Category: News/Misc. Page 184 of 242

Saturday Miscellany — 3/30/19

On March 30, 2019

Another week of slim pickings . . . odd. Is it just end of month malaise? But there’s some good stuff here nonetheless. 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:

The Best Bookstores in All 50 States — according to MentalFloss. I’ve posted similar lists in the past, but who can resist a new version — especially if you are curious about nearby bookstores. I can sign off on 2 of the 3 Idaho bookstores mentioned.
How a Fourth-Grader Turned Me Into a Book Detective — awww
Crime Reads had an interesting twitter thread this week about authors who could bench press Jack Reacher, because who doesn’t think about that??
Books Whose Endings Made-Up for Their Lackluster Start — I’ve only read one of these, and I disagree with almost everything this post said about Persepolis, but it’s an interesting idea. Can you think of anything that fits the headline?
Official: Perry Mason gets full series order from HBO — I posted about this when it was still in the “maybe” stage, but now it’s official. I’m still incredibly skeptical about taking Mason out of the courtroom, but will likely end up giving this a chance.
Bookdragon Lingo: A [Short] Guide to Bookish Talk — is a fun, and informative, post. Most of these I knew, some I even use. But I still learned a thing or three.

S3E06 Ben Aaronovitch and James Swallow of Book Off! (“A literary podcast with a difference…”)This is the first I’ve heard of this podcast, but it’s a cool concept and I’ll take any excuse to listen to Aaronovitch (and I need to track down Swallow’s series).

Not Everyone is Special by Josh Denslow — a short story collection with some fantastic writing — and a couple of good stories. My longer take on it is here.
My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing — this tale of a husband and wife serial killer team is fun, and almost as good as I’d hoped. I really did like it, but had a reservation or two.
Ruff vs. Fluff by Spencer Quinn — Quinn gets controversially inclusive here by having a cat as one of his protagonists in his new MG series. This is likely pretty cute, and I am curious how he’ll handle a feline lead, but is only a placeholder in my mind until we get a new Chet & Bernie book this summer.
Professor Chandra Follows His Bliss by sRajeev Balasubramanyam — I wish I could remember how this ended up on my radar, but it looks like it’ll appeal to the Maria Semple, Fredrick Bachman, etc. side of me. Probably you, too.

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

EXCERPT from Crossline by Russ Colchamiro: There’s work to be done

By HCNewton

On March 29, 2019

In Book Tour, Fiction, Quotations

An open-air man, Powell had been to cities. To Houston, and Denver, and San Francisco that one time for his cousin’s bachelor party. But there was something about the city ahead that made him shudder. It reminded him of his few trips to New York, that city that never sleeps. If you could make it there, the saying went, you could make it anywhere, and maybe even if that was true, Powell never understood why anyone would want to make it there, even if they could.

Powell had that rush he would get on the road to the launch pad. The pre-flight butterflies that caused his chest to tighten, his face to go flush, and the taste of adrenaline to coat his mouth, down to his teeth and gums. The difference between now and then was just so very small, but even if for just a few seconds, that intense queasiness would make him question in a shameful, shaky handed way if he knew what the hell he was doing, and consider that maybe he’d be better off hauling ass in the opposite direction and skipping out on the whole damn thing.

But then the intensity of the panic subsided—the urgency of the present snapping him back from his fears of a worst possible future, one that would require him to confront the demon at the gates. He steadied himself, because like his father told him: Nerves only mean you ain’t completely stupid. Get over it, boy. There’s work to be done. The clarity and confidence of his father’s voice resonated more than ever.

—

Read the rest in Crossline by Russ Colchamiro.

My thanks to Lola’s Blog Tours for the opportunity to participate in this tour and the materials (including the book) they provided.

EXCERPT from Crossline by Russ Colchamiro: It was another ship

By HCNewton

On March 29, 2019

In Book Tour, Fiction, Quotations

The warp engines were ready for the first of six return blasts it would take to get him back to Earth, when a blip came across the screen. Powell shifted toward the incoming message, but his short-range sensor interrupted him. Something in the Saturn rings. Video amplification revealed that among a cluster of particles was an odd-shaped fragment, with sharper, more reflective edges than he would expect. But he supposed that after debris crashed around over millions if not billions of years, who knew what was really out there? He looked again. Probably nothing of consequence. Just some lagging hallucination from the multiple warps.

As suspected. Just ice particles swirling around the planet. Billions of frozen blue ice particles floating in space that—

Powell focused his monitor on the third ring layer. Studying it more carefully, his sensors revealed that the particle cluster wasn’t in the Saturn ring, but among it. The fragment wasn’t random, a collection of dust, or some anomalous asteroid fragment.

It was another ship. Looking just like Crossline. And headed his way.

—

Read the rest in Crossline by Russ Colchamiro.

My thanks to Lola’s Blog Tours for the opportunity to participate in this tour and the materials (including the book) they provided.

Where the Magic Happens…or something

By HCNewton

On March 26, 2019

In News/Misc.

So, I’m just too tired to write anything real tonight — besides, I have to wait until next week before I can talk about most of what I’ve read lately. So let’s do a little behind the scenes . . .

Three years ago when I switched to a day job, my reading habits had to change — among other things. It took almost no time at all to realize that reading in the break room just wasn’t going to work — it was too loud, there were too many things going on, you couldn’t sit by yourself, really. And then there were all these nice people wanting to talk.

Actually, people in general being around was something to get used to, but that’s another story.

Then I realized that there were perfectly good stairs a lot closer to my work space than the break room was. So I started hanging out there and reading — sometimes, sitting on the stairs, other times leaning against the railing — it’s at a decent height for that. Nowadays, that’s where 40-60% of my weekday reading happens while on break.

It’s not perfectly quiet, but it’s close enough. Except when the flautist practices every couple of months. There are people who pass through — and some of them talk to me, but the conversations are short — because they’re on their way to somewhere else. Sometimes it’s just a “hi,” occasionally I workshop ideas for posts here when someone asks about what I’m reading. I’ve even been given a couple of good recommendations.

Now, the keen-eyed among you might have noticed a couple of post-its on the wall (circled below).

So, for a couple of years people would joke about putting up a sign where I read with my name on it or something (more than one person has suggested getting me a chair). But last December, I moved to a different floor, and within a month, someone had put up the larger post-it reading “[H. C.]’s Reading Spot.” This would be in the larger circle.

A couple of weeks later, that person asked if I liked my sign. I had to confess that I had no clue what she was talking about and apologized profusely. Who pays attention to the walls along the stairs? Especially when you’re not climbing the stairs, but are focused on the book/eReader in your hand. So when I went out for my next break, I went looking for it — and she’d added another post-it (the smaller one), “<– This is the sign.”

Very helpful.

So, yeah, that’s where I read and recharge from all the interaction with people so I have enough energy to get back to work and interact with more people.

Sure, it’s not as snazzy as some of the reading nooks you see on Instagram, Bookstr, etc. It could be more comfortable, that’s for sure. But I’ve gotta say, when the book is halfway decent, I don’t notice. That’s where the magic happens.

Saturday Miscellany — 3/23/19

By HCNewton

On March 23, 2019

In Books, News/Misc.

Busy week for me — not much screen time, alas. So this post will be short. Can’t promise sweet.

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:

Harper Lee letter condemns home town for making her into a ‘tourist attraction’ — a couple of years ago, it seemed like I had a Harper Lee link or two a week for a stretch. Good to have her back on the list.
Francis Spufford pens unauthorised Narnia novel — The article is right, it seems inevitable that someone will do it. Why not Spufford? Especially if it’s as Lewis-esque as it seems? But I’m apprehensive.
Not as apprehensive as Lance Parkin is, however (but close): C S Lewis’s story has already been told: why we don’t need a new Narnia book
Speaking of portal worlds, Syfy Nabs ‘Wayward Children’ Book Series for TV
Joe Ide’s Next IQ Book Announced (with Details) — have to wait for a new Spenser and now a new IQ? grumble, grumble, grumble. Whatever happened to predictability, indeed. Am sure it’ll be worth the wait.
Featured Book Trailer: Gregory Mcdonald’s Fletch Mysteries — Anything to bring a few more eyeballs to Fletch. Glad to see this reprinting, in general. I’ve also thought for years that it’d be nice to have a nice matching set of Mcdonald books (more than half of which were very used copies when I bought them). Maybe I should crowd fund it — would any of you contribute? 🙂
BEST OF CRIME with Brad Parks — this is a fun post in general — moreso for Parks fans. And his choice of best detective? I love Parks all the more.
DNF’ing Books! — I have a hard time DNF’ing, but this book blogger just did.

There weren’t any new releases that caught my eye this week — which is a double-edge sword. I feel like I probably missed a few things, but it also gives me a chance to catch up. The struggle is real, my friends.

Lastly, I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome to Blair Leftly, upstateasb and vickyofficiallyofficial for following the blog this week.

Saturday Miscellany — 3/16/19

By HCNewton

On March 16, 2019

In Books, News/Misc.

Story behind this late post isn’t as interesting — but nicer — than last week’s. If you’re curious, check out my other blog in a bit (bit = 1-48 hours). Otherwise, 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:

Last December, I hosted a guest post about Literary Road Trips that I recommend taking a peek at if you haven’t yet (or if you have). I was reminded of it when I read How to Take a Literary Pilgrimage in the Real World: First get lost in the pages, then get lost in the places. — from Atlas Obscura this week.
Man Threatened With Eviction for Having ‘Too Many Books’! — I can see myself in this Brooklynite’s shoes. (H/T: Jo Perry)

Douglas Adams’ Legacy — a nice tribute from Sindrelf on Adams’ 67th birthday.
Spenser and Hawk: A Study of Good and Evil in the Fiction of Robert B. Parker — I don’t think I saw what prompted Gerald So, the essay’s author, to tweet the link to this essay this week but it’s such a good read for Parker readers new and old, I figured I’d take the opportunity to post it, too.
Facing Down Old Ghosts: An Interview with William Boyle — the way this year is going, I’m not sure when I’m going to be able to read this book, but this is a good interview.
Stats Transparency Post & Lessons Learned from One Year of Blogging — interesting and thought-provoking deep dive into one bloggers stats.
The number of views behind the reviews. — The Tattooed Book Geek’s was a bit more lively — but when isn’t it? I was one of the people who voted in the bottom tier of his poll, btw.

The Author Stories Podcast Episode 583 | Brad Parks Interview — Hank brings Parks back to talk about Hardees, writing and The Last Act.

The Last Act by Brad Parks — an out of work actor goes undercover in prison. Not really the Feel Good Novel of the Year, but what else do you expect from Brad Parks? I had a bit more to say about it recently.
Titan Shade by Dan Stout — Alien Nation + whatever that Will Smith Urban Fantasy Netflix movie was + Life on Mars (UK version). Or something. UF about a homicide cop in the 70s. Looks like it could be fun.
Instant Karma by Todd Morr — disgraced ex-cop becomes a security advisor to the underworld. Also looks like fun — it’s on my Kindle, hoping to get to it before the end of the year (I wish that was a joke…)

Lastly, I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome to Erwin Wensley, dragonflybooks, virgoebooks and BOOKVENGER-44 for following the blog this week.

Coming Attractions (I hope…)

By HCNewton

On March 14, 2019

In Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, News/Misc., Science Fiction, The Tales of Pell

The last three nights I’ve sat down to write my next post and have promptly fallen asleep before finishing a paragraph. Which is quite annoying, because I’m not more tired than normal (I don’t think) and I am very excited about these three books.

So in lieu of an actual post, given largely as proof of life, here’s a quick glance at what’s coming down the pike. Hopefully starting in 24 hours.

Who Killed the Fonz?

by James Boice

This is funny, heartfelt, a goofy idea, and a far better book than it has any right to be.

Rogue Superheroes

by Matt Cowper

This takes everything he did right in The World Savers and improves on it (at least a little) while continuing the story.

No Country for Old Gnomes

by Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne

Set in the same kingdom as Kill the Farmboy, and features (at least for a couple of pages) the same characters, but focuses on a new cast. I figured this was going to be almost as good as its predecessor, but it’s better in every way — better characters, better story, and more laughs. None of which I’d have thought likely.

Saturday Miscellany — 3/9/19

By HCNewton

On March 9, 2019

In Books, News/Misc.

So I was awakened at shortly after 5 this morning with my wife telling me our 20-year-old had severe abdominal pains and needed to go to the ER, 11 hours later, we were home, one appendix lighter. 1. That’s really incredible. 2. That’s my best excuse for not getting this posted on time that I’ve ever had ? 3. I read more today than I typically do on a Saturday, so, that’s a nice bonus.

I did manage to accumulate 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:

‘I can get any novel I want in 30 seconds’: can book piracy be stopped? — How is this still a question?
Famous Writers and Their Addictions — I should probably read more Balzac (maybe any?), it seems we have a lot in common.
My Library Card Made Me Less of a Picky Reader — from BookRiot
FX To Turn Don Winslow’s Epic Cartel Drug War Novel Trilogy Into TV Series — ooh!
The Rook | Official Teaser — I really don’t know if this a good idea, but that trailer is promising.
Who Would Win in a Great Literary Bake-Off? It’s Madeleines vs. Gingerbread vs. Eternal Cakes. — some great entries here.
Understanding and handling your bookworm: A guide.

That Ain’t Witchcraft by Seanan McGuire — The 8th InCryptid novel and the 3rd featuring Annie — after the way the last one ended, I’m very eager (and a little apprehensive) to dive in.
A Friend Is a Gift You Give Yourself by William Boyle — “A funny, gritty, touching narrative about the strength of three New York women caught in a world of abusive men, broken families, and mob violence,” as NPR so helpfully summarizes it. Their review is worth a read.
Another Kingdom by Andrew Klavan — a screenwriter finds himself in a fantasy kingdom — and in trouble. Then he finds himself back in L.A. And then back and forth. Something tells me that Klavan’s approach to a portal fantasy ain’t that typical.

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

GUEST POST – The Books That Made the Largest Impact in the World

By HCNewton

On March 4, 2019

In Books, News/Misc.

Back in December, I had a guest post about Literary Road Trips, featuring a brilliant infographic (you should read it if you haven’t). The designer (creator? author? maker? I really should’ve run this by her), Keilah Keiser is back with another very cool post. Read her intro and then be sure to click the link at the end of the post. I might quibble a bit with some of the reasoning behind the picks — but there are some great books featured in this project. Great design work, too. I’m babbling — read what Keiser had to say instead.

Books give writers the freedom to express their unique world views so they may share them with the rest of the world. Since before 1000 C.E. up until the modern age of the early 2000s, a select few titles continue to be read worldwide.

Their ideas have a lasting impact because they challenge political thought, scientific research, faith, and philosophical themes. These writers continued to pen their thoughts in their work even if it meant that they crossed the line for what was considered socially acceptable throughout history. At times, their books put their own lives in danger, because they were that special and unheard of by others.

John Stuart Mill’s “On Liberty” cemented the foundation of new liberalism, Upton Sinclair exposed the meatpacking industry working conditions, and Malcolm X commemorated his legacy to civil rights.

To celebrate these authors and their iconic works, Largest put together this list of books that have made the largest impact around the world. And if you haven’t already, be sure to put them on the top of your reading list. Prepare yourself to explore each of these writers’ groundbreaking ideas. Discover why they’re each unique in their own way, and why they’ll continue to be read in the future. Crack open the pages and get reading.

Saturday Miscellany — 3/2/19

By HCNewton

On March 2, 2019

In Books, News/Misc.

I didn’t have much time for social media, blogs, etc. this week (sadly, it does recharge me), but I was able to scrape up a few links for this here post. Hope you enjoy these 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:

Sad news to start with, Janet Asimov died this week — I wish I could find a better obituary. I really enjoyed the Norby novels that I read (almost half of them, it turns out — I wish I knew I had more to read back then, and a way to get them. Ahhh, the 80s.) and the anthology of “lite SF” she edited with her husband blew my mind — at the time, I didn’t know people not named Adams and Aspirin could write that kind of stuff.
Chinbeard announces the 3rd (and, alas, final) Derek & Dave Philpott book — this will reportedly be focused on 1990’s British(ish) artists. Which means a lot of it will fly by me, but the stuff that doesn’t will probably be golden.
Writers with a Badge: Two Retired Female Cops Talk Fiction vs. Reality — I haven’t read either of these authors, but I’ve often wondered what police officer/detective turned writers.
Let’s Make A Murder: A Quick & Dirty Guide To Crafting A Whodunnit — Duncan MacMaster writes a great guest post on The Beardy Book Blogger. I know my site skews more to the reader then the writer, but this is a worthwhile post even for us non-practitioners.
Don Winslow: The Making of a Drug War Epic: A Powerhouse Crime Trilogy Takes on the War on Drugs — another great piece on The Border, a book I’m working really hard to get to.
What To Do When Your Crazy Thriller Plots Come True: An Author Wrestles With Fiction Becoming Truth — Lee Goldberg talks about his fiction hitting a little to close to home
Authors, do you know what book bloggers actually do?
The book of the show of the book – 11 top crime shows, 11 great reads — books based on shows, shows based on books.

The Author Stories Podcast Episode 575 | Elaine Shannon Interview — I haven’t listened to this yet, but how an interview with the writer of Hunting LeRoux: The Inside Story of the DEA Takedown of a Criminal Genius and His Empire be anything but fascinating?

The Border by Don Winslow — the end of the Winslow’s Cartel Trilogy. Looks fantastic. Hope to get to it soon.
Circle of the Moon by Faith Hunter — The fourth Soulwood novel brings the action. I loved it when I talked about it a few weeks back
Death & Honey by Deliah S. Dawson, Kevin Hearne, Chuck Wendig — includes novellas by all three. The only one I care about (which might be a mistake) is the Third Oberon’s Murder Mystery!