I haven’t written a single word in a while. Not for the lack of trying or reading. Not even for the lack of inspiration. I’ve “written” several posts in my mind, but I never got to putting them to paper, so to speak. So, I guess we could put it down to laziness.
A Failure
I did try to write a post about sensitivity readers, but, as I was finishing it, I got so upset and so very far from even appearing to be objective, I decided to just scrape it until I can muster enough brainpower to approach it calmly and attempt to see both sides of the coin.
Confusion
I got entangled in the strange world created by Vauhini Vara in The Immortal King Rao. Right until the very end I was torn between its originality and its obvious lack of focus. I just couldn’t decide if I hated it, loved it or was I somewhere in between. And I don’t dislike this, I like when books knock me around mentally. In the end lack of focus, plot holes, dodgy characterisation, superfluity and the iffy ending won. I admit, I was a bit nudged in that direction by the declaration that it took 12 years to write the book. I dunno, seems to me some holes could have been plugged in that span of time. But, it’s easy to sit on my never-wrote-a-book chair and pass judgement.
Old Books
I read several books, most of which are a part of the Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold. I’m amazed that I can still be amazed by books I’ve read so many times. For example, this time around I really enjoyed Ethan of Athos, which was always a chore to read before. The Vor Game, which had been my favourite for a long time, got pushed to the second place by Brothers in Arms, and then to third place by Mirror Dance. One of my favourite characters in the whole world (Miles) has suddenly shown some flaws I have not previously noticed, which made me like him even more.
New Books (and a Book for Anime Fans)
I read two new books, both by general and by personal standards – the first two installments of the Hybrid Helix by JCM Berne. While the first book, Wistful Ascending, is one of the most entertaining books with great characterization and world building, the second one, The Return of the Griffin, fell short on all accounts. It was not bad, I just won’t be recommending it or rereading it. I do recommend Witsful Ascending. It’s a standalone (both books are) and I thinkt it’s the perfect book for anime fans (and Star Trek fans, and superherofans, and even Babylon 5 fans).
Books are the Best
In the last month or so I’ve (re)learnt that reading books with someone is a deeply enriching experience because I’ve realized just how differently we read. I’ve been reading the Vorkosigan Saga with a friend, and it’s really great that he’s been pointing me towards things I wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. Proud to say I’ve managed to return the favour. I’ve always been amazed how a book changes, without really changing at all.
A book is not a thing, it’s an ever-changing entity that reflects who you are at any given time. It can even help you see how you have changed.