The short story "Always the Harvest" by Yoon Han Lee, in the collection "Upgraded", edited by Neil Clarke. Borrowing it from my library. It's the first story in this anthology about cyborgs. LOVE IT!! Involves a sentient city which provides a constant supply of synthetic body parts for it's inhabitants. Also a mysterious rescued cyborg. There's a surprise twist at the end, which I won't reveal, but it totally made the story, IMO! Particularly the (other) main character's response to said twist/surprise. Now onto story 2.
I had a mixed reading week: one awful book, a few meh reads, and two standouts.
My favorites were Nicole Helm's Wyoming Cowboy Bodyguard (Carsons & Delaneys #7) and Carla Neggers' Nigh Watch (which I had planned to read in print but she released the digital version in October).
After thinking I may not meet the reading goals I set for the year in early November I am relieved I now only have one more book to go!
I had a...not going to call it a slump as I wanted to read. But I had a number of week's this year when I didn't have the mental energy to do so. Even now it's taking me longer to read books than it used to. Resigned to fact that may just be my new normal.
I read several books this week but most were just so-so, or terrible. The exception was A Son for the Alien Warrior by Honey Phillips and Bex McLynn. These women have a talent for writing characters who seem quite real. Even though there are aliens involved, this could be a story set in the American West, perhaps 1880's, as a woman searches for her missing sister and nephew. This is the second book in this loosely related series and I'm looking forward to the third.
Just read the online weekly serial of Sweep with Me by Ilona Andrews. The novella will be out next month. Can't wait to read it in its entirety.
For those who may be new to the series, Sweep with Me is part of the Innkeeper series which starts with Clean Sweep, then Sweep in Peace, and One Fell Sweep. Sweep of the Blade came out of this series but can be considered as part of the Innkeeper series. Marvelous books.
@Library addict, I wouldn't worry too much about not having the mental energy to read, or not reading as fast. Chances are you're just busy doing something else, and don't realize it. (I mean, I don't know you, or anything going on in your life, but it's easy to get wrapped up in stuff and not even realize how much you're actually dealing with or doing. Especially in today's world, it seems.) I've had a similar … well, mostly year, actually. certainly the last 6 months or so. For a few months (or maybe longer) I was barely reading at all, which is so not like me, but I found I was busy doing all sorts of other things, like solving technical issues with my computer(s), or learning new technology (hardware and software), or organizational stuff house-wise that I haven't had the wherewithal to handle in forever, or... interacting with people more than usual, or... all sorts of things.
Now that I'm back into reading again, I'm still finding that it's taking me a lot longer to get through a book than it used to. haven't exactly figured it out yet, but part of it seems to be that I've got about 3 books on the go at the moment. - library print books, this doesn't include the e-books I've started or samples I've started, or anything) Part of it is also that I'm still somewhat oriented towards different stuff. I dunno. Life has been busy. Sometimes you just need to rest. Even when reading is your usual method of resting, sometimes you just need something else, less demanding. (like listening to familiar music or something.) Oh hell, I had another thought and I've lost it. Oh yes! I also found that when I was staying with family for a while to help out, I was drifting towards ebooks (which I am just discovering) even though I had several perfectly good print books, both mine and the libraries, that I really wanted/needed to read!
One other thing I've found is that even when I thought I wasn't reading, I was often reading things on my computer that I didn't really count as reading because it was either something I'd written once upon a time, or it was some 'news' article online that momentarily snagged my interest, (or lifestyle or whatever) or some other thing like that. So, I suppose it all depends on your definition of 'reading'.
So yeah, I wouldn't worry about it too much. maybe your reading speed will pick up when your brain isn't so busy with other stuff. (at least that's what I'm hoping will happen with me. Also the size of the non-fiction/academic library books I have is another factor.)
@Kim, good points. I know part of it has been dealing (or not as the case may be) with some stressful issues.
I have never been a super fast reader, but I used to be able to read highly anticipated books at least on release day. With a very few exceptions that hasn't been the case this year. I've tried to embrace the change by telling myself reading slower allows me to savor the book even more, but I'm not sure my brain is buying that idea - LOL!
I only count books (digital, print, or audio) toward my reading tally. I did read a bunch of fanfic over the summer as I loathed the way a certain series ended and only got around to watching the final (even worse than I'd suspected) episode over the summer. So I needed to wipe it from my brain and fanfic seemed the way to go (also having so many people agree was a comfort).
@library addict, reading books on release day is way ahead of anything I've ever been able to do! Acquiring them, yes, but reading them? Especially reading the whole thing?! It blows my mind people have time (and energy) to do that! I'm typically a voracious reader, but still... I guess not being able to do that just means you've joined the rest/majority of the population! :) I very rarely manage to finish a book all at once (though the UK foster carer books I usually finish in 2-3 days. I'm SOOO behind in those right now!). When I do finish a really good book fast, I have found it takes away from my ability to enjoy it - it's over way too fast, and my brain hasn't had a chance to absorb it before it's over.
Stress will definitely affect things! It has for me this year. Oddly, my way of handling it has become 'let's find a new problem I don't know how to fix and do that!' usually in the technological area, though, as I said, sometimes in the household organizing one. Yes, it's weird! Yesterday after writing you I got thinking about how so many of the problems we think are permanent end up not being, even if it takes a few years (or several) to work them out.
You reminded me that fanfic was also something I got into a little this summer when I 'wasn't reading'. (though most fanfic I've found ends up being slash or otherwise romantically based, rather than character or story based, so I mostly avoid fanfic because that annoys the hell out of me) After writing you yesterday I got thinking about
I'm currently listening to the Psy-changeling series on audible, Shard of Hope. I try to read the deleted scenes and such on her website when I can, but it's hard to get time to read when I'm chasing after my 16 month old all day! But of course I wouldn't change it for the world. I love this series though. And I'm not looking forward to finishing it cause it's just that good! (Although there are many other audiobooks I have on my list to listen too as well and can't wait to get to all of them!) It's really an amazing world she's created as well as the characters. The narrator is perfect as well and does a great job with all the different voices, including male. I love reading and always have, but these days it's hard to find extra time besides before going to bed. Audible is awesome and enables me to multi task. I love cleaning the house now cause it gives me a chance to listen at the same time. I also listen while driving. I've always wanted to join a book club, but here comes the issue of having no time again. So this online club is great. Hope everyone has an awesome holliday!! Xoxo
Getting further into "Upgraded" edited by Neil Clarke. The last two stories (#s 3 and 4 in the book) are REALLY ones that make you think! #4 is currently my favourite. I could barely put it down! Hung on every word! It's called "Oil of Angels". Talking about epigenetic transmission of mass trauma. Also memory control. Both historically and individually. Best kind of sci-fi IMO, the kind that really makes you think.
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The short story "Always the Harvest" by Yoon Han Lee, in the collection "Upgraded", edited by Neil Clarke. Borrowing it from my library. It's the first story in this anthology about cyborgs. LOVE IT!! Involves a sentient city which provides a constant supply of synthetic body parts for it's inhabitants. Also a mysterious rescued cyborg. There's a surprise twist at the end, which I won't reveal, but it totally made the story, IMO! Particularly the (other) main character's response to said twist/surprise. Now onto story 2.
I had a mixed reading week: one awful book, a few meh reads, and two standouts.
My favorites were Nicole Helm's Wyoming Cowboy Bodyguard (Carsons & Delaneys #7) and Carla Neggers' Nigh Watch (which I had planned to read in print but she released the digital version in October).
After thinking I may not meet the reading goals I set for the year in early November I am relieved I now only have one more book to go!
I had a...not going to call it a slump as I wanted to read. But I had a number of week's this year when I didn't have the mental energy to do so. Even now it's taking me longer to read books than it used to. Resigned to fact that may just be my new normal.
I read several books this week but most were just so-so, or terrible. The exception was A Son for the Alien Warrior by Honey Phillips and Bex McLynn.
These women have a talent for writing characters who seem quite real. Even though there are aliens involved, this could be a story set in the American West, perhaps 1880's, as a woman searches for her missing sister and nephew. This is the second book in this loosely related series and I'm looking forward to the third.
Just read the online weekly serial of Sweep with Me by Ilona Andrews. The novella will be out next month. Can't wait to read it in its entirety.
For those who may be new to the series, Sweep with Me is part of the Innkeeper series which starts with Clean Sweep, then Sweep in Peace, and One Fell Sweep. Sweep of the Blade came out of this series but can be considered as part of the Innkeeper series. Marvelous books.
@Library addict, I wouldn't worry too much about not having the mental energy to read, or not reading as fast. Chances are you're just busy doing something else, and don't realize it. (I mean, I don't know you, or anything going on in your life, but it's easy to get wrapped up in stuff and not even realize how much you're actually dealing with or doing. Especially in today's world, it seems.) I've had a similar … well, mostly year, actually. certainly the last 6 months or so. For a few months (or maybe longer) I was barely reading at all, which is so not like me, but I found I was busy doing all sorts of other things, like solving technical issues with my computer(s), or learning new technology (hardware and software), or organizational stuff house-wise that I haven't had the wherewithal to handle in forever, or... interacting with people more than usual, or... all sorts of things.
Now that I'm back into reading again, I'm still finding that it's taking me a lot longer to get through a book than it used to. haven't exactly figured it out yet, but part of it seems to be that I've got about 3 books on the go at the moment. - library print books, this doesn't include the e-books I've started or samples I've started, or anything) Part of it is also that I'm still somewhat oriented towards different stuff. I dunno. Life has been busy. Sometimes you just need to rest. Even when reading is your usual method of resting, sometimes you just need something else, less demanding. (like listening to familiar music or something.)
Oh hell, I had another thought and I've lost it. Oh yes! I also found that when I was staying with family for a while to help out, I was drifting towards ebooks (which I am just discovering) even though I had several perfectly good print books, both mine and the libraries, that I really wanted/needed to read!
One other thing I've found is that even when I thought I wasn't reading, I was often reading things on my computer that I didn't really count as reading because it was either something I'd written once upon a time, or it was some 'news' article online that momentarily snagged my interest, (or lifestyle or whatever) or some other thing like that. So, I suppose it all depends on your definition of 'reading'.
So yeah, I wouldn't worry about it too much. maybe your reading speed will pick up when your brain isn't so busy with other stuff. (at least that's what I'm hoping will happen with me. Also the size of the non-fiction/academic library books I have is another factor.)
@Kim, good points. I know part of it has been dealing (or not as the case may be) with some stressful issues.
I have never been a super fast reader, but I used to be able to read highly anticipated books at least on release day. With a very few exceptions that hasn't been the case this year. I've tried to embrace the change by telling myself reading slower allows me to savor the book even more, but I'm not sure my brain is buying that idea - LOL!
I only count books (digital, print, or audio) toward my reading tally. I did read a bunch of fanfic over the summer as I loathed the way a certain series ended and only got around to watching the final (even worse than I'd suspected) episode over the summer. So I needed to wipe it from my brain and fanfic seemed the way to go (also having so many people agree was a comfort).
I read two German Thriller: Killerkind by Cornelia Harz und Leichenbraut by Sage Dawkins.
@library addict, reading books on release day is way ahead of anything I've ever been able to do! Acquiring them, yes, but reading them? Especially reading the whole thing?! It blows my mind people have time (and energy) to do that! I'm typically a voracious reader, but still... I guess not being able to do that just means you've joined the rest/majority of the population! :)
I very rarely manage to finish a book all at once (though the UK foster carer books I usually finish in 2-3 days. I'm SOOO behind in those right now!). When I do finish a really good book fast, I have found it takes away from my ability to enjoy it - it's over way too fast, and my brain hasn't had a chance to absorb it before it's over.
Stress will definitely affect things! It has for me this year. Oddly, my way of handling it has become 'let's find a new problem I don't know how to fix and do that!' usually in the technological area, though, as I said, sometimes in the household organizing one. Yes, it's weird!
Yesterday after writing you I got thinking about how so many of the problems we think are permanent end up not being, even if it takes a few years (or several) to work them out.
You reminded me that fanfic was also something I got into a little this summer when I 'wasn't reading'. (though most fanfic I've found ends up being slash or otherwise romantically based, rather than character or story based, so I mostly avoid fanfic because that annoys the hell out of me)
After writing you yesterday I got thinking about
I'm currently listening to the Psy-changeling series on audible, Shard of Hope. I try to read the deleted scenes and such on her website when I can, but it's hard to get time to read when I'm chasing after my 16 month old all day! But of course I wouldn't change it for the world. I love this series though. And I'm not looking forward to finishing it cause it's just that good! (Although there are many other audiobooks I have on my list to listen too as well and can't wait to get to all of them!) It's really an amazing world she's created as well as the characters. The narrator is perfect as well and does a great job with all the different voices, including male. I love reading and always have, but these days it's hard to find extra time besides before going to bed. Audible is awesome and enables me to multi task. I love cleaning the house now cause it gives me a chance to listen at the same time. I also listen while driving. I've always wanted to join a book club, but here comes the issue of having no time again. So this online club is great. Hope everyone has an awesome holliday!! Xoxo
Getting further into "Upgraded" edited by Neil Clarke. The last two stories (#s 3 and 4 in the book) are REALLY ones that make you think! #4 is currently my favourite. I could barely put it down! Hung on every word! It's called "Oil of Angels". Talking about epigenetic transmission of mass trauma. Also memory control. Both historically and individually.
Best kind of sci-fi IMO, the kind that really makes you think.
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