Yep. I'm working on my fluency in Spanish and there are times when I cannot remember the English one, only the Spanish one.

I'm really glad you're checking out those authors. Nnedi Okorafor is one of my favorites. Who Fears Death was a rollercoaster of emotions. Make sure you check out Kabu Kabu as well; she's just as good with short fiction. The Nigerian influences are more obvious too.

I finally decided to start the Culture series because I've heard so many good things about it. A lot of people told me to skip the first book for now and I have to say that I'm enjoying The Player of Games far more than my first attempt at Consider Phlebas.