Weekend Special: A Confession and Two Excellent Stories

It’s not often that I have a post on the weekend, so when I do, it’s because I’ve got something awesome to share.  And that awesome thing?  Why, it’s a confession, of course.  I’ve harbored this secret for far too long, and I feel it’s time to get it out in the open.

Ready?

I hope you don’t hate me…

I’m in love with Combos.  The pretzelly, cheese filled snacks.  Man oh man do I love those things.  Way too much.  Maybe more than I love Chex Mix.

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So, now that that’s out of the way, let’s get on to the meat of the post.  I’ve recently read two excellent stories and I want to share them with you fine folks.  The first one, The Horrid Glory of Its Wings, is a short-story featured on Tor.com right now.  That said, it’s a top-notch story that was harrowing.  I read it with fascination and growing curiosity, wondering what was going to happen, all the way up to its powerful conclusion.  It’s kind of hard to describe, but it was awesome.  The second tale, a bit of flash-fiction, comes from fellow blogger Jay from Descending Thoughts.  Check out his exceptional story The Ticket Out.  I love the way the story is told, how it unfolds and engulfs the reader.  And, as a flash-fic bit, it’s a very short read.  And if you like Jay’s story, you should read his other flash stories.  All have been great.

Seriously check them out.  Both stories are short and definitely worth the read.

Oh, did you read Bryan Allain’s Books I Didn’t Write #006 on Thursday?  It cracked me up.  That guy is way too funny.  He basically finds a picture, creates a title for the picture, and then writes reviews over the fake book.  The results are hilarious.  My favorite line was an excerpt from the book: “He loved the smell of grain in the morning. The way the pungent odor brought life to the sinews and marrow of his being. The way his brain would instantly start firing off ideas for the day. The way it instantly created an insatiable hunger in his belly for a bowl of Trix.”  Yeah…  Check it out.

On a side note, I’m rather excited about the new collection of stories coming out that’s edited by Neil Gaiman titled Stories.  It’s getting quite a bit of hype.

On another side note, Dave, if you’re reading, did you finish Warriors?  Was it worth the read?  It seems like you did a mini review of some absurd story, but I cannot recall if you did the entire book or not.

On yet another side note, I’m almost out of Combos!

And, worst of all, my USB stick is still AWOL.  That’s bad, cause it’s got most of my writing on it.  Sure, I’ve got some stuff backed up, but this drive contains the most recent versions of my stuff, especially the flash-fiction and Oscambria.  I really need to find it.

I’m very ready and excited about the LOST finale tomorrow.  I hope you are, too.

Weekend Special: Current thoughts on Warbreaker

This post will definitely contain spoilers.  If you’ve not read Brandon Sanderson’s Warbreaker I would strongly urge you to skip this post. 

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I am currently on Chapter 36.  Wow.  That’s really about all I can say right now, especially considering the events that just happened in the previous chapter.  All along I’ve really liked the mercenaries, but I honestly have to say I suspected something like this.  Definitely not exactly like what happened, but that they were more sinister than they appeared.  I still wonder about Denth’s past.  I’m looking forward to Vivenna learning how to use her Breath.

I’m really curious to learn more about Vasher, too.  There have been only a few short pages devoted to him and it’s driving me crazy.  Is he bad?  Is he good?  Is he apathetic?  What the heck’s up with that sword?  All in due time I’ll find out, I suppose.

I really like the turn of events for Siri and Susebron.  I find their relationship sweet and enjoyable, and I’ve laughed a bit, too, at the God Kings’ naïveté.  I’m not sure what will happen to Susebron and I don’t know how to guess.  Hopefully he doesn’t die.

Lightsong is still getting on my nerves, though not as much as earlier in the book.  I still think his character is really weak and annoying.  His quest to learn more about his past is slightly interesting, but his involvement with Blushweaver is eye-rolling.  So is Blushweaver, for that matter.  I’m sure the Returned will play a crucial part in whatever is going to happen, but so far I could care less for any of them.  If Lightsong would just stop acting like an immature, flippant, uncaring person then I’d be happy.

I like the mystery and secrecy with all the priests and servants, too.  Not sure really what’s going to happen with them or who to trust, but I pretty much don’t trust Scoot.  Surely he can’t care about Lightsong.

Anyway, these are my thoughts.  If you’ve read the book, chime in.  If not, I hope you didn’t read this post and that you aren’t reading this paragraph.

Weekend Special #5

Back in July I started a Weekend Special post series. The purpose was to generate book discussion, or to share your thoughts/musings on whatever you're currently reading, writing, or working on. Of course, this also allowed you to see what other people were reading/writing/working on, thus giving you a chance to comment, too, if you so chose. So, in remembrance of that old time, I give you another Weekend Special.

Feel free to add your own current thoughts. And remember, if you're posting a spoiler, please mark it appropriately.

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I'm currently reading Brandon Sanderson's Warbreaker. I've had this book setting on my shelf for a very long time, just waiting patiently to get to it. I'm on page 171. These are my current thoughts. (Beware, if you've not read the book, you may wish to not read my thoughts, as they could possibly contain spoilers.)

Vahr: I know very, very little of him still. The prologue was very exciting, and Nightblood has me intrigued. The last thing I read of him was that he was spying on Vivenna at the Court of Gods. I suspect the sword is somehow related to the Colors and the religions, possibly as an anathema or a talisman.

Siri: I feel a bit sorry for her, but I think she's headstrong and smart. I suspect she'll get involved with Lightsong somehow, or that the servants will involve her in their plots.

Vivenna: She definitely loves her country and her sister, though her formality and training puts her at a disadvantage to Siri. She'll likely cause problems in T'Telir.

Lightsong: His flippant and carefree ways are slightly aggravating, yet I can tell he has a heart. Perhaps he will eventually sacrifice himself to heal someone (maybe even Siri or Vivenna?), as it's evident he has problems with his deification. I hope he eventually gets serious, or I fear I may tire of his character.

Susebron, the God King: I am most intrigued by this mysterious figure. He's present on nearly every page, yet Sanderson has barely described him at all. I want to learn more about him. Is he more than what everyone says he is? Is he a Lifeless? Does he care about Siri? I am eager to find out more about him.

So far, I really like the way religion is a playing factor in the world. Of course, I expected this beautiful, logical system from Sanderson. I particularly like how well, how colorful, Sanderson's writing is, and his descriptions of colors are fresh and simple. I like the concept of Breath, and I look forward to discovering more benefits of the Heightening stages.

So, truly, I've not said much. I've voiced a few of my suspicions and a few of my impressions, but I've said nothing of substance. All in all, I'm looking forward to reading more of this book and seeing if Sanderson can keep up his awesome reputation. (I'm sure he won't disappoint.)

Weekend Special #4

Again, it's the Weekend Special blog post. If you don't know, this is just an open invitation for you to comment on what you're currently reading/watching/writing/etc. and let the rest of the world comment with you. And please include SPOILER warnings, if they should apply.

By the way, if you missed the Neil Diamond concert that was on CBS last night, you should be very sorry and disappointed in yourself. Possibly ashamed, even. Suffice it to say that it was beautiful.

Weekend Special #3

Discuss what you will, gentle and kind folk. Keep it appropriated with Spoiler warnings if it pleases ya.


Krista, I can't remember if I asked you if you liked The Strain by Del Toro, so if you'd like to comment on that I'd be interested to know your thoughts. I haven't read it, but it looks interesting. Dave, don't spoil Best Served Cold or I'll send an e-curse.

Weekend Special #2

Weekend Special #1 was successful and enjoyable to read through, so we'll continue right along, shall we?

Comments are now open. Feel free to leave your thoughts on whatever your reading, writing, watching, playing, experimenting with, etc. in the comment section and share with all the rest of the world.

Remember, if you're going to reveal spoilers, please be sure to put a SPOILERS tag up before you go in to too much detail. Thanks, and have a great weekend.

Weekend Special #1

In response to a dear, faithful reader, I've decided to create a special Weekend Post. (I typically don't post on the weekend, but I think I may start this Weekend Special.) The Weekend Special is a place for you to write about whatever you're currently reading and would like to discuss or opine on. The only request is to please put the title of the book (or movie, etc.) at the front of the post, that way anyone afraid of SPOILERS can avoid reading the comments. If you're comment is SPOILER-FREE, you can throw that tag out there, too.

So, I invite you to post what you want. Odds are, among Rememorandom's followers and those that just stop by, you won't be the only one to have read something, so you're comments won't be just out there in the open. However, keep in mind that that is a possibility, as you could render everyone speechless with your amazing thoughts.

Have fun, and let the discussion/opinions/thoughts begin.