Recent reading

I have been remarkably miserable since Monday; I caught a bad cold and dragged myself to work despite it because it's always hard to get someone who can take over your teaching. And then I had a conflict with someone, which I very rarely have; hopefully it's de-escalated now, but I couldn't sleep partly because of that and partly because of the cold. Blech. Sleep deprivation, it is horrible. So I broke out the comfort reading:

Sheepfarmer's Daughter by Elizabeth Moon (#1 in the Paksenarrion series)
Reread. This is pretty much my ultimate comfort read. I'm trying to figure out why--I like the main character, she wants to do the right thing and is honest and loyal and loves her friends, and also she's uncomplicatedly asexual and aromantic which is to me very relaxing. Also it's such a clear coming-of-age story and it's very satisfying to read about how Paks trains and gradually gets more and more competent at what she does. I should perhaps feel more conflicted about how Moon clearly thinks military hierarchy and discipline is great, but whatever. I'm letting it go, since I enjoy the rest of it so much. There are really good scenes of teaching and learning and mentoring, and people being loyal companions and sticking up for each other, and being part of a community. Also I quite enjoy all the logistics and details of daily life.

The Arrival by Shaun Tan
I read this before I got my cold, and wow. Wow. The art in this is so gorgeous and expressive. I loved it. Recommended!