Amazon has quietly done away with almost all minimum order restrictions for Amazon Prime members. Have an item you want that only costs 99 cents? You can probably get it without paying shipping. https://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/amazon-just-quietly-made-a-big-change-to-amazon-prime-some-customers-will-be-very-happy.html While I understand the convenience of this, I'm appalled on multiple levels. First, those small, emergency purchases were about the only … Continue reading Small change by Amazon will please some Amazon Prime members
Tag: books
Classic sci-fi/fantasy series everyone should know
These are the core of the very best of classic sci-fi/fantasy series that a fan should gobble up. No list is definitive. I would definitely add the Dune series by Frank Herbert, the In Her Name series by Michael R. Hicks, and the Ender Quartet by Orson Scott Card. I'd consider including the Xanth series … Continue reading Classic sci-fi/fantasy series everyone should know
Nobel Prizes in Literature announced
Nobel Prizes in Literature Awarded to Peter Handke, Olga Tokarczuk Swedish Academy names two laureates after postponing last year’s prize; award to Handke rekindles controversy over his support for Milosevic Austrian novelist Peter Handke, left, and Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk won the 2019 and 2018 prizes, respectively. PHOTO: FROM LEFT: CESAR CABRERA/EFE/ZUMA PRESS; BE&W/ZUMA PRESS ByDominic Chopping and James … Continue reading Nobel Prizes in Literature announced
Books not a part of most adults’ lives
Growing Number of U.S. Adults Just Don’t Read Books by Daniel Sweat0 October 1, 2019 https://bookstr.com/article/growing-number-of-u-s-adults-just-dont-read-books/ More than a quarter (27%) of U.S. adults say they haven’t read a book in the last year. No print books, no e-books, not even an audiobook – nothing! I know, I know, book lovers might be kind of … Continue reading Books not a part of most adults’ lives
Portrait of a moment in time for books that I’m reading
There's always such a wealth of books to read in addition to the more topical internet, magazines, and newspapers. Here's a snapshot of what I'm currently either reading or waiting for from the library. I'm in three book clubs so always at least try the month's choices. The books up for discussion next are "Exhalation: … Continue reading Portrait of a moment in time for books that I’m reading
Six sci-fi novels set in space
https://bookriot.com/2019/09/24/science-fiction-books-about-space/ 6 Science Fiction Books About Space That Are Out Of This World Michelle Anne Schingler 09-24-19 Earth is an exhausting place to be right now. Rainforests are burning, ice caps are melting, and there are grim projections for the future—not to mention the cruelties we inflict upon one another. Recently, when I’ve needed to … Continue reading Six sci-fi novels set in space
Is thinning enough or is absolute minimum better?
I've posted before about baby boomers' discovery that people don't want their "stuff" -- whether they're thinning to downsize or to administer an estate. Ordinarily the younger generation might be happy to take, if not buy, those possessions for the memories and to replicate their parents' and grandparents' home atmosphere. Doesn't happen any more and … Continue reading Is thinning enough or is absolute minimum better?
Water wars are already here — here’s are two books about battles close to home
The Colorado River in the United States has been fought over for decades. As the flow of water downstream gets less and less, the users (and there are many) are fighting dirtier and dirtier. There are many sides on the issue but who wins is tending to boil down to who has the money, not … Continue reading Water wars are already here — here’s are two books about battles close to home
Better read the Edward Snowden memoir quickly — the U.S. government is trying to suppress it
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/sep/17/edward-snowden-memoir-us-government-lawsuit? Edward Snowden US government files civil lawsuit against Snowden over publication of memoir Suit contends whistleblower published Permanent Record ‘in violation of non-disclosure agreements’ with both CIA and NSA Tom McCarthy in New York and David Smith in Washington Tue 17 Sep 2019 15.22 EDT First published on Tue 17 Sep 2019 14.04 EDT The US … Continue reading Better read the Edward Snowden memoir quickly — the U.S. government is trying to suppress it
Books to read for background and facts about the climate emergency
I've read three out of these five books -- "The Uninhabitable Earth," "This Changes Everything" and "Drawdown" provide solid, usable information on not only what's happening and why, but on what you individually and governments can and should do about the climate crisis. "Drawdown," in particular, is available in a large format with lots of … Continue reading Books to read for background and facts about the climate emergency
B&N running a fire sale on Nooks and Nook accessories
Even before Amazon Kindle became the juggernaut it still is, I was concerned about the longevity and support by B&N for Nook devices. They have not been discontinued and B&N now has a new owner. Whether this sale is a predicate toward exiting the business is unknown. https://goodereader.com/blog/barnes-and-noble-nook-ereader-news/barnes-and-noble-is-having-a-firesale-on-nook-and-accessories Barnes and Noble is having a firesale … Continue reading B&N running a fire sale on Nooks and Nook accessories
Sci-fi/fantasy books to look for in September
https://www.polygon.com/2019/9/1/20842068/science-fiction-fantasy-books-recommendations-september-stan-lee-game-annalee-newitz-margaret-atwood Am always pleased to find a new (to me) place with lists of new (or even older) sci-fi/fantasy novels worth finding. This one looks fine. https://www.polygon.com/2019/9/1/20842068/science-fiction-fantasy-books-recommendations-september-stan-lee-game-annalee-newitz-margaret-atwood 13 New science fiction and fantasy books to check out this September Strange tales of suspense to astonish you By Andrew Liptak Sep 1, 2019, 10:00am EDT … Continue reading Sci-fi/fantasy books to look for in September
Abycats' Thoughts 