Just wrapped up Surface Detail by Iain M. Banks, the second to last book in my Culture series re-read. As expected, and just as I remembered, I loved it. His political commentary is spot on and surprisingly poignant today, and his imagination never fails to surprise. There are only two things I hate about this re-read: first, that it’s nearly over, and second, that I still haven't emerged with a single favorite, they’re all brilliant!

Google Maps is utter crap lately too. It seems to be making up locations, and several times in the past month, it’s taken me to the wrong place. It’s getting almost as bad as Apple Maps

I finished Limitarianism by Ingrid Robeyns, which was a nice encapsulation of some ideas on how to make things more equal for all of us. Unfortunately unlikely to be implemented, but great thought experiments. Also continuing my Culture re-read. Look to Windward this week, and wow what a ride this one is. Loved it.

Re-reading the Culture series by Iain M. Banks. Managed to finish Player of Games, and Use of Weapons this week (Consider Phlebas is a skip for me). I loved this series when I first read it a few years back, I love it even more now. The entire universe is extraordinary and he clearly spent a lot of time thinking about the details to paint such rich and vivid stories. How lucky we are that he did, and how tragic for all of us that he left so soon.

Finished Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves. A story of death living in a dingy flat in the modern world. Some really interesting concepts, and some amazing characters. I'm super glad to have read it.

Interrupted my Culture re-read to give John Green's Hollywood, Ending a go. It was my first time reading his fiction, and apart from the characters being a little too self-aware, it was memorable, and has kept me thinking about it a lot since finishing it.

Also got through Excession (from the culture re-read), and if it's possible, it was better than I remember. The amazing thing about going through this series again is that at the end of each of the books I inevitably think "that one was my favourite of the series"

Finished Behemoth by Scott Westerfield. Fun little series, just an easy summer read.

Finished A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett, and this is fantastic. My favourite book of the year so far. Honestly the Ana and Din Mysteries are exceptional.

Yes, highly recommend. Just don't start with the first book, Consider Phlebas. A Player of Games is a better entrance to the series, and you can read Consider Phlebas last.

Nearing the end of my Culture series re-read. Matter, the 8th book of the series (my 7th since I skipped Consider Phlebas). Matter is longer than the previous books, and although it seems to start slowly, it really revs up fast and is such a fantastic ride by the end. Absolutely brilliant series.

Finished Mortedant's Peril by R.J. Barker and enjoyed it. A super easy read, fun little mystery, and an interesting world to explore. It seems like it's the first of a series, so I'll be keeping an eye out for the next one.

Honestly none of the options were covering my needs so I rolled a custom google sheet. It's ugly, but it's hooked up to a books API so I can grab cover images and any info I deem relevant. Not as elegant as the apps, but it gives me flexibility, and since it's just a spreadsheet, importing from Goodreads and storygraph was easy.

I love the switch up! It's changed the dynamic nicely. Last season felt too "samey" with Sam making crappy decisions, and Ben and Adam just rolling right past at every turn. Also, so happy to have Tom back.

Wood fire roasted! Can you taste the smoke too? I've been wanting to grab a bag at some point

Always my first thought when I see this question

100% this! I can smell that nastiness on other people's cups, glasses, and plates too. Especially if they cook a lot with egg.

A Drop of Corruption, and Shroud are fantastic. Shining examples of compelling stories, interesting characters, and great examples of how we are living in a golden age of great authors writing great books.

On the flip side, The Raven Scholar was so bad it made me angry that I kept going till almost half way through before throwing it down in disgust.

The Everlasting had potential, but didn't stick the landing. That said, I couldn't put it down.

I'm going to give the others a read now.

I just used the Google books API. The data quality is not great for some titles, but it's a small annoyance for the flexibility gained.

25 or 6 to 4 by Chicago. The rest of their catalog is utter garbage, but 25 or 6 to 4 is an absolute banger