Mark
@chimper17.bsky.social
Book-reader, food-eater, unimaginative writer of blurbs
This is an astonishing novel. To deliver such a compelling story from such an abstract idea is incredible. A must read.
It centres around a division within the Organisation which investigates phenomena that cause people to forget. Some are benign, some not so much.
#books #booksy
It centres around a division within the Organisation which investigates phenomena that cause people to forget. Some are benign, some not so much.
#books #booksy
February 4, 2026 at 6:19 AM
A collection of strange and unsettling short stories. There are some interesting ideas in here, taking the everyday and mundane and twisting it slightly. The titular story is a perfect introduction to what to expect, telling a tale of a man’s growing obsession with the chamber.
#books #booksky
#books #booksky
January 27, 2026 at 8:32 PM
Latest reads started with a history of the World Cup and its interwoven history with (mainly right wing) politics.
It’s a fascinating read, charting the big moments, the famous - and infamous - players, and how it grew into the commercial behemoth it is today.
#books #booksky
It’s a fascinating read, charting the big moments, the famous - and infamous - players, and how it grew into the commercial behemoth it is today.
#books #booksky
January 27, 2026 at 8:28 PM
The third in the Pleiti and Mossa series - a collection of Holmesian mysteries based on Jupiter.
This is my favourite so far. The stakes seem relatively low to begin with but quickly step up, while the challenges faced by the lead couple also add another dimension to each of them.
#books #booksky
This is my favourite so far. The stakes seem relatively low to begin with but quickly step up, while the challenges faced by the lead couple also add another dimension to each of them.
#books #booksky
January 2, 2026 at 8:37 AM
Next a series of explorations on art, humanity and society, all viewed through the lens of gaming.
It’s a fascinating and well-written book. Previously YouTube scripts, the annotations add colour to how Jacob’s thoughts have since evolved.
I’ll be watching out for volume 2.
#books #booksky
It’s a fascinating and well-written book. Previously YouTube scripts, the annotations add colour to how Jacob’s thoughts have since evolved.
I’ll be watching out for volume 2.
#books #booksky
January 2, 2026 at 8:29 AM
Latest books on my video game-based reads, first with a history of JRPGs.
It’s an interesting run through their rise, to the late 90s/early 2000s peak and how they have evolved and influenced gaming to date. Also a great nostalgia trip for those who grew up playing them.
#books #booksky
It’s an interesting run through their rise, to the late 90s/early 2000s peak and how they have evolved and influenced gaming to date. Also a great nostalgia trip for those who grew up playing them.
#books #booksky
January 2, 2026 at 8:19 AM
The third in a series. Fern, a timid bookstore owner, suffers something of an existential crisis and stows away with a legendary hero and her bounty, falling into a world of adventure.
Wider in scope than prior instalments, but more intimate in its story, it’s an enjoyable read. #books #booksky
Wider in scope than prior instalments, but more intimate in its story, it’s an enjoyable read. #books #booksky
December 8, 2025 at 7:18 AM
And finally, a nostalgic trip through my gaming history. While I hadn’t experienced (or even heard of) all, there were plenty I was familiar with. For each, you are taken by the hand and guided through the author’s experience of playing for the first time. #books #booksky
November 19, 2025 at 6:41 AM
The second Mossa and Pleiti story. This Holmesian duo are this time investigating a missing persons case that quickly develops into much more than they were expecting.
Charming and engaging, this builds confidently on the world and relationship established in the first book. #books #booksky
Charming and engaging, this builds confidently on the world and relationship established in the first book. #books #booksky
November 19, 2025 at 6:37 AM
From same world a We Are All Ghosts in the Forest, this is a new tale in this post-apocalyptic setting where digital information roams the world as potentially deadly ghosts.
I enjoyed the high stakes action even more than the first and am keen to see where this goes next. #books #booksky
I enjoyed the high stakes action even more than the first and am keen to see where this goes next. #books #booksky
November 19, 2025 at 6:28 AM
Keeping the quirky theme going, this Bob Mortimer novel starts with a missing girlfriend and spirals through pungent body odour, spying on a crazed yoga instructor and the titular long shoe.
So reflective of Bob’s humour you can practically hear him narrating. #books #booksky
So reflective of Bob’s humour you can practically hear him narrating. #books #booksky
November 19, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Next a step into the surreal. This is a short but mind-bending tale of a man who returns home to find a giant talking frog. The green intruder proceeds to ask his host to join him on a quest to save the city.
The strangest of Murakami’s works that I’ve read (complimentary). #books #booksky
The strangest of Murakami’s works that I’ve read (complimentary). #books #booksky
November 19, 2025 at 6:17 AM
A revisit to a personal favourite. I love the seemingly random absurdity, but find particular delight in how it is all so skilfully brought together. Part sci-fi, part murder mystery, all hilarious. As much a reflection of Douglas Adams’ genius as the Hitchiker’s Guide collection. #books #booksky
October 10, 2025 at 8:26 PM
A couple of older stories next. The first is new to me but is a classic of the SF genre. Written when the moon landing had everyone expecting to be colonising new worlds within a century or two; elements feel of its time but the mystery of Rama remains engaging throughout. #books #booksky
October 10, 2025 at 8:18 PM
*follows new starters, obviously
September 29, 2025 at 12:13 PM
*follows new starters, obviously
Set in a London that has been largely deserted after a mini ice age, where much of the population now experiences migraines that they are able to record and share via neural implants. It’s a beautifully written journey that touches on romance, populism and social media. #books #booksky
September 26, 2025 at 5:56 AM
Need to add it to the tbr pile - I loved Ring Shout and have been meaning to check out more by him.
September 25, 2025 at 4:57 AM
Need to add it to the tbr pile - I loved Ring Shout and have been meaning to check out more by him.
When a body is found buried in the cafe grounds, the missing owners instantly fall under suspicion but little is as it seems. This contains less Kosuke Kindaichi than prior novels and I did miss his chaotic energy. But there are enough twists and turns to keep it entertaining. #books #booksky
September 21, 2025 at 6:22 PM
I’m definitely a fan and the myth/fantasy blended setting worked for me. The consideration of reincarnation and how it is achieved and experienced was a particularly interesting bit for me and was revisited through the story.
You have a favourite RF Kuang book?
You have a favourite RF Kuang book?
September 19, 2025 at 6:46 AM
I’m definitely a fan and the myth/fantasy blended setting worked for me. The consideration of reincarnation and how it is achieved and experienced was a particularly interesting bit for me and was revisited through the story.
You have a favourite RF Kuang book?
You have a favourite RF Kuang book?