Tane's Reading List 2022 (keeping my expectations low)

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Tane's Reading List 2022 (keeping my expectations low)

1Tane
Jan. 9, 2022, 4:13 pm

Ok, so 2021 ended with the birth of my son - and all sense of time, space, direction went out of the window. So I'm starting a 2022 reading list, but honestly right now I don't know how much I'm going to achieve this year.

I'm intending to continue my travels through the Discworld, and right now I'm part way through Hogfather and enjoying it very much.

2pgmcc
Jan. 9, 2022, 4:28 pm

Congratulations on the birth of your son. Good luck with the months ahead.

3Tane
Jan. 9, 2022, 4:40 pm

>2 pgmcc: thank you 😊

4-pilgrim-
Jan. 9, 2022, 4:45 pm

>1 Tane: Congratulations indeed!

5clamairy
Jan. 9, 2022, 8:36 pm

>1 Tane: I am so happy for you all. Such a wonderful thing. Just an FYI, I started reading to my kids pretty much immediately. They do love the sound of parents' voices. Perhaps your son would enjoy a bit of Discworld.

6Tane
Jan. 10, 2022, 1:45 am

>4 -pilgrim-: thank you

7Tane
Jan. 10, 2022, 1:46 am

>5 clamairy: Now there’s some good advice! Thank you.

8Sakerfalcon
Jan. 10, 2022, 7:40 am

Congratulations and Happy New Year to you and yours!

Clam's suggestions sounds like a win-win!

9MrsLee
Jan. 11, 2022, 5:38 pm

My grandson, six months old, loves to listen to his parents read to him. They read mostly rhyming children stories, but I think Discworld might be a good start for a baby. :)

10Tane
Jan. 12, 2022, 3:47 am

>8 Sakerfalcon: thank you, and I agree win-win!

11Tane
Jan. 12, 2022, 3:48 am

>9 MrsLee: I started with a bit of Hogather last night. Seemed to go down well, in that Max fell asleep as I was reading.

12haydninvienna
Jan. 12, 2022, 3:58 am

>11 Tane: Touchstone goes to a book called "Hogarth's England". You didn't mean Hogfather by any chance?

13-pilgrim-
Jan. 12, 2022, 4:31 am

>12 haydninvienna: Unless Tane started early on the gin...

14pgmcc
Jan. 12, 2022, 4:34 am

>13 -pilgrim-: Give Tane a little slack. There is a new baby in the house. Sleep deprivation can have some dreadful effects on people.

15haydninvienna
Jan. 12, 2022, 4:43 am

>14 pgmcc: We should both know that, shouldn't we?

16pgmcc
Jan. 12, 2022, 4:59 am

>15 haydninvienna:
You’re telling me!

17Tane
Jan. 12, 2022, 12:54 pm

>12 haydninvienna: Haha... that's hilarious (and proof that I'm not firing on all cylinders!)

18Tane
Jan. 12, 2022, 12:54 pm

>13 -pilgrim-: I wish! *hic*

19haydninvienna
Jan. 12, 2022, 12:57 pm

>18 Tane: See >14 pgmcc: and >15 haydninvienna:. Peter and I (and many other Pub denizens) well know where your head is at.

20Tane
Jan. 12, 2022, 1:03 pm

>14 pgmcc: Thank you, that's very kind (though I should probably have spotted it)

21Tane
Feb. 7, 2022, 5:17 am

So… I do have a small update:

Audiobook: The Two Towers - I have listened to the Andy Serkis version. I enjoyed it a lot, a great companion whilst I walk the dog.

Book: Does reading Hairy Mclary repeatedly to a baby count? I’m claiming it, anyway 😁

22Peace2
Feb. 7, 2022, 5:55 am

A bit late - but many congratulations and for the record Hairy Mclary most definitely does count along with all of his friends!

23Tane
Feb. 7, 2022, 9:17 am

>22 Peace2: thank you very much. I picked up a 10-book collection of Hairy Mclary stories. Looking forward to reading them many times, and eventually having them read to me.

24haydninvienna
Feb. 7, 2022, 10:46 am

Ha. Having read Fox in Socks to my own kids ever so many times, I have been known to look for a copy for myself.

25Tane
Feb. 20, 2022, 3:43 am

I think audiobooks will be my main focus this year (certainly for the next few months)…

I have just completed The Return of the King read by Andy Serkis - can’t beat a good bit of Tolkien in your ears now, can you?

26clamairy
Feb. 20, 2022, 10:41 am

>25 Tane: Glad to hear the Serkis audios worked well for you. I think I'm diving into mine after my current audio, which is taking a while.

27Tane
Feb. 21, 2022, 2:40 pm

>26 clamairy: yeah, definitely worked for me - although I found it to be a better pace when listening at 2.7 x speed.

28clamairy
Feb. 21, 2022, 2:49 pm

>27 Tane: Seriously?

29Tane
Bearbeitet: Feb. 21, 2022, 5:59 pm

>28 clamairy: I’m sure it’s not for everyone, but it worked for me. Mind you I was listening whilst walking the dog, so I didn’t have any distractions.

I quite often listen to audiobooks at a faster speed. Maybe I’m just weird?

30clamairy
Feb. 21, 2022, 6:45 pm

>29 Tane: I listened to Bleak House at a faster speed, but that narrator was of the slow and ponderous school of narration.

31Tane
Bearbeitet: Feb. 23, 2022, 9:38 am

>30 clamairy: there are some that have to be heard at normal speed (all the Harry Potter books, for example). But for some reason 2.7 speed worked for me with Andy Serkis

I wonder if he’ll read The Silmarillion?

32Tane
Bearbeitet: Mrz. 3, 2022, 5:17 pm

I finished The Hogfather today. Two months later than planned, but not bad considering my reading time is almost nil at the moment.

I enjoyed this one, probably more than my first reading way back in the 90s.

Highlights this time around?
Death’s careful manipulation was enjoyable, and the Wizards were fun, as always.

Any surprises?
Nothing overly surprising, I remembered it quite well, but the Wizard’s bathroom was a fun surprise.

Overall?
I got a lot of enjoyment out of this one, partly because it’s Christmas-y and partly because of the layers within the story.

Next?
Jingo is next, and it’s one of the Discworld stories I’ve never read. Not really sure why this one has passed me by, but there you go.

33Tane
Bearbeitet: Nov. 5, 2022, 7:08 am

It feels a little odd to be reading a story about continental war, at this very particular time. But, I have to say that I really enjoyed Jingo. Some of the insults the Ankh-Morporkian people throw around made me a bit uncomfortable to start with, I wasn’t as offended at the insults the Klatchians used though… strange? But then perhaps that’s a good thing as it highlights the point that Sir Terry was striking on a universal truth about how cultures view each other?

As the story progressed, and I really do like the City Watch books, I was drawn further and further in.

Highlights this time around?
One of the great things with the City Watch books is the character progression. Not just Vimes’ unwanted social climbing, but Carrot, Angua, Nobby, Colon, Detritrus, and the rest. They each take steps forward in their longer character arcs.

Any surprises?
Seeing Vetinari “out in the wild” was a pleasant surprise, and the whole underwater Boat was fun. Nobby as Beti was enjoyable too, in it’s own way.

Overall?
I’m not sure why I’ve avoided reading this one over the years? I guess it just passed me by. Which is a shame as I’m sure I would’ve enjoyed it just as much in my younger days.

Next?
It’s time to catch up with Rincewind again, as The Last Continent is next.

34Tane
Mrz. 15, 2022, 10:56 am

Finished The Last Continent and enjoyed this Australian themed book (or Australian-ish, at least). There’s not a huge amount of plot to this one, it’s more a case of leaping from one Australian reference to another, with some slightly philosophical / slightly scientific discussions with the Wizards from the UU.

Highlights this time around?
The wizards being very awkward around and about women was quite funny. Lots of repressed old men not quite knowing what to do, and feeling embarrassed and confused.

Any surprises?
The very end felt a little tacked on. As though the Australian references ran out and so the story had to stop.

Overall?
An enjoyable romp around the outback (and some urban areas) on the Last Continent. Some fun Australian references, though I wonder how long they’ll last before they’re completely dated? Thin on plot, but no less enjoyable as a result.

Next?
Witches, Priests, and Vampires - oh my! It’s Carpe Jugulum time.

35Tane
Bearbeitet: Nov. 5, 2022, 7:12 am

I remember reading this last century (ok, towards the end of it, but still you get the point - it was a looong time ago), and whilst I remember it having Witches and Vampires, and a single Priest, I couldn't really recall that much of the actual plot. However, having re-read it with a fresh (and much older) pair of eyes, I have to say that whilst i enjoyed this one, it's not my favourite Witches story. Why? Probably because I prefer the interaction between Granny and Nanny (and then the younger witches), and there's not that much of it in this one, as Nanny steps into the "crone" category for the majority if this book.

Highlights this time around?
I'm glad that Agnes was able to be the centre of another story, and whilst I'm sure her inner personality is not to everyone's tastes, I thought it was played out quite well in this one. I also think it's good to see Magrat maturing with motherhood, too. No longer the maid by any stretch of the imagination.

Any surprises?
The Nac Mac Feegle are here! I'd completely forgotten that! And Scraps, poor Scraps (but it all works out in the end).

Overall?
It was a good, gothic tale of Vampires and all that - and it's a very refreshing tonal change from the Wizards / Australia theme of The Last Continent - but it's not one of my favourites. Still, onwards and upwards!

Next?
We're dipping our toes back into Uberwald, this time with Sam Vimes for company - it's The Fifth Elephant

36clamairy
Mrz. 22, 2022, 4:29 pm

>35 Tane: I haven't read (or listened) to this one. The last one I listened to was Maskerade, and Carpe Jugulum should have been next but it was unavailable to borrow. I think I was still getting discs and transferring the files to my iPod in those days. *gasp* And this one is only available as a Kindle file. I don't think I've ever done any Pratchett in print! LOL

Where are the baby pics?

37Tane
Mrz. 24, 2022, 7:56 am

>36 clamairy: They’re relaunching all new audio versions of the Discworld books (though I think they’re releasing them in a strange order).

I’ve been re-reading these in part on my kindle and also in physical book form (I haven’t listened to any of the audiobooks yet - but I am tempted by these new recordings).

Baby pictures are on their way. I have many, and will sort out sharing some here 🙂

38Tane
Bearbeitet: Mrz. 25, 2022, 8:51 am

Audiobook Update:

I found Dragon Precinct for free on Audible. So I gave it a go. It’s very much CSI Middle Earth, but it was ok. Not sure if I’ll continue with the rest of the series though? Has anyone else tried it?

39jjwilson61
Mrz. 25, 2022, 8:14 pm

>38 Tane: CSI Middle Earth? So, it's about alchemists solving crimes amongst the dwarves and elves?

40Tane
Mrz. 26, 2022, 5:57 am

>39 jjwilson61: Yeah, that’s the basics of it… it’s procedural crime with a fantasy twist. It’s nothing earth shattering, but it kept me entertained for a few hours whilst walking the dog.

41Tane
Bearbeitet: Apr. 1, 2022, 11:43 am

Audiobook update:

Another free find in the AudiblePlus library - The Dragon and the George. I’m a big fan of the animated Flight of Dragons movie from last century, which was largely based upon this book.

I enjoyed the tale of a 20th century man who gets transported into the body of Gorbash the dragon, and then goes on a quest to save a princess (sort of). It’s quite dated, but I don’t mind that. This was a good listen whilst out and about.

42Tane
Apr. 2, 2022, 2:34 am

Sam Vimes goes on a diplomatic mission to Uberwald, land of Vampires, Werewolves, and Dwarfs (who are looking for a new king). Crime and politics all wrapped up in one.

I did enjoy this one, it’s not a favourite for sure, but there are plenty of memorable bits in it.

I would say the Colon and Nobby side of the story felt a bit superfluous.

Highlights this time around?
I was pleased to see more of Sybil in this one. She actually has some things to do. And I’ve always liked her marriage to Vimes.

Any surprises?
The clacks start here. I had forgotten that.

Overall?
Another good Vimes story, and once again there’s progression for all of the Watch. I enjoyed this expedition into Uberwald, and it was good to see dwarf culture advancing somewhat. The werewolves were suitably nasty. The Vampire contingent was good too, with the introduction of the teatotallers.

Next?
It’s time for The Truth

43Sakerfalcon
Apr. 4, 2022, 5:33 am

>42 Tane: The truth is one of my favourites!

44Tane
Apr. 4, 2022, 11:28 am

>43 Sakerfalcon: I really enjoyed it first time around too - looking forward to see if it's just as good this time.

45Karlstar
Apr. 6, 2022, 6:19 am

>41 Tane: I am a big fan of The Dragon and the George, though I've only read it. Maybe I should give it a listen too. I'm curious though, how was it dated?

46Tane
Apr. 6, 2022, 3:02 pm

>45 Karlstar: it wasn’t much, just a few references to being a “20th Century” guy, and that sort of thing. It’s a really minor thing. Definitely doesn’t detract from the story at all.

47Tane
Bearbeitet: Nov. 5, 2022, 7:17 am

Discworld Update: The Truth

William de Worde, outcast son of the incredibly wealthy and incredibly bigoted Lord de Worde creates the first Ankh-Morpork newspaper. What follows is a story all about news, and a crime involving the Patrician, Lord Vetinari. But it’s also about people, and the public, and… lots of things. It’s very good.

Highlights this time around?
It was good to see The Watch as viewed by outsiders, giving them a slightly different perspective.

William is a good addition to the cast of characters that live and breathe (or don’t) on the Discworld.

Any surprises?
I remembered Otto was in this story, but my memory of him is completely different to what I read this time around. And this time it was much better.

Overall?
It may have taken me a while to get started, but in the end I was hooked on this one. I always enjoy exploring Ankh-Morpork, and viewing it through William’s perspective just adds another layer of detail to an already well drawn city.

Next?
Let’s hang out with The Monks of History in Thief of Time

48Sakerfalcon
Apr. 22, 2022, 5:30 am

>47 Tane: I'm glad this one held up for you. Ankh-Morpork is such a great setting.

49Tane
Apr. 22, 2022, 5:46 am

>48 Sakerfalcon: thank you. Yes, it really is, isn’t it? I really should dig out my Ankh-Morpork Mapp and explore the streets.

50Volt875
Apr. 22, 2022, 2:59 pm

>49 Tane: That's cool. I didn't realize there was a map for Discworld.

51Tane
Apr. 22, 2022, 5:23 pm

>50 Volt875: I haven’t looked at it for a long, long time but I remember it as being full of detail.

52hfglen
Apr. 23, 2022, 10:49 am

>50 Volt875: There are separate maps (mapps?) for Discworld, Ankh-Morpork, Lancre and Death's Domain, to the best of my knowledge. I have only the first two.

53Tane
Apr. 24, 2022, 1:39 pm

>52 hfglen: looks like I may need to invest in more map(p)s - I didn’t realise there were others. Thank you.

54Tane
Aug. 5, 2022, 4:17 pm

Discworld Update: Thief of Time

Wibbly-wobbly-timey-wimey stuff goes on, centred around building the most perfect clock, the Auditors want to put a stop to it all, Susan Sto Helit has a job to do, the History Monks try to put a stop to it, and the 5 (yes 5!) Horseman of the Apocalypse show up for a spell. Or something like that...

Highlights this time around?
I enjoyed the way the Auditors behaved as the story progressed, their reflections on humanity were entertaining. Lu-Tze was a fun character to have around in a more central role.

Any surprises?
I'd entirely forgotten Nanny Ogg's part in all this (brief though it may have been, it was quite pivotal).

Overall?
It took me 4 months to read this book, so the irony of the title is not lost on me. Why so long? Mostly because I haven't had any time for reading of late (I knew a baby would take up my time, but I didn't realise quite how much! Not that I'm complaining, not one bit).

Next?
So, The Last Hero is next. i'll be very disappointed if it takes me another 4 months to get through that!

55pgmcc
Aug. 5, 2022, 5:03 pm

>54 Tane:
I think a baby is the perfect excuse for taking four months to get through a book.

I have only read about four or five discworld novels, possibly fewer, but your post has ensured Thief of Time will have a priority setting when I next pick a discworld book to read.

56haydninvienna
Aug. 5, 2022, 5:10 pm

>54 Tane: >55 pgmcc: FWIW, Thief of Time is my personal favourite Discworld novel.

57pgmcc
Aug. 5, 2022, 5:13 pm

>56 haydninvienna: Its priority setting just increased.

58MrsLee
Bearbeitet: Aug. 5, 2022, 6:33 pm

>54 Tane: It occurs to me that babies are the ultimate thieves of time. In the best way.

59Tane
Aug. 6, 2022, 3:44 am

>55 pgmcc: Thank you. It’s a good one, though I would probably read something like Soul Music first, to get a better feel for some of the characters (such as Susan Sto Helit). Though it’s not entirely necessary.

60Tane
Aug. 6, 2022, 3:45 am

>56 haydninvienna: thank you. I can understand that, it is good. I wouldn’t say it’s my favourite, but then I’m going to be hard pushed to pick one…. Probably Guards, Guards because that is where it all started for me.

61Tane
Aug. 6, 2022, 3:46 am

>58 MrsLee: I couldn’t agree more. And whilst I know it’s a bit of a way off, I’m hoping that my son will read and enjoy these books too 👍🏻

62pgmcc
Aug. 6, 2022, 8:46 am

>59 Tane:
Thank you for the tip. The first discworld book I read was Wyrd Sisters. That was a recommendation from someone who was a keen discworld reader. I see Nanny Ogg is in Thief of Time. That is a recommendation in itself. :-)

63clamairy
Bearbeitet: Aug. 9, 2022, 10:34 am

Welcome back, Tane. I'm glad all is well, even if your reading time is almost non-existent.

>62 pgmcc: I haven't read them all, but Wyrd Sisters was so good as an audiobook that only a few years after listening to it I read it on my Kindle as well. Hilarious stuff.

64Tane
Aug. 9, 2022, 9:30 am

Discworld Update: The Last Hero

Cohen the barbarian sets off on a mission that may just end the world. Joined by the remaining few members of the Silver Horde (his ancient clan of grizzled warriors, all white-haired and grumpy, always on the lookout for the nearest available toilet), Cohen’s plan catches the attention of the Patrician in Ankh-Morpork and so a plan to fix it all is put in motion.

Highlights this time around?
One of my favourite things about this particular story (advertised as a “fable” with good reason), is getting to go to places outside of the norm for the series. This tale literally offers a unique perspective on the Discworld.

I also liked the interplay of characters that usually don’t mingle (at least up until this point)… Rincewind is here, so is Captain Carrot. Throw in Leonard of Quirm, and a few one-off characters, as well as the Discworld pantheon of Gods and we’re cooking with some great ingredients here.

Any surprises?
This is an illustrated tale, and I know Paul Kidby’s artwork is great, but I was really surprised by just how perfect some of it is. His characters perfectly fit the ones I’ve built up in my imagination over the last 26 books.

I know art is subjective, but it really worked for me.

Overall?
Thief of Time took me four months to complete and this one took four days. Not surprising given how short it is, but also I had a brief window of opportunity this week to just sit and read.

I kind of treat this one as a special case in the Discworld, as it has a slightly different feel and it’s certainly pitched as a more fantastical story than the other books (which seems like an odd thing to say). I really appreciate this one: the story, the intent, the artwork. All great.

Next?
Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents is the next one in the series. I must confess I have never read this one before, although I do recall a reference to Maurice all the way back in Reaper Man… I don’t even know the plot or anything. Let’s see how it goes.

65Tane
Aug. 9, 2022, 10:32 am

>63 clamairy: Thank you. I’m glad to be back. Hopefully I’ll get more reading time as the weeks and months roll by

66Sakerfalcon
Aug. 10, 2022, 8:29 am

I loved The amazing Maurice so I hope you enjoy it! May you continue to find opportunities to read.

67Tane
Aug. 10, 2022, 10:56 am

>66 Sakerfalcon: Thank you. I will start it tonight, but I am looking forward to it. New Pratchett (new to me, at least) is always a good thing

68Tane
Sept. 12, 2022, 3:51 pm

Discworld Update: Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents

Sir Terry's first Discworld book specifically aiming at a younger audience (although in truth, it's definitely suitable for anyone), is a tale of (educated) rats and pipers, and a talking cat. And a bit more besides.

Highlights this time around?
Well, this is the first time I've read this one, so I can't comment on how different it feels to read it again. Reading it for the first time, however, this was a treat. I liked the whole pied-piper of Hamelin vibe. The Clan (of talking rats and one talking Cat, alongside the boy Keith) were fun to be with for a while.

Any surprises?
Quickly working out that Sergeant Doppelplunkt and Corporal Knopft were parallels of another, slightly more well known pair of city watchmen was fun. Googling Doppelplunkt and finding that it meant "colon" in German kinda gave it away :-)

Overall?
Clearly aimed at a younger audience, as evidenced by the fact that Sir Terry introduced distinct chapters alongside little snippets of a fictional book called Mr Bunnsy Has An Adventure. This Discworld book is stylistically separate from the previous Discworld offerings, all of which are told without chapters. I enjoyed the story, the twist on the Hamlin pied piper fairytale was put to good use.

Next?
Aaah, now we come to Night Watch one of my all-time favourites.

69Tane
Bearbeitet: Sept. 12, 2022, 4:24 pm

I realise that I haven't offered an audiobook update since the start of April - how remiss of me! So here's a quick round of up everything I've shoved in my ears over the last 5 1/2 months:

Around the World in 80 Days - This was a very good adaptation of the story, well produced in audio.


Amongst Our Weapons - The latest in the Rivers of London series, once again expertly read by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith. I really do enjoy this series of fantasy-crime stories. They're little packets of audio goodness that brighten up any walk / drive / journey.


The Plantagenets - a departure from fiction (fantastical or otherwise), this non-fiction history book that explores a very interesting time in British history was a great listen. Covering the Plantagenet kings and their extraordinary lives is fascinating stuff, especially given the fact that they were responsible for shaping Britain as it stands today. Proper Game of Thrones vibes throughout, only this all really happened!


Isaac Steel and the Forever Man - what an absolute surprise this book was. I took a gamble on it, having never heard anything about it (or its author) before, and I was richly rewarded with a quirky, sharp, funny science fiction crime story that definitely left me wanting more. I think this book works especially well in audio, as read by the author Daniel Rigby. If you like Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, or Red Dwarf then you'll definitely enjoy this.


The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and the Horse - As I've said before (and hopefully as the list above shows) I like to mix up my ear-hole book experiences much more than my eyeball book experiences, and this very short but very thought provoking tale is perhaps one of the most "out there" I've tried. It's only about an hour long, and is an audio translation (read by the author) of an originally illustrated story. However, there's a lot of clever soundscaping going on that helps to really sell the feel of the story (the words are accompanied by sounds of nature). I'm glad I've listened to this one, it gave me 60 minutes of peaceful thinking time.


The House in the Cerulean Sea - Mixing things up once again, this cosy fantasy story of 40-year old Linus Baker who falls in love with a group of very unusual orphans (including the Antichrist himself) and their carer Mr Parnassus is a heart warming fairytale of earnest love and family.


Talking of Fairytales... I'm currently halfway through Fairy Tale by Stephen King - and enjoying it very much so far. Just what I needed to listen to right now.

And that brings me right up to date. I'll try to keep on top of reporting back on my audiobook listens.

70Tane
Bearbeitet: Sept. 20, 2022, 3:04 pm

Audiobook Update:
Finished Fairy Tale - very enjoyable. King has such a great way of visualising the story. It certainly improved a few long journeys, that’s for sure.


I’ve also listened to Dead Men Can’t Complain and Other Stories by Peter Clines - a collection of short stories, all themed around the weird and wonderful! A sort of sci-fi-noir collection. Short, but worth it.


Next up I’m going to crank up the Scalzi, as it’s been a while. My ears are going to bring The Kaiju Preservation Society into my life.

71Karlstar
Sept. 21, 2022, 2:54 pm

>70 Tane: I've heard from other folks that they enjoyed Kaiju Preservation Society.

72Tane
Bearbeitet: Sept. 22, 2022, 8:35 am

>71 Karlstar: thank you. So far, so good.
Just the right sort of slightly satirical story I was after.

73clamairy
Sept. 22, 2022, 12:38 pm

>72 Tane: I found it quite amusing!

74Tane
Nov. 5, 2022, 7:04 am

Audiobook update:
The Kaiju Preservation Society - I enjoyed this one, it's nothing earth shattering but it is fun. I should really get some more Scalzi in my life, as the few that I've read have all been good. Just my kind of thing.


The Forest of Vanity and Valour - Oh. What can I say? I wasn't taken with this one at all. Maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind? It just didn't grab me. Felt more like a series of scenes, but no real plot. I won't be continuing with this series.


Other than those two, I've also listened to the Sandman Part III audio production, which I really, really enjoyed. They manage to conjure some superb audio-visuals.

75Tane
Bearbeitet: Dez. 19, 2022, 1:43 am

Audiobook update:

The Theory of Everything Else - if you've listened to the No Such Thing As A Fish podcast, then you'll probably have heard of this book already. One of the four regular presenters, Dan Schreiber has put together a book of his favourite conspiracy theories. He's not saying you should believe them, but that they are interesting in their own right. And I agree. It was a fun listen, especially as Dan read it himself. If you haven't heard of the No Such Thing As A Fish podcast, then you really should check it out.


The Blurred Lands - an odd little tale this one, but one that I enjoyed. It's from an author I haven't heard of before. I will confess I was taken in by the cover art, it intrigued me enough to give it a listen. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to everyone, but if you're after a slightly surreal story about the power of magic, and women, and something that requires a bit of concentration then why not give this a go.


Children of Memory - the 3rd in the Children of Time series by Adrian Tchaikovsky. I like this scifi / exploration series. It's quite dry, there isn't a lot of description in the writing and yet the words overall paint a pretty good picture. Which sounds odd, I admit. I like the style. This was a good story about how things may not be quite what they seem on a particular planet. I won't spoil it, but I will say that you definitely need to have read the first two books first.


Ironclads- Short and to the point, scifi-military. Nothing new, nothing special - but worth a read. I'm beginning to think that I need to try more Adrian Tchaikovsky work (he seems to have written quite a lot).

and now I'm at a bit of a loss, what should I listen to next? Perhaps The Starless Sea, or What if?, or perhaps The Radleys... hmmm, we shall see!

76clamairy
Dez. 6, 2022, 4:23 pm

>75 Tane: Good to see you posting! I might have a go at that The Blurred Lands, as that is rated very highly in here. (But there is only one review!) I'll just add it to my miles long wishlist for now.

Hope all is well and the bambino continues to thrive!

77Tane
Dez. 7, 2022, 1:35 pm

>76 clamairy: thank you. All is going well here. We’re at the “opening cupboards and emptying their contents” stage 😁

78MrsLee
Dez. 7, 2022, 6:44 pm

>77 Tane: LOL my daughter-in-law walks into her kitchen and finds cans stacked two and three high on the floor instead of in the cupboard where she left them.

79Tane
Dez. 8, 2022, 3:45 pm

>78 MrsLee: Haha. I don’t think we’re far off that.

80Tane
Dez. 18, 2022, 12:11 pm

Discworld Update: Night Watch

Vimes sets off on a time travelling story without the rest of his Watch companions (well, most of them with a couple of notable exceptions). This is one of my favourite Discworld stories.

Highlights this time around?
I enjoyed seeing the young Vetinari being as sharp as ever. I also liked seeing Reg Shoe in his pre-zombie days.

Any time spent with Sam Vimes, is time well spent.

Any surprises?
I have quite strong memories of this one, from my original read some time ago. I suppose I was a little surprised by how little the central villain, Carcer actually featured in the story. I remember there being more of him last time.

Overall?
This (very slow, stop-start) re-read has proven that it is still one of my favourites. Overall I think Sam Vimes is my favourite lead character, and I seem to relate to him more and more as the tears roll by.

Next?
Wee Free Men is next, and it’s confession time. I’ve not read this one before.

Although I am going to also take a detour into non-Discworld, non-Pratchett stuff before getting involved with the little blue men.

I have Guy Gavriel Kay’s All The Seas of the World sitting there telling me that I need to read. It. Now.

81MrsLee
Dez. 18, 2022, 1:45 pm

>80 Tane: Crivens! You best get cracking, you are in for a world of fun with the Wee Free Men. :)

82Tane
Dez. 18, 2022, 2:56 pm

>81 MrsLee: Haha! I am looking forward to it. I feel like I'm (finally) on the homeward stretch for the Disworld books, final quarter to go. It looks like it'll take me 3 years to read them all at my current rate - which isn't likely to speed up any time soon.

I think I will definitely have to invest in the new audiobook recordings of the Discworld books. Then at least I can enjoy them whilst out and about.

83Jim53
Bearbeitet: Dez. 18, 2022, 3:09 pm

>80 Tane: I'll be interested to see how you like this. I didn't really connect with anyone in the last book or two of his that I read. Before that, he was one of my absolute favorites. (ETA: I'm referring to the Kay.)

84Karlstar
Dez. 18, 2022, 6:18 pm

>75 Tane: Is it possible that your touchstone for Ironclads is off? That looks like a history book.

85MrsLee
Dez. 18, 2022, 8:13 pm

>82 Tane: I see nothing wrong with stretching the pleasure out as long as possible. My former post was only channeling the wee ones, not trying to rush you. It's a bittersweet moment when we read the last book of one of our favorite authors and know there will be no more. One can reread, but it isn't the same.

86Tane
Dez. 19, 2022, 1:42 am

>83 Jim53: I’ll let you know how it goes. I hope it’s another great work, but we shall see.

87Tane
Dez. 19, 2022, 1:44 am

>84 Karlstar: You’re right, sorry about that. I have now hopefully updated it.

88Tane
Dez. 19, 2022, 1:47 am

>85 MrsLee: No problem, I understood. I think I’m rushing myself more than anything. Though to be honest my time is so limited at the moment that nothing happens quickly. 😁