Simon > Recent Status Updates

Taking a break from this one for now to go and read something else.

To be honest, I'm not enjoying it that much - the stories i have read so far have varied in quality from mediocre to average. I'm starting to think that maybe I enjoy his novels more than his short stories...

After reading the first couple of "chapters", I decided that I needed to approach the book differently. I've now downloaded a playlist of all the songs talked about in the book and I'm going to listen to the songs as I'm reading about them.

Certainly I think I'll get a lot more out of it that way.

After reading the first story in the collection (which I thoroughly enjoyed), I managed to leave the book on the plane!

I've ordered a replacement copy, which will have to wait until I get back.

I've got to say this is hard work and I've considered just giving up on it numerous times. Too many characters and POV's, with the author interchangeably using character's first or last names only making it even more confusing.

But there's just enough going on to keep me interested...for now.

Ah, found it again. Crisis averted!

Time for a re-read,

Just re-reading a couple of stories in between other books. Right now: "The Willows".

Time for a re-read of a favourite classic.

Here I am letting myself in for another Stephen King novel; I'm probably going to regret it...

Finally, after around a hundred pages that was little more than an extended prologue, the story seems to be taking off!

Reading this again, this time to my daughter. I must say that reading this alive really brings alive the wonderful prose.

Giving this a re-read since I've not read it for twenty years and finally have the sequel lined up to read.

This is proving decidely dull. I can't conceive of why it is so highly praised?

"Gods of Mars" finished. Now abother break before concluding the trilogy.

"Gods of Mars" finished. Now abother break before concluding the trilogy.

Finished the first story and will read something else before coming back to the next.

This is slow going but there's some great stories in here.

Going well; my daughter's really enjoying it.

Reading to my daughter so shall see how it goes.

Reading this to my daughter at bed times.

So engrossed have I become, that I went right past my stop on the train last night!

Okay, I've reached the half way point...maybe I can make it to the end now...

This is turgid stuff! I only hope it gets better soon or else I might have to abandon it.

Nearly finished the fictions, soon to be on to the essays.

Now I've given myself some more time, I should be able to finish my re-read.

Whoa, I wasn't expecting this. Imagine Jack Vance's "Blue World" crossed with James Blish's "Cities in Flight" with a little steam punk thrown in.

What a pleasure it is to read this again.

I just can't rush this...it has to be taken in small doses.

This book has it's moments but I can't help feeling that it's a little protracted.