First the news update. Today I began the somewhat agonizing work of starting new pieces. Though not all of them are new to me, it has been a while since I have played those. More than half the program is new, and at least three of the pieces are of a challenging level of difficulty. It's back to basics for me this time, with some Bach, Haydn, Beethoven, Scriabin, Chopin and MacDowell. If there is time I will add another Philip Glass piece, but for now I am quite busy during my allotted two hours per day.
In foot news, it's been six days since my surgery. There is still some pain, but I can put a shoe on now. Tonight is grocery shopping night, my first real outing since last Wednesday. It hasn't bothered me too much, and I am hoping to get back to walking in a few more days.
In weather news January will soon return, with another streak of very cold weather on its way. At least it is finally coming at the correct time of year, so I am not allowed to complain this time.
The final 2025 review concerns some of the best books read during the past year. I read 95 books! My Avon/Equinox project is 99% finished. I continue to read three long series by two of those authors; two series by E C Tubb and one by Bulmer. I have a lot of unread books by Michael Moorcock, but I am in no rush to read any more of his work right now. Most of my reading has been of older historical authors, mainly from the 2nd half of the 19th Century and the first half of the 20th. I own about 50 complete works of various authors, collected from the Delphi Classics series. These are unbeatable bargains of authors in the public domain. However, I do read more contemporary novels, too, and this will gradually increase as time goes on. Meanwhile, here is what was most enjoyed from last year.
In no particular order:
The Lieutenant and Others, short stories by Sapper McNeil.
Evan Herrington, an odd novel by George Meredith, whom I first encountered in the Ballantine Adult Fantasy series. The author skews the British class system with glee and much wit. Truly fun!
Piranesi is a stunning work of fantasy by Susan Clarke, with images that will remain with a reader for a long time. We both read this one.
Kwei Quartey is a Ghanian writer I came across last year. He writes crime novels set in Ghana, and while he may not be as good as Tony Hillerman, his books are enjoyable and eye-opening.
The Moth is a storyteller's paradise. True stories told by everyday people who relate unusual experiences they have undergone. This is a mind-blowing source of great stories and anecdotes, with many of them on-line. Check them out!
The Three Mulamulgars by Walter de la Mare is on a solid footing with The Hobbit. Children's fantasy at its finest.
On The Calculation of Volume so far has produced three volumes, read by Deb only. She loved the first book, less so the second, and had pretty much had it by the third.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern was read by Deb only, though I hope to get to it later this month.
The Starless Sea was also only read by Deb.
Starmaker by Olaf Stapledon is the SF novel to end all SF novels. Though the prose can be a bit tiring and overwhelming if too much is read too quickly, this is one of the most influential SF books ever written, and one of the most fascinating. The author has the imagination of a God, and the patience to write it all down for us. Deb read this many years ago.
The Wheels of Chance by H G Wells, is a humourous bicycle adventure story.
The Complete Fairy Tales by Jacob Joseph. The title says it all. Extensive and interesting footnotes. A mammoth undertaking for a reader. I read it in segments over two years.
Lady Windemere's Fan by Oscar Wilde.
Cornell Woolrich is a new author to me, though I have seen many filmizations of his works. His novels will appear regularly in this blog from now on.
Whit is not one of Ian Banks' best novels, but it is still a great novel. It begins very slowly, but constantly gathers steam. No one else I know has ever written about the baryton!
The Education of Uncle Paul by Algernon Blackwood is another book we both read. This one has its fantasy elements as well as day to day life. The first 80% of the book
offers superb writing, though the ending drags itself down into a
spiritual world that simply doesn't fit well with this reader. Still well worth seeking out for its extreme oddity of theme.
In Search Of Wonder by Damon Knight remains the best collection of critical essays about the classic years of SF writing and its writers.
Heart's Desire by Emmerson Hough is a period story about early days in a tiny New Mexico settlement, before the railroad came and changed everything. A most enjoyable read. Witty and offers great insight into a character that defined the western expansion of the US.
The Cords of Vanity by James Branch Cabell is yet another example of this man's superior writing skills and unbounded wit. Misunderstood during his time, his novels just get better and better with time.
Ashes of Empire is the final book of three in Robert Chambers' Prussian War against France. All are superb reading. Historical fiction with a vengeance.
Typhoon by Conrad gives by far the best description of a terrible storm at sea ever put to paper. This man is the best!
The Poison Belt is and end-of-the-world SF classic by Arthur Conan Doyle that is still great fun to read. The ending is spoiled but most of the book is eye opening and ahead of its time.
Mirgorod consists of four short stories by Gogal, including the fantasy/horror tale "Viy". Terrific stuff!
Clock Without Hands by Carson McCullins is a tale of the deep southern US in the 1950s. Don't miss this tale of a pharmacist given a death sentence from leukemia. Fabulous writing, with memorable and very moody characters.
Dream Days by Kenneth Grahame continues his unforgivably good tales of childhood, but written for adults. Like his previous Golden Age stories. Many are unforgettable.
Maltese Falcon by Dashiel Hammett is one of those iconic stories that rewards readers as much as the film based on the novel. Fun from start to finish.
There you have it! Other books could be mentioned,too, but I'll leave these up the best that I read in 2025. Happy reading!
Mapman Mike
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