Books read in 2025: No. 40 -- Ring

by Koji Suzuki

translated by Robert B. Rohmer and Glynne Walley

Started: Dec. 2

Finished: Dec. 10

Notes: I've been trying to read horror of late with little success, usually tumbling down the hole of mystery novels and the like, but this one I'm pretty sure will fit the bill since it's the first novel of a trilogy which is the basis for The Ring horror movies in Japan and the U.S.

Mini review: The plot here wasn't bad, but I felt the characterizations weren't all that great, most of the characters not being worthy of much empathy. Also, characters seemed to make vast leaps of logic and guesswork with little to no evidence, and then being proved right. In fairness, this was a translation from Japanese, so it's not impossible there are cultural differences which went over my head. And, though I'm no translator and obviously don't know Japanese, I felt the translating job here was too literal, or at least it seemed that way. Glad I read it, but I think a better translation could have served the story better.

Beer of the Week: Landshark Lager

Beer score: 2.8

Company: Margaritaville Brewing Company
ABV: 4.7
IBU: 15

If you're headed to the beach and are interested in a fairly weak, watered-down brew for warm weather, this one might be your choice.

It pours a pale yellow, mass-produced color while giving off little to no smell, though there might be a cheap beer scent ... maybe.

There's a lot of carbonation, which hurts any tasting, but there is a hint of sweetness beyond all that fizz.

Meh, I can't say a lot good about this one. At least it can get you drunk, if you drink enough of it.

Books read in 2025: No. 39 -- The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

by Stieg Larsson

translated by Reg Keeland

Started: Nov. 15

Finished: Dec. 2

Notes: Trying to read horror of late but failing, so I'm giving this novel a try. I've seen the movie years ago but recall next to nothing about it other than a serial killer was involved, but I'm not expecting this to be horror as much as a thriller. Still, I've been meaning to read this for a while, so I'll give it a try. Also, I'm getting ready to go to the hospital for a few days for surgery, so I wanted something to read that isn't too short.

Mini review: Yep, there was a serial killer, but this was not horror but a mystery novel, and not necessarily a murder mystery. Oh, there are plenty of murders, mostly in the background, but they're not really the gist of the tale. Or are they? I mean, they sort of are but they also sort of aren't. One mystery leads to the revelation of a bad person doing very bad things even though they weren't necessarily responsible for the original mystery. And then there are several sub-plots which, in my opinion, I did not feel helped the novel; I could've done without the first 50 or so pages of this novel as well as the final 50 pages, because most of the real action happens between. All that being said, I'm glad I read this one, because it was over all quite a decent read.

Beer of the Week: Samuel Adams Harvest Helles

Beer score: 5.9

Company: Samuel Adams
ABV: 5.4
IBU: 15

For a beer released in the autumn, the coloring surprised me with its light goldenness. On the nose, I picked up light hints of citrus, flowers, and bread.

Upon drinking, the taste has all of the above, but there's also more bitterness than I expected. In fact, that bitterness lingers, as do the hints of citrus, perhaps lemon.

All in all, not a bad beer, though also not a great one. Maybe a little more carbonation that I felt was necessary.

Beer of the Week: Samuel Adams Flannel Fest

Beer score: 5.6

Company: Samuel Adams
ABV: 5.2
IBU: 20

This one pours a dark, syrupy red color while giving off scents not unlike dark baked bread.

Fairly smooth, but there is some strength here. Tastes bitter at first and that experience lingers on the tongue after the swallowing. Also fairly hearty, and the taste is a strong burnt caramel with hints of that dark bread.

Not a bad brew, but I can't say it's a new favorite. Still, I'd drink it if offered.

Beer of the Week: Samuel Adams Jack-O Pumpkin Ale

Beer score: 6.0

Company: Samuel Adams
ABV: 4.4
IBU: 8

As anyone who has read my notes on beer probably knows, I'm not a big fan of holiday brews. I usually can't stand those cinnamon and nutmeg and pumpkin flavors; they're just not my thing. However, this one's not too bad.

It pours a smooth amber color, almost like pumpkin, into a clear glass. It also gives off slight smells of pumpkin, as can be expected, and a bit of sweetness.

The taste is quite sweet at first, reminding me of pumpkin pie, but then on the way down some bitterness kicks in. In my opinion, the sweetness itself is stronger than the pumpkin flavor, almost too much so.

Is this a new favorite beer? No. But if someone tossed me one during the holidays, I wouldn't turn it down.

Books read in 2025: No. 38 -- Billy Summers

by Stephen King

Started: Oct. 25

Finished: Nov. 15

Notes: I've been trying to read horror of late, so naturally I turned to the King of horror. To be honest, I'm not sure this one actually is horror, but with King it usually is, or at least is horror adjacent.

Mini review: No, not horror, but not a bad story, sort of modern noir. A hitman is hired for a job which takes him months to complete, and to fill his time he decided to write a fictionalized biography of sorts, so this novel jumps back and forth between the that biography and the events of this work. Eventually the hitman's job is performed, but he finds he has been double crossed, but he's not going to let things lie. To say more would be to give too much away. I wouldn't say this is King's best work, but it's still a decent read. King fans will want it, those who don't know King or who don't care for him could do worse. I will say this one has a bittersweet ending, but one with a touch of hope.