Alex's Books & ramblings

I can't believe how many threads are up already !!!

Back for more - 'freedom reader' or even more accurately a 'magpie' reader ...ooh nice shiny thing over there i must read.

Be a rare thing If I hit 75-100 books as I have a slight ( sarcastic understatement) podcast problem

All said I do want to read more from my shelves this year ......I know I said this last year, lets see what happens

Slow & Mindful pace where one gets to notice, discuss & enjoy the beauty in life.

Read books

1 -The Do Guide - Leo Babauta
2 - Arcanum
3 - Remains of the Day
4 - Kino - Murakami (http://www.newyorker.com/contributors/haruki-murakami)
5 - The Peripheral
6 - The Changeling
7 - The Bees
8 - Their Lips Talk of Mischief
9 - Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End
10 - The Chimes
11 The Lewis man
12 The Chessmen
13 Station Eleven
14 Rivers of London
15 Zen Habits: Mastering the Art of Change
16 Touch
17 The Beat Goes on: the Complete Rebus Stories
18 The Buried Giant
19 The Water Knife
20 No Harm Can Come to a Good Man
21 Satin Island: A novel
22 Speak: A Novel
23 Barricade
24 Steeple - Jon Wallace (touchstone not coming thru)
25 Wind/Pinball
26 Malice: A Mystery
27 H is for Hawk
28 Trigger warning
29 In the House of the Seven Librarians - Ellen Klages
30 The Serpent - Gamehouse trilogy claire North
31 The Thief - Gamehouse trilogy claire North
32 The Master -Gamehouse trilogy claire North
33 Skin Ilka Tampke
34 slade house
35 Ancillary Mercy

Current podcasts

Incoming:
The Changeling Jenkins
Good omens
Golden Son: Book II of the Red Rising Trilogy

Current reads:
Steeple

Welcome back!

Great to see you "over the other side" already mate. Look forward to keeping up with you again in 2015.

Good luck on your reading goals, Alex! I also hope to make a serious dent in my TBR collection, after failing badly the past two years.

>7 kidzdoc: Lets just see them as general guidelines, then should we wander on another path, its no biggie

>8 roundballnz: Right!

Congrats on the new thread, Alex! I'll try to keep up with you better over here. Hope you have a great reading year.

Good luck!

So while working yesterday I listened to the 2014 Reith lecture series, being Atul Gawande

I definitely want to read/acquire Being Mortal Now, for those who haven't go listen, He is a excellent speaker & definitely gives you pause to think.

Spent a lovely sunny new years day reading Arcanum & snacking .... made good progress despite it being a solid doorstopper

Alex,



Happy New Year from your friend in Kuala Lumpur.

Thanks for being such a frequent and always interesting and supportive poster over at my place in 2014.

Happy New Year, to you Alex and be the force with you.........

Happy New Year, Alex!

Hmmm Found out why my Mac has stopped backing up seems the storage on my Airport base station is full, so delete the history ( which I haven't looked at in an age) or buy a new 3TB Timecapsule/wireless ? won't be long before i need a new Mac Notebook either as its crashing on a semi regular basis ( well its a 2010 model so not a bad run) can see $$$ in my near future.

First Summer/Heat Stroke headache of the Summer yesterday so no reading .... Starting to come right tonight

but watched Adjustment bureau on TV tonight .. great book & not bad movie ....

We really liked the movie of Adjustment Bureau, Alex. Hard to go wrong with Emily Blunt and Matt Damon.

> It is a good portrayal both do an excellent job

Just realised by some luck yesterday was my Thingaversary ... which means 5 books - after last weeks slippages not sure can justify that will see

>22 roundballnz: Happy Thingaversary, Alex - of course you can justify that, it's books after all :)
Wish you a wonderful week!

Happy Thingaversary, Alex!

Happy Thingading!!

Thanks guys .... decisions decisions ....

Happy Thingaversary, Alex! So - what did you buy and where from? I'm sure you have overcome your reluctance by now... it's been a whole 36 hours since post #22!

Happy Belated Thingaversary from me, Alex!

Me, too, Alex. Looking forward to hearing what you picked.

Came across this books for 2015 list - one of the better ones out there I think:

http://www.curiousanimal.com/books-2015/

Work is getting in the way of book buying, maybe tonight !

That is a nice list, Alex. One book that I hadn't seen mentioned elsewhere is The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma, which looks particularly interesting. The recommendation by Eleanor Catton caught my eye as well.

The Fishermen caught my eye as well, that's on my wishlist ....

Excellent podcast with Neel Mukherjee discussing The lives of others & other stuff ( very technical word that stuff)

http://bookbasedbanter.co.uk/youwrotethebook/ywtb-neel-mukherjee/

Been in a bit of a book funk, was doing anything but reading, But seemed to have got out of it

in other news for those who want to read War & Peace - you might want to try this

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04wz7q2/episodes/guide or via iTunes etc

Finished Arcanum bit of a door stopper comes in at 735 pages more like 1000 with the small print.

Good book but not great - Don't usually read Fantasy these days but really Loved Morden's other books

Stopped into Unity Books (Auckland) after visiting the Auckland 175 celebrations in Britomart precinct ... reminded I need to visit more often, there were so many good Books I could have bought .....

Only bought one Wolf in White Van

Started Remains of the day as part of the BAC funny how you can hear in your Head Hopkins playing Stevens as narrator ... not a bad thing either

Came across this blog for those interested in some down-under Crime ....

http://kiwicrime.blogspot.co.nz

Started The Peripheral last night (after a weekend down with stomach bug) .... after few pages knew its going to to be a five star book to savour .... definitely down the rabbit hole type of book though, Gibson back at his best

Oh, I liked The Peripheral, Alex. Nice to have another Gibson fan out there.

Happy Monday, Alex!

I got myself The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August as audiobook with one of my audible credits. I remember that you said that this was a good read.
I am glad to see that you enjoyed The Remains of the Day
I finished Gracefully Grayson and I thought that is a book you possibly would enjoy as well. I absolutely loved that one. Aside from addressing transgender issues it's just so much more and I only can highly recommend it.

Almost 80% right ..... by time the long weekend ( waitangi day) is over should be right - just in time for the busiest time of the year for our team where we get slammed - so am ecstatically happy about the the fact one of our team managed to fail a random Alcohol & drug test & could be off for up to 3 weeks ...@@#! stupid stupid boy ( well man child if we are being honest)

>40 drachenbraut23: Let me know how The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August goes ...I do think you will like, was almost tempted to get Trigger warning in Audio book the other day as a test to see whether I will like them ....

meantime hope my ability to concentrate returns so can read this weekend till then maybe that disc set of latest Dr who series

Just dipped back to have a look here & saw the sate of my unread threads .... No to much. Running away again maybe on the weekend

Might just be able to read tonight .... Maybe not it's almost 10 pm

>42 roundballnz: I have missed you around the threads mate. I thought you were lapping up the start of the Black Caps. Second win was a bit shaky though and our game will be a jockeying for group position.

>43 PaulCranswick: Every English supporter should be worried, without mentioning the team selection etc, there does not seem to be any fight in them, not exactly world cup form.

Black caps look in great form, their superb fielding could get them all the way to the Finals ... Friday's match against ENG should be great, will be intending to escape from work early so can watch it

>44 roundballnz: On form it should be a cake walk but let's see, mate.

>45 PaulCranswick: Well that was embarrassing all out before 35th over & Root was the standout on 46 ..... no fight maybe they need lessons from Scotland & Ireland who are showing grit fight!

New arrivals received this week ( working long hours so only coming up for air today)

City of Saints and Madmen
The Bees: A Novel

Now back to The Peripheral while I have some down time ......

For those based in Auckland - Unity books sale started today - not made it myself

I saw the advt for Unity's sale but not tempted, I got too many books from last year's Whitcoulls clearout.

Wow Alex that was squeaky bum time! Sneaked home by one wicket. Thank heaven for Williamson and McCullum - the only two who can really bat.

Still a win is a win and I am sure you'll now have a great weekend.

Classic ending!

Yep, New Zealand is happy tonight. Even those of us who watch one cricket match every 10 years.

Brilliant game, one we will talk about in years to come ...... was very impressed with the damage the bowlers did

I was ostensibly visiting Unity books to buy a Birthday present for my mum, but ended up with a couple myself, was very restrained as I don't really need more books right now.....

a question of Identity Susan Hill
Black moon Kenneth Calhoun
Best of Young British novelists - B/Day Present

My wish for the week is not to be working another week of 10+ hour days connescutively ..... If I do I may utter something that is career limiting

Thanks to LT found our about new short story from Murakami - "Kino" it really is worth your while to read ....

Link:
http://www.newyorker.com/contributors/haruki-murakami

>56 roundballnz: :-) Well done!

Atul Gawande is coming to Auckland readers/writers Festival .....

http://writersfestival.co.nz/2015/03/world-renowned-surgeon-and-writer-atul-gawa...

What a mensch he is.

A sad day that Terry Pratchett passes from our presence Loved his books, we will be a little less without his genius around

Alex - I enjoyed (if that is the appropriate word) this obituary of Sir Terry by the Guardian.

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/mar/12/terry-pratchett

Have a good weekend mate as the Black Caps tune up for the QFs and the England team prepares to return home in ignominy.

>62 PaulCranswick: Guptil stepped up tonight ..... though NZ Achilles heel against spin was there for all to see

would not like to be anyone on that team .... one wonders if ECB will embrace the changes needed

Despite being a KP fan he is not the answer, even he i think has moved on, his competitive attitude yes..

continuing Pratchett theme - xkcd: http://xkcd.com/1498/

The Peripheral Gibson back to his best, loved it!

Just started The Changeling absolutely wonderful writing

>63 roundballnz: They have to pick a squad for a quick tour (three tests) to the West Indies shortly.

My squad would be:

Cook, Lyth, Root, Trott, Bell, Ballance, Taylor, Ali, Buttler, Billings, Gidman W, Rashid, Wood, Plunkett, Bresnan, Anderson

Broad should be rested as he looks way off. Finn and Morgan of course out.

My team for the first test would be:
Cook, Root, Trott, Ballance, Bell, Ali, Buttler, Gidman, Bresnan, Plunkett and Anderson

Have a great weekend, Alex.

Too many hours over too many weeks/months makes Alex a tired & irritable pain in the butt ..... also means not enough reading as can be seen by my dismal figures of read books this year.

also doing this just covers up the crap resourcing for our area at work ... enough esp as my reward for all those hours was "half a day off" ....

will watch reading challenges but not sure will read them till I get time back .... back to The changeling

small fanboi moment

"***AN EVENING WITH HARUKI MURAKAMI**** ‪#‎AWF15‬ Don't miss out. Murakami's one and only Australasian appearance. Tickets on-sale 9am, 19 March from ticketmaster.co.nz"

Just seen the Auckland writers festival, its a goodie this year, Murakami, Atul Gawande, David Mitchel, Emily St John ... sigh

http://writersfestival.co.nz

Okay you can carry on now, a book nerd mount was needed .....

Yeah, I think it's a great lineup this time. I think the Murakami will sell out pretty fast. Now I have to decide if I'll volunteer this year or just buy tickets to a couple of sessions.

Going by the reaction on Twitter last night, I think Murakami will ... sadly he is on at the same time as Atul Gawande which us a pity, think I will get more out of Gawande event though .... am trying to narrow it down to 6 sessions

I sent my volunteer request in this morning, so will make do with other sessions rather than the star ones.

>69 roundballnz: Wow, that's some lineup, Alex. Are you going? Sounds like you are. They set it up so there's a Gawande/Murakami time conflict? Is that as stupid as it seems, or is there a sensible explanation?

>61 PaulCranswick: Thank you to Paul for posting that link to the TP "obituary". Really well done.

>73 jnwelch: yes I am going, was considering volunteering as well .... Saturday evening is the prime spot, so not surprising, probably a fair assumption, of not being too much cross over.

Been a bit decadent 7 sessions bought for AWF15 ..... bring on May

Station Eleven Emily St John Mandel
The Bone clocks David Mitchel
H is for Hawk Helen MacDonald
The End that Matters - Being Mortal Atul Gawande
Tim Winton
Daniel Mendelsohn
The age of magic Ben Okri

>75 roundballnz: Oh that looks like a good few sessions. I saw that the Murakami and the David Walliams sessions are close to sell out already. I was in the city today and visited both Unity Books and Jason Books - got a few!

H is for Hawk! I'm dying to read that one. Can I come over and read it at your place? Ah, maybe the commute is a problem.

>77 jnwelch: Bit of a commute, but so worth it ......
>76 avatiakh: a few .... sounds more that 4 ?

You know that feeling, when you read the 1st chapter & know you are going to read a stunner - yup - The Bees Laline Paull

Have a wedding tomorrow ( Brides-mate in the wedding party), while I have been excused wearing a tie, I think carrying around a book will be frowned upon :)

Review for H is for Hawk

http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/03/09/rapt

Ok, now I am nail-biting. This cricket is more exciting than people think!!! I am a useless sports fan, just cannot relax. During the rugby world cup final (and I don't even count myself as a rugby fan) I was so nervy I hid behind my book (the Catcher in the Rye) most of the time!

>81 LovingLit: you should be feeling better by now 101/2 11th over .... Doing well - keep it up boys

Cricket log. 10:30pm. Things looking down, as in NOT up.

Whew, I'm glad that game is over.

That was an awesome game ! one of the best ........ keep the faith

Cricket log. The next day. *phew*
That was SO exciting.

The Bees
"Enter a whole new world, in this thrilling debut novel set entirely within a beehive.

Born into the lowest class of her society, Flora 717 is a sanitation bee, only fit to clean her orchard hive. Living to accept, obey and serve, she is prepared to sacrifice everything for her beloved holy mother, the Queen"

Think ""Watership Down with Beeeeees" ....

3/4 through I was like 4.5 stars .... but the last just blew my mind ...

Yup ....

"..The library should contain as much of what you do not know as your financial means, mortgage rates, and the currently tight real-estate market allows you to put there. You will accumulate more knowledge and more books as you grow older, and the growing number of unread books on the shelves will look at you menacingly. Indeed, the more you know, the larger the rows of unread books. Let us call this collection of unread books an anti library...."

.... There is a new David Michell coming Slade House ....

https://www.facebook.com/davidmitchellbooks?fref=photo

>89 roundballnz: Thanks for that heads up, Alex. I suppose I'd better get to The Bone Clocks before Slade House comes out.

Heard a hilarious review/discussion on The Martian this morning, perhaps not for those who love it, have been umming & aahing over this .... sorta confirmed it for me.

Podcast: Hear ..read this

I've just started reading it and am about 40pgs in. Can you post the link?

Here is the link to the main page: http://hearreadthis.com

Thanks.

That was a fun listen, I've sort of had my suspicions from what i've read so far. I'll continue reading but I have itchy fingers to just pick up The Explorer which is on Mt tbr.

I think much of james Smythe Writing is awesome, my favourite is still The Machine will be interested to see what you think....

>87 roundballnz: Watership Down with Beeeeees

Then it must be good, Alex.

Trust you have had a glorious Easter, mate.

Well back to work tomorrow after the long weekend, not much in the way of reading, evening may change that....

Very unexpected surprise at work Yesterday - Prezzy card (prepaid credit)! Nice to be appreciated when you help other parts of the business ... I do think small things like saying 'thanks' are so undervalued in a workplace despite being a very powerful skill.

No guessing What I will be spending it on: Books .... all $250 .... Happy Happy joy Joy!

>99 roundballnz: Ha! How great, Alex. Enjoy joy!

Birthday today my brother got me The Buried Giant ... Will compete nicely for top of TBR

Happy Birthday. I have Buried Giant home from the library right now.

Happy Birthday, Alex! Great gift from your bro. I'll look forward to hearing your reaction to it.

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday for yesterday, Alex! And enjoy the Prezzy card.

Happy belated, Alex. Hope you got some reading in and some other fun times.

Their Lips Talk of Mischief

Alan Warner has a gift greater than the gift of telling a story: he can make what he chooses to tell us seem like a story we were waiting to hear."

very evocative of its time & place, 1980's London.

What's fascinating is the way you find yourself more and more trying to see round the corners, and it becomes less evident who is driving events and their developments - things shift & alter

lots literature discussion for the bibliophile as well .....

Their Lips Talk of Mischief sounds interesting, so I've added it to my Amazon UK wish list.

Thanks all for the Birthday wishes ....

Started Being Mortal today, already kinda wishing had read this in my Dad's last year, would have given me the trigger to at least try & have the discussions with him, was def Yorkshireman & of his time when you didn't talk emotions etc ....

Trying to lay the ground for my Mum, as she is already struggling to manage day to day - i.e. what does it look like when things need t change ( can't cope) & what do you want to happen? Resthome? Move in with me? what does it look like ?

Got Voucher for "Unity Books" for Birthday from Mum today ... one of the best/favourite bookshops in Auckland ...

also now released from buying any books i put on my birthday list :)

>110 roundballnz: I definitely sympathize with trying to help elderly parents. We convinced my mother in law to move close to us - about 1200 miles from where she's lived all her life. For the most part it's gone well since she's still very independent, but I can see a day coming when she won't be able to drive and will need much more day to day care. It's really tough to know the right thing to do.

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End

Words can't express how good this book is ....

>112 roundballnz: Yep.

Autumn definitely arrived, I think shorts will now only be worn outside with leggings underneath now ( i.e. hiking style) .... well maybe

Started To save everything click here - needed something without quite the profound kick of Being Mortal so my mind can can continue to ponder in the background

work is quietening down so can actually get some reading done as well....

Some additions from my Book vouchers etc .... could only find one book I wanted in Bricks & Mortar shop - so online I went .....

The Chimes
Satin Island
H is for Hawk
Touch

>112 roundballnz: Yes!

I think I'm going to ask for H is for Hawk for my birthday. I really want to read that one.

Off down to Tongariro (national park) for some hiking - no camping staying lux in the evenings ... Hoping to get some reading done as well

See you all on the other side

Enjoy your time off. I read The Chimes a few weeks ago.

Have a great time, Alex.

Had an awesome break away at 'Tongariro National park' - here is a FB link for my photos

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.852031178166010.1073741833.10000077406...

The Chimes

"The Chimes is set in a reimagined London, in a world where people cannot form new memories, and the written word has been forbidden and destroyed.

In the absence of both memory and writing is music.

In a world where the past is a mystery, each new day feels the same as the last, and before is blasphony, all appears lost. But Simon Wythern, a young man who arrives in London seeking the truth about what really happened to his parents, discovers he has a gift that could change all of this forever."

Intrigued? I hope so .... You are thrown into a world which resembles ours but is different & for some this make take awhile to adjust, but persevere its well worth it especially once you "get it"

>121 roundballnz: Oooh, adding that one to my wishlist - thanks!

>120 roundballnz: Lovely photos mate but that bridge contraption looks hellishly scary!

>121 roundballnz: Got me with that one!

>120 roundballnz:. Beautiful!

>121 roundballnz:. Very intriguing, Alex. Will go check it out.

>123 PaulCranswick: thought it might scare the engineer in you - here's a bit more history http://www.ohakunecoachroad.co.nz - you might be interested in this as well - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raurimu_Spiral

>125 jnwelch: It very much is! I used to live in the area & the pictures really don't do it justice, was a tad hard to leave esp when it was looking so fine with the snow dusting, funny thing guys at work were more worried about Eruption threat - meh just a little rumbling

I hope you all enjoy The chimes .... share the love this one is worth it

>120 roundballnz: Great photos, Alex!

The Lewis man
"A body is recovered from a peat bog on the Isle of Lewis. The male Caucasian corpse is initially believed by its finders to be over 2000 years old, until they spot the Elvis tattoo on his right arm. The body, it transpires, is not evidence of an ancient ritual killing, but of a murder committed during the latter half of the 20th century."

very atmospheric setting of the Outer Hebrides, A must read for anyone interested in the Scottish Highlands/Islands.

So change is on the Horizon seriously looking at moving (*Back) to Papakura before year end, as anyone in NZ know the Auckland housing market rent or buy is starked raving bonkers ....

One of the benefits of this move will be a train commute so more time to read ! can you see a problem? Nor I

Later

Commuting by train sounds good to me, so does The Lewis Man! I'm currently on a Jo Nesbo binge so lots of sadistic murders, Norwegian style.

> The Lewis man is very definitely good .....

First day of Auckland writers festival, Emily St. John Mandel very good - saw the ques for the free sessions & decided to pass .... more fun tomorrow

>131 roundballnz: Let us know which authors you see at the Auckland Writers Festival, Alex.

Another awesome day at the Auck writers festival .....

David Mitchell
Helen MacDonald
Atul Gawande

David Mitchell and Atul Gawande? Nice!

>134 kidzdoc: Both were very engaging - Feel very lucky ......

Final awesome day at Auck Writers festival brought:

Tim Winton -
Daniel Mendelsohn
Ben Okri

Yep. Atul Gawande is a very engaging and relaxed speaker and conversationalist.

The Auck Writers Festival sounds great, Alex. I would like to hear Mitchell and Gawande some day, for sure.

I just got my hands on The Chimes, so that's in my near future.

>137 kidzdoc: Yes Gawande is very relaxed speaker, sop was Mendelsohn, id you ever get chance ti hear him I would take it ....

>138 jnwelch: One of the benefits living in a small country & grey book festival is you get these opportunities .... I will be very intrigued to see what you think of The Chimes

Observant amongst you will realise I shd be at work, am off sick with my first Bronchitis does of the winter, hoping its the only one ....

Feel better, buddy

Speak: A Novel came across my radar today - looks great - one to add to your radar

here is a taster: http://www.orbitbooks.net/2015/05/15/speak-louisa-hall/

Back in the book/reading groove ( Bronchitis is almost gone) & long weekend to boot ..... YAY!!

Loving Station Eleven

Station Eleven was brilliant & I can see why so many people are raving about it - reading it after seeing Emily St John Mandel at AWF was a good thing ....

Currently reading:
Zen Habits: Mastering the Art of Change picked up via kickstarter just the right time to reacquaint myself - committing to only reading one chapter a day, so i take action rather than just read.

Europe in Autumn

21C here today & its supposed to be winter ??? as expected we have had a rather fun Thunder & Lightening storm this evening .... joys of Auckland!

Mountains!!!!

just the thing we all need after a week stuck doing boring @#$! .....

https://plus.google.com/…/100895…/albums/6153860356815841809

http://ninadickerhof.smugmug.com/…/Lake-Minchin-t…/i-xTTqtFr

Sunday pass thru absolutely loving Rivers of London etc ... only a matter of time till I acquire the others ...

Thanks to whoever got me onto these ...

I have been AWOL from your thread Alex! Moving around in Auckland, the thought fills me with dread. *housing crisis*

Sorry to hear about bronchitis and hoping one bout is all you will be blessed with. And Being Mortal is an unforgettable and super useful book to have. I raved about it too!

Here's hoping I am only 'blessed' one this winter ...... one of the few ailments that don't mix well with reading.

Auckland & housing are two words I try to avoid thinking about - resolved myself some time now that I will be part of Generation rent .... just want to live in a part of Auckland where the obscenely wealthy don't impact my life ... I may be asking too much!

Glad to hear that you're enjoying Rivers of London, Alex. Hopefully I'll get to it later this year.

Oh yes, I also love the Rivers of London series, replied to you on my thread.
I've read some awful stories in the media about renting in Auckland of late. I read somewhere that the 'value' of a house in Auckland goes up a $1000 a week or something at present, the reporter was saying that a house was earning more than the average worker did.

>149 avatiakh: Sounds about right, heard today House values ( & Houses are selling above those) have increased 16-18% this year .... so yes Auckland houses earn more that I do in a Year! :)

Psssht. So much for the market regulating itself.
Renting for life I like the notion of....apart from that you are at the whim of the owners. And here in chch with the housing shortage, rents just kept going up and up. Our mortgage payments are half of what our neighbours pay in rent!

Hmmm so loved Rivers of London will be ordering the others in the series I think ..... was kinda hoping The Water knife would have arrived but no ..... so what to read ??? .....

What about NZ writer David Hair's Moontide Quartet?

>152 roundballnz: Read some Anthony Burgess, Alex. Usually pretty good fun and he is one of my BAC authors in June.

Thought it was about time I made a concerted effort to get round some of my best pals and say a little thank you for dropping by my thread whilst I have been off struggling to have life catch up with me a little.

Thanks for the temptations ..... Decided to go with Touch

Books Finished this week:
Rivers of London
Zen Habits: Mastering the Art of Change

Just read about Touch on Heather's thread. Good choice by the sounds of it. I'll probably be going with the David Hair book soon as just looking it up to mention it to you made me all keen as once again.

Loving Touch by ClaireNorth absolutely brilliant - even better than The first fifteen lives of Harry August - did not think I would say that ... Get yourself a copy

Locus awards ben announced - some good books in there - will comment later .....

http://io9.com/the-winners-of-the-2015-locus-awards-have-been-announce-171442336...

Decent selections...

Reading has been a bit out of sorts, currently reading a Fav author of mine Ian Rankin, now normally would devour his stuff, but .... been a struggle as its short stories, nothing wrong with the stories ... guess I need the full "down the rabbit hole experience" - if anyone sees me buying or thinking about short stories again please STOP ME

Thanks .... normal service will continue when I finish the book.....

Tour de France has started .... looks like it will be a great one going by the course, suspect it will make them come out to play again this year

2015 Ngaio Marsh award shortlist:

http://kiwicrime.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/the-famous-five-2015-ngaio-marsh-award.h...

I haven't fallen for the Rankin short story collection. I'm also one to tread carefully with that genre. Hope you resume normal service soon or at least after the bike race.

I should read another Paul Cleave, I really liked The Cleaner.

Hi Alex,
Hope the out of sorts reading is improving. I have decided to battle on with / restart The Human Stain. I am back in, but begrudgingly :)

>163 LovingLit: I begrudgeonly finished the book, not rating it as above the stories themselves are fine, no doubt would have enjoyed them thoroughly, if i had come across them with time in between ... just not a book.

So if anybody sees me contemplating reading never mind buying short story collection - stop me - even if that means knocking me out with a thor-like hammer :)

Now onto The buried giant which is right up my street .....

Just back from a nice 10K walk - still in shorts despite it being 4C ... its how I roll - now for some reading

Loved The Buried Giant ... can see why its not for everyone, especially genre purists

as said by another ..."The themes here, hover under the surface but it is a story about the power of memory and the value of forgetfulness. What we repress and what we cherish."

I seem to keep picking up books this year with memory as a underlying theme ....

TDF is finished for another year ( with the exception of the show stage to paris) been a great one - so will be back to visiting everyones threads again soon ...

my sabbatical year away from the gym has also finished - hopefully won't impact reading & acquisitions too much

started The water knife looks to be another great one ....

Jury service today, which as we all know is a great opportunity to read .....

Quote of the book:
"If I could my finger on the moment we genuinely fucked ourselves, it was the moment we decided that data was something you could use worlds like believe or disbelieve around"

Jury service! Woah. So you are in one? Or hanging about for selection? Good luck that if you do get in you get an ok case. :/

I have not seen the inside of a courtroom yet, plenty of hanging around - i.e. reading time :)

Love love love The water knife .....

Jury service continues - going for a record 4th day without seeing a courtroom .....

My manger messaged me today & advised not to come in if get released early, system issues seems someone has imported a rather nasty virus into our billing platform (Yes i know it shd not be possible, someone will have egg on their face at the end of this! ...I miss all the fun!) ... need less to say had heard from several sources before I got the message :)

My company is ever so slightly obsessed with H&S (understatement of the year) ... so got a call later with him all pent up because he couldn't find my logged 'safety observations' ... senior management on search &destroy mission - really ?? that could not wait till Friday or Monday?! .... world has gone mad

Calming hot lemon muffins & a more reading I thinks

Have now started No harm can come to a good man ... only taken me a year to pick this up & read it!

Yikes. It's a sad state of affairs when serving jury duty is preferable to being at work.

Well done on your shout out for The Chimes. Now that it's been chosen for this year's Booker Prize longlist it will certainly garner the attention that you hoped that it would.

Success 4 days straight of Jury service .... no courtroom for me - but I am over it my brain is bored out of its skull!

>171 kidzdoc: yes it is sad - trying to maneuver myself & responsibilities into a different structure which will benefit me & the company ..... these things take time

I was so happy when i saw The chimes made the list ! now one can hope people stop thinking its sci-fi/fantasy just because its a dystopian/future story .... we didn't say that about Station eleven

just dropping in a link below to some of the conversations etc from Auckland Writers festival - some of them are now on the Booker List :)

http://writersfestival.co.nz/category/podcasts/

>172 roundballnz: Oof. It sounds like you would have been better off being chosen for a jury than sitting around for four days. Whenever I've had jury duty I only had to serve for one day, and lately I've been called off and hadn't needed to appear at the courthouse in downtown Atlanta. (I think I just jinxed myself.)

I hope the remainder of your work week is less painful than jury duty was (let's see, it's Thursday night there, right?).

I'm looking forward to reading The Chimes, thanks to positive comments from you and Kerry.

>173 roundballnz: Thanks for posting the link to those podcasts. I'll check them out when I visit my parents next month, as I'll have plenty of free time then.

Our area moved to a new system a few years ago, one and done. The downside is that if you don't get sworn into a jury, you can be called every year. But if you do, you are exempt for 3 years. I just used that--I was called for this last Tuesday but was on a jury in Jan. 2014 so got excused. I always take lots of books and handcrafts and hope for a day in the jury lounge, although lately I haven't gotten that. Sorry yours was so tedious.

No Harm Can Come to a Good Man

slow burn thriller with a sic-fi edge with James Smythe's claustrophobic thing going on

Brilliant read

Loving Satin island ......

Good to be back at work, break away does make me realise I need something more or different, in meantime life is to lived so focus on life outside of work.

Just leaving this link here - some good books might have missed first time around

http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/jul/28/whats-your-favourite-book...

Just picked up The watchmaker of Filigree Street from the library, thought it might appeal to you.

Will check out that link in #178

>179 avatiakh: - That looks very appealing to say the least ..... Thanks!

Satin island started struggling with it , so left it to one side a few days, kinda hit the exhaustion wall as well ... that said back in the saddle but I don't thing this book will be for everyone, in fact some may want to throw it across the room as complete twaddle ..... enough said don't say i did not warn you.

Uh oh. I suspect that I'll be in the "complete twaddle" category...

spot on RNZ reminded me about this crime blog .... leaving here for myself & anyone else

http://kiwicrime.blogspot.co.nz

>182 kidzdoc: That will depend ......

>183 roundballnz: True. However, I found C, Tom McCarthy's previous book, to be a painful and maddening read, and when I saw that his latest book was chosen for this year's Booker Prize longlist I was somewhat disappointed. I'll try to keep an open mind when (or if) I read Satin Island, but I'll be surprised if I like it.

>184 kidzdoc: I would wait for the shortlist before considering reading it ..... His books are very much in the 'hard work ... but down the line worth it' category for some that light is not bright enough

Now onto good things, just realised because I have not taken much annual leave this year, I shd have 4 weeks in the bank by Xmas ... which means i need to have arranged to take holidays by November to avoid being forced to take it when ** shudder summer school holidays** are in full mode.

So a 4 week bucket type list hiking holiday in NZ or back to the UK/Europe for 4 weeks .... decisions!

>185 roundballnz: I would like to make this year the first one in which I've read the entire longlist in advance of the prize ceremony, which will be on October 13 this year. Fortunately Satin Island is relatively short, just over 200 pages I think, so I can at least skim through it if I find that it doesn't grab me by the first 50 pages or so. If it makes the shortlist I'll read it sooner, and give it closer attention.

I don't think I'm smart (or possibly brain damaged) enough to understand books by Tom McCarthy and Will Self. I wanted to like Umbrella, and I recognize that it was beautifully written, but I was frequently lost while reading it.

Hurray for lots of vacation! I can't think of a better 'dilemma' than trying to figure out how to spend gobs of time off from work.

>186 kidzdoc: actually that is very good comparison Tom Mccarthy & Will Self both are hard work & often some time later you sense the brilliance ..... books that tick away in the nether regions of your head

I think it helps if you love data ......

I think I see Edinburgh in my future next year

>187 roundballnz: I do want to give Umbrella another go in the future, but it will require a quiet few days of from work with no distractions. I like data in limited amounts, but after a while listening to or reading it reminds me of Charlie Brown's painfully boring teacher in Peanuts (wuh wah wuh wah wuh wah).

Edinburgh in 2016 sounds good!

>187 roundballnz: books that tick away in the nether regions of your head
Great description! Those ones are great ones to have read (already). They linger pleasantly.

Vague Holiday plans so far - really all I can do for now - as too far ahead to book :)

Edinburgh
Take a rabbies tour - all the way to Orkney this time
2 days Leeds/york & visit my cousin
1 week London ....

>188 kidzdoc: these are books that you need plenty of head space to read .....
>189 LovingLit: - Thanks - they are the best ......

>190 roundballnz: Nice holiday plans? Any idea when you'll go?

>191 kidzdoc: I am thinking Aug/Sep 2016 ....

Guardian first book long list is out : http://www.theguardian.com/books/gallery/2015/aug/14/guardian-first-book-award-2...

>192 roundballnz: Nice! Hopefully we can meet up again in London next year.

Ok so finished Satin island is completed will let it dwell in the nether regions of my brain - preferably without entering my dream space - dreaming of data & connections is not restful ..... even for a data geek like me

Started Speak: a novel I could easily stop the world just to I could sink into this - been described as a mix of David Mitchell & Margaret Atwood

"A complex, nuanced, and beautifully written meditation on language, immortality, the nature of memory, the ethical problems of artificial intelligence, and what it means to be human"

interested ??? I hope so

Oh my. Speak: A Novel looks great, Alex. I need to get through some commitment reads and track it down.

I thought it might be your type of thing .......

Yes, Speak: A Novel does look good. Will avoid Satin Island.

>196 roundballnz: We just watched the movie Ex Machina, featuring an AI, and it's one you might like.

Ex Machina looks very inciting, somehow missed it when it came round - will have to try get DVD when it pops up later this year ..... looks to be out in November - Thanks

Speak: A Novel is finished, is absolutely brilliant, will write later once thoughts have sat ( & headache has been deported)

Oh good. Glad to hear it, Alex. Looking forward to getting to that one.

Reading Barricade Nice & gritty, think Equations of life - Petrovich trilogy ...... very good but not for the faint hearted

Came down with one of my clusterfuck headaches on the weekend, 4 days of fun ....lets hope it was just a celebration of spring & not a sign of things to come, I have walking/hiking to do this spring!

How's the fitbit? My sis just got one and she can't stop checking her pulse! Apparently she wakes up on the morning and her husband asks how she slept...she says wait! And she checks her watch to find out :)

While I am probably not quite like your sis, it does show the stats about how bad my sleep actually is. This was a known fact but seeing it on a graph was a little disturbing :)

Did not think would like it, but like the way I can't cheat, it keeps me accountable movement wise ....

Having received the large print version of wind/pinball could not bring myself to accept i needed large print & as am a bit of a fan boy decided to treat myself to the hardcover version ... no doubt it will stay in my library for a lifetime anyway .... well that's my story & am sticking to it!

on that subject if you know anyone who would love the large print let me know - willing to post etc

was a sublime early spring day what a way to spend an afternoon off work but by buying a book :)

also acquired couple of Kindle books this morning:

A Brief History of Seven Killings thanks to Darryl's recommendation - also priced down on Kindle currently ....

The watchmaker of Filigree Street

Finished Barricade today -loved it myself definitely for those who like their SF - post- apocalypse to be gritty

"Kenstibec was genetically engineered to build a new world, but the apocalypse forced a career change. These days he drives a taxi instead. A fast-paced, droll, and disturbing novel, Barricade is a savage road trip across the dystopian landscape of post- apocalypse Britain; narrated by the cold-blooded yet magnetic antihero, Kenstibec. Kenstibec is a member of the "Ficial" race, a breed of merciless super-humans. Their war on humanity has left Britain a wasteland, where Ficials hide in barricaded cities, besieged by tribes of human survivors. Originally optimized for construction, Kenstibec earns his keep as a taxi driver, running any Ficial who will pay from one surrounded city to another. The trips are always eventful, but this will be his toughest yet. His fare is a narcissistic journalist who's touchy about her luggage. His human guide is constantly plotting to kill him. And that's just the start of his troubles. On his journey he encounters 10-foot killer rats, a mutant King with a TV fixation, a drug-crazed army, and even the creator of the Ficial race. He also finds time to uncover a terrible plot to destroy his species for good—and humanity, too"

Other tasters from the interweb ....

"The British sense of humour, and lending even the ficials in his story a comic sense of dread means this book couldn't be set anywhere else."

"You just can’t beat an antihero can you? They’re just so much more interesting than your heroic sorts. It’s difficult not to get caught up with their roguish charms – flawed, self-centred and more often than not, utter bastards to boot. The main character in this novel certainly falls into more than one of those categories, on more than one occasion. I certainly expect that Kenstibec is going to prompt debate, readers will either love him or loathe him. He’s likely to be a divisive protagonist for many, and he’ll split opinion right down the middle. To some this artificial antihero will be a complete anathema, nothing but a soulless killing machine, while others will find his sardonic attitude a joy. Personally, I fall into the latter group. I’ll admit I wasn’t sure to begin with, but I warmed to Kenstibec the further I read. It helps that Wallace injects some drier than dry comic moments into Kenstibec’s travels, and these little gems help to subtly humanise the inhuman"

Hope that intrigues you all .... me I am grabbing the "Steeple" to read straight away ( some reason touchstone is not working right now)

Hmmm Not much progress on my book, most of my spare time this week has been spent prating my C.V & applying for new job ( cross my fingers I get the one I really want) .... time to move on

Application button will get pushed tomorrow .... then can read some more

Good luck with your application, pushing that button can be hard ;) I feel the same way with submitting an essay for marking online...there's no going back once you've pressed enter!

Thanks - I think that reluctance is also about really wanting something ....

Well I finished Steeple ( also by Jon Wallace ) follows on from Barricade - am loving this roller coaster ride .......

Now for some Murakami maybe ?

Listened to an hilarious podcast today - (see my FB link you u are there) convo with the Authors A Short History of Stupid ... made definitely want to the book - but also a great way to laugh the day away at work ... that can't be a bad thing can it ?? well am sure its against all the laws, but laws are there to be broken :)

Loved Wind/pinball .....

Murakami has to be on the shortlist this year for the Nobel Prize - if they did one that is.

Six contenders : Murakami, Adunis, Ngugi Wa Thiong'o, Kundera, Trevor, Oates ??

Enjoy what little is left of your weekend, mate.

Thanks for the visit Paul, will be interesting to see if there is a Nobel lit prize this year ...... intereting short list up there ....

just started Malice A Mystery Keigo Higashino - Have you read this or any of his other books? might just be your type of thing ? ...

Oh Malice: a mystery sounds really good.

Okay so I loved Malice A Mystery word to the wise while its only been translated into English in late 2014, it was originally written in 1996 so has some tech quirks like faxes, but does not takeaway from being a great book.

Kinda like Japanese crime, what I have read so far, tend to have an different angle ...

Now are we allowed to Mention Rugby world cup here ? absolute blinder played by Japan this morning to beat South Africa .... that will spin some heads

H is for Hawk is sublime I should have left it so long to open .......

If you fancy a read of a NZ Author:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&object...

Decided to dip my toes into audiobooks .... signed up for the trial on Audible & got JS&MN

Maybe its our quirky internet down under but does not appear in the App, so am now downloading to import into iTunes .... thought things were supposed to be easy :P

They are Alex. I always download into iTunes and than stuff everything onto my iPod.
What's JS&MN?
I hope you will enjoy your audible try, I am with them already for 6/7 years.
I got Neuromancer last week.

>221 drachenbraut23: Okay so downloading to iTunes works well than, good to hear! sorry My bad JS&MN = Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

I also download audiobooks to iTunes for transfer to my iPod, and have the audible app on my android phone, that works too though I don't use it much.

You should also try Auckland Libraries digital, they have Overdrive and Borrowbox, both of which have great audio selections (also lots of e-books) and the downloading is relatively straightforward once you have got all the software sorted. Once you've got the books transfered to your iPod or iTunes the expiry date is no longer a problem, I delete as I listen which can be many months after I 'borrowed' them. I've only gone back to audible for a short stay in order to snag a few audiobooks that I can't get otherwise.
http://www.aucklandcitylibraries.com/DigitalLibrary.aspx?lang=en-NZ

>219 roundballnz: Well at least I've read 8 of the top 10 and intend to get to the Shadbolt eventually, it's part of a trilogy I started this year. Rewatched Sleeping Dogs a couple of months ago and thought at the time that I must get round to reading Smith's Dream.

>221 drachenbraut23: & >223 avatiakh: Thanks for the tip on downloading to iTunes worked a treat & have spent a good part of my weekend listening to Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell & can now see the attraction of Audible & Audiobooks .....

Will try the others, just need to see if my Library membership is still valid, Central library is the easiest one for me to get to, last time I visited was shocked at how few physical books were there ... more a community hub now ( that is not a bad thing, just different)

Right now probably need to go get a long walk in the see if can get my back right, well enough to manage another week of desk work. stopped standing-desk so much last couple weeks, due to my declining feet, I have my Dad's feet lucky soul that I am ....

That in itself made me rethink my holidays next year, want to get the Great NZ walks in sooner than later just in case my feet won't play later ....

Great that you have discovered the joys of audio! You'll find certain narrators are great, i'm a fan of John Lee, he's done lots of space opera.
go online, Alex, and use the library website. You can request books for free and just go in to the library branch when they're ready for pick up.

Brilliant Alex! May I ask who is narrating your book? The uk version is narrated by Simon ?Prebble and sounds a bit tinni.
I just love my audios and wouldn't know what to do without them.

>227 drachenbraut23: sounds like its the same version, but mine doesn't sound tinni (I don'y think) - I think you could say I have caught the bug ....

If you are Auckland might be worth having a gander at http://nzbookfestival.co.nz over the weekend

& http://www.waihekewalkingfestival.org have a literary walk ....

Just finished Malice: a mystery, thanks for the rec I enjoyed it.

>229 avatiakh: excellent ....

Finished H is for Hawk yesterday, kicking my self for leaving it on my shelf for so long .... definitely wow book, more so if you enjoy the outdoors

Hi Alex! I haven't read H is for Hawk yet - I'll keep my eyes open at the library.

Which walks are you thinking about doing? I have just done one - Queen Charlotte track with a school group last year. It was stunning, and also pretty full on!

>231 cushlareads: Booked to do Greenstone valley & Routeburn in mid November thru Ultimate hikes 6 days & I can't wait ... Have another one booked for April.

**** Those not in NZ - this Youtube link will give you an idea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIKSJYuyZ10 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb9TK3DYXAM

I Have a 5am ferry to catch tomorrow morning - going over to Tiri tiri Matangi - dawn chorus/walking etc ...

Back of my head have a thing abt doing the 9 Great walks - love being up Alpine levels, despite my asthma but Queen charlotte is still on the list ...

>232 roundballnz: That looks fantastic Alex even though it looks a bit taxing too.

My Nobel shortlist was, as usual, way off the mark. Belarus brings home the bacon so to speak. Checked at my bookstore and of course they had never heard of her. Ordered her book on Chernobyl and will have to wait three weeks apparently.

Have a great weekend, buddy.

> 233 effort will be well worth the end result & those view s to die for .... really wish i lived up in the hills even if that did mean getting a licence/vehicle ....

Don't think the winner was on anyones short list, must see if can acquire the Chernobyl book ...

*** Rugby***
So All Blacks vs France - wonder if Barnes will be referee - that would be hilarious

Reading The Old ways in between listening to Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

Think we can now consider me hooked on audio books - great way to spend the day while doing mind numbing work (everyone thinks its music .... little do they know) ...

Finished jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell & did feel it was one of those books that really did suit audio books ... so next one ???

Peter F Hamilton, Neal Stephenson & Alastair Reynolds are great on audio. Other notable listens have been To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis, The Count of Monte Cristo, Life by Keith Richards, Trainspotting, Stonemouth, Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore.

>236 avatiakh: Peter F Hamilton will be perfect, thanks for the reminder ....

Good choice, I'm a big fan of his books.

Loving Trigger warning rather surprising as it is short stories, which have not always been my friend ... but this is good ....

small book splurge:
Ancillary Mercy
A Strangeness in My Mind
Even Dogs in the Wild
The Year of the Runaways
A Brief History of Seven Killings

Good to hear about Trigger Warning, Alex. Nice splurge haul. I need to get to the last two Ann Leckie books, and A Brief History of Seven Killings.

The latest NZ Listener reviews some speculative fiction including David Mitchell's latest Slade House, but what looks to be even more interesting is Michael Moorcock's The whispering swarm. Have you read Moorcock?

Trigger warning

fascinating mix of stories, loved them all, and would be hard pressed to choose a favorite but "Black Dog" was a great story to end with .... That intro is right up there as well :)

>241 avatiakh: Not heard of Michael Moorcock but does look very intriguing .... my copy of Slade house is travelling thanks to the brilliant BD

Happy Saturday, Alex! I have Trigger Warning saved on audio. I am glad you enjoyed it. If I can find it in time, I might listen to Coraline, before the end of the month.

I hope you enjoy Slade House as much as I did. What a gem.

I have Seven Killings, in both print and audio. Hope to get to it, early next month.

Wishing you a great weekend Alex - hopefully you will be wallowing in your Booker related splurge and in an All-Black win.

Alex - Railhead is the daily deal at BD. 34% off

>245 avatiakh: Bugger missed it ..... though I am trying not to buy too many new books - not sure how long that will last with me .... Kea/magpie ... shiny things appeal too much - well that & maybe a touch of hyperactivity

minor fan boy moment last night Slade house has arrived so see that in my weekend soon ..... But I do need to finish Three moments of an explosion despite being short stories finding myself rather enthralled

Lots of reading this weekend then to make up for last week - been in a allergy attack induced fog ... but back to myself now .... all good!

I count myself very lucky to not have allergeis, glad you are out of it now

Enjoy the reading weekend, Alex. Looking forward to hearing your reactions when you polish off Three Moments, and Slade House, too.

Work has been crazy this week, been working thru all breaks etc so not much reading done, much to my annoyance .... never mind have the flat to myself this weekend so in between pre-packing for my trip away ( because you know the next week will be a repeat ..... despite what you want!) hope to get those books read :)

of course i have recently acquired DVD of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell + Ex Machina - but am thinking post trip feet up for those

little clip to make you jealous or confirm my madness

https://vimeo.com/145350372

Have a great weekend after a busy week, Alex, whether your feet are up or down.

Three moments of an explosion Love this & was enthralled, as you expect with Mieville the stories are meant to unsettle, but some of the middle/latter ones are a tad impenetrable .... though when he is good he is brilliant ... so if you like/love speculative fiction add this to your ever increasing TBR

Hope you've managed a few pages this weekend, Alex. That tramp looks amazing, I hope the weather is great next week.

I have just started Claire North's latest outing 3 novellas The Serpent: Gameshouse Novella 1 The Thief: Gameshouse Novella 2 The Master: Gameshouse Novella 3 ... think under audiobook they are just under "The Gameshouse"

Only started but very readable & you fall down the rabbit hole .... just the thing I needed

Here is a taster:
"In 17th Century Venice exists a mysterious establishment known only as the Gameshouse.

There, fortunes are made and fortunes are broken over games of chess, backgammon and every other game under the sun.

But those whom fortune favours may be invited to compete in the higher league . . . a league where the games played are of politics and empires, of economics and kings. It is a league where Capture the Castle involves real castles, where hide and seek takes place on a scale as big as the British Isles.

Not everyone proves worthy of competing in the higher league. But one woman, who is about to play, may just exceed everyone's expectations.

Though she must always remember: the higher the stakes, the more deadly the rules . . ."

>252 avatiakh: You will be glad to know I have downloaded Great North road Peter F Hamilton audiobook for this month backup listening just in case :)

I really liked Great North Road, so hope it works for you too. I've got Railhead home from the library and will be getting into it once I finish a thousand nights.

Adding Three Moments of an Explosion, Alex, thanks for the trailblazing. Did you ever read his Kraken? That's the only one of his that's disappointed me so far, although I'm not a big fan of the lower-age-pitched Un Lun Dun.

Funny you should say that Kraken has sat on my shelves un-read for some time ... I will get to it Just a matter of when

>257 roundballnz: For completists, for sure. It does have its moments.

>256 jnwelch: & >257 roundballnz: I read his debut King Rat this year for the BAC and thought it was ok without being fantastic. Certainly showed promise though and I will read more of his stuff, despite it not really being "my" genre.

Have a great weekend, Alex.

Alex, I enjoyed Railhead and launched into Way down dark which is the first in a YA trilogy by James Smythe. I did some sleuthing to be sure and it is the James Smythe that you keep recommending. Anyway it's a bit brutal and engrossing, I'll be finishing it today. Both books are definitely YA territory.

Delurking to say I've also been enjoying Claire North's Gameshouse Novellas.

Hi Alex. Still down south? Hope you're having a great time!!

Hi all, just back this afternoon, there are no superlatives for the experience, lets just say it was beyond awesome ..... couple of pics up on FB ( more to come later)

>261 souloftherose: good stuff not just me then - I just finished the final one today on the plane home ...

If anyone is interested here some photos from my trip away ....

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.940509245984869.1073741834.10000077406... (settings public for now so you don't need FB)

Wow. Just wow. That is a beautiful place!

>265 drneutron: It is stunning, its even 100 times better than my photos in person

So reading Skin stunning novel ....

So just finished Skin Ilka Tampke - right now I would go so far as to say its the best book I have read this year ... maybe its just post-book euphoria ??? either way its a brilliant book

Happy Saturday, Alex! I was following your adventures on FB. WOW! Absolutely gorgeous!

My only question is: Where was my invite??

Mark, let me know if you ever make it down here ..... am sure Meagan & I will have plenty of ideas for you:)

Fallen into multi reading by accident again ......

currently reading:
slade house
Great North road - Audio
Red Rising

Ooh, I LOVED Slade House. I hope you do too!

Happy Saturday Morning everyone, from a glorious if somewhat ( read very) humid down under ....

busy week so not much reading - now to find a cool spot to slide down the rabbit hole that is slade house

Mark tis VERY GOOD ....

btw if spec fiction is your thing am hearing great things abt this ....

http://scifiportal.eu/scandinavian-speculative-fiction-writers-leena-krohn-and-k...

Is that you I see before me Alex, prepared for Yonder Rabbit Hole?



Have a great weekend, mate.

Its after 11pm & I have just come back ..... do think I would be the mad hatter if i had a choice of body ? or maybe the cat ?

Slade house is brilliant !! even more so if you have read The bone clocks so near to perfection ....

Good to hear that Slade House is a winner, Alex. I'll have to make room for The Bone Clocks next year.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee! 3 excellent books from my "75 Books Santa" just the thing for Friday afternoon ....

those of you who love short stories may want to check this out as well ....

http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Penguin-Book-of-the-British-Short-Story-I-I-Ph...

http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Penguin-Book-of-the-British-Short-Story-II-II-...

>267 roundballnz: Skin has gone on my library list.

Bookish Christmas/holiday wishes!

^And may your New Year be filled with books and bookish friends!

For my Christmas/Hanukkah/Solstice/Holiday image this year (we are so diverse!), I've chosen this photograph by local photographer Mark Lenoce of the pier at Pacific Beach to express my holiday wishes to you: Peace on Earth and Good Will toward All!

Just picked up a speculative fiction e-book bundle ..... if spec fiction is your thing you may want to check it out ...

https://storybundle.com/fiction

Xmas eve here down under .....

Seasons greetings whatever you celebrate enjoy - smell the roses , slow down, enjoy your time with yours

(sorry no pc one day will work out the LT thing)

Alex

Have a lovely holiday mate

>282 PaulCranswick: Love it!

Merry Christmas, Alex!

chocolate, bookmarks & vouchers for UnityBooks & @timeoutbooksnz - perfection

Hope you are getting some reading done. We're having another peaceful day.

Ancillary Mercy just finished brilliant, if the second book had you wavering, go read this you will not be disappointed ....

Oooh, I just finished book 1, will need to see about reading bk 2 & 3 together early next year.

It's very good space opera - pushes those questions 3rd book even more so - no spoilers - will be interested to see what you think

Totally agree re Ancillary Mercy, Alex. Great wrapup of the trilogy.

Hope you've been having a good holiday break.

Talking of space opera, if you are a fan of Iain Banks culture series .... might be interested in ancestral machines from the sample chapter looks very good ....

http://www.orbitbooks.net/excerpt/ancestral-machines/

enjoying last few days off work before I must go back .... what better way with comfort reads Even dogs in the wild can't go past Rankin

not complaining abt lack of summer break though, have another walking trip in April :)

Received late Xmas present yesterday On the move a life Oliver Sacks ..... nice surprise most don't buy me books ....

Mulling over my favourite books for 2015 ..... will post soon

last book for 2015 ....

Even Dogs in the Wild - Sublime Rebus, one of the best , if not his best ....Rankin

>293 roundballnz: I thought it was pretty good as well. I'm still at work on my last read for the year, another 60pgs to go.

Happy New Year!!

Idly picked up The ladies of Grace Adieu has all the signs of being brilliant ....

Been good to myself spent last 2 days lazing around reading whose to say NYE won't be same ..

All the best for New year everyone ...

Have a wonderful bookfilled 2016, Alex.

May we all make the best of what 2016 brings us .....

2016 is up & running ..... bit sparse but will be filled up soon

https://www.librarything.com/topic/209665#