Tag: Miscellany Page 43 of 173

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:
Book bans? Make that “intellectual freedom challenges”—the reframing of the challenges Public Libraries are facing (whatever you may think of those challenges)
A Simple Way to Build Intimacy: Reading Aloud—It’s behind NYT’s paywall, but it looks good.
Mark Twain’s Obsession with Joan of Arc—I really didn’t know he was “obsessed” with her, but I appreciated this look at Twain (it also jibes well with According to Mark, a book I haven’t mentioned for a week or two)
Where the Red Fern Grows was trending on Twitter this week, and I was comforted by seeing so many others sharing the same (self-inflicted) trauma that I have. Also, I learned/was reminded of this statue in Idaho Falls (finally, a reason for me to visit the town).
The Biggest Differences Between the ‘Longmire’ Books and TV Series—odd that this is something written in 2024, but still a fun look back at the show.
Announced this week: Safe Enough by Lee Child—”20 thrilling standalone short stories,” out in August.
Speaking of announcements, Mushroom Blues Soundtrack was announced a couple of days ago. Looks great.
A Beginner’s Guide to Falling in Love with Audiobooks
I Have Bad Taste- Books I Feel Bad for Enjoying—The Orangutan Librarian fesses up.
On My Radar: February 2024—Celeste brings a great list of links from the past month.
Ways A Book Ages—surprising no one at all, Peat Long dropped something worth reading.

To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago Week?
(a very slow week, I should add)
Chimera by Kelly Meding—(and a post I enjoyed reading for the first time in a decade or so)
I mentioned the releases of Hammer of Angels by G. T. Almasi, The Chase by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg, Honor’s Knight by Rachel Bach, and The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison.

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
I Only Read Murder by Ian Ferguson & Will Ferguson—a whodunit featuring a former TV star, amateur theater, and a town full of (likely quirky) suspects. Looks like a fun time.
Criminal Justice by Ian Robinson—an undercover cop dances along the edge of the law. I asked Robinson a few quick questions about it yesterday.
Morte Point by Rob Parker—The second Ben Bracken novel is a great ride, and has been released in a new edition.

Let’s start with some good news—there’s a new independent bookstore opening soon in my area, and they must be getting serious about things because they’re hiring staff now. I’m enjoying watching them share some of their prep work, and we’re hoping to do something on this site together as they get closer to Opening Day.

I’ve got a super short list this week—I have not been doing a lot online, as you may have noticed. Remember a few years ago when I was talking about my son’s kidney transplant? Well, he’s about to start shopping for a new one—he’s currently at his second dialysis session, and there was a little bit of drama surrounding discovering it’s time for that (seriously, the effects of kidney failure on your body can be fairly astounding).

Also, this week we’re skipping the 10 years ago look back this week because I got off track and I’ve already taken care of this week. So…my flashbacks will pick up again next week (just out of curiosity, is anyone enjoying that bit in the first place?).

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:
An anti-censorship resource, Book Résumés, just launched. Each “résumé summarizes the book’s significance and educational value, including a synopsis, reviews from professional journals, awards, accolades, and more.”
Bring Back the Big, Comfortable Bookstore Reading Chair —yeah, I can see Johnston’s point.
Bear McCreary Unleashes “The Singularity” Album, Graphic Novel, Concert—color me intrigued
Fungi in Fiction by Adrian M. Gibson—a guest post over at Before We Go Blog on a topic few, if any, have likely considered.
Stop using “YA” as an insult—Kopratic sounds off at The Fantasy Inn
A quick video post: 5 Books Better than Dealing with Real Life

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection by Charles Duhigg—An “exploration of what makes conversations work—and how we can all learn to be supercommunicators at work and in life.” Frankly, I don’t need to be a super-communicator, I’d be happy with better-than-I-currently-am. I’ve enjoyed Duhigg’s previous two books, and imagine this will be equally engaging, interesting, and perhaps helpful.
Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb, Illustrated by Erin Kraan—No idea what this is about…fun title, great cover. Nuff ‘said.