Another Japan reading poll

[kate_nepveu]

Here are the books that I am definitely taking to Japan:

• Scott Lynch, Red Seas Under Red Skies
• Kij Johnson, The Fox Woman and Fudoki
• R.H.P. Mason, A History of Japan
• Sei Shonagon, The Pillow Book

I am possibly bringing various John M. Ford books that I haven't read yet, in case that memorial panel actually happens—does anyone know if it's going to? If not, well, Ford is not my ideal vacation reading.

For the last half-dozen-ish slots, I find myself with a plethora of mass-market paperbacks, so, like everyone else: a poll!

Note: If a series is specified as "up to," include any comment on how many I should bring.

[Poll #1038918]

Comments

[desdenova.livejournal.com]

I voted for books I haven't read, but own, in the self-interest of finding out what somebody whose taste I trust thinks of them.

Of the books I have read, I liked Fire Logic, and found it to be really good for vacation reading: complex enough to be interesting but not so heavy as to harsh the vacation buzz.

Simon's Homicide is really good, but possibly too dark for vacation? It's been a while since I read it, so I don't remember it too clearly.

The Dresden books are fluffy and crack-like, but IMO they have some "skanky race issues" (as the kids say these days) which you might find off-putting in the wake of IBARW.

[desdenova.livejournal.com]

which you might find off-putting in the wake of IBARW.

(Or, you know, always.)

[kate_nepveu]

I put _Homicide_ on because it might have less of a narrative pull, therefore making it suitable for reading in short chunks. Yes, no?

And _particularly_ in the wake of; one of the wretched trailers this weekend was for a movie with Denzel Washington playing the only African-American to make it big in the Mafia, and I said to Chad, "you know, this is not what I needed to see this week."

[desdenova.livejournal.com]

That's what I figured. In that case, you'll *definitely* want to avoid Dresden book #4 (http://desdenova.livejournal.com/215677.html) until such a time when you can read really bad ethnic stereotypes without sporking your eyes out.