May 2026 - What are you reading?

[Anonymous]

Reading Pachinko. It's on too many "best of" lists to ignore. I'm about halfway through and I do really like it, but at least for me it's strength is it's weakness. The epic family saga nature of the story, which is what everyone loves, means we keep meeting characters briefly and then leaving them behind as we follow others into the future. And I keep wanting to know more about the ones we aren't spending as much time with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just started “His Majesty’s dragon” by Naomi Novik. I am listening to the audiobook narrated by Simon Vance. It is a reimagining of the Napoleonic wars with both England and France having sort of a dragon Air Force. Really liking it so far. Has anyone read it? Did you like it? (No spoilers please). This is my first Naomi Novik read.

Finished this book and moving to Throne of Jade”, next in the series. I feel like this series should be more popular! The dragons are so awesome. Love their unique personalities.

This is me as well! (Did I write this?) Started the series on DCUM's recommendation, now on Throne of Jade. Just about the perfect fun, diverting, but well-written read. (Well in my case, listen.) A good twist on conventional fantasy, and I like how "straight" Novik plays it outside of the "unconventional" air force. It feels very much like: Mr. Darcy goes to war. But with a dragon.

Also, my biggest criticism of the first book was that the characters were somewhat thinly drawn outside of the main dragon, Temeraire - certainly most of the humans, even the protagonist Laurence. Now midway through the second book, the characters are somewhat more fleshed out so I am enjoying it perhaps more, even though the plot is a somewhat more meandering than the first.

Hello fellow reader! I agree with your criticism - Temeraire was so well drawn. I think we are seeing more of Laurence too. I have read that after book 4 or 5 the book starts meandering, I will see how it goes.

[Anonymous]

I finally gave in and started Dungeon Crawler Carl. I am not into gaming so wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it but the persuasion from friends won. I am reading g the e-book

[Anonymous]

Just finished Go Gentle by Maria Semple. It’s funny, but so much is packed in it between the Stoics, art heists and a snarky teen, among other things, that it got to be a bit much for me.

I’m in the middle of Upward Bound by Woody Brown, who has autism and wrote it with the help of his mother and a letter board. It follows several clients and staff at a day program for young adults with disabilities. Very well done and eye opening.

[Anonymous]

I’m finally reading Flesh, and liking it! I’m halfway through.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m finally reading Flesh, and liking it! I’m halfway through.

I enjoyed it, but it seemed to be a bit of an exercise in style.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just finished Go Gentle by Maria Semple. It’s funny, but so much is packed in it between the Stoics, art heists and a snarky teen, among other things, that it got to be a bit much for me.

I’m in the middle of Upward Bound by Woody Brown, who has autism and wrote it with the help of his mother and a letter board. It follows several clients and staff at a day program for young adults with disabilities. Very well done and eye opening.

I loved Go Gentle! But yeah, I can see how Semple can be a bit "much" sometimes. I think she's a good writer, but a lot of the references will date her writing.