Strange Labour - Robert Penner

 

     OK, so after a self-inflicted hiatus of reading in general. I thought I should think about making a return. So, here I am.

    Looking at #netgalley, for some inspiration, I stumbled across this in the Read Now Section. So here goes, sit back, kick off the socks and shoes and enjoy (hopefully).

    Although nothing is mentioned directly, something has happened the world and its residents. There are large swathes of the human race that have just upped and joined the diggers. They build trenches. Lots of trenches, all over the world. There are small pockets of people who haven't 'turned'. This seems to be where the individual in question. Has the urge to join the diggers, never to be seen again.

    We join Miranda, a drifter heading out west. She takes jobs where she can to support herself, care homes, outdoor work. She is joined by Dave, an ex maths teacher of considerable IQ, who has a taste for 'weed', stories and conspiracy.

    Whilst being almost constantly stoned (medically induced - epilepsy). He functions normally. He knows things, how to get fuel, what food is available, what drugs you can find where and whom to trade them with.

    There are neat pockets, where you are not on the road. Each bringing, its own trials and tribulations. Not all, is as it would seem.

    I read this in a couple of sittings, after pin the tail on the donkey selection. It held my interest, which is rare at the moment.

Status: Completed

Rating: 4.0/5.0

To Be Taught If Fortunate - Becky Chambers

Scientific findings, and a question that needs an answer.

This novella, packs a mighty punch into its 130'ish pages. The life of four astronauts scientists to the bone. A mission, four planets and detailed findings. The crew, follows to the last letter, in everything that they do. Something, thrown into conversation, almost flippantly......

 

This is Becky Chambers, first stand-alone story, and a right corker in is as well. 

 

Status: Completed

 

Rating: 4.3/5.0 

Lovecraft Country - Matt Ruff

(Audiobook)

Let me first state this. This book is far removed from what I was expecting. Not a bad thing all in all, and a fully enjoyable trip.

Set in 1950's America, it follows the (mis)fotrtunes of two related African American families, and a lodge where segregation seemed as far out of place, as the staple tradition of PB&J. Oh yes, the lodge. Full of alchemists.

Enjoy.

Status: Completed

Rating: 4.2/5.0

The Other People - C J Tudor

If you were to take a wander through this book, you would get arrested.

Based around the UK motorway system, there are a few characters who find themselves intertwined.  There a plenty of areas, that are described which you will find with ease, bridges and services are the easiest.

A car, a child. Murder. A parent who refuses to believe what he has been told. A sub-plot, drink, cars, and accidents. Organised, through the dark web, you can wish for whatever you want. At a price.

There is more than enough in this book to probably have kept it going for a couple of hundred pages more, without it detracting from it in the slightest. It is a real pager turner. In fact, including being at work, this only took me a couple of days to read (reading and work, don't mix very well with me, I can't normally read at all).

This lady, is fast becoming one my favourite authors. Would I recommend it, yes. Would I tell someone to buy it yes (their not having my copy). If I could think of a third question, I would have put it here.

Rating: 5/5

Status: Completed

Permanent Record - Edward Snowden

If it wasn't for the fact that the released stories are available on certain news publications, this would have made an excellent work of fiction.

Were it not for the selflessness of Mr. Snowden, who knows quite how far, and how much the NSA and CIA would have gone with their Mass Surveillance projects. I doubt it is fully known how far reaching its current projects are. As highlighted in the positions held by the author himself. People are given new jobs, new locations, and a new level of security clearance that allows for a darker project to be carried out.

The truth, might be out there. But, what may once have been nothing more than a work of science fiction. Has today, become reality.

Rating: 5/5

Status: Completed