Books - What are you reading?

That's been on my shelf for ages. Would be interested to know your thoughts once you're finished!

There’s a new James S A Corey one out recently. First of a new trilogy, separate universe to the Expanse. Was good. Not outstanding, but I’ll still read the next when it’s out.

Also on Hyperion at the moment (after
It was mentioned a few times here in the last month). About halfway through the first book. Does sound a little dated at times, but probably no more so than something like Snowcrash would too

I'm pretty far off 40 years old...
I guess dated in the casual racism and misogyny, not in your face all the time, but it's there. I would cut him more slack if it was written maybe 20 years earlier? I don't know.

Just finished 'sing backwards and weep' by Mark Lanegan, probably the best musician autobiography I've read, a real hellraiser of a man

Any recommendations for decent-length but fairly digestible sci-fi and fantasy series?

The first three books are quite short but The Murderbot Diaries are the best sci-fi I've read in a while. Very funny at times too.

Murderbot I can get behind, not sure how many I’ve read but they were good.

Like Murderbot a lot. Especially impressed (beyond storylines which are very good) at reasonably well integrated queer and spectrum elements. Lot of otherwise talented genre authors really seem to struggle with that to the detriment of the overall quality, and Murderbot never comes over as desperately overheated fanfic, which unfortunately is not the case with a lot of SF&F output nowadays.

…and it’s ofren actually funny. Which is probably the most difficult thing for a writer to achieve.

Demon Copperhead - Barbara Kingsolver

David Copperfield in the style of Vernon God Little.

Overall excellent though every now and again the 90s details seem off. Yeah it’s a writer on top of her game

Loved the first Murderbot ... have been waiting til the rest get a bit cheaper on Kindle before I carry on.

I started Europe in Autumn yesterday and so far am really enjoying it. Perfect mix of dropping you into a strange scenario and slowly unveiling what has gone on.

Can anyone recommend a good book about the ancient gods and myths of Egypt?

Either in story format like Gaimans Norse Mythology, or more descriptive like Fry's Mythos?

Fancy a holiday
?

More seriously, Daily Life of the Egyptian Gods may be what you're looking for. Gives you a "Who's who in the Egyption pantheon?" and also some description of ritual and religious practice. Most books on this topic are pretty dense, but that one is quite accessible.

But do check out Dr Sledge's channel, which does have a few good videos on this. His interest is more about magic and mysticism in general, but he has a couple of "Who is..." videos on Egyptian gods. He's also good value, with a sense of humour and a tendency to drop unexpected pop culture references in.

Especially impressed (beyond storylines which are very good) at reasonably well integrated queer and spectrum elements.

Becky Chambers is very good on this front too. A Closed and Common Orbit is really good, but it's worth reading The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet first. Also, because it's a good read too.

https://www.waterstones.com/book/moderate-becoming-good-later/katie-carr/toby-carr/9781800076105

One on my read list, life affirming .. listening to the shipping forecast since a child during our extended summer stays near Burnham-on-Crouch, dreamt of visiting all our lighthouses, owning a terrier called Cromarty.. not sure I’d be happy in a sea kayak though, but what an adventure.

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^ Attention all shipping by Charlie Connolley which deals with the same subject matter (the shipping forecast) is also excellent. Has the added advantage of starting in my local pub!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pedal-Power-Inspirational-Stories-Cycling/dp/1786850060

Similar to the Cycling Anthology series but less about racing, more general cycling stories. Pretty good for travel where you might only want to read a short story before bed or whatever. There's a few in there I'd never heard of before too which kinda surprised me. Yes, I can't know everything, but I can get damn close ;)

Sorry, missed this - absolutely not, I e-read it, I think only chapter-heads illustrated, maybe the odd scene. I fizzed past any illustrations because so engrossed in the story.

I’ve never listened to the shipping forecast. I’ll give it a listen tomorrow and report back.

Amazing, also thanks for the tip I reckon both would make good audio books.. in fact any story related to the sea.

it’s this time of year when I think about the Andrea Gail crew

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Listening from the comfort of home, caravan, even tent, basically on land. In the knowledge that the sea can be a very cruel place when conditions worsen.

This solemn, rhythmic intonation of the shipping forecast on BBC radio is as familiar as the sound of Big Ben chiming the hour. Since its first broadcast in the 1920s it has inspired poems, songs and novels in addition to its intended objective of warning generations of seafarers of impending storms and gales.

Thought I'd circle back on a couple of titles I posted about recently.

Rare Singles by Ben Myers is a delightful little book that touches on love, loss and Northern Soul. Set on the wrong side of the Pennines this is a great read filled with joy.

Munichs by David Peace is a very different kettle of fish. Its subject matter is the 1958 Munich air disaster and its aftermath. It is an incredibly harrowing story which is relentlessly tragic. Superbly written this is one of the best books and most moving books I have read in years.

If you've seen a tall middle-aged bloke crying while reading on the District Line recently that was probably me, reading this.

Currently about 2/3 through Ammonite by Nicola Griffith. Some of the best sci fi I’ve read recently. The world building is vivid and poetic, without dwelling overly on the details. Would recommend and will be seeking out further stuff from her.

Does anyone want the Poppy War trilogy by RF Kuang and the Broken Earth trilogy by NK Jamison for postage?

"The Early History of God." Confusingly, it's by some guy by the name of Mark Smith, not Oolon Colluphid.

Ha