flight paths discussion

Well it seems that our beloved little group is faltering. It was so great to hear from Ellen I anticipated a real surge in comments but honestly, I am feeling too disappointed to write a poem. What to do?

Be patient ......... I have just finished The Testaments by Margaret Atwood.
Now back to Yorkshire M S Morris and Mr Raven Deep Into That Darkness

what did you think of the Atwood? I am planning on an Atwood binge when I get my own books out of storage

I'd be interested in your thoughts on The Testaments, too, Ice. I enjoy Atwood's writing.

Have you read In Other Worlds: SF and the Human Imagination? I enjoyed her history with SF. I'd like to get it from the library again to refresh myself on her listing of some favorite SF books at the end.

I also enjoyed The MaddAddam Trilogy: Oryx and Crake / The Year of the Flood / MaddAddam trilogy.

Oh dear......I just went back to see which book I last mentioned reading here and saw that I hadn't checked in all November! And I missed a post from Ellen!
There's been some family issues here that we've dealt with. I hope to be more active again.

Well, I haven't read anything not already mentioned.

I finished the Finding Ursela trilogy by Corrinne Jeffery. I really enjoyed this family saga. The family was so large in Choosing: 1940-1989 (the final book) that I lost track of which grandkids belonged to which child. LOL...

I also finished the third book in the St. Mary's Chronicles series, A Second Chance. This one ended in a cliffhanger that makes me want to start the fourth book right away.

I'm currently reading a mediocre, so-so book, Beneath the Apple Leaves. It's been a good book for right now when I don't want to concentrate or ponder too much but it's predictable and kind of bland.

On my walks, I'm listening to Fayne and really enjoying it.

That's about it. Not much new to add.

On Attwood, I think I appreciate the challenging ideas but struggled with the writing style.

Ice, my step-dad wasn't a fan of Atwood's writing style either. I enjoy it quite a bit, although I haven't read any of her books lately. There are just too many books to read (and not enough time).

I was right about Beneath the Apple Leaves....predictable and kind of boring. When all the reveals happened at the end, the author left out key elements, so some circumstances weren't revealed ......and I didn't care by then.

I'm now reading The Girl With No Name and enjoying it.

Magdelanye, I hope you're reading this. I'm looking forward to seeing a post from you soon.

O how nice to come here with new posts!
The last few days have been uncharacteristically busy for me. On Saturday I was a facilitator at an all day workshop and yesterday was the local xmas luncheon and no time to get on the laptop which is best for interacting here.

I did see a very nice message from Ice Bear but now I don't see it.

Petra I saw your review on the Apple Leaves. O too bad.
But at least you quickly found something better.

I think! that Atwoods style improved considerably as she went along. Generally, in the books Ive read, it quite suits the narrative she has to tell. I wonder what her take is on AI.

I have been reading Arundhati Roy collected essays My Seditious Heart: Collected Non-Fiction It's very heavy going as you might imagine. I've tried to pick lighter fiction but who knows, going in, what a book will reveal.

Eurotrash by Christian Kracht was an interlibrary loan that I had to return so finally finally I read it. and even wrote my review earlier. I thought Daisy Jones & The Six which I have never read but heard lots about, might be a nice distraction but I found it boring and didn't even get around to registering here. Then I picked up We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker ACH. It's breaking my heart.

Magdelanye wrote: "I wonder what her take is on AI...."

She'll let us know in her next book. LOL!

Your listed books are always interesting, Magdelanye. I haven't heard of most of them and they always sound intriguing.

Gosh, Im at the end of
we begin at the end
and I cant bear it

Well it's pretty clear that I really don't like mysteries, don't enjoy the tension and really don't appreciate murder
I was unprepared for that yet glad I didnt quit because: interesting characters, skillful writing, and an incorrigible tween to love. So yes, I finished it and yes tears

Oh dear......that's both a good and a bad situation.
Sometimes it's good when a book brings out the tears. The story must have really moved you.
Hugs, Magdelanye!

ah thanks Petra!
in fact, you might like this one. You can read the very mixed reviews to get a better idea

A new series from David Liss. In 18th Century London

a Jewish boxer?
great title: how does it relate? OK, Im curious.

I finished both The Girl With No Name and Where Jasmine Blooms.
Both were entertaining reads.

The Girl With No Name had some aspects of the story that weren't explored and ended quite suddenly...although not with a surprise, but it left some unsettled issues. Overall, I enjoyed it.

Where Jasmine Blooms was quite good. I enjoyed every page. The story explores the coming together of different cultures and changing times. It was well done.

Both those books sound good Petra, especially When Jasmine Blooms.
I am still reading My Seditious Heart: Collected Nonfiction a chapter every morning. It's agonizing really but I feel such strength and warmth from Arundhati Roy and learning a lot.

I was intrigued enough to special order
Tree Spirits Grass Spirits by Hiromi Itō which is more like a journal than anything. It's curious.

I suppose I should mention The Scorpion Rules by Erin Bow. The premise is so interesting but its too convoluted and I've lost interest dramatically as it winds up to a not very satisfying conclusion.

Has anyone had a look at the just published 2025 year in books. I am still so behind but it has me at 136 books which is already more than last year.

Hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas.