FF: Histories — Fictional and Non
For those of you who are new to this feature, the FF feature lists of what I���ve read over the past week.�� They are not meant to be a recommendation list.�� If you���re interested in a not-at-all-inclusive list, you can look on my website. ��It’s currently under reconstruction, but look for “Neat Stuff.”
Sirenity Reads
As I say every week, this is not a book review column.�� It���s just a list with, maybe, a few opinions tossed in.
Recently Completed:
Komarr by Lois McMaster Bujold.�� Audiobook.�� I really liked this. The addition of another fully-realized point-of-view character was a good choice for expanding the complexities of the tale.
Unexpected Magic: Collected Stories by Diana Wynne Jones. ��I loved this book.�� It makes me want to go on a Diana Wynne Jones jag.�� I think I will���
Escape from Botany Bay: The True Story of Mary Bryant by Gerald and Loretta Hausman.�� I���d read about the conditions under which Australia was settled, but knowing in advance didn���t make this first person account of the horrors that drove Mary Bryant, her husband, and a small group of allies to seek escape any easier. ��The authors��� choice of a distant narrative voice puzzled me at first, since this is story that would seem to invite intimacy.�� After a while, I realized how well that slight distance worked very well to convey the sense of someone who can hardly bear to talk about what she���s gone through.
In Progress:
Heroes of History by Will Durant.�� Audiobook.�� I���ve listened to this one before, but the compact survey is very enjoyable.�� We started in possibly mythical China, moved through Egypt and the Middle East, and are now up to Leonardo DaVinci.
Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones.�� Just started.�� Don���t let the title deceive you.�� Diana Wynne Jones never does anything the way you���d expect.
Also:
Sea of Dreams by Dennis Nolan.�� ��No words, but the beautiful pictures tell a far more thought provoking story than you���d imagine.�� Jim read it and said he thought the seagull was crucial.�� I agree, but I also draw note to the young castle-maker���s swimsuit.
This one was a gift from Steve (S.M.) and Jan Stirling.�� They have very good taste!
So, what are��you reading?
