The Ig still strives, still seeks and finds and still never yields.

An exceptional year of reading in 2023, if I can judge it in those terms - a record of 111 books read and little if any self-published Kindle unlimited post-apoc/zombie/flu type series that I can succumb to and possibly distorts the numbers.
Some to be fair are decent, but I feel that I have kind of exhausted that genre and far too many 'proper' novels still await me.

I don't set myself any goals of such, though my personal TBR read is still a high %.
The 'problem' as such is a decent local city library network where I keep reserving recommendations from other 75'evrs that sound interesting.

Will be limiting acquisitions personally again due to non-existent bookshelf space and feel yet another cull is in order to restore some semblance of order to my bookcases.
In my tidy house, they do stand out a bit.

Highlights for me last year:

Our Spoons Came From Woolworths (Virago Modern Classics) by Barbara Comyns
Foster by Claire Keegan
Homer And Langley by E. L. Doctorow
Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Troy Little (graphic novel)
The Kerracher Man (Non-Fiction) by Eric MacLeod
The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss by Dr. Jason Fung
Love On The Dole by Walter Greenwood
Uncle Dysfunctional: Uncompromising Answers to Life's Most Painful… by AA Gill
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer: A Novella by Fredrik Backman
Chernobyl 01:23:40: The Incredible True Story of the World's Worst Nuclear Disaster by Andrew Leatherbarrow
O Brother by John Niven
Cologne & Coffee by Darcy Hoover
Drunken Baker by Barney Farmer
The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth by John Robb.

Best fiction: Demon Copperhead: A Novel by Barbara Kingsolver
Non-fiction: The Wager by David Grann

After the dramatization of Grann's 'killers of the flower moon' and 'lost city of Z' could do with one of The Wager.

No disappointments as such, but did discover that the world of Latin American author's magic realism is not for me. Tried a number of the big hitters from South America, but just got bored/annoyed. Even as a old school horror fan, fantasy novels never really floated my boat.

Previous years and stats:

2010: 54:
2011: 32:
2012: 46:
2013: 36: R8
2014: 76: L16 R4
2015: No review 53:
2016: https://www.librarything.com/topic/212975 66: L21
2017: https://www.librarything.com/topic/212975 67:
2018: https://www.librarything.com/topic/280916 52:
2019: https://www.librarything.com/topic/309753 83: 4 re-reads, 28 library, 46 Kindle.
2020: https://www.librarything.com/topic/315456 96: 11 Re-reads, 9 Library, 72 on Kindle.
2021: https://www.librarything.com/topic/328308 103: 16 Re-reads 29 Library 69 Kindle
2022: https://www.librarything.com/topic/341684 90: 21 Re-reads, 41 Library, 39 Kindle
2023: https://www.librarything.com/topic/347810 111: 7 re-reads, 49 Library, 47 Kindle - 27 from Kindle Unlimited

Leave for something...

Happy reading in 2024, Ignatius!

Welcome back, Ignatius!

>4 FAMeulstee: Thankyou Anita & Frank.

and

>5 drneutron: Thankyou Jim.

1. The Caretaker: A Novel by Ron Rash -l

A rather a disappointing novel by Mr Rash, and probably the 'weakest' he's written - certainly in terms of a plot. Language is great as to be expected, especially at the start, but the plot is doomed to fail and surely obvious to the protagonists. I predicted the ending after the major development and I'm sure others would as well.

Was hoping for a bit more hillbilly noir myself.

2. The Wall: LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2019 by John Lanchester -l

Good UK based dystopian tale - have reserved some more of his works on the strength of this.

Easy read without too much unnecessary waffle which I'm getting increasingly annoyed with, an unwilling to tolerate.

Author's REIGN IT IN! Editors - tell them ... less is often more (in most things actually)

3. Things We Lost in the Fire by Mariana Enriquez -l

An author recommended to me by Adam Nevill - got a collection of stories previously that I was unmoved by. This had more plaudits so borrowed from the library, these were def. better - although a prevalence of bad things happening to children in most of the stories was rather disturbing - a few though meandered around without much atmosphere till the payoff which sometimes wasn't logical or explained.

Jury def still out on (Latin American) magical realism, even in a horror-ish form.

On that note gave up (for now) on Shadow of the Wind after 150 pages, too much other material to be getting on with, and 7 library renewals (ahem) says it all ... read it or return it, so chose the latter.

4. The Bee Sting: Shortlisted for the Booker Prize 2023 by Paul Murray -l

Great novel and deserved shortlisting - a families tale of regret told from all members points of view with each section adding missing parts that change the narrative. Very cleverly done.

Should be 5 stars but again too long 650 pages - a lot could have been trimmed off as was unnecessary to the tale, and the ending loses 1/2 star - can't say more without spoilers.

Another pet literary hate tbh, which I believe is shared by most.

two more John Lanchester books from the library, an early novel and collection of short stories.

Nothing special 3/3.5 stars at best.

5. Mr. Phillips by John Lanchester -l

6.Reality, and Other Stories by John Lanchester -l

Needed a quick break from the infamous House of Leaves so polished off an old kindle unlimited book that way lying around.

7. Trans-Siberian Adventures: Life on and off the rails from the U.K. to Asia by Matthew Woodward -ku

A self-published train travelogue (eek) but having read another of the author's books it's entertaining, well written and ploughed through it in a day. Often find the travel 'heavyweights' like Theraoux et al, sometimes hard going so this was a pleasant change.

Back to House of Leaves ; 40% through - in pages anyway which like the House it describes is not proportionally relevant to the length of the story or time to be spent reading it ...which has only just occurred to me.

I'll leave a full review when finished, but it's one of the most unique novels I've read without being (too) pretentious - though some might think this - and the 3ish different stories aren't difficult to separate.

8. The Brain Leeches and Other Eldritch Phenomena by Tim Curran -ku

A compilation of stories - some I was already familiar with - from various other compilations that Mr Curran has contributed to. A fair amount of stories in here and some are Curran's typical gorefest fare, but as the book progresses they get far more ahem 'lovercraftian' - the last two especially pushing that vibe, with the very last being a riff on Mountains of Madness and being longer in length. I've been reading this for a while and finished due to taking a break from House of Leaves - if you choose to get this I'd read the stories here from the back and stop when they get too weak.

9. Doppler by Erlend Loe

More light fare, for a HOL break. Start had potential, but last 1/3 wasn't great. Failed to understand the plaudits for this and another for the charity shop pile.

10. House of Leaves - Mark Z. Danielewski -l

Most unique novel I've ever read - certainly not horror though - the main tale was more of JG Ballard type affair - reminiscent of Report on an Unidentified Space Station.

Truant's tale more a Bukowski-esque drama with supernatural overtones.

V.Last page - post lengthy index - affected me though in a strange way.

Was taken back to find out it was published a decade ago - very surprised I hadn't heard of this by now and took a recommendation from Adam Nevill to bring it to my attention.

The 3 interlinked stories are not difficult to separate and while there is some filler (the excessive academic papers being quoted) its not that difficult read.

I'll be recommending this to folk - already to the librarian on duty when I returned this - but with all caveats.

11. Close to Midnight by Mark Morris -k

Overall a weak collection of horror-ish stories, purchased as only 99p from Amazon and had an Adam Nevill story I hadn't read. Not one of his best, his 'area' but the style of the telling was like nothing I've read from him previously - in a bad way. Couple of ok tales but a 3 star effort at best.

12.Cold Quiet Country by Clayton Lindemuth

From my own TBR pile - a exceptional first novel; set in Wyoming but with a distinctly Southern Gothic feel. A bit of supernatural element that - as others on here have noted - was a tad out of place although didn't ruin the tale. Not a happy book though.

13. Decline And Fall (Twentieth Century Classics S.) by Evelyn Waugh

Another TBR - not my usual fare, but was a freebie I acquired. Satire obv. and also rather dated but had some humorous moments. Can't see my checking out the author's other works though.

Iganatius I just wanted to stop by and say welcome back to the group. Somehow I missed you before now.

>13 PaulCranswick: thankyou Paul. Always nice to see you here.

14. Capital by John Lanchester -l

Little bit dated now and some of the characters are a wee bit too stereotypical but a very enjoyable tale and the pages (nearly 600) fair flew by. Basically the developing lives of a group of residents on a street from all walks of life and linked characters to them. Surprisingly the character you would expect to hate - Roger, the banker in the city on a silly money salary you feel somewhat sympathy for, although it could be due to his loathsome materialistic wife. Hint of politics but only that.

After my - at times demanding - recent fictional choices this was a welcome change.

update: reviews to follow:

15. Sonny's Blues (Penguin 60s) by James Baldwin - r

Another quick re-read before Charity shop donation. Them shelves aren't going to clear themselves. (see what I did there ...IGMC)

16. Unreal City by Michael Smith -r

A re-read before passing onto a friend - this a true modern day flaneur's stroll through London and Paris.

17. The Devil's Footprints by John Burnside -l

JB can certainly write, and this tale set in Fife (his home county - though feels more like further NE Scotland Aberdeen way) is a dark tale of loss, alienation and stubbornness. To steal from another LT reviewer: 'The narrator seems like a character from a Richard Ford short story, with limited self-knowledge, as he attempts to piece together the elements of his life. He is affected by a strange lassitude, and a matter-of-fact approach to the various horrendous events of the story, which include his "murder" of an older bully in high school.' Recommended.

18. The One That Got away: My SAS Mission behind Iraqi Lines by Chris Ryan -l

Having seen the dramatisations of the infamous SAS mission that went wrong, and read one of the books that the MOD tried to ban (from one of the captured members), finally read the story of the one who escaped. It's remarkably un-gungho - which I believe is the opposite of the famous Brave 2 zero book - and so the more believable for it.
Find it somewhat ironic though, that the MOD trains it's elite troops to survive under any circumstance and invest so much in their military 'development' but then gives them crap gear and poor intel ... which comes across rather heavily in the book and a major reason for the failure.

One scene is a bit questionable - was never in the post-op briefing apparently - but as an escape story, it's up their with the best.

- will review shortly

19. The Mercy Boys by John Burnside -l
20. Simon: The Genius in My Basement by Alexander Masters -l

March.

21. The Syndicate by Clarence Cooper Jr.
22. Stuart: A Life Backwards by Alexander Masters -l

more reviews required - too busy reading it seems ...

23. The Increment by Chris Ryan -l

Decent thriller from the author of "The one that got away" - see above. Not sure if the author had 'help' here in writing but if not he's a natural writer considering he was a Special Forces soldier for many years. Looks like he has written a fair number of books as well.

24. The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enriquez -k
25. The Insanity of Gambling 2 – Consequences by Christopher Raddings -ku -r

Not sure why I re-read this from KU - pretty badly written and a tragic tale of a long term gambler.

26. Black Star, Black Sun (Black Shuck Signature Novellas) by Rich Hawkins -k -r

Saw this on my kindle - had forgotten the plot so re-read. Usual quality bleak fare.

27. Alectryomancer and Other Weird Tales by Christopher Slatsky -ku -r

Another re-read - think I enjoyed the first time on a sort of Mark Samuels vibe but kinda of washed over me a bit second time round.
Often the way, with horror(ish/weird fiction is that the background and characterization is good but invariable the pay off is weak or non existence.

28. America: The Farewell Tour by Chris Hedges -ku
29. Fallen Soldier: A Survival Horror Short Story by Rich Hawkins -ku

at some point I'll get around to reviews ....

30. Year of the Zombie - various -ku
31. Saving the Planet and Other Stories by Theodore Dalrymple -ku
32. Embargo and Other Stories by Theodore Dalrymple -ku

You’re making good progress! Year of the Zombie sounds intriguing. Is it available somewhere? Touchstone’s not there.

>19 drneutron: Thanks Jim; yes, just need to find time to write a few quick reviews now.

Year of the Zombie - link is : https://www.librarything.com/work/31850445/book/259962006

Cough, Amazon link

https://www.amazon.com/Year-Zombie-David-Moody-ebook/dp/B079KHB11C/

It's a collection of short tales/an excerpt/novella's from a number of author's that I've heard of - a compilation from Amazon of mostly Kindle Unlimited self published types but does include one of my fav authors - Rich Hawkins. He does bleak VERY well, esp. a British rains a lot bleakness - his prose seems too capture our landscape and climate very well.
If you like Cormac's 'The Road' this https://www.librarything.com/work/19758452 is similar(ish) and is my favourite of his works.

For the book itself - couple of weakish tales, but for the most part, very good and like TWD- it's the human character development that is explored, with the undead merely a prop or backdrop. Made me want to check out a couple of the author's other books which is always a good sign.

Think though I've read enough Zombie stuff now ....;) - but every time I return to K.U though, something of that nature finds it's way into my downloads.

33. The Frighteners by Stephen Laws -ku

An author that I really should have read by now, yet hadn't even heard of him till recently thanks to LT and a couple of small press re-issues - and considering my reading background (a British horror author in the vein of James Herbert in the 80's) - amazed that his books weren't in my local library as a teenager. When you compare the number of owners of books on here from those respective authors -a 10 fold difference -I'm wondering whether publising/distribution deals were an issue ? Certainly 2nd copies even of his paperbacks can still command a decent price. Thankfully a few of his books have now appeared on Kindle Unlimited so I downloaded what I could. This is def more a thriller with supernatural overtones rather than a horror story - very tightly paced and had me reading at night till my eyes went. Final payoff was a bit meh though to me which was a shame. Prefer my supernatural conclusions to be plausible obviously ...others may see it differently though.


34. This Rotten World: Up in Flames: 8 by Jacy Morris -ku

but Mr Ig; I thought you said you were done with Zombie self-published KU books ? hmmm....well yes but this was latest in a series that I've been reading for a couple of years and was very very good in my defence.

The author has changed the approach of his last 3 in the series - starting again/a reboot from the outbreak in a different location and this has paid off. Characters are well developed, again TWD are more of a prop and it's the disintegration of moral standards in the living that are on show here.

35. Ferocity by Stephen Laws -ku

Usual author binge on discovery esp as only have limited KU time length... I basically re-subscribed for a month to get the new Adam Nevill book that comes out tomorrow. Longer than that and I'll keep reading Zombie fare no doubt at the expense of my own TBR pile and library stuff.

Ferocity is again not a horror but a sort of loosely gangster(ish) thriller with a slight supernatural overtone involving the existence of big cats. The predator family not an overfed tabby.

Unable to expand on the plot without spoilers but there is a theme of loss throughout - although for both protagonists is maybe a touch unbelievable and only really has relevance for one.

A def 3.5 star job. Have now ordered Chasm by him which I believe is his best book.

Apr.

36. All the Fiends of Hell by Adam Nevill -ku

Obviously inspired by The Day of the Triffids, War of the Worlds and an element of the Quiet Place; this should have been perfect fare for me. Yet I was somewhat disappointed, despite being a lover of post-apoc/dystopian fiction and I'm trying to ascertain why. It's very adjective heavy - always a criticism of the authors books in my view - and whilst there are only so many ways of describing an ominous red sky, it was almost getting to mirror the worst bits of Lovecraftian excess in places. Thankfully nothing eldritch was mentioned though.... Characterization was good but something for me, just didn't gel and I can't really explain more without plot spoilers. For all the end of days horror described and it really is an end of days horror situation, I didn't get the overwhelming feeling of dread that Mr Nevill usually does so excellently and in places without surpass. Kept my attention but felt the whole story was too one directional somehow and dragged in places, despite the events all happening at a frantic pace. A 3.75 stars job.

37. The Venue: A wedding novel by T.J. Payne -ku
38. The Haar: A Horror Novel by David Södergren -ku

Two rather silly horror novels I pulled from KU before my subs ran out on the strength of Amazon reviews. Enough to believe that they weren't the author's friends.

First was entertaining despite being the most unbelievable thing I've ever read (and that includes my Zombie stuff) and the second I thought was going to be a Scottish version of the Mist (that's what the haar is) but wasn't great and somewhat OTT.

Am reading some of Theodore Dalrymple's stuff alongside for something a bit more thought provoking and intellectual.

39. China Road: A Journey into the Future of a Rising Power by Rob Gifford -l

An engaging travelogue along one major road in China and the author's interactions with the locals (he speaks Mandarin fluently I gather after many years in the country) with a lot of relevant history thrown in. It's a slightly old book now (2008) and obv. a lot has changed in China since then from a political angle but an informative and thought provoking read.

40. 2034: A Novel of the Next World War by Elliot Ackerman -l

Rather apt reading at this moment in time and all the more worrying for it. A future China vs USA WW3 scenario mapped out as a series of escalating events. The 'saviour' country has been criticised from many for being implausible - at the present that is certainly true - and some of the plot holes regarding future tech are rather obvious and certainly not explained.
It still was a gripping tale though and hopefully not going to become anything like reality.

Reviews to follow ....yeah, we've heard that before ...

41. Chasm by Stephen Laws

May

42. A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush by Eric Newby -l

A proper 'classic' of old-skool travel writing and the book that launched his literary career. A very British 'expedition' of drive across Europe/Asia then attempt a mountain WAY out of your league - after a couple of days mountaineering teaching in Wales - then venture into a hidden corner of Afghanistan where even the locals are wary of travelling. Some nice self-deprecating humour without it being laid on thick, and the last line is a classic (esp. in the context of what they had done) when they meet the legendary Desert explorer Wilfred Thesiger.

43. The Lost Weekend (New York Classics) by Charles Jackson -l

We seem to think - to a degree - that accounts/memoirs of alcohol/drug abuse are a relatively recent thing. Certainly not so here in this 1944 account of an alcohol binge from which an famous film was made. Engrossing and different due to the time setting, the writing certainly not dated either - it's proof that the demon drinks hold on us has always been so.

yes, and more to review ...and another Kindle Unlimited sub has somehow been purchased, primarily to check out Kealan Patrick Burke, no zombie fare though. That's a promise.

44. So Late in the Day: The Sunday Times bestseller by Claire Keegan -l
45. Seldom Seen in August by Kealan Patrick Burke -ku
46. Around the World in the Cinemas of Paris by Theodore Dalrymple -ku
47. Garden of Fiends: Tales of Addiction Horror by Jack Ketchum -ku

and ahem, more to review....

finishing May off with:

48. Lullabies For Suffering: Tales of Addiction Horror by Caroline Kepnes -ku
49. Orphans of Bliss: Tales of Addiction Horror by S. A. Cosby - ku
50. Things from the Flood by Simon Stålenhag -l
51. Jack of Spades: A Tale of Suspense by Joyce Carol Oates -l
52. Antarctica by Claire Keegan -l
53. Ravenous Ghosts by Kealan Patrick Burke -ku

reviews you say ? When time permits ...honest guv ..

Hitting the library hard as of late:

June

54. No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy: Memoirs of a Working-Class Reader by Mark Hodkinson -l
55. The Trading Game: The No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller by Gary Stevenson -l
56. Viva La Madness by J. J. Connolly -l
57. Discipline Is Destiny: A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER by Ryan Holiday -l

Despite a holiday finally involving a massively overdue visit to Wigtown (Librarything Local link - Scotland's book town - and immortalised in Shaun Bythell's bookseller series) - reading as of late has been minimal.

I'll blame the Euro's.

58. The Ultimate Guide To Red Light Therapy: How to Use Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy for Anti-Aging, Fat Loss, Muscle Gain, Performance Enhancement, and Brain Optimization
by Ari Whitten -k -r
59. Billy Liar (Penguin Decades) by Keith Waterhouse -l

yes;yes - these reviews you keep mentioning .....they'll be epic when they arrive.

Possibly.

July

Finally! Finished something ... and a review as well. Tide must be turning.

60. The Lost by Jack Ketchum -ku

An author I'd heard of but surprisingly never read before; the differing view points in each chapter of the story works well (not too sure about the cat mind) and the tale moves along at a fair pace. Tightly plotted and believable - takes a while to realise it's written in the late 60's and obv. parallels with the C.Manson murders. Did get very grisly to the end moving from a thriller to a rather graphic horror which some may find unpleasant.

Gave up (only due to max renewals at library and too much else to read here ) on The Concert Pianist by Conrad Williams.

A well written story about a major midlife crisis from a classical pianist. 70 pages in and maybe just getting to the plot enhancing stage; but can't see me finishing in the near future.

Maybe one to return to, although judging by my Wishlist on here. Creeping up towards 400 books now possibly not.

More library reads - my personal TBR is slowly growing, and yet I keep reserving new stuff when I hear about it through here.

61. Batman The Killing Joke Special Ed HC by Alan Moore -l

Never a comic person as a child, as didn't need to be 'encouraged' to read and Graphic novels again were something I never ever investigated. A couple of the more famous one's last year I took out the library (The Oil Sands and the girl growing up in Iran) but both I felt could have been done just as well, if not better as actual books.

I don't 'do' super hero's either - enjoyed the Batman remakes but all that Marvel stuff leaves me cold - however wanted to read something by Alan Moore (actually thought he was the artist not the author ...ahem) but Watchmen and V for Vendetta were either unavailable or missing.

The Batman book above - like a few reviewers here on LT couldn't understand the plaudits - plot was thin, some bits just put in for shock value I felt. Got another couple reserved so will hold off judgement for now.

62. Confessions of a Bookseller: THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER by Shaun Bythell -l -r

Visited the legendary shop couple of weeks back during an afternoon of Wigtown bookshop browsing - but ideally should have re-read again BEFORE going; as some useful places to visit nearby are mentioned - so def. merited a re-read.

Enjoyed it more I think this time and a few more recommendations have appeared on my wish-list. Sadly, Captain (the shop's legendary fat cat) passed last year so was unable to see if he was as large as he book makes him out to be. Cheeky little memorial plate to him outside the shop.

There 's a youtube channel from the owner to get an idea of the size of the shop, and it really is a bit over-whelming when you first enter as you don't know where to begin. If you are in Scotland though and a 'proper' book lover - make a pilgrimage to go there. (it's a fair bit out of the way mind - the reason for my own extremely delayed visit )

my personal TBR is slowly growing, and yet I keep reserving new stuff when I hear about it through here.

Story of my life… 😀

I’m not much of a superhero comics fan, especially the mainstream DC and Marvel ones. But I have found some interesting graphic novels lately. Emil Ferris’ My Favorite Thing is Monsters was one - a sequel is just out and I hear it’s equally good.

>33 drneutron: (do you get a notification on this reply tag btw?)

Hi Jim; need to check that out. My local library network does have a considerable amount of graphic novels but apart from LT, wouldn't have a clue where to start.

Looking back at all those books I haven't got around to reviewing (yet) - my number 20 this year might be of interest to you : Simon: The Genius in My Basement - very engaging read - the explanation of group theory; I 'almost' grasped. For people like me - the maths is made relatively simple but it's def. more the tale of the person here.

63. You like it darker by Stephen King -l

I've read nearly everything by Mr King , but still would argue that 'Nightshift' and possibly "Skeleton Crew' (his first two short story collections) were the best things he's ever written. Certainly 'proper short stories' - no excessive waffle - yes he can do it - and a proper ending / payoff. Since then his collections have been good/ok/hmmm but rarely packing the punch of those two books, and here is certainly no exception. His recurring theme of small town values is present in the first tale with a hint of Dreamcatcher but the main theme I took away is of aging and loss. His love of questionable country roads appear as well in a dark little number with a brilliantly written Grandad character... I'll say no more .
Without trying to inadvertently create Spoilers - The Dreamers was good with some hints of Revival I thought, although the horror element could have been expanded on. The novella length 'Bad Dream' was def. the strongest (last section a bit unnecessary though) - let the tale end as it should.
'Turbulence' I've read before but whilst a decent idea, could have been dealt with in a better manner. "Finn" - utter rubbish I thought, and "Red Screen" similarly was a waste of space. "The Answer man" ties into some of the themes above - reminded me of another one his SS's from a recent-ish collection.
Favourite was the nasty "On Slide Inn Road" -now this was more like the King of old.

A 3.75 job, rounded down to 3.5 as he certainly has the talent to do this better.

>34 Ignatius777: Sounds like a good one! Onto the list it goes.

64. Roadside Picnic by Arkady Strugatsky -l

Considering my youthful background, it's possibly surprisingly that I don't read or really engage with Sci-Fi (books). This I came across - probably on LT - as a Cold war era Soviet slightly dystopian tale and was unique (to me) in it's premise. Basically the Aliens came, hung around for a short while, didn't engage with the human race and then left. But left their trash behind, hence the title. Stalkers are the ones from the nearby towns that illegally go into the 'Zone' (where the Aliens landed) and retrieve artefacts to sell on the black market. This is for the most part the tale of one of them and I would say more a sociological story than anything else. Little science in it, and some underlying satire due it's time of publishing - which the author adds in an afterwood that was ahem 'challenging'.

Would recommend.

65. Head Strong: The Bulletproof Plan to Activate Untapped Brain Energy to Work Smarter and Think Faster-in Just Two Weeks by Dave Asprey -l

A book about the role of mitochondria and how is badly affected by our current environment - including a lot about mould and it's quite deadly effects on us.

A few good take aways although not everything is practical - unless a millionaire - but interestingly another LT reviewer mentions speaking to a neuro-scientist about some of it and they were apparently rather scathing.

66. The Ultimate Guide to Methylene Blue: Remarkable Hope for Depression, COVID, AIDS & other Viruses, Alzheimer’s, Autism, Cancer, Heart Disease, ... Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction)
by Mark Sloan -ku

Tie-ing into the above in a way - re-mitochondria - this could be a must-read and potentially life changer for certain conditions. Obv. ignored by big pharma completely - def. DAYOR but is something I will be looking to start using to treat a long standing condition.

67. Coming Up for Air by George Orwell -r -k

Quick re-read as was looking for something else by Orwell on my Kindle and wanted to see if I missed anything the first time. I didn't; it's not one of his best although there a few interesting takes on his own experiences fighting in Spain (in the form of reportage by the media - even back then ...) that are expressed through the protagonist.

68. The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry -k

A netgallery book that I'll have to review properly on here shortly.

69. A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck -k

A dark little novella, but the author tries to cram way too much into it - could have been trimmed down on this front for a better tale - almost like all his ideas were overflowing and needed to write them into the story - often some things aren't explained or even give a reason for being brought it which ruins the impact.

70. Remainders of the Day: More Diaries from The Bookshop, Wigtown by Shaun Bythell -l -r

Finished re-reading his trilogy - enjoyed this more the 2nd time around. If you are planning a trip to the area; lots of sights are mentioned that you probably won't hear about elsewhere. Wish I'd read this prior to my recent visit.

A well over-due update:

I'm known for binging on new author's in the last few years, but taking that stage further - now binging on a publisher.

Was flicking through The Savage Kick magazine (https://www.librarything.com/work/13301098) and decided to check out a few of the other author's other than Dan Fante who I'd bought it for.

Also found it it's a British press rather than American which for some reason I thought it was, def had the feel of an underground US press for some reason.

A lot of the linked author's esp the Brits included are hard hitting/alienated lives + uncomfortable living in the vein of Fante/Bukowski and Miller (who I've yet to read) - managed to find a few also on Kindle Unlimited so re-subscribed.

71. The Savage Kick issue 6
72. Black Cradle by u.v. ray - a dark auto-biographical? tale - I assume set around his life in the late 80's in Birmingham. Don't want to say a British Bukowski as this is far darker, even more so than Dan Fante but brilliant stuff.

Ended up buying a couple of books from Amazon/ebay as the publisher itself - whilst still maintaining a legacy and basic website (http://www.murderslim.com/)- Murder Slim Press doesn't seem to be in business anymore.

73. We Are Glass by u.v. ray - a collection of v.short bleak tales of those that exist on the fringes of society. All pack a punch and actually finish to a degree with a conclusion (my pet hate in a lot of short fiction)

74. Back by Steve Hussy -ku A short tale on KU from the publisher above but more of a rant in a way than anything else.

75. Scar City by Joel Lane -r -ku - Had purchased/read/sold but appearing now on KU, decided to read again. Like the above, set in the Birmingham area, it's following similar themes as those above - esp. urban alienation but a bit too off kilter for me for some reason.

76.Dirty Hits: Stories 2003-2013 by Tony O'Neill

Another Murder Slim author - a junkie Brit ex-musician now 'surviving' in LA. Glamour this isn't. His autobiography is due to be read soon.

and a break from this bleakness with .... wait for it ... it's kindle unlimited time...so... some post apoc Zombie stuff ...

Book 9 of a series that I've been reading for a few years now, and the author is getting better and better with each book. Very little un-dead involvement at all, def. a TWD style of human vs human. The characterisation here is exceptional.

77. This Rotten World: A Plague of Locusts: 9 by Jacy Morris

More to come ...

Congratulations on reaching 75!

Congrats!

>40 elorin: Thanks Elorin.

>41 drneutron: Thanks Jim.

Few more updates:

78. Wakening the Crow by Stephen Gregory -l

A British horror author I hadn't heard off and found about after being brought up in another LT thread. Whole story is a riff on Poe basically, but with a rather questionable series of actions from the protagonist that were uneasy reading and wasn't sure how this really fitted into the tale.

79. Steps by Steve Hussy

Another very short book from the main Murder Slim publisher, mentioned in the post above. I'd read a couple of his stories in the Savage Kick magazines and this was almost a continuation with similar themes; excess alcohol; surviving on the fringes of society etc but the prose wasn't tight enough for me - and didn't think it realised it's potential.

80. Viz Annual 2023: The Zookeeper's Boot: Cobbled Together from the Best Bits of Issues 292 - 301 by Viz Magazine

Whilst my love of zombie post-apoc lit is my literary 'downfall', I make no apologies for being a very long term Viz fan. Childish (at times, well mostly ), sometimes surreal, and increasingly a bit more of social commentary with the Barney Farmer strips; it's a very British institution for folk of a certain age.
If anything was to sum up the UK in a comic strip form, Viz is it. One phrase from the updated profanisaurus (see Viz Roger's profanisaurus )inside gave me a proper laughing attack of the type that I've not had for a decade. Puerile in the extreme. :)

Few more - will review shortly ....yes, we've heard that before haven't we ...

81. Hopler's Statement by Mark SaFranko -ku

82. No Strings by Mark SaFranko -ku

83. The Savage Kick Literary Magazine - The Early Years: Issue #1, #2, #3, #4

84. The Horse by Willy Vlautin -l

85. Digging the Vein by Tony O'Neill -k

Hard hitting account of the author's descent from a 19 year old semi-successful musician who moves to LA from the UK, gets into the party scene whilst trying to re-make his career over there and within a year is a fully fleged junkie. Grim reading at times but being British, there's no real whining or glorifying just brutal Dan-Fante style reminiscence. Lucky to still be alive tbh.
Another author I found through Savage Kick/Murder Slim press and will be checking out further works by him.

Seem to be on a real roll of reading (nice alliteration there ;) ) tales from the downtrodden/messed up/survivor types at the moment.

86. Rock Springs by Richard Ford -l

I liked his Independence Day but this selection of short stories was def a 3 star job. Couple I enjoyed but some I couldn't engage with at all. Reminded me of a Annie Proulx collection - possibly reflecting the same hard landscapes where the tales played out, but apart from the ones that gelled with me, couldn't empathise with the protagonists.

September.

87.The Survival of Tom: Life in a post-apocalyptic, virus ravaged world by M.J Brierley -ku

A British post-apoc tale on Kindle unlimited... I know, I know .... not too bad, although certain elements were rather implausible. Went straight to the nearly everyone is dead post-virus situation and I have a feeling that the author envisaged himself as the loner who becomes hero. Not a bad little romp but won't be getting out the expected parts 2/3 etc ...

88. The Fog - James Herbert -ku

JH was a stalwart of my horror childhood so appearing on KU, I thought would merit a re-read. The cover (the severed head) will always remain with me, along with another extremely gruesome scene which gave me the shivers - esp. as a male - when I read it years (talking 35+) ago. Surprisingly? enjoyed it again, as thought it might appear rather dated but it's got a disaster/thriller element that is paced well.

89. The Butterfly Garden (The Collector) by Dot Hutchison -ku

Loads of reviews on LT so doesn't require my 5 pence worth - I did agree with a lot of them in that the twist at the end was totally unnecessary and the protagonist's attitude throughout is a bit too 'clever/sarky' to be true.

90. Resolution: The propulsive new Sunday Times bestseller (The CRIME series) by Irvine Welsh -l

IW is firmly entranced in the troubled cop (aren't they all ?) genre now and probably only read this due it being by him. Highly probable that this book contains the most uses of the word 'nonce' - usually prefixed/suffixed by expletives .. sometimes both - in the history the English language. I did enjoy it overall, decently paced, mostly believable characterisations and the thriller elements were better written than his other books, but a little too much deus ex machina parts towards the end.

Gave up 1/3 way through The Ultimate Good Luck by Richard Ford - his first book I believe, and had the potential to be a great story ...but the prose was stilted and the characters talked in riddles half the time which I found annoying.

Might have persevered but WAY too many books requiring my more immediate attention.

Review tomorrow ...

91. Drunken Baker by Barney Farmer -r

92. Sepulchre by James Herbert -l

reviews to come , yeah, yeah ...

93. Knockemstiff by Donald Ray Pollock -l

94. Marabou Stork Nightmares by Irvine Welsh -r

95. The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson -l

Started off so promising as well; the spooky ruined house, the found manuscript and then the initial story from the manuscript which was decent and can imagine very scary back when this was published .. but then loads and loads of dream sequence type around the end of time stuff - almost on a Lovecraft riff - although written beforehand, so wonder if HP was influenced by this - and got bored, ending wasn't satisfactory either.

96. Armed and Dangerous: London Gangster's Path to Multiple Murders and 45 Years in Prison by John Hilton -ku

Oct.

97. Never Understood: The Jesus and Mary Chain by William Reid -l

98. Cabin Fever: The Harrowing Journey of the Cruise Ship Zaandam at the Dawn of a Pandemic by Michael Smith -l

99. The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel -l

100. Spiral Out by U.V. Ray

So hit 100 in October (at the expense of reviews though ;) )and very little ahem kindle Unlimited Zombie/Post Apoc Filler.

Most I've logged was 111 last year so don't think that's going to be problem to beat ... not that's it's a competition ...

Still discovering new stuff thanks to LT and hitting the library hard so my TBR pile isn't going down anytime soon but we'll see in the next couple of months.

Will backfill my missing reviews at some point.. promise ....

101. The Way of the Hermit: My 40 years in the Scottish Wilderness by Ken Smith -k

102. Crypt of the Moon Spider: 1 (The Lunar Gothic Trilogy) by Nathan Ballingrud -l

103. The Collector (Back Bay Books) by John Fowles -l

104. Crustaceans by William Meikle -ku

A shameless homage to the 'legendary' Crabs series from Guy.N.Smith which you will have read/seen if you were of a certain age in the 80's. Far better written - from what I can remember - and despite the slightly ... em .. maybe not slightly ... implausible extremely large killer crabs with re-enforced shells ... ok ... it was a decent story ... ending was far too quick and convenient though.

105. The Yellow Wall-Paper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman -k

Heard a fair bit about this, but only finally got around to reading it. Doesn't really need another review and deserves all the plaudits it gets.

106. The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King -k -r

A Re-read - always; well generally enjoy his shorter material and this, apart from the obligatory (and unnecessary) poem type affairs .. oh and obv. baseball stuff as well, was welcome - found on my old Kindle Keyboard.

Following on from that - I picked up my old Kindle Keyboard for travelling and found I far enjoy it more than my more recent Kindle paperweight one. Anyone else ? Def. faster and far more user friendly and also more control. No annoying ads either or Amazon trying to tell me what to do.

Nov.

Holiday reading and a poor total for me, esp considering last years amount.

107. Survivor: A Novel by Chuck Palahniuk -k

Yeah; not bad - end bit got bit micky and the whole centre section was milked to satire levels. Can't give a hint of plot without spoilers. I wonder if the cleaning tips are accurate though ?

108. On the Beach by Neville Shute -k

Finally read this after hearing about it for many years. A unique post-apoc tale in many ways and despite the truly 'this is it; everyone really is going to die; man is to be no more' its more melancholic on things left undone than down right depressing.

109. Loading Mercury With a Pitchfork by Richard Brautigan -k -r

A fun blast re-read through Brautigan's poetry.

110. Bill Bryson's African Diary by Bill Bryson -k -r

Short re-read as was sitting their on my old Kindle - not really a book per se, or even a short story - more an advertisement for the Charity CARE's work in Kenya.

111. The Last Kind Words: A Novel (Terrier Rand Book 1) by Tom Piccirilli -k

An impressive 'dirty' thriller that slowed down a bit, and the twist whilst unpredictable I thought wasn't too realistic. Enough to check out further books by the author though.

112. 20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill -k

Finishing off a holiday reading collection. A hit and miss collection; as noted by others but I'd say mostly hit. Couple very quirky - 'locust' / 'pop art' - the ending Novella was decent 'Voluntary Committal". The "Fathers Mask" tale was disturbing in that it was open ended, and not really explained and very open to interpretation. Opener was decent as well.

and just realised that I past my LT reading in a year record as well. :)

Few short ones in there looking back but mostly all of decent length - and House of Leaves - so think it's been a well read year so far. Although for some reason, doesn't feel that I was reading more than ever, and both my holidays were pretty tame by my standards.

Need to start hitting my TBR pile though as creeping up with some recent purchases. One more library haul (ahem) then I'll start.

Yeah; heard that one before ... just like those reviews you keep promising us ?

Update: Looking (shamefully) at my TBR list did notice The Black Death by Philip Ziegler on there - did sort of semi-read this earlier in the year but remember skipping sections.
I won't count it then. So just 85 to go now ...

We are quite similar reading number wise this year, Ignatius.

Have a great weekend.

>54 PaulCranswick: Thankyou Paul (and a week later ... to you as well ;)) - impressive numbers, not sure how you find the time!

113. Hating Olivia: A Love Story (P.S.) by Mark SaFranko

A TBR novel from me pile ...finally.

Not published by Murder Slim press - on which I've been binging as of late - but an author I discovered from there and this re-print was MS's first novel I believe.

Both characters in the story are in their own ways rather/very loathsome and it's hard to find any empathy for them at all. Compelling reading though; in a relationship car crash way with apparently shades of Henry Miller - who I've never read - and a bit of Fante/Bukowski - who I'm reading heavily at the moment. Curious to read more from the same protagonist to see how he follows on after this episode but seems to be impossible to find to purchase - short print runs from Murder Slim I suspect. Def. needs a re-print like this novel.

Have also increased by TBR pile with a number of purchases ... that's not going to get those numbers down is it ?

114. Wait Until Spring, Bandini by John Fante -r

Took me 100 pages to realize that I'd read this before - was going through the Bandini quartet compilation so didn't trigger. It's a prequel to the famous Ask the Dust but more based around the family (and very autobiographical I think) than around Arturo himself. Very readable if a sad tale.

115. Hero of the Underground: A Memoir by Jason Peter

Purchased due to the Tony o'neill (from Murder Slim) link - who I think wrote this alongside Jason.

Being British I know naarthing about 'your' funny football apart from it goes on forever, seems to stop every 10 seconds and the players are big pansies wearing loads of protective gear (joke). I asked my dad - a British rugby union player - similar to your football but no protective kit - maybe a teeth guard - and said aren't they big jessies for requiring this ? Nope- they are a lot bigger (and Rugby Union players aren't exactly small) and it's a lot more aggressive.

Reading this book I see why - the story is the Football prodigy from a football family with football genes and he's a big lad and a defensive lineman? - basically from my limited knowledge he runs into equally large players and stops them. Immovable force meets an unstoppable object or similar ...

Injures himself and is given shedloads of Oxy/Opiates from questionable Dr's linked to the Team, so he can continue playing.

This starts a pattern of addiction that continues when injury forces him to retire. As excess goes - due to his size/tolerance, the amounts he imbibes would probably kill lesser men and allows a life of addiction to continue till he forces himself to address it. No junkie squalor here - as an ex-NFL he's right minted and only the best pharmaceuticals which possibly helps/hinders. Eye opening (to a degree) for me - shades of one of Motley Crue's biography when the record company aren't concerned about his drug use as long as he keeps writing new material and touring to make them money.

Great read overall, and very well written (assuming the Tony o'Neill contribution here - an ex-junkie himself)

116. Dreams from Bunker Hill by John Fante

Another from my TBR pile and continuing my Fante binge as of late. Last story in the Bandini Quartet and is a little bit weak compared to the others. However, was dictated whilst blind to his wife so can forgive. A decent short read though - only have the "road to Los Angeles" left which I note has a few reviewers not being the most complementary.

117. Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood by Alexandra Fuller -l

Not my usual fare but saw glowing reviews after seeing another '75 mentioning it. Quite eye-opening in some ways. Some ahem unique 'parenting skills' here ...

118. Don't Cry for Me, Sergeant-Major by Jeremy Hands

Despite the Falklands war being part of my childhood in terms of a defined memory - I've never read any books about it. This book though I suspect is the best if you wanted a 'what really happened' and didn't want to be bogged down in dry operational minutiae . Written by two journalists who were there with the Troops - it's a warts and all tale from their engagment with the various squads - mostly the Para's and Royal Marines (who have a healthy - in true British style - disregard for the others skills) and the odd Special Forces guy who appears mysteriously and then vanishes out again. From squaddies to Capt's to those commanding the ships - you get a full feel of their own operational tasks and issues. Hard to find I believe, but worth tracking down if you are interested in the war or want a far more 'real' account covering everything.
The Gurka's come off as utterly insane - in the best possible way. Def. recommended and full of very black humour and profanity level insults.

119. Nowhere Near Hollywood (Max Zajack) by Mark SaFranko

A TBR: Purchased (bad) but read (good) within a week. Really enjoying the discovery of this author, despite this series being semi-impossible (apart from the first and this book which were re-printed by other houses) to get hold of. Another one that Murder Slim put out initially put out a number of years ago.

It's loosely in the vein of Dan Fante but not as excessive, and drink isn't really part of it. I'm guessing very autobiographical - the author struggling for years turns his hand at acting in the hope of promoting his writing and screenplays - in New York here, not the bright lights of LA.
Frustrating and soul-destroying seems to be the order of the way if even close to his own experiences, and expect that's true as well for the 99% in this profession.

Enjoyable and not as 'degrading' for want of a better word as the first book Hating Olivia where you have little time for the protagonist . Here you have upmost sympathy for him and the constant knock backs. A few easily translated names of others in the Industry, that he sees with envy.

120. The White Darkness by David Grann -k

Another from my TBR - def. getting better on that front.

A short and quick read - expanded? from a magazine article (The New Yorker) - this didn't really tell me anything new, as was aware of the background here - but a well told tale re: a modern day Antarctic quest from a typical British stoic explorer type.

There def. seems to be something in our blood about the lure of cold places at the end of the world. The Norwegians - our usual challengers - you can understand to a degree, but whilst our climate isn't exactly New Mexico, it's never THAT bad, unless you count the rain. Worth a read if you aren't familiar with the story and background and as it's David Grann, it's very readable.

121. Billy and the Devil by Dean Lilleyman

A quite astounding (in many ways) debut novel and certainly not for the easily offended. This is sad (autobiographical in places? - the author is a recovering alcoholic ) tale of boy who was possibly destined for alcoholism or addiction of some description, depending on your view of nature vs nurture.

The book itself is told from a myriad of viewpoints with parts in the 1st/2nd/3rd person. Usually this would rankle to a degree unless relevant but here it is done well and not an author trying to show off - just an author trying to tell his tale. Some unique chapters - in a good way - the homemade 'punch' one stands out.

The protagonist though we have little sympathy for; even when he is contrite after alcohol related events. His decline is obvious and I wouldn't even say gradual but he doesn't have the willpower or any self awareness to realise the damage he is doing, and is blase about the effects his behaviour has on others.

Hopefully this part is fictional. Recommended to all fans of Dan Fante and similar.

122. One False Step by Mark Safranko

A twisted revenge story with a twist at the end that still has me pondering.

123. Hell House by Richard Matheson -l

Heard all the plaudits but only recently available in my local library. Started off with such promise and a real unerring feeling of dread; but like so many horror tales - it's the initial unknown (and your own interpretation I feel ) that gives the chills. Once it got down to the action so to speak - the protagonists inter-acting with the house; it slowed down and got marred into some more technical discussions that didn't help. Pay off was decent in a way but felt that after such a strong start, a bit of let down overall- def a 3.5 star job. 5 stars for the first few chapters though. Some v.dark elements initially.

124. Sisters by A River (Virago Modern Classics) by Barbara Comyns -l

After being impressed by Our Spoons came from Woolworths last year, found this in my local libraries back catalogue. I always find a strange melancholy in a way on library books that haven't been borrowed for a while and this was no exception - was the first in 10 years and 4th in 25. The stamping slip went back to the early 90's and still wasn't even 1/2 way full.

It's another semi?-autobiographical Comyn's tale from her traumatic?/unusual/eye-raising childhood this time. Written as child would - with spelling mistakes - it's at times amusing/saddening but always entertaining, describing a world long since gone (30's I think).
A Short read but packs so much into it. Def. recommended.

Worth tracking down her other books as she is a remarkable story teller with prose that is tight and conveys so much in few words.

Thinking of you at this time, Ignatius.

>65 PaulCranswick: Thankyou Paul - and a Seasons greetings to yourself and family.

125. Abroad in Japan by Chris Broad -l

One of Mrs Ig's library books that I ploughed through in a couple of days. A straight out of Uni to a School in a remote provenance of Japan teaching tale - it's reasonably ok and informative for around 2/3rds until he leaves the School/area and the rest - as other LT reviewers have noted - is about his Youtube channel and exploits in that taking off. This bit was weak and covered some major events but in a fleeting manner with himself as the POV regarding it.

Marginally taken aback I've read 125 books this year - and there's probably a few that I've not added; but for all that and therefore 2.5 books a week, doesn't really feel that I read any more than usual and with two holidays that were very low on the reading front. Will review properly in my 2025 thread.

Reckon there's a least another one or two in me though before I close for the year.