I seem to be having one of those weeks: I’m reading a fantastic book and — to make deadlines — a pretty good book and one I haven’t decided about yet. And I feel like I’m getting nowhere with any of them (the bookmarks keep moving, so I know that’s not the case). It’s pretty frustrating. Especially with library due dates and other deadlines looming. I tell ya, the reader’s life is hard, yo.
Anyway, I haven’t spent that much time web/social media surfing this week. But I do have a small list of odds ‘n ends over the week about books and reading that caught my eye to share with you. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
- Audiobooks, inclusivity and #MeToo … how books changed in 2018 — I’d differ a bit with some of the analysis in this piece from The Guardian, but I still liked the overview as a whole
- A Massive Number of Iconic Works Will Enter the Public Domain on New Year’s Eve — I’m not convinced it’ll be all that good for creativity, but it’ll be handy for ease of access.
- Old favorites, outdated attitudes: Can entertainment expire? — I’m not sure Antony gets anywhere with this question, but it’s something I keep running into.
- How to Read Even More in 2019: 12 Tips on How to Maximize Your Reading This Year — I’ve seen this shared a lot. Unlike most years where I see a variety on the same theme, it’s like everyone just decided to use this from Strand Bookstore.
- 25 Books Hitting the Screen in 2019 — Some items on this list seem like a bad idea, few really excite me. What about you?
- The Real Book Spy’s 2019 Reading Guide: Every Thriller We Know About So Far
- Starting yesterday, “and continuing every Friday moving forward,” Criminal Element “will be revisiting every Edgar Award winner for Best Novel.” — Which looks like a dynamite series.
- Raymond Chandler and a Meditation on Nero Wolfe and His Orchids
Lastly, I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome to Asha Seth, rosemikeals42, nikkit321, andrayachristine and Solid lover of poetry for following the blog this week.
pcochrun
Excellent post!
I took a look at the list of books to movies… some look like they will work, others have me shaking my head!
HCNewton
any in particular have you shaking your head?
pcochrun
Dune, The Name of the Wind, 1984… I love the Dune flick, a remake can be made better? I don’t know.
The Name of the Wind… I guess after the amazing special effect in LOTR and GOT, this can be done. I just have an idea in my head.
1984. That first movie is pretty bad, and dystopian is hot right now… they are trying to get several audiences interested in this one.
HCNewton
I’m with you on Dune and 1984. But I’ve heard Rothfuss talk about all the effort he put into making the right selection and how he’s involved with the whole thing. I have hope for it. But . . . I have a few misgivings about it, too.
I’m a little surprised by the Silver Chair — Netflix just got the rights to the whole series. Why bother with the movie?
The Rook? I’m both eager for it and scared. The Bernadette trailer, similarly, gives me hope in the cast, but it seems to miss the point.
pcochrun
Is Rothfuss going to pull a Martin and focus on the film in lieu of finishing his series? ?
I read The Rook awhile ago… It will be interesting to see that. On that, is it better to be very familiar with the story or just have some base knowledge going into a flick? Just some thoughts…
HCNewton
For me, if I want to enjoy the adaptation, the less familiar with the source material I am, the better.
If I want to appreciate how well/poorly the show/movie deals with the source, then the opposite is true.
pcochrun
Perfect. Exactly my thoughts!