Books read in 2025: No. 24 -- Titan

by John Varley

Started: June 16

Finished: June 23

Notes: As sometimes happens to me, this is one of those books that's been haunting me for decades. What I mean is, I seem to keep running across it time and time again, and not just in book stores. There have been other books that have been that way for me, almost as if the universe is calling out for me to read them. Or maybe it's just good marketing. Anyway, after all this time, this novel being originally published in 1979, I thought it time I read it.

Mini review: A scientific exploration unit is sent to study the moons of Saturn and discovers far more than expected. I won't say more, and that's the bare tip of the iceberg, because to say more would spoil far too much. I have to say, though, this was a fine novel. The writing style is solid, the characters interesting, the world building done quite well. There are a number of elements that are almost fantasy instead of science fiction, but they work quite well here whereas a lesser writer might have made them rather silly. Those who love adventures where the protagonist has to go on a journey through many a hardship should enjoy this novel. The ending is quite solid, and while there isn't a cliffhanger, that ending does open doors to the other books in this series.

Beer of the Week: Samuel Adams American Light

Beer score: 5.6

Company: Samuel Adams
ABU: 4.2
IBU: 7

Samuel Adams Light has existed for decades, but apparently they've retired that beer and replaced it with this one.

It pours a pale golden color, almost clear, while giving off slight smells of wheat and grass.

The head foams up rather large, but I have to say, for a light beer there doesn't seem to be a ton of carbonation in the drinking of this one, an unusual trait for most light beers.

Goes down smooth with some light bitterness and a little sweetness. I think I tasted I touch of clover, maybe. Other than that, there are more of those wheaty and grassy flavorings.

Not an exceptional beer, but nothing awful. In truth, when I want a light beer, I'd grab this one before most others.

Chaos & Courage: 6 short stories and 2 novellas

Early this year I wrote and self published 6 fantasy short stories and 2 novellas exclusive to Amazon, and exclusivity is not my usual. This was basically an experiment, and that experiment is ongoing.

That being said, I've now gathered those tales into one collection: Chaos & Courage, also exclusive to Amazon. This collection is available in e-book, soft cover, and hardback. Also, occasionally, as Amazon allows, the e-book version will be free for at least a few days here and there.

Beer of the Week Blast from the Past: Harpoon Ale

Beer score: 6.7

I was disappointed to learn this one was no longer on the market, for I had enjoyed plenty of these back in the '90s when I lived up north.

Anyway, at least I still have some notes about this quality brew.

It poured a great caramel color, and the taste was a little stronger than many traditional American ales.

When poured, it gave off scents of bread and maybe a little citrus. The tasting was much the same, but stronger with medium textures and maybe a little dryness.

A pretty good beer. Hopefully they'll start brewing it again some day.

Books read in 2025: No. 23 -- Star Trek 1

by James Blish

Started: June 14

Finished: June 16

Notes: These paperbacks were quite popular when I was a kid back in the 1970s, and despite my being a fan of the original Star Trek show, I've never read one before now. There were a dozen or so of these books, and each one contains a short adaption of a variety of episodes of the original show. Apparently these adaptations, I suppose one could call them short stories, were based upon the scripts and not the actual airing of the show, so some differences are to be expected.

Mini review: Each of these shorts got to the point, not spending a lot of time of characterization or speculation, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. More than half a dozen episodes of the original show were covered here, and yes, there were some differences from the episodes as they aired, but not much. I wouldn't think such a book would sell well today, but back when these were popular in the 1970s, Star Trek and sci-fi fans didn't have nearly the options they do today, so I can why this series was snapped up by fans. This was a nice bit of nostalgia for me, and I could see returning to this series at some point.

Books read in 2025: No. 22 -- Orbit 1

edited by Damon Knight

Started: June 8

Finished: June 13

Notes: Since I'm reading sci-fi of late, I thought it fitting I jump into a collection of short stories so as to experience different writers. This one as first published in the 1960s.

Mini review: With every anthology, there are always some stories that are better than others, but this one kind of stumped me. While none of the tales were truly awful, neither did any stand out to me as great. It was weird. There was almost this seeming middle-ness, like every story stylistically and often thematically were the same, as if they could have been written by the same person, though I know that not to be the case. Maybe it was a matter of the times, with writers somewhat sounding like one another, or perhaps the editor had a singular voice which he sought for publication. Whatever the case, I didn't love this one, but I also can't say I hated it. It was just sort of ho-hum.

Beer of the Week: Cave Creek Chili Beer

Beer score: 4.1

Company: The Chili Beer Brewing Company
ABU: 4.5
IBU: 20

This one has come and gone a few times over the last few decades, but a new company has brought it back. While I can't call it a favorite, it's definitely different, and I'm always happy to see a beer survive.

As can be expected, this one is an extremely spicy hot beer because there's a pepper sitting in the bottom of the bottle. This isn't a match I car for, but you pepper fans might enjoy it. I just want my beer to taste like beer and my peppers to taste like peppers.

It pours a pale yellow color while giving off pretty much nothing but a spicy pepper smell.

Pepper dominates the flavor so much there's barely any beer to taste. The texture is smooth and the flavor might be worth trying if you didn't have so much of that pepper taste with which to contend. All that being said, while this is a spicy brew, I didn't find it so hot that I couldn't finish it, and I didn't need to follow up with a drink of another kind to cool me off.

Worth trying if you like Mexican food with peppers, but I can't recommend this one as a regular drinking beer.