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Posts Tagged ‘reading’

Day for a Cozy Reread

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , on December 1, 2024| Leave a Comment »

It’s a cold snowy Sunday afternoon, which seems like a good time for a fun reread. 

Because Murderbot is my Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon. (Apologies for the inside reference, but if you know, you know, and if you don’t and you enjoy science fiction, get thee to All Systems Red, stat!)

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, here’s an interview with Martha Wells, Murderbot’s creator.

How Murderbot Saved Martha Wells’ Life | WIRED

Hearing a name like that, you’d be forgiven for running for your life. But the thing about Murderbot—the thing that makes it one of the most beloved, iconic characters in modern-day science fiction—is just that: It’s not what it seems. For all its hugeness and energy-weaponized body armor, Murderbot is a softie. It’s socially awkward and appreciates sarcasm. Not only does it detest murdering, it wants to save human lives, and often does (at least when it’s not binge-watching its favorite TV shows). “As a heartless killing machine,” as Murderbot puts it, “I was a terrible failure.”

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Photo by Rosie Kerr on Unsplash

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All the Time

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , , on October 6, 2024| Leave a Comment »

“It’s important to remember that we all change each other’s minds all the time. Any good story is a mind-altering substance.”

― Hank Green, A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor

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Photo by Hümâ H. Yardım on Unsplash

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Lighter Reads

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , , on May 30, 2024| Leave a Comment »

The news, man, it can be heavy. If you’re in the market for lighter reads, put these short stories from Reactor (f.k.a. Tor.com, why are so many sites changing their names these days? like we don’t all have enough to keep track of) on your list. 

Six Seriously Funny Speculative Short Stories – Reactor

Haven’t read them all yet but I’m looking forward to it. For even more recommendations, scroll down to the page’s comment section. Readers have thoughts.

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Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash

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Rereading

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , on May 10, 2024| Leave a Comment »

I reread a lot of books. (For example, I’m currently rereading Thursday Murder Club series. The trick is to wait just long enough to forget, but not so long that you don’t remember;)

Sometimes I also like to reread my blog posts. Not for my own perspective, that usually hasn’t changed, but for the interesting things I’ve shared but may have forgotten.

It’s also why I like the Random Post option. I never know what might pop up!

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Photo by Blake Cheek on Unsplash

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On a Bit of a Tear

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , , on March 23, 2024| Leave a Comment »

This isn’t something I would normally say, but I think I’m reading a little too much.

I’ve been on a bit of a tear, rereading some of my favorite stories. I’ve just finished to the tenth book plus spinoffs in one series, and I think I need to slow down after this.

It’s cutting into my writing time.

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Photo by Ed Robertson on Unsplash

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Glad You’re Here

Posted in Entertainment, Writing, tagged , , , , , on February 20, 2024| Leave a Comment »

It is Freedom to Read Week here in Canada. What is it, you may ask?

Welcome to Freedom to Read

Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom.

Well, I am all about that. The more readers in the world, the better.

And while we’re on the topic, if you happen to live in a place where access to books is not what it could be, allow me to introduce you to the Open Library. 

Open Library is free and open to anyone. Some features require that you have an Open Library account.

Have an email address? You’re in.

And welcome. We’re glad you’re here.

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Photo by Sanjeevan SatheesKumar on Unsplash

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When It’s Ok to Quit

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , on January 3, 2024| Leave a Comment »

For the days when I look down at the book I’m reading and think, “No research is worth this.” 

“If a book is tedious to you, don’t read it; that book was not written for you.”

—Jorge Luis Borges

I’m also a firm believer in this:

“I don’t believe in guilty pleasures… If you like something, like it.”

— Dave Grohl

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Photo by Tony Tran on Unsplash

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Something Old and True

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , on September 17, 2023| 1 Comment »

We read fantasy to find the colors again, I think. To taste strong spices and hear the songs the sirens sang. There is something old and true in fantasy that speaks to something deep within us, to the child who dreamt that one day he would hunt the forests of the night, and feast beneath the hollow hills, and find a love to last forever somewhere south of Oz and north of Shangri-La.

― George R.R. Martin

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Photo by Nick Dunn on Unsplash

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Rainy Day with Books (and a Cat)

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , on July 29, 2023| Leave a Comment »

“The world should take note: not everything is getting worse.”

― Ian McEwan, Saturday

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Photo by Allen Cheng on Unsplash

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Who Needs Libraries? Everyone

Posted in Favorites, Other, Writing, tagged , , , , , , on May 18, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Like many of you, I love libraries. Like, a lot:

Run, Don’t Walk | J.R. Johnson

Passport to Wonders | J.R. Johnson

Keys to the Universe | J.R. Johnson

Inquiring Minds Want to Know | J.R. Johnson

Books Neverending | J.R. Johnson

Keys to the Universe | J.R. Johnson

Lovely Libraries | J.R. Johnson

What Now? Check Out a Ukulele at the Library | J.R. Johnson

I don’t love that some people are trying to control what others can read in libraries. If this is happening in your neighborhood, what can you do?

How to Protect Your Local Library From Book Ban Campaigns – Bloomberg

Library boards, school boards and legislatures are becoming battlegrounds in a push to censor books. Communities are fighting back.

I was also glad to see this policy on Intellectual Freedom And Controversial Material at my childhood library: 

The libraries have a responsibility to serve all segments of the county. Materials useful to some may be objectionable to others.  Selections are based solely on the merits of the work in relation to building the collections and to serving the interests of readers. The libraries attempt to represent all sides of controversial issues. Their function is to provide information, not to advocate specific points of view.

Reading preferences are a purely individual matter; while anyone is free to personally reject books and other materials, this right cannot be exercised to restrict the freedom to others.

Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents, and no cataloged item will be placed on closed shelves, except for the express purpose of protecting it from injury or theft. Items may be placed on temporary reserve for specific class assignment or projects.

Responsibility for what children and young adults read and view rests with their parents’ and/or legal guardians. Selections will not be inhibited by the possibility that controversial materials may come into the possession of children or young adults.

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Photo by Marissa Daeger on Unsplash

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