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What are you reading in January 2015?
message 101:
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HomeInMyShoes
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Jan 09, 2015 06:10AM
I feel lucky that I just didn't really like Storm Front and gave up on Jim Butcher.
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colleen the contrarian ± (... never stop fighting) ± wrote: "Oh gods, I'd forgotten how tired I got of hearing "sparks" and "calamity!" from Steelheart."That was more than annoying.
Homeinmyshoes wrote: "I feel lucky that I just didn't really like Storm Front and gave up on Jim Butcher."lol
Homeinmyshoes wrote: "I feel lucky that I just didn't really like Storm Front and gave up on Jim Butcher."I rather liked Storm front but when I read Fool moon, I felt that Butcher was writing to a formula and didn't read any more of his books. However, I heard his later books in the series are a lot better.
colleen the contrarian ± (... never stop fighting) ± wrote: "I understand using non-word cusswords for YA books, or sci-fi in general. It comes from a long tradition. (See frell, frak, fark, and several variations thereof.)I think it was more the *constant* use of them."
In the case of science fiction, authors may also want to use invented slang to give a sense of a different time or society or to use it as satire. Political correctness is satirised in the movie Demolition Man where a foul-mouthed, late twentieth-century, cop is brought out of suspended animation in a future America where cursing has become illegal.
I agree that the over-use of made-up curses can be irritating to read.
Greg wrote: "Homeinmyshoes wrote: "I feel lucky that I just didn't really like Storm Front and gave up on Jim Butcher."I rather liked Storm front but when I read Fool moon, I felt that Butcher was writing to ..."
It was probably just the wrong book at the wrong time. I just found the jokes too predictable and I wasn't reading in the right way. I'm usually good at reading things tongue-in-cheek and getting good entertainment value, but I was just saying ugh all the time. I'm not sad though, I've read a lot of other stuff while not reading another 15+ book series.
That was the reason I quit starting series books entirely over the last few years. Just so much other stuff to read. I'd rather read three new authors than more books by authors named Terry. Except Pratchett of course.
I'm reading Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut right now and I'm thinking this is the last Vonnegut book I'll read. This will be my ninth Vonnegut book I think he's worn out his welcome in my mind.
I've never read any Vonnegut, but I've been told I'd probably like it. Was gonna read 'Cat's Cradle' last year, but I couldn't find it at my library even though the computer said they had it.
Homeinmyshoes wrote: "It was probably just the wrong book at the wrong time. I just found the jokes too predictable and I wasn't reading in the right way. I'm usually good at reading things tongue-in-cheek and getting good entertainment value, but I was just saying ugh all the time. I'm not sad though, I've read a lot of other stuff while not reading another 15+ book series.That was the reason I quit starting series books entirely over the last few years. Just so much other stuff to read. I'd rather read three new authors than more books by authors named Terry. Except Pratchett of course."
In my case, it might've been the right book at the right time as I was in hospital and needed something that was new but not intellectually taxing!
I agree with you that reading more authors is potentially more rewarding than reading more books by the same author. This leads me to read books by other writers in between the different volumes of a single-author series so as to keep my reading of the latter books fresher.
I liked Cat's Cradle, Breakfast of Champions, Slaughterhouse-Five, God Bless You Mr. Rosewater.Tales from the Monkey House is a nice collection of short stories with a couple of my favourite shorts in it.
Hocus Pocus and Timequake were just verging on lousy and it might be that his shtick has worn thin with me. I can't really fault an author for that when they wrote a couple of my favourites. He's just fallen off the fallback author list for me.
Greg wrote: "Homeinmyshoes wrote: "I feel lucky that I just didn't really like Storm Front and gave up on Jim Butcher."I rather liked Storm front but when I read Fool moon, I felt that Butcher was writing to ..."
I loved Storm Front, but I haven't moved onto the next book(s) in the series. I do see a lot of good feedback on the latest books in the series. I'm tempted to jump over the others.
Katrina wrote: "I loved Storm Front, but I haven't moved onto the next book(s) in the series. I do see a lot of good feedback on the latest books in the series. I'm tempted to jump over the others."I've been tempted to do that as well but then I'd be wondering if I missed any important events that might be alluded to in the later volumes. I do have Side Jobs: Stories From The Dresden Files (#12.5 in the series) so I might give this a go this year to see if Butcher does get better in the later volumes and also to see what his short stories are like compared to his novels.
I'm also reading Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot for the MobileRead literary book club. So far it is meditative awesomeness.
Homeinmyshoes wrote: "I'm also reading Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot for the MobileRead literary book club. So far it is meditative awesomeness."Ugh. MR book club. lol
MrsJoseph wrote: "Homeinmyshoes wrote: "I'm also reading Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot for the MobileRead literary book club. So far it is meditative awesomeness."Ugh. MR book club. lol"
No..MR Literary Book Club! Unfortunately (IMO) despite the standard club offering different genres, many of the people in the Literary Club make similar nominations in both clubs.
colleen the contrarian ± (... never stop fighting) ± wrote: "I understand using non-word cusswords for YA books, or sci-fi in general. It comes from a long tradition. (See frell, frak, fark, and several variations thereof.)I think it was more the *constant* use of them."
Its not just the constant use that annoys me. Its the fact that its set in our world and yet not a single one of these people ever utters a proper "fuck" or "shit" or anything even remotely resembling our profanity. Its all just Slontzes and Sparks and Calamity!
Just doesn't feel right.
Nyssa wrote: "MrsJoseph wrote: "Homeinmyshoes wrote: "I'm also reading Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot for the MobileRead literary book club. So far it is meditative awesomeness."Ugh. MR book club. l..."
Lol. I have a definite love and hate relationship with both. I mainly participate for the nominations to find new stuff. Unfortunately old long and free tends to win. The alternate months with member selections seems more promising.
Greg wrote: "I've been tempted to do that as well but then I'd be wondering if I missed any important events that might be alluded to in the later volumes. I do have Side Jobs: Stories From The Dresden Files (#12.5 in the series) so I might give this a go this year to see if Butcher does get better in the later volumes and also to see what his short stories are like compared to his novels....."Some of the later stories might spoil novels if you're not very far into the series. Especially "Aftermath".
Chris wrote: "Greg wrote: "I've been tempted to do that as well but then I'd be wondering if I missed any important events that might be alluded to in the later volumes. I do have Side Jobs: Stories From The Dre..."Thanks for the heads up on that, Chris! Dammit! I'll have to persevere with reading some of the other early volumes then if I want to reach the later ones.
Ala wrote: "colleen the contrarian ± (... never stop fighting) ± wrote: "I understand using non-word cusswords for YA books, or sci-fi in general. It comes from a long tradition. (See frell, frak, fark, and s..."Personally, I prefer people cursing conventionally as well. That said, I didn't miss it in Gone and Hunger while I was reading those novels. They are YA of course but I enjoyed the narratives so much I wasn't bothered by the frankly unrealistic lack of swearing among young teenagers!
Hey guys. So I'm still working on the series challenge from last year. Its sort of pathetic that I've had the same new year resolution for three years in a row now...Anyway, first on my "bucket reading list" is Wheel of Time. I've read New Spring (I've read it before so I decided to go ahead and start here this time) and The Eye of the World. Now I'm reading The Great Hunt.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Martian!! I wish it was not my first book of 2015, so that I could honestly call it my favorite book of the year!! I'm hoping that doesn't mean its all downhill from here. Next up are: Clover Omnibus (which has been begging for my attention for a little while now) and then The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Both are omnibuses of the complete series.
Right now I'm reading Wild Card by Lisa Shearin https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... (rats, I forget how to embed the link on here) which is a prequel to this series.
I haven't read this series before but am liking it so far. High hopes. (Is there anything better than discovering a new series?)
I haven't read this series before but am liking it so far. High hopes. (Is there anything better than discovering a new series?)
Nyssa wrote: "No..MR Literary Book Club! Unfortunately (IMO) despite the standard club offering different genres, many of the people in the Literary Club make similar nominations in both clubs. "LOL!
Which is why I quit years ago and never looked back...
Homeinmyshoes wrote: "Lol. I have a definite love and hate relationship with both. I mainly participate for the nominations to find new stuff. Unfortunately old long and free tends to win. The alternate months with member selections seems more promising. "THIS.
Womenofbadassery wrote: "Right now I'm reading Wild Card by Lisa Shearin https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... (rats, I forget how to embed the link on here) which is a prequel to this ser..."I've been planning to start that series.
I'm really liking it so far but have had precious little time to read and haven't been able to get through it yet.
I just started The Hero of Ages I loved the first two books of the trilogy. No idea why I never read any of his books sooner. I am debating on starting The Way of Kings next or switch it up and start The Name of the Wind.
Currently reading The Talisman after finishing up Hearts In Atlantis to continue my quest to read all the books related to the Dark Tower.I'm ashamed to say it but I've given up on Firefight for the moment. Maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind but all the bits of Steelheart that I didn't like seemed to be back with a vengeance. I'm sure I'll pick it up again at some point but I just didn't find myself getting into it.
Nyssa wrote: " Next up are: Clover Omnibus (which has been begging for my attention for a little while now) and then The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Both are omnibuses of the complete series. "I finished the Clover Omnibus last night. Ugh!
I'm hoping to start The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy sometime this evening!
Before I can read, however, my husband and I are taking our twins on a birthday trip to the mall - with friends. I believe it'll be 4 girls and 3 boys - ages 11 to 14.
I can't believe I'm now just one year away from having a house full of teenagers! Aaaahhh!
I've mostly been reading The New 52 Suicide Squad & I'm on the last one (of the original run), Suicide Squad, Vol. 5: Walled In. I haven't enjoyed the story much post Forever Evil universe event. I haven't read any of the Forever Evil story line so it to me it was a big jump in the SS story that didn't make sense. I also finished American Gods at the beginning of the month. MAN is it fantastic!!
Paul wrote: "Currently reading The Talisman after finishing up Hearts In Atlantis to continue my quest to read all the books related to the Dark Tower."LIKE! The Talisman is one of my favorites. It's sooo good. :D
I should re-read it one day soon. But then that might be opening a can of worms for me because there are many King books I want to re-read. I've been jonesing for a good King book for a while and his two newest haven't really scratched that itch.
The Talisman used to be one of my favorite books. I have it, but I'm afraid to read it again. I haven't had luck with old favorites. :(
Jenny, Suicide Squad is totally on my list. I've only hesitated because I am not sure where it falls within the framework of others DC story lines.
I honestly can not remember if I ever read The Talisman or not. It would have been approximately 25 years ago, if I had. I to remember reading something coauthored by King and Straub, however, and liking whatever it was.(view spoiler)
Nyssa wrote: "I honestly can not remember if I ever read The Talisman or not. It would have been approximately 25 years ago, if I had. I to remember reading something coauthored by King and Straub, however, and ..."Umm, unless they co-authored something other than The Talisman and Black House, that's not them. LOL
Lee wrote: "The Talisman used to be one of my favorite books. I have it, but I'm afraid to read it again. I haven't had luck with old favorites. :(":(
I've read The Talisman many times over the years, and so far it's stood the test of time. I'm hoping it stays that way, because I have gotten pickier as the years pass, and King's writing is no exception.
Becky wrote: "Nyssa wrote: "I honestly can not remember if I ever read The Talisman or not. It would have been approximately 25 years ago, if I had. I to remember reading something coauthored by King and Straub,..."Then it was written by Straub alone. Whatever this book was its been driving me nuts for at least two years now, which is how long I've been trying to remember the title!!
Nyssa wrote: "I honestly can not remember if I ever read The Talisman or not. It would have been approximately 25 years ago, if I had. I to remember reading something coauthored by King and Straub, however, and ..."Maybe Straub. But I'm thinking it sounds more like something Robin Cook would've written. It does sound familiar...
Lee wrote: "Maybe Straub. But I'm thinking it sounds more like something Robin Cook would've written. It does sound familiar... "Lee wrote: "Or maybe John Saul. The more I think about it, I think it might be him."
:( None of the books look familiar.
I know it wasn't Cook. I've not read anything by him.
Saul could be a possibility, but again I don't recognize any of the titles.
I honestly feel like I'm losing my mind now. This is worse than an earworm when the name or lyrics are on the tip of your tongue!
I finished Consider Phlebas, so now trying to decide my next audio. It's either An Autumn War or Pandora's Star.Or could be a re-read of The Player of Games. Hmmm.
Nyssa wrote: "I'm hoping to start The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy sometime this evening!"Had trouble getting into this today; too many distractions. I kept finding myself rereading sentences.
Then I started reading Dealing with Dragons to the kids as they were doing their chores. After the first chapter, and a bit into the second, Twin Daughter seemed interested as did Eldest son; Twin Son was on the fence.
I'll decide tomorrow if I want to continue with either one of those, or try Ancillary Justice (or maybe The Iron King) first, then return to the others later.
Paul wrote: "Currently reading The Talisman after finishing up Hearts In Atlantis to continue my quest to read all the books related to the Dark Tower.I'm ashamed to say it but I've..."
I'm having similar trouble with Firefight. It seems a bit plot heavy, low on character.
Nyssa wrote: "Lee wrote: "Maybe Straub. But I'm thinking it sounds more like something Robin Cook would've written. It does sound familiar... "Lee wrote: "Or maybe John Saul. The more I think abo..."
I think I have it. It is Straub. Without King. Lost Boy Lost Girl, maybe this one??
Heh. Don't worry, they're all on my shortlist. I'm actually leaning towards Pandora's Star while I'm working on this beta read of Rhune. There are fantasy elements here that could mix me up with Long Price.
Lee wrote: "I think I have it. It is Straub. Without King. Lost Boy Lost Girl, maybe this one?? "I thought the same exact thing and was totally ready to triumphantly announce the title here - but the description doesn't match, and neither does the timeline. It was originally published in 2003 - nowhere near 25 years ago.
Lee wrote: "Nyssa wrote: "Lee wrote: "Maybe Straub. But I'm thinking it sounds more like something Robin Cook would've written. It does sound familiar... "Lee wrote: "Or maybe John Saul. The mo..."
Unfortunately, no. Thats not it.
Becky wrote: "Lee wrote: "I think I have it. It is Straub. Without King. Lost Boy Lost Girl, maybe this one?? "
I thought the same exact thing and was totally ready to triumphantly announce the title here - but..."
Right. I know the book was written prior to 1992. I had to have read it somewhere between 1988 and 1992.
At least, for Lee, the storyline sounds familiar, so I don't think I'm completely crazy.
Just finished the mistborn trilogy and wow! I started the first couple of chapters of The Name of the Wind but decided to read The Alloy of Law first. I didn't really think I would like this I usually do not like follow ups where all the original characters are gone and the story takes place in the past or future but I am really liking it so far.
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Flights of Fantasy
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