Saturday Miscellany – 7/30/16

Second week in a row that I’m late with this…blame my wife insisting that I should interact with people in this “Real World” she keeps going on about. Oh, and sleep — my chief foe (and welcoming friend).

Odds ‘n ends over the week about books and reading that caught my eye. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:

• NPR asks: Can Serialized Fiction Convert Binge Watchers Into Binge Readers?
• Jeff Noon Signs with Angry Robot for Two Book Deal — it was ’95 I think that I read Noon’s Vurt, and there are parts of it I still remember. I’ve intended to, but haven’t gotten around to reading anything else by him. But I will read these.
• The Man Who Invented Fiction review – what we owe to Cervantes — has anyone out there actually read Cervantes? Is there a translation I should try for my umpteenth attempt?
• The Way Into Audio — Connolly’s wonderful The Way Into fantasy series is coming to Audiobooks, which means the one person I was most sure would like it will be more likely to give it a shot (and many others will be exposed, too). I haven’t encountered the Narrator before, but looking at his credits, he’s no slouch.
• ‘Iron Druid’ Author Kevin Hearne-on-his Comic Book and New Fantasy Series — squee
• 18 Terrible Book Characters I Will Always Hate — don’t think I can disagree with any of this list.

This Week’s New Releases I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
• The Summer that Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel — I’ve gushed enough about this already, but it’s officially out now — get reading!
• How did I miss Outfoxed by David R last week? Seriously, what’s wrong with me? Andy Carpenter, a dog on the cover, with crime and jokes inside — a recipe for fun.
• Nevernight by Jay Kristoff — after The Lotus War I’ve gotta give whatever he puts out a shot. Doesn’t hurt that this looks really good.
• GUN by The Gun Collective — an experimental, collaborative novel put out my the mavericks over at Fahrenheit Press.
• City of Wolves by Willow Palecek — A “gaslamp fantasy noir” — I’m not really sure what that means (but I have a pretty good idea), but it looks like a fun read.

Lastly, I’d like to say hi and welcome to Grace Crandall for following the blog this week. Thanks to ThemisAthena for all the encouraging likes and to Bookstooge for catching my BookLikes goof.