Yellowface

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unexpected, twisty, exceedingly dark, and positively delicious. Good narration.

Emotional…

 Okay, y'all. You might think this is silly to post about, but here we go. Was just going through my Amazon library, and decided to delete things I don't use anymore. Stopped using my Kindle around 2020, but have held onto the books for some reason, even though I gave it away months ago. Looking through the books brought back so many incredible memories. The invention of the Kindle opened an entirely new world to me. Because of my disability, it is extremely difficult to keep a book open and turn pages. Always loved to read, but the amount of effort that went into enjoying a physical book just wasn't worth it. Needless to say, the Kindle changed my life, and I have become a voracious reader. I switched to audiobooks around 2020 because of the toll looking down at my Kindle took on my neck over the years. If it's possible, I'm enjoying reading even more now. It's become my absolute favorite thing to do. Anyway, went on quite the side quest there. The original point of this post is just to say that I am grateful for my reading evolution, will always be grateful to the Kindle, and got emotional removing all the digital books from my library. Can't believe the first one I ever bought was way back on January 6, 2009. Time sure does fly.

Do You Want Me to Go?: A Short Story

Do You Want Me to Go?: A Short Story by Adriana Trigiani
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raw, sweet, and honest. Beautiful. Good narration.

Olde Mistick Village/Foxwoods Birthday Celebration: June 29-30, 2026

 Photo Credit: Eric Bain 

Went to Foxwoods overnight for my birthday last month with Eric. Wanted to explore Connecticut a little bit before heading to the hotel, and happened across Olde Mistick Village. A beautiful, nostalgic time warp with vintage shops, incredible views, good food, and friendly people. Day was going swimmingly until Eric decided he wanted to run over his front, and lose a chunk of toenail. Don't know. Maybe it was a crazy fashion choice or something? Anyway, we made our way to the hotel so that he could sanitize, clean, and bandage his injury, and then got sucked into slots for a little while. We both left up, so that's definitely a win if you ask me. Good times! Great memories!

Generation Friends: An Inside Look at the Show that Defined a Television Era

Generation Friends: An Inside Look at the Show that Defined a Television Era by Saul Austerlitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fascinating, and surprisingly honest. Clinical narration.

7/2/2026: Same feelings as above for the contents of the audiobook, but I would like to say that you can definitely tell that this was a passion project, in the most loving way. Also, I have to change my opinion about the narration. It is spirited at times, referential, sweet, and enthusiastic.

The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gut-wrenching. Profound. Immediate. Necessary.

7/1/2026: Still feel the same as I did above. Just hope one day it doesn't reflect society so well. One can dream.

Fun!

Photo Credit: Eric Bain

A while back, Eric and I went out for lunch downtown, and took a nice stroll along the pier to look at the boats, and get some ice cream. Great way to spend the afternoon. 

Ominous, Yet Beautiful…

 

Photo Credit: Jill Rock

Why So Serious?

 

Photo Credit: Steven Dvorkin

August!

According to several reliable sources, the complete cast recording of the 2025 London revival of Evita is set for an August release. While there is no specific date announced, the 28th seems to be bouncing around the Internet. Couple things I'm not exactly thrilled with, though one is likely to change before release. From everything I've seen, and what's being officially reported, the album was recorded live. Don't know how to feel about this. Will audience be included. Kind of hope they are edited out. Don't know why. Just preference. Secondly, as of this writing, it looks like the only physical release will be on vinyl. I'm all about records, but will genuinely be sad and appointed if a CD release doesn't happen. Also, and $100, the vinyl seems rather exuberantly priced.

Ending with focus on the positive, a complete recording is getting released, I will be able to add it to my collection, and the performances and vocals are supposedly phenomenal. Can't wait!

 

Quote Of The Moment…

 "Truth rarely sits on the surface."
-Martin Richardson

Holly

Holly by Stephen King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely fantastic! I love diving deeper into the backstory of familiar characters. And, the antagonists were very well drawn. Congratulations, Mr King, you've done it again. Good narration.

Love?

Been a while, but here we go…

The people of PV really need to learn how to make decisions, and stick with them.

Leo/Jake/Laura/Greenlee: The group is stuck in a malfunctioning elevator, needling each other. Laura finally explains the bullshit with the ice cream metaphor, causing Jake and Leo to tell Greenlee to kick rocks. Doesn't last long, as Leo proposes in front of everyone, and is turned down. The back and forth blaming, screaming, and accusations continue for what seems like an eternity, until the elevator roars back to life, and everyone makes their way separately, even more miserable than before. Jake finds Greenlee at Enchantment, apologizes for his harsh words and assessments, and they head out to get a Christmas tree as friends. Greenlee storms off in short order, as Jake becomes preoccupied helping Mia after a tree falls on her leg. Honestly, this round and round is getting old. Love my GreenLeo, but something has to give. They deserve a little bit of happiness before they get sucked into the Proteus drama.

Erica/Chris/David/Anna: Not all that much to say on this front. Anna is convinced David is Proteus, but doesn't want to let on until she has solid proof. She thinks Chris can help procuring that, and they put their heads together. Meantime, in another convoluted mess, Chris and Erica admit their feelings for one another, but can't seem to get on the same page for more than three seconds. Chris goes to Bianca, trying to convince her to talk to Erica, and she refuses. He then tells Erica what he did, thinking it a good thing, and she loses her mind. Of course, we all know that it's because she needs to keep the Frankie lie going, but Chris' head must be spinning. At this point, I would rather jump out a window then deal with seesaw Erica.
 

Tad/Dixie/David: After weeks of telling Tad she wants them to go their separate ways, she's stupidly surprised and devastated when he finally agrees. Of course, they have this discussion in front of David, and he attempts to swoop in on Dixie again. Thankfully, she's having none of it, and he's put in his place by Anna, who witnesses the whole thing, and tells him to choose. David and Anna go in search of a Christmas tree together. Happy. For now…
 

If It Bleeds

If It Bleeds by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great performances give life to entertaining stories.

Finders Keepers (Bill Hodges Trilogy, #2)

Finders Keepers by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A little unnecessary bloating, but everything ties together neatly in the end, and seamlessly leads to the final installment. Good narration.

Mr. Mercedes (Bill Hodges Trilogy, #1)

Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of Mr King's best works. Absolutely thrilling, and positively terrifying. Good narration.

The Institute

The Institute by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Doesn't pick up until about halfway. If you can stick with it, it's worth it in the end. Very good narration.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "Allergies have seasons, love doesn't."
-Anita to Nicole

The Shawshank Redemption: A Story from Different Seasons

The Shawshank Redemption: A Story from Different Seasons by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just a really good story. Decent narration.

Don't Cry For Me!

I still can't believe I'm writing these words, but I got a pair of tickets for Eric and I to see the Broadway revival of Evita on June 29, 2027! Doesn't seem real. Got an email on May 29th with a presale code, called, and had tickets in last than 5 minutes. To say that I feel blessed and grateful is the understatement of the year. The New York trip for my birthday next year is probably going to end up being one of the defining times of my life. So overwhelmed right now, but in the best way possible.

Good Time!

 Spent the day with Eric at his apartment on May 27th. We watched the final Broadway performance of Rent, chatted, I listened and watched while he played guitar, and we capped the day off with our fabulous dinner of rack of lamb and roasted potatoes, with brownies for dessert. Would normally include pictures with the post, but none taken came out. Fantastic, fun day.

Say Hello to the Bad Guys: How Professional Wrestling's New World Order Changed America

Say Hello to the Bad Guys: How Professional Wrestling's New World Order Changed America by Marc Raimondi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

No new information here, but a decent account of events, and an enjoyable homage. Decent narration.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "Good intentions to not keep you safe from bad choices."
-Alexis to Danny

When We Believed in Mermaids

When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An instant favorite. Absolute perfection. Good narration.

5/23/2026: More beautiful with every listen. Unforgettable. Great performances.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "There's a lot of wiggle room between being a saint and a sinner."
-Joey to Donnell

Unsettling…

 Photo Credit: Jill Rock

 Saw this bike sitting on the path between my building and Walgreens, and got a very creepy feeling for some reason. Looks like something out of a Stephen King novel.

A Welcome Reunion

A Welcome Reunion by Lucinda Berry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

To start, I didn't listen to this book in proper order. Didn't realize it was part of a series. That aside, it was pretty good, and made me want to check out the first book. Interested to see how everything unfolds. Good performances.

Those Across the River

Those Across the River by Christopher Buehlman
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This one came recommended, but I didn't enjoy it. The story moved at a glacial pace, and then rushed to an unsatisfying ending. Disappointing when a story with good bones fails to reach the potential you see in it.

Snapped!

Photo Credit: Jill Rock

Crazy, right? Woke up from a nap, and noticed the cactus completely snapped in half. Don't know how or why, but Steven seemed to think it is salvageable, and it looks to be doing okay so far. Really hope the top part gross new roots, and finds new life.

Don't Know Why…

 

Don't know what made me think of it, but recently realized I never posted my Kevin Owens autograph. How ridiculous is that?! Well, here it is. Such an amazing experience meeting him, and having a quick exchange.

 

My Next Date: Raised by Wolves, Book 2

My Next Date: Raised by Wolves, Book 2 by Casey Morales
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story itself is still sweet and enjoyable, but there's just too much s*x for me. Think I'll see where the next installment goes, but hope the descriptions of physical intimacy aren't as prominent. Good narration.

The Summer Oath

The Summer Oath by Claire Friedman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sweet, cute, quick fluff. Adorable. Great performances.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "We treat physical pain with urgency, and emotional pain with judgment."
-Oliver Folt

Vicious?

 

  Photo Credit: Jill Rock

 Know I probably have pictures very similar on this blog already, but think it's super cute.

Handsome Old Tree…

 

  Photo Credit: Latisha Todman

 Went strolling around Buttonwood Park a while back with Latisha for a bit, and happened upon this tree. Something about it screamed regal to me, and I really like how the picture came out. 

My Accidental First Date: Raised by Wolves, Book 1

My Accidental First Date: Raised by Wolves, Book 1 by Casey Morales
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Honest, sweet, funny, poignant. Absolutely love. Great performance.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "Intent doesn't always align with impact."
-Oliver Folt

You with the Sad Eyes: A Memoir

You with the Sad Eyes: A Memoir by Christina Applegate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As brutally honest, insightful, funny, heartfelt, sad, and absolutely joyous as a memoir can possibly be. Narration is absolutely exceptional.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "You can never live up to something that doesn't exist."

-Christina Applegate

Quote Of The Moment…

 "We are all the products of stories we tell about ourselves."

-Christina Applegate 

Quote Of The Moment…

 "It's extraordinary; what pain will do to recollections."
-Christina Applegate

Quote Of The Moment…

 "Scar tissue is stronger than any other tissue."

-Christina Applegate 

The Correspondent

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Will stay with me as long as I live, and most likely beyond. Perfect performances.

Ready Player One

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Heard about this book for years, but put it off, because it's part of a genre I don't usually enjoy. Was bored the other day, and figured I'd listen to the first few minutes. Was instantly hooked on this epic journey, and regret that it took me so long to dive in. Pretty close to perfect, and definitely unforgettable. Good narration.

O-Town Concert At Foxwoods: April 17, 2026

Photo Credit: Eric Bain

 That's right! Got to see my boys again! Still can't believe Eric came with me. We had a great day of shopping, good food, some gambling, and an awesome concert. Eric even begrudgingly admitted O-Town puts on a good show. You could have knocked me over with a feather when he said that. Such a wonderful day! Wish I had gotten to me them again, but refused to pay the ridiculous meet and greet price. Oh, well. Can't believe I almost forgot to mention that I turned  $25 free play into $78! So cool! Thank you, King Kong slot machine.