I was happily reminded this month of the very enjoyable January/February reading challenge hosted by Carl V. Anderson (@Stainless Steel Droppings) years ago. His “Sci-Fi Experience” was always a highlight of my winter, and expanded my reading horizons exponentially. It was something that recently happened to my husband, Byron, that reminded me of that fun, immersive experience.
A couple of months ago, when Byron was sleepless due to some side effects of his cancer treatments, he would read articles and listen to podcasts about his cancer. It was fine that he was learning as much as he could about it, but I worried that such reading in the middle of the night would add to his insomnia and would raise his anxiety levels.
As an early Christmas present, our daughter sent him an audiobook, the first in a science fiction series she liked called The Expanse. Byron was not much of a science fiction reader, but we had watched the TV series and liked it. Our daughter told him the books were even better, so he started listening to that instead of those podcasts. The first book was called Leviathan Wakes, by James S. A. Corey (actually two men who collaborate on writing this series), and he became completely hooked on the series! He’s just about to finish the sixth book, the seventh book is ready to download, and he is loving his winter “Sci Fi Experience!”
“Quality of Life” is a phrase we are using often in our home right now. Reading and special book-related experiences like this one greatly enhance our quality of life and are so deeply appreciated during a difficult time.
A Fondness For Reading 
I love when you recommend something I have never thought of reading! I rarely read science fiction but I have loved a few so I have reserved Leviathan Wakes. Dune is an old favorite and I loved the audiobook of Ready Player One. Thank your daughter for me. I am currently listening to Braiding Sweetgrass on the recommendation. It is wonderful.
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Thanks, Marlo. I loved Ready Player One, and would like to reread Dune! Byron is anxious for me to start The Expanse series, so I have a lot of great reading to look forward to.
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I totally agree with your daughter! If your husband liked The Expanse, he might like C. S Friedman’s In Conquest Born, or C J Cherryh’s hard sci-fi novels or the more lighthearted space opera of Becky Chambers. If he wants some humor, Martha Wells’ Murderbot series is the ticket!
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Beatriz, th k you for your suggestions! I read your comments to Byron and he appreciated them. My daughter has also recommended Martha Wells’ series, so that’s a must!
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Oh, your header with all those sweet birds is wonderful, Robin! Love it!
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Thanks, Les. It’s one of my favorite backyard bird photos, too. I’m glad you liked it as my header!
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Yes, I used to particularly like Carl’s sci-fi challenge at the begininning of every year. One of my personal challenges this year is to read at least one sci-fi or fantasy book a month. Sci-fi was my first bookish love in my teens and I still love it but simply don’t read enough nowadays. We tried to watch The Expanse and found we couldn’t get into it, but we only saw 2 or 3 episodes. Would you suggest persevering? Don’t laugh, I had no idea that there was any connection between that TV series and the book, Leviathon Wakes.
Martha Wells’ Murderbot series has been recommended to me too so I might try that next.
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Cath, I, too, loved starting the year with Carl’s Sci-fi challenge. And I’d also like to read more Sci-fi this year. The Murderbot series was recommended by our daughter, too, so it’s a must read this year. And I’m not laughing at all that you didn’t know that Leviathan Wakes was part of The Expanse series — the titles are all so unusual that it’s very easy to miss the connection.😊
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So easy to read and yet so thoughtprovoking! Good one, Robin.
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Thanks, Téj!
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Isn’t it wonderful when books help us out in ways we never dreamed they would? I love that you shared this with us, Robin, and I hope that books continue to help you and Byron as you continue your challenging journey. 🙂
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Kay, yes! It’s so nice when books help us out in unexpected ways. Thanks so much for your support and kind thoughts for us. Hugs.
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