It’s that time again where I ask you:
Hey, whatcha reading?
Like, right now. What are you reading?
Are you digging it?
Not digging it?
Why?
It’s booktalk, time, folks. Hell, if you feel like it, tell us too what books you’re excited about coming up. Share the sweet, sweet book-love.
banistersmind says:
My serioso bought me the Complete Maus for my birthday. It’s a title that I’ve wanted for a while. It is a stunning account of the Holocaust retold in a graphic novel format where the Jews are mice and the Nazis are cats. The storytelling is so simply done but it is powerful.
September 21, 2015 — 5:59 PM
David Marks says:
I agree.
September 21, 2015 — 6:20 PM
SamKD says:
I like Maus too but am also really digging that “serioso” term. Never seen it before.
September 22, 2015 — 1:45 PM
Hiliary says:
I just finished The Martian for the second time. Probably one of the best books I’ve read in a long while.
September 21, 2015 — 6:08 PM
paigevest says:
Ooh, I have that on audio. I need to get to it.
September 21, 2015 — 10:46 PM
David Marks says:
I hadn’t heard of Thomas Lynch when I picked his 2005 memoir, “Booking Passage” off the shelf of my beloved used book store. The back cover, though, gave me some worthwhile review bits, and I learned that he had won an American Book Award for “The Undertaking”, so this might be a good one, eh?
I love it. Lynch makes me care about his heritage because he writes so wonderfully about it. Much of it is in a style that transports me to an imagined conversation over Guinness; my questions and his tales.
I’m looking forward to reading his other books when I’m done. “Booking Passage” is a good one.
September 21, 2015 — 6:18 PM
Asheley says:
Do to work and scatterbrained schedule I am reading three books at one time! Zeroes…finally got my grubby hands on one and by far it is amazing. Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter is Dead, and Jana Deleon’s Gatorbait. I am diggin them all so much!
September 21, 2015 — 6:23 PM
Doreen Ann Queen says:
So sad that “Dexter is Dead” – what a great anti-protagonist. I can’t wait to see what Lindsay may come up with next…
September 24, 2015 — 11:52 AM
Lana Ayers says:
I’m reading Kim Harrison’s The Drafter. Refreshing take on rewriting time, and features a kick-ass heroine. Trying to savor, but I can’t put it down.
September 21, 2015 — 6:37 PM
paigevest says:
Gah, I snagged this on audio last week…. too many books, too little time!
September 21, 2015 — 10:47 PM
angieoakley1 says:
Polar opposites offered by this antipodean reader: A History of Loneliness by John Boyne vs Beauty and the Bridesmaid by Lisa Souza. Elderly Irish priest with guilt issues vs Sassy American nerd with weight issues. Both sing along the page (one quietly, one loudly) as they interrogate the culture that shaped them. Sorry if I’ve wandered on to the wrong site, but I like it and now have one of Chuck’s waiting on the kindle.
September 21, 2015 — 6:38 PM
David Marks says:
Thanks for making me look up “antipodean.” [smile}
September 22, 2015 — 12:45 AM
tracymjoyce says:
Currently reading (no joke) Under the Empyrean Sky. I saw the cover on NetGalley and couldn’t resist requesting it. Great so far!
September 21, 2015 — 6:50 PM
alishacostanzo says:
Me, too! Loving it.
September 22, 2015 — 11:49 AM
Deb Atwood says:
Just finished Norwegian by Night by Derek Miller–a thought-provoking literary mystery. I’m starting (and enjoying) Dark Matters by Michelle Paver about an Arctic exploration and a malevolent ghost. Ah, ghost fiction, my to-to.
September 21, 2015 — 6:53 PM
itsfamilyjules says:
The Wicked Girls by Alex Marwood and LOVING it. It’s my first-ever audio book and I was a skepticon, but I’m thoroughly enjoying the ‘listen.’
September 21, 2015 — 6:59 PM
elctrcrngr says:
At the moment, The Whirlwind In The Thorn Tree (S.A. Hunt), Trials of Artemis (Sue London), and when in the mood for a short story, Engraved On The Eye (Saladin Ahmed). All quite good. I’ve never read a romance novel before, and I’m surprised how quickly London’s book sucked me in.
September 21, 2015 — 7:07 PM
Trish Hamill says:
I’m reading two. One is The Neverending Story. The other Crossroads of Twilight. Good stuff. 🙂
September 21, 2015 — 7:12 PM
The8thDoctor says:
The Martian by Andy Weir, Ruin Falls by Jenny Milchman, Hit Me by Lawrence Block
September 21, 2015 — 7:30 PM
Jacksonious says:
The House of the Seven Gables – Nathanial Hawthorne (in progress)
Dragonfly in Amber – Diana Gabaldon (in progress)
The Unnoticeables – Robert Brockway (recent)
September 21, 2015 — 7:59 PM
melorajohnson says:
Kim Harrison’s Drafter. It took me a bit to get into it but I’m really enjoying it now. I like the premise and how it’s executed. Also listening to David Mitchell’s The Bone Clocks – I’ve enjoyed some parts of that more than others but it’s interesting.
September 21, 2015 — 8:10 PM
silence says:
Fit to be Tied by Mary Calmes
September 21, 2015 — 8:23 PM
Natalie says:
Hi, I just finished that one as well. Mary Calmes’ books are great when you feel like a romance fix. Not because of the MM action, because after reading romances for years I sort of skim those bits in both MF and MM books. There are only so many ways to do it. It is the character dynamic I find appealing.
September 22, 2015 — 1:21 AM
janinmi says:
For pleasure, recently read: Shaman, Healer, Heretic by M. Terry Green. Urban fantasy with shamans (all women) and a magic system that’s really refreshing, excellent read. When Women Were Warriors, Book 1: The Warrior’s Path by Catherine M. Wilson. Fantasy coming-of-age tale of a young woman written with a very clear, simple yet elegant voice. More books by both writers either already available or coming soon. Both highly recommended.
For review business: The Threat Below: Brathius History Book 1 by Jason Latshaw. Two young people go down a mountain whose descent is forbidden and … it’s early days yet, but so far a good read.
September 21, 2015 — 8:27 PM
SMertz74 says:
For entertainment: Cold Moon by Alexandra Sokoloff, third book in the series. Interesting FBI/Serial killer hunting book. She uses a mix of past tense and present tense writing that I’m sure would drive most people nuts.
For writing skills: 27 Fiction Writing Blunders & How Not to Make Them by James Scott Bell
For my day job that currently pays the bills: Exam Ref 70-687 Configuring Windows 8.1 by Joli Ballew. Good to put you to sleep after a long day at work!
September 21, 2015 — 8:41 PM
Len Berry says:
I’m almost done with DEAD MAN’S REACH, the 4th Thieftaker book by DB Jackson. It’s gripping, especially when the story arrives at historical events like the Boston Massacre.
September 21, 2015 — 8:41 PM
Paul DeYonghe says:
I am 120-some-odd pages into Blackbirds. Compelling little story you got there, Chuck. I was supposed to be reading Gone Girl after my wife had finished, but this grabbed me by the pubes instead and hasn’t let go.
September 21, 2015 — 8:51 PM
SamKD says:
I agree– that series is compelling indeed. I personally liked it much better than Gone, Girl
September 22, 2015 — 1:52 PM
Paul DeYonghe says:
I loved the movie adaptation of Gone Girl, and what little I’ve read interests me. But Blackbirds, man, sensational. I’m past 200 pages now.
September 22, 2015 — 10:26 PM
deborahblake1 says:
I’m rereading Tamora Pierce’s books from the beginning (Alanna) because I am finally going to meet her at a SF/fantasy con we’re both going to be at this weekend (she’s GOH, of course, and I’m just a lowly guest author). Since I got tagged to interview her and moderate her chat, I’m refreshing my memory. I love all her books and have read most of them multiple times, but it has been a while.
I’m looking forward to new books from Lisa Shearin, Jim C. Hines, and Jim Butcher.
September 21, 2015 — 9:11 PM
CaseinMicelles says:
I adore Tamora Pierce. I reread her so often in high school that I memorized whole paragraphs. After finals of my sophomore year in college, I dragged myself home to my parents’ farm, sick as a dog with a respiratory thing I caught during midterms. Her third quartet had been published while I wasn’t paying attention. I holed myself up in my childhood bedroom and read straight through all twelve books in three days, sleeping intermittently. By the end of Lady Knight, I was cured. One of my favorite memories before adulthood fully exploded in my face.
September 22, 2015 — 11:52 AM
Lindsey Bonner says:
A Sting in the Tale: My Adventures with Bumblebees by Dave Goulson. Halfway through and enjoying it thus far. Like the authors sense of humor and it is an interesting topic I know hardly anything about. I think it is harder to find non-fiction authors I enjoy reading so this is a bonus.
September 21, 2015 — 9:32 PM
curtisedmonds says:
Reading a lot of nonfiction about the Pacific Theater in WWII. I highly recommend THE WAR BELOW, about three US submarines that sunk a lot of Japanese shipping: http://www.amazon.com/The-War-Below-Submarines-Battled-ebook/dp/B008J4B468
September 21, 2015 — 9:33 PM
Guy Middleton says:
I’m reading something by Marko Kloos, and I have to say it’s not grabbing me. It reads like Tom Clancy, but with naval ships replaced by space ships.
But, I just bought the new Salman Rushdie and I am looking forward to reading that.
September 21, 2015 — 10:15 PM
paulduffau says:
Currently:
Soldier, Ask Not – Gordon Dickson – revisiting an old friend and perspectives
The Child Goddess – Louise Marley – An author new to me, who challenges perspectives.
Nightingale – Dave Farland – Beautiful writing.
Craving Perfection – Hagen Reedy – a young runner lady who’s trying to help others
Bonhoeffer – Eric Metaxas – perspective on bigger issues.
Lots more on deck.
September 21, 2015 — 11:19 PM
John Saye says:
Is it bad that I’m re-reading Crisis on Infinite Earths?
One kid is seven. (Look at all these comics I can get you into once you get into reading…)
One kid is four. Everything Batman is King.
So back into the comics it is.
September 21, 2015 — 11:33 PM
wildbilbo says:
Pushing through with Naked Lunch, even though its a struggle (great imagery, little in the way of story or plot).
Reward for finishing is the first book of Vander Meer’s Southern Reach Trilogy then The Three-Body Problem.
September 22, 2015 — 12:25 AM
the oncoming spork says:
I was lucky enough to trip over a full set of the Heaven series by Mur Lafferty. I’d bought Book 1 in the Kickstarter back in the day, so 2-5 came home with me. I’m currently on Book 2(Hell.)
I’m looking forward to getting Zer0es, of course, and also buying the Miriam Black reissues, and also Six Wakes by the aforementioned MightyMur.
I think that I need to buy a taller bookshelf first, though!
September 22, 2015 — 12:26 AM
it's still raw says:
Finished this morning (and cried! in a good way) The Drayton Chronicles. Since Buddhism and vampires are two of my most special spots, it could have gone so wrong but Bertauski nailed me.
September 22, 2015 — 1:06 AM
fantasycamel says:
On the Miss Peregrine’s sequel. Not loving it. It’s more fanciful and childish than the first, complete with a talking dog, and it contains so many frequent summaries of the mc’s internal emotional state…I’m just losing interest in the first third.
September 22, 2015 — 1:19 AM
Latedra says:
Once I read what the book would be about I figured it wouldnt be the same so I didnt bother getting it. Glad I didnt by the looks of it.
September 22, 2015 — 3:33 PM
charlotteotter says:
Just finished the last book of the Elena Ferrante quartet – The Lost Child – and now reading Franzen’s Purity. Loving in. His MC Purity/Pip is a great character.
September 22, 2015 — 1:20 AM
jmaysky says:
Working my way through In the Afterlight by Alexandra Bracken, the final novel in The Darkest Minds trilogy!
September 22, 2015 — 3:15 AM
Janne says:
Finished Andy Weir’s The Martian about a week ago. I recommend it. And just last night read through the last page of Star Wars: Aftermath by some Chuck Wendig. Which brings me to my question. Sir, when is the book 2 of the trilogy coming out? Also started reading Lost Symbol by Dan Brown.
September 22, 2015 — 3:48 AM
terribleminds says:
AFTERMATH 2: EWOK BOOGALOO will be out… I don’t honestly know? Sometime in the next year. 🙂
September 22, 2015 — 7:04 AM
Janne says:
Thanks for the info! Will be looking forward to that. My biggest concern was if it was coming out just before next movie and I didn’t have time to read it before that.
September 23, 2015 — 2:04 AM
Baronger says:
The Crimson Campaign ~ Book 2 of the powder Mage series. Starting to like the mixing of gunpowder and sorcery. Very original story and I’m loving the plot.
September 22, 2015 — 4:30 AM
Diana says:
Good! New book to add to my to-read list.
September 22, 2015 — 6:41 AM
susanissima says:
A Tale For the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki is an incredible read. Love the book’s alternating POV structure. The two protagonists are Ruth and Nao, as in “Now,” and the storyline andl and language are brilliant.
September 22, 2015 — 4:49 AM
Indru says:
I’m reading Aftermath: Star Wars. I’m digging it so far. 😉
September 22, 2015 — 5:00 AM
Indru says:
Do any of the known characters appear in it or at least make cameos? They haven’t so far, I am a few chapters in. 😛
September 22, 2015 — 5:01 AM
Diana says:
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, and because that’s a dense book, I need something a bit more fun: The Way of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson. Yes, another dense book. They each give me a break from the other, but I’m enjoying both of them!
September 22, 2015 — 6:43 AM
Kath says:
“You” by Caroline Kepnes. I’m about three chapters in. Still deciding how I feel about it.
September 22, 2015 — 6:53 AM
Dark Matter Zine says:
I’m reading the Tawny Man Trilogy by Robin Hobb for “me” reading and I’m enjoying it. I want to read all the Fitz & Fool stories before reading the Fitz and Fool trilogy.
In other reading: I’ve finished your book and reviewed it here http://www.darkmatterzine.com/zeroes-by-chuck-wendig/.
I’m currently reading Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson (it’s great & non-fic) and I’m about to embark on Jim Butcher’s latest. I’ve just finished reading Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier — I love this series and this book had me in tears at one point, all the feels as a character starting the process of healing.
September 22, 2015 — 8:02 AM
Lila says:
Catching up on Scalzi with The Human Division so that I can read The End of All Things before it’s due back to the library. Also Herbivoracious (a cookbook (I like to read them front-to-back like any book so I can properly absorb their deliciousness)) and The Bhagavad-gita.
September 22, 2015 — 10:02 AM
A Citizen of the World says:
Max Gladstone’s CRAFT sequence is jaw-droppingly good!
September 22, 2015 — 11:00 AM
Romina Nicolaides says:
Just Finished “Out” by Natsuo Kirino. It is both horrific and powerfully feminist and the end was totally unpredictable. It disturbed me to the core, which is exactly what I expect of her. Also “Grotesque” by her is very good. Before that I was reading “Let the right one in” by Lindqvist which is why I need something light like “A Clash of Kings” next.
September 22, 2015 — 11:32 AM
marlanesque says:
Reading ANCILLARY JUSTICE, which is bumming me out because parts of it are waaaaay too close to a book I just wrote.
BACK TO THE LAPTOP FOR ME
September 22, 2015 — 12:06 PM
J.C. Henry says:
Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin and Half Resurrection Blues by Daniel Jose Older. I like how N.K. Jemisin build alternate worlds. I am interested on how Daniel Jose Older represents Brooklyn and mixing Latin Culture with the paranormal.
September 22, 2015 — 12:45 PM
gamethyme says:
I’m reading CITY OF STAIRS by Robert Jackson Bennett, and I’m really liking it. But it’s not a book I can just sit and read. I’m finding that I need to read a chapter or two, and then take a break, and then get back to it.
During that break, I’m reading RESURRECTIONIST by James McGee. And getting through the samples which are on my Kindle because my goal is to have read all of my samples by the time the new Kindle gets here.
September 22, 2015 — 12:53 PM
Heather Ormsby says:
I am reading The Whispering Skull – book 2 of the Lockwood & Co. series. It’s YA, but the ghost parts are super creepy and spooky.
September 22, 2015 — 1:05 PM
dontgetitrightgetitwritten says:
I’m currently working my way through the 2015 Popsugar Reading Challenge, which includes “read a book that’s over 500 pages.” I grabbed “Insurgent” off the shelf because “Divergent” was a quick read, and I was hoping this would be too…but Merlin’s Beard, this one’s a slog so far. I’m just hoping it picks up toward the middle somewhere.
September 22, 2015 — 1:07 PM
Elly Conley says:
A Deepness In The Sky. Such great. So wow.
September 22, 2015 — 1:32 PM
Brad Marley (@bradmarley) says:
I’m reading The Girl in the Spider’s Web. I’m a sucker for that entire series, just wish Stieg Larsson was the one doing the writing.
September 22, 2015 — 1:38 PM
SamKD says:
I hated Naked Lunch for exactly the reason you mention. Filed it away in the “what we had before shock-jock radio” folder along with Tropic of Cancer.
September 22, 2015 — 1:57 PM
SamKD says:
Sorry folks–stuck this in the wrong place. Distraction makes for poor editing! It was supposed to be a reply to wildbilbo about twenty posts up.
In other news, y’all have made my Amazon WishList grow tremendously and moved Zeroes to the top of it with Lock In to follow. (Not liking Red Shirts made me think I didn’t like Scalzi, see….)
September 22, 2015 — 2:06 PM
Joy B Tobin says:
2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clark. Excellent!
September 22, 2015 — 3:00 PM