Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
ARCHIVE (General Topics)
>
What Are you Reading?
I remember both stories by LB Gregg: ''Simple Gift'' was special, but the other one a bit flat. Maybe I should reread.
Johanna wrote: "Anne wrote: "Josh wrote: "
Among my reading on my trip is first and foremost Provoked. I think Chambers really found her voice in this well-researched, intelligent and ..."I did, Johanna and remember being worried you might not like it, feeling almost protective towards it :)You know when you really love something and want everybody else to do it too, and then they hate it.....
Mod
Among my reading on my trip is first and foremost Provoked. I think Chambers really found her voice in this well-researched, ..."I know exactly what you mean. :-)
Anne wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Anne wrote: "Josh wrote: " Among my reading on my trip is first and foremost Provoked. I think Chambers really found her voice in this well-researched, ..."Isn't it strange how you can feel so protective of a book? I feel the same way about books I love. :)
I have 'Provoked' on my tbr since you mentioned it. Maybe I should bump it up a little so I get to it more sooner than later.
Mod
I loved the zany tropiness of Dudleytown. It reminded me of so many of those awful horror films of my misspent teens.
Calathea wrote: "I have 'Provoked' on my tbr since you mentioned it. Maybe I should bump it up a little so I get to it more sooner than later."That could be a mistake, or at least it would be for me: the sequel is not there yet!
Josh wrote: " Among my reading on my trip is first and foremost Provoked. I think Chambers really found her voice in this well-researched, intelligent and moving story. Nikki Kimb..."
I loved Birds of a Feather and Simple Gifts! :-) somehow i missed Dudleytown... (rectified :-)) and Provoked sounds interesting but there is no sequel yet... yet it is intriguing...
Mod
and reading/re-reading Anne Brooke's Delaneys (Delaney twins) series, because they're fast and funny reads. Well, some things you can't explain or justify... (smile)
Oh, and I came out as a m/m reader to a small group of tango friends this weekend over a post-milonga dinner. They'd never heard of the genre/term and two of them are asking for a reading list. (laugh)
We spent the weekend heading north to Santa Fe, then Taos, staying with friends and dancing. Then came home to Sunday evening/night in vigil with one of our old dogs, sure she was dying. But she had a kind of miraculous recovery overnight.
Also re-reading
.
Mod
which is set in (mostly) present-day Austin, and NYC/Fire Island in the early 80s. I found a hidden Facebook message from a woman (back in March) asking if I was the Karen who lived in NYC in the late 1970s (actually just the one amazing year of 1977). I was already reminiscing about my time there because of the book. Anyway, I'd completely forgotten her, but we'd worked together at a restaurant and hung out in a Chelsea loft with a group of friends after work until dawn whenever we could. It turns out she's been living in LA and is moving to Austin. Then I remembered the box of journals uncovered during Garage Clean-out (Round 1), found a large envelope from 1977 and re-constructed who she and all of the rest of us were 36 years ago. Too bad the 20-something Karen wrote ambiguous lists instead of detailed descriptions. But now I could tell you how much tickets to see Baryshnikov and Marakova cost back in the day!
Baryshnikov! I had his picture pinned to my wall. And Alexandr Godunov. Loved those two!
I just finished
&
..... they just blew my mind. Too bad I have to wait until sometime next year to read the end of the series.Now I'm gonna spend some time with one of my favorite authors, Kristen Ashley..... reacquaint myself to m/f literature.....;)
Ame wrote: "I just finished & ..... they just blew my mind. Too bad I have to wait until sometime next year to read..."I have been reading her Rock Chick series this summer, and like them very much despite having some misgivings. As an old feminist I have som issues with the over protective super-macho Alpha males she writes about. But then I decided to just go with it and have fun :)
Yeah.... you kind of have to leave the old feminist outside....;) But as a hardcore feminist I am I love those books.... they are my ultimate comfort read and I love her writing style somehow.... it's very... kind of like watching a movie, I can see the scenes in my head. But I am that kind of a reader that when author's style appeal to me, there is something that draws me to them, I can read almost everything, every genre. I can't really explain it, there is just something, something..... some spark that appeals to me. I have read extremely uncomfortable books simply because of this.... I was challenged few months ago to read a Kitty Thomas book.... not for the faint hearted yet I loved that book.... and hated myself for doing that. But it got me thinking..... and speculating... which I like.
Then there can be books and authors that everybody loves and adores and I just can't.....
So it's hard to explain how books get to me but they do....;)
Ame wrote: "Yeah.... you kind of have to leave the old feminist outside....;) But as a hardcore feminist I am I love those books.... they are my ultimate comfort read and I love her writing style somehow.... ..."I understand totally what you say, there are books I know I "shouldn't" like for many reasons, but still I do, and I don't know why, it can be the style, engaging characters,a terrific story or all of this, so even a book that is consider not a good one can give me a lot of enjoyment (but there are limits regarding how bad it can be when it comes to the craft of writing, it has to at least have some merits in that regard). Then some books I see others love, leave me completely unmoved. For lack of a better word, I call it the author's magic touch. Some have it, others don't. And it is a highly subjective feeling.
ETA: But there are limits regarding content too, I have stopped reading books or authors that offend me because of latent racism, homophobia, misogynism or facistoid beliefs regardless how well written or interesting they otherwise are. Terry Goodkind's books started well enough, but ended up pissing me off completely.Kristen Ashley definitely writes about men I think border on being stalkerish in their eagerness to protect, but she writes with her tongue in her cheek even so, and there are other elements in the books that balance it out in my opinion.
I read Provoked and loved it. Agree with Josh. I'll look forward to the next one, but it ended poignantly.
Josh wrote: "[And I caught up with a number of titles which mostly struck me as desperately needing a good editor. "
I think a lot of newer authors could do with a seasoned editor as well. Not for line editing, that's what you need to do when you proofread your own work, but with content things, like getting rid of unnecessary scenes, streamlining, etc, etc.
Ame wrote: "Now I'm gonna spend some time with one of my favorite authors, Kristen Ashley..... reacquaint myself to m/f literature.....;)"Me, too! I downloaded Ally's book first thing this morning. Now I just have to wait for my lunch break to start it. I have been looking forward to it since I read the rest of the series last year (and most of KA's other books as well). I haven't read much m/f lately, either, but I also started listening to the audiobook of On Dublin Street. I really like the narrator so far.
Mod
That could be a mistake, or at least it would be for..."
Yes! True. This harkens back to the discussion we're having about serials on another thread. This is the beginning of a powerful story arc.
Josh wrote: "Antonella wrote: "Calathea wrote: "I have 'Provoked' on my tbr since you mentioned it. Maybe I should bump it up a little so I get to it more sooner than later."That could be a mistake, or at lea..."
Oh no, not the powerful story arc! ;-) but since it's so recommended i'll take a chance on that :-) what worries me a bit with writers i don't know yet, is what if they don't finish the story arc? but it's a moot worry i guess, it will not really prevent me from reading it.
Mod
..."
Ah. What a great potential topic of conversation! Especially given how women have to take so much crap about reading romance at all. And men! Whoo boy! Men reading romance novels have always been treated as the stuff of comedy.
Mod
"
I think a lot of newer authors could do with a seasoned editor as well. Not f..."
Yep. The main problem with so much of what I read had to do with plot and pacing -- and a startling detachment from recognizable reality. The copyedit stuff was pretty minimal (and even debatable).
Mod
A charming holiday story with an almost classic rom com vibe.
Josh wrote: " A charming holiday story with an almost classic rom com vibe."We were just talking here the other day about comfort reads; i find Astrid's holiday romances to be right there at the top, so funny and sweet :-)
Mod
That could be a mista..."
I'm trusting her to finish. I think she has been around long enough to know her health and welfare depend upon it. :-D
Anne wrote: "Ame wrote: "I just finished & ..... they just blew my mind. Too bad I have to wait until sometime next ..."KA's heroes are definitely OTT alpha males, but at least her heroines are likeable, relatable and not all a size 2. ;-)
Josh wrote: "KC wrote: "Josh wrote: "Antonella wrote: "Calathea wrote: "I have 'Provoked' on my tbr since you mentioned it. Maybe I should bump it up a little so I get to it more sooner than later."That could..."
That good!... ;-) ok then.
Josh wrote: " A charming holiday story with an almost classic rom com vibe."I love her holiday tales. I love that they are Jewish! One of the reasons I read is to expose myself to different cultures and lives and other countries.
Mod
which is set in (mostly) present-day Austin, and NYC/Fire Island in the early 80s. I found a hidden Face..."That's definitely one of the best things about Facebook, that it makes it possible to reconnect with people you once knew and enjoyed spending time with. I'm really excited for you, Karen!
I've really enjoyed Joanna Chamber's previous book (I used to like her blog when she kept one) and I'm looking forward to Provoked. I've been saving it up until the next one is out but I doubt if I can wait until the trilogy is completed next year!I've been re-reading the wonderful Julian Kestrel series by Kate Ross, which is now on Kindle (the final one is delayed in the UK). Soo good; sad that there can be no more.
Finally got around to buying R.W. Day's
, which has been on my TBR list forever.Those of you who've read it: what were your impressions? I haven't gotten far, but the writing is quite good.
I gave it 5 stars. I know it is a kind of succint impression, still... ;-)
Hj wrote: "I've really enjoyed Joanna Chamber's previous book (I used to like her blog when she kept one) and I'm looking forward to Provoked. I've been saving it up until the next one is out but I doubt if I..."Don't you know I had to check out a Julian Kestrel book and downloaded the first. You have taught me about a lot of new authors Hj, thanks so much!
(My VISA card isn't quite as enthusiastic by the way)
The last days there have been so many recommendations of authors new to me on this thread, I love it. And my Kindle is groaning under the weight of new books :)
Hope you enjoy it Anne! There are four books, but unfortunately Kate Ross died young and there are no more. I should have said that they're not m/m or romance.
Hj wrote: "Hope you enjoy it Anne! There are four books, but unfortunately Kate Ross died young and there are no more. I should have said that they're not m/m or romance."
And since I am an omnivore when it comes to reading, that is quite okay.
Mod
Oh my gosh. Yes. I remember those. Very sad. She was quite young, wasn't she?
Yes, she died young. Her characters were complex and one feels that there was a lot more to be revealed about Kestrel which we'll never know now.
Mod
So far, it's really good and very well written! Sadly, I'm pretty sure the copy I'm reading will get weeded from the library to make room for new books and to make room for the huge renovation project coming this fall. So I grabbed these while I still could.
This book has been compared to The Left Hand of Darkness by Le Guin, so we'll see how similar they are the further I get into it.
After this, I'll get into Strange Fortune, probably reading along with the audio on my train trip next week. Can't wait! Have I said that already? Well, it's true!
I also just ordered Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection, Vol. 1 and I'm wicked excited. Yup, consider me a geek if you want. I haven't read the original comic books, and I've heard they're very different than the tv show, so I can't wait to dive into this one. I'm glad they're rereleasing them, in hardcover no less! I just wish they were less expensive. Ah well. lol.
I am in the middle of Love, Like Water, definitely a great book, and now I want to travel into the desert and see the stars at night :)
Anne wrote: "I am in the middle of Love, Like Water, definitely a great book, and now I want to travel into the desert and see the stars at night :)"That was a good one!
I'm reading The Good Thief by James Buchanan.
Antonella wrote: "I gave it 5 stars. I know it is a kind of succint impression, still... ;-)"This book is incredible, Antonella -- one of the best pieces of fiction I've read in quite a while. I've been staying up late into the night, devouring it.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Then... you could read the sequel, Out of the Ashes, and tell me what you think: another guinea pig would be perfect ;-)
It's just that the sequel has got very mixed reviews and I don't know what to do. Some people even wish they had not read it...
I've already determined I won't be reading the sequel. :( It sounds unremittingly bleak and brutal (I no longer have the stomach, or the psyche, for that kind of thing), and the central relationship in A Strong and Sudden Thaw is compromised to a degree I wouldn't be able to tolerate.
Na wrote: "Well, it was finally time for me to read The Shattered Gates -- the book was patiently waiting in my TBR list. But I wanted to familiarise myself with Ginn's work first and was curious about the bo..."Oh, how wonderful! I'm reading now The Lord of the White Hell. The Rifter is simply amazing! I love everything Ginn writes! The story in the Irregulars is pretty cool too, and there are 2-3 others i'm looking forward to: Feral Machines (in Tangle), and the stories in Hell Cop 1&2.
There are also two free short stories here: http://ginnhale.com/extras/
Mod
This book is incredible, Antonella -- one of the best pieces of fiction I've read in quite a while. I'..."
Thank you, K.Z., for mentioning A Strong and Sudden Thaw. This is definitely something I want to read as soon as possible.
Mod
Wow. You've had a wonderful reading week! And have fun in Basawar — when I finished reading the series, I wouldn't have wanted to leave that place. I think I actually lingered there a few weeks afterwards admiring its incredible landscape and buildings, savoring its sounds and smells, marveling at its bizarre creatures. ;-)
Mod
That was a good one!
I'm reading The Good Thi..."
Oh, I just read that last month. You'll have to let me know how you like it.
Mod
Yes! If I recall from the top of my head, I finally bought Hell Cop 1&2 last month so I can get started on those soon. I also want to read the one from Tangled.
I love all of her work. I've yet to read Lord of the White Hell 2, but that will come very soon. Perhaps I should have read it along with the first one for my summer reading, but I didn't think I'd have the time.
Johanna wrote: "Thank you, K.Z., for mentioning A Strong and Sudden Thaw. This is definitely something I want to read as soon as possible."You're welcome, Johanna. I don't know why I didn't get to it sooner. It's a genre classic, and deservedly so.
KC wrote: "Feral Machines (in Tangle)"It made me cry! I was wary of the story at first, because I've never been a science fiction fan, but I fell in love with Thomas, the android-like character. I think Ginn Hale can sell me on just about anything.
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...
Yeah, thank you for this recommendation, Josh. And as for Simple Gifts I think it was Anne here who recommended it to me last winter and I loved it. A very touching, hopeful story.