What Fiction are you reading this week, July 16, 2023?

[hermetic]

Interesting concept.

Reading Quantum Radio by A. G. Riddle, published this year. Just started but really loving it so far. At CERN, a scientist has just made an incredible discovery - a breakthrough that may answer the deepest questions about human existence. Of course there are people who don't want that to happen. First chapter, says the best way to fight fear is with kindness. I like that idea. Can't wait to see where this story goes.

Not able to do much right now. Near record high temps expected today. 105. Yikes. No AC in here. Just fans and ice cubes. I bought a little kiddie pool at Family Dollar last month and I might put it on the catio today with a bit of water and see if the little kitties like it. Hope you all are holding up all right.

What's hot on your reading list right now?
Too soon?

[KPN]

1. Yikes -- 105?! No AC? Take good care of yourself hermetic. ... So, I just started

The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon. First time I've read Chabon. So far it seems interesting, but I'm not quite sold on his writing style yet. I'm only about 40 pages into it and haven't quite adapted my reading ear to his style, so we'll see.

Plot Summary: In the alternative-history novel, The Yiddish Policemen's Union (2007), American author Michael Chabon imagines that during World War II, Jewish refugees were settled in Sitka, Alaska and that the State of Israel was destroyed in 1948. As a result, Sitka—now a thriving, Yiddish-speaking metropolitan area—is the center of the Jewish Diaspora. However, this year, the American government is due to return control of Sitka to the state government of Alaska. In this context, Sitka detective Meyer Landsman is ordered not to investigate a murder, in order to avoid bad publicity, but he presses ahead with the investigation anyway. The Yiddish Policemen's Union won many awards for science-fiction writing, including the Nebula Award for Best Novel, the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel, and the Hugo Award for Best Novel.

[hermetic]

2. Thanks

I'm definitely sucking down the iced teas (green).

I read a couple of Chabon books a long time ago and don't really remember them. He is considered one of our greatest writers, though. Hopefully you will get tuned in soon and enjoy it.

[yellowdogintexas]

9. I have been wanting to read that one

Maybe I will check the e-book out of the library.

[cbabe]

3. Stabenow/Liam Campbell series

The problem with binge reading is the plot/character construction becomes too obvious. But good summer comfort reading.

Next up: Sandford/Dark Angel, second in the Letty Davenport series. Fresh from the library. Like chocolate fudge cake with raspberries.

[hermetic]

4. Yum

Gotta get that: A group of hackers threatens to take over the power grid of Minneapolis -- putting thousands of lives at risk. Letty Davenport is brought on board to go undercover and infiltrate the group. I used to live there so it should be fun to visit. Thanks.

[Bayard]

5. I've been debating on trying the Letty Davenport's

I've really enjoyed the Lucas Davenport's, and most John Sanfords.

Please let us know what you think of it.

[cbabe]

8. I enjoyed the first one, The Investigator, quite a bit. Trademark Stanford.

[mike_c]

6. I've started The Dark Forest by Cixin Liu

It's the second novel in the the Three Body Problem series. I finished the first book last week.

I am surprised by how difficult it is to keep the Chinese characters straight. Even into the last pages of the first book I had to constantly check and recheck the characters' names, and I'm finding the same problem with the second book. As an English speaker, I struggle to remember who characters like Zhang Yuanchao and Shi Xiaoming are. In fact, I tried to read the first book several times after the English translation was published and couldn't stay interested. The story is actually super interesting-- I think my trouble with Chinese names was the real impediment.

I've also realized that I tend to not really read names in text after the first few appearances. Instead, my eyes pass over the names and sort of scan the shapes of the words instead of reading "John Smith" over and over again. I think the Chinese names have unaccustomed shapes, and I'm forced to read them and look them up much more frequently. Anyway, notwithstanding my problem with Chinese names, I'm greatly enjoying the series so far!

[hermetic]

7. It's probably good

for your brain. Kind of like learning a new language. I understand, though. Have had similar experience with names so different from what we are used to. Hang in there.

[yellowdogintexas]

10. I have those problems too.

There are 2 Japanese mystery series which make me stop and review the character names.

I nearly made myself crazy trying to keep everyone straight in Dorothy Dunnett's Lymond Crawford Chronicles (she kept jumping around in a character's various nicknames and titles - and most of them had several. Throw in the Scottish parts of their names and you have a real challenge)

Heck, I even got confused from time to time in The Game of Thrones books. It's no fun getting old.

[yellowdogintexas]

11. The Night Raven (Crow Investigations Book 1)

Meet Lydia Crow...

Lydia has always known she has no power, especially next to her infamous and more-than-slightly dodgy family. Which is why she carved her own life as a private investigator far away from London.

When a professional blunder forces her home, the head of the family calls in a favour, and Lydia finds herself investigating the disappearance of her cousin, Maddie.

Soon, Lydia is neck-deep in problems: her new flatmate is a homicidal ghost; the intriguing (but forbidden) DCI Fleet is acting in a distinctly unprofessional manner, and tensions between the old magical families are rising.

I'm just a short way into it, but so far I like it. Of course, it is the first book in a series.

By the way, the Fern Michaels book was a nice read. Not as complex as the Sisterhood but still has likeable characters and of course a great dog. Good summer read.l

[hermetic]

14. Oh, that sounds good

Such problems.



Edit to add: Author, Sarah Painter. There's a couple of Night Raven titles out there.

[yellowdogintexas]

16. 7 I think. nt

[japple]

12. Still reading A B Guthrie's book Fair Land, Fair Land and am quite

Last edited Sun Jul 16, 2023, 06:27 PM - Edit history (1)

taken with the old mountain men.

BTW, our group was able to successfully trap the 5 kittens that belonged to the sweet mother cat that had been dumped at one of our county rec parks. It took almost a week to get them all, but we were thrilled on Thurs. when the last one was caught. 3 of the 5 were actually snatched up and 2 went into the trap. I just picked up Mama cat and put her in a carrier. They have all been given flea baths and are learning how to eat off plates and live in a house!

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Sorry to hijack this weekly thread with cat pictures, but I know our host will be okay with it! hermetic! Many thanks for the weekly fiction post.

[hermetic]

13. Awww

That is so awesome!! Look at those little cuties!

Thank you. You are the best!

[mentalsolstice]

15. Every Last One by Anna Quindlan

Finished “The Invention of Wings: A Novel” by Sue Monk Kidd. It was a very good historical fiction based on actual characters years before the civil war. I didn’t “enjoy” reading it, but was very satisfied and informed with the view it gave during that period.

“Every Last One”…. Anna Quindlan is more known for her journalism. However, she also writes good fiction, especially about family dynamics.

[mentalsolstice]

17. I noticed you haven't posted since Sunday.

I hope all is well, and you’re hunkering down someplace where it’s cooler.

[hermetic]

18. Hey, thanks

All is well. It's down in the mid-90s now so not quite as deadly.

Your book sounds like something we can all relate to: Every Last One is a novel about facing every last one of the the things we fear most, about finding ways to navigate a road we never intended to travel...A breathtaking and beautiful novel.

You take care.