Category: Book Tag

Life in Books Tag

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On May 27, 2020

In Book Tag, Books, Fiction, News/Misc.

Life in Books Tag
I don’t know where this one came from (if you know, I’d love to credit them), but this looked like a fun tag to tackle, and I was in the mood to try one.

1. Find a book for each of your initials

High Fidelity Changes Needle Song

High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

Changes by Jim Butcher

Needle Song by Russell Day

2. Count your age along your bookshelf – what book is it?

The Snapper

The Snapper by Roddy Doyle

3. A book set in your city/country

Boise Longpig Hunting Club

Boise Longpig Hunting Club by Nick Kolakowski

Boise isn’t my hometown, but this book takes place in Boise and many surrounding areas—Jake Halligan would have to drive by my town several times in this book, so I’m counting it.

4. A book that represents a destination you’d love to travel to

The Naming of the Dead

The Naming of the Dead by Ian Rankin

I’m not really that big on travel, but my wife and I have often talked about going to Scotland, and it doesn’t get more Scottish than Ian Rankin?

5. A book that’s your favorite color

The Run-Out Groove

The Run-Out Groove by Andrew Cartmel

Haven’t read this yet, but it’s sitting on my TBR Shelf for ages—love that orange.

6. Which book do you have the fondest memories of?

The Fellowship of Fear

The Fellowship of Fear by Aaron J. Elkins

This was hard, really hard. There are a handful I could think of here, but they’re the ones I can’t shut up about. But as I tossed ideas around (which was a lot of fun, and I spent more time doing than I’m going to admit), when I stumbled onto this one, I mentally threw in the towel. My first encounter with Gideon Oliver, this kind of mystery (it might have been my first amateur detective who wasn’t a lawyer), Forensic Anthropology—literary love at first sight.

7. Which book did you have the most difficulty reading?

The Sound and the Fury

The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

There are a few that fit here, too. But I remember struggling mightily with this one—which bothered me, I loved the Faulkner I read in college and often figured I’d turn into one of those guys with a deep familiarity with his opus. Instead, I’ve got Douglas Adams, Robert B. Parker, and Jonathan Tropper. Not exactly equivalent.

8. Which book in your TBR pile will give you the biggest accomplishment when you finish it?

The Border

The Border by Don Winslow

The Cartel kicked my butt, and ThePower of the Dog left me shell-shocked, to imagine there’s one to tie off the series really intimidates me. But I really want to find out how he wraps it up.

As usual, I’m not tagging anyone in this—but I’d like to see what you all have to come up with.

The Stay at Home Book Tag

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On April 29, 2020

In Book Tag, Books, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature, News/Misc.

The Stay at Home Book Tag
I saw this tag over on this one from Witty and Sarcastic Book Club last week and figured I’d better join in the fun soon—our Stay at Home order is set to expire at the end of this month, and I may not get another chance.

Laying in Bed: A Book You Could/Have Read in a Day

This one gave me some trouble, honestly, if you’re committed, what book can’t you read in a day? But…I’m going to go with:

Not DressedNot Dressed

by Matthew Hanover
I didn’t read this in a day, but man, I could’ve. This book (like last year’s Not Famous) is effortless to read. When I started this book, it was late in the day and I thought I’d just stick a toe in the water, maybe read about 10% of it. Before I knew it, I was about a third into the book (and were it not for the time of day, I’d have probably finished it in one sitting!). It’s funny, it’s sweet, it’s infectious, it’s engaging as anything I can remember. I cared about these characters and got invested in their lives faster than I typically do. It’s as comfortable as staying in bed should be.

In case you’re curious, here’s my post about it.

Snacking: A Guilty Pleasure Book

Pop Culture!Pop Culture! …Building a Better Tomorrow by Avoiding Today

by Dave Kellett
I’m honestly troubled by the idea of “guilty pleasure.” If you dig a piece of fiction, you dig a piece of fiction—why feel bad about it?* But, I ended up going with this collection of Sheldon comics. I love this strip and read them every time that Kellett posts a new one. I don’t let myself sit down and read through a collection (or part of one) very often, I feel like I should be reading “a real book,” or something I could blog about—or, you know spending time with my family, I guess. So, this is a pleasure that makes me feel guilty when I indulge (which I guess undercuts my opening line…oops).

* Note how I don’t go for the cheap Dan Brown joke here…

Netflix: series you want to start

The Shattered SeaThe Shattered Sea

by Joe Abercrombie
Abercrombie’s Norse-influenced YA trilogy has appealed to me since it was announced. Especially as it’s complete, there’s no good reason I can’t tackle it—the entire trilogy is about as long as some epic fantasy novels, I don’t know what I’m waiting for.

Dan Willis’ Arcane Casebook is also right up there. I hopefully will get to both in 2020.

Deep Clean: a book that’s been on your “to be read” list for ages

StilettoStiletto

by Daniel O’Malley
I loved O’Malley’s The Rook, but read it long before I launched this thing, so I didn’t write anything about it—and then re-read it so I could get ready for Stiletto, and took so many notes I couldn’t get through them all to write something. Anyway, this came out in ’16 and I heard so many lukewarm things that I haven’t been able to get myself to read it. It’s right there on top of my bookshelf, right where it’s been since July 2016 and I don’t know when it’s coming down.

Animal Crossing: a book you recently bought because of hype

The Last Smile in Sunder CityThe Last Smile in Sunder City

by Luke Arnold

A former soldier turned PI tries to help the fantasy creatures whose lives he ruined in a world that’s lost its magic in a compelling debut fantasy by Black Sails actor Luke Arnold.

Welcome to Sunder City. The magic is gone but the monsters remain.

I’m Fetch Phillips, just like it says on the window. There are a few things you should know before you hire me:

1. Sobriety costs extra.
2. My services are confidential.
3. I don’t work for humans.

It’s nothing personal–I’m human myself. But after what happened, to the magic, it’s not the humans who need my help.

Walk the streets of Sunder City and meet Fetch, his magical clients, and a darkly imagined world perfect for readers of Ben Aaronovitch and Jim Butcher.

How can I say “no” to that?

Yeah, this is on the list because of the hype, but when I went to find some examples of the hype that sold me, I could only find this one from Witty and Sarcastic Book Club, which was enough on its own, honestly. Still, if you’re reading this and I’ve just snubbed you. Sorry. Correct me and I’ll throw a link up here.

Productivity: A book you learned from, or that had an impact on you

How Not to DieHow Not to Die

by Michael Greger M.D. FACLM, Gene Stone
This is a book that was recommended to me as part of a medical program I’m in (in an effort to forestall any future cardiac events)—I’m not convinced by all of what it says, but it’s helped me make significant changes to my life—and will continue to do so.

In case you’re curious, here’s my post about it (the post is about the library’s copy of the audiobook, I have the hardcover now—it’s heavy enough I could probably organize an exercise regimen using only it as a weight.

Facetime: a book you were gifted

The Name of the Wind: 10th Anniversary Deluxe EditionThe Name of the Wind: 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

by Patrick Rothfuss, Illustrated by Dan dos Santos
My kids got this for me for Father’s Day in ’17—still one of my favorite gifts from them. A gorgeous edition of one of my all-time favorite books.

Self-care: what is one thing you’ve done recently to look after yourself

Ehhh…not much, really. This is the kind of thing I’m not good at.

Bonus: name a book that is coming out soon

Platonic ComedyPlatonic Comedy

by Ian Shane
Ian Shane’s Postgraduate was one of my favorites from 2019. If this is almost as good, it’ll be one of my favorites of 2020.

Ex-jock Rob and socially awkward Liz weren’t likely to become best friends, but they’ve had each other’s back since college. On a night both of their romantic lives implode, they make a pledge; if they aren’t married by Rob’s fortieth birthday, they would marry each other. With a year left before their deadline, Rob and Liz make a mad dash to find “The One,” while navigating a minefield of modern dating complications. They must deal with skeptical friends, faces from the past, and hidden jealousies and feelings neither one of them will ever admit to.

From Ian Shane, author of Postgraduate and Radio Radio, comes an unconventional one-in-eight-billion romantic comedy. Platonic Comedy is a contemporary When Harry Met Sally that is perfect for fans of Nick Hornby, Jonathan Tropper, and Matthew Norman.

As usual, I’m not tagging anyone in this—but I’d like to see what you all have to come up with.

The Wanderlust Book Tag

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On April 8, 2020

In Book Tag, Books, Craig Johnson, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, News/Misc., Walt Longmire

The Wanderlust Book Tag
My general attitude toward traveling is, “Why?” Followed closely by, “Well, okay, but can I bring books?” Which is not to say that I have anything against the idea of other places, but they’re things best experienced by other people. Or vicariously.

Which brings us to this Book Tag, seen recently on Bookstooge’s Reviews on the Road (but I’ve also appreciated Ola and Pio’s entry on Re-enchantment Of The World and The Orangutan Librarian‘s). Nothing better than exploring different environments than through novels.

The Rules

bullet Mention the creator of the tag and link back to original post [Alexandra @ Reading by Starlight]
bullet Thank the blogger who tagged you (see earlier mention of Bookstooge)
bullet Answer the 10 questions below using any genre
bullet Tag 5+ friends (the first five people who read this should consider themselves tagged. Not sure if you’re #3 or #17? Assume you’re #3)

The Settings

1. Secrets and lies: a book set in a sleepy small town

Paradox BoundParadox Bound

by Peter Clines
My post about the book.
A (seemingly?) typical small New England town is our entry point into a cross-country time travel adventure.

2. Salt and sand: a book with a beach-side community

The Dawn PatrolThe Dawn Patrol

by Don Winslow
I can’t believe that I’ve never written anything about this. Sigh. I read “beach” and it’s the first novel that pops to mind (also third, sixth, ninth-twelfth, and so on). A stylish, deceptively breezy PI novel centering on a group of surfers in San Diegeo is what made me a Don Winslow fan for life.

3. Here there be dragons: a book with a voyage on the high seas

Wake of the Bloody Angel (Eddie LaCrosse, #4)Wake of the Bloody Angel

by Alex Bledsoe
My post about the book.
This entry in the Eddie LaCrosse “PI in a fantasy world” series takes our redoubtable hero to the high seas in search of a missing person. There’s adventure, piracy, sword-play, banter, friendship, and a bit of betrayal.

4. Tread lightly: a book set down a murky river or a jungle

The InformationistThe Informationist

by Taylor Stevens, Hillary Huber (Narrator)
My post about the book.
I think there’s a nasty river, there’s jungle, and a good deal of urban settings. This first Vanessa Michael Monroe adventure introduces readers to a world not seen enough, as well as a heckuva character.

5. Frozen wastes: a book with a frost bitten atmosphere

Hell is EmptyHell is Empty

by Craig Johnson
My post about the book.
As Johnson tries to cycle through the seasons in these books, Walt’s actually had a few Wyoming-as-frozen-wasteland adventures. This one is just my favorite of them. Walt’s on the hunt for escaped federal prisoners in the middle of a blizzard. A gripping tale of man against nature, man against man, man against himself, told with Johnson’s signature style and wit, with one foot in Dante and the other in Indian folklore.
Runner up: Winterkill (Audiobook) by C. J. Box, David Chandler

6. The boonies: a book with rough or isolated terrain

A Star-Reckoner's LotA Star-Reckoner’s Lot

by Darrell Drake
My post about the book.
Set in Persia, full of rough and isolated terrain. Full of social mores that are just as foreign to Western readers as anything that the most imaginative novelist could invent, along with a magic system, a belief system, and a host of supernatural beings that are equally novel. Years later, I’m still in awe of what Drake did with this.

7. Hinterlands and cowboys: a book with a western-esque setting

The Shootout SolutionThe Shootout Solution

by Michael R. Underwood
My post about the book.
The beginning of the Genrenauts series, which I can’t summarize (I’ve tried). So, here’s a bit from the blurb from Underwood’s site:…our world is just one of many, and every other world is the home of a story genre — Science Fiction or Romance, Fantasy or Western — populated by archetypal characters and constantly playing out familiar stories.

The Genrenauts’ mission: find and fix broken stories. If they fail, the ripples from the story worlds will cause havoc and devastation on their home world.

This particular mission takes place on Western world, which is pretty much the definition of Western-esque.

8. Look lively: a book set across sweeping desert sands

Hunger Makes the WolfHunger Makes the Wolf

by Alex Wells
My post about the book.
A SF with a touch of fantasy set on a planet that’s basically defined by sweeping desert sands. Tanegawa’s World is a little forgotten backwater of a planet—think Tatooine—so forgotten that none of the colonists there really have a clue that there’s an interplanetary government, or what’s going on with any other planet. The company that runs the mines (and by extension, the farming communities that support the mines) runs the whole show. There are organizations of workers in individual towns, and there’s a loose network connecting them, for mutual assistance and support. And then there are the Ghost Wolves—a band of mercenary bikers. They are a law unto themselves, but have strong ties to the miner groups. They may be supported by/sympathized with by most people in the towns, but officially they’re outlaws.

9. Wild and untamed: a book set the the heart of the woods

Back of BeyondBack of Beyond

by C. J. Box, Holter Graham (Narrator)
My post about the book.
For those of us in the US (at least the lower 48), there’s nothing like Yellowstone National Park for wild woods. This adventure into the untamed wilds on the hunt for a murderer pits a bunch of people who have no business being in the woods (helped by a couple of pros) against the elements, their own incompetency, and a little bit of urban evil.

10. Wildest dreams: a whimsical book shrouded in magic

No Country for Old GnomesNo Country for Old Gnomes

by Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne
My post about the book.
Yeah, I can think of a few other contenders for this. But “whimsy” is the best word to describe this book. And there’s loads of magic afoot (or is that a-beard?). Such a freakishly fun read, I have to throw in a reference to it whenever I can.

The Inside and Out Book Tag

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On March 24, 2020

In Book Tag, Books, News/Misc.

The Inside and Out Book Tag
It’s been a while since I’ve done a Book Tag post, they’re fun enough I really should do more…

I have no idea where this came from, Duck Duck Go didn’t help much and the blogs I’ve seen this on (The Strawberry Post and The Tattooed Book Geek) don’t know, either. So props to whoever came up with this, and here we go with The Inside and Out Book Tag (alternatively titled: Are You a Philistine and/or a Monster? Plus a couple of other questions Book Tag)

1. Inside flap/back of the book summaries: Too much info? Or not enough?

I don’t need a lot, just enough to pique my attention. Often (and I frequently mention this when I post about a book) publishers put too much information on them. Just give me a hint about the premise and a flavor for the tone—that’s all I really want.

2. New book: What form do you want it in? Be honest: Audiobook, eBook, Paperback or Hardcover?

A decent-sized paperback (not Mass-Market) is probably my favorite, but I tend towards HC or eBook lately. Nothing against MMPBs, really, I’ve only bought 2 or 3 a year for the last couple of years (if InCryptid ever makes the jump to HC, then it’ll only be Stephanie Plum books—which I refuse to buy in HC).

3. Scribble while you read? Do you like to write in your books; take notes, make comments, or do you keep your books clean, clean, clean?

What kind of monster do you think I am? No ink (or graphite!) should come into contact with my books after the printer is done with them. That’s why we have notepaper.

4. Does it matter to you whether the author is male or female when you’re deciding on a book? What if you’re unsure of the author’s gender?

Unless it’s an author I’ve read before, I frequently don’t remember the author’s name until I’ve written a post about them (and even then, honestly, I’m not great at it). So gender? Fuhgeddaboudit. I can’t be bothered. It matters not to the ability of the author, matters not to this reader.

5. Ever read ahead? Or have you ever read the last page way before you got there?

As I’m not a philistine, no. Why would you do that? I’m not being rhetorical here, why would someone do that?

Okay…not true. In Choose Your Own Adventure books, I did read ahead. Even then, I knew that was a dumb way to read them, but I hated to commit to a course until I had read the first paragraph or so of two options…

6. Organized bookshelves or outrageous bookshelves?

I try, I really try to be organized. And if I had 5 more bookshelf units, I could be. At least for a month 🙂

So, yeah, outrageous bookshelves/stacks next to shelves.

7. Have you ever bought a book based on the cover (alone)?

Alone? I don’t think so. I may have checked a book out of the library based on the cover alone.

But numerous covers have led me to read, and re-read, backs/inside flaps.

8. Take it outside to read, or stay in?

Generally, the only time I think of taking one outside, it’s too hot to do so and I only last 10 minutes. But when the weather is right, or I have decent covering overhead, I really enjoy being outside and reading.

Do I Have That? Booktag

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On January 15, 2020

In Book Tag, Books, News/Misc.


I saw this over on Way Too Fantasy a couple of months ago and thought it looked fun (and promptly ran out of time to get to it). It’s harder than it looks (at least it was for me), but I enjoyed the challenge.

1. Do you have a book with deckled edges?

The Complete Novels of Jane Austen

I know that I have more, but this is the first I could find. (and yes, I looked rather strange pulling books off the shelf to run my fingers along the pages to check)

2. Do you have a book with 3 or more people on the cover?
Kings of the Wyld

Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames

The book that continues to be out of my grasp–couldn’t write up a post on the paperback, couldn’t write up a post on the audiobook. Love the book, just can’t articulate why. BTW, the French cover is even better than this very cool one (and would also qualify for this category if I owned a copy).

3. Do you have a book based on another fictional story?


Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye / Fuzzy Nation by John Scalzi

Couldn’t decide, so, a twofer. Loved Fuzzy Nation, should probably give it another whirl, actually. Haven’t gotten around to Jane Steele yet, don’t ask me why, I couldn’t tell you.

4. Do you have a book with a title 10 letters long?
In The Still

In the Still by Jacqueline Chadwick

Scrolling through Goodreads “Read” page, counting letters. How did you spend your Saturday afternoon?

5. Do you have a book with a title that starts and ends with the same letter?
Armada

Armada by Ernest Cline

Tricksy one. Thankfully, this came up on that Goodreads page pretty early. Well…not late, anyway.

6. Do you have a Mass Market Paperback book?
Look Alive Twenty-Five

Look Alive Twenty-Five by Janet Evanovich

Do I have an MMP? They’re only about 50% of my Fiction shelves. This was my latest.

7. Do you have a book written by an author using a pen name?

Deep Down Dead
The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith / Deep Down Dead by Steph Broadribb

The first one felt like cheating, so you get another twofer. By the way, these are all great no matter what name they go by. Read anything by Robert Galbraith, Steph Broadribb, J. K. Rowling, or Stephanie Marland (except The Casual Vacancy, why do that to yourself?)

8. Do you have a book with a character’s name in the title?
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eponymous titles are rarer (at least on my shelves) than I expected. But I’ve got this one, at least.

And just thought of another just before I hit “Schedule” (but sticking with the original post).

9. Do you have a book with 2 maps in it?

Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch

This was tough. I tend to ignore the maps in fantasy novels (when I’m not constantly referencing them, that is). This may have been the hardest to find.

10. Do you have a book that was turned into a TV show?

Angel’s Flight by Michael Connelly

I went with this one because it’s the basis of my favorite season of Bosch to date.

11. Do you have a book written by someone who is originally famous for something else? (celebrity/athlete/politician/tv personality…)

The Road to Mars by Eric Idle

One might say I have too many, thankfully, I’ve had pretty good luck with them. This is a gem.

12. Do you have a book with a clock on the cover?

Fated by Benedict Jacka

Figured a time-travel novel would be the way to go, but…nope. Had to think outside the box to get this one.

13. Do you have a poetry book?

The Pocket Book of Ogden Nash

Yeah, I’ve said that poetry isn’t really my thing. This is probably the only one I own.

14. Do you have a book with an award stamp on it?

The High King by Lloyd Alexander

Yes, and I hate the stupid sticker, ruins the cover image. The first one that came to mind was The High King by Lloyd Alexander. The conclusion to the series that turned me into a Fantasy fan.

15. Do you have a book written by an author with the same initials as you?

Ummmm…er…no? Can’t even think of one…Did Huey Newton (no relation, despite what you may read on Twitter) write a book? Harriet Nelson? (can’t think of another well-known H.N.)

16. Do you have a book of short stories?
Planet Grim

Planet Grim by Alex Behr

Behr liked what I said about the eARC of this enough that she sent me a hardcopy. It’s got a special place on my shelf because of that bit of generosity. Cool stories, too.

17. Do you have a book that is between 500-510 pages long?

The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan

This made me so grateful for years of spreadsheet keeping (and a search function).

18. Do you have a book that was turned into a movie?

The Martian by Andy Weir

(if I’d gone with The Hobbit would I get 2 extra points?)

19. Do you have a graphic novel?

Scott Pilgrim – Scott’s Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O’Malley

Such a fun little read.

20. Do you have a book written by 2 or more authors?
No Country for Old Gnomes

No Country for Old Gnomes by Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne

Yeah, I posted about an eARC, but I have the hardcover, too.

By reading this, you’ve been tagged (probably should’ve warned you earlier, oops). Am very interested to see what you come up with!

The End of The Year Book Tag

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On November 13, 2019

In Book Tag, Books, Currently Reading, News/Misc.


This book tag has been floating around the last couple of years, having been started (as far as I can tell) by Ariel Bissett on her vlog. It seemed like a nice pairing with my post on Monday.

bullet Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?
I’ve got two more weeks in my Reformed Dogmatics, Volume 5: Ecclesiology, the Means of Grace, Eschatology by Geerhardus Vos schedule (which will finish off the set), but that’s about it.

bullet Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?
I honestly have never thought of a book in these terms. In the last month or so, it seems like 60% of the blogs I read and at least half of my Twitter feed is talking about Autumn/Fall books. I assume there’s something wrong with me.

bullet Is there a new release you’re still waiting for?
There are four this month alone…Robert B. Parker’s Angel Eyes by Ace Atkins; The Lights Go Out in Lychford by Paul Cornell; You Must Have a Death Wish by Matt Phillips; and The Hero by Lee Child (non-fiction!). There might be one or two in December, too. But I can’t think of them off the top of my head.

bullet What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?
Well, there are those four for starters. But if I don’t finish The Cartel by Don Winslow, Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer, and The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle by Dec. 31, I’ll be really annoyed with myself.

bullet The Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favourite book of the year?
A few years ago, my best of the year was something I started on Dec. 28, so, yeah, there’s a strong possibility. The Cartel is the likeliest contender, but the Beagle book could be a dark horse contender.

Dark horse…unicorn…HA! I kill me…

bullet Have you already started making reading plans for 2020?
Still very sketchy at this point, but yeah…I’ve started. Just trying to decide what’s the middle ground between a cake walk and overly-ambitious.

Finally Fall Book Tag

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On November 5, 2019

In Book Tag, Dennis Lehane, Fantasy, Fiction, Kevin Hearne, Nero Wolfe/Archie Goodwin, Rex Stout, YA/MG/Children's Books


While reading these posts on Bookidote, beforewegoblog, and The Witty & Sarcastic Bookclub, I noticed myself mentally composing this list—so I figure I had to join in the fun. I’d have posted this last week, but my free laborer realized how little he was getting paid and decided to play video games instead of generating my graphic.

Naturally, I only paid half of his fee.

Enough of that, bring on the Autumn! (even if it feels like Winter here in Idaho):

In Fall, the air is crisp and clear. Name a book with a vivid setting.

The Last of the Really Great WhangdoodlesThe Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Edwards

I had a hard time coming up with something for this one, honestly. But Whangdoodleland was so vivid that I can still picture parts of it, despite having read it only once in the last 30+ years.

Nature is beautiful…but also dying. Name a book that is beautifully written, but also deals with a heavy topic, like loss or grief.

A Monster CallsA Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

When I posted about it, I said, “I’m not convinced that this is really all that well-written, technically speaking. But it packs such an emotional wallop, it grabs you, reaches down your throat and seizes your heart and does whatever it wants to with it—so who cares how technically well it’s written? (and, yeah, I do think the two don’t necessarily go together). A couple of weeks from now, I may not look back on this as fondly—but tonight, in the afterglow? Loved this.” I still look back on it as fondly, for the record.

Fall is Back to School Season. Name a Nonfiction Book that Taught You Something.

TimekeepersTimekeepers: How the World Became Obsessed With Time by Simon Garfield

If I’m going to read a non-fiction book, it had better teach me something or I’ll end up ranting about it for days/weeks/months! This one popped to mind, though. In my post about the book, I said: “Did I learn something from the book? Much more than I expected to. The chapter on the French experiments alone probably taught me enough to justify the whole book. I didn’t/couldn’t stick with the details of watch-making (I have a hard time visualizing that kind of detail), but even that was fascinating and informative on the surface. Most topics broadened my understanding and taught me something. Also, the sheer amount of trivia that I picked up was great (the amount of time spent recording the first Beatles LP, why pop music tends to be about 3 minutes long, etc., etc.).”

In order to keep warm, it’s good to spend some time with the people we love. Name a fictional family/household/friend-group that you’d love to be a part of.

Nero Wolfe trioThe Household of Nero Wolfe from the books by Rex Stout

(yeah, that picture is from the A&E TV show, not exactly the books—but in that image in particular, they look just about perfect)

There were many families/groups/households that I could’ve picked for this, but that Brownstone on West 35th Street is near the Platonic ideal for a place to live—I’d love to spend time with Mr. Wolfe, Archie and Fritz (not to mention Saul, Fred, Orrie, Lily, Lon . . .)

The colorful leaves are piling up on the ground. Show us a pile of Autumn-colored spines.


(I thought this was going to be hard, but in the end, I had to not make the pile bigger!)

Also…wow, clearly, I’m not a photographer. It’s a shame I don’t live closer to my pal, Micah Burke, things around here would look much spiffier.

Fall is the perfect time for some storytelling by the fireside. Share a book wherein somebody is telling a story.

A Plague of GiantsA Plague of Giants by Kevin Hearne

That’s really 90% of the book—a bard telling stories. How he pulls this off, really impressed me.

(Hammered by Kevin Hearne would also qualify, but I liked the storytelling in this one better)

The nights are getting darker. Share a dark, creepy read.

Darkness Take My HandDarkness Take My Hand by Dennis Lehane

This one disturbs me every time I read it (4-6 I think), I still remember having to sleep with the lights on after I stayed up reading it until 2-3 in the morning the first time—I doubt I was a very good employee the next day. (Sacred maybe is creepier, but this is the better book by Lehane)

The days are getting colder. Name a short, heartwarming read that could warm up somebody’s cold and rainy day.

WonderWonder by R. J. Palacio

The “short” in the category is the sticky wicket. But this is a quick read (even if the page number is higher than I’d count as “short.” Formulaic? Yup. Predictable? You betcha. Effective? Abso-smurfly. Textbook example of heartwarming.

Fall returns every year. Name an old favorite that you’d like to return to soon.

Magic Kingdom for Sale — SOLD!Magic Kingdom for Sale — SOLD! by Terry Brooks

Ive been thinking about this book a lot since Bookstooge’s Quick Fire Fantasy post. Gotta work this into the 2020 reading schedule.

I’m tagging any blogger who reads this. Play along.

Quick Fire Fantasy Book Tag

By

On October 30, 2019

In Alex Bledsoe, Book Tag, Books, Chronicles of Prydain, Fiction, News/Misc., Nicholas Eames, The Band, The Blackwood Saga, Tufa


I saw this over at Bookstooge’s Reviews on the Road, and it seemed like a fun way to revisit some Fantasy Favorites, and indulge in a bit of nostalgia while I was at it.

Play along, will ya?

Rules:

  • Thank the person who tagged you and link back to their post
  • Link to the creator’s blog (thebookwormdreamer.wordpress.com) in your post
  • Answer the prompts below – all fantasy books!
  • Tag 5 others to take part
  • Enjoy!

 

5 star book

The Lies of Locke LamoraThe Lies of Locke Lamora
I’ve read this at least 4 times and love it more each time. A Con Novel, a Heist Novel, a story of Found Family and vengence gone wrong (and, right, if you think that’s possible). I can’t get enough of Book I of the Gentleman Bastard Sequence. It’s fun, it’s suspenseful, good fight scenes, and characters you want to spend more time with.

Oh, and the fantasy world is pretty cool, too 🙂

(I have a very short post about it here)

Always going to recommend

The Chronicles of PrydainThe Chronicles of Prydain

The Chronicles of Narnia made me a Lewis fan. The Chronicls of Prydain turned me into a Fantasy fan (which is why I had to use the covers I owned as a kid). Yeah, it’s written for what we’d call today a Middle Grade audience, but when I listened to the audiobooks a year or two ago (or when I read them to my kids a decade ago), I thought it was just about as effective as you could hope. A little bit of fun, a dash of romance, a hero quest straight out of Campbell, a decent amount of magic (but not too much), a good mythic basis—and a oracular pig! It’s also probably the series that taught me that you’ll end up having emotional attachments to characters to the extent you may get teary about when they die and/or say good-bye to each other (and, yeah, did as an adult).

(my posts about the audiobook series)

Own it but haven’t read it yet

Bloody RoseBloody Rose

I tried to read this last year, and failed. I’m hoping to read it this year, and am likely to fail. I less-than-three’d Kings of the Wyld (in print and audio) so much, I don’t know why I haven’t made the time for the sequel.

Would read again

The Brothers ThreeThe Brothers Three

The first of The Blackwood Saga is everything I loved about portal fantasies as a kid—but it’s written for adults. Some good characters, a good amount of growth (especially in the later books in the series), good fight scenes and a pretty cool world to explore. This worked for me in ways I didn’t expect—and the sequels have done a good job building on this one. I’ve yet to read the newest in the series, but this one feels like a good comfort-read if I needed one.

(my post about this one)

In another world

The Warlock in Spite of HimselfThe Warlock in Spite of Himself

(I probably would’ve gone with Brooks’ The Magic Kingdom for Sale, but Bookstooge beat me to it in his post).

I honestly remember very little about this novel, despite having read it several times. But the last time was probably in 1990-91. I was able to find a couple of the later novels in the series, too—just not enough for me at the time (I probably could now—yay, Internet). Still, somehow this is what sprang to mind when I thought of a fantasy on another world. A cool combination of SF and fantasy, as I recall.

Back on Earth

The Hum and the ShiverThe Hum and the Shiver

(and the rest of the series, too, but this is good enough—as good as many series hope to be in itself)

A magical people with amazing musical talent in the Smoky Mountains, dealing with modernization, an Iraqi war vet, and a feud going back generations. I’m not a believer in magic, but Bledsoe makes me want to with these books—this is the best of a great series, and thinking about it now has got me thinking it might be time for read #4 of this one.

As for the tagging . . . nah, I’ll just leave this open to all my readers, I’d love to see what you all would put here. (W&S Book Club, here’s another chance to talk about The Dragonlance Chronicles—you’re welcome)

Universal Monster Book Tag

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On October 11, 2019

In A. Lee Martinez, Book Tag, Books, Constance Verity, Fantasy, Fiction, Ian Patrick, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, Nero Wolfe/Archie Goodwin, News/Misc., Rex Stout, Robert B. Parker, Sam Batford, Science Fiction, Seanan McGuire, Spenser, Wayward Children


Witty and Sarcastic Book Club tagged me in her little creation—a tag based on Universal’s Classic Movie Monsters. There’s a lot of recency bias in my pics, but oh well—I liked the list. I really need to do more things like this, it was fun.

While trying to come up with the last couple of entries for this, I took a Facebook break and read a couple of posts on a Nero Wolfe fan group, and realized I could fill my blanks from that Corpus. Then it occurred to me that I could do one of these with entries only from the Nero Wolfe series. Or, the Spenser series. Huh. (I’d have trouble with some other series depending how you define “sequel” below). Watch me control the impulse.

bullet Dracula: a book with a charismatic villain
The Silence of the Lambs
My Pick: Gotta go with Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, every other charismatic villain I can think of pales in comparison.
Bonus Nero Wolfe Pick: (yeah, so much for restraint—this was a fun additional challenge) Paul Chapin in The League of Frightened Men (my post about the book)
Bonus Spenser Pick: The Gray Man in Small Vices

bullet The Invisible Man: A book that has more going on than meets the eye
The Last Adventure of Constance Verity
My Pick: The Last Adventure of Constance Verity by A. Lee Martinez (my post about the book)
Bonus Nero Wolfe Pick: Even in the Best Families
Bonus Spenser Pick: Early Autumn

bullet Wolf-Man: A complicated character
Needle Song
My Pick: Doc Slidesmith in Needle Song (my post about the book)
Bonus Nero Wolfe Pick: Can I just use Nero Wolfe? Eh, Orrie Cather in A Family Affair
Bonus Spenser Pick: Patricia Utley in Mortal Stakes

bullet Frankenstein: A book with a misunderstood character
The Unkindest Tide
My Pick: The Luidaeg in The Unkindest Tide by Seanan McGuire (my post about the book)
Bonus Nero Wolfe Pick: Over My Dead Body (my post about the book)
Bonus Spenser Pick: Hawk, A Promised Land

bullet The Bride of Frankenstein: A sequel you enjoyed more than the first book
Stoned Love
My Pick: Stoned Love by Ian Patrick (my post about the book)
Bonus Nero Wolfe Pick: The League of Frightened Men (yeah, that’s the second time this shows up, but it’s the sequel…) (my post about the book)
Bonus Spenser Pick: God Bless the Child

bullet Creature from the Black Lagoon: An incredibly unique book
A Star-Reckoner's Lot

(there’s a better cover now, but this is the first)

My Pick: A Star-Reckoner’s Lot by Darrell Drake (my post about the book)
Bonus Nero Wolfe Pick: Some Buried Ceasar (my post about the book)
Bonus Spenser Pick: A Savage Place

bullet The Mummy: A book that wraps up nicely (see what I did there?)
Every Heart a Doorway
My Pick: Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (my post about the book)
Bonus Nero Wolfe Pick: This applies to almost every one of them, I’m going to go with The Doorbell Rang
Bonus Spenser Pick: The Judas Goat

I’m not going to tag anyone, but I’d encourage any reader to give it a shot. I’d like to see your lists.

Also, I’ve been thinking for awhile I needed to do a re-read of the Spenser series. This post has convinced me I really need to get on that.

Celebrate the Little Things book tag

By

On October 1, 2019

In Book Tag, News/Misc.


Witty and Sarcastic Book Club tagged me in this, and it seemed like a nice way to take a moment and take a look at things. Like she said, it’s good to celebrate the little things. Because really, the little things add up to the big things.

⇒ Who was your very first follower? If you can still find it out, then tag them and give them a shout out!
Shannon A. Thompson, she jumped on during the first week and hooked me up with a couple of books/book tours after that. It’s been a couple of years since we’ve interacted. But she’s still on board, so, hey—thanks!! It was an ego boost then, and even another one now.

⇒ What was the last milestone you reached?
100 NetGalley reviews—just last week. Honestly, I’m bad at noting milestones, so it’s kind of noteworthy that I can even list one.

⇒ What was the very first post you posted on your blog? Share it with us!
Cleverly entitled, Getting Started, was the first thing I posted here. I added some other posts with earlier dates, to match the day I wrote the review on Goodreads and to add some content. 2,400+ posts later, I’m still kicking.

⇒ Who was your most recent follower? Tag them and give them a shout out!
My most recent follower was Patrick Lynn—and I can see myself spending a lot of time on his blog.

⇒ What was the last post you posted and who was the very first person who took their time to click the like button?
My last post was Pub Day Repost: A Time Traveler’s Theory of Relativity by Nicole Valentine: A Captivating MG Mix of Science and Magic and the first to like it was Mohit Malviya

⇒ How many months have you been blogging for?
Here? I’ve been blogging for 74 months. But I’ve been blogging for 204 months (long enough that I had to break out the calculator to get that number. I was an English major).

⇒ Do you have any bloggers you’re friends with? Give them a shout out!
And here’s where I leave someone off the list and cause offense. Great fun.</sarcasm>. I’d list Bookstooge, SC Flynn (who has pretty much disappeared, but was a reliable presence long enough to leap to mind). Paul’s Picks, Witty and Sarcastic, and Emma at damppebbles would be the stand-outs now.

⇒ Who originally created the last meme or tag you participateId in? Give them a shout out!
I really don’t do a lot of memes/tags (but I enjoy it when I do, I should do more). This summer, I did a few WWW Wednesdays. It was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived on Taking on a World of Words—and shown to me by Aurore-Anne-Chehoke at Diary-of-a-black-city-girl.

⇒ Have you any social media related to your blog? Share it with us!
Facebook
Twitter
Tumblr
Booklikes
Bloglovin’

⇒ Last but not least, give thanks to all of your followers.
I’ll do a better job on Nov. 28 (well, history suggests I will, who knows what’ll happen between now and then). But I do honestly appreciate those who read this; comment here; follow on the blog or one of the social media sites I posted above or e-mail; talk to me about what I post or books in general. You legitimize my hobby/obsession and I appreciate it.

One more thanks that I should give—my youngest son put that little graphic together for me. I expect to get a few more out of him soon.

I’m not going to tag anyone, but I’d encourage any reader to give it a shot. It’s a fun exercise.

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