Book Review: Christmas Movie Ultimate Trivia Book

Title: Christmas Movie Ultimate Trivia Book

Author: Neal E. Fischer

Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group

Publication Date: October 1, 2024

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

As an avid Christmas movie enthusiast who hosts an annual viewing group for classic holiday films, I was delighted to discover this trivia book covering a wide range of festive favorites. My yearly must-watches, including "Love Actually," "Elf," "Christmas Vacation," and "The Family Stone," are all featured alongside many others. The book's pages are adorned with vibrant artwork that perfectly complements the challenging trivia questions, creating a visually appealing and engaging experience for readers.

Fischer's compilation includes 100 "Christmas movies," though some selections may spark debate among purists. The inclusion of films like "Die Hard" (which I personally consider a Christmas movie) and more contentious choices like "Batman Returns" adds an interesting dimension to the book, inviting discussions about what truly constitutes a holiday film. This diversity in selection ensures that there's something for every type of Christmas movie fan.

While the book offers a delightful journey through Christmas cinema, I do have a couple of minor complaints. First, the answers are printed on the same page as the questions, which will make group quizzes more challenging to manage. Moving the answers to an appendix at the back of the book would have easily enhanced the user experience. Second, the difficulty level of the questions is notably high. Almost all require a recent viewing and even then an exceptionally keen eye for detail is needed.

Despite these small issues, this trivia book is a valuable addition to any Christmas movie lover's collection. It promises to elevate holiday viewing parties and challenge even the most knowledgeable fans. As for me, I'm eagerly looking forward to incorporating these quizzes into my annual Christmas movie nights, adding a new layer of engagement and friendly competition to our festive tradition.

A big thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: In Too Deep

Title: In Too Deep

Author: Lee Child & Andrew Child

Publisher: Random House Publishing

Publication Date: October 22, 2024

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As a long-time fan of Jack Reacher, I was excited to dive into "In Too Deep," the 29th installment in this iconic series. Lee and Andrew Child have once again delivered a pulse-pounding thriller that reminded me why I keep coming back to Reacher's world. From the moment I started reading, I was hooked by the unusual setup: Reacher waking up handcuffed, injured, and with no memory of how he got there.

The plot follows a familiar formula, with the iconic drifter teaming up with a female partner to unravel a race against time mystery involving FBI and undercover agents and national security. However, the authors keep this well-worn path fresh and exciting, particularly with an unexpected mid-book twist that transforms a good Reacher adventure into an exceptional one.

What sets "In Too Deep" apart is its unexpected mid-book twist. At that point, I thought the book was finished and the mystery solved, but the authors pull off a surprising turn that reinvigorates the story and propels it into a thrilling second half. This narrative sleight of hand upshifts the pacing. What had been standard, almost plodding, suddenly becomes relentless. The second half of the book showcases high-stakes action, a much more intricate plot and clever problem-solving. 

I finished "In Too Deep" with a sense of satisfaction and relief. The Child brothers have crafted another winner that left me eagerly anticipating Reacher's next adventure. Whether you're a longtime Reacher enthusiast like me or new to the series, I highly recommend this must-read thriller. It's a powerful reminder of why Jack Reacher remains one of the most compelling characters in contemporary fiction.

A big thank you to Random House and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.