reading recs

[nephele]

In addition to my usual reading for work -- manuscripts, partials, queries, etc. -- I've been doing a fair amount of reading for pleasure these days. At least more than I managed over the past year or so. It's great because, as I've mentioned here before, an agent needs to keep abreast of what's going on out there in the market in order to do the

Comments

[mmarques]

I'm reading Alice Munro's Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage, which is a thought-provoking collection of short stories. The characters are interesting, deep, and surprising.

Previously, I started (for the second time) Harry Turtledove's Days of Infamy, but I just couldn't get into this alternate history. The characters had interesting stories, but I felt that they were just a means to depict the history - and I prefer my history as a backdrop to the characters.

Next up - likely John Scalzi's Old Man War, but I have a whole bunch of other books in the to-read pile to pick from as well.

[nephele]

I love Munro's stories, and that volume is one of my favorites. Enjoy! Also, I'll be interested to hear how you like Old Man War, as I have a copy of that also...

[mmarques]

I started matociquala's Worldwired instead, as my husband just finished it. OMW will follow....

[twisting_path]

I have purchased Cherie Priest's book. I've not had time for reading lately but will be having surgery soon and have a nice stack of books and DVDS to entertain me while I recover. Looking forward to that!

I think my dad would like the Bradbury book. I'll have to get that for him. Father's Day present!

C

[nephele]

Your icon is adorable.

[arcaedia]

I sure hope you like Hammered (I work with Elizabeth Bear) and Nightlife (Rob Thurman is also a client of mine). I heartily second the motion to read Four and Twenty Blackbirds. I read it recently and loved it. I've also just begun Jonathan Lethem's Fortress of Solitude.

I so much agree with you about the need to read. I went through a patch where I wasn't doing anything but reading submissions for a little over two years and no reading for pleasure. It was a bad scene.

[nephele]

Yup, I knew you rep'ed Elizabeth Bear. Occasionally, I feel like I'm stalking the fringes of her life, because last time I was in New York I got Anne Groell to give me a copy of Scardown.

I hear you on the time issues, but I decided I wasn't doing anyone any favors by only reading manuscripts. It put me out of touch, plus it made me grumpy, so now I'm carving out personal reading time at least a few nights a week. I'm a much more pleasant person to deal with as a result.

[anonymous]

I just finished Lois McMaster Bujold's Diplomatic Immunity, with great sadness because it is the last Miles Vorkosigan book.

Before that I reread the entire Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, culminating with a first read of the latest, A Feast for Crows. I'm in awe not only of his storytelling genius, but also his ability to keep all the history and details straight.

-Beth

[cyberwuzzle]

Oh...Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. *loves*

fyi

[desayunoencama]

There is also Bujold's novella "Winterfair Gifts" in the romance sf anthology IRRESISTIBLE FORCES (or available solo as an ebook).

[nephele]

I've got some George R.R. Martin on the pile, too. My to-read pile is rather scary, to be honest.

[cyberwuzzle]

I'm reading Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. It's my first foray into Gaiman territory and I'm liking it a lot. :)

[nephele]

Ah, Neil. I envy you that first read. Neverwhere was my introduction to him, as well, and now I'm an enormous fan.

[jenniferechols]

Is this where you would start? I loved his Sandman comics, but I haven't read any of his novels.

[nephele]

If you liked Sandman, then Neverwhere is an excellent novel to start with. His short stories are amazing, too, if you'd rather take small bites. Smoke and Mirrors is a fairly varied collection.