FF: What is Sane?

When I thought about it, many of the books I’ve read recently have touched on the question of perception and sanity.  Even the otherwise “real world” The Penderwicks in Spring shows how much perception matters.

Kwahe’e Considers Max Evans

Just in case you’re new to this feature, The Friday Fragments features lists of what I’ve read over the past week.  Most of the time I don’t include either short fiction or magazine articles.

The Fragments 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 under Neat Stuff.

Once again, this is not a book review column.  It’s just a list with, maybe, a few opinions tossed in.

Recently Completed:

Authority by Jeff Vandemeer.  Audiobook.  Part two of the much-discussed “Southern Reach” trilogy.  Lovecraft meets conspiracy theory meets spy thriller.  Introduces more characters and more complications without losing touch with the original problem.

The Penderwicks in Spring by Jean Birdsall.  Keeps the series solidly “middle grade” by focusing on three younger Penderwicks: Batty, Ben, and Lydia.  Alternately grippingly sad and funny.  (I actually finished this one late last week and forgot to include it!)

In Progress:

Philip K. Dick is Dead, Alas by Michael Bishop.  A “fairly thorough revision” of the author’s 1987 Tor hardcover, The Secret Ascension.  I’m about three-quarters done.  This is the first novel I’ve read on our Kindle.  Not bad, but I definitely prefer print.

Island Dreams by Gerald Hausman.  A poetry collection spanning many years and many places.  I was touched to find a short poem called “Zelazny’s Advice” that perfectly captured his voice.

Also:

Various articles, including a bittersweet one in Smithsonian about jet packs.