My second appearance on the Best Book Ever Podcast aired today. The host, Julie Strauss, and I discussed one of my all time favorite novels, Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. I have read this novel 3 times (when it first came in October 1993, then 10 years...
Wisdom From Kammbia Book Review 95: The Wood Wife by Terri Windling
by MHill | Jan 13, 2022 | 2022 Book Reviews, Marion's All-Time Favorite Novels, Marion's Favorite Books, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
In my previous post, I decided to give myself a reading challenge where I will read the books on my physical and digital shelves for this year. The goal of this reading challenge is to read more of what I already have instead getting something new. Also, I hope to...
Marion’s 2022 Reading Challenge
by MHill | Dec 30, 2021 | Marion's Reading Life Blog, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
I have seen quite a few reading challenges on social media in the few past days. A new year is coming and readers are posting their challenges on how many books they want to read in 2022. Or what types of books they want to focus on reading in the new year and so...
Wisdom From Kammbia Book Review 94: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
by MHill | Dec 28, 2021 | 2021 Book Reviews, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
After reading this first book of The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin, I have crossed two reading rules that I thought I would never break: 1) You must like the characters to enjoy a work of fiction 2) You must be able to relate to the characters in order to have...
Marion’s Favorite Reads of 2021
by MHill | Dec 27, 2021 | 2021 Book Reviews, Book Reviews, Marion's Favorite Books, Marion's Favorites, Marion's Reading Life Blog, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
Christmas has passed and 2021 is coming to a close in a few days. I have seen people starting to post their favorite books of 2021 and thought it was my time add to those posts. I've read 35 books this year (I'm currently finishing up The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin...
Greg Tate (1957-2021) Rest in Love
by MHill | Dec 12, 2021 | Marion's Reading Life Blog, Nonfiction, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
I just found out about the passing of Greg Tate, writer and cultural critic at the age of 64. I’ve only read a few of his written pieces over the years but these words below from the Pitchfork article, I read hit home: “Tate opened the door for those who grew up on...
All the Seas of the World Cover by Guy Gavriel Kay
by MHill | Dec 10, 2021 | Guy Gavriel Kay, Marion's Favorite Books, Marion's Favorites, Marion's Reading Life Blog, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
One of my favorite novelists, @guygavrielkay posted on social media recently a cover release for his latest novel, All The Seas Of The World coming in May 2022. Kay’s brand of historical fantasy is thoughtful, intelligent, and unique to fantasy literature. All The...
Lee Elder (1934-2021) Rest In Love Trailblazer
by MHill | Dec 3, 2021 | Wisdom From Kammbia Column
I read about the passing of golfer Lee Elder a couple days ago at the age of 87. I'm not a golfer or a golf aficionado. However, I do respect trailblazers from people who look like me. Whether it's Octavia Butler in science fiction, Nichelle Nichols in television,...
Wisdom From Kammbia Book Review 93: Soldier of the Mist by Gene Wolfe
by MHill | Nov 29, 2021 | 2021 Book Reviews, Gene Wolfe, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
What is it about memory loss that can make for a compelling story? Gene Wolfe decides to tackle memory loss in his 5th Century Greece historical fantasy series starting with the 1986 release of Soldier of the Mist. Soldier of the Mist tells the story of Latro, a...
Ciscoe’s Dance
by MHill | Nov 22, 2021 | Kammbian Characters, Kammbian Culture, Kammbian History, Wisdom From Kammbia Column, Writing
Happy Pub Day to Ciscoe's Dance! Ciscoe's Dance is my fourth novel set in the fictional world of Kammbia and the first novel in the Dance & Listen Series. However, this novel can be read as a standalone story. There is a quote attributed to the great author Toni...