What have you read recently?
Mad_Cyril I’m not sure I’d give it a full recommendation. It’s one of those “popular/critically acclaimed” books that often land on “best of the year” list which can be a red flag for me. It reminded me a bit of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, last year’s big hit that I strongly disliked despite its popularity.
That said, I really liked this one. It’s deep and thoughtful, with multiple points of view, and explores themes like the ocean, life, friendship, and the human condition. It’s not just light entertainment, but if that’s your thing, it might float your boat.
Ok, cheers.
Recently enjoyed In Ascension, which prompted me to dip back into the Booker Lists.
Came up with There There and Orbital, which are up next after wading through Killing Commendantore (a serious trek)
- Edited
Mad_Cyril Recently enjoyed In Ascension
I loved that one! 
His first book, not so much.
you should give Playground a go
It has some interesting stuff to say about AI and it’s the sort of book that took ages to read cos I was constantly having to google stuff. I liked how it wasn’t in the slightest bit finger-waggy or preachy about the environment.
Recently I’ve been reading Peter May crime books, the Enzo series, stumbled across him by accident, turns out they are pretty good!
I’m currently reading a book about anti-gravity lads.
It’s so good I can’t put it down.
TAKE MY WIFE!
Is this how it’s going to be through 2025, Ed?
Top drawer bants delivered with panache?
It is Millsy!
Finished rereading all of Joe Hill’s books. That guy sure has no problems with an unhappy ending, especially in his shorter fiction. The novella Loaded on the collection Strange Weather is particularly cruel. Felt like a book version of Michael Haneke’s Funny Games-movies.
Next year’s plans are to start reading Le Carre. I’m at the absolutely right age now.
A big 2025 awaits for H!
Are you still wading through the Mr Men series Ed?
Am currently reading That Beautiful Atlantic Waltz by Malachy Tallack MC.
Which is nice.
Reread Empire of the Summer Moon about the last stand of the Comanche Indians and Quanah Parker. Incredible story. If they made a movie about this particular tribe it would make Apocalypto look like a Christmas panto for 4 year olds. The savagery is unheard of. For example, having your gut sliced open and hot coals from the fire carefully placed inside just to get the party started.
I went down a rabbit hole on the Comanche, scary bunch and pretty adept with their weaponry. It wasn’t unusual to find a victim of their attacks with around a hundred arrows lodged in them. Sounds pretty run of the mill until you realise all of those arrows would be found in the victim’s head. I don’t think they had psychological testing back then.
I read The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and The Looking Glass War by John Le Carre. Tremendous stuff, really looking forward to Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy now. The 2011-film is in my all time top 10 list quite easily. Never understood folks complaining it’s hard to follow. I guess they were on their phones while watching it.