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Post by RAVENEYE on Sept 3, 2020 10:55:34 GMT -6
Title:
Author:
Genre:
What do you think of it?
Recommend it?
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Post by RAVENEYE on Sept 29, 2020 1:30:51 GMT -6
Title: The Lake House
Author: Kate Morten
Genre: Mainstream
What do you think of it?
Gah, I love Morten's books. I discovered her just recently, and I've been devouring her novels. The Lake House is the 3rd of hers I've read, and I'm loving the mystery of what happened that Midsummer's night, all those years ago.
Recommend it?
Definitely. So far, I still think The Clockmaker's Daughter is my favorite. But then, it involves the painting scene during the era of the Pre-Raphaelites, which goes straight to my heart. That, and a ghost. The other novels don't have ghosts.
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Bird
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Post by Bird on Sept 29, 2020 22:24:01 GMT -6
Bear with me. I'm reading a lot of books at once. haha. Title: Octavia's Brood: Science Fiction Stories from Social Justice Movements Author: (Editors) Adrienne Maree Brown and Walidah Imarisha Genre: Science fiction What do you think of it?
Holy shit, these stories are amazing. Such diversity. It is all over the science fiction spectrum and explores so many ideas and themes. It really digs deep and delivers what it promises.
Recommend it?YES. READ IT. .
Title: The Moons of Barsk
Author: Lawrence M Schoen
Genre: Science Fiction
What do you think of it?
Sentient Elephants. It's quite a bit fascinating. We follow three different people's stories, but their tales are interwoven -- though I'll learn how later in the book I think, but I'm seeing enough clues to see ways their tales will converge. It is a masterfully written science fiction story about identity, heritage, technology, and mystery.
Recommend it?
Yeah, I think I will. Not quite done yet, so unless the third act is somehow of less writing quality, I don't see why I wouldn't recommend.
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Title: Braiding Sweetgrass
Author: Robin Wall Kimmerer
Genre: Nonfiction - Indigenous, Science
What do you think of it?
This book is absolutely gorgeous. Kimmerer is a botanist but also Indigenous, so takes us through the science of plants as well as the Indigenous knowledge and how the two can be interwoven. The tales of her Indigenous heritage are full of wonder and so much insight.
Recommend it? YES. Very much so. .
Title: Me and White Supremacy Author: Layla Saad Genre: Nonfiction What do you think of it?The topics are sectioned out in easy to follow ways and give it a good pacing. The questions invoke deep thought and journaling, and the information is succinct and to the point. The bibliography is large for those that want to study more. Everything about this is well put together in a way that I just adore.
Recommend it?YES, Read it. Seriously. This is important for all of us seeking a better world. .
Title: Until the End of Time Author: Brian Greene Genre: Nonfiction - Science What do you think of it?So far it's okay. It's not his best work honestly. The first chapter was too much purple prose, which isn't like his other books. He then finally gets to the meat of the topic in the next chapters. It does dig deeply into cosmology and what this means for our future (in regards to life). The science in it is sound however. Recommend it?I think I might maybe? Though I would suggest reading Fabric of the Cosmos First. |
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Post by StarGirl06 on Sept 30, 2020 4:11:01 GMT -6
Title: The Lost Boys Trilogy
Author: Lillian Carmine
Genre: YA Fantasy
What do you think of it?
I stumbled across the first book in the series when I was in Australia. I picked it for the cover which is a bad thing I know haha. There is another book series called The Lost Boys but this is not that. This is about a girl called Joe that meats a guy called Tristan, who turns out to be a ghost and he gets brought back from the dead. She starts her journey with him, these witches and all the YA fantasy stuff, they also join a band called The Lost Boys. Of what I can remember I liked the first book The Lost Boys, to my surprise she added major character’s which were based off of an English band called Mcfly which are my favourite band. I knew who they were immediately with the thank you part she added in and how she wrote their personalities. I loved the second book, she pulled off this twist in having the reader blame certain character for something that happens with Joe, I think she did quite well with it. I really liked how she managed to do it. The third book, Lost and Found was all right until Joe loses her memory, its written in her POV and I wanted to give up when everything I knew she was trying to find out again. It could have worked better in the POV of a different character. Even though Lillian Carmine was young when she wrote the series I like her writing style.
Recommend it?
Maybe. Despite the memory loss being frustrating in the third book, you may enjoy it if YA is your thing to read. I don’t think I’m selling the series very well. It’s a bit of a jumbled mess up there, trying to remember it and general thoughts. Also the books may be hard to find now. I only just managed to find copies of the last 2nd and 3rd books.
Title: Eve Of Man Trilogy
Author: Giovanna and Tom Fletcher
Genre: YA Science Fiction
What do you think of it?
The mention of Mcfly made me want to post this too. Tom is apart of Mcfly and Giovanna’s his wife and they are writing these books together. It’s about a 16 year old girl who’s the first female to be born after 50 years. She’s kept in a tower under strict supervision of ladies called the Mothers and meets this guy called Bram, through her best friend in the tower, this relationship sets off her journey to freedom as she’s had enough of being stuck in the tower but the outside is said to be dangerous for her in the state that it is. Honestly it’s quite hard to explain without giving stuff away. I guess it a bit like a futuristic Repunzel without the long hair haha. I really enjoyed the first book and I need to finish the second one but am enjoying that one too. I know Giovanna wrote Eve's chapters and Tom wrote Bram's, I prefer hid writing to hers but to be honest they've done a good job writing together.
Recommend it?
Yes I would.
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Post by Alatariel on Sept 30, 2020 10:00:29 GMT -6
Title: A Memory Called Empire
Author: Arkady Martine
Genre: Science Fiction
What do you think of it?
Very interesting. The mix between otherworldly tech/culture and the familiar is a bit jarring at times (there's an underground subway but there's also a ton of alien words to wrap your mind around), but also beautifully woven together. It's won awards and I really want to like it. Hard sci/fi isn't my favorite genre (is this considered hard sci/fi?) but I have become determined to read Nebula award winners to see what the current market is like. The prose is good and the characters fascinating but...it hasn't gripped me like I expected yet. Hoping the mystery gets deeper, soon. I'm about 100 pages in.
Recommend it?
Sure, why not? It's not bad, just not my preferred genre so it's hard for my brain to process. But like I said, it's won awards so I'll stick around for the ending to see what all the hoopla is about.
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Post by Caulder Melhaire on Sept 30, 2020 10:12:48 GMT -6
Title: The City We Became
Author: NK Jemisin
Genre: Specualtive Fiction
What do you think of it?
It's fantastic so far. Modernized Lovecraft with tons of diversity among the characters. Without spoiling things, I love the personification of the city and how the boroughs of New York are woven into the storyline.
Recommend it?
I haven't read enough of it to give a solid reason for recommending it, but I mean it's NK Jemisin so I'm going to say you should read it anyway.
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Post by longhand.hearted on Oct 2, 2020 13:54:32 GMT -6
Title: Far from the Madding Crowd
Author: Thomas Hardy
Genre: Classics
What do you think of it? So I've just begun studying this one, it's not my go-to genre really but I can appreciate the main character's spunk (considering it was written basically 150 years ago) and Hardy's prose.
Recommend it? Only if pastoral novels are your thing...
Can I also do a reread? Who's getting ready for Stormlight 4?
Title: The Way of Kings
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Fantasy
What do you think of it? This is my favourite series. I love his world-building, the characters, the magic systems, the story depth... can't wait for the next one!
Recommend it? Yes, yes, yes.
Raveneye, I've had The Clockmaker's Daughter on my TBR list for a while- good to hear it's worth it.
Bird, wow, how do you keep your mind on so many books at once?!
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Tisi
Smoke
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Post by Tisi on Oct 7, 2020 15:26:59 GMT -6
Title: "Silver in the Wood"
Author: Emily Tesh
Genre: Gaslamp Fantasy
What do you think of it?
Short story. Beautifully written, deliberately paced story of a spirit protecting his woods and the man who befriends him. I was disappointed that the author made some stereotypical choices late in the story, but I enjoyed the relationship between the two lead characters and the worldbuilding.
Recommend it?
I guess so.
Title: Book of a Thousand Days
Author: Shannon Hale
Genre: YA Fantasy
What do you think of it?
This is a retelling of a Grimm fairytale, written as a diary, about a maid who's been locked up in a tower with her lady. I like stories in which someone who is considered to be low station earns the respect of others using what their situation has given them, rather than because they've received a bunch of powers or lucky breaks. A good deal of it is predictable, but I don't read stories for 'surprises.' Vividly written.
Recommend it?
Yes.
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Post by HDSimplicityy on Oct 18, 2020 23:40:24 GMT -6
Title: Halo: Glasslands
Author: Karen Traviss
Genre: Military Science Fiction
What do you think of it?
I read this around ten years ago, after it came out. It was 343 Industries' first foray into the expanded lore of Halo that creators Bungie started. It has good pacing - slow burning - with lots of character decision making. Its fun to read the step by step process they go through, their agreement or distain for their mission. Traviss made some decisions that made a lot of readers mad. I still like the book - the first of the Kilo-V Trilogy. Two ODST's (Orbital Drop Shock Troopers), some Office of Naval Intelligence Agents, or nicknamed ONI "Spooks", a Spartan II, and a scientist are stoking the fire of a civil war for the Sangheili (humans named them Elites) they allied with and fought against (two factions) in the classic Halo trilogy: the Human-Covenant War. Naturally, more stuff comes up, and it also includes a large story arc with the Spartan IIs creator and her squad of Spartan IIs, IIIs, and their trainer.
Recommend it? Yes, if you like the expanded universe of Halo, and how it pushed the overall story forward back then.
Title: Bible
Author: Quite a few.
Genre: Christian
What do you think of it?
As a lifelong Believer, this is something I should have done a while ago. I started iiinn... June? July? Two chapters a day, six days a week, until it is finished. I already love it.
Recommend it?
A loaded question, but yes. Obviously not everyone will read it.
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Post by havekrillwhaletravel on Dec 7, 2020 6:29:38 GMT -6
Title: The City We Became Author: NK Jemisin Genre: Specualtive Fiction What do you think of it?
It's fantastic so far. Modernized Lovecraft with tons of diversity among the characters. Without spoiling things, I love the personification of the city and how the boroughs of New York are woven into the storyline. Recommend it?
I haven't read enough of it to give a solid reason for recommending it, but I mean it's NK Jemisin so I'm going to say you should read it anyway. I haven't gotten around to reading any Jemisin, but "Modernized Lovecraft" has pushed her to the top of the list, this sounds like an awesome read.
Title: The Water Cure Author: Sophie Mackintosh Genre: Dystopia..?
What do you think of it? I'm 200~ pages in, and it's been a total blast. I adore her writing. She's got this really nice rhythm and flow to her prose that I love. And her writing is just beautiful, in this really poetic but downplayed kind of way? I still don't really have a firm grip worldbuilding-wise on what's happening 200 pages in. I could see how this would be frustrating, but it just heightens the mystery and the atmosphere of the book for me.
Recommend it? YES.
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Post by Caulder Melhaire on Dec 7, 2020 11:15:17 GMT -6
Title: The City We Became Author: NK Jemisin Genre: Specualtive Fiction What do you think of it?
It's fantastic so far. Modernized Lovecraft with tons of diversity among the characters. Without spoiling things, I love the personification of the city and how the boroughs of New York are woven into the storyline. Recommend it?
I haven't read enough of it to give a solid reason for recommending it, but I mean it's NK Jemisin so I'm going to say you should read it anyway. I haven't gotten around to reading any Jemisin, but "Modernized Lovecraft" has pushed her to the top of the list, this sounds like an awesome read.
Title: The Water Cure Author: Sophie Mackintosh Genre: Dystopia..?
What do you think of it? I'm 200~ pages in, and it's been a total blast. I adore her writing. She's got this really nice rhythm and flow to her prose that I love. And her writing is just beautiful, in this really poetic but downplayed kind of way? I still don't really have a firm grip worldbuilding-wise on what's happening 200 pages in. I could see how this would be frustrating, but it just heightens the mystery and the atmosphere of the book for me.
Recommend it? YES.
I also highly, highly recommend Jemisin's Broken Earth trilogy, if you can snag a copy. The absolute most amazing fantasy (and honestly a bit of sci-fi towards the end, there) series I've ever read. I still get all teary-eyed at the very end, even though I've read it 3 times now. I know it's coming! But it's still fantastic.  |
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Post by havekrillwhaletravel on Dec 8, 2020 6:51:32 GMT -6
I haven't gotten around to reading any Jemisin, but "Modernized Lovecraft" has pushed her to the top of the list, this sounds like an awesome read. Title: The Water Cure Author: Sophie Mackintosh Genre: Dystopia..? What do you think of it? I'm 200~ pages in, and it's been a total blast. I adore her writing. She's got this really nice rhythm and flow to her prose that I love. And her writing is just beautiful, in this really poetic but downplayed kind of way? I still don't really have a firm grip worldbuilding-wise on what's happening 200 pages in. I could see how this would be frustrating, but it just heightens the mystery and the atmosphere of the book for me. Recommend it? YES.
I also highly, highly recommend Jemisin's Broken Earth trilogy, if you can snag a copy. The absolute most amazing fantasy (and honestly a bit of sci-fi towards the end, there) series I've ever read. I still get all teary-eyed at the very end, even though I've read it 3 times now. I know it's coming! But it's still fantastic. Oh, I am sold. I definitely have to seek her out soon. |
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Post by HDSimplicityy on Dec 10, 2020 21:27:24 GMT -6
I finished my reading for 2020 recently. I thought to read two comics I bought last Christmas to fill in time before I start a new list.
Fiddler on the Roof. 10/10
Red Rising. 5/10
Little Women (audiobook) 8/10
Alice Morse Earle and the Domestic History of America. 7/10
Marvel's Excalibur (comic). 6/10
Halo: Renegades. 9/10
William Shakespeare's Hamlet. I didnt understand a majority of the writing so Ill just say 6/10.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. 8/10
Halo: Glasslands (reread). 6/10
Horizon Zero Dawn Issue #1. 5/10
Avengers Marvel 28: Starbrand Reborn Part Two. 6/10 without having read the others.
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Post by RAVENEYE on Mar 4, 2021 11:50:56 GMT -6
Title: The Distant Hours
Author: Kate Morton
Genre: WWII historical-ish
What do you think of it? I have loved all of Kate's books so far. Wonderful historical detail, messed up characters making bad decisions, top-quality writing, moving insights, delectable mystery are all things I've come to expect from Kate's work. This one is no exception. The Distant Hours features a crumbling castle inhabited by three old sisters, one of whom is mad, and a long-lost letter resurfacing to stir the pot. Though, this one being an earlier book than the last few I've read, I think Kate was being a bit heavy-handed with the creative prose. It's interesting to see her learning how to balance her writing voice with poetic turns of phrase.
Recommend it? Of course.
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Bird
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Post by Bird on Mar 5, 2021 20:14:21 GMT -6
Title: Futures of Black Radicalism Author: Edited by Gaye Theresa Johnson and Alex Lubin Genre: Nonfiction What do you think of it? Fantastic book that discusses Black Radical Theory and its History, the impact of various Anti-racist movements throughout American and Central America and South American history, and the growing solidarity between other anti-oppression movements. It's a great primer too for folks who may not be well versed in exploring anti-racist theory and applications. Recommend it? Yes. I also recommend Black Marxism by Cedric Robinson (not only is it good primer for what Marxism actually is, but it has excellent historical analysis of what led up to capitalism and how the current iteration of capitalism came to be).
For fiction I'm reading:
Title: Black Leopard, Red Wolf
Author: Marlon James
Genre: Fantasy
What do you think of it? Fascinating worldbuilding. I'm only about a quarter of the way through it so still assessing my thoughts. It digs in deep and really causes one to pause and think about the narrative and the character's choices. All choices have an impact, even if the ripple is felt further along the story -- at least that's how it's currently going. Side note: I do wonder why cis guy authors like to be so dang descriptive about folks' nether regions and what characters do with them. I skip over those parts.
Recommend it? Probably
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