There are weeks where I feel like I’m reading everything at once and weeks where I wonder how I’m ever going to finish anything. This week has been a little of both.
In the newest episode of the Page Chewing Weekly Update, I talk about what I’ve been reading lately, what projects are taking up most of my time, and why I’ve been thinking more and more about the importance of slowing down and disconnecting.
Continuing Through Malazan
Most of my reading time lately has been devoted to The Bonehunters, the sixth book in Malazan Book of the Fallen. We’re continuing our Page Burners group read, and while we had to postpone recording for a week, we’ll be back soon with the next episode.
Malazan remains one of the most rewarding and demanding series I’ve ever read. Every chapter feels like it contains enough ideas for an entire novel, and reading alongside other fans has made the experience even better.
If you’re reading along with us, be sure to check the forum for updates on upcoming episodes and reading schedules.
Returning to The Second Apocalypse
I’ve also been rereading The Darkness That Comes Before as part of our full-spoiler revisit of The Second Apocalypse.
This reread has been a completely different experience from the first time around. Instead of worrying about spoilers, I’m trying to keep track of everything that pays off later in the series, and there is a lot to keep track of.
R. Scott Bakker packed an incredible amount of foreshadowing, philosophy, and hidden details into these books. Every chapter feels richer when you know where the story is going.
The first episodes covering the Prologue and Part One are already recorded, and I’m holding them back just a little longer so I can build up a consistent release schedule.
A Surprise Favorite: Lone Wolf and Cub
Another book that’s been taking up my time is Lone Wolf and Cub.
The deeper I get into this series, the more I appreciate just how influential it has been. It’s one of those works where you can see its fingerprints all over modern storytelling.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started it, but it’s been one of the biggest surprises of the year so far.
The Analog Life and Social Media Fatigue
The other topic I spend a lot of time talking about in this episode isn’t a book at all.
Lately I’ve been noticing more people romanticizing the 1990s—buying flip phones, collecting physical media, journaling, and trying to live a more “analog” life.
I understand the appeal.
We’re constantly connected now. There’s always another notification, another headline, another opinion competing for our attention.
I don’t think the 1990s were perfect. Far from it.
But I do think people are craving quiet.
That’s one of the reasons I keep coming back to reading. Reading asks you to slow down. It asks for your full attention. It gives you permission to disappear into another world for a while.
What Else I’m Watching
I also share thoughts on:
- From and why I think the upcoming season should probably be the last.
- Black Summer, an intense zombie series that deserved more than two seasons.
- The challenges of balancing podcasts, reading, work, and life.
- Upcoming projects like the Daily Page series.
Thanks for Listening
One of the biggest surprises lately has been discovering that more people listen to this podcast than I realized.
I recently switched podcast hosts, and for the first time I could see web listeners and streams in addition to downloads. Seeing those numbers reminded me why I started this whole thing in the first place.
I love books.
I love talking about books.
And I love hearing from other readers who are just as excited about stories as I am.
So whether you’re here for Malazan, Bakker, manga, classics, or just looking for a quiet place to escape the noise for a little while—thank you for reading, thank you for listening, and thank you for being part of Page Chewing.
Listen to the full episode now and let me know:
What are you reading right now, and what’s been taking up your time lately?
