Persephone Recommends
As Jim gets better, Roary the kitten recovers from a complex neuter, and elderly Kwahe’e holds his ground, I feel my stress levels ebbing. And, as a bonus, we had rain!
One of the books on this week’s list is an indirect recommendation from an FF reader, who recommended Skyward. I never would have tried it without her, so thank you!
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 Estate of the Beckoning Lady by Margery Allingham. A jump to a later part of the series. I love her quirky characters.
In Progress:
Starsight by Brandon Sanderson. Sequel to Skyward. Space opera that isn’t military SF, even though military action is an element. Very character driven.
The Age of Faith by Will Durant. Audiobook. Non-fiction. The Crusades. Pure depression.
Also:
I’m also spending a lot of time doing my first pass read-through of SK4. So far, I’m enjoying! This is not a lack of modesty on my part. If I can’t enjoy what I wrote, how can I expect anyone else to do so?
Jane Lindskold: Wednesday Wanderings 
July 24, 2020 at 3:32 am |
This week I read Soul Music (Discworld #16) by Terry Pratchett. I really enjoyed this book! I liked the characters, laughed/groaned at the puns, and pondered the more philosophical parts.
For something different, I am reading Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby. This is a series of essays by a 40 year old black woman author. She describes, in humorous detail, her challenges in getting older, settling into marriage with step children and moving away from big city life. I may not be the target audience, but I am still glad I am reading it.
July 24, 2020 at 7:45 am |
“pondered the more philosophical points.” Yes. That’s what sold me on Pratchett, once he permitted himself to slip these in. He makes me laugh out loud AND ponder. Wonderful.
July 24, 2020 at 4:01 pm |
Discovered “Unf*ck Your Adulting” by Faith Harper on sale on Kindle today. 70% through it. Been totally sucked in. One everyone should have I think. (or at least read, and remember/apply the content). Basic concepts for living a respectful life – of both others and yourself, and getting the most out of this experience.
July 25, 2020 at 10:12 am |
I’d say the first step is get rid of the term “adulting.” It makes being an adult a penalty, instead of a leveling up. Sure there are responsibilities, but tell me a stage in life where there isn’t?
July 25, 2020 at 10:49 am |
Yeah, I don’t like the word “adulting” either. (could also do without the prolific swearing, but that’s me. Took me a while to get used to the millennial lingo, but it does give an interesting view on how they think. And I’ve decided I like her casual style of writing. ) BTW, the author is NOT a millenial. Just making the language relatable, I think.
July 26, 2020 at 1:56 pm |
Thanks! Appreciate the further review. Some of my best friends are millenials. As a group, they take WAY too much grief.
July 27, 2020 at 9:37 pm |
I’m glad Jim is getting better and you had R-A-I-N ! We didn’t have much, but T or C had 5 inches in one night -they flooded. Today is cleanup, or will be when the water goes down.
I found a number of Pratchett books in my shop which are on my list to read (they are boxed since I started to “downsize” just in time to stay home). I am slowly bringing books back into the house to read, but I keep finding books on my Nook I should read. My bad, now I’m reading three books, one of the Honorverse from David Weber which has a lot of predictions as to how an authoritarian government can develop (Ashes of Honor). Another book is of the Swords by Saberhagen, but I haven’t really started yet. Not least is an Andre Norton story “the Scent of Magic” and “Mirror of Destiny”. Both are very enjoyable stories.
The term “adulting” is new to me, but I agree it is not good to always put people into a category ’cause many times they don’t fit the preconception. I think it’s better to avoid any category and accept people, regardless of age, based on what they do and how they do it. Younger people tend to do things I wouldn’t do, but I have more experience (I made equal or worse mistakes when I was younger). Hopefully they will learn from their experiences.
For me, the use of foul language is usually a big turn off. I accept it in certain cases where it would be appropriate. When I was young I used my share and I spent my time in the Army so I learned words I had never been exposed to before. However, I cleaned up my language and seldom use foul words now. I remember the words of one author, whose name is forgotten, that “use of foul language shows you really don’t have anything to say”.
Enjoy your week and your reading. Stay healthy!
July 28, 2020 at 9:18 am |
I saw a film of T or C and the flooding. Scary!
I enjoyed your reflections about you then, you now. The swearing bit was amusing. Jim can really swear when he wants to but, NEVER around his parents… He wasn’t even conscious of that internal editor until I pointed it out to him.