Alan’s Comments (group member since Sep 12, 2025)

Alan’s comments from the Beyond Reality group.

Just about finished with book 2

My late wife went into hospice on a Friday from ICU at the hospital and passed on Monday (2013 she was 62). She was made comfortable. The caregivers kept me informed on what was going on. In the end there was no cost to me for the care. Billed insurance and accepted full payment on whatever they received. Endowments by generous people in the community covered the rest. Comforting when there was nothing left that could be done.

Cheryl wrote: "Gone too soon, never forgotten.

My father was 78, two years ago, and I still find myself sometimes thinking of him in the present tense. He's alive in my heart.

I will definitely use hospice if ..."
We were living in Portland Oregon at the time. I now live with my eldest son and his family in Bixby (Tulsa) OK

Cheryl wrote: "Thank you.
I am sorry for your loss."

Thank you.
9 years ago, she was 62.

Cheryl wrote: "Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End is an especially good read now as I'm 60, my mom is 80, and even though we're both healthy these conversations need to happen. I'm..."

My late wife spent her last few days in Hospice and they were very caring.

I was reminded that I started this some time ago for a specific story and is still on my currently reading list. Perhaps I will finish during 2023 The Jack London Science Fiction Megapack: The Complete Science Fiction and Fantasy of Jack London Jack London

Currently reading Matter by Iain M. Banks. Lots been going on so I haven't made much progress.

Sarah wrote: "Hey Alan - how's it going? I hope you're enjoying the book."

I actually haven't started yet.....but it is up next.

Thanks Sarah. I might as well jump in.

Do I need to read previous books in the series to get this? I have several but haven't read them yet. Went to get a copy only to discover I already have Matter.

I read the first 3 in this series decades ago but I don't remember much about them. Going to be late to the party as I am going to have to go back to book 1 and start over.

Just started reading this one.

For this group I've started
Sundiver - David Brin

Also reading some short fiction
The Jack London Science Fiction Megapack: The Complete Science Fiction and Fantasy of Jack London having previously read one story for another group and another collection
The Second Golden Age of Science Fiction Megapack featuring stories by Mark Clifton

A few others I will be getting into shortly for others groups.

Currently reading The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey

I will drop in the local library in the next few days and check to see if they have a print copy. If they do I will give it a go. If not I will likely skip. No ebook available.

Retirement.....long on time to read....short on funds....

Chris wrote: "Has anyone found this as an ebook?"

Haven't in my initial search.

Not sure if I will read after finding a copy as I haven't read any of the previous Culture books.

Just downloaded a Kindle copy from the local library so I will be reading soon.

Really enjoyed this alternative view of superheros vs. the "bad guys" and their henchmen henchwomen and turning it into data collecting. Fun romp.

Recently finished. Just let it sit for a bit. I enjoyed the ideas of interdimensional travel and the variations of the characters. I would to find out how Earths became the societies as they were portrayed, although as I have traveled the Mojave Desert I can picture that as a backdrop to her setting in this novel. A prequel would fit nicely. As is it was an enjoyable read even though it took me a little bit to grab me. I likely would pick up her next.

Have started and am a couple of chapters in. Sharing time presently with last month's selection.