Wednesday Reading Meme?
Jan. 9th, 2019 09:31 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shadowkat1. Had the following conversation with two co-workers about a weird book in the lunch room.
ME: Looks like a horror novel, is it?
Nicole: Can't tell. It says its about some weird mystical artworks and is an anthology. I don't know.
I don't read books. I watch movies instead.
Mike: Yeah, I haven't read a book in years. Last one was the one..that became the movie with Tom Hanks solving some weird mystery..Da Vinci something.
Me: Well, see, you're looking at someone who reads all the time. Barbara once asked me if I was the sort of person who always had a book in my hand or with. And I do. I read constantly. And write constantly, even self-published a book. Although I'm not sure I'd want to read that particular book..
Mike: That's really cool. I really respect you a lot for doing that. I need to read more. And I mean outside of news alerts on my phone.
Me: People do audio books but that doesn't work for me.
Coworkers: Me either. I have no patience to be listening to something -- I'd rather be watching a movie -- I need the visuals.
Mike: I should read more. I know I'll go to my library, get a hard-cover book and read that on my commute. As opposed to all the gadets. An actual book.
Me: A library is a good place to start -- you can ease into it. Because there's so much content out there, it's like television...oh, I want to watch a show...there's about a 1000, same with books. But with a library, you can browse and pick up something, read for free.
Mike: That's a really good idea. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm going to do that.
Nicole: Me too. I'm going to try and read more.
I can't imagine not reading. Or writing for that matter. People romanticize writing. It provides no fame, no fortune, the accolades and applause such as it is -- is fleeting, far more frequent is the criticism. Yet I love it anyhow. Painful as it is. And it's never come easily for me. Sometimes it's back breaking work -- literally. But I love it. Solitary. Isolating. Yet...how else can I weave the tales inside my head? Or discuss things? And play with words? I'd rather do it than anything else in the world. If you don't feel the same -- don't write. But please, please, read. Reading like nothing else pulls you into another person's perspective, another consciousness. You are forced to listen, to see the world through their eyes if just for a little while. It's a different type of listening, it is a listening with the eyes and the mind..as it makes sense of symbols on paper.
Anyhow...I felt good after that brief discussion.
Today the sun peeked out from beneath the clouds and life for a bit, was glorious.
2. Making my way slowly through The Essex Serpent -- which is interesting. I'm guessing early 20th Century, about 1910 or thereabouts, pre-WWI, definitely post Industrial Revolution. We have cars and buses, yet women are still wearing corsets, and the marriage laws are still stifling as are the roles women are relegated to -- albeit less stifling than the 1800s.
When reading fictional historicals, I'm always a bit skeptical of the historical facts, unless the writer provides me with proof that it is accurate. It doesn't have to be -- I hand-wave a lot in fiction. As long as it makes logical sense to me, that's okay. Fiction in of itself is a story told with embellishment and fabrication. Otherwise it would be non-fiction. Also time periods are hard to know without dates. It's often best not to include them. (Sigh, which I keep doing in my own writing. Must learn not to do this. But I like to know when I am in a story.)
Anyhow, the characters are compelling and different. (Keep in mind I've been reading romance novels, urban fantasy (Which is basically the same thing), and YA fantasy (also the same thing) - so the characters tend to be inhumanely beautiful and perfect physically. The epitome of whatever it is the author considers attractive in our society. And described in luscious detail.)
* Luke Garrett - the Imp (which because I've read GOT and watched it -- instantly brought Peter Dinklater into my head. He's even described physically in this manner...brooding forehead, slightly bulging eyes, diminitive in stature, with a slight limp.) He's a doctor and interesting. Also in love with the heroine/protagonist -- but she is unaware -- so unrequited love.
* Cora -- the heroine, who is described as big-boned, rough, and awkward. She mispronounces words at times, and is insanely intelligent -- and fascinated by natural wonders. Suffered in a bad marriage, but he thankfully died, and now she's free to wander about with her companion and her son. She's a naturalist.
* Martha - Cora's companion who may be half in love with Cora (hard to tell...this feels like a lesbian romance, but I'm not certain?).
* Francis -- Cora's odd-ball eleven year old son, who is emotionally distant from her, but collects all sorts of oddities.
Has a bit of a feminist vibe. And a mystery at the center about a serpent or dragon that may or may not be lurking in the village swampland. And may or may not have killed a man at New Years.
Interesting book, with a decidedly early 20th Century writing style -- which I'm struggling a bit with, because I find the late 19th Century/Early 20th Century writing style to be sleep-inducing. That said, it is cleaner and neater than say Georgette Heyer's -- which gave me a headache. This writer doesn't write around things, and is more direct, also has a bit of poetry in her prose descriptions, also is very character centric. We switch points of view quite a bit...so multiple third person perspective, close, which I tend to like -- I write like that. Her style is close to mine in some respects, but a touch more flowery. (I've spent too many years writing for the Railroad and assorted businesses...it tends to make one's writing more direct, simple, and clean. Mainly because people hate to read at the Railroad. So I have to find a way to be brief. Plus, I've spent a lot of years blogging -- so my style has become increasingly casual in tone -- casual works better online, or so I've found.)
Whether I stick with this or not, has more to do with my mood and cravings for romantic stimulation (heigh-ho hormones) than the narrative.
3. Saw an interesting book rec'd on FB, by former Junior Minister of my UU church (he's homosexual and a huge fantasy/sci-fi fan..calls himself RevWho..he writes sermons based on Doctor Who episodes, I kid you not. And has also referenced Buffy in his sermons...well back in the day. I miss him. I like sermons with pop culture fantasy references. Far more relatable, then gee my kids did this today isn't that hilarious? (Not unless you have kids or have been around them).Plus, I was raised Catholic, so I find it jarring.)
But that's off topic.
Here's the rec:
"Working through book two of “The Khorasan Archives” by Ausma Zehanat Khan. She’s writing basically a Muslim centered fantasy series centering women’s perspectives. She holds a PhD in international human rights law with a specialization in military intervention and war crimes in the Balkans. And this series touches upon all her expertise. They say she’s “somewhere between N.K. Jemisin and George R. R. Martin.” Well, she’s a way better story teller than Martin and her world is no less creative."
The Khorasan Archives - Bloodprint (Book 1) by Ausma Zehanat Khan
I listened to the audio sample -- which did nothing for me. They never do. I can't do audio books. My mother has the same difficulty. Our attention wanders. And I lose half of it. I just can't focus on it. I'm like my coworkers -- I need visuals. I don't know if this is partly because I spend a lot of time listening to people at work, taking calls, and teleconferences...and just don't have the patience to do it after that. Or my brain just isn't wired in that way? Most of my co-worker's brains don't appear to be wired that way either -- so maybe this is a trait of people in my field? (shrugs). I liked being read to as a child, but now, not so much. Very weird.
Anyhow I went to read a sample ---and like that much better. Clear crisp style. Good dialogue. And not to painful a start.
I don't know about the plot though -- it sounds frustrating and a bit too close to what is currently happening. Not to mention violent. Although we admittedly live in violent times and the human race is, let's face it, unabashedly violent.
The author of the acclaimed mystery The Unquiet Dead delivers her first fantasy novel—the opening installment in a thrilling quartet—a tale of religion, oppression, and political intrigue that radiates with heroism, wonder, and hope.
A dark power called the Talisman, born of ignorance and persecution, has risen in the land. Led by a man known only as the One-Eyed Preacher, it is a cruel and terrifying movement bent on world domination—a superstitious patriarchy that suppresses knowledge and subjugates women. And it is growing.
But there are those who fight the Talisman’s spread, including the Companions of Hira, a diverse group of influential women whose power derives from the Claim—the magic inherent in the words of a sacred scripture. Foremost among them is Arian and her fellow warrior, Sinnia, skilled fighters who are knowledgeable in the Claim. This daring pair have long stalked Talisman slave-chains, searching for clues and weapons to help them battle their enemy’s oppressive ways. Now they may have discovered a miraculous symbol of hope that can destroy the One-Eyed Preacher and his fervid followers: the Bloodprint, a dangerous text the Talisman has tried to erase from the world.
Finding the Bloodprint promises to be their most perilous undertaking yet, an arduous journey that will lead them deep into Talisman territory. Though they will be helped by allies—a loyal boy they freed from slavery and a man that used to be both Arian’s confidant and sword master—Arian and Sinnia know that this mission may well be their last.
4. My father is slugging his way through the Large Print version of James Patterson/Bill Clinton's "The President is Missing" (yes unfortunately this isn't true in real life...every time I hear that title, I think, if only. And could he stay that way?)
Me: Does he like it?
Mother: Not really. He says it's a poorly written book.
Me: Well, that goes without saying -- Patterson can't write well. (He can obviously write, just not very well.)
Mother: he says it's very plotty, and sort of boring. And that there's not much to any of the characters.
Me: Patterson.
Mother: I did tell him it was a poorly written book. But I thought it would give him something to do and might be interesting. (Also not to taxing due to my father's tendency towards confusion at the moment.)
Me: So is he liking it at all.
Mother (shrugs): He's reading it.
As an aside? It's frigging hard to find good Large Print books. Honestly, publishing companies and Amazon need to remedy that, pronto.
My Dad can't do audio -- he's death in one ear and struggles.
Mom also thinks he might have Parkinson's...he's exhibiting some of the symptoms. His limbs are stiff with limited movement. He has a blank expression on his face -- not as expressive, he's usually very expressive. And is trembling a lot. Also has issues with space and mobility. Plus he's hallucinating again and keeps asking my Mom where he is, what state, what year, etc. We're hoping a change in medications will help. He's really slid backwards in just six months.
ME: Looks like a horror novel, is it?
Nicole: Can't tell. It says its about some weird mystical artworks and is an anthology. I don't know.
I don't read books. I watch movies instead.
Mike: Yeah, I haven't read a book in years. Last one was the one..that became the movie with Tom Hanks solving some weird mystery..Da Vinci something.
Me: Well, see, you're looking at someone who reads all the time. Barbara once asked me if I was the sort of person who always had a book in my hand or with. And I do. I read constantly. And write constantly, even self-published a book. Although I'm not sure I'd want to read that particular book..
Mike: That's really cool. I really respect you a lot for doing that. I need to read more. And I mean outside of news alerts on my phone.
Me: People do audio books but that doesn't work for me.
Coworkers: Me either. I have no patience to be listening to something -- I'd rather be watching a movie -- I need the visuals.
Mike: I should read more. I know I'll go to my library, get a hard-cover book and read that on my commute. As opposed to all the gadets. An actual book.
Me: A library is a good place to start -- you can ease into it. Because there's so much content out there, it's like television...oh, I want to watch a show...there's about a 1000, same with books. But with a library, you can browse and pick up something, read for free.
Mike: That's a really good idea. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm going to do that.
Nicole: Me too. I'm going to try and read more.
I can't imagine not reading. Or writing for that matter. People romanticize writing. It provides no fame, no fortune, the accolades and applause such as it is -- is fleeting, far more frequent is the criticism. Yet I love it anyhow. Painful as it is. And it's never come easily for me. Sometimes it's back breaking work -- literally. But I love it. Solitary. Isolating. Yet...how else can I weave the tales inside my head? Or discuss things? And play with words? I'd rather do it than anything else in the world. If you don't feel the same -- don't write. But please, please, read. Reading like nothing else pulls you into another person's perspective, another consciousness. You are forced to listen, to see the world through their eyes if just for a little while. It's a different type of listening, it is a listening with the eyes and the mind..as it makes sense of symbols on paper.
Anyhow...I felt good after that brief discussion.
Today the sun peeked out from beneath the clouds and life for a bit, was glorious.
2. Making my way slowly through The Essex Serpent -- which is interesting. I'm guessing early 20th Century, about 1910 or thereabouts, pre-WWI, definitely post Industrial Revolution. We have cars and buses, yet women are still wearing corsets, and the marriage laws are still stifling as are the roles women are relegated to -- albeit less stifling than the 1800s.
When reading fictional historicals, I'm always a bit skeptical of the historical facts, unless the writer provides me with proof that it is accurate. It doesn't have to be -- I hand-wave a lot in fiction. As long as it makes logical sense to me, that's okay. Fiction in of itself is a story told with embellishment and fabrication. Otherwise it would be non-fiction. Also time periods are hard to know without dates. It's often best not to include them. (Sigh, which I keep doing in my own writing. Must learn not to do this. But I like to know when I am in a story.)
Anyhow, the characters are compelling and different. (Keep in mind I've been reading romance novels, urban fantasy (Which is basically the same thing), and YA fantasy (also the same thing) - so the characters tend to be inhumanely beautiful and perfect physically. The epitome of whatever it is the author considers attractive in our society. And described in luscious detail.)
* Luke Garrett - the Imp (which because I've read GOT and watched it -- instantly brought Peter Dinklater into my head. He's even described physically in this manner...brooding forehead, slightly bulging eyes, diminitive in stature, with a slight limp.) He's a doctor and interesting. Also in love with the heroine/protagonist -- but she is unaware -- so unrequited love.
* Cora -- the heroine, who is described as big-boned, rough, and awkward. She mispronounces words at times, and is insanely intelligent -- and fascinated by natural wonders. Suffered in a bad marriage, but he thankfully died, and now she's free to wander about with her companion and her son. She's a naturalist.
* Martha - Cora's companion who may be half in love with Cora (hard to tell...this feels like a lesbian romance, but I'm not certain?).
* Francis -- Cora's odd-ball eleven year old son, who is emotionally distant from her, but collects all sorts of oddities.
Has a bit of a feminist vibe. And a mystery at the center about a serpent or dragon that may or may not be lurking in the village swampland. And may or may not have killed a man at New Years.
Interesting book, with a decidedly early 20th Century writing style -- which I'm struggling a bit with, because I find the late 19th Century/Early 20th Century writing style to be sleep-inducing. That said, it is cleaner and neater than say Georgette Heyer's -- which gave me a headache. This writer doesn't write around things, and is more direct, also has a bit of poetry in her prose descriptions, also is very character centric. We switch points of view quite a bit...so multiple third person perspective, close, which I tend to like -- I write like that. Her style is close to mine in some respects, but a touch more flowery. (I've spent too many years writing for the Railroad and assorted businesses...it tends to make one's writing more direct, simple, and clean. Mainly because people hate to read at the Railroad. So I have to find a way to be brief. Plus, I've spent a lot of years blogging -- so my style has become increasingly casual in tone -- casual works better online, or so I've found.)
Whether I stick with this or not, has more to do with my mood and cravings for romantic stimulation (heigh-ho hormones) than the narrative.
3. Saw an interesting book rec'd on FB, by former Junior Minister of my UU church (he's homosexual and a huge fantasy/sci-fi fan..calls himself RevWho..he writes sermons based on Doctor Who episodes, I kid you not. And has also referenced Buffy in his sermons...well back in the day. I miss him. I like sermons with pop culture fantasy references. Far more relatable, then gee my kids did this today isn't that hilarious? (Not unless you have kids or have been around them).Plus, I was raised Catholic, so I find it jarring.)
But that's off topic.
Here's the rec:
"Working through book two of “The Khorasan Archives” by Ausma Zehanat Khan. She’s writing basically a Muslim centered fantasy series centering women’s perspectives. She holds a PhD in international human rights law with a specialization in military intervention and war crimes in the Balkans. And this series touches upon all her expertise. They say she’s “somewhere between N.K. Jemisin and George R. R. Martin.” Well, she’s a way better story teller than Martin and her world is no less creative."
The Khorasan Archives - Bloodprint (Book 1) by Ausma Zehanat Khan
I listened to the audio sample -- which did nothing for me. They never do. I can't do audio books. My mother has the same difficulty. Our attention wanders. And I lose half of it. I just can't focus on it. I'm like my coworkers -- I need visuals. I don't know if this is partly because I spend a lot of time listening to people at work, taking calls, and teleconferences...and just don't have the patience to do it after that. Or my brain just isn't wired in that way? Most of my co-worker's brains don't appear to be wired that way either -- so maybe this is a trait of people in my field? (shrugs). I liked being read to as a child, but now, not so much. Very weird.
Anyhow I went to read a sample ---and like that much better. Clear crisp style. Good dialogue. And not to painful a start.
I don't know about the plot though -- it sounds frustrating and a bit too close to what is currently happening. Not to mention violent. Although we admittedly live in violent times and the human race is, let's face it, unabashedly violent.
The author of the acclaimed mystery The Unquiet Dead delivers her first fantasy novel—the opening installment in a thrilling quartet—a tale of religion, oppression, and political intrigue that radiates with heroism, wonder, and hope.
A dark power called the Talisman, born of ignorance and persecution, has risen in the land. Led by a man known only as the One-Eyed Preacher, it is a cruel and terrifying movement bent on world domination—a superstitious patriarchy that suppresses knowledge and subjugates women. And it is growing.
But there are those who fight the Talisman’s spread, including the Companions of Hira, a diverse group of influential women whose power derives from the Claim—the magic inherent in the words of a sacred scripture. Foremost among them is Arian and her fellow warrior, Sinnia, skilled fighters who are knowledgeable in the Claim. This daring pair have long stalked Talisman slave-chains, searching for clues and weapons to help them battle their enemy’s oppressive ways. Now they may have discovered a miraculous symbol of hope that can destroy the One-Eyed Preacher and his fervid followers: the Bloodprint, a dangerous text the Talisman has tried to erase from the world.
Finding the Bloodprint promises to be their most perilous undertaking yet, an arduous journey that will lead them deep into Talisman territory. Though they will be helped by allies—a loyal boy they freed from slavery and a man that used to be both Arian’s confidant and sword master—Arian and Sinnia know that this mission may well be their last.
4. My father is slugging his way through the Large Print version of James Patterson/Bill Clinton's "The President is Missing" (yes unfortunately this isn't true in real life...every time I hear that title, I think, if only. And could he stay that way?)
Me: Does he like it?
Mother: Not really. He says it's a poorly written book.
Me: Well, that goes without saying -- Patterson can't write well. (He can obviously write, just not very well.)
Mother: he says it's very plotty, and sort of boring. And that there's not much to any of the characters.
Me: Patterson.
Mother: I did tell him it was a poorly written book. But I thought it would give him something to do and might be interesting. (Also not to taxing due to my father's tendency towards confusion at the moment.)
Me: So is he liking it at all.
Mother (shrugs): He's reading it.
As an aside? It's frigging hard to find good Large Print books. Honestly, publishing companies and Amazon need to remedy that, pronto.
My Dad can't do audio -- he's death in one ear and struggles.
Mom also thinks he might have Parkinson's...he's exhibiting some of the symptoms. His limbs are stiff with limited movement. He has a blank expression on his face -- not as expressive, he's usually very expressive. And is trembling a lot. Also has issues with space and mobility. Plus he's hallucinating again and keeps asking my Mom where he is, what state, what year, etc. We're hoping a change in medications will help. He's really slid backwards in just six months.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-10 01:03 pm (UTC)Maybe the writer of the book actually was mentally casting that character with Dinklage?
no subject
Date: 2019-01-10 01:22 pm (UTC)I'm wondering if Parkinsons' might be wishful thinking on our part then. But it may just be due to dementia and the meds he's on limiting mental activity or control over muscular movements.
Yep, I wondered if the writer of the book was casting Dinklage in mind as well -- it's as if she was describing him. Clearly had seen GoT.