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 18 of 171
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:
Pay Attention! The invention of close reading.
Extraterrestrial tongues: Imagining how aliens might communicate prepares us for first contact and illuminates the nature of our own languages
Crime Novelist Don Winslow Unretires For ‘The Final Score’—color me giddy
Murder, Mischief, and Mayhem: The Best Campy and Humorous Thriller Series—Good list (although, I might quibble with one and I have no experience with one other), but better yet, Gagnon putting together a list like this means she has something to plug! See below.
Chapters for Change posted this great video about the Poe and Tilly series (one more of you need to be reading)
Changing the World by Shannon Knight—a good post from Knight (as one expects)
AI Audio vs Human Narration—A great video from someone who knows the subject well.
Are Kids “Bored” by Books Below Their Reading Level?
Do Your Book Reviews Change Over Time?—ooh, this is a good topic, and an interesting take on it.
WELP IT’S BEEN A DECADE SINCE I STARTED BLOGGING – Ten Things I Wish I Could Tell My Younger Self—Only 10 years of The Orangutan Librarian? Good lessons that someone should’ve taught me, too.
Top Five Dragons of All Time—a flawed list, but very fun to read
Announcement: Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week 2025—the annual celebration of Self-Published Authors is back (and I should probably get to work planning what I’m going to do). If any self-published author is reading this and wants to participate on this site, let me know!
To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago Week?
The Younger Gods by Michael R. Underwood
Another Man’s Moccasins by Craig Johnson
Buried Secrets by Joseph Finder
Rolling Thunder; Fun House; and Free Fall by Chris Grabenstein
And I mentioned the releases of: How to Start a Fire by Lisa Lutz; Dry Bones by Craig Johnson; Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll; Goddess of Buttercups & Daisies by Martin Millar; and Rumrunners by Eric Beetner
This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
This came out two weeks ago, and I’m ashamed to admit that I forgot it: The Amazing Twin Chicken Freedom Fighters by Zephaniah Sole—Reasons to consider this book: That’s a great title; the cover is eye-catching as all get-out; and the blurb: “The war between the agents of the Worldview Freedom Fighters and the minions of the mysterious Hip Gnosis spills into our reality when Jake and Joy, two lost and broken souls, wake up one day in chicken suits they can’t remove and learn they are the key to a prophesied revolution – a revolution that will not be pasteurized.”
Class Clown: The Memoirs of a Professional Wiseass: How I Went 77 Years Without Growing Up—As I said yesterday, this memoir is a great combination of (compressed) personal history and fun anecdotes
The Devils by Joe Abercrombie—Abercrombie’s take on The Suicide Squad in an alternate medieval Europe populated by Fantasy species? Sign me up!!
Slaying You by Michelle Gagnon—back to the world of Killing You? This is going to be a wild and twisty ride.
Whack Job: A History of Axe Murder by Rachel McCarthy James—”Whack Job is the story of the axe, first as a convenient danger and then an anachronism, as told through the murders it has been employed in throughout history: from the first axe murder nearly half a million years ago, to the brutal harnessing of the axe in warfare, to its use in King Henry VIII’s favorite method of execution, to Lizzie Borden and the birth of modern pop culture. Whack Job sheds brilliant light on this familiar implement, this most human of weapons. This is a critical examination of violence, an exploration of how technology shapes human conflict, the cruel and sacred rituals of execution and battle, and the ways humanity fits even the most savage impulses into narratives of the past and present.”
(which reminds me, I need to get going to “the candy shop”)
I haven’t quite read as much as I wanted to this week–and leaving my headphones at home Monday really hurt my audiobook progress–but at least I’ve gotten more sleep than I usually do (see also: the silence for the last couple of days). But, at least I’ve had a good time reading what I have managed to get to. Let’s see if that converts into posts about books anytime soon. But first, let’s get to this:
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 Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis |
Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley, read Hillary Huber |
This is possibly my favorite Lewis book–so glad to get back into it (although I wouldn’t mind one of the new-to-me books by him to change the ranking).
I’m not sure how much I’m going to end up liking this audiobook about a doomed Date Night going horribly, horribly wrong–but it’s kept my interest, and I’m enjoying the journey.
What did you recently finish reading?
 |
 |
| Kaua’i Storm by Tori Eldridge |
Foxglove Summer by Ben Aaronovitch, read by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith |
Eldridge’s thriller/family drama (or is it a family drama/thriller?) is not what I expected from her–but a great ride.
Yet again, Foxglove Summer didn’t fail to entertain me. I’m glad I’m picking up the pace on this series.
What do you think you’ll read next?
 |
 |
| Body Breaker by M.W. Craven |
Tilt by Emma Pattee, read by Ariel Blake |
There’s been an un-read Craven on my shelf for too long, past time to fix it.
I had to grab Tilt after hearing the owner of Shared Stories talk about it–technically, overhearing her tell another customer about it. But the premise intrigued me, and she had nothing but good things to say about it. (click on the link/cover and see what you think)
Are you reading anything good?
Another day of people-ing, so another late Saturday post. Hate to leave you all hanging in suspense.
Actually, if anyone was in suspense, you really need to think about your priorities. But you know what I mean.
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:
Libro.fm had this to say about the recent Independent Book Store Day
12 Things You Say Without Realizing You’re Quoting Poetry—a “May be” or “Might be” should probably be stuck in that headline
INTERVIEW: Joe Abercrombie—Beth Tabler talks with Abercrombie about his new book ofer at Grimdark Magazine
Interview: Joe Abercrombie talks The Devils, grimdark fantasy humor, Best Served Cold and more—and so does someone over at Winter is Coming
The Joys and Travails of Writing with a Canine Companion
It’s Okay to Know Where the Story Is Going: It’s a cliche and a truth to say that the journey matters more than the destination…
If Only All Books in Series Had Recaps
Early Epic Fantasy and Non-White Ethnicities: A Draft
Flowers or Books? 10 Book Recs for #MothersDay—for all of your last-second shopping
A Book-ish Related Podcast episode (or two) you might want to give a listen to:
Not having time to read (with Christina Lupton)—after last week’s piece about Literary Scholars losing the plot, I went digging around on the podcase mentioned in the pice, I thought this was an interestnig chat. In short—it’s not a new problem. SFF Addicts Ep. 153: Joe Abercrombie talks The Devils, Grimdark, Ensemble Casts & More—Last mention of Abercrombie today. No, really.
To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago Week?
Thicker Than Water by G.M. Ford
The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man by W. Bruce Cameron
Goodbye Ginny Madison by Dave Gehrke
The Bullet-Catcher’s Daughter by Rod Duncan
And I mentioned the releases of: Unseemly Science by Rod Duncan; The Worst Class Trip Ever by Dave Barry; Revision by Andrea Phillips ; Corsair by James L. Cambias; Lois Lane: Fallout by Gwenda Bond; and Burning Down George Orwell’s House by Andrew Ervin
This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
My Friends by Fredrik Backman—For those of you who need a bit more than the author’s name, this is “an unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a stranger’s life twenty-five years later.”
Hive by D.L. Orton—time travel, parallel universes, love, family, odd connections combine for a pacey-read
Yesterday was the one-year anniversary of my kidney removal–and what a year it’s been. This is not much of an introduction to a WWW Wednesday, but it’s all that I’ve got in me. Well, I mean–I’ve got one kidney in me, as well as a full roster of other organs, that was more of a figurative “all in me,” but then I realized how it sounded and, well…I now realize I should’ve skipped the intro.
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?
 |
 |
| Spiderlight by Adrian Tchaikovsky |
Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybourn, read by Jane Oppenheimer & Christina Delaine |
I’ve been wanting to read Tchaikovsky for years, so I was excited to get the chance. This is a fun combination of creepy, fun, and solid adventure. I can see this not being my last time with Tchaikovsky–I just hope the next books by him that I read aren’t quite so arachnid-heavy. (Shudder)
I was hoping that the sequel to Killers of a Certain Age would be better than it was–sadly, Raybourn is nice an consistent. It’s good enough to keep listening, but that’s about it. I liked the idea and some of the characters, I just don’t think it’s enough to come back for volume three (assuming it comes)
What did you recently finish reading?
 |
 |
| Class Clown: The Memoirs of a Professional Wiseass: How I Went 77 Years Without Growing Up by Dave Barry |
Back After This by Linda Holmes |
Here’s a shocker–Dave Barry’s memoir is a hoot. It’s more than just funny, but that’s a good start.
Holmes’ book was delightful. I think I’m going to have to look into her other novels.
What do you think you’ll read next?
 |
|
| Hive by D.L. Orton |
Foxglove Summer by Ben Aaronovitch, read by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith |
This is a revised version (I’m not sure how much) of a book I listened to four years ago. It should be fun to see this version.
Foxglove Summer is one of my favorites in the Rivers of London series, I’ve been looking forward to it
What are you working through?
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:
Most parents don’t enjoy reading to their children, survey suggests—might as well start on a down note, right? Can only go up from here…
A Fifth of American Adults Can’t Read. Here’s How To Teach Them.—well, maybe not. (I don’t know enough to comment on the “how to teach” bit, as inclined as I am to agree). There’s probably a link between these two pieces.
People who buy books faster than they can read them usually share these 7 traits—This’ll lift your mood a bit (I think this also applies to people who check out too many library books at once)
Premodern Chinese Literature Can Be Trendy Too—Sure, why not? I’m mostly posting this for the one friend who will despair that one of his niche interests is trendy, but this did make me wish I had a little room on ye olde TBR.
So, You Want to Write a Cookbook?—huh.
Triumph of the Undead: The Public Domain as Horror Hero
Scholars Have Lost the Plot!—This showed up as a sidebar link to the Public Domain piece, and I’m a little obsessed with it now. I’d like to take 2-3 weeks off to read the materials he’s interacting with and interact with this piece.I probably won’t. Okay, I definetly won’t, but it was a nice daydream.
The Edgar Awards were given this week, which means it’s time for CrimeReads to post their roundtable discussions with the nominees. I love these annual posts. The State of the Mystery, Part 1: Craft Lessons and Favorite Reads and The State of the Mystery, Part 2: Issues, Concerns, and The Long Road Ahead.
Speaking of the Edgars, I might as well share the list of the winners: 2025 Edgar Allan Poe Awards
Nabokov’s Favorite Color, Stephen King’s Adverb Bullshit, Language’s Value Only As A Measure of Time—I really wish I remembered whose link I followed to this.
What’s the deal with dystopian picturebooks?—I didn’t know this was a thing. There’s at least two of these that I had to fight the impulse to buy. (for now)
Remembering the Average Reader—Yes. The phrase “average reader” is accurate but has a strange tone to me (I know Krysta wasn’t being pejorative—that’s the whole point). My friends tend to phrase it as: “people who aren’t like HC” or “normal readers.”
3 Truly Odd Protagonists & Why We Really Really Like Them—Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Dent, and Quentin Coldwater in the same piece. Worth reading just for that interesting combo.
To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago Week?
Fairest by Marissa Meyer—that was 10 years ago??
Atlanta Burns by Chuck Wendig—That was only 10 years ago??
Dark Heir by Faith Hunter—a turning point in my appreciation for the series
I mentioned the release of Darkened Blade by Kelly McCullough
This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
The Mystery of the Crooked Man by Tom Spencer—”Fraudulent cozy mystery expert Agatha Dorn is cancelled — and severely ticked off! — in this quirky homage to Golden Age detectives, lost manuscripts, and famous authors.” I dig the premise here, if the execution matches, it’ll be a winner.
Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker—”In this explosive horror novel, a woman is haunted by inner trauma, hungry ghosts, and a serial killer as she confronts the brutal violence experienced by East Asians during the pandemic.” There’s no way I’d make it through this horror novel—but, man, it sounds great. Someone read it and tell me what I missed, okay?
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?
 |
|
| That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis |
Back After This by Linda Holmes |
I should be finishing Lewis’ Space Trilogy here this evening–if nothing else, each book in this trilogy is radically different than the one before. I’m very curious about how he wraps this all up.
I really have no idea why I picked up Back After This but one of my favorite (non book) bloggers recommended it, and our tastes generally align. I’m less than a chapter into it at the moment, so I really can’t say anything about it yet.
What did you recently finish reading?
 |
 |
| A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick |
Orconomics: A Satire by J. Zachary Pike, read by Doug Tisdale Jr. |
A Scanner Darkly was something, that’s for sure. I’m not sure what, though. Really well-written, fantastic ideas, but I’m not sure about the whole package.
Pike’s satire was everything I’d hoped it’d be–and more.
What do you think you’ll read next?
 |
 |
| Good Trouble: The Selma, Alabama and Derry, Northern Ireland Connection 1963-1972 by Forest Issac Jones |
The Mercy Chair by M.W. Craven, read by John Banks |
I’ve been reading a lot of dark and heavy things, so as an antidote, let’s see what Good Trouble has in store. Oh, more of the same. Okay, then.
At least at the end of the latest Poe and Tilly book, there’s a somewhat happy ending after all the dark and heavy.
What are you escaping into lately?
Music Monday's originated at The Tattooed Book Geek's fantastic blog and has shown up hither, thither, and yon since then.
I mentioned the other day that I was celebrating the grandcritter’s 2nd birthday. As most two-year-olds do, I know he reads his Grandpappy’s blog religiously. So, for him, I thought I’d post one of his favorite songs.
This prompt was submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer:
Do you have enough shelves for all your books?
This is one of those very important questions that any book hoarder collector has to ask themselves regularly. Possibly frequently. As the meme says, it’s not a matter of too many books, it’s not enough shelves.
We have shelves in almost every room of the house–and one hallway. Some of these shelves could be replaced by taller versions. Some could be filled more efficiently/to greater capacity. Nevertheless, we’re running out of places for shelves. This is going to be a problem–possibly as soon as 2026.
But right now? I do happen to have enough space for my books and a little room to grow. This is not a phenomenon that I’m all that familiar with, honestly. But I’m enjoying it. There’s a bookcase that serves as my physical TBR stack (with a shelf of “you need to write about these soon”), a few Non-Fiction cases, more Fiction cases, a couple that are for my wife’s books, a little bench/shelf unit for the grandchildren’s books. The TBR unit is overflowing (sadly), the Non-Fiction has a little room for growth, the Fiction cases are really close to filling, but my wife’s cases are in real danger of hitting the limit. Oh, I’ve got a couple of those corner shelf units, too. They’re not bad, but not particularly large or helpful–I think I could fit a handful onto one of them. The grandchildren’s shelves are about half full–so that’s promising.
Okay, thinking about it in those terms make me think I have less breathing-room than I initially thought. 2026-me definitely has a problem, and had better start coming up with some solutions.
Remember, as the meme/tshirt/poster says:
How about you, reader? Do you have enough shelf space?