Tag: Currently Reading Page 1 of 13

I’m dealing with a stupid cold this week–nothing like a cold to make me feel like I’m 12 again. Snot-nosed punk. It’s messing with me–I have a different kind of post that was supposed to go up yesterday or today–and now I’m hoping I can get it together by tomorrow. We’ll see if I can stay awake long enough.

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?

A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine	The Book of Spores edited by Frasier Armitage, Eleni Argyró, Adrian M. Gibson & Ed Crocker	Ancillary Mercy by Ann Leckie, read by Adjoa Andoh

I’m having some trouble getting into Martine’s book (yesterday, I couldn’t get my eyes to focus…stupid cold). But what I’ve read, I’ve really dug. This world is fascinating.

The Book of Spores features a lot of stories that are not in a genre I read much of, but on the whole, they’re working for me. I think I’m going to end up being really impressed.

I haven’t found a lot o time for an audiobook this week, but the third book in Leckie’s trilogy is really strong. I’m having more fun with it than I did with the other two–which makes me pretty sure that things are going to get dark before it’s over.

What did you recently finish reading?

Worse than a Lie by Ben Crump	This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page

Crump might be a great attorney, but he’s no novelist. Do yourself a favor and bypass this one.

On the other hand, Page’s book is a celebration of the life-changing power of the right book at the right time, a tribute to readers, and a love story to independent bookshops. The story might be a little on the predictable side (still, she zagged a couple of times I expected a zig–including with the resolution). A sweet read.

What do you think you’ll read next?

A Violent Masterpiece by Jordan Harper	The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, read by Amber Faith

I have no doubt that I’m going to be in awe over A Violent Masterpiece–which is a pretty good tagline for Harper’s novels in general.

I read The Naturals a few years back, but didn’t finish the series–I think I want to tackle that this year, better start with a revisit. Okay, I just checked…”a few years” is 11 in this case. Yeah, I’d better revisit.

How are you all feeling? Is that helping or hindering your reading?

I literally just remembered it was Wednesday. Better get this done.

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?

Guns of Brixton by Paul D. Brazill	Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy by Mary Roach

My first Brazill book will not be my last. This is fast, frenzied, and oh so fun (and not nearly as bloody as I thought it would be when I started…although I still have 40 pages to go, so I could be wrong).

Replaceable You is your typical Mary Roach–packed with a lot of info, some interesting conversations, some quality jokes, and jokes I wish she’d lost in editing.

What did you recently finish reading?

Soul Taken by Andrew Givler	Enemy of My Enemy by Alex Segura, read by Michael David Axtell

I had a blast with Soul Fraud, as I mentioned a few times earlier today.

Enemy of My Enemy was a great mix of Crime Fiction and Super-Heroes. I should have a post up about it tomorrow.

What do you think you’ll read next?

Worse than a Lie by Ben Crump	This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page

I’m in the mood for some Crime Fiction with a conscience. I’m glad I have Crump’s book sitting on my desk.

This book from Page is either going to annoy me greatly with how treacly it is, or will make me swoon.

Are you using a book to distract yourself from Tax Day? Or are you too busy scrambling to get them done for something that frivolous?

I would make a lousy recipe blogger–yet again, I can’t come up with an intro for this post. Let’s just get into it, shall we?

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?

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

I just got started with this ARC from Presley, so I don’t have much to say yet. But it’s nice to be back in this world.

Okay, I’ve not heard how to pronounce a lot of the books in Ancillary Justice, and I was right about 2 of the many. And the new characters/worlds/ethnicities? I wouldn’t even want to guess how to spell 99.5% of them. Like I said last week, I’d heard the narrator is great–and she is. But Leckie’s text is complex enough that I am listening to this much slower than usual–and have had to rewind some

What did you recently finish 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

Paranormal Payback is (as one might expect) a mixed bag–but the highs are very high. And the lows aren’t that low. I’ve added a couple of authors to my “look into” list.

I enjoyed this Chet and Bernie bookas I talked about earlier today.

What do you think you’ll read next?

The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson	Enemy of My Enemy by Alex Segura, read by Michael David Axtell

I really don’t know what to expect about Dickinson’s book (one Fantasy group I’m in on Facebook featured a tepid-at-best review of this book a couple of days ago), but I’m looking forward to seeing for myself. At least for now.

Yes, I’m afraid of ODing on Daredevil. Oh, well…I’ve been waiting for this book too long, it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

What are you (hopefully) enjoying this week?

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?