Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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What Are you Reading?
ttg wrote: "For those interested, Gay Romance Northwest is hosting a "Secret Story" event on GoodReads.What that means is from August 1-31, we'll be posting stories by authors attending the Meet-Up in Seattle..."
Thank you! All of them look promising.
Mod
The print copy (very nice paperback) of The Ocean at the End of the Lane I bought cost 22.40 € (29.50 USD) which is an average cost for a book here in Finland. I felt that the story was worth all that money. But this is why I don't take part in the discussions of the ebook prices. No matter what the ebook price, it's still waaaay cheaper than if I'd buy the book in Finland (in print, in e-format or in audio — they are all equally as expensive here). Hmm... I'm actually saving quite a bit of money with every m/m book I purchase... that's a nice thought. LOL.
But seriously, when buying the print copy, I was standing for the longest time in this lovely, lovely bookstore in Helsinki thinking: "How in the world can these bookstores ever survive with prices like this now when everyone can buy ebooks in English so easily, so cheap?" What a sad thing that is. I love bookstores.
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On the bus ride in to work this morning I started the one after that, which promises to be a longer read. Hopefully I can read that while reading my last teen summer reading book Secretariat by William Nack.
But it all reminds me that I also have Golden Witchbreed to read as well, and preferably before the end of the summer!
Johanna wrote: "But seriously, when buying the print copy, I was standing for the longest time in this lovely, lovely bookstore in Helsinki thinking: "How in the world can these bookstores ever survive with prices like this now when everyone can buy ebooks in English so easily, so cheap?" What a sad thing that is. I love bookstores. .."I do agree with you, Johanna.
Hj wrote: "Johanna wrote: "But seriously, when buying the print copy, I was standing for the longest time in this lovely, lovely bookstore in Helsinki thinking: "How in the world can these bookstores ever sur..."My thoughts too, Norwegian prices are the same as in Finland, and I wonder how they can survive, maybe they won't in the form we know them now in the future. I love bookstores, but I don't do much to support them anymore, buying cheaper and easier on my Kindle. So if the bookstores don't survive, I am a part of the reason why I'm afraid.
ttg wrote: "I'm doing the opposite, I've read her other books, but am saving Whistling in the Dark. Like...for a rainy day, or some time when only some wonderful Tamara Allen can be the solution. ..."
Isn't it odd how we'll do that? Thanks to reading
In Sunshine or in Shadow I have now read almost every one of Josh's books and stories. And I'm hoarding the couple that I have left to read.
Hmmmm, perhaps he should write more books? LOL
Just finished the fanfic novel Fighter, which is based on the historical film The Eagle (which is based on the historical novel The Eagle Of The Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff.)The fanfic is *extremely AU* and set in modern times as a suspense romance about an undercover cop infiltrating a human-trafficking ring, so it was actually easy to read it as its own work.
Overall, it was a great read. If the author went the pro-route with it, there would be a couple things I'd vote to adjust, but I thought it was very enjoyable, and she is a good writer.
For those interested, an ebook version can be downloaded for free from AO3: http://archiveofourown.org/works/2369...
Thank you for the rec and for the link, this looks interesting!
Mod
Yeah, that's the way I feel, too. Sad, but true. Nowadays I buy almost all the print books from Amazon or directly from publishers. I do visit bookstores and I still buy occasional books from stores, but not nearly the amount I used to. These days the books I buy from stores are usually gifts or the books I read with my colleagues in our book club.
By the way, here is a book I never thought I would read:
A male colleague of mine got to pick the next book our teachers' book club is going to read and discuss. *rolls her eyes* I know, I know... the beauty of book clubs is the fact that you get to read books you would NEVER even consider reading on your own. Well... what can I say... in the bookstore this book was in the "Sports books" bookshelf I have never approached before. ;-)
Johanna wrote: "A male colleague of mine got to pick the next book our teachers' book club is going to read and discuss. *rolls her eyes* I know, I know... the beauty of book clubs is the fact that you get to read books you would NEVER even consider reading on your own. ..."I think that this is why I have declined to join book clubs. There are so many books that I positively want to read that I would resent spending the time. Plus I find it difficult to concentrate on a book I don't find appealing.
And why is is considered a good thing to read books you wouldn't otherwise consider reading?
I read the detailed blurb for this one, and it might have hidden depths: "For the first time ever, Hamilton recounts his own battle with clinical depression, speaks frankly about the agonizing choices that go along with the decision to compete at a world-class level, and tells the story of his complicated relationship with Lance Armstrong."
Also, just slash it as you read it!
Hj wrote: "Johanna wrote: "A male colleague of mine got to pick the next book our teachers' book club is going to read and discuss. *rolls her eyes* I know, I know... the beauty of book clubs is the fact that..."I guess the good thing is you might find hidden gems? Or you could risk being bored to tears :)
I am currently working my way through Fatal Affair the series, which you recommended Hj? They are fun. In addition I have discovered Australian writer Peter Temple, mysteries, not m/m or any other romance for that matter, but very well written. And yes, the second Mahu book by Placky. Vacation time and room for reading in between being with sundry relatives and family members, which is the theme for these two weeks :)
Mod
Well, with this particular book club the great company, the fun discussion and all the yummy food and drinks make me want to test my boundaries with books... again and again. ;-) Those books are not all going straight into my favorites shelf, but it's fascinating to hear the different point of views of different kind of readers and to learn that there usually is something good, something satisfying in every book (although sometimes I've seen it only AFTER discussing the book with my book club friends). LOL.
I've also found some gems through the book club. For instance I doubt that I never would have read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society if it wasn't for the club. And it would have been a shame.
Mod
Yes, that's what I'm hoping for... ;-)
Mod
Yes. :-) I only now saw your post. But yes, definitely this.
Anne wrote: "Or you could risk being bored to tears :)"
And unfortunately this, too. ;-)
Johanna wrote: "Anne wrote: "I guess the good thing is you might find hidden gems?"Yes. :-) I only now saw your post. But yes, definitely this.
Anne wrote: "Or you could risk being bored to tears :)"
And unfor..."
Well, sometimes you have to live dangerously ;)
Mod
Heh heh. Yes, that's definitely me living dangerously. ;-) Hell, maybe after reading that Tour de France doping book, I'll try some other book with sports in it... bowling, maybe? That would be the wildest I get. ;-)
ETA: There actually is a book that I loved that has boxing in it. It's the first Aleksandr Voinov book I ever read: Counterpunch. :-)
Johanna wrote: "Anne wrote: "Well, sometimes you have to live dangerously ;)"Heh heh. Yes, that's definitely me living dangerously. ;-) Hell, maybe after reading that Tour de France doping book, I'll try some ot..."
I like that one, too. Maybe not for the boxing as such, though ;)
Mod
ttg wrote: "Just finished the fanfic novel Fighter, which is based on the historical film The Eagle (which is based on the historical novel The Eagle Of The Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff.)"Thank you again for the rec. It was really good.
I read 75% of it last night and today I had to oblige myself to work instead of going on first thing in the morning. I finished it during my lunch break though.
Anne wrote: "I guess the good thing is you might find hidden gems? Or you could risk being bored to tears :)I am currently working my way through Fatal Affair the series, which you recommended Hj? They are fun...."
I'm glad you're enjoying the Fatal Affair series; I shall check out the Peter Temple books*, thanks. I do understand the theory of book clubs (I wasn't being entirely serious). I often find that I just don't like the books which become immensely popular plus I've rather given up on reading literary fiction, so I'm often glad I'm not in a book club when I see what some people have to read...
I like the book clubs here on Goodreads - we can chose whether or not to participate in BOMs and when we do we get a wide range of views in the discussions.
I look forward to hearing what you thought about the cycling book, Johanna!
*ETA - Anne, which Peter Temple books did you read and like? - there are a few!
Antonella wrote: "Thank you again for the rec. It was really good.I read 75% of it last night and today I had to oblige myself to work instead of going on first thing in the morning. I finished it during my lunch break though."
Oh, yay! I'm glad it worked for you. I thought it was surprising good. I've had it on my kindle for months and was glad that I finally sat down and read it. :)
Hj wrote: "Anne wrote: "I guess the good thing is you might find hidden gems? Or you could risk being bored to tears :)I am currently working my way through Fatal Affair the series, which you recommended Hj..."
I have only read Shooting Star and The Broken Shore yet, but plan to read more by and by. I really like the way he writes and the fact that the stories take place somewhere rather exotic for me. Epecially the last one which tackles issues like racism against the Aboriginals, something I know very little about.
ttg wrote: "I thought it was surprising good. I've had it on my kindle for months and was glad that I finally sat down and read it. :)"This reminds me of what I've had on my shelves *for years* and of your laudable project ''Read What You Own''. But I don't think I'm strong enough to avoid the temptation of buying new books...
Antonella wrote: "This reminds me of what I've had on my shelves *for years* and of your laudable project ''Read What You Own''. But I don't think I'm strong enough to avoid the temptation of buying new books..."I only do "Read what you own" in stints because there are so many great new books. :) Sometimes I get overwhelmed by what I have already though, so I try for a sprint where I force myself to read what I have bought.
Sometimes it lasts a week, sometimes a whole month! Mostly, it's just a game to try. (All of June, I did "don't buy new books!" with a group of GR friends and then once July hit, I immediately bought Birds of a Feather and Dead Man and the Restless Spirits. :)
I even altered a past drawing to help cheer us on:
We'll see how long the new sprint lasts. With M/M Team Bingo back in play, it may not last long...
Mod
LOL. That's great, ttg! I love the (Only in June) part... :-)
It's August so I can buy what I want, right? :) Hehe.I am re-reading Precious_boy by KZ Snow. It was the first book I ever read by her, and it's just wonderful.
Do you ever see a book you know you read and really, really loved years ago and are afraid to re-read it? You don't want that warm, fuzzy memory of a good book to go away in case it's not as good as you remember?Just found a SF trilogy available on Kindle that I really liked way, WAY back 30 years ago. The Way of Spider by W. Michael Gear.
Ok correction, 25 years ago, not 30. But still.
Susinok wrote: "Do you ever see a book you know you read and really, really loved years ago and are afraid to re-read it? You don't want that warm, fuzzy memory of a good book to go away in case it's not as good a..."I know how you feel. I have some SF and Fantasy favourites that I borrowed from the library when I was still in school and that I want on my bookshelf. But even if I could find the same editions and bought them I don't know if I'd dare re-read them for exactly the same reason you mentioned.
One of those is Dave Duncans "The Seventh Sword" series. I loved it to pieces but I fear that it could be an age-thing and I wouldn't see it the same way today.
I just finished reading Fadeout for the BOM, and have just started on G K Chesterton's The Man Who Was Thursday. It's quite an odd book apparently. Starts out reasonably enough with a police officer infiltrating an anarchist cell, but supposedly gets very odd later on. Which is cool. I like weird. :DIf nothing else it has a brilliant title!
Mod
Your comment makes me want to try reading some of the books I loved waaaay back when I was a kid... I bet that for instance Enid Blyton's The Famous Five series and her The Adventure series would be a let down if I'd read them today. So, yes. I would be afraid I'd ruin the lovely memory.
Mod
That IS an intriguing title. It makes me think of Robinson Crusoe (Friday?!) and Steinbeck's Sweet Thursday. Very positive association. :-)
I've thought of re-reading Edgar Eager's Tales of Magic series, but they were quaint when I was a kid. My kids refused to even look at them.
This week i started Astrid's A Policy of Lies, and i've been reading some of the LHNB stories.It's also a week for re-reads it seems: Josh's The Dark Horse and The White Knight, and Carter's Out of the Blackness. Lately I find re-reads quite relaxing, it's so nice, when i already know the story, to enjoy the details at the most leisurely pace.
The major (reading) thing this week however is that i finished The Charioteer! i love it so much! what a marvelous book! it's taken me a while, some chapters are so intense..., and i have to tell you just how valuable the discussion on the BOM thread has been for me. I don't know how i would have managed without it, and all the wonderful questions and comments. I still have a few more pages of discussion to read and then look through my post-its to check that no question goes answered :-)
KC wrote: " and then look through my post-its to check that no question goes answered :-) "You do post-its too!
The Charioteer was a definitely a challenge. I'm quite sure that I wouldn't have undertaken this endavour on my own. The BOM discussion was a big help. :)
Mod
I'm upset that I'm now facing a long novel in Administration and have no time to read it between chapters of Secretariat, which I'm hoping to have finished by Saturday. There's no way I can start a long bit of Admin and not be able to put it down! lol.
That being said, and as we're talking about rereading things, last night to take a break from all the intense horse racing of the early 1970's, I picked up Slave Boy, which was the first MM I ever read, and is one of my all time faves. I have different scenes that I love to reread over and over on occasion, even if I'm not reading the entire book. So that's what I did last night and this morning. It's a sweet romance, if you look beyond what the two main characters are forced to do to each other and endure (BDSM-though neither are into it). So far it's the only book by that author that I've really enjoyed, but one I really really do like, still.
Mod
I'm glad to hear you liked The Charioteer so much, KC. And it's great to hear that the BOM discussion helped you with your challenge. I know it helped me tremendously. Not to mention how much fun it was. :-)
KC wrote: "It's also a week for re-reads it seems: Josh's The Dark Horse and The White Knight--"
That's exactly what some of us read right after finishing The Charioteer. I think we kinda moved our The Charioteer discussion on The Dark Horse series topic and reflected the three books together. I remember it being extremely enjoyable and rewarding re-reading The Dark Horse series after The Charioteer. And both The Dark Horse and The White Knight are such wonderful books.
Mod
They are great re-reads, aren't they — refreshing and comforting. Even though comforting sounds a bit weird in this case. Maybe Toreth is deep down a surprisingly comforting character, eh? ;-) Some of my comfort-reads tend to be slightly dark: JCP's Channeling Morpheus/Sweet Oblivion series, Aleks' Dark Soul series and definitely those The Administration shorts by Manna Francis.
I wonder what makes a book a great comfort-read to somebody? They are usually the books we love and we like to "hang out" with, like good friends, right? They have the nice, familiar feel to them. My comfort-reads seem to be the ones that stir the strongest emotions in me from the authors whose writing I adore and love. That's why many of them are Josh's books.
Do you guys have comfort-reads? What are they? And why?
I'm reading Personal Demons by James Buchanan. Wish I had more books by him. I'm almost caught up on his backlist.
Mod
My comfort reads tend to be dark too, but with an element of love, even if its not stated outright. Lol, I say that with Toreth in mind, but also with early Vadim as well. In fact, I've been trying to determine which character is more messed up/dark or whatever, and I'm just not sure.
And that makes me wonder what would happen of Warrick and Toreth met Dan and Vadim at some party. I think Toreth would try to seduce Vadim. Dan would be too easy a mark. But, Vadim(older Vadim) and Warrick might commiserate out of earshot about how much Dan and Toreth sleep around. Or they'd be thinking it together, but not say anything out loud.
I'm still on my first read through of Admin. I'm about ten stories/ novels away from the end. Gulp. I want to finish it, and yet, I don't want to get there. I never thought I'd feel this way!
Johanna wrote: "Jordan wrote: "I've been reading the shorts for The Administration series when I needed a break from my current non-fic. I've been LOVING them."They are great re-reads, aren't they — refreshing a..."
Comfort reads... i actually have a few writers right now that are my go to comfort reads. Before meeting Josh's books, the only writer that i re-read was Terry Pratchett. I love his sense of humour and love many of his characters, especially the witches, but also Vimes. They have these wacky adventures and their hearts are in the right place, things that have endeared them to me deeply.
But my most definite comfort reads are Josh's books, any and all. I can't say what it is about them exactly, but the effect of the writing is instantaneous, it takes me to this calm place but in exciting ways, so beautiful and full of sensory detail, the mysteries and adventures are cool and the relationships between characters somehow exactly as they should be (eventually anyway :-))
Also at the top of the list are Astrid's holiday romances, so funny and so sweet, and Nicole's Bellingham mysteries - I really like Peter's voice and everything else about them.
Not often, i would re-read something a bit darker, like Carter's Out of the Blackness, and JCP's PsyCop series, but i need a special mood for these. What they have in common though is that they have extremely likable/adorable characters.
The Charioteer i think might become a comfort read and maybe Brat Farrar, and the Joseph Hansens, but they would also need ... a mood.
So i guess i could sum it up as a combination of writing, voice, and characters, but i think there is something else too, something that spoke to me the first time i read these books, something that aligned things just right. And they do feel like good old friends :-)
I've been following the Adrien English threads and have really wanted to re-read it. Since I'm re-reading the entire JD Robb series on audiobook (from the library), that is taking up all of my listening time. I couldn't wait any longer, so I sat down the other night and started to read Fatal Shadows. Has it really been a year and a half since I first read it? It is so great to read them all together this time, with hardly a break in between. I'm currently about half way through The Hell You Say, alternately loving Jake and wanting to strangle him. I'm also enjoying getting acquainted with Adrien's new sisters again.
I've been enjoying these so much, and am REALLY looking forward to the next two books! Who says knowing the ending spoils books? In my case, I usually spend my time enjoying the journey.
I just finished The Physic's Tale and I'm reading The Soldier's Tale. As for comfort reads, I too, turn to Josh's work. The Dickens with Love, Lone Star, The Dark Horse, The White Knight and The I Spys are particular favorites.
KC wrote: "Not often, i would re-read something a bit darker, like Carter's Out of the Blackness, and JCP's PsyCop series, but i need a special mood for these. What they have in common though is that they have extremely likable/adorable characters."After reading your rec I had put Out of the Blackness on my wishlist and now Elisa Rolle offers it for a draw on her blog:
http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwid...
or
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/22...
Johanna wrote: "Your comment makes me want to try reading some of the books I loved waaaay back when I was a kid... I bet that for instance Enid Blyton's The Famous Five series and her The Adventure series would be a let down if I'd read them today. So, yes. I would be afraid I'd ruin the lovely memory. ..."I wouldn't recommend re-reading Enid Blyton; she was a real favourite of mine when I was a child, but they don't really stand up to adult scrutiny. That said, I do re-read the Barney mystery in which he is finally re-united with his father (The Rubadub Mystery) because out of all her characters I loved Barney with his little monkey Miranda the best. I did like Jack in the Adventure series, too.
If you read just one particular book you'll probably enjoy it - it's when you read a whole series, or several of the books, that you see the problems.
I think re-reading old favourites, esp. childhood favourites is like re-watching movies that you loved as child. You remember colourful, exciting, detailed stories but when you watch them 20 years later you ask yourself what it was that you loved so much about it. I hate loosing that memory of wonder.
Johanna wrote: "I wonder what makes a book a great comfort-read to somebody? They are usually the books we love and we like to "hang out" with, like good friends, right? They have the nice, familiar feel to them. My comfort-reads seem to be the ones that stir the strongest emotions in me from the authors whose writing I adore and love. That's why many of them are Josh's books.Do you guys have comfort-reads? What are they? And why? ..."
Josh's books are among my comfort reads. Others are some children's books which I still love, by Malcolm Saville and Monica Edwards, and the Regencies written by Georgette Heyer. Also other older writers such as Josephine Tey and Dorothy L. Sayers. Edited to add Mary Stewart.
For me, a comfort read is one which I know will be good and so is "safe" to read. The main attractions are probably the characters and their relationships - in my favourite books the characters now seem very real to me!
I thought at first that, unlike you, I avoid books with strong emotions as comfort books, but on reflection I realise that's not true. Since they are re-reads I know everything will work out well so that's OK. But when I really want a comfort read I suspect I'll choose one which isn't too dramatic or angsty.
I've finally read
.Outstanding! And it is still for free! Much better than dozens of books I paid for lately.
It's a pity that Eve is not around anymore on the thread.
Calathea wrote: "I think re-reading old favourites, esp. childhood favourites is like re-watching movies that you loved a child. You remember colourful, exciting, detailed stories but when you watch them 20 years l..."I agree! Do you find the same thing when you go back to places which you loved?
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Q&A with Josh Lanyon
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The Only Gold is deliciously good. Enjoy! My one recommendation was that I found the beginning a little slow, but just push through. Tthe rest is magic. :)
I'm doing the opposite, I've read her other books, but am saving Whistling in the Dark. Like...for a rainy day, or some time when only some wonderful Tamara Allen can be the solution.