32 votes

What are you reading these days?

What are you reading currently? Fiction or non-fiction or poetry, any genre, any language! Tell us what you're reading, and talk about it a bit.

47 comments

  1. [4]
    terr
    Link
    I used to read quite a bit many years ago, but have since let other hobbies take over the majority of my time and I'd really like to get back to it. In that spirit, I've just ordered Brandon...

    I used to read quite a bit many years ago, but have since let other hobbies take over the majority of my time and I'd really like to get back to it. In that spirit, I've just ordered Brandon Sanderson's first Mistborn trilogy, mostly inspired by having played the deckbuilding game recently, as well as talk amongst my friends of trying out the upcoming Cosmere TTRPG. I'm excited to give them a start once they arrive tomorrow!

    I also bought the Silo trilogy, having just finished season 2 of the TV show. As I understand it, the first 2 seasons covered book 1, but now there are only going to be 2 more seasons to cover the remaining 2 books so I figured I'd go to the source material and get the complete and unrushed experience (while also rushing to discover where the plot's headed). I've really been enjoying the show, so I hope the read experience is just as full of mystery and discovery.

    5 votes
    1. Dr_Amazing
      Link Parent
      I'm in a similar boat. Loved Mistborn and some of Sanderson's other work, but I kept putting off the Stromlight archive. I finally pulled them off the shelf and read the first 4

      I'm in a similar boat. Loved Mistborn and some of Sanderson's other work, but I kept putting off the Stromlight archive.

      I finally pulled them off the shelf and read the first 4

      4 votes
    2. PraiseTheSoup
      Link Parent
      What a coincidence, I've just today finished the Mistborn trilogy, my first experience with Brandon Sanderson. I'm not entirely sure how I feel yet. Good luck.

      What a coincidence, I've just today finished the Mistborn trilogy, my first experience with Brandon Sanderson. I'm not entirely sure how I feel yet. Good luck.

      3 votes
    3. Requirement
      Link Parent
      If you like the show Silo, you will almost undoubtedly love the books. At least the first one; I found there to be a bit of a pacing issue at times in the second/third books but that might also be...

      If you like the show Silo, you will almost undoubtedly love the books. At least the first one; I found there to be a bit of a pacing issue at times in the second/third books but that might also be the result of trying to speed run through three books before starting the series. I'll be interested in your experience of going show to book as I think there are things each has done well but definitely some plot diversions.

      2 votes
  2. [6]
    crialpaca
    Link
    Currently reading: Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent (print), Baptism of Fire by Andrzej Sapkowski (audio), and The Mirror by Nora Roberts (digital). I'm still greatly enjoying Carissa's...

    Currently reading: Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent (print), Baptism of Fire by Andrzej Sapkowski (audio), and The Mirror by Nora Roberts (digital). I'm still greatly enjoying Carissa's writing style even though first person is generally difficult for me. Baptism of Fire was going to be the book where I decided if I wanted to keep reading the Witcher because I really struggled with the last couple books and the political passages, but this one is fine, so I guess I'll keep going. Just started The Mirror this morning.

    Recently finished: Eldest by Christopher Paolini, Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan, An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis. And Imperium by Robert Harris, which was a great time and I was thoroughly surprised by how fun it was (historical fiction, Ancient Roman Empire). I had big negative feelings about Immortal, which seriously disappointed me in its writing style and plot elements/structure.

    Up next: Ministry for the Future just arrived at the library for me yesterday! So I'll be getting into that as soon as I can (hurrying to finish Daughter of No Worlds). I have a few things lined up for audio, including Justice Hall by Laurie R King, Conspirata by Robert Harris, and Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. Once it arrives, my partner and I will be listening to In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune, which is a Pinocchio retelling.

    My regional library just announced that they are cutting digital material hold amounts from 20 to 10 items. I had already signed up for my city library so I foresee using them more, and/or some of my reading consumption habits might change depending on what is available to me. Not sure I'll be reading less, but maybe less popular fantasy if it gets harder to borrow.

    5 votes
    1. [5]
      first-must-burn
      Link Parent
      FWIW if you want more loans on Libby, you can get an out of state library card from the Houston public library system for $40/y. I also have one at the Free Library of Philadelphia, which is free,...

      FWIW if you want more loans on Libby, you can get an out of state library card from the Houston public library system for $40/y. I also have one at the Free Library of Philadelphia, which is free, but you have to live in Pennsylvania.

      1 vote
      1. [4]
        crialpaca
        Link Parent
        I will consider that, but maybe I'll wait a bit before jumping into a third library - this might be the poke I need to get through the mountain of physical books I own and haven't read!

        I will consider that, but maybe I'll wait a bit before jumping into a third library - this might be the poke I need to get through the mountain of physical books I own and haven't read!

        2 votes
        1. [3]
          first-must-burn
          Link Parent
          Like this?
          1. [2]
            crialpaca
            Link Parent
            Just about ;) All the new books I've bought recently are for purposes of future rereads because I liked them a lot, or they're for future book clubs. I did manage to read one book that I've owned...

            Just about ;) All the new books I've bought recently are for purposes of future rereads because I liked them a lot, or they're for future book clubs. I did manage to read one book that I've owned for many years for the first time... and now I need to eventually get to the next ones in its series.

            1 vote
            1. first-must-burn
              Link Parent
              Same here. I last finished a paper book a few years ago on a vacation where I had a lot of downtime. Almost all my reads these days are audiobooks. I've slowed my rate of buying paper books, at...

              Same here. I last finished a paper book a few years ago on a vacation where I had a lot of downtime. Almost all my reads these days are audiobooks. I've slowed my rate of buying paper books, at least, so I'm at less risk of being crushed by them.

              1 vote
  3. skybrian
    Link
    The Dagger and the Coin is a fantasy series by Daniel Abraham, one of the co-authors of the Expanse books. Although in some ways fairly conventional fantasy, it's unusual in that one of the main...

    The Dagger and the Coin is a fantasy series by Daniel Abraham, one of the co-authors of the Expanse books. Although in some ways fairly conventional fantasy, it's unusual in that one of the main characters is a banker, and there are some surprising plot twists having to do with banking. (Very old-school banking - they do a little of everything, including loans, investments, letters of credit, and smuggling treasure. This is in a fantasy world where paper money hasn't been invented yet.)

    Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin is a pretty good novel about young, talented, unfortunate game designers screwing up a lot. Lots of interpersonal drama.

    News of the World by Paulette Jiles is the novel that the Tom Hanks movie is based on. It's set in post-Civil War Texas. It's about a old man, formerly a printer, who travels from town to town, entertaining people by reading stories from newspapers. He agrees to take a young girl back to her (distant) relatives. She was captured by an Indian tribe under horrible circumstances. She's entirely gone native and doesn't know any other language.

    It seems a bit more realistic than the movie, which I also thought was good, but has some additional made-up episodes to add more action and make it more dramatic.

    (A stylistic quirk is that the author doesn't believe in quotation marks, so you need to read a bit more carefully.)

    And I've started reading The Captured: A True Story of Abduction by Indians on the Texas Frontier by Scott Zesch, which is a non-fiction book that the novel is partly based on.

    3 votes
  4. chundissimo
    Link
    I just finished Edgedancer (delightful interlude of a book) and now I’m about 200 pages into Oathbringer (Book 3 of Stormlight Archive) and I’m loving it. It’s definitely off to a slow start but...

    I just finished Edgedancer (delightful interlude of a book) and now I’m about 200 pages into Oathbringer (Book 3 of Stormlight Archive) and I’m loving it. It’s definitely off to a slow start but the series has built enough good will with me to not mind it. It’s cool to see how Sanderson reconciles each main character’s past with their present in the previous books, and I’m eager to see that transformation play out with Dalinar because the Blackthorn really is a different person entirely. As usual I’m desperate for any worldbuilding revelations, and Sanderson masterfully drips lore; never too much to overwhelm, never too little to be bored, just enough to be hungry for more.

    3 votes
  5. [5]
    bushbear
    Link
    Currently reading ministry for the future. I'm not in tildes book club but figured I'd read it since I just finished aurora by KSR. Looking to move onto silo afterwards and maybe start something...

    Currently reading ministry for the future. I'm not in tildes book club but figured I'd read it since I just finished aurora by KSR. Looking to move onto silo afterwards and maybe start something academic on the side.

    3 votes
    1. [2]
      Requirement
      Link Parent
      Just because you "aren't a part" of Tildes Book Club doesn't mean you aren't welcome - encouraged even! - to join in the conversation at the end of the month.

      Just because you "aren't a part" of Tildes Book Club doesn't mean you aren't welcome - encouraged even! - to join in the conversation at the end of the month.

      4 votes
      1. bushbear
        Link Parent
        I'll most likely pop in and chat about it ;)

        I'll most likely pop in and chat about it ;)

        2 votes
    2. [2]
      umbrae
      Link Parent
      Man I still think about the opening scene to this book regularly. Such a visceral description of climate impact.

      Man I still think about the opening scene to this book regularly. Such a visceral description of climate impact.

      1 vote
      1. bushbear
        Link Parent
        Yea its really well done. I recently volunteered in Bosnia and they had a heatwave that was just brutally hot so I kept thinking of that while reading the opening

        Yea its really well done. I recently volunteered in Bosnia and they had a heatwave that was just brutally hot so I kept thinking of that while reading the opening

        1 vote
  6. [2]
    Requirement
    Link
    I responded to a few comments but neglected to comment on what I've been reading! I know, you were all waiting with bated breath. I'm rapidly approaching the end of The Ministry of the Future for...

    I responded to a few comments but neglected to comment on what I've been reading! I know, you were all waiting with bated breath.

    I'm rapidly approaching the end of The Ministry of the Future for Tildes Book Club. I'm maybe on chapter 102 and despite enjoying it so far, I'm starting to feel some fatigue. I am, regardless, looking forward to the discussion.

    With the month of December off of book club I took the time to catch up on a couple books that I had on my backburner. Mid-December I worked through Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino and man, my relationship with the book starting off was fraught. By halfway through however I was digging on it and I'm not sure I've ever had as much of a turnaround on feelings about a book. It's an odd coming-of-age-into-adulthood by a probably neurodivergent narrator. Not a challenging read but a read full of really great descriptions.
    I also managed to squeeze in Remnant Population by Elizabeth Moon. Holy cow, I loved everything about this book. It had been on my radar for years and I really regret not getting around to it sooner because it is really peak science fiction. It's the story of an older lady who stays behind on a planet after her company town is relocated and the freedom that comes with that. Oh, and there's aliens... or natives? It's a very good read and does that great scifi thing of holding a mirror up to society and the reader.

    3 votes
    1. first-must-burn
      Link Parent
      I loved Remnant Population. Such an interesting story and protagonist. I am surprised I had never heard about it until here on Tildes. I got some of her other work, but it seems to be in more of a...

      I loved Remnant Population. Such an interesting story and protagonist. I am surprised I had never heard about it until here on Tildes.

      I got some of her other work, but it seems to be in more of a space opera vein.

      1 vote
  7. [3]
    boxer_dogs_dance
    Link
    I finished Ministry for the future for Tildes book club. I finished the Spear cuts through water by Simon Jimenez. It's an epic fantasy that draws on mythic themes and uses a play within a dream...

    I finished Ministry for the future for Tildes book club.

    I finished the Spear cuts through water by Simon Jimenez. It's an epic fantasy that draws on mythic themes and uses a play within a dream as a frame narrative. It took me a while to get into it but it is excellent. I want to see a play made from this book.

    I read Lost connections by Johan Hari about non drug treatments for depression and anxiety that are supported by research.

    I am currently reading Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead, a coming of age story.

    I am reading a short history of the world in 50 lies. It focused on how cons, fakes, frauds have influenced history.

    I am reading the blood Tartan by Raymond st Elmo. It's a light witty fantasy so far.

    2 votes
    1. [2]
      Requirement
      Link Parent
      I am constantly astounded by how much you, and other readers like you, read. That's like seven months of reading for me and I read every day.

      I am constantly astounded by how much you, and other readers like you, read. That's like seven months of reading for me and I read every day.

      3 votes
      1. boxer_dogs_dance
        Link Parent
        I'm semi disabled and I prefer reading to television. But yeah, reading has been my thing since I was very young.

        I'm semi disabled and I prefer reading to television.

        But yeah, reading has been my thing since I was very young.

        1 vote
  8. [4]
    dsh
    Link
    I am reading The Talented Mr. Ripley after watching the Netflix series when it came out. I had also seen the film years ago and the one thing I really like about the book that the series touched...

    I am reading The Talented Mr. Ripley after watching the Netflix series when it came out. I had also seen the film years ago and the one thing I really like about the book that the series touched on, and the movie seemed to avoid entirely, is how queer coded and asexual Tom Ripley actually is. Its been a quick read so far and I'm almost half way through but its overall a good book!

    I find I am reading a lot of things I have seen the adaptations of - before Ripley I have read Dune and man that book is quite different than the films.

    2 votes
    1. [3]
      tomf
      Link Parent
      his queer coded / asexuality is all through the other four books in the Ripliad -- definitely worth a read. I've gone through it two or three times now and will likely reread it every few years....

      his queer coded / asexuality is all through the other four books in the Ripliad -- definitely worth a read. I've gone through it two or three times now and will likely reread it every few years. They're really fun books.

      1 vote
      1. [2]
        dsh
        Link Parent
        That's good to hear! I am really enjoying the first book and how it compares to the show (which was also really good and what made me want to read the books in the first place).

        That's good to hear! I am really enjoying the first book and how it compares to the show (which was also really good and what made me want to read the books in the first place).

        1 vote
        1. tomf
          Link Parent
          you might as well watch all of the movies, too. Purple Noon is pretty good. The others are not great, but Ripley’s Game with Malkovich is decent enough. Same with Barry Pepper in Ripley...

          you might as well watch all of the movies, too. Purple Noon is pretty good. The others are not great, but Ripley’s Game with Malkovich is decent enough. Same with Barry Pepper in Ripley Underground. The American Friend gets a lot of love, but i thought it was terrible. Highsmith even liked it, i believe.

          I’m hoping we can get all of the books made with Andrew Scott and this aesthetic.

          1 vote
  9. quarkw
    (edited )
    Link
    I joined a book club recently and just finished Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. I mostly stick to non-fiction and pop-sci style stuff, and it was really nice dipping my toes into lit fiction. I...

    I joined a book club recently and just finished Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. I mostly stick to non-fiction and pop-sci style stuff, and it was really nice dipping my toes into lit fiction.

    I loved the prose and vivid metaphors in this book. I'll give a few examples

    Since it's a slice of life book, I'm redacting names to avoid spoilers, and putting anything that could be plot spoilery in an expandable section

    [...] was composed of question marks and feelings that she didn’t know what to do with, as if her hands were full and she was wearing pants with no pockets.

    [...] felt her potential: for bravery, brilliance, kindness, joy. All of these sails rested on the deck of her ship; they were hers, but she hadn’t seen them before.

    After a week of sleeplessness, [...] felt like a Picasso painting—her eyes didn’t match, and her shoulders were at different heights.

    Possibly spoilery stuff

    A light went on behind his eyes in those moments, which made [...] think of the pilot light on a stove. She found a basketball encyclopedia in the library and took notes on possible questions she could ask. She wanted to turn that pilot light on again. She wondered whether, if she asked enough questions, it might turn on for good.

    She thought of the woman [...] was painting onto the three-story wall a few blocks away and how the outline was slowly filling with color and detail. [...] was filling herself in, discovering and showing her own colors.

    [...] felt the little girl beaming because she was the subject of so much attention. He could also feel the bright red and yellow color of the leaves outside the window and the heightened emotion of the woman across from him.

    2 votes
  10. [3]
    mattsayar
    Link
    I've been reading Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality. I'm about 65% of the way through it and I'm somewhat struggling. It started off pretty strong but the last couple storylines have...

    I've been reading Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality. I'm about 65% of the way through it and I'm somewhat struggling. It started off pretty strong but the last couple storylines have been kind of a slog and since it's so long I don't know if it will get any better.

    2 votes
    1. [2]
      pekt
      Link Parent
      I read through that several years ago and remember it petering out a bit around that point as well. It was an interesting read and the end of it was pretty good. I think around the point you're at...

      I read through that several years ago and remember it petering out a bit around that point as well. It was an interesting read and the end of it was pretty good. I think around the point you're at I took a break and read another shorter book before coming back to finish it, which helped me not feel so bogged down.

      I'd be curious to see what your thoughts are on it when/if you finish.

      2 votes
      1. mattsayar
        Link Parent
        This is what I needed to hear. Thanks

        This is what I needed to hear. Thanks

        2 votes
  11. [2]
    Shevanel
    Link
    I’m continuing my progress on Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time series. I’m just shy of halfway through book 3, The Dragon Reborn. Still enjoying the series greatly, though as our little one gets...

    I’m continuing my progress on Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time series. I’m just shy of halfway through book 3, The Dragon Reborn. Still enjoying the series greatly, though as our little one gets older and more active, I’m not burning through it like I did with books 1 and 2.

    On the non-fiction side, I’m juggling a few books at the moment. Seneca’s Letters from a Stoic when I have the patience for it (it’s a generally good read, but it edges a lot closer to “man yelling at clouds” than his other well-known series of letters, On the Shortness of Life, which I greatly enjoyed). When I run out of patience for that, I switch to Carl Sagan’s The Demon-Haunted World. There’s something very satisfying about reading Sagan’s intentional and thoughtful dismantling of pseudoscientific concepts in a well-measured, almost congenial tone.

    I’m also working through Oliver Burkeman’s Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals on audiobook, narrated by the author. He has a really pleasant voice and it’s a great mental reset and reality check, especially when I spend probably too much of my time trying to min-max my productivity :)

    2 votes
    1. first-must-burn
      Link Parent
      I wish I could be reading WoT for the first time again. It's still good to reread, but not quite the same.

      I wish I could be reading WoT for the first time again. It's still good to reread, but not quite the same.

      To stand against the Shadow so long as iron is hard and stone abides.
      To defend the Malkieri while one drop of blood remains.
      To avenge what cannot be defended.

      1 vote
  12. NaniTheHuman
    Link
    I've been reading The Tyranny of Merit: What's Become of the Common Good? by Michael Sandel. It's an interesting read and especially relevant now. There were many things about the effects of...

    I've been reading The Tyranny of Merit: What's Become of the Common Good? by Michael Sandel.

    It's an interesting read and especially relevant now. There were many things about the effects of meritocracy that I didn't consider before reading this.

    2 votes
  13. tomf
    Link
    I just started From Staircase to Stage: The Story of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan by Raekwon --- good book if you're a fan.

    I just started From Staircase to Stage: The Story of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan by Raekwon --- good book if you're a fan.

    2 votes
  14. Captain_Wacky
    Link
    My main read has been Julio Cortazar's "Blow Up," a collection of his short stories, and I plan to follow up with another collection of his titled "All Fires The Fire." I've also discovered P.G....

    My main read has been Julio Cortazar's "Blow Up," a collection of his short stories, and I plan to follow up with another collection of his titled "All Fires The Fire."

    I've also discovered P.G. Wodehouse, and his line of stories concerning The Imitable Jeeves.

    2 votes
  15. [2]
    Racka
    Link
    I am listening to the second Tiffany Aching book of Pratchetts Discworld series, A hat full of sky. I have been holding of reading this part of the series as i had got some kind of understanding...

    I am listening to the second Tiffany Aching book of Pratchetts Discworld series, A hat full of sky.

    I have been holding of reading this part of the series as i had got some kind of understanding that they where kid/young adult books and didnt think they would be that funny.

    But both this and the first Aching book have been really good and the pictsies are awesome.
    Seems to me that they are still top notch Pratchett works.

    In between those books I read The chip wars, which was cool if you are interested in the semiconductor industry. Interesting stuff but the book felt much longer themn it was, and seems to me a bit over dramatic in some sections. Still a lot of cool history and seemingly realistic insight of the current state of the business and politics surrounding it.

    2 votes
    1. Eji1700
      Link Parent
      Aching is what more YA books should be . Don't get me wrong, I understand why some YA books are the way they are, and not everything needs to be perfectly written, but yeah just like the majority...

      Aching is what more YA books should be . Don't get me wrong, I understand why some YA books are the way they are, and not everything needs to be perfectly written, but yeah just like the majority of Pratchett the only thing that really makes it "YA" is the main characters age. There's not sacrificing on quality or concepts.

      2 votes
  16. countchocula
    Link
    I recently finished Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Nietzsche and am most of the way through "The Tales of Pirx the Pilot* by Stanisław Lem, continuing my journey to read every book by him. Definitely a...

    I recently finished Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Nietzsche and am most of the way through "The Tales of Pirx the Pilot* by Stanisław Lem, continuing my journey to read every book by him. Definitely a bit of whiplash after finishing Zarathustra, I wish I had better familiarity withthe time period it was written in and influences of the book because i was lost, especially towards the end and things only started to make sense when i double backed with supporting documentation online. I don't typically like to read that way so it was an interesting experience. Next up: Finnigan's Wake but like... the online version that breaks down every sentence

    2 votes
  17. xavdid
    Link
    I'm finally reading Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen. I've always heard good things, but I would always mix it up with another favorite of mine (Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff; don't @ me). I'm glad its Apple...

    I'm finally reading Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen. I've always heard good things, but I would always mix it up with another favorite of mine (Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff; don't @ me). I'm glad its Apple adaptation convinced me to give it a shot though - it's a great read so far!

    1 vote
  18. Hvv
    Link
    I’m starting to read The Plague by Albert Camus (the English translation by Laura Morris). I was inspired to get the book after rewatching this YouTube video (just be aware that it has sad vibes)...

    I’m starting to read The Plague by Albert Camus (the English translation by Laura Morris). I was inspired to get the book after rewatching this YouTube video (just be aware that it has sad vibes) in November due to some things happening at the time that reminded me of those themes.

    While at the bookstore I also got The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. LeGuin. I read the Left Hand of Darkness earlier and enjoyed it, though I'm basically going into this one blind.

    1 vote
  19. ras
    Link
    I just started Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler. No opinions just yet, because I'm still trying to get myself into the world. I recently read The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard. I...

    I just started Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler. No opinions just yet, because I'm still trying to get myself into the world.

    I recently read The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard. I really enjoyed it and its take on time travel. I've found myself thinking about the book ever since I finished it.

    1 vote
  20. ConalFisher
    Link
    I'm rereading The Lord of the Rings at the moment, it's my go-to book when I'm feeling anxious about the world and need a comfort story. Incidentally, I think this is the fourth time I've read it...

    I'm rereading The Lord of the Rings at the moment, it's my go-to book when I'm feeling anxious about the world and need a comfort story. Incidentally, I think this is the fourth time I've read it in the past 2 years, which is telling.

    1 vote
  21. umbrae
    Link
    I’m finishing Assassin’s Apprentice which apparently has many sequels and I’m excited about that. Have enjoyed it so far! Slow burn but very enriching prose.

    I’m finishing Assassin’s Apprentice which apparently has many sequels and I’m excited about that. Have enjoyed it so far! Slow burn but very enriching prose.

    1 vote
  22. Flother
    Link
    I'm currently reading Slaughterhouse Five. Never knew much about the book and had only heard of the name and opening line, but grabbed it as I knew it to be a classic and one that I keep my...

    I'm currently reading Slaughterhouse Five. Never knew much about the book and had only heard of the name and opening line, but grabbed it as I knew it to be a classic and one that I keep my attention on.

    I'm nearing the end of it and I can only but commend the writing style and narration. The humorous remarks interlaced through such a traumatic story are a difficult feat to pull off.

    1 vote
  23. AJHCentral
    Link
    I've been reading Means of Control by Byron Tau. It's the culmination of his reporting work on how the government aquires an unfathomable amount of data from a range of sources, all of which isn't...

    I've been reading Means of Control by Byron Tau. It's the culmination of his reporting work on how the government aquires an unfathomable amount of data from a range of sources, all of which isn't illegal but extremely secretive and morally grey, to conduct an astonishing amout of serveilance on people in the Middle East, in the United States, and anywhere else it wanted. It also shows how your phone might be collecting data for the U.S. government, the horrifying vulnerability of things like your Bluetooth headphones, and how your car can generate useful data for espionage. It's a really great book that will have you making a tinfoil hat two chapters in.

    1 vote
  24. Eji1700
    Link
    Finished up the Gentleman Bastard Sequence, and I have to say of all the "might never finish" series I've touched, it's by far the easiest to deal with that. Even ignoring my luck that it looks...

    Finished up the Gentleman Bastard Sequence, and I have to say of all the "might never finish" series I've touched, it's by far the easiest to deal with that. Even ignoring my luck that it looks like we might finally get some novellas from the author, the fact that every story has a very self contained main plot, and just some amazing characters, made them easy to just burn through.

    Bounced off a few other things that had wound up on my lists for various reason.
    Hench/A Darker Shade of Magic/The Ninth Metal all failed to hold my interest so I backed out.
    I have Alex Verus, The Innocent Mage , Bartimaeus, and An Ember in the Ashes as things I started, wasn't feeling, and might come back to.

    So i'm back to Sanderson for the moment reading Wind and Truth which I'm barely into but have so far enjoyed, and listening to Elantris, which certainly shows a lot of rough edges compared to his later work, so I'm glad i'm audiobooking it in traffic.

    As always his worldbuilding is fantastic, but in this case the pacing suffers heavily, as perfectly reasonable conversations drag on and on.

  25. lou
    (edited )
    Link
    I have finished Spock's World, which was my first Star Trek novel. I have lots of conflicting sentiments about this book. Dislikes: Money is very much a thing in both Vulcan and The Enterprise...

    I have finished Spock's World, which was my first Star Trek novel. I have lots of conflicting sentiments about this book.

    Dislikes:

    • Money is very much a thing in both Vulcan and The Enterprise
    • Vulcans are way too emotional
    • The author employs lots of needlessly obscure words. She often chooses uncommon words with no justification other than ornamentation. I used the Kindle dictionary a lot for this book. I did not expect that in a Star Trek book
    • Spock is barely present and is almost irrelevant. When he is made relevant, is feels forced and hacky. McCoy is way more important to the story, and his actions are actually consequential. When I started reading a story with "Spock" in the title, I didn't expect McCoy to be more important than him.
    • The chapter on the geological formation of Vulcan is one of the most boring things I have ever read
    • The ending feels rushed as if the narrative was more of an excuse to convey information about Vulcan rather than a fully functioning narrative that is meant to be satisfactory on its own

    Likes:

    • We get lots of Sarek, which is great
    • There is a brief and engrossing narration of how Surak came to be and his influence in the formation of the Vulcan culture and character
    • The narrative of prehistoric Vulcans slowly evolving into their current selves is excellent. A lot of the book is devoted to that
    • The Enterprise has its own BBS that is essentially like a mailing list where crew members can post anonymously. I bet that sounded very modern in 1988!

    My rating: 6 out of 10. I enjoyed this book even if it wasn't what I wanted or expected. Even though there is not much Spock in it, there is a plethora of Vulcan characters, situations, and discussions that are very interesting and compelling. I recommend it to Star Trek fans who wish to learn more about Vulcan.