Computers of Star Trek by Lois H. Gresh & Robert E. Weinberg is exactly what it states to be in its title. It examines the various pieces of technology used in the different iterations of Star Trek through the years and compares it to the reality (and future of) technology.The problem was that it  is so outdated that there was little point in me reading beyond page 20. Computers of Star Trek was written in 1999 and re-published in 2001 which predates the beginning of Star Trek: Enterprise not to mention the reboot movies or Discovery. It was also written before the first iPod (end of 2001) or the first smartphone that didn't rely on a stylus (2007).

The Science of Supervillains by Lois H. Gresh & Robert Weinberg was just as much fun as The Science of Superheroes which I read earlier this year. This volume discusses the possibility (or impossibility) of the various powers and abilities that supervillains from comic lore possess. They cover such classic villains as Poison Ivy, Lex Luthor, Doc Ock, and Magneto to name just a few. One of the more fascinating sections examined a comic titled "Crisis on Infinite Earths" where infinite realities, galaxies, and universes were destroyed. Gresh determined that within these infinite galaxies and universes would be still more infinite galaxies which would take infinite power and infinite time to destroy...which is impossible. (If you're a huge science nerd then this is the kind of stuff that makes your brain hum with happiness.) Included at the back of the book was an excellent notes section as well as a Q&A with various comic writers and reviewers. The only con I could see was that it was quite a bit shorter than its predecessor which bummed me out as I enjoyed it so much. (In fact, I'm ordering another book by Gresh about the computers of Star Trek which I'm super pumped to read.) Well researched, well written, and well executed...can't ask for more than that! 10/10

What I'm Currently Reading: The Sellout by Paul Beatty

What an absolutely FUN read The Science of Superheroes turned out to be! Lois H. Gresh & Robert E. Weinberg took several big name superheroes like Superman, Batman, The Flash, Ant Man, Aquaman, and the X-Men (just to name a few) and discussed in-depth their powers, origin stories, narrative continuity, and whether there was any basis in scientific fact for their superpowers. There were great recommendations both throughout the book and in the footnotes (ya'll know I love a book with excellent footnotes). They also went to great lengths to give a detailed, thorough history of comics in general which made this an altogether well-rounded and researched book. (I've read some so-called 'scientific' nonfiction that couldn't hold a candle to the amount of work that Gresh & Weinberg obviously put in for this book.) Another huge bonus was the extensive appendix which also included biographies and q&a responses with several popular 'current' writers of comics. (Am I gushing? I can't help it that I love a good set of biographical facts organized in an orderly fashion.) At any rate, whether you're a pop culture fan, comic aficionado, superhero movie nerd, or really into researched footnotes this is sure to fit the bill and be an excellent choice for a cozy autumn evening. 10/10

PS I had made a note after reading this that I hoped they made one for comic book villains...and they did! If you're interested the title is The Science of Supervillains. XD

What's Up Next: Only Human by Sylvain Neuvel

What I'm Currently Reading: Molesworth by Geoffrey Willans & Ronald Searle

I don't like Fifty Shades of Grey (and yes, I have read the entire series).  But then, if you've been reading my reviews, you'll find that I take issue with a lot of romance and erotic novels.  I'm picky about writing style, quality of editing, and the pervasiveness of certain troupes and abusive behavior (note, I am not talking about BDSM as abusive behavior), all of which stand out to me as issues with Fifty Shades of Grey.

The contributors of Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey vary widely in their backgrounds and reactions to the book.  Authors, editors, doctors, educators, lawyers and more have shared their thoughts on Fifty Shades of Grey.  Some loved it, some hated it, but more importantly, they're taking the time to discuss their side, and the different opinions with their evidence are placed side by side for you to read.  Perhaps even more interestingly, the authors in many cases interpret the exact same piece of advice in diametrically opposing ways.

Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey reminds me that love it or hate it, Fifty Shades of Grey has its place if for only the impact it had on the acceptance of explicit novels in the public sphere as well as the publishing industry.  In many ways Fifty Shades of Grey gave the publishing industry, and the wider public, a kick in the pants to catch up with the dirty dirty treasure trove that many of us who spend far too much time online were already aware of.  Dirty, smutty, and often so ridiculously unrealistic that it defies thought.  When it comes down to it, there are definitely some highly inconceivable smutty stories I greatly enjoy.  But then, those stories generally did not result countless of otherwise sane adults to go into a near frenzy that fails to discern the difference between sexual fantasy and real life desires (and safety).  Maybe more people should read Nancy Friday's My Secret Garden?  On the other hand, everyone finds inspiration in different places, and I'm sure we all remember misinformation we're embarrassed to admit we excitedly regurgitated as pearls of sexual wisdom in our younger years.

Honestly, I find Fifty Shades  of Grey to be pretty tame when it comes to sexual content and kink, regardless of how much they boink.  This may be a side effect of knowing that there's a whole lot more out there regardless of where ones personal interests lay.  But please, I really rather not have to talk to you about the porn you're watching on the public computers that could be seen by kids walking by.

In her essay within Fifty Writers, D. L. King defines the line between "erotic romance" and "erotica" as whether or not the story would hold together without the sex.  If you still have a coherent (if less salacious) story after fading to black whenever things heated up, you have an erotic romance.  I like this definition in an otherwise blurry division of category.  I try to keep in mind when I review anything, but particularly erotic romance or erotica, that people come into it from different places, different interests, different backgrounds.  A writing style that repels me may be wildly successful (for example, I've given up on ever liking anything written by Katie McAllister or Sherrilyn Kenyon).

This book is made up of analytical essays, personal experiences, legal analysis, and naughty stories.  We have discussions of fan-fiction, publishing, feminism, romance, writing, pop culture, and cultural norms and morays.  I am however, a bit annoyed at multiple mentions of Librarians banning Fifty Shades without any mention of those who fought to keep it no the shelves.  But of course I'd be annoyed at that.


Laura Antoniou's Fifty Shades of Holy Crap! had me dying of laughter, lambasting not only Fifty Shades of Grey but romance/erotica/porn tropes as well.  Also, there really needs to be a company called "Pacific Northwest Dykes who Make Whips."  I found Sherri Donovan's legal analysis of Ana and Christian's negotiations and contract fascinating.  Arielle Loren's Imagining a Black Fifty Shades writes about the issue of diversity in black female sexual pleasure in mainstream media.

Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey is worth reading if you love or hate Fifty Shades of Grey, and for a slew of nuanced reasons as well.  Additionally, the book finishes with an list of fiction and non-fiction books that may be of interest to its readers.

Advanced Reader Copy copy courtesy of NetGalley; differences may exist between uncorrected galley text and the final edition.

Apparently one of those books that Arkham House was supposed to release before they joined the choir eternal...

Pretty good creep anthology with a lot of names I didn't know. Ugly cover and dj. There were a handful of really good disturbing stories and no real stinkers, which I hate in an anthology (Why include one really bad story, harkening back to the rotten apple analogy?). Too many damn typos!

I liked it, anyway.