Category: News/Misc. Page 16 of 193

April 2024 in Retrospect: What I Read/Listened to/Wrote About

On May 9, 2024

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

I finished 25 titles (1 up from last month, 2 down from last April), with an equivalent of 7,323+ pages or the equivalent (456+ up from last month), and gave them an average of 3.8 stars (.1 up from last month). That total does include 2 picture books, 3 board books, and a book I’ve been working on since January, so…make of that what you will.

On the writing side, I disappointed myself–despite a lot of plans to the contrary and attempts to do more, it just fizzled out. Entirely understandably so I’m already over the disappoinment, given what was distracting me and the energy devoted to that (I’ll get around to talking about things later, but just know that the news is good now).

Anyway, here’s what happened here in April.
Books/Novels/Novellas Read/Listened to

Still Reading

Ratings

		Average =	3.8
	2		0
	3		0
	10		0
	3		0
	7

TBR Stacks/Piles/Heaps

	Audio	E-book	Physical	Goodreads Want-to-Read	NetGalley Shelf/ARCs/Review Copies
End of 2023	6	46	68	153	5
1st of the Month	4	50	64	154	5
Added	3	1	22	6	4
Read/ Listened	3	1	4	0	2
Current Total	4	50	82	160	7

Breakdowns:
“Traditionally” Published: 20
Self-/Independent Published: 5

Genre	This Month	Year to Date
Children’s	1 (4%)	4 (5%)
Fantasy	1 (4%)	11 (13%)
General Fiction/ Literature	1 (4%)	8 (9%)
Mystery/ Suspense/ Thriller	10 (40%)	28 (32%)
Non-Fiction	3 (12%)	10 (11%)
Science Fiction	0 (0%)	0 (0%)
Theology/ Christian Living	5 (20%)	6 (7%)
Urban Fantasy	4 (16%)	11 (13%)
“Other” (Horror/ Humor/ Steampunk/ Western)	0 (0%)	10 (11%)

Review-ish Things Posted

PUB DAY (and updated) REPOST: The Tenacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword by Dewey Conway & Bill Adams: A Would-Be Champion, A Would-Be Scribe, and a Fire-Burping Rooster
Grandpappy’s Corner: Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb, Erin Kraan (Illustrator): Adorable Art, Great Rhymes, and a Sweet Ending
Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity by Carl R. Trueman: Why The Church Needs Creeds
The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 51: Come Around by R. T. Slaywood: Bonaduke Gains a Friend
The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 52: Separation by R. T. Slaywood: The First Step
Grandpappy’s Corner: Panda Pat and the Rat Called Cat by Neil Ballard, Steven Nosov (Illustrator): A Nice Rodent with an Unfortunate Nickname
Cultural Christians in the Early Church by Nadya Williams: Same Song, Older Verses
Time-Marked Warlock by Shamie Stovall: A Mulligan-Equipped PI
Great Minds on Small Things by Matthew Qvortrup: Philosophers Addressing Ordinary
Grandpappy’s Corner: Along Came a Radioactive Spider by Annie Hunter Eriksen, Lee Gatlin (Illustrator): The Man Behind Spidey’s Look (and more!)
Grandpappy’s Corner: Tiny Hands Hymns, Tiny Hands Prayers, and Tiny Hands Promises edited by Hannah Duguid Estes, illustrated by Jessica Hiatt: A Great Set of Starter Devotional Reads
Namaste Mart Confidential by Andrew Miller: A Pair of Unlikely P.I.s Search for a Missing Woman

Other Things I Wrote
Other than the Saturday Miscellanies (6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th), I also wrote:

Enough about me—how Was Your Month?

Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books with Stacey from Whispering Stories

By HCNewton

On May 9, 2024

In Books, News/Misc., Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books

Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books
Like Carol yesterday, Stacy took her own intro into her hands. I’m trying not to take it personally (are mine that bad?). I’m very pleased to welcome her and her list to the blog today, there’s some good looking things here.

Hi My name is Stacey and I run Whispering Stories Book Blog, which I established in 2015. I’m in my forties, married to my fab hubby Steve, and mum to three grown up sons. I work in social housing and I do a lot of volunteer work too. Aside from reading I am a massive American Detective TV series fan and a big rock music fan too.

Many thanks to H.C. for letting me share my top five Desert Island books!
Oh, to be able to spend some time on a Desert Island, sit in the sun with a nice cocktail and no-one to bother me. Plus, lots of time to read!!

Below is my list in no particular order and a little about why I chose them.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. (My review – https://www.whisperingstories.com/snow-child/)

Snow Child
Well, I need a book to cool me down in the glaring sunshine and this book would definitely hit the mark.

Set in 1920s Alaska and based on the Russian fairy-tale, ‘Snegurochka’, which translates to ‘Little daughter of the snow’, The Snow Child is an enchanting and heartwarming tale of a couple unable to have children who relocate to the Alaskan wilderness to get away from being reminded daily about their situation.

One day they meet a young girl who is alone and frozen, she won’t enter their home and they don’t know where she has come from. The couple learn to live and prosper with the help of this young girl who they care so much about but is she real or made of snow?

The story is gripping and I just adore it, so much so that I have read the book numerous times and given people copies as presents too.

The Stranger Times by C.K. McDonnell (My Review – https://www.whisperingstories.com/the-stranger-times-ck-mcdonnell-book-review/)

The Stranger Times
OMG, if there ever was a book, or should I say a series that I knew from the blurb would be right up my street, this is it. If you haven’t read it, why not!!!

The Stranger Times is a weekly newspaper dedicated to the weird and the wonderful (but mostly the weird), it is the go-to publication for the unexplained and inexplicable.

Set in my hometown this book has me laughing and giggling along, well it is written by a comic. This is a book to give me a laugh whilst I am stuck on this island.

From the wacky characters to the fantastical situations that occur daily, this is one of my favourite series and I hope there are many more books to come.

Where the Truth Lies by M J Lee (My review – https://www.whisperingstories.com/where-truth-lies-mj-lee-book-review/)

Where the Truth Lies
Another first book in a series I adore is this detective thriller from author M J Lee. The premise of the book follows Detective Ridpath who has been seconded to the Coroner’s Office. He used to work for CID until he was diagnosed with cancer. On returning to work the bosses decided that the Coroner’s Office was the best place for him.

What I love about this book and the rest of the series is one, it is again set in my hometown of Manchester and two, Ridpath is never one to back down and it doesn’t matter if he is coming up against his bosses or criminals, he tells them like it is. I love a straight talker.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I first read Jane Eyre when I was in high school. I wasn’t really much of a big reader during my teen years, reading just a few books a year, but this book stayed with me and I have a few editions of it.

I remember thinking I hated the classics and then bam, this book hits and here we had this young woman with a fiery temper and who came across so many obstacles in her life and yet she faced each one and was determined to live her life on her own terms.

Jane Eyre taught me a lot about resilience as a teenager.

Message from Nam by Danielle Steel (My review – https://www.whisperingstories.com/message-from-nam-review/)

Message from Nam
This is a book that touched me so much. I read it as a young teen when the Gulf War was happening. I didn’t really know or understand what had happened during the Vietnam War given that it was over before I was born but as the Gulf War was raging and there were daily updates and photos etc, this book spoke to me.

It follows the life of a young journalist, Paxton Andrews, who is in Vietnam covering the war, though it begins way before her journey there and shows you exactly why she needed the life. She needed to understand war, and wanted to show the world the truth about how it changes everyone.

I read this book so many times the cover came off. Then there was a movie (or TV show) which I adored too. I always swore if I had a girl I was calling her Paxton – The hubby refused stating our child would get called Paxo Stuffing (a UK brand). Luckily for both of us we had three boys.

So that is my five choices. I could have gone on forever with the amount of books I simply adore. I tried to mix it up a little with some from my teens and others that are newer books.

I hopefully have given you some inspiration for your next read. Thanks H.C. I enjoyed writing up my thoughts.

Links –
Website – https://www.whisperingstories.com/
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/storywhispers
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/whisperingstoriesblog/

Be sure to check out https://www.whisperingstories.com/!

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Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books with Carol from Reading Ladies Book Club

By HCNewton

On May 8, 2024

In Books, News/Misc., Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books

Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books
This is where I should be introducing Carol and her blog, but she did the work for me. So I’m going to shut up and let her do her thing….

Shout Out to H.C. Newton @ IrresponsibleReader for this guest post opportunity!

I’m Carol, a retired 5th-grade teacher, an ardent and avid bibliophile, a literacy advocate, and your new bookish friend. My favorite genres are historical fiction, literary fiction, and contemporary fiction.

In addition, I enjoy reading selected memoirs and other narrative nonfiction. I’m an incorrigible mood reader.

My blog www.ReadingLadies.com is almost seven years old, and my mission is to share a love of great literature across a variety of genres with an intentional focus on new releases, thoughtful themes, diverse cultures, and “own voices” authors. I desire to be a trusted reviewer for your next great read! Respectful conversations are always welcome.

I love making book lists and sharing recommendations. My Top Five or Top Ten of anything varies from day to day

If I were on an island, I’d be thrilled with ANY five books! After all, I’m the kid who read the back of cereal boxes. In reality, I’d have my entire library with me on my kindle (with a solar charger).

However, if I had a choice of grabbing five physical books, I might reach for the following:

A Book to Encourage Endurance: a survival story set on an island
Castle of Water by Dane Hucklebridge
Genre/Categories/Setting: Contemporary Fiction, Survival, Cast-a-ways, Remote and Uninhabited Island

Link to my review: https://readingladies.com/2017/09/22/castle-of-water/

Sophie, an architect and honeymooner, and Barry, disillusioned with his career in finance and seeking inspiration for his love of art end up on one very small island when their plane is hit by lightning and crashes in the middle of the South Pacific. Strangers and sole survivors and as different as night and day, Sophie and Barry wash up on a small uninhabited island and survival becomes their primary objective. Sophie and Barry draw from each other’s strengths and skills and through harrowing experiences, keep the hope of rescue alive.
“And so it came to pass that two utterly disparate lives happened to overlap … bound together on an uninhabited island some 2,359 miles from Hawaii, 4,622 miles from Chile, and 533 miles from the nearest
living soul.

Crap, as Barry liked to say.

Putain de merde, as Sophie was known to exclaim.”

A Book For inspiration: one that will encourage me to write my own letters
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
Genre/Categories/Setting: Literary Fiction, Father/son, Faith, Small Town Rural America

Gilead

Review link: https://wordpress.com/post/readingladies.com/16491

Pulitzer Prize 2005. New York Times Top-Ten Book of 2004. Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction. Marilynne Robinson writes the quiet story of three generations of fathers and sons. faith, and rural life. In the present day, our main character is most concerned that the son will truly know his father and appreciate the legacy he leaves.

“When things are taking their ordinary course, it is hard to remember what matters. There are so many things you would never think to tell anyone. And I believe they may be the things that mean most to you,
and that even your own child would have to know in order to know you well at all.”

“I’m writing this in part to tell you that if you ever wonder what you’ve done in your life, and everyone does wonder sooner or later, you have been God’s grace to me, a miracle, something more than a miracle. You may not remember me very well at all, and it may seem to you to be no great thing to have been the good child of an old man in a shabby little town you will no doubt leave behind. If only I had the words
to tell you.”

A Book About Family: one that reminds me of unconditional love
A Place For Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza
Genre/Categories/Setting: Contemporary Fiction, Complicated Family Drama, California

Review Link: https://wordpress.com/post/readingladies.com/6599

A Place For Us shares the story of an Indian-American Muslim family whom we meet as they gather to celebrate a family wedding. Through flashbacks, readers are filled in on the family dynamics, family history, and become acquainted with the parents, Rafiq and Layla, and their three children, Hadia, Huda, and Amar. Told mostly from the perspectives of Layla, Hadia, and Amar, readers begin to appreciate the complexity of family relationships, understand the bonds that draw the family together, and become acquainted with the personalities along with the insecurities and rivalries that cause conflict. In light of the parents’ conservative Muslim faith and living in California, the children must find their way in reconciling the faith of their parents and their traditional ways with the reality of day-to-day lives, and individual hopes and dreams. At the wedding of the oldest daughter, which breaks with tradition and is a union of love and not arranged by parents, Amar, the prodigal son, reunites with his family for the first time in three years. The last part of the story is told from the father’s heartfelt perspective. This is a story of love, parenting, coming of age, faith, and belonging.

“Of all my mistakes the greatest, the most dangerous, was not emphasizing the mercy of God.”

A Historical Fiction Reread: one memorable and thought-provoking story

Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction, Slavery, Abolition, Women’s Rights, Charleston, Plantation Life, pre Civil War
The Invention of Wings

Review Link: https://wordpress.com/post/readingladies.com/6859

The Invention of Wings is a fictionalized biographical account of the Grimke sisters as they become trailblazers in the abolition movement and early leaders in the fight for women’s rights.

The story takes place in the pre Civil War era and begins on a plantation in Charleston. On the occasion of Sarah Grimke’s eleventh birthday, she’s presented with her own slave, ten-year old Hetty “Handful” Grimke. Sarah has always been uncomfortable with this tradition. At first, Sarah and Handful are more like sisters and playmates as they develop a friendly companionship. As the story progresses, Sarah leaves Charleston to join her adventurous and fearless sister, Angelina, in the north as early pioneers in the fight for abolition and women’s rights. We follow Sarah’s and Hetty’s journeys for thirty-five years as both women strive to carve out a life of their own and navigate a close and complex relationship.
“The world may try to dim your light, but it can never extinguish your fire.”

A Comfort Read: a favorite book about books
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical fiction, Book About Books and Book Club, Found Family

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Written in epistolary form, this is a warmhearted story of a unique book club that formed on the Island of Guernsey during WWII. Juliet begins a correspondence with the literary members and learns about the impact
of the recent German occupation. Her in-person visit will change her life.

“Reading good books will ruin you for enjoying bad ones.”

For Hope and Comfort: words from Scripture
The New Testament

The New Testament

Instagram
(Threads link in bio):
https://www.instagram.com/readingladies_book_club
Twitter/X:
https://twitter.com/ReadingLadiesBC
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/ReadingLadies
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/16412589-carol-reading-ladies
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/readingisasport

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Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books with Noelle Holten

By HCNewton

On May 7, 2024

In Books, News/Misc., Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books

Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books
What can I possibly say about Noelle Holten? I first heard her on the Two Crime Writers and a Microphone podcast, and sought out her blog, CrimeBookJunkie. Sometime after that I started reading her novels–and am an even bigger fan of those than her (too rare) posts. Noelle’s a great supporter of the blog, too–and has been known to share one of my posts before I get a chance to on social media–and expressed interest in taking part in these if I did it again. Well, here we are…

Her official bio states: “Noelle Holten is an award-winning blogger at www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk. She’s a PR & Social Media Manager for Bookouture, a leading digital publisher in the UK, and she worked as a Senior Probation Officer for eighteen years, covering a variety of cases including those involving serious domestic abuse. Noelle has three Hons BA’s – Philosophy, Sociology (Crime & Deviance) and Community Justice, a Diploma in Probation Studies and a Masters in Criminology. Her hobbies include reading, attending as many book festivals as she can afford and sharing the booklove via her blog.
Dead Inside – her debut novel with One More Chapter/Harper Collins UK is an international kindle bestseller and the start of a new series featuring DC Maggie Jamieson. 6 Ripley Avenue is her first stand-alone crime thriller and hopefully not her last!”

Huge thanks to H.C. for taking me up on my offer to share my 5 Desert Island books! Assuming I can’t take my kindle… plus I’m not scientific enough to figure out how I’d power it without a plug, here are the 5 books I’d choose and a little explanation as to why!

In no particular order:

Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder. Don’t be shocked it’s not crime as my love of philosophy is just as strong – my Hons BA proves that! Or does it? 🤔 The book is about a girl named Sophie who starts getting letters from a philosopher, Alberto Knox. It’s like a crash course in philosophy, wrapped in a story and has stayed with me for over 40 years. It’s about understanding people, the decisions they make, the importance of knowledge and learning as well as questioning everything. I recently bought a special edition copy to re-read and see if I pick up anything new!

Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier. A classic psychological suspense thriller, this story got under my skin when I first read it in high-school. I then became obsessed with the original film and anything since. I think this book just stands the test of time (I bought a special edition copy of this one a few years ago!). It is haunting, thrilling and emotional and if you haven’t read it yet… you should!

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. Mainly because I might actually finish it! 😂 I have the whole collection and love the world-building, characters and imagery. It would be the perfect escape and it’s one hell of a story. Plus I’d get my fix of dragons… another obsession! If I could bring the whole collection, I would (but that would be cheating!

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. This was one of the books that made me want to go into Probation. The question of morality and justice, good and evil, are prominent in the story as well as whether what the MC, Raskolnikov, did was wrong. A fine line where murder is just? 🤔 His conscience soon catches up with him as the police close in. I’ve read it so many times, I’ve lost count and will probably read it many more as I usually pick up something new from the previous read.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. I’ve read the book a few times and watched the series multiple times because it is one hell of a story… something you could picture happening if certain people got into power. 😲 I was fascinated at the insight the author had and although there is violence, oppression, power, misogyny, etc … the fight for survival and justice is strong. It is haunting, thrilling and another that has stayed with me. So this would definitely be coming – in case I need any tips to escape!

There you have it. I stayed away from any current novels because as much as I would love to take a few, the choice was much harder. I’m a series gal as well, so this would make the choice even worse. Thanks again to H.C. for having me.

Are any of these on your list, let us know in the comments!

Be sure to check out Noelle’s blog and novels!

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Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books with Lashaan Balasingam

By HCNewton

On May 6, 2024

In Books, News/Misc., Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books

Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books
Lashaan is a Tolkien and Batman nut. There’s more to him, but those are the things that first jump to mind. His blog describes him as:

“A reader. A reviewer. A researcher.
He’s a Ph.D. candidate in criminology and works full-time in a North American police organization.
He has an eclectic reading taste but primarily focuses on science-fiction, fantasy, and graphic novels.
He might seem busy by day, but he chases after stories, whatever form they are in, by night.”

He’s also an incredibly nice guy who has pointed me to about 50% of the comics/graphic novels I’ve picked up in the last few years. Lashaan is one of the first I reached out to for this round of guest posts, asking him “What’s your Top 5 Desert Island Top 5 list?

Be sure to check out Roars and Echoes on a regular basis, you’ll be glad you did.

Yep. That’s THE question that always sends ANY reader down a dark, dark spiral of madness and mayhem. You’d think it’s an easy question with the number of books you might have already read so far into your life, but that’s just it. So many to pick from. Which five do you keep? So here I go:

Crime and Punishment cover

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (https://roarsandechoes.com/2016/01/30/crime-and-punishment-by-fyodor-dostoyevsky/)

I usually systematically go with this book as my all-time favourite novel, so it’s a bit hard not to keep it in a list like this one. Every time I think back at the first time I read and finished this book, I’m reminded by the suffocating psychological journey the protagonist goes through and that’s definitely a story I’d like to have by my side to relativize my own desert island experience.

The Hobbit cover

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (https://roarsandechoes.com/2019/11/08/the-hobbit-by-j-r-r-tolkien/)

The book that paved the way to my deep plunge into the professor’s fantasy universe. This one is sure to keep me entertained, to keep me dreaming awake, to keep me resilient all alone on my island.

The Lord of the Rings cover

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (https://roarsandechoes.com/2020/07/25/the-fellowship-of-the-ring-by-j-r-r-tolkien/)

I’m sort of cheating with this one since this would contain all three books in one neat edition, but hey, that’s the only way to get the whole adventure. How can I also not bring this along when it’s clearly the ultimate epic fantasy adventure that couldn’t possibly ever get hold no matter how many times you read it!

Dune cover

Dune by Frank Herbert (https://roarsandechoes.com/2019/10/02/dune-by-frank-herbert-2/)

Another classic that I’ll always cherish and even more because of the protagonist’s coming of age story, his ability to face the unknown, to surmount his fears, to embrace his prophecy. While I might not be able to continue the rest of the series on my island, this along will surely keep me happy until my last breath!

The Killing Joke Cover

Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore (https://roarsandechoes.com/2015/07/26/the-killing-joke-by-alan-moore-2/)

You didn’t possibly think I’d end this top 5 without at least mentioning Batman once, did you? One of my all-time favourite graphic novels is one of Alan Moore’s greatest creation: The Killing Joke. I’m always all giddy with excitement when I think of this particular story. Such a masterpiece.

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Programming Announcement/Sick Leave

By HCNewton

On May 6, 2024

In Miscellany, News/Misc.

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve had this monologue from Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs running through my head:

EUGENE I’d better explain what she meant by Aunt Blanche’s “situation.” You see, her husband, Uncle Dave, died six years ago from (He looks around) this thing… They never say the word. They always whisper it. It was (He whispers)—cancer! I think they’re afraid if they said it out loud, God would say, “I HEARD THAT! YOU SAID THE DREAD DISEASE! (He points his finger down) JUST FOR THAT, I SMITE YOU DOWN WITH IT!” … There are some things that grownups just won’t discuss. For example, my grandfather. He died from (He whispers) diphtheria! Anyway, after Uncle Dave died, he left Aunt Blanche with no money. Not even insurance. And she couldn’t support herself because she has (He whispers)—asthma… So my big-hearted mother insisted we take her and her kids in to live with us. So they broke up our room into two small rooms, and me and my brother Stan live on this side, and Laurie and her sister Nora live on the other side. My father thought it would just be temporary, but it’s been three and a half years so far and I think because of Aunt Blanche’s situation, my father is developing (He whispers)—high blood pressure!

I’m not the whispering type, but I’ve thought about that at least daily. And it has inspired me to whisper bits of my news just to amuse myself when I tell others about it. Early last month, a radiologist who was supposed to be looking for something else, noticed that my right kidney had a tumor on it that was most likely cancerous. The treatment for this is simple: remove the kidney. I have a spare, right? There’s no sign of it anywhere else, so this simple procedure will get set right.

By the time this posts, I should be fully anesthetized and won’t come out of it for a few hours. I’m supposed to lie low for a couple of weeks, and since I don’t know how I’ll be feeling over those weeks, I’ve arranged for some friends, acquaintances, and a stranger or two to drop by with some guest posts. Some will be a new Iteration of the All-Time Desert Island Top 5 lists from last year. Some will be other lists or posts, a guest review or two, and who knows what else? Some of the contributors won’t be strangers to readers of this blog. Some are new to this space. All of them have contributed something I enjoyed reading—hopefully, you do, too.

Also, since I can’t schedule posts there, my daughter has taken control of my BlueSky and Threads accounts. There’s a strong possibility that shenanigans may ensue there.

While you’re being entertained by my guests, I have a stack of (mostly lighter) reads to work through and a few movies I’ve been putting off while doing as little as I can. I’ll likely be popping back with a post or two (how many are to be determined) along the way, and plan on being back cancer-free and one renal organ lighter by the 20th.

I borrowed the kidney above from the blog we ran about my son’s kidney transplant, etc. So I’ll thank V.X. Blackthorne for doing that again. And clearly there is something about my family and kidneys (there’s nothing other than correlation when it comes to this and my son’s issues), but we don’t know what it is.

Irresponsible Reader Pilcrow Icon

Saturday Miscellany—5/4/24

By HCNewton

On May 4, 2024

In Books, News/Misc., Saturday Miscellany

Not much to say today as an intro. (“Phew!” is the collective response, I’m sure).

The next couple of weeks are going to be very interesting, I think, here. I’ll talk about it Monday—but I’m telling you now, reader, you’re going to want to stop by a lot (or just a couple of times, I guess—but it should read it all).
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 We’re All Reading Wrong: To access the full benefits of literature, you have to share it out loud.—hmmmmm….
bullet But Why a Penguin?—Who among us hasn’t wondered?
bullet I missed the provocative essay No One Buys Books last week, where Elle Griffin dove into the data from the recent Penguin vs. DOJ case to look at what it says about book sales.
bullet This week, there were two (at least) responses to that: The Puzzle of Publishing and Yes, People Still Buy Books: How a viral post got some key statistics wrong.—between the three of these pieces, there’s a heckuva education into the business side of book publishing.
bullet M.W Craven up for Theakston Old Peculier Crime award for 3rd year—a quick catch-up with Craven
bullet The Edgar Awards were this week, which means it’s time for Crime Reads’ annual nominee roundtable on The State of the Crime Novel. Part 1: Writing Life and Part 2: The Future of Crime Writing
bullet How Fiction Became Edible: A new genre of cookbooks is reverse engineering the foods of all your favorite pieces of pop culture. Now your stomach can travel to Westeros, Tatooine, the Shire, and more.
bullet The Author as Protagonist: Why are so many fictional writers solving crimes in detective novels?
bullet A few good books about too-good-to-be-true tech (to read after your Tesla explodes).—a fun listicle
bullet Andrew Miller: Namaste Mart Confidential—A quick Q&A with Miller (and a website I need to spend more time with, you will likely enjoy it, too)
bullet Historical Fiction Pros & Cons—Reading Ladies Book Club looks at the genre
bullet Why I No Longer Request ARCs—I absolutely get this (and agree with almost every part of it). But my stack-o’-ARCS suggests I may need to consider Krysta’s words more closely soon.
bullet Speaking of things I need to think more about: How Negative Am I? Posing the Question of Negativity on the Internet
bullet 7 Reasons Adults Should Read Children’s Books—#1 & #3 are the big ones for me. With #4 gaining steadily, as the Grandcritter ages, I expect it’ll take first place.

To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago Week?
bullet <bOutlander by Diana Gabaldon—left me utterly unimpressed
bullet In Defense of the Descent by Daniel R. Hyde—a short and compelling book about the controversial line in the Apostle’s Creed. I still refer to this book.
bullet Dawn’s Early Light by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris—steampunky fun in the U.S. of A.

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
bullet Namaste Mart Confidential by Andrew Miller—A pair of unlicensed PIs/Grocery Store Clerks search for a missing (possibly kidnapped) woman in the L.A. of 2013. I rambled about it a little earlier this week
bullet Takeout Sushi by Christopher Green—a collection of short stories from (mostly) contemporary Japan. I posted about it recently and managed not to make a single joke about one of the world’s least appealing (to me) types of food. That’s personal growth right there.
bullet Crimson Arches by Rebecca Carey Lyles—in this follow-up to Shadow Ranch, Kasenia somehow finds herself in a tense situation with another polygamous bunch.
bullet What’s Eating Jackie Oh? by Patricia Park—a YA look at cooking competitions and dealing with parental expectations.
bullet The Vanishing Station by Ana Ellickson —”a lyrical and bold YA debut about an underground magic system in San Francisco—and the lengths one girl is willing to go to protect the ones she loves.” Intriguing setup and world.

Opening Lines: Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman

By HCNewton

On May 3, 2024

In Blog Series, Currently Reading, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature, News/Misc., Opening Lines, Quotations

Head & Shoulders used to tell us that, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” That’s true for wearing dark shirts, and it’s especially true for books. Sometimes the characters will hook the reader, sometimes the premise, sometimes it’s just knowing the author—but nothing beats a great opening for getting a reader to commit.

So, I’m going to kick off by making one thing very clear: None of this was my fault. I was part of it, sure, but only like a flea is part of a cat. I was carried along, contributing my own pain-in-the-ass factor, no argument there, but I was mot, in any sense, driving the bus. Let’s not forget that when this story starts, was literally on an island in the middle of nowhere. Hands full, head busy, heart well guarded. Safe as houses, baby.

Wait, that’s not completely accurate. The island of Violetta isn’t in the middle of nowhere; it’s slightly to the right of Africa, many hundreds of miles into the Indian Ocean. It’s a geography cal, political and sociological anomaly, It’s also home to a frozwn vodka drink called the Barrier Island, beyond which no man may safely travel, but that’s a sidenote. It lies two days’ sail from a large French-speaking island more than five hundred miles off the east African coast, which is probably why the French didn’t bother to claim it. It was ignored by the Mauritians, because they thought the French already nabbed it, and blithely disregarded by the British, who had no idea who owned it, but had no reason to think was them.

No one paid much attention to it at all until the 1950s, when an enterprising young Violettan by the name of Agnes Bottlebrush did a school project on the even younger United Nations and then quietly applied for membership for Violetta (Agnes was an overachiever with time on her hands). As the result of a series of fortunate and slightly comedic events, Violetta became the smallest member of the United Nations, and Agnes received a rapid promotion to Head Girl. Then she walked around to everyone’s houses and handed them a copy of the UN Charter and gathered suggestions for what to put on the flag.

from Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman

I’m not sure what happens over the next 369 pages (in a sense). I just want almost 400 pages like this.

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Kickstarter Announcement: Anna, Daughter of Creed by Jonathan Fesmire

By HCNewton

On May 2, 2024

In Fiction, Miscellany, News/Misc., Steampunk

I’ve talked about Jonathan Fesmire’s Bodacious Creed series a few times over the last few years, and he was gracious enough to participate in that series of Q&As about Self-Publishing here last year. So yesterday, when he asked me to help spread the word about his new Kickstarter, it took me a whole second to agree. Go check this one out!

Anna Daughter of Creed Kickstarter

It’s Time for Adventure in the Creedverse!

Exciting news, Steampunk and Western fans! The Kickstarter for my newest novel, “Anna, Daughter of Creed,” is now LIVE! Dive into the vivid and inventive world of the Creedverse with this thrilling spin-off series.

Join the adventure on Kickstarter!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jonathanfesmire/anna-daughter-of-creed/

“Anna, Daughter of Creed” marks the first book in an electrifying new series that expands on the universe of “The Adventures of Bodacious Creed.” Anna Lynn Boyd, a master inventor and daring protagonist, will take you through the streets of 1877 Santa Cruz in a timeline where technology and the Old West merge in unexpected ways.

Why You’ll Love This Book:

Immerse Yourself in the Creedverse: Discover more of the richly detailed world where automatons walk the streets alongside gunslingers.
Follow a Strong, Inventive Heroine: Anna Lynn Boyd is not just any character. She’s a brilliant inventor, the esteemed owner of The House of Amber Doves, and a pioneer in automaton technology.
Experience a Unique Blend of Genres: Mixing the suspense of a Western with the imaginative flair of Steampunk, this series offers a fresh take on both.

What Fans Say About “The Adventures of Bodacious Creed”:

“…one of the most imaginative and addictive I have ever read!” “There aren’t enough stars to rate this as high as I want to!” “What a refreshing read!” “Can’t wait for the sequel!” — Praise echoed by readers on Amazon, Goodreads, and beyond.

By backing this project, you’re not just getting a book. You’re unlocking exclusive rewards and becoming part of the Creedverse community.

Support creativity. Embrace adventure. Make history with me.

Back “Anna, Daughter of Creed” Today!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jonathanfesmire/anna-daughter-of-creed/

Let’s make this journey unforgettable!

Kickstarter Info

About the Author

Jonathan Fesmire is a happy author of speculative fiction. While he loves a variety of genres, including high fantasy, hard sf, and superheroes, the niche steampunk western genre has a strong grip on his imagination. Hence, the Creedverse was born.

A single father, Jonathan lives in California with his son. They enjoy going to movies, to Disneyland when possible, and play guitar together most evenings. Early in the covid pandemic, Mr. Fesmire took up the hobby of resin 3D printing. He enjoys printing, and painting, miniatures and dice towers when he has the time.

As an author, one of his goals is to write and publish at least one novel per year, and with “Bodacious Creed and the San Francisco Syndicate,” he’s come close.

Facebook ~ Amazon Author Page ~ Website ~ Linktree

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Highlights from March: Lines Worth Repeating

By HCNewton

On April 30, 2024

In Books, Currently Reading, News/Misc., Quotations

Highlights from the Month
What better day than the last day of April to finish my March wrap-up?

The Blight of Blackwings by Kevin Herne

I waved at Constable du Bartylyn, who was passing by and had absolutely no updates on my stolen furniture, save for a speculation that someone else must have farted on it by now, and if I thought about that long enough, it might make me feel a little bit better about never seeing it again.

He walked away, whistling, and I thought he was a singularly strange individual for trying to comfort me with thoughts of thieves tooting their foghorns on my property. But perhaps I should give him full Marks for innovative community policing.

“Have you ever heard of the lizards in Forn that can change the color of their skin to match their surroundings? They’re called chameleons.”

“Yes, I’ve heard of them. I’d love to actually see one someday.”

After witnessing that performance, I think grief can be thought of as a chameleon. It can change its color or pattern, but underneath it all it’s still an ugly lizard on a branch, waiting patiently for the right time to strike.”

“You realize that every time I’m sad from now on I’m going to think chameleons?”

A mob is not the best, though. It’s strange to be in one, to realize that, Hey, I’m part of a mob right now, and mobs are pretty famous for not doing anything nice to other people. No one sees a mob tearing down the street and thinks, Oh, neat! I wonder what kindness they will bestow upon our neighbors! No one wishes a mob would form outside their neighborhood.

Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane

It’s odd how fast a beautiful woman can turn a guy’s mind into lint storage. Just by being a beautiful woman.

I normally can’t stand vice-free people. They conflate a narcissistic instinct for self-preservation with moral superiority. Plus they suck the life right out of a party.

…I looked out the window and felt old. It was a feeling I’d had a lot lately. But not in a rueful way. If this is how twenty-somethings spent their twenties these days, they could have their twenties. Their thirties, too.

Dead Ground by MW. Craven

Poe had missed something. he didn’t know what, but his second brain, the one that ticked over in the background while his primary brain made rash decisions was working overtime. He recognized the signs, nervous energy and an inability to concentrate on anything.

Soul Taken by Patricia Briggs

“The thing that we thought might end up with Adam dead looks like it will work out okay,” I told her dryly as her feet hit the ground again. “We have another situation to replace it that might end up with Adam dead. Or me dead. Or maybe the whole pack. But at least we solved one deadly situation before we picked up another one.”

“Business as usual,” said Tad.

Heaven’s River by Dennis E. Taylor

All actions have risks. Most inactions even more so.

What it lacks in elegance, it makes up for with wads of unearned optimism. Let’s do it.

Sadly, it was like most political arguments. No one was willing to debate their base assumptions, or justify them, or compromise on them. The simple tactic being that if you repeated your assertion often enough, with enough emotion and volume, the opponents would somehow be forced to see things your way.

Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood

“Stories belong to the teller,” says the bard. “At least half of them do. The other part belongs to the listeners. When a good story is told to a good listener, the pair of them own it together.”

(Image by DaModernDaVinci from Pixabay)