flight paths discussion

Maybe March may be magnificent
Maybe not
We're all ready for flowers and spring
but like most everything
we'll make the best
of what we've got

So true.....we'll make the best of what we've got.

I finished Red Side Story.
The two books, Shades of Grey and Red Side Story, tell a humourous, quirky, dark, interesting tale. It kept me entertained throughout the two books. I couldn't put them down.
Although these are supposedly part of a trilogy (last part not written yet), the story is complete as it stands and these books could be read as a duology.

After this, I read the first book in the Maisie Dobbs series, Maisie Dobbs. As with most first books in a series, it's a lot of background information without adding much to the story of the book. I'll read the second book before deciding on the series. This book was sort of so-so for me.

The Dragonfly was next. Yawn! A good premise with topics that could have been poignant and thought provoking. But it was just a yawn and went nowhere.

Lastly, I got back the audioversion of China and was able to finish it. I liked the story. It's detailed and researched. However, it's mainly told from the side of the British. There are a few Chinese characters but, while their stories are interesting, they weren't a part of the opium trade that this book focusses on. I would have liked more on the Chinese perspective on this war. However.....still a good story and well told. I enjoy Edward Rutherfurd's books.

I will venture on 2 new series Hangman Blind (Abbess of Meaux Mystery 1) by Cassandra Clark and A Cavern of Black Ice (Sword of Shadows) . Meanwhile back in Northumberland Her Last Request and The Longest Goodbye

Hangman Blind sounds good. My local libraries don't have it. Please let us know your thoughts. Thanks, Ice.

But Ice, what about the London series. You know how I loved it and was so happy when you mentioned you'd started it. Maybe not for you?

Petra I definitely must get on that duology, you enjoyed it so much.
It seems like its set a high bar that has left you in meh-ville.
Im sure you will fix that soon.
Dealing with that same issue (what to read after a soul-stirring book that youve given your heart to?)
After 2 in a row such books, after finishing Elif Shafak I chose the silliest book in my Next to Read pile, which has surprised me by being quite fun. I bet you would think so too Petra. Nothing to See Here has the worst cover and its premise is a bit of a trigger for me as well, but theres enough snark to balance the incredulouty.

Now whats happening with our Ellie?

Magdelanye, I like quirky, somewhat unrealistic (weird realities) type of stories occasionally. They are a fun diversion. Lots of one-liners, weird situations, strange outlooks, etc. This duology fits that definition.

Other books that fall into that catagory:
Just One Damned Thing After Another
The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O.
Bad Monkeys


Did you mean this book Nothing to See Here? It does have a weird premise.

I removed Set This House in Order from my above list because it isn't set in a weird reality but in our world. Good story, very "real world" and, while quirky, still "real".

The London series Victoria E. Schwab, a bit like the concept I was in more than 2 minds. It's one of those scores where I need a half point. I liked the storyline, however in an effort to seemingly expand the page numbers it got a little repetitive, in becoming an all action movie with little attention to detail. Keeping the storyline open with hints towards the end sounds like a marketing ploy.

I like quirky too Petra and unusual settings too. That leads me to travel books and genre bending fiction. A good break. I like your list. I've already put a hold on the one the library has Bad Monkeys. They all sound good.
Right now I am luxuriating in the new Heather O'NEIL
And yes! thats the one.
I had to laugh you posted the cover. I hate the cover! I almost didnt read it because of the cover. But it was quite brilliant and Im pretty sure you would love it too. Its hard wdge endearing.

Ice thank you for your remarks. I guess I was so besotted with the series I didnt mind the repetitions. Open-ended leaves room for the next in the series. Will there be more I wonder?
Am I correct in deducting that you liked it enough but it didnt grab you? (I know you have high standards :>)

Magdelanye, I've put Nothing To See Here on the "read soon" list at the library. I just have a couple of books to finish first.
(it does have a very strange cover)

I hope you enjoy the books from the list. They were fun.
I've read a few books written by Matt Ruff and enjoyed them.

Right now I am deep in the imagination of Heather O and marveling at how she transforms the world.

As much as I'm loving this, it's frustrating to have to adhere to the libraries crazy system. Some books you get for a month, newer books only two weeks. You get to renew once, if there are no holds. What ends up happening, because you can't predict, and actually I should just be speaking for myself, I often end up choosing my next read based on due date. For example, I put aside the book I had planned to read next, due on the 7th, to read Heathers book due on the 5th. I was pretty sure there would be holds on it. Surprisingly, I was able to renew Heather but no way will I pause this for any reason. And no way will I be able to get to the books due on the 7th which have been pushed to the back of the list twice now.
Does this make sense?
As the world continues to fall apart, here I am fussing about privileges. Maybe I should have put this on the whine and cheese thread!
So here is something I'm very pleased with.
In attempting to clean up my currently reading list, I've been writing and posting reviews. This is not so easy when its so long ago that my memory of the book is hazy.
But I finally found a few reviews that I had worked on but not edited and one of them was a poem I cobbled toether from the poems in Rosemary Sullivan s Poetry by Canadian women. I was able to edit and posted a few days ago. My not so secret hope is that RS will like it!

Ahhh....the library system can be a challenge but it's still a good system.
I was 85% through the audio of The Grey Wolf when it had to be returned (no renewals allowed on this one). It's been about a month and I still haven't gotten it back. I'm itching to finish it.

Well done on writing the reviews! I hope RS sees the poem.....she'll of course like it.

well it would be nice if I could put it in our poetry thread but it shouldn't be too hard to find.

In Yorkshire so have added a new series to tbr M S Morris and The Landscape of Death