Tane tries to read in 2023 (wish me luck!)

Ok, so I don't have very high hopes for reading much this year - however, I'd like to commit to writing them all down as I go. I will continue my march through the Discworld, but will probably interject a few different books in there as well. Plus as many different audiobooks as I can manage.

Let's start with:

All The Seas Of The World - This one has been in my TBR pile for a bit, and whilst I am a big fan of Kay's work this one just didn't grip me as much as his others. It was definitely enjoyable, but seemed to be missing that certain spark.

Good luck; happy new year; happy new thread

Good luck! Happy new year.

Good luck and happy reading!

Good luck and happy new thread.

Happy New Year, and may you have moments of peace here and there which are not filled with chores, to read, relax and rejuvenate.

>1 Tane: Happy new year and good luck with your goals! I haven't liked the last couple of GGK's nearly as well as his older stuff.

>2 hfglen: Thank you!

>3 Narilka: Thank you

>4 majkia: Thank you

>5 pgmcc: Thank you, so much!

>6 MrsLee: Thank you, I hope for a few moments of peace too... I think my best opportunity (with a 1 year old stumbling around the place) is to focus on audiobooks this year (walking the dog comes in very handy!)

>7 Jim53: Thank you. I agree these last 3 books, whilst there are moments of greatness within them... they're just not as good as some of his older books. Tigana is an absolute favourite, and whilst it's a high bar to hit, I would dearly love to see him return to something more akin to this.

>1 Tane: Like you, I had to put down All the Seas of the World. I had thought my dissatisfaction might have had more to do with my own mood, but I'm beginning to wonder. (Glad to see you posting here.)

>14 jillmwo: Thank you. It’s not just you, that’s for sure. I will try to post more often 😊

Good luck! Happy New Year and happy new thread!

>14 jillmwo: >15 Tane: Uh oh, I was given All the Seas of the World for Christmas, since it was on my wishlist.

>16 Karlstar: Happy new year to you, too.

It’s not a terrible book, far from it… I just didn’t engage with it in the same way I have with others. It felt a little like going through the motions.

I would love to hear others thoughts on it though.

Happy new year! I hope you manage to read in between the toddler wrangling!

>18 Sakerfalcon: Thank you. I think I’ll be relying on audiobooks and dog walks this year… toddler and reading definitely don’t mix 😆

I do a ton of audio so if our tastes align, have a look at my catalog for many hours of toddler walking and dog wrangling. Or is it the other way around? 😀

>20 Bookmarque: thank you, now that’s a great idea. I will check it out.

Sorry I'm late. Happy New Year, and best of luck with all of your reading and listening.

>22 clamairy: thank you, and happy new year to you too.

Audiobook update:

I’ve just finished The Radleys, an urban vampire family story. Though it was largely predictable, this story kept me entertained on a few brisk walks. It tells the story of the Radley family as they come to terms with their vampiric past, and mixes in a bit of teen drama, marital stress, and blood. Short, easy to listen to, and probably just the right thing for me at the moment.

Good Omens is next.

>24 Tane: Do the Radleys ever say "Boo"?

>25 Jim53: I was waiting for it the whole time… but no, sadly not.

>24 Tane: Is Good Omens a reread for you? If not, I envy you the experience of encountering it for the first time!

>27 Sakerfalcon: I'm ashamed to say that this is the first time - and I am thoroughly enjoying it!

Audiobook update:

Good Omens was fantastic. A real treat. If Douglas Adams had chosen religion and witchcraft rather than spaceships and hitchhiking this may very well have been the book he’d write.

This has put me in a Neil Gaiman mood, so next up is Trigger Warning

>29 Tane: I like that comparison, very apt.

>30 MrsLee: Thank you 😊

Audiobook update:

Trigger Warning was my first collection of Neil Gaiman short stories, and whilst I can’t confess to have enjoyed every single story here to the same level, they all range from good to outstanding. One thing I did enjoy was the explanation behind each story, that extra context of why each story was written, or when, or where… just gave each one a bit of a deeper meaning for me, more of a connection.

So, sticking in the Gaimansphere I am moving on to American Gods next.

I have not read Trigger Warning, but I'm considering listening to it just to hear his voice. I am very curious to see what you think of American Gods. I will wait until you are done to share the link to our group read.. (Which was 1,000 years ago, back when JPB and AtomicMutant were still very active here.)

Audiobook update:
Ok, so I’ve completed American Gods, and whilst I can say I enjoyed it, there are caveats… I’m not sure how I feel about Neil Gaiman’s “American” voice. But then, from the commentary at the end of this version of the audiobook it sounds like he wasn’t sure about it either. I liked the premise of walking around with various gods. I understood the immigrant connotations. But… I just… I just wasn’t enamoured with it. It was meandering, but what actually happened? It was intriguing but also a bit too evasive for its own good.

So, a middling Gaiman story for me (but middling Gaiman is still good).

I’ve also listened to Lanny by Max Porter. A short, odd tale about a special boy and the village he grew up in. To say more would be to spoil it, and I don’t want to do that. It worked well in audio format, but be warned - it’s unlike anything else you’ll read / hear. It uses a particular literary device to great effect (its a bit like tuning in a radio, but instead of different music playing as you surf the channels, it’s actually your neighbours thoughts), and tells its story from multiple perspectives. Good stuff. An unexpected little find, that I’m pleased to have listened to on my commute today. Not one to necessary repeat, but I’m pleased I’ve listened to it.

>34 Tane: Yes, that's how I felt about it.

If you have insomnia some night you might want to look at these, though I would skip the first four and go right to the last one: https://wiki.librarything.com/index.php/Groups:The_Green_Dragon/Group_book_discu...

>34 Tane:, >35 clamairy: I enjoyed parts of American gods but I agree with you about the book as a whole. It did, however, make me want to visit the House on the Rock!

>35 clamairy: Thank you for the link, I will check it out. Gosh all the way back to 2006!

>36 Sakerfalcon: hah, yes I can understand that 🙂

>37 Tane: Yes, some of the old KiKn crew were posting in that one.

>34 Tane: I feel that way about quite a lot of Gaiman's novels; I get to the end and shrug, feeling a bit underwhelmed, like I wanted there to be more punch or more...something. More. But then, afterwards, I find that the story sticks in my mind for quite a long time and becomes a part of my frame of reference.

American Gods is connected to Anansi Boys; you might give that a try and see if it helps round things out more?

>40 Darth-Heather: I have much the same reaction to Gaiman's novels. The ones I have read have seemed a bit YA-ish for my tastes. That said, I loved his Absolute Sandman books and his short story take on Snow White, (Snow, Glass, Apples), I think is masterful.

>39 clamairy: That’s my weekend reading sorted 😊

>40 Darth-Heather: I’m glad it’s not just me. I agree with the whole “it sticks around with you” thing.

I’ll check out Anansi Boys, thank you for the recommendation.

>41 ScoLgo: I’ve read that Snow White story, I agree. I enjoyed it. His short stuff is better, in my opinion.

Although I do like Sandman, I think it is fantastic. It hit all the right marks for me when I read it originally. I’m still upset over Martin Tenbones 🙂

>43 Tane: American Gods is the only Gaiman I didn't love. I think Stardust was my favorite, though.

>45 clamairy: It's odd but I loved American Gods more after listening to a tribute album that has two songs related to this story that filled out the character motivations a bit more for me.

Where's Neil When You Need Him

On Youtube When Everyone Forgets
Even Gods Do

I liked The Ocean at the End of the Lane quite well.

>46 Darth-Heather: Very cool!
>47 Jim53: Yes, that's probably my second favorite.

>45 clamairy: I’ve read some of that discussion now. In a way I’m pleased that my opinion is similar, even after all this time. And I need to read Stardust

>46 Darth-Heather: I will check out that album. Sounds intriguing.

>47 Jim53: ooh. I’ll have to try that one. I believe there’s a stage play version? I wonder how that would work.

Audiobook update:

The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter - this was a gamble, but I do enjoy fairytales and these retellings are ok. The author added a lot of sex, violence, and blood into her versions of Beauty and Beast and other classics. It was read by Emilia Fox and Richard Armitage, so it sounded great.

A surprising amount of nipples. That’s my one line review.

I was also surprised to learn that it was written back in the 1970s.

>52 Tane: Bwahaha!!!

>49 Tane: Yes! I'm still unsure why it was such a big hit with some people.

Ok, next up on the audiobook update is a non-fiction title, Ask A Historian by funny historian/ educator Greg Jenner. If you like his podcast, You’re Dead To Me, the this will be right up your street. It’s a fascinating, insightful, and entertaining trek through some unexpected history questions.

Very much enjoyed.

But now I’m a little stumped as to what to listen to next.

I know I need to get back to The Discworld as well, but time is not my friend right now.

I’ll report back soon with whatever I end up choosing.

>54 Tane: Greg Jenner also does Horrible Histories, aimed at a younger (ahem) audience and available on YouTube. Here is a selection.

>55 hfglen: ah yes, “younger” audiences 😁 - thank you for the link, lots to watch there!

Audiobook update:

Just finished The Age of Myth - which was a pleasant surprise. I knew nothing of it (or the wider series) until I picked it at random.

It’s the sort of book that I would’ve really, really loved at age 13 (and secretly still quite like today).

My next audiobook listen has been What If? 2 by Randall Monroe read by Wil Wheaton. I really enjoyed this one, just as much as the first volume. Lots of detailed answers to silly questions, that more often than not really get you thinking.

>58 Tane: I have this in print! I must get to it soon.

>59 Sakerfalcon: I enjoyed the first one, and the second is equally fun. The audiobook is (as you’d expect) read perfectly by Wil.

I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.

>60 Tane: Thank you! I loved the first book, especially the scenario involving attempting to arrange samples of the elements in the order of the periodic table. I lol every time I reread it!

And now I’ve listened to Troll Mountain by Matthew Reilly. What can I say? It’s a very simple story, that perhaps thinks it’s smarter than it is? However, it was enjoyable when approached with the right mindset.

Don’t go into this one expecting an epic fantasy. Don’t go into this one expecting complexity or lyrical prose (I mean this is Matt Reilly, you definitely shouldn’t expect that!)

But, if you’re after a family-friendly simple story of a young hero saving the day and you don’t have much time (it’s very short), this might fill that gap.

>62 Tane: I think this sounds sweet and told my husband about it because he is looking for easy reads (trying to climb out of a reading slump), he might add it to his kindle :-) Sometimes short and simple is just what is needed.

>63 MissBrangwen: Thank you. I agree. When I say very short, I should caveat it with - short for a Matt Reilly book. It clips along at quite a brisk pace.

Next audiobook... and it's a good one (I think, anyway)... it's The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. He has a great voice for narration, especially of his own work.

>66 Tane: Oh, enjoy. I loved this one.

>66 Tane: One of my favorites as well. My son just listened to it and now he says it is his favorite Gaiman, aside from Sandman series.

>67 clamairy: thank you. So far, so very good. It’s delightfully odd in just the right amount.

>68 MrsLee: I can understand your sons perspective. I’m enjoying it, though Sandman will probably always be top Gaiman for me too.

I really enjoyed the quirky fable-like story that is The Graveyard Book - it’s a little gem of a tale, made all the more precious by Neil Himself’s narration.

I’ve blasted through another great listen - Jurassic Park. I’m a big fan of the film, and I originally read the book way back in the mid-90s (last century!). It was good to go through it again. There’s more in the book than the film, but the overall feel between the two is the same. A very enjoyable flashback to almost 30 years ago.

Audiobook update:

I’ve struggled through Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield - it’s my kind of odd story, but perhaps I’m just not in the right mood. I found it difficult to engage with the story, and the prose. One to try again another time.

Discworld Update: The Wee Free Men

Tiffany Aching enters the Discworld, accompanied by some very colourful (blue) little friends.

Any surprises?
The only Tiffany Aching book I've read is The Shepherd's Crown, so it's really good to go back to where it started. Surprises? No, I guess not. Well, I could say I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed it - but then, that shouldn't be a surprise really, should it?

Overall?
Tiffany is a good addition to the witching line of Discworld books. Though young in years, she already has a good witch head on her shoulders. Whilst I felt there were perhaps some parallels with an earlier Discworld witch book (fairy power tries to do bad things), Tiffany's character was more than up to the job of making this feel fresh, a new perspective on a common theme.

Next?
It took me 6-months to start looking at The Wee Free Men, and a couple of days to actually read it. However, up next is Monstrous Regiment. This one I have read, and enjoyed. Though I wonder if it'll read differently second time around? Let's find out...

>74 Tane: Glad you enjoyed it. How is RL treating you otherwise?

>75 clamairy: Hello, thank you for asking. In truth… You know those years where everything just seems to be difficult, and nothing quite goes as you’d like it? 2023 is one of those years.

But, we’re only halfway through and I’m still here, healthy and enjoying fatherhood with an 18-month old (he certainly keeps me young 😆) in the house.

Most importantly I seem to have carved out some time for reading again, so that’s good.

How’re you?

>76 Tane: I'm healthy, and I'm reading a lot. My 13 old pup started having seizures back in January. She kept rebounding, and I thought we were going to be able to enjoy a lot more time together, but that was not to be. So it goes.

>74 Tane: Am I right in thinking this is the one where Tiffany lays into the fairy queen with a cast-iron frying pan? That's always seemed to me a most sensible way of dealing with pests that can't cope with iron.

>77 clamairy: oh, that’s hard. I’m sorry for your loss 😞

Glad you’re healthy though, and reading plenty. That’s good.

>78 hfglen: That’s the one, and I agree. The frying pan is a very sensible choice. And she uses it well.

Discworld Update: Monstrous Regiment

Polly Perks pulls a Mulan and heads into war as Oliver Perks. Only to find out (in true Discworld fashion) that this isn't exactly an original idea.

Any surprises?
I'd forgotten that Vimes was in this one, and whilst it's little more than a cameo - it still advances his overall character arc. I'd also forgotten William De Worde was in it, that was a pleasant (but again brief) surprise.

Overall?
The themes beneath the story are quite interesting for this one: the futility of war, the stupidity of misogyny, etc... and on top of that there's the whole gender aspect. I guess in this day and age that could be considered a more sensitive or triggering subject than perhaps it was when it was written, but for me it's a plot device for playing out those other themes already mentioned. I'd be interested in others opinions on this...

Next?
We're heading back to Tiffany Aching, in A Hat Full of Sky - another story I haven't ready before, in fact we're starting to enter a patch of books that are new to me. Which I am looking forward to!

>81 Tane: I haven't read this, but I did love A Hat Full of Sky. Enjoy!

>81 Tane: I had stopped reading the Discworld books for a few years, but Monstrous Regiment was the one that got me back into the series. (I then went back and read all the ones I'd skipped!)

>82 clamairy: Thank you, I’ll let you know how I get on with the next Tiffany Aching book (though I’m sure it’ll be good)

>83 Sakerfalcon: Oh nice. That’s good. I’m hitting a patch of Discworld books that I haven’t read, I’m looking forward to reading them.

Audiobook update:

I've just finished The Silmarillion as read by Andy Serkis, he did a great job (just as he did with both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings). As for the book itself, I must confess although I've read it before (at various times and with various levels of success) this is the first time I've gotten through it in one go. It's more like reading a history book than a novel, but then I guess everyone knows that by now?

So... what shall I listen to next? I'm not sure.

>86 Tane: Thanks for that, I would probably enjoy a narration of The Silmarillion. I agree, it is more like a history book.

>87 Karlstar: If you've listened to Andy Serkis read either the Hobbit or LOTR, you'll know exactly what you're in for. He does a good job of it.

Discworld Update: A Hat Full Of Sky

We're back with Tiffany Aching, as her next adventure really sets her on the path of witchcraft.

Any surprises?
Having never read this one (I'll be saying that a lot for the next few books), I was surprised more by the lack of Nanny Ogg than anything. I'm so used to Granny Weatherwax having her fruity sidekick around that it seemed strange for her not to put in an appearance. But then, perhaps Nanny isn't really appropriate for something of a younger audience.

Overall?
I like the way Sir Terry approaches Witch magic, and how it's fundamentally different to Wizard magic (I kind of see them as parallels to psychology and chemistry / physics / computer science). Tiffany is a good character for exploring the world of Witch magic, without retreading what has gone before (in the earlier Witch books).

Next?
Another new one on me (though I've see the Sky adaptation) - it's the introduction of Moist von Lipwig in Going Postal

Discworld Update: Going Postal

The Discworld Industrial Revolution is well underway here, and it’s Moist von Lipwig’s job to reinvigorate the old, failed postal service - in the face of some stiff competition.

Any surprises?
I suppose I was surprised by the many links this book has to previous stories (such as The Truth, The Fifth Elephant), with a couple of cameos and name drops, beyond the usual mention of Night Watch characters doing their job. I also picked up on the reference to the in world game Thud, which will feature heavily in the next story. It really does make the Discworld feel like a loving, breathing place.

Overall?
I like Moist, and his scoundrel-with-a-heart-of-gold ways. I like that the main love interest in the story isn’t interested in love. I think the Smoking Gnu is a great name for a clacks hacking group.

Yep, this was a good one. So glad that Moist is introduced as a new ongoing character.

Next?

Thud! is next. Looking forward to rereading this one. Murder, racial tension between Dwarves and Trolls, and Sam Vimes. Let’s go!

>90 Tane: I have only read a few Prachett novels, I had no idea one of them was titled Thud!.

>91 Karlstar: the title comes from an in universe board game - a sort of Dwarves v Trolls chess, you could say.

Discworld Update: Thud!

A historic battle (or battles) between Dwarves and Trolls rears its head and stirs up trouble and racial tension in modern day Ankh-Morpork. Therefore there’s only one person who can get to the bottom of it all… Sam Vimes (well, he does have some help from his increasingly diverse Watch members).

Any surprises?
I’ve read this one before but didn’t have any particularly strong memories of it, other than Mr Shine. The surprise this time around? How it just sort of fizzled out in a way. The ending wasn’t as strong as I’d hoped.

Overall?
Time with Sam Vimes is never wasted, and the drive to be home to read a bedtime story every day to his son is such a strong parallel with my own life right now, that I can’t help but empathise. But… but, it feels a little like this one is retreading old ground with the whole dwarvish culture and all that. Still, I’m not complaining.

Next?

The Wintersmith is next, as we turn back to Tiffany Aching, a couple of years older and entering yet more witchy-trouble. I’m enjoying discovering these books for the first time.

Discworld Update: Wintersmith

Tiffany Aching gets older, and entangles herself with the spirit of Winter. She also meets Nanny Ogg, and a fun adventure ensues.

Any surprises?
I didn’t expect sex to come up as a subject in this book, yet there it is. I should’ve known as soon as Nanny Ogg turned up 😆

Overall?
Another solid entry in the whole Discworld series, and another good Tiffany Aching story. It falls into the “monster of the week” category, like the other Aching books so far - but that’s no bad thing. I really enjoyed this one.

Next?

We return to Moist von Lipwig, as he moves on from running the postal service and finds himself in the complex landscape of banking. It’s time to start Making Money