Category Archives: Books

Aug13

Kingly Gifts

Posted on by
Standard

I probably don’t need to say again that I’m a huge Stephen King fan. I think I first read one of his books (either Cujo or Firestarter) at age 8, and I’ve never regretted a moment spent in the company of his characters.

I’ve read everything he’s published, I’m nearly 100% sure of that. Maybe a short story or three have gotten past me. Definitely have read every novel, novella, collection of short stories, and his nonfiction works.

Easy to say, then, that the way to my heart is through Sai King! 

Hubby got me these as a thank you for taking care of him when he was so poorly.


I hadn’t asked for Christine, but she is awesome! 

Then this month, I had a birthday. As you hope to do every year! This one came with my first vinyl ‘toys’ – Funko Pop figures.


Pennywise! Yay! And a small part of my King collection in the background. A very small part!


Roland Deschain and Walter Padick aka the Gunslinger and the Man in Black. My favourite series of books, ever, hands down.

This is King’s year – a remake of IT and The Dark Tower are or will be in theatres near you. The series The Mist has been on for a bit, and Mr Mercedes started last week. I must warn you, Mr Mercedes is NOT for kids or anyone who is sensitive; and we’ve only seen the first episode. It’s a wow, for sure, but horrible and chilling, also. They put on screen much worse things than my imagination cooked up when reading the books. Yikes. Ark – avoid! 

Anyone else a Stephen King Constant Reader? 

Mar25

Books I’ve Read #22 – Sandstorm 

Posted on by
Standard

By James Rollins.

This is one from my work library, so it is a book I literally judged by its cover and took with me to read in the sunshine (or not) with Piggy Cat (or not).

As such, I consider it a disposable book. By that I mean not only that someone else bought it and gave it away, but that I have no intention of logging any of this book in my long term memory. That said – for an action novel there is a good amount of science fiction and history, which are both enjoyable for me. It also seems this is book one of a series, so if you like it, there are more to come. Assuming same characters in different situations. 

Mar25

Books I’ve Read #21 – Baal

Posted on by
Standard

Robert McCammon’s first published book!

I’ve been a fan of McCammon since Boy’s Life – one of my all-time favourite books.

Baal being his first, I find it is rough and not very polished, and has a few jarring bits of writing. Especially at the start. Once he finds his stride it isn’t bad. So glad he kept writing.

Mar12

Books I’ve Read No. 19 -fledgling 

Posted on by
Standard

By Octavia E. Butler.

Loved it. I read it a little slower than most of the books that I really like. I think it is because I had not one clue what was going on at first, and some parts at the beginning are pretty disturbing! Once I understood that what I thought was horrible had a good reason for being, it was simply fascinating.

Even more fascinating is the author herself. Have a look at her Wiki page – she won so many awards and I’m sorry to see she has passed on. 

I’m sure I’ve read something of her work before, but never looked her up. This new experiment of mine, blogging about what I’ve read, is a welcome educational experience for me, too.

Mar12

Books I’ve Read No. 17 & 18 – autumn & autumn:the city

Posted on by
Standard

Both by David Moody.

autumn, and autumn: the city are part of the author’s Autumn series: very loosely described as a post-apocalypse zombie series.

After reading Hater, I was excited to have a six book set to delve into. Sadly, I just don’t care for these books. I struggled through the first two, and gave up quite quickly into the third one.

It’s not the quality of his writing, not at all. It’s that I don’t care about the characters. They bore me. They keep dithering over making decisions over and over and over. No one is taking charge, and no one seems to really want to do anything to survive without whining about it for days until their choices are taken away from them by lack of action. Maybe that is the main point – but I don’t care for it. I kept thinking of ways to solve their problems much easier and faster! I don’t want to be the smartest person in a book. I want the characters to surprise me.

It doesn’t mean you won’t like the books – lots of people do! I’m not giving up on the author, as I’m still very curious as to what happens to the main character in Hater!


Mar1

Books I’ve Read No. 16 – Casting Shadows Everywhere

Posted on by
Standard

By Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus.

These lovely people have sent me another free book! I can’t tell you how happy this makes me. Clearly I love to read, I love their genre, and free? I love love love this: more than cheese, but not more than I love the cats (have to draw a line somewhere).

I was happy enough reading this as the character are well written, the story flows, and there are zero errors or glitches that break the story line and let reality intrude. I did think it was a departure in style from the only other book I’ve read of theirs, The Scattered and the Dead 0.5. I didn’t mind, I was happy enough to enjoy the story-OH WTF JUST HAPPENED?

Definitely not disappointed. Loved it. Go get a copy! No I’m not paid, just thrilled to bits to get a free book of such quality and be able to share their brilliance.

Thank you again to Tim McBain for finding my wee blog and giving me a chance to read these wonderful books. Slainté!

Mar1

Books I’ve Read No. 15 – Hater

Posted on by
Standard

By David Moody.

This was a recommendation from the list of post apocalyptic fiction books.

I did enjoy this, it surprised me several times, and kept my interest throughout. The book also leaves you with some very big questions about what is actually happening! Most of the time I am perfectly fine with a book leaving the heavy thinking to the reader, no exception here.

But! There are also books 1.5, 2 and 3. When I get them, I’ll be interested to see what happens!

Feb22

Books I’ve Read No. 14 – The Giver

Posted on by
Standard

By Lois Lowry. 

Three in a row that I’ve read before! I was looking for post-apocalypse fiction. This is dystopian, which is close. And makes you think much harder, which is good for everyone.

I was feeling badly that I’d not had many books under my belt for February. I tried at least four but couldn’t get into them, so I kept stopping and trying another. Finally I gave up and asked for books in a genre that I like. This is one of the suggestions. 

This book is very short, for me: I read it yesterday start to finish. The Giver is intended for young adult readers, and won a Newbery Award – but like most that do win that award, we older folks should read it, too. It does not come across as being condescending or talking down to young people – and it wouldn’t, to earn such prestige.

On looking this up, I find there are more books in the series. I’ll be on to them as soon as I can.

Feb22

Books I’ve Read No. 13 – Swan Song

Posted on by
Standard

By Robert McCammon.

Now, I’ve been a fan of McCammon since I read Boy’s Life, long, long ago – and I own in paperback. I’ve not re-read it yet this year, so can’t be on my list for 2017, but it is one of my favourite books ever. Go find it, especially if you grew up in the south. 

Back to Swan Song. This is apocalypse fiction, which is probably my favourite genre since I read The Stand as a teen. I won’t call it post-apocalypse as it starts with normal life and moves on, which is what I like best. Seeing how the people react and change and what they do to survive. I just love it.

Swan Song is one of the best. I prefer fewer supernatural elements, and not so much good vs. evil, and no mentions of god. But nonetheless it is is cracking long story that immerses you and makes you hope for good things to happen.