Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
ARCHIVE (General Topics)
>
What Are you Reading?
Mod
Mary Calmes is someone who has built a devoted audience for sure.
Mod
One thing I don't tend to read are long reviews.
Unless it's a book I've already read and I'm dying to discuss it with someone. A long in-depth review can sort of fill that need, depending on the quality of the review.
Mod
That's the beauty of having a good editor!
Mod
That should be interesting. You should share any useful insights. :-D
Mod
This book is really bad. 95% telling not showing and just a chaotic mess. No characterization, almost no dialog, no real sense of setting... The general idea is not bad, I think a clever twist is probably coming, but there's no development, nothing to lose myself in. I'm not sure why I keep persisting with it except it was pretty expensive and I feel guilty for wasting money on another book I won't read.
And that's another thing that makes me nuts. These old "collectible" mysteries that go for hundreds of dollars simply because there are not many copies remaining, but the books are SO BAD.
Like the House Party Murders which sells for $300+. It was pretty much unreadable. I think I managed three chapters before I lost all patience.
Basically I fell in love with the cover and the title and my idea of what the story would be.
But of course the story was nothing like that.
Mod
I don't always, but if the description of the book is lacking, or there's something I really want to know about it, I'll read the long reviews. Honestly, sometimes it's about figuring out if a character is, indeed, gay, or something. Can I put this in the LGBTQ collection at the library? Sometimes it's not easy to tell via the description. Which, is great on one hand, on the other, not so great. And of course there are other things I sometimes want to know that the description won't tell me. What time period is the book set in? or whatever.
Otherwise, yeah, I'll usually skip the long ones.
Mod
I will! I'm in chapter two right now, and while I passed the sensitive test at the beginning of the book with flying colors, I'm not sure I like the way she's talking about it right now, and basically telling me these were the things I felt and did as a baby. Though she specifies that not all kids are the same, it still seems like she's saying if you are sensitive, you had all these "problems", and that if you were labeled as "shy" or "introverted" you're actually "sensitive". I'm wondering if I can't be all three at once. But I'm still interested enough to keep going. We'll see. This is recommended by my new therapist who also just ordered a copy for herself.
Mod
That sounds awful! I can't imagine spending that kind of money on a book that turns out to be that bad.
It reminds me of all the people who buy tons of books based on their spine color for home decoration. They don't care what the book is about, they just want them for decoration. *face palm* Aaaaannnnnd, that's a whole other rant. lol.
Mod
I am living proof that people do buy books for the covers, for the titles, and for their own imagined idea of what that story might be. :-D
Jordan wrote: "Will be starting a new book soon. Well, new-to-me, anyway. It's called The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You. Non-fiction recommended reading. Let's..."Reminds me of the book we just read for our work 'professional bookclub' titled Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. It was interesting to hear extroverts say how much they learned while in the meeting.
And of course, since it was about introverts, barely ANY attendees spoke up unless they were an extrovert or ambivert. I also liked that there was no finger pointing as one being better than the other. They each have their benefits and styles to bring to any relationship, whether personal or professional.
Mod
I think I figured it out. The book is written in 2nd person and that's why it's irritating me so much.
Jordan wrote: "Josh wrote: "Jordan wrote: "Will be starting a new book soon. Well, new-to-me, anyway. It's called The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You. Non-fictio..."Coincidentally, I've read an article about this topic in in our version of Psychology Today recently. They suggested it was all in your head (a bit like overreacting to the same input a "normal" sensitive person wouldn't consciously register). I found that approach a bit offensive as it didn't take into account the possibility that highly sensitive people actually have more acute senses and therefore higher input through these senses that has to be dealt with on an every day basis.
I totally get how high sensitivity could lead to introversion or shyness or reclusivness.
Jordan wrote: "Josh wrote: "Jordan wrote: "Will be starting a new book soon. Well, new-to-me, anyway. It's called The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You. Non-fictio..."I have that book. I read it years ago, but can't say I retained a whole lot of it. ;-) I'm definitely shy, introverted and highly sensitive.
Mtsnow13 wrote: "Jordan wrote: "Will be starting a new book soon. Well, new-to-me, anyway. It's called The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You. Non-fiction recommended..."I have "Quiet" buried on my Kindle somewhere. I'll have to dig it out. :)
On being highly sensitive -- I just finished a story with the Sentinel trope (sentinels have one or more super-heightened senses). I was thinking that would be such a nightmare for me.
Jordan wrote: "Though she specifies that not all kids are the same, it still seems like she's saying if you are sensitive, you had all these "problems", and that if you were labeled as "shy" or "introverted" you're actually "sensitive"..."I'm shy and introverted in many situations still to this day, but I also have a rhino hide where criticisms and insults are concerned. I don't consider being shy a problem unless it keeps you from living the life you want.
I got over shy when puberty hit. Shy girls don't get laid, and I wanted to get laid. Problem solved! ;)
Susinok wrote: "Jordan wrote: "Though she specifies that not all kids are the same, it still seems like she's saying if you are sensitive, you had all these "problems", and that if you were labeled as "shy" or "in..."Interestingly enough, there is a definite difference between being shy and introverted.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/...
Sometimes a person can be both. I figured out the biggest sign of me being an introvert is that I need alone time to recharge, whether it's a walk in nature, a long drive in the car, or just sitting with a book. And I don't consider myself shy.
Introverts tend to 'listen' more and enjoy being around extroverts for a time, as they don't have to fill the silence, according to the author of Quiet. Kind of explains the whole 'opposites attract' premise.
Mod
I was very shy as a kid. Even in high school, though I was starting to grow out of it a little bit. In grad school I went to group therapy to help me talk to people. These days I really only consider myself an introvert, though on rare occasions, my shyness does come back. I almost didn't talk to anyone at the UK Meet last year! I saw the large group of strangers with the Lanyon posters and nearly ran back to my room! I'm so glad I didn't, but still, I know that terrified feeling of meeting a lot of new strangers on my own isn't completely gone.
I need to read more of this book to find out exactly what she's trying to get at. Unfortunately, I've worked myself into a not-good state and need to find something light and happy. Or at least something familiar without arguing between the main characters.
Also being worried about a work meeting happening tomorrow isn't helping. Thankfully, I've miraculously have another four day weekend!
Mod
I probably shouldn't have posted a comment to her review, but I couldn't help myself. I had to explain romantic attraction to her. I'm probably going to get my head chewed off for it. She makes me want to read the book just from her review alone.
I also found another book called The Alpha and his Ace, which you can guess is paranormal. Apparently though only book one is good for those who like strict Aces to stay strict Aces, if you know what i mean. Book two is only a short follow up story anyway and so book one could be a standalone I think. It's free on Amazon right now. Book two is a dollar.
And yes, long after I decided to read our BOM book tonight, I'm still reading book blurbs online. *sigh*
This reminds me of a review I read of one of Amy Jo Cousins books, her series Off Campus, where one of the books is about MF couple. And one of the reviewers said she skipped out on that one because "eeewww straight sex". I'm sorry. How can straight sex be eeeewww if you're a straight woman? I mean, isn't that as prejudiced as straight woman saying "eeeewww gay sex"?
Hate the book for the plot or the storyline but simply based on the fact that straight sex happens in it? Because that's "eeeww"? I don't get it.
Ame wrote: "This reminds me of a review I read of one of Amy Jo Cousins books, her series Off Campus, where one of the books is about MF couple. And one of the reviewers said she skipped out on that one becaus..."I'm not exactly going ewww, but I really don't want to read het sex or f/f sex, I just don't like reading about it but it's kinda difficult to say why, I just....don't
Idamus wrote: "Ame wrote: "This reminds me of a review I read of one of Amy Jo Cousins books, her series Off Campus, where one of the books is about MF couple. And one of the reviewers said she skipped out on tha..."You are a gay man? I can understand that more than a straight woman saying "eeeww straight sex". I mean, surely she does have a sex life? Surely she isn't living gay sex?
Also, maybe it were the words that bothered me the most. The "eeeww, straight sex" thing. I mean you have have a preference on what you like to read. That doesn't mean that other things are "eeewww". Maybe I'm over dramatizing things but I just didn't get it. It felt to me like a woman saying "eeeww, a vagina!"
Ame wrote: "Idamus wrote: "Ame wrote: "This reminds me of a review I read of one of Amy Jo Cousins books, her series Off Campus, where one of the books is about MF couple. And one of the reviewers said she ski..."No I'm a straight woman
Idamus wrote: "Ame wrote: "Idamus wrote: "Ame wrote: "This reminds me of a review I read of one of Amy Jo Cousins books, her series Off Campus, where one of the books is about MF couple. And one of the reviewers ..."Oh, lol :)
But do you get what I mean? The use of words?
Ame wrote: "This reminds me of a review I read of one of Amy Jo Cousins books, her series Off Campus, where one of the books is about MF couple. And one of the reviewers said she skipped out on that one becaus..."Yeah that attitude is beyond stupid. It was a fantastic book, too. AJC writes both het and m/m romance, and is skilled in both.
Many readers of all genders and orientations skip the sex scenes, or skim. That's not unusual, even though their primary reading is romance novels.But the "ewww..." thing. What is this? Primary school?
Mod
Ame wrote: "Also, maybe it were the words that bothered me the most. The "eeeww, straight sex" thing. I mean you have have a preference on what you like to read. That doesn't mean that other things are "eeewww..."Well, you never know of someone else's personal experiences. Maybe het sex is too close and personal to that reader, or maybe they've had bad experiences. I've seen a gay man express the same sentiments, but it's okay for him to say it? I prefer not to read it as well, so I appreciate when reviewers mention it (maybe not in quite that tone, but... I'll ignore the tone because I appreciate the message.)
Jordan wrote: "So irritated. Just found someone's very uninformed self-righteous review for a book with an ace character, aptly titled Ace. She refuses to read the book because she believes that there can't possi..."Is this the one by Jack Byrne? I downloaded a sample but haven't read it yet.
Mod
I almost bought it, but didn't, though it is on my tar shelf here now.
Jordan wrote: "Baldish, yes, that's the one. Sorry, the app won't let me link to the book easily. I almost bought it, but didn't, though it is on my tar shelf here now."
You mean this one, Jordan? Ace
I just read one a few months ago that you might be interested in. A new author to me, but she seemed to do a good job giving me insight into the terminology of asexual and aromantics.
Coffee Cake
Mod
Yes, that's, the one.
I actually bought Coffee Cake after a recent convo about it, but I have yet to read it.
Jordan wrote: "Omg, autocorrect, her name is Haldis, not Baldis!Yes, that's, the one.
I actually bought Coffee Cake after a recent convo about it, but I have yet to read it."C
I've been called worse, Jordan.
I read the sample for Coffee Cake and I couldn't get into it. The boyfriend seems too perfect. Let me know what you think, though.
Mod
While I wait for payday to arrive (the 10th) I'll be rereading The Morning Star With a Bullet Double Down High Fidelity and then I'll get my copy of Charmed and Dangerous :-)I have an awesome book week ahead of me :D
I just finished reading JL Merrow's Plumber's Mate series ending with Heat Trap. Once I got into the British slag they were quite amusing. Is she planning another one? Now I am reading Sloe Ride.
Loretta wrote: "I just finished reading JL Merrow's Plumber's Mate series ending with Heat Trap. Once I got into the British slag they were quite amusing. Is she planning another one? Now I am read..."Have you read The Shamwell Tales? Also good
Jordan wrote: "I will. Though I got into jcp's anthology and doubt I'll be coming out of that anytime soon. I'm loving all of these worlds!"Yes! That is exactly where I am at the moment. 2 1/2 stories left. Loving it.
Idamus wrote: "Loretta wrote: "I just finished reading JL Merrow's Plumber's Mate series ending with Heat Trap. Once I got into the British slag they were quite amusing. Is she planning another on..."I've read Caught!, but I need to get Played!.
On a Felice Stevens kick! Reading A WALK THROUGH FIRE and, because I multitask, BEYOND THE SURFACE.
Mod
LOL, your multitasking comment made me smile widely. :-)
Susinok wrote: "Just started Sloe Ride. I've been looking forward to this one!"You just reminded me I needed to grab this one! I'm listening to Lonely Hearts and just purchased Sloe Ride, too! I've been looking forward to Quinn and Rafe's story for a long time :-)
Mtsnow13 wrote: "Susinok wrote: "Just started Sloe Ride. I've been looking forward to this one!"You just reminded me I needed to grab this one! I'm listening to Lonely Hearts and j..."
Lonely hearts was wonderful. Sloe Ride? Maybe I had been waiting too long for it but I don't think it's as good as the previous ones in the series. It's fine, not bad but the others were better in my opinion. Though I felt there were so many lose ends left, I wonder if there will be more stories in the series?
Sammie wrote: "on Sloe Ride, there are a bunch of shorts on various blogs, posted last week through the 10th I think. Rhys Ford indicated there's a band focused novella for their first tour , then another book. ..."That's what I thought too. So I wonder if it could be (view spoiler)
Ame wrote: "Sammie wrote: "on Sloe Ride, there are a bunch of shorts on various blogs, posted last week through the 10th I think. Rhys Ford indicated there's a band focused novella for their first tour , then ..."I think I saw the last book will focus back on Kane & Micky as he works through his therapy.
By the way, reading Sloe Ride made me want to have coffee at Whyborne's :)
Loretta wrote: "Ame wrote: "Sammie wrote: "on Sloe Ride, there are a bunch of shorts on various blogs, posted last week through the 10th I think. Rhys Ford indicated there's a band focused novella for their first ..."Oh, I'll like that :)
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Q&A with Josh Lanyon
Books mentioned in this topic
Subtle Bodies (other topics)Husband Material (other topics)
Sing for the Coming of the Longest Night (other topics)
A Shattered Silver Crown (other topics)
A Shattered Silver Crown (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Jordan Castillo Price (other topics)Alexis Hall (other topics)
Katherine Fabian (other topics)
Iona Datt Sharma (other topics)
Cynthia Zhang (other topics)
More...
I notice I am way way more sensitive to graphic violence on film. You would think it would be the opposite!