Recent reading

[luzula]

The Martian by Andy Weir (2011)
Reread. I am in the middle of moving: packing boxes, planning logistics, etc. In all this it is a comfort to listen to an audiobook about a guy who has much worse logistical problems than I do, and solves them all competently with Science. Also, he has no life admin problems, such as realizing that his ID went out of date and now he can't get hold of the package containing the present for his niece’s birthday, so it will return to the store which unreasonably will charge $20 for the return, not to mention all the further cascading life admin problems that result from having no ID. Not that this has ever happened to me or anything.

My Friend Annie by Jane Duncan (1961)
Before that I read the fourth entry in the My Friends series; this continues very good. This one introduces new characters which then throws new light on and changes your view of events, relationships, and characters in earlier books. The books aren't chronological, but go back and forth in time and look at things from different angles.

Comments

[chestnut_pod]

That is so funny. Next time I have to move, I will definitely soundtrack it to The Martian.

[luzula]

Much recommended! Sometimes a book just fills a specific need.

[jesse_the_k]

Best moving soundtrack ever!

Good luck with the paperwork.

[luzula]

Thanks! <3

[sanguinity]

Also, he has no life admin problems, such as realizing that his ID went out of date...

Well, that right there is a clear upside to being stranded on Mars. (*makes a hash mark in the "Stranded on Mars - PRO" column*)

Seriously, though, of all the problems you didn't need while getting ready for a move...

[luzula]

Did not need, no.

Addendum: realise at 11.45 at night while lying in bed that I forgot that this is the week my CSA vegetables start coming, get up and dress and go down the hill to fetch them from neighbor's building where they are delivered. (Did not wait until next day because they would be all dried out.)

[sanguinity]

At least you can pick yours up after hours? We have a two hour window, and if you miss it, you miss it.

But SHEESH. You will be glad when you get to kick back and relax in your new home!

[mergatrude]

Wishing you lots of good luck with the move!

[luzula]

Thanks! <3

[osprey_archer]

Good luck with the move and the ID issue! The Martian does seem like the perfect book for a time when you are knee deep in logistical problems.

[luzula]

Thanks! <3 And yes, it is. Although I feel that Andy Weir researched technical things more than he researched growing potatoes: at one point Mark Watney writes: "the potatoes had rooted, but not sprouted yet", and I'm like "potatoes sprout first?" Like, you put them in the sun until they have sprouts, and then you plant them.

[cyphomandra]

Good luck with the move! (Once while packing for an international move I read Nevil Shute’s On the Beach, which was completely unhelpful! I should def have tried the Martian)

I read most of Jane Duncan’s Friends books a few years back and I love the way each book makes you go back and reconsider the earlier ones. I haven’t read the last two as I didn’t want them to be over but I really should revisit them.

[luzula]

Thanks! <3

I love it when you discover a long book series like that: it's just a guaranteed source of new books that you know for sure you'll enjoy.

[regshoe]

What a good way to deal with moving stress :D Aww, I hope it's all going as well as possible. (And at least that's a relatively low-stakes situation in which to realise your ID is out of date—hopefully it can be updated before it's needed for anything bigger?)

[luzula]

True! At least I wasn't stuck in limbo on an airport or something.

I feel that Andy Weir researched technical things more than he researched growing potatoes for The Martian: at one point the main character writes: "the potatoes had rooted, but not sprouted yet", but potatoes sprout first! Like, you put them in the sun until they have sprouts, and then you plant them.

Is there a separate verb for planting potatoes in English, by the way? You sow a seed, plant a plant, but what do you do with a potato? Do you plant them?

Swedish does have a separate one: it's "så ett frö, plantera en planta, och sätta en potatis".

[regshoe]

"the potatoes had rooted, but not sprouted yet"

...I mean, I can tell that's wrong just from keeping potatoes in the cupboard and seeing that they start sprouting if you leave them too long! No gardening research needed. Oh dear.

Anyway, yes, I think you plant potatoes (and you can also plant seeds).

[nnozomi]

it is a comfort to listen to an audiobook about a guy who has much worse logistical problems than I do
Very late comment, but I feel this so much! It's one of the best things about reading(/listening/watching etc.), being reminded that things could be SO MUCH WORSE than they are, and also getting the vicarious satisfaction of seeing the MUCH WORSE problems solved. (Also I hope the ID issues have resolved themselves by now!)

[luzula]

And late reply. Move accomplished. Very tired.

Yes to the vicarious satisfaction. : )