Category: Saturday Miscellany Page 23 of 35

Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
As libraries drop late fees, long-overdue books return — as do former patrons: Minnesota libraries went fine-free, then waited to see: Would patrons hoard all the books?—Most libraries around here went fine-free a couple of years ago. I wonder if their results were similar.
How Amazon surrendered in its war on bookshops
How the Publishing World Is Muscling In on Hollywood Deals: For Authors, “The Future Is Multihyphenate”
Why are crime writers so weird?: As well as entertaining, the best detective stories deal with life and death, good and evil and the quest for truth
What Makes a Great, or Terrible, Audiobook Performance? The case for doing less.
Witty & Sarcastic Bookclub gets to my favorite in their 2022 looks at Fantasy Sub-genres Fantasy Focus: Urban Fantasy with great interviews featuring:
Matthew Samuels
C. Thomas Lafollette
Peter Hartog
Satyros Phil Brucato
Jamie Jackson
Speaking of Interviews, Beth Tabler also had a great Interview with Author Rachel Aaron this week.
INDIE PUBLISHERS, INDIE AUTHORS, INDIE BOOKSHOP, DO YOU KNOW WHAT THEY ARE?—Jackie’s Reading Corner talks about a couple of indie presses near and dear to her heart (I’ve spent a little money on both presses, I understand her devotion)
What I’ve learnt in over 10 years of book blogging—Jo Linsdell shares some wisom acuumlated over a decade. Much of which I should appropriate.

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
The Botanist by M. W. Craven—I’m going to go into this one blind, the only reason I know the title is so that I could make sure I ordered the right book. So I can’t tell you anything beyond the fact that one of the best Crime Novels of 2022 came out this week.
The Balance Of Guilt by Simon Hall—Somehow Hall’s intrepid reporter exposes a scandal while being sedated in a hospital bed. Can’t wait to find out how that happened.

Tomorrow will be the ninth anniversary of starting this little project, as hard as that is to believe. I remain surprised and thankful that anyone but me pays any kind of attention to it. If you are reading these words, thank you.

Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
What do you do with books you don’t want any more?—this piece by James Colley is the perfect follow-up to last week’s stories about keeping/getting rid of books. Must be something in the air.
Why Do All Books Suddenly Look the Same?—worth it for the line/picture about Stryve jerky (which is a pretty nice jerky, incidentally)
What Really Distinguishes a Crime Novel? Megan Abbott, S.A. Cosby, Laura Lippman, and Ace Atkins share their thoughts with Polly Stewart.
Travel and Reading: A Vacation in Pages
5 Authors And Their Inspiring Rags To Riches Journey—I’m not sure about “inspiring,” interesting maybe…
How Do You Track Your Reading? Or Do You Track Your Reading?—Reading Ladies Book Club tackles the Goodreads vs. Story Graph discussion
The Bookaholic Bex Guide to Book Blogging
The importance of book reviews
I’ve Accepted That Publishers Aren’t That Interested in Book Bloggers

A Book-ish Related Podcast episode (or two) you might want to give a listen to:
Blood Brothers Episode 93 with Adrian McKinty—McKinty takes over the podcast this week, and graciously allows the hosts to make a comment or two. Like anytime McKinty gets on a microphone, it’s a blast.
Under a Pile of Books Episode 92 – May 20 Weekly Pod—It’s good to see Calvin Park back in action.

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
Dance Among the Flames by Tori Eldridge—a “dark journey into Brazilian mysticism about a desperate mother who rises from the slums to embrace Quimbanda magic amid her quest for the ultimate revenge.”

Lastly, I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome to Suzanna and Becky’s Book Blog who followed the blog this week.

Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
Where to dispose of unwanted books? Try a library bookstore—worth a shot, right
What Do We Lose—and Gain—As Book Tours Move Online?
A Quick Note on Dear Fahrenheit 451—Yes, this book looks like a great read, but I’m linking it because of this review. Wish I could write something as good as this.
A Deep Dive Into The Book Community’s Toxic Cancel Culture—I have a degree of trepidation in using the phrase “Cancel Culture” because of the way it’s being used by a lot of people from all over the spectrum, but…there’s a lot of good things to chew on in this post.
Why I Keep My Books
Borrowing Books and Stuff – A How To—There’s a mental list of people that I want to send this to. I won’t, because I prefer that they still talk to me and not about me, but they could sure use it.
A Guide: How I Read More Than Most Probably Do
Let’s Talk: Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week—SPAAW is coming back this July.

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman—”When Laura Costello moves to Los Angeles, trying to escape an overprotective family and the haunting memories of a terrible accident, she doesn’t expect to be homeless after a week. (She’s pretty sure she didn’t start that fire — right?) She also doesn’t expect to find herself adopted by a rogue bookseller, installed in a lovely but completely illegal boardinghouse, or challenged to save a losing trivia team from ignominy… but that’s what happens.”
Dead Against Her by Melinda Leigh—the new Bree Taaggert looks like it’s going to take care of most of my ongoing complaints about the series in one fell swoop. Can’t wait.

Without really intending to, my wife and I have apparently started a collection of dragon figures on books (I know I should more properly call them bookwyrms). One day I’ll take and post some good pictures of them, but today is not that day. I need a name for one of them–we’re a little tired of saying, “that red one we got in Lincoln City.” So, hive mind: suggestions? I tend to prefer something faux-Latin.

Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
A school district in my town this week ignored their book review procedures and voted to ban “forever” over twenty books–go ahead and do that if you must, but do it right (and “forever”, really?). Raise a hullabaloo about Banned Books, the expected groups in the area are responding.
Upset by book bans, teen starts forbidden book club in small Pa. town
Leah Jeffries is Annabeth Chase—Rick Riordan is not pleased with some online reaction to the cast announcement for the Percy Jackson show and takes a firm stand.
Q&A with Jackson Ford, author of The Frost Files—to commemorate the publication of the 4th Frost Files novel this week.
Does genre matter?: When rules help and when they hinder, and how the editing process shapes genre.—One writer’s take on genre, I’d be curious to see how others approach this.
All Possible Plots by Major Authors—you’ll get at least two grins from this list (probably more)
How to have a comfortable read in bed—this piece from the Guaridan in 1978 holds up pretty well
What a Hobby Feels Like—this isn’t about reading/books/etc. per se, but it’s a good piece and I think some of it applies.
Thoughts on returning to book blogging.—were I to step away from this, I’d imagine I’d feel many of the same things
Do I stand by my old reviews? Looking back on SEVEN YEARS of book blogging!—This is a brave idea.
Other Bloggers Talk About 458% Traffic Increase… I’ve Yet To Get That—Pass Me That Book talks about traffic
Lie About Your Age, Not About Reading Books

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
Crazy in Poughkeepsie by Daniel Pinkwater—I haven’t bought/read a Pinkwater book since the 80s, but I’ve been seeing advertisements for this everywhere, I’m going to have to give it a shot.
A Sh*tload of Crazy Powers by Jackson Ford—Teagan Frost is back, what more needs to be said?

Today’s one of those days where I open MyPocket and look at what I have for this Miscellany and wondered if I actually went online at all this week. I don’t think that’s because I’m making healthy choices or anything, just a sign that I was as busy this week as it felt like I was. Two small miscellanies in a row.

Also, happy Free Comic Book Day to those who observe.

Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
Announcing 20 Books of Summer ’22—phew…I already have 2 draft-lists for this. Glad Cathy’s doing this again, I’ve enjoyed it.
What Goes Into a Book’s Appearance?—it’s been too long since I’ve had something along these lines to share
Interview With Author Ben Aaronovich
Opinions: Plagiarising Book Reviews is Weird—This is a thing? I mean, of course this is a thing, our world is a dumpster fire and everything stupid and wrong is a thing…but really? This?
In Praise of Mythopoeic Fantasy—A good post, but worth the click anyway for the excuse to say “mythopoeic” a few times.
Where to buy books other than Amazon (and for cheaper)—I meant to share this a month ago, better late than never…
Getting Started in Superhero Fiction—seems appropriate for today…I’ve dipped my toe in at least a few of these. Good place to start, if you’re someone who digs the genre.

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
Of Claws and Fangs by Faith Hunter—Vignettes, short stories, and a novella from the Jane Yellowrock/Soulwood universe. I said some complimentary things about it on Monday.
Robert B. Parker’s Revenge Tour by Mike Lupica—Lupica and Sunny are back for another adventure. I’ve like Lupica’s Sunny novels more than most of Parker’s, it’s bugging me that I haven’t been able to open this yet.

Lastly, I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome to A.B. Finlayson, Gottfried, and blackwings666 who followed the blog this week.

Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
Today is Independent Bookstore Day—be sure to go spend some time at a store near you, they probably have something fun going on
Why We are An Indie Bookstore—a short little post from the people who will be getting some of my money today
Book Sales in the U.S. Are Stronger Than Ever
Why Reading is Good for You: Neuroscientist and author Ali Hazelwood on the benefits of curling up with a book
Why the Mystery Novel Is a Perfect Literary Form: David Gordon on the long, rich history of private eyes – and why contemporary novelists keep on turning to them.—Yup.
“It’s The Most Stressful Book I’ve Ever Read, And I Couldn’t Put It Down”: People Are Sharing The Book They Wish They Could Read Again For The First Time—been there…
Thank you and Goodnight!—one of my favorite book bloggers (despite how little our tastes overlap) calls it a night.
Witty and Sarcastic Book Club is back with another Fantasy Focus, this month, tackling High and Epic Fantasy—there are some great reads and authors featured here.

A Book-ish Related Podcast episode (or two) you might want to give a listen to:
Author Stories Podcast Episode 1224: Don Winslow interview—obviously they talk about City on Fire but listening to talk about writing and writers is a treat.

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon (starting with one that I forgot last week):
Against All Odds by Jeffery H. Haskell—Haskell steps away from super-heroes to launch a Military SF trilogy.
City on Fire by Don Winslow—Winslow’s trilogy about the mafia in New England draws upon Homer and other classic epics. This looks fantastic.
Rosebud by Paul Cornell—”When five sentient digital beings—condemned for over three hundred years to crew the small survey ship by the all-powerful Company—encounter a mysterious black sphere, their course of action is clear: obtain the object, inform the Company, earn lots of praise. But the ship malfunctions, and the crew has no choice but to approach the sphere and survey it themselves.”

Lastly, I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome to Raylene Second who followed the blog this week.

On Monday, I hit a little landmark:

A few years ago, I’d struggle to get 4 posts a week–so it came as a surprise when WP let me know last year that I’d gone 30-40 days in a row ( the details are fuzzy). Then I turned it into a personal challenge–could I hit 100? It was unexpectedly easy. Then I decided to try for a year. I will admit I struggled a bit, but I managed to pull it off. A few months back, I thought about taking the day after the one-year mark off, but I forgot to. Now, I’m not shooting for 2 years, but I have no intention of taking a break or going back to my early/very sporadic days. I like the discipline–but if I happen to miss a day, I’m not going to sweat it.*

Much.

Anyway, you didn’t come here for my own horn-tooting, on with the miscellany:
Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
I’m a High School Junior. Let’s Talk About ‘Huckleberry Finn’ and ‘Mockingbird.’—worth a read if you can evade the paywall
A preview clip from CBS Saturday Morning (the whole thing just aired, I guess) where Don Winslow announces his retirement—from writing, anyway. Hate to see him set down the pen, but at least I now have a chance to catch up on the backlog.
There’s more Winslow to come on this list, he does have a book releasing next week, and I’m excited for it.
Murder, revenge, power: Don Winslow reveals classical inspirations for crime novel ‘City On Fire’—Nunc hoc in marmore non est incisum
Author Don Winslow Reveals Why We’re Obsessed With the Mafia and What’s To Love About His New England Mafia Book City on Fire
He also tweeted this video from his Polish publisher showing the book printed—I could watch this kind of thing all day
Neil Gaiman on book bans and the secret to a good book-to-film adaptation—anytime is a good time for a Gaiman interview
A Veterinarian’s Perspective on Writing Animals—I’d already put this vet’s book on my list when I read this piece on CrimeReads. Now I’ve moved it a little higher on the list.
Rarely Seen Paintings by J.R.R. Tolkien Portray a Lush ‘Lord of the Rings’ Landscape—ooh…
Ben Aaronovitch Celebrates 11 Years of ‘RIVERS OF LONDON’—haven’t had a chance to watch this yet, but looking foward to it.
8 Reasons Why Reading Is Better Than Sleeping—in case there was any doubt
Do You Annotate? Pros and Cons
Are Readers Patient?—a question I’d never have thought to ask
Alternatives to Goodreads: Literal—I’d never heard of this Goodreads Alternative.
It’s okay to collect books—yup
The books that shaped me as a reader – The Early Years!—I love reading things like this
The Problem With “Problematic” | The Book Community’s Perpetual Witch Hunt—I wouldn’t co-sign every jot and tittle of this, but most of them….

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
Pay Dirt Road by Samantha Jayne Allen—a small Texas town is rocked by the murder of a waitress. Which is a lousy way to pitch this, but in a sentence, that’s as good as I can do. Why don’t you just read my post about it?
King Of The Crows Anniversary Edition by Russell Day—This was one of my (possibly the) favorites of 2020, the anniversary edition looks gorgeous. Get it while you can.
Blood Sugar by Sascha Rothchild—A woman fights to clear her name after being falsely accused of murdering her husband. But she has killed three other people…
The Sweet Goodbye by Ron Corbett—An FBI agent looks into small-town corruption in northern Maine.
Fifty-Four Pigs by Philipp Schott—A Canadian veterinarian investigates a murder to save a friend

Lastly, I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome to Sarah Tavanello, who followed the blog this week. Don’t be a stranger!

Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
How to make reading a regular habit—I’d say this is a shorter version of the usual thing written on this topic, but it is from Reader’s Digest, so I guess it’s about standard. Also, Reader’s Digest is still a thing?
The Summer of Ree!—Michael R. Underwood is re-releasing the series that started it all for him this summer—including in paperback this time! A great time to pick up this fun UF series.
The Art of the Book Recommendation
8 Types of Audiobook Listeners—I’m the last 3–okay, I’ve become too lazy to be all 3, I’m the last 2 types. But I should be the last 3.
Starting a Home Lending Library Has Made Me a Better Friend
Interview with Literature & Lofi and Announcement—Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week will be back this year, read here to see what Literature and LoFi and Witty and Sarcastic Bookclub have to say about it.
Against Sub-Genres—this comes so close to what I’ve been thinking lately, it’s kind of creepy.

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
Amongst Our Weapons by Ben Aaronovitch—I finished this new Rivers of London book yesterday, and it’s so good!
The Cutting Season by M.W. Craven—This quick Poe & Tilly novella pulls no punches.
Still Just a Geek: An Annotated Memoir by Wil Wheaton—Wheaton’s put out a new edition of his memoir, with added material–including annotations on his original material, casting whole new lights on it. Sounds like a great idea.

Lastly, I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome to Brothers Campfire , who followed the blog this week. Check out their blog, folks.

I don’t look at these posts on my phone–almost ever. But something led me to an old one yesterday, and ugh. These Saturday Miscellany posts just do not look right on them–I made a small tweak today that should help. If you read this on your phone/tablet, will you let me know if this looks better than usual? Also, my apologies.

Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
Congress Investigates Book Banning in Schools—Oh good. Congress is getting involved. That’ll help.
ALA Releases Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2021—I don’t know much about the majority of this list, but I’ve read a couple of these and the noted complaints about them are pretty baseless. Can only imagine the rest of the list is similarly meritless.
Will George R.R. Martin Ever Finish A Song of Ice and Fire? (And Does It Matter Anymore If He Doesn’t?)—The penultimate paragraph is pretty much were I am.
Treasuring the Books No One Else Seems to Love—I think most of us can find ourselves in this
How to Read More Books! 7 Tried and True Tips—Shelf Centered weighs in on this evergreen topic. Some handy tips.
Buying Secondhand Books
My Top 36 Fantasy Series/Books—As I demonstrated yesterday, I don’t think I could pull off a list like this. My hat’s off to Peat Long for doing so. Also, I’m coming back to this next time I’m in the mood for a fantasy read.
Why I Love To Read… Middle Grade
The 10 types of book reviewer!—Do you see yourself in one/more of these?
PSA: Honesty and Book Reviewing—I may have linked to this last time Bookstooge posted this. I probably did. Still, it’s worth reading again.

A Book-ish Related Podcast episode (or two) you might want to give a listen to:
Blood Brothers Episode 87 with Ben Aaronovitch—a discussion with Aaronovitch on the eve of the next Rivers of London book. Aaronovitch was on his game here, very fun podcast.
Fiction Fans Storm Front (Dresden Files) with Literature & Lofi—Ben from Literature & Lofi and the hosts talk about Butcher’s Storm Front, I’d quibble with some of the discussion, but on the whole, it was a decent look at the book/teaser for the series.

This week, there were no New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon. So I won’t be tempting you (or be tempted myself). Time to catch up on what you already decided to read!

Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
Brandon Sanderson’s record-breaking Kickstarter campaign ends with $41.7 million—ruminate on that number for a bit, will ya?
Your Guide to Independent Alternatives for Books, Audiobooks, eBooks, and Beyond—libro.fm has put together a handy list of bookish resources without a tie to “The River.”
Everything You Want To Know About Requesting Books on NetGalley—This is too much effort for me, NetGalley approvals aren’t a huge priority (but I could easily let it become one), but this is another handy resource for those who want to get more approvals.
Witty and Sarcastic Book Blog brought us a new Fantasy Focus this week, this focus is on Grimdark—a sub-genre I appreciate, even if I’m vague on understanding it (some of these posts have been very educational for me). Check it out.
Why is Literature so Important?, asks Booksh Brews
What I learned from my self-imposed three-month book-buying ban.—an impressive feat. Not one I think I could pull off.
How Kindle Has Changed My Reading Experience!

A Book-ish Related Podcast episode (or two) you might want to give a listen to:
Blood Brothers Podcast Episode 85 with Steph Broadribb—Broadribb talks about her Retired Detectives Club and a slew of other topics

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
Sweep of Stars by Maurice Broaddus—Broaddus has given us his spin on Arthurian tales and steampunk, and now turns to Space Opera,
Monarch by Candice Wuehle—The cryptic worlds of Hanna and Stranger Things mingle with the dark humor of Dare Me in this debut novel about a teen beauty queen who discovers she’s been a sleeper agent in a deep state government program, and whose love for a fellow pageant girl sparks an underworld journey to the truth of her being.” After reading this post on Crime Reads, I had to put this on my list.