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InLibrisVeritas

InLibrisVeritas

Joined May 2016

Blogger, & Geek Extraordinaire - BBBBC Fantasy/Sci-Fi Book Club
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Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights by Patrick Weekes
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InLibrisVeritas
Chilling Effect | Valerie Valdes
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#BBBBC

It's time for a new book! For March and April's scifi pick we will be reading Chilling Effect!

Pls let me know if you don't plan to read this one so I don't bother you with notifications 💕

If you would like to added or removed from the overall club notifications let me know and I will take care of it.

Eyelit I‘ve been looking forward to this one 🙂 3y
See All 15 Comments
LazyOwl I am reading this at the moment, so I'm in. 3y
Tracyantoon I just downloaded the audiobook yesterday so I‘m in too. 🤓📚❤️ 3y
MeganAnn I‘m really excited for this one! It‘s been on my shelf for a long time waiting to be read. I keep almost picking it up and then deciding on something else. 3y
bookandcat Have it from the library and am excited to start! I gave up on Mists of Avalon on the first or second chapter because it was too uncomfy for me but I'm pumped for this one!!! 3y
Laughterhp Yay! Have this one already. Hoping to get to it in April! 3y
TheBookDream Please add me! Is there a discussion time date? 3y
RainyDayReading I‘m so excited for this one! 3y
SconsinBookyBadger I‘m in. I downloaded the ebook through hoopla. 3y
IndoorDame I‘m in! 3y
Angeles I got the audiobook but after a couple of chapters I bailed out. I don't like the heroine and her family is way too sterotypical. It is bad enough books set in the present seem to only show hispanic people who are criminals or victims of crime, but apparently we can't even have a different narrative in the far future! 3y
sebrittainclark Can you add me to notifications? 3y
Gezemice I am in, too! Thanks for hosting :) 3y
38 likes1 stack add15 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
The Mists of Avalon | Marion Zimmer Bradley
This post contains spoilers
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#BBBBC

And the last set of questions!

Gezemice 7. I guess the most surprising was the Merlin becoming Christian and that whole terrible punishment. I also did not like how evil Mordred turned out. Vivian being slain just like that seemed also rather contrived. Lancelot going mad was weird. But the one I am not sure about is, did she imply that the reason Gwen never had children was that Morgause was giving her herbs to prevent it? That was not quite clear to me. 3y
Gezemice 8. Not really. This is an epic where most scenes are part of the whole. 9. No. While I am glad I have read it, the story was ended and the style does not make me want to read another, especially after I found out about the author. 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Gezemice I was unclear in Gwen's inability to have children too. It was said a few times they could both have children, and then with people saying she could not be allowed a child. It definitely felt like someone was interfering. 3y
3 likes5 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
The Mists of Avalon | Marion Zimmer Bradley
This post contains spoilers
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#BBBBC

The second set of questions for you!
I will post the 3rd set immediatly so be on the look out for those as well.

Gezemice 4. I think that was great, but the author definitely was biased toward paganism and women, but I must say with good cause, as usually there isn‘t even a discussion on those aspects, or are plainly treated as evil, like Guinevere and the priests keep doing. At the end, she brings them together though, and finds place for women and the Goddess in the worship of the Virgin Mary. (edited) 3y
Gezemice 5. See previous - the Goddess lives in the Virgin Mary. However that rather simplifies it as the society becoming male dominant and women being relegated to subservient role is not addressed by Virgin worship, and the book glosses over this. (edited) 3y
Gezemice 6. Oh, I think the point of the book was to address the tough issues of sexuality, sin, religion, women‘s roles, mothers, etc. They weren‘t just plot points. She actually had to work quite hard to put her themes into the framework of the Arthurian legends. Like using the Grail story to show that the Goddess and God are the same. Or using Gwen and Lancelot‘s love to bring about Gwen‘s character development. 3y
3 likes5 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
The Mists of Avalon | Marion Zimmer Bradley
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#BBBBC

The first set of questions are ready to go! Feel free to answer and discuss here or make your own post (pls include the tag so we can find it!)

Also if you did not read Mists but are tagged below, let me know and I'll take you off the discussion list. That way I won't bug you the next two days 😊

Caroline2 I bailed after the author controversy. I tried to carry on reading as I was absolutely loving the book but I couldn‘t get past it. 😔 so yeah, take me off the list please. 👍 3y
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InLibrisVeritas @Caroline2 No problem! I completely understand 💕 3y
CBee You can take me off the list as well! Thank you! 3y
InLibrisVeritas @CBee No problem! 3y
Gezemice Wow, no one has read this and you put so much effort into the questions! I am so sorry! I have listened to this - it came in 4 parts and it was close to 60 hours... it was an engrossing read, even if it was slow mostly in the middle. And it was also quite depressing as the progression was from full power of Avalon and Arthur to a gradual decline and fall of the old ways and Arthur‘s court. 3y
Gezemice 1. Overall I enjoyed it, and especially that it was from the women‘s point of view. We learn these legends all from the male point of view, and women are in the background - this reversed that. I also liked the reversal of the religion issue - how Christianism represses women and sexuality in general, and that is the opposite of the druidism and Goddess worship, which is also close to nature. 3y
Gezemice 2. Yes, I was generally familiar, and recently listened to Le Morte d‘Arthur, which I enjoyed mainly due to the great narration. I don‘t know too much of the other legends. For instance, the Grail story is not in it as far as I remember. 3y
Gezemice 3. Yes! I loved that everything was from one or other woman‘s point of view, and women‘s homes and spaces were the locations. We learned a lot of what they were doing. I must say I would have preferred a bit less of Morgaine spinning or weaving or what have you, and have her return to Avalon much earlier. Gunievere also grated on me, I think that was intentional, that she went from being afraid to be outside to loving it. 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Gezemice It's quite alright! I figured this dicussion would be kind of sparse ❤ I absolutely agree about Morgaine and Gwen, especially Gwen. She was an interesting character bc of her double standards but it made reading her pov so frustrating 3y
Gezemice @InLibrisVeritas Absolutely. She was definitely there to show Christian fanatism but also how much of it came from her insecurity. Like she wanted to appease God so she could bear children. 3y
Gezemice @InLibrisVeritas Also, about the controversy, I looked up the author AFTER I finished, so that rather soured my view on her, and wish I did not know that. At the same time the work speaks for itself and it is a very good one but way too long I think. 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Gezemice Yeah I doubt I will be reading more from Bradley. I found out beforehand so it made some things kind of uncomfortable. Gwen's need to manipulate Arthur really bothered me. I got where she was coming from but to use shared trauma like that just hit wrong. 3y
21 likes14 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
Mists of Avalon | Marion Zimmer Bradley
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I'm not sure how many are still reading this one with us #BBBBC, but I just wanted to check in again and see how the progress is going?

I have a little less than 200 pages left, snd hoping to finish it up very soon.

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InLibrisVeritas
Mists of Avalon | Marion Zimmer Bradley
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#BBBBC

For those reading Mists, how is it treating you?

I personally am finding it really slow but I am making process.

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InLibrisVeritas
Chilling Effect | Valerie Valdes
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Hey #BBBBC crew!

Our sci-fi pick for March and April will be Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdez. The official start date will be on March 1st with the discussion coming in on the last few days of April!

As always let me know if you wish to be added/removed to the Notification list!

Do you plan to read this one or sit it out?

See All 21 Comments
Laughterhp Yes! I already have this one, so I‘m in! 3y
Eyelit I‘m in! I have this book 🙂 3y
TheSpineView I am not familiar with this book. It should be interesting to read. 3y
daena Oooo. This sounds super fun! 3y
sebrittainclark Can you add me to the notification list? 3y
wordslinger42 I'm going to sit this one out! 3y
Read-y_Picker Looks like fun. Count me in! 3y
RainyDayReading I‘ll join in! I actually already own this one so it‘ll be easier this time around 😄 3y
bookandcat Ooh sounds fun! Count me in 3y
LazyOwl If I can get the book in from my library in time, I'm in 3y
MeganAnn I was hoping this one would be chosen since it‘s already on my shelf. 🎉😊 I‘m definitely in! 3y
jessjess Can I join in? Can I get on the notification list? 3y
SconsinBookyBadger Count me in for this one 🙂 3y
Grrlbrarian Love this one❤️ 3y
Gezemice I have never heard of it but I always like humorous fiction so I will give it a try! 3y
InLibrisVeritas @jessjess Absolutely! I will add you now! 3y
Bookgirl Sounds crazy. I‘m in! 3y
46 likes5 stack adds21 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
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#BBBBC

The voting for the science fiction pick for March and April is live! The deadline is on Feb 2nd!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9VJCSG7

I tried to include CW/TW where I could find them if that is something you need.

#scififantasybookclub

BookwormAHN Voted ✔ 3y
See All 16 Comments
Tracyantoon Voted! 3y
Laughterhp Voted! 3y
Read-y_Picker Voted! But you made it a tough choice 😓 3y
MeganAnn Voted! 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Read-y_Picker I know, I'm sorry! 😂 The random draw was not kind today 3y
wordslinger42 Voted!! 3y
TheSpineView Voted!! 😁 3y
CBee Count me out for now, thank you 😊 3y
Schnoebs Think I‘m going to pass on this one. Nothing really caught my attention 3y
SconsinBookyBadger Voted on an unexpected book than I originally planned for. 3y
Caroline2 Voted ✅ 3y
bookandcat Voted! 3y
39 likes16 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
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#BBBBC
A reminder that nominations for books are always open! March/April will be sci-fi, & these are the books nominated!

You are welcome to nominate a book already listed, they will go into the random draw as many times as they are nominated. Try to only nominate 3 at most to keep the pool manageable . Pls make sure the books you nominate are available in audio, ebook, & physical formats.

The poll for the next read will be up by Saturday!

See All 12 Comments
wordslinger42 I'd love to read this! Eragon was one of my favorite books, and I'm so curious to see what Paolini has done in the sci-fi genre! 3y
TheSpineView The Long Way to A Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers 3y
Read-y_Picker Ohhh I‘m so down for a reread of Dune! But this one has been sitting in my Kindle app untouched for way too long: 3y
BethM I renominate The passage 3y
SherylRC Dune 3y
Gezemice I would be up for 3y
26 likes12 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
The Mists of Avalon | Marion Zimmer Bradley
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Hey #BBBBC guys!

I wanted to do a post on the content of Mists of Avalon, as well as the actions the author. That way you can make a more informed decision as to if you will read this, and not be caught off guard

The book contains graphic depictions of abuse towards animals and children. A long with harmful language towards other races, genders, and sexualities.

The author has been accused of child abuse/molestation, along with her husband.

See All 27 Comments
Laughterhp Wow, thanks for posting that. I had no idea. I don‘t do well with reading about animal harm.. and wow, about the author... (edited) 3y
CBee I read this years ago before I knew about the author 😕 Was shocking to say the least. 3y
Laughterhp I will unfortunately, probably skip this book as I don‘t want to support the author in anyway. 3y
Read-y_Picker Thank you for posting this info. Can I please be tagged for the next book?Thank you! 3y
wanderinglynn I will skip this book as I do not wish to support this author. 3y
SconsinBookyBadger Thank you for sharing this. I‘ve already made up my mind to skip TMoA. I read it in my late teens and was stunned by the content and how well loved it was among the pagan community. As for the allegations I became aware of those too via Colleen Doran‘s defunct blog years ago. 3y
GingerAntics Her husband actually died in prison for sex abuse of a child (under the age of 14, in public, while threatening bodily harm, etc). 3y
daena I will pass on this one. 3y
Schnoebs Thanks for the information. I‘m definitely going to have to think on this one. I was planning on picking it up next month but now I‘m not too sure. 3y
brittanyreads Thank you for your transparency about the book! I haven't been able to participate in the book club,.would you kindly remove me from tags? Thank you! And thanks for offering a fun and well run club! I hope I can rejoin down the road! 3y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Laughterhp and @wanderinglynn I‘ll probably skip now too, but if it matters, according to Wikipedia, all the proceeds from her backlist books now goes to save the children charities. The author passed away. (edited) 3y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa Thanks for letting us know, I don‘t know if I‘ll read it now or not...ugh. I got mine used, so I didn‘t support the author, plus according to Wikipedia the proceeds now go to children‘s charities... but I‘m still iffy on the books content now. 🤷‍♀️ 3y
Bookgirl Appreciate the heads up although I already knew all of it. I read this long ago and absolutely loved it. I don‘t recall the abuse in the book being upsetting but it was over 20 years ago so 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️The allegations of child abuse came out much later and shocked me like everyone else. @Riveted_Reader_Melissa glad to know proceeds go to children‘s charities. Something positive! 3y
wanderinglynn @Riveted_Reader_Melissa that‘s at least positive. Thanks for sharing that. But I‘ll still pass. Certain topics, like child abuse, I just won‘t do. I worked in child dependency court for 3 years and saw far too much to want to read about it, even in a fantasy book. 3y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @wanderinglynn Well it was Wikipedia, so take that for what it‘s worth. But I agree, my to-read list is miles long, it can handle some thinning with good cause. I just took Ann Perry off my list too, she‘d mentioned in another thread where they were discussing this book and has a totally different, but equally sordid backstory. 🙄 3y
wanderinglynn @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Yes, Anne Perry‘s backstory is sordid, but a bit more forgivable since she was a child, served time for her crime, and presumably hasn‘t committed any crimes since. 3y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @wanderinglynn very true, second chances and turned her life around apparently. 3y
bookandcat I have a friend's copy that I borrowed long before allegations came to light. May try it so I can be educated about it especially since I don't have to technically support with money or put it through library circulation, but I am on the fence in general and definitely not committed to this one. 3y
bookandcat I will also have to see if my friend wants her book back because I borrowed it, uh, probably more than 15 years ago 3y
TheSpineView I will skip this time too. I don't have a copy and I don't want to read or support this book. I appreciate you being proactive in letting us know about the issues. 3y
Angeles When the author is dead I generally would read the book because unlike with a live author, my reading/buying the book wouldn't benefit a creep.However, the type of fantasy with arthurian leyends or fairy tale rewriting is not my cup of tea and I had already decided to pass on this book 3y
InLibrisVeritas @BrittanyReads I have removed you! And you are welcome back anytime 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Read-y_Picker I have added you to the group list for notifications! 3y
InLibrisVeritas I think I removed everyone who said they would pass on this one! For those on the fence, I have kept you on the list for now but as always feel free to let me know at anytime if you want that to change ❤️ 3y
33 likes27 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
Black Sun | Rebecca Roanhorse
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I started this on a whim bc I needed something to occupy my mind as I played Genshin Impact, and so far I am absolutely loving it.

The audio quality is fantastic as well.

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InLibrisVeritas
The Mists of Avalon | Marion Zimmer Bradley
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#BBBBC

It's time for the first read of 2021! We will be reading The Mists of Avalon in Jan and Feb!

Please let me know if you want to join or if you plan to skip this one so I can add you to the notification list for this read.

#scififantasybookclub

See All 18 Comments
Schnoebs Definitely interested in picking this one up 👍 3y
SherylRC Definitely excited about this read 😊 Have already started. 3y
IndoorDame I‘m interested in joining this one 😊 3y
BookwormAHN I'm planning a rereading 😺 3y
SconsinBookyBadger Could you tag me in the BBBBC? I‘ve been wanting to join for several months, just kept forgetting to ask. 😊 (edited) 3y
Tracyantoon I am skipping this one. But hoping to be back for the March book!! 3y
MeganAnn This has been on my shelf for years! Happy to finally have a reason forcing me to pick it up. I‘m still working on finishing A Memory Called Empire.... hopefully I can finish it soon and get started on this one since it‘s such a chunkster! 3y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa I‘m planning on reading this one, I have it in paperback waiting. 3y
GingerAntics I already started this one. 3y
Nute I love this book. I hope that I know where my copy is so that I can join in.👍🏽 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Tracyantoon No problem! I will take you off the notifcation list for Mists 💜 3y
Caroline2 I‘ve started and loving it so far! 😯 ❤️ 3y
Angeles Hi, I will pass on this one 3y
Gezemice I am reading this one, it has been on my list for a long time! 3y
26 likes18 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
A Memory Called Empire | Arkady Martine
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The final set of questions are up!

Please feel free to answer here or on your own posts using the tag #BBBBC! Also feel free to ask your own questions!

#scififantasybookclub

See All 8 Comments
MeganAnn 4) I can‘t think of any specific quotes or scenes, this is one of those books where the characters will stick with me for a long time. 5) I liked seeing the perspectives of both Mahit and Yskander and how they were similar in some things and different in others. I found myself ready to dislike Yskander through the first half of the book, but by the end I had changed my mind and realized he was trying his best to save Lsel. 3y
MeganAnn 6) I‘ll definitely read the second book. Hoping to see Mahit and Three Seagrass back together again and hopefully exploring their relationship and attraction to one another. I waited the whole book for them to finally get together! I‘m also curious about where the empire with go from here and what those other aliens will end up being like. 3y
InLibrisVeritas @MeganAnn I am really excited to see where Three Seagrass and Mahit end up, especially given all they have been through together and with their end book life changes. Their relationship was so sweet and had just the right amount of longing. 3y
InLibrisVeritas 4) I have a few quotes that stuck out especially in terms of the colonialism mindset and prejudice: “She was getting used to the combination: that doubling, the strangeness of being grateful for something she should never have had to experience in the first place. Teixcalaan was full of it.” 3y
InLibrisVeritas 4 cont) “It‘s not—devour would be if we were xenophobes or genocides, if we didn‘t bring new territories into the Empire.” - This whole conversation was fantastic. 3y
2 likes8 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
A Memory Called Empire | Arkady Martine
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#BBBBC

Here are the first set of discussion questions!! Please feel free to answer here or in your own posts, make you use the group tag so we can stop by!

If you have any questions you would like answered by the group as a whole feel free to post those a well! More questions will be posted tomorrow. If you did not read the book or do not wish to join the dicussuon, let me know and I will make sure not to tag you tomorrow and Wed.

#bookclub

See All 16 Comments
cewilf I didn‘t have a chance to get to this one, but I plan on the Jan/Feb pick!! 3y
Gezemice Sorry, I skipped this too, I had too many book clubs this month. Thanks for hosting! 3y
InLibrisVeritas @cewilf @Gezemice It‘s no problem! ❤️ 3y
bookandcat This book was PHENOMENAL, one of the best I've read in this book club. I answered on the discord group! 3y
bookandcat *also one of the best books I've read this year! 3y
InLibrisVeritas @bookandcat It was! I wasn't totally sure with somewhat slow start, but I was hooked! I will stop by and check lut your answers! 3y
InLibrisVeritas 1. I really enjoyed this one! The beginning was a bit slow as it moved through the world building, but once it got started I was completely pulled in! 3y
InLibrisVeritas 2. As someone who enjoys linguistics I loved that this was such a big part of the book. The fact that the language itself is centered around the Tecalaan exprience is incredibly interesting and I loved that by making the empire so fixated on their own exprience it highlights what it means to be on the outside of the ruling majority. 3y
InLibrisVeritas 3. I personally don't mind the concept of an Imago, or having a Imago line. I think it would be a nightmare to set up the proper channels for this to happen safely, but I think it is a pretty cool way of preserving both knowledge but also people. 3y
MeganAnn Finally finished this! This one took me quite awhile, but I loved it. The world building was phenomenal and even though not a lot was happening to start, I found myself drawn into Mahit‘s journey from the beginning. 3y
MeganAnn 2) I think the the author purposely highlighted these feelings of otherness in those who are not citizens. In part because I think any person who is trying to fit into a different culture with a language other than their own experiences feelings of otherness. But also to highlight the degree of separation between the Empire itself and the culture on Lsel station. These are two culture built on very different ways of life. (edited) 3y
MeganAnn 3) I found the concept of an Imago to be fascinating! The idea that our personalities and knowledge could be preserved for future generations is something I think a lot of people could benefit from... if out past knowledge and experiences could be accessed immediately by those making decisions perhaps we would be less likely to repeat the mistakes of the past. (edited) 3y
InLibrisVeritas @MeganAnn That was my exact thought on the Imago! So much of our history is cut and dry, but if we had that extra layer then it makes certain paths and contexts make sense to us on level we couldn't previously 3y
8 likes16 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
A Memory Called Empire | Arkady Martine
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Hey guys! Just wanted to do a quick update just in case the dicussion came a bit late! #BBBBC #scififantasybookclub

My brother is doing alright and has had a mild case so far. He is getting tested again soon as it seems he is on the other side.

Gezemice I am sorry to hear that! All the best to you and your brother! 3y
CoffeeK8 I‘m so sorry to hear about this, I hope everything gets sorted out soon. Do what is best for you! 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Gezemice Thank you ❤️ 3y
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InLibrisVeritas @CoffeeK8 Me too! I managed to get it done in time and ended up being the mental break I needed. ❤️ 3y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa I hope your brother is doing better! Sorry I‘m a few days behind here. 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Riveted_Reader_Melissa From the messages it seems he is! He plans to get tested again on Monday. 3y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @InLibrisVeritas I‘m so glad he is! This thing can be very random on who gets better fast and who doesn‘t. 🤞 he continues on a great trajectory to kicking it. 3y
26 likes7 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
The Mists of Avalon | Marion Zimmer Bradley
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#BBBBC

We have our Fantasy pick for January and Feburary, The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmet Bradley!

The Mists of Avalon is a retelling of Arthurian legend through the eyes of the women behind the throne.

Will you be joining us for this one?

#scififantasybookclub

See All 27 Comments
Riveted_Reader_Melissa Yes, I‘ve had this one sitting on my bookshelf for a long time. #MtTBR 3y
Schnoebs Even though I didn‘t pick it, I‘m pretty excited for it 3y
CBee I read this years ago and it was fantastic! 3y
BookwormAHN I read this a few years ago but I'm looking forward to rereading it 💜 3y
Nute I love this book! Please add me to the SciFi Book Club Membership and tag list. I‘m excited about more opportunities to read Fantasy and Science Fiction Literature! 3y
Caroline2 YAY!! 😀 Count me in! I‘ve had this on my shelf for yearsss! Looking forward to this in Jan! 👍 3y
imyril No thanks. Please can you untag me from the club? 3y
InLibrisVeritas @imyril Sure!! ❤ 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Nute Added and welcome! ❤ 3y
wordslinger42 I'm going to sit this one out! 3y
IndoorDame Yes! This one has been on my TBR for access! 3y
TheSpineView Excited about this one! 3y
MeganAnn I‘m in! I‘ve also had this on my shelf for years... love the movie so much but I‘ve never gotten around to reading the book. ❤️ 3y
BethM Yes! 3y
GingerAntics This has been on my TBR for ages!!! I‘m always looking for the right time to read it. Perhaps this is what I was waiting for! 🤷🏼‍♀️ 3y
RainyDayReading I‘ll be passing on this one. I‘ve read some interesting things regarding the author and some of the content of her books and it‘s not really someone I want to support/read. But I hope you all enjoy it! I‘ll jump back in with the next round 😁 3y
InLibrisVeritas @RainyDayReading I just looked into her, and I truly had no idea. Thank you for the heads up, and I totally understand. 3y
RainyDayReading @InLibrisVeritas Yeah it‘s not really well known anymore. I stumbled upon it completely by accident a couple years ago. Can‘t wait to join in with the next one! 3y
Bookgirl I read this book years ago and loved it! As far as the author...yikes. There‘s a long and twisted tale of abuse by her, which really stinks as this book is such a lovely tale of female empowerment. 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Hazel2019 Here is info the Mists read in Jan and Feb! We read a new book every 2 months, and alternate between Fantasy and Sci-fi. You can recommend books at anytime and they go into a random draw, which I pull from to make the voting poll. If you have any questions please let me know 💜 3y
Hazel2019 Thank you @InLibrisVeritas ! I‘ll be planning on joining 😊 3y
SherylRC I would love to join in on the read, one of my all time fav books😊 very excited. 3y
InLibrisVeritas @SherylRC I will add you to the list!! Welcome! 3y
SherylRC @InLibrisVeritas thank you 😊 3y
43 likes4 stack adds27 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
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Today is the start of #25DaysofManga! Is anyone here participating this year?

I have already read the volume pictured, but I am really hoping I get approved to review the 6th volume bc this series is a lot of fun.

Sweetkokoro How do I take part in this event? I am interested and there is a lot of Manga I need to get caught up on! 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Sweetkokoro It's being hosted by Pages and Panels on twitter and instagram! There is no offfical sign up or anything, just the hashtag if you want to keep track and/or check out everyone else's progress. The goal is to read 1 manga every day until Dec 25th. (Twitter acct - 25DaysofManga Insta acct - DaysofManga) 3y
Sweetkokoro Thanks for the info! I had no idea there was anything like this. I head over to Instagram and check it all out. 3y
26 likes3 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
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It is time to vote for Jan/Feb's Fantasy book!! I put all the nominations into the pool and got these four. I can't wait to see what you guys pick this time.

Deadline is Dec 5th!

#BBBBC

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GYNFJKM

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TheSpineView Voted!📚 3y
Laughterhp Voted! 3y
BethM Done! 3y
tonyahoswalt Voted! 3y
BookwormAHN Done ✔ 3y
Bookgirl Voted!! 3y
wordslinger42 Voted! 3y
Gezemice Oops, missed the deadline... my vote goes to Mists of Avalon if there is a tie... 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Gezemice It actually won the poll! 3y
Gezemice @InLibrisVeritas Yay! I wanted to read it for a long time. Just listened to Le Morte d‘Arthur so I am up on the legend! 3y
33 likes15 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
Obsidio | Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
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Pickpick

I finally decided to finish this off last night and it was such a satisfying conclusion. Aiden remains one of my favorite AI characters.
I do recommend the audios, but be aware that many of the pages involve some illustrations that heighten the exprience.

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InLibrisVeritas
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Hey #BBBBC

Just a reminder that book nominations are always open! Here is a list of our current Fantasy nomination pool! Feel free to add new ones or nominate something already listed.

Sorry for the delay in the reminder. I have had tech issues for a few days and just the general stress of the world right now has made swiss cheese of my brain.

I will post the voting poll at the end of next week! (Nov 27th)

24 likes9 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
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I have been up all night bc of my allergies. I picked this up off of my donate pile on a whim a few hours ago and I am I really enjoying it.❤ I don't really read much anymore (bc 2020) so this has been really nice despite not being able to sleep.

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InLibrisVeritas
A Memory Called Empire | Arkady Martine
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#BBBBC

Who is ready for the last book pick of 2020?!

Offical start date is todat and will go until Dec 31st! The discussion will be posted during that last week! As always feel free to let me know if you wish to join in club, or if you don't plan to read this one (so I don't bug you w/tag when I post updates or the dicussion).

#scififantasybookclub

RainyDayReading So ready! 3y
See All 15 Comments
CBee I‘m going to pass - just too many other things going on. But thank you 😁 3y
InLibrisVeritas @CBee No problem! ❤ 3y
Chrissyreadit I ordered it, and hope I can join in- it sounds like a book I would enjoy. 3y
InLibrisVeritas @RainyDayReading Me too! I have my copy ready to go, I have been looking forward to this one 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Chrissyreadit Yay! I hope you get to as well! 3y
SamAnne Looking forward to it! 3y
TheSpineView Excited to read this one!👍😊 3y
Laughterhp Nice! I‘m looking forward to this one! 3y
Schnoebs Not sure if I‘m going to join in on this one. I‘m hoping to finish off a few series before the end of the year rather than start a new one 😂 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Schnoebs 😂 That's fair! 3y
imyril I won‘t be reading but I‘ll try and join the discussions - this was one of my favourite reads of last year 3y
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InLibrisVeritas
American Gods | Neil Gaiman
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#BBBBC

For those who are looking for more American Gods stories!

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InLibrisVeritas
American Gods | Neil Gaiman
This post contains spoilers
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Happy Halloween everyone!

Here is the last set if questions! I hope everyone who read the book enjoyed it! Let me know if you plan to watch the tv show (or if you already have)

#BBBBC

See All 9 Comments
wanderinglynn I watched a few episodes of the show when I got Starz free for a weekend. It‘s well cast, but I‘m not sure I liked it. 3y
InLibrisVeritas @wanderinglynn I am of the same mind. There are a few scenes that were pretty fantastic but I'm not sure I want to commit anymore time it. 3y
Schnoebs Im not surprised at all by the creepiness of Lakeside. As someone who has grown up in the Midwest and lived in many different parts of it, I‘ve scene what winter can do to some people. I was more interested in the fact that it seems like the god was taking his own sacrifices which surprised me. Similarly to the Native American gods. They would be the strongest since they‘ve been here the longest and .... 3y
Schnoebs ... from my understanding, still heavily worshipped by modern tribes like they were back when Europeans came over. I don‘t know if they exactly left but maybe just did all they could to help especially after giving him the trunk information. I‘m definitely excited to continue on. I‘m just too big of a mythology fan not too😂 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Schnoebs I hadn't thought of the fact that he was taking his own sacrifices! I suppose maybe all he needed was the death and not the actual dedication? Kind of like Loki and chaos 3y
Schnoebs @InLibrisVeritas that‘s what I‘m think. Maybe also similar to how Bilquis obtained her sacrifices 3y
6 likes9 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
American Gods | Neil Gaiman
This post contains spoilers
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#BBBBC The next set of questions are ready to go!

I tried to take out the tags of those who mentioned they didn't read it so as not to bother anyone.

See All 7 Comments
CBee Hey! You can take me off the list as well, I didn‘t read it yet 😕 3y
InLibrisVeritas @CBee Will do! ❤ 3y
Schnoebs I think shadow was a great main character. He was pretty neutral in situations and went with the flow which I think allows the reader to make their own judgement of the gods. The concept of how the gods are created was my favorite part, especially with the fact that you can have “copies” of the same god in different places. I also enjoyed the role that the worshiping played in their strengths. Really allows for quick changes in power. 3y
wanderinglynn I liked Gaiman‘s concept of gods. I agree with @Schnoebs—the worship=power aspect was interesting and how different people created the same god or “copies” of the same god in different places. 3y
7 likes7 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
American Gods | Neil Gaiman
This post contains spoilers
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#BBBBC

We have power and internet again, so here we go! Feel free to answer them here or make your own post with the #BBBBC tag.

I will cross post the questions to the Discord and Goodreads as soon as I am able!

#scififantasybookclub

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Schnoebs I actually really enjoyed this book a lot and has me interested in reading more from him. The entire concept of the old and new gods was really fascinating to me and provided a good reflection on the different things Americans universally value. It‘s even more interesting to think that this concept still stands true during current political climates. Lastly, I really enjoyed the stories. I think they added a decent amount of context. 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Schnoebs I am so glad to hear that! I really liked how the American idolization of the material and fleeting is so prominent and for the ones that he did decribe really creative. 3y
Schnoebs @InLibrisVeritas right? I‘m super interested to see Shadow‘s involvement in Europe so I ordered Fragile Things which has the first short story in it! 3y
Laughterhp I read this book in 2017 and I didn‘t reread it. So I won‘t be participating in the questions this month! But I did enjoy this book when I read it. Gave it 4 stars. 3y
TheSpineView I enjoyed this one a lot. It is not my first Gaiman book and won't be the last. The quality of the prose is outstanding. I liked that the plot was different and how he handled the characters. Additionally, he was spot on about our value system. 3y
Gezemice Oops. I listened to this a couple years ago and loved it. But I don‘t remember much so I wanted to read this time, but October got away from me and I did not. I can‘t really participate in the detail questions but overall I thought it was great, an outsider‘s love letter to America. I recall that Gaiman writes American small town people and their friendliness really well. 3y
Gezemice @TheSpineView Yes, I love his prose, even though he gets too spooky for me often - I still love him for the writing and those great human insights. 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Laughterhp No worries! I am glad you enjoyed it though! 3y
Bookgirl I struggle with Gaiman but do want to try this one. I didn‘t have the head space for it this fall though. Thanks for tagging me and keeping me included!! Hopefully next time... 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Bookgirl No problem, and I understand! I'll make a note to remove your name for the next set of questions ❤ 3y
CoffeeK8 Thank you so much for organizing this, I didn‘t have time to read it but I‘m looking forward to the next one! 3y
wanderinglynn I thought it was brilliant. It‘s not my favorite Gaiman, but it certainly is the most thought provoking. The idea of gods and where their power comes from, how immigration and societal advancement changes religions. 3y
InLibrisVeritas @wanderinglynn Definitely thought provoking! I am curious to see if the short stories and "sequel" handle the changes in the gods in more depth. 3y
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InLibrisVeritas
American Gods | Neil Gaiman
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Hey #BBBBC! The discussion questions will be a bit late. We had Zeta come through last night, and the power has been put for about 10 hrs. So no phone charging or internet.
I will have the first set of Q's up as soon as I can, hopefully by the end of tonight.

#scififantasybookclub

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InLibrisVeritas
Blue Period 1 | Tsubasa Yamaguchi
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Ahhh! This is such a good volume and an excellent start to this series! If you love art and stories about people finding their passions, check this out. The details in this give me life! 💙

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InLibrisVeritas
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I haven't been home in over a week so this haul is a bit large because it spans several weeks, but these are some ex-library copies of Inuyasha that I got in!

I spent a few hours yesterday evening cleaning them, removing stickers/lamination, and scrubbing away adhesive that seemed to have been forged in the depths hell. 😄 Now that on way you can tell where they came from are the stamps on the inside.

#mangahaul #manga

GingerAntics You can get all that stuff off without tearing the covers? I would LOVE to know how to do that. All those stickers are the reason I avoid old library copies. For a place that is all about books, they sure do ruin them sometimes. 4y
InLibrisVeritas @GingerAntics It really comes down the cover type they have. These are super smooth and thick so I can get away with using goo gone and rubbing alcohol w/o damaging anything. But in general you'll need something like a peeler label knife to get under the stickers, something a crepe eraser for adhesive, and a hair dryer at low heat (avoid lighters and heat guns). Scissors are helpful to remove lamination in pieces. It has a lot of variables 1/2 4y
GingerAntics Thank you SOOOOOO much!!! 4y
33 likes4 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
American Gods | Neil Gaiman
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My library's app got the audio of American Gods! I am so relieved, because I honestly just haven't felt like reading and that #BBBBC Oct deadline is coming up quick.

Schnoebs I‘m finishing Into the Drowning Deep and then hoping to make this my next pick. I might throw in something fluffy before though because this book is giving me the creeps 😬🧜‍♀️ 4y
InLibrisVeritas @Schnoebs That one looks so good! I'm definitely curious to see what you think of it when you finish. 4y
25 likes2 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
A Memory Called Empire | Arkady Martine
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#BBBBC

The pick for Nov/Dec is A Memory Called Empire! The offical start date us Nov. 1st and the discussion will be posted Dec 29-31.

Feel free to post before or after those dates, and feel free to tag #BBBBC and me in your updates!

If you would like to be added to the notification list let me know!

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RainyDayReading So excited! I started this one but need the motivation to finish it-the slump is real haha 4y
BarbaraJean Ooooh! A friend JUST recommended this to me this week—might jump in to join you for this one! 4y
CaffeineAndCandy Add me pls 4y
InLibrisVeritas @BarbaraJean Awesome! Glad to have you! 4y
InLibrisVeritas @RainyDayReading Same! I have been wanting to get to this one all year and just haven't 4y
InLibrisVeritas @ABooksyGirl Added! Welcome! Let me know if you have any questions 😊 4y
imyril Add me in! This was one of my favourite reads of last year - I won‘t have time to reread but I‘m curious to see what everyone makes of it (and I‘ll join in answering if I can remember enough details ☺️) 4y
Soscha Please add, ty!! 3y
InLibrisVeritas @Soscha Added!! ❤ 3y
47 likes2 stack adds12 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
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#BBBBC Hey everyone! Just a reminder to get those votes in before tomorrow night! We have a three way tie going right now, so every vote really counts!

If you would like to be added to the notification list let me know below!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y9238FR

#scififantasybookclub

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InLibrisVeritas
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It is time for voting #BBBBC! The random pull picked some heavy hitters this time around!

The deadline is Sept 19th, so ideally I'll let you all know what won on thr 20th!

If you would like to be added to the notification list let me know below!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y9238FR

#scififantasybookclub

23 likes15 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
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Getting the poll set up for #BBBBC tomorrow! Lots of nominations this time around! I am excited to see what group will be up for voting, and what you guys will pick!

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InLibrisVeritas
On the Come Up | Angie Thomas
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Pickpick

I finally got around to finishing this last night and absolutely loved it!
Definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a YA contemporary that focuses on family, the struggles that a lot of lower income families of color face within cities, the ripple effects of police brutaily, and what it means to be yourself.
It's so damn good 💜

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InLibrisVeritas
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Its definitely a manga and anime kind if night 💜💜

Reading Inuyasha and watching Neon Gensis Evangelion for the first time

#manga

dylanisreading Evangelion is really good! One of my favorite anime. 4y
Skygoddess1 You‘re watching and reading two of my favorite manga/anime 4y
31 likes2 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
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Just a quick reminder of the books we have already read!
I always forget how many we have read until I go to type them out and it takes forever 🤣

#BBBBC

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Hey everyone! I just wanted to drop a reminder that nominations are always open & to let you see what the noms that I have are! You are welcome to nominate these again (if you don't remember if you already nominated it I do have the names marked on my side, so no worries!)

Please make sure that they have a physical and audio version! Sequels to previous picks are allowed.

I am hoping to have the vote go up on Sept 12th!

#BBBBC

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Gezemice @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Bobiverse is fun! I listened to them already but would not mind a repeat. 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Gezemice I loved them too, did you know there is a new one coming out the end of the month? 4y
Gezemice @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Ooh, really? I did not know. Awesome! Gotta get it! Are you reading it? 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Gezemice I will, it‘s released Sept 24 I think, but I probably won‘t until get my audible credit in early October (I love them on audiobook) 4y
Gezemice @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Yes, audiobook is the way to go! I have 7 creadits, it will be a good way to use one! (I do the yearly) 4y
Schnoebs Oh man, I‘m really hoping for anything but Dune 🤞but I understand with the movie coming out soon that it‘ll probably get picked 😂 Just don‘t think I have the willpower to conquer that one any time soon! 4y
24 likes15 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
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A small stack of used shounen manga. I am getting so close to owning all of Inuyasha, I have 32 out of 56 volumes 😫🙃 and these last ones will be the hardest to find.

All I have wanted to read this year have been #manga and honestly its been so much fun. If you have any favs let me know, I'd love to try out some new series if I can find them. (It doesn't have to be shounen)

CaffeineAndCandy You can do it!👍 4y
33 likes1 comment
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InLibrisVeritas
On the Come Up | Angie Thomas
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I've been deep into getting things packed up and seperated out for donations (spurred on by the fact that I wantwd to get rid of my HP collection).

I grabbed this book to add to a pile I am sending to a family friend, and figured i'd read a few pages go see if I would keep it. I am really enjoying it a lot and the pages have flown by. I'll still probably give it away, just not as quickly 😅

VeganCleopatra HP as in Harry Potter? Why are you getting rid of it? I'm just curious. I'm like one of maybe five people on the planet that never liked HP. 😆 4y
InLibrisVeritas @VeganCleopatra Yeah. HP was a big part of my life growing up, gave me a safe space. But with Rowling being exceedingly harmful to people has kind of made it stressful to see all the time. I have over 80 editions (different languages) and a ton of merch 4y
VeganCleopatra 😱 impressive collection. It is sad how so many of Rowling's recent comments have made so many fans that once felt part of something to feel utterly excluded or just simply appalled. 4y
InLibrisVeritas @VeganCleopatra It really is horrible. There was a point where I tried to seperate her from the actual series, but in the end I didn't feel that was possible anymore. I was sad when I started bc it took so much time to collect but now I actually feel really good having it packed away, and hopefully they will all go to people who will enjoy them more. 4y
32 likes4 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
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Mehso-so

I really wanted to like this one more than I did, but alas. I loved what it attempted to do by looking more into the state of the world and how that reflects itself in the people. I just think the pacing of the story was really inconsistent and many of the characters were just a vehicle for the ideas the story needed to move forward.

I do own the entire trilogy so I may give The Dark Forest a shot in the future

#BBBBC

ctboeheim I agree. I remember thinking many times that characters reacted in a way that was inconsistent with their motivation. In the end, I didn't much care for it 4y
29 likes1 comment
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InLibrisVeritas
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#BBBBC

For those who interested in the Three Body Problem it looks like we maybe getting an adaptation at some point in the future!

https://www.tor.com/2020/09/01/liu-cixin-three-body-problem-netflix-game-of-thro...

BarbaraTheBibliophage Just saw this! I‘m really curious about how they‘ll pull this off. 4y
InLibrisVeritas @BarbaraTheBibliophage Me too! Its not something that I thought would adapt well/easily, but the idea of it has me really intrigued. 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage I‘m sure we‘ll watch. My sweetie loves stories like this! 4y
29 likes3 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
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Hey #BBBBC !!

Are you folks ready for our next read! For the months of September and October we will be reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman!
The discussion will take place at the end of October!

As always feel free to post updates using the group tag and fell free to tag me as well if you wish.

#scififantasybookclub

TheSpineView Looking forward to it!💙📚 4y
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BarbaraTheBibliophage I‘m going to pass on this one. I started the book several years ago and DNFd. Could have been me ... but I‘m not feeling a retry right now. Catch ya next time! 4y
BethM @BarbaraTheBibliophage same! I‘ve started and bailed 3 times- I‘ve come to decide it‘s just not for me. 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @BethM Wow—you tried harder than I did! 4y
InLibrisVeritas @BarbaraTheBibliophage @BethM No problem! I tried this one before and never got into it either 😅 Hopefully it'll surprise me and I will really enjoy it once I get farther in. 4y
wanderinglynn Love American Gods! 4y
Gezemice Oh I listened to it once but I want to read it! 4y
Schnoebs Already bought my copy! I‘m hoping to have this one finished before the end of October so that I can answer the questions the same day as everyone else 😂 4y
30 likes10 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
This post contains spoilers
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The last set of questions for #BBBBC!

Thank you to everyone who joins in each month and for those who voted for this one!

BarbaraTheBibliophage 7. This is exactly how I felt when these terms came up in the story. I‘d listen to the book and then see a news story. Then I‘d say to myself, “it‘s a Chaotic Era!” Of course, our world doesn‘t include all the aspects of Trisolaris. But I suspect we‘d all like some ability to predict when the next “Stable Era” will arrive. 4y
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BarbaraTheBibliophage 9. Yes, I put the next book on hold at the library. Hoping it comes in before I forget all the details of this one! 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa 7. I hadn‘t thought of that before, but I can see it now...we progress for awhile in times like the Enlightenment, and then we fall into times like the Dark Ages. So we progress and regress in stops and starts, losing things we had gained. For instance, @BarbaraTheBibliophage and I just read about a Cleopatra‘s life, where they had vast knowledge in the library of Alexandra and knew things like the world was round already... most of which ⤵️ (edited) 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa ...was “lost” until rediscovered later. There are sadly many examples of that through history...and we are still trying to reconstruct how ancient civilizations built some things because their knowledge was lost. 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa 8. I want to know more there. I read a lot into the game, which wasn‘t really made by them...so most of their culture we get in those few lost transmissions recovered at the end. I saw some human parallels there, so I‘m curious where he‘ll go with that. (edited) 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa 9. I‘m with @BarbaraTheBibliophage here. I didn‘t need another series to read (I have so many books to read!!!), but I want to know where he‘ll go with this and I don‘t want to wait too long and lose the details. 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Riveted_Reader_Melissa I agree about #8. The game itself is a human construct. So it has to be incomplete. I‘m curious too. (edited) 4y
Gezemice 7. I did not think of it at the time but yes, we do have large upheavals and stable eras... and I agree with @Riveted_Reader_Melissa and @BarbaraTheBibliophage , we lost so much ancient knowledge in the Dark Ages. 8. I don‘t think I learned enough of their society, so 9. yes, I am continuing, even though I don‘t need a new series to read, either! 4y
Schnoebs Man I did not think about the our societal link to stable and chaotic eras 🤯 That‘s going to keep me up tonight trying to relate that. As for Trisolaris, I loved the extremist reaction to problem solving. It makes you valuing human society a bit more even if it gives you headaches at times..... 4y
Schnoebs ... My favorite part about them though was their fear of human society‘s development and advancements. Seeing what they‘d do to avoid it at all costs was astounding. That fear really made me value the role science plays in life. As for continuing, I‘m not sure. I think I will read the sequel but probably not any time soon. 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @BarbaraTheBibliophage @gezemice Book 2 is on sale on kindle today for 2.99 in the US if you are interested. 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Thanks! I saw that. Of course, I bought it last week. 🤪😰 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @BarbaraTheBibliophage If you bought it last week, you might be able to return it in your Amazon account yet and then get it at the lower price. I‘ve done that before when it‘s only a few days later. 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Riveted_Reader_Melissa I'm 99% sure that I bought it during the “spend $25, get $6 promo.“ So I'm not going to worry. 😎 4y
Gezemice @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Thanks! My husband has already bought and read them, so I am set :) 4y
10 likes17 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
American Gods | Neil Gaiman
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Starting this today for #BBBBC! I haven't felt like reading much lately, but I am excited to see what I think of this one.

Also hope to have the reminder for scifi nominations up by the end of this week! (Feel free to nominate books for our next read whenever. You can drop them on any of my #BBBBC posts and I'll make note of them)

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Another set of questions coming your way, #BBBBC!

As always feel free to comment your answers or make a post of your own with the group tag #BBBBC

BarbaraTheBibliophage 4. I think it makes a ton of sense to convey big ideas to today‘s population through video games. If you can promote the game through social media, then people will want to try “the new fad.” Seems like a no-brainer to me. 4y
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BarbaraTheBibliophage 5. I think she‘s so complex. From the beginning, through her time at the listening post, to how she evolves as the story changes. I listened on audio but it‘s her part of the story I‘d revisit in print, just to be sure I grasped it all. 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage 6. This was one of the parts that kind of lost me ... 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa 4. I liked that part, it took you out of the story a bit...but it really made you think and in the end put yourself in their societies shoes for a bit so you could see their dilemma. I was a bit disappointed at the end to find out it was made by one branch of ETO and not a group effort or alien constructed. I found myself wondering what they would make of it...would it help them understand human development at all? 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa 5. I loved Ye! So complex, but so very human. Haven‘t we all had one of those days where we were thought, humans suck, chuck it all...she was just at the right place at the right time when the moment came. I loved that at the end her quick gut reaction answer, against her kinds interests, mirrored the one by the Trisolarian at the other end, against his own species. 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa 6. Very typically human, we like to “Other” things, and the less we know the more we fill that void with our own hopes and fears. Idiolizing what they have advanced, fearing what we don‘t know. Again, I liked that at the end this was being mirrored by the Trisolarians, with them idolizing the individuality and beauty and us the technology. 4y
Gezemice @BarbaraTheBibliophage @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Ye Wenjie was reading Silent Spring which I am currently also reading - I think all three of us are in that group on Goodreads. It is a book that inspires taking responsibility for nature - and I can see how she lost her trust in humans after learning how we are driving ourselves to extinction. (edited) 4y
Gezemice 4. The game seemed like a plot device to me. It was not really a game but a historical lesson. I was not a fan. 5. I think Ye Wenjie‘s story was closely linked with humanity‘s reaction. As a character she was just as flat as the rest. Her decision is what mattered. 6. I was a bit lost on the societies, too. But with crazy conspiracy theorists and anti-maskers running around, there is no limit to human madness. 4y
InLibrisVeritas @Riveted_Reader_Melissa I really liked the mirroring as well. I think this book shines when it focused more on the way we are affected by ideas and the state of the world we know. 4y
Schnoebs The game was so fascinating to me. As someone who has a bit of scientific training, I related to Wang as he just went into observation mode. The game really showed the role technology has taken over in our society &how it can take over people‘s live. Ye‘s roles extremely surprised me. I wasn‘t expecting many of this decisions she made that had long lasting impacts. Lastly watching the religious devotion form was so fascinating but also believable (edited) 4y
15 likes12 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
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#BBBBC, here is the first set of questions!
As always feel free to comment your answers below or in a new post tagging #BBBBC!

Make sure to mark any spoilers!

TheSpineView I was one of the DNFs this time. I read 100 pages but there was nothing that grabbed my attention. It was boring. No plot at 25% in and the characters didn't grab me either. You need one or the other to keep the reader interested. 👎 4y
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InLibrisVeritas @TheSpineView I definitely understand that. It was a slog for me to get through the whole thing. I think plot wise things start to come together around 250ish, which is a very long time to wait for any answers. 4y
InLibrisVeritas 1. I personally found myself having issues with this one, as 2/3 of the book was set up. I ended up giving this one 2 out of 5 stars. 2. I honestly never thought too much about the awful effects of casting our voice out into the void. Its one of those things where if they can hear us and travel, all things are possible. 4y
InLibrisVeritas 3. I like that it starts with an era that I knew very little about and it even spurred me to look more into it. I also really thought it set the tone for how downtrodden, tired, and cynical events such as those can truly make people. 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa I‘m still reading this one, yes I agree it‘s slow going. I‘m finding it interesting though, even if it isn‘t a keep me up at night page-turner. I like that it‘s set in another culture than we usually get, and the cultural revolution parts remind me of reading Wild Swans, which I really should re-read sometime. 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa As far as contact dividing society, it‘s very possible. Our current society is based off of being more technically advanced than another and using that technology to overwhelm them. So if one gained alien tech, I‘m sure they‘d use it, however what‘s to say the alien species wouldn‘t do the same. 4y
Tracyantoon I DNF‘d this one as well. I did audio and got to the 25% mark and had no clue as to what was going on. Not much character development, no plot, even the political uprising was not pulling me in. Hope some others had better luck with this one but it was just not for me. 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage 1. I actually really liked this one. I spent a lot of time 🤷🏼‍♀️ but I am intrigued by the cultural differences of science in China vs. US and Europe. For me it was like my last cat—who was so strange looking that you couldn‘t stop looking. And then his looks grew on you. Same with this book. I couldn‘t stop reading even though I had no idea about it‘s intentions until quite far along. 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage 2. Well, I grew up watching Carl Sagan and watching movies like E.T. and Close Encounters, plus Star Trek. The whole concept is one of my favorite philosophical and scientific topics. But oddly, I read very little SF. Mostly just shows and movies. I thought Liu had a unique perspective and way of telling the story. Both his style and the Chinese aspects of its focus. 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage Like @Riveted_Reader_Melissa I think if alien life came to earth it would divide us. A bunch of people wouldn‘t believe it was actually happening—that videos were doctored and photoshopped. Some people would have direct experience, but they‘d be more from elite intellectual and scientific classes. And technology / social media could be manipulated by the aliens themselves. 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage 3. I think putting this story on the backdrop of a communist country is why I appreciated it. People in the US think it will always be this country that makes the “first contact.” Liu shows that any scientist could have the right idea at the right time. And then the impetus of communication would be in their hands. 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @BarbaraTheBibliophage I‘m actually really liking it too, I just have to read it in smaller sections and process a bit. I didn‘t read a lot of classic Sc-fi growing up, but recently have been trying to read some of the classics like Asimov‘s Foundation, which has a part going through the stages of a societies development to get to the next kindof element too (just in a totally different way), so seeing it here with scientists like Einstein ... 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa ...and Newton mixed in with Chinese civilization is so interesting. I should finish it later today/tonight so I can read and answer the rest of the questions then.🤞 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Oooh. I‘m scared of Asimov ... should I try Foundation???? 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @BarbaraTheBibliophage I really liked I, Robot, it‘s a series of interconnected short stories. Foundation was not a hard read either, in some ways it reminded of the 3 body simulation parts of this book, it just wasn‘t my cup of tea either. So don‘t be afraid of it. 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Oh, thanks! I needed a review from someone I know. 🧬 👨‍🚀 4y
Gezemice @Riveted_Reader_Melissa I recently read Wild Swans and the Cultural Revolution part was like directly out of that book, which made it very real. 4y
Gezemice @Tracyantoon @thespineview I agree that there was no plot or character development. I stuck with it but was doubting, but it was digferent enough to hold my attention and around 60% it picked up. But I could see giving up earlier, especially if one is less interested in pure science. 4y
Gezemice @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @BarbaraTheBibliophage I found it very interesting as well due to unique scientific ideas like string theory - folding out a proton from 11 dimensions into surrounding a planet is amazingly creative. The Chinese history is also very interesting. But the lack of character development makes it alienated and tough to read. 4y
Gezemice @BarbaraTheBibliophage Foundation is easy, I just read them, but don‘t expect character development. Interesting ideas but very flat writing. 4y
Gezemice 2. Interestingly, I just read Axiom‘s End which also dealt with first contact and how it would inevitably result in the more developed culture in destroying or enslaving the other. Communication was also important but there was a lot of character development. And yes, the very act of contact created divisions. It definitely would result in nations competing. But it probably depends on current political climate how divisive it gets. (edited) 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Gezemice Oooh, I‘m stacking that one! 4y
Schnoebs Other than hitchhiker guide, this is my first “first contact with aliens book” and it definitely has me thinking a lot. I gave it a 3.5 FYI. I think when they arrive would influence how divisive they are. If it was like 2013, I don‘t think it would be as divisive as it could possible be if they came now in 2020. But having the cultural revolution shows how there‘s a lot more tension in the world than what we might now about here in America. 4y
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blurb
InLibrisVeritas
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Hey #BBBBC it's that time again! The Three Body Problem discussion has officially begun!

#scififantasybookclub

Laughterhp I haven‘t had a chance to read this one yet. Hopefully I‘ll get to it in September. 4y
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Bookgirl Ugh I did not end up reading this. Trying to tackle my backlog of NetGalleys! 4y
InLibrisVeritas @Bookgirl I know that struggle well! 😅💜 4y
InLibrisVeritas @Laughterhp If you do get around to it let me know what you thought, it's certainly a polarizing one from what I have seen! 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage For once I actually read the book from this group read. Seems like I often intend to ... and then life happens. I‘ll comment on the discussion posts! 4y
Schnoebs I think the comments sections on the Cultural Revolution were my favorite part. I found myself googling a bunch of articles and pictures to better understand what was going on. Super interesting that they had to rearrange the book because of the influence it still has on people! 4y
21 likes8 comments
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InLibrisVeritas
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The plan today was to listen to the audio and get some cleaning done...but this book easily gets drowned out with my own thoughts, so the plan has changed to reading a long and taking notes for #BBBBC

I am honestly struggling with it. Its has wonderful ideas, its just...long winded.

Tracyantoon Yea. I had to bail on it. I made it through 25% and had no idea what was going on. My mind was wandering too. Sorry #bbbbc. Hoping I can make it through the next pick. 4y
InLibrisVeritas @Tracyantoon I totally understand, the pacing is incredibly uneven for this one 4y
28 likes2 comments
review
InLibrisVeritas
18 Things | Jamie Ayres
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Panpan

I have been reading a bunch of Kindle books I have this past week and it hasn't been a fun project tbh. These are three of the most recent ones I tackled. None of which really stood out.