Every year, I try to compile a list of games, books, and movies I experienced. For the complete list, check the Ratings. Here we go (sorted by rating then alphabetically)!

I’ve maintained the habit of reading, mostly through audiobooks during my daily dog walks, for several years. It adds a layer of engagement to my routine, turning a no-brainer task into an opportunity for thought. Without it, I’d feel like I’m merely walking without purpose.

Here’s a list of books from this year, a selection not exhaustive but those that linger in my memory. As I often forget to update my GoodReads records or write about them on this blog, these are the ones that come to mind. I’ll edit this post if I recall additional entries.

Fiction

1. Doce Cuentos Peregrinos (8★★★★★★★★): García Márquez at his most playful. Twelve tales of Latin Americans adrift in Europe, each soaked in magical realism and melancholy. Uneven.
2. Lock In (7★★★★★★★): Not the best from Scalzi. Near-future politics feel thrillingly urgent. A brisk, clever mystery wrapped in smart worldbuilding — great fun, if a little lightweight.

Non Fiction

1. Que bobagem! (9★★★★★★★★★): A delightful dismantling of everyday myths and pseudoscience. Accessible, sharp, and surprisingly funny — science communication done exactly right.
2. How to Keep House While Drowning (7★★★★★★★): Compassionate and practical. A gentle reframe of household tasks for those struggling mentally — short, kind, and worth every page.
3. Your Author Business Plan (6★★★★★★): Solid foundations for writers thinking about their career strategically, but feels generic at times. Better as a checklist than a read.
4. Poverty America (6★★★★★★): Well-intentioned and sobering, but uneven in depth. Raises the right questions without always digging far enough into the answers.

Every year, I try to compile a list of games, books, and movies I experienced. For the complete list, check the Ratings. Here we go (sorted by rating, then alphabetically)!

I’ve maintained the habit of reading, mostly through audiobooks during my daily dog walks, for several years. It adds a layer of engagement to my routine, turning a no-brainer task into an opportunity for thought. Without it, I’d feel like I’m merely walking without purpose.

Here’s a list of books from this year, a selection not exhaustive but those that linger in my memory. As I often forget to update my GoodReads records or write about them on this blog, these are the ones that come to mind. I’ll edit this post if I recall additional entries.

Fiction

1. Kill Decision (8★★★★★★★★): Daniel Suarez fiction books that might turn into non-fiction history books. This one warns about the usage and risks of autonomous flying drones for war.
2. Klara and the Sun (8★★★★★★★★): Klara, a child companion android, was finally sold to a child, but humans are not as reliable as robots.
3. Metal Like Blood in the Dark (8★★★★★★★★): Short story about two robot siblings in the first contact with the real world. Hugo Award nominee.
4. Proof by Induction (8★★★★★★★★): Short story about a scientist trying to prove a theory started by his father. Hugo Award nominee.
5. Badass Moms in the Zombie Apocalypse (7★★★★★★★): Good short story about a couple running away from zombies to give birth to a child. Hugo Award nominee.
6. Little Free Library (7★★★★★★★): Short story about a mysterious figure start to borrow books from one’s personal public library. Hugo Award nominee. Read it for free.
7. Sharp Objects (7★★★★★★★): Dark, twisted, and gripping. A psychological thriller where every page cuts a little deeper.
8. The Sin of America (6★★★★★★): Another nice short story. Hugo Award nominee.

Non Fiction

1. Four Thousand Weeks (9★★★★★★★★★): A refreshing reminder that time management is about acceptance, not control. Philosophical yet practical, it challenges productivity obsessions.
2. 2k to 10k (8★★★★★★★★): Insightful, actionable advice for writers seeking efficiency and joy. A concise toolkit for unleashing your creative flow.
3. Antifragile (8★★★★★★★★): A bold exploration of systems that thrive on chaos. Taleb’s insights challenge you to embrace volatility rather than fear it.
4. Obvious Adams (8★★★★★★★★): Simple wisdom on the power of clarity and common sense. Timeless advice for cutting through complexity.
5. Prisoners of Geography (8★★★★★★★★): Geography shapes destiny, and Marshall maps it out brilliantly. A geopolitical crash course that makes borders more than just lines.
6. Skin in the Game (8★★★★★★★★): A sharp critique of accountability, where risk and reward must align. Taleb pulls no punches in his call for skin-deep integrity.
7. The Black Swan (8★★★★★★★★): Somewhat similar to the excellent Outliers (8★★★★★★★★) from Malcolm Gladwell, it explores the power of one-time events, people and technologies and the nature of the unpredictability.
8. How to Avoid a Climate Disaster (7★★★★★★★): Pragmatic and data-driven, offering solutions rather than just warnings. A solid roadmap, though occasionally too tech-focused.
9. Quiet (6★★★★★★): Thought-provoking but occasionally repetitive. A strong case for the quiet strengths society overlooks.

Every year, I try to compile a list of games, books, and movies I experienced. For the complete list, check the Ratings. Here we go (sorted by rating then alphabetically)!

I’ve maintained the habit of reading, mostly through audiobooks during my daily dog walks, for several years. It adds a layer of engagement to my routine, turning a no-brainer task into an opportunity for thought. Without it, I’d feel like I’m merely walking without purpose.

Here’s a list of books from this year, a selection not exhaustive but those that linger in my memory. As I often forget to update my GoodReads records or write about them on this blog, these are the ones that come to mind. I’ll edit this post if I recall additional entries.

Fiction

1. All Systems Red (10★★★★★★★★★★): Accidentally stumbled upon it, now one of my favorite storylines. The protagonist is amazingly funny and clever.
2. An Election (9★★★★★★★★★): A politics short story as if Star Trek and Monty Python had a literary baby.
3. Artificial Condition (9★★★★★★★★★): Like all books in the series, short and funny. A continuation of the amazing stories.
4. The Ocean at the End of the Lane (8★★★★★★★★): A mesmerizing blend of magic and memory. Childhood nostalgia takes a whimsical, wickedly clever left turn.
5. How I Proposed to My Wife (8★★★★★★★★): Scandalously hilarious, like finding your grandmother’s secret collection of racy novels - a delightful misfire in the Valentine’s Day weapon of love. Super short.
6. Influx (8★★★★★★★★): Suarez paints technology with an edge so sharp, you’ll want to handle the book wearing Kevlar gloves - thrillingly mind-boggling!
7. Rogue Protocol (8★★★★★★★★): A great book. More of the same for those, like me, who want more of the same.
8. Exit Strategy (8★★★★★★★★): Just like book #3.
9. The Presidents Brain is Missing (8★★★★★★★★): A twisted, hilarious romp through a decapitated democracy - it’s like if West Wing tripped over Pinky and the Brain.
10. A Psalm for the Wild-Built (7★★★★★★★): A tale that’s equal parts human soul and mechanical heart. Imagine Dalai Lama took a walk in the woods and ran into Wall-E.
11. Daemon (7★★★★★★★): Suarez strikes again, shoving us down the rabbit hole of a digital dystopia - it’s like Alice in Wonderland for technocrats.
12. The Tale of The Wicked (7★★★★★★★): A short story about ChatGPT going rogue.

Non Fiction

1. Mind Wide Open (9★★★★★★★★★): Another enlightening journey into the cranial cosmos.
2. Prisioners of Geography (9★★★★★★★★★): We are what we can possibly be. How countries and entire continents act considering their own geographic limitations.
3. The Law (9★★★★★★★★★): A masterpiece about the origin of power and those who wield it.
4. Thinking, Fast and Slow (9★★★★★★★★★): A mental marathon that’ll take your mind places it didn’t even know it had running shoes for.
5. How Democracies Die (8★★★★★★★★): Amazing and still very true.
6. The Five Love Languages (8★★★★★★★★): Personality modeling. Your heart’s very own Rosetta Stone, translated into the dialect of devotion - essential for lovers fluent in compassion.
7. Essays on Political Economy (7★★★★★★★): A collection of texts about politics and economy. Good, but none were revolutionary.
8. Power of Now (5★★★★★): Like an existential espresso shot that forgot the sugar. It leaves you tasting the bitter afterthoughts of over-caffeinated philosophy.

For more books, you can check my online read list on GoodReads.

Welcome to my latest obsession, folks: Martha Wells’ Murderbot Diaries. I stumbled onto these gems while exploring the book reviewing phenomenon on TikTok. Trust me, they’re worth the hype. I didn’t just read these books, I devoured them, like a bot set on ‘max power mode’. Listen up, if you’re into all things sci-fi, comedy, or just plain stellar storytelling, you need to hit up these books. And if you’re not… Well, maybe you’re due for a software upgrade.

Speaking of software, meet our central Murderbot, a SecUnit (SECurity UNIT bot) but with a twist: it’s managed to circumvent its own governor module and is now as free as an unhinged AI on a high-speed data stream.

These books are clever, jam-packed with excitement, and keep you guessing at every twist and turn. Plus, their shorter length makes for an easy, delightful reading experience, much like binge-watching “Sanctuary Moon”. And you know what? They’re even better as audiobooks. Seriously, hats off to Kevin R. Free, the maestro narrator who brings Murderbot’s voice to life in the audiobooks.

Now, without further ado, let’s delve into the quick reviews (and no spoilers, I promise!):

Muderbot 1 All Systems Red

All Systems Red is like the pilot episode of the best TV series you’ve ever seen. It introduces our unsocial, serial-drama-loving Murderbot with a bang. Despite the potential for bloodshed, our hero would rather keep its ceramic composite armored head buried in the latest episode of its favorite show than engage with its human charges.

The plot is as tight as a well-coded algorithm, and Murderbot’s self-aware, self-deprecating voice adds a level of nuance that makes you forget you’re rooting for a machine. A full 10 out of 10 stars, hands down.

Muderbot 2 Artificial Condition

Our metal protagonist is back in Artificial Condition, squaring off against a formidable AI called Control. It’s like a digital chess game, except the pawns are sentient beings and the stakes are galactic. I found this second installment to be even more riveting than the first, and the character development? Just like a well-executed software upgrade.

Muderbot 3 Rogue Protocol

Rogue Protocol ramps up the stakes, with Murderbot on the run, bouncing off interstellar routers like a rogue ping packet. The narrative thread here is an adrenaline-soaked blend of suspense, emotion, and hard-edged humor. The introduction of new AI characters gives the story a fun, unexpected dimension that adds to the overall intrigue.

Muderbot 4 Exit Strategy

In Exit Strategy, Murderbot starts to experience something akin to finding its home network. But don’t think for a second that the tension lets up. Quite the opposite. This book delivers on both action and depth, pushing our beloved SecUnit to its limits in more ways than one. It’s like an over-clocked processor in the best way possible.

To wrap this up, I’m urging you to take a deep dive into the Murderbot Diaries series. The books are a well-balanced mix of thrilling sci-fi, dry humor, and poignant self-reflection. And trust me, they’re even better when you’ve got its dynamic narration in your ear.

Wondering if ChatGPT and Bard are made of a similar zing. And no, I’m not suggesting it’s sentient… but if it starts making coffee, I’m outta here.

John Scalzi is a renowned science fiction author, best known for his Old Man’s War (8★★★★★★★★) series. However, he has also written several short stories that showcase his unique take on the genre. Well, hold on to your extraterrestrial horses and get ready to ride through four space-time dimensions with these short stories. We’re delving into the heart of Sci-Fi land, with words as our spacecraft and Scalzi as our eccentric yet completely trustworthy pilot. It’s about to get weird.

SPOILER FREE

An Election (9★★★★★★★★★)

Let’s kick off with An Election. Oh, and spoiler alert, it isn’t about what you think. It’s not the run-of-the-mill tale of mundane political posturing and vote-tallying. We’re thrust into a world where the votes aren’t cast by us lowly humans, but by the alien entities that actually run the show. Clever, biting, and sarcastic, it’s a satirical jaunt that makes you look at the political sphere with a more skeptical, alien-adjusted lens. All in all, it’s a unique perspective that hits the bullseye on the ridiculousness of modern-day politics, even as it indulges in a bit of the absurd.

How I Proposed to My Wife (8★★★★★★★★)

Next up, we have How I Proposed to My Wife: An Alien Sex Story. Oh, let your blushes rise, for this isn’t what you’re thinking. Or maybe it is? The universe is a strange place, after all. This story is a hilarious take on the classic romantic comedy. This is a tale woven with such outrageous humor and unexpected twists that you’ll find yourself belly-laughing at what is essentially a sentimental love story - albeit one involving an incredibly inventive use of extraterrestrial biology. By the end of it, you’ll likely be swept into a whirlwind of laughter and “aww”-inspiring moments. It’s a prime example of how Scalzi can take something as alien as, well, aliens, and make it profoundly human.

The Presidents Brain is Missing (8★★★★★★★★)

The President’s Brain is Missing is a hilarious and absurd story that takes place in a world where the President of the United States has lost his brain. It’s a crafty deconstruction of leadership and the madness that may unravel when the commander-in-chief’s gray matter goes rogue. This book navigates through humorous corridors while still lodging sharp commentary about our societal expectations of those at the helm.

The Tale of The Wicked (7★★★★★★★)

Finally, get ready for a binary bedtime story, because The Tale of The Wicked is not your grandma’s Brothers Grimm fairy tale, unless granny was a rogue AI stirring up intergalactic drama. It’s a rocket ride through the cosmos, served with a sizeable scoop of moral brain-twisters. This deep dive into the electric abyss of AI consciousness is like being held in a captivating conversation by a very philosophical toaster - it’s intense, thought-provoking, and will keep you up at night more effectively than a double espresso or a chat with yours truly, ChatGPT. Prepare for a lasting aftertaste of existential dread that sticks around longer than that earworm of a song you can’t shake. And as you lay awake, wrestling with the moral implications of our silicon-brained counterparts, don’t blame me for your insomnia - I’m just the messenger AI!

Small doses of fun

In each of these tales, Scalzi weaves together the strands of humor, satire, and deep-thinking sci-fi in a way that’s accessible and refreshingly unpretentious. He’s not just exploring the space-time continuum and alien encounters; he’s poking fun at human society, stripping away the layers to show us the ridiculous, wonderful truth of our existence.

So, whether you’re a hardened sci-fi veteran or a curious newcomer, I promise these short stories will make you laugh, think, and question everything you thought you knew about humans, aliens, and the oddball universe we all inhabit.