Category: book review

  • Book Buffet: Reviews of the Latest I’ve Read

    Book Buffet: Reviews of the Latest I’ve Read

    I admit it. I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy. But this past summer, I managed to read several novels that did not fall into those categories. I’m so proud of myself. Here are my thoughts. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver A modern retelling of David Copperfield set in the Appalachian Mountains, this…

  • Science Fiction & Fantasy I’ve Read Lately

    Science Fiction & Fantasy I’ve Read Lately

    With all the crazy stuff happening in the world, I love a little escape time. In other words, I read a lot of sci-fi and fantasy this past summer. Here are my thoughts: The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie Dark fantasy; #1 The Blade Itself; #2 Before They Are Hanged; #3 The Last Argument…

  • Friday’s Findings: Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft

    Friday’s Findings: Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft

    I just finished Janet Burroway’s Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft, 10th edition, and here are some takeaways: “Most writing is done between the mind and the hand, not between the hand and the page.” “Keep the journal regularly, at least at first. It doesn’t matter what you write and it doesn’t matter very…

  • Science Fiction & Fantasy I’ve Read Lately

    Science Fiction & Fantasy I’ve Read Lately

    Wow, I’ve read some great fantasy lately, and I want to share my thoughts with you. The first two reviews are of recently released novels (there may be spoilers ahead, but I’m trying to avoid them): A Whisper in the Walls by Scott Reintgen Waxways #2; Fantasy Ren Monroe’s ultimate goal is to avenge her…

  • Book Buffet: Reviews of the Latest I’ve Read

    Book Buffet: Reviews of the Latest I’ve Read

    I’ve had the chance to read a variety of fiction lately. Trying to expand from always reading science fiction and fantasy — not that there’s anything wrong with that. Here are my thoughts: Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin literary fiction, friendship fiction Most of us have experienced unrequited attraction. Sam and Sadie…

  • Science Fiction & Fantasy I’ve Read Lately

    Science Fiction & Fantasy I’ve Read Lately

    Stars and Bones by Gareth L. Powell If you haven’t tried Gareth L. Powell, I highly recommend his novels. This is a good one to start with. Stars and Bones is a mix of science fiction, space opera and horror — lots of creepy aliens doing some pretty nasty deeds. Eryn, the protagonist, goes looking…

  • RIP Vernor Vinge

    RIP Vernor Vinge

    Vernor Vinge wrote one of my all-time favorite science fiction novels: A Fire Upon the Deep. This story is filled with the most original alien species I’ve come across in reading sf. With deep space chase scenes, swashbuckling action from planet to planet, Fire defines space opera like no other. Photo by Eduraw Pro: https://www.pexels.com/photo/lago-de-estrellas-20761228/…

  • Friday’s Findings: Science Fiction and Fantasy I Read Recently

    Friday’s Findings: Science Fiction and Fantasy I Read Recently

    Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros In this follow up the wildly popular Fourth Wing novel, the rebellion – or is it a revolution – steps up. Violet Sorrengail, our hero, finds herself caught between two worlds: the old one she knows but has become disillusioned by. Or the new one, in which she could lose…

  • Writing Instruction Books I Want to Read Again

    Writing Instruction Books I Want to Read Again

    In my last post, I pulled out a quote from a book called The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman. It made me realize I haven’t read that book in many years. It also made me realize I wanted to read it again. Then I decided to make a list of books on writing instruction…