Week 6 Check In

[Sheri]

Hi everyone!

It's been pretty grey and gloomy and cold here, so looking forward to spring.

This week I finished:

Starless - Really liked this, i love her writing in general and this was another great example. She is great at creating mythologies. This one was also interesting in the exploration of gender and gender roles and how cultures shape them. I used it for Popsugar's book I meant to read last year and ATY's book over 500 pages.

Dress Codes for Small Towns - This was another good one, I enjoyed it more than I expected. It's mostly about being someone who's non-conforming in a small conservative town. I enjoyed how it was handled, rather than the main character being dying to leave, she was more trying to carve a place for herself, and thus others who also don't fit. I used it for popsugar's book with a an accessory on the cover, and ATY's book I stumbled on since I picked it up on a whim from a book perk deal.

Cat's Eye - this is the first of two books with the same title, for Popsugar. Not sure if it fits anywhere else really. I think I ended up liking it overall. Atwood is weird for me, I always struggle with whether or not I enjoy her, but I don't deny she always makes me feel something. In this case in the first third of the book or so, it made me feel and remember all the petty nastiness little girls do to each other. Once it moved past that part I was able to get through it a little easier. I still liked it overall, I think.

I also worked through a pile of comics, including getting caught up on Steven Universe.

Currently Reading:

The Sun Is Also a Star - this is my book becoming a movie this year for popsugar, and my book with an astronomical term in the title for ATY, as well as a love story/romance for Reading Women. I'm enjoying it so far.

The Art of Asking; or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help Still poking at this, I'm slow on audio books. i mostly listen while knitting/drawing, when my husband's playing video games. I like it ok, but you can tell she's not really a writer. It's very conversational, for all that it's a novel it's really like just listening to her tell a bunch of stories. With the same sort of conversational pitfalls where there's one thing and then it leads to a tangent and meanders around until it gets back to the point. But I do like having her music interspersed in it, and it's interesting overall.

QOTW: Another question from Kathy:

What are your criteria for purchasing books rather than getting them from the library? Any difference in criteria for buying ebooks vs paper?

This is a good question! Any more, my shelf space is at a premium. I don't like having to get rid of old books I love, so new ones need to be worthy to join them haha. If i'm going to buy a book, especially at full price, I needs to be one I know I'll love, either because I read it already and want it physically or it's an author I love so am reasonably certain it'll apply.

Digital books, I hate spending "print book" prices on a digital file. But I'm on a few book mailing lists, so if I see one under $5 and it looks interesting I'll buy it. I've also bought a number of humble bundles, as long as I was reasonably sure I'd like a couple of the books I just get them.

Anything else I get from the library, preferably digitally so I don't have to mess with actually getting over there and remembering to get the books back.

[Megan]

I've missed checking for the past couple weeks due to traveling - but between time in airports and on the road and weather at home that hasn't been conducive to outdoor activities, I've gotten quite a bit of reading in!

When I last checked in, I was reading Ink, Iron, and Glass for IRL book club #1 - I finished that shortly thereafter, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Myst back in the day. I'm looking forward to the sequel, which is coming out soon.

I then moved on to (Don't) Call Me Crazy, which was not at all what I expected - I thought it was a fiction collection, but it turned out to be personal essays by the participating authors. It was still fascinating, though - as with any collection, style and quality varied quite a bit, but the book crams an amazing array of perspectives on mental health into a pretty short read, so I would definitely recommend it to anyone who works in a field where they encounter these issues, or has faced them in their own life.

Next was A Line in the Dark, which I'd had on my TBR for quite a while, since I'd read some of the author's work in various collections. I enjoyed her other writing so much that I had even recommended this one for this group - but thank goodness we stuck with LeGuin! Perhaps short stories are where Malinda Lo's talent lies, because I would never guess that this was the same author whose work I enjoyed - A Line in the Dark is a hot mess of tropes, stereotypes, and blatant ripoffs of seemingly every recent popular thriller. If you've read my previous check ins, you probably have noticed that there's not too many books that I don't enjoy on some level...but this was definitely one that I regret reading.

Things looked up a bit with the next one I read, Instructions for a Secondhand Heart. This one was in the book box I subscribe to a while back, and I just hadn't gotten around to it. It's not the kind of thing I would have chosen on my own, but it's a very cute, straightforward, light romance.

The improvement continued with Traveler and Dreamer, which are really one continuous story split into two books. I enjoyed Traveler a bit more, probably because there was more demonstration of the actual traveling as the concept was explained - but Dreamer was a solid conclusion.

Next up was Pride for IRL book club #2 - it was a great pick for our Valentine's Day themed meetup that's coming up next week. Some parts of the story were a little forced-feeling since Pride and Prejudice is longer, so there was a lot of plot and characters to fit into the shorter Pride, but the characters and setting are perfectly drawn, and I will definitely be seeking out more from Ibi Zoboi.

I followed that with Lilith's Brood, which is now my favorite Octavia E. Butler. Anyone who was intrigued by the examination of gender in The Left Hand of Darkness should consider adding this one to their list - it is much longer (actually a trilogy, but like most of Octavia's work it is available as a single volume including all three), but SO worth it. Like everything she wrote, it makes you completely reconsider your thoughts about gender, relationships, the structure of society, and life in general - and isn't that what reading is all about?

Apparently I was in a gender role kind of groove, because IRL book club #3 was reading That Inevitable Victorian Thing, which was not what I expected stylistically based on other E.K. Johnston that I've read, but was well-written and told a very interesting story with an unusual twist.

On a whim, I downloaded The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic when it was discounted for Kindle, and I'm so glad I did - it is GORGEOUS! The only thing I'd previously read by Leigh Bardugo was her Wonder Woman book, which was so much fun but apparently quite different from her normal writing style. I will definitely be seeking out the novels in the world where these tales were set.

The beauty continued with Sweet Black Waves, which was heartbreakingly perfect even though you know how it will end. There is apparently a sequel coming soon, and I can't wait to see if Kristina Pérez continues in the same vein with the traditional story or goes off in a new direction.

I'm currently reading This Savage Song, another that I picked up for Kindle because it was on sale. I'm about 1/4 of the way through and it's definitely still ramping up - but it seems to be the first in a series, so there's quite a bit of world-building and character establishment. It has some elements of The Bone Season and Gotham Academy, which I loved, so I have reasonably high hopes for enjoying the rest of it.

As for the QOTW: My reading preferences have shifted quite a bit in recent years - paper books from the library used to be the vast majority of my reading, and now they are almost none - I am lucky to belong to a library with three different e-book apps, so I can get virtually everything on my phone or Kindle, which makes reading on the go so much easier. I also get the daily BookBub e-mails, but I try not to go overboard with buying unless it's an author I want to support by spending money on their writing. I get a SpearCraft box every month with a physical book and related tchotchkes, which is fun and has introduced me to so many authors I never would have found otherwise, and it makes it easier to loan or give away the books when I've finished them. The only paper books that I intentionally purchase are when my favorite authors have books come out overseas before they are available here, so the paper copies can be shipped but Kindle is limited to the countries where it's been released. I also do still buy paper comics, since I look at them as a hybrid of art and books that are better enjoyed in a larger format.

[Sheri]

Megan, I'll have to check out that Lilith's Brood. I've been meaning to read more Octavia Butler, particularly the parable ones. I've apparently been in a gender-exploring mood with my reading anyhow so sounds about right haha.

[Megan]

Sheri, it must be the season for that! Based on the books that you’ve posted about, I think you would enjoy Lillith’s Brood. The parables are pretty much the only thing of hers I haven’t read, too, so we’ll have to compare notes when we finally both read them!

[Daniele]

Well, I'm happy to report I didn't strike out on reading two weeks in a row.

I finished Spinning Silver, which was enjoyable but not mind-blowing. Its fills several Golden Trio prompts, but I put it under Snape, a book that includes a page 394.

I also enjoyed the short, illustrated manifesto Art Matters by Neil Gaiman, which was as lovely as expected. I used it for the Ron prompt, a book under 200 pages.

That puts me at 11/52 books for the challenge, so I am one away from reaching Ron status.

QOTW: I grew up in a house filled with books, so I now curate my collection much more carefully than I may once have. Overdrive audiobooks and ebooks have also completely shifted how I enjoy reading, so pretty much only guaranteed rereads and favourite authors get a place on my shelves. I pick up free/low-cost ebooks through BookBub faster than I can read them.

[Marina]

Not a big reading week for me, so no new finishes. I've started reading The Bonesetter's Daughter, and am enjoying it so far. Also loving seeing what everyone else is reading - my tbr list is getting longer and longer every week!

QOTW: I've tended to move frequently and not always have a lot of space, so hard copy books to keep have been reduced to one bookcase. Mostly favourites, sentimental, or particularly nice copies. I have just about stopped buying new books in hard copy, as realistically I am an e-book reader now. It's just so much easier for me to have the book with me at all times without having to lug something around, and I can't take real books to bed with me, so all nighttime reading has to be e-book. I adore actual, tangible books, though, and will always appreciate them and have at least some nearby.

[Sarah]

It's been a quiet week here reading-wise, as it was a busy week for life in general. I finished off Wheel of Time #4 The Shadow Rising, which was close to being finished last week. Yep, we are definitely getting to the point where things start to drag a bit, but there's so much going on that I still really love the series. My thought is that you have to just expect it to unfold at the speed of a soap opera and enjoy the journey and drama, which I very much do. I'm very aware that everyone's personal mileage varies on this point, though.

Also read Murderbot Diaries #4 Exit Strategy. I really loved this series, as Murderbot was just so relatable for an analytical socially anxious introvert. Seriously, he is so lost when navigating people and emotions, he openly admits to many of his responses social interactions being lifted from his favorite TV show. Repeatedly. That sounds eerily similar to real life. This was the end of the series, and Wells really ended it nicely, directly calling out the "robot longing to be human" sci-fi cliche and going a completely different, more freeing direction.

QOTW: (**disclosure** I'm a special collections librarian) I had an epiphany about 10 years back that as a taxpayer, I already own pretty much every book out there, via the library- I just need to go pick it up from it's neatly organized offsite storage at the library. So no need to buy every book that I want to read twice. This was super freeing for me (and my budget), and was part of what took me down the journey towards library school and a career change. I still do most of my "new" reading from library books, and my re-reading from my personal collection.

If it's a book series that I'm actively building at home, something that I know I (or my husbot) will reread, an author that I want to actively support, or something old/offbeat enough that the library won't keep it in the collection, then I'll happily buy my own copy. Due to increasing space concerns I typically get it in a digital format, especially if it's long or part of a big series (looking at you, Brandon Sanderson and Brent Weeks!). I'll intentionally do print if it's something that I will want to share or loan out, or the print copies are just beautifully produced (again with my love of the Myst books).

[Sarah]

Megan- I loved Myst!!! That book is definitely going on my TBR list. The trilogy of books written for the Myst series are easily in the top 5 of my all-time favorite reads ever (and that it a VERY tough list to break on to).

[Megan]

Me, too, Sarah! I already loved the game when the Myst books started coming out, but I think the books were what locked in my fandom. :) I am really looking forward to Mist, Metal, and Ash, which is coming out soon - it’s right there in the title! :)

[Jennifer]

I feel like such a slow reader this year. I still have three books in progress (The Left Hand of Darkness, Alexander Hamilton, and You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment). I rarely have more than one book going at a time, and I don't like it. So, I'm focusing first on The Left Hand of Darkness. I had to wait for it to be available from the library again, but I have the digital copy now and should be able to finish it this weekend or early next week.

That actually leads into the QOTW. I used to buy only physical books. I have lived many places where libraries were not easily accessible, so buying was my best option. I was not a fan of e-readers for a long time ("I want to hold a book in my hands and be able to smell that book smell blah blah blah"). Then one day I had a self-imposed guilt trip about all the trees I've killed by buying so many books. I bought a Kindle and never looked back.

I do still buy some physical books, either because I'm at the bookstore and I see one that is so pretty I just can't pass it up or because there is something special about the physical version. For example, whenever Christopher Moore has a new book, I *always* pre-order a signed copy. I've started doing the same with Maureen Johnson.

I borrow a lot more books from the library now too. Where I live the libraries are more accessible, and the inter-library loan system is county-wide so there are very few books that aren't available in either physical or e-book form.

[Kathy]

This week I finished Owl and the Japanese Circus which was an FoE recommendation. I enjoyed it enough to check out the next in the series. Rogue archeologist thief with lots of supernaturals.

QOTW. I usually try authors at the library first, but if I'm hooked on a series will buy the new ones as they are released. I'm now trying to purge my shelves by only keeping books with 4 or 5 star ratings that I will plan to read again. But progress is being slowed by me purchasing some if I am missing some in a favorite series. I will sometimes wait to buy a matched set in a series because they are prettier. I'm trying to do better to support my favorite authors with purchases and reviews so they can keep writing. But trying not to buy unless I'm pretty sure it will be for multiple reads.
I prefer physical books to ebooks, but like to have some digitally in case of a reading emergency. I will usually buy short stories, things on sale recommended by favorite authors or FoE, or things I can't get from the library for ebooks.

[Kristi]

Hi everyone,
I haven't had a free moment to post anything for a while, but I'm making time now :)
The only noteworthy book I finished recently was The Little Stranger. It's a sort of slow-moving tale set in post-War England. It's very gothic in tone, and can be interpreted as either a ghost story, or a tale of mental illness. It's left to the reader to decide. As a fan of Downton Abbey, I thought it was an interesting look at the decline of one of the great estates, and all the drama surrounding it.

Currently reading:
Carrying Albert Home: The Somewhat True Story of A Man, His Wife, and Her Alligator. This is loosely based on a true story (well, the author's recollection of his parents' story), and I love it so far. It's a folksy, larger-than-life tale (like Big Fish) about a young couple on a road trip during the great depression.

Aftermath. I remember a big fuss when this came out. People were unhappy with the style Wendig chose for the narrative (third person, present tense, IIRC). A while ago, I read the first couple of pages and set it aside. On a whim, I picked it up again last week, and it's good so far. I like to dabble in the Star Wars universe every so often, so now's as good a time as any.

Audiobook - Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls. Because, really, there's no better way to experience a memoir than as read by the author :) It's like hanging out with Lorelai Gilmore, with snippets of Lauren Graham's real life. Loving it!

QOTW: I'm extremely selective about buying books these days. Several years ago, I went crazy on book swapping sites + Friends of the Library booksales, and ended up swamped with physical books. I've been trying to "thin the herd" ever since. I rarely re-read books (no time with so many new ones to read!), so I only hang on to the ones that truly resonate with me. It's mostly childhood books and a few selected titles from favorite authors. My current goal is to whittle down the collection so that there are no more storage tubs under my bed, no more stacks in places beyond bookshelves, and so that the books are only stacked one layer deep on the shelves of my existing bookcases. It's going to take YEARS to get to that point, so I'm only allowing a few new books in every year. The plus side of this backlog is that I'll probably have some great, older hidden gems to share with you guys along the way.

[Jen W.]

Not much new to report. I have to wait for The Left Hand of Darkness to be available again digitally from the library to finish it, so I've had to put it on hold for now.

In the meantime, I've started reading Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. I LOVED the author's Six of Crows duology, which I read last year. I figured I should read this earlier trilogy before I tackle her new book, which is a sequel to both series.

QOTW: I rarely buy physical books anymore. There's really only two authors, I think, that I mainly still buy in physical form - Seanan McGuire and Jim Butcher. Anything else that I buy physically is usually a special collector's edition or something of a favorite author/book/series.

Many of my older physical books are still in storage since we moved a couple of years ago, so I don't have easy access to them right now. I've been slowly replacing some of them with digital copies when I find deals available, so I can read them again.

As far as digital books, I'll usually only pay full price if it's something I'm really eager to read or to support the author. I keep an eye on deal websites, and also get Bookbub and Kindle emails with discounted book lists. Otherwise, I borrow ebooks from the library.

[Stephanie]

Hello All!

I'm late to the check-in party, but better late than never. I also just caught up on some Left Hand of Darkness discussion posts. I'm glad to see that people are still working their way through the book and waiting for it to come in so that we can continue the discussion!

I finished my A Game of Thrones re-read last night, and husbot and I have three more episodes to go in season one. I've never done a read along with a movie/TV adaptation before, and I quite enjoyed it. I knew that season one followed the book very closely, but I had not realized that almost all of the dialogue is taken word-for-word from the book.. I can only think of about two scenes that were added to the TV series where dialogue was entirely new, and that was to assist with character development (I'm looking at you, Tywin Lannister and Little Finger). I'll start the next book once we finish series 1.

Until then, I've moved on to Lethal White because the last book in the Cormoron Strike series had such a spectacular cliff hanger that I just couldn't wait. This book is turning out to be like the last--the beginning is slooooowww. I get the sense that Rowling/Galbraith is becoming more experimental and "meta" in her writing, much like Diana Gabaldon has done as the Outlander series progresses. Sometimes it drags, and sometimes it works. For example, I think a lot of men read this series and the further into the novels the series gets, the more Galbraith is laying down in clear terms the ways in which women are sexually targeted in their everyday lives. For example, there are several scenes where the lead female character experiences what it's like to be in a bar alone with a bunch of men and how she is made to feel unreasonable for wanting to be left alone when men approach her. It's powerful stuff that's hopefully reaching an audience beyond female readers.

For audiobooks, I started and am about 10 minute away from finishing Leia: Princess of Alderaan. I have REALLY enjoyed this book. It takes place when Leia is 16 years old and basically explains how she came to be involved in the rebellion at so young an age. There's lots of good backstory on Alderaan, her parents, and Holdo, as well as cameos by Wedge Antillies and even R2D2 and C3PE0. It's certainly the best of the Disney universe novels I've read so far.

I've got to get back to work, so I'll leave off the QOTW for this week, but I will say that digital access to the library has changed my reading habits immensely!