Been to library and got:

[erastes]

Singularity Sky by Charles Stross (*snorts* Yes, I'm 12, "strosser" is an antiquated word for undertrousers) I've never heard of him, but then I am not "up" on writers wot aren't dead.

Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks

Wee Free Men and Wintersmith by Pratchett.  I avoided reading his children's books, but having read Maurice and Hat Full of Sky I am thawed and thought I would.  Even though I dislike Tiffany as much as I loathe Susan. Death to them both.

He knew he was right by Trollope.  A bit of an ambitious read for 3 weeks.  That will probably be renewed a good few times. It's huge.

Yoss by Odo Hirsch.  Again. never heard of him. This was in the YA section.

Anyone got any comments on the above?

Word Count today: 1098 so no guilt if I goof for the rest of the day!  Gravy!  Ooo Look!  Pretty Pink Wine!  *glug glug glug*

Comments

[cbpotts.livejournal.com]

Charlie Stross: I've talked to him online, although haven't read his stuff yet. He impresses me as being very, very, very smart. I'll be curious to learn what you think.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Smart people terrify me to pieces. There are one or two on my list who's posts I don't even comprehend.

*stays safe in dumb end of the pool*

[rwday.livejournal.com]

Sometimes I like Stross and sometimes I don't - I didn't care for Accelerando, which was on the Hugo ballot last year, though I appreciated the craftsmanship of the book from a writer's perspective, but I really liked The Family Trade, which is more of a fantasy than most of his novels.

Good job with the word count!

[erastes.livejournal.com]

I've read the first page, and it's intriguing, but not over impressive. I'll be doing an Esme Weatherwax at him with folded arms saying "impress me." with a grim face.

:)

[julesjones]

I'm biased -- Charlie Stross is a friend of mine, courtesy of mutual membership of an online sf writing group. I ended up getting Singularity Sky because it was embarrassing not having read anything of his other than his columns from back when he was a computing journo. :-) I loved Singularity Sky, but bear in mind I was reading it as an sf novel that happened to have a romance sub-plot.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Biased is good! With your recommendation I shall certainly read with more interest.

What a small world this writing place is!

[julesjones]

A very small world...

It was a weird experience watching the Hugo ceremony at Glasgow Worldcon, when Charlie won in the novella category. i know damn well that *I'm* not going to be nominated any time soon, so I was able to sit and enjoy watching a friend get it without the slightest bit of jealousy. Even a second-hand thrill was rather pleasant. :-)

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Must have been so exciting!

[asphodeline.livejournal.com]

I know Charlie Stross although I've not read his books. He's on the sci-fi convention circuit and a really fun and interesting speaker. Wee Free Men is one on my list of books to read; Pratchett is always good.

*runs back to LibraryThing*

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Why does every know him and not me? *sulks *

[asphodeline.livejournal.com]

Come to Eastercon in Chester and we'll introduce you in person!! He's good fun.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

*stresses*

[lyras.livejournal.com]

Let me/us know what you think of Birdsong. I need to reread it, as was put off last time by all the mad transcendental sexx in the early parts. Faulks objectifies women too much for my tastes.

Wintersmith: brilliant opening, but I don't think the rest of it quite lived up. Although personally I love Tiffany :).

[erastes.livejournal.com]

My library is the size of a garden shed - not kidding and I was surprised that I found what I did. I'd heard of Birdsong, but havent read any of his. At least it will be erotica, which will be interesting, to see the difference between gay and het lit.

Tiffany must die. Sorry. *stabs* I would have thought the same of young Esme, I'm sure, and that's what she is, but Pratchett does irritating women. I much MUCH prefer Gytha (who I am, of course) and Magrat - strong but not understanding her own strength, when Granny did, all along. I love Agnes too.

*awaits review of Wintersmith*

[dubaiyan.livejournal.com]

You do not like Tiffany *sad*

Re: *awaits review of Wintersmith*

[erastes.livejournal.com]

No. She is a Sue. A big fat honking Sue.

[jodi-davis.livejournal.com]

Hey - I'm reading Singularity Sky - having trouble getting into it. I just came of Bear's The Chains That You Refuse though - so maybe I popped my clutch or something. While the writing is fine - it seems... contrived, in some manner.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

I have a feeling I may be agreeing with you - I didn't find the first few pages any more "brilliant" or OMG THE BEST NEW WRITER than RW Day - but I must give it another trial.