1RBeffa
Jasper keeps watch
This is the continuation of my reading, which for 2023 can be found here, which includes a summary of my favorite reads in 2023. https://www.librarything.com/topic/347292#
For 2024, books off the shelf will be my prime motive. I have some topics and authors I want to focus on. I have been enjoying Elly Griffiths novels a lot and will be reading some more by her. I also want to read more by Ann Patchett and also hope to pick back up some series I have partially read by authors such as Alan Furst, Ian Rankin, and Martin Walker, for example. Other possibles include Western novels and short stories by a variety of authors and non-fiction and fiction on the topic of War through the ages, influenced by Paul Cranswick.
When I'm not reading I spend a lot of time with our cats. I also volunteer with the friends of our local library for the past couple years, something that I find very rewarding.
This is the continuation of my reading, which for 2023 can be found here, which includes a summary of my favorite reads in 2023. https://www.librarything.com/topic/347292#
For 2024, books off the shelf will be my prime motive. I have some topics and authors I want to focus on. I have been enjoying Elly Griffiths novels a lot and will be reading some more by her. I also want to read more by Ann Patchett and also hope to pick back up some series I have partially read by authors such as Alan Furst, Ian Rankin, and Martin Walker, for example. Other possibles include Western novels and short stories by a variety of authors and non-fiction and fiction on the topic of War through the ages, influenced by Paul Cranswick.
When I'm not reading I spend a lot of time with our cats. I also volunteer with the friends of our local library for the past couple years, something that I find very rewarding.
4FAMeulstee
Happy reading in 2024, Ron!
5RBeffa
>2 drneutron: >3 ronincats: >4 FAMeulstee: Thank you Jim, Roni and Anita. I hope we all have healthy and enjoyable years with good reading adventures. I'll be watching your own reading threads.
6PaulCranswick
Happy new year Ron.
I have dropped my star and will keep you company as much as I am able in 2024, my friend.
I have dropped my star and will keep you company as much as I am able in 2024, my friend.
7RBeffa
>6 PaulCranswick: Thank you Paul. I've spent more time on Facebook this past year, and less here. Can't always keep up as I would prefer to. Been a busy few months and the deaths of family and close friends have weighed heavy on my spirit. But we keep on keeping on, don't we. And there is always great music. If you check my Facebook feed for the last several months you can listen to some of my music box. Happy New Year to you buddy.
9RBeffa
>8 karspeak: Thanks Karen. I'll check for your thread in Club Read when you get it going.
11RBeffa
>10 Tess_W: Thanks for dropping by Tess. I dropped a star on your thread which I enjoyed reading. We grow a lot of our own fruit - apples, pears, plums, peaches and apricots and cherries. A lot gets shared with the birds and critters but we make heavy use of the apples and plums. I have only made plum jam - the rest of the fruit we use fresh in season with the exception of frozen applesauce some years. I had to cut back on my gardening with the California drought. If we get back to "normal" i hope to grow more than just tomatoes.
13Whisper1
>1 RBeffa: Ron, What an incredibly beautiful cat!
14RBeffa
>12 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul.
>13 Whisper1: Thanks for dropping by and admiring my kittiy Linda. I have featured him over the years esp on Facebook and I usually call him Foo - we have had him about 12 years since he was a tiny kitten. Love him dearly.
>13 Whisper1: Thanks for dropping by and admiring my kittiy Linda. I have featured him over the years esp on Facebook and I usually call him Foo - we have had him about 12 years since he was a tiny kitten. Love him dearly.
15RBeffa
Two good books have started 2024 off and finish a series read for me (Ruth Galloway series)
1. The Night Hawks (Ruth Galloway Mysteries Book 13) by Elly Griffiths, finished January 4, 2024 3 1/2 - 4 stars
2. The locked room by Elly Griffiths, finished January 8, 2024 4+ stars
I had read The Last Remains in April 2023 and it was the 15th and and final mystery novel in the Ruth Galloway series. I now have filled in the 13th and 14th books in the series. I think I will reread the final book again before too long.
I read these two book one right after the other, literally setting one story down and starting the next. As a result they have sort of melded together in a way. In other ways not, because I really like what the author did with The Locked Room. The author explains in an afterword that she wrote and set 'The Locked Room' in the pandemic because she had been doing a book a year and saw no reason to skip this time in history. She had kept a diary and incorporated the events into her story. It starts just as the world was becoming aware of covid and gives the reader a good perspective of life in Norfolk and surrounds during this era. I really got captured by this because even though I am in California the novel reawakened memories I had put in the back of my mind of how bad the fear and shutdowns were, in particular at the beginning when you had to queue up to enter stores a few at a time. Ruth Galloway's college is shut down as well and she has to do teaching by zoom as well as address her daughter's schooling. It just really made this story real for me and will be one of my favorites books in the series. The mystery itself and resolution were kind of screwy and not my favorite part of the book. The realism of the pandemic on all the characters is what really made the book for me.
I am very glad I read this set of books the last few years.
1. The Night Hawks (Ruth Galloway Mysteries Book 13) by Elly Griffiths, finished January 4, 2024 3 1/2 - 4 stars
2. The locked room by Elly Griffiths, finished January 8, 2024 4+ stars
I had read The Last Remains in April 2023 and it was the 15th and and final mystery novel in the Ruth Galloway series. I now have filled in the 13th and 14th books in the series. I think I will reread the final book again before too long.
I read these two book one right after the other, literally setting one story down and starting the next. As a result they have sort of melded together in a way. In other ways not, because I really like what the author did with The Locked Room. The author explains in an afterword that she wrote and set 'The Locked Room' in the pandemic because she had been doing a book a year and saw no reason to skip this time in history. She had kept a diary and incorporated the events into her story. It starts just as the world was becoming aware of covid and gives the reader a good perspective of life in Norfolk and surrounds during this era. I really got captured by this because even though I am in California the novel reawakened memories I had put in the back of my mind of how bad the fear and shutdowns were, in particular at the beginning when you had to queue up to enter stores a few at a time. Ruth Galloway's college is shut down as well and she has to do teaching by zoom as well as address her daughter's schooling. It just really made this story real for me and will be one of my favorites books in the series. The mystery itself and resolution were kind of screwy and not my favorite part of the book. The realism of the pandemic on all the characters is what really made the book for me.
I am very glad I read this set of books the last few years.
16RBeffa
3. Dancing on Air by Nancy Kress, finished January 9, 2024, 3 stars
Dancing on Air was nominated in the novella category for the Hugo and Nebula awards. Kress generally excels at novella length stories but I found myself somewhat disappointed with this one. The subject the story is built on is bioenhancement, and here it applies to ballerinas and canines. The story starts from the viewpoint of a Doberman who can speak and has been enhanced to about a 5 year old human level and then bounces back and forth to the viewpoint of the mother/journalist of one of the ballerinas. The dog, Angel, is assigned to protect a ballerina, who is clearly a snotty prima donna. The story jumps around too much for my taste and made it a bit hard to keep track of who is who. It just didn't appeal to me despite a promising start. It did win the Asimov's Readers poll for best novella of 1993.
Dancing on Air was nominated in the novella category for the Hugo and Nebula awards. Kress generally excels at novella length stories but I found myself somewhat disappointed with this one. The subject the story is built on is bioenhancement, and here it applies to ballerinas and canines. The story starts from the viewpoint of a Doberman who can speak and has been enhanced to about a 5 year old human level and then bounces back and forth to the viewpoint of the mother/journalist of one of the ballerinas. The dog, Angel, is assigned to protect a ballerina, who is clearly a snotty prima donna. The story jumps around too much for my taste and made it a bit hard to keep track of who is who. It just didn't appeal to me despite a promising start. It did win the Asimov's Readers poll for best novella of 1993.
17RBeffa
A few years ago I was keeping track of the jigsaw puzzles I was making during the year along with the books read. I stopped taking pics for no good reason. I do about one a month and think I will do at least that this year and will try and take pics. This was a nice recent (2022) Ravensburger puzzle (300 large size pieces) called Santorini Sunset. I enjoyed doing it last night and this morning.
I've been reorganizing my bookshelves a bit and have portioned out some of my planned and potential reads for the year.
I've been reorganizing my bookshelves a bit and have portioned out some of my planned and potential reads for the year.
18RBeffa
I can tell I am in a persnickety reading mood. I started and stopped at least 5 books including two from the library, not getting more than 50 pages into them, more like 30. If it wasn't clicking I put them down. A strange mood. Finally told myself I was going to read this next one, like it or hate it.
4. Coyote Frontier Book 3 in the Coyote series by Allen Steele, finished January 16, 2024, 3 stars
In 2012 I read the first two books in Steele's Coyote trilogy (which later was expanded). I liked/really liked them but never started the third despite owning it. About 3 years ago I read a novella in this series, The River Horses, which was written after the original trilogy but fills in some material in between books 2 and 3 on a character I really liked. Still didn't start the third book until now, 14 years after purchase.
The author does a very good job at the opening of the book to bring a reader up to speed from the prior books, and all the names and events are a little overwhelming, but it worked in getting me back into the series after such a long hiatus. The author was always more than a little heavy handed with the politics which detracted from the series in my opinion. It is still a major part of the novel here.
What I liked in this book was seeing a bit of what the earth that was left behind was like. Large parts of the Coyote books originally appeared as novellas and short stories in Asimov's science fiction magazine. The books are basically stories within stories and I don't think this one was any different. It was a style that worked, but not always well. There are parts I like and parts I could do without. For me this was the least interesting of the Coyote trilogy and is rapidly fading from my memory.
The story of interstellar colonization is really way too complex to convey in a short review.
4. Coyote Frontier Book 3 in the Coyote series by Allen Steele, finished January 16, 2024, 3 stars
In 2012 I read the first two books in Steele's Coyote trilogy (which later was expanded). I liked/really liked them but never started the third despite owning it. About 3 years ago I read a novella in this series, The River Horses, which was written after the original trilogy but fills in some material in between books 2 and 3 on a character I really liked. Still didn't start the third book until now, 14 years after purchase.
The author does a very good job at the opening of the book to bring a reader up to speed from the prior books, and all the names and events are a little overwhelming, but it worked in getting me back into the series after such a long hiatus. The author was always more than a little heavy handed with the politics which detracted from the series in my opinion. It is still a major part of the novel here.
What I liked in this book was seeing a bit of what the earth that was left behind was like. Large parts of the Coyote books originally appeared as novellas and short stories in Asimov's science fiction magazine. The books are basically stories within stories and I don't think this one was any different. It was a style that worked, but not always well. There are parts I like and parts I could do without. For me this was the least interesting of the Coyote trilogy and is rapidly fading from my memory.
The story of interstellar colonization is really way too complex to convey in a short review.
19RBeffa
5. Silvertip's Chase by Max Brand, finished January 19, 2024, 3+ stars
This story has a copyright date of 1933 so it is 90 years old as I read it. It is also the 7th book in a series featuring Jim Silver. I have not read any of the prior books in the series so I may have been at a slight disadvantage in understanding who Jim Silver and his stallion Parade are. Here he has been on the trail of two outlaws for a very long time. However the story begins before we meet Jim Silver, as it opens with a timberwolf who is a giant of his kind and is notorious in the area he lives. He has a $2000 bounty on his head and feeds at will on the ranch livestock in the valley below the mountain range he frequents. He has a very large reputation and has been named Frosty. A trapper has come a thousand miles to trap him and after six months he has failed to get him. The story begins with Frosty more or less telling us about things. Then we switch to the trapper, Bill Gary, who has laid a careful set of traps for Frosty. And it works. And in the words of Bill Gary, he got Frosty and Frosty got him.
There are many parts to the story that are quickly laid out with this beginning and the rest of the novel deals with some nasty bad guys, and a couple good guys. I got a kick out of the parts of the story told by Frosty. One chapter opens like this: "She was tall. She was beautiful. She moved with a light and delicate grace. There was bright humor and good nature in her eyes. And Frosty loved her the moment he set eyes on her in the moonlight of that glade." So begins the part of the story where Frosty finds his mate.
There are good descriptions of the people and the land in this western and I found it to be a good read.
This story has a copyright date of 1933 so it is 90 years old as I read it. It is also the 7th book in a series featuring Jim Silver. I have not read any of the prior books in the series so I may have been at a slight disadvantage in understanding who Jim Silver and his stallion Parade are. Here he has been on the trail of two outlaws for a very long time. However the story begins before we meet Jim Silver, as it opens with a timberwolf who is a giant of his kind and is notorious in the area he lives. He has a $2000 bounty on his head and feeds at will on the ranch livestock in the valley below the mountain range he frequents. He has a very large reputation and has been named Frosty. A trapper has come a thousand miles to trap him and after six months he has failed to get him. The story begins with Frosty more or less telling us about things. Then we switch to the trapper, Bill Gary, who has laid a careful set of traps for Frosty. And it works. And in the words of Bill Gary, he got Frosty and Frosty got him.
There are many parts to the story that are quickly laid out with this beginning and the rest of the novel deals with some nasty bad guys, and a couple good guys. I got a kick out of the parts of the story told by Frosty. One chapter opens like this: "She was tall. She was beautiful. She moved with a light and delicate grace. There was bright humor and good nature in her eyes. And Frosty loved her the moment he set eyes on her in the moonlight of that glade." So begins the part of the story where Frosty finds his mate.
There are good descriptions of the people and the land in this western and I found it to be a good read.
20RBeffa
During the year I plan to mix in some science fiction/fantasy digests with my reading, as I have been doing in past years.
6. Asimov's Science Fiction: Vol. 18, No. 9 August 1994 edited by Gardner Dozois, finished January 25, 2024, 3 stars
Six stories in this issue, a novella, two novelettes and 3 short stories. Plus poems, illustrations, and essays. Nothing dreadful in this issue, but there are two noteworthy stories. The opening novella Cilia-of-Gold by Stephen Baxter concerns the exploration of Venus and the exploration and discovery of life. The story alternates between the sentient lifeforms who are unaware of humans on the surface, and the less interesting story of the explorers on the surface. The two parts intersect at the end. This is apparently part of Baxter's Xeelee series.
The other notable story is by Gregory Benford, a novella that takes up a large portion of the magazine, called "Soon Comes the Night". The intro to the story states it is part of what became Benford's Galactic Center series that began with In the ocean of night. The events in the story link the first two books in the series with a sixth volume being written (which became Sailing Bright Eternity). So this story should be noteworthy to fans of that series. I have read Benford's short stories over the years but not his novels, so I can't judge how it fit in. I am not a big fan of Benford's writing style but I still appreciated this story.
from isfdb:
4 • Reflections • essay by Robert Silverberg
10 • Cilia-of-Gold • Xeelee • novelette by Stephen Baxter
10 • Cilia-of-Gold • interior artwork by Ron Chironna
38 • Soft Rain • short story by Valerie J. Freireich
38 • Soft Rain • interior artwork by Christopher Bing
52 • Crescent Moon • poem by Lawrence Schimel
54 • Dead Men Rise Up Never • short story by Rob Chilson
54 • Dead Men Rise Up Never • interior artwork by Steve Cavallo
64 • Bernie • novelette by Ian McDowell
64 • Bernie • interior artwork by Gary Freeman
80 • Moon Canoes • poem by Wendy Rathbone
82 • Living It • short story by Steven Utley
82 • Living It • interior artwork by Gina Mohr LoParo
92 • Soon Comes Night • novella by Gregory Benford
92 • Soon Comes Night • interior artwork by Bob Eggleton
158 • The Vampire Sings • poem by William John Watkins
160 • On Books: State of the Art • essay by Norman Spinrad
160 • Review: The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction by John Clute and Peter Nicholls • review by Norman Spinrad
164 • Review: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler • review by Norman Spinrad
166 • Review: Beautiful Soup: A Novel for the 21st Century by Harvey Jacobs • review by Norman Spinrad
167 • Review: Sandman, Sleep by Herbert Lieberman • review by Norman Spinrad
169 • Review: Virtual Light by William Gibson • review by Norman Spinrad
171 • Review: Hard Landing by Algis Budrys • review by Norman Spinrad
6. Asimov's Science Fiction: Vol. 18, No. 9 August 1994 edited by Gardner Dozois, finished January 25, 2024, 3 stars
Six stories in this issue, a novella, two novelettes and 3 short stories. Plus poems, illustrations, and essays. Nothing dreadful in this issue, but there are two noteworthy stories. The opening novella Cilia-of-Gold by Stephen Baxter concerns the exploration of Venus and the exploration and discovery of life. The story alternates between the sentient lifeforms who are unaware of humans on the surface, and the less interesting story of the explorers on the surface. The two parts intersect at the end. This is apparently part of Baxter's Xeelee series.
The other notable story is by Gregory Benford, a novella that takes up a large portion of the magazine, called "Soon Comes the Night". The intro to the story states it is part of what became Benford's Galactic Center series that began with In the ocean of night. The events in the story link the first two books in the series with a sixth volume being written (which became Sailing Bright Eternity). So this story should be noteworthy to fans of that series. I have read Benford's short stories over the years but not his novels, so I can't judge how it fit in. I am not a big fan of Benford's writing style but I still appreciated this story.
from isfdb:
4 • Reflections • essay by Robert Silverberg
10 • Cilia-of-Gold • Xeelee • novelette by Stephen Baxter
10 • Cilia-of-Gold • interior artwork by Ron Chironna
38 • Soft Rain • short story by Valerie J. Freireich
38 • Soft Rain • interior artwork by Christopher Bing
52 • Crescent Moon • poem by Lawrence Schimel
54 • Dead Men Rise Up Never • short story by Rob Chilson
54 • Dead Men Rise Up Never • interior artwork by Steve Cavallo
64 • Bernie • novelette by Ian McDowell
64 • Bernie • interior artwork by Gary Freeman
80 • Moon Canoes • poem by Wendy Rathbone
82 • Living It • short story by Steven Utley
82 • Living It • interior artwork by Gina Mohr LoParo
92 • Soon Comes Night • novella by Gregory Benford
92 • Soon Comes Night • interior artwork by Bob Eggleton
158 • The Vampire Sings • poem by William John Watkins
160 • On Books: State of the Art • essay by Norman Spinrad
160 • Review: The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction by John Clute and Peter Nicholls • review by Norman Spinrad
164 • Review: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler • review by Norman Spinrad
166 • Review: Beautiful Soup: A Novel for the 21st Century by Harvey Jacobs • review by Norman Spinrad
167 • Review: Sandman, Sleep by Herbert Lieberman • review by Norman Spinrad
169 • Review: Virtual Light by William Gibson • review by Norman Spinrad
171 • Review: Hard Landing by Algis Budrys • review by Norman Spinrad
21RBeffa
7. The Searchers by Alan Le May, finished February 4, 2024, 4 - 4 1/2 stars
There are a number of slow parts in this novel, which is not a short book. It is however one of the best westerns I have read. Not in the class of a Lonesome Dove, but way above the usual. I had to read it slowly because it is rather nightmare inducing at the beginning. Several chapters a day worked best for me. This story really tears at you. I have not re-watched the film yet but I intend to. I may add a few comments later. The story in the film is a bit different than the book. The end of the book and film are different. From memory I thought the film end was better, although there is some character switching. The end was unexpected here. Reading this was a rather immersive experience.
I picked up a couple Elmore Leonards to read this year, Hombre and The Bounty Hunters. Two good westerns have whet my appetite for more.
ETA: Watched about two thirds of the movie (skipping a chunk of the middle). The book is much better than the film, to me. Knowing what story was in the book I could fill in things that provide background that were omitted in the film.
There are a number of slow parts in this novel, which is not a short book. It is however one of the best westerns I have read. Not in the class of a Lonesome Dove, but way above the usual. I had to read it slowly because it is rather nightmare inducing at the beginning. Several chapters a day worked best for me. This story really tears at you. I have not re-watched the film yet but I intend to. I may add a few comments later. The story in the film is a bit different than the book. The end of the book and film are different. From memory I thought the film end was better, although there is some character switching. The end was unexpected here. Reading this was a rather immersive experience.
I picked up a couple Elmore Leonards to read this year, Hombre and The Bounty Hunters. Two good westerns have whet my appetite for more.
ETA: Watched about two thirds of the movie (skipping a chunk of the middle). The book is much better than the film, to me. Knowing what story was in the book I could fill in things that provide background that were omitted in the film.
22RBeffa
8. The Outer Reaches anthology edited by August Derlath, finished February 12, 2024, 3 stars
A friend gifted this old anthology from 1958 to me recently. It happens to be one I looked for years ago but never acquired. There are three versions of this - the original hardcover was published in 1951 with 17 stories. The American paperback that I have was a selection of 10 stories from the original. A later British edition had a mostly different selection of stories, but all three books carried the same title.
The theme here is "Favorite science-fiction tales chosen by their authors". The stories in my edition date from 1934 to 1951, the original publication year. So this is a time machine to what science fiction short stories people were reading long ago.
5 • Co-Operate - Or Else! • Rull • (1942) • novelette by A. E. van Vogt
41 • Good Night, Mr. James • (1951) • short story by Clifford D. Simak
65 • The Critters • (1945) • short story by Frank Belknap Long
82 • Death Sentence • (1943) • short story by Isaac Asimov
106 • This Is the Land • (1951) • short story by Nelson Bond
116 • Ylla • The Martian Chronicles • (1950) • short story by Ray Bradbury
132 • The Green Cat • (1951) • short story by Cleve Cartmill
138 • Pardon My Mistake • (1946) • short story by Fletcher Pratt
144 • The Plutonian Drug • (1934) • short story by Clark Ashton Smith
158 • Farewell to Eden • (1949) • short story by Theodore Sturgeon
Of these 10 stories I think I had only read two before - The Simak story decades ago, although I could scarcely remember it, and the most memorable one by Ray Bradbury that was included in The Martian Chronicles. These stories, mindful of when they were written, range from bland OK to excellent. For short stories these can be a bit wordy ... taking an idea and throwing a lot of words around it. The story "The Critters" for example (probably the weakest story here) delighted in throwing 3 paragraphs where 2 sentences would have sufficed. Also, Asimov's story set 15,000 years in the future is a pre planet of the apes sort but with lots of cigars and cigarettes. Really? ugh.
Bit of horror in here which seems to have been fairly common with early science fiction stories. I Didn't try to rush through these stories. Read one or two at a time. The Farewell to Eden story by Sturgeon was a good choice to finish this with.
A friend gifted this old anthology from 1958 to me recently. It happens to be one I looked for years ago but never acquired. There are three versions of this - the original hardcover was published in 1951 with 17 stories. The American paperback that I have was a selection of 10 stories from the original. A later British edition had a mostly different selection of stories, but all three books carried the same title.
The theme here is "Favorite science-fiction tales chosen by their authors". The stories in my edition date from 1934 to 1951, the original publication year. So this is a time machine to what science fiction short stories people were reading long ago.
5 • Co-Operate - Or Else! • Rull • (1942) • novelette by A. E. van Vogt
41 • Good Night, Mr. James • (1951) • short story by Clifford D. Simak
65 • The Critters • (1945) • short story by Frank Belknap Long
82 • Death Sentence • (1943) • short story by Isaac Asimov
106 • This Is the Land • (1951) • short story by Nelson Bond
116 • Ylla • The Martian Chronicles • (1950) • short story by Ray Bradbury
132 • The Green Cat • (1951) • short story by Cleve Cartmill
138 • Pardon My Mistake • (1946) • short story by Fletcher Pratt
144 • The Plutonian Drug • (1934) • short story by Clark Ashton Smith
158 • Farewell to Eden • (1949) • short story by Theodore Sturgeon
Of these 10 stories I think I had only read two before - The Simak story decades ago, although I could scarcely remember it, and the most memorable one by Ray Bradbury that was included in The Martian Chronicles. These stories, mindful of when they were written, range from bland OK to excellent. For short stories these can be a bit wordy ... taking an idea and throwing a lot of words around it. The story "The Critters" for example (probably the weakest story here) delighted in throwing 3 paragraphs where 2 sentences would have sufficed. Also, Asimov's story set 15,000 years in the future is a pre planet of the apes sort but with lots of cigars and cigarettes. Really? ugh.
Bit of horror in here which seems to have been fairly common with early science fiction stories. I Didn't try to rush through these stories. Read one or two at a time. The Farewell to Eden story by Sturgeon was a good choice to finish this with.
23RBeffa
9. Blind Descent by Nevada Barr, finished February 16, 2024, about 3 stars
If the potential reader of this book is claustrophobic I might suggest skipping this one. A very large portion of it is set deep underground in caves. I used to enjoy some cave exploring when I was younger so that didn't exactly freak me out, but the author goes to great lengths to creep the reader out. I'm not sure this was successful as a mystery story. Towards the end I was going "huh?" but not in a good way. Maybe I slept through a scene. This just didn't work for me but I'm going to re-read some parts. On the plus side there are some good maps on the inside covers of the book that I referred to over and over to try and figure out where the cavers were.
If the potential reader of this book is claustrophobic I might suggest skipping this one. A very large portion of it is set deep underground in caves. I used to enjoy some cave exploring when I was younger so that didn't exactly freak me out, but the author goes to great lengths to creep the reader out. I'm not sure this was successful as a mystery story. Towards the end I was going "huh?" but not in a good way. Maybe I slept through a scene. This just didn't work for me but I'm going to re-read some parts. On the plus side there are some good maps on the inside covers of the book that I referred to over and over to try and figure out where the cavers were.
24RBeffa
Reviews suggest that the next book in the Anna Pigeon series after Blind Descent was the best one yet. Nevada Barr clearly put a lot of work into Blind Descent but for me there were some bothers. I'll move onto Liberty Falling and see how it goes. I do hope the possible romance angle for Anna Pigeon with friend Curtis that developed in Blind Descent goes somewhere.
25RBeffa
Joined
Feb 27, 2009
That makes today my 15 year thingaversary. Tradition would be to buy a bunch of books to reward myself but I am not going to do that. I think I will treat myself to something soon, but I am going to try and hold the line and just work on the multitude of unread books I already have.
I am currently reading a book that I am sure is aimed at younger readers. It is the sort of book I would have read when I was about ten. However I am really enjoying it and taking my time with it. I have noticed that I enjoy reading a lot slower now. When I race through some books I'm glad to get to the finish but I think I miss out on some of the fun. I will be reading a lot slower this year. 40-50 books will be my target.
Feb 27, 2009
That makes today my 15 year thingaversary. Tradition would be to buy a bunch of books to reward myself but I am not going to do that. I think I will treat myself to something soon, but I am going to try and hold the line and just work on the multitude of unread books I already have.
I am currently reading a book that I am sure is aimed at younger readers. It is the sort of book I would have read when I was about ten. However I am really enjoying it and taking my time with it. I have noticed that I enjoy reading a lot slower now. When I race through some books I'm glad to get to the finish but I think I miss out on some of the fun. I will be reading a lot slower this year. 40-50 books will be my target.
27RBeffa
>26 ronincats: Thank you Roni!
10. The Hotel Under the Sand by Kage Baker, finished February 29, 2024, 3 1/2 - 4 stars
I'm not sure how to describe this book. I enjoyed it a lot. I purchased it new not long after it was published and shortly before the author's untimely death. I didn't realize it was a children's book because the author had been writing fantasy and science fiction for adults. I set is aside not intending to wait 14 years before reading it!
I'd guess this is written with a ten year old audience in mind, but I certainly enjoyed it as an aging adult and think it is one of the sweetest children's books I have read in a very long while. An adventure story with a treasure hunt, and very memorable characters. It has many pen and ink drawings which took me a while to appreciate. Nice short chapters that let me read this easily at my leisure. Recommended
10. The Hotel Under the Sand by Kage Baker, finished February 29, 2024, 3 1/2 - 4 stars
I'm not sure how to describe this book. I enjoyed it a lot. I purchased it new not long after it was published and shortly before the author's untimely death. I didn't realize it was a children's book because the author had been writing fantasy and science fiction for adults. I set is aside not intending to wait 14 years before reading it!
I'd guess this is written with a ten year old audience in mind, but I certainly enjoyed it as an aging adult and think it is one of the sweetest children's books I have read in a very long while. An adventure story with a treasure hunt, and very memorable characters. It has many pen and ink drawings which took me a while to appreciate. Nice short chapters that let me read this easily at my leisure. Recommended
28RBeffa
NN. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Phillip K. Dick, DNF
I have given this novel two tries and it isn't working for me. I'd maybe rate it 2 stars. Time to purge. The book was the basis for the film Blade Runner (which was a rather scary avant garde film in 1982). As the story begins we find ourselves in the dark future of January 3, 2021. This was published in 1968.
When I was a teenager devouring books and record albums at our local library branch I remember when this book appeared on the shelf of the science fiction section which I checked on every visit. I do not know why but I was very creeped out by the cover and the first pages of the book. It was not something I wanted to read. It was many years later before I picked up the book at a library sale. Dick is a rather renowned author and I have liked some of his other stories a lot, such as the Man in the High Castle. But this one still creeps me, so off it goes.
I have given this novel two tries and it isn't working for me. I'd maybe rate it 2 stars. Time to purge. The book was the basis for the film Blade Runner (which was a rather scary avant garde film in 1982). As the story begins we find ourselves in the dark future of January 3, 2021. This was published in 1968.
When I was a teenager devouring books and record albums at our local library branch I remember when this book appeared on the shelf of the science fiction section which I checked on every visit. I do not know why but I was very creeped out by the cover and the first pages of the book. It was not something I wanted to read. It was many years later before I picked up the book at a library sale. Dick is a rather renowned author and I have liked some of his other stories a lot, such as the Man in the High Castle. But this one still creeps me, so off it goes.
29RBeffa
12. Liberty Falling by Nevada Barr, finished March 3, 2024, 3 stars
I think I am done with Nevada Barr, at least for the forseeable future. Her descriptions of parks and places is superb. I felt like I had been given a personal inside tour of the statue of liberty and Ellis Island at the start of the novel. All of Barr's books that I have read are greatly detailed with respect to the park and place they are set. What I am unhappy with over and over are her characters and what she does with them.
I skimmed some of this and was unhappy with the ending.
I think I am done with Nevada Barr, at least for the forseeable future. Her descriptions of parks and places is superb. I felt like I had been given a personal inside tour of the statue of liberty and Ellis Island at the start of the novel. All of Barr's books that I have read are greatly detailed with respect to the park and place they are set. What I am unhappy with over and over are her characters and what she does with them.
I skimmed some of this and was unhappy with the ending.
30m.belljackson
Track of the Cat still ranks as my favorite Nevada Barr and I've read them all.
31RBeffa
>30 m.belljackson: I've read 8 since I've been keeping track on LT. I probably read one other in the years before. Track of the Cat was one of the best of them. Blind Descent bothered me and Liberty Falling didn't hook me back in. We have others on the shelf here if I ever want to give her a try again.
32RBeffa
NN. short story The Age of Innocence by Brian Stableford, finished March 5, 2024, 1/2 star
Steve (Swynn) posted about the death of British science fiction author Brian Stableford (25 July 1948 – 24 February 2024). He was a very prolific author but one I never connected with such that I wanted to seek out his stories. Nevertheless I have quite few of his stories included in collections and magazines. I told myself I would read the first one I came across and on the second thing I pulled out to look at, there was his name.
This short story was published in a collection of his stories and first appeared where I just read it in the June 1995 issue of Asimov's magazine. He was a frequent contributor to the magazine over the years. The story was dreadful. If it had any redeeming qualities I missed them. I can't believe it was published.
Steve (Swynn) posted about the death of British science fiction author Brian Stableford (25 July 1948 – 24 February 2024). He was a very prolific author but one I never connected with such that I wanted to seek out his stories. Nevertheless I have quite few of his stories included in collections and magazines. I told myself I would read the first one I came across and on the second thing I pulled out to look at, there was his name.
This short story was published in a collection of his stories and first appeared where I just read it in the June 1995 issue of Asimov's magazine. He was a frequent contributor to the magazine over the years. The story was dreadful. If it had any redeeming qualities I missed them. I can't believe it was published.
33RBeffa
13. Blood Moon by Garry Disher, finished March 9, 2024, 4 stars
Australian crime fiction. This one is the 5th in a series (of 7 books). I didn't feel like I was missing much back story because the author does a very good job of dropping memories and references to past events while focusing on the current crimes. The Australian setting was different from my usual reads. I noted a couple references to Ti trees which gave me a small kick as I have raised 2 Hawaiian Ti plants for 50 years.
I never had any doubts about the guilty party in the murder investigation part of the story although I wondered how the author was going to play it. He played it pretty well. There are other things going on to keep one interested along the way. Very well drawn characters and I hope to meet them again in other novels by this author. Recommended
eta: I kept thinking about this story and how much I enjoyed the author's style and setting that I found myself re-reading parts of the book. I decided a better idea was to move on in the series. Rather than go back and start with #1 I picked up the book that follows Blood Moon, Whispering Death. Will start very soon.
Australian crime fiction. This one is the 5th in a series (of 7 books). I didn't feel like I was missing much back story because the author does a very good job of dropping memories and references to past events while focusing on the current crimes. The Australian setting was different from my usual reads. I noted a couple references to Ti trees which gave me a small kick as I have raised 2 Hawaiian Ti plants for 50 years.
I never had any doubts about the guilty party in the murder investigation part of the story although I wondered how the author was going to play it. He played it pretty well. There are other things going on to keep one interested along the way. Very well drawn characters and I hope to meet them again in other novels by this author. Recommended
eta: I kept thinking about this story and how much I enjoyed the author's style and setting that I found myself re-reading parts of the book. I decided a better idea was to move on in the series. Rather than go back and start with #1 I picked up the book that follows Blood Moon, Whispering Death. Will start very soon.
34RBeffa
14. Ex libris : confessions of a common reader by Anne Fadiman, finished March 19, 2024, 4 - 4 1/2 stars
A book friend handed this book to me several days ago. "You should read this. You'll like it a lot. Your wife might like it even more". I look at the cover. Anne Fadiman. "The wife of Clifton?" I ask. "Daughter" is the reply.
If one happens to have been born on the same day in the same year as the author, does that make one more likely to be simpatico? Maybe.
This is clearly a book for those who love books and words. I was delighted from the start. Published in 1998 it might not resonate with young readers. The first chapter about "Marrying your libraries" I thought would be about those of us who love our books so much we are married to them. But it is actually about if a couple move in together, get married, have children .. do you each retain your own personal libraries at opposite ends of the house? Do you never merge them "Marrying" or do you do it slowly? What about duplicates? Does one cull them? I thought of myself and my wife. After 45 years we both still have distinct and separate collections. We both retained books we loved throughout life. We did merge some things, and whoever liked the author more took them under their wing. It was something to think about.
The author writes of her own experiences very well. This relatively small book has 18 essays and I enjoyed this a lot. It is a quick read.
A book friend handed this book to me several days ago. "You should read this. You'll like it a lot. Your wife might like it even more". I look at the cover. Anne Fadiman. "The wife of Clifton?" I ask. "Daughter" is the reply.
If one happens to have been born on the same day in the same year as the author, does that make one more likely to be simpatico? Maybe.
This is clearly a book for those who love books and words. I was delighted from the start. Published in 1998 it might not resonate with young readers. The first chapter about "Marrying your libraries" I thought would be about those of us who love our books so much we are married to them. But it is actually about if a couple move in together, get married, have children .. do you each retain your own personal libraries at opposite ends of the house? Do you never merge them "Marrying" or do you do it slowly? What about duplicates? Does one cull them? I thought of myself and my wife. After 45 years we both still have distinct and separate collections. We both retained books we loved throughout life. We did merge some things, and whoever liked the author more took them under their wing. It was something to think about.
The author writes of her own experiences very well. This relatively small book has 18 essays and I enjoyed this a lot. It is a quick read.
35RBeffa
15. Nick and the Glimmung by Philip K. Dick, finished March 25, 2024, 2 - 2 1/2 stars
The flyleaf describes this as the only surviving juvenile by P K Dick. Does that mean he burned all the rest? Were there any others? Well, considering that I think this story was rather poorly constructed I am glad there is only the one.
I feel generous in marking this as almost 2 1/2 stars. There were a few interesting bits in the story but overall this was a bore to get through. It is a handsome book, and has several full page color illustrations. But this story? bleah.
The flyleaf describes this as the only surviving juvenile by P K Dick. Does that mean he burned all the rest? Were there any others? Well, considering that I think this story was rather poorly constructed I am glad there is only the one.
I feel generous in marking this as almost 2 1/2 stars. There were a few interesting bits in the story but overall this was a bore to get through. It is a handsome book, and has several full page color illustrations. But this story? bleah.
36laytonwoman3rd
>29 RBeffa: I think I'm of a like mind about the Anna Pigeon series. I really enjoyed the first couple I read. Then I had a rough time with A Superior Death, because of the underwater stuff. I decided to skip Blind Descent, because it sounded like more claustrophobic peril, and I just didn't want to go into caves with Anna (who takes way too many chances for me). I did think I'd give Liberty Falling a chance...now I'm wondering if I should. But the setting does call to me, so maybe I'll "take the tour", like you, and put the rest of the series on hiatus.
37RBeffa
>36 laytonwoman3rd: Take the tour. The books build on each other but I have gotten weary over how much bouncing about Anna does, usually with zero or little explanation. Liberty Falling was very different than the others I read and it too is a bit creepy claustrophobic to give one the shivers. Her sister Molly is also knocking on heaven's door here. Not a spoiler since it is right there at the start.
16. Wildflowers of California by Larry Ulrich and Susan Lamb, finished March 26, 2024, 3 1/2 - 4 stars
This book is thirty years old but such a high quality printing that it is as fresh and bright as the Spring outside my door. I used to take lots of California wildflower photos for decades so this large size primarily pictorial book had a lot of appeal to me. If you follow my Facebook page you know I still can't resist flower photos. A few of the photos at first glimpse I'd know almost exactly where it was and what it was. Many of these were new to me, especially some from out of the way locations. Every photo didn't work for me. I know the appeal of the close-up but in this book I preferred the landscape one like on the cover. Most of these were close-up shots which are beautiful but as I said I liked the flowers in their setting better.
The majority of these photos were taken in the Spring of 1992 through 1994, when California was emerging from a hard drought of 6 or 7 years. We've had a number of these droughts before and after but the flora is continually reborn (although with casualties) when the rains do return.
A very enjoyable book for light reading. There is some interesting and informative text by Susan Lamb.
16. Wildflowers of California by Larry Ulrich and Susan Lamb, finished March 26, 2024, 3 1/2 - 4 stars
This book is thirty years old but such a high quality printing that it is as fresh and bright as the Spring outside my door. I used to take lots of California wildflower photos for decades so this large size primarily pictorial book had a lot of appeal to me. If you follow my Facebook page you know I still can't resist flower photos. A few of the photos at first glimpse I'd know almost exactly where it was and what it was. Many of these were new to me, especially some from out of the way locations. Every photo didn't work for me. I know the appeal of the close-up but in this book I preferred the landscape one like on the cover. Most of these were close-up shots which are beautiful but as I said I liked the flowers in their setting better.
The majority of these photos were taken in the Spring of 1992 through 1994, when California was emerging from a hard drought of 6 or 7 years. We've had a number of these droughts before and after but the flora is continually reborn (although with casualties) when the rains do return.
A very enjoyable book for light reading. There is some interesting and informative text by Susan Lamb.
38RBeffa
17. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary, finished March 28, 2024, 4 stars
I don't know why I never read this book when the kids were young but I pulled it out of our children's book box and had a quick but very enjoyable read. I need to do that a little more often.
I don't know why I never read this book when the kids were young but I pulled it out of our children's book box and had a quick but very enjoyable read. I need to do that a little more often.
39annus_sanctus
>17 RBeffa: IN the Netherlands we have "Puzzlebanks" now. You bring a puzzle, and you take home as many as you like. Only the very popular Jan van Haasteren and Was Gij? are 1 on 1 exchange. Puzzles from 4 to 9000 pieces including puzzles that contain mystery books to read, to actually solve what image you have to puzzle together! Like Hitchcok, Doyle and others. Reading and making puzzles... a nice combination!
40RBeffa
>39 annus_sanctus: Shortly after the start of the pandemic I discovered a local business had started a free puzzle exchange. They were puzzlers themselves. Their library over time grew very large as more puzzles were dropped off than taken. I went there a couple times a month to trade puzzles. I didn't discover any mystery book puzzles however! I have not been there in a year or so but I would hope that the exchange is still active. I still have not done more than the one puzzle this year although I have a nice stack waiting for me. Glad you have a puzzlebank. Thanks for dropping by here Angela.
41RBeffa
The first quarter is about over and I won't complain about 17 stories finished. I DNF and purged several books not mentioned above. I guess I was a little hard to please. I don't have a book in progress, just nibbling on a couple for the moment. Might be time for a short story collection.
Here is my summary for year to date
-----------------------------
Favorite book of 2024 (so far) is ... Ex libris : confessions of a common reader by Anne Fadiman
Top Ten Fiction novels or novellas for 2024 roughly in order (excluding re-reads):
1. The Searchers by Alan Le May
2. Blood Moon by Garry Disher
3. Silvertip's Chase by Max Brand
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Favorite Reads that are part of a series, and not listed elsewhere:
1. The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths
2. The Night Hawks by Elly Griffiths
3.
4.
5.
Top Non-Fiction for 2024
1. Ex libris : confessions of a common reader by Anne Fadiman
2. Wildflowers of California by Larry Ulrich and Susan Lamb
Favorite Young Adult or Children's reads in 2024:
1. The Hotel Under the Sand by Kage Baker
2. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
Here is my summary for year to date
-----------------------------
Favorite book of 2024 (so far) is ... Ex libris : confessions of a common reader by Anne Fadiman
Top Ten Fiction novels or novellas for 2024 roughly in order (excluding re-reads):
1. The Searchers by Alan Le May
2. Blood Moon by Garry Disher
3. Silvertip's Chase by Max Brand
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Favorite Reads that are part of a series, and not listed elsewhere:
1. The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths
2. The Night Hawks by Elly Griffiths
3.
4.
5.
Top Non-Fiction for 2024
1. Ex libris : confessions of a common reader by Anne Fadiman
2. Wildflowers of California by Larry Ulrich and Susan Lamb
Favorite Young Adult or Children's reads in 2024:
1. The Hotel Under the Sand by Kage Baker
2. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
42RBeffa
I am slowly reading Marion's Wall by Jack Finney and enjoying it a lot. I have yet to read a bad Finney novel. Wish he had written more. This one is written so well. It is a supernatural ghost story.
44RBeffa
>43 Tess_W: Tess, I hope you enjoy it as much as i did.
45RBeffa
>42 RBeffa: I have briefly interrupted my reading of the Finney novel to read a novella about a most uncommon reader, Queen Elizabeth. This was recommended to me because of my enjoyment of the Fadiman book at >34 RBeffa:.
-----------------------------
18. The uncommon reader by Alan Bennett, finished April 8, 2024, 3 1/2 - 4 stars
Another book on books, but more specifically a book on a reader of books. I suspect every single reader on LT would enjoy this book, seeing themselves in it, and ... no I take that back. There will always be a few who will get bent out of shape over something. For all the rest of you I suggest reading some of the reviews here on LT or elsewhere.
This book is something of a satire, a funny jab, but an imaginary tale of the Queen being turned on to the actual enjoyment of books by a kitchen boy. It is a short book, a novella, but about the perfect length for what it is. I kept smiling as I read it. You will too.
-----------------------------
18. The uncommon reader by Alan Bennett, finished April 8, 2024, 3 1/2 - 4 stars
Another book on books, but more specifically a book on a reader of books. I suspect every single reader on LT would enjoy this book, seeing themselves in it, and ... no I take that back. There will always be a few who will get bent out of shape over something. For all the rest of you I suggest reading some of the reviews here on LT or elsewhere.
This book is something of a satire, a funny jab, but an imaginary tale of the Queen being turned on to the actual enjoyment of books by a kitchen boy. It is a short book, a novella, but about the perfect length for what it is. I kept smiling as I read it. You will too.
46RBeffa
19. Marion's Wall by Jack Finney, finished April 9, 2024, 3 1/2 - 4 stars
I have enjoyed and appreciated every Jack Finney novel that I have read, and this one is no exception. A supernatural ghost story is not something I would normally go for, but I trusted the author and he did not disappoint. It is a story of possession of a young couple by two silent screen actors of the 1920's who died too young. One of them is Rudolph Valentino and the other is the Marion of the title. This story was published in 1973 and I think it was set in 1985, in San Francisco and Marin county initially. What won me over from the start is the descriptive writing by Finney that sent me back in time to a place I knew in 1973. The latter part of the book takes place in the Los Angeles area that I am unfamiliar with but I suspect it too would ring true to people who were there.
A good read. This was made into a movie, "Maxie" which I never saw as far as I know.
I have enjoyed and appreciated every Jack Finney novel that I have read, and this one is no exception. A supernatural ghost story is not something I would normally go for, but I trusted the author and he did not disappoint. It is a story of possession of a young couple by two silent screen actors of the 1920's who died too young. One of them is Rudolph Valentino and the other is the Marion of the title. This story was published in 1973 and I think it was set in 1985, in San Francisco and Marin county initially. What won me over from the start is the descriptive writing by Finney that sent me back in time to a place I knew in 1973. The latter part of the book takes place in the Los Angeles area that I am unfamiliar with but I suspect it too would ring true to people who were there.
A good read. This was made into a movie, "Maxie" which I never saw as far as I know.
47RBeffa
I read the August 1994 issue in January and now did the July 1994 issue. As I said earlier, I plan to mix in some science fiction/fantasy digests with my reading, as I have been doing in past years.
20. Asimov's Science Fiction: Vol. 18, No. 8 July 1994 edited by Gardner Dozois, finished April 12, 2024, 2 1/2 stars
• Reflections • essay by Robert Silverberg
• The Playroom • poem by Wendy Rathbone
• The Narcissus Plague • short story by Lisa Goldstein (Nominated for Nebula 1996)
• The Doll House • poem by Wendy Rathbone
• The Scream • novelette by Brian Stableford
• Out of the Quiet Years • novelette by G. David Nordley
• Future Past: An Exercise in Horror • poem by Bruce Boston
• Mrs. Lincoln's China • short story by M. Shayne Bell
• The Clown Doll • poem by Wendy Rathbone
• The Man in the Dinosaur Coat • novelette by John Alfred Taylor
• On Wanderer's Day • poem by William John Watkins
• Windrider • short story by Jack McDevitt
• Drink • short story by Mark W. Tiedemann
• The Lovers • Hwarhath • novelette by Eleanor Arnason
• On Books • essay by Paul Di Filippo
Eight stories in this issue, four novelettes and four short stories. Plus poems, illustrations, and essays. Mostly weak or uninteresting stories with some good to excellent ones.
This issue was the first to carry Robert Silverberg's Reflections column in Asimov's and it continues to this day. Thirty years on top of the sixteen or so years preceding in which it had been published in various forms in Galileo and Amazing Stories. A very long run and the columns are invariably very good.
Highlights for me:
The Narcissus Plague was not a bad story but I forgot details from it within a day. You can read it online, however. http://www.infinityplus.co.uk/stories/narc.htm
At the beginning of March I read a short story by Brian Stableford, who had just died, and I thought it dreadful. His novelette here, "The Scream" was much better and I did not see the twist at the end coming. A twist on the Frankenstein story. Glad I read it. There is an in-depth analysis of the story, completely spoilery but interesting, here: https://marzaat.com/2023/06/17/biotech-revolution-the-scream/
This was near the start of G. David Nordley's short story writing career. He's highly regarded but I didn't have an opinion of what to expect when I read this other than his good reputation. I've read a couple of his stories before. Nordley is a hard science fiction writer, and the story caught my interest very quickly. "Out of the Quiet Years" is an exciting rescue set around Jupiter with some surprising twists. I am looking forward to finding more stories by Nordley.
After this, the stories lost my interest and varied from mainstream fiction scifi to fantasy and somewhat didactic and pretentious at that.
The book essay by Di Filippo was very good.
48RBeffa
21. The Planet of Peril by Otis Adelbert Kline, finished April 14, 2024, 1 1/2 stars
This short novel dates to 1929 and I can only describe it as imitation Edgar Rice Burroughs. The whole beginning really put me off. I will admit that there are some sections that I enjoyed but I never got caught up in this.
This short novel dates to 1929 and I can only describe it as imitation Edgar Rice Burroughs. The whole beginning really put me off. I will admit that there are some sections that I enjoyed but I never got caught up in this.
50ReneeMarie
>49 PaulCranswick: Some of my favorite movies are B movies!
51RBeffa
>49 PaulCranswick: >50 ReneeMarie: There are plenty of sword fights and swashbuckling through the jungles of Venus fighting every kind of monster you couldn't even imagine. Plus underground lost cities. A lot of it is fun. But the beginning and end were pretty unbelievable, even though this is pure fantasy, and marred my enjoyment. I called it a short novel but it really wasn't. And some really preposterous things that go way beyond a suspension of disbelief. It was originally a serial over 6 issues in Argosy magazine in 1929. There were two follow-up novels that a friend gave me but I'm not going to follow-up ...
52RBeffa
I've decided this is a good time for me to start on a few war related books. I have a number of WWII books, fiction and non-fiction, that I would like to read this year. I have started with a favorite author, Nevil Shute, and I'm about 50 pages into Pied Piper. This isn't exactly Paul C's war room challenge, but a nod to it. Even though I have some possible choices, most ancient history wars don't have a lot of appeal to me, especially after browsing a couple books. There are always exceptions of course. For now though I'll address some of my WWII TBR's.
53RBeffa
22. Pied Piper by Nevil Shute, finished April 24, 2024, 4 stars
I read my first edition of this 1942 novel. This is regarded as one of Shute's best books. Now I know why. It is a sad, sweet story of an older Englishman, John Howard, (about 70 years old) who rather unwisely takes a fishing holiday to the Jura mountains of France near the French-Swiss border in the Spring of 1940. He tells this story to a friend so we know he survives but it is easy to forget while reading the book. Shortly after his arrival the Germans invade France and the bulk of the book is the story of his traveling across France to try to get to the coast to sail for England. There are some surprises in the story that are quite touching. I took my time reading this story and enjoyed it a lot. The ending was a surprise, one of several. Shute does a very good job with the children that John Howard "collects" as tries to get to England.
I read my first edition of this 1942 novel. This is regarded as one of Shute's best books. Now I know why. It is a sad, sweet story of an older Englishman, John Howard, (about 70 years old) who rather unwisely takes a fishing holiday to the Jura mountains of France near the French-Swiss border in the Spring of 1940. He tells this story to a friend so we know he survives but it is easy to forget while reading the book. Shortly after his arrival the Germans invade France and the bulk of the book is the story of his traveling across France to try to get to the coast to sail for England. There are some surprises in the story that are quite touching. I took my time reading this story and enjoyed it a lot. The ending was a surprise, one of several. Shute does a very good job with the children that John Howard "collects" as tries to get to England.
54laytonwoman3rd
>53 RBeffa: Noting that one...I haven't read much of Shute's work, and it seems I should.
55RBeffa
>54 laytonwoman3rd: It is a very good book. I also note that it was made into a movie twice, the 2nd one being a TV movie with Peter O'Toole in 1989 or 1990. I should have mentioned that the friend the story is told to, although fictitious, seemed to me to be the author. Shute has injected himself as a minor character in another book I read. I left a lot out in my description because I don't want to spoil the story.
I plan to read at least one more Shute novel before too long.
I plan to read at least one more Shute novel before too long.
56RBeffa
I've picked up David Pringle's 1985 book which is titled Science Fiction The 100 Best Novels, An English language Selection 1949-1984. I've heard about this list for a long time but this is the first time I have seen the book which includes essays on each of the selections. I have already read at least a third of the stories. You can see the list here on LT: https://www.librarything.com/award/171/David-Pringles-Best-100-Science-Fiction-N....
So I am giving myself a sort of multi year challenge to read through this book and have a go at reading most of the stories. No list will make everyone happy and there are some novels in the list that I only gave 2 stars at best and a few I really don't think I want to re-read those. There are several novels and authors that seem to be omitted from any list I would make, but there are plenty of novels in this book/list that I heartily approve of.
I'll make a list to keep track at some point, but the first book I will have a stab at is #18 on the list, The Long Tomorrow by Leigh Brackett from 1955. For now I plan to read the essay first for each book before reading (or re-reading) the novel. I don't need convincing to read this particular book as I like the author quite a bit. If I find the essays too spoilery than I may change my strategy. I own or have access to a great % of the books in the list
I will be reading my usual stuff along the way.
57elorin
>56 RBeffa: That sounds like good stuff! I would enjoy that book.
58RBeffa
These are the first 25 books on Pringle's list. There are 7, maybe 8 that I don't remember ever reading. I don't plan on re-reading ones I have read in the last 12 years or so. I am marking those off below. I will be reading all the essays in Pringle's book as I go along, and will certainly read the ones for the books I don't plan to re-read.
1 1984 (1949) by George Orwell
2 Earth Abides (1949) by George R. Stewart
3 The Martian Chronicles (1950) by Ray Bradbury. re-read in 2015 3 1/2 stars, review on LT
4 The Puppet Masters (1951) by Robert A. Heinlein
5 The Day of the Triffids (1951) by John Wyndham. re-read in 2014, 3 1/2 stars, review on LT
6 Limbo (1952) by Bernard Wolfe
7 The Demolished Man (1952) by Alfred Bester
8 Fahrenheit 451 (1953) by Ray Bradbury. re-read in 2023, 4 stars, review on LT
9 Childhood's End (1954) by Arthur C. Clarke Read in 2015, 3 1/2 stars, review on LT
10 The Paradox Men (1953) by Charles L. Harness
11 Bring the Jubilee (1953) by Ward Moore. Read in 2012, 3 1/2 stars, review on LT
12 The Space Merchants (1953) by Frederik Pohl
13 Ring Around the Sun (1953) by Clifford D. Simak, read in 2011, 3 1/2 stars, review on LT
14 More Than Human (1953) by Theodore Sturgeon
15 Mission of Gravity (1953) by Hal Clement read in 2015, 4 stars, review on LT
16 Mirror for Observers (1954) by Edgar Pangborn
17 The End of Eternity (1955) by Isaac Asimov
18 The Long Tomorrow (1955) by Leigh Brackett, read in 2024, 4 stars
19 The Inheritors (1955) by William Golding, read in 2011, 2 stars, review on LT
20 The Stars My Destination (1956) by Alfred Bester
21 The Death of Grass (1956) by John Christopher (thought I read this one about 10 years ago but can't verify so will re-read)
22 The City and the Stars (1956) by Arthur C. Clarke
23 The Door into Summer (1956) by Robert A. Heinlein, read in 2014, 2 stars, review on LT
24 The Midwich Cuckoos (1957) by John Wyndham
25 Non-Stop (1958) by Brian Aldiss
1 1984 (1949) by George Orwell
2 Earth Abides (1949) by George R. Stewart
3 The Martian Chronicles (1950) by Ray Bradbury. re-read in 2015 3 1/2 stars, review on LT
4 The Puppet Masters (1951) by Robert A. Heinlein
5 The Day of the Triffids (1951) by John Wyndham. re-read in 2014, 3 1/2 stars, review on LT
6 Limbo (1952) by Bernard Wolfe
7 The Demolished Man (1952) by Alfred Bester
8 Fahrenheit 451 (1953) by Ray Bradbury. re-read in 2023, 4 stars, review on LT
9 Childhood's End (1954) by Arthur C. Clarke Read in 2015, 3 1/2 stars, review on LT
10 The Paradox Men (1953) by Charles L. Harness
11 Bring the Jubilee (1953) by Ward Moore. Read in 2012, 3 1/2 stars, review on LT
12 The Space Merchants (1953) by Frederik Pohl
13 Ring Around the Sun (1953) by Clifford D. Simak, read in 2011, 3 1/2 stars, review on LT
14 More Than Human (1953) by Theodore Sturgeon
15 Mission of Gravity (1953) by Hal Clement read in 2015, 4 stars, review on LT
16 Mirror for Observers (1954) by Edgar Pangborn
17 The End of Eternity (1955) by Isaac Asimov
18 The Long Tomorrow (1955) by Leigh Brackett, read in 2024, 4 stars
19 The Inheritors (1955) by William Golding, read in 2011, 2 stars, review on LT
20 The Stars My Destination (1956) by Alfred Bester
21 The Death of Grass (1956) by John Christopher (thought I read this one about 10 years ago but can't verify so will re-read)
22 The City and the Stars (1956) by Arthur C. Clarke
23 The Door into Summer (1956) by Robert A. Heinlein, read in 2014, 2 stars, review on LT
24 The Midwich Cuckoos (1957) by John Wyndham
25 Non-Stop (1958) by Brian Aldiss
59RBeffa
>57 elorin: The more I browsed the book the more interested I got in tackling some of these classics. There is also a follow-up book that seems thorough but is going to have to wait for another day ...
60elorin
>59 RBeffa: I have read three or four of them, but I love recommendations for good sci-fi.
61m.belljackson
>58 RBeffa: The Midwich Cuckoos is on my save shelf; love the cover.
62RBeffa
>61 m.belljackson: I think Midwich is the only major work by Wyndham that I haven't read. I'm really surprised that I do not have it catalogued.
63RBeffa
>58 RBeffa: I am about half way through The Long Tomorrow. There are quite a few very good reviews here on LT. Pringle's essay was encouraging. I am of two minds. On the positive side I'd classify the novel as literature. The quality of the writing is remarkable and impressive. The story however is very slow moving (so far anyway) and fits into a small group of post atomic war stories where society rejects progress or has no choice in the matter. Here we have the New Mennonites "flat hats" in Ohio, with various similar sects living off the land without electricity etc etc. They are very repressive in their beliefs. There is a public stoning, to death, of a man suspected of being pro-technology. This happens near the start of the book and leads to what follows in the story when two children witness it. This is kind of a young adult coming of age novel but as I said at the start the quality of the writing is remarkable.
64RBeffa
23. The Long Tomorrow by Leigh Brackett, finished May 6, 2024, 4 stars
This book from 1955 is on a par with the dystopian tales from Margaret Atwood and I am really surprised it is not better known. I read this at a slow pace which worked well for me, as the book goes at a slow pace. It describes a life in Ohio about 75 years after an atomic war that destroyed the cities. What survives is a society who could live off the land, the New Mennonites, and similar sects. But there is also a secret place, rumored anyways, where the old technology knowledge is kept alive. This is almost a young adult novel with the issues it addresses but it is really a finely written piece of literature.
The novel is divided into three books and I think the final book, for me, and maybe the characters themselves, was a bit of a letdown. The novel as a whole is still deserving of 4 stars, and recommended to anyone who reads dystopian fiction.
--
I will continue with my reading of these 100 classic science fiction novels. The Long Tomorrow was number 18 on the list at >58 RBeffa:. The next one I will go for is the first one, 1984 by George Orwell. That will be a re-read (I am pretty sure I have read it twice before, first as a teen and again shortly after the actual 1984.) I will read one or two other novels first.
This book from 1955 is on a par with the dystopian tales from Margaret Atwood and I am really surprised it is not better known. I read this at a slow pace which worked well for me, as the book goes at a slow pace. It describes a life in Ohio about 75 years after an atomic war that destroyed the cities. What survives is a society who could live off the land, the New Mennonites, and similar sects. But there is also a secret place, rumored anyways, where the old technology knowledge is kept alive. This is almost a young adult novel with the issues it addresses but it is really a finely written piece of literature.
The novel is divided into three books and I think the final book, for me, and maybe the characters themselves, was a bit of a letdown. The novel as a whole is still deserving of 4 stars, and recommended to anyone who reads dystopian fiction.
--
I will continue with my reading of these 100 classic science fiction novels. The Long Tomorrow was number 18 on the list at >58 RBeffa:. The next one I will go for is the first one, 1984 by George Orwell. That will be a re-read (I am pretty sure I have read it twice before, first as a teen and again shortly after the actual 1984.) I will read one or two other novels first.
65RBeffa
>56 RBeffa: I am concurrently reading some of the essays in Pringle's book to give me some ideas of what to read this year, plus they are interesting. Pringle is from the UK so he has a slightly different slant to things vs an American perspective, but he is an insightful and enthusiastic reader and writer. The introduction from Michael Moorcock was rather underwhelming but his observation that if you agree with 50% of the selections that is good I went hmmm. I read a lot of Moorcock in my younger years but he always struck me as a fantasy writer, primarily, though he did write some excellent science fiction stories. I think I will agree with at least 50% of the selections, but I do note there are some excellent picks in this book and just a small handful of stories come to mind that I would put in the list that are missing. I do note several books I DNF and at least a few of the selections are actually trilogies where I have already read one or two of the selections.
I have started on a western novel that I am really enjoying. I said to myself this is prime movie material and then realized it had been made into a TV movie long ago.
I have started on a western novel that I am really enjoying. I said to myself this is prime movie material and then realized it had been made into a TV movie long ago.
66RBeffa
24. Conagher by Louis L'Amour, finished May 9, 2024, 4 stars
I think this must be one of Louis L'Amour's best novels. I finished it yesterday but then re-read about a third of it today. There was a familiarity to the story so it is possible that I read it many many years ago, but there is also common themes and situations that occur in L'Amour's westerns, and I think that is what it was. There was a lot of lonesome in the book and I was happy to see that my hope for a happy ending was realized. I just wish we could have spent a little more time with the happy part at the end.
Recommended for western fans and those open to the idea. This is more than a western.
---
Started on George Orwell's 1984, #1 on the Pringle list of classic science fiction. And it is surely a classic.
I think this must be one of Louis L'Amour's best novels. I finished it yesterday but then re-read about a third of it today. There was a familiarity to the story so it is possible that I read it many many years ago, but there is also common themes and situations that occur in L'Amour's westerns, and I think that is what it was. There was a lot of lonesome in the book and I was happy to see that my hope for a happy ending was realized. I just wish we could have spent a little more time with the happy part at the end.
Recommended for western fans and those open to the idea. This is more than a western.
---
Started on George Orwell's 1984, #1 on the Pringle list of classic science fiction. And it is surely a classic.
67lycomayflower
>66 RBeffa: Ooo, I have just recently decided to try some Louis L'Amour. I'm going to add this one to my list. (He has SO MANY that I've been on the lookout for ones that people mark out as particularly good or as favorites. Though I also keep coming across the sentiment online that it's hard to go wrong with him, so.)
68laytonwoman3rd
>66 RBeffa: That title is familiar to me...I think it may have been on one of my family bookshelves many long years ago. You may want to check that touchstone, though...I don't think it goes where you want it to go!
69RBeffa
>68 laytonwoman3rd: What a bizarre touchstone! I misspelled Conagher with 2 n's and away we went! Fixing the spelling fixed the touchstone.
>67 lycomayflower: L'Amour imo can be hit or miss. He is very rarely poor however. My favorite short story collections of his are Yondering, and the Chick Bowdrie story collection that my library had as an ebook. Favorite other novel was Sackett but that is #8 in the Sackett series. Conagher was really good though.
>67 lycomayflower: L'Amour imo can be hit or miss. He is very rarely poor however. My favorite short story collections of his are Yondering, and the Chick Bowdrie story collection that my library had as an ebook. Favorite other novel was Sackett but that is #8 in the Sackett series. Conagher was really good though.
