On The Same Page discussion
2023 Independent Challenges
>
Bill's Independent Challenges for 2023 (Done like toast. Onward to 2024)
date
newest »
newest »
Mod
In my first look back at 2023, I highlighted my six 5 - star reads, which obviously make it into my 2023 Top Ten List. So this morning I looked at the sixteen books that I rated 4.5 stars to see which four would be added to that list. Of course, it's a bit arbitrary but I managed to pick those four. And here they are!
Top Ten List, the last 4
7. Tamsin by Peter S. Beagle. My first exposure to Beagle was The Last Unicorn. This was a lovely story about a young girl forced to move to Britain and dealing with that and the ghosts living in her home. I hope to read A Fine and Private Place next year.
8. Stephen McCranie's Space Boy Omnibus Volume 1 by Stephen McCranie I've read a few new graphic novel series this past year, in many genres. I've especially enjoyed the Space Boy series. Great artwork, excellent story. Omnibus #1 introduced me to the series. I will continue it next year.
9. A Game of You by Neil Gaiman (Sandman Vol 5). Another of the excellent graphic novel series, this in the Fantasy / Horror series. I read two or three of the series this past year. Thought this one was particularly excellent.
10. When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson Kate Atkinson never disappoints, lovely meandering stories, excellent mysteries. This was a Jackson Brodie mystery but the heroine was in fact young Reggie..
More to follow.
I haven't read any of your top 10 which may be a good thing as it will no doubt introduce me to excellent new authors. I recognise some of the authors, have read Gaiman and Atkinson, but not these. Congratulations on a great year of reading, Bill! Happy Christmas! I hope there are lots of books under the tree!
Mod
Thanks, Carolien. Merry Christmas to you and yours. I hope you get lots of books too.
Mod
My review of To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers 4.0 stars I loved it.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
It's Xmas Eve and the wife and I did our last minute shopping. At the moment, she's watching Tequila Sunrise, drinking a cup of tea and having Xmas cake. I'm in the den with one puppy, writing this post, having a coffee and cake too. It's now windy and rainy... Looks like a damp Christmas.
So back to my year end summary. I hit the graphic novels hard this past year. I may read one more before years end, not sure, but if I do, it'll be The Good Neighbors by Holly Black. But let's look at some of my favorite graphics of the past year. I've already mentioned 3 that made it into my Top Ten list;
1. March: Book Three by John Lewis (autobiographical / civil rights)
2. Stephen McCranie's Space Boy Omnibus Volume 1 by Stephen McCranie. Great series and I could add the others to my Top graphics list, but that would be repetitive. But so far I've read Omnibuses 1, 2, 3 & 4 and Volume 13. I've got 14 to 17 on my bookshelf for next year. Great Young Adult / Sci Fi series, great artwork and entertaining, dramatic story.
3. A Game of You by Neil Gaiman This is Volume 5 of the Sandman graphics. This past year I also enjoyed Volumes 4 - Seasons of Mist, 6 - Fables and Reflections & 8 - World's End.. Why didn't I read 7??? Good question. Confusion reigns but I do have it to read. Great fantasy stories and one of my favorite characters; Sandman (Dream)'s sister, Death. She's great!
So how about some of my other favorite graphics of this past year.
1. Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton - an autobiographical story about Kate Beaton's time spent in the oil sands project in Alberta. It's gritty and stark at times, dealing with sexual assault, misogyny but worth reading.
2. Heartstopper: Volume Two by Alice Oseman Iread the first volume in 2022 and then in 2023, read Vols 2, 3 and 4. Deals with high school romance, homosexuality, mental issues, eating disorders. There is a Vol 5 out now.. I guess I'll have to see what happens next.
3. The Crossover Graphic Novel by Kwame Alexander Fascinating story about two basketball playing brothers told in poetry and verse. Dealing with each others feelings, their father's health issues.
4. Saga, Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan Another favorite series of mine, a quirky, space adventure a la Romeo and Juliet. I've read Vols 1 - 5 and have the next couple on my book shelf. Great artwork, great entertaining stories, gritty, funny, sexy.
5. This Place: 150 Years Retold by Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm. A look at Canada's history from the perspective of aboriginal authors. Excellent and worth checking out.
6. Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian by Tim Probert. I enjoyed both books in this YA / children's series. Fantasy adventure and most enjoyable.
I could go on, the Lore Olympus series, Molly Ostertag's Witch Boy trilogy and many Hard Crime graphics, but maybe you get the idea. I have quite a few others to check out next year. Variety, imaginative and great artwork.
Bill wrote: "Two books left to finish before years end. I may carry one over and read a graphic novel instead, but we shall see. "I have two books left, too. Pretty sure I will make it - might even be three or four more! Best wishes to you, and Merry Christmas!
Mod
I have two books left, too. Pretty sure I will make it - might ev..."
I started a third, lol.. Merry Christmas Laurel.
Mod
1. The Graveyard Book
by Neil Gaiman &2. The History of Sketch Comedy: A Journey through the Art and Craft of Humor
by Keegan-Michael KeyOne on order as well -
1. Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning
by Liz Cheney
The Graveyard book was a little gem - happy Christmas!
Mod
Thanks for the recommendation, Linette.. Merry Christmas to you as well.
I love The Graveyard Book! Lucky you! Happy reading, Bill.I got
which will keep me going for a while!And have I added James Oswald to your TBR yet? You should take a look...
Mod
I got
which will keep me going for a while!And have I added [author:James ..."
Now cut that out. I'm already in trouble for all the books I purchased this past year.. PssstI ordered the first book. 😃😎
You won't regret it, I'm inhaling them! I'm out of bookshelf space, so will have to do some re-arranging this weekend.
Mod
Christmas was a wild and wooly one here in the valley, extremely high winds all day and pretty well a downpour as well. And Boxing Day has started out balmy and a bit sunny, at least it's trying to peak through the clouds. The puppies and I really didn't even try to go for a walk yesterday, twice I think and pretty well only to the corner and back.. They didn't even want to go out into the back yard. Today, much different as we have managed a nice long walk and our wake up stroll. I hope it's been much nicer where you are.
Anyway, continuing my look back at 2023 reading, mysteries. I think I usually read more over the course of the year but this year, as I mentioned earlier, I seemed to grab more graphic novels. One series, Hard Case Crime, were mystery graphics, action packed, steamy, violent, a throwback to the '50s and the noir / hard case crime stories. While quite entertaining, none made it to my Top 10 mystery list. But if you're interested in the Hard Case Crime books, check out Gun Honey, Vol. 1 or Peepland, amongst others.
Now my arbitrary Top Ten Mysteries List
1. When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson. This Jackson Brodie made it into my top Ten overall list. Great story telling as always by Kate Atkinson.
2. Vanish in an Instant by Margaret Millar (1952) Since I discovered her mysteries back in early 2000's, Millar has been one of my favorite mystery writers and just plain overall writers. She just writes great stories. Vanish deals with a murdered philanderer and the investigation by a young lawyer to help get off a rich, spoiled lady. Characters wonderful, story great.. 4.5 stars
3. A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie (1950). Another reliable author, this is features Miss Marple, helping solve a murder announced as an ad in the local paper. Once again, great characters and great story. (4.5 stars)
4. U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton (2009) It had been a couple of years since I'd pulled out a Kinsey Milhone mystery, I think because I know I'm getting to the very end. One of those cases that you wonder why Kinsey even decided to take it. But even though it was convoluted, it was still excellent. Ah Kinsey... I'll miss you. (4.0 stars)
5. The Cat Who Turned On and Off by Lilian Jackson Braun (The Cat #3 / 1969). I've enjoyed the first two books in this series, featuring newsman Qwilleran and his two Siamese but then it got shoved aside because I have too many darn books! Neat story here, featuring murder, antiques and cats. (4.0 stars)
6. Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong (Inspector Chen #1 / 2000) A new author for me, with a murder mystery set in China. Fascinating portrait of the country, the people, their lives and the politics. (4.0 stars)
7. Unexpected Death by Dell Shannon (Lt Mendoza #18 / 1970) An excellent police procedural and a new series for me, I had difficulty finding #1. Reminded me of the 89th Precinct series and the Inspector Gideon mysteries. Many ongoing cases being worked by an excellent team. (4.0 stars)
8. The Decent Inn of Death by Rennie Airth (John Madden #6 / 2020) This series was originally planned as a trilogy but carried on for three more books. Post World War I, John Madden is a Scotland Yard investigator, but in the last few, he's been called out of retirement to help his old boss. This features a snowbound group trying to discover a murderer and Madden trying to get to the Inn to help his old boss. (4.0 stars)
9. The Cool Cottontail by John Dudley Ball (Virgil Tibbs #2 / 1966) Virgil Tibbs of In the Heat of the Night is back in California, trying to solve a murder where the body is found at a nudist camp. Excellent stuff. (4.0 stars)
10. The Pericles Commission by Gary Corby (Athenian Mysteries #1 / 2010). It took me a bit to get into this new series, set in ancient Greece. But as I moved along, I enjoyed the characters, the setting, the humor and the mystery itself. Number 2 awaits! (4.0 stars)
Some mysteries for you to check out if you haven't read before. Happy Boxing Day!
Yes - my brother and family live in your area, they were here on the mainland visiting and their power went out at home last night, they rushed home on the first ferry this morning, and with the sump pumps not running, the basement of their home flooded. :( They also own a business in Campbell River, it flooded too.
Awful weather there - hope it calms down now!
Let me know if book 2 of Pericles is as good as book one, so I know if I should continue - book one was fun. When I went to Athens in September, I stood right on the lower level of the Acropolis and could imagine the murder in the beginning of book one happening right where I was :D
Mod
I'm still working on 3 books. I hope I might be able to complete them and maybe another short one. We'll see. Anyway as I check my lists, I've completed somewhere around 132..."
That is a great update, Bill!! 128 books is nothing to sneeze at! Congratulations!
I loved Dust. Now, that I have finished Sand, I need to pick up book 2.
Mod
I'm still working on 3 books. I hope I might be able to complete them and maybe another short one. We'll see. Anyway as I check my lists, I've completed somewhe..."
I'm looking forward to Sand and it's not a tome!
Linette wrote: "Yes - my brother and family live in your area, they were here on the mainland visiting and their power went out at home last night, they rushed home on the first ferry this morning, and with the su..."
We didn't lose power on Xmas Day but oddly enough it went off yesterday for about 3 minutes, when it had been balmy all day.. .Maybe it was a reset for other locations. I'm sorry to hear about your brother, Linette.
Mod
It's rainy again to start today but the winds are at least calm. Continuing to look back at 2023, I'm focusing on Sci Fi this time. Two Sci fi novels made it into my top ten; Idoru by William Gibson & Dust by Hugh Howey. Here are another 7ish that you might like to check out.
1. Look to Windward by Iain M. Banks (Culture #7 / 2000). The Culture series is one of the great SciFi series in my humble opinion. A universe peopled with living space ships, talking drones, the Culture itself and those who threaten it. It's rich, somewhat technical (not painfully so) and just great meandering stories. #7 features a plot to gain revenge on the Culture for its previous involvement in another planet's war. (4.0 stars)
2. Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (Murderbots #2 / 2018). I'm just getting into this series but I love it. Similar ideas to those presented in the Culture books, in that you've got sentient robots, Security bots, Sexbots, murderbots.. and a fascinating universe. Murderbot from the 1st book is searching for clues to who killed those humans he was protecting in Book 1. He gets the assistance of a sentient ship, neat character. (4.0 stars)
3. The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi (2009) Dystopic Sci Fi set in Thailand where the focus is on Climate change and gene manipulation. Interesting concept and interesting story. (4.0 stars)
4. Heart of Red Iron by Phyllis Gotlieb (Dhalgren's World #2 / 1989). I do like Gotlieb's unique take on Sci Fi. She is a great story teller to start with and creates interesting characters and beings. This is the sequel to O Master Caliban and mutant Sven returns to the planet on which he was created by his father. The company is trying to settle the planet and have brought beings from other races to see if it's safe for them.. Also a rescue mission is undertaken to save crystal beings. Neat (4.0 stars)
5. A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers (Monk & Robot #2 / 2022). I also enjoyed Chambers' To Be Taught, If Fortunate. Prayer brings back Sibling Dex, a monk who travels his planet serving coffee and helping people and Mosscap, a robot who came out of the wilderness to see if he can help humanity. I love the gentleness of the story and the setting and the story. The Wayfarers series awaits. (4.5 stars)
6. Adulthood Rites by Octavia E. Butler (Xexogenesis #2 / 1988). Lots to wrap your head around in this series where an alien race is trying rebuild Earth after it basically destroyed itself. Some humans don't agree and want to fight, the others are willing to accept that humanity must evolve if it wants to survive. I hope to read the final book, Imago in 2024. (4.0 stars), and
7. An Anthology Of Speculative Fiction by Virginia Kidd and Ursula K. Le Guin A collection of speculative fiction put together by LeGuin and her publisher Virginia Kidd. Interesting selection, some work, some not so much. But worth reading. (4.0 stars)
There you go.. Check them out.
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
It's rainy again to start today but the winds are at least calm. Continuing to look back at 2023, I'm focusing on Sci Fi this time. Two Sci fi novels made it i..."
Glad you are loving Murderbot; I had a feeling that you would.
I still need to get Across the Sand; so that I don't fall behind if there is a book 3.; which is not to be confused with Sand 3 which was the original book broken down into 5 installments.
Bill wrote: "End of Year Summary - Science FictionIt's rainy again to start today but the winds are at least calm. Continuing to look back at 2023, I'm focusing on Sci Fi this time. Two Sci fi novels made it i..."
I thought I was all caught up on Becky Chambers until I read your reivew. I have now borrowed To Be Taught, If Fortunate from the library and will be listening to it soon. Loved reading about your top SciFi for the year!
Mod
It's rainy again to start today but the winds are at least calm. Continuing to look back at 2023, I'm focusing on Sci Fi this time. Two Sci fi nov..."
Thanks, Michelle. I'm looking forward to starting Becky's other series.
Alondra wrote: "Bill wrote: "End of Year Summary - Science Fiction
It's rainy again to start today but the winds are at least calm. Continuing to look back at 2023, I'm focusing on Sci Fi this time. Two Sci fi nov..."
I'll have to be careful when I order the others then. Thanks for that, Alondra
Mod
For some reason the majority of my fantasy reading (at least those that I'll highlight below) tend also to fall under Young Adult / Children categories. My favorite bookstore in the Valley, which is in the same mall my wife works in, does have adult books but it specializes in Young Adult and Children's books. I've enjoyed quite a few of those this past year.
I've already highlighted a couple; Tamsin by Peter S. Beagle & Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian by Tim Probert
Here are a few others I rated highly.
1. Summer Knight by Jim Butcher (Dresden Files #4 / 2002). Harry Dresden, magician and detective, is always good value for money and Summer Knight was an entertaining story. Harry must work to stop a war between the Wizard's Council and the Vampires and he's also hired by the Faerie World's Winter Queen. He has a new group of friends, a bunch of werewolves to assist him and Police Lt Murphy also helps out (my favorite character in the series.)
2. A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie (Age of Madness #1 / 2019). Not sure if this qualifies as Fantasy but it's in a similar vein to the Game of Thrones books; set in a gritty world of wars and yes, there are wizards. It's a violent story and even darker than the Game of Thrones books, I think. But filled with action and interesting characters.
3. Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum (Oz #3 / 1907). The continuing adventures in the land of Oz, finds Dorothy stranded on an island and meeting the new ruler of Oz, Ozma, who along with her old friends, Scarecrow, the Cowardly lion, etc and new friends, Tik Tok and Bellina the yellow hen, go on adventures to save a royal family.
4. Goth Girl and the Sinister Symphony by Chris Riddell (Goth Girl #4 / 2017). I also read #3 but this was my favorite. Ada Goth's dad Lord Goth organizes a concert and interesting musicians show up. Adventure is had and fun by all. Great artwork and fun stories and characters.
5. Ottoline at Sea by Chris Riddell (Ottoline #3 / 2010). I also read Ottoline Goes to School, but this was my favorite. Ottoline goes to Norway to find her best friend, Mr. Munroe, a troll from Norway, who has gone home due to loneliness. With help from her other friend, the Canadian bear, she tries to find and help Mr. Munroe.
6. The Curse of the Gloamglozer by Paul Stewart A new series, the Edge Chronicles, that I want to explore. This first book, also the first in the Quint trilogy, was a fantastic adventure in a neat world.
There you go. Some other ideas for you to check out.. or buy for your children. 😃
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bill wrote: "My review of The Skull Mantra by Eliot Pattison I've been working on this 1st book in the Inspector Shan mysteries for awhile and was sort of surprised as I got to th..."Turns out this is already on my TBR...bumping it way up if you liked it this much.
Mod
😃👍👌
Mod
Mod
January - Five Little Indians by Michelle Good
February - March: Book Three by John Lewis
March - A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers
April - Tamsin by Peter S. Beagle
May - Heartstopper: Volume Three by Alice Oseman
June - Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
July - A Game of You by Neil Gaiman
August - Vanish in an Instant by Margaret Millar
September - The Sandman, Vol. 7: Brief Lives by Neil Gaiman
October - Dust by Hugh Howey
November - A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie
December - The Skull Mantra by Eliot Pattison
Onward and upward to 2024. Happy New Year!
Congrats on a great year! Have enjoyed reading all your updates. Glad you enjoyed the Kate Atkinson. She is great! I have Artificial Condition on hold at the library. Surprisingly long hold since it is not new. (I think they need a few more copies).Happy New Year!
Mod
Happy New Year to you as well, Patricia.
On The Same Page
Books mentioned in this topic
Artificial Condition (other topics)Artificial Condition (other topics)
Five Little Indians (other topics)
March: Book Three (other topics)
A Prayer for the Crown-Shy (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Michelle Good (other topics)Eliot Pattison (other topics)
Peter S. Beagle (other topics)
Becky Chambers (other topics)
Alice Oseman (other topics)
More...
I've only read Dust and Five Little Indians, and loved them both. I should really look into your other 5 stars. Hope your 2024 will..."
Thank you, Ioana. Happy holidays to you as well.