start-itis, reading edition
The minute the paper was turned in I started reading bits of everything that’s been piling up. I also discovered that the Brooklyn Public Library‘s audio books work on macs! It’s not a perfect system, but it’s a large step forward and I’m learning (slowly) the joy of audio books. My tired and super dry eyes are happy for the break. I love reading, but this allows me more opportunities to do so. I’m slow sometimes, but I can be taught. Also, don’t get me wrong, I love librivox, but the reader can make or break a book. Librivox is a volunteer project on an amazing and wholey successful level. As a Reader, I care about the voice I hear if I’m not Reading it myself. I’m now consuming books as I spin (either fibre or a bike) and it’s amazing. I also read while binding off my huge lace shawl, and that was wonderful.
I’m reading through a lot of things right now, not all have made it into goodreads yet.
First up, I’m reading:
If you haven’t yet checked out Wake by Robert Sawyer, I urge you to. Just trust me. You need to read it, now, or as close to now as you can. Sawyer is a Master with words (in my opinion) and I’d been meaning to read his writing for years, his Neanderthal Parallax being on the top of that list. How do you get your hands on Wake now? Check out Analog (it’s serialized) otherwise, you need to wait for the book to be released in April 2009. I’m 3/4ths of the way through– I’m impatiently awaiting the March 2009 issue of Analog. In the meantime, I hope to read much more of his work in the days and weeks to come. I’m saddened that it’s taken me so long to do so.
And I’m also reading Realms edited by Sean Wallace and Nick Mamatas which is a compliation of the first year of Clarkesworld Magazine. Wow. Wow. Again, you must go read. Thus far, The Other Amazon is probably my favourite though Orm the Beautiful caught me last night.
Now to the completely read, though not fully digested books:
The Space Boy
by Orson Scott Card
This was my first foray into BPL’s audio book selections. It’s short. I see hints of Card in this work, but Ender’s Game or Songmaster (or Wyrms) it is not. Perhaps it’s because it’s a book (95-120 pages depending on what website you look at), perhaps because I expected something different and was disappointed. Perhaps, perhaps.
Ringworld
by Larry Niven
This classic was my second BPL audio book experience. Ringworld is a sci-fi classic, winner of 1970 Hugo and Nebula awards. I’m still digesting this and think I’ll take a pass through the paper copy when my hold request finally arrives. It had been on my list for quite some time and I’m happy to have finally crossed paths with it.