Three for the Month (April 2021)

Steph P. Bianchini April 24, 2021 6 Comments

Again, a late summary of this month’s reading, due to work. Oh well, the pandemic certainly changed the way people work and the personal space has shrunk rather significantly with the expansion of the Zoom-culture, which allows for working hours unimaginable before. We have to adapt –and this month for the first time I’ve shifted to an Audible modality, to somehow compensate the available (reduced) reading time. These were the choice:

• Shogun by James Clavell. A book that needs no introduction and true classic, ‘the epic saga of one Pilot-Major John Blackthorne, and his integration into the struggles and strife of feudal Japan. Both entertaining and incisive, SHOGUN is a stunningly dramatic re-creation of a very different world. Starting with his shipwreck on this most alien of shores, the novel charts Blackthorne’s rise from the status of reviled foreigner up to the heights of trusted advisor and eventually, Samurai. All as civil war looms over the fragile country.’ I must say that the Audible version is awesome, and adds to the enjoyment of the reading. You appreciate Clavell’s reach and sophisticated writing style even more.

• Consider Phlebas by Iain M. Banks. Another classic via Audible, this time from SF. As famous as Clavell in the speculative fiction world, but less mainstream, ‘it is the first in a series of novels about an interstellar post-scarcity society called the Culture. The novel revolves around the Idiran–Culture War, and Banks plays on that theme by presenting various microcosms of that conflict.’ Not sure why, but in this specific case, I found it more difficult to enjoy it listening than reading it (I love this book, one of my first in SF, by the way). I am not sure why –still too new to Audible to attempt a theory.

• Save the Cat by Black Snyder. This time is non-fiction, actually, a book suggested to me by my agent (thank you). It is really great for whoever writes fiction, no matter of which kind, even though it is aimed at screenwriters. ‘Here’s what started the phenomenon: the best seller, for over 15 years, that’s been used by screenwriters around the world! Blake Snyder tells all in this fast, funny and candid look inside the movie business.’ I must say Audible works really well for non-fiction, and it’s especially easy to follow. Also, in this specific case, features like division in chapters and increased speed of reading can prove particularly useful. Highly recommended, both the book and the audio(book).

How your month is going? Did you find time for reading or April is proving not just the cruellest month but also the busiest one of the year?

Let me know via social media or in the comments.