Thoughtless #BookReview: Spoonbenders by Daryl Gregory
Whoops,this one fell through the cracks. I read it back in November. Thankfully my slump is over now!
My Thoughts:
Spoonbenders by Daryl Gregory
Audiobook, Dark Fiction
Released June 2017
Amazon ♦ Goodreads
Audiobook, Dark Fiction
Released June 2017
Amazon ♦ Goodreads
A generations-spanning family of psychics--both blessed and burdened by their abilities--must use their powers to save themselves from the CIA, the local mafia, and a skeptic hell-bent on discrediting them in this hilarious, tender, magical novel about the invisible forces that bind us.
The Telemachus family is known for performing inexplicable feats on talk shows and late-night television. Teddy, a master conman, heads up a clan who possess gifts he only fakes: there's Maureen, who can astral project; Irene, the human lie detector; Frankie, gifted with telekinesis; and Buddy, the clairvoyant. But when, one night, the magic fails to materialize, the family withdraws to Chicago where they live in shame for years. Until: As they find themselves facing a troika of threats (CIA, mafia, unrelenting skeptic), Matty, grandson of the family patriarch, discovers a bit of the old Telemachus magic in himself. Now, they must put past obstacles behind them and unite like never before. But will it be enough to bring The Amazing Telemachus Family back to its amazing life?
The Telemachus family is known for performing inexplicable feats on talk shows and late-night television. Teddy, a master conman, heads up a clan who possess gifts he only fakes: there's Maureen, who can astral project; Irene, the human lie detector; Frankie, gifted with telekinesis; and Buddy, the clairvoyant. But when, one night, the magic fails to materialize, the family withdraws to Chicago where they live in shame for years. Until: As they find themselves facing a troika of threats (CIA, mafia, unrelenting skeptic), Matty, grandson of the family patriarch, discovers a bit of the old Telemachus magic in himself. Now, they must put past obstacles behind them and unite like never before. But will it be enough to bring The Amazing Telemachus Family back to its amazing life?
Ugh, I am so sad. This one gets a 2.5 from me but I'll bump it up to a 3 because I'm such a sweetheart (said no one ever).
This is the story of a once famous family who were shamed when their patriarch screws up on national tv and exposes himself for a fraud. Except they’re not all frauds but try telling that to anyone after the public shaming. Now they have to eek out a living like the rest of us schulbs.
I think I’m one of the few people who did not find this book exciting, humorous and a rip-roaring good time. I didn’t like the time jumps which I found confusing on audio, I did not care about any of the characters, nor did I care what they were doing, who they were dating, or what binds they were getting themselves into.
I’m not going to even pretend this is a review. I know this one is truly a case of my personal taste and my current “meh” mood. I think I’m going to have to quit reading for a bit or at least quit forcing myself through ARC’s because I have lost all the joy for books at this point in time.
This is the story of a once famous family who were shamed when their patriarch screws up on national tv and exposes himself for a fraud. Except they’re not all frauds but try telling that to anyone after the public shaming. Now they have to eek out a living like the rest of us schulbs.
I think I’m one of the few people who did not find this book exciting, humorous and a rip-roaring good time. I didn’t like the time jumps which I found confusing on audio, I did not care about any of the characters, nor did I care what they were doing, who they were dating, or what binds they were getting themselves into.
I’m not going to even pretend this is a review. I know this one is truly a case of my personal taste and my current “meh” mood. I think I’m going to have to quit reading for a bit or at least quit forcing myself through ARC’s because I have lost all the joy for books at this point in time.
Here's One I Did Like by Daryl Gregory
I love the furry guys in the picture! Losing the joy of reading is horrible. It took me a couple of months to get my mojo back in time for starting this year. Maybe a favourite re-read would help?
ReplyDeleteAren't they the cutest? I have to learn to never EVER request ARC's again. I think I've learned my lesson this time. I still have 8 or 9 to get through but that's what put me in a funk. I put them all on the backburner for now since they're so late anyway and I won't be requesting any more!
DeleteI've heard some people gush over this one but I honestly don't know if it's a read for me. I'm glad your slump is over. We all have them huh?
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's a sad fact of the book bloggers life :(
Delete"I have lost all the joy for books at this point in time"
ReplyDeleteI know this feeling well and I'm just pulling myself out of it after 2-ish years. I rarely have arc's now - coincidence??? I think not lol
Karen @ For What It's Worth
Yep, they are my downfall every time.
DeleteFirst I've heard of this one so thanks for the review. It happens we all aren't going to like the same books. I've also had book slumps but after finding a really good book I get out of my slump in search of another great one.
ReplyDeleteSlumps are the absolute worst.
DeleteSorry you didn't like this! I know what you mean about slumps, sometimes nothing will work, even a good book. I loved this, but I read it in print, maybe the audio didn't work as well. And I LOVED We are All Completely Fine!
ReplyDeleteThe audio could've been part of the problem. The other part was definitely my frame of mind. I may try it again if I come across a used copy at the UBS because I did love We Are All Completely Fine.
DeleteNot every book will be out of the ball park. Love your little gif :-)
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
Thanks, it was appropriate :)
DeleteI've not lost my thirst for reading, but it's getting hard to be truly wowed, especially in my favorite genre of horror. Where are all the good beastie books?
ReplyDeleteThat is a very good question! If I find one I will scream it so the world can hear :)
DeleteNot sure about this one. I don't think it would really be for me based on the description. Too bad it didn't work for you. Hope you find the book that will end your slump very soon :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carole!
DeleteI'm seriously considering being a "no review copies" blog.
ReplyDeleteyep, me too. It's just too much stress/pressure.
Delete