What are you reading right now? (Well, not right now now. Because obviously the answer to that would be Ryan Bruner's blog.)
Typically, I'm reading two things at once. One in the form of an audiobook that I listen to during my drive to and from work. The other, a book by my bedside.
Admittedly, I get through more audiobooks than those in paper form. Mostly, it is a time issue. I'm a slow reader, and so by the time I have a moment to read before bed, I'm tired. Sometimes too tired to read. Othertimes, tired enough that I can make it through a chapter before my eyelids no longer obey. I pry them open to just finish one more page, but they insist on sinking to the closed position.
Currently, I'm in the middle of two books. (To be clear, I use the term "middle" loosely, meaning some point after page one, but before the last page.)
In audiobook, I'm reading Ender's Shadow, by Orson Scott Card. Shadow is a kind of sequel, in a way, to Ender's Game. Yet, it isn't really a sequel, since it takes place simultaneously as Ender's Game. I won't give anything away here, don't worry. But if you enjoyed Ender's Game, which might just be one of the greatest science fiction books I've ever read, you should enjoy Ender's Shadow.
I'll admit, I don't find Ender's Shadow quite as compelling as Ender's Game. But Ender's Game is a hard act to follow. Yet, despite this, I think that Ender's Shadow might just be altogether more brilliant. Card managed to write a story that parallel's Ender's Game, and even takes place within the same setting and time as Ender's Game where you ultimately know the outcome, presuming you've read Ender's Game...yet, the book is written in a way that still draws you in, wants to know what is going on. It adds new depth not found in Ender's Game. For those who read the first book about Ender Wiggen, it is an amazing ride. Yet, if you never read Ender's Game, you could come into Ender's Shadow and read it and completely enjoy it. There might be nuances you don't pick up on, but all in all, a wonderful read.
I haven't finished Shadow, yet...but I can already say it is a highly recommended book. This comes from someone who found the true sequel to Ender's Game, Speaker for the Dead, not compelling enough for me to finish.
The other book I'm reading (in hardcover) is Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper. I'm not yet far enough along to give an in depth analysis or anything, but I will say that the premise and writing are most definitely compelling thus far. If the books holds up as well as the first 100 pages have, it will definitely be a recommended book.
And don't miss Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants! I finally got a chance to meet Sara in person after having known her on-line for a few years. She did a book signing at a bookstore near me. This is Sara's third book, and it has been greeted with rave reviews. I haven't had the chance to read it yet, however. My wife stole it from me, and then quickly informed me that I won't get it back until a few of her friends read it.
