Living in New England, it is easy to think you know the area pretty well, and then a book like this comes along and reminds you just how many strange, funny, and fascinating stories are hiding in small towns and along back roads.

There are entries about things like a covered bridge museum in Vermont, unusual cemeteries, bizarre landmarks, and people who have turned very specific interests into local institutions. Some of the stories are historical, some are just plain odd, and others make you want to get in the car and go see the place for yourself.

Of course, “just one more” has a way of becoming two.

The stories themselves are a delightful mix of adventure, humor, magic, and lessons about kindness, cleverness, greed, gratitude, and sometimes simply what happens when somebody makes a very bad decision.

The book has a wonderfully Vermont quality to it. The humor is dry, observant, and rooted in the personalities and small details of rural life. These are the kinds of stories that find comedy in ordinary conversations, stubborn characters, local habits, and the quiet absurdities that people living in small communities understand especially well.

This time, our assignment was Spider-Man: The Other – Evolve or Die. With the upcoming Spider-Man movie reportedly drawing inspiration from this storyline, Jordan and I both sat down to read it before we see what makes it onto the big screen.

Sometimes you just need a book that makes you laugh out loud—and Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy delivers exactly that. Dav Pilkey is a master at mixing silliness, action, and a dash of toilet humor into something kids can’t put down (and adults can’t help but chuckle at too).

The story follows the eccentric inventor Septimus Bean and his mysterious “amazing machine.” No one knows what it’s supposed to do—including Septimus himself. Naturally, this leads to confusion, criticism, and ultimately, a wonderfully unexpected discovery. The beauty of the book is that it celebrates curiosity, persistence, and the idea that not everything has to have a clear purpose right away to be worthwhile.

What I love most about this book is how it perfectly blends classic Tintin elements—his unwavering bravery, Captain Haddock’s comedic grumbling, and the beautiful, detailed artwork—with a new, fantastical angle. It’s a great exploration of how Hergé could push his storytelling into different genres while maintaining the charm and excitement that Tintin fans love.

What truly makes this book remarkable is how well it has aged. The trails Kibling covers are still being maintained, providing hikers with the same breathtaking views and peaceful retreats that she so lovingly described decades ago. As a local, I can attest that the places highlighted in this guidebook remain as enchanting as ever, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

"Better to Be Lucky than Smart" is not just a collection of stories; it's a celebration of a life well-lived. It reminds us of the importance of embracing opportunities, no matter how diverse or challenging. Bill Mares' memoir is a fitting tribute to his legacy and is highly recommended for an inspiring and heartfelt read. His memory, and his words, will continue to inspire all who read this remarkable book.

The story celebrates inclusivity, featuring a diverse cast that breaks societal typecasts. Characters are rich in age, race, and sexual orientation, making the narrative both refreshing and relatable. Leyh, known for her work on "The Lumberjanes," masterfully blends magic with reality, challenging us to look beyond surface appearances.

This past week I read the DC Comics 1988 mini-series “The Weird”. With the Big Two publishers, I have been recently gravitating to stand-alone stories and so I discovered this four-issue mini-series.