Philip José Farmer. I suppose this is an addition to the time travel list, in a quirky way, with the mixing of eons going on. In another twist on time, it hasn’t aged well. Some of it is incredibly dated in a way that other, better, science fiction manages to avoid or transcend. Still, the character line and the whole mystery about what’s going on manage to pull me through. I plan on reading the rest of the series.
The Companions
Sheri S. Tepper. A well-crafted, engaging book. As always, several twists at the very end. I’d like to read more about these characters’ lives.
First Light
Carol O’Biso. This is a great book, if a little vague and new-agey in spots. It was just as good a read as the first time I read it, some years ago. I tracked it down at Powell’s since my local library system didn’t even list it. (It’s out of print.) I just wish I could find out more about O’Biso’s life since the events of the book.
A Storm of Swords
George R. R. Martin. The series just gets better and better, the continuing characters richer, the relationships more ambiguous.
disgusting book
Codex
Lev Grossman. Another book about books. Not fantastic writing. I almost put it down in the first couple dozen pages. By page 17 the protagonist has looked down the dresses at the breasts of two different women. It is, as the title suggests, about books, and there’s an Arthurian twist to one of the plot devices.
A Clash of Kings
George R. R. Martin. Volume two of “A Song of Ice and Fire.” Here I see even more than in the first volume what many internet reviews mention, that the heros and villains are not one-dimensional, but do both good and evil deeds. I found myself beginning to be on the side of a character I found unsympathetic in the first novel, and I have some guesses about who might survive the series (although that is, from both volumes so far, not a safe thing to do at all). A good, solid fantasy read.
Revolting opinions of a science fiction writer
Here is Orson Scott Card going on about marriage. Apparently it’s not a unique example. Google on “Orson Scott Card marriage” and you’ll get an eyeful.
No mention, of course, about the evils of plural marriage. I think he should turn his attention to the abuses perpetrated by Mormons (whether LDS or not) before he spreads his hateful lies about gay and lesbian people.
Strangers: Homosexual Love in the Nineteenth Century
Graham Robb. Very interesting survey, covering medicine, crime, politics, art, and life through documentary evidence, aggregated statistical materials, and literary excavation. Not every section will be to every taste, but there’s probably something for everyone here.
Walking to Vermont: From Times Square into the Green Mountains–A Homeward Adventure
Christopher S. Wren. Engaging, quick read about a retired NY Times foreign correspondent walking into retirement.