Dennis Romano's "VENICE - The Remarkable History of the Lagoon City" was a remarkable read: 600 pages to cover 1200 years of political cupidity. Very glad I read it, but in need of a palate cleanser. And of course, "palate cleanser" is spelled with THREE letters
P
G
W
So even though it's Autumn not Spring up here near the top of the world, this is my current read
It took me 23 days to read the book on the left, just a few hours to read the book on the right. Both were thoughtful and informative, especially as the 1200 year old city on the left may one day end up in an edition of the book on the right, which features many drowned sites. #amReading#History#Nonfiction@bookstodon
Let the official preorder campaign begin: anovelideaphilly.com/lakemonsters/
If you preordered elsewhere or request your local library buy a copy, you can still get in on the bookmark! Request a bookmark with proof of purchase or library request here: shorturl.at/euPR6
Also, I'm so relieved that this day is finally here. It's 3 months until the book comes out--yay!
#BookReview The Fortnight in September by R C Sheriff
Read on audio
Narrator: David Thorpe for RNIB
persephone Books
Pub. 1931, 304pp
I chose this book when I was in need of some comfort and it’s so wonderful I already know I’ll be reading it again in future. The story follows an ordinary family from Dulwich on their travels down to Bognor Regis for two weeks’ holiday, which they do every year. The routine ordinariness is the appeal and I related to many of the situations and feelings of the family, both in remembering being a child and now as a parent of a 12 year old. It’s staggering really how relevant the concerns expressed are to modern family life, given it was written in 1931. I definitely related to their anxiety about getting the train:
“There was plenty of time as there always is, if you panic sufficiently early and get it over with… there were so many little things that might happen, something forgotten that must be gone back for, a queue at the booking office window, a hich in labelling the luggage…one remote reason always haunted Mr Stephens with unreasoning and ridiculous fear; it was the possibility of a passing lady fainting or accidentally falling down. it would mean stopping and helping her up, brushing down her dress, picking up her umbrella and bag, possibly her spectacles. it was not that Mr Stephens lacked humanity or courtesy, it was simply the agonising delay that might be caused; for under such circumstances you cannot leave a lady with the cold blooded statement that you have a train to catch.”
The writing continues in this delightful way throughout their journey and, as there’s so much to say, they finally manage to get to the beach during Chapter 13!
We hear the anxieties and observations of each of the family as the story progresses and the characters are so beautifully written. the three children are growing up and there’s a melancholy atmosphere as they all reflect on their times at Bognor and wonder if this year will be their last.
I’ve been enjoying this gentle read at breakfast over the last couple of weeks and have loved every minute, I’m really going to miss it! #Bookstodon#books#AmReading@bookstodon
ROMANITAS by Sophia McDougall is a tale of political intrigue set against the backdrop of a Roman Empire that has endured into the 21st century. Read my review to find out whether the book successfully delivers on the promise of its intriguing premise. @bookstodon
The winners of the Philip K Dick Awards are announced tonight. My book, "Where Rivers Go To Die" was a finalist but didn't win.
Congrats to the winner Bethany Jacobs, "These Burning Stars", and the runner up, Rebekah Bergman, "The Museum of Human History"
Well, I've now been listed 13 times for 9 different awards, without winning any! I'm getting used to it, maybe setting some kind of record of most nominations without winning.
Just finished Mr. g: A Novel about the Creation by Alan Lightman. It was... fine. Not bad, but not great. Ok for a quick diversion. I'm glad it wasn't longer than it was.
I thought it would be funnier, but it turned out to be more philosophical than humorous. There were funny moments, but if I needed to categorize this book, I think I would file it under "metaphysics" and not humor or fiction.
#JASNA of NorCal is offering a free virtual meeting on, “How Happy Are Jane Austen’s Endings Anyway?” The event is tomorrow (March 24) and starts at 4:30 p.m. EST (1:30 p.m. PST). You can register here:
One shows humor in the face of such circumstances as Palestinian refugees face and another shows that this carnage (by Israel) you see today has been happening a very long time (British+Zionists).
My first #TransRightsReadathon story was from my TBR, I'll Be Home for Christmas by Mason Deaver. It's a short follow-up to the YA romance I Wish You All the Best, in which Ben tries to surprise their boyfriend Nathan for Christmas but winds up snowed in at the airport. An affecting holiday rom-com.