I’ve fallen out of the practice of writing book reviews, for some reason. There are two little widgets there to the side of the blog that always show the covers of the books I’m currently reading and some of those that I’ve recently read, though.
Yes, I do keep that many books going at once because I keep one ebook in progress each on my Nook, phone, and iPad in addition to an audiobook and a dead-tree book or two. I really hate being without reading material, so that way I know I’ve always got something good at hand. The book on the Nook is pretty much always fiction, while the others are usually non-fiction.
The most noteworthy of my recent finishes is Reamde, by Neal Stephenson (one of my favorite authors). No, I didn’t misspell the title, but the spelling is an important plot point. Those who enjoyed Cryptonomicon are especially likely to enjoy this one. I recommend it to everybody, though, including those who think they don’t like science fiction.
I’m continuing to slog my way through George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire, recently finishing A Storm of Swords and immediately picking up A Feast for Crows. Reading the books while watching A Game of Thrones has been interesting, as it brings the changes into sharp focus.
The book I’ve been reading on my phone for quite a few months (I seldom have reason to read on that) is Michael Shermer’s The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies—How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths. It is interesting material but written in an excessively dry manner, and I’m starting to think that perhaps I should have chosen to listen to it as an audiobook.
My iPad reading is relatively new, Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment by Tal Ben-Shahar. While Ben-Shahar isn’t as well-known in popular circles as some other authors, his work is integral to positive psychology and the study of happiness as a phenomenon.
I find it peaceful to listen to audiobooks while stitching. My current audiobook is Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. I’m finding it so rich that I keep having to go back and listen to bits over again or pause the recording to reflect. I strongly recommend this one to absolutely any introvert or anyone who deals with introverts (that means everybody). I may well write an entire post about the subjects it brings up later.
My main print book is Polyamory in the 21st Century: Love and Intimacy with Multiple Partners by Deborah Anapol. I owe thanks to Uncle Ron for loaning me his copy of this one, but I really need to get my own copy. More thoughts on this later, as well.
My second print book, which I intend to review for Fibrant Living, is The Fibromyalgia Dental Handbook: A Practical Guide to maintaining Peak Dental Health by Flora Parsa Stay.
With all the darkness and the huge size of the Martin books, I’m starting to crave some light reading, so I’m seriously considering putting Feast on hold for something fluffy. I don’t think there’s anything incredibly fluffy in the Nook, but I’m sure I’ll find something before too long, even if I have to stoop to a light beach romance or the like. There’s only so much death, doom, and despair one woman can stand!
What are you reading? What do you suggest I read?
How do you feel about young adult fiction? I find it can be quite refreshing 🙂 I’m currently on the third book of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series – Titan’s Curse. They can be a bit predictable, which I don’t mind. So far, the action keeps the story moving, and the integration of Greek mythology keeps me intellectually interested.
I very much enjoy YA fiction, and haven’t read any lately other than the Hunger Games trilogy. I’ll have to look for the Percy Jackson series!
For fiction, I’m currently reading (well, listening, we’ve got the audiobook) to Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. It’s a bit on the YA side, but if you like geek humor, reference jokes, and 80s nostalgia, it’s a lot of fun.
On the nonfiction side, I bought an audiobook copy of No Idle Hands: The Social History of American Knitting by Anne L. McDonald off iTunes. Probably the most entertainment I’ve gotten out of $7 in a while. I’ve listened to it at least 4 times now. It takes what could be a rather dry historical subject and makes it entertaining. Also, it’s really good to craft to 🙂
I’ve heard of Ready Player One. I’ll look for it at the library. No Idle Hands sounds absolutely wonderful! If the library doesn’t have it, I’ll request that they get it. Thanks!