reading (Ghostly Gentlewomen)

I finished "Ghostly Gentlewomen" a while back, I can't really remember when. This collection started out strong with Norah Loft's "Mr. Edward". But for the most part I was disappointed with most of the selections. Eleanor Farjeon's "Faithful Jenny Dove" was a lively exception. I couldn't stand the dialect in Sarah Orne Jewett's "The Queen's Twin", it just seemed like too much, trying too hard. Much of the remainder was uninspired.

If you're desperately searching for something to read late at night and this is lying on the bedside table, pick it up. But if you have to walk to the bookshelf, you can probably find something else.

33. "Ghostly Gentlewomen: Two Centuries of Spectral Stories by the Gentle Sex"

reading (Asimov's Sept)

I finished reading the September issue of Asimov's last week. I enjoyed Mike Resnick & Lezli Robyn's "Soulmates". I really liked a lot of the detail that was put in, but I felt some of the plot moved along unreasonably quickly. The last bits were good though. I don't think the story could hold up to novel length, but I wish some of the critical relationship moved slower. I liked Kristine Kathryn Rusch's "Broken Windchimes". It had a pretty well developed society and world(s). It mixes bitter with sweet, although you get the feeling the main character is somewhat teflon coated. I like the fact that the main character doesn't do what a normal person would try to do, but maintains his spots in important ways, while changing in manageable ways. I also enjoyed "Tear-Down" by Benjamin Crowell, it had some nice turns. "In Their Garden" felt a little too Mary Sue perfect for me. "Away From Here" left me wanting more and "Her Heart's Desire" left me feeling I'd had enough. Ferrett Steinmetz's "Camera Obscured" is a delightful little short, about delightful little defectives.

Overall, a pretty good mix of stories.

34. Asimov's Sept. 2009

Yes, the observant among you might note that this is the first time in several years that I haven't actually stayed ahead of my book a week goal. I might actually end up falling behind before finishing my next book. Life is interposing itself between me and the bookshelf.