John J. Vinacci

Starter Villain  by John Scalzi’s is my follow up read to his lighthearted Kaiju Preservation Society . From beginning to end, Starter Villain is packed full of soft (and sometimes sardonic) humor with a side of social commentary as it follows Charlie, a destitute, down-on-his-luck ex-business journalist turned substitute-teacher. Charlie’s only asset is the house of his late father, which really belongs to his siblings as well who want him to move out so they can sell it. Other than his faithful cat, Hera, life sucks for Charlie. After Charlie’s estranged uncle dies and leaves behind his fortune, allegedly attained from his parking garage empire, Charlie’s contacted by his uncle’s assistant who informs him that it was the final wish of his uncle to purchase his house from the family trust and gift it to Charlie outright, but only if he stands for his uncle at the funeral. And that’s when the fun begins. Charlie soon realizes there was more to his uncle’s life than being a parking...

As I lay at the foot of the warm, cozy bed, a familiar scenario has come to a head.   “Well, look at the time. I believe that’s a five. Food in my bowl is not far behind.”   I will chew on this wire as I so often conspire, to wake daddy up – “Don’t sleep!” I interrupt.   I will paw daddy’s face ‘til his slumber’s erased. I’ll meow ‘til he gives in, because I’m a prick.   “Fill ‘er up,” I demand, my bowl to its brim. “I am so hungry and this cat waits for no man.”   “Rise, rise!” Our fates are entwined. The clock has struck five, eating is my life.   Ah, daddy stirs and looks at the wall. “It’s two in the morning, you little bastard,” he retorts.   “A two or a five. So I’m not good at reading signs. But since you’re awake, feed me. I’m hungry. Don’t let me die.”   “Alright,” he concedes. Alright, indeed. He’s not the dumbest of all humans, it’s the futility he sees.   “Here you go, now leave me alone,” he gi...