Perusing The Shelves For My Next Read

[@bretgrandrath2935]

"This can't possibly be interesting to you guys" Ha! I wish i could see more bookcases and what the owner is thinking. When looking for my next read I have to resist picking a Cherryh for a reread. So understand that when i say if you liked Semiosis read 40,000 In Gehenna. Whenever i hear a review of Semiosis I'm reminded of 40,000 In Gehenna, but no one else has made the connection. It might just be in my (Cherryh filled) head.

[@sciencefictionreads]

I'll definitely keep 40,000 in mind! I haven't read nearly enough Cherryh. If that one is similar to Semiosis then I'm sold!

[@Gadrun]

I love that little Carbon Based Lifeforms cameo, haha!

[@sciencefictionreads]

I wondered if anyone would notice that haha. Meant to turn it off before pressing record 😄

[@jAITtROtULL]

I was always an avid reader but since my eyes got “up there in age” I started listening to audiobooks, audio dramas, and book readings. I listen to at least one, daily sometimes more but I have only listened to maybe two sci fi’s so I am looking forward to this. Ironically, I have many favorite authors and the vast majority of them passed away before I was even born. Some even passed before my mother and grandmother were born.

[@LookingAway359]

What a nice collection, well done.

[@sciencefictionreads]

Thanks for watching!

[@leoncowles]

thought I was the only fool who couldn't make the simple choice of which book to read next . Sometimes have had to go away and than come back to it. Anyway another great video please keep it up.

[@sciencefictionreads]

Thanks! I've had to walk away and try again later as well lol.

[@AgnosticTruth]

Definitely read Leiber’s Fahfrd and the Grey Mouser stories. Great stories and prose. Essential fantasy.

[@sciencefictionreads]

I definitely will get to them this coming year. I've become quite interested in Sword and Sorcery lately and these are an obvious must read.

[@The_Crime_Machine]

I enjoyed the video, it was fun. I'm also a mood reader and sometimes stare at my shelves to find a book to read next. Like you, a book will often "jump off the shelf" for me because of some connection it makes with something I've seen on booktube or that I have read or seen elsewhere. Books can wait years for the right nudge to bring it to the top of my TBR. I couldn't shelve my unread books with my read books as it would be too confusing.

[@sciencefictionreads]

Exactly! Some books have sat on my shelves for years until the random day it jumps out at me for whatever reason, i read it, and then wonder why i waited so long because it was an incredible book! I don't mind having read and unread shelved together though. I like looking at the collection in all its glory 😂

[@lissavanhouten6628]

You must read Midnight at the Well of Souls first. I've reread this series by Chalker so many times. The original 5-part series is the best. The Well planet is so fascinating!

[@sciencefictionreads]

I'm very much looking forward to the series! I just need to locate the books I'm missing, then ill be diving right in!

[@ainstycastings1859]

It is most definitely, not just you that chooses this way. I am glad to see however, that it is not just me.

[@dillonrogers1812]

This is exactly how I choose. Just with fewer options.

[@rickkearn7100]

I remember when your book collection was small compared to what you own now. You are really embracing the life, SFR. Read the best of Henry Kuttner! I have read those stories many times over the years, and I applaud your preference for SF that is "decades old", as you put it. It is encouraging to see a younger person appreciating what came before the modern era of "trending now" and demographics-driven storylines. Cheers.

[@sciencefictionreads]

Hey Rick! Nice to hear from you! I'll definitely be reading The Best of Kuttner this coming year. And as I've said before, old is gold! It took me a couple years to realize that, naturally, as i had to read a decent amount of new and old to discover where my tastes lay. But the more I explore the older generations of SF the more I fall in love with them.

[@j.j.5731]

Man what kind of job do you have that you have time to read books? Must be nice. And I recommend reading some Silverberg like Tower of Glass, Dying Inside, Man in the Maze.

[@Seven-Planets-Sci-Fi-Tuber]

I was going to say, Pick any novel by Silverberg! Just finished Tower Of Glass and it's at the top of my re-read list (TBRR).

[@j.j.5731]

@@Seven-Planets-Sci-Fi-Tuber same here

[@sciencefictionreads]

I work in a nursing home, sometimes there's opportunity to read when its late at night and not much is happening. Not often though, i mostly just read on my breaks lol. I'll definitely get to SIlverberg this coming year, I've put off reading a novel by him for too long.

[@j.j.5731]

@@sciencefictionreads you won't regret it. Tower of Glass is excellent. We're kinda in the same field of medical work, all though I'm more of a vampire, I draw blood all day.

[@sciencefictionreads]

@@j.j.5731oh cool! I’m a PSW, although outside of Ontario such a role has different titles.

[@SciFiScavenger]

Decisions decisions! I too spend quite a lot of time just shelf-staring. It's fun to choose. Maybe I'll film my next book selection. Enjoy your book choice!

[@sciencefictionreads]

Go for it! It seems to have been a well received video.

[@Six-Shooter]

Great Vid Matt, don't doubt yourself. It's entertaining to peruse your shelves with you and hear you talk about books/authors you enjoyed, didn't care for and what you've been looking into and fancy reading. Happy to see you took the idea. I'm still hoping to start my channel for western and men's adventure fiction but everytime I pick up the camera I feel too silly but I guess you have to get used to it. And I don't know a thing about editing and only have my phone to record audio and video. Awell, keep up the good content Matt. Most honest booktuber on the platform I feel

[@SciFiScavenger]

Feeling silly is definitely a part of the learning process. I felt massively self conscious for the first bunch i did. I think that's very common in this game. I also didn't have a clue about the mechanics, still learning as i go. The thing is to get started. Do it!

[@sciencefictionreads]

I was the same way when i first started. Which is why i don't even appear on camera in my first two videos. I still dislike the process of talking to myself and then watching it back. But its worth it when you have people commenting and engaging with your videos! I myself only use my iPhone for video making, and if i could I'd have zero edits. Anytime you see a cut its because i got tongue tied or said something i thought was fact but upon checking up on it realized i was wrong. There's many free editing software programs you can download on a PC or even your phone. That being said i do on rare occasion stray into editing, like my Neal Asher video. Its just a learn as you go kind of thing! Thanks for the video idea! It seems to have been a hit!

[@danieldelvalle5004]

My process for reading is similar to yours. Sometimes I get the equivalent of writer's block, readers block. I hit a reading doldrum until some book catches my imagination. Right now that has been Gene Wolfe's The Shadow of the Torturer. So far it's been fascinating. I might try to climb that mountain, The Book of the New Sun, and eventually I might tackle Doctor Death and Others Stories and Others Stories. The Outlaw Bookseller has a video on it, and that peaked my interest in Gene Wolfe's ouvre. Like you I like the old stuff.

[@sciencefictionreads]

I go through the same thing where i just don't read anything for a week or two until something catches my interest again. I need to get to Gene Wolfe at some point! I've read nothing by him yet.

[@danieldelvalle5004]

@@sciencefictionreads I read The Fifth Head of Cerberus decades ago, but I only remember the overall theme of the book, no details. I must go back to it. Right now I'm finishing the first two parts of The Book of the New Sun, which is in the Dying Earth subgenre and it has affinities with Jack Vance. So far it's got me hooked, but that's because I like ambiguity and putting the puzzle pieces where they go in the story. It's mainly show and very little tell. You have to read all four parts to get any idea of what's going on, but I think it's worth the effort and a reread. It's definitely not for everyone one, and I wouldn't recommend it for anyone beginning to read Wolfe. His short stories are better for a beginner of his ouvre.

[@thebookishbryants]

I havent read any Stableford. He has been on my list of authors to try for a very long time, so I will get to him this comingbyear for sure. I will Voxer you to find out where to start if that is ok. This cideo was so cool! Hell, I could watch your process again. That was fun. Have a great few days at work, and happy reading, sir! Scott.

[@sciencefictionreads]

Stableford is pretty cool. He has a degree in biology, and a number of his books I've read deal with alien biology and humans overcoming it. Which is one of my favorite themes in SF! This video seems to have been well received, so perhaps I'll do one from time to time. Thanks for watching, Scott!

[@OmnivorousReader]

Mood reading! I totally get it. Today I picked out my next book, and almost against my will, I ended up with Norstrilia by Cordwainer Smith and am enjoying the hell out of it. And, yes, to any of us who do the same thing this is interesting, it is essentially perving on someone else's bookselves... and one wants to yell out 'pick Sea-Horse In The Sky' or similar...

[@sciencefictionreads]

I just recently got that copy of Sea-Horse In The Sky, it sounds quite intriguing! And Cordwainer Smith is great! If you haven't already checked out his short stories related to Norstrilia, you'll love them!

[@OmnivorousReader]

@@sciencefictionreads Sea-Horse is one I have been reading and re-reading for years. One of Cooper's best I think. I have another Cordwainer Smith that I have not read yet, and I think he did not do many novels so it may be those short stories!

[@sfwordsofwonder]

I like this format, fun to see your process, it's similar to mine. The joy of picking out your new read can be so much fun, especially with an epic collection, as is yours. Funny you mention Effinger, been wanting to check the trilogy out since I got the books, will be interested to what you think.

[@sciencefictionreads]

So far, I've enjoyed the first one, despite getting a little lost near the end, plot wise. Its definitely dark and moody as i was hoping. I think ill be continuing on with the second book.

[@sfwordsofwonder]

@@sciencefictionreads Good to know, thanks.

[@themojocorpse1290]

Nice to be spoilt for choice! although sometimes I do a random grab without looking . I too have a large tbr but working my way through it ! then just add more . 🤔

[@TKHobbs-oq1ei]

I’m so very sorry! He was a beautiful boy. I’m so sorry!

[@camo_for_cocktails]

I noticed Arthur C.Clarke’s “ The Songs of Distant Earth” on your shelf. Could you please tell me if that is a novel, or a fix-up of the original story, or just another collection of classic stories with Songs featured as the cover? I remember checking it out years ago but not picking it up because I thought it was the latter. I have the original story collected more than once already. Thanks!

[@sciencefictionreads]

My copy is the novel, which i believe did indeed start out originally as a short story in 1958. I'm pretty sure i must have the short story version in one of his collections on my shelf as well.

[@camo_for_cocktails]

@@sciencefictionreads Thanks. I guess I missed out on the novel then, which is a little frustrating as I am a bit of a Clarke completist.

[@sciencefictionreads]

@@camo_for_cocktails No problem! According to the wiki article for the book Clarke considered it his favourite of his novels. Which surprises me.

[@mikesnyder1788]

Spotted one of my favorite books by the late and great Stanislaw Lem! "Star Diaries" in paperback at 10:23 (mostly pink spine with blue dot on bottom). Definitely worth reading and the art design is superb!

[@sciencefictionreads]

I have yet to read any Lem to my great shame! Star Diaries sounds awesome though!

[@mikesnyder1788]

@@sciencefictionreads Not to worry! I am 76 years old and I have a long Shame on Me list of great SF books I have not read (Neuromancer, for example). Lem was a great writer and I am still astounded that he wrote such provocative fiction during his nation's Communist era. One final comment... he can be very, very funny! Kind regards...

[@thekeywitness]

I enjoyed the Effinger trilogy very much. Glad to see it getting picked up.

[@sciencefictionreads]

It was good! A familiar yet equally different setting for a cyberpunk story.

[@chevalierdulys]

That was interesting. I usually choose 5 to 7 books . And then as the days progress I read something not chosen. I love grainger a lot. It's my favourite from him . I've got around 4m30 of his books plus the ones he wrote as Brian Craig

[@sciencefictionreads]

Sometimes i choose several at once and read the first few pages of each and pick the most interesting. I'm looking forward to reading more Stableford! Probably this coming year as its been awhile since i read anything by him.

[@tomoser1284]

I enjoyed the asgard trilogy by Stableford that starts with Journey to the center

[@sciencefictionreads]

I really want to read that one, but so far only have Journey to the Center.

[@tomoser1284]

Yeah I had that problem too. after double checking, it looks like 2 & 3 didn't get North American releases until Wildside got the rights in 2014 and they are a small press. @@sciencefictionreads

[@callmeal4183]

I've recently read the Effimger trilogy. Impressive take on many genres. I will re-read these books. Raymond Chandler meets PKD and it's a draw!

[@sciencefictionreads]

I enjoyed the first one, and i think I'll continue on with the second immediately!

[@Seven-Planets-Sci-Fi-Tuber]

I remember reading the comment that led to this. First, let me relate: No matter what I decide ahead of time, at the last minute picking a book becomes a struggle between, I SHOULD read this or this (gotta, have to) and, BUT I FEEL like reading something else.. Now this video works for me for two reasons: I get to peer over your shoulder at other titles on your shelf, and the second, your stream of thought yields more information on the books and authors. You sent me looking for this Geo Alec Effinger trilogy in my sci-fi cave. Awaiting you review. The Starkings not pulpy, I re-read it and its sequel recently. A good space opera with the charm of old SF that you seem to like. Puzzled: Jack L. Chalker? You fill a whole shelf with him and leave Silverberg in boxes? Free Silverberg! lol, cheers!

[@sciencefictionreads]

Lol! Yeah I need to dig out the Silverberg. I can't recall at the moment if I've read a novel of his yet. I know I dnf'd one. Of the few short stories I've read I only liked Homefaring. I think maybe I've formed a preconceived notion that he isn't for me, but thats not fair, having tried very little of his work. The Effinger trilogy is decent so far (I'm on the second book) but nothing spectacular. Though i am enjoying it! And thanks for setting me straight on The Star Kings! I'll definitely be reading some Hamilton this coming year.

[@Seven-Planets-Sci-Fi-Tuber]

It actually took me a long time to get to Silverberg as when I was younger the themes of his books didn't seem fun at all. Just reading a summary for Thorns sent me running the other way. I was much more comfortable with Asimov's robots! Or Hamilton's Star Kings for that matter. However I was inexorably drawn to Silverberg because I was obviously missing something. After reading The Man In The Maze, I knew he was definitely a major author for plenty of good reasons. Back to Hamilton, I've been learning a lot about how bilingual French editors were instrumental in American Science-Fiction. Hamilton wrote the sequel to Star Kings, Return To The Stars, at the behest of French editors and get this: This book was first published in French translation BEFORE the American first printing! Notably, another French editor, Jacques Sadoul convinced A.E. Van Vogt to write the third volume in The World of Null-A. Lastly I must mention how the French made a big deal of PKD also before he came to prominence in the States. PKD journey to France and his speeches there are Sci-Fi History. Cheers!

[@sciencefictionreads]

The man in the maze is one of the ones that most intrigues me! There's a few of his i think I'm guaranteed to enjoy, i just need to find them. You really must make a video discussing the French side of the SF world! I had never heard of any of this before! I'll have to look up Dick's speeches. @@Seven-Planets-Sci-Fi-Tuber

[@sciencefictionreads]

This seems to happen all the time now. Especially if its not the original comment, but one further down in a thread. I found 3 just now i had no notifications for. I'll have to start routinely looking back at recent videos for any comments i wasn't aware of.@@Seven-Planets-Sci-Fi-Tuber

[@Seven-Planets-Sci-Fi-Tuber]

I found out that some notifications are present in the timeline, but were not brought up to the top. It's a pain. The slider to scroll notifications is narrow and there is no top or bottom button in it to scroll one line at a time. Not user friendly! We are at the mercy of what this site allows us to do or not..

[@8020Alive]

6:55 - When Gravity Fails - no spoilers... You can read the first book because it stands alone. There is Neuromancer, Hardwired, and this book. (Pat Cadigan to a lesser degree) It's that good. George Alec Effinger prose flows effortless. Its an easy read. Yes dark and the mystery has sexual elements and violence. Laced with mood and the Arab setting. One cool thing is that the audiobook version of that is narrated exceptionally exceptionally well. If you have a Audible account - You can go back and forth between the book and the audiobook. And the audiobook version has a cult following because the narrator (forget his name at the moment) got into the characters and their slang with absolute precision.

[@sciencefictionreads]

It's not AS Cyberpunk as I expected it to be but I'm quite enjoying it. I'll have finished it by tomorrow and will likely continue with the second. Though its nice to know the first is fine as a stand alone. Thanks for the info! And, I appreciate that your a Charles Leclerc fan, based on your profile pic 👍🏎

[@8020Alive]

I like all formula 1. 😂 - I just happen to pick this as an emoji icon because it's red and I can find it easier

[@8020Alive]

Great video! Thank you for sharing your bookshelf with the world. Happy holidays to you and your family🎉 🌲

[@sciencefictionreads]

Thanks, and thanks for watching! And Happy Holidays to your family as well!@@8020Alive

[@douglasreynolds7903]

Just read midnight at the well of souls. Lots of aliens. Good read.

[@sciencefictionreads]

I’m really looking forward to the series. I just need to find the ones I don’t have!

[@willp2877]

Nah man this was fun. I relate. This is usually how i pick too. Or ill have a recent haul full of like 10 books and read one of those to avoid shame. Hahaha.

[@sciencefictionreads]

Haha yes. Buying a batch and not reading at least one does inspire that feeling. I feel the same way when I order a specific book online and then dont immediately read it. Which is 90% of the time.

[@willp2877]

@@sciencefictionreads dude same here. I ordered Ice by Anna Kavan planning to read it immediately in June. Only just now about to get to it. Haha.

[@civoreb]

I do this before picking a book and while I have a book Im reading already. It can be a pain but it is the life of a mood reader 😅 Do Dinosaur Beach by Laumer.

[@sciencefictionreads]

Exactly. And its kind of fun not really ever knowing what your reading next lol. I've heard good things about Dinosaur Beach!