New Retirement Gig

I always wanted to contribute by volunteering after retirement but I feel the nature of work has changed and, more than ever, I want to make sure I'm not filling a position that should be paid. So I signed up with BookSirens to review indy authors and small publishers and complete free reviews that can be pushed to Goodreads and  Amazon. It's possible I would post here and link to Twitter.

I did this because I love to read. One of my earliest memories is going to the Vancouver Library brand at McDonald St and I've made sure to have a library card in every community I've lived in since then. Reading is an escape and every story has expanded my horizons.

According to BookSirens I am a lenient reviewer and there's a couple reasons for that. I read stories when I'm in the mood for that theme. That means a story has to suck me in from the first page. I may give a chapter or so but I have no problem abandoning a book if it's not for me. The other is I do try to be kind. Someone has crafted a story. As long has it's coherent and engaging enough to finish, I'll give it a 3. Many times I'm blown away by the skill of the writer and their team (editor, etc). At the moment, I'm still digesting To Be Taught If Fortunate by Becky Chambers. To present 4 distinct worlds in a novella and make a space crew four disparate yet consistent characters. Wow.

Anyway, I'm off to read😁

One of my favourite stories ever - I must have read it monthly when I was a teen and I didn't even like horses.

One of my favourite stories ever - I must have read it monthly when I was a teen and I didn't even like horses.

The main character had a career and great skills that she got to use. The younger man was insecure but they because a team and her husband got new respect for her.


https://www.tor.com/2018/06/18/white-horse-in-the-moonlight-mary-stewarts-airs-above-the-ground/

Too sad. Bourdain introduced many cultures through something that joins us all. Food.

Too sad. Bourdain introduced many cultures through something that joins us all. Food.
https://www.refinery29.com/amp/2018/06/201361/asia-argento-anthony-bourdain-death

Watching/reading(subtitles) season 3. Compelling stories.

Watching/reading(subtitles) season 3. Compelling stories.

He seems different. But last season ended weirdly.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3326054/

A study in people, the story stands up over time.

A study in people, the story stands up over time.

Nothing changes but the technology. All the characters are recognisable types.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B077D28Q3T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_Fb7.AbP97SS3H

Took a long time for me to read The Shepherd's Crown. I wasn't ready to say goodbye either.

Took a long time for me to read The Shepherd's Crown. I wasn't ready to say goodbye either.
https://www.tor.com/2018/04/27/remembering-terry-pratchett-champion-of-humor-kindness-and-practical-witchery/

First movie that scared me into nightmares - Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte.

First movie that scared me into nightmares - Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte.

I think it was the head bouncing down the stairs. I didn't even have to see Hallowe'en to be scared:)
https://www.themarysue.com/first-frightening-film/amp/

Now is your chance to read a great story... free

Now is your chance to read a great story... free
https://www.tor.com/2018/04/06/free-ebook-all-systems-red-martha-wells/

For all you writers out there.

For all you writers out there.
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/979103025749901312.html

Ohhhh, this is one of Meiville's most accessible stories.

Ohhhh, this is one of Meiville's most accessible stories.

Waiting to see how this looks. This is one world I definitely have visions for.
https://io9.gizmodo.com/a-detective-is-torn-between-two-worlds-in-the-new-trail-1824148522/amp

The book is free today on Google Play (in the US not sure about elsewhere) if folks are interested

The book is free today on Google Play (in the US not sure about elsewhere) if folks are interested
Growing up as a Martian on Earth has left Jas Harrington solitary, quick-tempered, and with zero tolerance for fools. All plus points when working as chief security officer aboard prospecting starships.

Jas' latest berth is aboard the Galathea , which trawls the reaches of the galaxy seeking precious minerals and rare resources. She thinks it's a routine trip. She's wrong.

An inspection of a far-flung planet leaves Jas suspicious that there's more to the place than meets the eye. If only she could convince the captain of the need for caution, but she might as well wish for a tasty meal in the ship's canteen.

When the captain disciplines Jas for insubordination, she has only two allies: a timid navigator and the second pilot, who has the hots for her. Not that Jas notices.

All hell breaks loose, and Jas' skills are put to the ultimate test. Can she enlist the help of the only two friends she has? She's in a race against time to prevent the aliens from achieving their goal: Generation.

If she fails, the ship's crew, the galactic empire, and humanity itself are at risk.
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/J_J_Green_Generation_Shadows_of_the_Void_1?_bbid=9521894&_bbreg=us&_bbtype=email&id=jeVNDwAAQBAJ&pubref=bookbubemailf

Enjoyed the Constantine TV series but found he was really different on LoT.

Enjoyed the Constantine TV series but found he was really different on LoT.

I'll be interested to see how he develops.
https://io9.gizmodo.com/your-incantations-worked-john-constantine-is-set-to-be-1823895064/amp

Have to agree with viewer who said if you forget it's the Saint it's not bad.

Have to agree with viewer who said if you forget it's the Saint it's not bad.

Loved 'The Saint' TV show as a kid. Read all the books as a teen/YA. The remake with Val Kilmer was a little closer to the books. This...was not The Saint but still entertaining.
https://youtu.be/q3b_luiZ8bo

Relics of a massive injustice.

Relics of a massive injustice.

I do think works should be returned to the families as much as possible with the the dark provenance made public on the rest. I also hope that most of them would donate back to museums for public viewing.
https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/03/cornelius-gurlitt-nazi-looted-art/554936/

We were a good looking bunch back in the day.

We were a good looking bunch back in the day.
https://play.google.com/music/r/m/Asnt2bsdtid5loe2vnc5yepbmxm?t=INXS

An amazing number of unsympathetic characters.

An amazing number of unsympathetic characters.
https://youtu.be/gJmjKv7WP7U

Let's do this people

Let's do this people
https://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2018/03/02/march-2-2018-tonights-the-night-join-us-for-the-stargate-tweet-storm-rehearsal/

Totally agree. If you haven't watched Farscape you should!

Totally agree. If you haven't watched Farscape you should!
https://www.tor.com/2018/03/02/farscape-john-crichton-aeryn-sun-greatest-love-story-science-fiction/

This would be awesome! Vimes is a favourite of mine.

This would be awesome! Vimes is a favourite of mine.
https://www.tor.com/2018/03/01/terry-pratchetts-discworld-coming-television-the-watch/

Caught up on the Tick. Fun.

Caught up on the Tick. Fun.