So, the text of the talk I delivered at Ravencon is online, for your viewing pleasure. Here’s your link.
Steve is shortly on his way to Portland to partake of the secret delights offered by the Maine State Democratic Convention; I will join him there tomorrow to do my duty as a delegate for Bernie Sanders. Today, with luck and tailwind, I will finish the first draft of the story that’s due on May 15.
In the meantime, I am soliciting recommendations for novels that are. . .light-hearted. They don’t have to be comedies, but they do have to be. . .soothing and generally uplifting — along the lines of The Goblin King, or Uprooted. I foresee finishing Karen Memory (which I’m enjoying very much) this weekend, and the books remaining on my TBR pile lean somewhat toward the Grim and Improving, which is not what I need to read right now.
And, now? I am turning the internet off, in order to get with the as-yet nameless short story.
Everybody have a fun-filled Friday, ‘k?
Have you tried The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet? Absolutely marvelous, heartwarming, feel-good book.
You found Uprooted soothing? We are wired differently and I wouldn’t dare suggest anything.
Hope you have a great convention.
“Hotel Pastis” by Peter Mayle Also “Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt” by Beth Hoffman. These are clever, well observed and engrossing.
A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmelby
Body and Soul by Frank Conroy
The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
non-fiction: Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure by Matt Algeo
Light-hearted and funny: anything by Barbara Metzger. I would suggest starting with LADY WHILTON’S WEDDING. She reminds me a bit of Georgette Heyer….particularly that farcical aspects.
Also, PG Wodehouse.
Soothing, hmn. I normally reach for Terry Pratchett but you seem to not have my taste regarding that. How about? PLAYING FOR PIZZA by John Grisham. It’s a fish out of water story about a quarterback who winds up playing pro ball in Italy. It’s VERY funny, as the guy gradually undergoes a ton of character development. The ending is very satisfying…
“Quarter Share” by Nathan Lowell.
I loved the Megan Whalen Turner YA books starting with The Thief. NOT post-apocalyptic of which I am stunningly tired. I read all four of the books (a fast read) from my library using OverDrive a couple of times, before I bought the ebooks in support of author, and I just finished reading them again. I really enjoy a great YA or favorite children’s book when I want something fun, not taxing, and not too time consuming.
Also, Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody series, starting with Crocodile on the Sandbank–Victorian spinster turned Egyptologist mysteries. As with many series, the writing becomes more polished as you continue to read the books; I like them all. And, you get a great feel for archeology along the Nile during the late 19th, early 20th centuries as Barbara Mertz (the author’s “real”name) published two books on ancient Egypt in the 1960’s that have never gone out of print. Great fun!
By the way, I appreciate your lists of books read; I’m looking forward to reading Janet Kagan once I finish what I’m currently reading.
Try Elinor lipman. Excellent writer of modern comedy of manners
Hope to see you at the convention, also s Bernie delegate
“The Bone Knife” by Intisar Khanani
“Syphon’s Song” by Anise Rae
“Radiance” by Grace Draven
“Alpha & Omega” by Patricia Briggs
“Beguilement” by Lois McMaster Bujold
“Jacob” by Jacquelyn Frank
“The Battle Lord’s Lady” by Linda Mooney
“Dragonfriend” by Marc Secchia
“Oath of Swords” by David Weber
You should probably read Bujold’s Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen. Though its by no means a comedy (though the descriptions of boot polo and the chaotic birthday party are well worth the price of admission alone), once you wrap your head around the central premise, it’s a good read. The only thing that worried me was that it tied up many loose ends and I hope this doesn’t mean LMB is finished with the Vorkosiverse.
I second the recommendation of Crocodile on the Sandbank, by the way.
I really enjoy the Twelve Houses series by Sharon Shinn. I also like her Samaria and Elemental Blessings series. For soothing but action packed with magic though, it is Twelve Houses for me.
On the EAGLES website comments on this post Ilona Andrews was mentioned. Might I suggest her two indy published Innkeeper books, easily available in e-format. They are CLEAN SWEEP and SWEEP IN PEACE. They are currently doing the third in the series, ONE FELL SWEEP, as a weekly (mostly, except when deadlines on other books interfere) free offering. When the book is done they will indie publish it, probably sometime around mid-December. Delightful world building and characters and if you’re looking for a fun read, you won’t be disappointed.
Anne in Virginia
Mirabile is one of my top comfort books -Thanks for the ebook link (my paperback is worn)! I also go back to YA classics when I need more soothing, like L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. Racketty Packetty House is a fun, light short story from Frances Hodgson Burnett. Gail Carriger’s books, Parasol Protectorate and Finishing School series are fun as well … Although you likely know since I originally found her on your reading list : ). Elizabeth Moon’s Remnant Population is a good stand-alone.
Angela Thirkell? Miss Happiness and Miss Flower by Rumer Godden?
I liked your recommendation of Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.
Space opera: Linesman by SK Dunstall. Also sequel Alliance
Historical romance road trip: Corinthian by Georgette Heyer
Fantasy with some romance: Fate’s Forsaken series by shae ford
Fantasy allegory Watership Down
Witches of Karres by James Schmitz, a writer I like very much.
Ilona Andrews, Sharon Shinn, – agree.
Also Lindsay Buroker’s Emperor’s Edge.