Reading project, week ending 5 Sep 2021

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What have I read this week?

Forever Peace by Joe Haldeman

This is a science fiction novel, a sequel to The Forever War. It is about a man named Julian who is a part-time soldier who pilots a soldierboy (basically a robot soldier). I didn’t really like this, because I didn’t particularly like any of the characters.

One Hundred Lyrics and a Poem by Neil Tennant

This is a book containing lyrics to many of Neil Tennant’s songs (and a poem) with notes relating to their meaning. I found it interesting, but if you don’t like the music of the Pet Shop Boys you probably wouldn’t like it.

The Physicians of Vilnoc by Lois McMaster Bujold

This is a fantasy novella about the sorcerer Penric and his demon Desdemona. I enjoyed this; Penric and Desdemona are interesting characters, and I really like the world they are part of. I would definitely read more in this series.

Mount St Helens: A Sleeping Volcano Awakes by Marian T. Place

This is a nonfiction book about the 1980 eruption of Mount St Helens. It’s aimed at children, so it’s written in quite simple language, but I found it an interesting introduction to this topic.

© bardofupton 2021

Reading project, week ending 1 Aug 2021

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What have I read this week? Sorry, it’s late.

The Forever War by Joe Haldeman

This is a science fiction novel about Mandella, a man who is drafted into an interstellar war. I was ambivalent. While I found the story interesting, I found it quite dated in some respects which really impacted on my enjoyment. I might read more by this author.

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

This is a YA novel about Yadriel, a trans boy who is struggling to be accepted by his community. I really enjoyed this; Yadriel is a great character, as are his friends and family. The plot was interesting and it gave me a glimpse into a community I don’t know much about. I would definitely read more by this author.

© bardofupton 2021

Reading project, week ending 25 Jul 2021

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What have I read this week?

Dr Tatiana’s Sex Advice to All Creation by Olivia Judson

This is a nonfiction book about the many and varied ways in which life on earth reproduces, told in the form of a sex advice column. I found it really interesting, and very accessible to read. I would definitely read more by this author.

Even If We Break by Marieke Nijkamp

This is a YA novel about a group of five friends going to a cabin in the woods to play their roleplaying game for the last time. I enjoyed this; the characters are all interesting, and the plot kept me engrossed the whole way through. I would definitely read more by this author.

I Wish You All The Best by Mason Deaver

This is a YA novel about Ben, a young non-binary person, who comes out to their parents and is thrown out of the house. I liked this; Ben is an interesting character, and I really felt for him. I would definitely read more by this author.

The Effigy Engine by Scott Lynch

This is a short story about a group of wizard mercenaries who encounter their world’s version of a tank. This was fun; I liked the world and the characters. I would definitely read more by this author.

© bardofupton 2021