Another one-book month, but it was over 400 pages! That counts for something, right?
After a string of serious books, I needed something different. But like a lot of things, we don’t know what we need until we go looking for it.
Somehow I found this list The Best Science Fiction of 2021: The Arthur C Clarke Award Shortlist. I liked learning that there is this push towards fun science fiction writing, since, let’s face it, sci-fi tends to be dark and cold (like space!) Enter Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes.
It’s a quirky novel. The protagonist is Latina, like the author, so there’s lots of Spanish dialogue, something that probably would be extra rewarding for those two can understand both languages. Captain Eva is bold, brash, with a serious potty mouth, and it’s jam-packed with adventures, but the strange thing was I wanted to give up on it several times.
After the halfway mark, I enjoyed it more and finished it quickly. It’s well-written and the amount of detail was just right. But it was missing that special something. Have you ever read a book like that? It checks all the boxes, but there’s something that prevents it from really taking flight.
Although, I can honestly say that I’ve never read a book like it. And I can readily discuss my favorite part of the story. I’d give it a go, if you like light-hearted sci-fi or are looking to get out of your reading comfort zone.
Next month, I’m hoping to get back to my regular reading (and writing!) ways. Relocating to Lampang and working at a small international school has utterly taken up the bulk of my energy, time, and sanity. My next newsletter should be out soon, too, so stay tuned my dear friends!
Hoping your September was kind to you.
What are you reading these days?
Life, the Universe, and Lani 
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