I have spent so much time trying to implement this approach, but my lizard brain seems to also take over in these moments. I am making great progress, but I think I have some more work to do on myself before I can be what my children need from me when they are experiencing tantrums.

I listened to the audiobook from Audible (GBP £8 ~ US $10) and would definitely say it was worth it. However, I understand the differences between the Martian and PHM can be divisive, but I loved it.

Only one from your list I have read is Piranesi, but I just had to say I really enjoyed it. I’m a big fan of the genre so it was admittedly right up my street.

Some titles from my ‘Short’ TBR list include

• The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler after really enjoying The Mountain in the Sea.
• The Long Mars by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter (#3 in the Long Earth Series).

In terms of waiting I only have a couple

• Doors of Stone by Patrick Rothfuss… But by now I should probably reread the first two once it is actually out.
• The Martian Contingency by Mary Robinette Kowal (#4 in the Lady Astronaut series).

Edit: removing a spoiler that didn’t get redacted properly.

I loved it, and am eagerly awaiting Bookshops and Bonedust.

I listened to the audiobook for the first one, and really enjoyed it. I should pick up the next one.

‘Joshua, you are fun to know, and a good companion, reliable and all that, even if you are a little bit weird. Someday we might be friends,’ she said a bit more gently. ‘But please don’t make comments about my legs. You’ve seen very little of my legs since most of the time they are inside premium grade thorn-proof battledress. And it’s naughty to guess, OK?’

• The Long Earth By Stephen Baxter & Terry Pratchett

I read upgrade, really enjoyed it can’t decide between dark matter and recursion as the next one to pick up. Do you have any thoughts on either?

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Ray Porter, so maybe he delivered it in a way that meant I didn’t notice it. But I did notice a similar vibe in Artemis (also audio, but narrated by someone else, cant recall who).

Edit: a typo and to add it was Rosario Dawson that narrated Artemis

I really enjoyed Heaven’s River, but I also enjoy a slice of life book, and really liked all the world building with the otter world, I can definitely see where you are coming from though.