1gilroy
I'm changing up my format this year.
Each book will have an initial post when I start it, then will receive a bulk update of notes from when I finish it. These will be followed by a month summary of all reads. I'm a slow reader, so you'll have to forgive me updating backdated posts. The notes also will go into the reviews. If books cross months, they don't get a new post for the new month, but they also don't get counted until finished.
At the end of the year, I'll do a final goal count post as well as my annual book poll. That poll will also be posted in the new thread.
The hopeful goals:
Total books to read: 45 -- 30 audio, 9 physical, 6 e-books
(Count as of January 1 - 0 audio, 0 physical, 0 e-books)
The current reads:
Audio - When She Woke by Hillary Jordan
Physical book - Mythology 101 by Kathleen Sears
E-book -
(Kindle) Wolf and Iron by Gordon R Dickson
(Google Books) (None)
Each book will have an initial post when I start it, then will receive a bulk update of notes from when I finish it. These will be followed by a month summary of all reads. I'm a slow reader, so you'll have to forgive me updating backdated posts. The notes also will go into the reviews. If books cross months, they don't get a new post for the new month, but they also don't get counted until finished.
At the end of the year, I'll do a final goal count post as well as my annual book poll. That poll will also be posted in the new thread.
The hopeful goals:
Total books to read: 45 -- 30 audio, 9 physical, 6 e-books
(Count as of January 1 - 0 audio, 0 physical, 0 e-books)
The current reads:
Audio - When She Woke by Hillary Jordan
Physical book - Mythology 101 by Kathleen Sears
E-book -
(Kindle) Wolf and Iron by Gordon R Dickson
(Google Books) (None)
2gilroy
Dud Books - Books I attempted to read and gave up:
(Also known as Pearl Rule books)
Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
Note on how I designate a dud book:
Unless the book is so horrid of prose/story/cliché that I can't get past the first few pages, I feel the need to give the author at least 50 pages or a third of the book, which ever I can make. This allows for initial bad openings and characters to grow enough. At that point, if I continue to struggle and can't get into the book, I'm done and it becomes a dud. At least that's the plan.
(Also known as Pearl Rule books)
Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
Note on how I designate a dud book:
Unless the book is so horrid of prose/story/cliché that I can't get past the first few pages, I feel the need to give the author at least 50 pages or a third of the book, which ever I can make. This allows for initial bad openings and characters to grow enough. At that point, if I continue to struggle and can't get into the book, I'm done and it becomes a dud. At least that's the plan.
4gilroy
Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey (Transferred from 2019)
Start 9/10/19 End 01/19/2020
-- More than 20 chapters of backstory. Some history that may or may not be needed. I finally passed the quarter pole and feel like more story and less history is being told.
-- Modified Christian narrative
-- Somehow, I'm seeing this as a better way of displaying the BDSM culture than 50 Shades of Gray ever did. Some may see this as disgusting, but that is essential what an Anguisette desires.
-- I have no empathy for any character other than Guy to this point. Maybe Hyacinthe. Honestly, I find Phedre' a touch annoying.
Start 9/10/19 End 01/19/2020
-- More than 20 chapters of backstory. Some history that may or may not be needed. I finally passed the quarter pole and feel like more story and less history is being told.
--
-- Somehow, I'm seeing this as a better way of displaying the BDSM culture than 50 Shades of Gray ever did. Some may see this as disgusting, but that is essential what an Anguisette desires.
-- I have no empathy for any character other than Guy to this point. Maybe Hyacinthe. Honestly, I find Phedre' a touch annoying.
5gilroy
Quiet by Susan Cain
Start 01/01/2020 End 03/24/2020
-- This book is proving to be much deeper and needing more time to contemplate than expected. So it's digging in and taking time to read. And I'm a slow reader.
Start 01/01/2020 End 03/24/2020
-- This book is proving to be much deeper and needing more time to contemplate than expected. So it's digging in and taking time to read. And I'm a slow reader.
6MrsLee
>3 gilroy: Did you mean the book poll from 2019?
7gilroy
>6 MrsLee: yes. Fixed. Thanks.
8Sakerfalcon
Happy new year! I hope this is a year with many good books for you.
9gilroy
Emissary by J M Dillard
Read by Nana Visitor
Start Date 01/02/2020 End Date 01/03/2020
Thoughts:
-- This is the novelization of the first episode of the Star Trek series Deep Space Nine.
-- Color me disappointed, as though they say unabridged, they say adapted for audio. Which means it did get trimmed down, words were changed to sound effects. It also felt like it eliminated scenes from the show, or more properly, shortened scenes.
-- While it's nice to have more details from other point of views in the character's thoughts, these don't enhance the book as much as I'd like.
-- I think this must be the last Star Trek book I do in audio. They destroy the novel with how they "adapt" it to audio. (I'm sure I've said that before.)
Read by Nana Visitor
Start Date 01/02/2020 End Date 01/03/2020
Thoughts:
-- This is the novelization of the first episode of the Star Trek series Deep Space Nine.
-- Color me disappointed, as though they say unabridged, they say adapted for audio. Which means it did get trimmed down, words were changed to sound effects. It also felt like it eliminated scenes from the show, or more properly, shortened scenes.
-- While it's nice to have more details from other point of views in the character's thoughts, these don't enhance the book as much as I'd like.
-- I think this must be the last Star Trek book I do in audio. They destroy the novel with how they "adapt" it to audio. (I'm sure I've said that before.)
10Peace2
Happy new year - may the year be kind and bring lots of good books (and some time to read them)
13gilroy
5 Days to a Clutter-Free House by Sandra Felton
Read by Laurel Lefkow
Start 01/13/2020 End 01/16/2020
-- Should have researched the writers more before I checked this book out of the library. The religious undertones don't sit well with me.
-- Sort everything into boxes, then stack them neatly. Once done, go through the boxes. That required a book?
-- The idea of a cleaning party is good, overall. Again with the church being involved.
-- Adjust habits to make cleaning easier, time management tools.
Read by Laurel Lefkow
Start 01/13/2020 End 01/16/2020
-- Should have researched the writers more before I checked this book out of the library. The religious undertones don't sit well with me.
-- Sort everything into boxes, then stack them neatly. Once done, go through the boxes. That required a book?
-- The idea of a cleaning party is good, overall. Again with the church being involved.
-- Adjust habits to make cleaning easier, time management tools.
14gilroy
>8 Sakerfalcon: >10 Peace2: >11 majkia: >12 clamairy: Thanks all!
Going slow with a lot of family travel early on. Will pick up as the months go on.
Going slow with a lot of family travel early on. Will pick up as the months go on.
15gilroy
Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas
Read by Elizabeth Evans
Started 01/21/2020 End 01/30/2020
-- Starts interesting enough. Character is headstrong female that could use some tempering in the eyes of the ruling elite. Then they get her into a city and she becomes a clothes and boy obsessed girl.
-- Oh goddess, not a love triangle
-- she keeps screwing up her numbers when talking about the contests. The first contest she spoke of 22 competitors, when only one had been lost prior, so there should have been 23 with the main character. Total eliminated by the second contest was only 3, with one disappearing just before, so including the main character, the count should be 20, not 19. I feel like I need a spreadsheet to track the losses.
-- Magical mystery is good. In a world with magic banned, this makes things more interesting,
-- Um, Hunger Games meets Game of Thrones meets CSI?
-- Yeah, I'd have nerve issues with a glass castle too.
-- Suspect the king is the evil force in the castle? Or maybe Lady Rompier?
-- She keeps pointing to Duke Perrington. That seems too obvious, too well choreographed.
-- I feel a little like the opportunity for a big action scene, with the assassin showing her skills, was missed with the ball.
-- Somehow, with all that happened, I expected the ending, with thedeus ex machina from a dead royal but it still factored as a good book. Worth going to the next volume of the series.
Read by Elizabeth Evans
Started 01/21/2020 End 01/30/2020
-- Starts interesting enough. Character is headstrong female that could use some tempering in the eyes of the ruling elite. Then they get her into a city and she becomes a clothes and boy obsessed girl.
-- Oh goddess, not a love triangle
-- she keeps screwing up her numbers when talking about the contests. The first contest she spoke of 22 competitors, when only one had been lost prior, so there should have been 23 with the main character. Total eliminated by the second contest was only 3, with one disappearing just before, so including the main character, the count should be 20, not 19. I feel like I need a spreadsheet to track the losses.
-- Magical mystery is good. In a world with magic banned, this makes things more interesting,
-- Um, Hunger Games meets Game of Thrones meets CSI?
-- Yeah, I'd have nerve issues with a glass castle too.
-- Suspect the king is the evil force in the castle? Or maybe Lady Rompier?
-- She keeps pointing to Duke Perrington. That seems too obvious, too well choreographed.
-- I feel a little like the opportunity for a big action scene, with the assassin showing her skills, was missed with the ball.
-- Somehow, with all that happened, I expected the ending, with the
16Peace2
>15 gilroy: Have this, its prequel and two sequels all waiting on the TBR pile - will watch and see your thoughts later - not sounding too promising so far.
17gilroy
Siege Tactics by Drew Hayes
Read by Roger Wayne
Start Date 2/5/2020 End Date 02/15/2020
Thoughts:
-- We return once again to the world of Thistle, Grumph, Gabrielle, Eric, and Timuscor.
-- The visits to the actual player characters have been limited in this book so far. We get hints, but nothing major on their advances. This differs from the previous books.
-- I was semi concerned with them finding the town of Notch. I feared this might be a filler book just to get Gabrielle some training, since previous books have given such gifts to other party members.
-- Yeah! We have some answers! Gabrielle was converted to a pseudo lich by the axe she wields. Timuscor is an Echo, the remains of a previous adventurer left behind in the realm. No wait. More questions.
-- Compared with the previous books, this book has been a slow build. But then, the others had chapters bouncing between the live party and the NPCs a lot more than this one. Maybe that accounts for the slower build.
--Gnome Artificer created automatons. Great. Let's let a god screw with the party and throw these beasties at them. At least it isn't another dragon.
-- Oh, I should have known that twist wasn't what it suggested. This is much worse. I am liking the link between books with a certain character showing up.
-- Just when we think we're going to get more answers, we get tons more questions. But we meet more of the Gods of the world. Will definitely say the final battle of this book was more fun than some of the others. Really looking forward to the next book now.
Read by Roger Wayne
Start Date 2/5/2020 End Date 02/15/2020
Thoughts:
-- We return once again to the world of Thistle, Grumph, Gabrielle, Eric, and Timuscor.
-- The visits to the actual player characters have been limited in this book so far. We get hints, but nothing major on their advances. This differs from the previous books.
-- I was semi concerned with them
-- Yeah! We have some answers!
-- Compared with the previous books, this book has been a slow build. But then, the others had chapters bouncing between the live party and the NPCs a lot more than this one. Maybe that accounts for the slower build.
--
-- Oh, I should have known that twist wasn't what it suggested. This is much worse. I am liking the link between books with a certain character showing up.
-- Just when we think we're going to get more answers, we get tons more questions. But we meet more of the Gods of the world. Will definitely say the final battle of this book was more fun than some of the others. Really looking forward to the next book now.
18gilroy
Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
Read by Jennifer Ikeda
Started 02/10/2020 End 02/18/2020
-- The first two chapters feel like they've been mostly world building and introducing you to the main character, her family. The thoughts about fae and their place in the world suggests a rich magical tale to follow.
-- Okay, if I were to take this as a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, this MIGHT become more plausible. That wasn't one of my more favored of myths/tall tales, so I continue to question if this is for me.
-- I find too much focus on the physical, on the looks and not on the internals. The main character comes across as shallow. Just a push to make her a damsel in distress, but I'm not going to resign her to that fate just yet.
-- Like when I read Cinder, I again find that additional parts of the story were written to enhance this writer's story. I'll have to see if this expansions good or bad. So far it's neither.
-- The treaty and the world seems interesting, but the characters are flat and uninteresting. Not even Lucien can catch my attention good enough. Honestly, there's too much focus on looks for my taste.
-- There are book that are fantasy with a romance thread built into it. Then there are books that are a romance with a fantasy setting. This book falls firmly into the second. I have to drop this as a dud for being mislabeled.
Read by Jennifer Ikeda
Started 02/10/2020 End 02/18/2020
-- The first two chapters feel like they've been mostly world building and introducing you to the main character, her family. The thoughts about fae and their place in the world suggests a rich magical tale to follow.
-- Okay, if I were to take this as a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, this MIGHT become more plausible. That wasn't one of my more favored of myths/tall tales, so I continue to question if this is for me.
-- I find too much focus on the physical, on the looks and not on the internals. The main character comes across as shallow. Just a push to make her a damsel in distress, but I'm not going to resign her to that fate just yet.
-- Like when I read Cinder, I again find that additional parts of the story were written to enhance this writer's story. I'll have to see if this expansions good or bad. So far it's neither.
-- The treaty and the world seems interesting, but the characters are flat and uninteresting. Not even Lucien can catch my attention good enough. Honestly, there's too much focus on looks for my taste.
-- There are book that are fantasy with a romance thread built into it. Then there are books that are a romance with a fantasy setting. This book falls firmly into the second. I have to drop this as a dud for being mislabeled.
19gilroy
The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
Read by Gretchen Rubin
Start 02/19/2020 End 02/22/2020
-- I enjoy her podcast and have learned things about myself because of it. This book comes up a lot, so figured I'd give it a listen.
Read by Gretchen Rubin
Start 02/19/2020 End 02/22/2020
-- I enjoy her podcast and have learned things about myself because of it. This book comes up a lot, so figured I'd give it a listen.
20gilroy
The Last Juror by John Grisham
Read by Michael Beck
Start 02/22/2020 End 02/28/2020
-- From the beginning, this is less a lawyer drama and more a journalist drama. It does discuss a court case, but from the viewpoint of the local newspaper man in rural Mississippi.
-- The text has the usual John Grisham feel for descriptions of the south and the people within it. Even the description of the criminal family syndicate.
-- The original crime and trial portion of the book ends at the midway point. Will be interested to see how it goes from here.
-- A lot of this book focused on the journalist, how he covered the trial, and what happened. It felt like the middle was mostly filler as Grisham tried to get from the trial to the important scenes toward the end of the story.
-- The ending was … weird and a little out of nowhere, but the character did get mentioned earlier just lacked details. The character appeared like twice more, but not with a lot of information. Their first appearance did offer a rumor, but that was all we knew.
-- I'm going to say this is an average book. I feel like Grisham is slacking off without the courtroom to stimulate his imagination.
Read by Michael Beck
Start 02/22/2020 End 02/28/2020
-- From the beginning, this is less a lawyer drama and more a journalist drama. It does discuss a court case, but from the viewpoint of the local newspaper man in rural Mississippi.
-- The text has the usual John Grisham feel for descriptions of the south and the people within it. Even the description of the criminal family syndicate.
-- The original crime and trial portion of the book ends at the midway point. Will be interested to see how it goes from here.
-- A lot of this book focused on the journalist, how he covered the trial, and what happened. It felt like the middle was mostly filler as Grisham tried to get from the trial to the important scenes toward the end of the story.
-- The ending was … weird and a little out of nowhere, but the character did get mentioned earlier just lacked details. The character appeared like twice more, but not with a lot of information. Their first appearance did offer a rumor, but that was all we knew.
-- I'm going to say this is an average book. I feel like Grisham is slacking off without the courtroom to stimulate his imagination.
21gilroy
Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland
Series Dread Nation
Read by Bahni Turpin and Jordan Cobb
Started 03/03/2020 End 03/17/2020
(I finished this as the pandemic hit, so missed some thoughts on this.)
-- it's like a town inside a church
-- I steal a kiss -- or nine.
-- I sit and listen and see Jane = Rebel and Catherine = Upholder in the Happier framework. This is what I get for listening to that before this book...
-- Wait. Jackson's married? And is a soon to be father?
-- interesting that we get Catherine's viewpoint this time. It will be nice to have her representation in print.
-- Trying to decide if this is a commentary on science or an essay of having to have faith in both a higher power and science. Maybe this deals with people who have too much power doing stupid things with scence?
-- Since we met Gideon Carr in Summerland, I've not rightly liked that character. No matter how much he tries to come across as a nice, simple scientist and tinkerer, something about the way he goes about it rubs me the wrong way.
-- Trouble in town. Again. Obviously trouble follows Jane wherever she goes...
-- Jane don't do that. Don't chase off your friend just because you want to protect her from your fate. Not smart... I done that myself. Catherine does care, even i you two snip at each other...
-- Oh good, she tried... Um, too little too late?
-- Now that is one reason to have two leads. One sacrifices for the sake of the other... No wait. May have spoken too soon, because there is no way you kill off that character...
-- Almost a year and a half later and we find Catherine and crew out on a vessel headed to California, following what Jane wanted to do.
Series Dread Nation
Read by Bahni Turpin and Jordan Cobb
Started 03/03/2020 End 03/17/2020
(I finished this as the pandemic hit, so missed some thoughts on this.)
-- it's like a town inside a church
-- I steal a kiss -- or nine.
-- I sit and listen and see Jane = Rebel and Catherine = Upholder in the Happier framework. This is what I get for listening to that before this book...
-- Wait. Jackson's married? And is a soon to be father?
-- interesting that we get Catherine's viewpoint this time. It will be nice to have her representation in print.
-- Trying to decide if this is a commentary on science or an essay of having to have faith in both a higher power and science. Maybe this deals with people who have too much power doing stupid things with scence?
-- Since we met Gideon Carr in Summerland, I've not rightly liked that character. No matter how much he tries to come across as a nice, simple scientist and tinkerer, something about the way he goes about it rubs me the wrong way.
-- Trouble in town. Again. Obviously trouble follows Jane wherever she goes...
-- Jane don't do that. Don't chase off your friend just because you want to protect her from your fate. Not smart... I done that myself. Catherine does care, even i you two snip at each other...
-- Oh good, she tried... Um, too little too late?
-- Now that is one reason to have two leads. One sacrifices for the sake of the other... No wait. May have spoken too soon, because there is no way you kill off that character...
-- Almost a year and a half later and we find Catherine and crew out on a vessel headed to California, following what Jane wanted to do.
22gilroy
Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge
Read by Caitlin Davies
Start 03/23/20 End 03/26/2020
-- We start again with the unassuming witch just trying to live her life. Has a foster sister who's more outgoing. Then a Vampire appears in her life. Have I caught you on the cliché yet? No? I'll add one more piece. Werewolves find the witch attractive. And the magical beings are all Adepts
-- Okay, now the witch is accused of murder by the vampire. And she needs to clear her name. *sigh* The description of this book sounded so promising...
-- Sometimes, I swear that the female writers are no better than the male because they always seem to describe the men as hunks or chiseled marble, or over the top attractive in some way. Why can't they ever look at the dumpy guy and go "Well he's cute."
-- Again with the woman who doesn't know that she's stronger than she thinks. More cliché
-- Somehow, the concentration on the food descriptions is the only thing holding this book together.
-- Okay, so far, the culprit has been telegraphed from the beginning. Or have they? I suspect the "great twist" will show that it was telegraphed, but not the character you expect.
-- Main character is too much of a nervous little woman to be of any draw for me. While she claims to be down and out, she shows she's not. The incongruency doesn't work well for me.
-- Nope, I was wrong. It was the telegraphed character all along.
Read by Caitlin Davies
Start 03/23/20 End 03/26/2020
-- We start again with the unassuming witch just trying to live her life. Has a foster sister who's more outgoing. Then a Vampire appears in her life. Have I caught you on the cliché yet? No? I'll add one more piece. Werewolves find the witch attractive. And the magical beings are all Adepts
-- Okay, now the witch is accused of murder by the vampire. And she needs to clear her name. *sigh* The description of this book sounded so promising...
-- Sometimes, I swear that the female writers are no better than the male because they always seem to describe the men as hunks or chiseled marble, or over the top attractive in some way. Why can't they ever look at the dumpy guy and go "Well he's cute."
-- Again with the woman who doesn't know that she's stronger than she thinks. More cliché
-- Somehow, the concentration on the food descriptions is the only thing holding this book together.
-- Okay, so far, the culprit has been telegraphed from the beginning. Or have they? I suspect the "great twist" will show that it was telegraphed, but not the character you expect.
-- Main character is too much of a nervous little woman to be of any draw for me. While she claims to be down and out, she shows she's not. The incongruency doesn't work well for me.
-- Nope, I was wrong. It was the telegraphed character all along.
24clamairy
>23 gilroy: Curious to see what you think of this one. Is this your first time? I loved it back the 70s, but I can't imagine reading it for the first time now.
25gilroy
>24 clamairy: Yup. First time. It's on so many "To be Well Read" lists, I figured I'd attempt it.
27Sakerfalcon
>21 gilroy: Looking forward to your comments on Deathless divide I just finished Dread nation and loved it.
28gilroy
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C S Lewis
Read by Michael York
Start 04/07/2020 End 04/15/2020
-- Yes, this is the first time I'm reading this.
Read by Michael York
Start 04/07/2020 End 04/15/2020
-- Yes, this is the first time I'm reading this.
29clamairy
>28 gilroy: I'm shocked!
30gilroy
Dragon Trials by Ava Richardson
Start Date 01/26/2020 End Date 04/10/2020
(Definitely more thoughts on this to come)
-- Snobbish FMC, okay. Bumbling MMC, okay. Dragons, okay
-- Selected by dragons, not real different but I can work with it.
-- All the chapters are in first person. In the beginning, they alternate, but if you aren't paying attention, the reader might lose who is speaking. Not sure I like the editor who allowed this.
-- Dragon Rider training school -- magic school but trained in dragon skills - fighting or guiding/flying. That is starting to get cliché. I've still got to see how she executes, because of that opinion.
-- This book is a lot of set up, very slow building action. For all the set up, I expected more out of the last few chapters. Then again, this is establishing the arc for the trilogy, so maybe they didn't want to conclude too soon. However, some of the build felt like it should end THIS book. Not as subtle for a trilogy storyline.
Start Date 01/26/2020 End Date 04/10/2020
(Definitely more thoughts on this to come)
-- Snobbish FMC, okay. Bumbling MMC, okay. Dragons, okay
-- Selected by dragons, not real different but I can work with it.
-- All the chapters are in first person. In the beginning, they alternate, but if you aren't paying attention, the reader might lose who is speaking. Not sure I like the editor who allowed this.
-- Dragon Rider training school -- magic school but trained in dragon skills - fighting or guiding/flying. That is starting to get cliché. I've still got to see how she executes, because of that opinion.
-- This book is a lot of set up, very slow building action. For all the set up, I expected more out of the last few chapters. Then again, this is establishing the arc for the trilogy, so maybe they didn't want to conclude too soon. However, some of the build felt like it should end THIS book. Not as subtle for a trilogy storyline.
31gilroy
NYPD Red by James Patterson
Series NYPD Red
Start 04/22/2020 End 05/23/2020
(I may have more to come later as I ruminate on this)
-- I've never seen a two chapter prologue before. That is not a good sign, in my mind.
-- None of the characters are drawing me in. To be honest, most of these characters are too out there to be connectable. Cops who are extra smart (or extra lucky) working on the Hollywood elite beat, protecting the extra rich and famous. While this works for an 80's schtick, it doesn't work for me now.
-- This is definitely a formulaic book. You can feel the build, pause, build, pause pattern of the writing. The constant build and lack of dip, lack of chance to actually breathe.
-- At the end, there's the natural drop off the cliff, with a mild disappointment of how the climax was completed. I feel like the wrong point of view had the scene when they reached the climax.
-- Then the writers end with a two chapter epilogue. Technically, none of the epilogue should have been pushed away from the book. They tied up loose ends. And if they're two chapters, definitely bad writing.
Series NYPD Red
Start 04/22/2020 End 05/23/2020
(I may have more to come later as I ruminate on this)
-- I've never seen a two chapter prologue before. That is not a good sign, in my mind.
-- None of the characters are drawing me in. To be honest, most of these characters are too out there to be connectable. Cops who are extra smart (or extra lucky) working on the Hollywood elite beat, protecting the extra rich and famous. While this works for an 80's schtick, it doesn't work for me now.
-- This is definitely a formulaic book. You can feel the build, pause, build, pause pattern of the writing. The constant build and lack of dip, lack of chance to actually breathe.
-- At the end, there's the natural drop off the cliff, with a mild disappointment of how the climax was completed. I feel like the wrong point of view had the scene when they reached the climax.
-- Then the writers end with a two chapter epilogue. Technically, none of the epilogue should have been pushed away from the book. They tied up loose ends. And if they're two chapters, definitely bad writing.
32clamairy
>31 gilroy: Everything okay? You're not posting any reviews.
33gilroy
>32 clamairy: Mentally drained with working from home. And the Pandemic. Add in that a family member who's already not in the best of health tested positive. I've got notes that I need to update then I'll post. I've been trying to do notes offline but that's not much better than I did before when I posted them on line. :)
34clamairy
>33 gilroy: I am so very sorry. Hoping your family member has a mild case.
Hang in there. Reviews can wait!
Hang in there. Reviews can wait!
35haydninvienna
>33 gilroy: All my best. Go and fix yourself and do what you need to do.
36-pilgrim-
>33 gilroy: Hang in there. I hope all will be well with your family.
39gilroy
>38 -pilgrim-: Well, I'm an essential employee (work for an utility) so still feeling very much like >33 gilroy:. Good news is family member seems to be talking the nurses ears off, so they are doing okay. Allergies and strange weather patterns are kicking my butt.
Had a pet scare this past weekend. Our little orange buddy (seen acting as a bookend in my profile photo) was making strange noises and acting weird. Wife and I both watched him a bit, talked to my sister the veterinarian and had him isolated for 24 hours. He seemed fine after so we released him to the rest of the pride, but still watching him. Not 100% sure what happened with him. Except that he turns 11 in October and old age might be catching up to him.
Had a pet scare this past weekend. Our little orange buddy (seen acting as a bookend in my profile photo) was making strange noises and acting weird. Wife and I both watched him a bit, talked to my sister the veterinarian and had him isolated for 24 hours. He seemed fine after so we released him to the rest of the pride, but still watching him. Not 100% sure what happened with him. Except that he turns 11 in October and old age might be catching up to him.
40clamairy
>39 gilroy: Good luck with the kitty!
Hang in there.
Hang in there.
41-pilgrim-
>39 gilroy: I am glad that there is some good news about your family member. I am sorry that the rest of it sounds still stressful. As clam says, hang in there.
43gilroy
The Perks of being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Read by
Start 6/5/2020 End 06/18/2020
-- Yes, it's a stretch from where I started and creating this post. It's been one of those stretches.
Read by
Start 6/5/2020 End 06/18/2020
-- Yes, it's a stretch from where I started and creating this post. It's been one of those stretches.
44gilroy
So trying to get on with weight loss. But I hit a small glitch:
Hit a bad bump, fell over the handlebars of my bike, just didn't roll right.
Broke my finger. Makes typing difficult.
Hit a bad bump, fell over the handlebars of my bike, just didn't roll right.
Broke my finger. Makes typing difficult.
45clamairy
>44 gilroy: Oh no! Hope it heals quickly and you're not in too much pain.
Can you still turn pages?
Can you still turn pages?
46gilroy
>45 clamairy: Digital yes. Did that while waiting in the ER.
Not tried physical yet.
Have a cat that likes when I pet him left handed. He doesn't understand the big bulky thing.
The swelling is more my concern right now. I got to the ER like 15 minutes after it happened, so it barely had time to widen. Now the splint feels tight.
Not tried physical yet.
Have a cat that likes when I pet him left handed. He doesn't understand the big bulky thing.
The swelling is more my concern right now. I got to the ER like 15 minutes after it happened, so it barely had time to widen. Now the splint feels tight.
47hfglen
>44 gilroy: Owwww!
48haydninvienna
>44 gilroy: Ouch indeed! Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
49gilroy
I can joke now about not paying attention in Stunt School, because I didn't execute the tuck and roll correctly...
But when the wife wants to take the hand because of how purple it is...
But when the wife wants to take the hand because of how purple it is...
50Darth-Heather
Have a cat that likes when I pet him left handed.
well, that's the important thing. as long as the cat is happy, all is well :)
well, that's the important thing. as long as the cat is happy, all is well :)
51pgmcc
>50 Darth-Heather:
When I pet my cat with one hand he looks at me as if to say, "Hey! Only one hand?"
When I pet my cat with one hand he looks at me as if to say, "Hey! Only one hand?"
54gilroy
The Horse and His Boy by C S Lewis
Narrator Alex Jennings
Series Chronicles of Narnia
Start 06/25/2020 End 06/29/2020
Narrator Alex Jennings
Series Chronicles of Narnia
Start 06/25/2020 End 06/29/2020
55gilroy
Okay pinky update! Orthopedist updated me from splint to brace after a week. I'm scheduled to go see him again July 6, for new x-rays and then we discuss does this need surgery or not (GULP!) Though on a positive note: I'm going on almost 20 hours with no pain meds. A step in the right direction.
Wife is now petitioning to just cut the finger off and get a hook...
Wife is now petitioning to just cut the finger off and get a hook...
56-pilgrim-
>55 gilroy:
I think the first part of that sounds like a step in the right direction. I'm not so convinced about the second...
I think the first part of that sounds like a step in the right direction. I'm not so convinced about the second...
57gilroy
Prince Caspian by C S Lewis
Narrator Lynn Redgrave
Series Chronicles of Narnia
Start 07/09/2020 End 07/20/2020
Narrator Lynn Redgrave
Series Chronicles of Narnia
Start 07/09/2020 End 07/20/2020
58gilroy
The Enemy of the Enemy by Vincent Trigili
Start Date 01/03/2020 End Date 07/21/2020
Thoughts:
-- Can't believe I forgot to post this back in January. Ah well, time to correct the mistake.
-- It has an interesting concept. I think. Psionic bad guy coming to take over the galaxy, might already have spies in the government. A team from an embattled planet rescued and form a psionics council to combat the baddies. It feels too much like it floats that thin line between fantasy and science fiction. The characters… not real likeable either.
-- This is feeling like a fan of anime wrote the book. The dialogue is stilted and overly explanatory. A scene that you just witnessed gets reviewed in dialogue. And the shift from science fiction to a form of fantasy is progressing.
-- When you list a final climax as thegreatest gathering of evil ever assembled , you really don't leave yourself much room to build a series from that point on and make it have some credible enemy.
-- More thoughts to come
Start Date 01/03/2020 End Date 07/21/2020
Thoughts:
-- Can't believe I forgot to post this back in January. Ah well, time to correct the mistake.
-- It has an interesting concept. I think. Psionic bad guy coming to take over the galaxy, might already have spies in the government. A team from an embattled planet rescued and form a psionics council to combat the baddies. It feels too much like it floats that thin line between fantasy and science fiction. The characters… not real likeable either.
-- This is feeling like a fan of anime wrote the book. The dialogue is stilted and overly explanatory. A scene that you just witnessed gets reviewed in dialogue. And the shift from science fiction to a form of fantasy is progressing.
-- When you list a final climax as the
-- More thoughts to come
60pgmcc
gilroy, now that you have added a hook to your story you have >59 clamairy: on the line.
How is the finger?
How is the finger?
61gilroy
>59 clamairy: Right, it's been a month and I've forgotten to update. :)
Latest Ortho appointment was this past Monday. (I have burned more sick leave in a month than I have in 15 years at this job. Ah, well, at least I have it.) I'm officially out of the brace, so back to normal hand operation. Kinda. I'm still being cautious with the pinky cause it's still tender. Wear the brace during the night, just in case.
My first physical torture ... er therapy ... appointment is next Tuesday.
Oh and the extra blessed news: NO SURGERY!
Latest Ortho appointment was this past Monday. (I have burned more sick leave in a month than I have in 15 years at this job. Ah, well, at least I have it.) I'm officially out of the brace, so back to normal hand operation. Kinda. I'm still being cautious with the pinky cause it's still tender. Wear the brace during the night, just in case.
My first physical torture ... er therapy ... appointment is next Tuesday.
Oh and the extra blessed news: NO SURGERY!
62haydninvienna
>61 gilroy: Two thumbs up!
63Bookmarque
That's great. You'll be back to pinky swearing in no time!
65-pilgrim-
That's excellent news; surgery on the hands is never great. Hang in there for the physio (I remember it well.)
66gilroy
We are swimming up stream today, or so it feels. Tropical Storm Isaias decided the region needed more rain. So we're due for about 7 inches over the course of about 8 hours. (I could say a cheeky joke in here, but will behave. ;) ) In a way, the storm itself doesn't bug me as much as the aftermath. Working for a public utility, this means tree falling on lines and having trucks out to fix things in the wet and the yuck. The storm itself may bring a few down, but it will be the problem children that fall after the fact that will cause more grief...
67gilroy
Latest on the broken pinky:
It's healing correctly. Still no surgery. Doc wants me to keep using it so it builds up the muscles again. I'm allowed back on my bicycle today! Provided I don't crash. 🤣
The muscles, they are going to take longer to get back to normal use, he said. 3 to 6 months.
It's healing correctly. Still no surgery. Doc wants me to keep using it so it builds up the muscles again. I'm allowed back on my bicycle today! Provided I don't crash. 🤣
The muscles, they are going to take longer to get back to normal use, he said. 3 to 6 months.
68clamairy
>67 gilroy: That is great news! What kind of exercise do you do for a pinkie besides flexing it? Are there tiny weights, or do you use some kind of resistance gadget?
69gilroy
>68 clamairy: The Hand PT person has some different flexing exercises, plus picking things up making sure I use all fingers, and crumpling and uncrumpling paper, of all things.
70gilroy
Okay, so 15 years have passed since I first created an account here at LT. Where the HECK has the time gone?!?
On a side note, the GD Book Purchase thing is presently on hold until at least Thursday, when the paycheck arrives and I see if I can get the 16 books this year. (All ebooks.)
On a side note, the GD Book Purchase thing is presently on hold until at least Thursday, when the paycheck arrives and I see if I can get the 16 books this year. (All ebooks.)
71clamairy
>70 gilroy: WOW! Happy 15th! You may have the longest running membership in the group!
72jjwilson61
>71 clamairy: I just got a 15th as well, but I haven't contributed much lately.
73clamairy
>72 jjwilson61: Another one. Congrats! I had run into a few other people who'd been here on LT practically from the beginning, but they weren't part of the GD.
74-pilgrim-
>71 clamairy:, >72 jjwilson61: Congratulations to you both!
Looking forward to hearing what books you choose for your Thingsversaries (however long it takes you to locate appropriate tomes!)
Looking forward to hearing what books you choose for your Thingsversaries (however long it takes you to locate appropriate tomes!)
75pgmcc
>70 gilroy: Happy thingaversary.
76Sakerfalcon
Congratulations, 15ers! I wish you many more years of great reading and conversation!
77gilroy
I've shared this in other places, but missed dropping it here. Wrote it back in July when Hamilton was released on Disney+. Now I'm listening to the soundtrack from In The Heights (Also by Lin Manuel-Miranda) and feeling it even more thoroughly.
A Writer's Lament
As a writer, listening to Hamilton
I feel inadequate and unfulfilled
I have characters to create and worlds to build
But I could never match wits, with a man with such gifts
Yet here I still sit
Listening to get a lift
Trying to get my writing done
Though from the writing standpoint, I wrote a total of 1543 words from July to the end of September.
In the last week, I've written almost 1800 words. So maybe that's a good sign that I'm finally breaking out of the pandemic funk...
A Writer's Lament
As a writer, listening to Hamilton
I feel inadequate and unfulfilled
I have characters to create and worlds to build
But I could never match wits, with a man with such gifts
Yet here I still sit
Listening to get a lift
Trying to get my writing done
Though from the writing standpoint, I wrote a total of 1543 words from July to the end of September.
In the last week, I've written almost 1800 words. So maybe that's a good sign that I'm finally breaking out of the pandemic funk...
78gilroy
Trying to see if I can post here, since I tried to post on another thread and the message didn't post.
79clamairy
>77 gilroy: That's good news. What are you working on?
80gilroy
His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik
Read by Simon Vance
Series Temeraire
Started 10/16/2020 End 11/04/2020
-- I grabbed this due to many recommendations and because ... well, DRAGONS!
-- Interesting historic alternate history, if Napoleon and England had dragons during the great war between them.
-- The story feel a little cold, with mostly a recitation of events. There was some emotions but they are fewer than I'd have liked.
-- More thoughts to follow
Read by Simon Vance
Series Temeraire
Started 10/16/2020 End 11/04/2020
-- I grabbed this due to many recommendations and because ... well, DRAGONS!
-- Interesting historic alternate history, if Napoleon and England had dragons during the great war between them.
-- The story feel a little cold, with mostly a recitation of events. There was some emotions but they are fewer than I'd have liked.
-- More thoughts to follow
81gilroy
>79 clamairy: I have a series of stories I'm working on, most of which have a connection through the character Death. I'm not as good as Sir Terry when it comes to writing Death as a fun characters, but I have my own take on it.
82gilroy
Yup. Less than two weeks until my birthday. Churning stomach, headache, no desire to eat. Desire to avoid people...
Sadly, thanks to the damn pandemic, no desire to read, either. Writing has slid to a stop again. *sigh*
Sadly, thanks to the damn pandemic, no desire to read, either. Writing has slid to a stop again. *sigh*
83clamairy
>82 gilroy: I'm so sorry to hear all this. Hang in there. I have managed to keep reading through this, though not as much as I'd like too. Hope you feel better soon.
85gilroy
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C S Lewis
Narrator Derek Jacobi
Series Chronicles of Narnia
Start 08/18/2020 End 08/21/2020
Narrator Derek Jacobi
Series Chronicles of Narnia
Start 08/18/2020 End 08/21/2020
86gilroy
The Silver Chair by C S Lewis
Narrator Jeremy Northam
Series Chronicles of Narnia
Start 09/01/2020 End 09/12/2020
Narrator Jeremy Northam
Series Chronicles of Narnia
Start 09/01/2020 End 09/12/2020
87gilroy
The Last Battle by C S Lewis
Narrator Patrick Stewart
Series Chronicles of Narnia
Start 10/03/2020 End 11/04/2020
Narrator Patrick Stewart
Series Chronicles of Narnia
Start 10/03/2020 End 11/04/2020
88gilroy
Dragon's Oath by P C Cast and Kristin Cast
Narrator Caitlin Davies
Start 11/05/2020 End 11/12/2020
Thoughts
-- interesting take on vampires
-- More to come.
Narrator Caitlin Davies
Start 11/05/2020 End 11/12/2020
Thoughts
-- interesting take on vampires
-- More to come.
89gilroy
Graveminder by Melissa Marr
Narrator Emma Galvin
Start Date 09/15/2020 End Date 10/02/2020
Thoughts:
-- Mystery and Zombies gotta love it. This feels like it's built on myths of why there's always a graveyard keeper and just expanding it beyond that myth.
-- This twists and turns in unexpected ways
-- I felt like there was a lot of build up and then a drop off the cliff in the last few chapters. Rebecca knew what to do too easily, almost.
-- This really does push the love story more than the other side of things. Be ready for relationship tugs.
More thoughts to come
Narrator Emma Galvin
Start Date 09/15/2020 End Date 10/02/2020
Thoughts:
-- Mystery and Zombies gotta love it. This feels like it's built on myths of why there's always a graveyard keeper and just expanding it beyond that myth.
-- This twists and turns in unexpected ways
-- I felt like there was a lot of build up and then a drop off the cliff in the last few chapters. Rebecca knew what to do too easily, almost.
-- This really does push the love story more than the other side of things. Be ready for relationship tugs.
More thoughts to come
90gilroy
When She Woke by Hillary Jordan
Narrator Heather Corrigan
Start 11/19/2020 End 12/09/2020
Thoughts:
-- Punishment for abortion. The religious control. New way to punish people.
-- main character is more progressive than family. Religious leader is as bad as most televangelists.
-- Getting a sense this book has an underlying theme of religious hypocrisy. Not sure. Definitely don't trust the high and mighty types from the unreliable narrator eyes.
-- Okay, so she finally breaks out from the religious sects for part three, only to have a horrid brother in law.
-- Part of the main character's thought processes show the deeply ingrained hate that some religious sects put in their people. I'd call it brainwashing, but then people would call me a hater myself.
-- Sanctity of Life laws = SOL = shit out of luck
-- Once you listen to the end, you see more that this book is a journey from a deeply regulated existence to a more open minded approach, but the character doesn't reach this revelation until she reaches the last section.
(More thoughts to come)
Narrator Heather Corrigan
Start 11/19/2020 End 12/09/2020
Thoughts:
-- Punishment for abortion. The religious control. New way to punish people.
-- main character is more progressive than family. Religious leader is as bad as most televangelists.
-- Getting a sense this book has an underlying theme of religious hypocrisy. Not sure. Definitely don't trust the high and mighty types from the unreliable narrator eyes.
-- Okay, so she finally breaks out from the religious sects for part three, only to have a horrid brother in law.
-- Part of the main character's thought processes show the deeply ingrained hate that some religious sects put in their people. I'd call it brainwashing, but then people would call me a hater myself.
-- Sanctity of Life laws = SOL = shit out of luck
-- Once you listen to the end, you see more that this book is a journey from a deeply regulated existence to a more open minded approach, but the character doesn't reach this revelation until she reaches the last section.
(More thoughts to come)
91Sakerfalcon
>90 gilroy: I look forward to your review of this one, as it just found its way onto my TBR pile.
92gilroy
Pondering, pondering...
I presently have an Xbox 360, but it's older and starting to definitely show its age. This means I'm considering buying an Xbox One S.
Before you say anything, yes, I realize Micro$oft is releasing a new box this year. The model I want starts at $600. Whereas I can get an Xbox One for $350. Plus the games I enjoy playing, I doubt will be backward compatible for two levels.
I know I'll hear arguments for getting a PS4/5 instead of an Xbox. But that would also require buying again ten to twelve games. The funds are not that great. This is also why I'm always a system behind.
I presently have an Xbox 360, but it's older and starting to definitely show its age. This means I'm considering buying an Xbox One S.
Before you say anything, yes, I realize Micro$oft is releasing a new box this year. The model I want starts at $600. Whereas I can get an Xbox One for $350. Plus the games I enjoy playing, I doubt will be backward compatible for two levels.
I know I'll hear arguments for getting a PS4/5 instead of an Xbox. But that would also require buying again ten to twelve games. The funds are not that great. This is also why I'm always a system behind.
93YouKneeK
>92 gilroy: There’s always the Oculus Quest 2 for $299 if you have any interest in virtual reality games. Even cheaper! :)
I haven't bought a traditional video game console in a while. I had the Xbox 360, and I bought the PS3 because at the time it came out blu-ray was still pretty new and the PS3 was reportedly one of the better blu-ray players. I've long since given both away because I wasn't using them anymore. I grew up on computer games and I was never very good at operating the controllers, so I never used them much for traditional video games.
I haven't bought a traditional video game console in a while. I had the Xbox 360, and I bought the PS3 because at the time it came out blu-ray was still pretty new and the PS3 was reportedly one of the better blu-ray players. I've long since given both away because I wasn't using them anymore. I grew up on computer games and I was never very good at operating the controllers, so I never used them much for traditional video games.
94gilroy
>93 YouKneeK: I think VR games are worse for me than AR games. Mostly because I'd be so focused on playing I'd probably break something. :)
I really don't play game systems a lot myself. I'll go stretches where the system sits idle, gathering dust. Then I'll go through stretches where I play every other day (or sometimes every day) and just don't want to not play. Usually what stops me more than anything is the headache I get from the intense concentration from playing the game. Which is weird, but it's related to the games I play.
As a follow up to >92 gilroy:, I did end up getting the Xbox One S. I've made some discoveries about me misreading literature and now need to buy about 6 upgrades to games I already have. *sigh* However, I've also been able to get and play the Untitled Goose Game now. And my Wife has also gotten addicted to it. So there is that.
I really don't play game systems a lot myself. I'll go stretches where the system sits idle, gathering dust. Then I'll go through stretches where I play every other day (or sometimes every day) and just don't want to not play. Usually what stops me more than anything is the headache I get from the intense concentration from playing the game. Which is weird, but it's related to the games I play.
As a follow up to >92 gilroy:, I did end up getting the Xbox One S. I've made some discoveries about me misreading literature and now need to buy about 6 upgrades to games I already have. *sigh* However, I've also been able to get and play the Untitled Goose Game now. And my Wife has also gotten addicted to it. So there is that.
95gilroy
The Magician's Nephew by C S Lewis
Read by Kenneth Branagh
Started 12/10/2020 End 12/18/2020
-- Already from the beginning, while it's a prequel, it reads as if you need to have read the other books to understand the story.
Read by Kenneth Branagh
Started 12/10/2020 End 12/18/2020
-- Already from the beginning, while it's a prequel, it reads as if you need to have read the other books to understand the story.
96Sakerfalcon
>95 gilroy: I think it was the 6th book to be written in the series, so I expect that subconsciously at least Lewis expected readers to have some familiarity with what had gone before. In the UK the series order is often given as the publication order. How is Brannagh's narration?
97gilroy
>96 Sakerfalcon: One hour in and he's turning out to be a decent reader. Not as good as Patrick Stewart, but decent.
98Darth-Heather
>94 gilroy: I don't think I will be able to do VR games. I already have trouble with FPS; it makes me carsick.
99ScoLgo
>98 Darth-Heather: Try playing the game when not driving, perhaps...? ;-)
100gilroy
Plot point updates from 2020 that need to be resolved:
Broken Pinky -- No surgery, got through physical torture ... Uh I mean therapy ... without issue. It won't completely straighten without a little assistance, but this was to be expected per doctor and therapists.
15 years -- Forgot to mention, I got my present bill paying job the same year I started here. So I celebrated 15 years at the same company back in June.
Xbox Upgrade -- I did end up getting an Xbox One in November. Waited to see what wife might get for me for the holidays, then started replacing things. Found out that if the disc transferred from the Xbox 360 to Xbox One, your saved games moved with. If you had to buy new, you lost ALL saved games. Which means I lost almost 80 hours of work in Skyrim, and progression through half of Lego Star Wars. BUT I got a new game to start teaching my wife the joys of game controllers. Untitled Goose Game. You play an annoying goose and have tasks to complete. It's quite amusing. And kinda cathartic. You're supposed to be an arse.
House Repair -- I've managed to learn to patch my Basement walls to prevent leaks. One wall fixed... Three to go. But the difference in the amount of water coming in has been HUGE. Next big test will be the next mega storm we get. Right now, I'm hoping for snow to kill off all sorts of bugs.
Broken Pinky -- No surgery, got through physical torture ... Uh I mean therapy ... without issue. It won't completely straighten without a little assistance, but this was to be expected per doctor and therapists.
15 years -- Forgot to mention, I got my present bill paying job the same year I started here. So I celebrated 15 years at the same company back in June.
Xbox Upgrade -- I did end up getting an Xbox One in November. Waited to see what wife might get for me for the holidays, then started replacing things. Found out that if the disc transferred from the Xbox 360 to Xbox One, your saved games moved with. If you had to buy new, you lost ALL saved games. Which means I lost almost 80 hours of work in Skyrim, and progression through half of Lego Star Wars. BUT I got a new game to start teaching my wife the joys of game controllers. Untitled Goose Game. You play an annoying goose and have tasks to complete. It's quite amusing. And kinda cathartic. You're supposed to be an arse.
House Repair -- I've managed to learn to patch my Basement walls to prevent leaks. One wall fixed... Three to go. But the difference in the amount of water coming in has been HUGE. Next big test will be the next mega storm we get. Right now, I'm hoping for snow to kill off all sorts of bugs.
