Arlie's Reading Continues in 2023 - Thread 3
Dies ist die Fortführung des Themas Arlie's Reading Continues in 2023 - Thread 2.
Forum75 Books Challenge for 2023
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1ArlieS
I'm Arlie, 65, newly retired software engineer. This is my third year of the 75 books challenge.
I read about half-and-half fiction and non-fiction; the former mostly SF/Fantasy, and the latter mostly science, technology, and history, with a bit of biography and economics thrown in for extra flavor.
I mostly read in English, but am capable of reading French and German after a fashion, and very occasionaly pick up a book or a band dessinée to help me retain my less-than-stellar linguistic abilities.
I'm Canadian, but live in California, USA, where I moved in pursuit of career opportunity in 1997. My household consists of two retired adults and one aging dog. We also feed an ever changing menagerie of stray and feral cats.
The character of the books I read has changed somewhat since retirement. I no longer come home from work mentally exhausted, fit only to read a lightweight novel or play a mindless computer game to unwind. So I'm reading rather more challenging non-fiction, and rather less mindless escapist fiction. I also seem to be spending less time reading than I did in the first months of retirement, and the year of illness preceding that - I have time and energy for other activities.
Those activities include playing bridge, cooking more than I ever had time for, playing computer games, reducing the amount of stuff in our home while reorganizing what remains, and helping my body recover from at least 5 decades of spending most of my time at a desk. (Yes, I count that starting in my teens.)
I read about half-and-half fiction and non-fiction; the former mostly SF/Fantasy, and the latter mostly science, technology, and history, with a bit of biography and economics thrown in for extra flavor.
I mostly read in English, but am capable of reading French and German after a fashion, and very occasionaly pick up a book or a band dessinée to help me retain my less-than-stellar linguistic abilities.
I'm Canadian, but live in California, USA, where I moved in pursuit of career opportunity in 1997. My household consists of two retired adults and one aging dog. We also feed an ever changing menagerie of stray and feral cats.
The character of the books I read has changed somewhat since retirement. I no longer come home from work mentally exhausted, fit only to read a lightweight novel or play a mindless computer game to unwind. So I'm reading rather more challenging non-fiction, and rather less mindless escapist fiction. I also seem to be spending less time reading than I did in the first months of retirement, and the year of illness preceding that - I have time and energy for other activities.
Those activities include playing bridge, cooking more than I ever had time for, playing computer games, reducing the amount of stuff in our home while reorganizing what remains, and helping my body recover from at least 5 decades of spending most of my time at a desk. (Yes, I count that starting in my teens.)
2ArlieS
My rules
In past years, I've counted only books I read from cover-to-cover in the relevant year for the first time. No rereads, and no books started Dec 31 of the previous year, or finished Jan 1 of the following year.
This year my only rule is that the whole book must have been read, part of the reading must have happened in 2023, and I can't count the same read for multiple years - it's either 2023 or 2024, not both, unless I read it twice.
I'm making these changes because:
- I'm likely to read less this year, but would still like to reach 75. Counting rereads might make the difference.
- I found a job lot of books in my to-be-read shelves with bookmarks in them. If I finish them without a complete restart they wouldn't count under my prior rules, and I'm afraid that might discourage me from picking them up again.
- It's more consistent with everyone else's practice.
Rules Addendum (3/18/2023)
When a book has a large excerpt from some other book at the end, as a teaser for something else by the same author or publisher, I don't have to read or reread the teaser to count as having read or reread the book, even if the page count includes the teaser.
My Rating System
5. Excellent. Read this now!
4.5. Very Good. If fiction, well worth rereading; if non-fiction, I learned a lot.
4. Very good, but not quite 4.5. If fiction, likely reread; if non-fiction, I learned a lot.
3. Decent read, but not special in any way.
2.5 Why did I bother finishing this?
2. Did not finish.
1. Ran screaming, and you should too.
In past years, I've counted only books I read from cover-to-cover in the relevant year for the first time. No rereads, and no books started Dec 31 of the previous year, or finished Jan 1 of the following year.
This year my only rule is that the whole book must have been read, part of the reading must have happened in 2023, and I can't count the same read for multiple years - it's either 2023 or 2024, not both, unless I read it twice.
I'm making these changes because:
- I'm likely to read less this year, but would still like to reach 75. Counting rereads might make the difference.
- I found a job lot of books in my to-be-read shelves with bookmarks in them. If I finish them without a complete restart they wouldn't count under my prior rules, and I'm afraid that might discourage me from picking them up again.
- It's more consistent with everyone else's practice.
Rules Addendum (3/18/2023)
When a book has a large excerpt from some other book at the end, as a teaser for something else by the same author or publisher, I don't have to read or reread the teaser to count as having read or reread the book, even if the page count includes the teaser.
My Rating System
5. Excellent. Read this now!
4.5. Very Good. If fiction, well worth rereading; if non-fiction, I learned a lot.
4. Very good, but not quite 4.5. If fiction, likely reread; if non-fiction, I learned a lot.
3. Decent read, but not special in any way.
2.5 Why did I bother finishing this?
2. Did not finish.
1. Ran screaming, and you should too.
3ArlieS
Links
My 2021 thread: https://www.librarything.com/topic/328797
My 2022 thread, part 1: https://www.librarything.com/topic/337717
My 2022 thread, part 2: https://www.librarything.com/topic/341510
My 2023 thread, part 1: https://www.librarything.com/topic/346763
My 2023 thread, part 2: https://www.librarything.com/topic/350549
My 2021 thread: https://www.librarything.com/topic/328797
My 2022 thread, part 1: https://www.librarything.com/topic/337717
My 2022 thread, part 2: https://www.librarything.com/topic/341510
My 2023 thread, part 1: https://www.librarything.com/topic/346763
My 2023 thread, part 2: https://www.librarything.com/topic/350549
4ArlieS
Books Completed Jan 2023
1. Hopes and prospects by Noam Chomsky
2. The eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff
3. 1637 : the Transylvanian decision by Eric Flint and Robert E. Waters
4. The perfectionists : how precision engineers created the modern world by Simon Winchester
5. The serpent by David Drake
6. The Silver Branch by Rosemary Sutcliff
1. Hopes and prospects by Noam Chomsky
2. The eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff
3. 1637 : the Transylvanian decision by Eric Flint and Robert E. Waters
4. The perfectionists : how precision engineers created the modern world by Simon Winchester
5. The serpent by David Drake
6. The Silver Branch by Rosemary Sutcliff
5ArlieS
Books Completed Feb 2023
7. Ranks of Bronze by David Drake (reread)
8. The Excalibur Alternative by David Weber (reread)
9. Foreign Legions edited by David Drake (reread)
11. Frontier wolf by Rosemary Sutcliff
12. Into the West by Mercedes Lackey
13. White Trash : The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America by Nancy Isenberg
14. The case of the spellbound child by Mercedes Lackey
15. The Apocalypse Troll by David Weber (reread)
16. The Economics of Inequality by Thomas Piketty
17. March Upcountry by David Weber and John Ringo (reread)
18. The Lantern Bearers by Rosemary Sutcliff
7. Ranks of Bronze by David Drake (reread)
8. The Excalibur Alternative by David Weber (reread)
9. Foreign Legions edited by David Drake (reread)
11. Frontier wolf by Rosemary Sutcliff
12. Into the West by Mercedes Lackey
13. White Trash : The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America by Nancy Isenberg
14. The case of the spellbound child by Mercedes Lackey
15. The Apocalypse Troll by David Weber (reread)
16. The Economics of Inequality by Thomas Piketty
17. March Upcountry by David Weber and John Ringo (reread)
18. The Lantern Bearers by Rosemary Sutcliff
6ArlieS
Books Completed Mar 2023
19. Sea power : the history and geopolitics of the world's oceans by James Stavridis
20. March to the Sea by David Weber and John Ringo (reread)
21. The great divide : unequal societies and what we can do about them by Joseph E. Stiglitz
22. March to the Stars by David Weber and John Ringo (reread)
23. Saving capitalism : for the many, not the few by Robert B. Reich
24. We Few by David Weber and John Ringo (reread)
25. The 99% invisible city : a field guide to the hidden world of everyday design by Roman Mars and Kurt Kohlstedt
26. Shenanigans edited by Mercedes Lackey
27. Kindred : Neanderthal life, love, death and art by Rebecca Wragg Sykes
28. Why we fight : the roots of war and the paths to peace by Christopher Blattman
19. Sea power : the history and geopolitics of the world's oceans by James Stavridis
20. March to the Sea by David Weber and John Ringo (reread)
21. The great divide : unequal societies and what we can do about them by Joseph E. Stiglitz
22. March to the Stars by David Weber and John Ringo (reread)
23. Saving capitalism : for the many, not the few by Robert B. Reich
24. We Few by David Weber and John Ringo (reread)
25. The 99% invisible city : a field guide to the hidden world of everyday design by Roman Mars and Kurt Kohlstedt
26. Shenanigans edited by Mercedes Lackey
27. Kindred : Neanderthal life, love, death and art by Rebecca Wragg Sykes
28. Why we fight : the roots of war and the paths to peace by Christopher Blattman
7ArlieS
Books Completed Apr 2023
29. Decluttering at the speed of life : winning your never-ending battle with stuff by Dana K. White
30. 24739544::Into the Light by David Weber and Chris Kennedy
31. 28763911::What price victory? edited by David Weber
32. 27670670::Boundaries : all-new tales of Valdemar edited by Mercedes Lackey
33. A people's history of the United States by Howard Zinn
34. 1637 : the coast of chaos by Eric Flint and many others
35. Survival of the sickest : a medical maverick discovers why we need disease by Sharon Moalem and Jonathan Prince
36. Isolate by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
37. The son also rises : surnames and the history of social mobility by Gregory Clark
38. Councilor by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
29. Decluttering at the speed of life : winning your never-ending battle with stuff by Dana K. White
30. 24739544::Into the Light by David Weber and Chris Kennedy
31. 28763911::What price victory? edited by David Weber
32. 27670670::Boundaries : all-new tales of Valdemar edited by Mercedes Lackey
33. A people's history of the United States by Howard Zinn
34. 1637 : the coast of chaos by Eric Flint and many others
35. Survival of the sickest : a medical maverick discovers why we need disease by Sharon Moalem and Jonathan Prince
36. Isolate by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
37. The son also rises : surnames and the history of social mobility by Gregory Clark
38. Councilor by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
8ArlieS
Books Completed May 2023
39. Terminal Peace by Jim C. Hines
40. The knowledge machine : how irrationality created modern science by Michael Strevens
41. How Rome fell : death of a superpower by Adrian Keith Goldsworthy
42. The heart of valor by Tanya Huff
43. Valor's trial by Tanya Huff
44. End of the megafauna : the fate of the world's hugest, fiercest, and strangest animals by Ross D. E. MacPhee
45. Trade Secret by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (reread)
46. The Case Against Reality: Why Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes by Donald Hoffman
39. Terminal Peace by Jim C. Hines
40. The knowledge machine : how irrationality created modern science by Michael Strevens
41. How Rome fell : death of a superpower by Adrian Keith Goldsworthy
42. The heart of valor by Tanya Huff
43. Valor's trial by Tanya Huff
44. End of the megafauna : the fate of the world's hugest, fiercest, and strangest animals by Ross D. E. MacPhee
45. Trade Secret by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (reread)
46. The Case Against Reality: Why Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes by Donald Hoffman
9ArlieS
Books Completed Jun 2023
47. The Truth of Valor by Tanya Huff
48. Fair Trade by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
49. A new clan by David Weber and Jane Lindskold
50. Climate chaos : lessons on survival from our ancestors by Brian M. Fagan and Nadia Durrani
51. An ancient peace by Tanya Huff
52. The genetic lottery : why DNA matters for social equality by Kathryn Paige Harden
53. Wizard's first rule by Terry Goodkind
54. A peace divided by Tanya Huff
55. Woman, Captain, Rebel: The Extraordinary True Story of a Daring Icelandic Sea Captain by Margaret Willson
56. The privilege of peace by Tanya Huff
57. The private world of Georgette Heyer by Jane Aiken Hodge
58. Dragon's eye edited by Christopher Stasheff (part previously read)
47. The Truth of Valor by Tanya Huff
48. Fair Trade by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
49. A new clan by David Weber and Jane Lindskold
50. Climate chaos : lessons on survival from our ancestors by Brian M. Fagan and Nadia Durrani
51. An ancient peace by Tanya Huff
52. The genetic lottery : why DNA matters for social equality by Kathryn Paige Harden
53. Wizard's first rule by Terry Goodkind
54. A peace divided by Tanya Huff
55. Woman, Captain, Rebel: The Extraordinary True Story of a Daring Icelandic Sea Captain by Margaret Willson
56. The privilege of peace by Tanya Huff
57. The private world of Georgette Heyer by Jane Aiken Hodge
58. Dragon's eye edited by Christopher Stasheff (part previously read)
10ArlieS
Books Completed Jul 2023
59. Killers of a certain age by Deanna Raybourn
60. For profit : a history of corporations by William Magnuson
61. Mind Changer : A Sector General Novel by James White
62. The last days of the dinosaurs : an asteroid, extinction, and the beginning of our world by Riley Black
63. The Order War by L. E. Modesitt, Jr. (reread)
64. Memory by Lois McMaster Bujold (mostly reread)
65. The personal librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
66. Hospital Station by James White
67. Bones of the past by Holly Lisle
68. Stardoc by S. L. Viehl
69. Super volcanoes : what they reveal about earth and the worlds beyond by Robin George Andrews
70. The Aliens Among Us by James White
71. Plows, Plagues, and Petroleum by William F. Ruddiman
72. Roman Keycard Blackwood: The Final Word by Edwin B. Kantar
73. Woke racism : how a new religion has betrayed Black America by John H. McWhorter
74. The Radical Potter: The Life and Times of Josiah Wedgwood by Tristram Hunt
75. Chicks in Chainmail edited by Esther Friesner (reread)
76. Did You Say Chicks? edited by Esther Friesner (reread)
77. Homo sapiens rediscovered : the scientific revolution rewriting our origins by Paul Pettitt
78. The silvered by Tanya Huff
59. Killers of a certain age by Deanna Raybourn
60. For profit : a history of corporations by William Magnuson
61. Mind Changer : A Sector General Novel by James White
62. The last days of the dinosaurs : an asteroid, extinction, and the beginning of our world by Riley Black
63. The Order War by L. E. Modesitt, Jr. (reread)
64. Memory by Lois McMaster Bujold (mostly reread)
65. The personal librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
66. Hospital Station by James White
67. Bones of the past by Holly Lisle
68. Stardoc by S. L. Viehl
69. Super volcanoes : what they reveal about earth and the worlds beyond by Robin George Andrews
70. The Aliens Among Us by James White
71. Plows, Plagues, and Petroleum by William F. Ruddiman
72. Roman Keycard Blackwood: The Final Word by Edwin B. Kantar
73. Woke racism : how a new religion has betrayed Black America by John H. McWhorter
74. The Radical Potter: The Life and Times of Josiah Wedgwood by Tristram Hunt
75. Chicks in Chainmail edited by Esther Friesner (reread)
76. Did You Say Chicks? edited by Esther Friesner (reread)
77. Homo sapiens rediscovered : the scientific revolution rewriting our origins by Paul Pettitt
78. The silvered by Tanya Huff
11ArlieS
Books Completed Aug 2023
79. Invention and Innovation: A Brief History of Hype and Failure by Vaclav Smil
80. Brother Cadfael's Penance by Ellis Peters (Edith Pargeter))
81. Essential retirement planning for solo agers : a retirement and aging roadmap for single and childless adults by Sara Zeff Geber
82. Fledgling : a new Liaden universe novel by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (reread)
83. Rights talk : the impoverishment of political discourse by Mary Ann Glendon
84. Red by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner
85. Rainbow's end by Ellis Peters
86. The Fires of Paratime by L. E. Modesitt, Jr. (reread)
87. Where do camels belong? : the story and science of invasive species by Ken Thompson
88. Plagues upon the earth : disease and the course of human history by Kyle Harper
89. The Passion of the Western Mind: Understanding the Ideas That Have Shaped Our Worldview by Richard Tarnas
90. Bird brain : an exploration of avian intelligence by Nathan Emery
91. Exit, voice, and loyalty : responses to decline in firms, organizations, and states by Albert O. Hirschman (previously partially read)
92. The Grand Tour, or, The purloined coronation regalia : being a revelation of matters of high confidentiality and greatest importance, including extracts from the intimate diary of a noblewoman and the sworn testimony of a lady of quality by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
93. Edible economics : a hungry economist explains the world by Ha-Joon Chang
94. The Bishop at the Lake: A Bishop Blackie Ryan Novel by Andrew M. Greeley
95. The Impact of Opening Leads Against No Trump Contracts: How to Take More Tricks on Defense (Audrey Grant Bookmark Series) by Audrey Grant
79. Invention and Innovation: A Brief History of Hype and Failure by Vaclav Smil
80. Brother Cadfael's Penance by Ellis Peters (Edith Pargeter))
81. Essential retirement planning for solo agers : a retirement and aging roadmap for single and childless adults by Sara Zeff Geber
82. Fledgling : a new Liaden universe novel by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (reread)
83. Rights talk : the impoverishment of political discourse by Mary Ann Glendon
84. Red by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner
85. Rainbow's end by Ellis Peters
86. The Fires of Paratime by L. E. Modesitt, Jr. (reread)
87. Where do camels belong? : the story and science of invasive species by Ken Thompson
88. Plagues upon the earth : disease and the course of human history by Kyle Harper
89. The Passion of the Western Mind: Understanding the Ideas That Have Shaped Our Worldview by Richard Tarnas
90. Bird brain : an exploration of avian intelligence by Nathan Emery
91. Exit, voice, and loyalty : responses to decline in firms, organizations, and states by Albert O. Hirschman (previously partially read)
92. The Grand Tour, or, The purloined coronation regalia : being a revelation of matters of high confidentiality and greatest importance, including extracts from the intimate diary of a noblewoman and the sworn testimony of a lady of quality by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
93. Edible economics : a hungry economist explains the world by Ha-Joon Chang
94. The Bishop at the Lake: A Bishop Blackie Ryan Novel by Andrew M. Greeley
95. The Impact of Opening Leads Against No Trump Contracts: How to Take More Tricks on Defense (Audrey Grant Bookmark Series) by Audrey Grant
12ArlieS
Books Completed Sep 2023
96. Irish Cream: A Nuala Anne McGrail Novel by Andrew M. Greeley
97. Some we love, some we hate, some we eat : why it's so hard to think straight about animals by Hal Herzog
98. Happy are Those Who Thirst For Justice by Andrew M. Greeley (reread)
99. Happy are the Peacemakers by Andrew M. Greeley (reread)
100. Magic below stairs by Caroline Stevermer
101. Making modern science : a historical survey by Peter J. Bowler and Iwan Rhys Morus
102. The mislaid magician, or, Ten years after : being the private correspondence between two prominent families regarding a scandal touching the highest levels of government and the security of the realm by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
103. A brief history of science : as seen through the development of scientific instruments by Thomas Crump
104. Death and the joyful woman by Ellis Peters
105. A nice derangement of epitaphs by Ellis Peters
106. Bees of the World A Guide to Every Family by Laurence Packer
107. The kindness of strangers : the abandonment of children in Western Europe from late antiquity to the Renaissance by John Boswell
108. The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches from a Black Trauma Surgeon on Racism, Violence, and How We Heal by Brian H. Williams
109. Monstrous regiment by Terry Pratchett
110. Pathogenesis : a history of the world in eight plagues by Jonathan Kennedy
111. Gideon's Day by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
96. Irish Cream: A Nuala Anne McGrail Novel by Andrew M. Greeley
97. Some we love, some we hate, some we eat : why it's so hard to think straight about animals by Hal Herzog
98. Happy are Those Who Thirst For Justice by Andrew M. Greeley (reread)
99. Happy are the Peacemakers by Andrew M. Greeley (reread)
100. Magic below stairs by Caroline Stevermer
101. Making modern science : a historical survey by Peter J. Bowler and Iwan Rhys Morus
102. The mislaid magician, or, Ten years after : being the private correspondence between two prominent families regarding a scandal touching the highest levels of government and the security of the realm by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
103. A brief history of science : as seen through the development of scientific instruments by Thomas Crump
104. Death and the joyful woman by Ellis Peters
105. A nice derangement of epitaphs by Ellis Peters
106. Bees of the World A Guide to Every Family by Laurence Packer
107. The kindness of strangers : the abandonment of children in Western Europe from late antiquity to the Renaissance by John Boswell
108. The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches from a Black Trauma Surgeon on Racism, Violence, and How We Heal by Brian H. Williams
109. Monstrous regiment by Terry Pratchett
110. Pathogenesis : a history of the world in eight plagues by Jonathan Kennedy
111. Gideon's Day by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
13ArlieS
Books Completed Oct 2023
112. Gideon's week by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
113. The secret lives of bats : my adventures with the world's most misunderstood mammals by Merlin D. Tuttle
114. The grass-widow's tale by Ellis Peters
115. Gideon's Night by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
116. Dancing cockatoos and the dead man test : how behavior evolves and why it matters by Marlene Zuk
117. Pirate enlightenment, or the real Libertalia by David Graeber
118. Gideon's Month by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
119. Gideon's Staff by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
120. Gideon's Risk by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
121. Mourning raga by Ellis Peters
122. Gryphon in light by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon
123. The life and death of ancient cities : a natural history by Greg Woolf (Gregory Duncan Woolf)
124. Gideon's Fire by J.J. Marric (John Creasey) (reread)
125. The Dark Lord's Daughter by Patricia Wrede
126. Death to the landlords! by Ellis Peters
112. Gideon's week by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
113. The secret lives of bats : my adventures with the world's most misunderstood mammals by Merlin D. Tuttle
114. The grass-widow's tale by Ellis Peters
115. Gideon's Night by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
116. Dancing cockatoos and the dead man test : how behavior evolves and why it matters by Marlene Zuk
117. Pirate enlightenment, or the real Libertalia by David Graeber
118. Gideon's Month by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
119. Gideon's Staff by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
120. Gideon's Risk by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
121. Mourning raga by Ellis Peters
122. Gryphon in light by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon
123. The life and death of ancient cities : a natural history by Greg Woolf (Gregory Duncan Woolf)
124. Gideon's Fire by J.J. Marric (John Creasey) (reread)
125. The Dark Lord's Daughter by Patricia Wrede
126. Death to the landlords! by Ellis Peters
14ArlieS
Books Completed Nov 2023
127. Gideon's March by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
128. Contrarian: A Novel in the Grand Illusion by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
129. We're not broken : changing the autism conversation by Eric Garcia
130. Gideon's Vote by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
131. The end of the world is just the beginning : mapping the collapse of globalization by Peter Zeihan
132. Gideon's Lot by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
133. Gideon's Wrath by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
134. Witch king by Martha Wells
135. The fires of Vesuvius : Pompeii lost and found by Mary Beard
136. Gideon's River by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
137. Gideon's Sport by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
127. Gideon's March by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
128. Contrarian: A Novel in the Grand Illusion by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
129. We're not broken : changing the autism conversation by Eric Garcia
130. Gideon's Vote by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
131. The end of the world is just the beginning : mapping the collapse of globalization by Peter Zeihan
132. Gideon's Lot by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
133. Gideon's Wrath by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
134. Witch king by Martha Wells
135. The fires of Vesuvius : Pompeii lost and found by Mary Beard
136. Gideon's River by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
137. Gideon's Sport by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
15ArlieS
Books Completed Dec 2023
138. A Brief History of the Female Body: An Evolutionary Look at How and Why the Female Form Came to Be by Deena Emera
139. Gideon's Men by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
140. African founders : how enslaved people expanded American Ideals by David Hackett Fischer
141. Gideon's Fog by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
142. Forward: Notes on the Future of Our Democracy by Andrew Yang
143. Gideon's Drive by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
144. The face of battle by John Keegan
145. An Oblique Approach by David Drake and Eric Flint (reread)
146. Empires of the Steppes: A History of the Nomadic Tribes Who Shaped Civilization by Kenneth W. Harl
147. Remnants of ancient life : the new science of old fossils by Dale E. Greenwalt
138. A Brief History of the Female Body: An Evolutionary Look at How and Why the Female Form Came to Be by Deena Emera
139. Gideon's Men by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
140. African founders : how enslaved people expanded American Ideals by David Hackett Fischer
141. Gideon's Fog by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
142. Forward: Notes on the Future of Our Democracy by Andrew Yang
143. Gideon's Drive by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
144. The face of battle by John Keegan
145. An Oblique Approach by David Drake and Eric Flint (reread)
146. Empires of the Steppes: A History of the Nomadic Tribes Who Shaped Civilization by Kenneth W. Harl
147. Remnants of ancient life : the new science of old fossils by Dale E. Greenwalt
16ArlieS
Books Pearl Ruled in 2023
1. Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life by Karen Rauch Carter
2. How to be a star at work : nine breakthrough strategies you need to succeed by Robert Earl Kelley
3. The gordian protocol by David Weber and Jacob Holo
4: Beaverland : how one weird rodent made America by Leila Philip
5. An indigenous peoples' history of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
6: Ironhead, or, Once a young lady by Jean-Claude van Rijckeghem
7: Beyond Varallan by S. L. Viehl
8: Gideon's Raid by William Vivian Butler, writing as J. J. Marric
1. Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life by Karen Rauch Carter
2. How to be a star at work : nine breakthrough strategies you need to succeed by Robert Earl Kelley
3. The gordian protocol by David Weber and Jacob Holo
4: Beaverland : how one weird rodent made America by Leila Philip
5. An indigenous peoples' history of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
6: Ironhead, or, Once a young lady by Jean-Claude van Rijckeghem
7: Beyond Varallan by S. L. Viehl
8: Gideon's Raid by William Vivian Butler, writing as J. J. Marric
20ArlieS
It's the first of September; time for a new thread. I made the second one this year on May 1. So each thread lasts 4 months, and two of them start more or less on Labour Day - as observed in very different jurisdictions.
Come on in.
Come on in.
22FAMeulstee
Happy new thread, Arlie!
24PaulCranswick
Happy new thread, Arlie.
We have precisely one book in common this year amongst our reads and it was your second book completed and my first!
We have precisely one book in common this year amongst our reads and it was your second book completed and my first!
25ArlieS
>21 drneutron: >22 FAMeulstee: >23 quondame: >24 PaulCranswick: Thank you all.
>24 PaulCranswick: I bet we both read it for the British authors challenge.
>24 PaulCranswick: I bet we both read it for the British authors challenge.
27ArlieS
>26 atozgrl: Thank you
28ArlieS
95. The Impact of Opening Leads Against No Trump Contracts: How to Take More Tricks on Defense (Audrey Grant Bookmark Series) by Audrey Grant
This was an OK book about a specific aspect of bridge. I've read - and own - a lot of other books by this author. Most of them were very useful to me. So I bought this book sight unseen.
Unfortunately, I can only describe the book as "OK", rather than "great" or even "good". It has some useful tips, and some worked out examples. It explains some of the why of the tips, so they aren't just rules to follow blindly - but not enough for me to feel like I really get it. This author is usually much better.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, bridge, series: n/a, 2012
- Author: female, Canadian, born 1940, "professional educator and contract bridge teacher", author previously read
- English, purchased new, 118 pages, 3 stars
- read Aug 8-30, 2023, book not previously read
This was an OK book about a specific aspect of bridge. I've read - and own - a lot of other books by this author. Most of them were very useful to me. So I bought this book sight unseen.
Unfortunately, I can only describe the book as "OK", rather than "great" or even "good". It has some useful tips, and some worked out examples. It explains some of the why of the tips, so they aren't just rules to follow blindly - but not enough for me to feel like I really get it. This author is usually much better.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, bridge, series: n/a, 2012
- Author: female, Canadian, born 1940, "professional educator and contract bridge teacher", author previously read
- English, purchased new, 118 pages, 3 stars
- read Aug 8-30, 2023, book not previously read
29ArlieS
96. Irish Cream: A Nuala Anne McGrail Novel by Andrew M. Greeley
This is another mystery by the author of my #94 for the year. After reading it, and then pulling another by the same author from my shelves for a reread, I now understand why works by this author would be languishing in TBR-land.
There are multiple issues, not all of them specific to this particular novel. For the author in general:
- too much similarity between plots and settings from book to book
- too much attention to lust, and (marital) sex
- only two(?) models of a good man, and one(?) of a good woman
- everybody's corrupt - the bad guys use "undue influence" routinely, and so do the good guys. There are old boy/person networks in the police, the courts, and the Roman Catholic Church. The heroes are "well connected" - i.e. use these whenever it seems useful.
- too many people have enough money to do whatever they want. In my #94, the dysfunctional family was portrayed as quite rich. That was fine; an essential part of the plot, including the college student with her own private airplane. But here the money greases everything without being treated as notable. (I guess most of these monied folks are only in the 1% or .5%, not the .01%, so not notably "rich"?)
Getting to the book at hand:
- two separate stories, connected only by the characters of the present day story reading about the earlier one, and eventually finding one of the present day characters descended from the past characters. Both stories were interesting, but the connection was forced. How about writing two novellas rather than one short novel
- the viewpoint character in the present day story spends far too much time discussing his sex life. (He's *very* happily married.) This reader got bored with it.
- OTOH both stories were captivating enough that I finished it in two days - on yet another day when I wasn't feeling well and wanted light easy to read distraction.
Finally, we have Happy are those who thirst for justice. I pulled that off my shelf for a reread this morning, wanting more distraction. Its main character has an extremely similar sexual relationship with *his* wife. The plot involved yet another dysfunctional Irish family, with money, like my #94. I put it back on the shelf it came from, muttering something uncomplimentary about "soft porn". Note that this would have happened to Irish Cream if I'd started it right after Happy are those who thirst for justice, rather than the other way round. One uxorious character talking too much about his lusts and their satisfaction could be a way to make a story unique. Two similar characters with different names and the same preoccupations is merely boring.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 2005
- Author: male, American, born 1928, priest, sociologist and novelist, author of my #94 for 2023
- English, TBR shelf, 314 pages, 3 stars
- read Aug 30-Sep 1, 2023; not previously read
This is another mystery by the author of my #94 for the year. After reading it, and then pulling another by the same author from my shelves for a reread, I now understand why works by this author would be languishing in TBR-land.
There are multiple issues, not all of them specific to this particular novel. For the author in general:
- too much similarity between plots and settings from book to book
- too much attention to lust, and (marital) sex
- only two(?) models of a good man, and one(?) of a good woman
- everybody's corrupt - the bad guys use "undue influence" routinely, and so do the good guys. There are old boy/person networks in the police, the courts, and the Roman Catholic Church. The heroes are "well connected" - i.e. use these whenever it seems useful.
- too many people have enough money to do whatever they want. In my #94, the dysfunctional family was portrayed as quite rich. That was fine; an essential part of the plot, including the college student with her own private airplane. But here the money greases everything without being treated as notable. (I guess most of these monied folks are only in the 1% or .5%, not the .01%, so not notably "rich"?)
Getting to the book at hand:
- two separate stories, connected only by the characters of the present day story reading about the earlier one, and eventually finding one of the present day characters descended from the past characters. Both stories were interesting, but the connection was forced. How about writing two novellas rather than one short novel
- the viewpoint character in the present day story spends far too much time discussing his sex life. (He's *very* happily married.) This reader got bored with it.
- OTOH both stories were captivating enough that I finished it in two days - on yet another day when I wasn't feeling well and wanted light easy to read distraction.
Finally, we have Happy are those who thirst for justice. I pulled that off my shelf for a reread this morning, wanting more distraction. Its main character has an extremely similar sexual relationship with *his* wife. The plot involved yet another dysfunctional Irish family, with money, like my #94. I put it back on the shelf it came from, muttering something uncomplimentary about "soft porn". Note that this would have happened to Irish Cream if I'd started it right after Happy are those who thirst for justice, rather than the other way round. One uxorious character talking too much about his lusts and their satisfaction could be a way to make a story unique. Two similar characters with different names and the same preoccupations is merely boring.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 2005
- Author: male, American, born 1928, priest, sociologist and novelist, author of my #94 for 2023
- English, TBR shelf, 314 pages, 3 stars
- read Aug 30-Sep 1, 2023; not previously read
30PlatinumWarlock
Happy new thread, Arlie!
31vancouverdeb
Happy New Thread 🧵, Arlie!
32ArlieS
>30 PlatinumWarlock: >31 vancouverdeb: Thank you both.
33ArlieS
97. Some we love, some we hate, some we eat : why it's so hard to think straight about animals by Hal Herzog
This is a book by an academic about human attitudes to various non-human animals, with emphasis on areas where attitudes seem illogical or contradictory. It wound up on my TBR list because it was cited in Beaverland : how one weird rodent made America.
It's an OK book; maybe more than OK if you are more interested in the topic than I turned out to be. The author is quite readable. He does research in the area he wrote about, so there's no science journalist effect.
Read it if you want to know more about cock fighters, animal rights activists, animal conservation volunteers, pet owners, and similar.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, social science (psychology), series: n/a, 2010
- Author: male, American(?), age unknown (BA 1968, Ph.D. 1979), academic (psychology), author not previously read
- English, public library, 326 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Aug 20-Sep 1, 2023, book not previously read
This is a book by an academic about human attitudes to various non-human animals, with emphasis on areas where attitudes seem illogical or contradictory. It wound up on my TBR list because it was cited in Beaverland : how one weird rodent made America.
It's an OK book; maybe more than OK if you are more interested in the topic than I turned out to be. The author is quite readable. He does research in the area he wrote about, so there's no science journalist effect.
Read it if you want to know more about cock fighters, animal rights activists, animal conservation volunteers, pet owners, and similar.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, social science (psychology), series: n/a, 2010
- Author: male, American(?), age unknown (BA 1968, Ph.D. 1979), academic (psychology), author not previously read
- English, public library, 326 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Aug 20-Sep 1, 2023, book not previously read
34ArlieS
98. Happy are Those Who Thirst For Justice by Andrew M. Greeley
In spite of my comments in >29 ArlieS: I reread two of Greeley's mysteries. I'll plead in my defense that in the case of this one, I'd restarted it before the realizations in >29 ArlieS:, and wanted to know what happened, particularly to the granddaughter.
Verdict: interesting mystery; too much of Greeley's IMO delusional beliefs about (all) good Catholic sexual relationships. At least this one had only one episode of marital relations; unfortunately parts of the plot were revealed while the characters were in bed.
Never read more than one Greeley novel in a year. They are far too repetitious.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1987
- Author: male, American, born 1928, priest, sociologist and novelist, author of my #94 and #96 for 2023
- English, own shelves, 304 pages, 3 stars
- read ???-Sep 4, 2023; reread
In spite of my comments in >29 ArlieS: I reread two of Greeley's mysteries. I'll plead in my defense that in the case of this one, I'd restarted it before the realizations in >29 ArlieS:, and wanted to know what happened, particularly to the granddaughter.
Verdict: interesting mystery; too much of Greeley's IMO delusional beliefs about (all) good Catholic sexual relationships. At least this one had only one episode of marital relations; unfortunately parts of the plot were revealed while the characters were in bed.
Never read more than one Greeley novel in a year. They are far too repetitious.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1987
- Author: male, American, born 1928, priest, sociologist and novelist, author of my #94 and #96 for 2023
- English, own shelves, 304 pages, 3 stars
- read ???-Sep 4, 2023; reread
35ArlieS
99. Happy are the Peacemakers by Andrew M. Greeley
In spite of my comments in >29 ArlieS: I reread two of Greeley's mysteries. I'll plead in my defense that in the case of this one, I was desperate for light reading matter, and hoped that with the lead characters unmarried, I'd be spared reading about both the marital bed and the husband's lust. (Instead, I got the author's idea of courtship. *sigh*)
Never read more than one Greeley novel in a year, and then only when feeling tolerant of gender-essentialist nonsense. Don't recommend these books to young adults who haven't yet formed their own models of how romantic and marital relationships work, unless you are reasonably sure they won't take their relationship model as normative. (Be especially careful with young people on the autistic spectrum, who may be using the narrator's voice in novels to try to understand incomprehensible (to them) social behaviour they encounter in real life.)
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1993
- Author: male, American, born 1928, priest, sociologist and novelist, author of my #94, #96 and #98 for 2023
- English, own shelves, 300 pages, 3 stars
- read Sep 1-6, 2023; reread
In spite of my comments in >29 ArlieS: I reread two of Greeley's mysteries. I'll plead in my defense that in the case of this one, I was desperate for light reading matter, and hoped that with the lead characters unmarried, I'd be spared reading about both the marital bed and the husband's lust. (Instead, I got the author's idea of courtship. *sigh*)
Never read more than one Greeley novel in a year, and then only when feeling tolerant of gender-essentialist nonsense. Don't recommend these books to young adults who haven't yet formed their own models of how romantic and marital relationships work, unless you are reasonably sure they won't take their relationship model as normative. (Be especially careful with young people on the autistic spectrum, who may be using the narrator's voice in novels to try to understand incomprehensible (to them) social behaviour they encounter in real life.)
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1993
- Author: male, American, born 1928, priest, sociologist and novelist, author of my #94, #96 and #98 for 2023
- English, own shelves, 300 pages, 3 stars
- read Sep 1-6, 2023; reread
36ArlieS
100. Magic below stairs by Caroline Stevermer
This is a cute little children's novel, in the same universe and with some of the same characters as my #92 for this year. The plot is a bit thin in places - this author may do better as a collaborator - but it was an enjoyable read.
Statistics:
- fiction, fantasy, juvenile, series (not first), 2010
- Author: Caroline Stevermer: female, American, born 1955, novelist, co-author of my #92 for 2023
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 199 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Sep 7, 2023; not previously read
This is a cute little children's novel, in the same universe and with some of the same characters as my #92 for this year. The plot is a bit thin in places - this author may do better as a collaborator - but it was an enjoyable read.
Statistics:
- fiction, fantasy, juvenile, series (not first), 2010
- Author: Caroline Stevermer: female, American, born 1955, novelist, co-author of my #92 for 2023
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 199 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Sep 7, 2023; not previously read
37ArlieS
101. Making modern science : a historical survey by Peter J. Bowler and Iwan Rhys Morus
This is designed to be a textbook for first year students on the history of science, that also works for the general reader. It succeeds pretty well at this, while also covering lots of things I didn't already know. I enjoyed it.
It would take at least 2 or 3 readings for me to absorb everything it covers, and the style (independently-assignable chapters) is such that I didn't automatically absorb a high level outline. That's not a huge flaw; when I was younger I'd have absorbed rather more, and the college students it's intended for will doubtless extract significant details for memorization. But it kept me from rating the book 4.5.
There's lots of good information in here. There's also an orientation I haven't encountered often - the authors are interested in both the process of doing history and the cultural presuppositions and belief systems of the times being studied, and wish to teach something about these along with the specifics of scientific development. They'd also like to transmit these interests to their students. This would be a good book to consult if you wanted to write a historical fiction novel that stayed close to reality, rather than merely seeming plausible to those raised on modern myths of early science.
Nonetheless, it's very much a book I can only recommend to those who really want to learn about the topic. It's quite readable, but the authors aren't the kind of historians who write so beautifully that whatever topic they pick becomes enjoyable. and you'll probably need to do extra work to retain the contents, beyond merely reading the book; it's quite information-dense, in the manner of textbooks.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history of science, series: n/a, 2005
- Author 1: Peter J. Bowler: male, British, born 1944, academic (history of biology), author not previously read
- Author 2: Iwan Rhys Morus: male, British, born 1964 , academic (history), author not previously read
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 529 pages, 4 stars
- read Aug 14-Sep 8, 2023, book not previously read
This is designed to be a textbook for first year students on the history of science, that also works for the general reader. It succeeds pretty well at this, while also covering lots of things I didn't already know. I enjoyed it.
It would take at least 2 or 3 readings for me to absorb everything it covers, and the style (independently-assignable chapters) is such that I didn't automatically absorb a high level outline. That's not a huge flaw; when I was younger I'd have absorbed rather more, and the college students it's intended for will doubtless extract significant details for memorization. But it kept me from rating the book 4.5.
There's lots of good information in here. There's also an orientation I haven't encountered often - the authors are interested in both the process of doing history and the cultural presuppositions and belief systems of the times being studied, and wish to teach something about these along with the specifics of scientific development. They'd also like to transmit these interests to their students. This would be a good book to consult if you wanted to write a historical fiction novel that stayed close to reality, rather than merely seeming plausible to those raised on modern myths of early science.
Nonetheless, it's very much a book I can only recommend to those who really want to learn about the topic. It's quite readable, but the authors aren't the kind of historians who write so beautifully that whatever topic they pick becomes enjoyable. and you'll probably need to do extra work to retain the contents, beyond merely reading the book; it's quite information-dense, in the manner of textbooks.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history of science, series: n/a, 2005
- Author 1: Peter J. Bowler: male, British, born 1944, academic (history of biology), author not previously read
- Author 2: Iwan Rhys Morus: male, British, born 1964 , academic (history), author not previously read
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 529 pages, 4 stars
- read Aug 14-Sep 8, 2023, book not previously read
38ArlieS
102. The mislaid magician, or, Ten years after : being the private correspondence between two prominent families regarding a scandal touching the highest levels of government and the security of the realm by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
This is another fun installment in a series of epistolary novels, set in the post-Napoleonic period in a world where magic exists, but the course of world events basically follows real world history. This one is enlivened by the excitement of raising magically talented children.
As with the rest of the series, there's a mystery involving magic, which takes a fair amount of solving, and a bit of luck besides. There's also plenty of humor.
It is perhaps a hair less wonderful than the first two books in its series, netting it a rating of 4 rather than 4.5. But it's still well worth a read, particularly if you like the idea of a Regency-romance-like setting, though minus the romance (none of the characters are looking for a wife/husband; most are already married).
Statistics:
- fiction, fantasy, series (not first), 2006
- Author 1: Patricia Wrede: female, American, born 1953, novelist, author of my #92 for 2023
- Author 2: Caroline Stevermer: female, American, born 1955, novelist, author of my #92 and #100 for 2023
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 328 pages, 4 stars
- read Sep 8-12, 2023; not previously read
This is another fun installment in a series of epistolary novels, set in the post-Napoleonic period in a world where magic exists, but the course of world events basically follows real world history. This one is enlivened by the excitement of raising magically talented children.
As with the rest of the series, there's a mystery involving magic, which takes a fair amount of solving, and a bit of luck besides. There's also plenty of humor.
It is perhaps a hair less wonderful than the first two books in its series, netting it a rating of 4 rather than 4.5. But it's still well worth a read, particularly if you like the idea of a Regency-romance-like setting, though minus the romance (none of the characters are looking for a wife/husband; most are already married).
Statistics:
- fiction, fantasy, series (not first), 2006
- Author 1: Patricia Wrede: female, American, born 1953, novelist, author of my #92 for 2023
- Author 2: Caroline Stevermer: female, American, born 1955, novelist, author of my #92 and #100 for 2023
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 328 pages, 4 stars
- read Sep 8-12, 2023; not previously read
39ArlieS
103. A brief history of science : as seen through the development of scientific instruments by Thomas Crump
This is a history of scientific development that does what it says on the tin. In particular, it focuses on the how of scientific discovery - what prior discoveries were needed to design and make the tools needed to investigate some phenomenon and make new discoveries. It doesn't generally go into great detail about how the tools were made, though there are some descriptions and diagrams. Mostly it's about connecting the dots of scientific discovery.
It's readable and interesting, though I curse my aging inability to effortlessly absorb details, as I would have done when I was younger.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history of science, series: n/a, 2001
- Author: male, nationality unknown (worked at university of Amsterdam; wrote in English), age unknown (retired 1994), academic (anthropology), author not previously read
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 425 pages, 4 stars
- read Aug 28-Sep 14, 2023, book not previously read
This is a history of scientific development that does what it says on the tin. In particular, it focuses on the how of scientific discovery - what prior discoveries were needed to design and make the tools needed to investigate some phenomenon and make new discoveries. It doesn't generally go into great detail about how the tools were made, though there are some descriptions and diagrams. Mostly it's about connecting the dots of scientific discovery.
It's readable and interesting, though I curse my aging inability to effortlessly absorb details, as I would have done when I was younger.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history of science, series: n/a, 2001
- Author: male, nationality unknown (worked at university of Amsterdam; wrote in English), age unknown (retired 1994), academic (anthropology), author not previously read
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 425 pages, 4 stars
- read Aug 28-Sep 14, 2023, book not previously read
40jjmcgaffey
>39 ArlieS: Oh, phooey - not in any of my Libby libraries. I'll have to look for that one. I _loved_ Consider the Fork (not the same author), a history of cooking via the implements used; this sounds like it takes a similar angle and I'd love to read it.
Hah - ILLed it (Link+). It looks like he's written a lot I'd like to read...I'll have to keep an eye out for him.
Hah - ILLed it (Link+). It looks like he's written a lot I'd like to read...I'll have to keep an eye out for him.
41ArlieS
>40 jjmcgaffey: Hurrah for Link+; that's what I use too. Without it, either my reading choices or my bank account would be poorer - and if the latter, I'd have to find some place to store the books.
42ArlieS
104. Death and the joyful woman by Ellis Peters
This is one of Ellis Peters' Inspector Felse mysteries. I tracked it down and read it as the result of a book bullet from jimmcgaffey. It was worth the effort. It's an enjoyable murder mystery with numerous potential suspects. The situation is made more complex by the inspector's 16-year old son, halfway to adulthood, who has a crush on one of the potential suspects.
As is common with these mysteries, the detective is acquainted with the deceased before his death. He's also acquainted with at least one person who resents the victim's past behaviour; they clashed over a property both of them wished to purchase. And of course many other potential suspects turn up as the story progresses.
In terms of plot construction, this book reminds me a lot of Rainbow's End, my #85 for this year. The victim had hosted an event attended by the detective off duty in which other people mentioned their resentment of their host. There's an intelligent and brave school boy integral to the plot. The list of people with motives for killing proves rather long. And boring police procedure is often referenced, and provides useful information, but often takes place off stage.
Overall, the mix of familiar elements works nicely, as reflected by me reading the whole book in a single day. And it's nice that the detective has a life, outside of his job - and that life isn't depressingly noir. (He likes a pint of mild, but isn't a drunk; he's happily married with a teenage son, who's got his own personality; he doesn't act like an obsessive workaholic, though he works hard when that's needed.)
But it is a bit predictable, and won't have reread potential until or unless I forget the plot.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1961
- Author: female, British, born 1913, writer, author of my #80 and #85 for this year
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 189 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Sep 14, 2023; book previously unread
This is one of Ellis Peters' Inspector Felse mysteries. I tracked it down and read it as the result of a book bullet from jimmcgaffey. It was worth the effort. It's an enjoyable murder mystery with numerous potential suspects. The situation is made more complex by the inspector's 16-year old son, halfway to adulthood, who has a crush on one of the potential suspects.
As is common with these mysteries, the detective is acquainted with the deceased before his death. He's also acquainted with at least one person who resents the victim's past behaviour; they clashed over a property both of them wished to purchase. And of course many other potential suspects turn up as the story progresses.
In terms of plot construction, this book reminds me a lot of Rainbow's End, my #85 for this year. The victim had hosted an event attended by the detective off duty in which other people mentioned their resentment of their host. There's an intelligent and brave school boy integral to the plot. The list of people with motives for killing proves rather long. And boring police procedure is often referenced, and provides useful information, but often takes place off stage.
Overall, the mix of familiar elements works nicely, as reflected by me reading the whole book in a single day. And it's nice that the detective has a life, outside of his job - and that life isn't depressingly noir. (He likes a pint of mild, but isn't a drunk; he's happily married with a teenage son, who's got his own personality; he doesn't act like an obsessive workaholic, though he works hard when that's needed.)
But it is a bit predictable, and won't have reread potential until or unless I forget the plot.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1961
- Author: female, British, born 1913, writer, author of my #80 and #85 for this year
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 189 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Sep 14, 2023; book previously unread
43quondame
>42 ArlieS: I had "issues" with The Joyful Woman. I didn't remember them until I looked at my review, but I do remember something about a sign.
44ArlieS
I've finally begun the fun task of tabulating the books I've read in 2023, with the aid of an even more sophisticated spread sheet than I used last year. It's early days yet, but I may eventually have actual contents for post 18 of this thread.
I've also received and started to read my very first early reviewer book from LibraryThing. Fortunately, I like it. I know I'm only committed to an honest review, not a favorable one, but I wouldn't want to have to write an unfavorable review of a book that came as what amounts to a gift.
I've also received and started to read my very first early reviewer book from LibraryThing. Fortunately, I like it. I know I'm only committed to an honest review, not a favorable one, but I wouldn't want to have to write an unfavorable review of a book that came as what amounts to a gift.
45ArlieS
105. A nice derangement of epitaphs by Ellis Peters
Another day, another murder mystery. Also another book bullet from jimmcgaffey.
This is another one of Ellis Peters' Inspector Felse mysteries. It's another workmanlike job, with extra excitement unrelated to the crime(s). This time Inspector Felse is away from home on vacation when he's invited to participate in the opening of an old tomb to investigate whether anything interesting was buried with the corpse. This is all being done officially, with the approval of the Church. But it turns out that someone else has been there before them.
This time Inspector Felse doesn't know the locals, but there's a local policeman who does, and who encourages Felse to assist him. The locals, officially fishermen, routinely supplement their earnings by smuggling, and have been doing this for centuries. One of the local policeman's first acts is to announce where he can easily be overheard that he's not interested in evidence of smuggling - just in solving the murder.
To say more would be too much in the way of spoilers. Suffice it to say that all turns out well in the end, except for the crime victims, and they aren't portrayed as either likeable or liked, though this time they mostly aren't despised and hated. There are two young men involved this time; one 15 and one 18 or so, but they aren't anywhere as deeply involved as the youngsters in my #85 and #104.
If you want a nice mystery fix, cozy in spite of having real policemen involved, you could do a lot worse.
About my only complaint is casual low grade sexism on the part of the characters and setting. (Women are generally homemakers, helpmeets, mothers, and not much more.) But that's extremely realistic for 1965. And even so, the book passes the Bechdel test.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1965
- Author: female, British, born 1913, writer, author of my #80 and #85 for this year
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 196 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Sep 15-17, 2023; book previously unread
Another day, another murder mystery. Also another book bullet from jimmcgaffey.
This is another one of Ellis Peters' Inspector Felse mysteries. It's another workmanlike job, with extra excitement unrelated to the crime(s). This time Inspector Felse is away from home on vacation when he's invited to participate in the opening of an old tomb to investigate whether anything interesting was buried with the corpse. This is all being done officially, with the approval of the Church. But it turns out that someone else has been there before them.
This time Inspector Felse doesn't know the locals, but there's a local policeman who does, and who encourages Felse to assist him. The locals, officially fishermen, routinely supplement their earnings by smuggling, and have been doing this for centuries. One of the local policeman's first acts is to announce where he can easily be overheard that he's not interested in evidence of smuggling - just in solving the murder.
To say more would be too much in the way of spoilers. Suffice it to say that all turns out well in the end, except for the crime victims, and they aren't portrayed as either likeable or liked, though this time they mostly aren't despised and hated. There are two young men involved this time; one 15 and one 18 or so, but they aren't anywhere as deeply involved as the youngsters in my #85 and #104.
If you want a nice mystery fix, cozy in spite of having real policemen involved, you could do a lot worse.
About my only complaint is casual low grade sexism on the part of the characters and setting. (Women are generally homemakers, helpmeets, mothers, and not much more.) But that's extremely realistic for 1965. And even so, the book passes the Bechdel test.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1965
- Author: female, British, born 1913, writer, author of my #80 and #85 for this year
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 196 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Sep 15-17, 2023; book previously unread
46jjmcgaffey
If you want one from the woman's POV, do read The Grass Widow's Tale - Bunty gets her own adventure. Glad to see you're enjoying the Felses.
47vancouverdeb
>44 ArlieS: Arlie , you can write an unfavourable review of a LT early reader book, even though it is a gift. I used to feel like you, but someone else on LT who had quite a few Early Reviews Book wins told me that as long as you write the minimum number of words , I forget how many , it does not matter whether the review is positive or negative. Just that you write a review. You’ll still win more ER books if you want them . It sounds like you like this book anyway , but just so you know .
48richardderus
>39 ArlieS: That one vaults onto my damn TBR. *shakes fist at Arlie*
Oh, and happy new thread since this appears to be my first visit (to my surprise).
Oh, and happy new thread since this appears to be my first visit (to my surprise).
49ArlieS
>46 jjmcgaffey: Now on its way to me via inter-library loan
>47 vancouverdeb: Fortunately, I continue to like it, but it's making me think. And reviewing may be difficult; the topic is full of landmines, at least for anyone who is not themselves black.
>48 richardderus: Turn about is fair play. You've certainly contributed enough to my TBR ;-)
>47 vancouverdeb: Fortunately, I continue to like it, but it's making me think. And reviewing may be difficult; the topic is full of landmines, at least for anyone who is not themselves black.
>48 richardderus: Turn about is fair play. You've certainly contributed enough to my TBR ;-)
50ArlieS
106. Bees of the World A Guide to Every Family by Laurence Packer
This book does precisely what it says on the tin - it gives a wee bit of information on every genus of bees, including at least two pictures per genus. I found it on the new book shelf at one of my local libraries, and borrowed it on impulse.
The information is systematic and fairly detailed. There are maps showing where each genus is found, and a bit of information on how it makes a living. I had no idea so many species of bees existed, and knew only a bit about the existence and lifestyles of bees other than honeybees and bumblebees.
I believe I'd vaguely heard of social parasitism among insects - a female of species A replaces the queen in a nest of insects of species B, and and tricks the species B workers into raising her offspring. I'm not sure I was aware that some bee species used this strategy at the expense of other species of bees.
I'm sure I'd never heard of "cuckoo bees". This kind of parasite invades the nest of another species of bee, replacing or supplementing their eggs with her own. The resources left by the mother to nourish her own offspring are instead consumed by the parasite's offspring - which also kill the unwilling host's offspring if their mother hasn't already done that.
I also didn't realize that bees often gather different food for themselves and for their offspring. I'd certainly never heard of "sweat bees", who gather nutritional resources from e.g. human sweat.
Sadly, those surprises are about all I absorbed, plus the huge variety in the size and appearance of bees, and how they've produced many more species than their ancestors, the wasps. There's plenty of other detail there - an attentive reader could probably use it to make a stab at identifying bees in their environment. But I just read for the gestalt impression
It's a good book, but more like a reference for an aspiring bee watcher (a term I just coined, by analogy with bird watcher) than something to simply read, except that it doesn't limit itself to any particular geographical area. (Most books for birders tend to be a lot more limited.)
Statistics:
- non-fiction, science, series: n/a, 2022
- Author: male, Canadian? (1st 2 degrees in UK), age unknown (BA 1976; Ph.D 1986), academic (biology, in particular melittology), author not previously read
- English, public library, 240 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Sep 12-20, 2023, book not previously read
This book does precisely what it says on the tin - it gives a wee bit of information on every genus of bees, including at least two pictures per genus. I found it on the new book shelf at one of my local libraries, and borrowed it on impulse.
The information is systematic and fairly detailed. There are maps showing where each genus is found, and a bit of information on how it makes a living. I had no idea so many species of bees existed, and knew only a bit about the existence and lifestyles of bees other than honeybees and bumblebees.
I believe I'd vaguely heard of social parasitism among insects - a female of species A replaces the queen in a nest of insects of species B, and and tricks the species B workers into raising her offspring. I'm not sure I was aware that some bee species used this strategy at the expense of other species of bees.
I'm sure I'd never heard of "cuckoo bees". This kind of parasite invades the nest of another species of bee, replacing or supplementing their eggs with her own. The resources left by the mother to nourish her own offspring are instead consumed by the parasite's offspring - which also kill the unwilling host's offspring if their mother hasn't already done that.
I also didn't realize that bees often gather different food for themselves and for their offspring. I'd certainly never heard of "sweat bees", who gather nutritional resources from e.g. human sweat.
Sadly, those surprises are about all I absorbed, plus the huge variety in the size and appearance of bees, and how they've produced many more species than their ancestors, the wasps. There's plenty of other detail there - an attentive reader could probably use it to make a stab at identifying bees in their environment. But I just read for the gestalt impression
It's a good book, but more like a reference for an aspiring bee watcher (a term I just coined, by analogy with bird watcher) than something to simply read, except that it doesn't limit itself to any particular geographical area. (Most books for birders tend to be a lot more limited.)
Statistics:
- non-fiction, science, series: n/a, 2022
- Author: male, Canadian? (1st 2 degrees in UK), age unknown (BA 1976; Ph.D 1986), academic (biology, in particular melittology), author not previously read
- English, public library, 240 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Sep 12-20, 2023, book not previously read
51jjmcgaffey
I knew sweat bees, but didn't realize they are actually bees - thought they were some kind of beetle, I think. They used to hang out with me a lot in Virginia when I was a kid. They're small and fast enough I've never gotten a good look at one.
52ArlieS
107. The kindness of strangers : the abandonment of children in Western Europe from late antiquity to the Renaissance by John Boswell
This was an interesting book. I borrowed it not because of any particular interest in the topic, but because the author came up in a discussion of historians who write so well that whatever they write is an enjoyable read, perhaps up to and including their personal grocery lists ;-) Of course I *am* interested in any and all history; only the specific topic was kind of "whatever" to me.
I'm glad I read it, though I didn't find the author to be quite as great a writer as Mary Beard or David Hackett Fischer, who are my favorite examples of historians who write incredibly well. I learned a lot about something that doesn't tend to get mentioned in popular histories.
The thesis is that in many pre-contraception societies, desired family size was commonly achieved by moving surplus children outside of the family. This was not normally done by infanticide (as often imagined), but by a variety of methods that resulted in the children being transferred to other households. This was important to rich families, particularly in times and places where any inheritance was required to be shared more of less evenly among all surviving heirs; re-homing surplus male children allowed family holdings to remain intact. It was even more important to the very poor, who might well have more children than they could afford to rear.
The specific methods vary with the society, and even within a given society. Some children were sold as slaves. Some were exposed, for whatever passerby who wanted to pick up and rear, either as family or as servant/slave. Some were oblated - donated to a monastery in childhood, with little or no option to avoid becoming a monk, nun, or monastic servant. Some were dropped in anonymous baby boxes, to be reared in government supported orphanages. Some were given directly to the people who rear and perhaps adopt them, perhaps friends or relatives of the parents.
Sometimes this was also the standard way of handling children deemed defective in some way, to the point where there are complaints extant about an overwhelming proportion of monks in some places being either stupid or crippled.
And of course this still happens today, in spite of the availability of effective contraception, though oblation is AFAIK no longer one of the available methods of getting a child off one's hands.
Boswell brings together all kinds of evidence for the frequency of this and the forms it took in various time periods in Europe. None of it is entirely conclusive; there simply aren't any statistics for most of this period, with a few limited exceptions mostly towards the end of the period, with the beginning of civic orphanages.
He does this while displaying a masterful command of languages - rare in an American, even an academic. Citations are to works in a surprising (to me) variety of languages, and there's an appendix containing a few relevant sources Boswell has translated into English.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history, series: n/a, 1988
- Author: male, American, born 1947, academic (history), author previously read
- English, public library, 488 pages, 4 stars
- read Sep 4-20, 2023, book not previously read
This was an interesting book. I borrowed it not because of any particular interest in the topic, but because the author came up in a discussion of historians who write so well that whatever they write is an enjoyable read, perhaps up to and including their personal grocery lists ;-) Of course I *am* interested in any and all history; only the specific topic was kind of "whatever" to me.
I'm glad I read it, though I didn't find the author to be quite as great a writer as Mary Beard or David Hackett Fischer, who are my favorite examples of historians who write incredibly well. I learned a lot about something that doesn't tend to get mentioned in popular histories.
The thesis is that in many pre-contraception societies, desired family size was commonly achieved by moving surplus children outside of the family. This was not normally done by infanticide (as often imagined), but by a variety of methods that resulted in the children being transferred to other households. This was important to rich families, particularly in times and places where any inheritance was required to be shared more of less evenly among all surviving heirs; re-homing surplus male children allowed family holdings to remain intact. It was even more important to the very poor, who might well have more children than they could afford to rear.
The specific methods vary with the society, and even within a given society. Some children were sold as slaves. Some were exposed, for whatever passerby who wanted to pick up and rear, either as family or as servant/slave. Some were oblated - donated to a monastery in childhood, with little or no option to avoid becoming a monk, nun, or monastic servant. Some were dropped in anonymous baby boxes, to be reared in government supported orphanages. Some were given directly to the people who rear and perhaps adopt them, perhaps friends or relatives of the parents.
Sometimes this was also the standard way of handling children deemed defective in some way, to the point where there are complaints extant about an overwhelming proportion of monks in some places being either stupid or crippled.
And of course this still happens today, in spite of the availability of effective contraception, though oblation is AFAIK no longer one of the available methods of getting a child off one's hands.
Boswell brings together all kinds of evidence for the frequency of this and the forms it took in various time periods in Europe. None of it is entirely conclusive; there simply aren't any statistics for most of this period, with a few limited exceptions mostly towards the end of the period, with the beginning of civic orphanages.
He does this while displaying a masterful command of languages - rare in an American, even an academic. Citations are to works in a surprising (to me) variety of languages, and there's an appendix containing a few relevant sources Boswell has translated into English.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history, series: n/a, 1988
- Author: male, American, born 1947, academic (history), author previously read
- English, public library, 488 pages, 4 stars
- read Sep 4-20, 2023, book not previously read
53alcottacre
Happy new-ish thread, Arlie. It has been far too long since I have visited!
54richardderus
>52 ArlieS: Interesting that he wrote this as well as the posthuously savaged Same-Sex Unions in Pre-Modern Europe. I wonder if that's undergone critical re-evaluation now that it's thirty. His loss is still a wound to me.
55ArlieS
>53 alcottacre: Good to see you. And it's close to impossible to keep up with all the threads one wants to, at least for me.
>54 richardderus: I read Same-Sex Unions decades ago, when it was fairly new. As I remember it, there was a lot of "maybe" about it, due to the nature of the evidence, just as there was with The Kindness of Strangers. I'd expect historians to argue fiercely about the plausibility of the interpretation; that's what historians do.
But of course that wasn't their only motivation, and certainly wasn't the motivation of the average non-historian reviewer. Lots of people were very attached to a straights-uber-alles view of history, and some still are.
I'm surprised there isn't more conflict about The Kindness of Strangers as well - of maybe there is, but I missed it. Surely it also goes against cherished views, aka "self-evident truths".
>54 richardderus: I read Same-Sex Unions decades ago, when it was fairly new. As I remember it, there was a lot of "maybe" about it, due to the nature of the evidence, just as there was with The Kindness of Strangers. I'd expect historians to argue fiercely about the plausibility of the interpretation; that's what historians do.
But of course that wasn't their only motivation, and certainly wasn't the motivation of the average non-historian reviewer. Lots of people were very attached to a straights-uber-alles view of history, and some still are.
I'm surprised there isn't more conflict about The Kindness of Strangers as well - of maybe there is, but I missed it. Surely it also goes against cherished views, aka "self-evident truths".
56richardderus
>55 ArlieS: If The Kindness of Strangers caused storms in the 1980s, they were in academia and never made it into straight-people media. I was deep into publishing then and think I'd remember such a kerfuffle. The heresies of this one weren't as red-meat-right baiting as the mere notion that faggots and dykes were *ever* recognized by The Church.
57ArlieS
I'm currently in the middle of what I'm calling The Great Furniture Replacement of 2023. I'm replacing my beautiful huge old L-shaped pre-computer-era desk with a modern sit-stand computer desk. The old one is, sadly, too large for the room it's in, and even with a keyboard and mouse tray added, it's implicated in my chronic backaches. I'm also replacing my desk chair, kitchen table, and kitchen/dining room chairs.
Unfortunately I'm no longer fit enough to put furniture together, let alone move anything much larger than a chair. I had to have everything delivered, and now I'm waiting for a person I hired via Taskrabbit to come and put everything together on Monday.
Meanwhile I need to get the old desk out of here. I'd hoped to find it a new owner on Freecycle, but I haven't had any nibbles. If I don't get a nibble by some time this afternoon, I'll have to call a junk removal service to come in Sunday evening and take the desk, along with various other items. (The plan had been to call a junk removal service after the new furniture was set up, to get rid of various furniture that seemed unlikely to be wanted by anyone, plus sundry large e-waste objects. I'll have to do that in any case - we won't have time to identify everything that needs to go, and make it accessible, particularly since we'll be working around furniture flat packs in the space we would have used for staging items small enough that I or my housemate can move them ourselves.)
If I'm offline for a while, it will probably be because my schedule delaminated, leaving me with no usable computer desk for several days, while I find a replacement for a no-show assembler. (No reason to believe he'll be a no show; I'm just fretting.)
In other news, I'm scheduled for a covid booster in about an hour. I may be really low energy for much of the day and into tomorrow. But if I can manage it, I'll try to find time to review my first ever early reviewers book, which I finished earlier this morning.
Unfortunately I'm no longer fit enough to put furniture together, let alone move anything much larger than a chair. I had to have everything delivered, and now I'm waiting for a person I hired via Taskrabbit to come and put everything together on Monday.
Meanwhile I need to get the old desk out of here. I'd hoped to find it a new owner on Freecycle, but I haven't had any nibbles. If I don't get a nibble by some time this afternoon, I'll have to call a junk removal service to come in Sunday evening and take the desk, along with various other items. (The plan had been to call a junk removal service after the new furniture was set up, to get rid of various furniture that seemed unlikely to be wanted by anyone, plus sundry large e-waste objects. I'll have to do that in any case - we won't have time to identify everything that needs to go, and make it accessible, particularly since we'll be working around furniture flat packs in the space we would have used for staging items small enough that I or my housemate can move them ourselves.)
If I'm offline for a while, it will probably be because my schedule delaminated, leaving me with no usable computer desk for several days, while I find a replacement for a no-show assembler. (No reason to believe he'll be a no show; I'm just fretting.)
In other news, I'm scheduled for a covid booster in about an hour. I may be really low energy for much of the day and into tomorrow. But if I can manage it, I'll try to find time to review my first ever early reviewers book, which I finished earlier this morning.
58ArlieS
I duly got the covid booster yesterday, and perhaps because it was at 11:15 almost all of the bad part happened over night. I woke up a repeatedly last night shifting to find a better position for my sore arm. But by the time I got out of bed, it was no longer bugging me. And I slept adequately long, if somewhat disjointedly. Excellent scheduling decision, even if it was simply Hobson's choice - they had an appointment available then, so I took it.
No one wants the desk, alas, so the folks at 1-880-got-junk will be coming to pick it up this evening, along with several other large objects and whatever smaller stuff we thought of. I think we may have managed to identify and make accessible everything that's too large for a pair of 65 year old women to drag to the curb for a special garbage collection by the city, and most of the larger e-waste, which the city won't accept.
I have 10 hours to finish emptying the desk, and get the resulting boxes of stuff out of the way. The latter will need to be after doing my physical therapy exercises for the day, since I fear we'll have to put them where I normally lay out my yoga mat. I go offline towards the end of the 10 hours, when I disconnect and move my monitors and computers.
I won't start that though until I'm closer to awake; my next project will be drinking coffee and reading books.
No one wants the desk, alas, so the folks at 1-880-got-junk will be coming to pick it up this evening, along with several other large objects and whatever smaller stuff we thought of. I think we may have managed to identify and make accessible everything that's too large for a pair of 65 year old women to drag to the curb for a special garbage collection by the city, and most of the larger e-waste, which the city won't accept.
I have 10 hours to finish emptying the desk, and get the resulting boxes of stuff out of the way. The latter will need to be after doing my physical therapy exercises for the day, since I fear we'll have to put them where I normally lay out my yoga mat. I go offline towards the end of the 10 hours, when I disconnect and move my monitors and computers.
I won't start that though until I'm closer to awake; my next project will be drinking coffee and reading books.
59ArlieS
108. The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches from a Black Trauma Surgeon on Racism, Violence, and How We Heal by Brian H. Williams
This book chronicles an American black man's transformation from don't rock-the-boat middle class professional success, to determination to work on fixing systemic issues, particularly those that affect black Americans in particular. Although I am white, I found it very easy to identify with the author; he's a STEM professional (trauma surgeon), with a relationship with Harvard (intern at its medical school). His attitude and reactions to the special mistreatment he received as a black person changed over time, just like my attitudes to the special mistreatment I received as a female person. And as an immigrant to the US, and/or an autistic person, I'm don't have the normal American programming to see race as the essence of who a person is - i.e. the author's blackness doesn't make him automatically Other to me.
That was the best part of the book for me. Next best were vignettes of life as a trauma surgeon, including the day that made the author famous, when he treated multiple policemen shot in the same incident. I recall having tears in my eyes reading these sections, and they furthermore added to my collection of examples that give me the best models I can have for the experiences of some blacks in the United States.
The rest of the book was about politics. The book calls out various systemic issues that both effect black people and intersect with the author's personal experiences - more often as a doctor than as a victim. It also suggests approaches to remedying them.
This part seemed to me to be pretty much also-ran. I've heard it all before, and the potential remedies haven't worked yet, sometimes because politics or bureaucratic inertia has prevented them from being tried. Dr. Williams also has the perennial American blind spot - "black" and "poor" are treated almost as synonymns. Arguments he makes in favor of some point may cite a mix of statistics about black people and statistics about poor people, with no sense that the author sees a difference between them. Yet the author himself is a middle class black man - not poor by any stretch of the imagination. If this were the entire book, I'd be rating it "3", which in my system is something like a gentleman's C.
The author is, at root, a work-within-the-system optimist. He wants to reduce the availability of firearms and increase the availability of medical care. It's not mentioned in the book, but a quick web search informed me that he's running for Congress in 2024. I'm inclined to send him a donation, because people like him should be encouraged. I don't know how well (to me) middle-of-the-road policies like that will play with the Texas electorate.
Read this book if you share my taste for getting knowledge of black American experience from individual people's self-descriptions. Read it if you like political books that confirm you in your non-radical but very much Democratic politics. Read it if you want some optimism in your political input. Don't read it if you want stridency or burn-it-all-down radicalism. And if all you want is to read about life as a trauma surgeon, there are probably better alternatives; this book will whet your appetite but absolutely not sate it.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, politics, series: n/a, 2023
- Author: male, American, born 1969, medical doctor, author not previously read
- English, early reviewer copy, 260 pages, 4 stars
- read Sep 15-23, 2023, book not previously read
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book chronicles an American black man's transformation from don't rock-the-boat middle class professional success, to determination to work on fixing systemic issues, particularly those that affect black Americans in particular. Although I am white, I found it very easy to identify with the author; he's a STEM professional (trauma surgeon), with a relationship with Harvard (intern at its medical school). His attitude and reactions to the special mistreatment he received as a black person changed over time, just like my attitudes to the special mistreatment I received as a female person. And as an immigrant to the US, and/or an autistic person, I'm don't have the normal American programming to see race as the essence of who a person is - i.e. the author's blackness doesn't make him automatically Other to me.
That was the best part of the book for me. Next best were vignettes of life as a trauma surgeon, including the day that made the author famous, when he treated multiple policemen shot in the same incident. I recall having tears in my eyes reading these sections, and they furthermore added to my collection of examples that give me the best models I can have for the experiences of some blacks in the United States.
The rest of the book was about politics. The book calls out various systemic issues that both effect black people and intersect with the author's personal experiences - more often as a doctor than as a victim. It also suggests approaches to remedying them.
This part seemed to me to be pretty much also-ran. I've heard it all before, and the potential remedies haven't worked yet, sometimes because politics or bureaucratic inertia has prevented them from being tried. Dr. Williams also has the perennial American blind spot - "black" and "poor" are treated almost as synonymns. Arguments he makes in favor of some point may cite a mix of statistics about black people and statistics about poor people, with no sense that the author sees a difference between them. Yet the author himself is a middle class black man - not poor by any stretch of the imagination. If this were the entire book, I'd be rating it "3", which in my system is something like a gentleman's C.
The author is, at root, a work-within-the-system optimist. He wants to reduce the availability of firearms and increase the availability of medical care. It's not mentioned in the book, but a quick web search informed me that he's running for Congress in 2024. I'm inclined to send him a donation, because people like him should be encouraged. I don't know how well (to me) middle-of-the-road policies like that will play with the Texas electorate.
Read this book if you share my taste for getting knowledge of black American experience from individual people's self-descriptions. Read it if you like political books that confirm you in your non-radical but very much Democratic politics. Read it if you want some optimism in your political input. Don't read it if you want stridency or burn-it-all-down radicalism. And if all you want is to read about life as a trauma surgeon, there are probably better alternatives; this book will whet your appetite but absolutely not sate it.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, politics, series: n/a, 2023
- Author: male, American, born 1969, medical doctor, author not previously read
- English, early reviewer copy, 260 pages, 4 stars
- read Sep 15-23, 2023, book not previously read
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
60richardderus
I hope your various removals, rebuildings, and resitings are but memories now, and you're sitting/standing comfortably at last amid oodles of freed-up space.
61ArlieS
>60 richardderus: I got the computers put back together and rebooted a bit less than an hour ago. My wonderful housemate - who slept through the Tasker assembling furniture, in spite of the dog's best efforts - made it a priority to get the too-heavy-for-me monitors onto my new desk, and the also-too-heavy new chair into the office, while I was pretending to take a nap after the Tasker left.
There's all kinds of stuff still needing to be put back or rehomed, but my first, second and third priority was getting back online. (Cell phones don't count.)
I'm pretty much fresh out of ambition right now, except for fiddling with adjustments to get the perfect desk and chair arrangement.
So the rest of the cleanup can wait.
There's all kinds of stuff still needing to be put back or rehomed, but my first, second and third priority was getting back online. (Cell phones don't count.)
I'm pretty much fresh out of ambition right now, except for fiddling with adjustments to get the perfect desk and chair arrangement.
So the rest of the cleanup can wait.
62ArlieS
109. Monstrous regiment by Terry Pratchett
This is a humorous fantasy novel, with much of the humour coming from somewhat heavy-handed satire. I read it because it got mentioned in discussion about novels featuring women disguising themselves as men in order to enlist.
It was good relaxing humour, a bit slow to get into, but rewarding once more interesting things started happening.
It's possible but unlikely that this was a rereading; I've read a lot of Pratchett's works, and this one was published well before I became reliable about recording books I'd read but not purchased. OTOH, it's not very likely, since my memory wasn't triggered while reading it, and it came out after my peak period of reading this author.
Worth noting:
- the comment about heavy-handed satire is not a complaint, just a description. Some satire is subtle, and you need to think to get it. Other satire gets its humour in part from exaggerating the thing satirized beyond any real world example. This book is in the latter category, particularly with regard to the official religion of the country the characters have enlisted to fight for.
- the title is an allusion to a work by John Knox, The First Blast of the Trumpet against the Monstrous Regiment of Women.
Statistics:
- fiction, fantasy, series (not first), 2003
- Author: male, British, born 1948, novelist, author previously read
- English, public library, 353 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Sep 18-24 2023; book probably previously unread
This is a humorous fantasy novel, with much of the humour coming from somewhat heavy-handed satire. I read it because it got mentioned in discussion about novels featuring women disguising themselves as men in order to enlist.
It was good relaxing humour, a bit slow to get into, but rewarding once more interesting things started happening.
It's possible but unlikely that this was a rereading; I've read a lot of Pratchett's works, and this one was published well before I became reliable about recording books I'd read but not purchased. OTOH, it's not very likely, since my memory wasn't triggered while reading it, and it came out after my peak period of reading this author.
Worth noting:
- the comment about heavy-handed satire is not a complaint, just a description. Some satire is subtle, and you need to think to get it. Other satire gets its humour in part from exaggerating the thing satirized beyond any real world example. This book is in the latter category, particularly with regard to the official religion of the country the characters have enlisted to fight for.
- the title is an allusion to a work by John Knox, The First Blast of the Trumpet against the Monstrous Regiment of Women.
Statistics:
- fiction, fantasy, series (not first), 2003
- Author: male, British, born 1948, novelist, author previously read
- English, public library, 353 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Sep 18-24 2023; book probably previously unread
63alcottacre
>55 ArlieS: I used to be able to keep up when the group was much smaller, but those days are long gone!
>61 ArlieS: I am glad to hear that things are getting where they need to be, Arlie.
>62 ArlieS: Prachett's humor is very hit and miss with me, unfortunately. I have tried several times to get into his Discworld books to no avail.
>61 ArlieS: I am glad to hear that things are getting where they need to be, Arlie.
>62 ArlieS: Prachett's humor is very hit and miss with me, unfortunately. I have tried several times to get into his Discworld books to no avail.
64ArlieS
110. Pathogenesis : a history of the world in eight plagues by Jonathan Kennedy
This book wants to be the updated replacement for William H. McNeill's, Plagues and Peoples. It fails. Plagues upon the earth : disease and the course of human history by Kyle Harper (my #88 this year) does a much better job. Read it instead.
If it hadn't expressed that goal, I might have rated it 3 instead of 2.5. It's an also-ran attempt at a history of hominid - not just human - encounters with disease. It states "truths" I've never encountered before without footnoting them. It gives capsule summaries of bits and pieces of history and pre-history that I'd expect any halfway interested reader to already know. The "eight plagues" of the sub-title aren't specific plagues - they are more like specific historical and pre-historical contexts.
Who knew that all non-human hominids became extinct because of their lesser ability to handle diseases spread by homo sapiens? I still don't know that, but this author appears quite certain of it; at a guess it "stands to reason" given the experience of Native Americans with the Columbian exchange. (He does not appear to have been able to find another author to cite in support of this claim.)
Throw in a bit of politics, and I found myself continuing with the book primarily for the purpose of writing a bad review. The next person on the hold list for this book is welcome to it.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history, series: n/a, 2023
- Author: male, British, age unknown, academic (sociology, public health), author not previously read
- English, public library, 294 pages, 2.5 stars
- read Sep 21-28, 2023, book not previously read
This book was recommended to me by LibraryThing's new recommendation system. This did not increase my confidence in that system. I'm putting it in a collection not to be used for future recommendations.
This book wants to be the updated replacement for William H. McNeill's, Plagues and Peoples. It fails. Plagues upon the earth : disease and the course of human history by Kyle Harper (my #88 this year) does a much better job. Read it instead.
If it hadn't expressed that goal, I might have rated it 3 instead of 2.5. It's an also-ran attempt at a history of hominid - not just human - encounters with disease. It states "truths" I've never encountered before without footnoting them. It gives capsule summaries of bits and pieces of history and pre-history that I'd expect any halfway interested reader to already know. The "eight plagues" of the sub-title aren't specific plagues - they are more like specific historical and pre-historical contexts.
Who knew that all non-human hominids became extinct because of their lesser ability to handle diseases spread by homo sapiens? I still don't know that, but this author appears quite certain of it; at a guess it "stands to reason" given the experience of Native Americans with the Columbian exchange. (He does not appear to have been able to find another author to cite in support of this claim.)
Throw in a bit of politics, and I found myself continuing with the book primarily for the purpose of writing a bad review. The next person on the hold list for this book is welcome to it.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history, series: n/a, 2023
- Author: male, British, age unknown, academic (sociology, public health), author not previously read
- English, public library, 294 pages, 2.5 stars
- read Sep 21-28, 2023, book not previously read
This book was recommended to me by LibraryThing's new recommendation system. This did not increase my confidence in that system. I'm putting it in a collection not to be used for future recommendations.
65ArlieS
111. Gideon's Day by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
This is the first of a series of 26 police procedurals, featuring a senior officer at Scotland Yard named Gideon. The first book was published in 1955, so the setting is a London that's currently barely in living memory; I shudder to imagine how any recent American novelist would misrepresent this setting.
I very much enjoyed books from both this series and the Inspector West series by the same author, when I read them many years ago - probably in the 1980s. But not all books age well, so when I decided I'd like to reread some, I borrowed them rather than attempting to purchase them second hand.
I'm pleased to report that this series is still quite enjoyable, and relaxing besides. I read this volume in the course of three days, reading more any time I needed a mental/emotional pick-me-up. I then started volume two, and put in an inter-library loan request for volume three. I imagine they'll be a bit repetitious and formulistic, binge-read in this way, but I'm quite sure it won't be a frustrating experience like the one I got when dipping back into Andrew Greeley's mysteries.
This particular book chronicles everything a somewhat workaholic senior officer in Scotland Yard experiences in a single overly long day, along with some of the criminal activity he only hears about. You see him reacting to situations, giving orders, reading reports, and sometimes dealing with parts of a few cases personally. Progress is made in some cases, and there are even a few arrests; other cases go nowhere useful.
There's nothing much profound in here - it's basically escapist reading. But Gideon is the sort of policeman I'd like to see a lot more of - patient, methodical, thorough, etc. The overall flavor is optimistic - the system works, though not perfectly, as long as good people keep doing their jobs. And the people, with a few exceptions, are themselves good. Not the criminals, of course, but even they often have something good about them. The series is not cosy, but it's also not remotely noir.
It's dated in lots of ways, but most of those are utterly appropriate to the setting, as well as to the year it was written. Marijuana is presented as just about as dangerous and addictive as heroin really is. Women appear, and they aren't all merely love interests or mothers - but the book nonetheless doesn't pass the Bechdel test. (Of course that's difficult when the primary character is male.) Fortunately it's not dated in ways that bother me.
Read this book if you like police procedurals that aren't "noir", and find the 1950s London setting positive or neutral.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, first of a series, 1955
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author previously read
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 216 pages, 4 stars
- read Sep 27-291 2023; book may have been previously read
This is the first of a series of 26 police procedurals, featuring a senior officer at Scotland Yard named Gideon. The first book was published in 1955, so the setting is a London that's currently barely in living memory; I shudder to imagine how any recent American novelist would misrepresent this setting.
I very much enjoyed books from both this series and the Inspector West series by the same author, when I read them many years ago - probably in the 1980s. But not all books age well, so when I decided I'd like to reread some, I borrowed them rather than attempting to purchase them second hand.
I'm pleased to report that this series is still quite enjoyable, and relaxing besides. I read this volume in the course of three days, reading more any time I needed a mental/emotional pick-me-up. I then started volume two, and put in an inter-library loan request for volume three. I imagine they'll be a bit repetitious and formulistic, binge-read in this way, but I'm quite sure it won't be a frustrating experience like the one I got when dipping back into Andrew Greeley's mysteries.
This particular book chronicles everything a somewhat workaholic senior officer in Scotland Yard experiences in a single overly long day, along with some of the criminal activity he only hears about. You see him reacting to situations, giving orders, reading reports, and sometimes dealing with parts of a few cases personally. Progress is made in some cases, and there are even a few arrests; other cases go nowhere useful.
There's nothing much profound in here - it's basically escapist reading. But Gideon is the sort of policeman I'd like to see a lot more of - patient, methodical, thorough, etc. The overall flavor is optimistic - the system works, though not perfectly, as long as good people keep doing their jobs. And the people, with a few exceptions, are themselves good. Not the criminals, of course, but even they often have something good about them. The series is not cosy, but it's also not remotely noir.
It's dated in lots of ways, but most of those are utterly appropriate to the setting, as well as to the year it was written. Marijuana is presented as just about as dangerous and addictive as heroin really is. Women appear, and they aren't all merely love interests or mothers - but the book nonetheless doesn't pass the Bechdel test. (Of course that's difficult when the primary character is male.) Fortunately it's not dated in ways that bother me.
Read this book if you like police procedurals that aren't "noir", and find the 1950s London setting positive or neutral.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, first of a series, 1955
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author previously read
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 216 pages, 4 stars
- read Sep 27-291 2023; book may have been previously read
66vancouverdeb
>59 ArlieS: Great work with the review of you Early reader win, Arlie. It sounds like an interesting book.
67ArlieS
>66 vancouverdeb: Thank you. It is.
68ArlieS
My binge-reading of the Gideon series continues apace. I'm far too close to the end of volume 2, have ordered volume 3 by inter-library loan, have volume 4 already on my shelves along with a handful of others, and have just ordered 9 more used volumes (all they had in stock) from Powells, a wonderful independent book seller, that I've only had a chance to visit in person once.
Since I'm trying to (re)read them in order, there will be a pause after volume 2, in which I'll just have to read more of Ellis Peters' Felse Investigations series, which I'm not trying to read in order. Or I could make another attempt at a pair of novels that I'm more likely to Pearl-rule than finish. Or I could get back to New Pompeii or Thrice Upon a Time, which I probably will eventually finish.
Isn't it terrible to have so many choices of light reading ;-)
Since I'm trying to (re)read them in order, there will be a pause after volume 2, in which I'll just have to read more of Ellis Peters' Felse Investigations series, which I'm not trying to read in order. Or I could make another attempt at a pair of novels that I'm more likely to Pearl-rule than finish. Or I could get back to New Pompeii or Thrice Upon a Time, which I probably will eventually finish.
Isn't it terrible to have so many choices of light reading ;-)
69richardderus
>68 ArlieS: Not that you asked, but New Pompeii is the one I'd nudge you towards....
70ChrisG1
>68 ArlieS: I live in the Portland area & Powell's is quite the local institution. I can easily spend hours there.
71ArlieS
>69 richardderus: I'll keep that in mind. I take it you've read it and liked it.
>70 ChrisG1: I've only been to Portland once - interviewing for some job or other, probably in the late '90s; Powell's was one of the highlights of the trip.
>70 ChrisG1: I've only been to Portland once - interviewing for some job or other, probably in the late '90s; Powell's was one of the highlights of the trip.
72ArlieS
112. Gideon's week by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
This is the second in the series of police procedurals that began with my #111 for this year. Much of the non-spoiler detail I could give about Gideon's Week would really be about the series, and already mentioned with Gideon's Day.
Drug-dealing isn't prominent this time; instead we have murders and a prison breakout, with a blackmail case progressing slowly in the background.
Once again, it's a nice light snack.
This time it's one I'm sure I've previously read; I remembered some details of one of the major cases.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1956
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111 for this year
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 215 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Sep 29-Oct 1, 2023, book previously read
This is the second in the series of police procedurals that began with my #111 for this year. Much of the non-spoiler detail I could give about Gideon's Week would really be about the series, and already mentioned with Gideon's Day.
Drug-dealing isn't prominent this time; instead we have murders and a prison breakout, with a blackmail case progressing slowly in the background.
Once again, it's a nice light snack.
This time it's one I'm sure I've previously read; I remembered some details of one of the major cases.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1956
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111 for this year
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 215 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Sep 29-Oct 1, 2023, book previously read
73richardderus
>71 ArlieS: I read New Pompeii in 2016, before it was released. It's a thriller-adjacent alternate history novel that honestly doesn't make the joy hair stand up, but compared to more Felse or the Hogan, it's top o' the pops.
74ArlieS
113. The secret lives of bats : my adventures with the world's most misunderstood mammals by Merlin Devere Tuttle
This is a book about a bat conservationist and scientist's adventures with bats, from childhood onwards. I enjoyed the author's style, and learned a fair bit about bats and how experts capture, handle, and photograph them.
It's a fun book with lots of pictures - those are somewhat of the author's specialty, as a repeated contributor to National Geographic. and there was enough about the bats - as compared to the coworkers, poachers, politicians, etc. - to keep my science-loving heart happy.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, science, series: n/a, 2015
- Author: male, American, born 1941, academic (sociology, public health), author not previously read
- English, public library, 271 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Sep 25-Oct 3 2023, book not previously read
I read this book as the result of mining the bibliography of Plagues Upon the Earth for interesting-looking books.
This is a book about a bat conservationist and scientist's adventures with bats, from childhood onwards. I enjoyed the author's style, and learned a fair bit about bats and how experts capture, handle, and photograph them.
It's a fun book with lots of pictures - those are somewhat of the author's specialty, as a repeated contributor to National Geographic. and there was enough about the bats - as compared to the coworkers, poachers, politicians, etc. - to keep my science-loving heart happy.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, science, series: n/a, 2015
- Author: male, American, born 1941, academic (sociology, public health), author not previously read
- English, public library, 271 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Sep 25-Oct 3 2023, book not previously read
I read this book as the result of mining the bibliography of Plagues Upon the Earth for interesting-looking books.
75karenmarie
Hi Arlie. A very belated Happy New Thread.
From your last thread, I’m sorry about the De Quervain’s Tensynovitis diagnosis. I went to the Mayo Clinic’s website instead of Wikipedia for this one. I remember that my Great-Uncle Grover had a card-holder made for him by a friend – his was for pinochle and poker, however, not bridge.
On a bad day, I wish to inform the universe that I'm heartily sick of random low grade aches and pains, seriously unpleased with anything more painful, and positively furious about any reduction in my abilities, or even my energy level. Yes. Seriously yes. I’m trying to do this aging thing with grace, sometimes more successfully than others.
OMG. elderly-esistent medication packaging. It’s evil, pure evil.
>2 ArlieS: My rule for counting a book as having been read is when I finished it, regardless of when I started it. I read books across years, alas.
>28 ArlieS: I seriously embarrassed myself the two times I played bridge after being coerced into filling a seat in an emergency. Once was in high school with my mother’s bridge group, the other was after I moved to NC in 1991 and sat in on my husband’s stepmother’s mother’s bridge group. My grandmother was a serious and marvelous bridge player, so I’ll put the embarrassing memories aside and use your review to remember her.
>44 ArlieS: I love spreadsheets. Spreadsheets about books are the best. An ER review only has to be 25 words, and I’ve always given honest reviews, even when they’re unfavorable. I’ve abandoned ER books, too, and written why in the reviews.
>52 ArlieS: Your review of this book reminds me that I was upset about Hildegaard of Bingen’s being given to the Church at a young age by her wealthy family – two possible reasons are commonly given: religious visions and political positioning of her family. However, she had a brilliant life, probably much better than had she followed the traditional path for women of the 12th century.
>57 ArlieS: Sorry you have to hire someone to put new furniture together. I recently bought a second cat condo and my daughter assembled it for us. We recently had our landscaping company send out a large truck and capable young man, and Jenna and I filled it with all sorts of crap from the garage.
>58 ArlieS: Glad you got your booster, sorry you had a bit of bother overnight. I’ll be getting the Covid booster in 12 days. For some strange reason my doctor wanted me to get the flu shot first, wait 2 weeks then get the Covid booster, then wait another two weeks then get the RSV vaccine.
>64 ArlieS: I’ve added Plagues Upon the Earth to my wish list.
From your last thread, I’m sorry about the De Quervain’s Tensynovitis diagnosis. I went to the Mayo Clinic’s website instead of Wikipedia for this one. I remember that my Great-Uncle Grover had a card-holder made for him by a friend – his was for pinochle and poker, however, not bridge.
On a bad day, I wish to inform the universe that I'm heartily sick of random low grade aches and pains, seriously unpleased with anything more painful, and positively furious about any reduction in my abilities, or even my energy level. Yes. Seriously yes. I’m trying to do this aging thing with grace, sometimes more successfully than others.
OMG. elderly-esistent medication packaging. It’s evil, pure evil.
>2 ArlieS: My rule for counting a book as having been read is when I finished it, regardless of when I started it. I read books across years, alas.
>28 ArlieS: I seriously embarrassed myself the two times I played bridge after being coerced into filling a seat in an emergency. Once was in high school with my mother’s bridge group, the other was after I moved to NC in 1991 and sat in on my husband’s stepmother’s mother’s bridge group. My grandmother was a serious and marvelous bridge player, so I’ll put the embarrassing memories aside and use your review to remember her.
>44 ArlieS: I love spreadsheets. Spreadsheets about books are the best. An ER review only has to be 25 words, and I’ve always given honest reviews, even when they’re unfavorable. I’ve abandoned ER books, too, and written why in the reviews.
>52 ArlieS: Your review of this book reminds me that I was upset about Hildegaard of Bingen’s being given to the Church at a young age by her wealthy family – two possible reasons are commonly given: religious visions and political positioning of her family. However, she had a brilliant life, probably much better than had she followed the traditional path for women of the 12th century.
>57 ArlieS: Sorry you have to hire someone to put new furniture together. I recently bought a second cat condo and my daughter assembled it for us. We recently had our landscaping company send out a large truck and capable young man, and Jenna and I filled it with all sorts of crap from the garage.
>58 ArlieS: Glad you got your booster, sorry you had a bit of bother overnight. I’ll be getting the Covid booster in 12 days. For some strange reason my doctor wanted me to get the flu shot first, wait 2 weeks then get the Covid booster, then wait another two weeks then get the RSV vaccine.
>64 ArlieS: I’ve added Plagues Upon the Earth to my wish list.
76ArlieS
>75 karenmarie: I love the way you combine lots of responses into one reply.
Counting books as read when finished makes more sense than my complex rules.
Bridge is a game you can go on learning for a whole lifetime. We're also-ran players compared to a lot of our opponents.
I'm using the same system as your doctor - first the flu shot, then the covid booster, and eventually the RSV. I have mildly unpleasant reactions each time, and don't want to find out how bad it would be to have two at one time, and in any case I'm only allowed to get shots in one arm now. (That's a legacy of breast cancer; they removed lymph nodes to look for cancer cells - fortunately didn't find any - but that creates a risk of something nasty called lymphedema, and anything else done on that side since that time adds to the potential risk. So shots, blood draws, blood pressure tests etc. all happen on my right side now.)
Counting books as read when finished makes more sense than my complex rules.
Bridge is a game you can go on learning for a whole lifetime. We're also-ran players compared to a lot of our opponents.
I'm using the same system as your doctor - first the flu shot, then the covid booster, and eventually the RSV. I have mildly unpleasant reactions each time, and don't want to find out how bad it would be to have two at one time, and in any case I'm only allowed to get shots in one arm now. (That's a legacy of breast cancer; they removed lymph nodes to look for cancer cells - fortunately didn't find any - but that creates a risk of something nasty called lymphedema, and anything else done on that side since that time adds to the potential risk. So shots, blood draws, blood pressure tests etc. all happen on my right side now.)
77ArlieS
114. The grass-widow's tale by Ellis Peters
This was another book-bullet from jimmcgaffey. I rate it as the best of the Felse mysteries I've read so far. Inspector Felse himself barely figures in the story - this story is about Bunty, wife to the inspector.
It's hard to do justice to any work of fiction without including spoilers, and even harder when the story is a mystery. So I'll just say that Bunty stumbles into a dangerous situation when she befriends an unhappy stranger. She uses intelligence, pluck, knowledge of police practices, and amazing insights into human nature to survive and bring the situation to a positive conclusion. (It's not a spoiler to say the conclusion was positive, at least not to anyone familiar with the series or even its author.)
I wavered between rating this book 4 and 4.5 - settled on 4 mostly because it's a mystery and thus less likely than most fiction to be reread.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1968
- Author: female, British, born 1913, writer, author of my #80, #85 and #105 for this year
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 205 pages, 4 stars
- read Oct 2-5, 2023; book previously unread
This was another book-bullet from jimmcgaffey. I rate it as the best of the Felse mysteries I've read so far. Inspector Felse himself barely figures in the story - this story is about Bunty, wife to the inspector.
It's hard to do justice to any work of fiction without including spoilers, and even harder when the story is a mystery. So I'll just say that Bunty stumbles into a dangerous situation when she befriends an unhappy stranger. She uses intelligence, pluck, knowledge of police practices, and amazing insights into human nature to survive and bring the situation to a positive conclusion. (It's not a spoiler to say the conclusion was positive, at least not to anyone familiar with the series or even its author.)
I wavered between rating this book 4 and 4.5 - settled on 4 mostly because it's a mystery and thus less likely than most fiction to be reread.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1968
- Author: female, British, born 1913, writer, author of my #80, #85 and #105 for this year
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 205 pages, 4 stars
- read Oct 2-5, 2023; book previously unread
78jjmcgaffey
>77 ArlieS: I've reread it a few times - even when I know what the end will be, the discussions are wonderful. But then, I've reread a lot of the Felses when I want a comfort read...
BTW, it's JJ, not Jim.
BTW, it's JJ, not Jim.
79ArlieS
>78 jjmcgaffey: Oops, sorry
80jjmcgaffey
No biggie, it's a common misreading...
81richardderus
Hi Arlie...knowing you're of Canada, but likely aren't much interested in the whole thing, I hope you'll sense my ironically raised eyebrow in the image with the text.
Happy Thanksgiving, Canadian friends.
Happy Thanksgiving, Canadian friends.
82ArlieS
115. Gideon's Night by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
I am continuing my project of (re)reading most of John Creasey's Gideon series in the order that they were released. This one features Gideon (Commander of Scotland Yard) working the night shift, because he suspects the weather will give the police a chance at a certain problem criminal, known for coming out in fog.
As with all these books, there are many things going on at once. Sometimes the police succeed, and sometimes they do not. Some successes are partial - two investigations are resolved with the perpetrator captured and provably guilty, but not in time to prevent additional death(s). Three other potential victims are found still alive, and successfully treated. And one of the usual suspects tangles with a potential victim who turns out to be a better scammer than he is.
Personal matters continue to progress. Gideon's youngest child is exploring career options. The problematic marriage of one of Gideon's top subordinates takes a fairly major step downhill. Another subordinate comes looking for advice about his musically talented daughter. And Gideon begins forging a working relationship with a somewhat irritating but thoroughly competent senior night worker.
I didn't recall any details from this book before reading them, so it might not be a reread.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1957
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111 and #112 for this year
- English, purchased used, 192 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Oct 6-7, 2023, book probably not previously read
I am continuing my project of (re)reading most of John Creasey's Gideon series in the order that they were released. This one features Gideon (Commander of Scotland Yard) working the night shift, because he suspects the weather will give the police a chance at a certain problem criminal, known for coming out in fog.
As with all these books, there are many things going on at once. Sometimes the police succeed, and sometimes they do not. Some successes are partial - two investigations are resolved with the perpetrator captured and provably guilty, but not in time to prevent additional death(s). Three other potential victims are found still alive, and successfully treated. And one of the usual suspects tangles with a potential victim who turns out to be a better scammer than he is.
Personal matters continue to progress. Gideon's youngest child is exploring career options. The problematic marriage of one of Gideon's top subordinates takes a fairly major step downhill. Another subordinate comes looking for advice about his musically talented daughter. And Gideon begins forging a working relationship with a somewhat irritating but thoroughly competent senior night worker.
I didn't recall any details from this book before reading them, so it might not be a reread.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1957
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111 and #112 for this year
- English, purchased used, 192 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Oct 6-7, 2023, book probably not previously read
83ArlieS
116. Dancing cockatoos and the dead man test : how behavior evolves and why it matters by Marlene Zuk
This is a perfectly good science book for lay people, by an author I've loved in the past, but somehow it failed to hit the spot for me. The topic is the intersection of evolution and behaviour. Both of these tend to bring out crackpots and true believers. They also tend to people who ought to know better (actual scientists and students of science) who nonetheless get themselves stuck in fallacious oversimplifications, and include those oversimplifications as a hidden premise when drawing (bad) conclusions.
Unfortunately, the author spends far too much time combating various types of nonsense, and not enough systematically addressing the evolution of behaviour. Most of what I remember is the author stressing that what we see comes from genes as influenced by environment, that behaviour really is affected by evolution, etc etc.
The same author wrote another book that I loved: Paleofantasy: What Evolution Really Tells US about Sex, Diet, and How We Live. That one advertised in its title that it was focused on combating/refuting the kind of ideas about human evolution that give rise to the "paleo diet", and presumably other related popular errors. It did what it said on the tin, complete with lots of things about evolution I didn't know at the time. (One that I didn't know was that the human species has collectively developed/evolved _5_ different ways of digesting milk and milk products in adulthood, including at least one set of symbiotic gut microbes. I had previously only really been aware of the system common among those of European descent, which is presumably the one my own body uses.)
I'm disappointed with this one; Professor Zuk set a high standard in her earlier book, and didn't do quite as good a job this time. Perhaps I'd have liked it better if I'd gone into it expecting more refutation and less description, explanation, examples, and supporting research. Perhaps my tastes have evolved. Or perhaps this just isn't as good a book as the earlier one.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, science, series: n/a, 2022
- Author: female, American, born 1956, academic (evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology), author previously read
- English, public library, 330 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Sep 24 - Oct 8, 2023, book not previously read
I read this book because it sounded interesting when the author was interviewed about it on CBC's Quirks & Quarks podcast. I didn't realize until I had the book in my hands that I'd previously read another book by the same author.
This is a perfectly good science book for lay people, by an author I've loved in the past, but somehow it failed to hit the spot for me. The topic is the intersection of evolution and behaviour. Both of these tend to bring out crackpots and true believers. They also tend to people who ought to know better (actual scientists and students of science) who nonetheless get themselves stuck in fallacious oversimplifications, and include those oversimplifications as a hidden premise when drawing (bad) conclusions.
Unfortunately, the author spends far too much time combating various types of nonsense, and not enough systematically addressing the evolution of behaviour. Most of what I remember is the author stressing that what we see comes from genes as influenced by environment, that behaviour really is affected by evolution, etc etc.
The same author wrote another book that I loved: Paleofantasy: What Evolution Really Tells US about Sex, Diet, and How We Live. That one advertised in its title that it was focused on combating/refuting the kind of ideas about human evolution that give rise to the "paleo diet", and presumably other related popular errors. It did what it said on the tin, complete with lots of things about evolution I didn't know at the time. (One that I didn't know was that the human species has collectively developed/evolved _5_ different ways of digesting milk and milk products in adulthood, including at least one set of symbiotic gut microbes. I had previously only really been aware of the system common among those of European descent, which is presumably the one my own body uses.)
I'm disappointed with this one; Professor Zuk set a high standard in her earlier book, and didn't do quite as good a job this time. Perhaps I'd have liked it better if I'd gone into it expecting more refutation and less description, explanation, examples, and supporting research. Perhaps my tastes have evolved. Or perhaps this just isn't as good a book as the earlier one.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, science, series: n/a, 2022
- Author: female, American, born 1956, academic (evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology), author previously read
- English, public library, 330 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Sep 24 - Oct 8, 2023, book not previously read
I read this book because it sounded interesting when the author was interviewed about it on CBC's Quirks & Quarks podcast. I didn't realize until I had the book in my hands that I'd previously read another book by the same author.
84ArlieS
Pearl Rule #6: Ironhead, or, Once a young lady by Jean-Claude van Rijckeghem
This children's historical fiction was a negative book bullet from richarderus. I couldn't quite believe it was as bad as he said it was, and just had to find out for myself. And so I did: it turned out to be worse.
I just cannot like a main character who routinely lies for her own advantage, bullies her brother while at the same time resenting him, and handles distressing family revelations by "acting out", sometimes involving others who don't want to be part of it.
And that's even though I have a somewhat nostalgic fondness for the basic plot/genre: approximately teenaged girl/woman hates the limitations assigned to her because of her gender, and abandons her family/community to live as she prefers, usually disguising herself as male to make this possible.
I made it through 3 chapters, 39 pages total, and that was more than enough.
This children's historical fiction was a negative book bullet from richarderus. I couldn't quite believe it was as bad as he said it was, and just had to find out for myself. And so I did: it turned out to be worse.
I just cannot like a main character who routinely lies for her own advantage, bullies her brother while at the same time resenting him, and handles distressing family revelations by "acting out", sometimes involving others who don't want to be part of it.
And that's even though I have a somewhat nostalgic fondness for the basic plot/genre: approximately teenaged girl/woman hates the limitations assigned to her because of her gender, and abandons her family/community to live as she prefers, usually disguising herself as male to make this possible.
I made it through 3 chapters, 39 pages total, and that was more than enough.
85richardderus
>84 ArlieS: sadly preening my book-bulleting aim's success
86ArlieS
Pearl rule #7: Beyond Varallan by S. L. Viehl
This science fiction series started with an excellent premise, and the first book (my #68 for this year) was decent, though the revelation that upped the stakes near the end changed the story in ways I didn't like.
This sequel fundamentally fails to make sense. It has lots of exciting incidents, glued together primarily as happening in time order, but there isn't much of a plot arc. The heroine appears to have only short term agency - she can and does take charge and deal with today's crisis, often quite creatively, but she's stuck on a treadmill of never ending attacks, misunderstandings, and overly persistent suitors.
Any given chapter or two is perfectly readable, but I know that in the long run it won't matter - the same old thing will happen again and again, with only the details changed.
That works for some books, and some series (e.g. Star Trek). But even there, the individual episodes/volumes have something resembling a plot arc. It can even work when part of the series premise is that the plot arc will always have loose ends (the Gideon series I'm currently reading). But it doesn't work for this book, and I don't plan to find out whether it works for any of the later books in its series.
This science fiction series started with an excellent premise, and the first book (my #68 for this year) was decent, though the revelation that upped the stakes near the end changed the story in ways I didn't like.
This sequel fundamentally fails to make sense. It has lots of exciting incidents, glued together primarily as happening in time order, but there isn't much of a plot arc. The heroine appears to have only short term agency - she can and does take charge and deal with today's crisis, often quite creatively, but she's stuck on a treadmill of never ending attacks, misunderstandings, and overly persistent suitors.
Any given chapter or two is perfectly readable, but I know that in the long run it won't matter - the same old thing will happen again and again, with only the details changed.
That works for some books, and some series (e.g. Star Trek). But even there, the individual episodes/volumes have something resembling a plot arc. It can even work when part of the series premise is that the plot arc will always have loose ends (the Gideon series I'm currently reading). But it doesn't work for this book, and I don't plan to find out whether it works for any of the later books in its series.
87ArlieS
117. Pirate enlightenment, or the real Libertalia by David Graeber
This book attempts to reconstruct political experiments in Madagascar approx 1690-1750. The author's thesis is that Enlightenment inspired more than just Europeans. In particular, interesting things happened in Madagascar.
Madagascar is somewhat of a cross roads, one of those place that over the course of history continually receives and absorbs new immigrant groups. In the relevant time period, many of those arriving were pirates, many of them European, looking either for bases or safe places to retire. They tended to marry local wives, and they and especially their children became integrated in local culture.
Most of what's written about these pirates is very much unreliable. Sometimes informants were lying, often pretending power they did not have. Sometimes authors were making up stories out of whole cloth, the better to entertain their audiences.
Graeber thinks the pirates brought ideas to the Malagasy. The pirates themselves tended to egalitarian, voting organization internally (captains were elected, etc.), along with public shows of virtually unlimited power. Some would be also be quite aware of Enlightenment ideas and books. These got brought into a society that likes to talk about ideas. The ideas spread, were criticized in the context of local experience and needs, and eventually were drawn upon when some people wanted alternatives to solve particular current problems.
The rest is details.
Based on my past experience with his work, Graeber never saw an egalitarian or anti-authoritarian situation he didn't love, and quite likely tended to see them where other people saw something more hierarchical. So there's likely an aspect of seeing what he wanted to see. But OTOH, he's absolutely not postulating a non-hierarchical utopia - just a bunch of competing influences, all promoted by those pursuing their own personal or group interests.
Sadly, while the book was interesting, I doubt there's any way to really know what happened or why. There's ample room for all kinds of fun historical novels. But I feel sure plenty of other histories of the period would be equally plausible.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history, series: n/a, 2023 (French original 2019)
- Author: male, American, born 1961, academic (anthropology), author of my #60 and #89 for 2022
- English, public library, 175 pages, 3 stars
- read Oct 5-10, 2023, book not previously read
This book attempts to reconstruct political experiments in Madagascar approx 1690-1750. The author's thesis is that Enlightenment inspired more than just Europeans. In particular, interesting things happened in Madagascar.
Madagascar is somewhat of a cross roads, one of those place that over the course of history continually receives and absorbs new immigrant groups. In the relevant time period, many of those arriving were pirates, many of them European, looking either for bases or safe places to retire. They tended to marry local wives, and they and especially their children became integrated in local culture.
Most of what's written about these pirates is very much unreliable. Sometimes informants were lying, often pretending power they did not have. Sometimes authors were making up stories out of whole cloth, the better to entertain their audiences.
Graeber thinks the pirates brought ideas to the Malagasy. The pirates themselves tended to egalitarian, voting organization internally (captains were elected, etc.), along with public shows of virtually unlimited power. Some would be also be quite aware of Enlightenment ideas and books. These got brought into a society that likes to talk about ideas. The ideas spread, were criticized in the context of local experience and needs, and eventually were drawn upon when some people wanted alternatives to solve particular current problems.
The rest is details.
Based on my past experience with his work, Graeber never saw an egalitarian or anti-authoritarian situation he didn't love, and quite likely tended to see them where other people saw something more hierarchical. So there's likely an aspect of seeing what he wanted to see. But OTOH, he's absolutely not postulating a non-hierarchical utopia - just a bunch of competing influences, all promoted by those pursuing their own personal or group interests.
Sadly, while the book was interesting, I doubt there's any way to really know what happened or why. There's ample room for all kinds of fun historical novels. But I feel sure plenty of other histories of the period would be equally plausible.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history, series: n/a, 2023 (French original 2019)
- Author: male, American, born 1961, academic (anthropology), author of my #60 and #89 for 2022
- English, public library, 175 pages, 3 stars
- read Oct 5-10, 2023, book not previously read
88ArlieS
118. Gideon's Month by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
This police procedural is book 4 in the Gideon series, published when I was approx. 1 year old. It was another nice light snack, suitable for reading when I'm first out of bed, or otherwise not wanting anything especially difficult.
Like the others I've been reading, it gives a nice and quite unintentional hit of "Britain in the 1950s", more authentic than most recent historical fiction, though naturally shaped by whatever stereotypes were current. E
It's mostly a story of youthful pickpockets and serial murderers, and I rated it a hair lower than the first three books in the series. Maybe I'm getting bored with this binge, but I think it just isn't quite as good an offering.
I didn't recall any details from this book before reading them, so it might not be a reread. (It was on my shelves a part of a job lot of books received from a relative, from authors and series I knew I loved, and might have read decades ago when living with her.)
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1958
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112 and #115 for this year
- English, own shelves, 206 pages, 3 stars
- read Oct 8-11, 2023, book probably not previously read
This police procedural is book 4 in the Gideon series, published when I was approx. 1 year old. It was another nice light snack, suitable for reading when I'm first out of bed, or otherwise not wanting anything especially difficult.
Like the others I've been reading, it gives a nice and quite unintentional hit of "Britain in the 1950s", more authentic than most recent historical fiction, though naturally shaped by whatever stereotypes were current. E
It's mostly a story of youthful pickpockets and serial murderers, and I rated it a hair lower than the first three books in the series. Maybe I'm getting bored with this binge, but I think it just isn't quite as good an offering.
I didn't recall any details from this book before reading them, so it might not be a reread. (It was on my shelves a part of a job lot of books received from a relative, from authors and series I knew I loved, and might have read decades ago when living with her.)
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1958
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112 and #115 for this year
- English, own shelves, 206 pages, 3 stars
- read Oct 8-11, 2023, book probably not previously read
89ArlieS
Another 383 recommendations yesterday from LibraryThing's recommendation system. Sadly, I'll be somewhat shocked if I click on more than 3 of them, looking for additional information - or read and like more than one. I'd prefer more quality and less quantity, as with the classic recommendation system.
E2A: It did figure out I'm binge-reading John Creasey's Gideon series, but recommended me one of the later ones, written by someone else using the same pseudonymn (J.J. Marric). I have no idea whether the replacement author's work will be attractive to me, though to be fair, I do have one of those already in my catalog - purchased used accidentally before I became aware of the author switch.
Second edit: and 5 more books by John Creasey or his aliases, from at least 3 series. Classic reccs would probably do that too, given how many of that series I've added recently. So looks like 5 or 6 I'm likely to read and enjoy, if I'm lucky enough to be able to find them.
E2A: It did figure out I'm binge-reading John Creasey's Gideon series, but recommended me one of the later ones, written by someone else using the same pseudonymn (J.J. Marric). I have no idea whether the replacement author's work will be attractive to me, though to be fair, I do have one of those already in my catalog - purchased used accidentally before I became aware of the author switch.
Second edit: and 5 more books by John Creasey or his aliases, from at least 3 series. Classic reccs would probably do that too, given how many of that series I've added recently. So looks like 5 or 6 I'm likely to read and enjoy, if I'm lucky enough to be able to find them.
90ArlieS
119. Gideon's Staff by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
This police procedural is book 5 in the Gideon series. This time Gideon is mainly occupied fending off threats to farther cut police budgets - and staffing levels - while others deal with much of his usual activity. There are the usual varied crimes, some more and some less urgent, and a bit about the competence - or otherwise - of individual policemen. (One individual in particular rouses Gideon's ire for laziness, and determines to make good, proving quite useful later in the book.)
Overall though, it didn't work as well for me as other books in the series. A Gideon who's worried about his own career prospects (after sticking his neck out over staffing) is less fun for me than one laser focused on the crimes. This gets worse when he attends meetings as acting Assistant Commissioner which start him comparing death rates caused by crime to death rates caused by traffic accidents (much, much higher). Though I suppose that would count as character development to many readers.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1959
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115 and #118 for this year
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 213 pages, 3 stars
- read Oct 12-15, 2023, book probably not previously read
This police procedural is book 5 in the Gideon series. This time Gideon is mainly occupied fending off threats to farther cut police budgets - and staffing levels - while others deal with much of his usual activity. There are the usual varied crimes, some more and some less urgent, and a bit about the competence - or otherwise - of individual policemen. (One individual in particular rouses Gideon's ire for laziness, and determines to make good, proving quite useful later in the book.)
Overall though, it didn't work as well for me as other books in the series. A Gideon who's worried about his own career prospects (after sticking his neck out over staffing) is less fun for me than one laser focused on the crimes. This gets worse when he attends meetings as acting Assistant Commissioner which start him comparing death rates caused by crime to death rates caused by traffic accidents (much, much higher). Though I suppose that would count as character development to many readers.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1959
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115 and #118 for this year
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 213 pages, 3 stars
- read Oct 12-15, 2023, book probably not previously read
91ArlieS
120. Gideon's Risk by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
This police procedural is book 6 in the Gideon series. The series is back to normal policing, rather than dealing with politics, except that there's some political pressure not to charge a certain rich and powerful man who the police suspect of killing his first wife for her money. There's also a criminal group that proves more powerful and better organized than expected, another group fixing horse races, and all the usual minor crimes. Development of junior police officers is also once again a theme.
I did spot one probable inconsistency between this volume and it predecessor, and suspect there may also be issues of timeline across even the first books of the series; that was disappointing.
Overall I liked this book better than the previous one in the series, but should probably give the series a bit of a rest, reading other books for at least a week or two. Read this close together, they are beginning to feel repetitious and predictable.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1960
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118 and #119 for this year
- English, purchased used, 160 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Oct 17-20, 2023, book probably not previously read
This police procedural is book 6 in the Gideon series. The series is back to normal policing, rather than dealing with politics, except that there's some political pressure not to charge a certain rich and powerful man who the police suspect of killing his first wife for her money. There's also a criminal group that proves more powerful and better organized than expected, another group fixing horse races, and all the usual minor crimes. Development of junior police officers is also once again a theme.
I did spot one probable inconsistency between this volume and it predecessor, and suspect there may also be issues of timeline across even the first books of the series; that was disappointing.
Overall I liked this book better than the previous one in the series, but should probably give the series a bit of a rest, reading other books for at least a week or two. Read this close together, they are beginning to feel repetitious and predictable.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1960
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118 and #119 for this year
- English, purchased used, 160 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Oct 17-20, 2023, book probably not previously read
92PaulCranswick
>91 ArlieS: I must look out for that series.
Have a great weekend.
Have a great weekend.
93karenmarie
Hi Arlie!
>76 ArlieS: I love making combo messages, glad you like them. They’re efficient, too.
>83 ArlieS: I’m intrigued with Paleofantasy and just bought it. My first BB from you.
>87 ArlieS: I have 4 books about real life pirates, and several books about fictional pirates. I have Graeber’s The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity on my shelves. I haven’t read it yet, have you read it?
>76 ArlieS: I love making combo messages, glad you like them. They’re efficient, too.
>83 ArlieS: I’m intrigued with Paleofantasy and just bought it. My first BB from you.
>87 ArlieS: I have 4 books about real life pirates, and several books about fictional pirates. I have Graeber’s The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity on my shelves. I haven’t read it yet, have you read it?
94ArlieS
>92 PaulCranswick: You likewise.
>93 karenmarie: I hope you like Paleofantasy as much as I did.
I read The Dawn of Everything last year, liked it, and found the ideas new (to me at least) and interesting. Graeber got on my "good author" list with Debt: the first 5,000 years, and got promoted to "read on sight" with The Dawn of Everything. I was not happy to learn that he had recently died.
>93 karenmarie: I hope you like Paleofantasy as much as I did.
I read The Dawn of Everything last year, liked it, and found the ideas new (to me at least) and interesting. Graeber got on my "good author" list with Debt: the first 5,000 years, and got promoted to "read on sight" with The Dawn of Everything. I was not happy to learn that he had recently died.
95ArlieS
121. Mourning raga by Ellis Peters
This was another book-bullet from jjmmcgaffey. This story is one of the Felse investigations series, but only somewhat peripherally tied to Inspector Felse. His son is present, and part of dealing with the situation, but is only one of several viewpoint characters, and can in no way be considered to solve the mystery. Worse to my taste, much of the solution happens offstage, via a seemingly chance met non-viewpoint character, and is only revealed after the fact.
It's set in India, with a fair chunk of description of the culture and circumstances. A film is being made of the life of the Buddha, allowing material about the Buddha to be worked in. The viewpoint characters were all raised elsewhere, so India is exotic and somewhat fascinating to them.
The plot is a tad confusing, with a mix of "only in India" spirituality and generic western skullduggery. In general, the confusing bits are Indian, and the skullduggery is originated by westerners.
The whole bit about exotic India doesn't feel comfortable to me. It might have worked better for someone else, or back when it was published in 1969; a significant percentage of my coworkers over my lifetime were born in India. Also, in 1969, India was seen much more as primarily a place of advanced spirituality in Western stereotype and myth. Now my associations with India are with tech entrepreneurs and Hindu nationalism, not spiritual advancement.
Having said all this, the novel is quite readable. But I expected a bit more than that from Ellis Peters. I'm rating it at 3.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1969
- Author: female, British, born 1913, writer, author of my #80, #85, #105 and #114 for this year
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 220 pages, 3 stars
- read Oct 12-20, 2023; book previously unread
This was another book-bullet from jjmmcgaffey. This story is one of the Felse investigations series, but only somewhat peripherally tied to Inspector Felse. His son is present, and part of dealing with the situation, but is only one of several viewpoint characters, and can in no way be considered to solve the mystery. Worse to my taste, much of the solution happens offstage, via a seemingly chance met non-viewpoint character, and is only revealed after the fact.
It's set in India, with a fair chunk of description of the culture and circumstances. A film is being made of the life of the Buddha, allowing material about the Buddha to be worked in. The viewpoint characters were all raised elsewhere, so India is exotic and somewhat fascinating to them.
The plot is a tad confusing, with a mix of "only in India" spirituality and generic western skullduggery. In general, the confusing bits are Indian, and the skullduggery is originated by westerners.
The whole bit about exotic India doesn't feel comfortable to me. It might have worked better for someone else, or back when it was published in 1969; a significant percentage of my coworkers over my lifetime were born in India. Also, in 1969, India was seen much more as primarily a place of advanced spirituality in Western stereotype and myth. Now my associations with India are with tech entrepreneurs and Hindu nationalism, not spiritual advancement.
Having said all this, the novel is quite readable. But I expected a bit more than that from Ellis Peters. I'm rating it at 3.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1969
- Author: female, British, born 1913, writer, author of my #80, #85, #105 and #114 for this year
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 220 pages, 3 stars
- read Oct 12-20, 2023; book previously unread
96ArlieS
122. Gryphon in light by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon
This was a somewhat disappointing fantasy novel from a usually reliable author. It was OK, but I expect more from Mercedes Lackey.
Problem 1: Most of the first half of the book repeats information already covered by various short stories.
Problem 2: This is blatantly volume 1 of 2 or 3, with plot arcs designed as if the books were intended to be a single volume. There is basically one plot arc, covering the first half of the book, and a second one presumably staring mid-book and lasting to the end of the series. A minor plot arc starts well past the midpoint and resolves near but not at the end of this volume; that's all the end-of-book resolution we get. Then the final chapter or two consists essentially of setting up a cliff hanger to provoke reading the next volume.
Mercedes Lackey know better than this, and demonstrates this in her earlier books. Her co-author Larry Dixon probably also knows this, but I don't recall reading any full length novels written entirely by him, so I can't point to anything that demonstrates this ability.
Problem 3: The Valdemar series seems to be falling into the common trap of having the problems the heroes have to solve growing more earth-shaking with every book, and their powers growing to match. I prefer the books with less over powered protagonists and opposition.(In this book, even the gods are threatened.)
If we ignore these flaws, it's a pleasant read. I enjoy the portrayal of how a comfortable lifestyle might be managed with fantasy tech plus magic. I enjoy the imagined societies that though imperfect, lack so many of the flaws of our own, particularly the preponderance of people who are both caring and honest, even with relative strangers. Even many of the politicians and leaders care about the welfare of their subordinates in a way I rarely see here in the USA.
Statistics:
- fiction, fantasy, series (not first), stories, 2023
- Author 1: Mercedes Lackey: female, American, born 1950, novelist, author of my #12 & #14 and editor of my #26 & #32 for this year
- Author 2: Larry Dixon: male, American, born 1966, novelist and artist, author previously read
- English, public library, 358 pages, 3 stars
- read Oct 17-23, 2023; book not previously read
This was a somewhat disappointing fantasy novel from a usually reliable author. It was OK, but I expect more from Mercedes Lackey.
Problem 1: Most of the first half of the book repeats information already covered by various short stories.
Problem 2: This is blatantly volume 1 of 2 or 3, with plot arcs designed as if the books were intended to be a single volume. There is basically one plot arc, covering the first half of the book, and a second one presumably staring mid-book and lasting to the end of the series. A minor plot arc starts well past the midpoint and resolves near but not at the end of this volume; that's all the end-of-book resolution we get. Then the final chapter or two consists essentially of setting up a cliff hanger to provoke reading the next volume.
Mercedes Lackey know better than this, and demonstrates this in her earlier books. Her co-author Larry Dixon probably also knows this, but I don't recall reading any full length novels written entirely by him, so I can't point to anything that demonstrates this ability.
Problem 3: The Valdemar series seems to be falling into the common trap of having the problems the heroes have to solve growing more earth-shaking with every book, and their powers growing to match. I prefer the books with less over powered protagonists and opposition.
If we ignore these flaws, it's a pleasant read. I enjoy the portrayal of how a comfortable lifestyle might be managed with fantasy tech plus magic. I enjoy the imagined societies that though imperfect, lack so many of the flaws of our own, particularly the preponderance of people who are both caring and honest, even with relative strangers. Even many of the politicians and leaders care about the welfare of their subordinates in a way I rarely see here in the USA.
Statistics:
- fiction, fantasy, series (not first), stories, 2023
- Author 1: Mercedes Lackey: female, American, born 1950, novelist, author of my #12 & #14 and editor of my #26 & #32 for this year
- Author 2: Larry Dixon: male, American, born 1966, novelist and artist, author previously read
- English, public library, 358 pages, 3 stars
- read Oct 17-23, 2023; book not previously read
97quondame
>96 ArlieS: This is a bit more favorable than my assessment. I usually get significantly more from Mercedes Lackey's books, but this is nowhere near the biggest dud.
98ArlieS
123. The life and death of ancient cities : a natural history by Greg Woolf (Gregory Duncan Woolf)
This was an interesting book. The goal was to show readers what ancient cities were really like, along with how they developed and declined. The main sound-bite style take away, for me, would be "these cities were tiny". The largest, most famous ones might have been on the scale of a tiny modern city - in some periods - smaller the rest of the time. The rest invite names like "hamlet", or at best "town", to modern sensibilities.
Put another way, the terms translated as "city" from just about any pre-modern language don't imply most of the things modern people think of as inseparable with cities, so our modern use of language tends to lead us to make really dubious assumptions. One of these cities might have a mere 4000 inhabitants - barely a town by modern standards, if not a mere village.
The author contrasts "city" with "village" - no use of the term "town". To him, the distinction is not one of size, as much as of the presence of significant inequality. Cities have upper and lower classes, with large differences between them. Villages have inhabitants much closer to equal - some peasants might be doing better than others, but there's much less difference. They also dominate their hinterlands, particularly in the early period. In the areas primarily of interest to the author, these tended to be city-states - with some aspects of that even after they become incorporated into the Roman Empire.
The other simple take away is that cities are fragile, particularly large ones. They bigger they are, the less their local hinterlands can support them, and the more imports they need to function. It's hard to import enough food, particularly in the face of local crop failures. An empire can do it, for places like its capital - Rome, or Constantinople, for example, which basically relied on Egypt to provide grain. Some powerful city states manage it (e.g. Athens, before the Roman period). But in the long term, there's a limit to the sustainable size, and cities that grow beyond it flounder when outside support is removed.
The book also covers a lot of history, with lots of interesting detail. It tries to look at cities as a group, but each city is an individual, making this somewhat difficult. At any given time, some cities are doing well and others doing badly - yet there are trends. Roman cities as a group have a time of peak prosperity and size. This is earlier than e.g. Constantinople's heyday - the details remain individual - and can be hard to place precisely. (There are also regional differences within the Roman Empire, and of course pre-modern periods are not known for statistical records, leaving us to make guesses based on archaeology.
A good read overall, and I wish my memory was better than it currently is at recording details.
It also had a lovely bibliography, which I mined for farther additions to my TBR list.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history, series: n/a, 2020
- Author: male, British, born 1961, academic (ancient history), author not previously read
- English, public library, 499 pages, 4 stars
- read Oct 10-28, 2023, book not previously read
This was an interesting book. The goal was to show readers what ancient cities were really like, along with how they developed and declined. The main sound-bite style take away, for me, would be "these cities were tiny". The largest, most famous ones might have been on the scale of a tiny modern city - in some periods - smaller the rest of the time. The rest invite names like "hamlet", or at best "town", to modern sensibilities.
Put another way, the terms translated as "city" from just about any pre-modern language don't imply most of the things modern people think of as inseparable with cities, so our modern use of language tends to lead us to make really dubious assumptions. One of these cities might have a mere 4000 inhabitants - barely a town by modern standards, if not a mere village.
The author contrasts "city" with "village" - no use of the term "town". To him, the distinction is not one of size, as much as of the presence of significant inequality. Cities have upper and lower classes, with large differences between them. Villages have inhabitants much closer to equal - some peasants might be doing better than others, but there's much less difference. They also dominate their hinterlands, particularly in the early period. In the areas primarily of interest to the author, these tended to be city-states - with some aspects of that even after they become incorporated into the Roman Empire.
The other simple take away is that cities are fragile, particularly large ones. They bigger they are, the less their local hinterlands can support them, and the more imports they need to function. It's hard to import enough food, particularly in the face of local crop failures. An empire can do it, for places like its capital - Rome, or Constantinople, for example, which basically relied on Egypt to provide grain. Some powerful city states manage it (e.g. Athens, before the Roman period). But in the long term, there's a limit to the sustainable size, and cities that grow beyond it flounder when outside support is removed.
The book also covers a lot of history, with lots of interesting detail. It tries to look at cities as a group, but each city is an individual, making this somewhat difficult. At any given time, some cities are doing well and others doing badly - yet there are trends. Roman cities as a group have a time of peak prosperity and size. This is earlier than e.g. Constantinople's heyday - the details remain individual - and can be hard to place precisely. (There are also regional differences within the Roman Empire, and of course pre-modern periods are not known for statistical records, leaving us to make guesses based on archaeology.
A good read overall, and I wish my memory was better than it currently is at recording details.
It also had a lovely bibliography, which I mined for farther additions to my TBR list.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history, series: n/a, 2020
- Author: male, British, born 1961, academic (ancient history), author not previously read
- English, public library, 499 pages, 4 stars
- read Oct 10-28, 2023, book not previously read
99drneutron
>98 ArlieS: That one sounds like one I want to find. Very interesting!
100ArlieS
>99 drneutron: Enjoy!
101ArlieS
124. Gideon's Fire by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
This police procedural is #7 in the Gideon series. I'm fairly sure I've read it before, because I remembered a few bits of the plot. I enjoyed it.
It occurs to me that I'm rereading this series in part because the people portrayed in its world average a bit better than e.g. those portrayed in modern media. They are a bit more honest, a bit more courageous, and a bit more concerned with doing good work. The cops in particular average more dedicated, and braver, than any group I've ever encountered in real life. Of course there are plenty of criminals in these stories, but few of them are miserable examples of dishonesty, violence, and greed; they generally have scruples, and sometimes other redeeming virtues. In many cases, burglary is simply the only trade they know.
This is not what I encounter in modern media. It's not even what I've tended to encounter in the management ranks of places where I've worked. It's probably not what I'd get from modern crime fiction. So I'm happy to retreat to this slightly better world.
Of course it's not better in a lot of ways - it's the 1950s or very early 1960s. The UK was less of a sexist hellhole at the time than the United States, but protagonists are male. The occasional representation of mental illness relies on the stereotypical "crazy person" who might do anything, most likely violent or destructive. (One bereaved mother injures a cop to the point of significant need for stitches, while trying to get at the man who raped and killed her daughter. She's portrayed as out of her mind, and likely to stay that way for the rest of her life.) And then there's the arsonist whose activities result in the title of this book; he's portrayed as having been driven insane by the death of family members in a fire.
But these are familiar tropes from my childhood - part of that 1950s/1960s setting. (I was born 3 years before this book.) They don't rankle with me the way they might if I were 40 years younger.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1960
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119 and #120 for this year
- English, purchased used, 221 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Oct 23-28, 2023, book previously read
This police procedural is #7 in the Gideon series. I'm fairly sure I've read it before, because I remembered a few bits of the plot. I enjoyed it.
It occurs to me that I'm rereading this series in part because the people portrayed in its world average a bit better than e.g. those portrayed in modern media. They are a bit more honest, a bit more courageous, and a bit more concerned with doing good work. The cops in particular average more dedicated, and braver, than any group I've ever encountered in real life. Of course there are plenty of criminals in these stories, but few of them are miserable examples of dishonesty, violence, and greed; they generally have scruples, and sometimes other redeeming virtues. In many cases, burglary is simply the only trade they know.
This is not what I encounter in modern media. It's not even what I've tended to encounter in the management ranks of places where I've worked. It's probably not what I'd get from modern crime fiction. So I'm happy to retreat to this slightly better world.
Of course it's not better in a lot of ways - it's the 1950s or very early 1960s. The UK was less of a sexist hellhole at the time than the United States, but protagonists are male. The occasional representation of mental illness relies on the stereotypical "crazy person" who might do anything, most likely violent or destructive. (One bereaved mother injures a cop to the point of significant need for stitches, while trying to get at the man who raped and killed her daughter. She's portrayed as out of her mind, and likely to stay that way for the rest of her life.) And then there's the arsonist whose activities result in the title of this book; he's portrayed as having been driven insane by the death of family members in a fire.
But these are familiar tropes from my childhood - part of that 1950s/1960s setting. (I was born 3 years before this book.) They don't rankle with me the way they might if I were 40 years younger.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1960
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119 and #120 for this year
- English, purchased used, 221 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Oct 23-28, 2023, book previously read
102ArlieS
I might yet manage 150 books by the end of the year. I figured once I resumed playing Haven & Hearth there'd be no chance at all, but I've finished two more books, putting me at 126, with 14 for October, and that means I'll only need 12 each for November and December. So it still might happen.
103ArlieS
125. The Dark Lord's Daughter by Patricia Wrede
This was a fun fantasy novel for children - probably for girls in particular, since the viewpoint character is a 14 year old girl.
Imagine that you were raised on earth, in an ordinary kind of family. You know you were adopted, but that doesn't matter. Except one perfectly ordinary day someone appears out of nowhere, bows before you and announces you are the long lost daughter of his Lord, and promptly casts a spell to transport you and him back to his world. The spell affects everyone who's touching you, so your foster mother and foster brother come with you. (That's your whole family, since your foster father died a few years back.)
It turns out the world you arrive in has two types of magic - Dark and Light - and two kinds of magicians. Some children are born with magic; most without. Those children can be identified at birth - but not what type of magic they will have. That's only determined later, when their hair changes colour - dark or light depending on the type of magic.
You have all the signs of having powerful Dark Magic. Dark and Light aren't just arbitrary labels, like positive and negative electrical charge. As everyone knows, Dark magicians are evil, and light magicians are good. War between them is routine and traditional.
As the heir to a major Dark realm (your birth father having died), you are expected to start your realm with executions, not to mention extortion, theft, betrayal and all that. But you come complete with ethics, instilled by your upbringing, and not overridden by growing up believing that your destiny is Dark.
The resulting story rather subverts the evil magician genre. It also subverts the more modern genre where folks in fantasy universe are constrained by Tradition (TM) to live according to fairy tale tropes.
I loved it.
Statistics:
- fiction, fantasy, juvenile, not series, 2023
- Author 1: Patricia Wrede: female, American, born 1953, novelist, author of my #92 and #102 for 2023
- English, public library, 361 pages, 4 stars
- read Oct 27-28, 2023; not previously read
I'm not entirely sure how it came to be on my to-read list, but Patricia Wrede is a read-on-sight author for me, so the only question is how I came to learn that it was being published. Fortunately my local library ordered it without any prompting for me, so I put a hold on it, and the rest is history. (I've now achieved an unusual state - no outstanding holds. Usually there's at least one still in acquisition, or with a long chain of other people reading it ahead of me.
This was a fun fantasy novel for children - probably for girls in particular, since the viewpoint character is a 14 year old girl.
Imagine that you were raised on earth, in an ordinary kind of family. You know you were adopted, but that doesn't matter. Except one perfectly ordinary day someone appears out of nowhere, bows before you and announces you are the long lost daughter of his Lord, and promptly casts a spell to transport you and him back to his world. The spell affects everyone who's touching you, so your foster mother and foster brother come with you. (That's your whole family, since your foster father died a few years back.)
It turns out the world you arrive in has two types of magic - Dark and Light - and two kinds of magicians. Some children are born with magic; most without. Those children can be identified at birth - but not what type of magic they will have. That's only determined later, when their hair changes colour - dark or light depending on the type of magic.
You have all the signs of having powerful Dark Magic. Dark and Light aren't just arbitrary labels, like positive and negative electrical charge. As everyone knows, Dark magicians are evil, and light magicians are good. War between them is routine and traditional.
As the heir to a major Dark realm (your birth father having died), you are expected to start your realm with executions, not to mention extortion, theft, betrayal and all that. But you come complete with ethics, instilled by your upbringing, and not overridden by growing up believing that your destiny is Dark.
The resulting story rather subverts the evil magician genre. It also subverts the more modern genre where folks in fantasy universe are constrained by Tradition (TM) to live according to fairy tale tropes.
I loved it.
Statistics:
- fiction, fantasy, juvenile, not series, 2023
- Author 1: Patricia Wrede: female, American, born 1953, novelist, author of my #92 and #102 for 2023
- English, public library, 361 pages, 4 stars
- read Oct 27-28, 2023; not previously read
I'm not entirely sure how it came to be on my to-read list, but Patricia Wrede is a read-on-sight author for me, so the only question is how I came to learn that it was being published. Fortunately my local library ordered it without any prompting for me, so I put a hold on it, and the rest is history. (I've now achieved an unusual state - no outstanding holds. Usually there's at least one still in acquisition, or with a long chain of other people reading it ahead of me.
104ArlieS
126. Death to the landlords! by Ellis Peters
This was another of the Felse Investigations mysteries. Like my #121 for the year, this one is set in India, and the Felse involved is Dominic, adult son of the police detective. Like #121, it features the same Swami, now Dominic's boss, who's pretty much the most effective investigator; Dominic is the viewpoint character, and does what he can, but doesn't solve the crime, or successfully protect potential victim(s).
Unlike with Mourning Raga, I didn't get the feeling of exotic India being show-cased in stereotypical fashion. There are enough travelogue-like descriptions for me to suspect that placing stories in India may have been a move to provide British and American readers with a somewhat exotic background - but the issues and the people seem modern enough for the time the book was written.
Unfortunately, it seems that I prefer my "exotic setting" in the form of the Great Britain of my youth. I miss the Britishness of earlier works in this series. Indeed, that may have been part of why I reacted a bit badly to Mourning Raga.
At any rate, this was a pleasant read, and there was enough foreshadowing that the solution didn't feel like it came out of left field. I suspected all those who ultimately turned out to be involved, though it was somewhat of a surprise to find that they *all* were. (Surely there should have been at least one red herring?)
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1972
- Author: female, British, born 1913, writer, author of my #80, #85, #105, #114 and #121 for this year
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 221 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Oct 20-20, 2023; book previously unread
This was another of the Felse Investigations mysteries. Like my #121 for the year, this one is set in India, and the Felse involved is Dominic, adult son of the police detective. Like #121, it features the same Swami, now Dominic's boss, who's pretty much the most effective investigator; Dominic is the viewpoint character, and does what he can, but doesn't solve the crime, or successfully protect potential victim(s).
Unlike with Mourning Raga, I didn't get the feeling of exotic India being show-cased in stereotypical fashion. There are enough travelogue-like descriptions for me to suspect that placing stories in India may have been a move to provide British and American readers with a somewhat exotic background - but the issues and the people seem modern enough for the time the book was written.
Unfortunately, it seems that I prefer my "exotic setting" in the form of the Great Britain of my youth. I miss the Britishness of earlier works in this series. Indeed, that may have been part of why I reacted a bit badly to Mourning Raga.
At any rate, this was a pleasant read, and there was enough foreshadowing that the solution didn't feel like it came out of left field. I suspected all those who ultimately turned out to be involved, though it was somewhat of a surprise to find that they *all* were. (Surely there should have been at least one red herring?)
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1972
- Author: female, British, born 1913, writer, author of my #80, #85, #105, #114 and #121 for this year
- English, public library (inter-library loan), 221 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Oct 20-20, 2023; book previously unread
105ArlieS
127. Gideon's March by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
This police procedural is #8 in the Gideon series. It's another nice light snack, great for escapism and even pseudo-nostalgia (nostalgia for a time/place combo I never actually experienced).
In this case, the powers that be have decided to host a summit meeting in London, complete with a big public spectacle. Gideon gets to handle security for that spectacle, along with his usual work. Naturally some people with political grievances see an opportunity for assassination here; meanwhile every pickpocket and similar looks forward to a windfall.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1961
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120 and #124 for this year
- English, purchased used, 160 pages, 3 stars
- read Oct 29-Nov 2, 2023, book probably previously read
This police procedural is #8 in the Gideon series. It's another nice light snack, great for escapism and even pseudo-nostalgia (nostalgia for a time/place combo I never actually experienced).
In this case, the powers that be have decided to host a summit meeting in London, complete with a big public spectacle. Gideon gets to handle security for that spectacle, along with his usual work. Naturally some people with political grievances see an opportunity for assassination here; meanwhile every pickpocket and similar looks forward to a windfall.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1961
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120 and #124 for this year
- English, purchased used, 160 pages, 3 stars
- read Oct 29-Nov 2, 2023, book probably previously read
106richardderus
>105 ArlieS: There are 29 of that series! That's amazing. Not really that much, though, considering he wrote about 600 books in total. No wonder he died at 64...terminal writer's cramp.
107ArlieS
>106 richardderus: And all this in the days before word processors! He died in 1973.
108richardderus
>107 ArlieS: I wonder how many typewriters he killed.
109ArlieS
Is anyone familiar with Peter Zeihan? I picked up a book of his from the new books shelf at the library, and while he's a kind of fun writer and easy to read, the book lacks citations or bibliography, and the first careless(?) error I noticed was on page 2.
I suspect he's a hedgehog with exactly one explanatory theory which he applies to everything, if he's not simply someone who says whatever he thinks his audience will go for.
I suspect he's a hedgehog with exactly one explanatory theory which he applies to everything, if he's not simply someone who says whatever he thinks his audience will go for.
110ArlieS
128. Contrarian: A Novel in the Grand Illusion by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
This fantasy novel is the 3rd in a series that also includes my #36 and #38 for this year. It pretty much shares the virtues and vices of its predecessors - if you liked them you'll like it too, but if you didn't you might as well not bother.
It's set in a fantasy world that's also developing technology, but hasn't reached the level I grew up with. In particular, there are railroads, steam automobiles, and even early refrigerators, but no aircraft or, I think, electricity. (Apparently there's a term for this: "gaslight fantasy.")
The action is all about politics, if you include in politics such things as dodging assassination attempts. That and the minutiae of daily life are pretty much all that occurs - and those minutiae are often detailed, perhaps to keep reminding us we aren't in the modern period. I was not bored, but I can see how someone else might want more action.
I enjoyed it, and would happily read more of it but, alas, it takes a lot longer to write 600 pages than it does to read them.
There are a couple of loose ends that aren't tied in, and the hero has picked up a new and unheard-of psionic talent, fortunately not really used for much. So I presume there'll be another volume coming soon, even though this volume ended with a satisfactory resolution.
Statistics:
- fiction, fantasy, series (not first), 2023
- Author: male, American, born 1943, novelist, author of my #36, #38, #63 and #86 for the year
- English, public library, 610 pages, 4 stars
- read Oct 31-Nov 7, 2023; book not previously read
This fantasy novel is the 3rd in a series that also includes my #36 and #38 for this year. It pretty much shares the virtues and vices of its predecessors - if you liked them you'll like it too, but if you didn't you might as well not bother.
It's set in a fantasy world that's also developing technology, but hasn't reached the level I grew up with. In particular, there are railroads, steam automobiles, and even early refrigerators, but no aircraft or, I think, electricity. (Apparently there's a term for this: "gaslight fantasy.")
The action is all about politics, if you include in politics such things as dodging assassination attempts. That and the minutiae of daily life are pretty much all that occurs - and those minutiae are often detailed, perhaps to keep reminding us we aren't in the modern period. I was not bored, but I can see how someone else might want more action.
I enjoyed it, and would happily read more of it but, alas, it takes a lot longer to write 600 pages than it does to read them.
There are a couple of loose ends that aren't tied in, and the hero has picked up a new and unheard-of psionic talent, fortunately not really used for much. So I presume there'll be another volume coming soon, even though this volume ended with a satisfactory resolution.
Statistics:
- fiction, fantasy, series (not first), 2023
- Author: male, American, born 1943, novelist, author of my #36, #38, #63 and #86 for the year
- English, public library, 610 pages, 4 stars
- read Oct 31-Nov 7, 2023; book not previously read
111ArlieS
129. We're not broken : changing the autism conversation by Eric Garcia
This is an OK book on people with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), mostly for people without ASD, from someone with ASD. I picked it up from the new books shelf at the library.
The book didn't teach me much, but as someone with ASD myself, who's been at times plugged in to online ASD forums, I didn't need to learn anything basic. I also didn't agree with all of it; I'd have loved to have been able to have a discussion with the author, rather than simply reading his output with no real opportunity for feedback.
It's an OK book, that falls firmly into the genre of books announcing that people with some particular disability need and deserve better treatment. As such, it includes lots of information about bad outcomes and bad treatment. AFAICT, the information is reliably sourced, and complete with citations.
On the other hand, it also has a lot of implicit claims about what sort of lifestyle and opportunity everyone deserves, particularly those with the condition being discussed. I'm somewhat unclear that most Americans - a notoriously selfish lot, at least politically - would be willing to pay for it. (I'm even somewhat unclear that they could afford to pay for a similar level of lifestyle for all their fellow citizens, whatever their disability status.)
The prior paragraph probably makes me sound like a raving right wing loony. It's more that I got the feeling that the author thought that everyone deserved to have a decently paying knowledge worker job, or better, and the education to match. Furthermore, they deserved to have other people do anything needed to enable them to hold down such a job, much of it in the menial/servant category. (I.e. that support job might be decently paying, in a perfect world, but certainly not college-educated/knowledge worker category.)
That said, a lot of people with ASD are under-employed because while they can do the work, they can't do the job. E.g. I can program your computer to do just about anything, and debug it when it's broken, but I'm not so good at praising the CEO's brilliant new idea, much the same as the one the previous CEO tried 2 years ago, which rather spectacularly failed. Worse, I have difficulty keeping a straight face at the all hands meeting announcing it, and am almost certain to fidget (stim), in a usually successful attempt to keep myself from blurting out just how stupid that idea seems to be.
And I'm a "low support needs" autistic (previously called "high functioning", and previous to that referred to as having "Asperger's syndrome," rather than "autism"). Others have much worse difficulty with making the non-autistics surrounding them happy and comfortable, particularly those in charge. There are also environmental needs - put me in an "open office", and my productivity falls through the floor, even while my stress level soars. That's true for just about everyone, but folks with ASD average more severely impacted.
It would be nice to have more "reasonable accommodations," and for requesting accommodations not to commonly have the side effect of rendering one unpromotable. Not that I expect anything of the kind from a typical large bureaucracy - they'll mostly comply with the law, barely, if you rub their noses in it, and that's the best you can expect.
Maybe the collection of books like this one, humanizing autistics and showing personable ones unfairly treated, will help convince a few more non-autistics to be a little less unaccommodating. Or they might simply remind a few more HR types that there are laws on the books that could be used against them, if they don't at least do what the laws require.
I'm not all that hopeful, and expressing things in terms of "rights" practically guarantees that right wing Americans won't listen.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, social science, series: n/a, 2021
- Author: male, American (Hispanic), age unknown, journalist, author not previously read
- English, public library, 281 pages, 3 stars
- read Oct 24-Nov 7, 2023, book not previously read
This is an OK book on people with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), mostly for people without ASD, from someone with ASD. I picked it up from the new books shelf at the library.
The book didn't teach me much, but as someone with ASD myself, who's been at times plugged in to online ASD forums, I didn't need to learn anything basic. I also didn't agree with all of it; I'd have loved to have been able to have a discussion with the author, rather than simply reading his output with no real opportunity for feedback.
It's an OK book, that falls firmly into the genre of books announcing that people with some particular disability need and deserve better treatment. As such, it includes lots of information about bad outcomes and bad treatment. AFAICT, the information is reliably sourced, and complete with citations.
On the other hand, it also has a lot of implicit claims about what sort of lifestyle and opportunity everyone deserves, particularly those with the condition being discussed. I'm somewhat unclear that most Americans - a notoriously selfish lot, at least politically - would be willing to pay for it. (I'm even somewhat unclear that they could afford to pay for a similar level of lifestyle for all their fellow citizens, whatever their disability status.)
The prior paragraph probably makes me sound like a raving right wing loony. It's more that I got the feeling that the author thought that everyone deserved to have a decently paying knowledge worker job, or better, and the education to match. Furthermore, they deserved to have other people do anything needed to enable them to hold down such a job, much of it in the menial/servant category. (I.e. that support job might be decently paying, in a perfect world, but certainly not college-educated/knowledge worker category.)
That said, a lot of people with ASD are under-employed because while they can do the work, they can't do the job. E.g. I can program your computer to do just about anything, and debug it when it's broken, but I'm not so good at praising the CEO's brilliant new idea, much the same as the one the previous CEO tried 2 years ago, which rather spectacularly failed. Worse, I have difficulty keeping a straight face at the all hands meeting announcing it, and am almost certain to fidget (stim), in a usually successful attempt to keep myself from blurting out just how stupid that idea seems to be.
And I'm a "low support needs" autistic (previously called "high functioning", and previous to that referred to as having "Asperger's syndrome," rather than "autism"). Others have much worse difficulty with making the non-autistics surrounding them happy and comfortable, particularly those in charge. There are also environmental needs - put me in an "open office", and my productivity falls through the floor, even while my stress level soars. That's true for just about everyone, but folks with ASD average more severely impacted.
It would be nice to have more "reasonable accommodations," and for requesting accommodations not to commonly have the side effect of rendering one unpromotable. Not that I expect anything of the kind from a typical large bureaucracy - they'll mostly comply with the law, barely, if you rub their noses in it, and that's the best you can expect.
Maybe the collection of books like this one, humanizing autistics and showing personable ones unfairly treated, will help convince a few more non-autistics to be a little less unaccommodating. Or they might simply remind a few more HR types that there are laws on the books that could be used against them, if they don't at least do what the laws require.
I'm not all that hopeful, and expressing things in terms of "rights" practically guarantees that right wing Americans won't listen.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, social science, series: n/a, 2021
- Author: male, American (Hispanic), age unknown, journalist, author not previously read
- English, public library, 281 pages, 3 stars
- read Oct 24-Nov 7, 2023, book not previously read
112alcottacre
Not even trying to catch up, Arlie, just swinging by to say "Hello!" I hope all is well with you and yours.
113richardderus
>111 ArlieS: *sigh* the conversation isn't, yet again, just talking points that don't advance anything much.
114ArlieS
>112 alcottacre: Hiya Stasia. Life is mostly good, except that I really miss even my 40 year old body ;-) Aging is not for the faint of heart. But retirement is great.
>113 richardderus: To be fair, it's hard to have a conversation via writing a book. It's the wrong medium - better to have a blog, of a kind with good software facilitating conversation between readers, as well as between you and them. Not Substack, and absolutely not FaceBook or its ilk.
>113 richardderus: To be fair, it's hard to have a conversation via writing a book. It's the wrong medium - better to have a blog, of a kind with good software facilitating conversation between readers, as well as between you and them. Not Substack, and absolutely not FaceBook or its ilk.
115ArlieS
130. Gideon's Vote by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
This police procedural is #10 in the Gideon series; I decided not to track down #9, which I don't own. It became obvious as I read it that I had read it before, and eventually even that I had read this particular rather battered copy, which came from my mother's house. But that was a long time ago, probably when we were still living in the same household; we weren't even living in the same city after 1985.
This time we have an election (hence the title), complete with two potentially dangerous fringe groups, and a guy posing as a doctor taking advantage of women, as well as all the usual crime.
Once again, it was a nice light snack. Most of the political candidates were surprisingly decent, at least by modern standards, and not at all made of money. So I got my fix of briefly living vicariously in a sometimes better world.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1964
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120, #124 and #127 for this year
- English, own shelves, 192 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Nov 5-12, 2023, book previously read
This police procedural is #10 in the Gideon series; I decided not to track down #9, which I don't own. It became obvious as I read it that I had read it before, and eventually even that I had read this particular rather battered copy, which came from my mother's house. But that was a long time ago, probably when we were still living in the same household; we weren't even living in the same city after 1985.
This time we have an election (hence the title), complete with two potentially dangerous fringe groups, and a guy posing as a doctor taking advantage of women, as well as all the usual crime.
Once again, it was a nice light snack. Most of the political candidates were surprisingly decent, at least by modern standards, and not at all made of money. So I got my fix of briefly living vicariously in a sometimes better world.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1964
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120, #124 and #127 for this year
- English, own shelves, 192 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Nov 5-12, 2023, book previously read
116alcottacre
>114 ArlieS: Aging is not for the faint of heart
My mother has been telling me that for years now. I fully agree!
My mother has been telling me that for years now. I fully agree!
117ArlieS
131. The end of the world is just the beginning : mapping the collapse of globalization by Peter Zeihan
I found this book on the new books shelf of a local library. It claims to be non-fiction, but cites no sources, and I found my first error on page 2, where something I'd consider part of American popular mythology was stated as fact.
So why am I rating it 3, rather than 0.5, or perhaps 1? Because if you regard it as a work of fiction, it's pretty decent. But I'm ahead of myself.
The author, who claims expertise on geopolitics, predicts a future where globalization is impossible due to wars, piracy, etc. and nations are thrown back on local resources, plus whatever trade (or expropriation) they can manage to protect. This is all because of American isolationism - without them as the global policeman, anarchy reigns. Farther problems occur because most nations simply don't have enough young people, and older people don't create capital or make it available for investment. (Oddly, lack of workers to do things isn't claimed as the problem, but rather lack of people in the appropriate life stage to provide investment capital.) And on top of this, there is global climate change, adding its own difficulties to the mix.
He predicts that most of the world is likely to descend to pre-industrial-revolution living standards, naturally via a massive die off. A few countries will do better than that, given sufficient local resources, and military power to protect what trade they need, including annexing areas for resources. The US will do best of all, enforcing no interference with trade in the American Hemisphere, if not overall peace, and having the military power to go out and get things outside the hemisphere. Productivity will drop, with "just in time" manufacturing and very large scale industry no longer practical - too easy to disrupt - but the US will be almost fine, and Mexico will do well as the US supplier of low cost labour. Canada may ride the US coattails, or be effectively annexed for its resources.
This sounds to me much like the background material to a popular novel about heroic people dealing with global collapse. That hypothetical novel is written primarily for American readers, so the background exaggerates American contributions, while reiterating many popular American myths - things "everyone knows" in the US, which "everyone" outside the US regards as self-aggrandizing rubbish. For the same reason, the US is set up to continue to do decently even after the crisis; the American heroes of the hypothetical novel will be able to live happily ever after, as will any foreign heroes who manage to make it to the US and somehow get admitted.
Read as this kind of background material, it's excellent. It's more than plausible enough for readers to suspend disbelief. The author is rather witty, with plenty of humorous cheap shots against foreign peculiarities. And reiterating American myths is a feature, not a bug. Probably the concerns about "not enough children" also appeal to a postulated American readership.The only problem is that it's too long for this purpose; no novel should have 497 pages of background material.
Read as non-fiction, it lost me when I found a total lack of citations, and various things every American "knows" stated as fact. I'm also unimpressed with the author's ability to predict anything; AFAICT, he's a hedgehog - the kind of thinker with ONE explanatory model they apply universally - rather than a fox, who applies multiple models and explanations carefully. Hedgehogs have a bad track record for accurate predictions, verging on that of a stopped clock which gets the time right twice a day, every day.
Read it for laughs, or for background ideas for a collapse or post-collapse novel you feel like writing. If neither of those appeal, you might just as well avoid both this book and its author.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, predicted future, series: n/a, 2022
- Author: male, American, born 1973, writer, author not previously read
- English, public library, 497 pages, 3 stars
- read Nov 3-13, 2023, book not previously read
I found this book on the new books shelf of a local library. It claims to be non-fiction, but cites no sources, and I found my first error on page 2, where something I'd consider part of American popular mythology was stated as fact.
So why am I rating it 3, rather than 0.5, or perhaps 1? Because if you regard it as a work of fiction, it's pretty decent. But I'm ahead of myself.
The author, who claims expertise on geopolitics, predicts a future where globalization is impossible due to wars, piracy, etc. and nations are thrown back on local resources, plus whatever trade (or expropriation) they can manage to protect. This is all because of American isolationism - without them as the global policeman, anarchy reigns. Farther problems occur because most nations simply don't have enough young people, and older people don't create capital or make it available for investment. (Oddly, lack of workers to do things isn't claimed as the problem, but rather lack of people in the appropriate life stage to provide investment capital.) And on top of this, there is global climate change, adding its own difficulties to the mix.
He predicts that most of the world is likely to descend to pre-industrial-revolution living standards, naturally via a massive die off. A few countries will do better than that, given sufficient local resources, and military power to protect what trade they need, including annexing areas for resources. The US will do best of all, enforcing no interference with trade in the American Hemisphere, if not overall peace, and having the military power to go out and get things outside the hemisphere. Productivity will drop, with "just in time" manufacturing and very large scale industry no longer practical - too easy to disrupt - but the US will be almost fine, and Mexico will do well as the US supplier of low cost labour. Canada may ride the US coattails, or be effectively annexed for its resources.
This sounds to me much like the background material to a popular novel about heroic people dealing with global collapse. That hypothetical novel is written primarily for American readers, so the background exaggerates American contributions, while reiterating many popular American myths - things "everyone knows" in the US, which "everyone" outside the US regards as self-aggrandizing rubbish. For the same reason, the US is set up to continue to do decently even after the crisis; the American heroes of the hypothetical novel will be able to live happily ever after, as will any foreign heroes who manage to make it to the US and somehow get admitted.
Read as this kind of background material, it's excellent. It's more than plausible enough for readers to suspend disbelief. The author is rather witty, with plenty of humorous cheap shots against foreign peculiarities. And reiterating American myths is a feature, not a bug. Probably the concerns about "not enough children" also appeal to a postulated American readership.The only problem is that it's too long for this purpose; no novel should have 497 pages of background material.
Read as non-fiction, it lost me when I found a total lack of citations, and various things every American "knows" stated as fact. I'm also unimpressed with the author's ability to predict anything; AFAICT, he's a hedgehog - the kind of thinker with ONE explanatory model they apply universally - rather than a fox, who applies multiple models and explanations carefully. Hedgehogs have a bad track record for accurate predictions, verging on that of a stopped clock which gets the time right twice a day, every day.
Read it for laughs, or for background ideas for a collapse or post-collapse novel you feel like writing. If neither of those appeal, you might just as well avoid both this book and its author.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, predicted future, series: n/a, 2022
- Author: male, American, born 1973, writer, author not previously read
- English, public library, 497 pages, 3 stars
- read Nov 3-13, 2023, book not previously read
118ArlieS
132. Gideon's Lot by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
This police procedural is #11 in the Gideon series. They continue to hit the spot for me - light reading when I first wake up, or am otherwise not running at full capacity. They remain formulaic, with mostly predictable results, but I enjoy the formula. And it's fun to visit the way things were - or at least the way they were presented - back in 1964.
I wouldn't especially want to live there, even as described, never mind in reality; I was 7 the year this book was published, and it was not a good year for females not made in the officially standard mold, never mind queer people. (And I was already being recognized as not quite a normal female; I recall getting grouped with the boys for some church-related activities, because I clearly belonged with the rowdy group. And I'd say this was extremely enlightened for the time, as compared with the obvious alternative of disapproval and punishment for not being properly quiet and demure. Fortunately I was still young enough for "tomboy" to be an acceptable category.) Though to be fair to this author - his women are active people, not merely prizes for heroes to earn, or servants to support the male characters. Their activities are within the realm of normal for their time and place, but they aren't ciphers. Many authors continued to be much worse, much later than this book was published.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1964
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120, #124, #127 and #130 for this year
- English, purchased used, 192 pages, 3 stars
- read Nov 14-16, 2023, book probably not previously read
This police procedural is #11 in the Gideon series. They continue to hit the spot for me - light reading when I first wake up, or am otherwise not running at full capacity. They remain formulaic, with mostly predictable results, but I enjoy the formula. And it's fun to visit the way things were - or at least the way they were presented - back in 1964.
I wouldn't especially want to live there, even as described, never mind in reality; I was 7 the year this book was published, and it was not a good year for females not made in the officially standard mold, never mind queer people. (And I was already being recognized as not quite a normal female; I recall getting grouped with the boys for some church-related activities, because I clearly belonged with the rowdy group. And I'd say this was extremely enlightened for the time, as compared with the obvious alternative of disapproval and punishment for not being properly quiet and demure. Fortunately I was still young enough for "tomboy" to be an acceptable category.) Though to be fair to this author - his women are active people, not merely prizes for heroes to earn, or servants to support the male characters. Their activities are within the realm of normal for their time and place, but they aren't ciphers. Many authors continued to be much worse, much later than this book was published.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1964
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120, #124, #127 and #130 for this year
- English, purchased used, 192 pages, 3 stars
- read Nov 14-16, 2023, book probably not previously read
119richardderus
>117 ArlieS: mmm
On balance, I think my eyeblinks are better spent elsewhere. The way you present it does make it sound like a reasonable novel but not one I'm drawn to read. Thanks for the warn-off, Arlie.
On balance, I think my eyeblinks are better spent elsewhere. The way you present it does make it sound like a reasonable novel but not one I'm drawn to read. Thanks for the warn-off, Arlie.
120atozgrl
Hi Arlie. I thought I would let you know that I did finally read An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. Overall, I thought it was a worthwhile read because it's a useful correction to the incomplete history we were taught in school and because we really need to see the viewpoint of the indigenous peoples whose land was taken from them. However, you were completely correct to point out all the problems with her statements of things as fact that are not footnoted or supported by actual fact. I can understand why you Pearl ruled it.
My full thoughts about the book are at https://www.librarything.com/topic/354062#8285403.
My full thoughts about the book are at https://www.librarything.com/topic/354062#8285403.
121karenmarie
Hi Arlie!
>98 ArlieS: The book has made it to my wish list and I love your review. I especially love the two points of how to differentiate a city from a town by the ‘presence of significant inequality’ and that cities are fragile.
>117 ArlieS: I don’t think I’ve ever read a review of a nominally non-fiction book that suggests reading it as fiction. I’ll completely pass on this one.
>98 ArlieS: The book has made it to my wish list and I love your review. I especially love the two points of how to differentiate a city from a town by the ‘presence of significant inequality’ and that cities are fragile.
>117 ArlieS: I don’t think I’ve ever read a review of a nominally non-fiction book that suggests reading it as fiction. I’ll completely pass on this one.
122ArlieS
>119 richardderus: Good choice.
>120 atozgrl: You wrote a great review of it; I'll comment more in your thread. (And thank you for pointing out the review to me; I'm terribly behind on most of the threads I try to follow.)
>121 karenmarie: Enjoy!
>120 atozgrl: You wrote a great review of it; I'll comment more in your thread. (And thank you for pointing out the review to me; I'm terribly behind on most of the threads I try to follow.)
>121 karenmarie: Enjoy!
123atozgrl
>122 ArlieS: Thank you, Arlie! No worries, I'm behind most threads as well. ;-P
124ArlieS
133. Gideon's Wrath by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
This police procedural is #13 in the Gideon series. (I decided not to bother attempting to get #12 by inter-library loan, though I wouldn't mind buying more of these second-hand.)
This one was published in 1967, when I was ten. I probably read it around a decade later. Unusually for these books, I remembered enough of it to recognize it, and correctly predict the results of a major plot element. On the other hand, other plot elements had vanished from my memory into the blur of time.
This book has casual back references to the second world war, from the POV of civilians in the London area. The author would have been 37 in 1945, so for him this was living memory - if not his own (who knows where he was during that war), certainly that of many people he knew personally. This book would be one of many sources that formed my impression of life during that period, in addition to stories shared by my own relatives, and other people I knew. (And that, boys and girls, is why I react to many recent historical fictions with incredulity - my disbelief just fails to suspend, unless I consciously decide to regard the novels as set in some alternate reality.)
Once again, it was a nice light snack, suitable for reading with my morning coffee, before I switch to non-fiction, and then to whatever chores need to be done.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1967
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120, #124, #127, #130 and #132 for this year
- English, own shelves 192 pages, 3 stars
- read Nov 17-21, 2023, book previously read
This police procedural is #13 in the Gideon series. (I decided not to bother attempting to get #12 by inter-library loan, though I wouldn't mind buying more of these second-hand.)
This one was published in 1967, when I was ten. I probably read it around a decade later. Unusually for these books, I remembered enough of it to recognize it, and correctly predict the results of a major plot element. On the other hand, other plot elements had vanished from my memory into the blur of time.
This book has casual back references to the second world war, from the POV of civilians in the London area. The author would have been 37 in 1945, so for him this was living memory - if not his own (who knows where he was during that war), certainly that of many people he knew personally. This book would be one of many sources that formed my impression of life during that period, in addition to stories shared by my own relatives, and other people I knew. (And that, boys and girls, is why I react to many recent historical fictions with incredulity - my disbelief just fails to suspend, unless I consciously decide to regard the novels as set in some alternate reality.)
Once again, it was a nice light snack, suitable for reading with my morning coffee, before I switch to non-fiction, and then to whatever chores need to be done.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1967
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120, #124, #127, #130 and #132 for this year
- English, own shelves 192 pages, 3 stars
- read Nov 17-21, 2023, book previously read
125ArlieS
134. Witch king by Martha Wells
This is a new fantasy novel by the author of The Murderbot Diaries. That series made Martha Wells a read-on-sight author for me. I grabbed the book from the new books shelf of the library.
It was a good book, but not a great one - I don't find myself eager to purchase my own copy, anticipating multiple rereads. I ate it up eagerly, but critiques started coming to mind as soon as I finished, and I oscillated between ratings of 3.5 and 4.
This is a fantasy novel, in a world with several different magic systems, not to mention lots of very different cultures who are nonetheless in contact.
About half the story is set in the past, as memories affecting the novel's present day. At that time, an extremely aggressive group with their own characteristic magic came close to taking over the whole known world. This group is portrayed as essentially evil, prone to massacring anyone no longer useful to them, as well as the normal violence of imperialism. (Being a good quisling was only temporarily protective.) That group was overthrown, and possibly exterminated, but there are still practitioners of at least one of their magic systems; that magic system is powered by suffering and death, making its practitioners almost universally evil - except perhaps one offshoot that restricts itself to using only the practitioner's own pain.
At the start of the book, the alliance formed by the subjected peoples is up for renewal. Unfortunately, at least one key figure (Tahren) has gone missing. And the viewpoint character (Kai) - an important figure in their own right - has been betrayed and imprisoned. As the book begins, Kai comes out of the magically-induced stupor they've been in, and finds that their prison has been breached by an evil magician who hopes to enslave them. That doesn't work too well for the magician, who is soon killed, along with his supporters. Kai then rescues a friend and ally imprisoned nearby (Ziede), and they set out to try to find Tahren.
They pick up a motley crew of companions, starting with some prisoners and allegedly innocent companions of the evil magician. Mistrust, mostly deserved, is a major theme. There is much resonance with the past, as they visit places Kai first saw during the past segments.
The past-and-future mix works well, with the past illuminating the present. I like Kai, and Ziede. There are enough "how will they handle this" moments to keep things interesting.
But on the other hand - the magic system is never explained well enough for the reader to understand what the characters can and cannot do, so there's always the potential for an unexpected-by-the-reader magical solution to whatever problem they encounter. The political system is only gradually revealed, likewise enabling resolutions unexpected by the reader. And I don't much like the atmosphere of betrayal and mistrust, still less an alliance led by a polity that seems to be all about such internecine rivalry.
I settled on a rating of 3.5 in the light of those criticisms, but it's perhaps a more enjoyable read than that 3.5 implies.
Statistics:
- Fiction, fantasy, not series, 2023
- Author: female, American, born 1964, novelist, author of my #86 from 2022
- English, public library, 414 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Nov 10-23, book not previously read
This is a new fantasy novel by the author of The Murderbot Diaries. That series made Martha Wells a read-on-sight author for me. I grabbed the book from the new books shelf of the library.
It was a good book, but not a great one - I don't find myself eager to purchase my own copy, anticipating multiple rereads. I ate it up eagerly, but critiques started coming to mind as soon as I finished, and I oscillated between ratings of 3.5 and 4.
This is a fantasy novel, in a world with several different magic systems, not to mention lots of very different cultures who are nonetheless in contact.
About half the story is set in the past, as memories affecting the novel's present day. At that time, an extremely aggressive group with their own characteristic magic came close to taking over the whole known world. This group is portrayed as essentially evil, prone to massacring anyone no longer useful to them, as well as the normal violence of imperialism. (Being a good quisling was only temporarily protective.) That group was overthrown, and possibly exterminated, but there are still practitioners of at least one of their magic systems; that magic system is powered by suffering and death, making its practitioners almost universally evil - except perhaps one offshoot that restricts itself to using only the practitioner's own pain.
At the start of the book, the alliance formed by the subjected peoples is up for renewal. Unfortunately, at least one key figure (Tahren) has gone missing. And the viewpoint character (Kai) - an important figure in their own right - has been betrayed and imprisoned. As the book begins, Kai comes out of the magically-induced stupor they've been in, and finds that their prison has been breached by an evil magician who hopes to enslave them. That doesn't work too well for the magician, who is soon killed, along with his supporters. Kai then rescues a friend and ally imprisoned nearby (Ziede), and they set out to try to find Tahren.
They pick up a motley crew of companions, starting with some prisoners and allegedly innocent companions of the evil magician. Mistrust, mostly deserved, is a major theme. There is much resonance with the past, as they visit places Kai first saw during the past segments.
The past-and-future mix works well, with the past illuminating the present. I like Kai, and Ziede. There are enough "how will they handle this" moments to keep things interesting.
But on the other hand - the magic system is never explained well enough for the reader to understand what the characters can and cannot do, so there's always the potential for an unexpected-by-the-reader magical solution to whatever problem they encounter. The political system is only gradually revealed, likewise enabling resolutions unexpected by the reader. And I don't much like the atmosphere of betrayal and mistrust, still less an alliance led by a polity that seems to be all about such internecine rivalry.
I settled on a rating of 3.5 in the light of those criticisms, but it's perhaps a more enjoyable read than that 3.5 implies.
Statistics:
- Fiction, fantasy, not series, 2023
- Author: female, American, born 1964, novelist, author of my #86 from 2022
- English, public library, 414 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Nov 10-23, book not previously read
126ArlieS
135. The fires of Vesuvius : Pompeii lost and found by Mary Beard
Mary Beard is one of those delightful academic historians who write so well that I'd consider reading their grocery lists. So when I became aware of the existence of this book, and its presence at a local library, I pounced.
It was an enjoyable read, and I learned a lot I hadn't previously known about Pompeii, including information about areas where there's no consensus among scholars, whatever individual sources may say. Recommended if the subject is of interest, or if you plan to visit the site.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history, series: n/a, 2008
- Author: female, British, born 1955, academic (classics), author previously read
- English, public library, 360 pages, 4 stars
- read Nov 15-24, 2023, book not previously read
Mary Beard is one of those delightful academic historians who write so well that I'd consider reading their grocery lists. So when I became aware of the existence of this book, and its presence at a local library, I pounced.
It was an enjoyable read, and I learned a lot I hadn't previously known about Pompeii, including information about areas where there's no consensus among scholars, whatever individual sources may say. Recommended if the subject is of interest, or if you plan to visit the site.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history, series: n/a, 2008
- Author: female, British, born 1955, academic (classics), author previously read
- English, public library, 360 pages, 4 stars
- read Nov 15-24, 2023, book not previously read
127richardderus
>125 ArlieS: Her initial forays into writing were fantasy series, so I'm a little surprised at these story lacunae. I'm not that much of a fantasy reader, to be honest, so I'll get around to this eventually...but sure won't ripsnort out for it NOW!
>126 ArlieS: Mary Beard's way with words always makes me purr.
Happy day after, Arlie.
>126 ArlieS: Mary Beard's way with words always makes me purr.
Happy day after, Arlie.
129atozgrl
>126 ArlieS: You got me with a BB there, Arlie. It sounds very interesting.
130ArlieS
>125 ArlieS: >126 ArlieS: >127 richardderus: Mary Beard for the win.
The more distant local library has several more works by her that I haven't read, and some of them are paper rather than e-book. I'll see about grabbing more of them when I finish the books I have on hand.
(Yeah, I'm biased against e-books. I'd rather not deal with changing user interfaces, let alone the possibility (likelihood?) of contents changing without notice.)
The more distant local library has several more works by her that I haven't read, and some of them are paper rather than e-book. I'll see about grabbing more of them when I finish the books I have on hand.
(Yeah, I'm biased against e-books. I'd rather not deal with changing user interfaces, let alone the possibility (likelihood?) of contents changing without notice.)
131ArlieS
136. Gideon's River by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
This police procedural is #14 in the Gideon series. It's another nice light snack, if you like that kind of reading, and a bit of a nostalgia trip for me.
This time the major cases involve the Thames in some way.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1968
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120, #124, #127, #130, #132 and #133 for this year
- English, own shelves 143 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Nov 21-24, 2023, book previously read
This police procedural is #14 in the Gideon series. It's another nice light snack, if you like that kind of reading, and a bit of a nostalgia trip for me.
This time the major cases involve the Thames in some way.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1968
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120, #124, #127, #130, #132 and #133 for this year
- English, own shelves 143 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Nov 21-24, 2023, book previously read
132alcottacre
>117 ArlieS: Yeah, I think I will giving that one a pass.
>125 ArlieS: I may give that one a shot at some point.
>126 ArlieS: I am not sure I have ever read any of Mary Beard's books although I am certainly aware of them. Thank you for the recommendation, Arlie. I will see if my local library has that one.
Have a wonderful weekend, Arlie!
>125 ArlieS: I may give that one a shot at some point.
>126 ArlieS: I am not sure I have ever read any of Mary Beard's books although I am certainly aware of them. Thank you for the recommendation, Arlie. I will see if my local library has that one.
Have a wonderful weekend, Arlie!
133ArlieS
137. Gideon's Sport by J. J. Marric (John Creasey)
This police procedural is #16 in the Gideon series. This time, the main action involves sport: fixing matches in various ways, and disrupting sporting events to advertise a cause. One of the plot threads involves racism, and one of the police officers is a black woman of Jamaican origin. The book is very liberal for its day - the "good guys" are race-blind, and even the general public is mostly appalled at racist manifestations.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1968
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120, #124, #127, #130, #132, #133 and #136 for this year
- English, purchased used, 224 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Nov 24-27, 2023, book probably not previously read
This police procedural is #16 in the Gideon series. This time, the main action involves sport: fixing matches in various ways, and disrupting sporting events to advertise a cause. One of the plot threads involves racism, and one of the police officers is a black woman of Jamaican origin. The book is very liberal for its day - the "good guys" are race-blind, and even the general public is mostly appalled at racist manifestations.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1968
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120, #124, #127, #130, #132, #133 and #136 for this year
- English, purchased used, 224 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Nov 24-27, 2023, book probably not previously read
134ArlieS
138. A Brief History of the Female Body: An Evolutionary Look at How and Why the Female Form Came to Be by Deena Emera
This book is written to explain the evolutionary origins of various aspects of human female physiology to non-specialist readers, particularly women. There's a certain amount of technical detail, but it's combined with bits of the female author's personal experience of living in a female body, producing and raising offspring. The author does a pretty good job. I learned things I didn't know before.
The bibliography seems excellent, but there are no footnotes. I may owe an apology to the author of one of the books I read this year - probably my #110 Pathogenesis: a history of the world in eight plagues by Jonathan Kennedy - for a claim they made about anatomically modern human encounters with neanderthals, which seemed to me like projection of the native American experience of European contact back to the contact between neanderthals and anatomically modern humans. Deena Emera makes a related claim, which would provide some support for part Kennedy's more excited version. Unfortunately, though, I can't check Dr. Emera's sources for her claim, let alone determine whether they also provide support for other parts of Kennedy's claims.
While I'm complaining about (presumed) publisher decisions, the publishers of this book really want us to know that Deena Emera can be referred to as Doctor Emera. On the book itself, the author is given as "Deena Emera, PhD". And when I added the book to my LibraryThing collection by ISBN, the author was given as "Dr. Deena Emery". That comes across as tacky - and the "Dr. Emery" bit seems to me to imply, incorrectly, that the author has a medical degree. (Yes, Dr. Emery is correct in both cases, but without context ..)
I've now taken 2 paragraphs to complain, and one to explain what the book is about, and just incidentally say that it's good. That's very much imbalanced; I'm trying to say "good but not perfect" rather than "good in parts" or worse. It's just that I don't want to rehash the contents - you'd be better served to read the book.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, science, series: n/a, 2023
- Author: female, American, age unknown, scientist/writer/teacher, author not previously read
- English, public library, 332 pages, 4 stars
- read Nov 26-Dec 1, 2023, book not previously read
This book is written to explain the evolutionary origins of various aspects of human female physiology to non-specialist readers, particularly women. There's a certain amount of technical detail, but it's combined with bits of the female author's personal experience of living in a female body, producing and raising offspring. The author does a pretty good job. I learned things I didn't know before.
The bibliography seems excellent, but there are no footnotes. I may owe an apology to the author of one of the books I read this year - probably my #110 Pathogenesis: a history of the world in eight plagues by Jonathan Kennedy - for a claim they made about anatomically modern human encounters with neanderthals, which seemed to me like projection of the native American experience of European contact back to the contact between neanderthals and anatomically modern humans. Deena Emera makes a related claim, which would provide some support for part Kennedy's more excited version. Unfortunately, though, I can't check Dr. Emera's sources for her claim, let alone determine whether they also provide support for other parts of Kennedy's claims.
While I'm complaining about (presumed) publisher decisions, the publishers of this book really want us to know that Deena Emera can be referred to as Doctor Emera. On the book itself, the author is given as "Deena Emera, PhD". And when I added the book to my LibraryThing collection by ISBN, the author was given as "Dr. Deena Emery". That comes across as tacky - and the "Dr. Emery" bit seems to me to imply, incorrectly, that the author has a medical degree. (Yes, Dr. Emery is correct in both cases, but without context ..)
I've now taken 2 paragraphs to complain, and one to explain what the book is about, and just incidentally say that it's good. That's very much imbalanced; I'm trying to say "good but not perfect" rather than "good in parts" or worse. It's just that I don't want to rehash the contents - you'd be better served to read the book.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, science, series: n/a, 2023
- Author: female, American, age unknown, scientist/writer/teacher, author not previously read
- English, public library, 332 pages, 4 stars
- read Nov 26-Dec 1, 2023, book not previously read
135richardderus
>134 ArlieS: This is the kind of title I wish I'd had in my heterosexual phase. So much of the female body's workings just isn't ever explained and would really help male partners to *get* what is happening at times of malfunction...and not incidentally make him a more effective supporter and advocate against the dismissive medical professional establishment.
136ArlieS
139. Gideon's Men by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
This police procedural is #18 in the Gideon series. There's nothing particularly special about it, but I enjoyed the re-read.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1972
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120, #124, #127, #130, #132, #133, #136 and #137 for this year
- English, own shelves, 206 pages, 3 stars
- read Nov 28-Dec 4, 2023, book previously read
This police procedural is #18 in the Gideon series. There's nothing particularly special about it, but I enjoyed the re-read.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1972
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120, #124, #127, #130, #132, #133, #136 and #137 for this year
- English, own shelves, 206 pages, 3 stars
- read Nov 28-Dec 4, 2023, book previously read
137ArlieS
140. African founders : how enslaved people expanded American Ideals by David Hackett Fischer
David Hackett Fischer is a a historian who writes well, and often takes an approach utterly new to me, or otherwise teaches me things I don't know. He's read-on-sight for me.
This particular book was heavy in two senses - at 944 pages, it was heavy physically, and with the topic being the experience and contributions of enslaved people it was heavy emotionally. It was also enlightening, and its mission was history, not either whitewash or polemic. I recommend it, even though after reading it I have even less belief that Americans, as a collective group, are capable of anything I can recognize as goodness, in spite of their oft-repeated self-glorifying legends.
That's not to say some Americans haven't been good people, and even some American groups have been enlightened and well-meaning. But the selfish bastards and those looking for victims always seem to to regroup and come out ahead in the end. It doesn't even seem to be a balanced tug-of-war between good and evil institutions, ideologies, and people - the haters, bullies, and overall selfish seem to have an edge over generational time scales.
Arguably this is true of most nation-sized groups of people, and even most groups on smaller scales. But Americans are somewhat unique in the degree of pride they display in their selfishness and cruelty, not to mention the degree of entitlement - of course (our) freedom requires keeping other people as slaves; that's what "freedom" means. Canadians are more likely to conceal and whitewash similar behaviour and policies; e.g. the frightful things we did to our natives were supposedly done for their good.
No, that's not what this book is about, per se - indeed the author's writing is a lot more hopeful than mine. It's also more nuanced, showing good and bad impulses and people, and their many conflicts. But you can't look at the experiences of black people, native Americans, etc. without having your nose rubbed into the amount of selfish evil acceptable to the US in its political capacity.
This book provides a detailed look at black experience in the US (before and after its founding), broken down on a regional basis. It's also broken down by time, though that division is less formal. The author emphasizes that the founding population of black slaves in different areas often came from different parts of Africa, bringing different customs, ideals, and skills. These elements contribute to regional emphases still present today, and not only among black Americans.
As always, I'm better at poking holes in books than explaining the ideas conveyed by books I like. This is one I like, so I'm once again doing a terrible job of describing it. Perhaps you should just read it yourself, if you can deal with the often very unpleasant behaviour that's necessarily included.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history, series: n/a, 2022
- Author: male, American, born 1935, academic (history), author previously read
- English, public library, 944 pages, 4.5 stars
- read Oct 30-Dec 7, 2023, book not previously read
David Hackett Fischer is a a historian who writes well, and often takes an approach utterly new to me, or otherwise teaches me things I don't know. He's read-on-sight for me.
This particular book was heavy in two senses - at 944 pages, it was heavy physically, and with the topic being the experience and contributions of enslaved people it was heavy emotionally. It was also enlightening, and its mission was history, not either whitewash or polemic. I recommend it, even though after reading it I have even less belief that Americans, as a collective group, are capable of anything I can recognize as goodness, in spite of their oft-repeated self-glorifying legends.
That's not to say some Americans haven't been good people, and even some American groups have been enlightened and well-meaning. But the selfish bastards and those looking for victims always seem to to regroup and come out ahead in the end. It doesn't even seem to be a balanced tug-of-war between good and evil institutions, ideologies, and people - the haters, bullies, and overall selfish seem to have an edge over generational time scales.
Arguably this is true of most nation-sized groups of people, and even most groups on smaller scales. But Americans are somewhat unique in the degree of pride they display in their selfishness and cruelty, not to mention the degree of entitlement - of course (our) freedom requires keeping other people as slaves; that's what "freedom" means. Canadians are more likely to conceal and whitewash similar behaviour and policies; e.g. the frightful things we did to our natives were supposedly done for their good.
No, that's not what this book is about, per se - indeed the author's writing is a lot more hopeful than mine. It's also more nuanced, showing good and bad impulses and people, and their many conflicts. But you can't look at the experiences of black people, native Americans, etc. without having your nose rubbed into the amount of selfish evil acceptable to the US in its political capacity.
This book provides a detailed look at black experience in the US (before and after its founding), broken down on a regional basis. It's also broken down by time, though that division is less formal. The author emphasizes that the founding population of black slaves in different areas often came from different parts of Africa, bringing different customs, ideals, and skills. These elements contribute to regional emphases still present today, and not only among black Americans.
As always, I'm better at poking holes in books than explaining the ideas conveyed by books I like. This is one I like, so I'm once again doing a terrible job of describing it. Perhaps you should just read it yourself, if you can deal with the often very unpleasant behaviour that's necessarily included.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history, series: n/a, 2022
- Author: male, American, born 1935, academic (history), author previously read
- English, public library, 944 pages, 4.5 stars
- read Oct 30-Dec 7, 2023, book not previously read
138ArlieS
141. Gideon's Fog by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
This police procedural is #20 in the Gideon series. I read it cover-to-cover yesterday evening - not hard given that it's less than 200 pages long. It seems to have been published after a decade long gap in the series, when the author was 78. Shortly after this another author continued the series, using the same pseudonym, but I believe this one and the next come from the original author.
I enjoyed it, but as always I don't want to reveal the plot.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1986
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120, #124, #127, #130, #132, #133, #136, #137 and #139 for this year
- English, own shelves, 192 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Dec 8, 2023, book probably not previously read
This police procedural is #20 in the Gideon series. I read it cover-to-cover yesterday evening - not hard given that it's less than 200 pages long. It seems to have been published after a decade long gap in the series, when the author was 78. Shortly after this another author continued the series, using the same pseudonym, but I believe this one and the next come from the original author.
I enjoyed it, but as always I don't want to reveal the plot.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1986
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120, #124, #127, #130, #132, #133, #136, #137 and #139 for this year
- English, own shelves, 192 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Dec 8, 2023, book probably not previously read
139ArlieS
I could theoretically manage another 9 books in December, but I don't think it's going to happen, unless I intentionally read a bunch of really short novels just to hit the magic 150 for 2023.
One of my sisters suggested that perhaps I should make a project of rereading all my fiction, deciding which ones aren't worth the bother of rereading and hence should not be kept. (She knows I've been on a stuff-reduction kick for at least the past year.) This would of course just incidentally involve lots of short novels at the end of 2023 ;-)
Instead of that, I'm looking ahead to 2024. I just cross-referenced part of my TBR list with local library holdings, made a list of books to pick up from the shelves, and placed a number of holds. Then I did the same thing with LibraryThing's recommendations for books that seem likely to satisfy the War Room challenge for January 2024 (wars involving "The Ancients (Greeks, Romans, etc.)").
For the record, I own at least 1459 books of fiction that I believe I've read at least once each. Rereading them all might take rather a long time. But I could of course change my mind and start that process in 2023 ;-)
One of my sisters suggested that perhaps I should make a project of rereading all my fiction, deciding which ones aren't worth the bother of rereading and hence should not be kept. (She knows I've been on a stuff-reduction kick for at least the past year.) This would of course just incidentally involve lots of short novels at the end of 2023 ;-)
Instead of that, I'm looking ahead to 2024. I just cross-referenced part of my TBR list with local library holdings, made a list of books to pick up from the shelves, and placed a number of holds. Then I did the same thing with LibraryThing's recommendations for books that seem likely to satisfy the War Room challenge for January 2024 (wars involving "The Ancients (Greeks, Romans, etc.)").
For the record, I own at least 1459 books of fiction that I believe I've read at least once each. Rereading them all might take rather a long time. But I could of course change my mind and start that process in 2023 ;-)
140ArlieS
142. Forward: Notes on the Future of Our Democracy by Andrew Yang
This is a political candidate's memoir, self-justification, and proposed policy changes, rolled into one. Andrew Yang ran for US president in the campaign for 2020, with his platform being seen as basically all about promoting a Universal Basic Income (UBI) for all Americans. I don't read many books of this type; the self-justification and ongoing image management common to this type tends to result in strong urges to throw the book across the room, which would tend to violate my bibliophilic religious tenets.
Sometimes, though, it's useful to get an idea of what things look like to members of the political class (and/or how they want to be seen, i.e. what they believe the electorate responds to). And Yang was one of the less objectionable members of the pack-of-scum - to me at least. Also he's a wee bit more like me than most of them - numerate and tech-literate, though perhaps only at the level normal to talking heads, executives, and similar relative non-producers. So when I saw this book on the new books shelf at the library, I took it home.
The book was interesting. I don't know much about what it's like to run for office in this country. I didn't like what I saw; it sounds like it's even more miserable than being a CEO - constantly traveling, working insane numbers of hours, and, unlike being a CEO, not paying so much in a single year for any non-greedy person to be happy to retire on. But the details were interesting to add to my picture of how things actually work.
Yang's willing to do "what works" politically, with such things as political ads invoking a crisis that can only be averted if the folks seeing the ads do whatever-damn-thing he wants, such as give him money. (He commented about learning to do this, as a data-driven approach to campaign ads. Fortunately he ran them on FaceBook and other similar places, none of which I frequent, or I'd probably have developed a visceral bad reaction to him long before he wrote this book, and not have picked it off the new books shelf at the library.) That particular behaviour may "work" according to the numbers, but causes me to think of the little boy who cried wolf, and repeated use of the same crisis fairly easily convinces me that the supposed crisis is imaginary, not merely overblown. (Several charities stopped getting my donations as a result of this behaviour.)
This behaviour rang warning bells, but he failed to go over the edge - I didn't either catch him lying, or (worse) catch him proudly admitting to lying. Ditto for other unethical behaviour far too common in the political class.
After the section on what running was like, the focus switched to what was wrong with America (politics included) and how to fix it, particularly more achievable steps. He didn't justify his solutions as much as state them as mostly obvious. (Problem X could be fixed by approach Y. We should do Y. And we could do that with less than the usual political difficulty because .... Nothing about potential bad effects of Y, let alone any mention of potential fixes Z,A,B and C.) At least one of his proposed fixes - proportional voting, and that in part to make third parties more viable - has a well-known downside; Italian politics is the usual go-to example for those downsides. Yang never mentions any of this. I also found it mildly inconvenient to find and list all his recommendations, and so chose not to bother including such a list in this review. I rate this somewhere between "not convincing" and "didn't bother attempting to convince". And that's even though I think these ideas are less bad than most of what I hear from politicians, especially American ones.
I'd like to see his ideas actually argued, somewhere that I could argue back, and in particular ask pointed questions - and keep asking each time the question was evaded in the usual politician/executive/experience speaker's way.
As for Yang himself - I'll just have to damn him with faint praise. He's less bad AFAICT than many of his rivals, and I can't pin anything on him worse than acting and writing like a politician. I suspect he lacks nuance in his own thinking, but quite possibly less so than his average competitor. (I.e. he could be among the best available, without being good enough to do a credible job of fixing anything without creating about as much breakage as he fixes.)
Statistics:
- non-fiction, politics, series: n/a, 2021
- Author: male, American, born 1975, politician (among other things), author not previously read
- English, public library, 346 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Dec 1-10, 2023, book not previously read
This is a political candidate's memoir, self-justification, and proposed policy changes, rolled into one. Andrew Yang ran for US president in the campaign for 2020, with his platform being seen as basically all about promoting a Universal Basic Income (UBI) for all Americans. I don't read many books of this type; the self-justification and ongoing image management common to this type tends to result in strong urges to throw the book across the room, which would tend to violate my bibliophilic religious tenets.
Sometimes, though, it's useful to get an idea of what things look like to members of the political class (and/or how they want to be seen, i.e. what they believe the electorate responds to). And Yang was one of the less objectionable members of the pack-of-scum - to me at least. Also he's a wee bit more like me than most of them - numerate and tech-literate, though perhaps only at the level normal to talking heads, executives, and similar relative non-producers. So when I saw this book on the new books shelf at the library, I took it home.
The book was interesting. I don't know much about what it's like to run for office in this country. I didn't like what I saw; it sounds like it's even more miserable than being a CEO - constantly traveling, working insane numbers of hours, and, unlike being a CEO, not paying so much in a single year for any non-greedy person to be happy to retire on. But the details were interesting to add to my picture of how things actually work.
Yang's willing to do "what works" politically, with such things as political ads invoking a crisis that can only be averted if the folks seeing the ads do whatever-damn-thing he wants, such as give him money. (He commented about learning to do this, as a data-driven approach to campaign ads. Fortunately he ran them on FaceBook and other similar places, none of which I frequent, or I'd probably have developed a visceral bad reaction to him long before he wrote this book, and not have picked it off the new books shelf at the library.) That particular behaviour may "work" according to the numbers, but causes me to think of the little boy who cried wolf, and repeated use of the same crisis fairly easily convinces me that the supposed crisis is imaginary, not merely overblown. (Several charities stopped getting my donations as a result of this behaviour.)
This behaviour rang warning bells, but he failed to go over the edge - I didn't either catch him lying, or (worse) catch him proudly admitting to lying. Ditto for other unethical behaviour far too common in the political class.
After the section on what running was like, the focus switched to what was wrong with America (politics included) and how to fix it, particularly more achievable steps. He didn't justify his solutions as much as state them as mostly obvious. (Problem X could be fixed by approach Y. We should do Y. And we could do that with less than the usual political difficulty because .... Nothing about potential bad effects of Y, let alone any mention of potential fixes Z,A,B and C.) At least one of his proposed fixes - proportional voting, and that in part to make third parties more viable - has a well-known downside; Italian politics is the usual go-to example for those downsides. Yang never mentions any of this. I also found it mildly inconvenient to find and list all his recommendations, and so chose not to bother including such a list in this review. I rate this somewhere between "not convincing" and "didn't bother attempting to convince". And that's even though I think these ideas are less bad than most of what I hear from politicians, especially American ones.
I'd like to see his ideas actually argued, somewhere that I could argue back, and in particular ask pointed questions - and keep asking each time the question was evaded in the usual politician/executive/experience speaker's way.
As for Yang himself - I'll just have to damn him with faint praise. He's less bad AFAICT than many of his rivals, and I can't pin anything on him worse than acting and writing like a politician. I suspect he lacks nuance in his own thinking, but quite possibly less so than his average competitor. (I.e. he could be among the best available, without being good enough to do a credible job of fixing anything without creating about as much breakage as he fixes.)
Statistics:
- non-fiction, politics, series: n/a, 2021
- Author: male, American, born 1975, politician (among other things), author not previously read
- English, public library, 346 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Dec 1-10, 2023, book not previously read
141ArlieS
I have performed a miracle - tabulated everything I've read so far this year, and fixed the more obvious bugs in the spreadsheet I used.
I've decided it's a ridiculous idea to leave space for tabulations at the top of a thread. In future, I'll put tabulations at the end of the relevant thread, possibly with totals to-date when I'm about to start a new thread. I'll also put tabulations for the prior thread at the top of the next one. I.e. my totals for 2023 will be posted at the beginning of my first 2024 thread.
This should give people an idea of what I read at the start of the year - at least at a high level - without going back to older threads.
And it'll leave me feeling far less guilty about not keeping up.
I've decided it's a ridiculous idea to leave space for tabulations at the top of a thread. In future, I'll put tabulations at the end of the relevant thread, possibly with totals to-date when I'm about to start a new thread. I'll also put tabulations for the prior thread at the top of the next one. I.e. my totals for 2023 will be posted at the beginning of my first 2024 thread.
This should give people an idea of what I read at the start of the year - at least at a high level - without going back to older threads.
And it'll leave me feeling far less guilty about not keeping up.
142ArlieS
I raided the nearest local library this morning, and brought home 5 books, 4 of which are suitable for the 2024 War Room challenge (3 Ancients, 1 too general for any particular period). I don't plan to wait until the appropriate month to start reading them.
Two of my holds are ready at a more distant library; I expect they will all be ready by Friday, which is when I plan to visit, dropping off many finished books and three which I don't plan to finish, but don't dislike enough to officially Pearl Rule.
Two of my holds are ready at a more distant library; I expect they will all be ready by Friday, which is when I plan to visit, dropping off many finished books and three which I don't plan to finish, but don't dislike enough to officially Pearl Rule.
143ArlieS
143. Gideon's Drive by J.J. Marric (John Creasey)
This police procedural is #21 in the Gideon series. It's one of the relatively rare ones where I remembered a wee bit of the plot, convincing me that I'd read the book long ago.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1976
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120, #124, #127, #130, #132, #133, #136, #137, #139 and #141 for this year
- English, purchased used, 224 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Dec 11, 2023, book probably previously read
This police procedural is #21 in the Gideon series. It's one of the relatively rare ones where I remembered a wee bit of the plot, convincing me that I'd read the book long ago.
Statistics:
- fiction, mystery, series (not first), 1976
- Author: male, British, born 1908, novelist, author of my #111, #112, #115, #118, #119, #120, #124, #127, #130, #132, #133, #136, #137, #139 and #141 for this year
- English, purchased used, 224 pages, 3.5 stars
- read Dec 11, 2023, book probably previously read
144ArlieS
I'm abandoning 3 books that are due and unrenewable this coming Saturday. I've started all of them, but don't see my way to finishing any of them on time.
They aren't my usual Pearl Rule - they aren't either really bad or really far from my tastes. They are just a bit more stressful than I want to deal with currently. I might borrow any one of them again some day, and finish it.
They are:
- The Big Truck That Went By: How the World Came to Save Haiti and Left Behind a Disaster by Jonathan M. Katz
- Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs by Camilla Townsend
- The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson
They aren't my usual Pearl Rule - they aren't either really bad or really far from my tastes. They are just a bit more stressful than I want to deal with currently. I might borrow any one of them again some day, and finish it.
They are:
- The Big Truck That Went By: How the World Came to Save Haiti and Left Behind a Disaster by Jonathan M. Katz
- Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs by Camilla Townsend
- The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson
145ArlieS
Pearl Rule #8: Gideon's Raid by William Vivian Butler, writing as J. J. Marric
This book is #25 in the Gideon series, written by a different author using the same pseudonymn as the original author. It started out good enough, with some touches that seemed authentic. Unfortunately it didn't stay that way. (Maybe the original author had left some notes and a few pages or scenes before his death, and the replacement went astray when he progressed beyond those handrails?)
In this book, the police are notably less competent than I expect from the series. The criminals are better organized - one group is responsible for 80% of the serious crime in London?! The handling of people with psychological issues has changed - in particular the stereotypes followed. The stereotype once was "cracked after personal catastrophe" leading to either a dangerous criminal or a washed up policeman. Now it's "look at the weirdo and laugh," whether or not he's dangerous. The trope of policeman-foiled-by-his-boss is applied at both the highest and the lowest levels. And errors made by the cops are explicitly foreshadowed, farther resulting in the overall impression of police incompetence.
I made it through the first 75 pages of 222, then abandoned it even though I was stuck in a waiting room, waiting to be called. (Playing solitaire on my phone seemed more likely to be enjoyable.)
That said, I rated it at 3 (adequate) rather than 2 or lower, because I could imagine this being someone else's jam. Maybe even another fan of the earlier part of the series might like this one, perhaps even like it better. But I also plan to dump the book (which I had bought used) into the nearest little free library. And I moved it to my collection named "Rejected, and Now Unowned", which isn't used to make recommendations.
This book is #25 in the Gideon series, written by a different author using the same pseudonymn as the original author. It started out good enough, with some touches that seemed authentic. Unfortunately it didn't stay that way. (Maybe the original author had left some notes and a few pages or scenes before his death, and the replacement went astray when he progressed beyond those handrails?)
In this book, the police are notably less competent than I expect from the series. The criminals are better organized - one group is responsible for 80% of the serious crime in London?! The handling of people with psychological issues has changed - in particular the stereotypes followed. The stereotype once was "cracked after personal catastrophe" leading to either a dangerous criminal or a washed up policeman. Now it's "look at the weirdo and laugh," whether or not he's dangerous. The trope of policeman-foiled-by-his-boss is applied at both the highest and the lowest levels. And errors made by the cops are explicitly foreshadowed, farther resulting in the overall impression of police incompetence.
I made it through the first 75 pages of 222, then abandoned it even though I was stuck in a waiting room, waiting to be called. (Playing solitaire on my phone seemed more likely to be enjoyable.)
That said, I rated it at 3 (adequate) rather than 2 or lower, because I could imagine this being someone else's jam. Maybe even another fan of the earlier part of the series might like this one, perhaps even like it better. But I also plan to dump the book (which I had bought used) into the nearest little free library. And I moved it to my collection named "Rejected, and Now Unowned", which isn't used to make recommendations.
146PaulCranswick
>137 ArlieS: & >140 ArlieS: Dangerous place this for bookish magpies like myself. Your excellent reviews have me marking both of those books as ones to look out for.
7 books in 14 days to reach 2x75?
You can do it, Arlie!
7 books in 14 days to reach 2x75?
You can do it, Arlie!
147ArlieS
>146 PaulCranswick: Glad to help a fellow bibliophile. Though it's perhaps too bad that you don't have the "methadone" of a good local library system; you'd have a lot less to transport back to the UK if you could have borrowed more and bought less.
We'll see how many books I finish. I'm reading mostly non-fiction at the moment, and that generally slows me down. But I can confidently predict that I'll finish at least 2 more this year, one of which has only 100 pages left. And Ancient Sea Reptiles should go pretty fast once I start it; it's only 191 pages.
I've also got 2 more holds ready to collect at the nearer library; they'll have to be read promptly because they are highly vulnerable to counter-holds.
We'll see how many books I finish. I'm reading mostly non-fiction at the moment, and that generally slows me down. But I can confidently predict that I'll finish at least 2 more this year, one of which has only 100 pages left. And Ancient Sea Reptiles should go pretty fast once I start it; it's only 191 pages.
I've also got 2 more holds ready to collect at the nearer library; they'll have to be read promptly because they are highly vulnerable to counter-holds.
148richardderus
>147 ArlieS: One of my three reviewed books might appeal today, Arlie, and help you over the hump by being short and good to read: Galileo and the Science Deniers by Mario Livio. Worth a look, and almost certainly in your library.
149ArlieS
>148 richardderus: I saw your review, but for some reason it didn't grab me. Maybe I already know too much about Galileo?
150ArlieS
So, I picked up my holds yesterday, with the predictable result that a new one came in today.
Collected yesterday:
The Bronze Lie: Shattering the Myth of Spartan Warrior Supremacy. For the War Room challenge for January. (Ancients)
Remnants of Ancient Life: The New Science of Old Fossils
Next to collect:
Carthage must be destroyed: the rise and fall of an ancient civilization. From LibraryThing's new recommendation system, history genre, tagged "war" - i.e. from the list I generated of books that might satisfy the War Room challenge for January.
Collected yesterday:
The Bronze Lie: Shattering the Myth of Spartan Warrior Supremacy. For the War Room challenge for January. (Ancients)
Remnants of Ancient Life: The New Science of Old Fossils
Next to collect:
Carthage must be destroyed: the rise and fall of an ancient civilization. From LibraryThing's new recommendation system, history genre, tagged "war" - i.e. from the list I generated of books that might satisfy the War Room challenge for January.
151richardderus
>150 ArlieS: Heaven only knows Galileo's not ripe for fresh revelations, Arlie. I hope The Bronze Lie does its job, and will be curious to see how LT's new recommendation engine did for your input.
152ArlieS
LibraryThing's individual 2023 year in review (https://www.librarything.com/stats/ArlieS/year) is kind of fun.
Because I read 118 books in 2023, but added 474 books, most of them ones I'd had for years but still not catalogued, some of the results utterly fail to reflect what I was reading. Looking at books added, anyone would think my year was all about religion (my top genre added), with emphasis on neo-paganism. Nope; that's merely the largest of the sections of my library that got cataloguing attention this year.
I have only one complaint, and that's petty. 2023 is not over yet. I expect to read and catalogue a few more books in the next 12 days (counting today). I don't suppose my 2023 year in review will be updated to include them.
Because I read 118 books in 2023, but added 474 books, most of them ones I'd had for years but still not catalogued, some of the results utterly fail to reflect what I was reading. Looking at books added, anyone would think my year was all about religion (my top genre added), with emphasis on neo-paganism. Nope; that's merely the largest of the sections of my library that got cataloguing attention this year.
I have only one complaint, and that's petty. 2023 is not over yet. I expect to read and catalogue a few more books in the next 12 days (counting today). I don't suppose my 2023 year in review will be updated to include them.
153laytonwoman3rd
>152 ArlieS: At the verrrrrry bottom of the Year in Review page, there is a tiny little button that says "Regenerate", which you can click anytime to update your data.
154ArlieS
>153 laytonwoman3rd: Thank you. I totally missed that.
155laytonwoman3rd
>154 ArlieS: It's easy to miss. I think they could put it nearer the top, at least.
156ArlieS
144. The face of battle by John Keegan
This is a wonderful book about the experience of ordinary combatants in battles - carefully defined as more than mere skirmishes. Three battles are examined in detail: Agincourt, Waterloo, and the Somme. Reports of individual experience are emphasized to the extent possible - in the earlier battles the ordinary combatant was unlikely to be literate.
This is the first of many books that got onto my list in response to the War Room challenge for 2024. (See https://www.librarything.com/topic/355667) If I'd read it a few weeks later it would have qualified for the Wildcard category, rather than any particular month, though parts of it qualify for May (Napoleonic Wars) and November (World War One).
I enjoyed it a lot, though part of that was the author's writing and worldview, which takes me back to my college years. (Youngsters might instead find it alien and hard to read because of the same features.)
I also learned a lot, some of it about features of World War I that really should have been covered in history classes by the time I was taking them ;-( My only knowledge of Kitchener's recruits, aka the pals regiments, was a reference in a quite recent historical novel. In retrospect, I'm quite unimpressed with my high school history curriculum in the 1970s in Canada. (And I'm now casually looking for books about that aspect of World War I Britain, and related material about home front attitudes; suggestions would be welcome - and maybe I can restrain myself from reading them until November 2024, unlikely as that seems.)
If the topic appeals at all, I recommend this book, and doubly so if you enjoy 1970s British writing by academics, presumably for a popular audience.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history, series: n/a, 1976
- Author: male, British, born 1934, academic (history), author not previously read
- English, public library, 354 pages, 4.5 stars
- read Dec 12-21, 2023, book not previously read
This is a wonderful book about the experience of ordinary combatants in battles - carefully defined as more than mere skirmishes. Three battles are examined in detail: Agincourt, Waterloo, and the Somme. Reports of individual experience are emphasized to the extent possible - in the earlier battles the ordinary combatant was unlikely to be literate.
This is the first of many books that got onto my list in response to the War Room challenge for 2024. (See https://www.librarything.com/topic/355667) If I'd read it a few weeks later it would have qualified for the Wildcard category, rather than any particular month, though parts of it qualify for May (Napoleonic Wars) and November (World War One).
I enjoyed it a lot, though part of that was the author's writing and worldview, which takes me back to my college years. (Youngsters might instead find it alien and hard to read because of the same features.)
I also learned a lot, some of it about features of World War I that really should have been covered in history classes by the time I was taking them ;-( My only knowledge of Kitchener's recruits, aka the pals regiments, was a reference in a quite recent historical novel. In retrospect, I'm quite unimpressed with my high school history curriculum in the 1970s in Canada. (And I'm now casually looking for books about that aspect of World War I Britain, and related material about home front attitudes; suggestions would be welcome - and maybe I can restrain myself from reading them until November 2024, unlikely as that seems.)
If the topic appeals at all, I recommend this book, and doubly so if you enjoy 1970s British writing by academics, presumably for a popular audience.
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history, series: n/a, 1976
- Author: male, British, born 1934, academic (history), author not previously read
- English, public library, 354 pages, 4.5 stars
- read Dec 12-21, 2023, book not previously read
157PlatinumWarlock
Happy holidays to you and yours, Arlie! I hope the coming year is filled with peace and good health. :)
158vancouverdeb
Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday, Arlie!
162PaulCranswick
Thinking about you during the festive season, Arlie
163richardderus
Holly jolly holidays, Arlie.
164karenmarie
Hi Arlie!
165ArlieS
>157 PlatinumWarlock: >158 vancouverdeb: >159 SandDune: >160 ronincats: >161 quondame: >162 PaulCranswick: >163 richardderus: >164 karenmarie: Thank you all, and the same in return.
166ArlieS
I have 340 new recommendations this week. This new recommendation system is insane; with that kind of quantity, there's very little room for quality. On the good side, the second one on the list is a sequel I've been waiting for - apparently it was officially published today. So that told me to check if the library had it on order - it did - and place a hold. I'm now 4th in the queue for the book.
In other news, I have 4 books in flight, so I'm guessing I'll miss 2 * 75 by only 2 books ;-)
In other news, I have 4 books in flight, so I'm guessing I'll miss 2 * 75 by only 2 books ;-)
167ArlieS
145. An Oblique Approach by David Drake and Eric Flint
I wanted something that would completely distract me from the Real World (TM), so turned to this old favorite. It features combat and skullduggery in an alternate history, complete with plenty of humour. What's not to like?
If you like the idea of Belisarius (real world general serving Byzantium), aided by a far-future intelligence, combatting an evil far-future intelligence intent on world domination, using then-possible technology, you'll love this book.
I rated this read at 4.5 - it's familiar, after all - but rated the book 5 the first time I read it.
Statistics:
- fiction, alternate history, first of a series, 1998
- Author 1 (David Drake): male, American, born in 1945, novelist , author of my #5 and #7 for this year, and editor of my #9
- Author 2 (Eric Flint): male, American, born 1947, novelist, author and/or editor of my #3 and #34 for this year
- English, own shelves, 467 pages, 4.5 stars
- read Dec 24-27, 2023, book previously read
I wanted something that would completely distract me from the Real World (TM), so turned to this old favorite. It features combat and skullduggery in an alternate history, complete with plenty of humour. What's not to like?
If you like the idea of Belisarius (real world general serving Byzantium), aided by a far-future intelligence, combatting an evil far-future intelligence intent on world domination, using then-possible technology, you'll love this book.
I rated this read at 4.5 - it's familiar, after all - but rated the book 5 the first time I read it.
Statistics:
- fiction, alternate history, first of a series, 1998
- Author 1 (David Drake): male, American, born in 1945, novelist , author of my #5 and #7 for this year, and editor of my #9
- Author 2 (Eric Flint): male, American, born 1947, novelist, author and/or editor of my #3 and #34 for this year
- English, own shelves, 467 pages, 4.5 stars
- read Dec 24-27, 2023, book previously read
168quondame
>167 ArlieS: I can easily see The Oblique Approach dropping 0.5 points on a re-read. I really enjoyed it, but certain aspects of it and especially the later books in the series were not only very disagreeable, but didn't make any sense.
169ArlieS
>168 quondame: Most quasi-heroic war stories don't make too much sense when you look at them closely. Quasi-heroic spy stories too. The reality would be a lot messier, morally ambiguous (or worse) and far more unpleasant.
170quondame
>169 ArlieS: The concerns that bothered me as I originally read the series were economic. There was no sense that the women in the subject lands had any economic value except sexual. Not that they spun, or wove or even produced new generations of canon fodder.
171ArlieS
>170 quondame: There are a few exceptions. The one I remember most clearly from this book was peasant women (obviously, to me, working in the fields like peasant men) and explicitly working as cleaners at the local lord's palace. We also see co-innkeepers (aka innkeepers' wives) later in the series, and several noble women, one of whom gets described as cooking, tending children, including treating their illnesses, and more. But as you see, I had to stop and think, which rather makes your point.
OTOH, I also have to stop and think to find male characters, particularly in the subject lands, who did much of anything except violence. One officer wishes he'd been able to be a jewelsmith like his father. A few are innkeepers or majordormos. One notable character is a scribe.
And then there are the mostly unnamed peasants, who produce food - but they'd be of both genders. Which is where I started.
OTOH, I also have to stop and think to find male characters, particularly in the subject lands, who did much of anything except violence. One officer wishes he'd been able to be a jewelsmith like his father. A few are innkeepers or majordormos. One notable character is a scribe.
And then there are the mostly unnamed peasants, who produce food - but they'd be of both genders. Which is where I started.
172ArlieS
146. Empires of the Steppes: A History of the Nomadic Tribes Who Shaped Civilization by Kenneth W. Harl
I found this book on the "new books" shelves at a local library. It's decent, and covers a topic I don't feel that I know enough about. It quite obviously uses Chinese, Islamic, and probably Indian sources as well as European ones, unlike far too many other books I've encountered; I didn't notice whether the author read them entirely in translation, but he frequently gives the Chinese viewpoint on tribes and events interacting with the Chinese, including those controlling large chunks of what is now considered to be part of China.
What got it a rating of 3 - almost 3.5 - rather than higher is that it just wouldn't stick in my memory, particularly the earlier parts. Too many unfamiliar names, which the author can't very well avoid, but also a lack of humanizing anecdotes. (Usually I don't care for such things, but they are very useful in books of history that are basically about individual people (leaders) and tribes.)
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history, series: n/a, 2023
- Author: male, American, age unknown (BA 1973 and now emeritus), academic (history), author not previously read
- English, public library, 572 pages, 3 stars
- read Dec 11-28, 2023, book not previously read
I found this book on the "new books" shelves at a local library. It's decent, and covers a topic I don't feel that I know enough about. It quite obviously uses Chinese, Islamic, and probably Indian sources as well as European ones, unlike far too many other books I've encountered; I didn't notice whether the author read them entirely in translation, but he frequently gives the Chinese viewpoint on tribes and events interacting with the Chinese, including those controlling large chunks of what is now considered to be part of China.
What got it a rating of 3 - almost 3.5 - rather than higher is that it just wouldn't stick in my memory, particularly the earlier parts. Too many unfamiliar names, which the author can't very well avoid, but also a lack of humanizing anecdotes. (Usually I don't care for such things, but they are very useful in books of history that are basically about individual people (leaders) and tribes.)
Statistics:
- non-fiction, history, series: n/a, 2023
- Author: male, American, age unknown (BA 1973 and now emeritus), academic (history), author not previously read
- English, public library, 572 pages, 3 stars
- read Dec 11-28, 2023, book not previously read
174vancouverdeb
>166 ArlieS: I feel the same way about the recommendations, Arlie . Most of the time I don’t even look at them . Sometimes I’ll look at 3 or 4 of them, and if something seems worthwhile, I’ll make a note of it . But that’s all .
175ArlieS
147. Remnants of ancient life : the new science of old fossils by Dale E. Greenwalt
I became aware of this book by reading a review by The Inquisitive Biologist, at https://inquisitivebiologist.com/2023/10/09/book-review-remnants-of-ancient-life... It looked interesting, so I tracked it down at a local library.
First there were fossils, which gave us morphological information about past life forms. Then we discovered we could extract DNA from relatively recent remnants, which gave us more information particularly when combined with studying the DNA of living relatives. But that's not all - there are other bio-molecules we can use to learn more about the animals and plants of the distant past. This book discusses the study of ancient DNA somewhat, but as a chapter or two among other chapters about those other approaches. Those other approaches tend to be less well-known to folks outside the relevant fields including me. So I was happy to read this book.
I class it as good but not great - well worth reading, but not a "must read".
Statistics:
- non-fiction, science, series: n/a, 2022
- Author: male, American, age unknown (BS 1971 and now required), scientist, author not previously read
- English, public library, 278 pages, 4 stars
- read Dec 21-29, 2023, book not previously read
I became aware of this book by reading a review by The Inquisitive Biologist, at https://inquisitivebiologist.com/2023/10/09/book-review-remnants-of-ancient-life... It looked interesting, so I tracked it down at a local library.
First there were fossils, which gave us morphological information about past life forms. Then we discovered we could extract DNA from relatively recent remnants, which gave us more information particularly when combined with studying the DNA of living relatives. But that's not all - there are other bio-molecules we can use to learn more about the animals and plants of the distant past. This book discusses the study of ancient DNA somewhat, but as a chapter or two among other chapters about those other approaches. Those other approaches tend to be less well-known to folks outside the relevant fields including me. So I was happy to read this book.
I class it as good but not great - well worth reading, but not a "must read".
Statistics:
- non-fiction, science, series: n/a, 2022
- Author: male, American, age unknown (BS 1971 and now required), scientist, author not previously read
- English, public library, 278 pages, 4 stars
- read Dec 21-29, 2023, book not previously read
176ArlieS
I have three books in flight, but don't really expect to finish all of them before midnight tomorrow. (I might finish one or two.) So I'm pretty sure I won't quite make 2 * 75 books this year, unless I decide to count books started in 2023 but finished in 2024. (That's legitimate by the rules I wrote at the top of each thread, but kind of silly.)
Coming soon: summary statistics for 2023, and a new thread for 2024.
Coming soon: summary statistics for 2023, and a new thread for 2024.
177ArlieS
I'm still holding the line on not starting my 2024 thread until 2024.
With 13 hours and 7 minutes left in 2023 (local time), and my 3 books in flight having 138, 166, and 177 pages respectively, I probably won't finish any of them this year, let alone all 3. But that's OK.
If I were 100% sure I wouldn't finish any of them, I'd post my statistics for 2023 now. (They are actually up to date, safe in a spreadsheet, unless of course the spreadsheet proves to have more bugs.)
Since I'm not sure, I'll wait a bit longer.
With 13 hours and 7 minutes left in 2023 (local time), and my 3 books in flight having 138, 166, and 177 pages respectively, I probably won't finish any of them this year, let alone all 3. But that's OK.
If I were 100% sure I wouldn't finish any of them, I'd post my statistics for 2023 now. (They are actually up to date, safe in a spreadsheet, unless of course the spreadsheet proves to have more bugs.)
Since I'm not sure, I'll wait a bit longer.
178ArlieS
It's 72 minutes to midnight here; I can now be certain I'll finish no more books this year. So here are some high level statistics for 2023.
Total books: 147
Fiction: 87
Non-fiction: 60
First Time: 121
Reread: 26 (imprecise; there were books I wasn't sure about)
Male author: 114
Female author: 58 (one transwoman)
(Total > 147 because some books have multiple authors)
Total pages read: 49,219
Average pages per book: 334.8
Library Books: 97 (18 inter-library loan)
Owned Books: 50 (13 recent purchases)
Total books: 147
Fiction: 87
Non-fiction: 60
First Time: 121
Reread: 26 (imprecise; there were books I wasn't sure about)
Male author: 114
Female author: 58 (one transwoman)
(Total > 147 because some books have multiple authors)
Total pages read: 49,219
Average pages per book: 334.8
Library Books: 97 (18 inter-library loan)
Owned Books: 50 (13 recent purchases)
179ArlieS
More Statistics for 2023:
Fiction Genres:
alternate history: 2
fantasy: 22
historical fiction: 5
historical mystery: 1
mystery: 26
science fiction: 29
thriller: 2
Non-fiction Genres:
biography: 3
bridge: 2
built environment: 1
economics: 3
foreign affairs: 1
geopolitics: 1
history: 15
philosophy: 2
politics: 7
popular social science: 1
practical self help: 1
predicted future: 1
science: 17
social science: 3
technology: 2
Author Nationality:
Canada: 11
Czechoslovakia: 2
France: 1
Germany: 1
New Zealand: 1
South Korea: 1
United Kingdom: 51
United States: 103
Any author who wrote more than one of the books I read this year is counted once per book. (The same is true for author gender statistics in the prior post.)
Copyright Decade:
1950-1959: 8
1960-1969: 14
1970-1979: 6
1980-1989: 6
1990-1999: 16
2000-2009: 22
2010-2019: 25
2020-2023: 47
Fiction Genres:
alternate history: 2
fantasy: 22
historical fiction: 5
historical mystery: 1
mystery: 26
science fiction: 29
thriller: 2
Non-fiction Genres:
biography: 3
bridge: 2
built environment: 1
economics: 3
foreign affairs: 1
geopolitics: 1
history: 15
philosophy: 2
politics: 7
popular social science: 1
practical self help: 1
predicted future: 1
science: 17
social science: 3
technology: 2
Author Nationality:
Canada: 11
Czechoslovakia: 2
France: 1
Germany: 1
New Zealand: 1
South Korea: 1
United Kingdom: 51
United States: 103
Any author who wrote more than one of the books I read this year is counted once per book. (The same is true for author gender statistics in the prior post.)
Copyright Decade:
1950-1959: 8
1960-1969: 14
1970-1979: 6
1980-1989: 6
1990-1999: 16
2000-2009: 22
2010-2019: 25
2020-2023: 47
