Damiella's book list

I decided this year that I needed to read make my way through more 'quality' books - brain felt like it was turning to mush. So I made a list (to which I keep adding) and I want to not only read 50 books but to raise the percentage read from this list.

At the moment statistics are:

Date 18/08/2007
Total # 2226
# Read 127
% 5.705%
#to reread 19
#couldn't finish 1

The 'couldn't finish' is The Red Queen by Margaret Drabble. I've tried a few times but just couldn't get into it.

My goal is to raise my % to at least 10 and to get my #to reread under 15.

I'll start off my list with the books I've finished this week.

1. With Red Hands
2. The Younger Gods - I admit I 'skimmed' this in Borders in H/C but didn't read it properly until I bought it.
3. The Fire Opal - nice bit of light relief

ok .. continuing on.

4. The Horizontal Instrument - I've read better but I'll probably keep this one
5. Mister Monday - I've been tossing up whether to wait until I had the whole series before reading these - obviously, I couldn't wait any longer.

and once again updating.

6. The Lucky Country - Donald Horne
- well, what can I say - a definite product of it's time but at least I can now know what is being refered to in other books.

7. Robinson Crusoe
- now THIS I found a chore - writing style not to my taste - story very simplified (although I can't be certain but I think I may have read the 'Classic Comic' of this years ago). Anyway, it's done & another one off my list

8. Grim Tuesday
- I've decided to ration myself with these a bit. I can't afford to go book shopping this month (month from hell financially) and I've only purchased up to Thursday already.

9. Dead Air - Ian Banks.
- I sort of finished this one this week. I'd only had about 20 pages to go for about 3-4 months (obviously it didn't grab me as much as others of his did e.g. Complicity - now THAT one I enjoyed). But, this week I finally finished it so I'm counting it.

Well this week I got into a bit of a 'mood'. Didn't really get many of my TBRs read - still, I always say - if you get a 'reading mood', give into it - it's quicker....here goes.

10. Star Quest {touchstone refuses to work}
11. Star Fighters
12. Star Force

For what these were they fit the mood exactly - dramatic space opera - I thought there were only these 3 but based on the last (?am I really surprised) there's the possibility of another one out there. I won't say I'll look for it actively but if I came across it I'd buy it just for when this mood hits next.

13. The Theta Syndrome - Elleston Trevor

This was crap - I only finished it because I'd started it. It's going straight into the charity bin (although maybe I should reconsider - I don't think anyone deserves to be subjected to this). I didn't mind too much about the poor storyline (I've put up with that before in this mood). I didn't mind too much about extraneous characters (Once again I've put up with this before). Poor character development (?did I really expect it from a book I got for 50c). I didn't mind about predicitibility (She's going to be killed - no-one around her can figure it out - it's pretty obvious by not even a third of the way through the book). All the professionals in the hospital being idiots who can't tell when someone's faking being ill (well possible maybe - but we're stretching it here - for heaven's sake he stole prescription drugs from the trolley and apparently no-one notice - give me strength). I think my main problem with it is usually in these type of books I can find something to be amused at - the writing was too blah to give me that.

The remainder of my reading this week were re-reads so I'm not couting them but I'll record them here.

Glahmian Shock
one of my favourites when I'm in these moods. Just the right level of impracticality and requirement of suspension of disbelief. Basically an alien race in their 'juvenile' phases look enough like humans (or their analogues) that a baby can be lost and raised on Earth. Subjecting those around him to his adolescent 'outbursts' (in all terms of the word!!). A worthwhile one.

Triplanetary
First Lensmen
Galactic Patrol
Grey Lensman
Second Stage Lensmen
Children of the Lens
Masters of the Vortex

then just to round it off

The Galaxy Primes
Spacehounds of the IPC

While I love reading E. E. Smith he always make me feel so 'incompetent' when compared with his characters - fun though!!!

Now maybe I can get back on track with what I'd planned to be reading.

Ok.. not too bad this week.

14. Ruled Brittania - Harry Turtledove.
I've been plugging away at this one for a while - I like alternate histories but mainly because they make me think. This was a good book to read for enjoyment but didn't really stretch my brain.

15. The Devil and Miss Prym - Paulo Coelho
What can I say? Bought on Sale - yes, an ok read but didn't really absorb me. Have to confess I've found his other books the same - however, this one was definitely on my collated 'to read list' so at least I got another one off. Wouldn't particulaly recommend.

16. Euclid in the Rainforest - Joseph Mazur.
This was ok - my main complaint was that it tried to cover too much. I freely admit that I love reading popular science books & because I do I've been exposed to a lot of the stuff in here. Having said that, as an introduction it wouldn't be bad. It's just that I'm beyond that stage. I much prefer the other similar one I'm working my way through - The Pea and the Sun (hoping to have it finished in another 2 weeks - stay tuned)

17. Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman - Haruki Murakami.
I've been meaning to read Murakami for a while - I just happened to come across this one on the same 3:2 table at Borders - I really enjoyed it. I've long gravitated to short stories - IMHO they require a lot more skill to do well than a novel. I'm actually putting this one down as a 'to be rerread' as I'm sure I didn't manage to get all the nuances.

Bit early posting this week - but I've got a bit on this weekend - next week's list will prob be longer to catch other reading.

18. Persuasion - Jane Austen.
In the introductory notes to the edition I read it mentioned that it showed more mature character development but also suggested the possibility that it wasn't quite finished - i.e. that some of the chapters were planned to be 'fleshed out'. I have to agree with both of these points. I enjoyed it but I got the sense I could have enjoyed it a lot more.

19. The Human Factor - Graham Greene.
I hadn't read any of his books for years when I came across this on my shelves. I think I picked it up in 2005 in a book sale, as usual bought way more than I could read in a reasonable time so most got shelved (in my last move I 'lost' my TBR piles - got combined with general books). This was typical Greene. I wouldn't say he's one of my favourite authors but he does make me think and I know that I'll basically enjoy any book of his that I do pick up.

20. The Collectors - David Baldacci.
Another sale book. A bit 'blah' - not particularly good, not particularly bad. Just a basic read. I'm not particularly inspired to read more of his stuff but if I come across it on sale I may pick them up.

I may as well put in my statistics now as checking back I haven't done so for a while.

Total# 2252
Read# 134
% 5.950 (well it's gone up a bit!!)
# to reread 19
# unfinished 1

Oh my... where has the time gone... I'd forgotten how long it'd been. Here we go with updates (in no particular order - just how they're lying on the couch at present - need to put them away soonish)

21. The Scar - China Mieville
This was good. I think I may have started it before as the first couple of chapters 'felt' familiar. I've been told for ages that I should read these and I'm extremely glad that I finally got around to doing so.

22. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie - Muriel Spark.
I mainly read this as one of my 'listed books' - picked it up on sale a few years ago. Not that impressed by it I must admit. Maybe it would have made difference seeing the movie of it - personally I think the length of this one would have suited.

23. The Challenge of Euthanasia - Brian Pollard
(touchstone not working)
I have no idea at all where I picked this one up from - it was marked down to 75% off from the look of it. This was worth the read. He definitely argues from the angle of anti-euthanasia but he has good arguments & background. One of his points that I found particularly good was that it was necessary to consider that often better palliative care procedures / knowledge may be required. He didn't make me change my views but it was a nice quick thoughtful read.

You'll see a bit of a pattern now, I got in one of my 'moods'

24. City of the Chasch - Jack Vance
25. Servants of the Wankh - Jack Vance
26. The Dirdir - Jack Vance
27. The Pnume - Jack Vance
28. The Star King - Jack Vance
29. The Killing Machine - Jack Vance
30. The Palace of Love - Jack Vance

I honestly don't know why I decided I needed to read every Jack Vance I hadn't yet read from the library but I'm not at all sorry for it. Another author who I know won't dissapoint me.

31. Island of the Lost - Joan Druett.
And this book is an example of why I keep on persisting with sale books. This was a truly worthwhile read. I picked it up on the basis of the 'blurb' and I wasn't at all dissapointed. I'm planning on lending it out already (for those who don't know me well - a very rare occurence indeed). Based upon real events, two ships were wrecked on the same island within 5 months of each other, crew of one ship were organised & co-operated, the crew of the other ship did nothing of the sort.

32. Dead Man's Folly - Agatha Christie
Basic Agatha Christie, I was looking for something light and picked this one up. When I was younger I used to devour them but these days, I only get in the mood occasionally.

33. The Poison Master - Liz Williams
I have to admit I was quite unimpressed by this one. Very cliched fantasy it appeared to me. Only really worth reading if you have nothing else available I feel. I certainly don't feel a burning ambition to look out every single one of her books that I can find.

34. Brood of the Witch Queen - Sax Rohmer.
This was only a short one but I think it's balanced by The Scar. I've read some of his 'Fu Manchu' stories before. This had the same 'atmosphere' to it. Once again, a good light read. Has the whole thing of not really describing the details of the horror - Lovecraft does it a lot better though.

35. The Outstretched Shadow - Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory
36. To Light a Candle - Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory
37. When Darkness Falls - Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory
These were a series so I'll comment on them as one. This was once again a typical fantasy series. However, I freely admit that Mercedes Lackey grabbed me when I was younger so I'm open to enjoying her work even when it is typical. For example, I've had these sitting around for a few months, just waiting for a time when I could 'gulp them' in one bite. Saturday night was it - and yes I missed out on sleep but not too badly. Enjoyable.

38. Echo Park - Michael Connelly
Looking at this and my comments previously I've decided that I shouldn't get these mystery/detective type novels on sale. I never really enjoy them enough to justify buying them. A typical story, not really enough to hold my interest over the video playing but a pleasant enough way to pass the afternoon.

39. Back on Blossom Street - Debbie McComber.
I picked this one up and read it without borrowing. Just a passing mood that this suited perfectly. Her romances are always 'sweet' and definitely not demanding too much.

Well, I think that's brought me up to date now.

(edited to fix touchstones)

Once again I've let things lapse regarding recording my reading. It's been a buzy couple of weeks & truth be told I've been doing more re-reads than news. I think 2008 I'll have to track total books as well as news. Ok here goes, once again no particular order, just what I remember / can see sitting around unshelved

40. Sailing to Capri - Elizabeth Adler
Every now & then I decide to read through my local library again. 2 problems, I keep moving so I have to start again & I never really seem to get past the 'B's before I decide to forget about it. Sometimes I'll come across something enjoyable. This was one of them. Really light 'mystery' - perfect beach book I'd say. I read it on the way to/from work & only took me 2 days to finish it. Worthwhile. I'm currently working on another of hers.

41. Biting the Sun - Tanith Lee
Yet another author I keep going back to. This wasn't one of her better ones IMO but not too bad. I've always had a preference for her 'Flat Earth' and 'Birthgrave' books just because they were the first of hers that I read.

42. Time and Again - Jack Finney
I think the kindest thing I can say about this one is that I'm glad that I borrowed instead of bought it despite the fact it was re-issued as a 'Masterworks'. Just didn't impress me.

43. Defining the Wind - Scott Huler
This was my favourite book of the ones that I borrowed in this lot. I love this sort of stuff when I'm in the right mood & obviously I was. It was more the story of the search for information about the Beaufort Scale so it was able to draw me in to a higher degree. I wasn't able to skim this one on the tram but needed to concentrate on it just because I found it so fun.

44. Driving Force - Dick Francis
45. Decider - Dick Francis
46. To the Hilt - Dick Francis
Yep - candy for the mind but I enjoy it. Made for a pleasant evening in front of the TV with a glass of wine.

I wasn't really impressed enough with any of my other library books to finish them. There's one or two I may re-borrow in a while that I don't know if I gave a fair chance to.

Now onto buys - not that many completed this month. I've been more 'dipping in' and not really completing.

47. Stars and Stripes Forever - Harry Harrison
I like alternate history books. I bought this one YEARS ago and came across it again. The main problem is that while I also bought the 3rd book in the series ?do you think I can find the 2nd. Not a chance. Still, if I'm meant to have it I'll come across it sooner or later.

48. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
Not my favourite Austen I admit but ok. Prefered the movie version more. Then again, could well just be that I just wasn't in the mood for it at the time.

well, that's it for now - while I've got another 10 books on the go I haven't finished any of them yet.
I'll have to see where the mood takes me.

Ok I admit it, I've been a bit 'complacent' this past few weeks. I 'decided' that since I'd make the 50 no probs I'd try to get some of the 'harder' stuff finished. The result of course is that I haven't really finished any great number. Still, here are the 2 that I did manage to polish off.

49. The Consolation of Philosophy - Boethius
I probably didn't get as much out of this as I could have, seems a bit ' I've heard it before' but then again, that's why it's been recommended to me because so many others have taken on some of the ideas in it. I've been wanting to read this one for a little while since coming across a reference to it in another book.

50. The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver.
I must admit that while I liked the first half of this one exceedingly, the second half just seemed to drag. Maybe it was external factors again but that's just the way it seemed. I don't think I'll be buying this one to have my own copy unless I get it at a really good sale.

once again I've been reading & not recording. I just hope I can remember everything I've read as I've been doing a few ebooks lately and I really have to rely on memory for them.

51. The Revenger's Tragedy - Tourneur
I came across a reference to this years ago and for some reason it stuck in my mind. When I came across the ebook - I just had to read it. Well, I've read it, I'm glad I did so but... It certainly lives up to it's name, death everywhere!! A product of it's time I suppose, divine right of kings & all that - even though those in power are evil, it's not right to kill them. Treachery is it's own reward as well.

52. A House of Gentlefolk - Ivan Turgenev
This was my first by Turgenev, I actually quite enjoyed it. I think the main reason is that it didn't really take the reader for granted. Also, I was feeling a wee bit 'you have to live with the consequences of your actions' so this suited me down to the ground. I've downloaded a few more of his so expect some more to appear on the list.

53. The Pilgrim's Progress - John Bunyan
I'm not really sure I should count this or not, I read it years ago but I was certain it was a condensed children's edition (at least I remember a not so thick book with plenty of pictures through it). Having said that, there were a few events that I thought I remembered that weren't in what I just read. Go figure!!

54. The Golden Key - Melanie Rawn, Jennifer Roberson, Kate Elliott.
Not worth it in my opinion. Not a particularly bad book, but there's so much better fantasy to read out there. Not worth any more time to think about it let alone discuss it.

55. Letter from America - Alistair Cooke
This is what I term one of my 'dipping books' - sets of essays that I read one or two of when I just want something quick, or if I'm in a certain mood. I've been going through this one for more than a year now and I've finally finished the last essay in it. I must admit that I can't really remember the first one I read, it was so long ago, but this was overall a most agreeable book. He didn't always talk about the 'news of the day' but what he said was always topical. I would definitely recommend this one. I'm actually planning on squeezing it into the suitcase when I go to the parents for Xmas to see if I can lend it to anyone.

(had to split - my post was getting annoying & constantly trying to scroll up while I typed!)

I have this 'little habit' of always reading books I'm going to give as presents prior to their gifting (really, I'm just being considerate... after having received The Red Queen one Xmas, I think it's a wise precaution. -- detour ahead -- my mother actually gave me that one, I think she was slightly 'hurt' that I didn't enjoy her gift. Then she tried reading it as well and agreed with me that it wasn't worth reading)

Anyway, these are the books I've read recently that will soon be passed on.

56. A thousand pieces of gold - Adeline Yen Mah
I'm actually not quite sure re if I'll pass this one on or not. From the 'cover description' I was expecting something quite different. Still, I really enjoyed this one. This is for my father. He quite likes reading history and this does have the historical element to it. Maybe I'm just trying to justify that I'd actually quite like to keep this one. Oh well, if all else fails, when they move house in a few years (as ?planned - they've been talking about it for a while now) and downsize, I'll just claim it back from it. A good 'beachside read' I think.

57. First Term at Malory Towers - Enid Blyton
I have to admit that I never got into these when I was younger. For some reason the whole 'boarding school' series was one I just couldn't relate to. I'm trying to get one of my neices up from the 'Rainbow Magic' books ( Daisy Meadows - touchstone not working) which are good but as I've been giving them to her for the last 3 years I think she needs to move upwards. I'm planning on including a couple of 'first book in series' for her. Hopefully one of them will appeal to her. Personally, I think I might look these out myself & read them. It's nice to read this stuff occasionally.

58. Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg - Gail Carson Levine.
59. Fairy Haven and the Quest for the Wand - Gail Carson Levine.
Both of these were impluse buys. I'd already bought my niece the Malory Towers (and a few others) book but I just couldn't resist. They looked so cute - yes - I know - multi-national Disney - expanding the franchise etc.. but even so, I think they'd look nice on a bookshelf. Main prob is that I don't know if they may have them already. That's why I tend to buy 'English' books for my nieces, as they're less likely to have them already. Personally, the story was ok - it's the illustrations that I loved.

Once again, just listing in the order I come across them / think of them. I've just been so busy!! lately - haven't had near enough time to get through stuff. There's a trend here for sure though

60. Second Form at Malory Towers - Enid Blyton
61. Third Year at Malory Towers - Enid Blyton
62. Upper Fourth at Malory Towers - Enid Blyton
63. In the Fifth at Malory Towers - Enid Blyton
64. Last Term at Malory Towers - Enid Blyton

I feel a wee bit guilty listing these all, but 'between 2 covers etc'. I got sucked in to a bit of nostalgia as you can see. They were there just looking at me (I couldn't help myself - honestly). A nice bit of fun. I think these will honestly not be suitable for my niece (turning 7) I'll prob just package them all up and put them under a 'Smith Family' tree this year.

65. Little Princesses: The Sea Princess - Katie Chase
This was sweet. I'm definitely putting this into my niece's TBR pile. It may actually be a bit too young for her & it's not the first in the series but I'm still sure she'll enjoy it. The basic premise is that Rosie is living in her great-aunt's castle and throughout are images / statues of princesses that are actually gates to meet them & have little adventures together.

66. Princess School: If the Shoe fits - Jane Mason & Sarah Hines Stephens
67. Princess School: Who's the Fairest - Jane Mason & Sarah Hines
Stephens.
These were both very sweet books. Take elements of the usual fairy tales and put them all together into a school together. Quite a bit of fun if you're like me & like to consider different ways things could go. For example, in 'If the Shoe fits', Cinderella does get a glass slipper from her godmother but they definitely don't fit her & they definitely aren't comfortable. I must admit that after reading this I went to read 'True Love' from Twice upon a Time - Denise Little - another story considering what really is going on behind the scenes of the stories. Actually, the whole book is good, if you're looking for something light it hits the spot just fine.

68. Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles: The Nixie's Song - Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black
Despite the fact that this was an obvious extension of a series that personally I feel stood just fine on it's own. Also, am I just being cynical in noticing that the main characters in this arc are tailored to enable reader identication? Proabably - A good read anyway. I'll be adding it to my shelves regardless.

69. The Sisters Grimm: The Fairytale Detectives - Michael Buckley
70. The Sisters Grimm: The Unusual Supects - Michael Buckley
71. The Sisters Grimm: The Problem Child - Michael Buckley
I must admit that I always knew these would be too mature for my niece but I really enjoyed them. Then again, based upon the other books I've been reading it was inevitable I'd come across them. I like this sort of stuff when I'm in the mood. (Ever since reading Red as Blood: Tales by the Sisters Grimmer - Tanith Lee many, many years ago)

72. The Wonderful O - James Thurber
This was really the only book I read from my own TBR pile. I'm glad I did. It was written as 'an adult fable' but as with most fables there's a meaning underneath which is work paying attention to. Written in 1958 it's still applicable today.

73. How not to say what you mean: a dictionary of euphemisms - R.W. Holder
I ordered this on-line due to a recommendation as a Xmas present for my brother-in-law. I have to say although it's a good book it's not really somethng you'd give to someone as a gift. I see it more as a 'reference' book. It's good in that many entries have an associated lieterary quote and they include both current & obsolete listings (and differentiate between them)

Just came across one more I finished - I strongly suspect I won't get a chance to update again until after Xmas now so want to 'clean up the year' as much as possible.

74. The Stars my Destination - Alfred Bester
I'm counting this as a read because I really didn't recall it, however some parts of it did appear familiar while reading. If I did read it, it would have been a while ago. This was re-issued as a 'classic' for a reason. A very worthy contender to the name. The 'hero' Gully Foyle is not a nice person at all but he grows to realise that everything has it's price that must be paid. I'm very glad I took the time to read this one.

Also... winding up re my secondary goal - it's fairly certain that I definitely won't make it.

Situation at present:
Total# 2317 (curse all you LTs - keep mentioning books I just have to add)
Read# 146
% 6.301
# to reread 19
# unfinished 1

I'd have to read 90 books from my list (factoring probability of list expanding between now & 31st Dec) to reach my desired 10% read. I've decided that I will just be glad I've read what I have & start the new year afresh

Although I may decide to 'rethink' my proto-goal of getting to 20% by end of 2008 - 318 books hmmm don't think it'll happen. I strongly predict I'll be going for 15% instead - maybe try pushing for 17.5% ('though I'd probably have to start 'removing books from the list - can't see that happening either truth be told)

Ok then, last post for the year. I did get a few more books read over the Xmas period but not as many as I hoped. As usual, noting books by when I think of them.

75. The Weather Factor - Erik Durschmied
This one was sitting in the parent's living room & I picked it up while waiting for dinner one evening. Not that bad a book but personally I've read a lot better history 'vignettes'. Would probably only read it again if there was nothing better sitting around.

76. 1812: Napoleon's Fatal March - Adam Zamoyski
I think I was 'meant' to read this book. I've been reading 'factional' books covering this period for years. I was staying with my brother at the beach & he had this book out from his local library. I got through about 3/4 of it - had to leave. Returned to the parents, found it on the bookshelf so could finish it. This was definitely worth reading. As it's the first history book covering this period that I've actually read I can't really compare it to others. Based just upon this one, it appeared a balanced telling of events, showing how chance on both sides made certain events turn out and how easily they could have gone the other way. I'm thinking I may borrow this again myself even if only to get down some names from the bibliography.

77. Krokodil Tears - Jack Yeovil
I actually got something off my TBR list!!! This was well worth the time spent reading. This was the first from the 'Dark Future' cycle and when I first got my hands on this one I was a bit hesitant to read as I didn't know how much I'd be disadvantaged by not having read the others. As it turned out, not at all, however the passing references to other 'heroes' makes me want to look out the others. A very enjoyable SF read.

78. Atonement - Ian McEwan
Yes, another one off the TBR pile. I really wanted to read this one before going to the movie. I now don't know if I'll bother going or not. The basic premise is that a young girl misinterprets something she sees (due to her marked dramatic tendencies), tells others her interpretation and ends up changing the direction of 2 lives. She then spends her life trying to make up for what she's done... that's what the back blurb said basically. Personally, I found this a bit slow to get going in comparision with what happened after the 'event' - especially immediately after. I would have liked a bit more exploration of some of the other participants. Having said that, it really was a balanced book and did fit together very nicely. I'm just the type who wants to know more & that could well have been the intended response.

79. The Tenth Circle - Jodi Picoult
I've been wanting to read a Jodi Picoult for a while & couldn't read My Sister's Keeper due to a 'friend' kindly telling me the twist at the end. (it's stil on my TBR pile though) I was mainly attracted to this due to the Dante references as well as one of the protagonists being associated with comics (I still miss them - had to go 'cold turkey' a few years ago due to the impact they were having on my wallet at the time - if I win the lottery one of these days I'll have an awful lot of back issues to get). I don't really want to go into the plot too much due to not wanting to spoil other people's pleasure so I'll endeavour to keep my remarks as general as possible. I've heard it said that Jodi Picoult takes a controversial idea and explores it - the one she's chosen for this one is definitely a good one. The core issue itself isn't revealed until a little way into the book - all the reader knows is that a daughter is rebelling against her parents and having the usual teenage relationship problems. The text is interspersed with short comic chapters 'written' by the girl's father regarding a super-hero going through Dante's cicles of hell. In Dante's Hell there are 9 circles with the inhabitants of each lower circle being guilty of progressively greater crimes. Jodi Picoult proposes a 10th circle - I won't give away who the inhabitants would be, but I agree with her that there would be no shortage of people who belong there ( I could even include myself on some occasions)

80. The Sisters Grimm: Once Upon a Crime - Michael Buckley
This was inevitable that I'd buy as soon as I saw it. I'm enjoying this series although not so much this book as the earlier ones. I just like seeing / considering what happens to the characters when the story's finished. They have to do something!!

81. The Eyre Affair - Jasper Forde
I've been wanting to read this series for a while & this was one of my 'presents to self' for Xmas (at least I'll get something I want). I enjoyed this one & will probably be finishing off the other Thursday Next books in the near future.

82. Was - Geoff Ryman
I've read 253 by Geoff Ryman previously and found it interesting enough that his name stuck in my head. This one had multiple stories woven together that all came together very nicely indeed. An enjoyable rather than thought-provoking read though.

Well, that's it for 2007. I'll start a new thread for 2008