Tag: Currently Reading Page 1 of 13

It’s Wednesday already and I’ve barely written a thing for the week…well, let’s see if I can break the block with this quick look at my reading and listening.

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:

What are you currently reading?

‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King	Five Days in Paris by Danielle Steel, read by Victor Garber

It’s time for me to get over my disinterest, and I’m starting my year-long project of reading all of King’s works. As per my custom, I’m starting with his second novel. I didn’t know what I was missing!

I can’t get enough of Steel, as you all know. I somehow overlooked this 2000 release–I’m having a blast with it. Although I’m not sure Garber’s voice is great for audiobooks (or anything else, really)

Okay…I tried to do a whole phony post in keeping with the day. But all I could think of were horror and romance titles, and I got bored–you would’ve, too. I can’t invoke E. L. James, even as a joke. I thought about throwing in Louis L’Amour (but I actually have enjoyed his stuff–even if I’m not huge on the genre) or beating up Austen or Gabaldon again. But that just seemed mean. So, okay, enough of the April Fool’s nonsense, on with actual answers.

What are you currently reading?

Paranormal Payback edited by Jim Butcher and Kerrie L. Hughes	Cat on a Hot Tin Woof by Spencer Quinn	Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz, read by Emma Ladji

I’ve enjoyed previous collections edited by Butcher and Hughes. This assortment of revenge tales looks promising, can’t wait to dive in at lunch–and not just because the first story is Butcher’s.

Spencer Quinn, Chet, Bernie…Cat on a Hot Tin Woof almost has to be a winner. Poor Chet has to help Bernie hunt down a missing (Internet-famous) cat.

Krempholtz is really charming me. I had my doubts about starting it, but whatever it was that convinced me to place a hold on it seems to have been right.

What did you recently finish reading?

Nav’Aria: The Marked Heir by K.J. Backer	Return to Sender by Craig Johnson, read by George Guidall

Backer’s debut had some issues (almost all of which could’ve been addressed with an editing pass)–but it’s a good story, well-told, and I’m eager to see what happens next.

Revisiting Return to Sender was a mixed bag–everything I liked when I read it last year, I still liked. The problems I had re: long-term arcs, seem worse. Overall, a rewarding experience, and it definitely primed my curiosity for his May release.

What do you think you’ll read next?

Electric City Switches by M.D. Presley	Ancillary Sword by Ann Leckie, read by Adjoa Andoh

Presley’s Inner Circle books are some of the most intriguing UF that I’ve read the last few years. To say that I’m eager to dive into this ARC would be underselling it.

I liked Leckie’s Ancillary Justice, but wasn’t that interested in going on. But at the Book Club meeting, one person had gone on to finish the trilogy and she said a couple of things that led many of us to rethink that. She also raved about the job that Andoh did, so… I am a little worried that the way Leckie wrote Justice will be hard for me to follow in audio format–but since I’m primed, maybe I can handle it.

What are you starting April with?

The way this week is shaping up, I’m not expecting to get a lot more audiobook time in–I’ll hopefully finish my current book this week, but I don’t expect to move on. I should actually wrap up my March TBR, with a couple of bonus reads, to boot. That’s a pleasant change (and probably a more realistic TBR than I went for in the first two months of the year).

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:

What are you currently reading?

True Color: The Strange and Spectacular Quest to Define Color—from Azure to Zinc Pink by Kory Stamper	Return to Sender by Craig Johnson, read by George Guidall

Stamper’s book is just fascinating. I’m not sure what else to say. But this book about defining colors is full of drama, grief, suspense, and a delicious use of vocabulary. I’m eager to see what’s around the corner.

Man, I was annoyed when the work day ended today–I got over it quickly, I should stress–I was right in the end game of Return to Sender. I’m enjoying revisiting the book and am getting hyped for May’s release of the next book.

What did you recently finish reading?

Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie	The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst, read by Caitlin Davies

Ancillary Justice is a heckuva read. I’m not sure yet what I think about it–I’m still chewing. But Leckie can write.

The Spellshop is probably too Romance-forward for a lot of my friends/readers. But there’s enough other things going on that the (squeaky-clean) Romance is palatable.

What do you think you’ll read next?

Nav’Aria: The Marked Heir by K.J. Backer	Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz, read by Emma Ladji

Looking forward to diving into this Fantasy from K.J. Backer, a Literary Local (who will hopefully appear here in a Q&A soon)

I recall reading some good things about Violet Thistlewaite, but reading the description now leaves me scratching my head about why I’d put this on reserve. It just doesn’t seem like me. But trusting past-me has worked out a couple of times this year, I’m hoping I knew what I was doing.

What’s this week look like for you?

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:

What are you currently reading?

Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie	The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst, read by Caitlin Davies

I haven’t gotten very far (40 or so pages) into Leckie’s book, but there’s something interesting afoot. I just need to figure out what it is.

Yes, some of what I’ve heard makes me think that The Spellshop is too heavy on the romance for my taste. But at the same time, a lot of what I’ve heard makes me think the cozy fantasy is just what I need. So, let’s give it a shot, eh?

What did you recently finish reading?

City of Last Chances by Adrian Tchaikovsky	Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patricia Briggs, read by Holter Graham

There were so many things about City of Last Chances that were great and entertaining. But at least an equal amount that fell flat. And I’m not sure that all the good bits belonged in the same book. I’m really looking forward to the Book Club discussion next week to help me work through some of these things.

The premise for this book seems like a stretch—and while I enjoy Asil, I don’t know that I needed this much of him all at once. Still, it was a fun listen.

What do you think you’ll read next?

True Color: The Strange and Spectacular Quest to Define Color—from Azure to Zinc Pink by Kory Stamper	Return to Sender by Craig Johnson, read by George Guidall

I’m looking forward to learning a lot in this focused bit of word-nerdery from Stamper.

I think I could use a return to Longmire’s Wyoming. Might as well take a minute for it now.

What’s been grabbing your interest lately (or, I suppose, what’s been failing to?)?

No post from me last week–I was probably asleep. I also took most of the week off from books, so I wouldn’t have had anything to say. But I’m over the flu now and back.

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:

What are you currently reading?

Black Bag by Luke Kennard	Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett, read by Katie Schorr

Black Bag is very likely going to be the oddest book I read this year. It’s making me think a lot, too. So…don’t take odd as a criticism/complaint. I should finish this today and to say that I have no idea what the last 25 percent is going to hold is putting it mildly.

I forgot my headphones at home yesterday, so I didn’t get any time with Rabbit Cake, I’m looking forward to getting back to it today.

What did you recently finish reading?

Stakeouts and Strollers by Rob Phillips	Head Fake by Scott Gordon, read by Nick Mondelli

I’ll hopefully have a full post about Phillips’ book up tomorrow–short version, this is a completely pleasant and warm mystery featuring a girl-dad, while not being at all cozy.

Head Fake is going to be one of those books I’m talking about at the end of the year. It’s a funny and heartwarming book filled with broken people.

What do you think you’ll read next?

Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie	The Cyclist by Tim Sullivan, read by John Heffernan

After Kennard gets done messing with my head, I should benefit from running into some epic SF. Don’t let me down, Leckie!

I’m trying to keep my expectations in the right place for The Cyclist, but it’s hard after the way the first book in the series wowed me.

What’ve you been reading lately?

Today has gotten away from me, so this is 1. the only post I’m getting up today (obviously), and 2. it’s really late. But, it’s the thought that counts, right?

(yeah, not really)

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:

What are you currently reading?

Fairest Hunter by M. K. Felix	All Accounts Settled by Drew Hayes, read by Kirby Heyborne

I haven’t made it very far in Felix’s gender-swapped Robin Hood/Snow White mashup. But it’s entertaining so far.

While Fred the Vampire Accountant hasn’t been my favorite series, it’s been a reliable pleasure. I’m going to miss it, I just hope (and trust) that Hayes lands the finale in a satisfying way.

What did you recently finish reading?

Butterfly Effects by AUTHOR	How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder by Nina McConigley, read by Reena Dutt

I’m lamenting that no one in any of my circles–online or offline–reads McGuire’s InCryptid series, because I really want to talk to someone about the new book (which will be getting a very positive write-up here as soon as I can find the time).

I’m pretty ambivalent about Nina McConigley’s 1980s-set murder story, to be honest. I’d like to hear what others have to say.

What do you think you’ll read next?

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers	Head Fake by Scott Gordon, read by Nick Mondelli

As I said at the beginning of the month, I read this back in 2018 (and liked it better than I recalled), and it’s the next title for the Science Fiction Book Club. Time to freshen my memory. I trust 2018-me, and should have some fun.

I can’t remember what it was that made me put Head Fake on a list to get, but looking at the blurb, I think I’ll enjoy it.

What are you reading as the month closes?

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:

What are you currently reading?

Banners of Wrath by Michael Michel	A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage, read by Sean Runnette

I had to take a break to make sure I finished Hive on time (see below), but I’m back to Michel’s latest. There are just so many things going wrong for these characters…and I’m loving it.

Standage’s history came up in conversation with a friend when I was telling him about reading The Mountains Shall Drip Sweet Wine. This is a very different take on potent potables (and some others), but they also do a good job of complimenting each other.

What did you recently finish reading?

Jump by DL Orton
Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman, read by Travis Baldree & Jeff Hays	The Greatest Sentence Ever Written by Walter Isaacson, read by Walter Isaacson & Holter Graham

I’ve talked about Jump a lot today, I’m not sure what else to say.

Read Matt Dinniman, they said. He’s hilarious, they said. Well, this was a different book for Dinniman–it’s harrowing, somewhat hopeful and affirming, but also…the mirror it holds up about humanity’s cruelty to humanity (for fun and profit!), just ain’t pretty. I should stress that this is an endorsement.

Okay, technically, the last book I listened to was Isaacson’s celebration/examination of the second sentence in the Declaration of Independence (you know, “We hold these truths to be self-evident…”). But it’s a 60 minute book (including the appendices), so it doesn’t really feel like a book.

What do you think you’ll read next?

First Do No Harm by S. J. Rozan	City of Others by Jared Poon, read by David Lee Huynh

It’s been too long since I read a good PI novel, might as well read about two at the same time, right? The good part is pretty much granted with Rozan behind the wheel.

I was just browsing at the Library’s site when I saw this Urban Fantasy set in Singapore. Which is such an unusual combination of words that I have to try it.

Tell me about your recent reads (I may be bad at replying, but I read every comment)

I honestly don’t know that I have anything to blather about before diving in today. So, I’ll stop trying.

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:

What are you currently reading?

Banners of Wrath by Michael Michel	The Dentist by Tim Sullivan

Michel’s latest is making me feel like I’m running a marathon–thankfully, it’s only in my mind (or I’d be typing this from a hospital bed). I really don’t know what to expect in the next chapter, much less the rest of this book (or the two to follow). But I’m in.

I’m only one quarter of the way into The Dentist, but if it keeps going like this, DS George Cross could be a new favorite.

What did you recently finish reading?

Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg	Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto, read by Eunice Wong

I didn’t expect the events of Hidden in Smoke for Sharpe & Walker #3–maybe #5 or #6. But I’m not going to complain. I’m glad I finally caught up to it.

I cannot say enough good things about Eunice Wong’s work narrating Vera Wong books. She’s as delightful to listen to as the books are.

What do you think you’ll read next?

Jump by DL Orton	Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman, read by Travis Baldree & Jeff Hays

After two pretty intense Fantasy books, I need some SF. Enter Madders of Time, Book Two.

I was going to hold off on Dinniman’s new stuff until I had a few Dungeon Crawler Carls under my belt. Then after Book Club on Monday, the manager of Shared Stories sold me on this. So…I guess I’ll make his acquaintance this way.

You have anything costing you sleep lately? Or, if you’re healthier than that, what’s been grabbing your attention?

The last 22 hours have really slipped out of my control, so instead of three posts during the day, I get one up in the evening today.

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:

What are you currently reading?

The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter	A Particularly Nasty Case by Adam Kay, read by Andy Serkis

Very interesting societal worldbuilding; a magic system that is brutal, bloody, and intriguing; fantastic battle scenes; and a protagonist that is as captivating as he is pitiable. I’m so glad I opened this one up.

I didn’t realize this was Serkis doing the reading of Kay’s first novel until I just looked it up for the above. The book is even worse than I thought it was if I’m as disinterested in it as I am with Serkis elevating the material (at least, I assume he is). I’m less than two hours from the ending, and if the last 15 minutes are any indication, I might end up recommending the book–but you’ve gotta work to get to that point.

What did you recently finish reading?

Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett	Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds by John Fugelsang

I was hoping to have a full post up about Fawcett’s delightful new book today. But we’re all going to have to settle for “delightful” for at least another eleven hours. We’ll see if I can do better after that.

I knew going in that I was going to have a lot to disagree with Fugelsang about–but I anticipated something I could enjoy, learn from, and disagree with. This screed is filled with arguments that were tired in the early 20th Century (and before) is so filled with errors, fallacies, and historical inaccuracies that I couldn’t appreciate whatever points I was sympathetic toward. It’s just a mess.

What do you think you’ll read next?

Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg	The Fact Checker by Austin Kelley, read by Jacques Roy

Our favorite arson investigators chase down a serial arsonists with something else even bigger keeping their focus. Can’t wait. Also, I’m using this as a palate cleanser between two huge Fantasy novels full of magic and stabbing. I’m really going to need that, might as well go with a sure-fire winner. (no pun intended)

That’s two audiobooks in a row that haven’t delivered what I wanted. Let’s see if The Fact Checker can break the streak.

What books have gotten under your skin lately?

It’s been a slow week here as far as posting goes. Hopefully things pick up for the rest of the week–in the meantime, let’s catch up on what I’m reading.

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:

What are you currently reading?

The Land of Sweet Forever: Stories and Essays by Harper Lee	The Final Score by Don Winslow	The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard, read by Stephanie Németh-Parker

Since both the Winslow and Lee books are collections of shorter works, my plan is to jump back and forth between them for the next couple of days.

I’m intrigued by the mystery in The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco, but I’m not sure I’m sold on the rest of it. It’s more believable than any Finley Donovan adventure, and less frantic. But there’s the same kind of appeal to it.

What did you recently finish reading?

The Troubled Deep by Rob Parker	The Librarians by Sherry Thomas, read by Louisa Zhu

Rob Parker gets better with every book. I wonder about the viability of this series long-term, but this book was a knock-out.

Unlike the above, I’m not sure about the mysteries at the core of The Librarians, but the rest of it was pretty good, if a little soap-opera-esque.

What do you think you’ll read next?

Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett	That’s a Great Question, I’d Love to Tell You by Elyse Myers

I honestly only have the vaguest ideas about what these two books are about anymore (memory is fleeting)–at the moment, it’s seeing what the authors have produced that keeps my attention (and a trust that me of months-ago made good choices). Give me a few days, and I can be a bit more articulate.

How are you closing out the month? If you’re in one of those areas getting hit by the winter storms–hope you’re doing okay and have a good supply of necessities (food, water, heat, and things to read)

I’m sure it wasn’t the most appropriate way to commemorate the day, but I really enjoyed the bonus reading day on Monday — and, for a change, I took advantage of it. I’m at least one book ahead of where I expected to be today. I’m not going to be able to pull all of it off–but my January TBR is feeling largely doable. For today, anyway.

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:

What are you currently reading?

Twelve Months by Jim Butcher	The Librarians by Sherry Thomas, read by Louisa Zhu

The fact that I’m posting this, or working, or acknowledging I have a wife and dogs while I have Twelve Months to focus on is rather surprising. I’m just in full geek-out mode.

I’m still getting a sense of The Librarians, the setting and characters are charming as all get out–but I’m still waiting for the plot to start. We’ll see how it goes from there.

What did you recently finish reading?

Lit by Tim Sandlin	Ozark Dogs by Eli Cranor

Sandlin’s cozy doesn’t feel all that cozy, but technically is one. It’s a hoot. Idaho does not come off well in this book, I will recommend it soon regardless.

Oh wow. This audio version of Ozark Dogs is just as powerful as the novel–only losing a bit of its punch because I revisited it. Cranor is a fantastic narrator, I should add.

What do you think you’ll read next?

Strange Animals by Jarod K. Anderson	The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard, read by Stephanie Németh-Parker

I’m looking forward to seeing for myself how Anderson’s book lives up to the description (click the link) or to the good things that people are saying about it (like Jodie did)

I don’t remember what it was about Chouinard’s book that got it put on my hold list–I’m just going to trust that former me knew what he was doing. It’s been a minute before I dabbled in a light-hearted serial killer book.

Any book(s) have you excited lately?