April 2020 READER Nominations

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

This thread is for nominations for READER category for April 2020.

READER books need to be
* currently in print in either hardback or paperback (or both). Requiring a special order from a store or website counts, but not if the book is only available used.
* currently available in multiple ebook formats, from multiple vendors
* Space Opera, which means a spaceship has to be involved in the story somewhere.
* If it is part of a series, it needs to be suitable to being read without having read other books in the series.
* Please no blatantly erotic books, as some of our members are not full adults yet.

RULES:
* you may nominate one book on this thread.
* you may second as many nominations as you like on this thread.
* it is okay to nominate the same book on more than one nomination thread, as long as it meets the criteria
* books we already have on our bookshelf will be disqualified
* If a book you nominate or second is selected, you are expected to post at least one comment about it on the thread about the book.
* In about two weeks I will draw a book randomly, with each second being one raffle ticket for the book. That is, a book with three seconds (so four of us want it) will get three chances in the pool.

It is likely helpful if you know something about a book that has been nominated if you mention it in this thread, whether it is for or against the book.

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

I nominate Janissaries by Jerry Pournelle. Available as ebook, used books, and currently in print as the omnibus Lord of Janissaries. Aliens in a flying saucer rescue a group of doomed soldiers from a jungle on Earth. Most of the action takes place on another planet, with limited technology. There’s a generous amount of battles on the planet.

I tend to reread this series every three years or so. The fourth book in the series is due out in June.

[C. John]

Teresa wrote: "I nominate Janissaries by Jerry Pournelle. Available as ebook, used books, and currently in print as the omnibus [bookcover:Lord of Janis..."

This one seems to also be available under the title "Clan and Crown"

Here is a link that hopefully works that describes the book. omeone more familiar with the work can tell for sure I suspect.Given the current political situation it wouldn't surprise me if the publisher did change the title.

https://virl.bibliocommons.com/item/s...

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

Clan and Crown is the second in the series. Storms of Victory is the third. Tran is book 1 and 2 together. Lord of Janissaries is books 1, 2, and 3. The one due out later this year really is book 4. It’s confusing. When Tran came out I thought it was a new book in the series....

[C. John]

Ah. Although, I beleive, Turkish in origin the Janissaries were still a Muslim force. Given that I wouldn't blam a publisher for changing a name that might put some readers off.

[Ryan]

I'm nominating The Quantum Magician by Derek Künsken again because it's fantastic and doubt that anyone in a group devoted to Space Operas will be disappointed with the ideas and journey contained within.

[Caitlin]

I’ll second The Quantum Magician.

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

Summary so far:
Janissaries by Jerry Pournelle. Nominated by Teresa. Awaiting seconds.
The Quantum Magician by Derek Künsken. Nominated by Ryan. Seconded by Caitlin.

[Adrian]

I'll second Janissaries

[C. John]

When do nominations close? I don't want to do anything until I know I can get a copy of the book I want to second, and I won't know that until the end of the month.

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

Nominations close on the 21st or 22nd. In February it’s the 20th. This is to allow people a week to find a copy of the book if they want to be able to discuss it.

For those who don’t read ebooks, this might be a problem right now.

[C. John]

My problem with audio books is that they become like music, background to whatever else I am doing. Result: I don't always pay attention. i am simply unable to put something on and simply sit and listen to it. Janissaries is only available from my library as an audio book.
As far as eboooks go I have read stuff on my computer, but it is not as satisfying as reading an actual book. Started reading an issue of Air Wonder Stories that way and have yet to finish it.

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

Understood. I have trouble reading ebooks anywhere but on my Kindle Paperwhite, and don’t even try audiobooks any more.

[Betsy]

C. John wrote: "My problem with audio books is that they become like music, background to whatever else I am doing. Result: I don't always pay attention. i am simply unable to put something on and simply sit and l..."

I have the same problem with audiobooks so I tend to avoid them. But I do like to listen to certain authors reading their own memoirs, so I reserve those for while I'm doing mindless tasks like folding laundry or ironing.

[Elaine]

C. John wrote: "My problem with audio books is that they become like music, background to whatever else I am doing. Result: I don't always pay attention. i am simply unable to put something on and simply sit and l..."

My I suggest you ask your library about Interlibrary loan? Most libraries can request from another library system.

[C. John]

I have used inter library loans before but there are two problems
1. It can take a long time. It is not unusual for a book to take a couple of months to come in.
2. As of eight tonight our library system has shut down all branches for the indefinite future.

[Mary]

Yes. The closing of libraries will affect so many of us.

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

And even the non closing of libraries. My daughter is a librarian and in a high risk category, but her library is staying open on limited hours.

[Elaine]

C. John wrote: "I have used inter library loans before but there are two problems
1. It can take a long time. It is not unusual for a book to take a couple of months to come in.
2. As of eight tonight our library ..."

Truth. Happy you know the service exists. Hoping libraries will soon be able to safely open.

[Elaine]

Teresa wrote: "And even the non closing of libraries. My daughter is a librarian and in a high risk category, but her library is staying open on limited hours."

😢. Best wishes to your daughter. In best of times those ill stop in for books on their way home from the dr.

[Betsy]

Fortunately, though my library is closing for a time, borrowing ebooks will still be available. I assume that also applies to audiobooks. Probably because those services are mostly automated online.

[C. John]

Any service that is online is stillavailable for us so ebooks and any of the streaming services are available. Any music, audiobook or video that exists as a physical copy is unavailable.

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

Nominations are now closed. Two books, one second each. Time to flip a coin.

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

Our April Pick is The Quantum Magician by Derek Künsken.