1gilroy
No change in reading goals again this year. Two books cross the year (again. sigh.) Hopefully, the year will be better which means more reading.
Each book will have an initial post when I start it, then will receive a bulk update of notes from when I finish it. I'm a slow reader, so you'll have to forgive me updating backdated posts. The notes also will go into the reviews. If books cross months, they don't get a new post for the new month, but they also don't get counted until finished.
At the end of the year, I'll do a final goal count post as well as my annual book poll. That poll will also be posted in the new thread.
The hopeful goals:
Total books to read: 45 -- 30 audio, 9 physical, 6 e-books
(Count as of January 1 - 0 audio, 0 physical, 0 e-books)
The current reads:
Audio - 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Physical book - The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher
E-book -
(Kindle) Why we make mistakes by Joseph Hallinan
(Google Books) Stronger than Magic by Melinda VanLone
Each book will have an initial post when I start it, then will receive a bulk update of notes from when I finish it. I'm a slow reader, so you'll have to forgive me updating backdated posts. The notes also will go into the reviews. If books cross months, they don't get a new post for the new month, but they also don't get counted until finished.
At the end of the year, I'll do a final goal count post as well as my annual book poll. That poll will also be posted in the new thread.
The hopeful goals:
Total books to read: 45 -- 30 audio, 9 physical, 6 e-books
(Count as of January 1 - 0 audio, 0 physical, 0 e-books)
The current reads:
Audio - 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Physical book - The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher
E-book -
(Kindle) Why we make mistakes by Joseph Hallinan
(Google Books) Stronger than Magic by Melinda VanLone
2gilroy
Dud books - Books I've attempted and gave up on
(Also known as Pearl Rule books)
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
How to write for the new age market by Richard Webster
Range of Ghosts by Elizabeth Bear
Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie
Note on how I designate a dud book:
Unless the book is so horrid of prose/story/cliché that I can't get past the first few pages, I feel the need to give the author at least 50 pages or a quarter of the book, which ever I can make. This allows for initial bad openings and characters to grow enough. At that point, if I continue to struggle and can't get into the book, I'm done and it becomes a dud. At least that's the plan.
(Also known as Pearl Rule books)
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
How to write for the new age market by Richard Webster
Range of Ghosts by Elizabeth Bear
Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie
Note on how I designate a dud book:
Unless the book is so horrid of prose/story/cliché that I can't get past the first few pages, I feel the need to give the author at least 50 pages or a quarter of the book, which ever I can make. This allows for initial bad openings and characters to grow enough. At that point, if I continue to struggle and can't get into the book, I'm done and it becomes a dud. At least that's the plan.
3gilroy
2023 Annual Reading Poll
Annual Book Poll on Google Forms
Links to all previous year's polls should be on my profile.
Annual Book Poll on Google Forms
Links to all previous year's polls should be on my profile.
4gilroy
War of Honor by David Weber
Narrator Allyson Johnson
Series Honor Harrington
Start 11/13/2023 End 02/16/2024
Thoughts
-- This is the audio reread for me to finally reach the end of the series. I think there are 3 books after this one.
-- I still want an editor to come in and strip out some of the off plot scenes that are more backstory and political details that aren't in the immediate knowledge of Honor. I feel like they make the book longer and detract from the overall story.
Narrator Allyson Johnson
Series Honor Harrington
Start 11/13/2023 End 02/16/2024
Thoughts
-- This is the audio reread for me to finally reach the end of the series. I think there are 3 books after this one.
-- I still want an editor to come in and strip out some of the off plot scenes that are more backstory and political details that aren't in the immediate knowledge of Honor. I feel like they make the book longer and detract from the overall story.
5gilroy
The Aeronauts Windlass by Jim Butcher
Series Cinder Spires
Start 11/23/2023 End 03/23/2024
Thoughts
-- Some of this feels like a merge of a seafaring historical fiction, but with magic, but at the same time, it's not. The sailing ships FLY, using magic crystals to keep them aloft. . And as it provides the most fodder for story. there's a battle between two countries that they call Spires, which I assume is mountain spires. That's not specified when reading.
-- The cast is rather large and the point of view shifts from chapter to chapter. Fortunately, you don't replace the same scene multiple times, but you get perspectives as you move through. But keeping track of which character is which can take some ... close following. So far, one of my favorite POV characters is a cat. Another character I suspect is going through a "royalty comeuppance" arc, but I'm not 100% sure.
-- I feel like I dragged my feet due to the lack of world building and the difficulty of climbing into the world fully. I understand the call to "drop a reader into the action" but one is supposed to world build as you go and the actual details of the world are so sparse, you really are left struggling. I usually like Jim Butcher's stuff, but he has this habit of not doing a great world build in place. When writing about Chicago and Wizard Dresden, that's not a big deal. With his other fantasy worlds... It tends to be.
-- It took me more than half the book to find the significance of the title, and even then it's a very loose connection.
-- Somehow, like with the YA genre where everyone has to have a "magic school" series, I feel like this is Jim Butcher trying to write a George R R Martin Game of Thrones style series. Not the best of ideas, honestly. It doesn't fit his writing style.
Series Cinder Spires
Start 11/23/2023 End 03/23/2024
Thoughts
-- Some of this feels like a merge of a seafaring historical fiction, but with magic, but at the same time, it's not.
-- The cast is rather large and the point of view shifts from chapter to chapter. Fortunately, you don't replace the same scene multiple times, but you get perspectives as you move through. But keeping track of which character is which can take some ... close following. So far, one of my favorite POV characters is a cat. Another character I suspect is going through a "royalty comeuppance" arc, but I'm not 100% sure.
-- I feel like I dragged my feet due to the lack of world building and the difficulty of climbing into the world fully. I understand the call to "drop a reader into the action" but one is supposed to world build as you go and the actual details of the world are so sparse, you really are left struggling. I usually like Jim Butcher's stuff, but he has this habit of not doing a great world build in place. When writing about Chicago and Wizard Dresden, that's not a big deal. With his other fantasy worlds... It tends to be.
-- It took me more than half the book to find the significance of the title, and even then it's a very loose connection.
-- Somehow, like with the YA genre where everyone has to have a "magic school" series, I feel like this is Jim Butcher trying to write a George R R Martin Game of Thrones style series. Not the best of ideas, honestly. It doesn't fit his writing style.
6gilroy
Qualify by Vera Nazarian
Series The Atlantis Grail
Start 12/26/2023 End 02/10/2024
Thoughts
-Earth is facing annihilation from an impending asteroid impact and now aliens who claim to be former Atlantis residents return to save the children. This concept sounds so familiar that I think I've read a book like it. Or very close to it.
- Rigorous exercise, a boy the main character fawns for from her previous school, sudden inspiration/realization of talent. More tropes one sees in books like these. Some are offered in more unique ways. Others feel like retreads of the same old same old... Yet, I keep reading.
- The end does have some payoffs for the book. Those early chapters are a slog and the ramp to the climax really needed editing more than it got.
- I'm a little mad that one feature that was working through the book had no reason for the final result. Other than the book is the first of 5 in a series, so it could be the overarching plot line. Though theterrorists who don't want aliens around does pay off in the final scenes.
- Also one result I expected, mostly because these characters were built this way -The oldest of the four doesn't qualify in the end, but the younger three do. I'll admit it wasn't the character I expected this to happen to, but I knew the author would pull this crap. The build up was too obvious.
Series The Atlantis Grail
Start 12/26/2023 End 02/10/2024
Thoughts
-
-
- The end does have some payoffs for the book. Those early chapters are a slog and the ramp to the climax really needed editing more than it got.
- I'm a little mad that one feature that was working through the book had no reason for the final result. Other than the book is the first of 5 in a series, so it could be the overarching plot line. Though the
- Also one result I expected, mostly because these characters were built this way -
7MrsLee
Looking forward to your thoughts on your reading this year. I shall be watching for them on The Aeronauts Windlass as I read that not too long ago.
10Sakerfalcon
Happy New Year! I hope it is a great one for you, in books and in life.
11Narilka
Happy reading in 2024! You are the second person recently reading the Cinder Spires. I really need to start that series now that I've caught up on Dresden.
12gilroy
>7 MrsLee: >8 clamairy: >9 Bookmarque: >10 Sakerfalcon: >11 Narilka: Thank you!
>11 Narilka: They just released the second in the series around October or November, so I suspect that was a catalyst for people. At least it was for me. Need to get to the birthday present book. LOL
>11 Narilka: They just released the second in the series around October or November, so I suspect that was a catalyst for people. At least it was for me. Need to get to the birthday present book. LOL
13Karlstar
Happy new thread and belated happy new year, I hope it is a good year for you and your reading.
15gilroy
Home: Habitat. Range, Niche, Territory by Martha Wells
Series Murderbot Diaries
Start 01/27/2024 end 01/27/2024
Series Murderbot Diaries
Start 01/27/2024 end 01/27/2024
16Alexandra_book_life
>15 gilroy: It's a nice short story in Murderbot universe :)
17gilroy
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Narrator Sissy Spacek
Begin 01/26/2024 End 02/10/2024
Thoughts
-- This is a reread for me, but it's been so long since I read it, it's like the first time.
-- The story gives a long lead up to the part everyone applauds it for, I think. Though I'm loving hearing Ms. Spacek read it. She has just the right southern drawl for the text.
Narrator Sissy Spacek
Begin 01/26/2024 End 02/10/2024
Thoughts
-- This is a reread for me, but it's been so long since I read it, it's like the first time.
-- The story gives a long lead up to the part everyone applauds it for, I think. Though I'm loving hearing Ms. Spacek read it. She has just the right southern drawl for the text.
18clamairy
>17 gilroy: I have this one on my ancient iPod. I really loved the narration.
19Karlstar
>17 gilroy: It is a great book, almost from the start.
20clamairy
>19 Karlstar: It's one that I appreciate a little more each time that I read it. I believe I'm due for a re-read soon, now that I think of it.
21gilroy
Why We Make Mistakes by Joseph Hallinan
Start 02/10/2024 End 04/04/2024
Thoughts
-- So this book was all about the research into why humans make mistakes. It doesn't propose how to prevent them, no matter how upset these other reviews are about that. It offers a lot of data and insight into the fallibility of humans and what the root causes are.
-- The book is rather dry and feels like it comes from a Professor or other higher education specialist, standing at a lectern. If anything it could be fluffed up more to make the subject more interesting.
Start 02/10/2024 End 04/04/2024
Thoughts
-- So this book was all about the research into why humans make mistakes. It doesn't propose how to prevent them, no matter how upset these other reviews are about that. It offers a lot of data and insight into the fallibility of humans and what the root causes are.
-- The book is rather dry and feels like it comes from a Professor or other higher education specialist, standing at a lectern. If anything it could be fluffed up more to make the subject more interesting.
22gilroy
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Narrators Debra Wiseman and Joel Johnstone
Start 02/18/2024 End 02/21/024
Thoughts
-- Wanted to read this so I could watch the TV show and shake my head at the changes.
-- Listening to this, I find I understand both Hannah and Clay through the story. It is very difficult to read for someone who felt as the main characters did. Not sure I had the same problems with defending people, but I probably did miss many chances to make a difference.
-- The format is interesting, but a little annoying. Maybe that's because I'm listening to the audio.
Narrators Debra Wiseman and Joel Johnstone
Start 02/18/2024 End 02/21/024
Thoughts
-- Wanted to read this so I could watch the TV show and shake my head at the changes.
-- Listening to this, I find I understand both Hannah and Clay through the story. It is very difficult to read for someone who felt as the main characters did. Not sure I had the same problems with defending people, but I probably did miss many chances to make a difference.
-- The format is interesting, but a little annoying. Maybe that's because I'm listening to the audio.
23gilroy
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Narrator Em Eldridge
Start 02/26/2024 End 03/02/2024
Thoughts
-- The very beginning of the prologue is very choppy. Or maybe the reader is just not doing well for the audiobook, though it does smooth out after a paragraph or two.
-- I'm through the prologue and into the main book. And the prose remains choppy and just not good. What editor allowed this past them? Dialogue seems to run good but all the connecting text between just stumbles. Even the narrator is struggling. Though part of her reading style just doesn't sit well with me. Too much rise to a voice where it doesn't need to rise.
-- I'm going to walk away from this book. I made it through 29% of the book. It just doesn't work for me.
-- There are three reasons why I must call this a dud, though I'm not sure which one is close: 1) the narrator they chose for the book is not doing a very good job reading, because sometimes it feels like she puts a period length pause for a comma, 2) this is first draft rough, that needs editing and smoothing -- the text is very rough. But part of that may be related to point 1, or 3) this was AI written and never smoothed.
-- Parts of this read okay, like certain scenes were perfected (found out later that it's related to the fact that she has a YouTube channel where she did snippets) but most of the connective tissue between those smoothed pieces needed work.
Narrator Em Eldridge
Start 02/26/2024 End 03/02/2024
Thoughts
-- The very beginning of the prologue is very choppy. Or maybe the reader is just not doing well for the audiobook, though it does smooth out after a paragraph or two.
-- I'm through the prologue and into the main book. And the prose remains choppy and just not good. What editor allowed this past them? Dialogue seems to run good but all the connecting text between just stumbles. Even the narrator is struggling. Though part of her reading style just doesn't sit well with me. Too much rise to a voice where it doesn't need to rise.
-- I'm going to walk away from this book. I made it through 29% of the book. It just doesn't work for me.
-- There are three reasons why I must call this a dud, though I'm not sure which one is close: 1) the narrator they chose for the book is not doing a very good job reading, because sometimes it feels like she puts a period length pause for a comma, 2) this is first draft rough, that needs editing and smoothing -- the text is very rough. But part of that may be related to point 1, or 3) this was AI written and never smoothed.
-- Parts of this read okay, like certain scenes were perfected (found out later that it's related to the fact that she has a YouTube channel where she did snippets) but most of the connective tissue between those smoothed pieces needed work.
24gilroy
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
Narrator Cynthia Hopkins
Start 03/05/2024 End 03/13/2024
Thoughts
-- Just a reminder to me that at one time, every big named author in YA had a "school" for something or another, be it magic, dragon riding, weird children, et al.
-- This one has some creepy vibes I did not expect from the title or the description. It's interesting and a unique take so far.
-- So they are dealing withthe kids that went through portals and then returned to the real world, talking about their experiences. That makes for all sorts of different side stories to follow.
-- Wait! Not SUMI! I liked that character. *reads further* okay, Loriell can go, she was too much of a reminder of high school bullies for me. *continues reading* Oh, dear, not Lundy. They killed two of the best characters!
-- The book offers a good mystery wrapped in the concept of a school to those who've traveled through a portal and returned. The resultant reveal is, I'd almost say expected. Yet not far from where the red herrings would like you to believe.
-- *checks* this feels like such a complete book, that I can't imagine there being an 8 book series. I so enjoyed this one that I'm not sure I want to read the next and ruin the taste of this complete morsel of a story.
Narrator Cynthia Hopkins
Start 03/05/2024 End 03/13/2024
Thoughts
-- Just a reminder to me that at one time, every big named author in YA had a "school" for something or another, be it magic, dragon riding, weird children, et al.
-- This one has some creepy vibes I did not expect from the title or the description. It's interesting and a unique take so far.
-- So they are dealing with
-- Wait!
-- The book offers a good mystery wrapped in the concept of a school to those who've traveled through a portal and returned. The resultant reveal is, I'd almost say expected. Yet not far from where the red herrings would like you to believe.
-- *checks* this feels like such a complete book, that I can't imagine there being an 8 book series. I so enjoyed this one that I'm not sure I want to read the next and ruin the taste of this complete morsel of a story.
25clamairy
>24 gilroy: I really loved this one. (I got bogged down in book two though.)
26gilroy
Changes by Jim Butcher
Series Dresden Files
Start 03/25/2024 End 09/07/2024
Thoughts
-- Yes, I'm a bit behind on these. But what a way to start the book. Shock Harry into motion.
-- Stab, twist, withdraw, repeat. Harry never gets a break.
-- You can't take this long to read a long running series and not find spoilers in the wild. I think I dragged my feet because I knew what happened. That and I focused on other things more than reading. The author is one I aspire to mimic some, because he can beat, cajole, torture, and break his characters, yet they are still strong and well written. And just when you think he's done with the surprises, the author drops one last surprise.
Series Dresden Files
Start 03/25/2024 End 09/07/2024
Thoughts
-- Yes, I'm a bit behind on these. But what a way to start the book. Shock Harry into motion.
-- Stab, twist, withdraw, repeat. Harry never gets a break.
-- You can't take this long to read a long running series and not find spoilers in the wild. I think I dragged my feet because I knew what happened. That and I focused on other things more than reading. The author is one I aspire to mimic some, because he can beat, cajole, torture, and break his characters, yet they are still strong and well written. And just when you think he's done with the surprises, the author drops one last surprise.
27Narilka
>26 gilroy: You are in for a wild ride :)
28gilroy
I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
Start 04/04/2024 End 05/23/2024
Thoughts
-- Picked this because I enjoyed the Will Smith movie of the same name. Hoping to find that story buried somewhere in this, I suppose, though I doubt it.
Start 04/04/2024 End 05/23/2024
Thoughts
-- Picked this because I enjoyed the Will Smith movie of the same name. Hoping to find that story buried somewhere in this, I suppose, though I doubt it.
29gilroy
Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill
Narrator Suzanne Elise Freeman
Series Heirs of Chicagoland
Start 04/10/2024 End 04/15/2024
Thoughts
-- I enjoyed the original series, mostly because the author knew how to describe food and action scenes, which surprised me. Plus, I surprised myself that I liked a romance series. And this one branched from that series, so I wanted to start into it.
-- While Merit focused on food, it seems that Elisa focuses on fashion. Small shift, though some new details from the old series that are helping to make some interesting story lines.
-- Walkie zashi? Really narrator? Learn to pronounce words before you read them. *face palm*
-- This is one of those books that build, build, build, then creates a single chapter to close out every story line in a matter of a few paragraphs. It did create some over arching story lines to watch, questions of characters and their motivations, and the usual supernatural interplay. And it's the first book in a series, so it had to do some establishing work for the story world.
-- Ottos and Screens -- this is more science fantasy than just romance urban fantasy. Will make things more interesting.
-- Okay, I'm going to be in the minority here. DO NOT hook up Connor and Elisa. PLEASE! Do not do it. I know it's a tempting story to explore, but I feel like it's been done to death. Not worth it. They are not Romeo and Juliette (unless the whole supernatural world goes to world war mode in book 2.)
Narrator Suzanne Elise Freeman
Series Heirs of Chicagoland
Start 04/10/2024 End 04/15/2024
Thoughts
-- I enjoyed the original series, mostly because the author knew how to describe food and action scenes, which surprised me. Plus, I surprised myself that I liked a romance series. And this one branched from that series, so I wanted to start into it.
-- While Merit focused on food, it seems that Elisa focuses on fashion. Small shift, though some new details from the old series that are helping to make some interesting story lines.
-- Walkie zashi? Really narrator? Learn to pronounce words before you read them. *face palm*
-- This is one of those books that build, build, build, then creates a single chapter to close out every story line in a matter of a few paragraphs. It did create some over arching story lines to watch, questions of characters and their motivations, and the usual supernatural interplay. And it's the first book in a series, so it had to do some establishing work for the story world.
-- Ottos and Screens -- this is more science fantasy than just romance urban fantasy. Will make things more interesting.
-- Okay, I'm going to be in the minority here.
30Karlstar
>28 gilroy: Sorry I missed this earlier. The plot of I, Robot the movie is pulled from a few of the stories, but in a large part, it is an extrapolation. A whole lot of the stories in the collection have absolutely nothing to do with the movie, obviously.
Did you give up on the book or are you going to finish it?
Did you give up on the book or are you going to finish it?
31gilroy
>30 Karlstar: Oh, I'm still reading. Just not posted any additional thoughts on it yet. Some of the expectations of where we'd be by now are ... mind boggling.
32clamairy
>31 gilroy: Haha, yes! I am still holding my breath waiting for the house cleaning robots. (Besides my darling Roomba, of course.) I'm not sure the flying cars are such a great idea anymore. 😂
33gilroy
>32 clamairy: I'm still seeking the extraplanetary mining camps and colonies on the moon/Mars/etc.
34gilroy
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Narrator Jim Dale
Start 04/15/2024 End 05/02/2024
Thoughts
-- The prologue starting in second person POV was quite startling. I hoped the entire book read that way. Not so much. Oh well.
-- Am I understanding right that part of the premise of "The Prestige" might have been stolen from this book?
-- The book actually returned with me having a half hour left and the hold list is 4 weeks deep. :(
-- Fascinating look ata magical competition and how it runs. Fun yet depressing book.
Narrator Jim Dale
Start 04/15/2024 End 05/02/2024
Thoughts
-- The prologue starting in second person POV was quite startling. I hoped the entire book read that way. Not so much. Oh well.
-- Am I understanding right that part of the premise of "The Prestige" might have been stolen from this book?
-- The book actually returned with me having a half hour left and the hold list is 4 weeks deep. :(
-- Fascinating look at
35gilroy
Here by D G Swank
Narrator Bryce Hitchcock
Start 05/03/2024 End 05/22/2024
Thoughts
-- I'm trying to remember what drew me to check this book out from the library because it is not matching what I thought I had.
-- Basic plot right nowAftermath of car accident where girl killed best friend and she has survivors guilt. Her struggles to return to normal. But I'm only 10 percent into the book, so its possible that something is about to change.
-- Better understand what drew me to check out the book, but I bailed at 67% finished. It starts WAY too slow and the main character is a whiny, depressed teenage girl in a love triangle. (that last is not a spoiler, as this seems a standard trope in most YA Books these days.)
-- The actual plot of the book, which took almost half the book to get tomultiple universe based on a single decision point but not done very well. And it probably would be better with more editing and a different Main Character POV. Follow Evan as the Main, not Julia. His POV would be more interesting. He actually jumps realms multiple times!
Narrator Bryce Hitchcock
Start 05/03/2024 End 05/22/2024
Thoughts
-- I'm trying to remember what drew me to check this book out from the library because it is not matching what I thought I had.
-- Basic plot right now
-- Better understand what drew me to check out the book, but I bailed at 67% finished. It starts WAY too slow and the main character is a whiny, depressed teenage girl in a love triangle. (that last is not a spoiler, as this seems a standard trope in most YA Books these days.)
-- The actual plot of the book, which took almost half the book to get to
36gilroy
Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
Narrator Adam Grupper
Start 05/03/2024 End 05/09/2024
Thoughts
-- I hate admitting I watched a show or movie before I read the book. It always colors the book with what the show/movie did. But I did that with this book. Not the Matthew McConaughey movie, but the Netflix TV show. (I liked Neve Campbell as Maggie McFierce.) And the first season had flares that harken back to the book.
-- Simple plot - Rich kid accused of crime, calls for popular lawyer, who works to prove the kid innocent. Family money involved, plus old cases rearing their heads, and cops hunting the prime lawyer as if he's a criminal. It's a formula I've seen a lot in these types of books. Probably because it was written in 2005 and I've read a a lot of similar books in those intervening years.
-- The twists in this are interesting. I especially like how they purposefully picked a name that could be pronounced two ways and people always picked the wrong way. (Roulet -- Ru-lay versus Ru-let)
-- I forgot the investigator in the show had a different name than the investigator in this book sowhen the police tell Haller that the investigator was killed I had to backtrack. Again, fault of watching the show before reading the book.
-- I think this is a series I can read. Will make a good companion to the Grisham books I read.
Narrator Adam Grupper
Start 05/03/2024 End 05/09/2024
Thoughts
-- I hate admitting I watched a show or movie before I read the book. It always colors the book with what the show/movie did. But I did that with this book. Not the Matthew McConaughey movie, but the Netflix TV show. (I liked Neve Campbell as Maggie McFierce.) And the first season had flares that harken back to the book.
-- Simple plot - Rich kid accused of crime, calls for popular lawyer, who works to prove the kid innocent. Family money involved, plus old cases rearing their heads, and cops hunting the prime lawyer as if he's a criminal. It's a formula I've seen a lot in these types of books. Probably because it was written in 2005 and I've read a a lot of similar books in those intervening years.
-- The twists in this are interesting. I especially like how they purposefully picked a name that could be pronounced two ways and people always picked the wrong way. (Roulet -- Ru-lay versus Ru-let)
-- I forgot the investigator in the show had a different name than the investigator in this book so
-- I think this is a series I can read. Will make a good companion to the Grisham books I read.
37Karlstar
>36 gilroy: How was the Netflix show?
38gilroy
>37 Karlstar: It actually worked out pretty well. They cast it well, though it doesn't cling to the books. It goes on its own path.
The actors are good. First season drew in an actor I enjoyed watching over on a different show, which was part of what drew me in.
The actors are good. First season drew in an actor I enjoyed watching over on a different show, which was part of what drew me in.
40gilroy
On the Accidental Wings of Dragons by Julie Wetzel
Start 05/24/2024 End 06/17/2024
Thoughts
-- got this through a Bookbub ad so not sure of its quality yet.
-- Okay, so this is reading like a weird romance using dragons instead of dinosaurs? And I'm almost half way through the story and I'm just seeing the story build. No small resolutions yet, nothing. Building, building, building... Almost feels like three different story ideas wound into one and none of them executing well.
-- The focus on the romance took the story away from the decent plot this book could have had. Its description is misleading as I expected an action book with a romance angle. Instead its a romance book with a fantasy/science fiction mash up angle. And Meh all the same as they're was no hanky panky until the very end and it was a fade to black moment.
Start 05/24/2024 End 06/17/2024
Thoughts
-- got this through a Bookbub ad so not sure of its quality yet.
-- Okay, so this is reading like a weird romance using dragons instead of dinosaurs? And I'm almost half way through the story and I'm just seeing the story build. No small resolutions yet, nothing. Building, building, building... Almost feels like three different story ideas wound into one and none of them executing well.
-- The focus on the romance took the story away from the decent plot this book could have had. Its description is misleading as I expected an action book with a romance angle. Instead its a romance book with a fantasy/science fiction mash up angle. And Meh all the same as they're was no hanky panky until the very end and it was a fade to black moment.
41gilroy
Karma by Donna Augustine
Start 06/21/2024 End 07/16/2024
Thoughts
-- Okay, the description read like this was a different take on the Incarnations of Immortality that I read when I was younger, so I thought I'd give it a shot. Now I find I'm not sure this fits what I expected.
-- Oh, god, please no. Don't force an Enemy to Lovers trope onto this already questionable book. UGH!
-- Well, thankful it wasn't an E2L book. Though the whole sex scene was a waste of chapter space.
-- The ending felt rushed. Like we have tons of questions with no resolution. The writing is okay, but I spotted a gathering of typos towards the book's end. Like the front was polished and the end rushed.
-- I'm debating if I go to book 2 of this series or not.
Start 06/21/2024 End 07/16/2024
Thoughts
-- Okay, the description read like this was a different take on the Incarnations of Immortality that I read when I was younger, so I thought I'd give it a shot. Now I find I'm not sure this fits what I expected.
-- Oh, god, please no. Don't force an Enemy to Lovers trope onto this already questionable book. UGH!
-- Well, thankful it wasn't an E2L book. Though the whole sex scene was a waste of chapter space.
-- The ending felt rushed. Like we have tons of questions with no resolution. The writing is okay, but I spotted a gathering of typos towards the book's end. Like the front was polished and the end rushed.
-- I'm debating if I go to book 2 of this series or not.
42gilroy
Celtic Tales: Fairy tales and stories of enchantment
Start 07/17/2024 End 08/10/2024
Thoughts
-- the first story reads like a source for where Rumpelstiltskin came from. but instead of one there are three.
-- a couple of these stories read like they were the basis of Grimm's Fairy Tales, or similar to the same storyline.
Start 07/17/2024 End 08/10/2024
Thoughts
-- the first story reads like a source for where Rumpelstiltskin came from. but instead of one there are three.
-- a couple of these stories read like they were the basis of Grimm's Fairy Tales, or similar to the same storyline.
43gilroy
Chose to update my kindle Paperwhite during prime days on amazon. I now have the newest version that can also do audio books. Wee.
That means the 6 year old one is going to be donated soon, as it still works.
That means the 6 year old one is going to be donated soon, as it still works.
44clamairy
>43 gilroy: Yes, mine has access to all of my Audible books as well. I still use my phone for Audible as it fits in my pocket and my Kindle does not.
45gilroy
Failing Up by Leslie Odom Jr
Start 08/08/2024 End 08/21/2024
Thoughts
-- I enjoyed Hamilton, and Burr was well performed. So I wanted to read some of this thoughts on life.
-- A big thought I'm getting from this book revolves around pushing yourself forward. You can't succeed if you don't give yourself the chance to fail. Step to the fore, try, be bold.
Start 08/08/2024 End 08/21/2024
Thoughts
-- I enjoyed Hamilton, and Burr was well performed. So I wanted to read some of this thoughts on life.
-- A big thought I'm getting from this book revolves around pushing yourself forward. You can't succeed if you don't give yourself the chance to fail. Step to the fore, try, be bold.
46gilroy
The Dragon's Blade: the Reborn King by Michael R Miller
Start 08/11/2024 End 10/28/2024
Thoughts
-- Oh, I got a Scottish writer without even thinking about it. This should be good.
Start 08/11/2024 End 10/28/2024
Thoughts
-- Oh, I got a Scottish writer without even thinking about it. This should be good.
47gilroy
Range of Ghosts by Elizabeth Bear
Narrator Celeste Ciulla
Start 08/17/2024 End 09/08/2024
Thoughts
-- Saw this on a list with an author I recognized and thought I'd try it.
-- Has a lot of Arabian/Mediterranean culture work, which is unique to most of the books I read.
-- I made it about half way through the book before the library took it back. I had trouble getting into the book. None of the characters called to me. So I'll list it as a dud.
Narrator Celeste Ciulla
Start 08/17/2024 End 09/08/2024
Thoughts
-- Saw this on a list with an author I recognized and thought I'd try it.
-- Has a lot of Arabian/Mediterranean culture work, which is unique to most of the books I read.
-- I made it about half way through the book before the library took it back. I had trouble getting into the book. None of the characters called to me. So I'll list it as a dud.
48gilroy
How to write for the new age market by Richard Webster
Start 09/07/2024
End 09/08/2024
Thoughts
-- I grabbed this book more to see if it's worth keeping in my collection. It was gifted to me by an ex and I'm not sure it focuses on the writing I want to do.
-- Didn't need to read much to determine this isn't a good match for me. The focus is on writing nonfiction books of new age subjects. The author has a short chapter on fiction, but for all he mentions it, he insists that you should only write nonfiction.
Start 09/07/2024
End 09/08/2024
Thoughts
-- I grabbed this book more to see if it's worth keeping in my collection. It was gifted to me by an ex and I'm not sure it focuses on the writing I want to do.
-- Didn't need to read much to determine this isn't a good match for me. The focus is on writing nonfiction books of new age subjects. The author has a short chapter on fiction, but for all he mentions it, he insists that you should only write nonfiction.
49gilroy
Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie
Narrator Adjoa Andoh
Start 09/09/2024
End 09/30/2024
Thoughts
-- saw a list of modern female authors of science fiction and chose this one as a sample
-- I had trouble with this book. I reached 77% complete, but it returned before I reached the end.
-- Some authors can pull off the Present/flashback/present/flashback roller coaster. I don't feel that Ann Leckie did it well. The scenes melded together but got very confusing. Am I listening to the present or the past?
-- Honestly, I found no connection to any of the characters. No one to root for, no desire to keep reading. I had the book for 3 weeks and I didn't keep reaching to listen to more. The narrator didn't ruin the book as in some cases.
-- I'm marking this as another dud.
Narrator Adjoa Andoh
Start 09/09/2024
End 09/30/2024
Thoughts
-- saw a list of modern female authors of science fiction and chose this one as a sample
-- I had trouble with this book. I reached 77% complete, but it returned before I reached the end.
-- Some authors can pull off the Present/flashback/present/flashback roller coaster. I don't feel that Ann Leckie did it well. The scenes melded together but got very confusing. Am I listening to the present or the past?
-- Honestly, I found no connection to any of the characters. No one to root for, no desire to keep reading. I had the book for 3 weeks and I didn't keep reaching to listen to more. The narrator didn't ruin the book as in some cases.
-- I'm marking this as another dud.
50gilroy
Making Shapely Fiction by Jerome Stern
Begin 09/08/2024
End
Thoughts
-- gifted to me from another author, so reading it to see what it offers.
Begin 09/08/2024
End
Thoughts
-- gifted to me from another author, so reading it to see what it offers.
51gilroy
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Narrator Jenny Agutter
Start 10/05/2024 End 10/27/2024
Thoughts
-- One of those books I wanted to read so I can discuss it with my librarian wife. :)
-- I took my time reading this because I just had trouble grabbing onto the characters. Then they started to build a love triangle and I shuffled back from the brink.
-- I struggle to find where the "Capture the Castle" in the title comes from. Maybe there's an allegory in the state of the family and the state of the castle (it does get some repairs as the fortunes improve) but I'm not sure.
Narrator Jenny Agutter
Start 10/05/2024 End 10/27/2024
Thoughts
-- One of those books I wanted to read so I can discuss it with my librarian wife. :)
-- I took my time reading this because I just had trouble grabbing onto the characters. Then they started to build a love triangle and I shuffled back from the brink.
-- I struggle to find where the "Capture the Castle" in the title comes from. Maybe there's an allegory in the state of the family and the state of the castle (it does get some repairs as the fortunes improve) but I'm not sure.
52gilroy
Too cool evening event tonight. Our little county and little library system got a chance to have Nnedi Okorafor down for a talk.
Very fascinating to listen to her talk process and things, as well as about her books.
Humble, down to earth writer. Loved it.
Very fascinating to listen to her talk process and things, as well as about her books.
Humble, down to earth writer. Loved it.
53clamairy
>52 gilroy: Oh, that must have been wonderful. I'm so happy to hear she's a normal human.
54Alexandra_book_life
>52 gilroy: This is sooo cool! You're very lucky, I am happy for you :)
55pgmcc
>52 gilroy:
That is fantastic. Great evening.
That is fantastic. Great evening.
56gilroy
Oh, I didn't think they'd have it up this fast. They have a copy of the zoom video posted on Youtube. (I promise this is a valid link.)
https://www.youtube.com/live/MKv-8LS9RC0?si=_IC7kPSUBRRg_VYW
https://www.youtube.com/live/MKv-8LS9RC0?si=_IC7kPSUBRRg_VYW
57Karlstar
>52 gilroy: >56 gilroy: Very cool!
58gilroy
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
Start 10/29/2024 End 12/01/2024
Thoughts
-- Having read Murder on the Orient Express, I figured I'd return to the beginning and read all about Hercule.
Start 10/29/2024 End 12/01/2024
Thoughts
-- Having read Murder on the Orient Express, I figured I'd return to the beginning and read all about Hercule.
59gilroy
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Narrator -- Full cast
Start 11/25/2024 End 12/10/2024
Thoughts
-- Normally I dislike full cast readings of books, because they add too much that doesn't seem within the text. This book proved different, perhaps because it was written almost like a series of interviews.
-- It was a very interesting story of a band -- The Dunn Brothers Blues Band -- and a talented singer, how they came together, created an amazing album, and how inner band strife broke them apart. The story line covers the time from the last 60s through 1979. The references to illicit drugs and alcohol laced the entire book, though the lead singer of the band does get clean and struggle with remaining so throughout the rest of the book.
-- The band had strife from the beginning, but I'll try to not spoil much more beyond that.
-- This was done in an interesting style, since each interview was woven together throughout the book. Even as you read through it, each person interviewed brings their own perspective to the situation. With them woven together, it creates a full picture. Including the frustration of band members in the background, when the crowds focus on the lead singer(s)
-- For the uniqueness of story, I'd recommend it.
Narrator -- Full cast
Start 11/25/2024 End 12/10/2024
Thoughts
-- Normally I dislike full cast readings of books, because they add too much that doesn't seem within the text. This book proved different, perhaps because it was written almost like a series of interviews.
-- It was a very interesting story of a band -- The Dunn Brothers Blues Band -- and a talented singer, how they came together, created an amazing album, and how inner band strife broke them apart. The story line covers the time from the last 60s through 1979. The references to illicit drugs and alcohol laced the entire book, though the lead singer of the band does get clean and struggle with remaining so throughout the rest of the book.
-- The band had strife from the beginning, but I'll try to not spoil much more beyond that.
-- This was done in an interesting style, since each interview was woven together throughout the book. Even as you read through it, each person interviewed brings their own perspective to the situation. With them woven together, it creates a full picture. Including the frustration of band members in the background, when the crowds focus on the lead singer(s)
-- For the uniqueness of story, I'd recommend it.
60AHS-Wolfy
>59 gilroy: I really enjoyed the TV series that's based on this and keep wondering if I should get around to picking up the book.
61gilroy
A World Out of Time by Larry Niven
Start 11/30/2024 End
Thoughts
-- I always hear Niven is worth reading for people liking science fiction. I tried Mote in God's Eye and felt unimpressed. Figured I'd give another a try. Maybe I'll go to Ringworld after this. Maybe.
Start 11/30/2024 End
Thoughts
-- I always hear Niven is worth reading for people liking science fiction. I tried Mote in God's Eye and felt unimpressed. Figured I'd give another a try. Maybe I'll go to Ringworld after this. Maybe.
62Bookmarque
I have had Lucifer's Hammer on my shelf for decades. Maybe I should give it a spin.
63gilroy
Magic of Thieves by C. Greenwood
Start 12/02/2024 End 12/22/2024
Thoughts
-- Why? Why do writers do this? There's a tease at the beginning of the book where it seems like some big event is about to happen for the character. Then you read 75% of the book and everything has been backstory. And not really good or interesting backstory. I'm going to press through to the end, hoping the big event happens, but my hopes are not high for this one.
-- Reached the end, and I can honestly say I felt like I wasted my reading time. The book could have been compressed to a couple pages in a single longer narrative. Better, it could have chosen a different Main character, since Ilan is a pain and unlikable, but not in an Antihero sort of unlikable. Just plan horrible human. Her history doesn't forgive the overall personality either.
-- I wished for her end too many times through the book. Is that bad?
Start 12/02/2024 End 12/22/2024
Thoughts
-- Why? Why do writers do this? There's a tease at the beginning of the book where it seems like some big event is about to happen for the character. Then you read 75% of the book and everything has been backstory. And not really good or interesting backstory. I'm going to press through to the end, hoping the big event happens, but my hopes are not high for this one.
-- Reached the end, and I can honestly say I felt like I wasted my reading time. The book could have been compressed to a couple pages in a single longer narrative. Better, it could have chosen a different Main character, since Ilan is a pain and unlikable, but not in an Antihero sort of unlikable. Just plan horrible human. Her history doesn't forgive the overall personality either.
-- I wished for her end too many times through the book. Is that bad?
64gilroy
Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold
Narrator Grover Gardner
Series Vorkosigan
Start 12/14/2024 End
Thoughts:
-- The system says this is book 1, but it wasn't published until 1996, but I swear I read a Vorkosigan novel prior to 1996, just can't remember it. Oh well. Starting over never hurts, right?
-- For some reason, I thought the Vorkosigan series was about Miles, son of Cordelia and Aral. I had read one of his books. Didn't realize that the first couple books were about his parents. It adds some interesting backstory to other books of this series I've already read.
Narrator Grover Gardner
Series Vorkosigan
Start 12/14/2024 End
Thoughts:
-- The system says this is book 1, but it wasn't published until 1996, but I swear I read a Vorkosigan novel prior to 1996, just can't remember it. Oh well. Starting over never hurts, right?
-- For some reason, I thought the Vorkosigan series was about Miles, son of Cordelia and Aral. I had read one of his books. Didn't realize that the first couple books were about his parents. It adds some interesting backstory to other books of this series I've already read.
65tardis
>64 gilroy: Shards is book one in chronological order, but not publication order. Unless you count Falling Free which is considerably before Shards chronologically. Doesn't feature any of the same characters, although the quaddies do make appearances in later Vorkosigan books.
66gilroy
The Martian by Any Weir
Begin 12/23/2024 End
Thoughts
-- Yes, I'm behind on the "popular" books. And this one will definitely scroll over into the new year. Can't be helped.
Begin 12/23/2024 End
Thoughts
-- Yes, I'm behind on the "popular" books. And this one will definitely scroll over into the new year. Can't be helped.
67Karlstar
>66 gilroy: Better late than never! I hope you enjoy it.
