This week the theme is based on hidden gems read in the last year or so. I’m going to twist it slightly because I’m writing this on a train and my brain doesn’t want to work. Here we have books I’ve read and wish more other people would read (so we can talk about them).
- Tooth and Claw, by Jo Walton. Victorian-esque dragons! Who wear hats! And eat each other. It’s amazing, I promise.
- The Carpet Makers, by Andreas Eschbach. Honestly, I need to reread this, but I was blown away by the structure and the quality of it.
- Seaward, by Susan Cooper. I know I’m enthusiastic about her Dark is Rising sequence, but Seaward is more mature, and at least as beautiful.
- Island of Ghosts, by Gillian Bradshaw. Or maybe Bradshaw’s work in general. Amazing historical fiction, and too much out of print.
- The Positronic Man, by Isaac Asimov. I loved this as a kid, and read it over and over. I haven’t seen the novel around very often, though. It’s worth reading.
- Always Coming Home, by Ursula Le Guin. I was reluctant to read this, once upon a time, because it’s not a novel as such. But it’s very, very good, and I do recommend it.
- Lifelode, by Jo Walton. Is this cheating? Still, this book is far too rare and really should get to a wider audience.
- Chime, by Franny Billingsley. I remember a few people reading this back when I read it, but I don’t think I’ve seen people talking about it lately. But it’s so good!
- The Falling Woman, by Pat Murphy. I only read this in 2016, and I really wish I’d read it sooner. It’s very good, with great atmospherics.
- Postcolonialism Revisited, by Kirsti Bohata. This mostly just because I would love to be able to talk to more people about Welsh literature as post-colonial literature.
I’d say I’m looking forward to other people’s lists, but “dreading” might be the better term — I don’t need more books on my wishlist!
As it happens I’ve already borrowed Tooth and Claw from the library, so one down at any rate! Your other titles look juicy too, the Cooper of course and the Le Guin especially but really the rest are now on my radar.
In deference to your fears I shan’t list my own preferences — I’ll just carry on reviewing and hope the odd title might take your fancy. Though the chances are that you’ll have already read it!
Chris Lovegrove recently posted…The naming game
I really need to get to the Alison Croggon books you’ve read, especially!
Do, Nikki, I’d be really interested in what you think! My advice would be to read the main quartet before the prequel — I’d only take them in chronological order for a reread.
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I haven’t read any of these, sorry! I was a little worried at looking at other people’s lists but I’ve escaped unscathed so far…
chucklesthescot recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday
I don’t think any of them would be quite to your taste anyway! So you’re having a lucky escape.
All of your books in your post this week are new to me and they look good!
Lisa @ Captivated Reader recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday — Ten Underrated/Hidden Gem Books I’ve Read In The Past Year Or So
I love them all and you should totally try ’em!
Most of these titles are unfamiliar to me, but I was excited to see the Jo Walton books listed! I haven’t read anything by her yet, but I currently have Among Others checked out from the library. I’ve been really interested in reading it.
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I love Jo’s work, I definitely recommend it!
My goodness, I haven’t read any of these. But several of Jo Walton’s books are definitely on the list. Soon I will get to them, soon I say!
Jo’s books are gooood. I’ve loved them since I read Farthing a few years ago.