First… If you’re free, I’m going to be reading an unpublished short story tonight at the monthly meeting of the Albuquerque Science Fiction Society. The meeting starts at 7:30. First time visitors are requested to make a $1.00 donation. (Others must pay their club dues.)
Persephone and Naruto
The meeting is held in the Activity Room of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church at the west end of building – please enter through North Door (backside of building). Contact Jessica C./Craig C. at 266-8905 or cwcraig@nmia.com with any questions.
So… For those of you just discovering this feature, the Friday Fragments lists what I’ve read over the past week. Most of the time I don’t include details of either short fiction (unless part of a book-length collection) or magazines.
The Fragments are not meant to be a recommendation list. If you’re interested in a not-at-all-inclusive recommendation list, you can look on my website under Neat Stuff.
Once again, this is not a book review column. It’s just a list with, maybe, a bit of description or a few opinions tossed in.
Recently Completed:
Jim Henson: The Biography by Brian Jay Jones. Audiobook. Sometimes when an artist becomes iconic, it’s easy to forget the ups and downs along the way. If this biography has a sub-text, it’s “If you believe in your work, then persist.” Bonus. Reader Kirby Heyborne works very hard to capture the voices of various key people in Henson’s life, including Henson’s own gentle “Kermit-the-Frog” voice. A performance that adds to the pleasure of the work.
A Choice of Gods by Clifford Simak. A novel wrapped around a theological/philosophical meditation.
Naruto by Masashi Kihimoto. Finished my re-read of this long manga series and found it very satisfying.
In Progress:
Mind of the Raven by Bernd Heinrich. I loved his Ravens in Winter and have meant to read this for a long time. While Ravens in Winter focused on the question of why ravens would call to share food, this is a more general look at this complex bird. Oh, this is non-fiction!
And Carry a Big Stick by S.M. Stirling. Manuscript of the first book in a new series. Over halfway and the situation is dire.
The Bees by Laline Paull. Audiobook. Fiction. Flora 717 is not a typical bee. Story is told mostly from her point of view as she moves through many different roles – including, possibly, that of traitor to all she thinks she holds dear.
Also:
Some short stuff, especially catching up on archeological magazines.
February 12, 2017 at 8:27 pm |
Jane, if you’re enjoying Bernd Heinrich, I’d recommend his WINTER WORLD and his autobiographical work THE SNORING BIRD.
THE BEES looks like it could be good.
February 13, 2017 at 8:58 am |
I had my quibbles about some of the author’s stylistic/diction choices in THE BEES, but ultimately found it an ambitious and interesting book with a satisfying ending.
I do like Heinrich’s work and appreciate the recommendations for further reading. Thanks!