I have #mecfs so I have a lot of time for reading, mostly #fantasy and #SciFi but I'm happy to dip into nearly anything.
Ratings: 1 star: I didn't like it 2 stars: it was okay 3 stars: I liked it 4 stars: I really liked it 5 stars: it was brilliant
This link opens in a pop-up window
When Captain Jim Holden's ice miner stumbles across a derelict, abandoned ship, he uncovers a …
What's all the fuss? Just a space thriller with so-so characters. A gritty future where humanity has colonised the solar system, but it's as corporate, politically riven & prejudiced as today. Some intrigue and a fair bit of action, but to what end?
My Family and Other Animals is an autobiographical work by naturalist Gerald Durrell, telling of …
An English family decamps to the Greek island of Corfu, and manages to make the place madder than it was already. Hilarious vignettes of the family's exploits interspersed with stunning descriptions of the author's observations of the natural world. The encounter between the gecko and the mantis is unparalleled.
A fascinating history of infectious disease, from the paleolithic to covid, and how it has evolved to suit the developing human environment. Gave me a much better understanding of the disease burden & character of hunter-gatherers and how different it is today. And made me incredibly thankful for public health & hygiene infrastructure!
"A fresh and imaginative retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairytale from the bestselling author of Uprooted, …
In medieval Russia, three young women, a Jew, a peasant & a noble, harden their hearts and rely on their wits to save themselves & the ones they love. Made much more difficult by the fairy king of winter and a firey demon.
(2 stars = it was okay)
A fictionalised autobiography of growing up Indigenous on the outskirts of Gundagai. A tribute to her Aunties & Nan, strong & colourful independent women, but otherwise lacks purpose. Telling family stories through dialogue gets a bit boring.
Presents Rawls' philosphical framework for a better & more robust liberal democracy, and real-world policies for bringing it to life. A valuable foundation for considered & effective progressive politics. Convincing & hopeful.
Rich and handsome, darling of the ton, the hope of ambitious mothers and despair of …
An aromantic period romance. Not a lot of plot, but a lot of sometimes impenetrable banter. Disappointingly, the strong capable female protaganist gradually becomes more & more dependent on the rich & unflappable lord.
An aviator whose plane is forced down in the Sahara Desert encounters a little prince …
I don't get it. Too obscure for a #SleepStory.
downtosleep.podbean.com/e/the-little-prince-audiobook-part-1-down-to-sleep-64/
Yaa Gyasi's stunning follow-up to her acclaimed national bestseller Homegoing is a powerful, raw, intimate, …
Can science and God be reconciled? Why are some people prone to addiction? How not to deal with trauma. Struggled to hold my attention or interest.
What if Jesus had a wife? Great premise and recreation of that world, but the characters didn't draw me in, nor did it explore the theological ramifications his marriage would have had.
An Irish play about a woman's homecoming and family conflict over inheritance. Lots of drinking & moaning, unclear what's actually going on. Not sure how this got on my to read list. Maybe it works on the stage?
The tale begins in Dark Age Britain, a land where Arthur has been banished and …
A realist telling of the Arthurian legend. With the Romans gone, Britain is failing: its gods weak, its kingdoms squabbling, beset on both side by the conquering Irish and Saxons. Life is squalid & brutal, with Arthur a shining hope, but neither he, nor anyone else, is as perfect as he seems.
Reading time 4 days, 122 pages/day
In the city of Egunu, Nigeria, fifteen year-old Kambili and her older brother Jaja lead …
Religiosity, colonial worship & domestic violence make for a sparse & traumatic family life.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is an American children's novel written by author L. Frank …
A colourful little jaunt consisting of a series of slightly ludicrous and easily overcome obstacles.
downtosleep.podbean.com/e/the-wizard-of-oz-complete-audiobook-down-to-sleep-51/
Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free.
Under the Martial Empire, …
(2 stars = it was okay)
Well done, but lacking in originality. All the YA fantasy tropes are there: training school, underground resistance, trials, dark magic, love triangle, disturbing violence. Sucked me in but left me with nothing.
