This week’s topic is, “Top 5 standalone books I wished were series. This is the week for everyone who ever wished their standalone book had more books. Maybe even a long epilogue or novella after it. You know, a Mysteries or Thorn Manor style book. Or, even a Song of Fire and Ice style never-ending series?!”
I didn’t have time to write this up, so…I made a quick video. (tried something different with my recording software, and the quality took a hit…will work on that)
Music Monday's originated at The Tattooed Book Geek's fantastic blog and has shown up hither, thither, and yon since then.
sharing mostly for the (well-executed) novelty of a piano version of a song by this band.
After Cathy of 746 Books retired from hosting this challenge after an impressive 10 years, I figured this was going away. But Emma of Words and Peace and Annabel from AnnaBookBel stepped up to carry the torch. You can read their kick-off post here. So, I’m back for my fifth year of participation in this challenge–and hopefully completing it. “But HC,” some of you might be saying, “a lot of these books look suspiciously like books from other challenges you mentioned.” Yes, yes they are. I’ve not done a great job at some of my challenges this year (okay, most of them0. So, why not multitask? I’ll force myself to read some anticipated new releases (another thing I’ve failed at this year), read every book I’ve borrowed from a friend, and chip away at two other challenges (possibly more). That’s a win-win-win in my book.
Still, I’m worried about completing it. Feel free to harass me about this from time to time.
I’ve frequently used the unofficial US Dates for Summer—Memorial Day to Labor Day, but Memorial Day has already passed. So, I’ll go along with the June 1-August 31 (actually, none of these books are what I’d read on a Lord’s Day, so June 2-August 30). And It’s going to be Friday at the earliest before I can start one from this list. So…sure, I’m stacking the deck against me (although a couple of years ago, I didn’t read any in June and finished okay).
This summer, my 20 are going to be:
(subject to change, as is allowed, but I’m going to resist the impulse to tweak as much as I can).
I didn’t think this was going to be a very full list when I started to assemble this post. But, boy howdy, are there a lot of good things below.
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:
N.J.’s Peter David, prolific comic book writer known for ‘Incredible Hulk,’ ‘Spider-Man,’ dies at 68—If I read any of David’s comics, it was unknowingly. But his novels? Oh man…my college years and 20s were full of them (and some of his more recent novelizations, too). The man was excellent at merging the humor and heart, darkness and hope, and bringing depth to concepts that don’t seem welcoming to it. Twain Dreams: The enigma of Samuel Clemens—A Twain revival? Bring it on.
So, a certain “great bearded glacier” set off a firestorm this week in a blog post about a new project, Howard Meets Hercules—I could easily post a dozen reactions, but the AV Club’s summary will probably do. (okay one other, Duncan MacMaster’s is pretty much what I want to say.)
Finding Your Way Into Writing Fiction as J.R.R. Tolkien’s Grandson: Simon Tolkien on the Double-Edged Sword of a Mighty Literary Inheritance
“That Broken, Brave, Beautiful Man is Someone I Wanted to Write For”: Raymond Chandler’s Trouble is My Business Arvind Ethan David—I really wasn’t inclined to try this new adaptation, but clicked on the interview anyway. David’s second answer changed my mind.
Concrete Poetry & The Great Gatsby Re-Ordered—the story behind one of Fahrenheit Press’ latest projects. I can’t say I’m sold on the idea, but I am incredibly curious.
Monthly Manga Mania Featuring Firsty Duelist: Mashle: Magic and Muscles by Hajime Komoto—this is a great idea for a series, and maybe something that will get me to try my second manga 🙂 I’ve always appreciated his writing
Books I’ve Read With Characters Who Don’t Exist—Stephen always brings the oddest list categories–and they work. And with a title like this one, you just have to stop and read, right?
Is Fiction Getting Worse? Tiktok, Tropification and Toxic Ideology—I’m not sure what my answer to the question would be. Maybe?
Books for Men: Book Berne-ing 19!—Haven’t watched this yet, but I’m betting it’s worth a watch. Love the idea and can’t wait to see JCM’s take.
To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago Week?
Attack the Geek by Michael R. Underwood—I refuse to believe it’s been a decade since I read this
Off to Be the Wizard by Scott Meyer—see above comment
And I mentioned the release of some books that should not be that old, either: Long Black Curl by Alex Bledsoe; I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest; The Last Drive and Other Stories by Rex Stout
I’m apparently struggling with the passage of time today.
This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon (and some I forgot to mention last week):
Instant Karma by Todd Morr—I read an earlier printing of this, but I love the idea of these Pocket Noir books, so I want to mention it. Also–you need to read this.
If You’re Not One Percent by Todd Morr—the populace of a quiet mountain town vs. mudererous rednecks on a thrill kill murder spree.
A Briefcase Full Of The End Of The World by Todd Morr—”Carter isn’t exactly the smartest guy in the room, but even he knows he’s in deep trouble. What should have been a simple snatch-and-grab turns into a nightmare when he realizes there’s something special about the contents of the case he’s stolen. Now, every lunatic, thug, and doomsday prophet in the city is after him, each with their own twisted plans for the mysterious prize.”
Return to Sender by Craig Johnson—Walt goes undercover (or tries to) to hunt for answers to a woman’s disappearance. I started this last night, and am having a blast with it. Also, this is not where I expected this book to go after the ending of First Frost (at least not yet)
Everybody Wants to Rule the World Except Me by Django Wexler—sure, I haven’t read the first in this duology yet. But this looks great.
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. This is coming up next for my Fantasy Book Club, and I’m more than excited for the excuse to read it again.
At the height of the long wet summer of the Seventy-seventh Year of Sendovani, the Thiefmaker of Camorr paid a sudden and unannounced visit to the Eyeless Priest at the Temple of Perelandro, desperately hoping to sell him the Lamora boy.
“Have I got a deal for you!” the Thiefmaker began, perhaps inauspiciously. “Another deal like Calo and Galdo, maybe?” said the Eyeless Priest. “I’ve still got my hands full training those giggling idiots out of every bad habit they picked up from you and replacing them with the bad habits I need.”
“Now, Chains.” The Thiefmaker shrugged. “I told you they were shit-flinging little monkeys when we made the deal, and it was good enough for you at the—”
“Or maybe another deal like Sabetha?” The priest’s richer, deeper voice chased the Thiefmaker’s objection right back down his throat. “I’m sure you recall charging me everything but my dead mother’s kneecaps for her. I should’ve paid you in copper and watched you spring a rupture trying to haul it all away.”
“Ahhhhhh, but she was special, and this boy, he’s special, too,” said the Thiefmaker. “Everything you asked me to look for after I sold you Calo and Galdo. Everything you liked so much about Sabetha! He’s Camorri, but a mongrel. Therin and Vadran blood with neither dominant. He’s got larceny in his heart, sure as the sea’s full of fish piss. And I can even let you have him at a … a discount.”
The Eyeless Priest spent a long moment mulling this. “You’ll pardon me,” he finally said, “if the suggestion that the minuscule black turnip you call a heart is suddenly overflowing with generosity toward me leaves me wanting to arm myself and put my back against a wall.”
The Thiefmaker tried to let a vaguely sincere expression scurry onto his face, where it froze in evident discomfort. His shrug was theatrically casual. “There are, ah, problems with the boy, yes. But the problems are unique to his situation in my care. Were he under yours, I’m sure they would, ahhhh, vanish.”
“Oh. You have a magic boy. Why didn’t you say so?” The priest scratched his forehead beneath the white silk blindfold that covered his eyes. “Magnificent. I’ll plant him in the fucking ground and grow a vine to an enchanted land beyond the clouds.”
“Ahhhhh! I’ve tasted that flavor of sarcasm before, Chains.” The Thiefmaker gave an arthritic mock bow. “That’s the sort you spit out as a bargaining posture. Is it really so hard to say that you’re interested?”
The Eyeless Priest shrugged. “Suppose Calo, Galdo, and Sabetha might be able to use a new playmate, or at least a new punching bag. Suppose I’m willing to spend about three coppers and a bowl of piss for a mystery boy. But you’ll still need to convince me that you deserve the bowl of piss. What’s the boy’s problem?”
“His problem,” said the Thiefmaker, “is that if I can’t sell him to you, I’m going to have to slit his throat and throw him in the bay. And I’m going to have to do it tonight.”
from The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
We all know we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover (yet, publishing companies spend big bucks on cover design/art and we all do judge them that way). But, the opening sentence(s)/paragraph(s) are fair game. So, when I stumble on a good opening (or remember one and pull it off the shelves), I like to throw it up here. In these few paragraphs, you’re immediately in Walt’s world, knowing you’re in for some good conversations and a slower pace. I’m starting this one tonight, but took a sneak peak.
from Return to Sender by Craig Johnson:
“Nobody smiles anymore.”
“Excuse me?”
“Have you noticed? Nobody smiles anymore.” Mike adjusted himself in the tiny postal Jeep, setting his back against the passenger-side door as he sat on the floor beside Dog so no one would see him in the September early morning light. “Remember when we were growing up how you were taught that when you walked down the street and you met a stranger, that you smiled or said hello?” He sighed, staring at the plethora of mail and packages in the back as if it were a weight he could no longer bear. “People don’t do that anymore.”
Mike Thurman, my late wife’s cousin, was in a bad mood, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have a point.
It was 12 years ago today that I first posted something to The Irresponsible Reader. That’s one of those numbers that both doesn’t large enough, and is entirely too large. I can’t believe that I’ve stuck with it that long (I can’t remember if I said this or not here, but I didn’t tell my wife about it for weeks, until I was sure I was going to stick with it for a while)—even more improbable is that you, reader, are here. Whether you’ve been around for a few weeks or some years—my mind is boggled by it. Thanks for that, truly.
Now, after being shocked at people doing something like “The Best 15 Books I’ve Read in the last 10 years”—how could you possibly choose? It was stuck in the back of my head—and as I was trying to come up something to do for today, that idea resurfaced. But there’s no way I could come up with something that definitive. However, in most Januarys, I posted a list or five of my favorite books of the year (I was surprised to see how many years I didn’t do this). And now, for the first time, I’ve combined them all into one MEGA-LIST
So MEGA that I truly don’t have a count. So MEGA I had to put a “Read More” link in it so it didn’t bog down the main page. Also so large, that I’m doing annoying things like overusing all caps and the word “mega.”
It is a very strange list—authors that have no business next to each other, strange genre leaps, and a couple of books I’d largely forgotten about. Still, these are books that I’ve shouted about before and that I really want to draw your attention to—go read some of these!
This is definitely a work in progress. I’m going to refine this list a bit in the future (not changing any selections—although I might add some from the year or two I didn’t post a “best of”/”favorite” list), just refining it—making it look better, polish some of the comments, and that kind of thing. My goal is to have this in a format I like by the 15th Anniversary—assuming anyone’s actually still reading me then.
A
Amongst Our WeaponsMy original post
Any installment in this series is a strong contender for a favorite of the year even before I open it, and this one is a great example of why. While telling a pretty strong story, Aaronovitch expands this world and the reader’s understanding of it, a whole new magic system, and seemingly introduces the next major story arc for the series. We get to see almost every major (and more than a few minor) characters, too. For a fan, this book was a heckuva treat.
False ValueMy original post
After wrapping up the overarching plotline from books 1-7, what do you do for book 8? Something completely different. If you were to draw a Venn diagram with circles for Charles Babbage/Ada Lovelace, Artificial General Intelligence, and Wizardry—the overlap is where you’d False Value. Who wants more? The mix of contemporary cutting-edge technologies and Newtonian magic is just fantastic.
Throw in more Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy references than is healthy and you’ve got yourself a winner.
Lies SleepingMy original post
I’ve read all the comics (at least collected in paperback), listened to all the audiobooks, read the books at least once . . . I’m a Rivers of London/Peter Grant fan. Period. Which means two things—1. I’m in the bag already for this series and 2. When I say that this is the best of the bunch, I know what I’m talking about. Aaronovitch writes fantastic Urban Fantasy and this is his best yet. The series has been building to this for a while, and I honestly don’t know what to expect next. Great fight/action scenes, some genuine laughs, some solid emotional moments . . . this has it all. Everything you’ve come to expect and more.
Chain-Gang All-StarsMy original post
If there’s a book I’ve recommended more frequently this year, I can’t think of it. I’ve also bought more copies of it to give away than any other. At the core, this is a satire and critique of the American culture–particularly as it relates to sports, mass entertainment, and (most importantly) the carceral system. Pitting convicted felons against each other in gladiatorial fights-to-death, selling merch featuring them, turning them into Reality TV personalities between bouts…Adjei-Brenyah holds up the worst of the US to look at.
It’s a book about death—violent death at the hands of violent people who only hope to go on so they can kill again—However, in a serious way the book is really about life. It’s a celebration of life, a call to protect it, a call to see it for what it is. It’s a reminder that “where life is precious, life is precious.” It’s impossible to read this without being moved–perhaps to action. But it’s also a visceral and exciting read that can entertain you without forcing you to think deeply about what it wants you to.
Go Back to Where You Came From: And Other Helpful Recommendations on How to Become Americanby Wajahat Ali
My original post
I’m just going to remix some of what I said originally, this book was a great mix of memoir, social commentary, and satire—with a little sprinkling of a more general humor thrown in. The way he shifted between the genres was fairly seamless and quite effective—his own story (and that of his parents) were good illustrations of the societal ills he wanted to point to. Ali’s story is the kind that Americans love to tell and hear about success—even if his telling points to many of the flaws in our society. Through grit, determination, perseverance, and endurance, Ali pushes through all sorts of cultural, societal, legal, medical, and circumstantial challenges to arrive where he is. Because he believes in what we can be as a people, based on our (incredibly inconsistently applied and demonstrated) ideals and aspirations. It’s the kind of story we need to see, hear, and read more of.
Amari and the Night Brothersby B. B. Alston
My original post
I’m a tiny bit worried that recency bias got this one on the list. But, I’m not going to lose sleep over it.
This is a delightful story about a young girl from the “wrong” part of Atlanta being recruited by her missing/presumed dead brother into a Hogwarts/MIB mashup, overcoming odds, making friends, saving the day by doing all the sorts of things that young teen protagonists have to do (with a little support from the grown-ups who are supposed to be stopping her), but mostly through grit. The book is written with a sense of joy and hope, while never losing sight of what Amari has to overcome in terms of her own circumstances as well as the specific villainy.
Also, and I can’t stress this enough, there’s a weredragon. What more do you need?
The end of May looms, and I’m behinder than ever. What a problem–too many good things to read. Here’s what’s going in my eyes and ears this week.
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?
Seems easy enough, right? Let’s take a peek at this week’s answers:
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| A Graveyard For Heroes by Michael Michel |
The Mercy Chair by M.W. Craven, read by John Banks |
Michel has my head spinning with this installment–fantasy readers need to get ready for this release next month (volume 1 is available if you haven’t done it yet). With a little less than 300 pages left to go in this, I’m already salivating over book 3’s release in January (the cover reveal for it will be here tomorrow, btw)
I’ve barely scratched the surface of the Poe audiobook, but already I’m hooked–and picking up on things I missed the first time through. As expected, really. I think this is one I’m going to have to read/listen to at least 5 times to get most of Craven’s moves.
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| Fifth Sparrow Rising by Cindi Hartley |
The Hanging Tree by Ben Aaronovitch, read by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith |
Hartley’s book is a sweet dose of encouragement–I’ll try to say more soon.
I had forgotten, somehow, almost all of this Rivers of London book after the first couple of chapters. Shame on me. There’s so much to enjoy.
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| Return to Sender by Craig Johnson |
Life Hacks for a Little Alien by Alice Franklin, read by Sally Phillips |
I keep letting new releases sit on my shelf while I’m working on other things this year–I’m putting my foot down now and will read the new Longmire book this week. That’s for many reasons–primarily because there are too many people in Real Life that are going to be annoyed if I can’t talk to them about it soon.
I’ve got nothing to say about Life Hacks… really, was browsing and it looked cute.
The topic for this week’s Top Ten Tuesdays is Animal Companions. I’d started a pretty diverse list, including Hedwig the snowy owl and Beast from the Jane Yellowrock books, but then I started to list dogs—and, as frequent readers know, I quickly got carried away and I had to eliminate any non-canine entry. I had to leave too many off as it was, maybe I’ll do a sequel list one day. And who knows? Maybe I can think of 10 non-dogs worth mentioning, too.
But for now…
In alphabetical order:
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 Chet the Jet from the Chet and Bernie mysteries by Spencer Quinn Chet is half of the duo that makes up Little Investigations–he’s the brawn, while Bernie Little is the brains. And the driver. And he does anything that requires an opposable thumb or talking. Chet? He’s about the action. Chet also handles the books’ narration—his loyalty to and love of Bernie shines forth throughout. Slim-Jims, riding shotgun in Bernie’s series of Porsche convertibles, and Charlie (Bernie’s son) are close. His love of taking down perps comes in a third, but boy, does he relish it. You just can’t not grin while reading Chet’s narration. image taken from the cover of Heart of Barkness and the Tor/Forge blog post Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Heart of Barkness Cover! |
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 Dog from the Walt Longmire series by Craig Johnson The rather unimaginatively named Dog is Walt Longmire’s steadfast companion. He’s a mix of several breeds—and possibly a small bear. He’s there when Walt (or someone else) needs him. Dog can intimidate a suspect—or someone antagonistic to Walt—very easily. Even more than the rather intimidating Henry Standing Bear. Dog’s also good at comforting and giving affection to humans, too. Like all good dogs. While no one on this list is going to pass up any form of treat—Dog’s stomach seems to be made of sterner stuff than most. image taken from a recent Facebook post by Johnson, the dog is his old dog, Max, the inspiration for Dog. He apparently plays a big role in the new Walt Longmire book that releases today! |
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 Edgar from the Washington Poe series by M.W. Craven Edgar is Washington Poe’s Springer Spaniel, who serves as comic relief and as an alarm system for Poe. He probably wouldn’t be much of a defender, if it came down to it (no offense, buddy), but he’s alert for anyone approaching Poe’s rather remote croft. Not that Poe needs a defender, he just needs the alert to get ready for trouble. Edgar doesn’t get enough screen time, but he lights up the page when he does. image taken from The English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association's website. |
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 Chet the Jet from the Scott and Maggie books by Robert Crais Maggie served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan before an IED in Afghanistan killed her handler. This left Maggie with severe PTSD and a second chance at work with the LAPD. It didn’t seem to be going too well for her until she was assigned a partner who was also suffering PTSD after the death of his partner. The two understood each other and helped each other start to recover. Since then, the pair has made a great team for the LAPD—and even helped out Elvis Cole once. Crais has his hands full with Cole and Pike, but I’d jump on a new Scott and Maggie book so fast that it’d make my head spin. image taken from the website for Project Paws Alive (a group you might considering donating to) |
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 Mouse from The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher Mouse is a good dog. Everybody says so. He’s Harry Dresden’s friend, and he’s the protector of Harry’s daughter, Maggie. He’s a Temple Dog, a Foo dog—who pretty much chose to be with Dresden and trained himself by watching Harry. He’s without doubt the most powerful dog (physically, mentally, and magically) on this list—he will also melt your heart (all of them will, though). If I were ranking these in order of preference, he’d probably be at the top of the list (by a nose). Since his first appearance in Blood Rites, his presence in the series grows and grows (as does audience appreciation for him)—he’s even handled the narration for a couple of short stories. image taken from Tyler Walpole's page—a print that will soon be hanging on my wall. |
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 Nobby from In the Best Families by Rex Stout I can’t say much about Nobby. I don’t care that the book was published 75 years ago—I’m not going to spoil anything. I can say that he belonged to Mrs. Barry Rackham, after having been given to her by her cousin, Calvin Leeds, who raises and trains them. I can also say that he’s pivotal to the plot. image taken from the Doberman Pinscher Club of America's website |
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 Oberon from the Iron Druid Chronicles, Ink & Sigil series, and Oberon’s Meaty Mysteries Oberon is the Irish Wolfhound companion of The Iron Druid (aka Siodhachan O Suileabhain, Atticus O’Sullivan, Connor Molloy). He’s a lover of sausage (and other meat products), a lover of bathtime (especially if it involves stories being told to him), and a fierce fighter. He’s solved some murder mysteries, met gods and goddesses, along with all sorts of supernatural animals. He also knows English—and can communicate telepathically in it to Atticus and anyone else Atticus links him to. With the assistance of Atticus, he’s written “The Book of Five Meats” (a cookbook) and “The Dead Flea Scrolls” (the foundational text of Poochism, a religion for dogs). Oberon, unlike all of these critters, loves popular culture, movies, and whatnot. He’s funny (even when unintentional) and has a huge heart. There might be times when you’re not so sure how interested you are in his human companions and friends in the books he appears in—but you’ll stick with them for Oberon. I really wish I’d given myself more time to write this post; Oberon deserves a few more paragraphs. image taken from Kevin Hearne's blog post Oberon's Holiday Special |
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 Pearl from the Spenser books by Robert B. Parker (and Ace Atkins and Mike Lupica) Named and modeled after Parker’s own German Shorthaired Pointer, Pearl came into the series rather late, but quickly became an ever-present fixture (until her death, and replacement with another German Shorthaired Pointer named Pearl, and then another). Spenser and Susan shared custody of the dog. Pearl has rarely had an impact on the plot of a novel (although she did contribute in Pastime pretty significantly). Largely, she functions as something for Susan and Spenser to talk about rather than their relationship or Spenser’s case—but she still brightens up any scene she’s in. image taken from the an author photo on the ofifical Robert B. Parker website |
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 Rose from the Charlie & Rose Investigate series by Jo Perry Rose is a very different kind of character than the rest of the dogs on this list in several ways—most definitively in that she’s dead. After a hard life of neglect and abuse, Rose has become a ghostly companion to another ghost. Charlie spends his life looking into murders and other crimes associated with people who were important to him while he was living (including his own murder), and Rose silently accompanies him. At the same time, Rose both communicates in a way that dog owners will appreciate and will take action on her own to push the investigation forward/direct Charlie. It’s hard to explain. Nevertheless, when I think of notable dog characters, there’s no way that Rose doesn’t leap to mind. image taken from a cover of Dead is Better |
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 Tara from the Andy Carpenter series and Lessons from Tara by David Rosenfelt In real life, Tara was the dog that changed Rosenfelt’s life and inspired him and his wife to begin their shelter for elderly dogs. In fiction, Tara is Andy Carpenter’s dog and constant companion—the one he turns to for advice and to talk through his cases with. Granted, she doesn’t give him good (or any) feedback, but she can always be trusted to listen to him on their walks. She also inspired Andy to open his dog rescue. image taken from the cover of Lessons from Tara by David Rosenfelt. |
Music Monday's originated at The Tattooed Book Geek's fantastic blog and has shown up hither, thither, and yon since then.
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