What are you currently reading?

[Sock Monkey]

Am about halfway through Bentley Little's BEHIND, and it's been a struggle. Thus far there's been two storylines that he keeps trying to merge, but if feels like two magnets that are pushing apart...maybe things come together better in the second half. The first few pages were a oddly shoehorned and embarrassingly shallow sociopolitical diatribe *and* the entire novel revolves around the Covid era, so it all feels a bit stale in a way that already feels dated. I'll give this one a few more dozen pages, and if things don't improve will skim the rest and call it a day, and instead look forward to his next/new one, CITY HALL.

I find Little's work to be very hit-or-miss. There was a time where I was reading a decent amount of his stuff, but the quality varied so much from book to book I was kind of put off. I think this was around the time I read The Ignored and I thought Little might actually breakthrough to something truly compelling, then it sort of just gave it all up and reverted back to standard fare. (It's been awhile since I've read this--like ten to fifteen years--but this is the feeling that has continued to linger with me all this time). I haven't read any of his new stuff, so I can't speak to it, but your review only makes me even more gun-shy at this point.

[RonClinton]

I find Little's work to be very hit-or-miss. There was a time where I was reading a decent amount of his stuff, but the quality varied so much from book to book I was kind of put off. I think this was around the time I read The Ignored and I thought Little might actually breakthrough to something truly compelling, then it sort of just gave it all up and reverted back to standard fare. (It's been awhile since I've read this--like ten to fifteen years--but this is the feeling that has continued to linger with me all this time). I haven't read any of his new stuff, so I can't speak to it, but your review only makes me even more gun-shy at this point.

I loved THE IGNORED as well, and think it's one of his absolute best. Why that one has not received deluxe treatment when others of, in my opinion, lesser worth have (and are) puzzles me. As far as BEHIND, I got to the 2/3 point and called it a day, skimming the rest briefly and reading the last few pages...what I read suggested I didn't miss much, a definite misfire for me, and, for me, Little is definitely more hit than miss. Looking back fifteen years, Sock Monkey , to see if there was any gem that you may have missed was (and I've read them all) was a bit sobering...I'd really only recommend THE CONSULTANT and THE HANDYMAN, in 2016 and 2017, respectively, with THE BANK an honorable mention.

[dannyboy121070]

Am now reading the Thunderstorm LE of Clay McLeod Chapman's "Kill Your Darling", a first time read and new author for me.

I am about halfway through an ARC of his new collection, ACQUIRED TASTE, my first exposure to his writing. All I can think is "THIS is the guy I keep hearing all the raves about...?" The stories range from childish and idiotic to "That was a mildly interesting concept that went nowhere." Another "new" author that just is not clicking with me.

[brlesh]

Finished The Long Walk by Stephen King.

A reread from at least 30+ years ago.

An interesting concept and the story still holds up even though it was published over 45 years ago.

It was longer than I remember, and it did drag at parts.

Also, would have liked for it to have had a more concrete ending.

Overall, certainly not top tier King, but still an interesting & engaging read.

Up next, I’m 70 pages into White Pines by Gemma Amor.

Going in blind on this one, but the description of folk / cosmic horror definitely got my interest.

B

[brlesh]

I am about halfway through an ARC of his new collection, ACQUIRED TASTE, my first exposure to his writing. All I can think is "THIS is the guy I keep hearing all the raves about...?" The stories range from childish and idiotic to "That was a mildly interesting concept that went nowhere." Another "new" author that just is not clicking with me.

I’ve had a similar experience with Chapman’s work.

I’d read a few short stories here & there, and nothing stuck out.

Earlier this year I read Kill Your Darling which, frankly, I thought was awful enough to the point of probably never trying his work again.

B

[dannyboy121070]

I’ve had a similar experience with Chapman’s work.

I’d read a few short stories here & there, and nothing stuck out.

Earlier this year I read Kill Your Darling which, frankly, I thought was awful enough to the point of probably never trying his work again.

B

Ouch. Good to know, before I decided to give him another chance. Just about done with the collection, and there have been a few stories that kept me interested, but he managed to ruin those with terrible endings.