As someone who is working through the Culture series (incredible) and only read The Wasp Factory apart from his sci-fi novels, I'll definitely add this to my list. I am more inclined to dive into The Bridge before this, but great to know about this novel as well.
"The Bridge" and "Walking on Glass" are both right up your alley. This one was really good, though, and absolutely worth the read. It's not terribly long, either.
Thanks, Pat! I'm doing much better now than I was there at the tail end of the school year. A lot less stressed out. I'd left you a comment when you were talking about some trolls who ruined your poetry shorts, but I think the comment was a little too enthusiastic (so much so that it violated your community guidelines - sorry about that). I hope you are well and that your Ireland trip was amazing! I love seeing your meteoric rise in the BookTubesphere. Your soul is precious.
@@BobCanRead thank you, dear Bob! I have missed you. I’m sorry I never saw your comment about the poetry trolls. I’m glad you’re feeling less stressed this year. Teaching is not for the faint of heart. It’s such a difficult profession-but so rewarding. Sounds like you have a challenging teaching assignment this year, too, with what? Four different preps or courses? Best of luck! I’m glad to see you here again. I think I may have been in Ireland when you first returned, so I’m just catching up now. All the best to you ALWAYS! 🥰
@@BookChatWithPat8668 Pat, it's always wonderful to hear from you! I missed you too. No need at all to apologize-life gets busy, and it sounds like you had an incredible adventure in Ireland! (I am outrageously envious!) You're absolutely right about teaching; it can be such a demanding job, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything (most days 😅). This year has its challenges, especially with teaching English to grades 9 through 12 plus being responsible for creating the entire curriculum for my 12th-grade speech and debate class. But it's rewarding in ways that make the effort worthwhile. Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. Wishing you all the best, too, always! 🥰
@@BobCanRead I recently did the “Positivity” tag, and I answered the question about what I’m most proud of by talking about my almost 40-year teaching career. It’s a noble profession. You have your hands full with that teaching assignment. But soon, you’ll be able to teach anything at all!! (Are you the entire English Department??) I hope you have a great school year.
@@BookChatWithPat8668 I am the entire English department for the high school, yes. There is a wonderful lady who teaches English to the middle schoolers. Last year I taught physical science as well, which I really enjoyed and miss a little, though teaching that in addition to everything else I'm teaching right now would make me feel ridiculously overloaded. Thanks so much for the encouragement, Pat! I'm always so happy to hear from you. 🤗
Espedair street was great, more subtle than most Iain Banks books. It conveyed similar feelings of humanity and sadness as The Crow Road, and not every book needs a huge plot twist. The internal transformation and shift in perspective present in so many Banks books is much more gradual here, maybe that's why the shoe never drops.
I completely agree-"Espedair Street" was a great deal more understated compared to pretty much all of Banks' other works I've read so far. That gradual shift in perspective you mentioned really provides a much more nuanced and genuine portrayal of humanity. I have yet to read "The Crow Road", but I did also read "Canal Dreams" over the summer (review coming shortly), so "The Crow Road" I believe is next in publication order of his mainstream works, and I'm very excited for it! Thanks for watching. It's wonderful to connect with people who appreciate Banks!
As someone who is working through the Culture series (incredible) and only read The Wasp Factory apart from his sci-fi novels, I'll definitely add this to my list. I am more inclined to dive into The Bridge before this, but great to know about this novel as well.
"The Bridge" and "Walking on Glass" are both right up your alley. This one was really good, though, and absolutely worth the read. It's not terribly long, either.
So good to see you again, Bob. Hope you're doing well...
Thanks, Pat! I'm doing much better now than I was there at the tail end of the school year. A lot less stressed out. I'd left you a comment when you were talking about some trolls who ruined your poetry shorts, but I think the comment was a little too enthusiastic (so much so that it violated your community guidelines - sorry about that). I hope you are well and that your Ireland trip was amazing! I love seeing your meteoric rise in the BookTubesphere. Your soul is precious.
@@BobCanRead thank you, dear Bob! I have missed you. I’m sorry I never saw your comment about the poetry trolls. I’m glad you’re feeling less stressed this year. Teaching is not for the faint of heart. It’s such a difficult profession-but so rewarding. Sounds like you have a challenging teaching assignment this year, too, with what? Four different preps or courses? Best of luck! I’m glad to see you here again. I think I may have been in Ireland when you first returned, so I’m just catching up now. All the best to you ALWAYS! 🥰
@@BookChatWithPat8668 Pat, it's always wonderful to hear from you! I missed you too. No need at all to apologize-life gets busy, and it sounds like you had an incredible adventure in Ireland! (I am outrageously envious!) You're absolutely right about teaching; it can be such a demanding job, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything (most days 😅). This year has its challenges, especially with teaching English to grades 9 through 12 plus being responsible for creating the entire curriculum for my 12th-grade speech and debate class. But it's rewarding in ways that make the effort worthwhile. Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. Wishing you all the best, too, always! 🥰
@@BobCanRead I recently did the “Positivity” tag, and I answered the question about what I’m most proud of by talking about my almost 40-year teaching career. It’s a noble profession. You have your hands full with that teaching assignment. But soon, you’ll be able to teach anything at all!! (Are you the entire English Department??) I hope you have a great school year.
@@BookChatWithPat8668 I am the entire English department for the high school, yes. There is a wonderful lady who teaches English to the middle schoolers. Last year I taught physical science as well, which I really enjoyed and miss a little, though teaching that in addition to everything else I'm teaching right now would make me feel ridiculously overloaded. Thanks so much for the encouragement, Pat! I'm always so happy to hear from you. 🤗
Espedair street was great, more subtle than most Iain Banks books. It conveyed similar feelings of humanity and sadness as The Crow Road, and not every book needs a huge plot twist. The internal transformation and shift in perspective present in so many Banks books is much more gradual here, maybe that's why the shoe never drops.
I completely agree-"Espedair Street" was a great deal more understated compared to pretty much all of Banks' other works I've read so far. That gradual shift in perspective you mentioned really provides a much more nuanced and genuine portrayal of humanity. I have yet to read "The Crow Road", but I did also read "Canal Dreams" over the summer (review coming shortly), so "The Crow Road" I believe is next in publication order of his mainstream works, and I'm very excited for it! Thanks for watching. It's wonderful to connect with people who appreciate Banks!