Reading 'The Altruists' felt like eavesdropping on the most awkward family dinner ever—in the best way possible. Ridker nails the dynamics of a family where everyone’s talking but no one’s really listening. The humor is dark and dry, perfect for anyone who enjoys cringe comedy with heart. It’s not a book that ties everything up neatly, but that’s part of its appeal. Real life isn’t tidy, and neither are the Alters. If you’re in the mood for something smart, funny, and a little brutal, this is worth your time.
I picked up 'The Altruists' after seeing it recommended for fans of Jonathan Franzen, and while it shares some DNA with his work, it’s got its own distinct voice. The novel follows the Alter family, a dysfunctional bunch grappling with money, morality, and the fallout of their late mother’s choices. Ridker’s strength lies in his ability to make unlikable characters compelling—you don’t always like the Alters, but you understand them. The son, Ethan, in particular, is a fascinating study in millennial aimlessness and privilege.
The book’s structure jumps between perspectives, which keeps things fresh, though some sections drag a bit. It’s not a perfect novel, but its flaws almost add to its charm—it feels human, messy, and alive. If you’re into sharp, socially aware fiction that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, give it a shot. Just don’t expect a tidy resolution; life rarely works that way, and neither does this story.
The Altruists' by Andrew Ridker is one of those books that sneaks up on you. At first glance, it seems like a typical family drama, but the way Ridker weaves humor and sharp social commentary into the story makes it stand out. The characters are flawed in ways that feel painfully real, especially Arthur, the father who's clinging to his idealism while his family falls apart around him. I found myself both cringing at his mistakes and rooting for him to pull through. The exploration of privilege, guilt, and the messy intersections of personal and political lives is handled with a light touch, never feeling preachy.
What really stuck with me was how Ridker balances satire with genuine heart. The Altruists' isn't just a takedown of liberal hypocrisy—it's a nuanced look at how even well-intentioned people can fail each other. The dialogue crackles with wit, and the pacing keeps you turning pages. If you enjoy character-driven stories with a bit of bite, like 'The Nest' or 'Commonwealth,' this might be your next favorite. I finished it in a weekend and immediately wanted to discuss it with someone.
2026-03-30 12:43:00
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In a world ravaged by global nuclear fallout, I struggled to survive alongside my fragile, sweet-faced best friend, dodging one radiation storm after another.
The route to the Central Safety Zone was blocked—we had no choice but to use two detonators to blast open the tunnel. Otherwise, we would be caught in the storm, our bodies rotting away until we either dissolved into blood sludge or turned into zombies.
…
In my previous life, I had risked everything to secure those detonators, only for my best friend to hand them over to a complete stranger without hesitation. "They have elderly people and children on their side too," she said earnestly. "One detonator can save many lives. Iris, you can't be selfish."
I was so furious my blood pressure nearly exploded, but with no other option, I went straight into a horde of zombies to steal backup detonators. I lost an arm in the process, drenched in blood and barely standing. Yet, she complained that I was covered in gore and had frightened the children.
After finally regrouping with the main convoy, I rushed to deliver the formula for anti-radiation medicine to the research institute so that more people could be saved. But she accused me of stealing supplies and trying to flee, which led to my expulsion from the base, and death, my body rotting away under the radiation.
When I opened my eyes again, there was still one hour left before the radiation storm hit. I looked down at the two detonators in my hand, then at my pitiful, tear-brimmed best friend—and I smiled.
Since she loved being a good person so much, this time, I would let her be one to her heart's content.
After spending thirteen years abroad, MJ Billings, the twenty-eight-year old multibillionaire and CEO of Billings Corporations; is forced to return to her birthplace; a place she would rather forget. MJ's return is every bit displeasing as it sounds. Under an alias, May Smith, she is forced to work as a PA and serve a man she had hoped to never cross paths with again.
One misunderstanding leads MJ Billings and Logan Parker down the road of no return as they play dirty games that may result in the people around them getting hurt. Along the way, the two of them face their worst fears while unwittingly exposing their weaknesses. They keep pushing each other to the limits, and it soon becomes clear to them that the saying is true: "You can't keep two bulls in the same kraal."
When a lot of people get caught up in their web of lies, they attract both enemies and friends; and as time goes on, they cannot tell the difference between the two, which leads to the inevitable - betrayals, deceits, a near-death experience, tension, and more lies.
Those who know who MJ Billings really is, know that behind all the power and anonymity; lies the real devil. She may be charming to some and intimidating to others with her sardonic smile and devious smirk; but she is heartless and vengeful, and never does anything without a reason. MJ Billings is a ruthless dictator who knows no boundaries.
But what could be keeping her grounded in South Africa? How much more can she tolerate, and how long is it going to take before she finally snaps and unveils the devil in her?
Mom had one rule, and she never let it go: one good deed a day.
When I was little, I saved my allowance for an entire year to buy a doll. Then some girl beside me whispered that she wanted one too, and Mom ripped it out of my arms.
"Do one good deed a day. Give her the doll."
Later, I barely made it into the best high school in the county. I didn't even get to be happy before Mom told me she'd already signed me up for trade school.
"Do one good deed a day. The girl who just missed the cutoff is poor. Give her your spot."
Later, at trade school, my roommates stole every cent I had for food and rent. I called Mom, sobbing.
"Do one good deed every day. Giving them your money still counts as doing something good."
Later, I got a part-time job and ended up sold as a bride to some family way out in the sticks. I texted Mom, begging her to save me.
Her reply popped up a second later.
[Marriage means sticking it out. Give them a healthy baby boy, and that should cover ten years of good deeds.]
Liam isn't interested in a mate. But he is interested in having someone help him run the pack. So when he smells his mate from across the parking lot he's actually excited... until he realizes she's human.
Aurora I am the princess in the tower, the Alpha's daughter. Locked away by my father, Oliver Crane. My mother died when I was a child. Today is my eighteen birthday. My father has a party planned. This party isn't about me. It's about my father's power, wealth, and will include guests from our rival pack, the Hawthornes. Little did I know this was my wedding day, I was marrying a monster, and I would find my saving grace, my Mate, on the run. SawyerI'm the second son: the beta, the nobody of the Hawthorne family pack. I've lied, cheated, killed, and now stolen. I've been Aurora Crane's shadow for years. She is beautiful, innocent, and I'm in love with her. For her birthday, she has no idea what is in store. Her father has sold her to mine. She's marrying my brother. He's evil and cruel. But no one cares how he breaks women because he's the next Alpha. He will destroy her. I can't let that happen, no matter what the Alpha commands.*Warning & Triggers* Mature Themes including Detailed Sexual Content, Violence, and Attempted Sexual Assault
Liam came back from his search of finding a mate sadly because he couldn't find her. On his arrival, he found a new building on his land, he was angry the person didn't seek his permission and was angry to discover the owner is a human.
He intended to drive her away from his territory but sparks flew as he found his mate is no other person than the human.
Will he accept her and let her stay?
Will she submit to these creatures and let fate decides?
Gide’s 'The Immoralist' is one of those books that lingers in your mind like a haunting melody. At its core, it’s a psychological exploration of self-discovery and moral ambiguity, wrapped in elegant, almost deceptive simplicity. Michel, the protagonist, undergoes a transformation that’s both liberating and unsettling—his journey from conformity to raw individualism feels like watching someone tear off a mask, only to reveal another beneath it. The prose is sparse but charged, like a coiled spring, and Gide’s refusal to moralize outright makes the story all the more provocative.
What really grips me is how modern it feels, despite being over a century old. The questions it raises about authenticity, desire, and societal expectations could’ve been ripped from today’s debates. If you enjoy narratives that challenge you to sit with discomfort—think 'Notes from Underground' or 'The Stranger'—this’ll be right up your alley. Just don’t expect tidy resolutions; Gide leaves you to wrestle with the messiness, which, honestly, is the best part.
Reading 'The Virtue of Selfishness' was a wild ride for me. I picked it up after a friend insisted it would change my perspective on morality, and boy, did it deliver. Ayn Rand’s arguments are intense—she flips traditional altruism on its head and champions rational self-interest like it’s the ultimate life hack. At times, her logic feels airtight, especially when she dissects how sacrifice-for-sacrifice’s-sake can be toxic. But other moments left me squirming; her dismissal of empathy feels extreme, almost icy. Still, even when I disagreed, I couldn’t put it down. It’s the kind of book that lingers, making you debate yourself in the shower. If you enjoy philosophy that punches you in the gut, this is a must-read. Just keep a highlighter handy—you’ll need it for the passages that make your brain short-circuit.
What’s fascinating is how polarizing Rand’s ideas are. I lent my copy to three people, and we all had radically different takeaways. One friend called it 'liberty gospel,' another said it read like a corporate dystopia manual. That divisiveness is part of its charm, though. Whether you walk away inspired or horrified, it forces you to articulate your own values. And hey, if nothing else, it’s a great conversation starter at parties (or a surefire way to start arguments).