July Bibliolust

Average lust this month, part of which I attribute in part to what I consider the doldrums of publishing — summer reads. Of course, I’ve been finding plenty to read without lusting. Most of this month’s list is a “fanboy” list.

God, No!: Signs You May Already Be an Atheist and Other Magical Tales, Penn Jillette — I’ve always been a big Penn & Teller fan, both their magic and their debunking on their Showtime series. Penn’s take on religion has certainly got to be worth the price of admission.

The Knowledge of Good & Evil, Glenn Kleier — Kleier’s first novel, The Last Day, is a book I somehow stumbled across — and then was absolutely enthralled. I’ve been waiting for more from him ever since. After 14 years, my wait is over this month and the new book is supposedly the first in a trilogy.

Rule 34, Charles Stross — I’m a big fan of Stross’s science fiction, particularly the works dealing with the Singularity. While this isn’t in that category, it’s set in the same near future with the same lead character as 2008’s Halting State, which I enjoyed. As a result, it is one of only two books this month on my library reserve list.

Turn of Mind, Alice LaPlante — The buzz has been pretty big about this debut novel, a story of a retired orthopedic surgeon with dementia who is suspected of murder. I’m usually not much for mysteries but with a parent who suffered Alzheimer’s, books on the topic interest me, placing this on my library reserve list.

Report Card:

Year to Date (January-June 2011)

Total Bibliolust books: 29

Number read: 19 (65.5%)

Started but did not finish: 3 (10%)

Cumulative (September 2008-June 2011)

Total Bibliolust books: 179

Number read: 135 (75%)

Started but did not finish: 12 (6.7%)

Henry Miller, Dear, Dear Brenda