A Three Parter Today, Reading Update, New Books And The Science Fiction Novel - YA Part 3

It doesn't happen very often, maybe twice in the past five years, but I gave up on a book today. I'm probably being unfair to the book but after 100+ pages, I just couldn't see continuing with it. I'll update that plus what's replacing it. I also received two books in the mail yesterday so I'll update those as well. I'll finish off with my look at the Science Fiction novel, today continuing with a sub-theme of Young Adult authors.

Just Finished

1. The Meaning of Night by Michael Cox (2006). I didn't rate it because it would be unfair, not finishing it and all. The book was short-listed for the Costa first novel award so that must mean something. Don't use my feelings not to try it, is all I'm saying. Also don't buy a book because the cover grabs your attention.. lol







"It breaks my heart to not finish a book but I've given up on this one. I imagine it's got great reviews but unfortunately it became a bit of a slog for me. I don't mind long books but I couldn't see putting in the time to continue with this one.

I can't give you much of a synopsis except to say that it starts off with a murder, then maybe some blackmail of the murderer, then we jump into the past of the main character's arch enemy.. and why? Well that's as far as I got...

124 pages, no rating"

Currently Reading

1. The Girls in 3-B by Valerie Taylor (1959). I've read a couple of books published by the Feminist Press, under the sub-heading Women Write Pulp, including one other by Valerie Taylor.









"Annice, Pat and Barby are best friends from rural Iowa, freshly arrived in booming 1950s Chicago to explore different paths toward independence, self-expression, and sexual freedom. From the hip-hang of a bohemian lifestyle to the sophisticated lure of romance with a handsome, wealthy, married boss, to the happier - but taboo - security of a lesbian relationship, these three experience first-hand the dangers and limitations that await spirited young working girls who strike out on their own in a decidedly male-centered world.


An honest, explosive novel that turns conventional ideas of 1950s life and femininity upside down, The Girls in 3-B reveals in heart-breaking detail the hidden world of mid-century America, where women live on their own in seedy apartments, have premarital sex, get illegal abortions, yearn to be artists, experiment with drugs, and, if they are so inclined, discover a mannered, thriving lesbian underworld.

Valerie Taylor's focus on themes of class as well as gender and sexual identity provides an unusual perspective on the myth of the American Dream. With poverty never more than a paycheck away, the girls in 3-B inhabit a world in which their bodies are sometimes their only currency, and their artistic and career ambitions are limited by both their meager resources and the blatant sexism of their time. The characters in the novel are, surprisingly, far more self-aware and daring than most contemporary images of 1950s America - and then offers a defiantly subversive alternative. A classic pulp tale showcasing predatory beatnik men, drug hallucinations, workplace intrigues, and secret lesbian trysts, The Girls in 3-B approaches the theme of sex from the stiffened vantage point of 1950s psychology."

New Books

1. Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold (Vorkosigan Saga #1 / 1986).











"When Cordelia Naismith and her survey crew are attacked by a renegade group from Barrayar, she is taken prisoner by Aral Vorkosigan, commander of the Barrayan ship that has been taken over by an ambitious and ruthless crew member. Aral and Cordelia survive countless mishaps while their mutual admiration and even stronger feelings emerge."

2. Honeymoon to Nowhere by Akimitsu Takagi (Prosecutor Kirishima / 1965).











"Etsuko has fallen in love with the shy young university lecturer who clumsily courts her. But her family objects to his past: his father was a war criminal; his deceased younger brother, a murderer. When Etsuko lies to force the marriage through, she thinks their troubles are over, but on their wedding night, the groom leaves in response to an urgent phone call. In the morning, he is still missing."

The Science Fiction Novel - Young Adults Part 3
I've previously looked at the books of Susan Cooper (Dark is Rising), Michael de Larrabeiti (Borribles), Scott Westerfield (Leviathan), Maggie Stiefvater (Scorpio Races), Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games) and Philip Pullman (Dark Materials). Three more for your perusal today.

J.K. Rowling

1. J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter). I considered avoiding Rowling by how, in all fairness could I? She is one of the most influential authors ever and I've read and enjoyed the complete Potter series and have started her mystery series featuring detective Cormorant Strike. Rowling was born in Gloucestershire in 1965 and has provided enjoyment to children, young adults and adults of all ages and nationalities with her writing. Her Harry Potter series has sold more than 500 million copies and have been made into hugely successful movies (I can't think of how many times Jo and I have passed the time watching them when the SciFi network has them on over a weekend.). I don't think anyone can deny the influence and inspiration she has provided to countless young women. There are seven books in the Harry Potter series itself and another 9 related works.

For those who have never read the books, or have never heard of the series... where have you been living??? Basically, Harry Potter is a young witch whose parents were killed by He Who Shall Not Be Named and was sent to his relatives for safe keeping. His adventures and those of his friends take place in the witch school of Hogwarts and in the witch world alternate reality. Fascinating creatures, characters and stories.

a. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1997) or as the American's called it, ... the Philosopher's Stone.
b. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998)
c. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999)
d. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000).
e. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003)
f. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005)
g. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007).

The complete listing of Rowling' works can be found at this link. Her Cormoran Strike books, written under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith can be found here.

Rick Riordan

2. Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson). American author Riordan San Antonio Texas in 1964. He is known for a number of young adult fantasy series, mainly focused on Greek and Egyptian gods. His big breakthrough came in 2005 with the release of the first book in his Percy Jackson and Olympians fantasy series. It was also made into a successful movie. He has followed up with a number of other series but I will focus on Percy Jackson. There are 5 books in Percy Jackson and the Olympians with another 9 related books. I have read the first book so far and enjoyed and have one more on my bookshelf. I will have to get the 2nd book before I continue with the series.

a. The Lightning Thief (2005).









"An entertaining, action-packed adventure. That's what I thought of The Lightning Thief, the first Percy Jackson fantasy adventure by Rick Riordan. I've read quite a few of these young adult adventure series. I finally thought I'd give this one a try.

Percy is a troubled teen (aren't they all.. :;0)), who finds himself moving from school to school, having difficulty fitting in and rarely lasting a year at each. His mother loves him dearly, his father abandoned him and his step-father is an arse. On a field trip from his current school, Percy is attacked by a seeming demon / monster and manages to destroy her. (It was one of his teachers). When he gets back to school, a new teacher is in place and nobody seems to remember the previous one at all. Other strange things happen, resulting in another expulsion.

As he soon discovers, his favorite teacher is Chiron, a personage out of Greek mythology and his best friend, Grover, is a satyr and Percy's father is a god (you have to read the story to find out which one). Percy's mother finally determines that Percy needs to go to Camp Half-Blood, a camp for children's of gods.

There are tragedies on the way and after spending time at this camp, Percy and two of his new friends are sent on a Quest to find Zeus's lightning bolt. If he doesn't do so on time, a war will erupt amongst the gods and the people on earth will suffer. On this journey, Percy and his compatriots meet many other gods, many who will try to stop them from succeeding. Part of the fun of this book is trying to figure out which gods and / or demons they might be.

I won't ruin any more of the story with this review. Suffice it to say that it was entertaining and moved along nicely. Percy and Annabeth and Grover are all strong and intelligent and work together to accomplish this difficult task. I was totally entertained and I look forward to continuing the Percy Jackson stories to meet more of the gods, monsters and demi-gods who people Greek myths and now live in this modern world. If you enjoy the Greek myths, you might like this updated version. (3.5 stars)"

b. The Battle of the Labyrinth (#4 / 2008).











"Percy Jackson isn't expecting freshman orientation to be any fun. But when a mysterious mortal acquaintance appears on campus, followed by demon cheerleaders, things quickly move from bad to diabolical.
 
In this latest installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Kronos's army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop them, Percy and his demigod friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth-a sprawling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn. Full of humor and heart-pounding action, this fourth book promises to be their most thrilling adventure yet."

c. The Sea of Monsters (#2 / 2006)
d. The Titan's Curse (#3 / 2007)
e. The Last Olympian (#5 / 2009)

The complete listing of Riordan's works can be found at this link. 

3. James Dashner (Maze Runner). Well.... I was going to highlight this series but as I began to read about Dashner, I discover that he was dropped by his publishers in 2018 due to sexual harassment allegations. I can only go by what I've read. Judge for yourselves. 

I'll stop here with my look at the Sci-Fi novel and continue fresh tomorrow. 

Have a great day.