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The output of a workshop involving authors, artists and researchers imagining solar energy-centric societies and likely problems in their implementation. I found out about this through a #solarpunk hashtag and had the mistaken idea it would offer hope. There is some but instead I'm left feeling down and aware of how likely it is that, even as the planet forces our societies to change, we'll do as little as we can get away with. Maybe if I'd read it at another time, or I was healthy enough to be involved in these sorts of projects I'd be motivated towards hope. It's a free e-book, via this link csi.asu.edu/books/weight/

Loads of enthusiasm, some useful information but in general the internet is better these days. It's best where it can be the most specific but many sections try to talk about a broad range of possible circumstances and end up saying not enough about any. I picked up a couple of things which might be useful, that the pots sold as tomato planters are probably too small, some ideas about growing fruit, and an interest in trying mushrooms (if I can figure out where to get good logs).

Posh young woman grows up, learns about friendship, love, responsibility and self-reliance. Mostly on the Orkney Mainland, where the weather is also very much a character. Not my usual but it was free e-book of the week and I needed something easy and engaging. It telegraphs its plot well in advance, so no big surprises. Lots of cliches but it moves at such a pace there isn't much time to dwell on them. The only romance writer (in my limited experience) I'm interested in reading more from.

Still not sure what to make of this one, even on a second reading. The first time was inclined to wonder Why are we doing this or how does this all fit together, second time was more taking each moment as it's told. Enjoyed the experience of it, which is what matters most.

A daughter takes her mother, originally from Hong Kong, to Japan for a holiday. It alternates between precisely observed details of the present and the daughter's narration of memories from her past, her mother's, sister's and partner's.

reminder to myself that the central library has this, and his The Private Lives of Trees is a wee jewel

read this excerpt, long enough it feels like it could count as a novella read :) arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/01/unauthorized-bread-a-near-future-tale-of-refugees-and-sinister-iot-appliances/

re-reading counts, yes? :) still not sure what to make of this one but i enjoyed the experience of it again.

from interview on Krishnan Guru-Murphy's podcast

found this on the Standard Ebooks site and it seemed a good one to try out, see how i get on with reading on the tablet and if it's better or worse for bad brain days. (has become clear that dark mode for books increases the days i can read, so this is very good news.) it's 3 average novels worth of writing. some of it i really like. has been good for reading every day but will take ages to finish. short stories, so easy enough to take a break.

A friend found this for 30p in an out-of-the-way charity shop and got it for on the basis of it being a very good deal and being unsure how to pronounce the author's name (and therefore one I'd like it). It's sat on the shelf all these years, but I'm very glad he did. Quietly absurdist, yet feels well grounded in the realities of time and place. Pacing, flow and details are excellent; exceptionally well written and translated. Don't find out more about it, wondering what is going on is part of its appeal, just read it :)

reminder to myself that i bought the series to re-read

gentle, short, very readable, and probably very re-readable. lingering impression is more atmosphere than plot but enough of a storyline for a sense of movement and expansiveness, often through memory.

Chile #novella #InnerLife