Elorin's reads in 2024

This is my first year taking part in this challenge, although I have been on Library Thing about 6 years. I look forward to participating.

I'm 46, and live in San Antonio, Texas with my wife of 5 years, three cats ages 7, 5, and 1 1/2, and three dogs under 4 years old.
I read sci-fi and fantasy primarily but enjoy some historical romance and some young adult fiction.

Currently reading:
The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty Anne Rice
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court Mark Twain - reading has stalled. Seriously considering DNF.
Artificial Condition Martha Wells (Murderbot # 2)
Madame Bovary Gustave Flaubert - reading on this has stalled and is on the verge of DNF.

Discworld # 29 Night Watch Terry Pratchett
I started a mostly publication order re-read of the Discworld books in January 2024 (and into next if it takes that long) with the exceptions being reading along with the group read of the witches novels. For now I have skipped Lords and Ladies, Maskerade, and Carpe Jugulum.

TBR:
Mythology Abroad
Dragon Rigger books

Our youngest dog, Mei

Welcome Robyn.

Glad to have you here.

Welcome, Robyn! I saw in your intro that you’re thinking of a Discworld reread. There were a few folks in last year’s group that started one. It’ll probably continue in 2024.

Glad you joined us!

>2 mahsdad: Thanks, glad to be here.
>3 drneutron: I finished a Saga of Recluce LE Modesitt Jr read through/re-read last year and now that it's done I'm in need of comfort reading in between everything else. Discworld fits the bill! It's good to know I'm in good company.

I’ve been toying with a Recluse reread for a while. There’s just so many of them… 😀

>5 drneutron: I had to buy 6 Recluce books! I had no idea how prolific he was/is!
And then I read the Imager Portfolio, another 12 novels. That man can write.

Hi Robyn! There's a group of us who plan on reading the witches arc of Discworld this year. You're welcome to join us. (I popped by because I saw your intro post.)

ETA: I see Jim already told you that.

>7 The_Hibernator: Hi! I'm happy to join y'all and look forward to sharing the reads.

Welcome to the group, Robyn. I am sure that you will fit right in with this chatty bunch.

https://www.librarything.com/topic/356333#n8331418

That's the thread for the Witches group read

Happy New Year's Eve!
I'm starting out the year on just two fresh reads... Or so I thought until I looked at my Good Reads "Reading" list! I'd forgotten about most of those.
So my January 2024 goal is to finish or DNF some of the books on my list. On top of my regular reading. I'm also reading along with the Pratchett Witches reread and I am trying to read some Mark Twain for one of the challenges (I can't remember which one).

As we prepare for anxious dogs (three dogs and fireworks) I caught a good shot of Kenzo in my lap. (He wouldn't sit long enough for a photo otherwise.)

Hi, Robyn, and welcome to the group, from a fellow Pratchett fan!

Kenzo and Mei are adorable! We have two, a golden retriever and a border collie; guess which one hates fireworks and which one couldn't possibly care less? We have a thundershirt that works pretty well for the anxious one, thank goodness.

>12 scaifea: Hello hello! Is your goldie the anxious one? None of ours likes fireworks but Mei was whining up a storm and barking at the crescendo at midnight. Thankfully it wasn't as bad as previously, between daily medications and the anxiety chews we use.
Happy New Year and good reading!

Happy new year, Robyn.

>11 elorin: Kenzo is a great name for a dog by the way and He/she looks delightfully territorial perched on your lap!

>14 PaulCranswick: Thank you Paul and a Happy New Year to you, too! I'd like to claim credit for Kenzo's name but it came with him from his previous owner when we rescued him as a puppy. I believe the name came from a character in a manga.

Beautiful dogs! Good luck with your 2024 reading.

Welcome, Robyn, happy reading in 2024!

Happy New Year, Robyn!

>13 elorin: Nope, it's the Border Collie; the Golden is very laid back and chill about pretty much everything. It's the smarty dogs that seem to have more anxiety issues for us.

Welcome! Your pups are both adorable!

Looking forward to seeing what you read this year.

Welcome to the group, Robyn! Looking forward to what you read this year. And love the dog pics!!

Welcome to the group! Love the pupper photos -- mine is over on my thread. What kind of anxiety chews do you use?

>16 Tess_W: Thanks Tess_W, they are my babies (some of them).
>17 FAMeulstee: Thank you!
>18 norabelle414: Happy New Year!

>19 scaifea: Mei is the smartest and the most freaked out by fireworks, so that tracks.

>20 lycomayflower: Thank you! There's one more dog and three cats, too!

>21 curioussquared: Hi, and thanks.

>22 foggidawn: Thank you. I had a vet tech friend recommend Vetri Science Composure and my vet cleared us to use them with Mei and Kenzo's fluoxetine (my dogs are on Prozac). One or two chews about 30 minutes before high anxiety situations and they don't get as worked up.

Anxious Mei

I finished my first book of 2024.
1) Equal Rites Terry Pratchett for the Discworld Witches group read

I forgot how much Granny Weatherwax changed over the course of the Discworld books. There are so many seeds in this novel for future development. I definitely get the feeling of this being "young Discworld." Regardless, I love this novel especially for its exploration of the Unseen University library.

Leif's photo op

>26 elorin: Thanks! I'll give those a try. Lottie gets worked up about being groomed, even by us, and I'm hoping this will help.

>1 elorin: Welcome to the madhouse and happy reading!!

>28 foggidawn: You're welcome! I'm pretty sure Mei has an anxiety disorder, but even when we give her one or two chews after she's triggered it seems to help after 20 or 30 minutes. Good luck with Lottie!

>29 ocgreg34: Thanks!

Welcome, Robyn! I'm also doing the Witches (and I have all the original paperbacks of the Lensmen series--devoured them in the 60s!).

Going on vacation, don't know how much time I will have online. I only packed three books and three journals, but I am considering bringing a fourth book and I will have my Kindle and the Kindle app on my phone. I think I have enough to read.

Speaking of digital reading, I unsubscribed from a book email today because I can't keep up with the daily emails. But for anyone with the bandwidth looking for low cost or free ebooks, Google "Robin Reads" or go to robinreads.com . They sent me a daily email in the genres I selected and every email had at least one free book. I stuffed my Kindle library with books (and even read some of them!).

2. Second Stage Lensman
I finished this on a plane while traveling today. The story is a continuation of the Lensman novels by EE Doc Smith, and I found it to be fast and thrilling. The science isn't always on point but if you are willing to suspend your disbelief and you love a ray gun toting hero filled space opera, you will be well content. This isn't filled with soul searching emotions or in depth world building. It is however full of exciting confrontation and galaxy spanning travel. I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next installment.

Happy new year! Wishing you safe travels, and plenty to read. Cute dogs! Why do people shoot off fireworks, it's so unnecessary?

>33 elorin: I *love* the Lensman series. Discovered them when I was an early teen - loved that I share a last name with the hero. 😀

>34 banjo123: Thanks! I'm missing the pups and cats, all, but I packed two extra books and another journal before we left so plenty to read.

I like the fireworks and the dogs would be ok but they started at 5 in the afternoon and didn't stop until 2AM. That's a bit much.

>35 drneutron: I'm enjoying the Lensman. Dad found on Amazon a collection with all of the books and shorter works in one ebook, and I bought it when he told me about it. It's my first time reading them.

It started snowing at breakfast. First light fluffy fluttering flakes, but by the time we finished a late lunch it had progressed to great big wet sloppy flakes. I shoveled snow accumulation from mom and dad's front walk, then we talked and played some games, then my parents retired early and I am ensconced in bed in the hotel room with my books, phone, and kindle. Maybe I will finish one tonight.

Putting this here so I can find it later:
Strangers to Ourselves https://www.librarything.com/work/28118122

I was reading on the plane and my Kindle app indicates that it's my first day reading. When we set down at an airport I pulled up the calendar and saw that the Kindle app says I didn't read on the 8th. There goes my streak!
I'm almost done with Children of the Lens, and about 2/3 done with All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten and The Colour of Magic.
Two more legs of flight until I am back in San Antonio and I hope to finish one if not two books before I get home.

We got home a little after midnight last night. First time leaving the car at the airport for a trip and we wandered around the parking garage for a while looking for the car. Every day's an adventure! The dogs and cats missed us - everyone came out to greet us including the isolationist cat that rarely leaves the master bedroom.

I finished three books, two on planes and one as I was eating after arriving home.

3. Children of the Lens 1/10/2024
On the plane waiting to leave Oakland to Las Vegas.
A fun, final feeling adventure with the 5 children of Kim Kinnison and Clarissa the Red Lensman. A little bit busy with the number of characters to keep track of. I would have liked to get to know the children more.

4. All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten 1/10/2024
On the plane from Vegas to San Antonio
Re-read
Light hearted nuggets of wisdom, I first read this book in the early 90s when I was in high school. My favorite essay was then and continues to be about crayons. The essays are overwhelmingly positive and I feel they are better absorbed a few at a time rather than all at once. Maybe I've grown too cynical.
But I laughed out loud a few times while reading, and I remembered why I bought the book so long ago. There's more redeeming here than just the crayon story.
"Son, I don't care if you're stark nekkid and wear a bone in your nose. If you kin fiddle, you're all right with me. It's the music we make that counts."

5. The Colour of Magic 1/11/2024
At home, eating a late dinner after arriving home from traveling
Re-read
The first Discworld book by Terry Pratchett, introducing a host of characters but primarily Rincewind the anti-hero wizzard, Twoflower the Counterweight Continent tourist to Ank Morpork, and the Luggage. My favorite character is and always will be the Luggage with it's determination and singlemindedness.
I love this book and loved re-reading it. I remembered all the things I have loved about the Discworld since the beginning (candied starfish anyone?) that have kept me coming back since I first found my mom's book club editions of The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic (my next read).

Welcome home!

My husband got home late last night from a business trip and the dogs went bananas when he came in. Nice for him, but at 1am I wasn't too happy about it. Ha!

I love the Discworld! Eventually maybe I should do a reread...

>41 scaifea: I'm tracking my Discworld re-read on the Discworld group as well as here on my thread.
https://www.librarything.com/topic/356792#n8354728
Someone posted about a Humble Bundle of 38 Pratchett ebooks for $18 yesterday and I snatched it up since most of mine are physical copies.
https://www.librarything.com/topic/357123#n8355604

6. C is for Cthulhu 1/13/2024
7. Sweet Dreams Cthulhu 1/13/2024
8. Counting, Colors & Cthulhu 1/13/2024
9. The Night Before Christmas A C is for Cthulhu Holiday Tale 1/13/2024

My mom supported a Kickstarter and gave me the board books she got as part of it. The books are cute and appropriate for young children. Some of the verse is forced, but young kids wouldn't likely notice. It was a fun distraction on a lazy day and I can see myself reading them to friends' kids at some point.

Welcome home! When we leave our car at the airport I always have to take a picture of the spot number or else I would be wandering for ages, lol.

Hooray for safe travels, and for for eventually finding the car. My daughter has some system where her phone knows where her car is--very handy but I am not so fancy.

I also get lots of reading done on the plane; it's a nice space for doing nothing electronic.

>44 curioussquared: It turns out there's multiple spots marked 67 on the 2nd floor of the long term parking garage in San Antonio. It was just a matter of discovering which one. It felt more daunting because it was almost midnight at that point.

>45 banjo123: I will find that app should I fly again soon!

Random update: When I got home my Kindle was dead. I had used it on the trip for reading enough to kill the battery. I charged it, updated the time, got it squared away on my wi-fi, and synced it. And lo and behold: my Kindle streak updated from three days to 145 days! I'm so happy, I am aiming for a reading goal of 366 days.

10. The Light Fantastic 1/14/2024
Book 2, Discworld
There's a red star in the sky and Rincewind is the only one who can save the Discworld. We meet Cohen the barbarian and Trymon the wizard, and revisit Twoflower the Discworld's first tourist and his Luggage of sapient pearwood. I first read The Light Fantastic in the late 1980's and I am still a fan, numerous rereads later.

11. The Vortex Blaster 1/14/2024
I bought the Lensman Super pack for my Kindle because my parents love the Lensman books so much. I almost DNFed the first book, Triplanetary. But, determined to find out what my parents love so much I persevered.
I found most of the books exciting to read if I suspended my disbelief enough. The plots were a little repetitive, but the stories were fun. This final book, the Vortex Blaster, was different in that the main character is not a Lensman. I liked the multi-specied crew.
I don't know that I will read this series again but I don't regret the time spent reading these novels.

>47 elorin: Hooray for the continued streak! I completely relate to that - I had a day that I hadn't been connected to Wi-Fi while I read on my Kindle, and it restarted my streak. Thankfully, the following day with a reconnection, everything synced up and the streak corrected itself. I'm up to 243 and also hoping to get to a full year. Good luck!

>42 elorin: So you hit me majorly with the Terry Pratchett HumbleBundle. I pulled the trigger on it. Had to do a little finagling to get it onto my Kindle over from Kobo, a little cumbersome, but it worked. Did you find an easy way?

>50 bell7: Congratulations on your streak! And thank you.

>51 mahsdad: I would like to take credit for the Humble Bundle, but amanda4242 reported it first. But I couldn't help repeating it! I have not given thought to getting the books onto my Kindle yet. Other than emailing the 38 files to my Kindle email address. I'd love to hear your solution.

Hi Robyn, I'm not sure the email option will work, you can try it, but I wasn't successful. The books are in Kobo and have Adobe Digital Editions DRM on them.

Before I bought the bundle I did some research and the info I found seemed to imply that you could just download a book from Kobo and do the email trick or send it directly thru the Kindle apps. But when I tried it, the download option will only give you an ACSM file which is just a link file to the Adobe Digital Editions program (that you'd need on your PC) to download and unpack the book so you can read it in Adobe. That process does give you an EPUB file, but it still has the DRM stuff in it that I don't think the Kindle can read.

What I then found was a free-ware PC program called Calibre. Its an eBook management/library program, where you can add and catalog ebooks on your PC. It also needed a plug-in called DeDRM that will strip out the DRM stuff out of your books for Kobo, B&N, Amazon, pretty much makes it a clean file. So once I installed that, when I add a book to Calibre (after processing it into Adobe), and it would automatically take off the DRM. I was then able to send it directly to my Kindle (if I had it plugged into my PC), or it can do the Send Email to Kindle as well.

I know it sounds complicated (not sure your level of geek :) ) I can send you more detailed notes if you want to go down this path.

Otherwise, as is you can read the books directly on Kobo.com, or thru their app that they have for the iPhone and iPad (I assume they have Android as well), but no Kindle out of the box that I can see :(

ETA - another option, could be that I just do the DRM stuff and put the clean EPUBs in a place where you can get at them.

>53 mahsdad: Thank you! I installed the Kobo app on my phone (Android) and PC but I haven't found a way to get the books in ACSM. I did locate where the books are stored on the PC and I am trying to get Calibre to read the books. I savvy a fair amount of geek but wrestling with Windows is exhausting so it's a work in process. Updates to come!

ETA: I have downloaded 38 books in ACSM. I can open them on the PC in Adobe Digital Editions, cannot open them in Calibre, and can't find the deDRM plugin. But I CAN read them!

ETA: I can open the books in Calibre, and I believe I successfully ran the deDRM. But I can't figure out how to export the books to my Kindle library. I'm sure it's a setting somewhere.

You opened a new door for me, Robyn. On Jeff's thread. I don't seem to have enough to occupy my addled brain, so Terry Pratchett.

>55 weird_O: I'm excited to read that! I have been reading Pratchett since my mother got the first two Discworld books in the book club editions and I love his work. I sincerely hope you find that you do too!

12. Legends and Lattes 1/16/2024
Could not put it down

I devoured this book in two nights, drawn in to the story of Viv and her vision. I love the cast of characters and the concept of a retiring orc opening a coffeeshop. I can't wait to read more.

>57 elorin: Oooh, this one's been on my list since before it was out! I need to get round to it soon (and the sequel). I'm so glad to see that you liked it!

13. Mort Terry Pratchett 1/19/2024
Death is curious and takes an apprentice to free up his time to explore the finer points of life. The young man, Mortimer aptly nicknamed Mort, takes to the scythe with gusto and a bit too much compassion when he rescues the princess Kelli from an assassin.
I've only read Mort a few times but I found myself rooting for him early on as he corrects each and every person and entity who calls him boy (it's Mort), lad (Mort), and any diminutive you think of for an up and coming young man (MORT) in the saddle. I enjoy this novel more each time I read it.

Despite having to scrape ice from the windshield a few times and post vacation lack of motivation, I made it through the week. Yesterday was busy with a date with my girlfriend in the early afternoon and going out to dinner with good friends B&J in the evening.

I am reading A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court and not enjoying it much. I am racing through the Discworld books, or so it feels, instead of the Twain, and reading something on Kindle daily (currently A Thorn Among Fae) to keep up my streak.

I bought myself the Terry Pratchett biography but I am forcing myself to wait to read it until I get at least one old thing off my Currently Reading list.

Physical therapy is almost over and with my left shoulder still in almost constant pain a visit to an orthopedic shoulder doctor is almost certainly in my future.

Next week should be routine with 5 full days of work and only 1 appointment (PT Monday morning) so I am looking forward to a non-demanding week and a full 40 hour paycheck. Lots of time to read.

For anyone who is buying books anyway, I think this is a worthy cause. I haven't compared prices with other sources but my understanding is that for each purchase you get the book and a portion of the price goes to the nonprofit organization.

https://shop.mtwyouth.org/collections/new-books

A Rant: My name is Robyn. I debated using my given name on LT vs. just going by Elorin. When I signed up for the holiday card exchange the first time I bit the bullet and put Robyn on my profile.

It's Robyn. Not Robin. It may seem like a little thing to most people, but spelling someone's name right is a way of paying attention.

My name is Robyn. I have in the past deliberately spelled someone's name with a y when they spelled mine with an i, and every time they were confused and offended. But expected me to accept my name misspelled as no big deal.

It's Robyn. It matters to me that you care enough to notice and get it right. Please.

Rant over.

>62 elorin: My real name has an "i" where people expect a "y", so your rant is very familiar to me!

>63 foggidawn: May I get all your "y"s, and you may have my "i"s!

I feel your pain. I usually go by Jeff, but when my full name is used, its JeffREy, not JeffERy. It just makes my teeth itch when I see it. LOL

>65 mahsdad: The Son is JeffERy and people get it the other way around all the time.

>65 mahsdad: >66 drneutron: I know when people spell my name wrong it doesn't technically mean they don't care. It sure feels like it to my attention to detail mindedness though!

14. A Thorn Among Fae Joy Lewis
Touted as an enemies to lovers romance, it was too short for my tastes to have the main character make that shift. I expected.... more relationship building. More... everything. The twist at the end was definitely enough to get a fan to buy the next book, I think, but I was not enough of a fan. I won't be reading the next installment.

15. Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
I liked this book. I really enjoyed getting to know Viv better and meeting all of the new supporting characters. It's a great story, a mild and satisfying romance, and an exciting adventure. I think it makes a great prequel to Legends & Lattes and I hope that more books follow.

The weirdest thing is when people get my name wrong replying to an email. The name is written right there!

>70 banjo123: My company uses initials for major systems usernames and if someone spells my name wrong in an email I stop using their name and just use their initials from then on. It really bugs me.

I started Terry Pratchett: A Life With Footnotes today and I have already cried once. We'll see how I manage the rest of it.

I'm working on an Early Reviewers title. I didn't like the beginning but I am trying to read some daily and it's getting a little better.

I haven't liked the Mark Twain I picked for the reading challenge but once I finish the Early Reviewer I will transfer that energy to finishing it.

16. Sourcery Terry Pratchett I finished it last night (2/1/24)
This is a Rincewind novel and he definitely shines, especially towards the end of the book. I liked it, although it was slow in the beginning for me. The Luggage has a forward role, and it's my favorite Discworld character, so that is particularly endearing. I would give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars - I will definitely read it again and enjoy it again.

17. Atom Bomb Baby Brandon Gillespie
This was an early reviewers title from November (that wasn't delivered until late December)
Ashe is a loner who has found a good place to hide out. But then she meets Moonbeam and Rainwood and Jade and has to decide if isolation is her highest priority. The world building and writing felt rushed to me, but the characters grew on me and I felt the ending was satisfactory, with the loose ends pointing to a sequel not glaringly irritating. If I heard of a sequel I would possibly pick it up.

Hi Robyn! I'm finally getting around to returning your visit to my thread. You've been reading up a storm already! Your dogs look sweet.

Our retriever, Jasper, does not like the pressure that comes before a thunderstorm. He often starts pacing before it starts but once the thunder cracked almost overhead and it didn't bother him; I suspect the pressure had dissipated by then. You'd think by now he'd be used to it, with seven years of monsoons under his belt, but no. The last 2 or 3 months have been trying for him since it's bucketed down every day. Only in the last couple of weeks or so has it reduced to a more normal downpour and not quite every day.

18. Terry Pratchett: A Life With Footnotes Rob Wilkins

I met Terry Pratchett once at a book signing. We didn't speak long, but he was kind. I have been a fan since The Colour of Magic was a book club edition in the late 80s. This biography was a chance to get to know the author who has been present in my life for over 30 years. He wasn't made out to be perfect or blameless, and I liked the book for that. The footnotes were a very Terry touch.

>75 humouress: Hi! Thanks for dropping by.
I'm sorry to hear the weather has been so rough on Jasper. Explaining barometric pressure to dogs doesn't come easy. I hope the break in the rain gives him some breathing room!

19. Pyramids Terry Pratchett
Pteppic is up for his run as a full blown Ankh Morpork assassins guild member. Then his dad dies and he has to head home to be king.
Pyramids is one of my favorite Discworld novels. It still makes me snort out loud with amusement every time. I consider Dil and Gern the embalmers and Ptaclusp (and his sons IIa and IIb) the pyramid builders grand old friends. I loved seeing them all again and I look forward to the next time.

>78 elorin: I must get back to reading more of the Discworld books!

>79 PaulCranswick: It's a fun ramble through my remembery. I love re-encountering so many details that had slipped my mind since my last read through.

20. Guards! Guards! Terry Pratchett
This is the introduction of Vimes and the Watch. A dragon starts appearing in Ankh Morpork and Vimes, Colon, Nobby, and Carrot are on the case. Where does it come from and where does it go?

This is a fun story, exciting and full of adventure. I especially love the exploration of the University Library and L-space. Just enough romance to spice things up a tetch.

So you really are being a completist. Hazzah!

>82 weird_O: With the exception of reserving the witches subset for the group read, I am following this book list for reading order: https://www.discworldemporium.com/reading-order/

21. The Echo of Old Books Barbara Davis
This was a surprisingly complicated read.
Ashlyn comes into the ownership of two complimentary books with no authors or copyrights. Even more unusual are the strong emotional echoes she feels when holding each book. The pursuit of the puzzle of who wrote the books takes her places she never expects.

22. Eric Terry Pratchett
Young Eric has summoned a demon and finds himself facing Rincewind and the Luggage. But to his good luck, Rincewind snaps his fingers and finds himself granting wishes. Live forever, be the ultimate ruler of the universe, meet the most beautiful woman in the world. But having your wishes granted isn't exactly all it's cracked up to be. As Eric quickly learns...

>83 elorin: I've bookmarked that site so I can navigate the Discworld over the next year or two. Thanx

I started Moving Pictures and found a stamp in the front cover from a bookstore in the town I went to high school in. I have had this particular paperback for 30 years or so by my calculations!

>86 weird_O: It's a good site overall but the no bones about it publication order is my main reference there. Enjoy!

Have a lovely weekend, Robyn, whether you are grounded in Texas or immersed in Discworld!

23. Moving Pictures Terry Pratchett
Holy Wood dreams and calls out to people. People like Victor the perpetual student wizard and Ginger the milkmaid and Gaspode the talking dog. Come to Holy Wood and make it in the clicks and learn what we mean when we call you larger than life.

I have read and re-read Moving Pictures for 30 some years and I am not tired yet of following the starry eyed characters through their paces. This novel brings me a lot of memories and a lot of joy.

>88 PaulCranswick: Thank you Paul. I'm fighting a cold so it's a stay at home reading kind of weekend.

24. Hurt for Me Heather Levy
A professional dominatrix falls into a police investigation when one of her clients goes missing after seeing her last. The story alternates between 2009 and 2024 every other chapter until the end few.
I found myself feeling sorry for the main character for all the trauma she endured throughout her life, but I was impressed by the story and sincere descriptions of BDSM and consensual practice.

I also have a cold and its keeping me awake but also i took a 2-hour long nap before i was supposed to go to sleep so that may also be why

>92 Owltherian: Hullo. I'm pretty sure my cold meds are keeping me awake, too, and finishing the books I have been reading.

>93 elorin: I just started another two books and they are about 200+ pages each i think- and how are you?

>94 Owltherian: It's hours later and I am still awake. But I found all 14 of the Valentine's Day hunt hearts! I'm turning off my phone to charge overnight and starting my next Discworld read.

>95 elorin: I am also still awake, although working on assignments for school that i didn't finish now. Have a good rest of your day.

>96 Owltherian: When did you finally get to sleep? I crashed about 5:30 am

>97 elorin: I crashed at about 7:00am and woke up at 11am EST

Can I register to join our insomniacs collective?!

25. Credence Penelope Douglas
I'm in an erotica book club and this was February's book. It was hard to read. The main character is faced with a highly traumatic event just a few months before her 18th birthday. She goes to live with her uncle and cousins in Colorado and is faced with erotic tension being the only woman in a male household.
The first half of the book leads up to her 18th birthday and the second half follows her choices in her majority.
I'm not wild about the book and it's topic, but I didn't vote for the book and none of it was boundary crossing for me, although there was some boundary nudging going on.

>98 Owltherian: I got about 4 hours of sleep too.

>99 PaulCranswick: You have to save up for the glow in the dark decoder ring, though. ;)

>101 elorin: It was nice although way later than i would have wanted to 'sleep in'

I broke my Kindle reading streak at 40 weeks. I have had a cold and lost track of time, thinking I finished a book yesterday but it was actually Saturday night. So, starting over today.

26. Reaper Man Terry Pratchett
If Death were given life to live and stepped down from his role, everyone would stop dying. This book is what happens next.

Reaper Man isn't my favorite Discworld novel, but I love it all the same. Windle Poons is possibly the best wizard ever after the Librarian. And the cast of characters from the Fresh Start club tickles my funny bone every time.

There's more than one underlying message to be found here (not the least of which are thoughts on the nature of malls) but nothing stops this from being a fun exploration of a buildup of life force in the meantime.

27. Small Gods Terry Pratchett
Brutha hears the voice of the Great God Om and his entire life changes. He comes to the attention of Vorbis of the exquisition, travels to Ephebe, and meets Ephebian philosophers along the way. Then he returns home and learns even more.

Small Gods is one of my favorite Discworld novels. I love the growth of Brutha and his relationship with his God. Lu-Tze the history monk with his push broom and bonsai mountains is always fun to encounter, too.

28. The Canopy Keepers Veronica G. Henry

I enjoyed the story of Syrah and her lost, adopted, and found family in the frame of the Sequoia National Park.

29. Men at Arms Terry Pratchett
Captain Vimes is getting married, but the Watch is faced with a terrible set of murders. Join Vimes, Carrot, Colon, and Nobby with a batch of new recruits to sleuth the cause of the killing spree.

I'm a fan of Carrot and I love re-watching him come into his own over the course of this novel. This is also where Detritus the troll joins the Night Watch and I have a soft spot for him. This is also where the debate (one of the debates) about royalty versus the Patrician occurs and the pros and cons thereof.

30. We Ate the Dark Mallory Pearson
Missing person - found - and the search for her killer. Chosen family, love, witchery, paranormal hijinks.

31. Wyrd Sisters Terry Pratchett
Magrat, Esme, and Gytha get together for a coven meeting. Meanwhile, the king of Lancre has died and become a ghost. The Duke who inherits is not well loved by the country and he hires a playwright to set the historical record straight.

32. With Shield and Ink and Bone Casey L. Bond
This was a fun read in a Nordic style setting. Liv is faced with tragedy and strikes a bargain with the weaver goddess of the future. I enjoyed the Norse mythos encircling the story as well as the plot.

I grew up a military brat, moving every few years, never having a place to really call home. Until I moved to San Antonio in 2000 and never left. 24 years later I know the rhythm of the seasons here and recognize when winter has lost its grip and spring has come calling.
A few weeks ago I saw my first bluebonnet and thought it couldn't possibly be spring yet, but sure enough now they carpet the fields and the roadside verges. The median crawls with their deep indigo blossoms and the brilliant yellow daisies. The lilacs drip down the trees and bushes, bending to meet the bluebonnets covering the ground, perfuming the sidewalks.
It's spring in San Antonio and the wildflowers are declaring the end to winter across the city.

>111 elorin: No idea what a bluebonnet looks like but you've certainly painted a vivid picture.

>112 humouress: https://images.app.goo.gl/tKhKcNtGLz8h61528 hopefully that works until I can snap a photo

Bluebonnets

>113 elorin: >114 weird_O: Thanks. They look like lupins?

>115 humouress: Yes. They are lupins.

33. A Simple Tale of Ink and Bindings Kami King Larsen
I loved this sweet romantic story of the fey and finding your inner truth. How could I resist a tale about setting up a bookstore/library in a small town! I read this in two sittings, and I am seeking out the related novel when I save this review. There were a few editorial hiccups in the second half of the book, but not enough to compromise enjoying the story.

Not the best photo in the world but bluebonnets on the drive home.

34. Soul Music Terry Pratchett
And so we meet SusanDeath's granddaughter, hear of the listening monks, and see the development of Music with Rocks In. Susan is probably my favorite Discworld character beside Granny Weatherwax and Tiffany Aching (three-way tie). The complications of the Musicians Guild give this novel a bit of edge, and the Librarian's contraption is a delight. A favorite re-read.

35. A Simple Tale of Water and Weeping Kami King Larsen
I liked book 2 so much I bought and enjoyed book 1! Both can stand alone, but both are very well written stories. I enjoyed thoroughly Aylee and Cailean's tale, and the world building of a place where magic is coming back and becoming more common than it was. I will say that for engagement's sake I enjoyed the 2nd novel better. But this is still an excellent tale and I hope to read more.

Absentmindedness...
My wife was going to Walmart and I wanted a frame for a birthday gift I got last year and kept forgetting to frame. I measured the picture, put on shoes, and headed out.

We stopped by the bargain bins and picked up some cleaning cloths and hair claws, went to the pharmacy and ended up getting a COVID booster, looked at more hair claws, wandered through the store picking up air filters for the AC unit and wire snippers for zip ties. Self checkout, go home and we aren't home 30 seconds when I realized I forgot the frame. The whole reason I went along in the first place.

Which is how I find myself shopping Walmart.com for books to add to the picture frame I picked out...

36. What Hurts the Most Willow Rose
This was a thriller/murder mystery in Cocoa Beach, FL told from various POVs. It bounced around a little timeline-wise, but each chapter was labeled with month and year so there was no guessing about when things were going on. It was a super fast, fun read and I liked all of the unexpected plot twists down to the very end.

Immediate Kindle prospects: Murderbot #1, Fourth Wing, or the Beekeeper's Promise.

Decisions, decisions.

37. All Systems Red Martha Wells
This was a good introduction to Murderbot, but I am glad to know there's more to read! I love the way it's hooked on media serials and answers questions so honestly. I look forward to the next installment.

>124 elorin: Ah, another Murderbot fan! Welcome to the club!

>124 elorin: Robyn - a good reminder for me to continue the Murderbot series, I read the first two in 2022, enjoyed them but stopped for some reason. I scrolled through your thread and see you live in San Antonio. I have good memories from when I was stationed there in 1976-77.

38. The Beekeeper's Promise Fiona Valpy

A tale of resilience in the face of adversity, alternating between a modern trauma recovery and the story of a beekeeper in France during the German occupation.

>125 foggidawn: I'm more of an initiate at this point than a fan, but well on my way!

>126 brewbooks: I have been in San Antonio for almost 25 years now and I love it here.

Love the bluebonnets! San Antonio is a very sweet place, we visited a few years ago and really loved it.

39. Den of Vipers K.A. Knight
Do not read this without checking trigger warnings first. This is a long, lusty, bloody adult novel. A reverse harem with 4 gents in a found family and the woman who conquers them all. I liked the characters but I felt like it was about 100 pages too long. There were little inconsistencies that bugged me, but hard to explain.
I started this book in August 2023 but put it down and didn't pick it up again until March, '24.
Overall I give it 3 stars. It would be 3.5 if it had been shorter.

>129 banjo123: SA has a lot to offer to visit as well as if you live here. I try to get photos in the bluebonnets when I can. It's something of a tradition.

40. Interesting Times Terry Pratchett
The counterweight continent has sent a request for a great wizard and who else but Rincewind should meet the call?! Rincewind's adventures in the Aurient include meeting the Red Army, running into Cohen and his horde, and encountering countless butterflies.

My second favorite Rincewind novel, I love the exploration of ethical leadership and the Machiavellian manipulation by the Grand Vizier.

41. The Dark King Gina L. Maxwell
An adult romance. Sexually explicit. Check your trigger warnings before you start it.
Bryn Meara wins a weekend in Vegas after losing her job and figures what the hell, so she goes to Vegas. But after meeting the hotel owner her first night there, she wakes up hungover and married to him. Then he turns out to be the king of the Dark Fae...

42. Feet of Clay Terry Pratchett
Who is poisoning Vetinari and how? Are there ~gasp~ female dwarves in the Watch? Who is the Earl of Ankh? Are golems things or people? This novel has some funny moments of course but I enjoy the characters finding their identities the most.

43. White Whale Frank Prem
It was not to my tastes. There were some clever turns of phrase, but conceptually I felt lost and I was unable to visualize the premise described in the book blurb. I liked the use of stanzas and line breaks to create visual as well as verbal imagery. But overall I felt like I was trying too hard to understand what was going on and I didn't enjoy the experience.

Relaxing in the bed before sleep with all three dogs sleeping and sighing along. It's rare for everyone to be on the bed for very long but tonight they seem determined not to be budged. Thank goodness for a king sized mattress.

Work was very chill today despite a monthly task coming due and taking up most of the morning.

Income tax return came in just in time for a buy one get 5 (five!) free sale on corsets. They should arrive tomorrow in time to wear one to Sherwood Forest Fair on Saturday. Income tax return also funded replacement parts for the master bathroom toilet that gave up the ghost a few weeks back. And a new BBQ grill, although some of the parts are flawed so we're waiting for replacements in the mail.

7 out of 8 checkmarks today. I give myself a second place badge because I know I took enough steps even though I didn't leave my desk from 3 to 4 PM.

Finished Feet of Clay and my last Early Reviewers title, starting Hogfather and the second Deviant Kings novel, The Rebel King.

44. The Rebel King Gina L. Maxwell
Adult romance. Check trigger warnings before reading.
Tiernan inherits the throne when his brother abdicates the throne. Tiernan's FWB relationship with Fiona develops as Fiona's mother Erin drops a bombshell. Meanwhile dark Fae are being murdered and Tiernan won't let it continue.

45. The Lost Letters of Aisling Cynthia Ellingsen
This was on my Kindle and I picked it out as my next Kindle read, then I couldn't put it down. Evie's adventures with Harding in Ireland play out in counterpoint to Rainie's trip to Ireland with her sick grandmother. Poignant tales of love and loss and the value of friendship and family. I thoroughly enjoyed the story.

I got my walking badge today! It's amazing how gratifying such a little digital thing can be. My wife is under the weather so assembly of the BBQ grill is on hold as we decided to do the project together. More time for reading!
Current reads are Hogfather and Kronnus 13 plus the Sunstone sketchbook that came in the mail from the Kickstarter.

46. Kronnus 13 James Sharkey
Young adult science fiction. Kids on Earth are dying around their 13th birthday but there's a cure on another planet. Zak is chosen to travel to Kronnus 13 and receive the cure, but there he finds his adventure is just beginning.
I liked the story but not really enough to seek out the rest of the series.

I got my walking badge today and work let out early so I was the one to take Mei to her appointment. Turns out it was for a nail trim, but while I was there I got her flea and tick medication.
No work tomorrow but no plans for the long weekend except continue putting together the BBQ grill. Maybe by the end of the weekend we'll be ready to find a propane tank. Slow and steady wins the race.

Still reading Hogfather and picked Moon Life for my next Kindle read. Still watching Grimm one episode nightly.

47. Hogfather Terry Pratchett
Death is doing duty as the Hogfather, filling stockings and driving the sleigh. Meanwhile Susan Sto Helit is tracking down the tooth fairies with the help of the oh god of hangovers (temporarily cured).
I love Susan and Death's a close second but I have a really hard time reading this novel. I don't know what it is but I had deep resistance every time I picked it up until about half way and even then it wasn't easy to read. Maybe it's the villain of the story (I really don't like him) or his cronies. It's a good story, just not for me.

Putting together the BBQ grill we went from step 10 to step 20, but took a break and hope to tackle more tonight (there's 27 steps total and we're missing one piece so we can't finish until it's shipped and delivered).
Work is closed today, so I got my movement by walking through the house repeatedly (and some in the backyard). The dogs were highly entertained but I got my badge!
I finished Hogfather and discovered that I don't own a physical copy of the next Discworld novel (although I do have an ebook). So I ordered a copy of Jingo and I will be reading digitally until it arrives. I'm not finding Moon Life engaging yet, but I read a few more chapters of the Opium Wars and I will try Moon Life again later today.

ETA We finished the grill and even found the missing bracket. Now to buy propane and test it.

48. The Opium Wars Adrian Ramos
Non-fiction
This overview of the conflicts known as the Opium Wars gives a good start to understanding this period of time and the battles over British and French influence and commerce in China, particularly in regards to the opium trade. It's hard to get too in depth in the myriad aspects and retain a short book, too many players, places, and names to keep track of, but this book provides a good introduction and concludes with a good biography for further reading.

49. Jingo Terry Pratchett
What do you do when a lost island rises in the middle of the sea? Claim it for your country! And what if there's counterclaims? Why then you go to war, of course. Vimes, Carrot, Angua, and the entire Watch sign up under Vimes' banner and head to Klatch. Vetinari enlists the help of Colon and Nobby, and Leonard of Squirm brings along his great invention.
I love this book. Nobby explores sexual magnetism, the difference between police and military is explored, and Vetinari tries juggling.
I woke at 3 AM and read it almost in one sitting.

I bought Penric's Demon on triple Kindle points day and I am only 37 pages in but I am super excited. Lois McMaster Bujold's writing style and engagement are just as riveting as I remember from The Curse of Chalion I can see myself finishing the story and moving to the next one today.

You're flying through your Discworld reread! I'm slowly working my way through the Vorkosigan saga for the first time but I'd like to try Bujold's Chalion books at some point, too.

50. Penric's Demon Lois McMaster Bujold
Though brief, this story is a great introduction to Penric and how he came to be possessed by Desdemona. I can't wait to read the next story and see where they go together.

>147 curioussquared: I have read the Discworld novels so many times before, the reread goes pretty fast.

I loved the Vorkosigan saga, it's the first series of books I got completely digitally. I've only read them once through and look forward to reading them again one day.

The World of the five Gods (that the Chalion novels are set in) has been amazing for me. They aren't dense so much as they are...meaty is the only word that comes to mind. I have gushed about them since about page 50 of the Curse of Chalion. Between Miles and Chalion and the Sharing Knife books I am in total awe of Lois McMaster Bujold.

Happy Sunday and hooray for the grill! We have to get ours going.

>150 banjo123: Happy Sunday! It even works (we had burgers)!

51. Penric and the Shaman Lois McMaster Bujold
I had a little understanding of what a shaman in the world of the five Gods is, having read the three books starting with the Curse of Chalion. I enjoyed this story, again wishing it was longer, and the dogs were my favorite characters. A line stuck in my head about praying in front of altars and not to them. I might find the exact quote later.

52. Penric's Fox Lois McMaster Bujold
When a sorceress is found murdered and her demon fled the scene, Pen and Des are asked to help find the murderer and the missing demon.

53. Masquerade in Lodi Lois McMaster Bujold
Penric and Desdemona are called to identify a raving man fished out of the sea. The madman escapes and they team up with Blessed Chio to hunt him down on the eve of Bastard's day.

54. Penric's Mission Lois McMaster Bujold
Penric's is on a covert diplomatic mission when he's arrested and thrown in a hopeless prison. Of course he doesn't die (there's 6 more books) and this is the tale of how he got out and what happened then.

55. Mira's Last Dance Lois McMaster Bujold
Penric is escaping Cedonia with Nikys when his talents lead him to a brothel for an evening rest. Overnight to hide their identities Penric dresses as a woman. When a Cedonian general takes an interest in the tall "courtesan", Desdemona's own Mira takes over for a last bow she never expected.

56. The Prisoner of Limnos Lois McMaster Bujold
When Nikys' mother is incarcerated in a retreat for the Mother that only lets in women, Nikys' and Penric travel to Limnos to plan a daring escape.

57. The Orphans of Raspay Lois McMaster Bujold
Penric takes responsibility for two young girls when they are thrown into a pirate hold together. He and Desdemona shelter the girls and do their best to rescue them from being sold into slavery.
I loved the story and learning about the girls and their passed mother. My favorite passage was when Penric lost his temper on the waterfront.

58. The Physicians of Vilnoc Lois McMaster Bujold
Penric is enlisted to help with an illness at the fort, that spreads to the nearby village and then the town of Vilnoc. With the head army physician taken by the contagion, Penric, Desdemona, and the second highest medical officer do all they can to stem the tide before it overtakes them all.
I felt this illustration of why medicine is not Penric's calling quite enlightening.

59. Assassins of Thasalon Lois McMaster Bujold
Penric is a good father and a good husband. As a good brother-in-law he accompanies Adelis to a council with the Duke, after which all hell breaks loose. A rogue sorceress has to be caught, but when the white god makes his will known there's nothing for it but a trip to Thasalon.
I craved a longer, more in depth story with Penric and Desdemona and it was everything I hoped for.

60. Knot of Shadows Lois McMaster Bujold
Two empty vessels invite two squatters, and four lives for Penric to untangle. With Alixtra and Arra's help, Penric and Desdemona canvas Vilnoc in search of the tangled threads.
I most loved the poor young boy and the presentation of the God for his assent. Heart wrenching and endearing at the same time.

61. Demon Daughter Lois McMaster Bujold
A young girl washes up in a coastal village, apparently be-demoned, speaking only Roknari. Penric is of course needed as translater and Temple sensitive to find out what happened. Little Otta is welcomed by Pen and Des and the whole household but whether she will keep her demon is up to the God.

Since March 31 I have read 11 novellas and one novel by Lois McMaster Bujold about Penric and Desdemona. I am replete. Stuffed. It was a delicious distraction I will happily revisit in the future. The theology of the World of the Five Gods is complex and satisfying as are the two magic systems (demons and sorcerers and shamans and their beasts).

>163 elorin: That is some binge!

>164 PaulCranswick: It was and it was sooo good! Shorter than Discworld and longer than a trilogy and delicious in every installment.

>118 elorin: >116 weird_O: Very pretty. I love the way they're hinged just right for the weight of a bumblebee.

>119 elorin: etc. Hmm; maybe time for a return to the Discworld.

>148 elorin: etc. and maybe I should get to the Penric books, now that they're on my shelves.

>147 curioussquared: You absolutely should try the Chalion books.

>166 humouress: You absolutely should give Penric and Desdemona a try. The stories are a bite sized delight and the one full length novel was soo good in my opinion.

>166 humouress: I might give them a shot once I finish my slow readthrough of the Vorkosigan books :)

Tom Gauld poking a little fun...

    

>169 weird_O: XD

>169 weird_O: LOL 😂

62. The Last Continent Terry Pratchett
When last we saw Rincewind he was leaving the Counterweight Continent by force of magic. But the spell went wrong and this is where he went.
Terra Incognita. Ecks Ecks Ecks Ecks. The land of koalas and drop bears and Didjabringabeeralong. Where it never rains and Rincewind meets a shady kangaroo.
Meanwhile the faculty of Unseen University find a window propped open that leads to a sunny beach. It seems like the ideal idyll until the window shuts and there's no way home.
My favorite part is making beetles, but my second favorite part is Letitia, Darleen, and Nielette and their new acquisition Trunkie.
Very fun, highly funny, only recommended if you have a taste for Rincewind.

Friday I had a dental appointment to extract my lower right molar that lost a crown when I couldn't afford to replace it then subsequently broke low enough that it wouldn't hold another crown. Spoilered details of dental work. Dentist tried to put me off but I told them I needed an extraction when I made the appointment and I can't afford to miss work just for an evaluation. He "squeezed me in."
The actual extraction felt brutal because he couldn't get a grip on the tooth but other than a lot of pressure and a longer process than expected it wasn't bad. The tooth came out in two pieces, it didn't shatter or leave pieces of root behind.
My left shoulder is improving with the corticosteroid steroid shot and I went for a second physical therapy evaluation on Thursday which should also help.
My daughter turned 25 today and I have been thinking a lot about carrying her and when she was born.
I got my walking badge on Thursday (but not Friday or today) and I may not be walking that many steps but it feels so much healthier to try to move hourly. My health is offers rewards for 5,000 steps in a day so I am going to see about not just getting my badge daily but earning that reward too when I can.
My contract at work ends at the end of June, so I am gearing up my resume update and heading back into the looking for work cycle.
Today was a cleaning more than decluttering day and we vacuumed the bedroom (often missed when we vacuum the rest of the house) but did some organization while moving stuff out of the way to vacuum. Solved the low suction problem my wife has been having with the new vacuum also.
I took a Discworld detour into the World of the Five Gods but I am back on track reading Discworld again now that I delved through Penric and Desdemona and came out the other end. Red Mars is on the nightstand waiting it's turn in the queue and Fourth Wing is a likely candidate for my next Kindle read, although whether it will interrupt Thieves World or wait in line is uncertain. The Smut Book Club title for April is A Soul To Keep by Opal Reyne.

Robyn (with a Y) -- I found you! Okay quick responses to what I read here. Sounds like you are getting things in order everywhere. Nicely done. Wish I could say the same, LOL. And after reading your thread I really need to get back to Terry Pratchett. I love the bluebonnet pictures! Enjoying a nice bit of spring in Portland; loving the sunshine today. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. : )

>174 Berly: Thanks for coming by. Life is in a productive get it done mode rather than maintaining and I am making the most of it.

Bluebonnets are one of the joys of spring for me. They are gone now and I didn't get any selfies in the bluebonnets this year, but there's always next year.

Enjoy Portland! I miss the PNW and mountains even though I made SA my home for so long.

The lilacs have blown, the bluebonnets have gone to seed, the dessicated stems mown down. The meadows and fields and the roadside verges are covered in varying tones of yellow and the purply-er wildflowers I don't know the names of. The prickly pears have thrown out new palms of spiky green and brilliant yellow blossoms at the tops of them, luring the bees to pollinate so they can create their fruits later. Every once in a while I see the white flowers I call starflowers, that bloom at night and close up in the light of day. And the fierce white "roses" with the spiked stems that beg to be plucked but penetrate your palms with needle sharp, invisible fibers if you dare. Spring progresses, the temperature rises, the humidity wraps itself around you as you step outside.

63. The Fifth Elephant Terry Pratchett
Vimes got another promotion, and as well as being the Duke of Ankh Morpork he is now an ambassador to Uberwald. With the introduction of the clacks he should be able to stay in touch with the Watch while he visits Bonk for the Low King's coronation. But between the dwarves, the vampires, and the werewolves nothing is as simple as it might seem. Meanwhile back home, Colon is left in charge and he's on the case of the sugar cube bandit.
This novel resonates with me. From Carrot and Angua's storyline to Sybil's surprising soprano solo, there's a lot here about love and sacrifice as well as duty and honor and other kinds of sacrifices. Fun and funny but gut wrenching, too. The thing and the whole of the thing.

Hi Robyn! Thanks for visiting my thread. I see you have been reading the Discworld novels. Great!

>176 elorin: I loved your spring description! Especially as we are still in some kind of February chill mode here. Bluebonnets seem lovely.

>178 EllaTim: Hi, thanks for dropping by. Yes, I am enjoying this Discworld re-read quite a bit. I have to decide now if I should get a paperback copy of the Truth or stick with my signed hardback as the only physical copy I have.

Spring really resonates with me, but the myriad colors seen on just the short drive to and from work very much inspired me this year. Bluebonnets are great especially in big wide, dense fields of them! There's a law against mowing them down I've been told, though I don't know if it's city, county, or state.

64. The Truth Terry Pratchett
The printing press has come to Ankh Morpork and it is changing everything. William de Worde finds himself feeding the hungry press daily despite the Guild of Engravers, a competing press, and out and out thugs out to get him. His investigation into Lord Vetinari's suspicious arrest leads deep into the Ankh Morpork underground and uncovers startling influences at work in the city.
This onset of the industrial revolution on Discworld seems inevitable but so very different from the Discworld I'm used to. I like the characters, the storyline, even the new technology, and yet, I hate it.

65. A Soul to Keep Opal Reyne
An adult fantasy in an Earth invaded by demons. Demons become what they eat, so the more humans they eat the more humanity they gain. The main character Reia is offered as a sacrifice to a Duskwalker in return for a 10 year spell of protection.
I enjoyed Reia's story, but the writing style bugged me. Not enough to put down the book but enough to read it slowly.
This is a book club selection for my smut book club. There are other books in the series but I haven't decided if I will read any of them yet.

A conundrum: I have Thieves' World Volume One on the Kindle. It consists of the first three Thieves' World anthologies. I just finished the first book. Do I count it as a completed book and log it or do I wait until I have finished the trilogy. If I wait, do I count it as 1 book finished or 3? Opinions welcomed.

For compendia like that I usually count each book separately. But it’s entirely up to you. Your thread, your rules!

By the way, loved the Thieves’ World books back in the day!

66. Thief of Time Terry Pratchett
Two foundlings from Ankh Morpork. A clockmaker and a thief. The clockmaker is hired to make a glass clock. The thief is apprenticed to the History Monks. Death's granddaughter Susan is enlisted to investigate and prevent catastrophe.
This novel is a fun adventure with an unexpected twist. I love love love Susan and can't deny the insights given to a box of chocolates. The concept of paying your debts is explored and the five horsemen of the apocalypse ride out, an expression of embracing old, returned companions.
For me, this book felt much faster than The Truth. Maybe it was the chocolates.

67. The Last Hero Terry Pratchett
The cover calls this a Discworld fable. I loved it. Cohen and his Silver Horde are going to bring fire back to the gods, but doing so could cause the end of the world. The Ankh Morpork crew of wizards, Watch, and Leonard of Quirm leap to the rescue...
This fully illustrated book is full of the Pratchett sense of humor mixed with apt, wry observations on human nature. And gorgeous color illustrations!
I have owned this volume for over a decade and never read it until now. I have no idea what was wrong with me. I look forward to reading it again and again.

>185 elorin: Great! Very nice to find a new discworld novel you hadn’t read, and liking it. I’ll have to go and look for it.

I'm not going to count them toward 75, but I did read them both today.
Where the Wild Things Are and In the Night Kitchen both by Maurice Sendak.
"We'll eat you up, we love you so." I have had this kind of rough day that ended with comfort and love. I love my parents for letting me rage like Max and then come back to myself.
I didn't really like In the Night Kitchen very much, although the art was amazing.

68. Witches Abroad Terry Pratchett
When Magrat inherits a Magic Wand and a goddaughter, the witches of Lancre travel to Genua to see the story to its end. With lots of pumpkins, dwarf bread, and Greebo along for the trip Esme Weatherwax, Gytha Ogg, and Magrat Garlick brave foreign parts and drinks with bananana in to see it all finished.
This is only the second time I have read this, I am not sure how I missed it for so long. My favorite part is Greebo towards the end. But the perspective on putting people in to stories is enjoyable, also.

>1 elorin: theives world?! oh my that was one of my fav books to reread. I still have it; wonder how it would hold up

>189 cindydavid4: I always meant to read the Thieves' World books and came across an omnibus with volumes 1-3. I'm enjoying them, am about midway through book 2.

I stand corrected. I was almost done with the second Thieves' World volume.
Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn Ed. Robert Lynn Aspirin and Lynn Abbey
Characters come and go, but magic and darkness surround them all, with an enticing Chamber of Commerce message to wrap them up.
I'm enjoying the bite sized short stories on my Kindle. They make a good accompaniment to my breaks and lunch and sometimes my short walks to get my steps in at work. The interwoven framework and different authors keep it interesting.
I have decided to count each book individually, but not to add them to my count until I finish the omnibus volume. Hence the review but no number.

I am awake and no one to talk to so why not write.
My frozen shoulder has been improving since the first injection and with physical therapy, but I have problems and pain trying to reach behind my back or behind my head. It hurts to put my hair in a ponytail and I can't put my belt through the belt loops once my pants are on without pain. A visit today to the orthopedist and I got a second injection, but this one has resulted in pain in the shoulder, enough to be keeping me awake and taking OTC pain medicine. I'm hoping it subsides overnight.
I missed one of my morning medicines yesterday and hence slept the day away. I broke my Kindle reading streak and forgot to journal as well. I have to laugh because someone told me how to cheat the system and get my streak back, but since I knew I didn't really read on the Kindle app I am not going to.
Speaking of journaling, I tried to journal every day in April and ended up missing 7 days. For May my goal is to "journal every day in May, or at least more than I did in April." I have already missed two days so I am trying to buckle down and develop a routine to make myself less likely to miss.
I finally made it to the Discworld novel The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, something that has been on my "pending" list since I started this thread in January. I watched "The Amazing Maurice" with my wife and while it was okay I remembered the book as being better. Here's where I find out for sure.
I need to go up to the top of this thread and do some housekeeping. I considered a new thread with the new month, but I will just keep this one a little while longer.
Amazon First Reads came out for May. I think I will read the one I picked before getting back to the Thieves' World volume.

>149 elorin: Hi Robyn. I loved The Vorkosigan Saga when I listened to the series years ago driving back and forth from here (Springfield, MO) to Denver to check on my preemie granddaughter, who is 10 yrs. old now (and very healthy). Loved Miles V. and his antics in space. I haven't read any Bujold since then. I need to rectify that.

>176 elorin: You write beautifully. I can almost see those bluebonnets! I lived in Central Texas waaaay back in the early 60's when my father was stationed at Fort Hood. I have some fond memories of that golden age.

>192 elorin: That frozen shoulder sounds painful. I hope you get some longer lasting relief soon.

>193 Donna828: Hi! I first found Lois McMaster Bujold through the Vorkosigan saga, and then checked out her other writing. The Sharing Knife books are intense and intriguing, and the Chalion novels were so stimulating to me! Revisiting the world of the 5 Gods with Penric and Desdemona was addictive. Her writing is so different but all of it is great.
Thank you for the compliment. I do like to write. I always find bluebonnet season inspiring!
Thankfully my frozen shoulder has improved with the injections. I'm hoping this second injection will improve the limited mobility even further than the first one did.

Happy Mother's Day to any who note it, in the USAsian reckoning. I texted my mom this morning and will call a little later on. I don't expect a call from my daughter, but we had a lovely long phone call on Friday.

My smut book club met in person for the first time yesterday and I was asked to become an admin. I accepted. We did a book swap and I ended up with Bride of the Wolf by Susan Krinard. I'm currently working on the third Thieves' World volume for my daily Kindle dose and The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents. The smut book of the month is Anne Rice's Claiming of Sleeping Beauty, which I will start when I am done with Maurice.

Dinner will be cedar plank salmon and maybe potato salad, and French bread. I'm looking forward to seeing if there's a noticeable difference between cooking it in the oven or on the grill.

I started decluttering in the living room and already identified a dozen books to make it to the donation pile. I am going to re-read book 11, maybe 10 and 11 of the Left Behind books and read book 12 which I will have to get from the library I guess, and then give away the 11 volumes I have. And I came across one of the Stasheff Warlock books which I thought I had gotten rid of all of them, so into the donation pile it goes. Meanwhile, deciding how to tag the books in LT or just delete them.

>195 elorin: Love that you are in a smut book club. There's a romance book club run by my favorite indie bookstore, but it only meets virtually and I would want it to be in person :(

Re: tagging donated books, I personally tag them "donated" and also add them to a "donated" collection, and then remove them from the Your Library collection, so I can still have a record of books I've gotten rid of and they also still appear in my collections that list what I read each year, but they're not counted in my library overall.

I also keep all the books I get rid of in my LT account. I have a collection for "deaccessioned" (which could be donated, given away, lost, recycled, etc.) and I also tag them with the year (e.g. "deaccessioned 2024") so I can see how many I've gotten rid of in a particular year. I'll never have to wonder if I have read them and when, or if I should buy a copy (obviously not if I got rid of it!).

69. The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents Terry Pratchett
The Clan is a group of rats who came to awareness and intelligence after feeding on a magical refuse pile. Maurice is a cat who started talking about the same time. Together with the dumb looking kid, Keith, they have a fantastic plan for stripping government of their money.

But in Bad Blintz the story takes an unexpected turn.

This is the first Discworld book geared specifically for a younger audience. It doesn't feel like it's geared towards kids. It's a fun book with plenty of moral lessons and twists and turns and muddy intervals. I love Maurice and Sardines and Keith and Peaches.

And in my opinion the book is far superior to the animated show floating out there.

>197 norabelle414: I can feel a cull coming on with me too, Nora.

Lovely to see you getting ever closer to 75 books already, Robyn.

70, 71, 72
Thieves' World Volume One Edited by Robert Lynn Aspirin and Lynn Abbey. Comprised of the three anthologies Thieves' World, Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn, and Shadows of Sanctuary.

Shadows of Sanctuary is another thrilling installment in the Thieves' World franchise. Exciting explorations of magic, bravery, derring do, and exquisite skill fill the pages. Tempus's rescue from the vivisectionist is a favorite, as is the exploration of his relationship with his god.

The short stories move quickly and I find myself off balance for not remembering all of the details from previous tales as new ones spin the story further. I am definitely going to reread at least some of these to sort out the story threads.

I look forward to volume two.

oh now that is making me want to pull my copy off the shelves dust it off and revisit these!

73. Artificial Condition The Murderbot Diaries 2 Martha Wells
Murderbot investigates its past and takes on a client to help get where it needs to go, defending them ferociously when needed.

Murderbot befriends an intelligent transport, dubbing it ART, along the way.

I enjoy Murderbot's explorations so far, although it's a bit scathing and self derisive.

>196 curioussquared: This is my first ever book club. Some of the discussions make me chuckle but so far the book selections have been intriguing.

The combination of tags and collection changes makes sense. Most of what I am coming across is duplicate copies with a hardback and paperback copy and I am deleting whichever lands in the donate pile. But some I want to keep a record of.

>197 norabelle414: Tracking when I remove the books from my library appeals to me. I think I will follow your example.

>199 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul! I didn't expect to approach 75 so quickly!

>201 cindydavid4: I am so thoroughly enjoying the Thieves' World stories. If you dig them up, do let me know if they stood the test of time for you.

I have been enjoying the Murderbot series and the snarky humor. Keep going!

>207 Berly: I am buying Murderbot books on Kindle on the double points days. I am enjoying them a lot!

74. Rogue Protocol The Murderbot Diaries 3 Martha Wells
Murderbot heads to a failed terraform station looking for evidence against the corporation that employed it at the start. It gets pulled into the drama as the humans it hitched a ride with start fighting amongst themselves, and find themselves fighting three combat bots, too.
Murderbot is so scathing, but its underlying reflex to help humans is quite endearing. The writing style is great and very engaging.

75. Exit Strategy The Murderbot Diaries 4 Martha Wells
Murderbot heads to the GrayCris corporate HQ to find out what happened to Mensah.
I think this volume explores a little more of Murderbot's feelings and loyalties and humanizes him a bit.

Congrats on hitting the goal!

>210 elorin: Congratulations on reaching 75, Robyn!

>211 drneutron: >212 FAMeulstee: Thanks!

76. Network Effect Murderbot Diaries 5 Martha Wells
Murderbot is at its scathing best, abducted by mystery Targets along with members of its crew, solving a mystery and reconnecting with its friend ART. Along with excessive use of parentheses, daring rescue attempts and devastating damage, Murderbot explores the meaning of relationships and learns a little bit more about what it wants.
I heart Murderbot. Its painfully awkward attempts at communicating with humans tugs my heartstrings. Its internal monologue makes me laugh. I look forward to reading more.

77. Fugitive Telemetry Murderbot Diaries 6 Martha Wells
On Preservation Station a dead body is found and Murderbot contracts with Port Authority to help find the killer.
Always scathing and parenthetical, Murderbot is challenged in working with humans that don't trust it, and it has to use softer skills to win them over and save the day. I enjoyed this story but it felt way too short.

78. System Collapse Murderbot Diaries 7 Martha Wells
This picks up right after the end of #5, Network Effect as Murderbot and ART are trying to identify the colonists and their options. Meanwhile Barish-Estranza representatives are trying to recover what they can from the colony.
This novel is a big exploration of Murderbot's feelings and capacity of working with others including new humans.
This felt huge to me in a good way. Murderbot is rattled and his self deprecation is sincere as opposed to arrogantly ironic. I love the internal processing going on while facing dwindling resources (need more drones!) and challenging circumstances.

Congratulations on surpassing the 75 book goal, Robyn.

I think it's a good idea to read the Murderbot books in succession. I spread them out quite a bit and lost track of the thread a few times. I wish I had your comments to read back then. You have done a great job of summarizing without giving away too much of the plot.

>217 Donna828: Thanks Donna! I really enjoyed the Murderbot Diaries, hence blazing through them. Waiting for the next to be published will be an exercise in patience. Although Kindle informed me there's a short story to be had!
I appreciate the feedback on my summaries/comments.

Today I finished the first bookcase. Dusting, admiring, reminiscing, and comparing to my Library Thing catalog. I caught a few that didn't make it into LT the first time around, but I added them now.
Most importantly I came across my copy of Robin Hood that I have been looking for for over a year. My grandfather gave me that volume in 5th grade and I don't know how many times I have read it. The sheer feelings of relief and joy I felt when I saw that beloved spine! I look forward to reading it again shortly and giving it pride of place on one of the new shelves when I have done.

Hi Robyn! I'm catching up again. Congratulations on 75!

I read Thieves World way back when, in university (yes, I should have been studying, but ...); maybe I should get back to it.

>219 elorin: Well done on the bookshelves and for finding Robin Hood again. My mum had copies of Ivanhoe and (darn, can't remember the other one right now) which she won as prizes from school and I'd love to have but I suspect that she's 'deaccessioned' them.