Reading Challenge 2022

ob said:
Thanks Rob, just seems to be one thing after another at moment. Not wanting to highjack thread. Running is my go to thing at present, on 'rest days' walking while listening to podcasts and reading are what I try to do. Not had much free time recently and do find it difficult to switch off also finding it hard to concentrate. On those days when working from home just have radio on in background.
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I don't think it's hijacking the thread for regular posters to give a bit of context to what's going in. We're all struggling through one thing or another (obviously some people are struggling to different degrees). I find these threads (books, music, TV or whatever) help keep me sane, being stuck working from home all the time.

Anyway, take care, and I hope you enjoy Black Hearts Rising. I look forward to your feedback.
 
RobMCFC said:
I don't think it's hijacking the thread for regular posters to give a bit of context to what's going in. We're all struggling through one thing or another (obviously some people are struggling to different degrees). I find these threads (books, music, TV or whatever) help keep me sane, being stuck working from home all the time.

Anyway, take care, and I hope you enjoy Black Hearts Rising. I look forward to your feedback.
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Some threads on here like this, running and few other have helped me so so much especially over the last 6 months of so. Finger's crossed light at the end of a few tunnels in next few days/weeks. I'm 60 next week so booked week off work. Heading home to Northern Ireland to spend few days with family and friends then my partner and me going to Brighton for few days as she needs a break as well. Most of week will be spent by seaside, long walks along beaches and I'm hoping will involve lots of laughter, beer, cocktails and reading. Back with batteries recharged to start again
 
Just to add, this thread and the running thread are the two threads on BlueMoon that I subscribe to, and get the most enjoyment / benefit from.

Probably about 60% of my reading is through audiobooks, which I listen to whilst running. I'll go for my first run in eight days later today, due to picking up Covid, so I'm a little behind on the audiobooks at the moment.

I've been waiting for the Stephen Fry recording of Black Hearts Rising, but as it doesn't look like it will appear any time soon, I'll get back to my Kindle version of it.

And it's always good to get to know the thread contributors a little better.
 
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Paladin said:
I've been waiting for the Stephen Fry recording of Black Hearts Rising, but as it doesn't look like it will appear any time soon, I'll get back to my Kindle version of it.
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Ha ha, Stephen Fry, I wish.

I used to joke that all those who supported me in the early days would be welcomed as special guests at the opening of the Monkey Arkwright ride at Universal Studios, but those dreams are long faded.

Best of luck with your running - it's something I'm not built for but I do enjoy a good walk and I guess running helps clear your had in the same way walking does.
 
journolud said:
I’m well behind on my reading. Read a couple of Steinbecks but then somehow misplaced Sweet Thursday half way through, thought I might have left it at work on a night shift but seemingly not…

So I picked up To Kill a Mockingbird from a charity shop. Not quite what I was expecting being written from a child’s point of view but very good anyway, I can see what all the fuss is about.

I like courtroom based books as a rule but have become a bit tired of Grisham’s melodrama, have read all the Lincoln Lawyer series which are very good, especially when there is interplay with Bosch (Michael Connolly for those who don’t know). Any recommendations for courtroom books would be appreciated.

I’m currently reading Ruins by Mat Osman, bass player in Suede and brother of Richard Osman. I had no idea he’d written a book till I saw it in a book shop. It’s well written, dual narrative about a washed up rock star who gets shot and killed and his autistic brother attempting to unravel what happened.

Think I’ll have a look at Monkey Arkwright next, will download to the kindle. I’ve heard it’s OK
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Speaking as a Steinbeck bore I rate Sweet Thursday very highly. Could be worth picking up a second hand copy for a few quid so you can finish it.
 
Just finished A Time For Mercy by John Grisham. Enjoyed this court room drama and would give it 4 out of 5. Thought ending almost a little rushed but would recommend it if like Grisham books. My next paperback is David Baldacci One Good Deed. Looking forward to this as can't ever remember reading any of his before
 
It's been a while since I've updated, have read 3 books in the meantime..

  1. Serpentine - Jonathan Kellerman. Decent read 6/10
  2. A Touch of Daniel - Peter Tinniswood 9.5/10
  3. I didn’t know you cared - Peter Tinniswood 9/10
  4. Beyond - Stephen Walker 9.5/10
  5. Around The World in 80 Days - Jules Verne 7/10
  6. Hermit - S R White 8/10
  7. Opal Country - Chris Hammer 8/10
Around The World in 80 Days - Jules Verne
I haven’t read one of the traditional classics for ages and I was prompted to read this following the recent series which starred David Tennant. However, showing my age, my first recollection of the story is through the David Niven film. It is a cracking story and it’s easy to see why it transfers well to the screen. 7/10


Hermit - S R White

9B3644F1-BBB4-46E6-B460-2B50C144AA71_4_5005_c.jpeg

At first sight this seems like a routine thriller with murder victim and prime suspect in the first few pages. Add in a troubled cop and it seems to tick all the normal boxes. Set in Australia, the story takes place over the course of a day during which the troubled cop conducts a series of interviews with the suspect, a man who had been off the grid for 15 years until the day of the murder, the hermit of the title. Both the cop and suspect have “issues’ and it makes for an unusual and compelling approach to story telling. 8/10


Opal Country - Chris Hammer

25546086-4888-420B-8210-FF4CD10E00FC_4_5005_c.jpeg


I didn’t intend to read another Aussie thriller but it was only 99p for Kindle at the time. This is Chris Hammer’s 4th book and again shows him to be one of the top writers of Aussie noir.
Set in the desolate outback town of Finnigan’s Gap an opal miner is found crucified and left to rot down his mine. A homicide detective from the city is sent to investigate, assisted by an inexperienced investigator. If you’re a fan of Jane Harper I’m sure you’ll like this one. 8/10
 
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stoneblue said:
It's been a while since I've updated, have read 3 books in the meantime..

  1. Serpentine - Jonathan Kellerman. Decent read 6/10
  2. A Touch of Daniel - Peter Tinniswood 9.5/10
  3. I didn’t know you cared - Peter Tinniswood 9/10
  4. Beyond - Stephen Walker 9.5/10
  5. Around The World in 80 Days - Jules Verne 7/10
  6. Hermit - S R White 8/10
  7. Opal Country - Chris Hammer 8/10
Around The World in 80 Days - Jules Verne
I haven’t read one of the traditional classics for ages and I was prompted to read this following the recent series which starred David Tennant. However, showing my age, my first recollection of the story is through the David Niven film. It is a cracking story and it’s easy to see why it transfers well to the screen. 7/10


Hermit - S R White

View attachment 38685

At first sight this seems like a routine thriller with murder victim and prime suspect in the first few pages. Add in a troubled cop and it seems to tick all the normal boxes. Set in Australia, the story takes place over the course of a day during which the troubled cop conducts a series of interviews with the suspect, a man who had been off the grid for 15 years until the day of the murder, the hermit of the title. Both the cop and suspect have “issues’ and it makes for an unusual and compelling approach to story telling. 8/10


Opal Country - Chris Hammer

View attachment 38686


I didn’t intend to read another Aussie thriller but it was only 99p for Kindle at the time. This is Chris Hammer’s 4th book and again shows him to be one of the top writers of Aussie noir.
Set in the desolate outback town of Finnigan’s Gap an opal miner is found crucified and left to rot down his mine. A homicide detective from the city is sent to investigate, assisted by an inexperienced investigator. If you’re a fan of Jane Harper I’m sure you’ll like this one. 8/10
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I think it was you who mentioned “Scrublands” by Chris Hammer, and I’ve got it on my list to read later this year.
 
RobMCFC said:
I think it was you who mentioned “Scrublands” by Chris Hammer, and I’ve got it on my list to read later this year.
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Yes, that was me! I'm really into Aussie thrillers at the moment and I tend to read all the books of any author whose work I enjoy. That said I haven't read Chris Hammer's 3rd book yet.
 
stoneblue said:
Yes, that was me! I'm really into Aussie thrillers at the moment and I tend to read all the books of any author whose work I enjoy. That said I haven't read Chris Hammer's 3rd book yet.
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Cheers. Whenever I hear of a book I'm interested in, I put it in a text file on my work PC and every so often sift through it it and come up with some kind of schedule. I don't read that many detective/crime books, but for some reason, I like reading them in the Autumn/Winter - hence why I'll read it later this year. Obviously I'll put my review up here then.
 
Half way through the Ruins by Mat Osman and I’ve kind of grown tired of it. One of those two narrative things and a plot that involves forging a “lost” master of Brian Wilson’s Smile ( book predates the actual release) but the ending, unless I’m pretty much mistaken is telegraphed (a developing attraction). I probably won’t find out.

Just downloaded Monkey Arkwright. Not sure it will be my usual fare but rude not to. I can always forget I mentioned it if I think it’s shite ;-)
 
journolud said:
Half way through the Ruins by Mat Osman and I’ve kind of grown tired of it. One of those two narrative things and a plot that involves forging a “lost” master of Brian Wilson’s Smile ( book predates the actual release) but the ending, unless I’m pretty much mistaken is telegraphed (a developing attraction). I probably won’t find out.

Just downloaded Monkey Arkwright. Not sure it will be my usual fare but rude not to. I can always forget I mentioned it if I think it’s shite ;-)
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No, you’ve got to give me an honest review! Whilst I categorise it as YA, I tried to write it in a way that anybody could enjoy. I was going for that Stephen King vibe in “The Body” (aka “Stand By Me”). Not that I’m saying I can write like him, you understand!
 
RobMCFC said:
No, you’ve got to give me an honest review! Whilst I categorise it as YA, I tried to write it in a way that anybody could enjoy. I was going for that Stephen King vibe in “The Body” (aka “Stand By Me”). Not that I’m saying I can write like him, you understand!
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Wel, I started reading a Stephen King novel once, I can’t remember which one but I was hoping it would open up a new stream for me. I didn’t get too far with it.

Novels I have read that I think were YA but also universal are Alan Garners Weirdstone of Brasingamen, etc. Mind you I liked them particularly because of the local flavour to the settings
 
Currently reading Scrublands after the reviews on here, but as ever when on holiday I tend to do a mix of serious and a bit light hearted so Terry Pratchett it was, Guards! Guards!

Now I thought I had done the the first 15 or so books in the Disk World series but for the life of me couldn’t remember reading this.

Pretty much ultimate Pratchett, as well as being very inventive and funny there is also a lot of decent takes on the human Psyche.

A very solid 8/10 the man was a master.
 
1. The Spirit Engineer - A.J.West - 7/10
2. The Lost Man - Jane Harper - 8/10
3. The Fall of Babel – Josiah Bancroft - 5/10
4. The Forest – Michaelbrent Collings – 3/10
5. Black River – Will Dean – 7/10
6. Winter is Coming – Garry Kasparov – 9/10

WinterIsComing.jpg​



No prizes for guessing why I’ve read this book by ex-World Chess champion, and current Russian opposition activist, Garry Kasparov.

It’s a well written account of Putin’s rise to power, with some shocking revelations, and Kasparov has plenty to say about why the world has, so far, failed to stand up to Putin. This book was written seven years ago, but many of the passages feel like they could have been written yesterday, such is the eerie familiarity of the events recounted.

I highlighted so many passages whilst I was reading that I could probably fill several pages on these forums covering them. But for the sake of brevity, I’ll just pick out a handful of Kasparov’s comments and thoughts, paraphrasing as necessary.

  • Putin regularly uses the Olympics as a way of distracting the World’s attention from what he is doing – I guess we should have seen the current war coming this February, and it is indeed what various Western intelligence agencies predicted.
  • Putin started off as a Russian problem for Russians to solve. When that didn’t happen, he became a regional problem and now he’s a world problem.
  • The western leaders have failed because they are happy to pose for Putin with photos and turn a blind eye because of economic interests. Go and have a read about ex-German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.
  • He spends a lot of time comparing Putin to Hilter and the way the west deals with him to Neville Chamberlain. He points out that “at least Chamberlain didn’t have a history book to tell him what was coming.” A sobering thought.
  • The fall of the Berlin Wall was symbolic – as was the toppling of a statue in front of the old KGB building and the dismantling of the USSR. Unfortunately, nothing in Russia has changed – in fact, arguably it’s worse than it was under the old communist regime. The west failed to act when it was in a strong position.
  • There is strong evidence that the FSB planted the apartment bombs as a way of justifying their bombing of Grozny and fighting a war against the Chechyen rebels when Putin first came to power. Alexander Litvinenko tried to tell the world and we all remember what happened to him.
  • Putin cares as little about his own people as he does about everybody else he is bombing – see the Beslan school siege where he sent his forces in and caused the death of nearly 400 people, including 186 children.
  • As a way of illustrating how crooked the Russian political system is and how hard it is to stand against Putin, consider this: an independent candidate has to collect 2 million signatures in just five weeks, but only 40,000 of those signatures may be from any single region. That means visiting 50 regions to get the required amount. And that’s before the tale of venues that you’d book to hold your talks cancelling at the last minute for mundane reasons.
In his conclusions, Kasparov states “We cannot know exactly what horror will come next, only that there will be another and another as long as Putin remains in power.” Well, now we know. Fortunately, many of the things he criticises the west for in the book are no longer true: he advocates sanctions again the Oligarchs and a united response from US and the EU.

I highly recommend this book, or another like it, if you want to understand why Putin needs to be stopped. As Kasparov says: “Putin is no master strategist. He’s an aggressive poker player facing weak opposition from a Western World.” He goes on to say, “The best reason for acting to stop Putin today is brutally simple: it will only get harder tomorrow.”

With the arguments he puts forward in this book, he’s certainly convinced me.
 
Happy Doomsday by David Sosnowski

Having read and enjoyed Sosnowski’s previous two books I was quite looking forward to this one. We follow three unlikely survivors of an extinction-level event where it seems every other human being has dropped dead. One has Asperger’s, another is pregnant from a one-night stand with her gay best friend and the third a radicalised Muslim who was about to martyr himself at a school sports event.

The book deals well with the actuality of surviving such an event. With things like the smell of decomposing bodies left to rot where they drop and the parasites such things bring. Probably not a good idea to be living too near a zoo for when the animals start to miss their daily feed either. What will the house-pets locked in their homes resort to when they also get a little hungry and their owners starting to smell a little ripe.

There is quite a bit of social commentary on growing up in the (more or less) current United States (being set under Trump) but it’s of the more in-your-face variety than the author’s previous offerings. Probably best to be avoided if you’re of the die-hard Republican persuasion or an animal lover. I think it’s difficult to find originality in this section of the genre and that’s probably what saves this book a little. Having an Asperger’s character as one of the leads helped with this though it did at times feel like it was a zombie book only without the zombies. 3¼★
 
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