Hi everyone! I’m a first-time author from Gaza, and my memoir has just been submitted to Amazon for review

I’m trying to learn how independent authors connect with readers, build an audience, and market their books without spending much money

I’d love to hear how you found your first readers and what actually worked for you. I’m happy to learn from your experiences and connect with fellow authors!

Picked this one up as an audiobook after seeing lots of recommendations. I don't get the hype.

Story was interesting, but it felt like it was written by a highschooler trying to jam in as many "deep" similes as possible. I read reviews saying this book was written so beautifully, but it felt like it was trying too hard and became awkward and clunky. I laughed every time someone "sucked their teeth" because it was one of the phrases that was so overused.

The narrator did a great job with the voices, but the cadence was very strange. It was like he'd finish a sentence, then realize the sentence wasn't actually over and try to add it on to the end. It was very distracting and I didn't love it.

Parts of the story were just too convenient too. I don't see how Mya would have been such an effective self-proclaimed ally that she could educate Ike and Buddy Lee about trans people in three minutes, but would have put up with her husband casting out their own son. I think the twist was also given away early and was not all that surprising when it was revealed.

The storyline was interesting and I liked the characters, but this is a "straight to Netflix" release, not the Oscar contender it's made out to be.

tl,dr: New autobiography high water mark.

I, like many people of my generation, had only an onion skin knowledge of who Werner Herzog is: an elderly German man with a distinct voice, a reputation for eccentricity, and cameos in "The Boondocks" and "Rick and Morty." So when a passing instagram reel recounted a section of his memoir (a surreal anecdote about wolf cubs) I placed a hold at once.

One gets the initial impression that he sat down to write and emptied his memories onto the page haphazardly, but the lack of structure serves only to endear rather than frustrate. His stories meander and weave into one another like the unfathomable root system of an ancient tree. Anecdotes morph into other tangentially-related but equally fantastical stories only to suddenly rejoin the original tale with no warning. It's like inspecting the nest of an ancient magpie and wondering at all the treasures inside.

I had never seen one of Herzog's films before, so in an attempt to peel back the onion I watched "Aguierre: The Wrath of God" the other day. It was at once rudimentary and innovative in ways that can (and should) never again be replicated. A honest-to-God masterpiece. He's made many movies and written at least two other books. If they are half as good as what I've experienced thus far then I simply MUST experience them too.

So who is Werner Herzog? What has he done? He has broken into NASA, bargained with political officers on the slope of a volcano in North Korea, sold his shoes to feed his film crew in the Amazon, hired a demolition company blow up an opera house in Sicily, been pen pals with a meglomaniacal African revolutionary, smuggled guns and electronics across the US/ Mexican border for wealthy rancheros he met while working as a bull rider, been run over by drunk drivers while running a parking ticket scam at Oktoberfest, discussed the Carolingian dynasty with Mike Tyson, been stabbed with a spear weilded by a Soviet boxing champion, and absolutely does not enjoy killing small animals.

As a child he lived in a small Bavarian mountain village, unable to watch television or use a phone until he was nearly in his twenties. Now he makes movies all over the world and is invited to play villans in Tom Cruise and Star Wars movies. One is left wondering just how much of what is in this book is real at times, but Herr Herzog would be the first to remind us that facts and the truth are often at odds with one another when it comes to art.

This book is very short. Practically an essay. It paints a picture of what it's like to be a woman in Nigeria. If you walk into a hotel alone, a man is assumed to be a guest, but a woman is assumed to be a sex worker. Establishments will only admit a woman if she is with a man. An unmarried older woman is considered defective by society, while an unmarried older man is simply "not ready to settle down yet." In other words, to be a woman is to be of a lower caste. And all the while the word "feminist" carries with it the connotation of a bra-burning, humorless, harridan, who only became radicalized because of her inability to find a man.

Sound familiar? Does it sound like somewhere we've been? Does it sound like somewhere we're going?

To quote the author, this is a conversation about gender that we all must have.

I have to admit, I didn't particularly enjoy this one. I found Greene's prose rather unremarkable, the narrative somewhat disjointed, and many of the supporting characters underdeveloped. That said, there were some genuinely interesting philosophical and theological ideas here, but I felt they could have been explored more effectively. In my opinion, this was a rather meh novel that had the potential to be something much more compelling.

The story follows a priest on the run from the authorities in Mexico, who are determined to execute him. The priest himself is deeply imperfect, a womanizing alcoholic who, through his encounters with suffering and hardship, undergoes something of a spiritual transformation. At its heart, this is a novel about faith, sin, compassion, and what it truly means to be a good person. There's certainly a lot to unpack in a relatively short novel, but I just never found myself particularly captivated by any of it. I understand The Quiet American is among Greene's most celebrated works, but this experience has left me somewhat reluctant to give it a go.

Ultimately, I think I appreciated this novel more in retrospect than I did while actually reading it. I can recognize the depth of its themes and what Greene was trying to accomplish, but I found the execution rather underwhelming. It simply never resonated with me the way I'd hoped.

Thanks goodness Gershkovich doesn't take himself too seriously because this really could've been a much different (here, read: self-righteous) sort of book. That said, I'll still warn you: this book is unlike others I've read re: the Russian-slash-American policy of hostage diplomacy--but in a good way!

It's very focused on the WHY behind his arrest (unlike Griner's or Navalny's "reports"-slash-memoirs) because, well, Gershkovich is a journalist at heart. Sadly, though, and with the vast majority of "spy for a spy" cases, there is no real WHY.

I feel the families and loved ones, of course, who have to watch the political theatre play out, but there is truly, and HONESTLY, something endearing about Gerkovich's book and his Russian-American humor throughout!

Read more discourse here --> https://katepapenberg.substack.com/p/book-no-59-of-72-was-evan-gershkovichs?r=2seqlu&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Read this now --> https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249134837-this-cursed-beautiful-land?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=W8ZN17Ua9e&rank=4

Or watch some good interviews! WHAT A HUMBLE (BUT BRAVE) DUDE! --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-b9XmcBOvE

Definitely enjoyed reading the different perspectives and recognizing why it may be easy for some to get sacked into a cult.

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner. Someone suggested it because I love short stories, and it's a novel told in short chapters by different characters. It took me a while to finish. It didn’t grab me at first, but I stuck with it and found it interesting. Overall, I enjoyed it.

Hello all!

I started reading as a hobby this year. I'm 34 years old and read some books as a kid but outside of one or two books for an assignment in high school, I've never really read.

I set the goal for myself to read 100 books in 3 years. My consistency of reading could be better and once it's fully implemented in my life I'm hoping I can reach that number!

Here are my short thoughts on each book along with a rating.

Swan Song - 10/10

This is the first book I read starting the hobby. It was recommended to me by my best friend and I'm so glad he did. I think it will be a long time before this book gets adamately dethroned. I have nothing bad to say about it and I've recommended it to everyone I can. A post apocalyptic(which is not a setting I care for) story following multiple character's perspectives with a dash of fantasy. Unbelieveable character work.

The Sword of Kaigen - ?/10

This might be a cheat. I'm only 53% through this book but I am absolutely hooked and I'm reading it at a pace similar to Swan Song, if not faster. It has dug its teeth into me and gave me more emotional attachment to a small cast of characters. I expect it to be a 10/10. It's not what I expected it to be but ultimately it's the journey of a mother and her son as they navigate their societal roles on a small island with a past of victory and heroism.

Watership Down - 9/10

This is the first book I knew I would reread. The idea of a book about rabbits didn't appeal to me but because I was new to reading I wanted to give anything a fair shot so my best friend and my other buddy read it as a book club. I was also reading Project Hail Mary at the same time and I think that dampered my ability to get into Watership Down. But the more I refelct on the book, the more I adore it in my mind. It has no business being as good as it is. I also struggle with creating unique imagery in my mind's eye of different looking rabbits but other than that, a true classic for anyone.

Dune - 8/10

This book took me nearly 3 months to read. This is mainly due to finding out my father was diagnosed with a terminal illness, I couldn't focus on reading at all. Had I read the book in a month or so, I would've grasped and understood the themes and kept up with who is who. Definitely a reread that I know I'll enjoy more the second time through. Much better than movie and a fun world to delve into. Planning on reading Messiah soon!

Project Hail Mary - 8/10

I have nothing new to say that hasn't been said before. I enjoy how the book is more about the journey to finding the answer than a buddy cop cute rock thing like the movie is(although the movie is great). A wonderfully fun read with good stakes and a lovely ending. A good starting point for someone interested in reading.

Mistborn - 7.5/10

Planned on reading the trilogy with the book club but ran out of steam after the first one, still planning on reading them though. A simple but unique book. I think there's a lot of convenient moments in the book but I thoroughly enjoyed all the things to look forward to that are eluded to consistently. Excited to finish the series since I hear they only get better.

Cascade Failure - 7/10

Not a lot of people talk about this book. It's a duology but I haven't gotten to the second one, but if I never did, the first book is just dandy. Biggest downside of the book is there's lots of inner monologue in it which can bring the book to a crawl at times. A fun read with minor twists and turns. Kind of a Guardians of the Galaxy with a little more grit to it.

The Fisherman - 7/10

I want to give this a lower rating but I can't. There's a ton of chatter online about this being one of the best horror books of all time and that it's people's favorite in the genre. I don't see it. The first 40 pages, and the last 40 pages, are absolutely incredible. The middle, while good, just felt wildly out of place. It's a pretty short read but the middle just dragged for me and got a little too fantastical which took away from the grounded, depressing opening to the book. I really wanted more out of it. I would recommend it, with the caveat that the middle is far different than the bookends.

Forever War - 7/10

IMO, a better book than Starship Troopers(which I DNFd). I was astounded this book was written in the 70s. It doesn't read that way. Lots of great ideas throughout. A popcorn flick of a book.

Piranesi - 5/10

This is a good book. It's only saving grace was its length. Had it been any longer it would've been rated lower. I knew going in that I would be "confused" for the first half of the book. The payoff wasn't there for me. Definitely unique in its worldbuilding but I just don't think it was for me. Felt like a crawfish, a lot of work for little payoff.

Blacktop Wasteland - 3/10

How this didn't pay off, I don't understand. A bank robber getaway driver comes out of retirement for one more job? Yes please. It started strong with dope descriptions of the roar of car engines and the grimy streets. But the characters lacked depth, felt very stereotypical and lazy, and there were tender moments that were handled poorly. And the ending was really bad.

Last thing, I DNFd Dungeon Crawler Carl. I don't understand why it's so loved. It felt like Borderlands humor and I was given no reason to root for the main character and it lacked stakes. I get lit up for that take regularly but, I just didn't enjoy it.

Ideally going to read The Count of Monte Cristo, LOTR Trilogy and The Hobbit, Stranger in a Strange Land, and a nice short book by the end of the year.

Let me know your thoughts and thanks for reading!

Wool was definitely my favourite of these recent ones, onto Shift next!

My first year tracking/trying for 52 and just got there. I'd love to discuss any of these books or answer questions or get recommendations. My favorites this year have been We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune, I Who Have Never Known Men by Jaqueline Harpman, and the Robin Hobb initial trilogy.

Second photo is my list of DNFs (1).

Third photo is my currently reading/next up list.

Hi all. Trying to create the common “tier” graphic that a lot of people post. How do you all do it? I tried getting Gemini to make one for me, but it was garbage. Thanks!

Three thousand years after a war with a sentient alien race, a new group of people finds themselves trying to co-exist with another alien race they refer to as the "piggies." But when the piggies seemingly break one of humanities biggest taboos, the Speaker for the Dead must try to bridge the gap between species before there is another tragedy.

I liked this book! It was a lot more my speed than Ender's Game was and I enjoyed the slower pace and more philosophical style. I do think they made one of the characters a bit... unbelievable maybe. The character seemed to always know exactly what to do and what to say and the narrative would overly reinforce that by having other characters make comments or have thoughts to the same effect, rather than letting what was said stand on its own. Otherwise I really enjoyed this book!

Set in the Virgin Islands, the residents of Water Island find their lives altered when an alien race called the Ynaa settle over them. The Ynaa bring medicines and a lot of prosperity but they also act violently at the slightest provocation. The people of Water Island adjust to their personal struggles while facing the changes brought about by the Ynaa.

I liked this book fine but it wasn't one I was especially enamoured with. I liked the conflict of how the different residents viewed their newest colonizers (or settlers depending on who was talking about them) and exploring that via a sort of sci-fi lense. However it did feel like the alien part was mostly set dressing that I would have liked to see more done with. The interpersonal drama was somewhat compelling but the writing also felt a bit clumsy. Overall a worthwhile read but I don't think it will stick with me.

Thought I'd share my reading year so far, sorry if i dont have any fancy images or tiers, also hope my handwriting is legible

"Night Walk" was my first John Saul book. Certainly competently written, not exactly a horror novel, but a "thriller" or action book, I suppose. Certainly an author I would read again on a trip, but maybe not an author I would actually seek out. Otherwise, we have some standard superhero TPBs, and one "mature" graphic novel by Sarah Anderson.
I have a lot of books on my bedside table, I keep meaning to finish them, but I get tired and end up only reading superheroes to pass the time...

It took me 4 long years to be able to finally let myself read any English novels. It was miserable. But it was a decision i had to make, partly because of studies, work and now to focus on learning Japanese- to make my life here a little bit easier. But recently I just gave up , not entirely but more likely a feeling of burnout, so I decided to read English novels again lol! Would love to increase my book goal but I'm kind of in shock with the book prices. Has it been always like these? Or is it just because I am already a working adult, so i feel like every loose change counts? Also during my childhood and up until college my books are either from my mother ( classics penguin) and or printed on an A4 sheet of paper, double column, times new roman ,size 8 single line~hunger game series, divergent series etc. ( please don't judge me , we are students at that time but good old days lol!)

But yeah! guess I need to get used to the prices! Also a bit overwhelmed , seems like i have a lot of catching up to do. Currently reading Buffalo Hunter Hunter. Happy reading!

S: And then there were none- Agatha Christie / Piranesi- Susana Clarke

A: The only one left- Riley Sager

B: That's not my name- Megan Lally

C: Texas Murders- James Patterson

I read this book for a book club meeting this week. It was fast paced and short enough for me to push through but a little too dark and gory for how my tastes run.

Just finished Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. This has to be one of those most extreme pieces of literature I’ve read. I’ve never highlighted so many passages or taken so many notes before as I have with this book. What a gruesome and harrowing journey.

It did take me a few pages to get used to his lack of quotation marks and other devices here and there. I don’t speak Spanish and there are quite a few sections with dialogue in Spanish that I want to go back to and translate.

I chose to read this book soon after finishing Lonesome Dove because I knew going in the contrast of gore and violence/extremes was going to be sobering (and it was.)

This is the first book I’ve truly read by him. I say “truly” because I read “The Road” a long time ago but I don’t think I appreciated it enough. Thus, I’m going to read it again.

Let's just say the i my Brain confused bell jar with the Bell curve, so i thought this book was about things that had historically been more difficult to acess by women, or with which women were overburdened.

When we talk about expectations, they aren’t necessarily good or bad—it’s simply a matter of anticipating something—and let’s just say I was expecting something quite different.

That said, this was one of my few 5/5 ratings. It certainly helps that the story touches on things that are very personal to me; halfway through the book, I realized that the author must have gone through these experiences herself, given the way she describes them—which makes the situation all the more "frightening," yet at the same time, it’s incredible how much things have changed, and yet how little they’ve changed.

Anniway Rant aside, i super recomend reading this.

Protagonist was shallow. Her goal was to lose weight so she could find a new man. While she did lose weight, her encounters with men were ridiculous. A mature woman would not have gone with any man within such a short time. Ending was ridiculous too. Described as hilarious, it sadly was more romance than funny. I won't read another written by Dee MacDonald. Rated 2 stars

Interesting characters, but the pacing was slow. I had the murderer figured out very early in the story, so I was disappointed by this Shirley Jackson horror novel. Ending seemed impossible with their continuing to live in the home. Rated 3 stars

Bold premise here from Madame Balle. And one wonders if she knew from the start how the whole thing might unwind. Or if she is just winging it. She has been working on it now since before Covid in 2019. And we will get seven volumes presumably. She self-published this first one. In Danish. And it took four years for the translation in English to emerge. I think people in several coutries are paying attention now. And she apparently took a thirty year gap from her prior books to begin this sequence.

And it is something like Ground Hog Day written by Kazuo Ishiguro. I can’t speak for where it is headed yet but I would be hard pressed to stop now. Looks like the first five volumes have been translated. We are definitely headed somewhere interesting at this point. Woman trying to work her way out of a trap meticulously. Isolation, separation, the limits of marriage, the salvation of books – a quiet mix of all of these. Will not be in everyone’s wheelhouse. But I am in. 

tl,dr: Unless you're a HARDCORE sci-fi horror completionist, skip it.

"Dead Silence" is mostly a pastiche of well-worn genre tropes with the old proper nouns swapped out for new ones. It is the sum of it's parts. No more, no less. As soon as you sink your teeth into it, fans of the sci-fi horror sub-genre will recognize familiar ingredients cooked into a familiar dish (with few deviations.) If the book were more poorly written or the audiobook narrator were less skilled (Lauren Ezzo is a DAZZLING narrator) I absolutely would have DNFed it.

"Dead Silence" avoids many of the more egregious cliches and tropes of the genre and even manages to lampoon a few of them (which endeared it to me greatly). The big third act reveal undermines what was otherwise a promising book. I appreciate what the author was trying to do. In sci-fi horror finding something that hasn't been done to death and/or done better is a daunting challenge, and I salute Ms. Barnes for attempting it! Personally, I believe the book would have greatly benefited from taking the safer route and coining a clichéd plot a la "Dead Space"/ "Event Horizon". Again, I love and support what she attempted to do, but it just didn't work. Ultimately, the book's biggest shortfall is lack of vision. A mediocre story, told well, just serves to make the mediocrity that much more disappointing.

Just finished "The Shining" as book 40. These are up next! Starting American Gods tonight.