It’s been a heck of a week, with very little time for reading, but happily a new-to-me book arrived just in time. For those of you who’ve expressed concern, thank you. I’ll see what’s up next week and maybe report on the WW, but too much is up in the air.
For those of you unfamiliar with this column, 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:
The Magician of Hoad by Margaret Mahy. A thoughtful fantasy that takes the main characters over many years, from childhood into full adulthood. Some might find parts “slow,” but I enjoyed very, very much. I’m glad we bought this one based on liking the author’s work in the past, because I know I will re-read.
In Progress:
The Age of Faith by Will Durant. Audiobook. Non-fiction. In the Dark Ages.
Mystery Mile by Margery Allingham. Back to classic British mystery.
Also:
Stopped on the short fiction read. Maybe I just picked the wrong stories, but nothing really grabbed me.
July 10, 2020 at 2:01 am |
Glad to see you returning to New Zealand author Margaret Mahy. I felt this was one of her weaker books but I can certainly understand its appeal. She remains one of my favorite writers and I heartily recommend her books to everyone.
July 10, 2020 at 8:03 am |
I really liked it. There’s a thoughtfulness to it, and a willingness to allow for mystic as well as magic. But then I’m a HUGE fan of Patricia McKillip, so it’s no surprise I liked this.
July 10, 2020 at 7:42 am |
I’m still working my way through The Toll. I haven’t been able to stay awake long enough to read when the quiet finally comes.
I hope you’re able to vanquish the chaos monster.
July 10, 2020 at 8:03 am |
Me, too, as to the monster. You understand these things better than most.
July 10, 2020 at 10:49 am |
On a non-fiction binge at the moment: “Cowboy: How Hollywood Invented the Wild West,” “WorldCon Guest of Honor Speeches,” “The Room Where It Happened”…
July 10, 2020 at 2:24 pm |
Are you sure that World Con GOH speeches don’t qualify as fiction?
July 10, 2020 at 9:02 pm |
I’ve just been re-reading for a few weeks. All of them are books or series I’ve mentioned here before.
Sometimes, you just want the familiar, to comfort you.
“The universe is exactly the size that your soul can encompass. Some people live in extremely small worlds, and some live in a world of infinite possibility.”
~ from “Hounded” by Kevin Hearne
July 13, 2020 at 7:17 am |
Re-reads are good.