Caldryn Parliament

Recent Reads

Written by

Jenny Schwartz

in

a cubist painting of a koala shrugging with empty paws. "I got Nothing" vibe.

I’ve got nothing. I re-read a lot, which is lovely and comforting, but doesn’t give me any new books to recommend. Of the new (to me) books I tried, some got a red-stamped DNF. I’m beginning to suspect that some authors are inserting AI-generated text in to pad out their books or to write what the author considers a non-critical scene.

***Note from me: ALL scenes are critical or they shouldn’t be in your book!***

Or maybe I just had a hyper-critical month?

I have been listening to a few podcasts. The Red Line podcast is back with an indepth take on international affairs. Currently, I have its Middle Corridor (Central Asia) episode queued for listening.

Bloomberg’s Odd Lots episodes are financially focused, but very informative. There was an episode a while back on running a restaurant in New York. Fascinating. Still in the field of economics, Economics Explained is awesome.

Robin Ince has resigned from the BBC, so he and Brian Cox are no longer presenting the Infinite Monkey Cage. Old episodes are well worth a listen. Science and comedy. Wil Anderson (an Australian comedian) interviews comedians about life in Wilosophy (I listen depending on which comedian).

Do you have any book or podcast recommendations?

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Comments

12 responses to “Recent Reads”

  1. Mike Wealtherford Avatar
    Mike Wealtherford

    I have a few authors I read consistently, but they’re not as prolific at writing as I am with reading. Some of my favorite authors include you, Pam Uphoff, Alma T.C. Boykin, Alissa Day, Mackey Chandler, David Weber, Sarah Hoyt, and a dozen others. I miss several authors I read voraciously that are no longer with us to write. I read to counter a chronic pain problem, which means I devour about 300 books a year. There just aren’t enough good books being written for all of those to be NEW books, so I also re-read a lot.

    Reply
    1. Jenny Schwartz Avatar
      Jenny Schwartz

      Those are some great authors and I’m so chuffed to be listed with them. I’m always so excited when Pam Uphoff releases a new book out of seeming nowhere (author goals!). Chronic pain is the pits. I know it doesn’t help, but you have all my sympathy. (Note to self: write faster!) Reading is the best escape. I can’t lose myself in a movie the way I can a book. And thankfully, like you, I happily re-read. Take care of yourself, Mike. (((gentle hugs)))

      Reply
  2. Peter John Foote Avatar
    Peter John Foote

    I suggest “On Impulse” by Heather Texle, I just finished it the other day and loved it. Space crime, slow burn will they/won’t they, cute sidekick.
    https://books2read.com/On-Impulse

    Reply
    1. Jenny Schwartz Avatar
      Jenny Schwartz

      On Impulse sounds ideal! Thanks, Peter – especially since I have to wait till AUGUST for Encrypted Starpath (I freaking love that title).

      Reply
  3. Fran Avatar
    Fran

    I’m a re-reader. I recently revisited Doris Egan’s Ivory trio of books. They are so enjoyable, and really good writing. I last read them maybe 20 years ago, and they really stand up to time. I decided to re-read b/c scenes or phrases from them crop up in my mind regularly.
    I also re-read your books, for the joy of competent thoughtful characters, among other things. I’m more and more intolerant of silly emotionally immature characters, who start out with one bad decision and go on to make more and more …. Sigh. Someone bring me my ear trumpet and Zimmerframe!
    I’m a fan of history podcasts. Empire podcast,with Dalrymple and Anand is great listening and very informative. Also a fan of ‘How to invent a country’ a BBC gem. For info-science, have your found Hannah Fry’s pods? The Rest is Science and Fry2 [fry squared I think it is]

    Reply
    1. Jenny Schwartz Avatar
      Jenny Schwartz

      Gosh, you made me laugh at eartrumpet and zimmerframe! I immediately went to look for Doris Egan’s books, and drat it all, they’re not available here in Australia. I tried the Empire podcast but couldn’t get into it. I’m going to have to check out How to Invent a Country. Thank you! We have a wet weekend ahead of us, so some cozy books and podcasts will be perfect.

      Reply
      1. Fran Avatar
        Fran

        I’d lend you mine, but you live on the other side of the country!

        Reply
        1. Jenny Schwartz Avatar
          Jenny Schwartz

          😀

          Reply
  4. Olivia M Smith Avatar
    Olivia M Smith

    I reread constantly. Although I usually end up reading through an entire catalog for a single author before moving on to the next one. You just happen to be the current one. Although this is probably the fourth or fifth time, I’ve read through your catalog since I’ve discovered your books.

    Reply
    1. Jenny Schwartz Avatar
      Jenny Schwartz

      I binge re-read, too! and I’m smiling hugely to hear that my books are re-readable. It is just the loveliest, most encouraging compliment. Thank you 🙂

      Reply
  5. mst3334 Avatar
    mst3334

    I love your post – I re-read so many books including yours multiple times and am very eager for the next one. One of the earliest sci-fi books I read was MK Wren – the phoenix legacy – sword of the lamb, shadow of the swan, and house of the wolf – I love the world building and the twists in the plot. I am such a fan of yours and appreciate your wisdom and insights

    Reply
    1. Jenny Schwartz Avatar
      Jenny Schwartz

      Thank you! I love hearing that my books are re-read. Love, love, love. And I’ve dashed off to download a sample of The Phoenix Legacy. Thanks for the recommendation. I’m always on the hunt for new books and books I’ve missed.

      Reply

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