Music Monday's originated at The Tattooed Book Geek's fantastic blog and has shown up hither, thither, and yon since then.
Tag: Miscellany Page 11 of 175
I’ve once again been taught the lesson that I’m not in my early 20s anymore (you’d think the two grandchildren and that all of my children have reached 21 would teach men that…). I went to the theater last night for a 4 hour and 40 minute movie and thought I could accomplish things when I got home.
So anyway…this is running late 🙂
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:
South Korea’s Experiment in AI Textbooks Ends in Disaster—I’m shocked–shocked!–I tell you.
Autism is not a genre—this is good enough as it is–but you can fill many, many things in that title for “Autism,” and make it so much better.
What Keeps You Reading?—Molly Templeton talks about the difference becoming a reader and staying a reader.
3 things readers need to STOP doing—some good thoughts, fun video–but don’t expect me to follow in lockstep.
How to Get the Most out of Your Time on BookSky—I need to work on this if I’m ever going to break away from that one site like I want to.
The Indie Author Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror New Release List: December 2025—I keep intending on sharing AJ’s monthly posts, and think I succeed 1-2 times a year. Shame on me.
Another Batch of the Best of 2025
The 10 Best Books of 2025: According to Slate’s book critic.—I’ve heard of few of these. Slate and I do not share algorithms.
Crimereads: The Best Books of 2025: Crime Fiction, Mysteries, and Thrillers—on the other hand, I’ve heard about most of these, read a couple (and have got some new TBR entries)
Scientific American’s Best Nonfiction of 2025—their first such list, and it looks great!
AudioFile’s Best Audiobooks of 2025
Find out the New York Time’s Best Books of 2025!—Books of Brilliance was nice enough to provide the list without having to get through a paywall.
Best of 2025 reads—from reader@work
It’s also the time of year for Gift Guides, like these:
The 2025 Whatever Holiday Gift Guide, Day Two: Non-Traditional Books—The rest of Scalzi’s Holiday Gift Guides are worth your time, but this is my favorite
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas: The 2025 Adult Books Edition—from our pal, Jodie at Witty & Sarcastic Book Club
Books as Gifts 2025—from another pal, Carol, at Reading Ladies Book Club
More Bookish Gift Ideas… What to Get Your Favourite Bookworm—The Organgutan Librarian has some good ideas, too.
Feeling less-than-good about how much you’ve read this year? This video should help
A Book-ish Related Podcast episode (or two) you might want to give a listen to:
SFF Addicts Ep. 183: Our Favorite Reads of 2025 LIVE (with Talking Story & OWWR Pod)—I enjoyed this, but my TBR is upset with me
To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago This Week?
Dear Mr. You by Mary-Louise Parker
Indexing: Reflections, Episode Nine: Feline Cobbling by Seanan McGuire
Rules for a Knight by Ethan Hawke
Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart
Unseemly Science by Rod Duncan
I talked about the release of the updated version of The Revolution was Televised by Alan Sepinwall (one of the best books on TV you’ll ever read)
This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Ace Atkins—You’ve gotta read the whole blurb at the link there, but let this whet your appetite: “Elmore Leonard meets Robert Ludlum in a rollicking comedic thriller set in 1985 from acclaimed author Ace Atkins, in which a suburban teen suspects his mom’s new boyfriend is the ultimate bad guy—a KGB agent.”
Only Way Out by Tod Goldberg—”A luckless thief’s wrong turn becomes a crooked cop’s fortune in a wild ride of a thriller”
I’m not going to finish off all my reading challenges for the year, I know. But two of them will be complete when I read the books mentioned here. So that’s something.
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?
 |
 |
| How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler |
Changes by Jim Butcher, read by James Marsters |
I’ve only heard good things about Wexler’s book. I’ve only dipped a toe in, but what I’ve read so far makes me want to go on.
Changes is just one of those books that blew me away when I read it the first time. And it’s gotten better in each subsequent read. This time (2nd time in audio, and maybe 6th time overall) is no different.
What did you recently finish reading?
 |
 |
| The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis |
What If…Kitty Pryde Stole the Phoenix Force? |
I’ll gush about the Lewis book in a day or two. Like Changes, I got something new out of it this time, I can’t even guess how many times I’ve read this one.
This What If… book didn’t really click with me until the last 30% or so, but that last bit made up for the rest.
What do you think you’ll read next?
 |
 |
| Strange Practice by Vivian Shaw |
The Faithful Executioner: Life and Death, Honor and Shame in the Turbulent Sixteenth Century by Joel F. Harrington, read by Jame Gillies |
Strange Practice was added to my TBR because I walked into a bookstore with money to spend, and all the books I wanted weren’t in stock. So, the helpful bookseller put it in my hand. A year later, here I am, ready to open it.
I’ve had two friends raving over The Faithful Executioner lately (I posted a small bit of that raving a couple of weeks back). I assume I’ll be raving soon.
How’s December looking for you? Any last-minute things you just have to get read?
Music Monday's originated at The Tattooed Book Geek's fantastic blog and has shown up hither, thither, and yon since then.
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:
Napoleon’s Kindle: See the Miniaturized Traveling Library He Took on Military Campaigns—Ooooh! I want one! I want one! Sure my tablet is a technological marvel that I could’ve only dreamed about as a kid, but…come on. This is just cool. (yes, Samuel T. Cogley, is possibly my favorite ST:TOS character)
The best mystery novels of 2025—I learned ages ago that when Oline Cogdill speaks, I should listen
Does Rating a Lot of Books Low Mean You’re “Bad at Choosing Books?”—With all due respect to Pages Unbound, this is a stupid question. But if you’re going to answer one of those, this is a good way to approach it.
Captivating Characters of November—I’m enjoying these posts…I just need to contribute 🙂
It is that time of year:
Manga Gift Suggestions—from the Firsty Duelist via Wity and Sarcastic Book Club
2025 Holiday Gift Giving Guide—from This Dad Reads (so you know it will be a little heavy on a particular fandom based in a galaxy far, far away)
A Book-ish Related Podcast episode (or two) you might want to give a listen to:
Get It Write talks to Mike Chen about writing for existing IP.
To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago This Week?
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple—note to self: read this again
The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion
Funny Girl by Nick Hornby
The Burning Room by Michael Connelly
Hit by Delilah S. Dawson—I’m glad Dawson put this out a decade ago, it was harrowing then. Updating it to fit 2025 would be…well, I dunno, “worse” seems obvious and not stark enough.
Indexing: Reflections, Episode Eight: Holly Tree by Seanan McGuire
And I mentioned the releases of: Luke Skywalker Can’t Read by Ryan Britt; Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words by Randall Munroe; and Santa 365 by Spencer Quinn
This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
Robert B. Parker’s Showdown by Mike Lupica—”Spenser may have uncovered an explosive secret that threatens the career of a controversial figure” (which is mostly correct). I enjoyed it, and have a post drafted for Monday about it.
Queen of the Dead by Sarah Broadway—”Speaking with the dead is nothing new for Lou. It’s a curse she’s learned to hide from everyone – sometimes even herself. After running away from a past that took advantage of those abilities, Lou finally carves out a normal life for herself. That is, until she receives a mysterious message from a ghost – the Veil is thinning – and a cult of necromancers infiltrates her small town.””
I hesitate to call my shot here, especially the way that has gone for me this year. But I think this is safe enough.
It’s the day after Thanksgiving, so it’s time to start focusing on the next big holiday. About the time this post goes up, I’m sure Mrs. Irresponsible Reader will have the tree up and will be decking our halls. I’m not the biggest holiday kind of guy–as my family and coworkers will tell you. But I seem to find myself reading more books about it (I don’t count the Andy Carpenter Christmas books, because there is so little of the holiday in them). Unless Fahrenheit Press puts out something Christmas-y–as they’re wont to do–this will be my list for the year.
That Christmas and Other Stories
by Richard Curtis, Illustrated by Rebecca Cobb
I thought the movie based on these stories was pretty cute, and have waited since last year to see what the various storylines looked like in their original format. Besides, if you ignore all the many questionable choices he made in Love, Actually, Richard Curtis is just a fun storyteller.
The Christmas Tree Killer
by Chris Frost
I’m game for any mystery Chris Frost (or his alter ego, Chris MacDonald) writes–and I’m curious to see how things go for DI Tom Stonem this Christmas. He’s sorta like the holiday’s Jessica Fletcher.
Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon
by Matthew Norman
Norman’s rom com sounds perfectly charming–just the kind of cozy read that’s perfect for this time year. Literary Hot Cocoa.
Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret
by Benjamin Stevenson
Stevenson’s series has been fun so far–and this shorter “Festive mystery” promises to be fun.
Do you have any Holiday Season-related reads coming up?
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from one, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
Happy Thanksgiving/Turkey Day/Thursday
(depending on your practice/preference/location)
On this day that has been set aside these U.S. for expressions of gratitude, it’s been my custom to take a moment or two and mention a few of the things that The Irresponsible Reader is thankful for. This is just about my favorite of my annual posts, and yes, is different than previous ones (even if it doesn’t look like it).
So, this year, I’m thankful for:
The readers of this blog. If I knew your names, I’d thank you all personally.
The authors who’ve corresponded with me, encouraged me—even promoted my words.
Those authors, publishers, and/or publicists provided books for me to read.
Books (print, electronic, or audio)—the stories, characters, and/or things I learn are what keep me sane, entertain, and inspire me.
Authors! If not for them, I wouldn’t have the above.
Talented narrators and illustrators—ditto.
Coffee (and other beverages both caffeinated and adult).
The authors and bloggers who’ve taken the time to help my try to launch my YouTube page.
All the authors who’ve stopped by for a Q&A or a Guest Post this year. I’ve really been blown away by the work you’ve put into making my patch of cyberspace better.
Time to read (which is getting scarcer in my life, so I’m even more grateful for it).
The Nampa Public Library, The Caldwell Public Library, (and The LYNX! Consortium)
Shared Stories, Oldspeak Bar, Rediscovered Bookshop, and Libro.fm.
Local book fests like Treasure Valley Book Fair, Fall Into Fiction, and Middleton Author Palooza.
My Real Life friends and acquaintances who give me feedback and encouragement via text or face-to-face. You all could help my stats by using the comment forms, however 🙂 But I truly appreciate you reading and talking to me about this.
My supportive, understanding, and encouraging wife and kids. They all do a pretty decent job pretending to care when this old man drones on and on about what he’s reading or what’s going on with the blog. Helping me with technical issues, testing things, and general brainstorming is particularly appreciated.
I should give a specific thanks to my daughter, who serves as wingperson when I go to local events and has helped me connect with several authors that I wouldn’t have been as successful with on my own. It’s amazing what people skills can do.
Again, all of you who read this page, follow, like, tweet, comment, email, etc.—you have no idea how much every little bit is appreciated.
For my fellow Americans, I hope you have a pleasant day with your friends and/or family. As for the rest of you, I hope you enjoy today and that you enjoy having the same pant size tomorrow as you do 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 Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman |
Batman: Resurrection by John Jackson Miller, read by Will Damron |
My library hold finally came up! It ruined my plans for the week, but I don’t care. I’m not crazy about Osman’s writing of Ibrahim in this book–he’s just a little off. But the rest of it is just what we all needed. Joanna has an expanded role, and we meet another of Elizabeth’s old colleagues who is just great. And I’m going to keep going for a few paragraphs unless I cut myself off.
I’m not really “into” this sequel to Burton’s movie–but I think that’s going to change soon (of course, I’ve been saying that every 10 minutes).
What did you recently finish reading?
 |
 |
| Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis |
Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum by Michael J. Fox & Nelle Fortenberry |
The climactic scene wasn’t quite as good as I remember–but the book was just like coming home after a long trip. Just so comfortable.
This book was just cool, we get a little about Family Ties (could’ve used a bit more, but it wasn’t the focus of the book), we get plenty about Back to the Future (which is the focus) and Fox’s experience at this strange time in his life. The Epilogue was fantastic. I just like Michael J. Fox, I guess.
What do you think you’ll read next?
 |
|
| Robert B. Parker’s Showdown by Mike Lupica |
What If…Kitty Pryde Stole the Phoenix Force? by Rebecca Podos |
Lupica’s Spenser novels have been the best he’s done in the Parker-verse, eager for this one.
Kitty Pryde and Phoenix force? ‘Nuff said. (which is what I said a couple of weeks ago before Libby hit me with a handful of holds and I had to push it off)
So, what are you smuggling into your family gathering tomorrow so you have something to retreat into? (or, for non-USAers, are you reading anything good?)
Music Monday's originated at The Tattooed Book Geek's fantastic blog and has shown up hither, thither, and yon since then.
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:
Forget Running Groups and Work Socials. Find a Book Club
In a reading rut? How to get back into reading for fun
Those blurbs on book covers? Don’t believe what you read.—this isn’t the point of the piece but Kate DiCamillo looks exactly like someone who writes her books should.*
Self-publishing trends for 2026
It’s Time To Put The “Where Are All The Male Novelists?” Debate To Bed—Yes, please.
It’s started already, Top X Books of 2025. P.L. Stuart names his Best Non-SFF Trad/Indie Published Books Read in 2025 and Top Indie & Top Trad SFF Books for 2025—the only book that didn’t tempt me there was one I’d already read. Hold on to your wallets.
Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? NOT ME! Postmodern Picturebooks and Deconstructed Fairy Tales—This looks like a fun bunch
My Oddly Specific Bookish Traits—We all have them, few of us are self-aware enough to enumerate them.
* Be sure to follow me for more tips on how to stereotype!
To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago This Week?
Blameless by Gail Carriger
Any Other Name by Craig Johnson
The Promise by Robert Crais
The Shootout Solution by Michael R. Underwood (which is also the only book’s release I talked about)
This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
Time God Warlock by Shami Stovall—I can’t tell you about this because I’m using this release as a reminder to read the last one. But it’s probably pretty cool.
Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz—”Guy Shadowfade is dead, and after a lifetime as the dark sorcerer’s right-hand, Violet Thistlewaite is determined to start over—not as the fearsome Thornwitch, but as someone kind. Someone better. Someone good.” Looks cute.
