All About My TBR

I found this list of questions at The Wormhole and thought it looked like fun.  It's actually a good way to finish out the year.

How do you keep track of your TBR pile?
I use the Book Collectorz software and have for years.  It's easy to use, easy to update and syncs flawlessly between my computer, my tablet and my phone.  I also use it to keep track of the books I've read and the books I want to read  (http://www.collectorz.com)

Is your TBR mostly print or e-book?
I rarely read an e-book.  I love 'real' books too much.

How do you determine which books from your TBR to read next?
My TBR is around 70% Science Fiction or Fantasy.  So, choosing all depends on my mood.  I decide what to read next by what sounds good at the time.  Or what will help me with one of my challenges!

A book that has been on my TBR the longest?
The Merlin Effect by T.A. Barron has been on my TBR since November of 2007.  At first it was because I wanted to get the other two books that went with it.  Now, I just keep finding other books I'd rather read.  I wish I didn't have to admit there are probably a dozen books from 2007 on my TBR.

A book you recently added to your TBR?
Polestar Omega by James Axler.  The Deathlands series is one of my secret vices and I'm always watching out for new ones I haven't read yet.

A book on your TBR strictly because of its beautiful cover?
None.  There are some that I was initially attracted to because of the cover.  But I read the synopsis too.  Unless there are dragons on the cover.  Then, all bets are off.

A book on your TBR that you never plan on reading?
Never say never, but I'm not sure I'll ever get around to Gone With the Wind or its sequel Scarlett.  I got them at a thrift store and felt like for the great price, I should at least give them a try.  Gone With the Wind being a classic and all that.  But they are going to be a huge investment of time.

An unpublished book on your TBR that you’re excited for?
I'm not sure I understand the question.  I have dozens of books I *want* for my TBR that aren't published yet....In fact, I have just over 300 books on my 'Wish List', mostly published, some not.  I try very hard not to look at that list too often since my shelves are already over-full.

A book on your TBR that everyone recommends to you?
Since most of my friends read romance or cozies, I get very few recommendations that I'd actually read.  The last book I read that was recommended to me was The Passage by Justin Cronin.  The librarian in a nearby town recommended it.  She was right.

A book on your TBR that everyone has read but you?
Wow, I doubt there are very many.  Maybe one of the ones by Jodi Picoult?  Or War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells if we're talking Science Fiction lovers.

A book on your TBR that you’re dying to read?
Someplace to be Flying by Charles de Lint, but it'll have to wait a little while longer.

How many books are on your TBR shelf?
271.  Add in the 31 that I've read already but want, someday, to read again and you'll understand why I am not getting any new books if I can help it!

Blockade Billy by Stephen King

Title:  Blockade Billy
Author:  Stephen King
Pages:  132
Genre:  Horror / Suspense
Publisher:  Scribner, 2010

"Bloh-KADE!  Bloh-KADE!  Bloh-KADE!"

Synopsis:  Even the most die-hard baseball fans don't know the true story of William "Blockade Billy" Blakely. He may have been the greatest player the game has ever seen, but today no one remembers his name. He was the first--and only--player to have his existence completely removed from the record books. Even his team is long forgotten, barely a footnote in the game's history.

Every effort was made to erase any evidence that William Blakely played professional baseball, and with good reason. Blockade Billy had a secret darker than any pill or injection that might cause a scandal in sports today. His secret was much, much worse ... and only Stephen King, the most gifted storyteller of our age, can reveal the truth to the world, once and for all.

Review:  There were two novellas in this book -- Blockade Billy and Morality.  Both were horrifying in their own way.

In Blockade Billy, you meet William Blakely, the player who will do anything to win.  Anything.  In Morality, you find a happily married couple who take on a priest's dying wish....after all, the money is good.  The price?  Higher than they imagine.

There are no monsters here.  Well, actually, there are.  They just happen to look just like you and me, perfectly human.

I loved Blockade Billy.  It was chilling and awful and showed the underbelly of baseball in all its glory.  It touched on mental illness, murder and greed.  As much as I didn't want to, I actually ended up liking poor Billy.  I don't think he could help what he was.  Morality wasn't as good, but still a pretty good read.  You knew, just knew, the story wasn't going to end well.  You just didn't see why until the sad, bitter end.

This one's a keeper.  It's small enough to not take up too much room on my shelves.  And I may want to revisit old Billy again.  I'd probably have given this book a solid 10 if Morality had been left out or been just a little better.

Rating:  9 / 10

The Coelura by Anne McCaffrey

Title:  The Coelura
Author:  Anne McCaffrey
Pages:  165
Genre:  Science Fiction / Romance
Publisher:  TOR Books, 1987

Synopsis:  Casting aside her duty as the heir to the Ambassador of her world, Lady Caissa refuses to marry a man she despises and flees into the Forbidden Zone, where she meets a handsome injured man and sets a world-changing series of events in motion

Review:  This is a repeat of an oft-told tale, only this time it's told on another planet.  Beautiful, self-centered princess goes somewhere forbidden and meets a mysterious, handsome man.  She immediately falls in love with him, only to find out later he is actually a prince.  The twist?  The Coelura, a species native to the planet, is in jeopardy and the prince and princess must save them....by getting married.  Ugh.

I love Anne McCaffrey and when she does Science Fiction or Fantasy, she is one of the best.  She is the original Mother of Dragons.  I just have so little patience for romance, especially an unlikely and silly romance between two characters that barely know each other.  This was a thankfully short and quick read.  It had really nice pen and ink illustrations, which were one of the saving graces for this book.  The society was somewhat interesting, if a bit too worried about fashion and appearances.  It will not go anywhere near the top of my list of great tales.

Rating:  2 / 10

Betrayer by C. J. Cherryh

Title:  Betrayer
Author:  C. J. Cherryh
Pages:  328
Genre:  Science Fiction
Publisher:  DAW Books, 2011

"Be careful, Nichi-ji.  I want you back.  I want you all back.  One is quite adamant on that point."

Synopsis:  The civil war among the alien atevi has ended. Tabini-aiji, powerful ruler of the Western Association, along with Cajeiri his son and heir, and his human paidhi, Bren Cameron, have returned to the Bujavid, their seat of power. — But factions that remain loyal to the opposition are still present, and the danger these rebels pose is far from over.

Review:  There were so many new and interesting characters in this trilogy that is part of the larger Foreigner series.  But, it doesn't matter how many new characters come along, my favorites are always the same:  paidhi Bren; Banichi and Jago, Bren's bodyguards; and Illisidi, the aiji-dowager.

While his bodyguards would never understand it, Bren loves them and would give his life for theirs.  This directly conflicts with their need to protect him, so Bren keeps this mostly to himself out of respect for their man'chi, their loyalty to him.

Illisidi is the grandmother of the current aiji and she is so much fun, although I'm fairly certain she would stamp her cane at me and call me pert for saying so.  Her temper and wisdom are unequaled and very few would dare to cross her or even disagree with her unless it was unavoidable.  But, I see, under her tough exterior, a female with unbelievable strength, loyalty and honesty.

This book had so much excitement and political intrigue that I could not put it down.  All in all, a great ending to a great trilogy.

I am sad to report that I have to wait for another two books to come my way before I can revisit these old friends and revisit the incredible, beautiful and realistic Atevi world.  However, I do notice that the e-book and paperback versions are not expensive.  Since I have no intention of waiting another 5 years, that may be my recourse.

Rating:  9.5 / 10

Deceiver by C. J. Cherryh

Title:  Deceiver
Author:  C. J. Cherryh
Pages:  355
Genre:  Science Fiction
Publisher:  DAW Books, 2010

Synopsis:  The civil war among the alien Atevi is over.  Tabini-ajii, dynamic ruler of the Western Association, has reclaimed his former power, and once again resides in the capital.  But factions that remain loyal to the opposition are still present, and the danger that these rebels pose is far from over.

Review:  I do love these books, but it's taken me an entire week to read this one.  There is so much going on and so many alien references that sometimes it forces me to re-read a page again (and again) just so I don't miss anything.  Added to that, I spent quite a bit of last weekend working on finding challenges and fixing up my blog, instead of reading.

I'm starting the next one tomorrow, though.  I have to know how this trilogy finishes out.  No more distractions.  I am so close.....

But, back to the book.  Bren has managed to get himself in a dangerous situation once again.  But this time, the entire fate of the aishidi'tat rests on his ability to persuade one rebel to rethink his stance.  I'm sure it'll all come out right in the end, I'm just not sure how.

Jago, Bren's lover and bodyguard, is the perfect female character.  Sure, she's not human, but she's Atevi and far more human that some humans I know.  She's also strong and tough and kind and smart...and, really a wonderful character.  The Atevi have no word for love or friendship, but they have man'chi, a kind of instinctual drive of loyalty for a leader, and her man'chi is to Bren.  Sounds cold, but it's not.  It's passionate in a completely alien way and I love it.

I wish I was there and could meet Bren, Jago and Banichi and ride a mechieta through the countryside.

Rating:  9 / 10  

8 Is Enough

If you're old enough to get the reference in the title, I'm right there with you!  But, seriously, 8 challenges is enough.....especially since my personal challenge is actually 3, bringing the grand total to 10.  I love all the challenges, but I need to be careful.  I don't want to bite off more than I can chew.  I'm so happy to be in such a good place in my life.  I don't want to set myself up for failure.  So, this is it.  And I'm gonna finish them all!!

Brand New Look!

I spent far too much time today, trying to find a template that I loved.  And I found several at Nymphont.  It was hard to decide, but I went with this one.  It was easy to install and with a few minor adjustments, I'm just loving my blog!

Challenges for 2016

I think this'll do it for 2016, unless (of course) I come across something else I can't live without.  I am waiting for Literary Escapism to post their New Authors Challenge because I've done it 4 times now and love it......but I'm still not sure I'll do it again this year.  I promised myself not to buy any new books and I'm getting a tad low on new authors now.  We'll see.

The Worm Hole What's In a Name Challenge

One of my favorite challenges!  This will make the third year I've signed up for this challenge.  I'm excited!

My Reader's Block Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2016
I've decided to go with the level:  Mt. Ararat: Read 48 books from your TBR pile

My Reader's Block Color Coded Challenge 2016
Oh, this one sounds like fun!

Cornerfold's Dystopia Reading Challenge 2016
Simply cannot wait, sounds like a blast!

Socrates' Book Reviews What An Animal IX Reading Challenge 2016
I've decided to go with Level 4 - Read 21 or more!

Literary Loner's Reading Challenge 2016
I'm just finding too many good challenges this year!

Cornerfold's Horror Reading Challenge 2016
How can I resist?

Conspirator by C. J. Cherryh

Title:  Conspirator
Author:  C. J. Cherryh
Pages:  370
Genre:  Science Fiction
Publisher:  DAW Books, 2009

Synopsis:  The paidhi-aiji interpreter between the native Atevi and the stranded humans, Bren Cameron remains worried though the Atevi civil war has ended at least for now and his side victorious. He fears human technological and other intervention assimilating and ultimately destroying the Atevi lifestyle. At the same time, there are still supporters of the vanquished usurper Murini and those loyal to the current regime claiming that Cajeiri, the heir to the Western Association leader, has spent too much time living with humans in their environs and is therefore no longer pure Atevi.

Ironically the young heir fears what mankind offers as he knows how easily this could be adapted and ultimately would supersede their culture especially with its potential intrusiveness into the Atevi communication system. Cameron agrees with Cajeiri, but as he eludes assassins from both species, he struggles to keep his young obstinate friend from overreacting at the wrong time increasing hostilities.

Review:  I last visited with Bren, Jago, and Banichi back in 2010.  It took a while to get the next book in the series and since this series is grouped in trilogies, even longer to get the two that go with it.  This is the 10th of the Foreigner series and I've already started number 11.

I'd forgotten how much I enjoy these books.  If I had known how long it would be before I got the next set of three, I possibly would have kept the first 9.  I had to read the synopsis for the previous books so I could remember what I'd read before.

Either way, these books are so good.  I love the Atevi.  They are so unlike humans in some ways, but very like us in others.  I'm pleased I decided to read this book and will be sorry when, once again, I'm waiting on three more.

There was plenty of excitement, with assassination attempts and missing children.  But the best part is the interaction between the characters - it is so well written and humorous and realistic.

Rating:  9 / 10