What are you reading right now?

[Carolyn]

I'm just getting into the new Nancy Kress novel Steal Across the Sky, hasn't grabbed me yet, but the premise is interesting...

[Edward]

Kerry wrote: "I've just started a reread of The Initiate by Louise Cooper. I loved this series many years ago, but I'm not far enough into it yet to see how it holds up over time."

I read those books recently for the first time and found them absorbing and original. (I read them in e-book form, incidentally, the first series of books I've read entirely in that format.)

[Kerry]

Edward - While I have the paper books, I'm actually reading the ebooks myself. Where my health is at the moment (I have CFS) I'm finding ebooks much easier to reader than paper books. I'm also trying to get as many of my "keeper" books as possible in both formats so I have the choice of which to read.

[Jon]

Just finished Good Omens The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch which was hilarious.

Starting Fireflies in December.

The rest of May:

http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/3...

[Kelly]

I just finished Little Brother by Cory Doctorow. It was a great book! Despite its size I read it in just two days!

I'm now moving on to Kushiel's Justice by Jacqueline Carey.

[Kerry]

Just finished Monday Mourning by Kathy Reichs. I find her books a really quick read, and suprisingly considering the subject, a palate cleanser. So last night I picked this one up and raced through it. Now I'm going to go back to The Initiate.

I realised today that I've been putting off reading more "serious" books that I really do want to read in favour of easier ones that don't interest me so much. So I shall try to get back to the TBR instead.

[Random]

I just finished reading Neptune Crossing by Jeffrey A Carver and I'm about to star the second book in the series called Strange Attractors.

[Staci]

Kerry wrote: "Just finished Monday Mourning by Kathy Reichs. I find her books a really quick read, and suprisingly considering the subject, a palate cleanser. So last night I picked ..."

I also just picked up a Kathy Reichs after giving up on The Traveler, Death du Jour. I also like these kinds of books as quick reads that I don't have to think too hard about.

I've also been reading War for the Oaks by Emma Bull and listening to some H. G. Wells audio books, The Time Machine / The War of the Worlds.

[Laurel]

I'm almost through Deadhouse Gates as well as The Well of Ascension. But, I may have to put them on hold for a few days, as Fall of Thanes just arrived at my local book store, and I can't wait to get into it!

[Stefan, Group Founder + Moderator (Retired)]

How are you liking Deadhouse Gates, Laurel? I am so glad I gave this book a try after Gardens of the Moon, which I thought was a disappointment. The series got so much better after that first book.

[Ken]

Started The Commons by Matthew Hughes. Its...different. Its a bunch of short stories tied togather in a novel. Thats not what is different. The book takes place in the far future and the main character can somehow travel the commons, some sort of other world where myths and stories come to life.

[Laurel]

So far I'm really enjoying it - but I feel like I'm on the edge of the "real" battle or rise of action in the story. I keep thinking that its just over the horizon, I just can't seem to get to it! I'll try to find some reading time tomorrow.

[Carolyn]

Sisimka wrote: "I just finished Little Brother by Cory Doctorow. It was a great book! Despite its size I read it in just two days!

I'm now moving on to Kushiel's Justice..."

I really enjoyed Little Brother too Sisi! Really made me think.

Let me know what you think of Kushiel's Justice - I have that on my tbr shelf, but it's been a while since I read the series, so I'm considering reading them all from the start before picking this one up.
I want to have them all reread before the first one in the new trilogy comes out. = )

[Kelly]

The news of the new trilogy is what prompted me to pick this one back up. Its big and although I enjoyed Kushiel's Scion, Imriel doesn't have the emotional impact for me that Phedre did. I'm only about 50 pages in and although it's been maybe two years since I read Kushel's Scion (I just looked it up, it's been three!), its all coming back to me by way of the introductory chapters which cleverly go over some of the more important plot aspects of the previous novels without seeming too much like a lecture.

[Stefan, Group Founder + Moderator (Retired)]

Oh, that's good to know. The last one I read was book 3. There was such a long break between 3 and 4 because of the "Sundering" series in between --- 3+ years I think. I forgot most of the details so I never picked up book 4.

[Sandi]

Damn! I think I'm now complete hooked on The Dresden Files. I just finished Fool Moon and had to pick up Grave Peril the next day. I hope Borders keeps those 30-40% off coupons coming.

I'm also re-reading To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis for the SciFi/Fantasy group.

[Kerry]

Sandi, I have often wondered about picking up To Say Nothing of the Dog but am aware I've never read Three Men in a Boat. Please do let us know if you think it matters.

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

Sandi wrote: "Damn! I think I'm now complete hooked on The Dresden Files."

I've been picking these up at used book stores as I've seen them, but have yet to read any of them. Nice to see an endorsement.

I, too, have never read To Say Nothing of the Dog, nor have I read Three Men in a Boat, so I'll be watching for a response, too.

[[deleted user]]

I've never read Three Men in a Boat. Please do let us know if you think it matters."

I have read both, it doesn't matter a bit. I *loved* To Say Nothing of the Dog, I found it hilarious. It is a stand alone book, but if you like that universe there is also Doomsday Book. Also stand alone but set in the same place. "Dog" is much more light hearted.

[Sandi]

Kerry wrote: "Sandi, I have often wondered about picking up To Say Nothing of the Dog but am aware I've never read Three Men in a Boat. Please do let us know if you think it matters."

It absolutely does not matter.

[Kerry]

Thanks Sandi. Well, I guess that's another book to add to the overflowing TBR as I really liked Doomsday Book and would like to read another with a similar premise but a much lighter subject.

[Sandi]

Kerry wrote: "Thanks Sandi. Well, I guess that's another book to add to the overflowing TBR as I really liked Doomsday Book and would like to read another with a similar premise but a much lighter s..."

Check out her short story collection, Fire Watch first. The title story kind of sets up To Say Nothing of the Dog. The story is also included in her latest short story collection, The Winds of Marble Arch. I highly recommend the latter for a great overview of Willis' amazing ability with short stories.

[Kerry]

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll go see if my library has The Winds of Marble Arch. I'm not a great short story reader, but I'm willing to keep trying.

[Mosca]

The book To Say Nothing of the Dog is apparently the second book of an intended trilogy (or series?), the first book is Doomsday Book.

The third book is expected to be published this year. It is titled "All Clear". And it will focus more on World War II Coventry, I think. Connie Willis's web site says that she has completed the book; and it is with the publisher.

[Ron]

Just finished Nimbus by Alexander Jablokov from 1993, a great science-fiction take on the noir thriller. The science is not incidental, it's central to the plot; unlike, say, space opera, you couldn't revamp this story to do without the sf element. Also, quite gripping.
Started rereading Zodiac by Neal Stephenson. Subtitled "An Eco-Thriller" it starts off at a faster pace than most Stephenson books. Set in Boston in "the near future" (more-or-less later this month, I guess) it's the story of an "asshole" (Stephenson's word) who works for an organization suspiciously like Greenpeace, called GEE. His main focus is Boston Harbor and the sickening gunk that gets poured into it every minute. So far it's more fun than I remember from last time.

[Dan]

Ron wrote: "Just finished Nimbus byAlexander Jablokov from 1993, a great science-fiction take on the noir thriller. The science is not incidental, it's central to the plot; unli..."

I read everything Stephenson wrote up until Quicksilver. Zodiac probably has the most satisfying ending of any of his books.

[Jon]

I just started The Einstein intersection and Firestorm of Dragons. The first one is a very short novel so should finish it by tomorrow.

[Jim]

Jon wrote: "I just started The Einstein intersection ... The first one is a very short novel so should finish it by tomorrow. "

Read it closely. I still get more out of it on a re-read. Very cool book. One of my all time favorites.

[Lori]

Sisimka wrote: "What did you think of Winter's Tale? Its been on my TBR pile for a while now."

Woops, didn't see this til now! I've tried reading it 2x before and never got past pg. 20 or so. It's quite wordy! But this time something just clicked and I didn't get stuck at all on the descriptions, instead I found it absolutely lyrical and beautiful. It's like entering a dream world full of marvels. I'm a tough rater, and I gave this a 5.

[Sandi]

Mosca wrote: "The book To Say Nothing of the Dog is apparently the second book of an intended trilogy (or series?), the first book is Doomsday Book.

The third book is expected to be ..."

I really wouldn't consider these books to be a trilogy or a series. Their only connection is the concept of time-traveling historians. Doomsday Book only shares a background character or two with To Say Nothing of the Dog. Each book is completely stand-alone and they are so incredibly different from each other in tone and pacing that you'd never think they were two parts of a series.

[Kerry]

I finished The Initiate last night and today I've started Diamond Star by Catherine Asaro. She's probably my favourite author, so I'm looking forward to it. Unfortunately, my five year old hasn't been inclined to allow me any reading time so far, meaning I haven't achieved much. Maybe after he goes to bed tonight...

[Lori]

Totally agree with Sandi. Doomsday and To Say Nothing are completely separate books. Love them both.

[Ron]

Other side of the fence for me, I'm afraid--despised them both even though I liked Three Men in a Boat. I've tried other Connie Willis books too (Passage, Fire Watch), and can't hack them. Pretty much crossed her off my list.

[Stefan, Group Founder + Moderator (Retired)]

Same here, Ron. I've tried reading Doomsday Book and find that it just doesn't work for me. It seems to be one of those love it or hate it books for many people.

I just finished the novel-length version of Kage Baker's The Empress of Mars, and really liked it. There were always some subtle links between the novella and the Company series. In the novel, she made those much more obvious. I really liked this one, but then again, Kage Baker can really do no wrong for me.

[DivaDiane]

Just read The Machine Stops by E.M. Forster. What a fantastic story. It was first published in 1909 and there are really only a few things which date it. It's absolutely relevant to our cyberspace era.

[Stefan, Group Founder + Moderator (Retired)]

I'm in the middle of The Unincorporated Man. It's not very good, but just entertaining enough to keep me hooked. For now.

For people who are reading or planning to read next month's fantasy BotM, City of Saints and Madmen: I just heard back from Jeff VanderMeer, and he told me he'd do his best to stop by the group next month to answer questions about the book. I already warned him that some of us had fairly extreme opinions about the book, and he assured me that he's used to that and doesn't mind :)

[Dan]

I'm reading Whitechapel Gods by S.M. Peters. I'm on a new weird kick lately and WG sure fits the bill.

Speaking of Jeff Vandermeer, I'll likely be tackling Shriek next.

[Jon]

I just finished Avempartha over lunch but can't write the review until this evening. I am also working my way through a wonderful collection of dragon tales called Firestorm of Dragons.

It's a tossup whether I'll start Before They Are Hanged or The Ghost Brigades when I get home from work this evening.

[Ron]

I just finished Kethani by Eric Brown. Wonderful, thoughtful first-contact sf. I'll nominate it for August in the appropriate place.

[Kelly (Maybedog)]

To Say Nothing of the Dog is one of my favorite books so I did try to read Three Men in a Boat. I couldn't finish it. It was funny in parts but also boring, too, plus the men were complete imbeciles. But the worst part was the racism. Even allowing for the era, it was pretty bad. I couldn't stomach it. The book is absolutely irrelevant to Willis's novel. She mentions everything that is even remotely relevant. I do not recommend bothering with Three Men in a Boat.

[Kelly (Maybedog)]

In the SF/F arena I am currently reading The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon which I am loving. I also am trying to read Lord of Light but am finding it difficult to get into even with a background in religious studies. I am listening to Heroes of the Valley, a young adult novel by Jonathan Stroud which is pretty mediocre so far. Pretty standard fantasy fare. Nothing like his Bartamaeus Trilogy which I just loved.

I am also reading the play The Night Thoreau Spent In Jail aloud to my daughter. While it isn't technically SF/F it does leap around through time with timelines overlapping, so it could loosely fit. I think it's really good so far and recommend it. I'm about a third of the way through it.

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

Kelly wrote: "I also am trying to read Lord of Light but am finding it difficult to get into even with a background in religious studies."

I am relieved to hear this... I read Lord of Light some time ago for a book discussion and I really didn't like it much. Partly, I think, because I kept feeling like I was missing major references (no background in religious studies), and partly because I thought it was very difficult to follow as a story. I always hear it so highly praised, so I wanted to like it, but I didn't.

[[deleted user]]

Same here, I love almost all of Zelazny's other work, but Lord of Light left me cold. A Rose for Ecclesiates, the Amber series, etc. I mean the guy was brilliant. But I just couldn't get into Lord of Light. Oh well, different strokes for different folks!

[Ken]

Starting on some bubble gum Star Trek,
Spectre by William Shatner and Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens.
Kinda in honor of the new movie. I am racing through it and it isn't half bad.

[Jensownzoo]

Dan wrote: "I'm reading Whitechapel Gods by S.M. Peters. I'm on a new weird kick lately and WG sure fits the bill."

Yes, yes it does. It was my first introduction to steampunk as well, which made it doubly odd. Good, though.

I just finished a re-read of Working with the Devil by Lilith Saintcrow because I needed something in the girls-kickin'-A genre. Will be picking out something else from my TBR shelf tonight after I finish painting the living room.

[Lily]

New to this thread. I am reading and

Not far enough into them to comment at this point.

[Ron]

I just finished Line War by Neal Asher, the fifth Agent Cormac book and a real page-turner. Fast-moving, full of intrigue, shady characters and sneaky AIs, bloodthirsty war drones, extragalactic bioconstructs (well, only one, but it's a big one), solar system-scale engineering and weaponry, and somewhat of mayhem. Once again great fun and maybe the best Cormac yet.
Starting White Light by Barton and Capobianco, sort of an extraplanetary post-apocalypse story Also re-reading Pyramids by Terry Pratchett, the literary equivalent of comfort food.

[Jon]

Just finished The Ghost Brigades which was very good.

Now, I'm reading an ebook version of Jane Eyre prior to reading The Eyre Affair.

[Frank]

I'm reading Triads by Poppy Z. Brite and Christa Faust. Not sure why the book has a SF label from my library. This is defintely not a book for the squemish(sp)! I'm not sure if saying I like it is the right term, but it is interesting.

[Ken]

Screwing around the internet and came across a Blog entry about this book. The Selected Works Of T S Spivet by Reif Larsen.

http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/05/14/re...

I liked how the reviewer expressed his love of the actual printed word. Figured I would give it a try