Hey!! Let's get some action going! What are we reading?

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

Now I'm reading The Killing Time by Elly Griffiths. The second in her Ali Dawson time-travel series. I've really liked her other books, but I don't think I'll continue this series once I finish this book. There's just no logic to any of it. Which might the the point of something involving time travel. This book'll have to have a seriously good last 12% to change my mind on the series.

It didn't. A disappointing series for me. I don't think she's thought out her time travel well enough. Let along the handling of it by the UK government. I probably won't continue with this series.

Next up was Fledgling by Octavia Butler. In contrast, a brilliant bit of world building, and a delightful read. Highly recommended vampire SF.

And now another recent puchase, Quartet in Autumn by Barbara Pym.

[astrangerhere]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

It didn't. A disappointing series for me. I don't think she's thought out her time travel well enough. Let along the handling of it by the UK government. I probably won't continue with this series.

Next up was Fledgling by Octavia Butler. In contrast, a brilliant bit of world building, and a delightful read. Highly recommended vampire SF.

And now another recent puchase, Quartet in Autumn by Barbara Pym.

I listened to the first one a few weeks ago (in-between borrow from library audio while waiting for a hold). I was largely unimpressed as well. Have you read any of her other series?

[Apache]

Originally Posted by nana77

May I ask? Do you listen to audiobooks while doing other chores too? (Or also: do you use audiobooks so you can do it while doing other chores?)
I've never tried audiobooks, I guess it's not my thing, also while reading I can't even listen or have music playing on the background, and though even when there were some readings on radio episodes, hearing that while doing other things made me always miss something.

I am a bench jeweler, and I listen to audiobooks while I work. I do not seem to have any problem doing all types of jewelry repair and custom design while listening to books. Unfortunately, I can only do this before I open my store. My bench is up front, and my customers can watch and ask questions while I work.
Apache

[Renate]

Originally Posted by Apache

My bench is up front, and my customers can watch and ask questions while I work.

I can imagine that could be nice if you like it.

I volunteer at a Repair Café and the customers sit across me at a regular table.
When I'm disassembling/assembling things the customers are mostly entertained.
When I'm doing something like thinking they tend to be bored though.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by astrangerhere

I listened to the first one a few weeks ago (in-between borrow from library audio while waiting for a hold). I was largely unimpressed as well. Have you read any of her other series?

I've read all the Brighton Mysteries and some of Dr Ruth Galloway and Harbinder Jaur and even her children's Justice Jones series. I enjoyed them all.

I feel that with the Ali Dawson series she has tried to write in a genre that she doesn't understand, and it shows.

I do recommend trying the Brighton Mysteries. The first is The Zig Zag Girl.

Don't judge all her stuff by the Ali Dawson series.

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by nana77

May I ask? Do you listen to audiobooks while doing other chores too? (Or also: do you use audiobooks so you can do it while doing other chores?)
I've never tried audiobooks, I guess it's not my thing, also while reading I can't even listen or have music playing on the background, and though even when there were some readings on radio episodes, hearing that while doing other things made me always miss something.

I never used to be able to make use of audiobooks in the past. I couldn't focus on them well enough (well enough to attain the level of immersion that I enjoy). But after a lot of experimentation, I discovered several activities that allow me to enjoy them fully without distraction.

Walking is one of them. Others are mowing, gardening or general lawn work. House work (especially vacuuming) is another. Active noise cancellation helps me focus on audiobooks tremendously.

Most of the audiobooks I've listened to are voice-only. No sound effects and no music.

[nana77]

Thanks, I think I'll give it a try, surely in english (maybe an audio from a book I did already read); maybe not really for the pleasure, but certainly as for to better learn and get more used to the spelling.

Btw, on the intro of "The Long Tomorrow" by Brackett (that I'm still reading ) it's mentioned how's difficult and challenging even to remain on the same genre (SF in this case) but write something within serious intents (contrarily to some hers others novels that are more clean space operas).
It's quite different this one, several reviews mention it as her masterpiece; to be honest at the moment I'd liked the more coloured other hers stories.

[Apache]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

I never used to be able to make use of audiobooks in the past. I couldn't focus on them well enough (well enough to attain the level of immersion that I enjoy). But after a lot of experimentation, I discovered several activities that allow me to enjoy them fully without distraction.

Walking is one of them. Others are mowing, gardening or general lawn work. House work (especially vacuuming) is another. Active noise cancellation helps me focus on audiobooks tremendously.

Most of the audiobooks I've listened to are voice-only. No sound effects and no music.

I discovered audiobooks work great while driving when I traveled for a living. They especially helped me keep from getting drowsy when I had to drive at night.
Apache

[CRussel]

Originally Posted by nana77

May I ask? Do you listen to audiobooks while doing other chores too? (Or also: do you use audiobooks so you can do it while doing other chores?)
I've never tried audiobooks, I guess it's not my thing, also while reading I can't even listen or have music playing on the background, and though even when there were some readings on radio episodes, hearing that while doing other things made me always miss something.

I listen to audiobooks almost more than I read these days. While knitting, while gardening, and while doing other essentially mindless chores that don't require active concentration. I do have to stop the book while I'm knitting when I reach a critical or thought-requiring section, but once I get past that, I start up the book again. I find this especially useful with books that I have the eBook version as well, as I can switch back and forth between reading modes.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

And now another recent puchase, Quartet in Autumn by Barbara Pym.

Which didn't work for me at all. A story of four people doing unspecified work in an office, nearing, at and in retirement.

I found it hard to empathise with any of them, despite being of a similar age.

Next up: Echopraxia by Peter Watts.

[Tarana]

Finished Apt Pupil by Stephen King. Very creepy, good book!

Some medical things going on for the next week, so a reread was in order. Doing a quick reread of the Sandhamm Murders Books 1-6 in order to start book 7. Book 7 is In the Shadow of Power by Viveca Sten. Location is Swedish Archipelago. I read books 1-6 back in 2019, so it's been awhile. I recommend this series. I haven't seen the TV show yet.

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

As much as I loved Amir Abdullah's narration of Dr. No, I am hating the narrator of Suzanne Collins' Sunrise on the Reaping. I've not even looked up the name. Just a really, grating quality to the voice. At least the book is going very quickly.

Not unenjoyable (except for the narrator), but nothing to write home about. Terribly predictable.

Now starting Claire North's Slow Gods. Space Opera is definitely a new venture for her.

[astrangerhere]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

Which didn't work for me at all. A story of four people doing unspecified work in an office, nearing, at and in retirement.

I found it hard to empathise with any of them, despite being of a similar age.

Next up: Echopraxia by Peter Watts.

I read this a few years ago! I remember thinking that Pym was very good at writing very unlikable characters.

[rkomar]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

I never used to be able to make use of audiobooks in the past. I couldn't focus on them well enough (well enough to attain the level of immersion that I enjoy). But after a lot of experimentation, I discovered several activities that allow me to enjoy them fully without distraction.

Walking is one of them. Others are mowing, gardening or general lawn work. House work (especially vacuuming) is another. Active noise cancellation helps me focus on audiobooks tremendously.

Most of the audiobooks I've listened to are voice-only. No sound effects and no music.

Huh! I spend a lot of time in the winter shoveling snow. It never occurred to me that I could be listening to stuff while doing that, but it seems a perfect fit. Thanks! I might be able to catch up on some of those podcasts I've been leaving for "some day".

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by rkomar

Huh! I spend a lot of time in the winter shoveling snow. It never occurred to me that I could be listening to stuff while doing that, but it seems a perfect fit. Thanks! I might be able to catch up on some of those podcasts I've been leaving for "some day".

I am responsible for keeping several walkways clear during the winter myself, and yes! that's perfect for listening. I can't believe I forgot that one.