Trey's Reviews

This is a powerful character novel about two brutal Irish gangsters well past their prime. Maurice and Charlie have long corrupted and harmed themselves and those around them. They are now in search of Maurice’s daughter Dilly at the Spanish ferry terminal in Algeciras. In lyrical prose, Kevin Barry tells the story of how the life, loves, and fraught friendship of these two men brought them to this place. This is writing to savor and linger over with every turn of the page. - Trey

Filipino American author Paul Krueger has reimagined the unique cultures of China, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines in this anime-inspired war fantasy. The setting is reminiscent of early 20th-century Asia, with the addition of magic animals and enchanted steel. A thief, a princess, a soldier, and a prince must band together to defeat an enemy determined to destroy them all. Political intrigue, unexpected romance, and an action-packed plot combine to make this an exciting, fast-paced read. - Trey

Patti Smith’s latest memoir begins in Santa Cruz at the Dream Inn early on the morning of New Year’s Day, 2016. The book is hypnotic and dreamy, weaving in and out of what’s real and what’s not real but is still true, often with no warning. This is a book about the loss of dear friends, about aging, the political landscape, and drinking lots of coffee. Anything is possible on a strange and beautiful journey with Patti Smith. - Trey

Bring the glorious cuisine of New Orleans into your home kitchen with this comprehensive instructional cookbook from award-winning chef Justin Devillier. I grew up in the rich food culture of New Orleans and I’m here to tell you that this is the real deal. Mouth-watering classic recipes that have been updated with practical modern techniques. New creative favorites that are sure to please. Duck and Andouille Gumbo. Crawfish Etouffée. Sticky Chicken. Blue Crab Beignets. Café au Lait Ice Cream. Laissez les bons temps rouler! -Trey

This debut sci-fi novel is an engrossing tale of space colonization and alien first contact on a world full of sentient plants. The saga spans 100 years and 6 generations, each with its own unique story. Infusing plants with sentience and agency gives the book an eerie quality that’s hard to shake. Thought-provoking concepts, excellent world-building, and solid character development. - Trey

Stress is an unavoidable part of modern life for most of us. This workbook is a practical introduction to using mindfulness meditation to reduce and manage stress. It includes well-organized information about alleviating stress, anxiety, panic, depression, and chronic pain. This revised and updated 2nd edition can help you permanently change the way you handle stress in your daily life. - Trey

WWII Historical Fiction set in the vineyards of beautiful Burgundy France. This is a compelling story of survival during the German Occupation. A captivating tale of family, wine, romance, and mystery. Ann Mah has crafted a dual timeline story that pairs present-day Kate with her great aunt Helen-Marie. A long-lost diary found at the family’s ancestral vineyard reveals secrets buried in the past. Complex characters and rich descriptive language make this an enjoyable and enlightening read. - Trey

This remarkable debut novel is a richly imagined tale that immerses the reader in a unique culture. Interstellar politics set the stage for a murder mystery, a struggle of assimilation and questions of identity. Fascinating characters, an intricate plot, and a background of stars make this a brilliant space opera. Recommended for fans of Ann Leckie, Yoon Ha Lee and Issac Asimov. - Trey

A kaleidoscope of colors permeates this creative coming of age story.  Jason, age 13, has synesthesia and face blindness. He sees colors instead of hearing sounds. He can only identify people by the color of their voice and the clothes they wear. When police discover the body of his neighbor, Jason believes he may have been witness to a murder. This is a fascinating and unique mystery. - Trey

Voice computing represents the biggest shift in how we interact with computers since the advent of the smart phone. The changes brought on by Siri and Alexa are affecting every aspect of our lives. This well researched book provides a fascinating account of how voice computing developed the current state of the technology, and the possibilities and pitfalls of its future. - Trey