Category: Books Page 123 of 161

December 2018 Report

On January 1, 2019

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

So, this is the end of December. The end of 2018. As I said earlier, I started a new job, so my numbers are a little lower — I think this is likely the new normal (at least for a while). Twenty-two books is nothing to sneeze at, really. I think I know I say this too frequently for anyone to take me seriously (including myself), but I really didn’t write as much as I wanted to this month. But I rested a lot. I did like a good amount of what I actually wrote, so there’s that. Anyhow, some of the highs from this year — and a couple of lows, in other words — December was pretty representative.

So, here’s what happened here in December.

Books/Novels/Novellas Read/Listened to:

Still Reading:

Reviews Posted:

The Frame-Up by Meghan Scott Molin: Likeable Characters, Strong Mystery, & Geeky Fun Combine for a Winning Debut
Mr. Pizza by J. F. Pandolfi: A Winsome Tale of a Rookie Teacher
The Complaints by Ian Rankin: Introducing the anti-Rebus, Malcolm Fox
Them: Why We Hate Each Other – and How to Heal by Ben Sasse: A Profound and Helpful (and Hopeful) Book I Wish I Could Adequately Discuss
Murder in the Dark by Betsy Reavley: This look at murder’s aftermath feels as authentic as a True Crime book
Dog Songs by Mary Oliver, John Burgoyne: A combination of one of my favorite topics and least favorite form
The United Smiths of America by Jon Voss: I read it so you don’t have to.
Blackwater by GJ Moffat: A Brutal and Gripping American Crime Story
The Everlasting Story of Nory by Nicholson Baker: A Look at Life through the Eyes of a 9-year-old Girl
Godlefe’s Cuckoo by Bill Todd: A Deadly Game of Hide-and-Go-Seek
The World Savers by Matt Cowper: A Bang-Up Start to a new Super-Hero Series
Hardcore Twenty-Four by Janet Evanovich: A Swing-and-a-Miss from a Typically Reliable Source
The Crescent and the Cross by Kurt Scheffler: An Uneven But Ultimately Satisfying Historical Fiction
Ross Poldark by Winston Graham: A decent read, but it’s not for me.
Past Tense by Lee Child: If this wasn’t a Reacher book, I’d probably like it more…
Just the Clothes on My Back – a collaboration with Lee Child by Naked Blue: Jack Reacher Rocks

Book Challenge Progress:

	Past Tense by Lee Child The Impossible Dead by Ian Rankin Ross Poldark by Winston Graham Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling, Jim Dale
	Mr. Pizza by J. F. Pandolfi Murder in the Dark by Betsy Reavley The United Smiths of America by Jon Voss P Is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever by Raj Haldar, Chris Carpenter, Maria Beddia The Crescent and the Cross by Kurt Scheffler Ross Poldark by Winston Graham Dog Songs by Mary Oliver, John Burgoyne Geerhardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theologian, Confessional Presbyterian by Danny E. Olinger Doctor Who: Rose by Russell T. Davies
	Mr. Pizza by J. F. Pandolfi Murder in the Dark by Betsy Reavley The World Savers by Matt Cowper The United Smiths of America by Jon Voss P Is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever by Raj Haldar, Chris Carpenter, Maria Beddia The Crescent and the Cross by Kurt Scheffler
	✔ Read a book that takes place in one day: The United Smiths of America by Jon Voss ✔ Read a collection of poetry: Dog Songs by Mary Oliver, John Burgoyne ✔ Read a book you received as a gift: The Crescent and the Cross by Kurt Scheffler ✔ Read a book recommended by one of your parents (in-laws count): Ross Poldark by Winston Graham ✔ Read a book with your favorite food in the title.: Mr. Pizza by J. F. Pandolfi

How was your month?

2019 Reading Goals/Plans/Expectations

By HCNewton

On December 31, 2018

In Books, News/Misc.

All this needs to be taken with a grain of salt, obviously. Maybe a salt lick. Remembering all too well the poet’s lines:

But Mousie, thou art no thy-lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men
Gang aft agley,
An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,
For promis’d joy!

So, I’ve got 6 Reading Challenges in the hopper — I looked at a number of others, but these are the ones that clicked with me. Last year was the first that I really got into Reading Challenges, and appreciated the way they made me think about what I was reading (and outside of maybe 3 or 4 books, they didn’t direct my reading).

Additionally, I’m going to focus on bringing down the number of books in my Physical and Electronic TBR Pile/Mound/Heap (33 and 21, respectively, not counting review copies). Those numbers aren’t as big as some people’s, I realize. But that’s 2 months and change of reading if I read nothing else. This is a personal challenge, that I’m dubbing The Reader Who Went up a Mountain but Came down a Hill. We’ll see how well that works.

I’m also going to finish off my Rebus-catch up, I’m going to try to read the rest of the DC Fiona Griffiths (although I’ve been saying that for 2 years now), and I want to read every Fredrik Backman novel I can get my hands on. Actually accomplishing these three would only chip away two books from the above mountain…

But mostly, I’m going to focus on “Serendipity and Whim” like Alan Jacobs talks about. By all means feel free to throw suggestions at me.

Saturday Miscellany – 12/29/18

By HCNewton

On December 29, 2018

In Books, News/Misc.

Sure, local/state governments had problems, small businesses were hurt, 911 centers weren’t able to operate, but the real victim of the CenturyLink outage was my blogging plans for the week. Well, okay, maybe not. But it sure seemed terribly inconvenient at the time. While it was a slow posting week, I did get a lot of reading done — I should wrap up work on my last reading challenge for 2018 today (knocked off another one yesterday), and nailed down a lot of plans for the next few weeks (I somehow have found myself committed to 8 books in January. Which isn’t that many, really, but it seems daunting). Hope your [insert preferred holiday name] week was good in whatever way you spent it.

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

Instagram is helping save the indie bookstore
Best Reads of 2018: Speculative Fiction — the third (and final, I think) installment of Paul’s Picks Best of 2018 — added one from this to my TBR pile (maybe will come back for more).
Favorite Crime Fiction of 2018 — The Rap Sheet’s produced (and tracked) a few lists — I think I’ve link one of these, but I’m not sure. Here’s a link to them all for your browsing pleasure.
14 Books for Grammar Nerds — I started one of these (and wish I hadn’t run out of time to finish) and have another on my shelves. Those numbers should rise by the end of 2019.

Lastly, I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome to february87 and Ontheminds for following the blog this week.

Saturday Miscellany – 12/22/18

By HCNewton

On December 22, 2018

In Books, News/Misc.

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

Bookstore Sales Increased 7.2% in October — doesn’t sound like much, but up is up, right?
Guess what’s anchoring many small downtowns?: Even in the age of online shopping, the answer is: bookstores
The ‘Future Book’ Is Here, but It’s Not What We Expected — this Wired piece is worth the read
How Indie Presses Are Elevating the Publishing World: Three independent publishers discuss their mission — 7.13 Books is featured in this nice offering from Electric Lit (nothing against the other groups featured, I just don’t know them)
Some Thoughts on my Forthcoming Novel ‘Not Famous’ — I’m a little annoyed because I’m about half done with my post about this book and Hanover covers everything I talked about here. Now I’m going to sound like I’m taking talking points from him 🙂
Thinking of Rex Stout & Nero Wolfe — you know me, I never pass up a chance to proselytize about Stout and Wolfe.
Crime Fiction Superlatives: The Best and Most of 2018: Yearbook Superlatives For the Crime and Mystery World — I should’ve done something like this, but I’m not that clever.
- Best Nonfiction of 2018 — according to Paul’s Picks
- 19 authors pick the best crime novels of 2018 — from Dead Good
- The Best Crime and Mystery Debuts of 2018: 15 New Voices To Watch — from Crime Reads, I’ve read one of these and wanted to get to a few others
- Crime Reads also named The Best Noir Fiction of 2018: Celebrating the Year in PIs, Procedurals, Noir and Hard-Boiled
- The Fantasy Inn’s Best of 2018 — I agree with a lot of these, and added a couple of other things to my TBR
- 2019 Preview: 25 Thrillers to Watch for Next Year — I’m carving out time on my calendar already for some of these
- Most Anticipated 2019 books! — from Grimdark Dad. Some great looking things here.
Tom Gauld on the author’s ultimate goal is the cartoon we wrap things up with.

Episode 527 | Craig Johnson Returns To Talk Depth Of Winter And Writing A Long Running SeriesI meant to post this last week, but, better late than never. Good chat in general — but the bits we got about the 2019 novel absolutely make it worth it.
Episode 531 with Luke Daniels, Rhett Bruno, and Jaime Castle
I like Bruno, Castle seems like someone I can appreciate — but Luke bleepin’ Daniels? Loved listening to him.

The Disasters by M. K. England — “The Breakfast Club meets Guardians of the Galaxy” ’nuff said.

Lastly, I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome to Russell Deasley for following the blog this week.

GUEST POST – The Open Road Awaits: Your Guide to Literary Road Trips

By HCNewton

On December 18, 2018

In Books, News/Misc.

I’m very happy to have this guest post today — and not just because I need some time to finish a couple of things you won’t see for a few weeks. I love a nicely designed (and informative) infographic and this one hit the sweet spot for me. When I was asked if I’d be interested in posting this, I jumped on it. Give this a read and check this out. Then maybe plan a trip?
—
Scott Fitzgerald, Jack Kerouac and Tom Wolfe…

These are a handful of renowned authors responsible for writing some of the most iconic books we know and love. The sources for their inspiration came from their life experiences, including some at the heart of American culture—road trips. From adventures lasting ten to over one hundred hours, these famous works of literature account for the national parks, cities and cultural events each author explored.

For example, On the Road, by Jack Kerouac, follows the story of Sal Paradise and his friends. The crew of young, broke hippies in love with life travel from New York to San Francisco. Through his young characters’ adventures, Kerouac’s work captures the spirit of freedom and the American dream. The narrative draws from Kerouac’s personal experiences traveling across the country.

The experiences of many authors are brought to life through the words crafted in their stories, making it incredibly difficult to put these books down. And each year, thousands of Americans, inspired by wanderlust and words, set out on their own adventures. The freedom of a cross-country road trip, whether on your own or with a group of close friends, never fails to enchant. There’s something intensely clarifying about hitting the open road. You’re suddenly able to disconnect from the routines of everyday life. You become what’s happening in that moment. You are living outside time.

Inspired by the need for adventure and the words of iconic authors, CarRentals created a guide to literary road trips across America. Instead of simply living them through the pages of your favorite novel, you can set off on routes that follow the narrative arc of six iconic books. Create new stories of your own by exploring the paths of these famous American authors. The road awaits!

Saturday Miscellany – 12/15/18

By HCNewton

On December 15, 2018

In Books, News/Misc.

It’s still technically Saturday. Especially in my time zone…. Nothing wrong, just one of those days. So, here’s a few odds ‘n ends over the week about books and reading that caught my eye. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:

World’s Highest-Paid Authors 2018: Michael Wolff Joins List Thanks To ‘Fire And Fury’ — no shockers on this list — but the numbers separating the top 3 from each other (not to mention from the rest of the list), are eyebrow raising. Also, I wasn’t aware that the two tied for 8 were still producing. Also, I love the associations for those tied for tenth and fifth.
Billy Connolly: ‘Going to the library changed my life. It may even have saved it’ — I prefer funny Billy Connolly to elder statesman Billy Connolly (or whatever label you wanna throw on his more thoughtful stage), but this is a good read.
8 Things I Learned Behind the Circulation Desk — I worked in a library in high school, and can endorse all of these, 3 & 6 in particular (although I had a different reason for #6 — chaos rules that section, no matter how hard you work).
Crime Beat: The mystery community is infested with drummers. — there are more crime writing drummers out there than you might have guessed (if you ever considered the question, that is)
Cover Reveal of HEART OF BARKNESS — There are few books I’m anticipating more than this one in 2019. Seeing the cover doesn’t help much.
Jeeves and the King of Clubs by Ben Schott review – bang-on Bertie Wooster reboot — I really don’t care about this, really just posting this to give Bookstooge something to comment about.
The 20 Best Crime Novels of 2018: The Year’s Best in Crime and Mystery Fiction — from CrimeReads
Best Reads of 2018: Fiction — The first of Paul’s Picks 2019 lists.
The Most Scathing Reviews of 2018: “It’s physically impossible to dunk on a novel that is already dunking on itself so hard” — featuring a very different look at one book on Paul’s list.
Why I love doing book reviews
So, what is it about the series then? — a very nice post from the It’s an Indie Book Blog about the place of series in the hearts of readers and writers.

I actually didn’t see any new releases this week that made me sit up and take notice. I probably missed some good ones.

Lastly, I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome to Jenniely, Pinklotus76 and Word Hunter for following the blog this week.

Saturday Miscellany – 12/8/18

By HCNewton

On December 8, 2018

In Books, News/Misc.

I started a new job this week, which is what I’m blaming my relative silence on — I did almost complete a few posts, to be honest (and a little self-justifying). Just nothing I’m quite ready to push “publish” on. But I have an ambitious schedule for December, so I need to get busy (and I have a little bit of November to finish with, too — oops). Here’s hoping next week is busy around here.

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

Reasons for Blogging Slumps. — The Tattooed Book Geek’s post seemed an appropriate place to start with (although I’m not technically in a slump, I don’t think). Also, it’s a good one.
The joy of not finishing books: if you don’t like it, don’t read it — James Colley’s piece is entertaining and wise — worth it for the last ‘graph alone.
Why We (Still) Love Crime and Comic Book Heroes: On the Flawed Heroes and Superheroes of Modern Genre Fiction — I started this week off with a post about Meghan Scott Molin’s debut novel. Seems fitting to end it pointing to this from Crime Reads.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of ‘Storm Cursed’ — I’m a fan of Dan Dos Santos’ work (and looking through his portfolio this week, I realized much of what I’d previously liked I had realized was his). This is a cool look into his process in designing the upcoming Mercy Thompson cover.
It’s that time of year — best of lists. TBR pile fodder abounds. Here’s a few that I liked:
Who Is The Most Instagrammed Writer Of All Time? — huh
‘P Is for Pterodactyl’ alphabet book teaches kids some anomalies of the English language — this just looks like a lot of fun

The Frame-Up by Meghan Scott Molin — a comic writer/artist consults with the LAPD in a hunt for a real-world costumed vigilante in one of the most enjoyable debuts of the year. I talked a bit about it Monday
Blood of Ten Kings by Edward Lazellari — The third volume of the Guardians of Aandor — an Epic Fantasy/Urban Fantasy hybrid of sorts — hit the stores this week. Listening to Lazellari describe the books on the latest Once & Future Podcast sold me on volume one.
King of the Road by R. S. Belcher — I missed the first novel in this UF series last year, but a group of Truckers descended from the Knights Templar who defends the roads of the US from supernatural threats — and a biker gang, apparently — has got to be worth a read.

Lastly, I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome to awesomeyou (nice blog, but I can’t read that side bar — as pretty as it is), whinney, Di Salvo Cambiamento (I assume the blog is nice, but I can’t read that language), Arganise Campbell (a very busy young woman) and Shalini for following the blog this week.

November 2018 Report

By HCNewton

On December 1, 2018

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

Well, November happened. Lot’s of pretty cool stuff in my non-blog life, and things related to the blog. Pretty good reading month — almost good writing month. Some less-than-good reads, plenty of great reads. Nothing to complain about, that’s for sure.

So anyway, here’s what happened here in November.

Books/Novels/Novellas Read/Listened to:













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	Still Deciding

Still Reading:

Reviews Posted:

Zero Sum Game by S.L. Huang: A Healthy Dose of SF Peanut Butter in this Thriller’s Chocolate Results in a Very Tasty Book
Two Kinds of Truth by Michael Connelly: Bosch Enters New Territory and Revisits some Old in Two Very Different cases
Dark Sacred Night by Michael Connelly: Bosch and Ballard Team Up in one of Connelly’s best
Some quick thoughts on Lethal White by Robert Galbraith
The Green Viper by Rob Sinclair: A strong, twisty thriller that will satisfy
Be Brave, Little Puffy by Arline Cooper: A Cute Fish Tale
The Twisted Web by Rebecca Bradley: A Great Hook and Subtle Storytelling Make for a Compelling Read
The Place You’re Supposed to Laugh by Jenn Stroud Rossmann: A Great Read about the Less-Glamorous, Less-Successful Side of Silicon Valley
Her Last Move by John Marrs: This Thriller Left Me Feeling Gobsmacked and Awestruck
The Vinyl Detective: Written in Dead Wax by Andrew Carmel: A great intro to one of the most unlikely thriller heroes around
You Had Me at Woof (Audiobook) by Julie Klam, Karen White: A meandering mess of vaguely dog-related memoirs.
Depth of Winter by Craig Johnson: Walt Goes South of the Border on a Rescue Mission
Know Me from Smoke by Matt Phillips: A heart-wrenching noir love story.
Dry Hard by Nick Spalding: Who needs to drink when you can have this much fun reading?
Degrading Orbits by Bradley Horner: What comes next for the Star-Crossed Axel and Helen
Kitties Are Not Good To Eat by Cassandra Gelvin: and other useful and cute advice on feline care for the younger set.
The Lord’s Supper as the Sign and Meal of the New Covenant by Guy Prentiss Waters: A Thoughtful & Encouraging Look at the Supper in its Redemptive-Historical Context
Small Town Nightmare by Anna Willett: A Creepy and Fast Adventure
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite: A Charming, Dark, and (somehow) Fun Serial Killer Tale
The Summer Holidays Survival Guide by Jon Rance: Heart-warming and Funny Bone-Tickling
They Promised Me the Gun Wasn’t Loaded by James Alan Gardner: The Newest Canadian Super-Heroes are Back in Action

Book Challenge Progress:

	You Had Me at Woof (Audiobook) by Julie Klam, Karen White The Complaints by Ian Rankin My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite They Promised Me the Gun Wasn’t Loaded by James Alan Gardner Mr. Monk Goes to the Firehouse by Lee Goldberg, Laura Hicks Play Dead by David Rosenfelt, Grover Gardner
	The Green Viper by Rob Sinclair The Place You’re Supposed to Laugh by Jenn Stroud Rossmann Be Brave, Little Puffy by Arline Cooper The Summer Holidays Survival Guide by Jon Rance Know Me from Smoke by Matt Phillips Kitties Are Not Good To Eat by Cassandra Gelvin Dry Hard by Nick Spalding Small Town Nightmare by Anna Willett You Had Me at Woof (Audiobook) by Julie Klam, Karen White My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite Her Last Move by John Marrs Rediscovering Humility: Why the Way Up is Downby Christopher Hutchinson The Frame-Up by Meghan Scott Molin
	The Green Viper by Rob Sinclair The Place You’re Supposed to Laugh by Jenn Stroud Rossmann Be Brave, Little Puffy by Arline Cooper The Twisted Web by Rebecca Bradley Degrading Orbits by Bradley Horner The Summer Holidays Survival Guide by Jon Rance Know Me from Smoke by Matt Phillips Kitties Are Not Good To Eat by Cassandra Gelvin Dry Hard by Nick Spalding Small Town Nightmare by Anna Willett
	✔ Read an audio book with multiple narrators: Ways to die in Glasgow by Heather Wilds, Napoleon Ryan ✔ Read a book you chose based on the cover: Know Me from Smoke by Matt Phillips: A heart-wrenching noir love story.

How was your month?

Saturday Miscellany – 12/1/18

By HCNewton

On December 1, 2018

In Books, News/Misc.

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

We Need to Destroy the Blurbing Industrial Complex — let’s start with something non-controversial this week, shall we?
The Cranky Bookseller’s Guide To Holiday Shopping — handy tips
Here are the Biggest Fiction Bestsellers of the Last 100 Years (And What Everyone Read Instead) — an interesting follow up to Emily Temple’s Books That Defined the Decades series
Jonathan Franzen was mocked for sharing his writing tips. Me? I’m all ears — Hadley Freeman pours some cold water on the snark towards Franzen last week. Not much, and probably not entirely convincingly, but I appreciated her point
Celebrating Indie Publishing with @IPatrick_Author @fahrenheitpress — The Quiet Knitter interviews Ian Patrick
ROBERT B. PARKER’S BLOOD FEUD: Five Questions with Mike Lupica — The Real Book Spy has some questions for Lupica
The best mystery novels of 2018 — Oline Cogdill, mystery reviewer extraordinaire, names her top 16 for the year.
Top Ten of 2018 — from Liz Loves Books

Author Michael Connelly on Cops, Crime Reporting, and Classic Noir Probably the most extensive interview I’ve heard with Connelly. I think I’ve heard 98% of this before, but maybe not in as much depth. A good listen either way.

Robert B. Parker’s Blood Feud by Mike Lupica — Sunny Randall’s back (the last of Parker’s series’ protagonists), and was pretty entertaining, as I recently noted.
The Wraith by Jeffery H. Haskell — set in his Arsenal universe, Haskell introduces a darker hero.

Saturday Miscellany – 11/24/18

By HCNewton

On November 24, 2018

In Books, News/Misc.

Naturally, after a big week last week — a small list. But I quite like the list of odds ‘n ends over the week about books and reading that caught my eye. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:

Small bookstores are booming after nearly being wiped out — In honor of Small Business Saturday which once again falls on Tight Budget Saturday for me, so I won’t be participating — but I’ll make up for it.
I’ve already suggested that you check out damppebbles’ #R3COMM3ND3D2018, but I’m going to remind you a couple of times to do so. I’ve already got a good chunk of January planned thanks to it. I, personally, appreciated Friday the 23rd’s installment (if only so I could remember two of the books I picked)
40 Wag-Worthy Dog Books You’ll Want to Get Your Paws On — some of these I heartily endorse, most of them I wish I could find time for.
Lies Sleeping and the Challenge of Crafting an Intersectional Narrator for the Rivers of London Series — how Peter Grant came to be.
Crime Reads asks the vital question: Who Should Play Jack Reacher Now that Tom Cruise Is Out? — While I think Jason Segal is an inspired choice (and if he wanted to, I think he could pull it off — but I can’t imagine he wants to), most of the rest of this list is a bit better. Honestly, the first choice “More Realistic, Solid Candidates” is the best on the list, with the last in that category a close 2nd (with one significant problem).

Recommended: Jane Mount and Oyinkan Braithwaite I don’t listen to every episode of this podcast, honestly. Usually only if there’s a guest like/want to hear from or at least one book I want to hear someone talk about. This episode features people less-than-3’ing The Phantom Tollbooth and Jane Eyre — Braithwaite charmed me, I was very pleased when I realized she was the author of My Sister the Serial Killer, which I’d just checked out from the library.

Lies Sleeping by Ben Aaronovitch — the gloves are off and the Folly (and the rest of the Metropolitan Police) are giving everything they have to take down the Faceless Man. Best of the series, a href=”https://wp.me/p3z9AH-3Ah” target=”_blank”>as I said recently.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite — Not only does Braithwaite had great taste in books (see above), she’s written a witty and dark tale of a Nurse who finds her self trying to protect a sister with a knack for killing her boyfriends.
August by Jim Lusby — A dark crime story involving child abuse, the drug trade, populist politicians and more in Ireland. Bought it instantly, and trying to find a spot in my calendar for it.
Big Damn Hero by James Lovegrove — The first Firefly novel — a job for Badger goes wrong. Whoda thunk it?

Lastly, I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome to Moonlight Snow, Fashion-Creative thinking and jennifertarheelreader for following the blog this week.