I'm still reading the Weather Warden series, though I guess its mostly for the universe. The problems you mentioned I've noticed as well, but I'm also annoyed by the cliffhangers at the end of every book plus the recent plot development of "Gee, I'm pregnant, well, sort of, and I had no choice in it. When my 'child' is born I'm going to instantly love her to the point of offering my life for hers." That bugs me for some reason.

Oy, Sheryl, that would bug me a lot too.

Ew, that spoiler makes me kinda glad I quit reading them, Sheryl. I dunno, though, I felt like I liked the author and the way she was writing, I just didn't especially care for the characters/plot. I liked the universe, I liked the style...I think I'd be (cautiously) willing to try something else she wrote, I just got annoyed and gave up round about the third book (it takes me a while to give up, after I get annoyed...I read the Anita Blake books for FAR too long)

Shakespeare Quiz:

Who speaks this speech, and what play?

O sir, we quarrel in print, by the book; as you have
books for good manners: I will name you the degrees.
The first, the Retort Courteous; the second, the
Quip Modest; the third, the Reply Churlish; the
fourth, the Reproof Valiant; the fifth, the
Countercheque Quarrelsome; the sixth, the Lie with
Circumstance; the seventh, the Lie Direct. All
these you may avoid but the Lie Direct; and you may
avoid that too, with an If. I knew when seven
justices could not take up a quarrel, but when the
parties were met themselves, one of them thought but
of an If, as, 'If you said so, then I said so;' and
they shook hands and swore brothers. Your If is the
only peacemaker; much virtue in If.

Finally, which "degree of the lie" have you most recently resorted to? The Reply Churlish? The Countercheque Quarrelsome? The Quip Modest?

I know it's from As You Like It; I can't remember the character's name, though.

Dang. Time to turn in my college degree.

I know it's from As You Like It;

Correct.

I can't remember the character's name, though.

Who's the clown in that play?

Also, you didn't answer the last question. I suspect you've used The Reply Churlish on chatty coworker this week.

I suspect you've used The Reply Churlish on chatty coworker this week.

Oh, I only EVER use The Reply Churlish. Anything else is just inauthentic dissembling.

I'm reading Octavia Butler's book, The Fledgling. I know it wasn't supposed to be one of her best, but I feel almost awkward reading it, like I'm in someone else's business. The POV character is not a very informed one at this point in the book, but somehow it all feels childlike to me. Having a hard time convincing myself to finish.

Why won't the damn library find me a copy of Swordspoint???

Why won't the damn library find me a copy of Swordspoint???

I need to steal my library's copy of it. I swear I'll love it properly.

I need to steal my library's copy of it. I swear I'll love it properly.

You! You are the villain!

Somehow I managed to end up with a book after it, and now it seems there's no way I'm getting Swordspoint before I have to return what I have.