. Sometimes the text is clunky, and it does not help that the translator uses very British terminology/slang, some of which I don't even know or recall ever having seen.

"The Bat" by Jo Nesbo

This was Jo Nesbo's first crime novel, so perhaps that's why I wasn't too impresses by it. There was much to much exposition about Australian Aboriginal mythology, and about Harry's drinking problem. I had trouble believing the motivations of the characters, or even actually understanding what was going on. It was a poor translation.

"Slade House" by David Mitchell

I loved the structure of this book. Every chapter is told in the first person from the point of view of the unsuspecting victim. And each chapter subtly points to increasing danger for the predatory twin brother and sister. This is the first book I've read in a long time which I couldn't put down. I finished it in the middle of the night. I have to say, the ending wasn't even disappointing. But the book did make me wish that I better remembered the other titles I've read by Mitchell. It seems all his books are interrelated via recurring characters and supernatural themes.

"The White Bone" by Barbara Gowdy

I think I loathed this book. Elephant spirituality --- give me a break! Admittedly, it was interesting getting into the headspace of elephants.