FF: It Was a Good Week
Kel Stole My Bedtime Read!
This was really a good week for reading. I wanted to read a T. Kingfisher book that didn’t have a kid as a protagonist, and wasn’t disappointed. I also found that the Cleese autobiography went from side-rippingly funny to poignantly thoughtful.
For those of you just discovering this part of my blog, the Friday Fragments lists what I’ve read over the past week. Most of the time I don’t include details of either short fiction (unless part of a book-length collection) or magazines.
The Fragments are not meant to be a recommendation list. If you’re interested in a not-at-all-inclusive recommendation list, you can look on my website under Neat Stuff.
Once again, this is not a book review column. It’s just a list with, maybe, a bit of description or a few opinions tossed in.
Recently Completed:
The Clockwork Boys by T. Kingfisher. Not steampunk, despite the title. Closer to sword and sorcery with the “sorcery” replaced by demons and ancient technology. Complex multi-level characterization, a touch of romance, and dry humor make this unlikely tale work beautifully.
The Wonder Engine by T. Kingfisher. Part two of the story begun in The Clockwork Boys. Satisfying if bittersweet conclusion. I really like that there are consequences. And gnoles. I liked the gnoles a lot.
So, Anyway… by John Cleese. Audiobook, read by the author. Intensely detailed, sometimes very funny autobiography focusing on Cleese’s formative years. Don’t read this if you’re hoping for a lot about Monty Python. Do read if you are interested in the complex journey of John Cleese.
In Progress:
Going Postal by Terry Pratchett. Before bed. Generates weird dreams and a strong desire for bacon sandwiches.
Our Oriental Heritage: The Story of Civilization by Will Durant. Audio. Doing medicine in India. Some amazing things here.
Also:
This week I should finally see the first issue of DreamForge: Tales of Hope in the Universe. It will definitely move to the top of my TBR pile!
