What are you currently reading?

[sholloman81]

Those two books are polar opposites, but both are fantastic reads. I second your recommendation on O'Nan. I will type out the first paragraph of OCEAN STATE here. That into sets a tone that never lets up.
First paragraph from OCEAN STATE:
"When I was in eighth grade my sister helped another girl. She was in love, my mother said, like it was an excuse, she didn't know what she was doing. I had never been in love then, not really, so I didn't know what my mother meant, but I do now."

I have said before that, for me, reading O'Nan feels like I am watching people live their lives. His characters are so relatable and real to me.

I am also excited to learn what the next O'Nan title from Lividian will be. I am hoping for SONGS FOR THE MISSING but think it might be THE SPEED QUEEN.

Either of those books would make me very happy!

[RonClinton]

Either of those books would make me very happy!

Same — both are stunningly good, though I’d probably give the nod to THE SPEED QUEEN, especially for a deluxe edition from a small press, just seems more suitable with its more overt crime/noir construct.

Martin , well said. Funny, I almost gave OCEAN STATE a permanent pass because its advertised examination of the lives of four women, which made it sound like a feminist pop-fiction novel…nothing wrong with that, just not typically my thing. I could not been more wrong and should have known better, trusted more in O’Nan’s skill to present a story that’s relevant to anyone. The echoes of this book, finished two days ago, and those four women’s lives still linger in my mind. Just a stunning work.

[Martin]

Same — both are stunningly good, though I’d probably give the nod to THE SPEED QUEEN, especially for a deluxe edition from a small press, just seems more suitable with its more overt crime/noir construct.

Martin , well said. Funny, I almost gave OCEAN STATE a permanent pass because its advertised examination of the lives of four women, which made it sound like a feminist pop-fiction novel…nothing wrong with that, just not typically my thing. I could not been more wrong and should have known better, trusted more in O’Nan’s skill to present a story that’s relevant to anyone. The echoes of this book, finished two days ago, and those four women’s lives still linger in my mind. Just a stunning work.

O'Nan is one author that I do not read about the book I just buy it and give it a read. Does not always pay off. I did not care for CITY OF SECRETS but it usually pays off.

[sholloman81]

Same — both are stunningly good, though I’d probably give the nod to THE SPEED QUEEN, especially for a deluxe edition from a small press, just seems more suitable with its more overt crime/noir construct.

Martin , well said. Funny, I almost gave OCEAN STATE a permanent pass because its advertised examination of the lives of four women, which made it sound like a feminist pop-fiction novel…nothing wrong with that, just not typically my thing. I could not been more wrong and should have known better, trusted more in O’Nan’s skill to present a story that’s relevant to anyone. The echoes of this book, finished two days ago, and those four women’s lives still linger in my mind. Just a stunning work.

I've been passing on Ocean State for exactly the reason you mention. After reading your review, I think I'm going to tap out and order it this weekend. May also order All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker as that review on the CD Free Reads page sounds fantastic!

[RonClinton]

Martin , CITY OF SECRETS is the one of his I haven’t read (now that I have OCEAN STATE behind me).  sholloman81 , hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

[Martin]

Martin , CITY OF SECRETS is the one of his I haven’t read (now that I have OCEAN STATE behind me).  sholloman81 , hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

CITY OF SECRETS was a rare O'Nan story in which I couldn't connect with the characters, I simply did not care about anyone in the story. If you haven't yet read his non-fiction book THE CIRCUS FIRE I highly recommend it. Well woven story about a little-known American tragedy. 

[RonClinton]

CITY OF SECRETS was a rare O'Nan story in which I couldn't connect with the characters, I simply did not care about anyone in the story. If you haven't yet read his non-fiction book THE CIRCUS FIRE I highly recommend it. Well woven story about a little-known American tragedy. 

THE CIRCUS FIRE was actually my first book by him… after that, I went back and read his backlist and have stayed with him ever since.. Agreed, a fascinating story well told.

[brlesh]

Currently about half way through American Gods by Neil Gaiman. 

So far, it’s an interesting enough story, though at times I do wish Gaiman would pick up the pace.

Reminds me of early Clive Barker.

B

[dannyboy121070]

I'm flipping back and forth between two different versions of Kim Newman's ANNO DRACULA- An e-book, and the newer signed anniversary hardcover, which has chapter annotations. I'm six chapters in, and Newman is introducing characters and concepts so hot and heavy that I'm taking my time reading, trying to absorb it all.

Also reading SURELY YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS: THE TRUE STORY OF AIRPLANE, which has way too much information about pre-Airplane stuff. I'm 40% in, and they JUST got to the writing of the screenplay. And I'm rereading Rick Yancey's THE MONSTRUMOLOGIST, in anticipation of reading the rest of the series for the first time.

[brlesh]

I'm flipping back and forth between two different versions of Kim Newman's ANNO DRACULA- An e-book, and the newer signed anniversary hardcover, which has chapter annotations. I'm six chapters in, and Newman is introducing characters and concepts so hot and heavy that I'm taking my time reading, trying to absorb it all.

Also reading SURELY YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS: THE TRUE STORY OF AIRPLANE, which has way too much information about pre-Airplane stuff. I'm 40% in, and they JUST got to the writing of the screenplay. And I'm rereading Rick Yancey's THE MONSTRUMOLOGIST, in anticipation of reading the rest of the series for the first time.

I read Anno Dracula last year and really enjoyed it.

Newman’s literary and cinematic knowledge of the horror genre is beyond impressive.

B

[sholloman81]

Just finished reading the Thunderstorm LE Neon Recluse of John Wayne Comunale's "Electric City's Neon Infection". Had previously read one book by this author and did enjoy it but wasn't really sure what to expect going into this one. I liked this one way better than the previous book. The author was able to keep his brand of weirdness; however, you can really tell that he's matured as a writer as the pacing and voice in this book seemed surer than his previous efforts. In terms of the story, it was loads of fun! Kind of a mystery/bizzarro/horror mash-up. Really enjoyed the Villans in this book, probably more so than the main character. The "Goblins" were very fun! Overall, I'm glad to have read another book by this author and to have added this one to my Thunderstorm collection.

Am now reading the reading the Thunderstorm LE of Adam Cesare's "Exponential". Am a big fan of Cesare and this book sounds super fun; so, my hopes are high!

[Boggle Champion]

Currently reading Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow for a book club. I probably wouldn't have picked it up if not for the club, but so far I'm pretty into it.
Listening to Back Spin (Bolitar #4) by Harlan Coben. Another fun mystery book in the series, just what I like in an audiobook.

Last book I finished was The Secrets of Insects by Richard Kadrey, published by Subterranean Press. I love short story collections/anthologies, and this was a great one. There are a few stories from the Sandman Slim series in the collection, and I've not read the books yet so I was pretty lost on those. Readers of Sandman Slim might want to check it out.

[brlesh]

Currently about half way through American Gods by Neil Gaiman. 

So far, it’s an interesting enough story, though at times I do wish Gaiman would pick up the pace.

Reminds me of early Clive Barker.

B

Still plugging away at American Gods.

Have 60 pages to go, so hoping to finish it tonight.

The story has picked up in the last third, so here’s hoping Gaiman can nail the conclusion.

B

[TacomaDiver]

Currently about half way through American Gods by Neil Gaiman.Â

So far, it’s an interesting enough story, though at times I do wish Gaiman would pick up the pace.

Reminds me of early Clive Barker.

B

I SO wanted to love this book, but I can't. I've tried a few times to read it (maybe it was an age thing - I wasn't old enough or mature enough or wise enough) but it just never clicked. I'll spare you with how many different editions I own too - maybe if I just buy more of them, it'll get better?

[sholloman81]

Just finished reading the Thunderstorm LE of Adam Cesare's "Exponential". This one was lots of fun. Nothing groundbreaking, just a throwback creature feature reminiscent of the Blob mixed with a bit of Tremors and with a fun cast of characters. I usually enjoy Cesare's writing style, and this was no exception. Glad to have read this and added it to my Thunderstorm collection.

Am now reading the Thunderstorm Neon Recluse LE of Somer Canon's "Picking You Out of My Teeth".