Category: Books Page 109 of 164

WWW Wednesday, June 10, 2020

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On June 10, 2020

In Books, Currently Reading, News/Misc., WWW Wednesday

It appears to be that day between Tuesday and Thursday…what’s it called again? Oh, yeah, it’s WWW Wednesday!

This meme 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.

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

Easy enough, right?
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading Anna by Laura Guthrie and am listening to Luck and Judgement by Peter Grainger, Gildart Jackson (Narrator).

AnnaBlank SpaceLuck and Judgement

What did you recently finish reading?
I just finished Carrie Vaughn’s The Ghosts of Sherwood and The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg, Mike Chamberlain (Narrator) on audio.

The Ghosts of SherwoodBlank SpaceThe Power of Habit

What do you think you’ll read next?
My next book should be The Finders by Jeffrey B. Burton and Working Stiff: Two Years, 262 Bodies, and the Making of a Medical Examiner by Judy Melinek, MD and T. J. Mitchell with Tanya Eby (Narrator) on audiobook.

The FindersBlank SpaceWorking Stiff

Hit me with your Three W’s in the comments!

Down the TBR Hole (7 of 24+)

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On June 10, 2020

In Books, Down the TBR Hole, News/Misc.

Down the TBR Hole

I got on a roll after #6 and ended up putting this one together right afterward. I was surprised by a couple of my decisions here. When I first looked at this list I thought I knew what I would keep/cut, but by the time I finished writing about them, I switched my answer. Some good looking books survived—there are a couple here that I’m tempted to jump on today. Still, as of this post, I’ve cut 15% off the Goodreads shelf. Not bad at all.

This meme was created by Lia @ Lost in a Story—but Jenna at Bookmark Your Thoughts is the one that exposed me to this, and as my Goodreads “Want To Read” shelf is scarily long, I had to do this.

The Rules are simple:

  1. Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf
  2. Order on ascending date added.
  3. Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books.
  4. Read the synopses of the books.
  5. Decide: keep it or should it go?
  6. Keep track of where you left off so you can pick up there next week! (or whenever)

What distinguishes this series from the Mt. TBR section of my Month-end Retrospectives? Those are books I actually own while Goodreads contains my aspirational TBR (many of which will be Library reads). The Naming of the two is a bit confusing, but…what’re you going to do?

(Click on the cover for an official site or something with more info about the book)

The Authorities The Authorities by Scott Meyer
Blurb: “Sinclair Rutherford is a young Seattle cop with a taste for the finer things. Doing menial tasks and getting hassled by superiors he doesn’t respect are definitely not “finer things.” Good police work and bad luck lead him to crack a case that changes quickly from a career-making break into a high-profile humiliation when footage of his pursuit of the suspect—wildly inappropriate murder weapon in hand—becomes an Internet sensation.But the very publicity that has made Rutherford a laughing stock in the department lands him what could be the job opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to work with a team of eccentric experts, at the direction of a demanding but distracted billionaire. Together, they must solve the murder of a psychologist who specialized in the treatment of patients who give people “the creeps.””
My Thoughts: Nunc hoc in marmore non est incisum
Verdict: It’s Meyer. Why am I waiting?
Thumbs Up
Home Home by Matt Dunn
Blurb: A Londener returns to the home he left 18 years ago (without looking back) to help out his aging parents and is confronted with his past.
My Thoughts: I’m going to say no to this now, but Dunn’s work the kind of thing I’m trying to make myself read more of, so I may come back to this.
Verdict:
Thumbs Down
Mad Men Carousel: The Complete Critical Companion Mad Men Carousel: The Complete Critical Companion by Matt Zoller Seitz
My Thoughts: I’ve read some of Seitz’s pieces about various episodes (of this and other shows). The guy is a great writer and he knows this show. Would probably be a heckuva read, but if I read this, I’m going to have to rewatch the show, and I’m just not up for that kind of committment right now (as attractive as that sounds)
Verdict:
Thumbs Down
The Gray Man The Gray Man by Mark Greaney
Blurb: A CIA operative-turned-hitman on the run from former allies.
My Thoughts: Every time I see one of the books in this series at a bookstore/Costco/whatever, I think “Oh, good the new one! I’d better pick it up.” Before remembering I’ve never read any in the series. How strange is that? It’s probably just my thing, but…I can’t seem to muster the enthusiasm.
Verdict:
Thumbs Down
The Custodian of Marvels The Custodian of Marvels by Rod Duncan
My Thoughts: The first two books in this duology-turned-trilogy were really good. The only reason I didn’t read this one is that my library never added it to their collection and I have a strange mental block about buying only the third in a series. (“Just buy the first two while you’re at it,” Duncan/Angry Robot say.)
Verdict:
Thumbs Down
The World's Strongest Librarian The World’s Strongest Librarian: A Memoir of Tourette’s, Faith, Strength, and the Power of Family by Josh Hanagarne
Blurb: “Josh Hanagarne couldn’t be invisible if he tried. Although he wouldn’t officially be diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome until his freshman year of high school, Josh was six years old when he first began exhibiting symptoms. When he was twenty and had reached his towering height of 6’7”, his tics escalated to nightmarish levels. Determined to conquer his affliction, Josh tried countless remedies, with dismal results. At last, an eccentric, autistic strongman taught Josh how to “throttle” his tics into submission using increasingly elaborate feats of strength. What started as a hobby became an entire way of life—and an effective way of managing his disorder.”
My Thoughts: I’d forgotten all about this book. Sounds fascinating. Probably fits into this group of books, too.
Verdict:
Thumbs Up
The Thorn of Emberlain The Thorn of Emberlain by Scott Lynch
My Thoughts: I’ll believe it when I see it. I’m not going to complain or bemoan or curse Lynch for the delay here (see also: Rothfuss, Patrick). If this ever sees the light of day, I’ll be there in a heartbeat. If not, I’ll relish the first three in the series.
Verdict:
Thumbs Up
Crush Crush by Phoef Sutton
Blurb: “Caleb Rush, a. k. a. Crush, is the toughest, coolest bodyguard/bouncer in Los Angeles, a man who lives strictly by his own moral code, which doesn’t exactly hew to the standards of US law. When Amelia Trask, the wild daughter of a scruples-free billionaire tycoon, comes to Crush for help, his quiet life roars into overdrive, and he has to use his wits, brawn, martial-arts training, and knowledge of the Russian mafia to stay alive and clean up the mess that young Amelia has created. Crush is a rollicking, page-turning ride through LA, full of action, suspense, memorable characters, and a sly wit.”
My Thoughts: I seriously don’t understand why I haven’t gobbled this up yet.
Verdict:
Thumbs Up
Don't Eat The Glowing Bananas Don’t Eat The Glowing Bananas by David D. Hammons
Blurb: “It’s hard to find a decent brunch in the post-apocalyptic wasteland. But that’s all Henry Rosetta wants from the world. That, and not to be eaten by nomadic cannibals. Henry has traveled the nuclear bomb-blasted highways critiquing the finest radioactive eateries and cataloging his experiences…Henry must help the people of New Dallas and learn the great secret of how the world ended. And maybe get a taco along the way.”
My Thoughts: This looks strange and wonderful and I wish I knew how I stumbled across it. Still, I don’t see myself making time for it at this point. Alas….
Verdict:
Thumbs Down
The Sugar Frosted Nutsack The Sugar Frosted Nutsack by Mark Leyner
Blurb: “Ritualistically recited by a cast of drug-addled bards, The Sugar Frosted Nutsack is Ike’s epic story. A raucous tale of gods and men confronting lust, ambition, death, and the eternal verities, it is a wildly fun, wickedly fast gambol through the unmapped corridors of the imagination.”
My Thoughts: Love Leyner’s prose. Love the voice. He’s challenging, provactive and insightful. I’m sure this would be a great read. But for some reason, the idea of reading anything by Leyner feels like homework. And I’m just not that interested feeling that way.
Verdict:
Thumbs Down

Books Removed in this Post: 6 / 10
Total Books Removed: 36 / 240

Anyone out there read any of these books? Did I make the right call—or the wrong call—with any of them?

(Image by moritz320 from Pixabay)

Saturday Miscellany—6/6/20

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On June 6, 2020

In Books, News/Misc.

Got a small hodgepodge of things this week—obviously (and correctly), most people are writing about more important and pressing things.

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:
bullet Rediscovering One of the Wittiest Books Ever Written—Like 97.8% of humans currently on the planet, I have never heard of this book (The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis) before, but after reading this, I will be reading it soon(ish).
bullet My book is being reviewed by a dog. Who am I to argue with the star rating?
bullet SciFi Tech Is Here—And Criminals Can (and Will) Use It: Autonomous vehicles and augmented reality are ripe for illegal exploitation.—I’ve seen this already in fiction, but Murray’s right, we’re going to see more of it—in fiction and reality.
bullet Discussion: How to Choose Your Next Read—This is not a problem I’ve had often lately, but it’s a good collection of ideas.
bullet A pair of posts on the same theme: Are Book Blogger Reviews Honest?—focuses on non-book bloggers reading us while Can You Trust Book Bloggers?—focuses on book bloggers writing for bloggers
bullet How I Read More—good ideas. I’d struggle with #3, but it makes sense.
bullet Fantastic Fathers in Fiction—I’d have a really hard time compiling a list like this. Which is pretty sad. I don’t think I’d have a problem with coming up with a list of mothers, but fathers?
bullet 24 Tweets About Classic Literature That Will Make You Laugh: These jokes are a breath of fresh Eyre.

This Week's New Releases That I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
bullet My Calamity Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows—The Janes series jumps the Atlantic to bring us Calamity Jane and Werewolves. Promises to be silly fun.
bullet Broken Genius by Drew Murray—Hacker turned FBI agent investigates a murder that leads to something more.

Lastly I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome toFreda Mans, ellisnelson, Lola, Mary Grace Dañas and DL Orton for following the blog this week. Don’t be a stranger, and use that comment box, would you?

Down the TBR Hole (6 of 24+)

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On June 3, 2020

In Books, Down the TBR Hole, News/Misc.

Down the TBR Hole

Time for #6 in my attempt to clean up that too, too, too long TBR list. I say no to a lot today. (and man, it was satisfying deleting all that from my Goodreads shelf…it’s not like I accomplished anything, really, but it felt like it!)

This meme was created by Lia @ Lost in a Story—but Jenna at Bookmark Your Thoughts is the one that exposed me to this, and as my Goodreads “Want To Read” shelf is scarily long, I had to do this.

The Rules are simple:

  1. Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf
  2. Order on ascending date added.
  3. Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books.
  4. Read the synopses of the books.
  5. Decide: keep it or should it go?
  6. Keep track of where you left off so you can pick up there next week! (or whenever)

What distinguishes this series from the Mt. TBR section of my Month-end Retrospectives? Those are books I actually own while Goodreads contains my aspirational TBR (many of which will be Library reads). The Naming of the two is a bit confusing, but…what’re you going to do?

(Click on the cover for an official site or something with more info about the book)

I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You by Courtney Maum
Blurb: …a failed monogamist attempts to woo his wife back and to answer the question: Is it really possible to fall back in love with your spouse?…he resolves to reinvest wholeheartedly in his family life…just in time for his wife to learn the extent of his affair. Rudderless and remorseful, Richard embarks on a series of misguided attempts to win Anne back while focusing his creative energy on a provocative art piece to prove that he’s still the man she once loved.
My Thoughts: I’m sure I had a good reason for wanting to read this, but I don’t see it now.
Verdict:
Thumbs Down
Half a King Half a King by Joe Abercrombie
My Thoughts: I mentioned this recently in my The Stay at Home Book Tag post. I wanted to jump on this when it first came out and got too busy. But now the series is complete and I have no excuse not to.
Verdict:
Thumbs Up
Perry's Killer Playlist Perry’s Killer Playlist by Joe Schreiber
Blurb: When Perry ends up in Venice on a European tour with his band, Inchworm, he can’t resist a visit to Harry’s Bar, where Gobi told him she’d meet him someday. The last time he saw Gobi, five people were assassinated one crazy night in New York City. Well . . . Gobi shows up, and once again Perry is roped into a wild, nonstop thrill ride with a body count. Double crossings, kidnappings, CIA agents, arms dealers, boat chases in Venetian canals, and a shootout in the middle of a Santa Claus convention ensue.
My Thoughts: This is the sequel to the silly, but fun, Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick. Would probably have just as much fun with this one, but it’s just not calling to me, and I’ll probably never get around to it.
Verdict:
Thumbs Down
The Fair Fight The Fair Fight by Anna Freeman
Blurb: “The Crimson Petal and the White meets Fight Club: A page-turning novel set in the world of female pugilists and their patrons in late eighteenth-century England.”
My Thoughts: Uhhh, what?
Verdict:
Thumbs Down
School for Sidekicks School for Sidekicks by Kelly McCullough
Blurb: A young would-be superhero is shipped off to an academy to learn to be a sidekick—precisely what he doesn’t want. What’s worse, he’s assigned to a has-been of a hero.
My Thoughts: I’ve never not enjoyed a McCullough novel—I’ve read a half-dozen or so of them, and I can’t imagine this would be the exception. But the point here is to be honest about the way I’m using my time, and I just don’t see this happening.
Verdict:
Thumbs Down
Gooseberry Bluff Community College of Magic Gooseberry Bluff Community College of Magic: The Thirteenth Rib by David J. Schwartz
Blurb: “Gooseberry Bluff is not a school for the chosen ones. It’s a school for those who have run out of choices. An unlikely place for an international conspiracy. But after suspicious paranormal signatures are reported and a professor of magical history goes missing, the possibility of demon trafficking seems more and more likely…”
My Thoughts: I really dug Schwartz’s Superpowers and would probably have enjoyed this, too. But it’s been out for so long and the rest of the series never materialized (likely, because of people like me who didn’t buy this one 7 years ago). Not going to bother.
Verdict:
Thumbs Down
The Dragon Engine The Dragon Engine by Andy Remic
Blurb: “Five noble war heroes of Vagandrak get drunk one night and sign a contract – to journey to the Karamakkos in search of the Five Havens where, it is written, there is untold, abandoned wealth and, more importantly, the three Dragon Heads – jewels claimed to give unspeakable power and everlasting life to those who wield them.But the Dragon Heads aren’t what they think, and the world has not encountered their like in generations!

Think Smaug was fierce? You ain’t seen nothing!”
My Thoughts: This has literally been sitting on my shelf for five years. I remember buying it for a trip and didn’t get to it then…or since. Sounds fun, and I own it. Gotta get it done.
Verdict:
Thumbs Up
All In All In by Joel Goldman
Blurb: “Cassie Ireland works as a modern-day Robin Hood for people who have nowhere else to turn, not even to the police. Jake Carter is a roguish high roller traveling the world to play—and win—big-money poker. As Lady Luck would have it, the two unexpectedly find themselves targeting the same mark: Alan Kendrick, a ruthless, mega-rich hedge fund manager who doesn’t mind padding his bank account with a few shady deals. He’s swindled the wrong people this time—and now Ireland and Carter will join forces to take him down.”
My Thoughts: I get a Leverage-y/Fox and O’Hare-ish vibe from this. Would very likely enjoy, but as I’ve said a few times today—honestly, I’m not going to get around to it.
Verdict:
Thumbs Down
A Cool Breeze on the Underground A Cool Breeze on the Underground by Don Winslow
Blurb: “Neal Carey is not your usual private eye. A graduate student at Columbia University, he grew up on the streets of New York, usually on the wrong side of the law. Then he met Joe Graham, a one-armed P.I. who introduced him to the Bank, an exclusive New England institution with a sideline in keeping its wealthy clients happy and out of trouble. They pay Neal’s college tuition, and Neal gets an education that can’t be found in any textbook– from learning how to trail a suspect to mastering the proper way to search a room. Now its payback time. The Bank wants Neal to put his skills to work in finding Allie Chase, the rebellious teenage daughter of a prominent senator. The problem: Allie has gone underground in London, and to get her back, Neal has to follow her into the punk scene, a violent netherworld where drugs run rampant and rage is the name of the game. Up against punk junkies, antique book thieves, and murderous betrayal, Neal has his work cut out for him to save Allie– and get back above ground for good.”
My Thoughts: Winslow’s first novel. How can I not?
Verdict:
Thumbs Up
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler
Blurb: “Meet the Cooke family: Mother and Dad, brother Lowell, sister Fern, and Rosemary, who begins her story in the middle. She has her reasons. “I was raised with a chimpanzee,” she explains. “I tell you Fern was a chimp and already you aren’t thinking of her as my sister. But until Fern’s expulsion…she was my twin, my funhouse mirror, my whirlwind other half and I loved her as a sister.” As a child, Rosemary never stopped talking. Then, something happened, and Rosemary wrapped herself in silence.In We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves, Karen Joy Fowler weaves her most accomplished work to date—a tale of loving but fallible people whose well-intentioned actions lead to heartbreaking consequences.”
My Thoughts: I put this on my list?!?!? I’m sure it’s good (reviews, awards, etc. suggest so), but it is so far from being my kind of thing…
Verdict:
Thumbs Down

Books Removed in this Post: 7 / 10
Total Books Removed: 30 / 240

Anyone out there read any of these books? Did I make the right call with any of them?

(Image by moritz320 from Pixabay)

WWW Wednesday, June 3, 2020

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On June 3, 2020

In Books, Currently Reading, News/Misc., WWW Wednesday

It’s time for WWW Wednesday, the day where due to some obscure law, people are required to type the “www.” before a webpage address, or it won’t work. Or something like that…

This meme 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.

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

Easy enough, right?
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading American Demon by Kim Harrison and am listening to Wait for Signs by Craig Johnson, George Guidall (Narrator).

American DemonBlank SpaceWait for Signs

What did you recently finish reading?
I just finished Timothy S. Miller’s City of Hate and Burn Me Deadly by Alex Bledsoe, Stefan Rudnicki (Narrator) on audio.

City of HateBlank SpaceBurn Me Deadly

What do you think you’ll read next?
My next book should be Fair Warning by Michael Connelly and Crossing In Time by D. L. Orton with narration by Noah Michael Levine and Erin deWard on audiobook.

Fair WarningBlank SpaceCrossing in Time

Hit me with your Three W’s in the comments! (or leave a link to your post)

20 Books of Summer 2020

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On June 1, 2020

In Andy Carpenter, Books, Chet and Bernie, Currently Reading, David Rosenfelt, Don Winslow, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature, Ian Rankin, InCryptid, John Rebus, Kevin Hearne, Luca Veste, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, News/Misc., Non-Fiction, Spencer Quinn, Urban Fantasy

20 Books of Summer
One summer.

Three months.

93 Days.

20 books.

Here’s the kickoff post on 746 Books in case you want more details. I’ve seen people do this the last couple of years, and it seemed like fun. I’ll be reading more than 20 books over this period, anyway. I’ve found myself having a hard time staying focused lately when it comes to reading lately–although the WWW Wednesdays have helped a bit. I figure this is the same principle, just expanded over a few weeks rather than the next couple of days. Anyway, here’s my list (subject to change, but I’m going to resist the impulse to tweak as much as I can).

1. The Black Line by John Altson
2. The Last Smile in Sunder City by Luke Arnold
3. Screamcatcher: Dream Chasers by Christy J. Breedlove
4. The Finders by Jeffrey B. Burton
5. Fair Warning by Michael Connelly
6. One Man by Harry Connolly
7. The Curator by M. W. Craven
8. The Ninja Daughter by Tori Eldridge
9. The Rome of Fall by Chad Alan Gibbs
10. American Demon by Kim Harrison		 11. A Blight of Blackwings by Kevin Hearne
12. Betty by Tiffany McDaniel
13. Imaginary Numbers by Seanan McGuire
14. Curse the Day by Judith O’Reilly
15. Of Mutts and Men by Spencer Quinn
16. Rather Be the Devil by Ian Rankin
17. Muzzled by David Rosenfelt
18. Bad Turn by Zoë Sharp
19. The Silence by Luca Veste
20. The Border by Don Winslow

20 Books of Summer Chart

May 2020 in Retrospect: What I Read/Listened to/Wrote About

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On June 1, 2020

In Books, Calendar Items, Currently Reading, News/Misc.

21 books, 6643 pages (576 of those belonging to what’s likely going to be my fave of the year), with a 3.7 Star average. Also, I posted probably the largest number of non-review-ish posts that I’ve ever managed. That’s a pretty good month. Obviously, I would’ve liked more of everything, but that’s because I’m greedy.

Here’s what happened here in May.
Books Read

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness Stormbreaker Auxiliary: London 2039
4 Stars 3 Stars 4 Stars
King of the Crows Cursor's Fury First Degree
5 Stars 4 1/2 Stars 4 Stars
Blood Storm Magic Burning Bright Trophy Hunt
2 1/2 Stars 4 Stars 3.5 Stars 3.5 Stars
Noam’s Monsters Timeless Breath Like the Wind at Dawn
3 Stars 3.5 Stars 1 Star
Lethal White Last Couple Standing The Ten Commandments of Progressive Christianity
4 Stars 4 Stars 3.5 Stars
The Tempus Project Promises Forged North! Or Be Eaten
3 Stars 4 Stars 3.5 Stars
The Judas Goat Point Blank City of Hate
5 Stars 3 Stars (still deciding)

Still Reading

Tom Jones Original Cover Institutes of Christian Religion vol 1 The Hope of Israel

Ratings

5 Stars 2 2 1/2 Stars 1
4 1/2 Stars 1 2 Stars 0
4 Stars 7 1 1/2 Stars 0
3.5 Stars 4 1 Star 1
3 Stars 4
Average = 3.7

TBR Pile
Mt TBR May 20

Breakdowns
“Traditionally” Published: 13
Self-/Independent Published: 8

Genre This Month Year to Date
Children’s 1 (5%) 2 (2%)
Fantasy 4 (19%) 15 (15%)
General Fiction/ Literature 2 (10%) 7 (7%)
Horror 0 (0%) 0 (0%)
Humor 0 (5%) 1 (1%)
Mystery/ Suspense/ Thriller 10 (48%) 40 (40%)
Non-Fiction 0 (0%) 4 (4%)
Science Fiction 1 (5%) 9 (9%)
Steampunk 1 (5%) 2 (2%)
Theology/ Christian Living 1 (5%) 7 (7%)
Urban Fantasy 2 (5%) 14 (14%)
Western 0 (0%) 0 (0%)

Review-ish Things Posted

Other Things I Wroteotherwriting
Other than the Saturday Miscellanies (2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th), I also wrote:

How was your month?

Saturday Miscellany—5/30/20

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On May 30, 2020

In Books, News/Misc.

Once again, the last week of the month translates into a short collection of links and new releases (a short work week here in the States probably contributes to that, too). Still, I hope you find something fun to read here.

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:
bullet 6 Unconventional Tips for Building a Reading Habit—I’ve shared many posts over the years about creating a reading habit–this is the most unconventional (truth in advertising!), it’s possibly also the best list. I can think of many people who’ve done some/all of these and become readers (possibly more of them than those who’ve done the usual steps)
bullet On The Tolkienic Hero
bullet Interview with M. W. Craven—the promotional build-up for The Curator goes into full-swing.
bullet Five Books That Will Make Your Child a Future Crime Writer—I had completely forgotten about the third book she talks about here…Some good suggestions for readers young or older.
bullet It’s Not You, It’s Me..—one blogger bravely makes her stand on the paper vs. ebook debate. She’s not wrong.
bullet What is the Best Fantasy Mode of Transportation?—This episode of the Great Fantasy Debate features Marie Lu and Naomi Novik

This Week's New Releases That I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
bullet Fair Warning by Michael Connelly—On the one hand, I don’t remember the Jack McEvoy novels as being particular favorites. On the other, I remember being incredibly gripped by them. And, hey, it’s Connelly. Gotta read it.

Lastly I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome towonderouspages for following the blog this week. Don’t be a stranger, and use that comment box, would you?

WWW Wednesday, May 27, 2020

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On May 27, 2020

In Books, Currently Reading, News/Misc., WWW Wednesday

Hey, it’s the middle of the week already–time’s already difficult to keep track of in self-isolation, but throw in a three-day weekend? Fuhgeddaboudit. So, I guess it’s for WWW Wednesday!

This meme 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.

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

Easy enough, right?
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading City of Hate by Timothy S. Miller and am listening to North! Or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson, Peter Sandon (Narrator).

City of Hate North! Or Be Eaten

What did you recently finish reading?
I just finished Antony Johnston’s The Tempus Project and Promises Forged by Devri Walls, Daniel Thomas May (Narrator) on audio.

The Tempus Project Promises Forged

What do you think you’ll read next?
My next book should be American Demon by Kim Harrison and Point Blank by Anthony Horowitz, Simon Prebble (Narrator) on audiobook.

American Demon Point Blank

Hit me with your Three W’s in the comments! (no, really, do it!)

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.

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