115/150 The final volume of the current Bounty Hunters series. Too bad it ties into the silly (IMO) Dark Droids storyline, but it's a fitting end to Valance's storyline. Everyone get their HEA, and the story is left open for further adventures with the Bounty Hunters. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
115th book finished for #Readaway2024 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES @Andrew65

114/150 A new book by Gladwell is always a treat, the way he sees the world, using big data to enlighten the reader to some ideas that might seem kind of radical. 5 🌟 read
114th book finished for #Readaway2024 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES @Andrew65

Hi Everyone!! I'm trying to be better with my mid-month check-in for #ClassicLSFBC. I hope everyone was able to find a copy of Doomsday Book by Connie Willis, either in print, ebook or audiobook. Now is the time to make nominations for January's #ClassicLSFBC selection. As usually, the book with the most votes will be January pick and the runner up will be for February. With it being a new year, with a new presidential administration, ⬇️

113/150 I'm glad I read this. I don't need to be starting a new series, but this was a lot of fun. The "rag-tag gang of misfits" is one of my favorite tropes, and I liked all the members of this crew, they all had distinct personalities, quirks and special skills. Also, although its Book 1, it doesn't leave you with a cliffhanger, so you can stop and enjoy one adventure with this crew. 4⭐⭐⭐⭐?
Book 113 finished for #Readaway2024

112/150 Finally finished November's #ClassicLSFBC selection. I first read this when I was around 17 and thought it was a great adventure, but looking back on it 44 years later, I see the more obvious flaws. I still enjoyed the Ringworld as an amazingly imaginative construct, something that would take multiple books to fully explore and understand, but the characters annoyed me more this time than before. Louis's attitude toward Teela, and all ⬇️

111/150 This is one of the weirder graphic novels I've read this year. Originally published in National Lampoon magazine, this is a spoof of children's comic strips. The art makes you think of Little Nemo or Little Orphan Annie, but the stories are definitely adult. Sex, drugs, nudity, perversions, violence and a dark sense of humor. Bonnie is 13 trying to understand what it means to be a teenager, as her body changes, and her much more ⬇️

For those who don't know, December's selection for #ClassicLSFBC is Connie Willis' Doomsday Book. Originally published in 1992, it should be available in most libraries. The audiobook, which is a staggering 26 hours long, is available free on Spotify & Audible, if you have premium accounts. Good luck and happy reading.
@Bookwomble @Ruthiella @TheSpineView @BookmarkTavern @wanderinglynn @Readergrrl @Johanna414 @Lizpixie

110/150 I expected to like this more but it was a bit of a slough. Taking place through three different timelines, it's the story of one man's obsession with immortality, and his run-ins with the crew of the Enterprise on the different time lines. Some Star Trek authors can take events from the TV series or the movies and blend them with their stories, so they seem to develop organically, but I felt like this author was just checking off names ⬇️

Hello everyone!! Sorry I'm so late with November's #ClassicLSFBC check-in. It's been a really hard month for me, the company I work for filed bankruptcy, so I'll be out of a job just in time for Christmas. Not feeling the holiday spirit for sure. Anyway, I hope everyone got a copy of Ringworld and has enjoyed it (despite the 70s sexism). Remember December's selection is Doomsday Book by Connie Willis.
@Bookwomble @Ruthiella @TheSpineView

109/150 I didn't like this one as much as the first book, the humor was pulled back in favor of a more mainstream kind of sci-fi adventure. Isaac learns more about his past while looking for the person who stole the best idea in the universe, while also dealing with an intergalactic war, the destruction of his robot partner/lover, and the return of a villain thought despatched in the first book. The book does commit one unpardonable sin, ⬇️

108/150 If you've ever had the pleasure of reading Jeff Smith's Bone series, you'll know what delights this graphic novel has in store. I'm not the Big Red Cheese's biggest fan, but this was so much fun. The artwork is amazing, and the story was lighthearted, whimsical, and had tons of heart.
4 ⚡⚡⚡⚡

107/150 This was a nice change of pace from the gloomy audiobooks I've listened to recently. Isaac Steele is an agent for the Department of Clarification, kind of a cross between a government employee and a private eye. He also drinks too much, swears a lot, does drugs, has illegal sex with his robot partner, and is a general pain in the ass. He's also good at his job, which is why he is sent to capture the serial killer known as The Forever Man.

Finally starting Ringworld for #ClassicLSFBC and I hope to finish the Malcom Gladwell book this weekend. The Audible Original, Isaac Steele & The Forever Man, has been a nice change of pace from the recent bleak books I've listened to.
#weekendreads @rachelsbrittain

106/150 At first, this book's story seemed too generic, like something out of Fantasy Lit 101, and while the storyline is pretty common, ragtag band of rebels versus evil Empire, it's the characters that raise the book up and made me want to see how things would turn out. I was ready to give this a so-so, but Alar and company grew on me, so I guess I have another series to read. 3.50/5

105/150 It took me longer than usual to finish a book, it was so dark, so grim, so full of heartbreaking emotions, that I had to sit it down and take breaks from listening. If you've read the first two books of The Devoured Worlds trilogy you know what to expect, but its amplified in the finale to an almost unbearable level. That said, the author is still able to give the reader a positive ending that doesn't feel manipulative or unrealistic.

Do you have an election day ritual? I got up early this morning, had breakfast at McDonald's, then went to the local elementary school to vote. After that, I have cut myself off from all the news and social media sites. I don't want to know how the election is going, because they (the news people) drive me crazy with their speculation and so-called expert analysis. I'd rather just wake up Wednesday morning and face whatever the results ⬇️

#weekendreads @rachelsbrittain

With the election only 2 days away, two books come to mind. The tagged book details America's long history of dirty politics and political machinations. The other is Almost President by Scott Farris. This book is about the men, and women, who ran for president and changed the nation, even though they lost. The author needs to update this to include Donald Trump, who has definitely changed the way people vote, the way campaigns are run ⬇️

The voting is done, and the #ClassicLSFBC selections for November & December are made. Ringworld will be the pick for November, and Doomsday Book will be December's selection.
@Bookwomble @Ruthiella @TheSpineView @BookmarkTavern @wanderinglynn @Readergrrl @Johanna414 @Lizpixie @BookBelle84 @Larkken @julesG @Deblovestoread @majkia @LeticiaToraci @sebrittainclark

Oh Boy!! Its time to start reading the final book in The Devoured Worlds trilogy. I loved the first two books, so I desperately hope the author sticks the landing, and gives us a satisfying conclusion to Naira and Tarquin's adventure and romance.

104/150 If the Las Vegas Tourist Bureau ever wanted a book to promote the city, this is it. If you've never been to Vegas, this book will definitely spark your desire to go, and if you have been there, this will remind you how cool Sin City can be. I think this is the first Patterson book, in a long, long time, that I didn't bail on. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
104th book finished for #Readaway2024 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES @Andrew65

🍬 Sweet Candy
🦸‍♂️ Make Costume
👻 Ghost
🦉 Owls
👽 Alien
📽 Scary Moviethon
🎞 Hocus Pocus
🥃 Potion
🕸 Cobwebs
🎃 Paint Pumpkin
⚰ Graveyard

@Eggs #wonderouswednesday
Wanna play? @audraelizabeth @Buechersuechtling @ReadingIsMyHobby @Onceuponatime @TheBookDream @Daisey @Bookishlie @Sharpeipup @Cuilin @ReadingFeedsTheSoul @Lucy_Anywhere @Onepageatatime88 @SpiderGoddess

103/150 I was ready to give this a low pick, because I was invested in finding out what happened to Ava's brother back when they were in school, but then came the absolutely ridiculous ending that botched the whole book IMO. The author always seemed to be wanting to say more, but the book, like most of the characters, remained shallow and underdeveloped. 3 ⭐⭐⭐ #LitsySciFiBookClub

102/150 This looks like a murder mystery, but mostly it a slice of life story of a small neighborhood in the early 80's, all the lies, the infidelity, the drugs, the nosy neighbors, and the heart break of first love. Various POVs tell their sides of the story, both in the 80s, and then present day. The murder was kind of a red herring itself once you discover how it really happened. 3 ⭐⭐⭐💫

Today is my birthday (61st it's hard to believe), so of course I had to go buy some books for my ever growing, slightly groaning TBR shelves. I liked Blake Crouch's Upgrade, and I already have Dark Matter, Stardust is the only book by Neil Gaiman that I haven't read (I tried watching the movie and stopped 30 minutes into it), and Dreadful just sounded like a fun book.
#nevertoomanybooks #neverenoughshelves

The voting is now open for #ClassicLSFBC selections for November & December. As we have done previously, the book with the most votes will be November's selection and the runner-up with be for December. Voting ends on Halloween. #ClassicLSFBC @Bookwomble @Ruthiella @TheSpineView @BookmarkTavern @wanderinglynn @Readergrrl @Johanna414

1. Banana 🍌
2. The tagged books had so many great meals. Really made being a food critic sound like a glamorous occupation.
Thank you for the tag @TheSpineView #Two4Tuesday
Wanna play? @audraelizabeth @Buechersuechtling @ReadingIsMyHobby @Onceuponatime @TheBookDream @Daisey @Bookishlie @Sharpeipup @Cuilin @ReadingFeedsTheSoul @Lucy_Anywhere @Onepageatatime88 @SpiderGoddess

101/150 This was easily my favorite book of the series, so far. This iteration of Harrowhawk was by far the most pleasant and endearing, so sweet and kind. Her fate at the end was heartbreaking 💔. I hope Muir comes out with Alecto The Ninth as soon as possible. 5 🌟 read.
101st book finished for #Readaway2024 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES @Andrew65

100/150 I don't know if its caused by the constraints of the video game, but this is a very plodding Batman story. The identity of the Arkham Knight is pretty obvious, and the subplot of Batman fighting against the Joker's blood in his system was a total parallel to the later DC plotline, The Batman Who Laughed. If you love all things Batman, you might want to give it a try, otherwise I'd skip it. 3 ⭐⭐⭐

Alar wasn't as nervous as he should have been.

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

With October rapidly slipping away, I hope everyone was able to find and enjoy a copy of Sundiver. It's now time to think about November & December selections for #ClassicLSFBC. If there are no objections, we will do it the same as the August-October picks, the book that gets the most votes will be November's choice and the second most will go to December. It gives people more time to locate the selections. Nominations are now open.

🌽 Maze
Carve 🎃
🏈
🔥
📖 Always
Caramel 🍎
Chili & cornbread
🍎 Cinnamon

#wonderouswednesday @Eggs

1. Too soon, if I buy it now, I'll eat it all before Halloween gets here.
2. Bat. Sh#! Crazy

@TheSpineView #Two4Tuesday

99/150 I always enjoy history books that cover events or people I'm totally unfamiliar with. Mrs. Mandlebaum was just such a character, an entrepreneur to some, a criminal mastermind to others. I was unaware that organized crime began so early, in the later 1800s, when most people think of the Mafia which came much later. A quick listen, which covered Mandelbaum's rise and eventual fall,

A group of politicians has called a hearing to discuss an epidemic.

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

98/150 First off, I liked Gideon The Ninth better than this book. It's a great big mess of a book, spiraling, confusing, drunkenly swaying from past to present, life and death, and all places in between. I almost gave up, but I'm glad I didn't because the author pulled it together for a slam bang ending that rewarded my patience. I don't think I've said WTF this often since reading Dhalgren. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Getting in the holiday mood with some Halloween themed soap. I wonder if it will make me irresistible to the ghouls?
🤣🤣

Cocoa
Green
Audiobook
Thanksgiving
Gloves
Low-Key Group

@Eggs #wonderouswednesday

97/150 I'm pretty sure I read this when it first came out, but it's been long enough that I've forgotten most of the plot. Humans have discovered plasma beings inside the sun, and using the Sundiver project, seek to make contact. This could have leaned toward a hard science science-fiction, but Brin creates interesting characters, human and alien, that adds more dramatic points to the story. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#ClassicLSFBC

#whereareyoumonday I am literally in the heart of the Sun with the crew of the Sundiver project.
@Cupcake12

Oh Boy!! I just got this from BAM! I loved the original book, and this is one of my most anticipated books for 2024. I expect to have my mind blown several times. 🤯🤯🤯

96/150 I loved this kind of book when I was young, hard science science fiction was my favorite genre. After 60+ years, it does feel a little dated, but it still holds up well. It still makes for a tense, exciting read as the rescue team struggles to save the passengers & crew of the Selene. Like any good disaster movie, just when the heroes think they've got things beat, a new problem comes along to gum up the works. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ #ClassicLSFBC

95/150 Honestly I wasn't expecting to like this, despite the positive review on Litsy, but I found it absolutely fascinating! I loved Gideon and Harrow, their relationship was so bizarre yet still touching. This world of dark necromancers was well developed and I definitely want to see what is going to happen next. 5 🌟 read
95th book finished for #Readaway2024 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES @Andrew65

I'm sorry my check-in has been so late this month, it's been a long crazy week. I hope everyone was able to find, and has been enjoying, a copy of A Fall of Moondust. I first read this in my teens (a million years ago), but I think it holds up well. Just a reminder, October's selection is Sundiver by David Brin. If you have premium accounts with Audible or Spotify, it's available for free, but I'm sure most libraries also have a copy on hand.

I know this is non-fiction, so I wasn't expecting something like Pirates of the Caribbean. However, why is a book about pirates this boring? Plenty of people, places and dates, but not much to hold the readers attention. Picking audio for this was a mistake also, the narrator adds nothing to the story, just a dry reading of the words on the page. Bailing at 40%. #hailthebail

1. Tagged. The second book of the trilogy is also very good.
2. Paper. I prefer the feel of a book in my hands, but this year I've done more audiobooks.
3. Science-fiction

@Eggs #wonderouswednesday

94/150 I always enjoy behind the scene books, especially when it's about the inner workings of the government. Starting with Kennedy, Stephanopoulos chronicles how the Situation Room has dealt with various crises, how the room evolved and changed with technological advances, and how each president, from Kennedy to Biden, interacted with the staff who worked there. Keeping the viewpoint of the staff members kept the book unusually apolitical ⬇️

He watched the attendants hoist the body onto the metal mesh and it landed with what would have been a painful thump had the bastard been alive, but, unfortunately, he wasn't

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

Underrated?? Really?? Its one of Arthur C. Clark's best known novels, and usually mentioned, along with 2001 and Childhood's End, when discussing Clarke's writing. Rendezvous with Rama isn't one of my favorite Clarke novels, but I don't think its underrated. That said, if anyone can do right by the book, its Denis Villeneuve.

Despite what my girlfriend would say, going to the used bookstore and only purchasing 4 books shows an enormous amount of restraint on my part. I could have easily walked out with a dozen, but I have to wait until I purchase a new bookcase because I've about reached the limit with my current set up.
#nevertoomanybooks #neverenoughshelves