What Are you Reading? Showing 9,701-9,750 of 16,523

[Josh]

It's interesting. We hear so much about how authors are cranking work out, etc. Not enough time and care is being taken with each and every book.

But speaking to my reader friends (and my author friends too), readers don't read the same way they used to either. It's a much, much faster process. I think readers are less likely to give a chance to books that don't immediately grab them, the books are read in more distracted circumstances, read more quickly, there is less expectation for a new book from a new author, there is more pressure to report an opinion of reading on social media... and etc.

I find it fascinating. The changes in publishing are right across the board and I don't think any of us can predict where this is all headed.

[KC]

Sammie wrote: "susinok, Good Omens is probably in my top 3 favorite books of all time. I felt like Gaimen and Pratchett tempered each other. I found American Gods too slow and lacking in humor. and some other Pra..."

Last Paladin is free on his website:
https://vaughnrdemont.files.wordpress...

[Josh]

I'm halfway through and loving this. Jaunty, madcap vintage mystery by Margaret Scherf. She did a number of standalones, but this is the first book in a series she did about an antique dealer and her husband.

[KC]

Josh wrote: "

I'm halfway through and loving this. Jaunty, madcap vintage mystery by Margaret Scherf. She did a number of standalones, but this is the first bo..."

:-) I have The Green Plaid Pants waiting patiently...

[Jordan]

Spirit Faces: Contemporary Masks of the Northwest Coast


I'm slowly making my way through this beautiful book. I'm so glad I decided to pull some culture from the Northwest Coast Native Americans. These masks tell stories I can borrow from. And the pictures are just so beautiful!

Plus, I've found several other books by the same guy, which I'm interested in getting. This was the only one at the library I found, so I'll be interested to see what the others are like as I ordered them for our teen collection yesterday. :-)

Most fun research I've ever done!

[Anne]

Josh wrote: "It's interesting. We hear so much about how authors are cranking work out, etc. Not enough time and care is being taken with each and every book.

But speaking to my reader friends (and my author f..."

I tend to read like that too these days, fast and unconcentrated, but once in a while when I have the time and the quietness inside me that is needed for it, I read a book that needs time and effort. Usually, afterwards, those are the books that stay with me.

[Alison]

Antonella wrote: "Anne wrote: "My favourite though is Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch"

It's on my wish list, because I find out just a few months ago that it exists ;-)."

Ooh, my husband has this one buried in a box somewhere. I remember seeing it around our house years ago. He's a big Pratchett fan and I think he wasn't as enthused with it. Someday it will resurface and I'll have to have a look.

[Sabine]

Anne wrote: "Alison wrote: "Antonella wrote: "Alison wrote: "Any recommendations, wise one? :)"

LOL! I started with The Graveyard Book. I really loved it. BTW Stardust convinced me ..."

I really liked Good Omens.

[Varecia]

Sabine wrote: "Anne wrote: "Alison wrote: "Antonella wrote: "Alison wrote: "Any recommendations, wise one? :)"

LOL! I started with The Graveyard Book. I really loved it. BTW Stardust ..."

I still love Neverwhere, which was maybe the first urban fantasy I ever read.
And I adore Gaiman's picture books, especially .
And of cause everything he did together with Chris Riddell:
and a re-telling of Sleeping Beauty, but with a twist ;-)

[Antonella]

Varecia wrote: "and a re-telling of Sleeping Beauty, but with a twist ;-)"

It's waiting on my bedside table.

[Antonella]

I've read an article about a good children book about evolution, Grandmother Fish. It quoted this upsetting statistic:

We all know by now that more than 40 percent of Americans say that God created human beings in our present form in the last 10,000 years. That is, 4 in 10 Americans reject the knowledge that anchors our scientific understanding of the world and all its creatures..

So do your best to spread the word! The book is available for free as a PDF if you join the mailing-list at http://www.grandmotherfish.com/

[Karen]

Antonella wrote: "I've read an article about a good children book about evolution, Grandmother Fish. It quoted this upsetting statistic:

We all know by now that more than 40 percent of Americans sa..."

Thanks. We use these lovely books in our classrooms.
Born with a Bang: The Universe Tells Our Cosmic Story
From Lava to Life: The Universe Tells Our Earth Story
Mammals Who Morph: The Universe Tells Our Evolution Story: Book 3 (The Universe Series)

[Susinok]

Josh wrote: "It's interesting. We hear so much about how authors are cranking work out, etc. Not enough time and care is being taken with each and every book.

But speaking to my reader friends (and my author f..."

I have always read in distracted circumstances, though. In college one of my professors shook her head at me when I was reading Hamlet in the student union where one jukebox was blaring country music and the other had heavy metal. Plus lots of loud students.

I always have a book with me, so I read in line, waiting for things, during lunch, any time I can grab a few minutes, I pull out my phone and fire up my book.

Days past I always had my paperback with me. Or library book. I normally had a paperback nearby if the library book was too awkward.

The thing that has changed for me personally is that I start a book and read all the way to the end all of the time now. I used to have several books going at one time, misplace one or just get distracted by the shiny TBR pile by my chair. I only put the book down if it's truly horrible writing.

Now that it's files on the phone, I just pick up where I left off. I rarely jump around from book to book. That particular change in habit surprised me.

[Haldis]

I can read through an amazing number of distractions (except country music, which annoys me...ok, to be fair not all country music annoys me, just modern country music), TV, radio, conversations, barking dogs, ringing phones...
With the advent of the ebook, I find myself reading more than one book at a time because I have them all with me. And I can open a favorite book to a favorite spot and get lost for a short time.

Just finished Corpse Pose, which I loved, and waiting for book two, which I am getting in paperback.
Also just finished Dudleytown by l.b.gregg, which was wonderfully creepy.
Now I need to get back to my Sherlock Holmes challenge.

[Susinok]

I think the reason I skipped around so much when reading paper books is that I'd misplace something and pick up another one, LOL! Yes I AM that absent minded.

[Josh]

KC wrote: "Josh wrote: "

I'm halfway through and loving this. Jaunty, madcap vintage mystery by Margaret Scherf. She did a number of standalones, but this is..."

I have an early hardcover edition and the cover is crazy. I have to get the SO to scan it for me so I can use as a jpeg. :-D

[Josh]

Antonella wrote: "I've read an article about a good children book about evolution, Grandmother Fish. It quoted this upsetting statistic:

We all know by now that more than 40 percent of Americans sa..."

Godalmighty. Literally.

I don't understand why so many people feel like they can't believe in God AND science? Given the belief in the infinite powers of God, why isn't it possible that God is *in* science?

[Josh]

Jordan wrote: "Spirit Faces: Contemporary Masks of the Northwest Coast


I'm slowly making my way through this beautiful b..."

I bet that is a wonderful book. There's something so powerful and haunting about the totems and masks of the Northwest native people.

[Josh]

Anne wrote: "Josh wrote: "It's interesting. We hear so much about how authors are cranking work out, etc. Not enough time and care is being taken with each and every book.

But speaking to my reader friends (an..."

Me too. It's disturbing. Not only does it reduce pleasure in my reading, I think that lack of concentration, of ability to focus is not a good sign.

[Josh]

Susinok wrote: "Josh wrote: "It's interesting. We hear so much about how authors are cranking work out, etc. Not enough time and care is being taken with each and every book.

But speaking to my reader friends (an..."

I drop so many books now. Even books I'm enjoying. I just don't almost ever finish them anymore.

Obviously that's not the case with the books I'm reading for Mr. and Mrs. Murder.

I think maybe I feel guilty reading just for pleasure now. Even though I know it's part of being a writer--keeping up with the genre, etc.

[Anne]

Josh wrote: "Anne wrote: "Josh wrote: "It's interesting. We hear so much about how authors are cranking work out, etc. Not enough time and care is being taken with each and every book.

But speaking to my reade..."

It might be a sign that your brain is full. So take care and make sure not to overdo things again. ( she said sternly)

[Antonella]

KJ Charles gave 5 stars and an enthusiastic review to ''The Trojan Project''. It's a short story collection of 12 new gay romance tales, written by John T. Fuller and Richard Rider - 6 stories each. If you see the cover, you won't feel like buying the book. Please do not judge by the cover: apparently it is connected with the first story...

Here you can read some excerpts:
http://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_...

Buy link (£ 2.99): https://payhip.com/b/g5Jo
IMO you'd better close your eyes as you are buying it ;-)

[Alison]

Antonella wrote: "KJ Charles gave 5 stars and an enthusiastic review to ''The Trojan Project''. It's a short story collection of 12 new gay romance tales, written by John T. Fuller and Richard Rider - 6 stories each..."

Sounds great. What a strange cover. I suppose we'll have to read and find out about the sausage...

[Jen]

Varecia wrote: "Sabine wrote: "Anne wrote: "Alison wrote: "Antonella wrote: "Alison wrote: "Any recommendations, wise one? :)"

LOL! I started with The Graveyard Book. I really loved it. BTW S..."</i>

[bookcover:Fortunately, the Milk adored this book, especially the illustrations in it by Skottie Young in the North American copy

[Susinok]

I have three books in various stages.

First is Stygian by Santino Hassell. I wasn't in the mood for moody rockers and vampires, so I started Something Like Autumn by Jay Bell, but I'm a bit overloaded with this series, so then I started Dead Ringer by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler. This one seems to be a keeper. I'll finish all three, but I had a few false starts.

[Kirsten]

I started House of Stone last night. The fae history and bloodlines are a bit complex and I'm finding it a tad confusing, but otherwise it's well written with interesting characters.

[Ije the Devourer of Books]

Susinok wrote: "I have three books in various stages.

First is Stygian by Santino Hassell. I wasn't in the mood for moody rockers and vampires, so I started Something Like Autumn b..."

I enjoyed Dead Ringer. I was lucky enough to get an ARC and I thought the story was good. I just finished reading This Other Country which I enjoyed but not as much as the last story. I will be continuing with this series though because I do like the characters. I am now reading Don't Let Go by Harper Fox

[Jordan]

I started Cockeyed (Donald Strachey, #11) the other day and I'm enjoying it so far. Though, I've got some formatting issues... again. But this time it's because they didn't capitalize any of the abbreviations, like ADD, which reads very different when you see "add" than if you see "ADD". *smacks forehead*

I just looked at the Goodreads award thingy and am realizing, again, just how much I don't read anything that's ever new, or mainstream. I'm still catching up on stuff that was published years ago, never mind what just came out this year. With some exceptions, of course, but not many. And very little mainstream books. I recognize a lot of the titles, sure, but I'm not likely to ever read them. *sigh*

I guess I'll just have to come up with my own top ten list of everything I've read this year. If that's even possible. lol.

[Ame]

One of my favorite authors in MM romance is Marie Sexton. I just finished listening to her Coda series and while the narration could have been so, so much better (not counting Paul Morey because he did well with the last one) that doesn't change the fact that these are splendid stories.

What I like most are the complex characters in her stories. I mean, yes, this is all romance novels so they all do end with a happy ending, but the characters themselves are not typical romance heroes. She allows her character to be something more than the typical Mills and Boon heros (if Mills and Boon published MM romance :) ).

And now it'll get very spoilerish so don't read further if you haven't read the Coda series.

Like Matt and Jared. Matt who is probably bi but is never labeled and usually is talked about as gay even if the only man he looks at is Jared and he checks out women. And how he has these issues with sex that don't have to do with him but with Jared at the same time Jared has the issues with being open about their relationships (the out gay guy in this relationship) and Matt want to practically shout it from the rooftops. I love this kind of complexity, nothing is black and white. Both have issues and Matt doesn't go from being straight to gay and loving all gay sex in a matter of days (which really has to be the most unrealistic thing ever).

And my favorite couple, Zach and Angelo. Their extremely unconventional relationship that leaves you thinking the whole time; how long will they last? At the same time you know they really will last probably forever. They are characters that constantly surprise me, Zach with his preppy look that outwardly seems so stuck up and clean cut but is anything but that (and how he of all people would put Jonathan through what he did? Any other Coda characters would have been more likely to do that). And how in their relationship they are probably the most intense one. Like they totally would never function without each other and yet.... their relationship is how it is.

And lastly Cole and Jonathan. Who might look like Jonathan was the codependent partner who has to give up everything for Cole, when it's more like they're each other anchors, like they ground each other. And while Jonathan seems to have to have the patience of a saint, hunting Cole down it's like that's what he needs to do and of his own free will even though it could look on the outside a bit unhealthy relationship.

I know I'm rambling but I just got to thinking about these stories and how despite being labeled MM romance, really don't fit the typical romance stereotyping (and I've read quite few reviews where the reviewers have a fit over how Marie Sexton writes her storylines and how they'll never forgive her for this and that) resulting in making them a lot more than a happy ending escapism.

And now I really feel the need to read my favorite story by her Between Sinners and Saints


Thanks for letting me go on and on :)

[Jordan]

I would like to get into her Coda series. I think I have the first book. Bought it several years ago now, but I just haven't had the time to get into it yet.

[Antonella]

Ame wrote: "I know I'm rambling but I just got to thinking about these stories and how despite being labeled MM romance, really don't fit the typical romance stereotyping (and I've read quite few reviews where the reviewers have a fit over how Marie Sexton writes her storylines and how they'll never forgive her for this and that) resulting in making them a lot more than a happy ending escapism."

I loved your rambling, thank you!

[Josh]

Sammie wrote: "I wish more older mysteries were in e-book form. I haven'r read a hard copy in ages. but I would like to try Scherf, I wasn't to reread the Mr &Mrs North books I checked out of the library a long l..."

2017 will be the release date regardless of which publisher we end up going with. Basically we've got 24+ essays to write and one hell of a lot of books to read. :-D And I am loving every moment of this project although it will not earn us a dime.

some things you do for love

[Josh]

Antonella wrote: "KJ Charles gave 5 stars and an enthusiastic review to ''The Trojan Project''. It's a short story collection of 12 new gay romance tales, written by John T. Fuller and Richard Rider - 6 stories each..."

I'm thinking of doing more reviews this year. I've always believed it was unwise for writers to review each other--especially in the day of social media (and I still think it's a mistake for most authors unless they are very well established) but I was reading some of Anthony Boucher's reviews recently and I think maybe I will begin reviewing gay and M/M mystery again.

[Josh]

Susinok wrote: "I have three books in various stages.

First is Stygian by Santino Hassell. I wasn't in the mood for moody rockers and vampires, so I started Something Like Autumn b..."

Dead Ringer sounds really good to me.

I wonder if I already ordered that? Or if I tried to preorder but it wasn't on Amazon? I'll have to go back and look.

[Josh]

Kirsten wrote: "I started House of Stone last night. The fae history and bloodlines are a bit complex and I'm finding it a tad confusing, but otherwise it's well written with interesting characters."

I usually feel this way with fantasy!

[Josh]

Anne wrote: "Josh wrote: "Anne wrote: "Josh wrote: "It's interesting. We hear so much about how authors are cranking work out, etc. Not enough time and care is being taken with each and every book.

But speakin..."

;-) Listening attentively...

[Josh]

So here's exciting news. Nicole Kimberling is going to do another Bellingham mystery. I love these novellas very much, so I'm thrilled.

[Josh]

Jordan wrote: "I started Cockeyed (Donald Strachey, #11) the other day and I'm enjoying it so far. Though, I've got some formatting issues... again. But this time it's because they didn't capitaliz..."

I buy a lot of mainstream (even if I never get around to reading most of it). But those aren't the books that typically end up in these VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE contests.

[Josh]

Jordan wrote: "I started Cockeyed (Donald Strachey, #11) the other day and I'm enjoying it so far. Though, I've got some formatting issues... again. But this time it's because they didn't capitaliz..."

Say what?!

[Josh]

Ame wrote: "One of my favorite authors in MM romance is Marie Sexton. I just finished listening to her Coda series and while the narration could have been so, so much better (not counting Paul Morey because he..."

I always hear very good things about Marie Sexton's work!

[Antonella]

Josh wrote: "I'm thinking of doing more reviews this year. I've always believed it was unwise for writers to review each other--especially in the day of social media (and I still think it's a mistake for most authors unless they are very well established) but I was reading some of Anthony Boucher's reviews recently and I think maybe I will begin reviewing gay and M/M mystery again."

IMO if you review books that you really liked a lot that would be good for the authors and for the readers.

[Josh]

Antonella wrote: "Josh wrote: "I'm thinking of doing more reviews this year. I've always believed it was unwise for writers to review each other--especially in the day of social media (and I still think it's a mista..."

Yes! And it's a way of ensuring that I do keep reading in the genre--which is currently not happening.

[Calathea]

Josh wrote: "So here's exciting news. Nicole Kimberling is going to do another Bellingham mystery. I love these novellas very much, so I'm thrilled."

That's wonderful news! I love her Bellingham mysteries. :-)

[Sabine]

Josh wrote: "Antonella wrote: "Josh wrote: "I'm thinking of doing more reviews this year. I've always believed it was unwise for writers to review each other--especially in the day of social media (and I still ..."
What Antonella said. And it would good for me :-), because I can find new to me authors, which stories I (with high possibility) can like.
And I love to read real reviews - they show interpretations I hadn't seen, give me a deeper insight.

[Josh]

Sabine wrote: "Josh wrote: "Antonella wrote: "Josh wrote: "I'm thinking of doing more reviews this year. I've always believed it was unwise for writers to review each other--especially in the day of social media ..."

Yes, a good review is almost like getting to enjoy the book all over again because the reviewer sometimes catches things you missed or has a different interpretation... Plus hearing people talk about stuff you love is just pleasurable.

[Josh]

Calathea wrote: "Josh wrote: "So here's exciting news. Nicole Kimberling is going to do another Bellingham mystery. I love these novellas very much, so I'm thrilled."

That's wonderful news! I love her Bellingham m..."

Yes!

I'm trying to coax her into putting them into audio.

[Jordan]

Josh wrote: "Jordan wrote: "I started Cockeyed (Donald Strachey, #11) the other day and I'm enjoying it so far. Though, I've got some formatting issues... again. But this time it's because they d..."

Yeah, it's rather irritating. lol, one doesn't realize how many of those things are in a book until they aren't written correctly. :-)

[Jordan]

I've realized very recently how much money I've been spending on books like I have no limit. So, that being said, I've really got to stop buying books, especially audiobooks as they're much more expensive, at least for awhile. I hate that my rent had to increase as much as it did when I moved. But I certainly don't regret my new place. I still go home and squee about how awesome it is! But I must ensure I can pay rent and will have enough money for a dog in my future. :-)

[Valerie]

Ame wrote: "One of my favorite authors in MM romance is Marie Sexton. I just finished listening to her Coda series and while the narration could have been so, so much better (not counting Paul Morey because he..."

This is one of my very favorite series, too. I enjoyed your rambling, and since I have not been able to get into anything new lately I think I might start a reread of the series. Not sure if I'll do the audio, I'll have to try the samples. :) I have a soft spot for Zach and Angelo - I think overall readers may have the most difficulty with their relationship but I love them.

[Ije the Devourer of Books]

Ame wrote: "One of my favorite authors in MM romance is Marie Sexton. I just finished listening to her Coda series and while the narration could have been so, so much better (not counting Paul Morey because he..."

I love the Coda series. It is one of the first mm series that I read and very much a favourite. I think Zack and Angelo are my favourite. I really liked Between Saints and Sinners too.