Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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What else are you reading? (June 2010 - May 2013) *closed*
Becky wrote: "Kim wrote: "I would like some recommendations of books that straddle the line between m/m romance/genre fiction and literary fiction. I just finished The Line of Beauty. I skimmed some of the Amazo..."Ginn Hale's books are the first thing on my mind too! If you're more daring, try Dusk Peterson's The Eternal Dungeon Omnibus 2010. Chilling!
Becky wrote: "The first thing that comes to mind is Wicked Gentlemen by Ginn Hale. I'll have to take a poke through my shelves and if I can come up with anything else. I'm sure others will have plenty of suggestions. "I had to google "steampunk" :D. Sounds interesting. I also like novels with an unusual structure, so I'll definitely check this out.
Kim wrote: "I would like some recommendations of books that straddle the line between m/m romance/genre fiction and literary fiction."It's not a novel (rather a collection of short stories), but you might have a look at
, and for something on the semi-humorous side, Nick Alexander's books (starting with
).
was charming. Hmm... anything by Edmund White, David Leavitt, Neil Bartlett, Andrew Holleran... I'm about to dive into Felice Picano's
, which has been consistently well reviewed.And of course everyone's churning out their "best books of 2011" lately. The trouble is they're lists that try to gather a bit of everything for everybody. Sill they sometimes introduce an author I might not otherwise have seen. Lambda Literary's author's choice is here http://www.lambdaliterary.org/feature... and there's always the old standby at the Publishing Triangle (this one you take with a big pinch of salt, IMHO) http://www.publishingtriangle.org/100...
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Thanks, Becky! I think I'll start with A Discovery of Witches. I haven't read anything with vampires, witches and deamons for a long time, so it'll probably be refreshing! I'm really planning to read A Game of Thrones too, so these books will keep me busy for a while. Some of my male friends have recommended the latter one to me, but I have kept putting it off...
@Lou and Anne: I think that the TV show haven't reached Finland yet... Unfortunately the Finnish TV is quite slow (and cheap) with things like that. :(
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What do I consider dark? Special Forces. I just started to read this book, a few days ago and it's incredibly dark, and incredibly fun at the same time. The only thing that bugs me is the constant head-hopping. Otherwise, I'm truly enjoying this VERY DARK book. It's also a free download from Aleks's website, so that's a plus, and coming out in paperback soon too, I think.
What else am I reading? Gay Bar: The Fabulous, True Story of a Daring Woman and Her Boys in the 1950s. Just started this the other day also, and it's really interesting so far, about a straight woman who owned a gay bar in the 50's. It makes me want to write something set in the 50's. That's the most dystopian time period we've ever had in real life, I think.
Anyway, there's my huge list of three books to talk about. I'm really upset though, that I've finished reading The Last Herald Mage. It's done. And I feel kinda lost without it. You know? I originally borrowed it from the library, and enjoyed it so much I had to find a used copy for myself. I'm so glad I did. I feel like I'll reread that book many times.
I finished number six in King's Dark Tower series - Song of Susannah. I liked it a lot. It's not the best in the series (it's hard to say which book is the best because I didn't finish it, but I'm partial to Wolves of the Calla) but it was very good. I'm sad I have only one book left until the end. *sigh* It's a good thing The Wind Through the Keyhole is coming out soon.
LadyM, did you read The Rifter series yet? The way I described it the other day was "It's everything Stephen King wishes his Dark Tower series was." I've been putting off the last book because I don't want it to end.
John wrote: "Kim wrote: "I would like some recommendations of books that straddle the line between m/m romance/genre fiction and literary fiction."It's not a novel (rather a collection of short stories), but ..."
Thank you for all those recs. I have plenty to explore now!
Cheryl wrote: "LadyM, did you read The Rifter series yet? The way I described it the other day was "It's everything Stephen King wishes his Dark Tower series was." I've been putting off the last book because I do..."Not yet, but I'm planning to. Yeah, that's how I feel about last DT book. I want to know what happens, but I don't want it to end.
Lou wrote: "I'm planning on Rifter too, but I keep putting it off, because I know once I get the books I'll be underwater for a week. I have this terrible affliction where I can't put a book down. More than on..."Maybe we need to plan a group read. Not a book club, just a "we're all going to support each other through sleepless nights of reading" type thing.
Becky wrote: "Maybe we need to plan a group read. Not a book club, just a "we're all going to support each other through sleepless nights of reading" type thing."Honestly, I can perfectly manage sleepless nights of reading on my own! ;-)
I need a support group for sticking to normal reading times.
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Honestly, I can perfectly manage ..."
Well, I'm sorry to break it to you, Antonella, but you are not likely to found that kind of support from here... ;) Normal reading times are not normal to us, I assume... But I agree, that I too would need help with that - badly! :)
Kim wrote: "I would like some recommendations of books that straddle the line between m/m romance/genre fiction and literary fiction. I just finished The Line of Beauty. I skimmed some of the Amazon reviews be..."Hi Kim, if you haven't read the "Folding Star" by Alan Hollinghurst, I'd highly recommend it. Another one I love, which is literary gay fiction with romance, is David Leavitt's "While England Sleeps", he ran into legal problem with it when it was published (Stephen Spender said Leavitt's stole his work/idea), but it's a brilliant book, epic romance with world war and Spanish civil war backdrop, with surprisingly hot and explicit sex scenes (well, by gay fiction standard :-P)
Other contemporary writers that I like that kind of cross between m/m and gay fiction are: Jay Quinn (The Good Neighbor, Back Where He Started). I'd also highly recommend Erastes' latest book "Junction X" - it's definitely more of a gay fiction than m/m.
And happy new year!
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Jordan wrote: "Still reading Special Forces and I'm loving it. The sex scenes are just so gritty and real for what both characters are going through, it's almost scary. Aleks really makes you feel ..."It's one of those books that put your life on hold. I really loved it.
I really want to read Special Forces, but I'm a leetle scared of it, too. I keep hearing what an intense read it is, and I'm never really sure if I'm up for that.
Becky wrote: "I really want to read Special Forces, but I'm a leetle scared of it, too. I keep hearing what an intense read it is, and I'm never really sure if I'm up for that."Honestly I don't know what to say, because there's very little that I can't read, but it's a book that grabs you and makes you its hostage (view spoiler)
Becky wrote: "I really want to read Special Forces, but I'm a leetle scared of it, too. I keep hearing what an intense read it is, and I'm never really sure if I'm up for that."Me too. I was all ready to brave the first book, and then I heard the MCs break up or cheat or something in the second book, and that scared me off again.
Jordan wrote: "Still reading Special Forces and I'm loving it. The sex scenes are just so gritty and real for what both characters are going through, it's almost scary. Aleks really makes you feel ..."I keep meaning to read ... and then I look at my to-be-read pile ... and push it to the back ... again.
I'm reading
. Over halfway done and I just want to keep reading (but can't, so keep dragging it with me to the loo)
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Here's the thing, if you can handle torture in detail, you can handle this book. I don't want to give away too much, but yeah, there's torture of varying kinds.
Also note, the PDF doesn't work well on a Kindle reader. The font is too small to read. But certainly don't let that stop you. Well, just read the first chapter. If you're not hooked by the end, then don't bother with the rest. But that first chapter is pretty hooking. And dark.
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It's such a pleasure to read someone who knows his craft. Who writes so skilfully and effortlessly that it looks easy, like anyone could do it. It's tempting to take that kind of skill for granted. It's not his all time strongest effort, but even a weak effort from such a good writer is worth the time and money.
Just finished up David Lennon's Blue's Bayou. It's possible that my disappointment with this book is due to reading it so soon after Stevenson. I will say this one is a vast improvement over Second Chance.
It's enjoyable to see what's happening in gay mystery as it's been awhile since I've read anything that didn't have, at the very least, a strong romantic subplot.
Josh wrote: "I'm reading gay mysteries right now. Early in the week I read Richard Stevenson's It's such a pleasure to read someone who knows his craft. Who writes ..."I love Stevenson's work (though I've only read 3 so far)
Have you ever read CJ Sansom's Matthew Shardlake series?
mysteries set around 1540...ish.
JRose recommended them ages ago. I've now read three of them and am hooked! (still two to go)
Blaine D. wrote: "Josh wrote: "I'm reading gay mysteries right now. Early in the week I read Richard Stevenson's It's such a pleasure to read someone who knows his craft..."My library baffles me sometimes. They have books 2, 4, and 5 in the Shardlake series, but not books 1 or 3.
Becky wrote: "My library baffles me sometimes. They have books 2, 4, and 5 in the Shardlake series, but not books 1 or 3. "that sucks!
My library did that to me all the time when I was younger, especially with English books.
(I got them for mother's day ... the first 4. Bought the 5th myself)
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It's possible those books walked away and never came back. Or any other number of things. Of course, I work in a HUGE library, and that makes a huge difference too. There's just no way the scant staff here can keep track of all the books in a series. Wish that was true though.
Josh, great to know those are good books to check out! I bet you'll be doing a LOT of reading right now.
That's my plan for tomorrow at work. Be a vegetable. I feel like one already, but short staffed, I can't take the day off. And sadly, Special Forces is NOT work appropriate. Oh how I wish it was right now. lol.
Blaine D. wrote: "Becky wrote: "My library baffles me sometimes. They have books 2, 4, and 5 in the Shardlake series, but not books 1 or 3. "that sucks!
My library did that to me all the time when I was younger, e..."
Oh, isn't those great books! I love the historic feeling and the hunchback lawyer (being a laywyer myself I love it when they are not the villains, for once ) ;)
Lou wrote: "I'm planning on Rifter too, but I keep putting it off, because I know once I get the books I'll be underwater for a week. I have this terrible affliction where I can't put a book down. More than on..."I haven't read any of these yet because if I get hooked I won't get anything else done until I've read them all. I do have a few more days off though so I could have a literary pig out.
Jordan wrote: "It's possible those books walked away and never came back. Or any other number of things. Of course, I work in a HUGE library, and that makes a huge difference too. There's just no way the scant staff here can keep track of all the books in a series. Wish that was true though."I should have specified-- I was looking in digital lending. It's not that those books are checked out or have wandered away. They just never bought them! I wouldn't have thought anything of it if they didn't have any of the series. I know budgets are limited, and libraries can't afford to buy everything. But it's so weird to hopscotch through a series like that.
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I finished The Shattered Gates - the first Rifter - and I was not taken with it as I was with Wicked Gentlemen or Lord of the White Hell, though it's still early to tell anything definitively. The writing is good, but that's hardly a surprise - it's Ginn Hale. Well, I am continuing with Rifter and King's Dark Tower, and I will most def reread Wicked Gentlemen (I don't know how many times I've read this - I have such a crush on Belimai! XD) and LOWH.
Lou wrote: "I'm planning on Rifter too, but I keep putting it off, because I know once I get the books I'll be underwater for a week. I have this terrible affliction where I can't put a book down. More than on..."It's true. I waited until the books were all out, and I'm glad I did. The waiting between them had to be torture. But I have been buried in the book since I started it. It's one reason I've been out of this conversation.
Not done yet. Must get back. Enjoying hang out of it.
Thanks to Weightless Book sale, I got the Rifter. YAY!!Unfortunately, my writing resolution might have to wait....
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It's such a pleasure to read someone who knows his craft. Who writes ..."I have to say that Blue Bayou did recover a bit toward the last third, and considering some of the things I've read since, I would definitely boost its rating.
There are some disappointing books out there. Then then there are the books written by people who just don't know what the hell they're doing. And then there are the books by people who know what they're doing but the books are just...flat.
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That is the truth. It is just about impossible to stop reading once you start. And it was TORTURE to have to wait between installments.
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I'm reading like it's going out of style -- as they used to say. :-) Loving it.
Josh wrote: "It is just about impossible to stop reading once you start. And it was TORTURE to have to wait between installments. ..."When it comes to reading I hate waiting. I'm an instant gratification person. I've stayed up all night reading until I finished something and then called in and taken a vacation day so I could sleep.
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Jordan wrote: "That's awesome Pender. If we weren't so short staffed here, I'd attempt to do that. Then again, I can sometimes make excuses and read at work. Though I do feel guilty doing that sometimes."I just feel weak-willed when I do it. Thank God I'm not addicted to anything other than reading and chocolate.
Jorrie wrote: "Happy New Year, everyone! I went out strong, reading-wise, this year with Sarah Waters' Fingersmith. I'd never read her before, but this historical crime fiction novel was engrossing. Fantastic set..."I loved Fingersmith, my first introduction to Sarah Waters. You should try Tipping the Velvet. More sex in that one (a plot point turns on a strap-on...)
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Lou wrote: "I just need somebody to reassure me that I won't have my heart in shatters when I finish Rifter. Please?"(view spoiler)
Well, I am taking back everything I said after reading its first part. I am halfway through the fifth installment of Rifter and it is awesome!
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I'm halfway through Special Forces: Soldiers Part I -Director's Cut and Special Forces: Soldiers Part II -Director's Cut in the PDF format. Thought about buying the print copy but *gasp* the dates got mixed up on part 1, and the other two parts after Soldiers aren't out in print, so guess I'm stuck with PDF that won't read on a kindle. normally, I wouldn't mind, but with such a HUGE book that I can't put down, it makes a difference. Ah well.
This is something I would HIGHLY recommend people. For these two characters, their actions speak louder than words. They do care about each other, a lot, they just can't admit that out loud, which makes it all the more sweeter. lol, and it's hilarious to hear one tough guy call another Princess in an almost endearing way.
Someone mentioned cheating... well... there might be a bit of that in Soldiers, depending on how you view things. They haven't, and can't, commit to each other yet in terms of monogamy, but Vadim does find his way to a D/s couple's house where he knows nothing about D/s. It's actually cute, him learning from a committed couple what it means to be free in England versus not so free in Russia, and about tops and bottoms and all that BDSM stuff he's never seen before. Though I keep wanting to know where Dan is at the moment, and I can only assume he's still somewhere in the Afgani mountains in the war.
Yup, highly recommend this book, though it's not for the feint of heart. There is rape and torture in it. But they're still good guys and they do a lot for each other, surprising themselves and each other.
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I'm halfway through [book:Special Forces: Soldiers Part I -Director's C..."
Aaawww... I really REALLY should start reading the Special Forces! I have meant to do it for awhile now, but have kept putting them away. And the reason for that is a stupid one too: everybody keeps telling how emotional and rough journey it will be, so I've been waiting for a right moment (when I would have enough time to focus on them). I totally enjoy Aleksandr's writing, so I KNOW I would be hooked right away! :)
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Definitely on my list for this year.
*sigh* Oh Special Forces.... I lost weight while reading that. I didn't sleep, I skipped dinners, my stomach got in a knot every time I thought of those boys... It's a true experience reading those books.
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Definitely on my list for this year."
Well, you'll definitely have time to ponder over them... How cool is that!? :)
Mel wrote: "*sigh* Oh Special Forces.... I lost weight while reading that. I didn't sleep, I skipped dinners, my stomach got in a knot every time I thought of those boys... It's a true experience reading those..."Sounds like I have to skip this one until I get at least a few weeks of pure sabbatical like Josh. LOL.
Yes I highly recommend having some free time on your hands Cleon. I wasn't so lucky. I ended up hating work and any form of (social) obligations for that period. It's a perfect story for winter days though. Don't wait too long.
I'm really curious to see if/how Josh will like it.
And Johanna, I'll be there handing you kleenex :)
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Q&A with Josh Lanyon
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The first thing that comes to mind is Wicked Gentlemen by Ginn Hale. I'll have to take a poke through my shelves and if I can come up with anything else. I'm sure others will have plenty of suggestions.