what kind?
what kind?
Let's start with classic American fiction. (reading takes a long time)
what kind?
Let's start with classic American fiction. (reading takes a long time)
(don't be insulted if you've already read)
Grapes of Wrath
Johnny Get Your Gun
Old Man and the Sea (short)
(Hunter S. Thompson if you are open about "classic")
just finished Roman Blood. it's a historical novel based in ancient rome. first of a series by Steven Saylor. pretty good.
just finished Roman Blood. it's a historical novel based in ancient rome. first of a series by Steven Saylor. pretty good.
i read one of those. about the catiline uprising. it was ok i think. or maybe i read two. not positive.
The Godfather
i'll start w/ kk's list and go from there.
i'll start w/ kk's list and go from there.
blatant post count discrimination.
i'll start w/ kk's list and go from there.
blatant post count discrimination.
actually it was first to reply discrimination. but whatevs.
i'll start w/ kk's list and go from there.
blatant post count discrimination.
i'll start w/ kk's list and go from there.
blatant post count discrimination.
You know what would've helped? responding to his question, not your need to show off elite books you've read. krusty is a simple man, he needs to be eased in, not raped by bourroghs and bowles.
i'll start w/ kk's list and go from there.
blatant post count discrimination.
You know what would've helped? responding to his question, not your need to show off elite books you've read. krusty is a simple man, he needs to be eased in, not raped by bourroghs and bowles.
No, the classics should be read first. The other stuff only if you have way too much time on your hands.
Does it have to be early American?
Does it have to be early American?
no. I'm really flexible. I just though American fiction would be a nice place to start.
Roman Blood is a crime mystery based on Cicero's first big case that gets him noticed.
read the easy hemmingway.
GTFO. i simply made recommendations based on his category. recommendations on what I think are the true great american works. if he wants to read pedantic, everyday, highschool crap then let him go ahead: read faulkner, read fitsgerald, read the boring steinbeck works, read the easy hemmingway. he's not a child.
judging by his taste in music i think he would enjoy most, if not all of those books. if i wanted to show off i would have actually answered his question, instead of referring him to a bunch of american contemporary classics.
side bar: you are the one who suggested hunter s. which i agree with, but you opened up the flood gates.
krusty, if you are going to read thompson please read The Rum Diary first. k thx.
read the easy hemmingway.
reading hemmingway is funny. that guy got away with murder. like some modern artist that everyone thinks is a genius, but 50 years later is revealed to be an elephant.
Other good stuff to try would be Beloved by Toni Morrison, Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, Cane by Jean Toomer, or The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro if you feel like moving out of the American stuff.
Other good stuff to try would be Beloved by Toni Morrison, Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, Cane by Jean Toomer, or The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro if you feel like moving out of the American stuff.
great author, but her worst book. great book.
I have a suggestion for you....
QuoteGTFO. i simply made recommendations based on his category. recommendations on what I think are the true great american works. if he wants to read pedantic, everyday, highschool crap then let him go ahead: read faulkner, read fitsgerald, read the boring steinbeck works, read the easy hemmingway. he's not a child.
judging by his taste in music i think he would enjoy most, if not all of those books. if i wanted to show off i would have actually answered his question, instead of referring him to a bunch of american contemporary classics.
side bar: you are the one who suggested hunter s. which i agree with, but you opened up the flood gates.
krusty, if you are going to read thompson please read The Rum Diary first. k thx.
LMAO. Asava just because you got slapped by the hipster dick doesn't mean michigancat has to as well. Nothing pedestrian about Faulkner, though I do agree with you on Steinbeck. But some things are considered classics or popular for a reason, so get over it- just because it's not Bukowski doesn't mean it's not worth reading.
Other good stuff to try would be Beloved by Toni Morrison, Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, Cane by Jean Toomer, or The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro if you feel like moving out of the American stuff.
Which Morrison do you prefer more? I don't know if Beloved is her best, but I think it or Song of Solomon are good intros to the way she writes.
:bwpopcorn:QuoteGTFO. i simply made recommendations based on his category. recommendations on what I think are the true great american works. if he wants to read pedantic, everyday, highschool crap then let him go ahead: read faulkner, read fitsgerald, read the boring steinbeck works, read the easy hemmingway. he's not a child.
judging by his taste in music i think he would enjoy most, if not all of those books. if i wanted to show off i would have actually answered his question, instead of referring him to a bunch of american contemporary classics.
side bar: you are the one who suggested hunter s. which i agree with, but you opened up the flood gates.
krusty, if you are going to read thompson please read The Rum Diary first. k thx.
LMAO. Asava just because you got slapped by the hipster dick doesn't mean michigancat has to as well. Nothing pedestrian about Faulkner, though I do agree with you on Steinbeck. But some things are considered classics or popular for a reason, so get over it- just because it's not Bukowski doesn't mean it's not worth reading.
Other good stuff to try would be Beloved by Toni Morrison, Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, Cane by Jean Toomer, or The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro if you feel like moving out of the American stuff.
i believe we were intended to stay in america, guy. so nabokov is out, so is Ishiguro. if you really wanted to have that discussion i would blow your world apart with so many french, czech, japanese, and russian authors you would have crap yourself. if we wanted to drift away from fiction i would further drink your milkshake.
and bukowski is about the only "hipster" author i mentioned, and i didn't place him above or below any of the others. the rest are fairly tested american literary giants. so don't tee off on one author i mentioned just because modest mouse made a shitty song about him. and just because a bunch of kids in skinny jeans started reading an author doesn't discredit his work. his prose is one of the best of his generation, but his poetry is where its at.
gtfo
i believe we were intended to stay in america, guy. so nabokov is out, so is Ishiguro. if you really wanted to have that discussion i would blow your world apart with so many french, czech, japanese, and russian authors you would have crap yourself. if we wanted to drift away from fiction i would further drink your milkshake.
and bukowski is about the only "hipster" author i mentioned, and i didn't place him above or below any of the others. the rest are fairly tested american literary giants. so don't tee off on one author i mentioned just because modest mouse made a shitty song about him. and just because a bunch of kids in skinny jeans started reading an author doesn't discredit his work. his prose is one of the best of his generation, but his poetry is where its at.
gtfo
:bwpopcorn:QuoteGTFO. i simply made recommendations based on his category. recommendations on what I think are the true great american works. if he wants to read pedantic, everyday, highschool crap then let him go ahead: read faulkner, read fitsgerald, read the boring steinbeck works, read the easy hemmingway. he's not a child.
judging by his taste in music i think he would enjoy most, if not all of those books. if i wanted to show off i would have actually answered his question, instead of referring him to a bunch of american contemporary classics.
side bar: you are the one who suggested hunter s. which i agree with, but you opened up the flood gates.
krusty, if you are going to read thompson please read The Rum Diary first. k thx.
LMAO. Asava just because you got slapped by the hipster dick doesn't mean michigancat has to as well. Nothing pedestrian about Faulkner, though I do agree with you on Steinbeck. But some things are considered classics or popular for a reason, so get over it- just because it's not Bukowski doesn't mean it's not worth reading.
Other good stuff to try would be Beloved by Toni Morrison, Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, Cane by Jean Toomer, or The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro if you feel like moving out of the American stuff.
i believe we were intended to stay in america, guy. so nabokov is out, so is Ishiguro. if you really wanted to have that discussion i would blow your world apart with so many french, czech, japanese, and russian authors you would have crap yourself. if we wanted to drift away from fiction i would further drink your milkshake.
and bukowski is about the only "hipster" author i mentioned, and i didn't place him above or below any of the others. the rest are fairly tested american literary giants. so don't tee off on one author i mentioned just because modest mouse made a shitty song about him. and just because a bunch of kids in skinny jeans started reading an author doesn't discredit his work. his prose is one of the best of his generation, but his poetry is where its at.
gtfo
book recommendation for rusty in michigan. this isn't a "best book i've read", or a "book that i want to talk about", or a "fictional book that was written by an american" mention. this is a book, carefully selected to appeal to michigancat, that he would enjoy reading. michy, read this book.
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Quote
i believe we were intended to stay in america, guy. so nabokov is out, so is Ishiguro. if you really wanted to have that discussion i would blow your world apart with so many french, czech, japanese, and russian authors you would have crap yourself. if we wanted to drift away from fiction i would further drink your milkshake.
and bukowski is about the only "hipster" author i mentioned, and i didn't place him above or below any of the others. the rest are fairly tested american literary giants. so don't tee off on one author i mentioned just because modest mouse made a shitty song about him. and just because a bunch of kids in skinny jeans started reading an author doesn't discredit his work. his prose is one of the best of his generation, but his poetry is where its at.
gtfo
Please, by all means, try to blow my world apart. I'm ready. If you want to limit Nabokov to being just a Russian author, do so at your own preference. I'm pretty sure most people consider him a little bit of everything.
You talk like a hipster, you drop books like a hipster, and you act like you can drop your little world lit knowledge bombs on the rest of us like a hipster. I'm going to call you out for it, especially when you sound like you don't know what the shazbot! you're talking about. You can get the shazbot! out, little boy, if you can't deal with it.
We'll see in the course of time how Bukowski turns out. For now, he suffers from the reputation that assholes like you like him, so maybe he isn't all that great.
I am more than willing to suggest or stick to American lit, but it seems like everyone else had some good stuff to suggest, and I didn't want to repeat. And michigancat also noted that American lit was just where he wanted to start, not completely limit suggestions.
read the easy hemmingway.
reading hemmingway is funny. that guy got away with murder. like some modern artist that everyone thinks is a genius, but 50 years later is revealed to be an elephant.
Which Morrison do you prefer more? I don't know if Beloved is her best, but I think it or Song of Solomon are good intros to the way she writes.
i loved song of solomon. one of the better books i ever read. kinda weird that you'd link beloved and sos, 'cause to me those are at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of morrison quality.
you guys ever do those choose your own adventures? those were great. what about madlibs? does a madlib count as a book? also, frankenstein.
:rolleyes:
Yes, lets do give it a rest. I think we're being nudged away from our pissing contest by others.
Just because I happen to suggest something that Oprah has read doesn't mean I haven't read anything else. And I'm pretty sure you're the one pretending to own people by demonstrating how awesome you are to have read everything you listed and then making fun of everyone else's suggestions.
But in all honesty, let's move on. I don't think we will resolve this. Think what you think, I'll think what I think, but spare everyone the lectures of how lame we are.
Have you considered short stories? They're great for beach reads. Carver is great if you're not prone to depression.
:rolleyes:
Yes, lets do give it a rest. I think we're being nudged away from our pissing contest by others.
Just because I happen to suggest something that Oprah has read doesn't mean I haven't read anything else. And I'm pretty sure you're the one pretending to own people by demonstrating how awesome you are to have read everything you listed and then making fun of everyone else's suggestions.
But in all honesty, let's move on. I don't think we will resolve this. Think what you think, I'll think what I think, but spare everyone the lectures of how lame we are.
if you paid attention you'll see that I didn't make fun of anything until my suggestions went under fire. imho i don't care much for much of the authors i called high school. but i called them that because they are what is taught in most high school english classes. not saying its a bad thing, but there is a large world outside of those authors. my suggestions were merely just a suggestion. i wasn't running around flexing literary muscles discussing the disintegration of Louis Ferdinand Celine, or the incredible works of Yukio Mishima. you're the one who called me hipster dick slapped. meanie.Have you considered short stories? They're great for beach reads. Carver is great if you're not prone to depression.
also for pooping. very good for pooping.
Mods, please change title of this thread to "Books no one wants to readBooks that are good on the pooper."
Mods, please change title of this thread to "Books no one wants to read."
Saw the movie, it sucked. next.Mods, please change title of this thread to "Books no one wants to read."
:curse:
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Mods, please change title of this thread to "Books no one wants to read."
:curse:
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Mods, please change title of this thread to "Books no one wants to read."
:curse:
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Maybe rd should have sex with it....
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I'll read a thousand pages about the transition of Europe during the years 400 to 1000, but hand me Hemmingway or Kerouak or "Catch-22" and...
:zzz:
I'll read a thousand pages about the transition of Europe during the years 400 to 1000, but hand me Hemmingway or Kerouak or "Catch-22" and...
:zzz:
Yeah, history is fascinating. I saw that people were reading historical fiction and was like, "WTF, mates? Read the real deal." But I didn't say anything.
I'll read a thousand pages about the transition of Europe during the years 400 to 1000, but hand me Hemmingway or Kerouak or "Catch-22" and...
:zzz:
Yeah, history is fascinating. I saw that people were reading historical fiction and was like, "WTF, mates? Read the real deal." But I didn't say anything.
Not a fan of Ambrose?
I'll read a thousand pages about the transition of Europe during the years 400 to 1000, but hand me Hemmingway or Kerouak or "Catch-22" and...
:zzz:
Yeah, history is fascinating. I saw that people were reading historical fiction and was like, "WTF, mates? Read the real deal." But I didn't say anything.
Not a fan of Ambrose?
NO ONE IS! :curse: fracking nerd count on this board is through the roof.
ok, someone recommend some good historical non-fiction, too, please. Read "With the Old Breed" already.
ok, someone recommend some good historical non-fiction, too, please. Read "With the Old Breed" already.
haven't read it, but i've been given "Team of Rivals" by Doris Goodwin. Abe Lincoln looks stunning on the cover.
of half of this board's posters (the one's people think are good)read the easy hemmingway.
reading hemmingway is funny. that guy got away with murder. like some modern artist that everyone thinks is a genius, but 50 years later is revealed to be an elephant.
or warhol
of half of this board's posters (the one's people think are good)read the easy hemmingway.
reading hemmingway is funny. that guy got away with murder. like some modern artist that everyone thinks is a genius, but 50 years later is revealed to be an elephant.
or warhol
The Sun Also Rises:katpak:
The Catcher in the Rye
Did you have to read Darkness at Noon in Prague?ok, someone recommend some good historical non-fiction, too, please. Read "With the Old Breed" already.
haven't read it, but i've been given "Team of Rivals" by Doris Goodwin. Abe Lincoln looks stunning on the cover.
ok, someone recommend some good historical non-fiction, too, please. Read "With the Old Breed" already.
haven't read it, but i've been given "Team of Rivals" by Doris Goodwin. Abe Lincoln looks stunning on the cover.
ok, someone recommend some good historical non-fiction, too, please. Read "With the Old Breed" already.
ok, someone recommend some good historical non-fiction, too, please. Read "With the Old Breed" already.
Rusty, for shazbot! sakes, read Winds of War and then War and Rememberance. They go every other chapter Historical Fiction/History. They are also the best books I ever read. FOR shazbot! SAKES!
ok, someone recommend some good historical non-fiction, too, please. Read "With the Old Breed" already.
Rusty, for shazbot! sakes, read Winds of War and then War and Rememberance. They go every other chapter Historical Fiction/History. They are also the best books I ever read. FOR shazbot! SAKES!
Man, I still have like 750 pages of Team of Rivals and I'm already confused by your book.
A few years back I read a book named "Without Vodka", a Polish prisoner of wars accounts of world war 2. Was pretty interesting.
World War 2 history buffs annoy me. Just thought i'd bring that out there. They weren't there, and have no idea what some general was really thinking.A few years back I read a book named "Without Vodka", a Polish prisoner of wars accounts of world war 2. Was pretty interesting.
There's just so much sh*t that's happened. I want to know all about it, but it would take a really long time.
Did you have to read Darkness at Noon in Prague?ok, someone recommend some good historical non-fiction, too, please. Read "With the Old Breed" already.
haven't read it, but i've been given "Team of Rivals" by Doris Goodwin. Abe Lincoln looks stunning on the cover.
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Murder in my heart, daily, hourly, incessantly, and you ask if I feel as nasty as ever about planetary affairs. … How ready this wretched planet is for the bomb or more Nancy Reagan.
When Ernest Hemingway and Scott Fitzgerald met in Paris, at Le Dingo Bar on the rue Delambre in April 1925, Hemingway was disconcerted to be asked: "Did you have sex with your wife before you were married, Ernest?" They became friends, however. Their most intimate conversation (as reported by Hemingway) was also about wives. One evening, Scott Fitzgerald confessed to his friend that his wife, Zelda, had told him his penis was unusually small, and that he could never satisfy any woman. Hemingway said it was just typical of Zelda's undermining ways, but Scott wasn't reassured. So Hemingway asked him to come to the lavatory, where he inspected his friend's lance of manhood. Back in the bar, he explained:
"You're perfectly fine," I said. "You're okay. There's nothing wrong with you. You look at yourself from above and you look foreshortened. Go over to the Louvre and look at the people in the statues and then go home and look at yourself in the mirror in profile." Now there was an act of friendship between creative giants, if not an especially artistic conversation. You can almost see the superior smirk on Hemingway's face as he presents himself as the macho guy who was able to reassure his less macho pal about his physical shortcomings (and then tell the world about it).
michcat:
Nixonland. Read.
The Woodward books on Bush and the many 9/11, Iraq War, and torture books (Jane Mayer, Suskind, Ricks etc.) seem like overkill to me at this point, but were very interesting when read more contemporarily and coupled with my periodical/blog reading.
The only "political" non-fiction books that I've read that stand the test of time (and my horrible memory) are fiction or much less "of the moment" in terms of their focus: (Orwell, Hunter S. Thompson, Abby Hoffman, Steinbeck, Dalton Trumbo). I think that Israeli David Grossman's book Death as a Way of Life: Israel Ten Years after Oslo is outstanding (and pretty short!) and Palestinain Mourid Barghouti's I Saw Ramallah is also excellent if you're looking for depressing/heart wrenching (and short!).
Kafka's short stories are really incredible too. Your library should have a collection, be sure to read The Trial and The Metamorphisis.
michcat:
Nixonland. Read.
The Woodward books on Bush and the many 9/11, Iraq War, and torture books (Jane Mayer, Suskind, Ricks etc.) seem like overkill to me at this point, but were very interesting when read more contemporarily and coupled with my periodical/blog reading.
The only "political" non-fiction books that I've read that stand the test of time (and my horrible memory) are fiction or much less "of the moment" in terms of their focus: (Orwell, Hunter S. Thompson, Abby Hoffman, Steinbeck, Dalton Trumbo). I think that Israeli David Grossman's book Death as a Way of Life: Israel Ten Years after Oslo is outstanding (and pretty short!) and Palestinain Mourid Barghouti's I Saw Ramallah is also excellent if you're looking for depressing/heart wrenching (and short!).
Kafka's short stories are really incredible too. Your library should have a collection, be sure to read The Trial and The Metamorphisis.
Have you checked out Chain of Command, by Hersh. I thought it was pretty good.
michcat:
Nixonland. Read.
The Woodward books on Bush and the many 9/11, Iraq War, and torture books (Jane Mayer, Suskind, Ricks etc.) seem like overkill to me at this point, but were very interesting when read more contemporarily and coupled with my periodical/blog reading.
The only "political" non-fiction books that I've read that stand the test of time (and my horrible memory) are fiction or much less "of the moment" in terms of their focus: (Orwell, Hunter S. Thompson, Abby Hoffman, Steinbeck, Dalton Trumbo). I think that Israeli David Grossman's book Death as a Way of Life: Israel Ten Years after Oslo is outstanding (and pretty short!) and Palestinain Mourid Barghouti's I Saw Ramallah is also excellent if you're looking for depressing/heart wrenching (and short!).
Kafka's short stories are really incredible too. Your library should have a collection, be sure to read The Trial and The Metamorphisis.
Have you checked out Chain of Command, by Hersh. I thought it was pretty good.
I am trying to extract myself from that.
Currently reading Chomsky/Foucalt Debate. Then library books No Country for Old Men, then A Happy Marriage by Rafael Yglesias, then something from a Vonnegut reader.
Chomsky/Foucalt, so far, is a debate on human nature. Not secifically about some particular political issue.
Chomsky/Foucalt, so far, is a debate on human nature. Not secifically about some particular political issue.
HUMAN NATURE?! I LOVE HUMAN NATURE. read a lot of philosophy, specifically existentialist works and the like. bunch of boring french and german dudes.
Wow.
Saw that there had been some activity on this thread so I checked backed in. Yep, still a bunch of douche bags talking about books that no one wants to read.
then something from a Vonnegut reader.
my recommendo: Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions, by Dan Ariely.
it's an interesting look at Rational Economic theory and rational choice
make sure and get the revised and expanded edition. more pages!my recommendo: Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions, by Dan Ariely.
it's an interesting look at Rational Economic theory and rational choice
looks like daris just found a new book for the next time he has to fly on a plane somewehre. would like this.
this book is pretty and also looks at irrational things we do/think and why...not book but same subject. pretty good vid to watch. pick the one called "Mind over money"
http://www.randomhouse.com/kvpa/gilbert/praise.html
Twains memoirs released 100 years after his death could be epic.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/after-keeping-us-waiting-for-a-century-mark-twain-will-finally-reveal-all-1980695.html
Grapes of Wrath
Grapes of Wrath
finished this last night, right before the super bowl ads started. Nice.
Grapes of Wrath
finished this last night, right before the super bowl ads started. Nice.
Their POS car making it across the country was the best part
Grapes of Wrath
finished this last night, right before the super bowl ads started. Nice.
Their POS car making it across the country was the best part
*spoiler alert*
I liked the part where Tom crushed that dude's skull.
Grapes of Wrath
finished this last night, right before the super bowl ads started. Nice.
Grapes of Wrath
finished this last night, right before the super bowl ads started. Nice.
Their POS car making it across the country was the best part
*spoiler alert*
I liked the part where Tom crushed that dude's skull.
no, you like the part where the grown man suckles at the teet of the lady after he almost drowns or whatever
Grapes of Wrath
finished this last night, right before the super bowl ads started. Nice.
I read East of Eden right after the Grapes of Wrath. Liked East of Eden better.
Also, Winter of Our Discontent is his best book, imo.(my fav book FWIW).
I just finished Pastures of Heaven a couple weeks ago. I liked it, but I really like Steinbeck's characters and that is all it really is.
Steinbeck is one of a few people who I wish wasn't dead.
Rusty didn't take high school american lit class fwiw
Rusty didn't take high school american lit class fwiw
well, duh.
Grapes of Wrath
finished this last night, right before the super bowl ads started. Nice.
I read East of Eden right after the Grapes of Wrath. Liked East of Eden better.
Also, Winter of Our Discontent is his best book, imo.(my fav book FWIW).
I just finished Pastures of Heaven a couple weeks ago. I liked it, but I really like Steinbeck's characters and that is all it really is.
Steinbeck is one of a few people who I wish wasn't dead.
Steinbeck is a great read. Of Mice and Men is a classic as well. There si a WWI book by him I read as well but I can't remember the title.
Grapes of Wrath
finished this last night, right before the super bowl ads started. Nice.
I re-read Slaughterhouse 5 recently. Was too ignorant to appreciate it in high school.Love Slaughterhouse 5. Pretty embarrassed about how great I think Vonnegut is.
I re-read Slaughterhouse 5 recently. Was too ignorant to appreciate it in high school.Love Slaughterhouse 5. Pretty embarrassed about how great I think Vonnegut is.
Naked Lunch - William S. Burroughs
On the Road - Jack Kerouac
Big Sur - Jack Kerouac
The Sheltering Sky - Paul Bowles
Short Stories - Paul Bowles
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison
East of Eden - John Steinbeck
Tropic of Cancer - Henry Miller
Tropic of Capricorn - Henry Miller
Gravity's Rainbow - Thomas Pynchon (very long and complex)
Anything He's Ever Written - Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Post Office - Charles Bukowski
Pulp - Charles Bukowski
Ham on Rye - Charles Bukowski
if you feel like venturing outside of America, just give the word. Some real incredible stuff out there in that big bad world.
Naked Lunch - William S. Burroughs
On the Road - Jack Kerouac
Big Sur - Jack Kerouac
The Sheltering Sky - Paul Bowles
Short Stories - Paul Bowles
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison
East of Eden - John Steinbeck
Tropic of Cancer - Henry Miller
Tropic of Capricorn - Henry Miller
Gravity's Rainbow - Thomas Pynchon (very long and complex)
Anything He's Ever Written - Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Post Office - Charles Bukowski
Pulp - Charles Bukowski
Ham on Rye - Charles Bukowski
if you feel like venturing outside of America, just give the word. Some real incredible stuff out there in that big bad world.
So, after Catcher in the Rye (pretty good), I was going to try something from this list, but my shitty library had basically nothing on the list, except for a lot of Vonnegut stuff. So I played it safe and will read Slaughterhouse Five next.
Anyone can feel free to add something that is considered "classic" or "timeless". Fiction/non-fiction and foreign authors welcome. Thanks, pals.
Taught Gatsby to a school full of poor black kids in 2010 and they didn't hate it as much as I thought they would! Definitely still didn't have anything to identify with about it, but at least they liked the part where the chick got hit by the car. :party:
Taught Gatsby to a school full of poor black kids in 2010 and they didn't hate it as much as I thought they would! Definitely still didn't have anything to identify with about it, but at least they liked the part where the chick got hit by the car. :party:
did you hit any of them?
I read gatsby this summer.
Mo Willems: Any of the 'Pigeon' Series. Knuffle Bunny, KB Too, and KB Free are serviceable, but doesn't emotionally pull you in like his 'Pigeon' mastery.
Tony Diterlizzi: 'Ted'
Metamorphosis is good.
Really kind of hate Rick Riordan.
Read "Soon I Will Be Invincible" by Austin Grossman, very dry. Read this almost entirely while on the toilet. Just watch The Watchmen or The Incredibles or Megamind instead.
A.I.L.E.E.N.
Letters From a Nut by Ted Nancy
Naked Lunch - William S. Burroughs
On the Road - Jack Kerouac
Big Sur - Jack Kerouac
The Sheltering Sky - Paul Bowles
Short Stories - Paul Bowles
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison
East of Eden - John Steinbeck
Tropic of Cancer - Henry Miller
Tropic of Capricorn - Henry Miller
Gravity's Rainbow - Thomas Pynchon (very long and complex)
Anything He's Ever Written - Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Post Office - Charles Bukowski
Pulp - Charles Bukowski
Ham on Rye - Charles Bukowski
if you feel like venturing outside of America, just give the word. Some real incredible stuff out there in that big bad world.
So, after Catcher in the Rye (pretty good), I was going to try something from this list, but my cacty library had basically nothing on the list, except for a lot of Vonnegut stuff. So I played it safe and will read Slaughterhouse Five next.
Anyone can feel free to add something that is considered "classic" or "timeless". Fiction/non-fiction and foreign authors welcome. Thanks, pals.
The Trial - Franz Kafka. Kafka is my favorite writer and has written some of my favorite works. The Trial is a good example of his world. Like his other novels it is incomplete, which can, at times be aggravating. If you can pick up a book of his complete short stories (which are real common and really good), I would highly recommend it. Not many of his stories are crazy long and can completely alter your perception of reality upon reading.Good Lord, you are Kougar 2.0
QuoteThe Trial - Franz Kafka. Kafka is my favorite writer and has written some of my favorite works. The Trial is a good example of his world. Like his other novels it is incomplete, which can, at times be aggravating. If you can pick up a book of his complete short stories (which are real common and really good), I would highly recommend it. Not many of his stories are crazy long and can completely alter your perception of reality upon reading.Good Lord, you are Kougar 2.0
fictional books just seem kind of stupid to me anymore. like, why even bother.
And it's easier sometimes not to be sincere. Somehow I make you believe.fictional books just seem kind of stupid to me anymore. like, why even bother.
Honest is easy...fiction's where genius lies.
The little Book of String Theory
^Fascinating
Also, FAB FIVE about the Michigan bball team is probably my fave sports book of all time.
Recent reads:
Old School - Tobias Wolff
A River Runs Through It - Norman Maclean (movie didn't stray too far from the source)
Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold - C. S. Lewis
Recent reads:
Old School - Tobias Wolff
A River Runs Through It - Norman Maclean (movie didn't stray too far from the source)
Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold - C. S. Lewis
How was the C.S. Lewis book? When I get a chance I want to read a lot of his works besides the Chronicles of Narnia.
Recent reads:
Old School - Tobias Wolff
A River Runs Through It - Norman Maclean (movie didn't stray too far from the source)
Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold - C. S. Lewis
How was the C.S. Lewis book? When I get a chance I want to read a lot of his works besides the Chronicles of Narnia.
It's one of the best books I've read. I've loved Narnia since I was like 5, and have read most of his other stuff. And I think it's his best.
You should also give his space trilogy a try, I especially like Perelandra (the 2nd of the 3).
sys/_fanwife: You ever read "San Manuel bueno, martir"? Re-read it over the weekend. Effing great.
Naked Lunch - William S. Burroughs
On the Road - Jack Kerouac
Big Sur - Jack Kerouac
The Sheltering Sky - Paul Bowles
Short Stories - Paul Bowles
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison
East of Eden - John Steinbeck
Tropic of Cancer - Henry Miller
Tropic of Capricorn - Henry Miller
Gravity's Rainbow - Thomas Pynchon (very long and complex)
Anything He's Ever Written - Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Post Office - Charles Bukowski
Pulp - Charles Bukowski
Ham on Rye - Charles Bukowski
if you feel like venturing outside of America, just give the word. Some real incredible stuff out there in that big bad world.
Naked Lunch - William S. Burroughs
On the Road - Jack Kerouac
Big Sur - Jack Kerouac
The Sheltering Sky - Paul Bowles
Short Stories - Paul Bowles
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison
East of Eden - John Steinbeck
Tropic of Cancer - Henry Miller
Tropic of Capricorn - Henry Miller
Gravity's Rainbow - Thomas Pynchon (very long and complex)
Anything He's Ever Written - Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Post Office - Charles Bukowski
Pulp - Charles Bukowski
Ham on Rye - Charles Bukowski
if you feel like venturing outside of America, just give the word. Some real incredible stuff out there in that big bad world.
I LOVED On the Road - my favorite suggestion on this thread so far. I started to read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance last summer but didn't finish, so I think I'll pick it up again (as my cacty library had NONE of your other suggestion). Both involve road trips across the American West, which I've really been drawn to lately for some reason.
Naked Lunch - William S. Burroughs
On the Road - Jack Kerouac
Big Sur - Jack Kerouac
The Sheltering Sky - Paul Bowles
Short Stories - Paul Bowles
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison
East of Eden - John Steinbeck
Tropic of Cancer - Henry Miller
Tropic of Capricorn - Henry Miller
Gravity's Rainbow - Thomas Pynchon (very long and complex)
Anything He's Ever Written - Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Post Office - Charles Bukowski
Pulp - Charles Bukowski
Ham on Rye - Charles Bukowski
if you feel like venturing outside of America, just give the word. Some real incredible stuff out there in that big bad world.
I LOVED On the Road - my favorite suggestion on this thread so far. I started to read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance last summer but didn't finish, so I think I'll pick it up again (as my cacty library had NONE of your other suggestion). Both involve road trips across the American West, which I've really been drawn to lately for some reason.
Mid life crisis.
Naked Lunch - William S. Burroughs
On the Road - Jack Kerouac
Big Sur - Jack Kerouac
The Sheltering Sky - Paul Bowles
Short Stories - Paul Bowles
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison
East of Eden - John Steinbeck
Tropic of Cancer - Henry Miller
Tropic of Capricorn - Henry Miller
Gravity's Rainbow - Thomas Pynchon (very long and complex)
Anything He's Ever Written - Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Post Office - Charles Bukowski
Pulp - Charles Bukowski
Ham on Rye - Charles Bukowski
if you feel like venturing outside of America, just give the word. Some real incredible stuff out there in that big bad world.
I LOVED On the Road - my favorite suggestion on this thread so far. I started to read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance last summer but didn't finish, so I think I'll pick it up again (as my cacty library had NONE of your other suggestion). Both involve road trips across the American West, which I've really been drawn to lately for some reason.
Naked Lunch - William S. Burroughs
On the Road - Jack Kerouac
Big Sur - Jack Kerouac
The Sheltering Sky - Paul Bowles
Short Stories - Paul Bowles
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison
East of Eden - John Steinbeck
Tropic of Cancer - Henry Miller
Tropic of Capricorn - Henry Miller
Gravity's Rainbow - Thomas Pynchon (very long and complex)
Anything He's Ever Written - Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Post Office - Charles Bukowski
Pulp - Charles Bukowski
Ham on Rye - Charles Bukowski
if you feel like venturing outside of America, just give the word. Some real incredible stuff out there in that big bad world.
I LOVED On the Road - my favorite suggestion on this thread so far. I started to read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance last summer but didn't finish, so I think I'll pick it up again (as my shitty library had NONE of your other suggestion). Both involve road trips across the American West, which I've really been drawn to lately for some reason.
krusty, if you are going to read thompson please read The Rum Diary first. k thx.
Timeline was very good. Used to be able to claim I had read all of his books but I stopped cold turkey like 7 yrs ago. What was the one of the abortion? That was also really good and kind of overlooked, IMO.
A Case Of Need was the book I couldn't think of. And cold turkey was a joke cause the dude is dead. We square?
The George R.R. Martin series Game of Thrones is the best fiction I have ever read.
I've read a lot of classic literature. Most of them are meh, but I feel all pompous about the fact that I've read them and like to pretend like I thought they were great. :dunno:I don't know. It's a different way of writing with some of those guys. I probably get the same sort of (silly) satisfaction, but I genuinely think it's important to appreciate the most beautiful writing the English language has ever seen.
I've tried many times to get into literature. Can't follow through, last book I read cover to cover was pillars of the earth and that was at least for years agoNot every piece of literature is absurdly long like POTE.
I've read a lot of classic literature. Most of them are meh, but I feel all pompous about the fact that I've read them and like to pretend like I thought they were great. :dunno:I don't know. It's a different way of writing with some of those guys. I probably get the same sort of (silly) satisfaction, but I genuinely think it's important to appreciate the most beautiful writing the English language has ever seen.
I'm on like pg 430 on Feast of Crows. Almost out of the boring dark?The George R.R. Martin series Game of Thrones is the best fiction I have ever read.
Finished the entire series (Song of Fire and Ice), and had never read "fantasy" before. So, I next picked up Brent Weeks "Night Angel" series. Very good. Lots of action and gore.
I have read all the Ann Rice, and Sookie Stackhouse novels (vampires) and rough ridin' love them. Not a huge millitary fan, but loved Black Hawk Down and Dear Mom.
Can't decide what to read next. I am seriously considering the Hunger Games, but am really scared that it will be too childish.
I have read some good things about the "Dragon Prince Series" from Aaron Pogue. May give that a shot.
I am looking for recommendos here, guys. I don't want any god damned ivory towered suggestions...I want to enjoy myself and have fun when I read.
What do you got?
Yes I agree. Also, it's positively influenced the way I've written academic papers.I've read a lot of classic literature. Most of them are meh, but I feel all pompous about the fact that I've read them and like to pretend like I thought they were great. :dunno:I don't know. It's a different way of writing with some of those guys. I probably get the same sort of (silly) satisfaction, but I genuinely think it's important to appreciate the most beautiful writing the English language has ever seen.
I agree that it's important to appreciate classic works of literature. It's just another form of history.
The Hunger Games books walk the tightrope between good and childish, Pete. But they're so quick, you don't really waste any time by giving them a shot I guess.
Yes I agree. Also, it's positively influenced the way I've written academic papers.I've read a lot of classic literature. Most of them are meh, but I feel all pompous about the fact that I've read them and like to pretend like I thought they were great. :dunno:I don't know. It's a different way of writing with some of those guys. I probably get the same sort of (silly) satisfaction, but I genuinely think it's important to appreciate the most beautiful writing the English language has ever seen.
I agree that it's important to appreciate classic works of literature. It's just another form of history.
Hunger Games are childish books? Never knew that. Guess I need to pay better attention to the people that have been recommending them. The story line sounds pretty dark so I never imagined they would be childish books. Still probably gonna read them though, especially if they're the type of books I can just breeze through.
I read a ton of "lighter reading" types of books. Patterson, Gerritson, Grisham, L'Amour, etc. Stuff like that I can breeze through in a night or two, if it's entertaining. Slightly OT here- Lonesome Dove was also a great book. Pretty effin' thick book though, probably took me a week to get through. Definitely one of the best westerns I've read. (Don't judge, my grandpa left me hundreds of westerns, I figured I'd give L'Amour a shot and just kept going from there. Really like the Sackett books.)
I've got lots of non fiction but I skip around and read parts I'm interested in and sometimes I end up reading reverse order. Is that weird? So I have adult add or something?
I'm on like pg 430 on Feast of Crows. Almost out of the boring dark?
If you liked Pillars of the Earth, Fall of Giants is even better.
I try to always watch the movie before I read the book. That way you enjoy them both and aren't an unhappy douchebag.
After finishing the Jobs bio (amazing)
After finishing the Jobs bio (amazing)
heard he was an bad person. in a cool, fascinating way.
So, if I'm a 27 year old male, should I read The Hunger Games?
So, if I'm a 27 year old male, should I read The Hunger Games?
do you suck at reading or have ADD?
So, if I'm a 27 year old male, should I read The Hunger Games?
do you suck at reading or have ADD?
No
Jane Eyre
I read a ton of "lighter reading" types of books. Patterson, Gerritson, Grisham, L'Amour, etc. Stuff like that I can breeze through in a night or two, if it's entertaining. Slightly OT here- Lonesome Dove was also a great book. Pretty effin' thick book though, probably took me a week to get through. Definitely one of the best westerns I've read. (Don't judge, my grandpa left me hundreds of westerns, I figured I'd give L'Amour a shot and just kept going from there. Really like the Sackett books.)
So, if I'm a 27 year old male, should I read The Hunger Games?
So, if I'm a 27 year old male, should I read The Hunger Games?
absolutely
Just finished the new Dark Tower book. It was much better than the last three of the series, IMO. Just a short one that basically tells a couple stories about crap that happened before the DT series starts in The Gunslinger. Really hope that King keeps spitting them out. Should be plenty of possibilities to do similar stories about prequel stuff.it would be nice to get the bitter taste of the ending of that series washed away
Anyway, it's a quick read and enjoyable if you like the DT series.
I am starting Count of Monte Cristo. Pretty good so far. Just finished The Name of the Rose and V.I'm reading that this summer.
I am starting Count of Monte Cristo. Pretty good so far. Just finished The Name of the Rose and V.
Just finished the new Dark Tower book. It was much better than the last three of the series, IMO. Just a short one that basically tells a couple stories about crap that happened before the DT series starts in The Gunslinger. Really hope that King keeps spitting them out. Should be plenty of possibilities to do similar stories about prequel stuff.it would be nice to get the bitter taste of the ending of that series washed away
Anyway, it's a quick read and enjoyable if you like the DT series.
Just finished the new Dark Tower book. It was much better than the last three of the series, IMO. Just a short one that basically tells a couple stories about crap that happened before the DT series starts in The Gunslinger. Really hope that King keeps spitting them out. Should be plenty of possibilities to do similar stories about prequel stuff.it would be nice to get the bitter taste of the ending of that series washed away
Anyway, it's a quick read and enjoyable if you like the DT series.
Are the DT series worth reading?
Oh man, just finished reading the first two books of Hunger Games. Fun read. Starting book three tonight.
Oh man, just finished reading the first two books of Hunger Games. Fun read. Starting book three tonight.
Hunger Games > Catching Fire >Mockingjay
Good read, though I was disappointed with how the last 2 kind of scrambled to end.
Oh man, just finished reading the first two books of Hunger Games. Fun read. Starting book three tonight.
Hunger Games > Catching Fire >Mockingjay
Good read, though I was disappointed with how the last 2 kind of scrambled to end.
The end of Mockingjay was just silly. Like a little girl made it up.
I'm not even a huge game nerd.
I am starting The Count of Monte Cristo. Pretty good so far. Just finished The Name of the Rose and V.Man what a great book. The build up and the end are fantastic. Highly recommonedo to anyone who loves a good story.
I think people should read Gomorrah. Which is about the Napoli mafia.Is that the basis for the movie Netflix keeps telling me to watch?
Oh man, just finished reading the first two books of Hunger Games. Fun read. Starting book three tonight.
Hunger Games > Catching Fire >Mockingjay
Good read, though I was disappointed with how the last 2 kind of scrambled to end.
The end of Mockingjay was just silly. Like a little girl made it up.
I just read Sense of Direction - nonfiction about a 30 year old with daddy issues doing pilgrimages around the world. It was pretty decent
I just read Sense of Direction - nonfiction about a 30 year old with daddy issues doing pilgrimages around the world. It was pretty decent
the eff would compel you to read something like that?
Now just finished Turn Right at Machu Picchu. Nonfiction about a guy who employs a crocodile dundee-esque guide to take him on old Incan trail. Good mix of adventure/history. Incan history and their conquest by Spaniards is pretty nuts. Reviews seemed to promise more humor than was delivered.
Now just finished Turn Right at Machu Picchu. Nonfiction about a guy who employs a crocodile dundee-esque guide to take him on old Incan trail. Good mix of adventure/history. Incan history and their conquest by Spaniards is pretty nuts. Reviews seemed to promise more humor than was delivered.
Inca humor is notoriously subtle.
Oh man, just finished reading the first two books of Hunger Games. Fun read. Starting book three tonight.
Hunger Games > Catching Fire >Mockingjay
Good read, though I was disappointed with how the last 2 kind of scrambled to end.
The end of Mockingjay was just silly. Like a little girl made it up.
Confirmed. :sad:
My sister is coaching a club volleyball team. I think she may have a future in coaching, or at least the development of youngsters. What are some good books on coaching or leadership? I would like something that seems to jive with what :bill: does. You know, the work hard, focus on what you can control, get better every day type stuff. What say you?
I think people should read Gomorrah. Which is about the Napoli mafia.Is that the basis for the movie Netflix keeps telling me to watch?
I think people should read Gomorrah. Which is about the Napoli mafia.Is that the basis for the movie Netflix keeps telling me to watch?
Pretty sure yes.
My goal this Christmas break:
Read Villa and Zapata and Game of Thrones.
I am looking for a good food book. I'll probably just finally read kitchen confidential. There is some reluctant chef book that amazon keeps pushing though that it may just sell me on.
Got Empire of the summer moon, great look at Native American history and culture. INcredibly easy read as well.
Got Empire of the summer moon, great look at Native American history and culture. INcredibly easy read as well.
everyone should buy and then read this book which talks about goEMAW and probably other things
http://davegladow.com/eyeblack-odyssey/
I am starting Count of Monte Cristo. Pretty good so far. Just finished The Name of the Rose and V.
Was there ever a book that "broke" you guys? I was always a very eager reader but then sophomore year of high school we had to read Tale of Two Cities and it broke me. I could not get through it. :frown:
Was there ever a book that "broke" you guys? I was always a very eager reader but then sophomore year of high school we had to read Tale of Two Cities and it broke me. I could not get through it. :frown:
For weird, unknown reasons, I've read the first 90% of The Great Gatsby three different times. I doubt I'll ever try to finish it.
For weird, unknown reasons, I've read the first 90% of The Great Gatsby three different times. I doubt I'll ever try to finish it.
Was there ever a book that "broke" you guys? I was always a very eager reader but then sophomore year of high school we had to read Tale of Two Cities and it broke me. I could not get through it. :frown:
Same one did it to me. Couldnt get through first 100pgs. Tied again yrs later, pushed through the beginning and it turned out to be a very good book.
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Finished the rules of attraction last night... The movie was better.
Finished the rules of attraction last night... The movie was better.
Oh crap, BEE :love:!!! Less than zero? American psycho? :excited:
The movie was very good. I bought it after I saw it. It really reaffirms my view of life.
Finished the rules of attraction last night... The movie was better.
Oh crap, BEE :love:!!! Less than zero? American psycho? :excited:
The movie was very good. I bought it after I saw it. It really reaffirms my view of life.
So snorting coke, torture, mutilation and murder really speak to you, Bread? That fits.
For weird, unknown reasons, I've read the first 90% of The Great Gatsby three different times. I doubt I'll ever try to finish it.
That's weird. You only have like 20 pages left, right?
Tale of Two Cities is so frustrating. I've read 75% of it, had no idea what was going on at any point, but just loved the prose. Would read lines that made me put the book down and just think about how beautiful and perfect Dickens' analogies were. But yeah, no idea what was happening page to page.
Was there ever a book that "broke" you guys? I was always a very eager reader but then sophomore year of high school we had to read Tale of Two Cities and it broke me. I could not get through it. :frown:
Finished the rules of attraction last night... The movie was better.
Oh crap, BEE :love:!!! Less than zero? American psycho? :excited:
The movie was very good. I bought it after I saw it. It really reaffirms my view of life.
Tale of Two Cities is so frustrating. I've read 75% of it, had no idea what was going on at any point, but just loved the prose. Would read lines that made me put the book down and just think about how beautiful and perfect Dickens' analogies were. But yeah, no idea what was happening page to page.oh man jakesie. great post. completely agreed re. Dickens' prose. but TOTC is an incredible story too. it probably helps to have a little knowledge about the french revolution. Sydney is my favorite character in any piece of literature. i think i'm going to name my son (if i have one) Sydney, after old Sid Carton.
Bleak house is really good too fwiwi was about to buy that the other day but it looked really long and i hadn't heard anyone say anything good about it except for the back cover, which called it "Dickens' 'masterpiece.'" But David Copperfield said the exact same thing.
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Finished the rules of attraction last night... The movie was better.
Oh crap, BEE :love:!!! Less than zero? American psycho? :excited:
The movie was very good. I bought it after I saw it. It really reaffirms my view of life.
So snorting coke, torture, mutilation and murder really speak to you, Bread? That fits.
Finished the rules of attraction last night... The movie was better.
Oh crap, BEE :love:!!! Less than zero? American psycho? :excited:
The movie was very good. I bought it after I saw it. It really reaffirms my view of life.
AP is one of my faves, read it twice. Had to read glamorama in college, and BEE is definitely fantastic.
Going to read brave new world and then maybe less than zero. There is a book on columbine that I'm eying as well.
Finished the rules of attraction last night... The movie was better.
Oh crap, BEE :love:!!! Less than zero? American psycho? :excited:
The movie was very good. I bought it after I saw it. It really reaffirms my view of life.
So snorting coke, torture, mutilation and murder really speak to you, Bread? That fits.
That's not what The Rules of Attraction is about, other than the coke snorting.
Finished the rules of attraction last night... The movie was better.
Oh crap, BEE :love:!!! Less than zero? American psycho? :excited:
The movie was very good. I bought it after I saw it. It really reaffirms my view of life.
So snorting coke, torture, mutilation and murder really speak to you, Bread? That fits.
That's not what The Rules of Attraction is about, other than the coke snorting.
Just finished Blindness by Jose Saramango. Really good, a bit tough to start with the style with no quotation marks and very long sentences, but it helps set the mood. If possible read it with no spoilers from the outside.
Also, you all should quit screwing around and just read Eco #teamchingon
Read it in English. After about the first three pages it seems natural and helps with the claustrophobic effect. I am thinking about Cain next.Just finished Blindness by Jose Saramango. Really good, a bit tough to start with the style with no quotation marks and very long sentences, but it helps set the mood. If possible read it with no spoilers from the outside.
Did you read it in Portuguese? Not being uppity, just wondered. I tried and caved. Was too much to process in a non-native language (as you described).
I would say Foucault's pendulum or name of the rose first. F C is my fave, but name of the rose is maybe better for people just starting eco (not that he's hard to read but FC has a challenging start on purpose that turns some readers off of Eco)Also, you all should quit screwing around and just read Eco #teamchingon
what's a good one to start with?
I'm wanting to go on a good non-fiction kick. So much interesting stuff has happened in the world.
Ready Player One will be the freshman book for KSU next year and it is apparently quite good. Also short.
Ready Player One will be the freshman book for KSU next year and it is apparently quite good. Also short.
It's a quick read. I liked it, but it's not exactly fine literature.
I would say Foucault's pendulum or name of the rose first. F C is my fave, but name of the rose is maybe better for people just starting eco (not that he's hard to read but FC has a challenging start on purpose that turns some readers off of Eco)Also, you all should quit screwing around and just read Eco #teamchingon
what's a good one to start with?
I'm wanting to go on a good non-fiction kick. So much interesting stuff has happened in the world.
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I would say Foucault's pendulum or name of the rose first. F C is my fave, but name of the rose is maybe better for people just starting eco (not that he's hard to read but FC has a challenging start on purpose that turns some readers off of Eco)Also, you all should quit screwing around and just read Eco #teamchingon
what's a good one to start with?
I'm wanting to go on a good non-fiction kick. So much interesting stuff has happened in the world.
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Completely agree. Pendulum is better, Rose is more accessible (but even then the first 80 pages or so are intentionally challenging). I would almost recommend Baudolino. I think michcat would really enjoy it.
I would say Foucault's pendulum or name of the rose first. F C is my fave, but name of the rose is maybe better for people just starting eco (not that he's hard to read but FC has a challenging start on purpose that turns some readers off of Eco)Also, you all should quit screwing around and just read Eco #teamchingon
what's a good one to start with?
I'm wanting to go on a good non-fiction kick. So much interesting stuff has happened in the world.
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Completely agree. Pendulum is better, Rose is more accessible (but even then the first 80 pages or so are intentionally challenging). I would almost recommend Baudolino. I think michcat would really enjoy it.
Currently reading "A Bright Shining Lie". So far, so good. I'll give Eco a try next. Maybe alternate fiction and non fiction.
I have a hard time alternating fiction with non-fiction when the last fiction book I read was a really good one. If it wasn't, that is when I move to non-fiction.
Also, if you are looking for non-fiction that is decent read, try Erik Larsen. Earlier this year, I read In The Garden of Beasts. It was really interesting. It is about the ambassador to Berlin(and his family) during Hitler's rise right before the war.
Also, Devil in the White City was really good.
I'm really interested in world and domestic politics and history. Those look good. "Devil in the Grove" about a Thurgood Marshall trial seems good too.
Serious post, my friends. Best baseball book? I used to say "Three Nights In August" by Tony LaRussa, or Kahn's "Boys of Summer." Tony's book for my greatest love about baseball--dugout strategy. Kahn's book for pure classic writing about baseball.
Now reading Tony's "One Last Srike." With 100 pages left, I suspect my award will likely go to "Boys of Summer." Not a current list read, but one of the best pieces of sportswriting I've ever seen. Could read it many times over.
Sorry, the pendulum one and Baulodino. Already read Rose.
The Baulodino one does sound good in it's description.
Sorry, the pendulum one and Baulodino. Already read Rose.
The Baulodino one does sound good in it's description.
Yes. It's wonderful. Not as jaw-droppingly crafted as pendulum (which from a technical aspect is just an amazing work of literature) but so fun and delightful in its playful and subtle condemnation of certain societal aspects.
As a dropout phd lit student, I think it's a matter of time until Eco becomes part of the canon. And I can't want to start using phrases like "ma gavte la nata" the same way we drop references to other common knowledge authors.
I'm reading Pendulum now along with the Vietnam book. Two books at once! Crazy!
Has anyone read undaunted courage?
I think people should read Gomorrah. Which is about the Napoli mafia.Is that the basis for the movie Netflix keeps telling me to watch?
Pretty sure yes.
I just bought it on Amazon for $0.01. It better not suck, KK.
Was there ever a book that "broke" you guys? I was always a very eager reader but then sophomore year of high school we had to read Tale of Two Cities and it broke me. I could not get through it. :frown:
Got Empire of the summer moon, great look at Native American history and culture. INcredibly easy read as well.
Got Empire of the summer moon, great look at Native American history and culture. INcredibly easy read as well.
I've yet to read an indian book where the particular indian tribe wasn't the baddest of them all. I've seen it said now about the Sioux, the Cherokee, the Apache, and now the Comanche. WHO DO I BELIEVE?! :runaway:
reading the Steve Jobs biography. What an bad person.
I'm "over the hump" with Pendulum. Man, Dan Brown, what a hack.
I'm "over the hump" with Pendulum. Man, Dan Brown, what a hack.
CONGRATS, RUSTY!
Just started Pendulum. The first chapter was probably the nerdiest I have ever read outside of a text book.
No hate, just an observation regarding his love affair with points that have no dimension or size and cannot move.
Did some un-thinkable and AMAZING things during his life.
http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Thunder-Carson-Conquest-American/dp/1400031109 (http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Thunder-Carson-Conquest-American/dp/1400031109)
Did some un-thinkable and AMAZING things during his life.
http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Thunder-Carson-Conquest-American/dp/1400031109 (http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Thunder-Carson-Conquest-American/dp/1400031109)
The Sotweed Factor (very funny book) by John Barth (I have read almost all of his stuff an like it, but this is his best)
Almost done with The Revenge of Geography: What the Map Tells Us About Coming Conflicts and the Battle Against Fate.
Really good book if you are into history and geopolitics.
Also started Superfusion: How China and America Became One Economy and Why the World's Prosperity Depends on It.
Was written by a hedge fund manager who ran a China-US growth fund.
If anyone is into existential philosophy, I just finished History of the Concept of Time by Martin Heidegger. This book blew my mind regarding my very perception of time and even had me questioning the nature of infinite time based on my linear existence. It's a pretty dense book, but rewarding!
If anyone is into existential philosophy, I just finished History of the Concept of Time by Martin Heidegger. This book blew my mind regarding my very perception of time and even had me questioning the nature of infinite time based on my linear existence. It's a pretty dense book, but rewarding!
Yep. "Being and Nothingness" by Satre is one of my faves.
If anyone is into existential philosophy, I just finished History of the Concept of Time by Martin Heidegger. This book blew my mind regarding my very perception of time and even had me questioning the nature of infinite time based on my linear existence. It's a pretty dense book, but rewarding!
Yep. "Being and Nothingness" by Satre is one of my faves.
could one read these before you go to bed, or will it put you right to sleep?
also, really enjoying sot-weed. Ebenezer seems like such a great listener.
You also run the risk of drastically changing your understanding of the world, which could keep you up for hours on end in contemplation.
Almost done with The Revenge of Geography: What the Map Tells Us About Coming Conflicts and the Battle Against Fate.
Really good book if you are into history and geopolitics.
Also started Superfusion: How China and America Became One Economy and Why the World's Prosperity Depends on It.
Was written by a hedge fund manager who ran a China-US growth fund.
I bet you've either already read The Prize (Yergin) or would really enjoy it.
Almost done with The Revenge of Geography: What the Map Tells Us About Coming Conflicts and the Battle Against Fate.
Really good book if you are into history and geopolitics.
Also started Superfusion: How China and America Became One Economy and Why the World's Prosperity Depends on It.
Was written by a hedge fund manager who ran a China-US growth fund.
I bet you've either already read The Prize (Yergin) or would really enjoy it.
Have not read it, just ordered it off amazon.
I just listened to the World War Z audiobook. It was pretty good with a full cast of voices. But it seems like it is going to take a lot of adaptation to make it into a movie with a comprehensive storyline.
Got Empire of the summer moon, great look at Native American history and culture. INcredibly easy read as well.
I've yet to read an indian book where the particular indian tribe wasn't the baddest of them all. I've seen it said now about the Sioux, the Cherokee, the Apache, and now the Comanche. WHO DO I BELIEVE?! :runaway:
You guys I'm about 80 pages into my 2nd attempt at A Tale of Two Cities. SO good. The first time I tried to read it I was 14 or 15. Too young I guess, because it's great. :D
You guys I'm about 80 pages into my 2nd attempt at A Tale of Two Cities. SO good. The first time I tried to read it I was 14 or 15. Too young I guess, because it's great. :D
Oh man, if you like the first 80pgs, you will really love the last 100 or so. :excited:
I just ordered: http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties (http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties)
Almost done with The Revenge of Geography: What the Map Tells Us About Coming Conflicts and the Battle Against Fate.
Really good book if you are into history and geopolitics.
Also started Superfusion: How China and America Became One Economy and Why the World's Prosperity Depends on It.
Was written by a hedge fund manager who ran a China-US growth fund.
I bet you've either already read The Prize (Yergin) or would really enjoy it.
Have not read it, just ordered it off amazon.
:thumbs:
Almost done with The Revenge of Geography: What the Map Tells Us About Coming Conflicts and the Battle Against Fate.
Really good book if you are into history and geopolitics.
Also started Superfusion: How China and America Became One Economy and Why the World's Prosperity Depends on It.
Was written by a hedge fund manager who ran a China-US growth fund.
I bet you've either already read The Prize (Yergin) or would really enjoy it.
Have not read it, just ordered it off amazon.
:thumbs:
Started reading it 2 nights ago and am about 100 pages in. REALLY ENJOY IT SO FAR!
Almost done with The Revenge of Geography: What the Map Tells Us About Coming Conflicts and the Battle Against Fate.
Really good book if you are into history and geopolitics.
Also started Superfusion: How China and America Became One Economy and Why the World's Prosperity Depends on It.
Was written by a hedge fund manager who ran a China-US growth fund.
I bet you've either already read The Prize (Yergin) or would really enjoy it.
Have not read it, just ordered it off amazon.
:thumbs:
Started reading it 2 nights ago and am about 100 pages in. REALLY ENJOY IT SO FAR!
:thumbs: :thumbs:
I'm pretty bad with names so I had to keep a notebook handy when I read it to write down new characters and what they did. He'll go a 100 pages not talking about some dude and them bam there is he again and you're like wait WTF is this guy again?
I'm about to start The Looming Tower. Has anyone read? My bro said it's a must read. also, english can go eff itself for read/read
http://www.amazon.com/Looming-Tower-Al-Qaeda-Road-11/dp/1400030846
I'm about to start The Looming Tower. Has anyone read? My bro said it's a must read. also, english can go eff itself for read/read
http://www.amazon.com/Looming-Tower-Al-Qaeda-Road-11/dp/1400030846
Read monstering and hubris and Woodward's books. That one I heard was good too. I think I may have gone a little nuts post 9/11 and Iraq war era current events reading.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
I'm about to start The Looming Tower. Has anyone read? My bro said it's a must read. also, english can go eff itself for read/read
http://www.amazon.com/Looming-Tower-Al-Qaeda-Road-11/dp/1400030846
Read monstering and hubris and Woodward's books. That one I heard was good too. I think I may have gone a little nuts post 9/11 and Iraq war era current events reading.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
I just ordered: http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties (http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties)
I just ordered: http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties (http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties)
Also :love:
What about it made the CIA get all CIA'ey?
I just ordered: http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties (http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties)
Also :love:
Pretty great so far. If I could have any person review it, I would probably choose David Duke. Jews scheming/cheating black people in an Irish-controlled city.
I just ordered: http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties (http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties)
Also :love:
Pretty great so far. If I could have any person review it, I would probably choose David Duke. Jews scheming/cheating black people in an Irish-controlled city.
I WILL READ THIS TOO.
The problem with books is there are so many and so little time. That's why I'm glad we have this thread, friends.
http://www.amazon.com/Off-Books-Underground-Economy-Urban/dp/0674023552/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207624317&sr=8-2 (http://www.amazon.com/Off-Books-Underground-Economy-Urban/dp/0674023552/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207624317&sr=8-2)
This book by Venkatesh got me interested in the subject after Freakanomics referenced the salaries of drug dealers. "Off the books" is one of my favorite books ever.
Almost done with The Revenge of Geography: What the Map Tells Us About Coming Conflicts and the Battle Against Fate.
Really good book if you are into history and geopolitics.
Also started Superfusion: How China and America Became One Economy and Why the World's Prosperity Depends on It.
Was written by a hedge fund manager who ran a China-US growth fund.
I bet you've either already read The Prize (Yergin) or would really enjoy it.
Have not read it, just ordered it off amazon.
:thumbs:
Yeah there's no way the movie will be able to encompass even a quarter of the stories told in the book. One of those that should've just been left alone :facepalm:I just listened to the World War Z audiobook. It was pretty good with a full cast of voices. But it seems like it is going to take a lot of adaptation to make it into a movie with a comprehensive storyline.
Loved the book but I just know they will butcher the movie. IIRC it has been in "Development" for like 2 years now....FIGURE IT OUT BRAD PITT :shakesfist:
Yeah there's no way the movie will be able to encompass even a quarter of the stories told in the book. One of those that should've just been left alone :facepalm:I just listened to the World War Z audiobook. It was pretty good with a full cast of voices. But it seems like it is going to take a lot of adaptation to make it into a movie with a comprehensive storyline.
Loved the book but I just know they will butcher the movie. IIRC it has been in "Development" for like 2 years now....FIGURE IT OUT BRAD PITT :shakesfist:
I got bored with Sotweed Factor. It kind of reminded me of Confederacy of Dunces but didn't quite grab me after 250 pages or so.Sounds like Nicholas Sparks might be more your speed. :mean:
Any good modern fiction?
I got bored with Sotweed Factor. It kind of reminded me of Confederacy of Dunces but didn't quite grab me after 250 pages or so.Sounds like Nicholas Sparks might be more your speed. :mean:
Any good modern fiction?
hey chingon, what is it like to read and yet still be so simple minded?Dunno Kim why don't you tell me.
hey chingon, what is it like to read and yet still be so simple minded?Dunno Kim why don't you tell me.
Ooh burn. Ice burn. Cold blooded.
KState common book for next year's incoming freshmen is Ready Player One. Anyone read it?
KState common book for next year's incoming freshmen is Ready Player One. Anyone read it?
Hey real life friend. I was just about to ask the same question! me--> :cool: :cool: <--you Comes highly recommended to me from a friend but I've never been into much that could be seen as Sci Fi'y. Thoughts, buddies?
Also, one of the best books I have ever read is Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides. One of the worst books I have ever read is his follow-up, which came out last year, The Marriage Plot. Highly disappointing considering how brilliant its predecessor was.
i've one of the people that read The Great Gatsby last week :embarrassed:
i've one of the people that read The Great Gatsby last week :embarrassed:
I had to read it for high school. I didn't really like it then, but I'd probably like it more if I read it today. :dunno:
Anyone else get shocked at the books their wife's hayseed school didn't make them read?
i've one of the people that read The Great Gatsby last week :embarrassed:
I had to read it for high school. I didn't really like it then, but I'd probably like it more if I read it today. :dunno:
Read a book about some chick who's uncle runs Scientology and she was raised in the church's ridiculous organization before bolting in her 20s. Really, not as shocking as I'd hoped. Pretty much shrugged the whole time going "Well, that's one thing that batshit insane people might do"
Read a book about some chick who's uncle runs Scientology and she was raised in the church's ridiculous organization before bolting in her 20s. Really, not as shocking as I'd hoped. Pretty much shrugged the whole time going "Well, that's one thing that batshit insane people might do"
Really hoping Libby or the other recently escaped Phelps daughters does this. Would probably be pretty interesting/disturbing. Would make them some dece money now that their family has disowned them.
Read a book about some chick who's uncle runs Scientology and she was raised in the church's ridiculous organization before bolting in her 20s. Really, not as shocking as I'd hoped. Pretty much shrugged the whole time going "Well, that's one thing that batshit insane people might do"
Really hoping Libby or the other recently escaped Phelps daughters does this. Would probably be pretty interesting/disturbing. Would make them some dece money now that their family has disowned them.
It seems interesting but now that I've read this one, I don't know what the point is. I mean, what in that book is really going to surprise you?
Renowned author Dan Brown woke up in his luxurious four-poster bed in his expensive $10 million house – and immediately he felt angry. Most people would have thought that the 48-year-old man had no reason to be angry. After all, the famous writer had a new book coming out. But that was the problem. A new book meant an inevitable attack on the rich novelist by the wealthy wordsmith’s fiercest foes. The critics.
Renowned author Dan Brown hated the critics. Ever since he had become one of the world’s top renowned authors they had made fun of him. They had mocked bestselling book The Da Vinci Code, successful novel Digital Fortress, popular tome Deception Point, money-spinning volume Angels & Demons and chart-topping work of narrative fiction The Lost Symbol.
The critics said his writing was clumsy, ungrammatical, repetitive and repetitive. They said it was full of unnecessary tautology. They said his prose was swamped in a sea of mixed metaphors. For some reason they found something funny in sentences such as “His eyes went white, like a shark about to attack.” They even say my books are packed with banal and superfluous description, thought the 5ft 9in man. He particularly hated it when they said his imagery was nonsensical. It made his insect eyes flash like a rocket.
Renowned author Dan Brown got out of his luxurious four-poster bed in his expensive $10 million house and paced the bedroom, using the feet located at the ends of his two legs to propel him forwards. He knew he shouldn’t care what a few jealous critics thought. His new book Inferno was coming out on Tuesday, and the 480-page hardback published by Doubleday with a recommended US retail price of $29.95 was sure to be a hit. Wasn’t it?
I’ll call my agent, pondered the prosperous scribe. He reached for the telephone using one of his two hands. “Hello, this is renowned author Dan Brown,” spoke renowned author Dan Brown. “I want to talk to literary agent John Unconvincingname.”
“Mr Unconvincingname, it’s renowned author Dan Brown,” told the voice at the other end of the line. Instantly the voice at the other end of the line was replaced by a different voice at the other end of the line. “Hello, it’s literary agent John Unconvincingname,” informed the new voice at the other end of the line.
“Hello agent John, it’s client Dan,” commented the pecunious scribbler. “I’m worried about new book Inferno. I think critics are going to say it’s badly written.”
The voice at the other end of the line gave a sigh, like a mighty oak toppling into a great river, or something else that didn’t sound like a sigh if you gave it a moment’s thought. “Who cares what the stupid critics say?” advised the literary agent. “They’re just snobs. You have millions of fans.”
That’s true, mused the accomplished composer of thrillers that combined religion, high culture and conspiracy theories. His books were read by everyone from renowned politician President Obama to renowned musician Britney Spears. It was said that a copy of The Da Vinci Code had even found its way into the hands of renowned monarch the Queen. He was grateful for his good fortune, and gave thanks every night in his prayers to renowned deity God.
“Think of all the money you’ve made,” recommended the literary agent. That was true too. The thriving ink-slinger’s wealth had allowed him to indulge his passion for great art. Among his proudest purchases were a specially commissioned landscape by acclaimed painter Vincent van Gogh and a signed first edition by revered scriptwriter William Shakespeare.
Renowned author Dan Brown smiled, the ends of his mouth curving upwards in a physical expression of pleasure. He felt much better. If your books brought innocent delight to millions of readers, what did it matter whether you knew the difference between a transitive and an intransitive verb?
“Thanks, John,” he thanked. Then he put down the telephone and perambulated on foot to the desk behind which he habitually sat on a chair to write his famous books on an Apple iMac MD093B/A computer. New book Inferno, the latest in his celebrated series about fictional Harvard professor Robert Langdon, was inspired by top Italian poet Dante. It wouldn’t be the last in the lucrative sequence, either. He had all the sequels mapped out. The Mozart Acrostic. The Michelangelo Wordsearch. The Newton Sudoku.
The 190lb adult male human being nodded his head to indicate satisfaction and returned to his bedroom by walking there. Still asleep in the luxurious four-poster bed of the expensive $10 million house was beautiful wife Mrs Brown. Renowned author Dan Brown gazed admiringly at the pulchritudinous brunette’s blonde tresses, flowing from her head like a stream but made from hair instead of water and without any fish in. She was as majestic as the finest sculpture by Caravaggio or the most coveted portrait by Rodin. I like the attractive woman, thought the successful man.
Perhaps one day, inspired by beautiful wife Mrs Brown, he would move into romantic poetry, like market-leading British rhymester John Keats. That would be good, opined the talented person, and got back into the luxurious four-poster bed. He felt as happy as a man who has something to be happy about and is suitably happy about it.
Review of Dan Brown's "Inferno":that's great. also makes me feel better for not reading any of his books. :sdeek:QuoteRenowned author Dan Brown woke up in his luxurious four-poster bed in his expensive $10 million house – and immediately he felt angry. Most people would have thought that the 48-year-old man had no reason to be angry. After all, the famous writer had a new book coming out. But that was the problem. A new book meant an inevitable attack on the rich novelist by the wealthy wordsmith’s fiercest foes. The critics.
Renowned author Dan Brown hated the critics. Ever since he had become one of the world’s top renowned authors they had made fun of him. They had mocked bestselling book The Da Vinci Code, successful novel Digital Fortress, popular tome Deception Point, money-spinning volume Angels & Demons and chart-topping work of narrative fiction The Lost Symbol.
The critics said his writing was clumsy, ungrammatical, repetitive and repetitive. They said it was full of unnecessary tautology. They said his prose was swamped in a sea of mixed metaphors. For some reason they found something funny in sentences such as “His eyes went white, like a shark about to attack.” They even say my books are packed with banal and superfluous description, thought the 5ft 9in man. He particularly hated it when they said his imagery was nonsensical. It made his insect eyes flash like a rocket.
Renowned author Dan Brown got out of his luxurious four-poster bed in his expensive $10 million house and paced the bedroom, using the feet located at the ends of his two legs to propel him forwards. He knew he shouldn’t care what a few jealous critics thought. His new book Inferno was coming out on Tuesday, and the 480-page hardback published by Doubleday with a recommended US retail price of $29.95 was sure to be a hit. Wasn’t it?
I’ll call my agent, pondered the prosperous scribe. He reached for the telephone using one of his two hands. “Hello, this is renowned author Dan Brown,” spoke renowned author Dan Brown. “I want to talk to literary agent John Unconvincingname.”
“Mr Unconvincingname, it’s renowned author Dan Brown,” told the voice at the other end of the line. Instantly the voice at the other end of the line was replaced by a different voice at the other end of the line. “Hello, it’s literary agent John Unconvincingname,” informed the new voice at the other end of the line.
“Hello agent John, it’s client Dan,” commented the pecunious scribbler. “I’m worried about new book Inferno. I think critics are going to say it’s badly written.”
The voice at the other end of the line gave a sigh, like a mighty oak toppling into a great river, or something else that didn’t sound like a sigh if you gave it a moment’s thought. “Who cares what the stupid critics say?” advised the literary agent. “They’re just snobs. You have millions of fans.”
That’s true, mused the accomplished composer of thrillers that combined religion, high culture and conspiracy theories. His books were read by everyone from renowned politician President Obama to renowned musician Britney Spears. It was said that a copy of The Da Vinci Code had even found its way into the hands of renowned monarch the Queen. He was grateful for his good fortune, and gave thanks every night in his prayers to renowned deity God.
“Think of all the money you’ve made,” recommended the literary agent. That was true too. The thriving ink-slinger’s wealth had allowed him to indulge his passion for great art. Among his proudest purchases were a specially commissioned landscape by acclaimed painter Vincent van Gogh and a signed first edition by revered scriptwriter William Shakespeare.
Renowned author Dan Brown smiled, the ends of his mouth curving upwards in a physical expression of pleasure. He felt much better. If your books brought innocent delight to millions of readers, what did it matter whether you knew the difference between a transitive and an intransitive verb?
“Thanks, John,” he thanked. Then he put down the telephone and perambulated on foot to the desk behind which he habitually sat on a chair to write his famous books on an Apple iMac MD093B/A computer. New book Inferno, the latest in his celebrated series about fictional Harvard professor Robert Langdon, was inspired by top Italian poet Dante. It wouldn’t be the last in the lucrative sequence, either. He had all the sequels mapped out. The Mozart Acrostic. The Michelangelo Wordsearch. The Newton Sudoku.
The 190lb adult male human being nodded his head to indicate satisfaction and returned to his bedroom by walking there. Still asleep in the luxurious four-poster bed of the expensive $10 million house was beautiful wife Mrs Brown. Renowned author Dan Brown gazed admiringly at the pulchritudinous brunette’s blonde tresses, flowing from her head like a stream but made from hair instead of water and without any fish in. She was as majestic as the finest sculpture by Caravaggio or the most coveted portrait by Rodin. I like the attractive woman, thought the successful man.
Perhaps one day, inspired by beautiful wife Mrs Brown, he would move into romantic poetry, like market-leading British rhymester John Keats. That would be good, opined the talented person, and got back into the luxurious four-poster bed. He felt as happy as a man who has something to be happy about and is suitably happy about it.
Life Before Life
light fun quick easy reads. how awful.
I just ordered: http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties (http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties)
Looks really depressing.
For some reason I never read Call of the Wild. Need something to read now. Worth it? Am I too old?
For some reason I never read Call of the Wild. Need something to read now. Worth it? Am I too old?
For some reason I never read Call of the Wild. Need something to read now. Worth it? Am I too old?
I enjoyed it in my mid 20s. If you like "20 something wandering aimlessly because he doesn't know what his purpose is and can't stand working a 9-5" type books, then you'll like it fine.
For some reason I never read Call of the Wild. Need something to read now. Worth it? Am I too old?
worth it. it's only 84 pages.
For some reason I never read Call of the Wild. Need something to read now. Worth it? Am I too old?
I enjoyed it in my mid 20s. If you like "20 something wandering aimlessly because he doesn't know what his purpose is and can't stand working a 9-5" type books, then you'll like it fine.
are you thinking of Into the Wild?
Just started Pendulum. The first chapter was probably the nerdiest I have ever read outside of a text book.
No hate, just an observation regarding his love affair with points that have no dimension or size and cannot move.
Hang in there, Casey. It's all worthwhile.
KState common book for next year's incoming fresmen is Ready Player One. Anyone read it?
was Pendulum not worthwhile, Mikey?
Just started Pendulum. The first chapter was probably the nerdiest I have ever read outside of a text book.
No hate, just an observation regarding his love affair with points that have no dimension or size and cannot move.
Hang in there, Casey. It's all worthwhile.
I read it a couple of months ago. While not the worst thing I've read, I felt a little let down after the hype here. Very plodding storyline.
while I liked DaVinci Code, and even more so Angels & Demons, Inferno was a let down. Much of the plot was too contrived for my tastes. I know it's "summer reading" but it felt kind of phoned in\, even for Dan Brown.
I started "A Confederacy of Dunces" last night. So far, I enjoy it.
I started "A Confederacy of Dunces" last night. So far, I enjoy it.
Did you know the author killed himself at age 31 in large part because he couldn't get the book published? He died in 1969 and it didn't get published until 1980 thanks to his mother's persistence.
I just ordered: http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties (http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties)
Looks really depressing.
I'm about halfway through, and yeah. Really depressing. Still extremely informative highly recommended to anyone.
I just ordered: http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties (http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties)
Looks really depressing.
I'm about halfway through, and yeah. Really depressing. Still extremely informative highly recommended to anyone.
I am about the same spot and yeah. It is incredible isn't it?
I just ordered: http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties (http://www.amazon.com/Family-Properties-Exploitation-America-ebook/dp/B003EI2EKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363782853&sr=8-2&keywords=family+properties)
Looks really depressing.
I'm about halfway through, and yeah. Really depressing. Still extremely informative highly recommended to anyone.
I am about the same spot and yeah. It is incredible isn't it?
yeah. I read it on Bart and with a heavy dose of of white guilt.
I started "A Confederacy of Dunces" last night. So far, I enjoy it.
Did you know the author killed himself at age 31 in large part because he couldn't get the book published? He died in 1969 and it didn't get published until 1980 thanks to his mother's persistence.
I did. Also, great book.
I started "A Confederacy of Dunces" last night. So far, I enjoy it.
Did you know the author killed himself at age 31 in large part because he couldn't get the book published? He died in 1969 and it didn't get published until 1980 thanks to his mother's persistence.
Did you finish it Mocat????You guys I'm about 80 pages into my 2nd attempt at A Tale of Two Cities. SO good. The first time I tried to read it I was 14 or 15. Too young I guess, because it's great. :D
Oh man, if you like the first 80pgs, you will really love the last 100 or so. :excited:
:thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:
Really interesting book by the British Museum:
A History of the World in 100 objects
Worth a flip through if not a read. It isn't perfect (it is limited to items in the British Museum) but there are some really fascinating things in there and some really moving descriptions of some of the older items.
Really interesting book by the British Museum:
A History of the World in 100 objects
Worth a flip through if not a read. It isn't perfect (it is limited to items in the British Museum) but there are some really fascinating things in there and some really moving descriptions of some of the older items.
This sounds great.
Infinite Jest is exhausting but spectacular. Possibly my favorite book so far, and I'm maybe halfway through it. IT TAKES A LOOOOOOOONG TIME TO READ.
Infinite Jest is exhausting but spectacular. Possibly my favorite book so far, and I'm maybe halfway through it. IT TAKES A LOOOOOOOONG TIME TO READ.
Takes a long time to read because it is almost 1100 pages, or is it written in a way that doesn't read smoothly?
One is a book I would def read, the other is one I def wouldn't.
Infinite Jest is exhausting but spectacular. Possibly my favorite book so far, and I'm maybe halfway through it. IT TAKES A LOOOOOOOONG TIME TO READ.
Takes a long time to read because it is almost 1100 pages, or is it written in a way that doesn't read smoothly?
One is a book I would def read, the other is one I def wouldn't.
A little of both. There are footnotes that you have to read, for example. There's like a 30 page explanation of how Boston AA works. But it's hilarious, and he created a vivid world with fantastic characters.
I'm borrowing it from the library, but I'm thinking of buying it and starting over. I didn't read the footnotes at first, and wish I had.
Yet the nebulous, resolutionless ending serves to underscore Wallace's underlying failure to find a suitable novelistic shape for his ingenious and often outrageously funny material.
Infinite Jest is exhausting but spectacular. Possibly my favorite book so far, and I'm maybe halfway through it. IT TAKES A LOOOOOOOONG TIME TO READ.
Takes a long time to read because it is almost 1100 pages, or is it written in a way that doesn't read smoothly?
One is a book I would def read, the other is one I def wouldn't.
A little of both. There are footnotes that you have to read, for example. There's like a 30 page explanation of how Boston AA works. But it's hilarious, and he created a vivid world with fantastic characters.
I'm borrowing it from the library, but I'm thinking of buying it and starting over. I didn't read the footnotes at first, and wish I had.
watch out rusty :frown:QuoteYet the nebulous, resolutionless ending serves to underscore Wallace's underlying failure to find a suitable novelistic shape for his ingenious and often outrageously funny material.
Infinite Jest is exhausting but spectacular. Possibly my favorite book so far, and I'm maybe halfway through it. IT TAKES A LOOOOOOOONG TIME TO READ.
Infinite Jest is exhausting but spectacular. Possibly my favorite book so far, and I'm maybe halfway through it. IT TAKES A LOOOOOOOONG TIME TO READ.
Skimmed the wikipedia page and it seems very similiar to "Jennifer Government" in regards to the themes of mega corporations. Jennifer Government kinda sucked though.
Infinite Jest is exhausting but spectacular. Possibly my favorite book so far, and I'm maybe halfway through it. IT TAKES A LOOOOOOOONG TIME TO READ.
Takes a long time to read because it is almost 1100 pages, or is it written in a way that doesn't read smoothly?
One is a book I would def read, the other is one I def wouldn't.
A little of both. There are footnotes that you have to read, for example. There's like a 30 page explanation of how Boston AA works. But it's hilarious, and he created a vivid world with fantastic characters.
I'm borrowing it from the library, but I'm thinking of buying it and starting over. I didn't read the footnotes at first, and wish I had.
watch out rusty :frown:QuoteYet the nebulous, resolutionless ending serves to underscore Wallace's underlying failure to find a suitable novelistic shape for his ingenious and often outrageously funny material.
I really don't care how it "ends". I mean, the first chapter is pretty much how it ends up. :dunno:
Infinite Jest is exhausting but spectacular. Possibly my favorite book so far, and I'm maybe halfway through it. IT TAKES A LOOOOOOOONG TIME TO READ.
Takes a long time to read because it is almost 1100 pages, or is it written in a way that doesn't read smoothly?
One is a book I would def read, the other is one I def wouldn't.
A little of both. There are footnotes that you have to read, for example. There's like a 30 page explanation of how Boston AA works. But it's hilarious, and he created a vivid world with fantastic characters.
I'm borrowing it from the library, but I'm thinking of buying it and starting over. I didn't read the footnotes at first, and wish I had.
watch out rusty :frown:QuoteYet the nebulous, resolutionless ending serves to underscore Wallace's underlying failure to find a suitable novelistic shape for his ingenious and often outrageously funny material.
I really don't care how it "ends". I mean, the first chapter is pretty much how it ends up. :dunno:
do they have 29 hour days in almeda? how in gods name do you have the time to do all the stuff you do? drugs?
Infinite Jest is exhausting but spectacular. Possibly my favorite book so far, and I'm maybe halfway through it. IT TAKES A LOOOOOOOONG TIME TO READ.
Takes a long time to read because it is almost 1100 pages, or is it written in a way that doesn't read smoothly?
One is a book I would def read, the other is one I def wouldn't.
A little of both. There are footnotes that you have to read, for example. There's like a 30 page explanation of how Boston AA works. But it's hilarious, and he created a vivid world with fantastic characters.
I'm borrowing it from the library, but I'm thinking of buying it and starting over. I didn't read the footnotes at first, and wish I had.
watch out rusty :frown:QuoteYet the nebulous, resolutionless ending serves to underscore Wallace's underlying failure to find a suitable novelistic shape for his ingenious and often outrageously funny material.
I really don't care how it "ends". I mean, the first chapter is pretty much how it ends up. :dunno:
do they have 29 hour days in almeda? how in gods name do you have the time to do all the stuff you do? drugs?
I've read like 400 pages in 6 weeks. :dunno:
(you can tell from the dates and pace that the beginning of the book is the end)
Infinite Jest is exhausting but spectacular. Possibly my favorite book so far, and I'm maybe halfway through it. IT TAKES A LOOOOOOOONG TIME TO READ.
Takes a long time to read because it is almost 1100 pages, or is it written in a way that doesn't read smoothly?
One is a book I would def read, the other is one I def wouldn't.
A little of both. There are footnotes that you have to read, for example. There's like a 30 page explanation of how Boston AA works. But it's hilarious, and he created a vivid world with fantastic characters.
I'm borrowing it from the library, but I'm thinking of buying it and starting over. I didn't read the footnotes at first, and wish I had.
watch out rusty :frown:QuoteYet the nebulous, resolutionless ending serves to underscore Wallace's underlying failure to find a suitable novelistic shape for his ingenious and often outrageously funny material.
I really don't care how it "ends". I mean, the first chapter is pretty much how it ends up. :dunno:
I'm about half way through Wool Omnibus. I'm really into it. The first "book" really got to me.
I'm about half way through Wool Omnibus. I'm really into it. The first "book" really got to me.
I actually just read this last week. Pretty good story, but sometimes his descriptions of details is a little thesaurus-y and over the top. And we get it, they're climbing lots of stairs, thanks author guy.
Infinite Jest. I like it, but just can't do it right now.
The review on Amazon says that this book isn't for someone who can't devote continued amts of time to it. That is the truth. I don't touch it for days, then pick it up and JFC, what was happening again? I am going to back burner this one until I can own it on a trip or something.
Starting The Son now. will report back. It follows multiple gens of one family through time in Texas from settling it to now. Sounds lame saying it like that, but it has pretty dece reviews.
Infinite Jest. I like it, but just can't do it right now.
The review on Amazon says that this book isn't for someone who can't devote continued amts of time to it. That is the truth. I don't touch it for days, then pick it up and JFC, what was happening again? I am going to back burner this one until I can own it on a trip or something.
Starting The Son now. will report back. It follows multiple gens of one family through time in Texas from settling it to now. Sounds lame saying it like that, but it has pretty dece reviews.
How far did you get?
Personally, I need to be able to put it down from time to time. I can't just sit down and read it for 2 hours. I can maybe read it for 30-45 minutes before I have to do something else.
The reread is interesting, I'm picking up a lot of foretelling and info I missed the first time through.
just finished Lee Child- One Shot (book the movie Jack Reacher is based off)- very good book. will read more Reacher novels.
also about 50 pages into Grisham- The Racketeer. pretty good so far...
Almost done with The Revenge of Geography: What the Map Tells Us About Coming Conflicts and the Battle Against Fate.
Really good book if you are into history and geopolitics.
Also started Superfusion: How China and America Became One Economy and Why the World's Prosperity Depends on It.
Was written by a hedge fund manager who ran a China-US growth fund.
I bet you've either already read The Prize (Yergin) or would really enjoy it.
Have not read it, just ordered it off amazon.
:thumbs:
Started reading it 2 nights ago and am about 100 pages in. REALLY ENJOY IT SO FAR!
Has anyone else read the "Engineers Trilogy" by K.J. Parker? The series starts with Devices and Desires, I thought it was great but apparently the author is too technical in descriptions siege equipment for some...
Finish it out! The full story arc is amazing to contemplate at the end of the series.Has anyone else read the "Engineers Trilogy" by K.J. Parker? The series starts with Devices and Desires, I thought it was great but apparently the author is too technical in descriptions siege equipment for some...
I read the first half of that book a few years ago. Then I moved, and when I unpacked could never find the book. I enjoyed what I read and might get the kindle version.
Has anyone else read the "Engineers Trilogy" by K.J. Parker? The series starts with Devices and Desires, I thought it was great but apparently the author is too technical in descriptions siege equipment for some...
Has anyone else read the "Engineers Trilogy" by K.J. Parker? The series starts with Devices and Desires, I thought it was great but apparently the author is too technical in descriptions siege equipment for some...
Sounds like it might be good and all the books in the series are out. (I have way too many series that I've started and now have to wait for more books.)
So I tried to see if the library had this book. No, they just have this one:
"Devices and desires : a history of contraceptives in America"
http://books.google.com/books/about/Devices_and_Desires.html?id=Im8RdEyDX8cC
Started reading Sleep Doctor this week. It is the sequel to The Shining. About a quarter of the way in and it is a fast read. It has potential, but S hasn't gotten real yet, so we will see.
Did some un-thinkable and AMAZING things during his life.
http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Thunder-Carson-Conquest-American/dp/1400031109 (http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Thunder-Carson-Conquest-American/dp/1400031109)
Didn't I already post this one? Good read for sure. On the drive to Phoenix I told the entire RV the story of Kit Carson. Showed them Mt Taylor on the drive by, etc.
Started reading Sleep Doctor this week. It is the sequel to The Shining. About a quarter of the way in and it is a fast read. It has potential, but S hasn't gotten real yet, so we will see.
so King is basically just collecting checks nowadays. I mean, I am not done with this yet, but I am like 75% through it and it isn't bad, it just isn't anything. It reads quick when you have the time, but I didn't' touch this for quite some time and didn't really miss it. Overall, so far, it's a mild meh.
I'm reading Steven Pressfield's The War of Art currently. It's basically his self-help book for aspiring artist, so I don't know why I'm reading it, but it is interesting.
I'm reading Steven Pressfield's The War of Art currently. It's basically his self-help book for aspiring artist, so I don't know why I'm reading it, but it is interesting.
Have you read any of his other stuff other than Gates of Fire? If so, what and would recommend?
does anyone read the Alex Cross- Patterson series? picked up one a few weeks ago at the airport and cant get into it. also isnt that the movie that like ice cub acted in??
does anyone read the Alex Cross- Patterson series? picked up one a few weeks ago at the airport and cant get into it. also isnt that the movie that like ice cub acted in??
whoops, tyler perry.
I'm reading Steven Pressfield's The War of Art currently. It's basically his self-help book for aspiring artist, so I don't know why I'm reading it, but it is interesting.
Have you read any of his other stuff other than Gates of Fire? If so, what and would recommend?
I have not read any of his other work. The Legend of Bagger Vance, Gates of Fire and The Virtues of War are all on my reading list. I'm planning on picking one to read over winter break when I don't have any required reading for school.
MadAddam trilogy? Not very good...
Infinite Jest is so good. I've reread the first half and am back in new territory.I think I am going to try and read Infinite Jest this Winter.
Thinking Fast and Slow is also pretty good. They cited a paper saying there is no such thing as a hot streak in basketball - what we perceive as streaks are statistically random.
Anyone read Malcolm Gladwell's "David and Goliath" ?it's just ok. i read "blink" first and his other books have been kinda disappointing. you'll learn some interesting stuff that's fun to talk about over beers.
Infinite Jest is so good. I've reread the first half and am back in new territory.I think I am going to try and read Infinite Jest this Winter.
Thinking Fast and Slow is also pretty good. They cited a paper saying there is no such thing as a hot streak in basketball - what we perceive as streaks are statistically random.
Yes I do. You can rent books through most libraries with a kindle as well. If you are going to be carrying your Kindle around with you a lot be prepared for it to break one day.Infinite Jest is so good. I've reread the first half and am back in new territory.I think I am going to try and read Infinite Jest this Winter.
Thinking Fast and Slow is also pretty good. They cited a paper saying there is no such thing as a hot streak in basketball - what we perceive as streaks are statistically random.
Do you have a kindle? I wish I had it on a kindle because of the endnotes. Of course I have three bookmarks so it isn't too bad.
Slightly OT - should I get a kindle? I like the library because I'm cheap, but it's hard to take books like Infinite Jest with me everywhere.
If you are going to be carrying your Kindle around with you a lot be prepared for it to break one day.
Infinite Jest is so good. I've reread the first half and am back in new territory.I think I am going to try and read Infinite Jest this Winter.
Thinking Fast and Slow is also pretty good. They cited a paper saying there is no such thing as a hot streak in basketball - what we perceive as streaks are statistically random.
Do you have a kindle? I wish I had it on a kindle because of the end notes. Of course I have three bookmarks so it isn't too bad.
Slightly OT - should I get a kindle? I like the library because I'm cheap, but it's hard to take books like Infinite Jest with me everywhere.
If you are going to be carrying your Kindle around with you a lot be prepared for it to break one day.
well that's kind of a rough ridin' conundrum now isn't it
I should add that I use the original and don't have a case or anything. They are shockingly small (or at least seemed that way when I got it like 5 years ago.)If you are going to be carrying your Kindle around with you a lot be prepared for it to break one day.
well that's kind of a rough ridin' conundrum now isn't it
I should add that I use the original and don't have a case or anything. They are shockingly small (or at least seemed that way when I got it like 5 years ago.)If you are going to be carrying your Kindle around with you a lot be prepared for it to break one day.
well that's kind of a rough ridin' conundrum now isn't it
Reading "Touching the Void" by Joe Simpson. Saw the movie based on this a few years ago, but the the book definitely has me by the balls and/or vag.
Reading "Touching the Void" by Joe Simpson. Saw the movie based on this a few years ago, but the the book definitely has me by the balls and/or vag.
I have read the book but not yet seen the movie :D I'm glad there was a glossary of all the mountain climbing terms used.
Hmm. I really liked Tipping Point and Outliers a lot too. Haven't read D&G though.Anyone read Malcolm Gladwell's "David and Goliath" ?it's just ok. i read "blink" first and his other books have been kinda disappointing. you'll learn some interesting stuff that's fun to talk about over beers.
Reading "Touching the Void" by Joe Simpson. Saw the movie based on this a few years ago, but the the book definitely has me by the balls and/or vag.
I have a new paper white because my OG kindle got smashed in my suitcase and the screen wigged out. I've read online that amazon will replace your kindle for almost any reason though so I'm going to give that a whirl to have a spare. The paper white is amazing, tho.
It's pretty great.I have a new paper white because my OG kindle got smashed in my suitcase and the screen wigged out. I've read online that amazon will replace your kindle for almost any reason though so I'm going to give that a whirl to have a spare. The paper white is amazing, tho.
the paperwhite is a big upgrade over the regular kindle?
I have a new paper white because my OG kindle got smashed in my suitcase and the screen wigged out. I've read online that amazon will replace your kindle for almost any reason though so I'm going to give that a whirl to have a spare. The paper white is amazing, tho.
the paperwhite is a big upgrade over the regular kindle?
For those that enjoyed the Reacher novels (Lee Child) and Harry Bosch series (Michael Connelly), try John Sandford, both the Lucas Davenport series and the Virgil Flowers books. Also liked David Baldacci Camel Club series and King and Maxwell books. Just started in on Harlan Coben. Read the Myron Bolitar books, thought they were OK.
Another light read that's pretty good is Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicles.
Anyone read Malcolm Gladwell's "David and Goliath" ?it's just ok. i read "blink" first and his other books have been kinda disappointing. you'll learn some interesting stuff that's fun to talk about over beers.
Almost done with The Name of the Wind. I like it. It's in the fantasy genre. I've been really headlong down this path since reading the Game of Thrones series a few years ago. It's strangely satisfying.
Almost done with The Name of the Wind. I like it. It's in the fantasy genre. I've been really headlong down this path since reading the Game of Thrones series a few years ago. It's strangely satisfying.
I'm really into it too Pete. I am currently reading American Gods. It's okay. You should really, really read Joe Abercrombie's First Law books. They are legitimately outstanding, particularly if you like GoTs. The initial trilogy is great (you have to start here), but the best imo is The Heroes. eff that is a great read. You'll burn right through them and then be all sad that there aren't more. Do it!
Almost done with The Name of the Wind. I like it. It's in the fantasy genre. I've been really headlong down this path since reading the Game of Thrones series a few years ago. It's strangely satisfying.
I'm really into it too Pete. I am currently reading American Gods. It's okay. You should really, really read Joe Abercrombie's First Law books. They are legitimately outstanding, particularly if you like GoTs. The initial trilogy is great (you have to start here), but the best imo is The Heroes. eff that is a great read. You'll burn right through them and then be all sad that there aren't more. Do it!
Almost done with The Name of the Wind. I like it. It's in the fantasy genre. I've been really headlong down this path since reading the Game of Thrones series a few years ago. It's strangely satisfying.
I'm really into it too Pete. I am currently reading American Gods. It's okay. You should really, really read Joe Abercrombie's First Law books. They are legitimately outstanding, particularly if you like GoTs. The initial trilogy is great (you have to start here), but the best imo is The Heroes. eff that is a great read. You'll burn right through them and then be all sad that there aren't more. Do it!
I bought the first Abercrombie a couple weeks ago. May try it next.
Almost done with The Name of the Wind. I like it. It's in the fantasy genre. I've been really headlong down this path since reading the Game of Thrones series a few years ago. It's strangely satisfying.
I'm really into it too Pete. I am currently reading American Gods. It's okay. You should really, really read Joe Abercrombie's First Law books. They are legitimately outstanding, particularly if you like GoTs. The initial trilogy is great (you have to start here), but the best imo is The Heroes. eff that is a great read. You'll burn right through them and then be all sad that there aren't more. Do it!
I will definitely read them, thanks!
I have also recently read the Brandon Sanderson "Mistborn" trilogy, and the Brent Weeks "Night Angel" trilogy. They were both enjoyable, but cannot hold a candle to GoTs. Night Angle is a bit better if you like more physical action, and Mistborn is better if you like creative and novel magical theories.
Bread, will do. I bought it based off of this thread and your earlier mention.
Almost done with The Name of the Wind. I like it. It's in the fantasy genre. I've been really headlong down this path since reading the Game of Thrones series a few years ago. It's strangely satisfying.
I'm really into it too Pete. I am currently reading American Gods. It's okay. You should really, really read Joe Abercrombie's First Law books. They are legitimately outstanding, particularly if you like GoTs. The initial trilogy is great (you have to start here), but the best imo is The Heroes. eff that is a great read. You'll burn right through them and then be all sad that there aren't more. Do it!
I will definitely read them, thanks!
I have also recently read the Brandon Sanderson "Mistborn" trilogy, and the Brent Weeks "Night Angel" trilogy. They were both enjoyable, but cannot hold a candle to GoTs. Night Angle is a bit better if you like more physical action, and Mistborn is better if you like creative and novel magical theories.
At first you won't really be impressed, but then when you start to see how well he writes personalities and dialogue/inner monologue, you'll be all "Oh man, excellent! :excited:" There is also violence and complex political intrigue/scheming just like GoT, plus magic type stuff. The violence is better described, more vivid than GRRM does it. Dark adult stuff for sure. I'm excited for you.
Man, I just started the Patrick Rothfuss "Name of the Wind" trilogy, and am contemplating putting it down on moving on to the Abercrombie stuff. That's not really my style, though. I like to pound through the entire series before I move on to another one. This is a pickle.
When will book 3 be out?
Rest assured, as I promised for book 2, when there is news about book 3, I will pass it along. I don’t glean joy from withholding information; when there’s news, I’ll tell you.
it's good. i should have said how much i loved blink. it changed a lot of things for me and the other books have only been very good.Anyone read Malcolm Gladwell's "David and Goliath" ?it's just ok. i read "blink" first and his other books have been kinda disappointing. you'll learn some interesting stuff that's fun to talk about over beers.
just started d&g. seemed interesting.
didn't know there were so many grown men into fantasy books.
didn't know there were so many grown men into fantasy books.
Are you like trying to say they are children or something? Or women? :ck:
For the Fantasy Dorks
I'm really big into Martin's Game of Thrones and Jordan's Wheel of Time stuff. As a teen, I read through the majority of the pulp out there (Forgotten Realms, Salvatore, Eddings, Fiest, etc...).
Rothfuss' stuff is probably the most well written and creative stuff out right now. He's taking FOREVER, but it's simply brilliant. He blows away Sanderson's Mistborn novels. Sanderson is creative, but he's a pretty poor writer. His new series has a lot of promise, but it's almost like he finished the complete butchering of Jordan's world and decided that he wanted to write something more grand. You could cut 700 pages out of The Way of Kings and it would be pretty intriguing. Instead, it's bloated with way too much about bridge runs and pseudo angst.
Rothfuss is wildly creative and has a great style when it comes to prose. He is exactly like Martin in that, except he's more into the imaginary world stuff. I cannot recommend it enough. Read Mistborn when you need filler, read The Name of the Wind when you want to be blown away.
Just finished the new Dark Tower book. It was much better than the last three of the series, IMO. Just a short one that basically tells a couple stories about crap that happened before the DT series starts in The Gunslinger. Really hope that King keeps spitting them out. Should be plenty of possibilities to do similar stories about prequel stuff.it would be nice to get the bitter taste of the ending of that series washed away
Anyway, it's a quick read and enjoyable if you like the DT series.
Are the DT series worth reading?
Mixed bag. The first book is one of my favs. I don't reread many books, but have reread that one several times. The Drawing of The Three was slow. Wizard and Glass was really good. The last three were very forced and sucked balls.
Overall, the first four set up a very good story and King muffed it like crazy on the last 3. You could tell that he just had no idea how to proceed from the middle of the series to the last quarter of the last book. That said, I would read it knowing what I know now.
no dragons tho.
If you enjoyed the political intrigue/scheming of GoT and like historical fiction The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cromwell and subsequent books are easy and straightforward reads. The story is basically how King Alfred united all of England while fighting off the French and Vikings; no dragons tho.
A short history of nearly everything. Bill Bryson. It's not nearly as intimidating as it sounds. It's actually quite an entertaining readI heard it doesn't have a lot of women in it and is a huge sausage fest.
A short history of nearly everything. Bill Bryson. It's not nearly as intimidating as it sounds. It's actually quite an entertaining readI heard it doesn't have a lot of women in it and is a huge sausage fest.
Currently reading 1491:
http://www.amazon.com/1491-Revelations-Americas-Before-Columbus/dp/1400032059
Very interesting so far. Did you realize Squanto (who helped the Pilgrims) had already been to Europe and back before they started Thanksgiving? :Wha:
Currently reading 1491:
http://www.amazon.com/1491-Revelations-Americas-Before-Columbus/dp/1400032059
Very interesting so far. Did you realize Squanto (who helped the Pilgrims) had already been to Europe and back before they started Thanksgiving? :Wha:
Currently reading 1491:
http://www.amazon.com/1491-Revelations-Americas-Before-Columbus/dp/1400032059
Very interesting so far. Did you realize Squanto (who helped the Pilgrims) had already been to Europe and back before they started Thanksgiving? :Wha:
O man, love this stuff! Cant remember the name(1492 maybe?) but I watched a documentary a couple months ago on this exact same subject...One of the things I found interesting was the vast herds of buffalo early pioneers saw were a relatively new occurrence. It was only after European diseases wiped out the Native Americans that the buffalo herds reached such vast numbers.
Also I'm sure its been mentioned but Guns Germs and Steel is a great book as well, just watched the 3 part documentary on Netflix.
Currently reading 1491:
http://www.amazon.com/1491-Revelations-Americas-Before-Columbus/dp/1400032059
Very interesting so far. Did you realize Squanto (who helped the Pilgrims) had already been to Europe and back before they started Thanksgiving? :Wha:
O man, love this stuff! Cant remember the name(1492 maybe?) but I watched a documentary a couple months ago on this exact same subject...One of the things I found interesting was the vast herds of buffalo early pioneers saw were a relatively new occurrence. It was only after European diseases wiped out the Native Americans that the buffalo herds reached such vast numbers.
Also I'm sure its been mentioned but Guns Germs and Steel is a great book as well, just watched the 3 part documentary on Netflix.
I'm quite :dubious: about this. Native Americans didn't become efficient hunters of the buffalo until after they had the horse. It was the horse that enabled the explosion in Native American populations on the prairies.
Most of these fracking suggestions are just to try and show how fancy pantsy these dumb fracks are.
I have a suggestion for you. I heard of this book when listening to the Tony Kornheiser show...he told the listeners that if they bought this book and read it, he'd refund their money if they didn't like it. I bought it and I read it. One of the best fracking books I have ever read.
You will say "holy crap" aloud as you read this book prolly 50 times.
(https://goemaw.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coverbrowser.com%2Fimage%2Fbestselling-mystery-thriller-2008%2F662-5.jpg&hash=809c21068afd1027404d5aefc9de37b6f1f89162)
Most of these fracking suggestions are just to try and show how fancy pantsy these dumb fracks are.
I have a suggestion for you. I heard of this book when listening to the Tony Kornheiser show...he told the listeners that if they bought this book and read it, he'd refund their money if they didn't like it. I bought it and I read it. One of the best fracking books I have ever read.
You will say "holy crap" aloud as you read this book prolly 50 times.
(https://goemaw.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coverbrowser.com%2Fimage%2Fbestselling-mystery-thriller-2008%2F662-5.jpg&hash=809c21068afd1027404d5aefc9de37b6f1f89162)
About 3/4 through Dirty White Boys in just the past 5 days. On Holy crap number 35 or so. Also get questions from Lady BR why I am chuckling every once in a while. Good stuff. Heard lots of his other stuff is good as well.
Currently reading 1491:
http://www.amazon.com/1491-Revelations-Americas-Before-Columbus/dp/1400032059
Very interesting so far. Did you realize Squanto (who helped the Pilgrims) had already been to Europe and back before they started Thanksgiving? :Wha:
O man, love this stuff! Cant remember the name(1492 maybe?) but I watched a documentary a couple months ago on this exact same subject...One of the things I found interesting was the vast herds of buffalo early pioneers saw were a relatively new occurrence. It was only after European diseases wiped out the Native Americans that the buffalo herds reached such vast numbers.
Also I'm sure its been mentioned but Guns Germs and Steel is a great book as well, just watched the 3 part documentary on Netflix.
I'm quite :dubious: about this. Native Americans didn't become efficient hunters of the buffalo until after they had the horse. It was the horse that enabled the explosion in Native American populations on the prairies.
Not saying its the truth just interesting...Also before Native Americans had horses they would drive whole herds of buffalo off cliffs and crap. I Could see how that would help keep the numbers down.
Once, in a dry season, I wrote in large letters across two pages of a notebook that innocence ends when one is stripped of the delusion that one likes oneself. Although now,
some years later, I marvel that a mind on the outs with itself should have nonetheless made painstaking record of its every tremor, I recall with embarrassing clarity the
flavor of those particular ashes. It was a mater of misplaced self-respect.
I had not been elected to Phi Beta Kappa. This failure could scarcely have been more predictable or less ambiguous (I simply did not have the grades), but I was unnerved by it; I had somehow thought myself a kind of academic Raskolnikov, curiously exempt from the cause-effect relationships which hampered others. Although even the humorless nineteen-year-old that I was must have recognized that the situation lacked real tragic stature, the day that I did to make Phi Beta kappa nonetheless marked the end of something, and innocence may well be the word for it. I lost the conviction that lights would always turn green for me, the pleasant certainty that those rather passive virtues which had won me approval as a child automatically guaranteed me not only Phi Beta Kappa keys but happiness, honor, and the love of a good man; lost a certain touching faith in the totem power of good manners, clean hair, and proved competence on the Stanford-Binet scale. To such doubtful amulets had my self-respect been pinned, and I faced myself that day with the nonplussed apprehension of someone who has come across a vampire and has no crucifix at hand.
Although to be driven back upon oneself is an uneasy affair at best, rather like trying to cross a border with borrowed credentials, it seems to me now the one condition necessary to the beginnings of real self-respect. Most of our platitudes notwithstanding, self-deception remains the most difficult deception. The tricks that work on others count for nothing in that well-lit back alley where one keeps assignations with oneself; no winning smiles will do here, no prettily drawn lists of good intentions. One shuffles flashily but in vain through ones’ marked cards the kindness done for the wrong reason, the apparent triumph which involved no real effort, the seemingly heroic act into which one had been shamed. The dismal fact is that self-respect has nothing to do with the approval of others – who we are, after all, deceived easily enough; has nothing to do with reputation, which, as Rhett Butler told Scarlett O’Hara, is something people with courage can do without.
To do without self-respect, on the other hand, is to be an unwilling audience of one to an interminable documentary that deals one’s failings, both real and imagined, with fresh footage spliced in for every screening. There’s the glass you broke in anger, there’s the hurt on X’s face; watch now, this next scene, the night Y came back from Houston, see how you muff this one. To live without self-respect is to lie awake some night, beyond the reach of warm milk, the Phenobarbital, and the sleeping hand on the coverlet, counting up the sins of commissions and omission, the trusts betrayed, the promises subtly broken, the gifts irrevocably wasted through sloth or cowardice, or carelessness. However long we postpone it, we eventually lie down alone in that notoriously uncomfortable bed, the one we make ourselves. Whether or not we sleep in it depends, of course, on whether or not we respect ourselves.
To protest that some fairly improbably people, some people who could not possibly respect themselves, seem to sleep easily enough is to miss the point entirely, as surely as those people miss it who think that self-respect has necessarily to do with not having safety pins in one’s underwear. There is a common superstition that “self-respect” is a kind of charm against snakes, something that keeps those who have it locked in some unblighted Eden, out of strange beds, ambivalent conversations, and trouble in general. It does not at all. It has nothing to do with the face of things, but concerns instead a separate peace, a private reconciliation. Although the careless, suicidal Julian English in Appointment in Samara and the careless, incurably dishonest Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby seem equally improbably candidates for self-respect, Jordan Baker had it, Julian English did not. With that genius for accommodation more often seen in women than men, Jordan took her own measure, made her own peace, avoided threats to that peace: “I hate careless people,” she told Nick Carraway. “It takes two to make an accident.”
Like Jordan Baker, people with self-respect have the courage of their mistakes. They know the price of things. If they choose to commit adultery, they do not then go running, in an access of bad conscience, to receive absolution from the wronged parties; nor do they complain unduly of the unfairness, the undeserved embarrassment, of being named co-respondent. In brief, people with self-respect exhibit a certain toughness, a kind of mortal nerve; they display what was once called character, a quality which, although approved in the abstract, sometimes loses ground to other, more instantly negotiable virtues. The measure of its slipping prestige is that one tends to think of it only in connection with homely children and United States senators who have been defeated, preferably in the primary, for reelection. Nonetheless, character – the willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life – is the source from which self-respect springs.
Self-respect is something that our grandparents, whether or not they had it, knew all about. They had instilled in them, young, a certain discipline, the sense that one lives by doing things one does not particularly want to do, by putting fears and doubts to one side, by weighing immediate comforts against the possibility of larger, even intangible, comforts. It seemed to the nineteenth century admirable, but not remarkable, that Chinese Gordon put on a clean white suit and held Khartoum against the Mahdi; it did not seem unjust that the way to free land in California involved death and difficulty and dirt. In a diary kept during the winter of 1846, an emigrating twelve-yaer-old named Narcissa Cornwall noted coolly: “Father was busy reading and did not notice that the house was being filled with strange Indians until Mother spoke out about it.” Even lacking any clue as to what Mother said, one can scarcely fail to be impressed by the entire incident: the father reading, the Indians filing in, the mother choosing the words that would not alarm, the child duly recording the event and noting further that those particular Indians were not, “fortunately for us,” hostile. Indians were simply part of the donnee.
In one guise or another, Indians always are. Again, it is a question of recognizing that anything worth having has its price. People who respect themselves are willing to accept the risk that the Indians will be hostile, that the venture will go bankrupt, that the liaison may not turn out to be one in which every day is a holiday because you’re married to me. They are willing to invest something of themselves; they may not play at all, but when they do play, they know the odds.
That kind of self-respect is a discipline, a habit of mind that can never be faked but can be developed, trained, coaxed forth. It was once suggested to me that, as an antidote to crying, I put my had in a paper bag. As it happens, there is a sound physiological reason, something to do with oxygen, for doing exactly that, but the psychological effect alone is incalculable: it is difficult bin the extreme to continue fancying oneself Cathy in Wuthering Heights with ones head in a Food Fair bag. There is a similar case for all the small disciplines, unimportant in themselves; imagine maintaining any kind of swoon, commiserative or carnal, in a cold shower.
But those small disciplines are valuable only insofar as they represent larger ones. To say that Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton is not to say that Napoleon might have been saved by a crash program in cricket; to give formal dinners in the rain forest would be pointless did not the candlelight flickering on the liana call forth deeper, stronger disciplines, values instilled long before. It is a kind of ritual, helping us to remember who and what we are. In order to remember it, one must have known it.
To have that sense of one’s intrinsic worth which constitutes self-respect is potentially to have everything: the ability to discriminate, to love and to remain indifferent. To lack it is to be locked within oneself, paradoxically incapable of either love or indifference. If we do not respect ourselves, we are the one hand forced to despise those who have so few resources as to consort with us, so little perception as to remain blind to our fatal weaknesses. On the other, we are peculiarly in thrall to everyone we see, curiously determined to live out – since our self-image is untenable – their false notion of us. We flatter ourselves by thinking this compulsion to please others an attractive trait: a gist for imaginative empathy, evidence of our willingness to give. Of course I will play Francesca to your Paolo, Helen Keller to anyone’s Annie Sullivan; no expectation is too misplaced, no role too ludicrous. At the mercy of those we cannot but hold in contempt, we play roles doomed to failure before they are begun, each defeat generating fresh despair at the urgency of divining and meting the next demand made upon us.
It is the phenomenon sometimes called “alienation from self.” In its advanced stages, we no longer answer the telephone, because someone might want something; that we could say no without drowning in self-reproach is an idea alien to this game. Every encounter demands to much, tears the nerves, drains the will, and the specter of something as small as an unanswered letter arouses such disproportionate guilt that answering it becomes out of the question. To assign unanswered letters their proper weight, to free us from the expectations of others, to give us back to ourselves – there lies the great, the singular power of self-respect. Without it, one eventually discovers the final turn of the screw: one runs away to find oneself, and finds no one at home.
if you read that essay or book let me know and i will buy you a beer so we can talk about it.
if you read that essay or book let me know and i will buy you a beer so we can talk about it.
i think sys and mich. and other californiacats would appreciate the books CA-based essays.
:thumbs: yes, tomorrow.if you read that essay or book let me know and i will buy you a beer so we can talk about it.
Really liked that essay, thanks for sharing. I guess you owe me a beer now. Tomorrow?
i'll read that thing you posted sometime, bubs:thumbs:
For the Fantasy Dorks
I'm really big into Martin's Game of Thrones and Jordan's Wheel of Time stuff. As a teen, I read through the majority of the pulp out there (Forgotten Realms, Salvatore, Eddings, Fiest, etc...).
Rothfuss' stuff is probably the most well written and creative stuff out right now. He's taking FOREVER, but it's simply brilliant. He blows away Sanderson's Mistborn novels. Sanderson is creative, but he's a pretty poor writer. His new series has a lot of promise, but it's almost like he finished the complete butchering of Jordan's world and decided that he wanted to write something more grand. You could cut 700 pages out of The Way of Kings and it would be pretty intriguing. Instead, it's bloated with way too much about bridge runs and pseudo angst.
Rothfuss is wildly creative and has a great style when it comes to prose. He is exactly like Martin in that, except he's more into the imaginary world stuff. I cannot recommend it enough. Read Mistborn when you need filler, read The Name of the Wind when you want to be blown away.
If you haven't read Abercrombie, then you can go ahead and just shut your rough ridin' face. GRRM and Abercrombie are the best. Maybe this Rothfuss guy is good too. Pete seems to like him. I'm not touching it until he finishes.
Most of these fracking suggestions are just to try and show how fancy pantsy these dumb fracks are.
I have a suggestion for you. I heard of this book when listening to the Tony Kornheiser show...he told the listeners that if they bought this book and read it, he'd refund their money if they didn't like it. I bought it and I read it. One of the best fracking books I have ever read.
You will say "holy crap" aloud as you read this book prolly 50 times.
(https://goemaw.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coverbrowser.com%2Fimage%2Fbestselling-mystery-thriller-2008%2F662-5.jpg&hash=809c21068afd1027404d5aefc9de37b6f1f89162)
About 3/4 through Dirty White Boys in just the past 5 days. On Holy crap number 35 or so. Also get questions from Lady BR why I am chuckling every once in a while. Good stuff. Heard lots of his other stuff is good as well.
my god what a bunch of showoffs
my god what a bunch of showoffs
Are you jealous? :D
just finished my third Jack Reacher, Lee Child novel. theyre pretty good but I need a break from Jack. should I read "Dirty White Boys" next?
I have purchased Dirty White Boys on my Kindle. It better be rough ridin' good, if it's anything like the movie Shooter, heads will roll.
For the Fantasy Dorks
I'm really big into Martin's Game of Thrones and Jordan's Wheel of Time stuff. As a teen, I read through the majority of the pulp out there (Forgotten Realms, Salvatore, Eddings, Fiest, etc...).
Rothfuss' stuff is probably the most well written and creative stuff out right now. He's taking FOREVER, but it's simply brilliant. He blows away Sanderson's Mistborn novels. Sanderson is creative, but he's a pretty poor writer. His new series has a lot of promise, but it's almost like he finished the complete butchering of Jordan's world and decided that he wanted to write something more grand. You could cut 700 pages out of The Way of Kings and it would be pretty intriguing. Instead, it's bloated with way too much about bridge runs and pseudo angst.
Rothfuss is wildly creative and has a great style when it comes to prose. He is exactly like Martin in that, except he's more into the imaginary world stuff. I cannot recommend it enough. Read Mistborn when you need filler, read The Name of the Wind when you want to be blown away.
If you haven't read Abercrombie, then you can go ahead and just shut your rough ridin' face. GRRM and Abercrombie are the best. Maybe this Rothfuss guy is good too. Pete seems to like him. I'm not touching it until he finishes.
I caved and started the second Rothfuss book. It's really good. I'll be done by the end of the week, then I start Abercrombie. I'M TRUSTING YOU BREAD!
I am reading way too much about nazis please get me out of this guysrecommend me the best book about the nuremberg trials and i'll see what i can do.
Has anyone read Sycamore Row by John Grisham?
Reading The Blade Itself now. Only about 8% into it so far.i'm like 4/5ths through that now. Coworker told me the first book is mostly build up.
Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk 2
I am reading way too much about nazis please get me out of this guysrecommend me the best book about the nuremberg trials and i'll see what i can do.
I am reading way too much about nazis please get me out of this guysthe giver
i was hoping that you'd read a book about the trials already. i really think you should read Slouching Towards Bethlehem.Are you trying to help? I am now googling books over Nuremberg.I am reading way too much about nazis please get me out of this guysrecommend me the best book about the nuremberg trials and i'll see what i can do.
The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich is derivative from Nuremberg and references quotes and commentary on the quotes but it it not about Nuremberg.
PETE WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!?!?!
Reading The Blade Itself now. Only about 8% into it so far.i'm like 4/5ths through that now. Coworker told me the first book is mostly build up.
Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk 2
I have purchased Dirty White Boys on my Kindle. It better be rough ridin' good, if it's anything like the movie Shooter, heads will roll.
Come post back here after you read the first 2-4 pages. :sdeek:
Also, the book that Shooter is based on is actually not bad, but it's different than Dirty White Boys. Stephen Hunter tends to get really specific about guns and action and stuff. He's like a Tom Clancy on the technical detail, but then mixed with a Stephen King when it comes to his willingness to go into graphic detail on really mumped sex and violence stuff.
I have purchased Dirty White Boys on my Kindle. It better be rough ridin' good, if it's anything like the movie Shooter, heads will roll.
Come post back here after you read the first 2-4 pages. :sdeek:
Also, the book that Shooter is based on is actually not bad, but it's different than Dirty White Boys. Stephen Hunter tends to get really specific about guns and action and stuff. He's like a Tom Clancy on the technical detail, but then mixed with a Stephen King when it comes to his willingness to go into graphic detail on really mumped sex and violence stuff.
Yes you will enjoy Dirty White Boys, I am now about 3/4 through Point of Impact(shooter) and its pretty darn good. Wish I hadn't seen the movie because i'm sure it would be better without knowing generally what was going to happen. Will surely read some more of his stuff. While it's not intellectual show-off stuff, its very entertaining and that's really all I am going for. Thanks Pete :thumbsup:
PETE WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!?!?!
Starts off with bang, eh? :fatty:
Any more Lewis and Clark or Custer or development of the west historical type books? Books I've read in this genre:
Blood and Thunder (Kit Carson/Santa Fe Trail/Navajos)
Empire of the Summer Moon (about Comanches)
Undaunted Courage (Lewis and Clark expedition)
Crazy Horse and Custer
Wooden Leg (biography of a Cherokee who was at Custer's Last Stand)
I'd really love to read about stuff more specific to Kansas frontier history. I like driving around out west and driving over a river and remembering that so-and-so indians camped along this river right before this one big thing.
Any more Lewis and Clark or Custer or development of the west historical type books? Books I've read in this genre:
Blood and Thunder (Kit Carson/Santa Fe Trail/Navajos)
Empire of the Summer Moon (about Comanches)
Undaunted Courage (Lewis and Clark expedition)
Crazy Horse and Custer
Wooden Leg (biography of a Cherokee who was at Custer's Last Stand)
I'd really love to read about stuff more specific to Kansas frontier history. I like driving around out west and driving over a river and remembering that so-and-so indians camped along this river right before this one big thing.
Not exactly like what you're looking for, but it's in that vein:
http://www.amazon.com/1491-Revelations-Americas-Before-Columbus/dp/1400032059/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389284996&sr=8-1&keywords=1491
I'm about halfway through and really enjoy it.
Recommend me the best book about Ireland v N Ireland, The Troubles, historical background, etc. TIA gE!
Any more Lewis and Clark or Custer or development of the west historical type books? Books I've read in this genre:
Blood and Thunder (Kit Carson/Santa Fe Trail/Navajos)
Empire of the Summer Moon (about Comanches)
Undaunted Courage (Lewis and Clark expedition)
Crazy Horse and Custer
Wooden Leg (biography of a Cherokee who was at Custer's Last Stand)
I'd really love to read about stuff more specific to Kansas frontier history. I like driving around out west and driving over a river and remembering that so-and-so indians camped along this river right before this one big thing.
Not exactly like what you're looking for, but it's in that vein:
http://www.amazon.com/1491-Revelations-Americas-Before-Columbus/dp/1400032059/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389284996&sr=8-1&keywords=1491
I'm about halfway through and really enjoy it.
Any more Lewis and Clark or Custer or development of the west historical type books? Books I've read in this genre:
Blood and Thunder (Kit Carson/Santa Fe Trail/Navajos)
Empire of the Summer Moon (about Comanches)
Undaunted Courage (Lewis and Clark expedition)
Crazy Horse and Custer
Wooden Leg (biography of a Cherokee who was at Custer's Last Stand)
I'd really love to read about stuff more specific to Kansas frontier history. I like driving around out west and driving over a river and remembering that so-and-so indians camped along this river right before this one big thing.
PETE!!!!!!! :shakesfist: :shakesfist: :shakesfist:
I thought the same about River of Doubt. TR can inspire you to do manly things.Any more Lewis and Clark or Custer or development of the west historical type books? Books I've read in this genre:
Blood and Thunder (Kit Carson/Santa Fe Trail/Navajos)
Empire of the Summer Moon (about Comanches)
Undaunted Courage (Lewis and Clark expedition)
Crazy Horse and Custer
Wooden Leg (biography of a Cherokee who was at Custer's Last Stand)
I'd really love to read about stuff more specific to Kansas frontier history. I like driving around out west and driving over a river and remembering that so-and-so indians camped along this river right before this one big thing.
Tangentially related:
River of Doubt is about Teddy Roosevelt exploring the Amazon and I thought it was excellent.
Also:
Villa and Zapata : A History of the Mexican Revolution
For the Fantasy Dorks
I'm really big into Martin's Game of Thrones and Jordan's Wheel of Time stuff. As a teen, I read through the majority of the pulp out there (Forgotten Realms, Salvatore, Eddings, Fiest, etc...).
Rothfuss' stuff is probably the most well written and creative stuff out right now. He's taking FOREVER, but it's simply brilliant. He blows away Sanderson's Mistborn novels. Sanderson is creative, but he's a pretty poor writer. His new series has a lot of promise, but it's almost like he finished the complete butchering of Jordan's world and decided that he wanted to write something more grand. You could cut 700 pages out of The Way of Kings and it would be pretty intriguing. Instead, it's bloated with way too much about bridge runs and pseudo angst.
Rothfuss is wildly creative and has a great style when it comes to prose. He is exactly like Martin in that, except he's more into the imaginary world stuff. I cannot recommend it enough. Read Mistborn when you need filler, read The Name of the Wind when you want to be blown away.
If you haven't read Abercrombie, then you can go ahead and just shut your rough ridin' face. GRRM and Abercrombie are the best. Maybe this Rothfuss guy is good too. Pete seems to like him. I'm not touching it until he finishes.
I caved and started the second Rothfuss book. It's really good. I'll be done by the end of the week, then I start Abercrombie. I'M TRUSTING YOU BREAD!
You are in for a treat then. I started rereading them and they're still great.
For the Fantasy Dorks
I'm really big into Martin's Game of Thrones and Jordan's Wheel of Time stuff. As a teen, I read through the majority of the pulp out there (Forgotten Realms, Salvatore, Eddings, Fiest, etc...).
Rothfuss' stuff is probably the most well written and creative stuff out right now. He's taking FOREVER, but it's simply brilliant. He blows away Sanderson's Mistborn novels. Sanderson is creative, but he's a pretty poor writer. His new series has a lot of promise, but it's almost like he finished the complete butchering of Jordan's world and decided that he wanted to write something more grand. You could cut 700 pages out of The Way of Kings and it would be pretty intriguing. Instead, it's bloated with way too much about bridge runs and pseudo angst.
Rothfuss is wildly creative and has a great style when it comes to prose. He is exactly like Martin in that, except he's more into the imaginary world stuff. I cannot recommend it enough. Read Mistborn when you need filler, read The Name of the Wind when you want to be blown away.
Any good evolutionary psychology books?"The Intelligence Paradox" is very fun and will make you feel smart. As we've discussed, the author is a racist and there are a couple of paragraphs that will make you shake your head but the shitty stuff is all opinion/conclusion, the science is very fun. Don't buy a new copy and you won't be funding him.
Have read "Social Conquest of Earth" and "Thinking Fast and Slow" recently and really enjoy the general subjects addressed.
I'm done with nazis. Probably going to read a couple of instructional books on bridge.
I'm done with nazis. Probably going to read a couple of instructional books on bridge.
For the Fantasy Dorks
I'm really big into Martin's Game of Thrones and Jordan's Wheel of Time stuff. As a teen, I read through the majority of the pulp out there (Forgotten Realms, Salvatore, Eddings, Fiest, etc...).
Rothfuss' stuff is probably the most well written and creative stuff out right now. He's taking FOREVER, but it's simply brilliant. He blows away Sanderson's Mistborn novels. Sanderson is creative, but he's a pretty poor writer. His new series has a lot of promise, but it's almost like he finished the complete butchering of Jordan's world and decided that he wanted to write something more grand. You could cut 700 pages out of The Way of Kings and it would be pretty intriguing. Instead, it's bloated with way too much about bridge runs and pseudo angst.
Rothfuss is wildly creative and has a great style when it comes to prose. He is exactly like Martin in that, except he's more into the imaginary world stuff. I cannot recommend it enough. Read Mistborn when you need filler, read The Name of the Wind when you want to be blown away.
If you haven't read Abercrombie, then you can go ahead and just shut your rough ridin' face. GRRM and Abercrombie are the best. Maybe this Rothfuss guy is good too. Pete seems to like him. I'm not touching it until he finishes.
I caved and started the second Rothfuss book. It's really good. I'll be done by the end of the week, then I start Abercrombie. I'M TRUSTING YOU BREAD!
You are in for a treat then. I started rereading them and they're still great.
The first one (the Blade itself) was pretty good, and I just started the second one and it seems like it might be better. I saw where someone else posted that the first one is a lot of character background.
I'm done with nazis. Probably going to read a couple of instructional books on bridge.
are you 70 years old?
50% of the way through the second Abercrombie book, I love the three pronged story covering the converging wars. The battle descriptions are awesome, and the internal monologue of Glotka is a lot of fun to read....I find myself most attached to Glotka, Logan the Northman, and the band of Threetrees, Dogman, Dow, and Grim.
I'm done with nazis. Probably going to read a couple of instructional books on bridge.
are you 70 years old?
Yeah, I like Glokta and Logen once you figure out why/how he's as great a warrior as he is. I liked the little mythology he created as well and how he only gives you just a taste and leaves you wanting so much more. Makes for some motivated reading, at least it did for me. I love back story though. Complete sucker for it. I also like the backdrop of all the political intrigue, betrayals and power grabbing. Fun climate for a story. Keeps you guessing right along with the main characters.
Yeah, I like Glokta and Logen once you figure out why/how he's as great a warrior as he is. I liked the little mythology he created as well and how he only gives you just a taste and leaves you wanting so much more. Makes for some motivated reading, at least it did for me. I love back story though. Complete sucker for it. I also like the backdrop of all the political intrigue, betrayals and power grabbing. Fun climate for a story. Keeps you guessing right along with the main characters.
Started Abercrombie's third book in the series this weekend....really, really enjoying this series. I don't know what I'll do when this one is done, have nothing in my on-deck circle. :frown:
i am about halfway through the girl who kicked the hornet's nest, and it is by far my favorite of the trilogy so far
I'm reading Nate Silver's "Signal and the Noise". Love crap like that.
I finally finished Infinite Jest. I want to start reading it again immediately. Crazy.
the first one is pretty much all about sexual violence against women
the second one is pretty much revenge and stuff
the third one is completely an espionage novel
I finally finished Infinite Jest. I want to start reading it again immediately. Crazy.
Started reading this, got about 30 pages in and I really hate how there are no paragraphs, just straight blocks of text.
the first one is pretty much all about sexual violence against women
the second one is pretty much revenge and stuff
the third one is completely an espionage novel
i started reading these on a friday night and ended up taking a vacation day on monday :users:
i hardly ever read but when i do it's with extreme aggression
Read 2666, whew that was an experience. Pretty great imo, the scope was so huge.
The Millions ? @The_Millions
Follow
(•_•)
<) )?I've actually
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( (> Read
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(•_•)
<) )> Infinite Jest
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Also once you finish I will tell you my biggest gripe with the books and it's Logen related. Got right in my craw after the fact.
Hold off for a couple days. About 60% through book three.Also once you finish I will tell you my biggest gripe with the books and it's Logen related. Got right in my craw after the fact.
FINISHED! What was your gripe?
Hold off for a couple days. About 60% through book three.Also once you finish I will tell you my biggest gripe with the books and it's Logen related. Got right in my craw after the fact.
FINISHED! What was your gripe?
Nope, its going to happen pretty soon. Have you?Read 2666, whew that was an experience. Pretty great imo, the scope was so huge.
Thinking about reading this next. Have you read Savage Detectives?
Hold off for a couple days. About 60% through book three.Also once you finish I will tell you my biggest gripe with the books and it's Logen related. Got right in my craw after the fact.
FINISHED! What was your gripe?
Hold off for a couple days. About 60% through book three.Also once you finish I will tell you my biggest gripe with the books and it's Logen related. Got right in my craw after the fact.
FINISHED! What was your gripe?
:impatient:
Just finished. Decent books
Just finished. Decent books
I liked Patrick Rothfuss' unfinished series better (the first one is called Name of the Wind). But, I did enjoy reading this series too. I started his next stand alone book and am enjoying it so far.
I finally started making a list of all the books I'm finishing this year. Here's what I've knocked out:
1491
Infinite Jest (Obviously started last year)
This Town
The Crying of Lot 49
Signal and the Noise
Persuasion Nation
The Orphan Master's Son
Currently on "The Invisible Gorilla", which is more or less about the limits the human brain has paying attention. Also reading 2666.
Looking for interesting non-fiction works like Freakonomics or anything by Gladwell. Bonus points for economists or statisticians who write in plain American. TIA.
Looking for interesting non-fiction works like Freakonomics or anything by Gladwell. Bonus points for economists or statisticians who write in plain American. TIA.
Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver.
Looking for interesting non-fiction works like Freakonomics or anything by Gladwell. Bonus points for economists or statisticians who write in plain American. TIA.
Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver.
When I hear the noise "Nate Silver," my brain receives a signal that suggests politics, and I'm not looking for that. Am I wrong? Also, I saw that suggestion above and thought it was a Faulkner novel...
Looking for interesting non-fiction works like Freakonomics or anything by Gladwell. Bonus points for economists or statisticians who write in plain American. TIA.
Looking for interesting non-fiction works like Freakonomics or anything by Gladwell. Bonus points for economists or statisticians who write in plain American. TIA.
If you have any connection with KC you might enjoy "The Mafia and the Machine." It's a history of the mob in KC, and their relationship with politics in the area. Very interesting stuff.
Looking for interesting non-fiction works like Freakonomics or anything by Gladwell. Bonus points for economists or statisticians who write in plain American. TIA.
I liked Patrick Rothfuss' unfinished series better (the first one is called Name of the Wind). But, I did enjoy reading this series too. I started his next stand alone book and am enjoying it so far.
Not sure if this the right place to put this.
http://elitedaily.com/news/technology/this-insane-new-app-will-allow-you-to-read-novels-in-under-90-minutes/ (http://elitedaily.com/news/technology/this-insane-new-app-will-allow-you-to-read-novels-in-under-90-minutes/)
Looking for interesting non-fiction works like Freakonomics or anything by Gladwell. Bonus points for economists or statisticians who write in plain American. TIA.
Naked Economics, wonderful book. Economics in plain English. As a bonus, he just put out a book in the same style on statistics. It's good too.I liked Patrick Rothfuss' unfinished series better (the first one is called Name of the Wind). But, I did enjoy reading this series too. I started his next stand alone book and am enjoying it so far.
Some of the best stuff I've read in a long time when it comes to epic fantasy. Pretty easy to see two trilogies that will form the entire story and it will kick so much ass. Waiting between the books, as Rothfuss is on Jordan/Martin time, will not be so much fun.
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Does the fact that I don't generally like reading books written by women reflect poorly on me?
Does the fact that I don't generally like reading books written by women reflect poorly on me?
Do you not like books written by women or just books written from a female's POV?
I read More Bears w my son last night. Just fantastic.
I read More Bears w my son last night. Just fantastic.
skippyjon is where its at.
I read More Bears w my son last night. Just fantastic.
skippyjon is where its at.
borderline racist imo
I wanted to murder the author of the Junie B. Jones books when my kid couldn't get enough them and then she actually died :frown:I read More Bears w my son last night. Just fantastic.
skippyjon is where its at.
borderline racist imo
I wanted to murder the author of the Junie B. Jones books when my kid couldn't get enough them and then she actually died :frown:I read More Bears w my son last night. Just fantastic.
skippyjon is where its at.
borderline racist imo
The Assassination of Julius Caesar is really good. It is a revisionist history of the late Roman republic, why Julius Caesar was assassinated and why the Republic failed.
The Assassination of Julius Caesar is really good. It is a revisionist history of the late Roman republic, why Julius Caesar was assassinated and why the Republic failed.
Verdict?
I meant more why did the republic fail...Ceasar was dead long before the republic failed so I see them as unrelated.
He is very lucky Foster is a total badassI wanted to murder the author of the Junie B. Jones books when my kid couldn't get enough them and then she actually died :frown:I read More Bears w my son last night. Just fantastic.
skippyjon is where its at.
borderline racist imo
How do you feel about oscar?
He is very lucky Foster is a total badassI wanted to murder the author of the Junie B. Jones books when my kid couldn't get enough them and then she actually died :frown:I read More Bears w my son last night. Just fantastic.
skippyjon is where its at.
borderline racist imo
How do you feel about oscar?
I read More Bears w my son last night. Just fantastic.
skippyjon is where its at.
borderline racist imo
I meant more why did the republic fail...Ceasar was dead long before the republic failed so I see them as unrelated.
Rome wasn't a republic when it fell, so that may be what is causing the confusion.
I read More Bears w my son last night. Just fantastic.
skippyjon is where its at.
borderline racist imo
i would maybe even take out the borderline. put that aside and i still think sjj books are garbage. not a fan.
I stayed up last night past 3 finishing Lone Survivor. Which is pretty late for me, normally a 1030 or 11pm kinda guy. Anyway it was a good read and I would recommend to people who like military works. These guys are/were tougher than crap. Tough to really imagine, and I'm somewhat left wondering how much is exaggerated or flat out false, because he was the only one who lived to tell about it. I do wish it had more in the way of maps, photographs, etc, but I'm sure it wasn't really supposed to be a book like that. I read it on Kindle, so I'm surprised there wasn't an Afterword II that told of Lutrell's murder.
I stayed up last night past 3 finishing Lone Survivor. Which is pretty late for me, normally a 1030 or 11pm kinda guy. Anyway it was a good read and I would recommend to people who like military works. These guys are/were tougher than crap. Tough to really imagine, and I'm somewhat left wondering how much is exaggerated or flat out false, because he was the only one who lived to tell about it. I do wish it had more in the way of maps, photographs, etc, but I'm sure it wasn't really supposed to be a book like that. I read it on Kindle, so I'm surprised there wasn't an Afterword II that told of Lutrell's murder.
After thinking about this book over lunch, I have decided it is fiction. It's not a biography, not a non-fiction piece at all.
I am going to read this
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Actually, I will probably get it on audio. I like to listen to non-fiction on Audio when I do other stuff.
the book has and will change my life and the way i approach a lot of things.
i tend to overrate things (movies, songs and books) in the moment, but i just finished ...
i tend to overrate things (movies, songs and books) in the moment, but i just finished ...
Stopped reading here.
Just ordered The Signal and the Noise, Naked Statistics, and the first GoT book :sdeek: Need to stock up on material for my vacay.
Just ordered the first GoT book :sdeek:
Just ordered the first GoT book :sdeek:
you just want to find out who littlefinger is don't you
Yeah, I like Glokta and Logen once you figure out why/how he's as great a warrior as he is. I liked the little mythology he created as well and how he only gives you just a taste and leaves you wanting so much more. Makes for some motivated reading, at least it did for me. I love back story though. Complete sucker for it. I also like the backdrop of all the political intrigue, betrayals and power grabbing. Fun climate for a story. Keeps you guessing right along with the main characters.
Started Abercrombie's third book in the series this weekend....really, really enjoying this series. I don't know what I'll do when this one is done, have nothing in my on-deck circle. :frown:
He has three more. Best Served Cold, The Heroes and Red Country (in order). They follow the original three. Some lesser characters with expanded roles (e.g., Shivers, Cosca, Gorst, Calder) and of course new characters and settings. The Heroes might have been my favorite out of all his books. Best Served Cold is solid. Red Country is his worst book imo.
I read Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential over my vacation. It read quick and I was interested in it was basically half cool stuff and half him repeating how his kitchen coworkers are a bunch of misfits and outsiders over and over and over and over and over.
Still worth the read, though, if you like to cook.
I read Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential over my vacation. It read quick and I was interested in it was basically half cool stuff and half him repeating how his kitchen coworkers are a bunch of misfits and outsiders over and over and over and over and over.
Still worth the read, though, if you like to cook.
his fiction isn't half bad either.
I am looking for a good food book. I'll probably just finally read kitchen confidential. There is some reluctant chef book that amazon keeps pushing though that it may just sell me on.
Bourdain's fiction isn't bad either...
Who has read Infinite Jest? Is it worth the 1000+ pages?
Who has read Infinite Jest? Is it worth the 1000+ pages?
Last night I finished Ready Player One. Really interesting book to read. It creates an extremely vivid online world with and is dense with 80s references. I'm probably a little too old for the targeted crowd, but had a blast reading it. Worth a read if anyone was on the fence about it.
Last night I finished Ready Player One. Really interesting book to read. It creates an extremely vivid online world with and is dense with 80s references. I'm probably a little too old for the targeted crowd, but had a blast reading it. Worth a read if anyone was on the fence about it.
I've posted several times that it's my favorite book. IIRC it takes about 250 pages before things start to make sense and take hold of most people.how much does its length have to do with how much you like it?
I've posted several times that it's my favorite book. IIRC it takes about 250 pages before things start to make sense and take hold of most people.how much does its length have to do with how much you like it?
primarily, i was asking how the length helped character and setting development. but i was also asking if knowing that you completed a difficult read added much to your opinion of the book. both questions are serious and not intended to be rude. i ask the second one because i ask it to myself about a lot of literature.I've posted several times that it's my favorite book. IIRC it takes about 250 pages before things start to make sense and take hold of most people.how much does its length have to do with how much you like it?
Not sure exactly what this question means, but the length enables Wallace to create a lot of fantastic character and setting development.
Last night I finished Ready Player One. Really interesting book to read. It creates an extremely vivid online world with and is dense with 80s references. I'm probably a little too old for the targeted crowd, but had a blast reading it. Worth a read if anyone was on the fence about it.
Daemon and the sequel are also pretty decent and somewhat similar.
primarily, i was asking how the length helped character and setting development. but i was also asking if knowing that you completed a difficult read added much to your opinion of the book. both questions are serious and not intended to be rude. i ask the second one because i ask it to myself about a lot of literature.I've posted several times that it's my favorite book. IIRC it takes about 250 pages before things start to make sense and take hold of most people.how much does its length have to do with how much you like it?
Not sure exactly what this question means, but the length enables Wallace to create a lot of fantastic character and setting development.
I've posted several times that it's my favorite book. IIRC it takes about 250 pages before things start to make sense and take hold of most people.how much does its length have to do with how much you like it?
I've posted several times that it's my favorite book. IIRC it takes about 250 pages before things start to make sense and take hold of most people.how much does its length have to do with how much you like it?
Bubbles NO! :sdeek:
makes sense. i'd like to read it, but i don't have the attention span for a long intro. i frequently take long drives so i looked into an audiobook version....59 hours without any of the 386 footnotes which apparently are very important. :horrorsurprise:primarily, i was asking how the length helped character and setting development. but i was also asking if knowing that you completed a difficult read added much to your opinion of the book. both questions are serious and not intended to be rude. i ask the second one because i ask it to myself about a lot of literature.I've posted several times that it's my favorite book. IIRC it takes about 250 pages before things start to make sense and take hold of most people.how much does its length have to do with how much you like it?
Not sure exactly what this question means, but the length enables Wallace to create a lot of fantastic character and setting development.
It just creates massive amounts of detail. Some of it probably isn't necessary, but I think some of the more difficult portions makes you appreciate the great passages more than I you would if they were on their own. And when you consider the main storyline, it's pretty amazing.
I was about halfway through when I realized it was my favorite book, so it wasn't like the "length" by itself really added to my enjoyment.
makes sense. i'd like to read it, but i don't have the attention span for a long intro. i frequently take long drives so i looked into an audiobook version....59 hours without any of the 386 footnotes which apparently are very important. :horrorsurprise:primarily, i was asking how the length helped character and setting development. but i was also asking if knowing that you completed a difficult read added much to your opinion of the book. both questions are serious and not intended to be rude. i ask the second one because i ask it to myself about a lot of literature.I've posted several times that it's my favorite book. IIRC it takes about 250 pages before things start to make sense and take hold of most people.how much does its length have to do with how much you like it?
Not sure exactly what this question means, but the length enables Wallace to create a lot of fantastic character and setting development.
It just creates massive amounts of detail. Some of it probably isn't necessary, but I think some of the more difficult portions makes you appreciate the great passages more than I you would if they were on their own. And when you consider the main storyline, it's pretty amazing.
I was about halfway through when I realized it was my favorite book, so it wasn't like the "length" by itself really added to my enjoyment.
makes sense. i'd like to read it, but i don't have the attention span for a long intro. i frequently take long drives so i looked into an audiobook version....59 hours without any of the 386 footnotes which apparently are very important. :horrorsurprise:primarily, i was asking how the length helped character and setting development. but i was also asking if knowing that you completed a difficult read added much to your opinion of the book. both questions are serious and not intended to be rude. i ask the second one because i ask it to myself about a lot of literature.I've posted several times that it's my favorite book. IIRC it takes about 250 pages before things start to make sense and take hold of most people.how much does its length have to do with how much you like it?
Not sure exactly what this question means, but the length enables Wallace to create a lot of fantastic character and setting development.
It just creates massive amounts of detail. Some of it probably isn't necessary, but I think some of the more difficult portions makes you appreciate the great passages more than I you would if they were on their own. And when you consider the main storyline, it's pretty amazing.
I was about halfway through when I realized it was my favorite book, so it wasn't like the "length" by itself really added to my enjoyment.
one footnote is a 17pg fimography of a dead character (so I read).
makes sense. i'd like to read it, but i don't have the attention span for a long intro. i frequently take long drives so i looked into an audiobook version....59 hours without any of the 386 footnotes which apparently are very important. :horrorsurprise:primarily, i was asking how the length helped character and setting development. but i was also asking if knowing that you completed a difficult read added much to your opinion of the book. both questions are serious and not intended to be rude. i ask the second one because i ask it to myself about a lot of literature.I've posted several times that it's my favorite book. IIRC it takes about 250 pages before things start to make sense and take hold of most people.how much does its length have to do with how much you like it?
Not sure exactly what this question means, but the length enables Wallace to create a lot of fantastic character and setting development.
It just creates massive amounts of detail. Some of it probably isn't necessary, but I think some of the more difficult portions makes you appreciate the great passages more than I you would if they were on their own. And when you consider the main storyline, it's pretty amazing.
I was about halfway through when I realized it was my favorite book, so it wasn't like the "length" by itself really added to my enjoyment.
makes sense. i'd like to read it, but i don't have the attention span for a long intro. i frequently take long drives so i looked into an audiobook version....59 hours without any of the 386 footnotes which apparently are very important. :horrorsurprise:primarily, i was asking how the length helped character and setting development. but i was also asking if knowing that you completed a difficult read added much to your opinion of the book. both questions are serious and not intended to be rude. i ask the second one because i ask it to myself about a lot of literature.I've posted several times that it's my favorite book. IIRC it takes about 250 pages before things start to make sense and take hold of most people.how much does its length have to do with how much you like it?
Not sure exactly what this question means, but the length enables Wallace to create a lot of fantastic character and setting development.
It just creates massive amounts of detail. Some of it probably isn't necessary, but I think some of the more difficult portions makes you appreciate the great passages more than I you would if they were on their own. And when you consider the main storyline, it's pretty amazing.
I was about halfway through when I realized it was my favorite book, so it wasn't like the "length" by itself really added to my enjoyment.
I made it through a couple hundred pages on my kindle before I realized that the footnotes are pretty important and that I need to pick up a physical copy :facepalm:
makes sense. i'd like to read it, but i don't have the attention span for a long intro. i frequently take long drives so i looked into an audiobook version....59 hours without any of the 386 footnotes which apparently are very important. :horrorsurprise:primarily, i was asking how the length helped character and setting development. but i was also asking if knowing that you completed a difficult read added much to your opinion of the book. both questions are serious and not intended to be rude. i ask the second one because i ask it to myself about a lot of literature.I've posted several times that it's my favorite book. IIRC it takes about 250 pages before things start to make sense and take hold of most people.how much does its length have to do with how much you like it?
Not sure exactly what this question means, but the length enables Wallace to create a lot of fantastic character and setting development.
It just creates massive amounts of detail. Some of it probably isn't necessary, but I think some of the more difficult portions makes you appreciate the great passages more than I you would if they were on their own. And when you consider the main storyline, it's pretty amazing.
I was about halfway through when I realized it was my favorite book, so it wasn't like the "length" by itself really added to my enjoyment.
I made it through a couple hundred pages on my kindle before I realized that the footnotes are pretty important and that I need to pick up a physical copy :facepalm:
can't you read the footnotes on a kindle?
I feel like there's been so much written about this book, that it almost seems impossible to try to add anything new to this discussion. However, I will try to lay out reasons to buy/not buy this book as well as a few things people might want to know before jumping into this kind of commitment. INFINITE JEST isn't for everyone, and I don't mean that in a condescending or patronizing way: it will certainly appeal to some people's sensibilities much more than others.
###Here's What You Need to Know###
David Foster Wallace's INFINITE JEST is a postmodern novel with a premodern message. Wallace, who railed against irony, wanted to be sincere in his writing. So while this book does contain many postmodern conventions, its ideas about humanity aren't postmodern at all. I think many people were disappointed that the book is "about addiction, and that's all you need to know," but there is much more to this book, and there's much more that Wallace has to say. Some of these messages are delivered with a heavy hand, and that's fine: Wallace wanted to be sincere, and he wouldn't want to dull his insights by distancing himself from them via irony or whatever else.
This book is indeed incredibly long. INFINITE JEST is notoriously known for being a long book - it's just shy of 1100 pages. Stephen King's THE STAND (uncut edition) and George R.R. Martin's STORM OF SWORDS are longer this, but I was able to clear those books much quicker than David Foster Wallace's second novel. I'm a very slow reader, and I was able to read INFINITE JEST in about two months, without taking into account the time I spent reading two shorter novels by different authors.
This book is indeed incredibly verbose. As a way to rage against the rising popularity of minimalist writing in the 1980's, Wallace found himself moving towards a brand of writing that captured everything: every thought, every action, every detail. His maximalist writing can be hard to get through at time: there's an extended passage detailing a tennis academy's design that seems to go on forever. The discussion of an invented game that involves intermediate calculus to keep score reaches across dozens of pages. Wallace sought to capture everything.
Everything you heard about the endnotes is true. The narration of the book is frequented interrupted with endnotes (different from footnotes), some of which span a dozen pages and contain their own endnotes. These asides are not optional: plot details are frequently hinted at or exposed in these interludes.
READ THIS ON KINDLE IF YOU CAN. I want to stress this point: reading INFINITE JEST is much easier on an eReader for a few reasons. With Kindle, the hassle of flipping back to the endnotes is a burden made much lighter. Each note is hyperlinked to its corresponding section to the back. It's also really easy to highlight, bookmark, make notes of certain areas to revisit if you need. Some important plot elements are given only once in passing, so marking these areas is helpful, and Kindle makes the task really simple. The weight of this mammoth book is also erased with the electronic copy. There are two complaints about the Kindle version however: 1) it's not a real book, and I prefer handling most books (I think we all kind of do, right?) and 2) if you close the eReader while you are in the endnotes, your Kindle will recognize that page as being the further point you've read to. Remedying this situation isn't hard; you'll just need to log onto Amazon and clear your furthest-page-read, but it is a bit annoying.
###Here's Why You Should Buy This Book###
Some of the passages in this novel rank among my favorite all-time sections of writing. While Wallace can be verbose, it can lead to some of the most inventive and poetic turns of phrase. I found myself going back and re-reading many moments as soon as I finished them and highlighting them for later use (I rarely ever do this).
This book is funny, sad, smart, and silly. INFINITE JEST really runs the gamut in terms of emotions that it evokes. I've seen many readers talk about how funny it is, and others that focus on how tragic it is. There are moments in this book that I still reflect on and laugh out loud. There are moments that, when I think about them, make me want to cry. There are even moments in this that give me the goosebumps imagining how horrifying they would be.
INFINITE JEST is filled with tons of ideas and tons of characters. Readers will spend a lot of time with the characters here, and almost all of them are interesting. Some of them are fun, and some of them are despicable. Mario Incandenza ranks among one of my favorite characters in literature. Additionally, this book is full of ideas about addiction, entertainment, society, family, imperialism, Quebec separatism, and tennis. There's a lot of great insight spread out across the novel's length. There's not a ton of plotting to INFINITE JEST, but it's alright: these characters are often compelling enough that readers will want to spend their time with them.
It seems that half of the reason to read INFINITE JEST lies merely in the act of doing it. Most people bail on the book midway through, so finishing the novel is seen as a sort of accomplishment in some circles.
###Here's Why You Should Pass on This Book###
This book is too long. It surprised me to learn that INFINITE JEST had an editor and that sections of the book were excised. There are some stretches where not much seems to happen and no new insights are made. Most books leave me wanting the ending to go on and on forever, but there were times where I was just ready for this novel to be over (strangely enough, not at the ending though).
INFINITE JEST is wildly inconsistent. It probably comes with the territory of maximalist writing, but while some passages of writing are fantastic, some passages are equally dull. While I loved the book, I think it would be hard to argue that this novel is a solid, consistent work. Additionally, the novel frequently jumps (apropos of nothing) to different characters and different times and different settings. The narrative might be dealing with Hal Incandenza at a Boston tennis academy in the future only to suddenly (with, granted a line break) focus on a glimpse of his father in the 1970's. Even more additionally, the writing style changes frequently.
The use of styles can be jarring. I ended up liking this point, but I feel that I may be in the minority on this. Early in the book, an essay written by one of the characters (in high school) is recounted in full. Later, we are treated to stream-of-consciousness via a character we are not familiar with. Later, there are dozens of pages with nothing but dialog (literally, not figuratively), and some passages that are completely without dialog.
There's not much plot here. I haven't talked much about the plot in the above content because there's just not that much to talk about. The premise is: a filmmaker created a video that is so enjoyable, people can't turn away from it or think about anything else. Most of this book focuses in on its settings and characters to make its points.
###Overall... ###
Overall, I gotta say, even for all of its flaws, I really enjoyed INFINITE JEST. Some of the reviewers that rated this book poorly have good points to make, and I would recommend reading these reviews before making the plunge on buying this book. At the end of the day though, if you enjoy postmodern fiction, INFINITE JEST is definitely an experience worth trying.
I am going to read this
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Actually, I will probably get it on audio. I like to listen to non-fiction on Audio when I do other stuff.
Saw that tonight. Looks very good.
Just finished it, got it on audio and listened on a very long road trip.yeah that sucks, but i bet finance is as fair as it's ever been.
Amazing, scary, and somewhat disheartening.
Over $11 Billion annually is getting bilked from investors, and it's probably even double that much. Just "poof," gone into the hands of essentially legitimized cyber thieves in bed with the big banks/brokers.
When your 401K isn't what you want it to be in 20 years, just think about the lost billions (trillions by then?) that were stolen from investors in the form of essentially a "tax" that we all pay to these fucks.
Yes, it's legal scalping is all. It's the government's fault, not really smart people's who are good at making money from nothing.
Yes, it's legal scalping is all. It's the government's fault, not really smart people's who are good at making money from nothing.
True, only if you are into ethical relativism. If they made car jacking and murder legal tomorrow, the car jacker murderers would use the same argument.
It's better than scalping, like if scalpers had first dibs on all the tickets. I don't fault Wall Street guys for making money in a way that the SEC permits. I mean we can get on our high horses and talk down or try to make them feel bad, but I don't think they'll stop on those scores.
It's strange to me you aren't mad at the SEC for allowing it. They could ban it just as easily as they did insider trading and front running. They haven't though, yet it's their job to stop such abuses.
There's a sequel to The Shining out now. Dr. Sleep. I just started it yesterday. :eek:
I'm still going to read it.
I'm reading 1Q84. Holy crap.
I'm reading 1Q84. Holy crap.Did you finish 2666?
I'm reading 1Q84. Holy crap.
Saw this at b&n this weekend and almost made an impulse buy. 1984 is my favorite book so I'm interested
I'm reading 1Q84. Holy crap.
I'm reading 1Q84. Holy crap.
me too, not terribly far though
Just finished Dust, the second book in the Wool series. Fun, but not quite as good as Wool IMHO.
Just finished Dust, the second book in the Wool series. Fun, but not quite as good as Wool IMHO.
Just finished Dust, the second book in the Wool series. Fun, but not quite as good as Wool IMHO.
Did you read Shift too?
What an unfortunate response. You could just say yes or no. Instead you've not only not answered the question, but also raised the possibility that maybe you dry hump it or j/o to it.
Ummm I think you might have read them out of order then...Just finished Dust, the second book in the Wool series. Fun, but not quite as good as Wool IMHO.
Did you read Shift too?
it's on my nightstand.
Ummm I think you might have read them out of order then...Just finished Dust, the second book in the Wool series. Fun, but not quite as good as Wool IMHO.
Did you read Shift too?
it's on my nightstand.
Wool -> Shift -> Dust
then maaaaaaybe ...... Sand (maybe....)
I think it does. It provides the background for the information and actions seen in Dust. In particular for Donald and Solo, as well as the reasons for the dangers that happen in Dust.Ummm I think you might have read them out of order then...Just finished Dust, the second book in the Wool series. Fun, but not quite as good as Wool IMHO.
Did you read Shift too?
it's on my nightstand.
Wool -> Shift -> Dust
then maaaaaaybe ...... Sand (maybe....)
Shift is a prequel though, so does it really matter?
I have not read any of these yet, but I am going to start tonight (in the correct order).maaaaaaaybe....(I am not being coy, its up for debate)
Although the wiki article said Dust is the last one...so is Sand in the same series?
I have not read any of these yet, but I am going to start tonight (in the correct order).maaaaaaaybe....(I am not being coy, its up for debate)
Although the wiki article said Dust is the last one...so is Sand in the same series?
I remember the good old days of the book thread where gratuitous fiction used to flow like wine.
Now, just a bunch of snobs running around talking about having to have patience for ivory towered drivel.
eff that. I want sex, violence, intrigue, and humor, or GTFO.
I remember the good old days of the book thread where gratuitous fiction used to flow like wine.
Now, just a bunch of snobs running around talking about having to have patience for ivory towered drivel.
eff that. I want sex, violence, intrigue, and humor, or GTFO.
The Wool series is actually pretty much what you describe.
Ummm I think you might have read them out of order then...Just finished Dust, the second book in the Wool series. Fun, but not quite as good as Wool IMHO.
Did you read Shift too?
it's on my nightstand.
Wool -> Shift -> Dust
then maaaaaaybe ...... Sand (maybe....)
Shift is a prequel though, so does it really matter?
shining is slightly disappointing but I've seen the movie about a million times and love it so anyway.
Eco is next
shining is slightly disappointing but I've seen the movie about a million times and love it so anyway.
Eco is next
king hates the movie. movie is 10x better tho.
shining is slightly disappointing but I've seen the movie about a million times and love it so anyway.
Eco is next
king hates the movie. movie is 10x better tho.
No.
I remember the good old days of the book thread where gratuitous fiction used to flow like wine.
Now, just a bunch of snobs running around talking about having to have patience for ivory towered drivel.
eff that. I want sex, violence, intrigue, and humor, or GTFO.
The Wool series is actually pretty much what you describe.
I remember the good old days of the book thread where gratuitous fiction used to flow like wine.
Now, just a bunch of snobs running around talking about having to have patience for ivory towered drivel.
eff that. I want sex, violence, intrigue, and humor, or GTFO.
The Wool series is actually pretty much what you describe.
I'm 2/3 through Wool. :thumbs:
I remember the good old days of the book thread where gratuitous fiction used to flow like wine.
Now, just a bunch of snobs running around talking about having to have patience for ivory towered drivel.
eff that. I want sex, violence, intrigue, and humor, or GTFO.
The Wool series is actually pretty much what you describe.
I'm 2/3 through Wool. :thumbs:
Wool is solid. I have Shift and Dust, havent taken the time to read them. Have heard good things.
I finished 1Q84, it was OK. Great first half or two thirds, but I didn't care for the ending. The meshing of reality and fantasy was very well done.
"Nature's Metropolis" is a great book centered on Chicago, but is really a great look at how American western expansion shaped the nation and world as a whole. Can drag on a bit, but still very good.
I finished 1Q84, it was OK. Great first half or two thirds, but I didn't care for the ending. The meshing of reality and fantasy was very well done.
"Nature's Metropolis" is a great book centered on Chicago, but is really a great look at how American western expansion shaped the nation and world as a whole. Can drag on a bit, but still very good.
Have you read any other Murakami? I've not read 1Q84, but Norwegian Wood, A Wild Sheep Chase and Kafka on the Shore were all great. His short story collection, The Elephant Vanishes, is a great bathroom book too, imo.
Everybody post some classics and/or really well-known books that you read that were either terrible or meh.
Pride and Prejudice: no rough ridin' thanks
1984: meh. I mean, I guess. Whatever.
I remember the good old days of the book thread where gratuitous fiction used to flow like wine.
Now, just a bunch of snobs running around talking about having to have patience for ivory towered drivel.
eff that. I want sex, violence, intrigue, and humor, or GTFO.
I remember the good old days of the book thread where gratuitous fiction used to flow like wine.
Now, just a bunch of snobs running around talking about having to have patience for ivory towered drivel.
eff that. I want sex, violence, intrigue, and humor, or GTFO.
We have to ride armored shuttles back and forth to work every day, so I have 2 hours of car time 5 times a week. I read Ender's Game because I thought I would have liked it as a kid and never saw it, then I ended up reading pretty much everything Card has written and enjoyed the gratuitous eff out of it.
I also just finished the Ice and Fire series. It was also gratuitously wonderful.
Ulysses is terrible. Did Joyce establish new boundaries for literature with that book? Sure. Just because he expanded the space for other writers to operate in doesn't make it a good piece of fiction though. It's rough ridin' awful. The story pushed the limits of the amount of boredom that a human being can endure. It wasn't enough to be boring though, he decided to purposefully obfuscate the plot throughout, whilst lyrically masturbating for 700 pages. The fact that he changed literature is the unintended consequence of an egotistical bad person beating the crap out of his readers with a 265,000 word ode to "doing whatever the eff I want, because I'm James Joyce, so eff you!"
I remember the good old days of the book thread where gratuitous fiction used to flow like wine.
Now, just a bunch of snobs running around talking about having to have patience for ivory towered drivel.
eff that. I want sex, violence, intrigue, and humor, or GTFO.
We have to ride armored shuttles back and forth to work every day, so I have 2 hours of car time 5 times a week. I read Ender's Game because I thought I would have liked it as a kid and never saw it, then I ended up reading pretty much everything Card has written and enjoyed the gratuitous eff out of it.
I also just finished the Ice and Fire series. It was also gratuitously wonderful.
I remember the good old days of the book thread where gratuitous fiction used to flow like wine.
Now, just a bunch of snobs running around talking about having to have patience for ivory towered drivel.
eff that. I want sex, violence, intrigue, and humor, or GTFO.
We have to ride armored shuttles back and forth to work every day, so I have 2 hours of car time 5 times a week. I read Ender's Game because I thought I would have liked it as a kid and never saw it, then I ended up reading pretty much everything Card has written and enjoyed the gratuitous eff out of it.
I also just finished the Ice and Fire series. It was also gratuitously wonderful.
I read a bunch of the Enderverse books. But I got part way through Shadow of the Giant on audiobook and my ipod died and I wasn't motivated enough by the story to make an effort to finish it. Should I make the effort?
Anna Karenina is my favorite of all time. Once raced an ex-girlfriend in reading it. Loved it.
Lolita is the most well written book I've ever read.
1984 broke my heart but that made me love it even more.
Everybody post some classics and/or really well-known books that you read that were either terrible or meh.
Pride and Prejudice: no rough ridin' thanks
1984: meh. I mean, I guess. Whatever.
good grief.
My cubicle neighbor at work recently loaned me Under the Dome. I hadn't read any Stephen King stuff since the late 90's and I figured it was worth a shot since the guy used to be pretty entertaining. This book is simply awful. There are too many characters to keep track of but it doesn't matter since ***NO SPOILER WARNING SINCE YOU'D HAVE TO BE AN IDIOT TO READ THIS BOOK*** almost every single one of them dies anyway. The ending was unbelievably stupid. Oh yeah, the book was 1072 pages long. I kept reading and reading thinking it would get better but it didn't. Joke's on me for reading 1072 pages of absolute garbage.
My cubicle neighbor at work recently loaned me Under the Dome. I hadn't read any Stephen King stuff since the late 90's and I figured it was worth a shot since the guy used to be pretty entertaining. This book is simply awful. There are too many characters to keep track of but it doesn't matter since ***NO SPOILER WARNING SINCE YOU'D HAVE TO BE AN IDIOT TO READ THIS BOOK*** almost every single one of them dies anyway. The ending was unbelievably stupid. Oh yeah, the book was 1072 pages long. I kept reading and reading thinking it would get better but it didn't. Joke's on me for reading 1072 pages of absolute garbage.
The lesson: bail on books you don't like early
(UNLESS IT'S INFINITE JEST)
I've been doing a bit of non-fiction lately, but I have to space it out. Need some good ole stories in between all of the facts.
I remember the good old days of the book thread where gratuitous fiction used to flow like wine.
Now, just a bunch of snobs running around talking about having to have patience for ivory towered drivel.
eff that. I want sex, violence, intrigue, and humor, or GTFO.
The Wool series is actually pretty much what you describe.
I'm 2/3 through Wool. :thumbs:
I remember the good old days of the book thread where gratuitous fiction used to flow like wine.
Now, just a bunch of snobs running around talking about having to have patience for ivory towered drivel.
eff that. I want sex, violence, intrigue, and humor, or GTFO.
The Wool series is actually pretty much what you describe.
I'm 2/3 through Wool. :thumbs:
Finished Shift and now I'm on Dust. I start to cry every time they bring up that damn cat.
Everybody post some classics and/or really well-known books that you read that were either terrible or meh.
Pride and Prejudice: no rough ridin' thanks
1984: meh. I mean, I guess. Whatever.
Everybody post some classics and/or really well-known books that you read that were either terrible or meh.
Pride and Prejudice: no rough ridin' thanks
1984: meh. I mean, I guess. Whatever.
Anything Kurt Vonnegut.
Vonnegut is awesome, but I can see how a low/medium may not enjoy himEverybody post some classics and/or really well-known books that you read that were either terrible or meh.
Pride and Prejudice: no rough ridin' thanks
1984: meh. I mean, I guess. Whatever.
Anything Kurt Vonnegut.
You should just name the one that you read.
No Steinbeck?
As soon as I am done with Capital in the 21st Century.......
http://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Bridge-Fall-Nixon-Reagan/dp/1476782415/ref=la_B001I9OL9S_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407769352&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Bridge-Fall-Nixon-Reagan/dp/1476782415/ref=la_B001I9OL9S_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407769352&sr=1-1)
I have about 30 hours worth of flights in the next month so was thinking about picking up a book for the first time in a long time... Not really much of a reader, so any expertise you guys can offer would be appreciated. Any must reads out there?
A few more specific book questions... Has anyone read Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan? And if I were to pick up one of the Game of Thrones books where would I want to start based on where the TV show is now, or is it just an awful idea to pick up a book in the middle of the series?
TIA
I have about 30 hours worth of flights in the next month so was thinking about picking up a book for the first time in a long time... Not really much of a reader, so any expertise you guys can offer would be appreciated. Any must reads out there?
A few more specific book questions... Has anyone read Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan? And if I were to pick up one of the Game of Thrones books where would I want to start based on where the TV show is now, or is it just an awful idea to pick up a book in the middle of the series?
TIA
I think that you would enjoy the writings of David Sedaris.
A lot of great options to work with here. Thanks, gE!I think that you would enjoy the writings of David Sedaris.
Any specific one that you like best? Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls was a recommendation from Amazon when I looked into Dad is Fat.
I've been reading a lot of native American history.
Summer moon
Crazy horse and custer. Stephan ambrose
The heart of everything that is.
All really good.
Apparently, Charlotte Bronte thought Jane Austen sucked ass. I once had it in my head that I was going to read both Pride and Predjudice and Jane Eyre and then decide who I liked better. I only ever made it through the beginning of P&P and didn't care for it too much. Anyway, if anyone wants to read those two books and then report back here, it might help me with my decision.
Apparently, Charlotte Bronte thought Jane Austen sucked ass. I once had it in my head that I was going to read both Pride and Predjudice and Jane Eyre and then decide who I liked better. I only ever made it through the beginning of P&P and didn't care for it too much. Anyway, if anyone wants to read those two books and then report back here, it might help me with my decision.
I've been reading a lot of native American history.
Summer moon
Crazy horse and custer. Stephan ambrose
The heart of everything that is.
All really good.
I bet it's all incredibly depressing and makes you less impressed with the good ole US of A
Apparently, Charlotte Bronte thought Jane Austen sucked ass. I once had it in my head that I was going to read both Pride and Predjudice and Jane Eyre and then decide who I liked better. I only ever made it through the beginning of P&P and didn't care for it too much. Anyway, if anyone wants to read those two books and then report back here, it might help me with my decision.
reading Gone Girl right now. its slow, but good so far. will read then watch the flick.
reading Gone Girl right now. its slow, but good so far. will read then watch the flick.
The beginning is a little slow but it gets better.
reading Gone Girl right now. its slow, but good so far. will read then watch the flick.
The beginning is a little slow but it gets better.
yeah, i guess i meant that the reading is slow. the story has me by the balls about 50 pages in. it just has a ton of description and background to everything, making it really hard to dive into.
was sitting around after the Royals game last night reading a few chapters of Gone Girl. ms tonya started reading yesterday...
"what chapter are you on?"
"uhh... just started part 2."
"oh have you gotten to the part where **drops massive spoiler bomb**??"
"wtf? why would you say that? did you read ahead?"
"yeah, i read the last 2 chapters because i wanted to know what happens!"
:facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
was sitting around after the Royals game last night reading a few chapters of Gone Girl. ms tonya started reading yesterday...
"what chapter are you on?"
"uhh... just started part 2."
"oh have you gotten to the part where **drops massive spoiler bomb**??"
"wtf? why would you say that? did you read ahead?"
"yeah, i read the last 2 chapters because i wanted to know what happens!"
:facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
Only a psychopath skips to the last two chapters of the book.
luckily the spoiler wasnt the VERY end of the book, it was from a few chapters from where i was.Noted psychopath Mrs. Fedor skips to the end. It does not seem to ruin the book for her.
but still... who does that? why read a book if youre just gonna find out the ending out of order?
Apparently, Charlotte Bronte thought Jane Austen sucked ass. I once had it in my head that I was going to read both Pride and Predjudice and Jane Eyre and then decide who I liked better. I only ever made it through the beginning of P&P and didn't care for it too much. Anyway, if anyone wants to read those two books and then report back here, it might help me with my decision.Loved both
luckily the spoiler wasnt the VERY end of the book, it was from a few chapters from where i was.Noted psychopath Mrs. Fedor skips to the end. It does not seem to ruin the book for her.
but still... who does that? why read a book if youre just gonna find out the ending out of order?
I'm still pissed that this thread led me to read Dirty White Boys :shakesfist:
mrs gooch, i did not like the ending to Gone Girl. i probably will not read any of her other books. overall, it was a good book. it kept me wanting more but by the last 50 pages or so i was pretty sick of all of the characters and just wanted to write my own ending.
mrs gooch, i did not like the ending to Gone Girl. i probably will not read any of her other books. overall, it was a good book. it kept me wanting more but by the last 50 pages or so i was pretty sick of all of the characters and just wanted to write my own ending.
Did you not like the surprise thing or the very ending?
mrs gooch, i did not like the ending to Gone Girl. i probably will not read any of her other books. overall, it was a good book. it kept me wanting more but by the last 50 pages or so i was pretty sick of all of the characters and just wanted to write my own ending.
Did you not like the surprise thing or the very ending?
both, really.
Going to hit you guys with an oldie that I was totally caught off guard with...
Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Stevenson
Incredible writing and the story is a lot different than what I expected. The tale stays true at the core but Stevenson's story has been interpreted in so many different ways over the years that the original is almost forgotten. Do yourself and read it. Very short and worth it.
Why is wool not on google playTrying to knit a sweater?
Why is wool not on google play
Why is wool not on google play
Here it is.
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Hugh_Howey_Ull?id=6ytgAwAAQBAJ
I hope you read Swedish.
Going to hit you guys with an oldie that I was totally caught off guard with...I actually read this while I was in the hospital over the summer. I had owned a collection of his short stories with this one in it for quite and had never read it. I agree with your thoughts. Out of the stories in the collection, I enjoyed The Suicide Club the most.
Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Stevenson
Incredible writing and the story is a lot different than what I expected. The tale stays true at the core but Stevenson's story has been interpreted in so many different ways over the years that the original is almost forgotten. Do yourself and read it. Very short and worth it.
Serena by Ron Rash. :thumbs:
I read both of Rothfuss' books. They were okay. He's not afraid to be repetitious as hell. Hey that was a fun scene, I'll redo that crap every 50 pages or so.
Been reading some books/series that I'm embarrassed to have not read yet. This week it was the Foundation series. It's obviously old sci-fi. There is some hilarious slang from the '50s sprinkled in there, and some of the science is obvious nonsense, but the story kept me going through three books. I'm even thinking of reading the prequels/sequels that he wrote in the '80s. Really glad I finally got around to reading my first Asimov series.Asimov on re-reading it: "I read it with mounting uneasiness. I kept waiting for something to happen, and nothing ever did. All three volumes, all the nearly quarter of a million words, consisted of thoughts and of conversation. No action. No physical suspense."
Been reading some books/series that I'm embarrassed to have not read yet. This week it was the Foundation series. It's obviously old sci-fi. There is some hilarious slang from the '50s sprinkled in there, and some of the science is obvious nonsense, but the story kept me going through three books. I'm even thinking of reading the prequels/sequels that he wrote in the '80s. Really glad I finally got around to reading my first Asimov series.Asimov on re-reading it: "I read it with mounting uneasiness. I kept waiting for something to happen, and nothing ever did. All three volumes, all the nearly quarter of a million words, consisted of thoughts and of conversation. No action. No physical suspense."
:peek: it is one of my favorite series'. Just saw that quote on Grantland todayBeen reading some books/series that I'm embarrassed to have not read yet. This week it was the Foundation series. It's obviously old sci-fi. There is some hilarious slang from the '50s sprinkled in there, and some of the science is obvious nonsense, but the story kept me going through three books. I'm even thinking of reading the prequels/sequels that he wrote in the '80s. Really glad I finally got around to reading my first Asimov series.Asimov on re-reading it: "I read it with mounting uneasiness. I kept waiting for something to happen, and nothing ever did. All three volumes, all the nearly quarter of a million words, consisted of thoughts and of conversation. No action. No physical suspense."
James Gunn on the Foundation series: "Action and romance have little to do with the success of the Trilogy—virtually all the action takes place offstage, and the romance is almost invisible—but the stories provide a detective-story fascination with the permutations and reversals of ideas.”
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrel. Hilarious. @chingon, it kind of reminds me of Sotweed Factor but a little easier to read.
"a man proud, moody, cynical, with defiance on his brow, and misery in his heart, a scorner of his kind, implacable in revenge, yet capable of deep and strong affection"
He knew himself a villain—but he deem'd
The rest no better than the thing he seem'd;
And scorn'd the best as hypocrites who hid
Those deeds the bolder spirit plainly did.
You're going to want to read this before the Ridley Scott/Matt Damon movie comes out next year.
(https://goemaw.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Fc%2Fc3%2FThe_Martian_2014.jpg&hash=836dbb07970d9aa02e774f2effc141aab26dbd1f)
You're going to want to read this before the Ridley Scott/Matt Damon movie comes out next year.
(https://goemaw.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Fc%2Fc3%2FThe_Martian_2014.jpg&hash=836dbb07970d9aa02e774f2effc141aab26dbd1f)
is it actually good or is it like mission to Mars bad?
Ummm I think you might have read them out of order then...Just finished Dust, the second book in the Wool series. Fun, but not quite as good as Wool IMHO.
Did you read Shift too?
it's on my nightstand.
Wool -> Shift -> Dust
then maaaaaaybe ...... Sand (maybe....)
about 2/3 through 1Q84.
It's been harder than I thought keeping myself reminded this takes place in the infancy of computers.
about 2/3 through 1Q84.
It's been harder than I thought keeping myself reminded this takes place in the infancy of computers.
finished it last night....that took longer than I thought. Interesting story though.
Debating on what book I should start reading. I've considered starting the Fire and Ice GoT series but don't know. Has anyone gone back and read them after already seeing the series, worth it? I also have considered The Road. I've got amazon prime too so I can download anything else that people would recommend off that as well.
Need someone to push me in a direction.
about 2/3 through 1Q84.
It's been harder than I thought keeping myself reminded this takes place in the infancy of computers.
finished it last night....that took longer than I thought. Interesting story though.
Did you like the ending?
Finished wool and shift. About a quarter through dust. I liked shift much more.
I'm reading Hubris about the intelligence failures and poor decision making leading up to and during the Iraq War. It's mostly really interesting but goddam that Valerie Wilson leak investigation is such a snooze fest. Still a book everyone should read.Just watch Bush's war
http://www.amazon.com/Hubris-Inside-Story-Scandal-Selling/dp/030734682X
Debating on what book I should start reading. I've considered starting the Fire and Ice GoT series but don't know. Has anyone gone back and read them after already seeing the series, worth it? I also have considered The Road. I've got amazon prime too so I can download anything else that people would recommend off that as well.I watched season 1 then read the first 2 books and i think it really helped keep all the characters straight. After season 2 i read all the remaining books and kind of lost my enthusiasm for watching the show a few episodes into season 4 :dunno:
Need someone to push me in a direction.
Debating on what book I should start reading. I've considered starting the Fire and Ice GoT series but don't know. Has anyone gone back and read them after already seeing the series, worth it? I also have considered The Road. I've got amazon prime too so I can download anything else that people would recommend off that as well.I watched season 1 then read the first 2 books and i think it really helped keep all the characters straight. After season 2 i read all the remaining books and kind of lost my enthusiasm for watching the show a few episodes into season 4 :dunno:
Need someone to push me in a direction.
The Road affected my like no other book, like seriously made start to think about becoming a prepper. I love all of McCarthy's books tho, have you read any of the others?
I have really liked all that I have read. No Country for Old Men is maybe the most straightforward, I would start there unless you have seen the movie and are one that doesn't like reading the book after. Any of the Border Trilogy would be good if you like westerns.Debating on what book I should start reading. I've considered starting the Fire and Ice GoT series but don't know. Has anyone gone back and read them after already seeing the series, worth it? I also have considered The Road. I've got amazon prime too so I can download anything else that people would recommend off that as well.I watched season 1 then read the first 2 books and i think it really helped keep all the characters straight. After season 2 i read all the remaining books and kind of lost my enthusiasm for watching the show a few episodes into season 4 :dunno:
Need someone to push me in a direction.
The Road affected my like no other book, like seriously made start to think about becoming a prepper. I love all of McCarthy's books tho, have you read any of the others?
Nope, figured that would be the one to start with since it's got so much national praise. What other ones are your favorites?
Currently reading Blood Meridian. Very good, but kind of hard for me to get through. Just enough Spanish that is important to the story to be a pain. Love All The Pretty Horses and No Country for Old Men
Which Tom Clancy book is the best? Is there another book of this genre that I should read instead?
Just finished up: The Shadow Of What Was Lost
Not terrible, the first 50 pages or so are pretty damn rough and should have been re-written. Names for people and places are dumb. Interesting enough plot.
Will probably read the next book when it comes out.
If you like fantasy (which I generally do not) this might be up your alley.
Kindle Unlimited. I figured I should try being more fair to genres of literature that I used to not like. In particular what prompted this was reading some collections of short mystery stories (also Kindle Unlimited). I like short stories a lot, but I have never really read any detective/mystery stuff besides Conan Doyle. So, I gave it a shot figuring they are short and free. I ended up really enjoying about half of them. This made me realize I should go back and revisit some genres like fantasy/scifi that I used to strongly avoid.Just finished up: The Shadow Of What Was Lost
Not terrible, the first 50 pages or so are pretty damn rough and should have been re-written. Names for people and places are dumb. Interesting enough plot.
Will probably read the next book when it comes out.
If you like fantasy (which I generally do not) this might be up your alley.
How did you come to read this?
If you enjoy fantasy, try Riyria Revelations. Three books that start with Theft of Swords. They were not amazing, but still very good. There is a prequel series that is two books deep(out of eventually up to 12). They are both good too, but def start with the Theft of Swords first.
They aren't GoT, and not as good as The Blade Itself either, but they read quickly and I enjoyed them a lot.
Hmm idk if I would like reading in Connery's voice.Which Tom Clancy book is the best? Is there another book of this genre that I should read instead?
the best book is his first, hunt for red october. ive only read a few tho.
If you enjoy fantasy, try Riyria Revelations. Three books that start with Theft of Swords. They were not amazing, but still very good. There is a prequel series that is two books deep(out of eventually up to 12). They are both good too, but def start with the Theft of Swords first.
They aren't GoT, and not as good as The Blade Itself either, but they read quickly and I enjoyed them a lot.
Have you read any Sanderson? I see his name thrown around.
If you enjoy fantasy, try Riyria Revelations. Three books that start with Theft of Swords. They were not amazing, but still very good. There is a prequel series that is two books deep(out of eventually up to 12). They are both good too, but def start with the Theft of Swords first.
They aren't GoT, and not as good as The Blade Itself either, but they read quickly and I enjoyed them a lot.
Have you read any Sanderson? I see his name thrown around.
If you enjoy fantasy, try Riyria Revelations. Three books that start with Theft of Swords. They were not amazing, but still very good. There is a prequel series that is two books deep(out of eventually up to 12). They are both good too, but def start with the Theft of Swords first.
They aren't GoT, and not as good as The Blade Itself either, but they read quickly and I enjoyed them a lot.
Have you read any Sanderson? I see his name thrown around.
I don't think I have. What is his/her best?
Hmm idk if I would like reading in Connery's voice.Which Tom Clancy book is the best? Is there another book of this genre that I should read instead?
the best book is his first, hunt for red october. ive only read a few tho.
I can loan you no country for old Men!
Which Tom Clancy book is the best? Is there another book of this genre that I should read instead?
I can loan you no country for old Men!
It is excellent. As good as the movie is the book is just as good and may even surpass it. I hesitate though because of just how incredible Jones is in the film. I thought they were companions and worked very well together.
I liked it so much I even stole the idea and wrote a mean post about Snyder using the sheriff as the vehicle to mock him.
Thanks. Pete and I will begin reading immediately.Which Tom Clancy book is the best? Is there another book of this genre that I should read instead?
they are all pretty god through Sum of All Fears. Stephen Coonts is kind of a "Clancy Lite" (meaning they are 400 pages, not 800).
If you enjoy fantasy, try Riyria Revelations. Three books that start with Theft of Swords. They were not amazing, but still very good. There is a prequel series that is two books deep(out of eventually up to 12). They are both good too, but def start with the Theft of Swords first.
They aren't GoT, and not as good as The Blade Itself either, but they read quickly and I enjoyed them a lot.
Have you read any Sanderson? I see his name thrown around.
I don't think I have. What is his/her best?
I read the Mistborn series. It was fun, clever, and different than most.
Brent Weeks is a fun author too. Night Angel series was a good time.
If you enjoy fantasy, try Riyria Revelations. Three books that start with Theft of Swords. They were not amazing, but still very good. There is a prequel series that is two books deep(out of eventually up to 12). They are both good too, but def start with the Theft of Swords first.
They aren't GoT, and not as good as The Blade Itself either, but they read quickly and I enjoyed them a lot.
Have you read any Sanderson? I see his name thrown around.
I don't think I have. What is his/her best?
I read the Mistborn series. It was fun, clever, and different than most.
Brent Weeks is a fun author too. Night Angel series was a good time.
The only Sanderson books I have read are the Wheel of Time ones that he wrote after Robert Jordan died. I think I need to read the Mistborn. I read a couple of chapters of the first one online and then never got around to getting the book.
I just read "Gang Leader for a Day" by Sudhiir Venkatesh (sp?). It was very good and I'd recommend to anyone.
Read it on your recommendation in this thread a couple years ago :thumbs:I just read "Gang Leader for a Day" by Sudhiir Venkatesh (sp?). It was very good and I'd recommend to anyone.
He has another book about the underground economy of Chicago that includes a bit more technical writing but also includes a lot more interesting stories of poor entrepreneurship and how incredibly closed and removed the ghetto economy is from the rest of the economy.
what's it's called? Sounds awesomeRead it on your recommendation in this thread a couple years ago :thumbs:I just read "Gang Leader for a Day" by Sudhiir Venkatesh (sp?). It was very good and I'd recommend to anyone.
He has another book about the underground economy of Chicago that includes a bit more technical writing but also includes a lot more interesting stories of poor entrepreneurship and how incredibly closed and removed the ghetto economy is from the rest of the economy.
what's it's called? Sounds awesomeRead it on your recommendation in this thread a couple years ago :thumbs:I just read "Gang Leader for a Day" by Sudhiir Venkatesh (sp?). It was very good and I'd recommend to anyone.
He has another book about the underground economy of Chicago that includes a bit more technical writing but also includes a lot more interesting stories of poor entrepreneurship and how incredibly closed and removed the ghetto economy is from the rest of the economy.
My current work duties don't require much mental strain for a good portion of the day. I've taken to listening to audio books during this time. I started listening to 1Q84 yesterday, and holy crap, it's got me by the balls.
My current work duties don't require much mental strain for a good portion of the day. I've taken to listening to audio books during this time. I started listening to 1Q84 yesterday, and holy crap, it's got me by the balls.
man, thats gotta be a long listen.
My current work duties don't require much mental strain for a good portion of the day. I've taken to listening to audio books during this time. I started listening to 1Q84 yesterday, and holy crap, it's got me by the balls.I just started reading this yesterday! :thumbs:
Just starting Gone Girl. Want to knock it out before the movie hits rentals.Meh
guys I have sucked so bad at reading lately. motivate me.
guys I have sucked...
My current work duties don't require much mental strain for a good portion of the day. I've taken to listening to audio books during this time. I started listening to 1Q84 yesterday, and holy crap, it's got me by the balls.
man, thats gotta be a long listen.
Also reading Shift omnibus. Incredible combination of a great story with horrible prose.yup, just like ASOIAF imho
Also reading Shift omnibus. Incredible combination of a great story with horrible prose.yup, just like ASOIAF imho
I'm super pumped for Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell on BBC. That had a great story AND fantastic dialogue.Also reading Shift omnibus. Incredible combination of a great story with horrible prose.yup, just like ASOIAF imho
And also would make a great hbo show!
http://www.openculture.com/2013/08/cormac-mccarthys-punctuation-rules.html
:love: eff you punctuation
Just finished The Steel Remains by Richard K. Morgan. It contained a surprising amount of very graphically depicted hardcore gay sex. Like a geez guy amount of it. I suppose it was okay on the whole.
I'm super pumped for Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell on BBC. That had a great story AND fantastic dialogue.
Is that the one with Half a King, or whatevs? If so, not good? I bought the HaK book but haven't read yet.
I have read it and enjoyed it. I don't think I went all the way through them.Just finished The Steel Remains by Richard K. Morgan. It contained a surprising amount of very graphically depicted hardcore gay sex. Like a geez guy amount of it. I suppose it was okay on the whole.
Any chance you mean two chicks :sad:
"OK on the whole" isn't the greatest endorsement you have ever given.
Have you read the Black Company series? I haven't, but have contemplated it frequently.
Just finished The Steel Remains by Richard K. Morgan. It contained a surprising amount of very graphically depicted hardcore gay sex. Like a geez guy amount of it. I suppose it was okay on the whole.
Any chance you mean two chicks :sad:
"OK on the whole" isn't the greatest endorsement you have ever given.
Have you read the Black Company series? I haven't, but have contemplated it frequently.
Have you read the Black Company series?
Have you read the Black Company series?
i read one once. got bored with it, not sure if i finished it. i used to like his fantasy/detective books a little.
Also reading The Savage Detectives. Like, hardly anything seems to happen, but I love it.That on my to-do list. I am excited about it.
Dirty White Boys. I am two chapters in. Does it get any better? I mean, so far this guy has used roughly half a chapter to describe the main guy's dick and also used "bulging muscles" to describe the same guy something like 3 times over a period of 1-2 pages. The first chapter is quite possible the worst chapter I have read, of any book, for a very long time.
Does it do a complete 180 anytime soon?
i just finished the night angel books and they're easily as good as those. #recommendation
Ham on Rye - Charles Bukowski
I'm about 1/3 the way through 1Q84 and I'm still not quite sure wtf is going on but it has my balls.I am at the same place, but I know what is going on and it is only cupping my balls right now.
Ham on Rye - Charles Bukowski
I just read this. Quick read, really interesting point of view and very intense.
well now i'm puzzled as to why you don't want read my gay sex books.
It's really just a couple of pages in the first book, but damn is it intense. Raw. You come out of that without an erection and you can walk through the rest of your days knowing with absolute certainty that you are not in fact a homosexual. #petesayhellotopete
It's really just a couple of pages in the first book, but damn is it intense. Raw. You come out of that without an erection and you can walk through the rest of your days knowing with absolute certainty that you are not in fact a homosexual. #petesayhellotopete
I am about 15% through it and no boners yet. I will face this head on, and won't skip it!
I am enjoying the writing style, and it's an interesting world he has crafted.
It's really just a couple of pages in the first book, but damn is it intense. Raw. You come out of that without an erection and you can walk through the rest of your days knowing with absolute certainty that you are not in fact a homosexual. #petesayhellotopete
I am about 15% through it and no boners yet. I will face this head on, and won't skip it!
I am enjoying the writing style, and it's an interesting world he has crafted.
yeah, he does pretty well with the background mythology.
apparently he wrote some "hardboiled cyberpunk" novels before these that are supposed to be good and are sort of tenuously prequely. i'm going to read them at some point.
It's really just a couple of pages in the first book, but damn is it intense. Raw. You come out of that without an erection and you can walk through the rest of your days knowing with absolute certainty that you are not in fact a homosexual. #petesayhellotopete
I am about 15% through it and no boners yet. I will face this head on, and won't skip it!
I am enjoying the writing style, and it's an interesting world he has crafted.
yeah, he does pretty well with the background mythology.
apparently he wrote some "hardboiled cyberpunk" novels before these that are supposed to be good and are sort of tenuously prequely. i'm going to read them at some point.
Finished The Steel Remains. The hot gay action was just as you said it would be, and no boners. Was I mildly curious? I won't discuss that in polite book thread company.
Have you read the rest in the series?
It's really just a couple of pages in the first book, but damn is it intense. Raw. You come out of that without an erection and you can walk through the rest of your days knowing with absolute certainty that you are not in fact a homosexual. #petesayhellotopete
I am about 15% through it and no boners yet. I will face this head on, and won't skip it!
I am enjoying the writing style, and it's an interesting world he has crafted.
yeah, he does pretty well with the background mythology.
apparently he wrote some "hardboiled cyberpunk" novels before these that are supposed to be good and are sort of tenuously prequely. i'm going to read them at some point.
Finished The Steel Remains. The hot gay action was just as you said it would be, and no boners. Was I mildly curious? I won't discuss that in polite book thread company.
Have you read the rest in the series?
Yeah. I liked them. Would recommend. I'm just finishing up another trilogy, the Broken Empire, by some bro named Mark Lawrence. It's good too. You should read it next if you haven't. More dark even than GRRM or Abercrombie though.
Dragon Tattoo TrilogyAlso the Swedish movies are much better.
Dragon Tattoo Trilogy
Written by who? Larsson died in 2004 and those were the last three manuscripts he turned in.Dragon Tattoo Trilogy
Did you know that a fourth book is coming out?
Written by who? Larsson died in 2004 and those were the last three manuscripts he turned in.Dragon Tattoo Trilogy
Did you know that a fourth book is coming out?
I'll give it a go. I'm excited for a fourth book. Thanks for letting me know. :DWritten by who? Larsson died in 2004 and those were the last three manuscripts he turned in.Dragon Tattoo Trilogy
Did you know that a fourth book is coming out?
They got a new author.
David Lagercrantz
I'm just finishing up another trilogy, the Broken Empire, by some bro named Mark Lawrence.
I'm just finishing up another trilogy, the Broken Empire, by some bro named Mark Lawrence.
so the last one is not good. it's like he lost interest. very strange for someone's talent to just completely abandon them like that only three books into a career.
I settled on this non-fiction book - thanks for nothing, guys:
http://www.amazon.com/Age-Ambition-Chasing-Fortune-Truth/dp/1491581441
I'm about 1/4 of the way through and it's really nice so far. The author does a nice job using personal stories to highlight how and why recent changes in Chinese policy have changed things.
I'm just finishing up another trilogy, the Broken Empire, by some bro named Mark Lawrence.
so the last one is not good. it's like he lost interest. very strange for someone's talent to just completely abandon them like that only three books into a career.
You are a fast reader. I am only half through the "Cold Commands." This "gray places" dream like stuff is tiring.
I settled on this non-fiction book - thanks for nothing, guys:
http://www.amazon.com/Age-Ambition-Chasing-Fortune-Truth/dp/1491581441
I'm about 1/4 of the way through and it's really nice so far. The author does a nice job using personal stories to highlight how and why recent changes in Chinese policy have changed things.
i can't tell that you read those books.
I'm just finishing up another trilogy, the Broken Empire, by some bro named Mark Lawrence.
so the last one is not good. it's like he lost interest. very strange for someone's talent to just completely abandon them like that only three books into a career.
You are a fast reader. I am only half through the "Cold Commands." This "gray places" dream like stuff is tiring.
i got a little wrapped up in it because it's like a mystery that i wanted answered. like wtf is going on and what happened in the past that made it this way? i love backstory and revelations.
i'm two books into this demon cycle series by peter v. brett. it seems pretty solid so far. your guy pat rothfuss recommended him to me.
there's a really good and funny chapter where the author goes on a Chinese tour of Europe and they stay at Best Westerns at eat only Chinese food. It relates the funny anecdotes to Chinese history and their evolving views on the West. Is this the kind of hard hitting reviews you are looking for?
Dad had a copy of Bill O'Reilly's Killing Patton. It was an interesting read. I knew how he died, but not the rest of the story. If even half of it is true, it really begs some questions.I would be skeptical that half of it was true. (Note: I know nothing about how Patton died)
Dad had a copy of Bill O'Reilly's Killing Patton. It was an interesting read. I knew how he died, but not the rest of the story. If even half of it is true, it really begs some questions.I would be skeptical that half of it was true. (Note: I know nothing about how Patton died)
Dad had a copy of Bill O'Reilly's Killing Patton. It was an interesting read. I knew how he died, but not the rest of the story. If even half of it is true, it really begs some questions.I would be skeptical that half of it was true. (Note: I know nothing about how Patton died)
Well I read the first two books in the Discworld series that SD suggested. They were good, but they didn't have that "I really want to ignore all other things to read this" feeling.....So should I read more of them or switch to something else?
Nice of SD to leave right when I am in the middle of this crisis.
I'm just finishing up another trilogy, the Broken Empire, by some bro named Mark Lawrence.
so the last one is not good. it's like he lost interest. very strange for someone's talent to just completely abandon them like that only three books into a career.
You are a fast reader. I am only half through the "Cold Commands." This "gray places" dream like stuff is tiring.
i got a little wrapped up in it because it's like a mystery that i wanted answered. like wtf is going on and what happened in the past that made it this way? i love backstory and revelations.
i'm two books into this demon cycle series by peter v. brett. it seems pretty solid so far. your guy pat rothfuss recommended him to me.
Well, you can tell Pat to go ahead and finish that third book.
I'm just finishing up another trilogy, the Broken Empire, by some bro named Mark Lawrence.
so the last one is not good. it's like he lost interest. very strange for someone's talent to just completely abandon them like that only three books into a career.
You are a fast reader. I am only half through the "Cold Commands." This "gray places" dream like stuff is tiring.
i got a little wrapped up in it because it's like a mystery that i wanted answered. like wtf is going on and what happened in the past that made it this way? i love backstory and revelations.
i'm two books into this demon cycle series by peter v. brett. it seems pretty solid so far. your guy pat rothfuss recommended him to me.
Well, you can tell Pat to go ahead and finish that third book.
i finished the first four books of the demon cycle series. they're pretty good. #recommendedtopete
I'm going to read Lev Grossman's The Magicians next. A trilogy. Will report back.
do you dorks read anything but fantasy books?
I'm going to read Lev Grossman's The Magicians next. A trilogy. Will report back.Don't. Finished the trilogy a while back. The first book is intriguing. Sucks super hard from then on.
do you dorks read anything but fantasy books?
do you dorks read anything but fantasy books?
You should read rick perlstein's book on reagan.
Any official western kansas boundaries?
I'm going to read Lev Grossman's The Magicians next. A trilogy. Will report back.Don't. Finished the trilogy a while back. The first book is intriguing. Sucks super hard from then on.
I listened to a really interesting non-fiction book on audio last week, Colin Woodward's "American Nations." It's about the cultural "nations" of America, how they formed, how they developed, and how they behave now.
Cool stuff. We are from the "Midland" and "Yankee" nations. Rusty lives in the "Left Coast" nation now. Some of you Texas guys are in the Nation of "El Norte."
Bread might be a Borderlander, or might be a midlander.
Sys lives in Tide Water.
I listened to a really interesting non-fiction book on audio last week, Colin Woodward's "American Nations." It's about the cultural "nations" of America, how they formed, how they developed, and how they behave now.
Cool stuff. We are from the "Midland" and "Yankee" nations. Rusty lives in the "Left Coast" nation now. Some of you Texas guys are in the Nation of "El Norte."
Bread might be a Borderlander, or might be a midlander.
Sys lives in Tide Water.
sys lives in far west. or did I miss something?
that book got a little silly toward the end.
Probably what he describes Midlanders as but no longer is.I listened to a really interesting non-fiction book on audio last week, Colin Woodward's "American Nations." It's about the cultural "nations" of America, how they formed, how they developed, and how they behave now.
Cool stuff. We are from the "Midland" and "Yankee" nations. Rusty lives in the "Left Coast" nation now. Some of you Texas guys are in the Nation of "El Norte."
Bread might be a Borderlander, or might be a midlander.
Sys lives in Tide Water.
sys lives in far west. or did I miss something?
that book got a little silly toward the end.
Whoops, I typed Sys but meant Dax. Man, I will never hear the end of that from those two! Ya, I totally agree about the end, I got fed up and turned it off toward the very end.
Which one do you consider yourself? I think I am a solid mix of Midland and Yankee.
I got stuck 1/4 though the last book and just wiki'ed the rest and read the last chapter instead. Didn't really like the endThe last book went really fast for me like they all did. It also didn't seem to have as much awful prose as the others.
books about America's wars against Indians really eff with the notion of American exceptionalism
books about America's wars against Indians really eff with the notion of American exceptionalism
Maybe we just didn't become exceptional until after we slaughtered all of the natives.
I'm about 1/3 the way through 1Q84 and I'm still not quite sure wtf is going on but it has my balls.I am at the same place, but I know what is going on and it is only cupping my balls right now.
Yes, I finished it. Kinda meh, the ending does not piss you off as I though it had great potential to do. But it also does not wow you.I'm about 1/3 the way through 1Q84 and I'm still not quite sure wtf is going on but it has my balls.I am at the same place, but I know what is going on and it is only cupping my balls right now.
Did you finish it yet? Is it worth continuing on?
The Rick Perlstein Reagan book is great as expected. Glad he picked up on the end of Nixon that he kind of glossed over at the end of Nixonland
Nixon was amazing.
On the RR childhood, you can tell Perlstein doesn't like Reagan, and I appreciate that he doesn't try to hide it. I tried to find the comic of RR as a lifeguard in his HS yearbook but couldn't find it.
Anyone read any of the wayward pines books? If so please let me know if they are any good. TIA.
Just started reading We Are Not Good People.
only about 1/4 of the way in and it is interesting. Fantasy about ppl that can perform magic. The premise is that magic can only be done in the presence of blood. The stronger the magic, the more blood needed. I am not far enough to see if Sommers delivers with the book, but the idea is an interesting twist, imo.
weird thing about this book: I've never read a book where I've caught so many wacky-esque typos. example: using "roll" where "role" should be used. It's kind of distracting.The Rick Perlstein Reagan book is great as expected. Glad he picked up on the end of Nixon that he kind of glossed over at the end of Nixonland
The first half of the book is 60-40 Nixon to Reagan stuff. The RR childhood stuff is fascinating, but the Nixon trial. My God. It just makes the Clinton fiasco look so trivial by comparison.
weird thing about this book: I've never read a book where I've caught so many wacky-esque typos. example: using "roll" where "role" should be used. It's kind of distracting.The Rick Perlstein Reagan book is great as expected. Glad he picked up on the end of Nixon that he kind of glossed over at the end of Nixonland
The first half of the book is 60-40 Nixon to Reagan stuff. The RR childhood stuff is fascinating, but the Nixon trial. My God. It just makes the Clinton fiasco look so trivial by comparison.
weird thing about this book: I've never read a book where I've caught so many wacky-esque typos. example: using "roll" where "role" should be used. It's kind of distracting.The Rick Perlstein Reagan book is great as expected. Glad he picked up on the end of Nixon that he kind of glossed over at the end of Nixonland
The first half of the book is 60-40 Nixon to Reagan stuff. The RR childhood stuff is fascinating, but the Nixon trial. My God. It just makes the Clinton fiasco look so trivial by comparison.
In other rick Perlstein news his Twitter account was taken over by a teenager a couple weeks ago and it still has be blue check mark. Super weird.
I am STILL furious at this thread for recommending Dirty White Boys. So terrible.
Wool, Sand and pretty much everything that Howley writes, that I've read, have been good. I'm not a big fan of sci-fi stuff, but he's clever. I hope the movies have a gritty Aliens type vibe to them.
you only have 1 set of earphones? i have like 3 in the house, one in the car, one in the office and a spare shitty set in my backpackYou don't have a set permanently draped around your neck :confused:
you only have 1 set of earphones? i have like 3 in the house, one in the car, one in the office and a spare shitty set in my backpack
I snagged 100-years of Solitude off of the "free stuff" table at work. I am reading a piece of crap book right now but I read the first couple of pages of 100-yrs and am excited to dive into it.
Just started reading We Are Not Good People.
only about 1/4 of the way in and it is interesting. Fantasy about ppl that can perform magic. The premise is that magic can only be done in the presence of blood. The stronger the magic, the more blood needed. I am not far enough to see if Sommers delivers with the book, but the idea is an interesting twist, imo.
I listened to the audio book of "The Martian" by Andy Weir. It was really good. I was quite impressed.
I listened to the audio book of "The Martian" by Andy Weir. It was really good. I was quite impressed.
Coming out soon featuring Matt Damon and directed by ridley Scott
I listened to that one last week (Gone Girl). It's great too. Ready Player One narrated by Will Wheaton was very fun also.
I listened to that one last week (Gone Girl). It's great too. Ready Player One narrated by Will Wheaton was very fun also.
I am about 80% through this (listened to it for 10 hours in the car yesterday), and it's very, very good! A fun concept. Very cool book.
I listened to the audio book of "The Martian" by Andy Weir. It was really good. I was quite impressed.
I listened to the audio book of "The Martian" by Andy Weir. It was really good. I was quite impressed.
about 2/3rds through this book. cant put it down.
I'm 1/3 of the way through (Aech cleared gate) based on (hopefully not misread) recommendos ITT, and I'm starting to wonder if it is ever going to get past surface level nerd culture and 80's references?I listened to the audio book of "The Martian" by Andy Weir. It was really good. I was quite impressed.
about 2/3rds through this book. cant put it down.
I'm glad you like it! Have you read "Ready Player One?"
I snagged 100-years of Solitude off of the "free stuff" table at work. I am reading a piece of crap book right now but I read the first couple of pages of 100-yrs and am excited to dive into it.
It's really enjoyable sober, but probably even better when you :bigtoke:
I'm 1/3 of the way through (Aech cleared gate) based on (hopefully not misread) recommendos ITT, and I'm starting to wonder if it is ever going to get past surface level nerd culture and 80's references?I listened to the audio book of "The Martian" by Andy Weir. It was really good. I was quite impressed.
about 2/3rds through this book. cant put it down.
I'm glad you like it! Have you read "Ready Player One?"
I'm glad you like it! Have you read "Ready Player One?"I'm 1/3 of the way through (Aech cleared gate) based on (hopefully not misread) recommendos ITT, and I'm starting to wonder if it is ever going to get past surface level nerd culture and 80's references?
Well, if you don't like the nerd stuff and 80's stuff you are reading the wrong book.
Douglas Adams. Kurt Vonnegut. Neal Stephenson. Richard K. Morgan. Stephen King. Orson Scott Card. Terry Pratchett. Terry Brooks. Bester, Bradbury, Haldeman, Heinlein, Tolkein, Vance, Gibson, Gainman, Sterling, Moorcock, Scalzi, Zelezny
I'm glad you like it! Have you read "Ready Player One?"I'm 1/3 of the way through (Aech cleared gate) based on (hopefully not misread) recommendos ITT, and I'm starting to wonder if it is ever going to get past surface level nerd culture and 80's references?
Well, if you don't like the nerd stuff and 80's stuff you are reading the wrong book.
It's not that I don't like nerd stuff and 80's stuff...
I just feel like the first 50-100 pages were the author trying to cram as many references in them as possible. And not really references, but lists of things that people familiar with sci-fi or gaming or the 80's would recognize. It just feels cheap to set a novel in the future and try and draw people in by using a shotgun blast of references so you can touch a nostalgic nerve for every male between the ages of 14 and 55.
Also, l33t speak? In the 2030's, really? I mean the author invented something called the "L33t Hax0rz Warezhous" that is basically the Silk Road. "Sux0rz"? Is this a CS chatroom in 2001?
Don't get me wrong, it's picked up a bit and is a fairly fun novel. I'll finish it, I would just much rather be reading one of Halliday's favorite author's:Quote from: Actual quote from the bookDouglas Adams. Kurt Vonnegut. Neal Stephenson. Richard K. Morgan. Stephen King. Orson Scott Card. Terry Pratchett. Terry Brooks. Bester, Bradbury, Haldeman, Heinlein, Tolkein, Vance, Gibson, Gainman, Sterling, Moorcock, Scalzi, Zelezny
I'm glad you like it! Have you read "Ready Player One?"I'm 1/3 of the way through (Aech cleared gate) based on (hopefully not misread) recommendos ITT, and I'm starting to wonder if it is ever going to get past surface level nerd culture and 80's references?
Well, if you don't like the nerd stuff and 80's stuff you are reading the wrong book.
It's not that I don't like nerd stuff and 80's stuff...
I just feel like the first 50-100 pages were the author trying to cram as many references in them as possible. And not really references, but lists of things that people familiar with sci-fi or gaming or the 80's would recognize. It just feels cheap to set a novel in the future and try and draw people in by using a shotgun blast of references so you can touch a nostalgic nerve for every male between the ages of 14 and 55.
Also, l33t speak? In the 2030's, really? I mean the author invented something called the "L33t Hax0rz Warezhous" that is basically the Silk Road. "Sux0rz"? Is this a CS chatroom in 2001?
Don't get me wrong, it's picked up a bit and is a fairly fun novel. I'll finish it, I would just much rather be reading one of Halliday's favorite author's:Quote from: Actual quote from the bookDouglas Adams. Kurt Vonnegut. Neal Stephenson. Richard K. Morgan. Stephen King. Orson Scott Card. Terry Pratchett. Terry Brooks. Bester, Bradbury, Haldeman, Heinlein, Tolkein, Vance, Gibson, Gainman, Sterling, Moorcock, Scalzi, Zelezny
I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Will Wheaton. I enjoyed it. I have a feeling I wouldn't have enjoyed actually reading the book for the reasons you've stated.
I'm glad you like it! Have you read "Ready Player One?"I'm 1/3 of the way through (Aech cleared gate) based on (hopefully not misread) recommendos ITT, and I'm starting to wonder if it is ever going to get past surface level nerd culture and 80's references?
Well, if you don't like the nerd stuff and 80's stuff you are reading the wrong book.
It's not that I don't like nerd stuff and 80's stuff...
I just feel like the first 50-100 pages were the author trying to cram as many references in them as possible. And not really references, but lists of things that people familiar with sci-fi or gaming or the 80's would recognize. It just feels cheap to set a novel in the future and try and draw people in by using a shotgun blast of references so you can touch a nostalgic nerve for every male between the ages of 14 and 55.
Also, l33t speak? In the 2030's, really? I mean the author invented something called the "L33t Hax0rz Warezhous" that is basically the Silk Road. "Sux0rz"? Is this a CS chatroom in 2001?
Don't get me wrong, it's picked up a bit and is a fairly fun novel. I'll finish it, I would just much rather be reading one of Halliday's favorite author's:Quote from: Actual quote from the bookDouglas Adams. Kurt Vonnegut. Neal Stephenson. Richard K. Morgan. Stephen King. Orson Scott Card. Terry Pratchett. Terry Brooks. Bester, Bradbury, Haldeman, Heinlein, Tolkein, Vance, Gibson, Gainman, Sterling, Moorcock, Scalzi, Zelezny
I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Will Wheaton. I enjoyed it. I have a feeling I wouldn't have enjoyed actually reading the book for the reasons you've stated.
Same here, the Will Wheaton narration was amazingly good. However, the 80's nostalgia is not merely trivia...it's a character in the book.
did the martian audiobook on my recent travels. very good. super science joyride.
I'm going to read Lev Grossman's The Magicians next. A trilogy. Will report back.
It was not good. Also, syfi Chan is making it a tv series.
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Or the Hyperion books by Dan Simmons?Thanks. Started "Terror" last night.
Or the Hyperion books by Dan Simmons?Thanks. Started "Terror" last night.
Nope. Figured sd would make good recommendation. So, I went for this one. It was available for immediate checkout online from the library.Or the Hyperion books by Dan Simmons?Thanks. Started "Terror" last night.
These look interesting. Have you read the earlier ones as well?
I haven't read any of those. Tell me more!
I put a hold on Winds of War last night. Looking forward to that one.I haven't read any of those. Tell me more!
John Dies at the End is kind of an over the top horror/comedy. Easy read and had a couple parts that made me LOL.
Hyperion stuff is kind of a blend of fantasy/sci fi. The first one (I think just called Hyperion) is like Canterbury Tales where all the people on some quest like tell some story and they all kind of circle back on each other later on in the books.
Winds Of War (and the second book War and Remembrance) is historical fiction set in WWII. A lot of good history and a great story. Probably my favorite books.
Reading this now. About 10% in and really like it so far.I'm super pumped for Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell on BBC. That had a great story AND fantastic dialogue.Also reading Shift omnibus. Incredible combination of a great story with horrible prose.yup, just like ASOIAF imho
And also would make a great hbo show!
I'm about finished with Kafka on the Shore. Very enjoyable, probably more than 1Q84.
finished "The Martian" and loved it.
next up is "Devil in the White City"
finished "The Martian" and loved it.
next up is "Devil in the White City"
I really liked DitWC. It wasn't what I thought it would be, the serial murderer takes a little bit more of a backseat than I thought he would, but it was a very interesting book, imo.
finished "The Martian" and loved it.
next up is "Devil in the White City"
I really liked DitWC. It wasn't what I thought it would be, the serial murderer takes a little bit more of a backseat than I thought he would, but it was a very interesting book, imo.
Is that the one that takes place during the World's Fair?
I read it and the Alienist around the same time, but I didn't finish one of them. Can't remember which.
finished "The Martian" and loved it.
next up is "Devil in the White City"
finished "The Martian" and loved it.
next up is "Devil in the White City"
Devil in the White City - excellent. enjoy. I think it would make an excellent movie / TV mini-series.
I was going to say they'd be limited by the real events, but hell, Hollywood usually ignores facts anyway.finished "The Martian" and loved it.
next up is "Devil in the White City"
Devil in the White City - excellent. enjoy. I think it would make an excellent movie / TV mini-series.
They could def do a Netflix typ serial show on it. It could work out better than Hell on Wheels. Both deal with monumental tasks, but Devil has Chicago and a serial killer as a backdrop to add content. It could be really good if done right.
I was going to say they'd be limited by the real events, but hell, Hollywood usually ignores facts anyway.
Ugh. Netflix serials are so much better than movies.
And @Pete, "The Martian" is high on my list of next fiction to read. Think I'll dive into "Champlain's Dream" next, though. That American Nations book we both read inspired it!
Finished the audio version of Hoover's FBI by Deke DeLoach. Really enjoyed this one. Not so much about the Hoover story but more for the historical discussion by DeLoach. I learned quite a bit regarding US history in the 60s.
http://www.amazon.com/Hoovers-FBI-Inside-Trusted-Lieutenant/dp/1455130575
The book was written in 1995. DeLoach died in 2013.
https://m.fbi.gov/#https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2013/march/deke-deloach-adviser-to-j.-edgar-hoover-dies-at-92/deke-deloach-adviser-to-j.-edgar-hoover-dies-at-92
Or the Hyperion books by Dan Simmons?Thanks. Started "Terror" last night.
Finished the audiobook version of Armada by Ernest Cline last week. Wil Wheaton narrated it again. I enjoyed it more than RP1. I would highly recommend it.
Knocked out Slapstick by Vonnegut on my trip to Minnesota over the weekend. I enjoyed it greatly.
I'd like a good history book, guys. Any recommendations?The Great Bridge by McCullough.
I'm getting ready to go on vacation in a week, and I need to get a book to take with me.Dawn by Octavia Butler
What should I get?????
Here are some things that I have rated 5 stars on my Goodreads list (for reference of what I like):
Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett
The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Towers of Midnight (Wheel of Time #13) by Robert Jordan
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin
Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card
That's just a sample. I have rated 29 out of 216 as five stars. I wonder if I should be more discerning with my ratings.
Surely there is a new teen series out there for you
I'm getting ready to go on vacation in a week, and I need to get a book to take with me.
What should I get?????
Here are some things that I have rated 5 stars on my Goodreads list (for reference of what I like):
Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett
The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Towers of Midnight (Wheel of Time #13) by Robert Jordan
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin
Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card
That's just a sample. I have rated 29 out of 216 as five stars. I wonder if I should be more discerning with my ratings.
Surely there is a new teen series out there for you
I'm getting ready to go on vacation in a week, and I need to get a book to take with me.
What should I get?????
Here are some things that I have rated 5 stars on my Goodreads list (for reference of what I like):
Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett
The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Towers of Midnight (Wheel of Time #13) by Robert Jordan
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin
Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card
That's just a sample. I have rated 29 out of 216 as five stars. I wonder if I should be more discerning with my ratings.
I would seriously recommend Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell
I'm getting ready to go on vacation in a week, and I need to get a book to take with me.
What should I get?????
Here are some things that I have rated 5 stars on my Goodreads list (for reference of what I like):
Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett
The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Towers of Midnight (Wheel of Time #13) by Robert Jordan
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin
Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card
That's just a sample. I have rated 29 out of 216 as five stars. I wonder if I should be more discerning with my ratings.
I would seriously recommend Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell
:frown:
Any factors to consider?:frown:
chings! recommend me some fiction!
Any factors to consider?:frown:
chings! recommend me some fiction!
:frown:
Put Out More Flags - Waugh
The Gospel According to Jesus Christ - Saramago
The Magus - Fowles
Cloudsplitter: A Novel - Banks (but I think I recommended this before)
I'm reading cloudsplitterI might re-read that. I have been meaning to.
Seems like that would be a lot of work. But it seems pretty good through one chapter.I'm reading cloudsplitterI might re-read that. I have been meaning to.
I stopped by the library today.
I got Lilith's Brood which is a compilation of 3 books in the series starting with Dawn by Octavia Butler.
Also got Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell but I don't even know if that one will fit in my luggage. The librarian confirmed it was a great choice though.
There's no tension, very meh, SD
There's no tension, very meh, SD
no tension. no character building. no surprises. I ended up skimming the last quarter because I didn't care what happened.
Dawn by Octavia Butler
Read the demon cycle books first I'd say.
Finished the audiobook version of Armada by Ernest Cline last week. Wil Wheaton narrated it again. I enjoyed it more than RP1. I would highly recommend it.
One of my staff just stopped in and asked if I had heard of "The Revenant" by Michael Pucke? She wasn't sure if it is well-written, as she herself has not read it. But she thought the subject and back story is fascinating, and she piqued my interest. I will be looking for it. I know references have been made to it somewhere on this board, but didn't pay any attention previous to it. If anyone has read it, what say you?
I plan to read it first. But the movie is a definite yes as soon as I can.One of my staff just stopped in and asked if I had heard of "The Revenant" by Michael Pucke? She wasn't sure if it is well-written, as she herself has not read it. But she thought the subject and back story is fascinating, and she piqued my interest. I will be looking for it. I know references have been made to it somewhere on this board, but didn't pay any attention previous to it. If anyone has read it, what say you?
This movie looks really good. I may read it first.
I bought the girl on the train last night. Did I eff up? I haven't read contemporary fiction in like 20 years, but it looks interesting
Crap
The Shawnee County Library is the saddest place on earth, no way I'm going thereJust curious, what makes it so?
The Shawnee County Library is the saddest place on earth, no way I'm going thereJust curious, what makes it so?
Gotcha. I go there, but don't pay much attention to who else is there. Unless you are talking about me!The Shawnee County Library is the saddest place on earth, no way I'm going thereJust curious, what makes it so?
The patrons
The Shawnee County Library is the saddest place on earth, no way I'm going there
I bought the girl on the train last night. Did I eff up? I haven't read contemporary fiction in like 20 years, but it looks interesting
Why? They're on the kindle app. Only bad thing is they're limited to 21 days so you have to enjoy reading to get through some books on time.I've never seen a book that I wanted to read that don't have at least people in line in front of me to check it out.
I like reading on my 7in tablet, so I bought a paperwhite while they are on sale. Hoping to like it
I really hated reading on the kindle. Very little upside for me.
https://youtu.be/fDBzQkWeQ5gI really hated reading on the kindle. Very little upside for me.
Kat kid really just wants intellectual people to see the book covers of him reading intellectual things and compliment him on them
Kat kid really just wants intellectual people to see the book covers of him reading intellectual things and compliment him on themhttps://youtu.be/fDBzQkWeQ5g
I wish Mr. Bread was here to talk fantasy books with.
I wish Mr. Bread was here to talk fantasy books with.
do you like sci-fi?
I enjoy reading and make a conscience effort to read more in 2015, read more books in a year than I probably ever have before. My favorite read of the year was Bill Bryson's America, One Summer: 1927.Don't strain yourself.
I enjoy reading and make a conscience effort to read more in 2015, read more books in a year than I probably ever have before. My favorite read of the year was Bill Bryson's America, One Summer: 1927.
Just read Ubik by Phillip K. Dick and am starting 'The World Jones Made'FWIW, I liked A Scanner Darkly better than The Man in the High Castle, but they are both good books.
Liked Ubik, did not love it. Have LOVED the Man in the High Castle show and may circle back and read the book if I like Jones enough.
I enjoy reading and make a conscience effort to read more in 2015, read more books in a year than I probably ever have before. My favorite read of the year was Bill Bryson's America, One Summer: 1927.Don't strain yourself.
Has "River of Doubt" made it to this thread? Lenexa author, book is about Teddy Roosevelt being invited to float the Amazon river, but when he got there, they sent him down an uncharted river instead. Outcome was, to say the least, challenging. Very good read.
Has "River of Doubt" made it to this thread? Lenexa author, book is about Teddy Roosevelt being invited to float the Amazon river, but when he got there, they sent him down an uncharted river instead. Outcome was, to say the least, challenging. Very good read.
the author's from Leawood, but yes it's great.
Just read Ubik by Phillip K. Dick and am starting 'The World Jones Made'FWIW, I liked A Scanner Darkly better than The Man in the High Castle, but they are both good books.
Liked Ubik, did not love it. Have LOVED the Man in the High Castle show and may circle back and read the book if I like Jones enough.
Just finished Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. Wasn't fantastic or anything, but liked it enough that I will try some of his others.Just read Ubik by Phillip K. Dick and am starting 'The World Jones Made'FWIW, I liked A Scanner Darkly better than The Man in the High Castle, but they are both good books.
Liked Ubik, did not love it. Have LOVED the Man in the High Castle show and may circle back and read the book if I like Jones enough.
I may get that one too, I am negatively influenced by the movie (that I didn't see) looking like garbage.
Read the demon cycle books first I'd say.
Just finished the first one. Made me think of Bread. I wish he would come back.
Have you read the Riyria series books? There are The Riyria Chronicles and The Riyria Revelations. I liked them quite a bit and the latest book just came out. Haven't read it yet. With the new book both have three books per series. Again, they are a fun read.
Have you read the Riyria series books? There are The Riyria Chronicles and The Riyria Revelations. I liked them quite a bit and the latest book just came out. Haven't read it yet. With the new book both have three books per series. Again, they are a fun read.
I just finished Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell today. It was great. I was really interested by the last 10%.
Now I checked out 3 books by Octavia Butler.
Any of you folks use the goodreads app?
Any of you folks use the goodreads app?
I use the Goodreads website. Didn't realize there was an app.
So I never did read that girl on the train book I bought but they made a movie of it with Emily blunt ( :love:) so now I get to know what happens without reading :excited:
going on vacation Saturday to friday. The Mrs. wants us both to read a book.A George Saunders short story collection. Any of them should work.
Any suggesstions
going on vacation Saturday to friday. The Mrs. wants us both to read a book.
Any suggesstions
going on vacation Saturday to friday. The Mrs. wants us both to read a book.
Any suggesstions
which two would be best for reading on the way to hawaii and in hawaii on a beach?
which two would be best for reading on the way to hawaii and in hawaii on a beach?
Probably none of those. "Fortune Smiles" is the most "feel comfortable in public while reading" of those books, though it will still make you mildly uncomfortable.
I read 100 years of solitude. Eh, not my favorite.Yeah, that was my take as well.
I pretty much only read History/Biography
How can I get into more fiction? It seems so wide open, what if you start reading and aren't interested? With history/bio I pick stuff that I know I'll be interested in.
What gives
which two would be best for reading on the way to hawaii and in hawaii on a beach?
Probably none of those. "Fortune Smiles" is the most "feel comfortable in public while reading" of those books, though it will still make you mildly uncomfortable.
Read and liked pillars but was not interested enough to read any others.I pretty much only read History/Biography
How can I get into more fiction? It seems so wide open, what if you start reading and aren't interested? With history/bio I pick stuff that I know I'll be interested in.
What gives
I pretty much only read fiction. But I do like some historical fiction, so maybe start there. I really like Ken Follett but some of his books are pretty long.
which two would be best for reading on the way to hawaii and in hawaii on a beach?
Probably none of those. "Fortune Smiles" is the most "feel comfortable in public while reading" of those books, though it will still make you mildly uncomfortable.
Went with this and his North Korea novel (hopefully as good as steve dave's!) I will try the Ocean Vuong, but I am nearing $150 in book purchases on Amazon the last week.
My Hawaii reading list:
Mythology Edith Hamilton
The Prophet Khalil Gibran
The Old Man and the Sea Papa Bear (read it every summer)
will also take Fortune Smiles
Read and liked pillars but was not interested enough to read any others.I pretty much only read History/Biography
How can I get into more fiction? It seems so wide open, what if you start reading and aren't interested? With history/bio I pick stuff that I know I'll be interested in.
What gives
I pretty much only read fiction. But I do like some historical fiction, so maybe start there. I really like Ken Follett but some of his books are pretty long.
Thinking about Custers trials. Pulitzer and such
Just finished Drinking: A Love Story last night. Pretty damn good memoir. Definitely called attention to some troubling personality traits of mine.
which two would be best for reading on the way to hawaii and in hawaii on a beach?
Probably none of those. "Fortune Smiles" is the most "feel comfortable in public while reading" of those books, though it will still make you mildly uncomfortable.
Went with this and his North Korea novel (hopefully as good as steve dave's!) I will try the Ocean Vuong, but I am nearing $150 in book purchases on Amazon the last week.
My Hawaii reading list:
Mythology Edith Hamilton
The Prophet Khalil Gibran
The Old Man and the Sea Papa Bear (read it every summer)
will also take Fortune Smiles
I read 100 years of solitude. Eh, not my favorite.
which two would be best for reading on the way to hawaii and in hawaii on a beach?
Probably none of those. "Fortune Smiles" is the most "feel comfortable in public while reading" of those books, though it will still make you mildly uncomfortable.
Went with this and his North Korea novel (hopefully as good as steve dave's!) I will try the Ocean Vuong, but I am nearing $150 in book purchases on Amazon the last week.
My Hawaii reading list:
Mythology Edith Hamilton
The Prophet Khalil Gibran
The Old Man and the Sea Papa Bear (read it every summer)
will also take Fortune Smiles
Orphan Master's Son is pretty absurd but would be a great beach read.
Just finished Drinking: A Love Story last night. Pretty damn good memoir. Definitely called attention to some troubling personality traits of mine.
Damn, man, that's a good memoir. She died, too, years ago, from lung cancer. You can fact check me, but pretty certain. RIP, Ms. Knapp.
Orphan Master's Son was incredible.
I haven't started Fortune Smiles and won't until after the 4th of July as I am going to be pretty bogged down with some work, but July will be some great reading time for ole KK.
I miss bread. A lot.Should I read dune?
I miss bread. A lot.Should I read dune?
Should I read dune?
TOO LATE THANKSShould I read dune?
no.
I read 100 years of solitude. Eh, not my favorite.Yeah, that was my take as well.
Rereading Dune right now.
I miss bread. A lot.Should I read dune?
I read 100 years of solitude. Eh, not my favorite.Yeah, that was my take as well.
Rereading Dune right now.I miss bread. A lot.Should I read dune?
Did I inspire you mich? :excited:
On the third book of the Gentlemen Bastards series...aka the Lies Locke Lamora series. It's decent, wasn't a waste of time, but definitely not as good as quite a few other fantasy series I would recommend first.
Any have any great fantasy or scifi series to recommend that we haven't already covered?
A Scanner Darkly is great! Also read his short story collections tooOn the third book of the Gentlemen Bastards series...aka the Lies Locke Lamora series. It's decent, wasn't a waste of time, but definitely not as good as quite a few other fantasy series I would recommend first.
Any have any great fantasy or scifi series to recommend that we haven't already covered?
Have you read any Phillip K Dick?
not series, but lots to choose from. I really liked Ubik.
Ready Player One by Cline is a pretty fun little read. If you are a video game nerd, you'd like it I bet.
Just did American Pastoral by Roth, not as fun. Interesting dismantling of the American Dream though.
Doing Cloudsplitter now
Also, Dodgers by Bill Beverly. Crime novel about gangs and whatnot. I've never read that genre but it was ok, if anyone has favs in that world let me know.
Also, Dodgers by Bill Beverly. Crime novel about gangs and whatnot. I've never read that genre but it was ok, if anyone has favs in that world let me know.
Do you like true crime, or just a fiction brah?
Gang Leader for a day.Also, Dodgers by Bill Beverly. Crime novel about gangs and whatnot. I've never read that genre but it was ok, if anyone has favs in that world let me know.
Do you like true crime, or just a fiction brah?
Either. I've done a few true crime recently (Ghettoside by Levoy, The Central Park Five by Burns,) and I'd be interested in more. Crime fiction is just never a genre I've dipped into
I'm enjoying Dune
Tim Geithner's book was OK. The parts about Dodd-Frank were especially interesting to me.
Also reading Sapiens. Good so far.
Just started reading a book which is a combination of The Hunger Games and The Bachelor.
Just started reading a book which is a combination of The Hunger Games and The Bachelor.
was it called the hunger games because the hunger games is basically a combo of the hunger games and the bachelor
slaves to who (or whom?)
The War of Art. It's pretty challenging.
I haven't read any of those. Tell me more!
Hyperion stuff is kind of a blend of fantasy/sci fi. The first one (I think just called Hyperion) is like Canterbury Tales where all the people on some quest like tell some story and they all kind of circle back on each other later on
Just read Dune on a recent trip and enjoyed it. I didn't realize until recently that there are a number of sequels. Given the length of the first book, I was hoping someone knows if they are any good before I start a 12 hour investment.
Just read Dune on a recent trip and enjoyed it. I didn't realize until recently that there are a number of sequels. Given the length of the first book, I was hoping someone knows if they are any good before I start a 12 hour investment.
I thought Dune started pretty great (once I figured out who everyone was) but the tail end was just incredibly boring and stupid.
Read chings recommendos The Magus and Dawn. SO GOOD, both. Although The Magus was a little slow/draggy for the first half.
I'm reading the Breakers series. It is a post-apocalyptic type where 95% of the population is wiped out by a virus. It is very good. There are 8 books in the series. I got the first set of 3 free on BookBub and then I paid for the next set of 3. I am currently int he middle of book 4.
I'm reading the Breakers series. It is a post-apocalyptic type where 95% of the population is wiped out by a virus. It is very good. There are 8 books in the series. I got the first set of 3 free on BookBub and then I paid for the next set of 3. I am currently int he middle of book 4.
Mrs gooch, if you love post-apocalyptic books as much as I do you should read the 2 above.
Also I will definitely check out the breakers series.
I'm reading the Breakers series. It is a post-apocalyptic type where 95% of the population is wiped out by a virus. It is very good. There are 8 books in the series. I got the first set of 3 free on BookBub and then I paid for the next set of 3. I am currently int he middle of book 4.
Mrs gooch, if you love post-apocalyptic books as much as I do you should read the 2 above.
Also I will definitely check out the breakers series.
Yes, I've already read those. You didn't mention Shift, it is the middle of that series. Did you read it too?
And also another book by Hugh Howey, Sand, is very good.
If you liked those, I think you would like the Breakers Series. It is not depressing, just makes you think about all the conveniences we have and how things change when those are no longer available.
"Wool" Loved it
"Dust" was the follow up, loved it as well!
I'm reading the Breakers series. It is a post-apocalyptic type where 95% of the population is wiped out by a virus. It is very good. There are 8 books in the series. I got the first set of 3 free on BookBub and then I paid for the next set of 3. I am currently int he middle of book 4.
Here are some books to read to prepare for our future...
When She Woke
https://www.amazon.com/When-She-Woke-Hillary-Jordan-ebook/dp/B0096BS448/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1478744924&sr=1-1&keywords=when+she+woke
Hunger Games
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MQYOFW/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
The Handmaid's Tale
https://www.amazon.com/Handmaids-Tale-Margaret-Atwood/dp/038549081X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478745019&sr=8-1&keywords=the+handmaid%27s+tale
Unwind
https://www.amazon.com/Unwind-Dystology-Neal-Shusterman/dp/1416912053/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478745099&sr=8-1&keywords=unwind+neal+shusterman
recommend me something sciencey. looking for something along the lines of Guns, Germs, and Steel.
recommend me something sciencey. looking for something along the lines of Guns, Germs, and Steel.
1491 has some pretty interesting stuff in it.
I finished the Breakers series last night. It was very good.Your Bible Qs in the pit make me think you should read the gospel according to jesus christ. His writing style is strange in the beginning, but you get used to it.
I finished the Breakers series last night. It was very good.Your Bible Qs in the pit make me think you should read the gospel according to jesus christ. His writing style is strange in the beginning, but you get used to it.
picked up some more Octavia spencer on kindle sale. my understanding of the female condition is soon to be unparalleleled?!?
I finished the Breakers series last night. It was very good.Your Bible Qs in the pit make me think you should read the gospel according to jesus christ. His writing style is strange in the beginning, but you get used to it.
Looks interesting. I'll look into it more when I finish the book I am currently reading. Thanks.
I read 100 years of solitude. Eh, not my favorite.
Yeah, I don't got the hype, Mich. It's one of those books everyone is forced to read in high school, like The Fountainhead or something (obviously Marquez is not as awful as AR, just an analogy), and you just look back on your 17 year-old self that liked it at the time and :lol: :lol:
I finished the Breakers series last night. It was very good.Your Bible Qs in the pit make me think you should read the gospel according to jesus christ. His writing style is strange in the beginning, but you get used to it.
Looks interesting. I'll look into it more when I finish the book I am currently reading. Thanks.
So far I've only read the first introduction chapter. It is basically just a description of a painting, but it already has my interest.
Tale of Two Cities, SDK. It's the most beautiful English prose there's ever been.I think I own it just never read it. Will check it out.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170210/8fc97124bc8ce3390a707f26c4f27988.jpg)
I'm working through The Idiot, on Bubbles' reccomendo.
Dawn by Octavia Butler
Chingon is really good at recommending books. I read the whole series and it was great.
Short stories are great. I'm currently reading Foner's abridged history of reconstruction. Shout out to Charles Sumnermy BOY! only thing I know of Sumner is that he got his ass beat on the floor of congress for being a bit of a smartass while arguing for abolition, but that's my favorite story I know.
Wow, what a great faux pas I made. I meant to say Charles Sanders! The great KSU history professor who used Foner as a class text.Short stories are great. I'm currently reading Foner's abridged history of reconstruction. Shout out to Charles Sumnermy BOY! only thing I know of Sumner is that he got his ass beat on the floor of congress for being a bit of a smartass while arguing for abolition, but that's my favorite story I know.
I am a quarter into 1Q84 and it is blowing my mind. Where on Earth is all of this going!?!?It gets weirder!!! Great book.
sanders is my boy too! it's an easy mistake you made because Sanders tells the Charles Sumner story amazingly.Wow, what a great faux pas I made. I meant to say Charles Sanders! The great KSU history professor who used Foner as a class text.Short stories are great. I'm currently reading Foner's abridged history of reconstruction. Shout out to Charles Sumnermy BOY! only thing I know of Sumner is that he got his ass beat on the floor of congress for being a bit of a smartass while arguing for abolition, but that's my favorite story I know.
Devil in the white city
Good. Leo and Scorsese are making a movie
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I thought it was too ridiculous
No, it was decent but towards the end I was like, wtf just happened? This got so stupid all of a sudden. It goes from hard science fiction to lord of the rings from one chapter to the next. Still good imo, but if that kind of thing bothers you just be aware.
No, it was decent but towards the end I was like, wtf just happened? This got so stupid all of a sudden. It goes from hard science fiction to lord of the rings from one chapter to the next. Still good imo, but if that kind of thing bothers you just be aware.I kinda get what you're saying but I don't really agree. I needed that last third and wanted it to go on 4 evvies. The last third is a common complaint on the reviews it seems.
I am a quarter into 1Q84 and it is blowing my mind. Where on Earth is all of this going!?!?
Kane & Abel by Jeffrey Archer - dogshit writing (this happened and then this happened and then this happened FOR SIXTY YEARS), the hero is a noble 1%'r, the antagonist's motive is totally stupid, and there is a completely unnecessary gang rape/murder of a 15 year old girl thrown in about 1/4 through. but i read the whole dang thing so obviously i am here to tell gE about itI actually own this book. I saw the movie many many years ago. I ran across the book and bought it. There are parts that bothered me but there's enough that kept me into it.
1984 is great. Blew my mind and made me sad and also in love.I am a quarter into 1Q84 and it is blowing my mind. Where on Earth is all of this going!?!?
i don't recall the last act very well, but it is a very interesting and wierd book.
I answer the surveys on Google and use that money to buy more books
I answer the surveys on Google and use that money to buy more books
I'm sitting at around 2 dollars now. I keep buying books.I answer the surveys on Google and use that money to buy more books
I did this for a long time but they haven't given me a survey in like 2 years now probably. I had worked up a balance of like $100 so maybe they got tired of giving me money
I'm reading this:It made me cry. Everyone should read this.
https://www.amazon.com/Evicted-Poverty-Profit-American-City/dp/0553447432
Heartbreaking non-fiction. So good though.
Reading hillbilly elegy, will read this vast southern empire next. Still reading assassination of Julius Caesar will pick citizens back up later.
Will report back later
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Reading hillbilly elegy, will read this vast southern empire next. Still reading assassination of Julius Caesar will pick citizens back up later.
Will report back later
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That looks like a good one. Have you read Evicted? I was thinking of you when recommending.
Reading hillbilly elegy, will read this vast southern empire next. Still reading assassination of Julius Caesar will pick citizens back up later.
Will report back later
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That looks like a good one. Have you read Evicted? I was thinking of you when recommending.
No, will circle back. But probably doing some ancient/classical history before I come back around to modern.
How different is it from Family Properties?
I still want to read dark money by Jane Mayer and nickel and dined (old book).
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This Google Rewards survey thing is a scam. I signed up and competed 2 surveys and after each one they said "Not all surveys earn credit" and I didn't get paid anything. WTF!
What should I read on the beach next week? Ideally one or two fiction and one non fiction.
:cool:
What should I read on the beach next week? Ideally one or two fiction and one non fiction.
:cool:
I'm half way through Devil in the White City. It's interesting non-fiction. I think they're making a movie about it with DiCaprio. Lots of references to how cold Chicago was, so not sure if that's what you want when you're on a beach.
What should I read on the beach next week? Ideally one or two fiction and one non fiction.
:cool:
What should I read on the beach next week? Ideally one or two fiction and one non fiction.
:cool:
What should I read on the beach next week? Ideally one or two fiction and one non fiction.
:cool:
What should I read on the beach next week? Ideally one or two fiction and one non fiction.
:cool:
Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness https://www.amazon.com/dp/0199753814/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_25t3ybZX6YDJG
What should I read on the beach next week? Ideally one or two fiction and one non fiction.
:cool:
Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness https://www.amazon.com/dp/0199753814/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_25t3ybZX6YDJG
I tried to read "Particle at the end of the Earth" and I've never felt so dumb in my life.
Yeah and the large hadron colliderWhat should I read on the beach next week? Ideally one or two fiction and one non fiction.
:cool:
Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness https://www.amazon.com/dp/0199753814/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_25t3ybZX6YDJG
I tried to read "Particle at the end of the Earth" and I've never felt so dumb in my life.
Haven't read that but I'm probably gonna order it :excited:
And I'm assuming it's about the Higgs Boson?
And it's particle at the end of the universe, lol
Now read Blindness
Now read Blindness
I think so!Now read Blindness
Is it ironic that the only copy of Blindness available at the Wichita library is a large print edition?
I think it was my favorite of his.
I finished On the Road and And the Hippos within the last week. I had never read any of the beats before. I don't really feel strongly one way or the other. I suppose I'll read a few more from these guys, probably at least Howl and Naked Lunch, so I can laugh some more over what people considered obscene back then, and move on to something else.
recommend me something sciencey. looking for something along the lines of Guns, Germs, and Steel.
1491 has some pretty interesting stuff in it.
1493 is also great.
Sapiens is science light but interesting philosophically and a very good read:
https://www.amazon.com/Sapiens-Humankind-Yuval-Noah-Harari-ebook/dp/B00ICN066A?ie=UTF8&me=&ref_=mt_kindle
Hillbilly Elegy - Easy read and I found the perspective of the author very reasonable.
Lost City of Z - Fun non-fiction. Makes me feel like not a real man when I read about these Amazon explorers. Insane.
Michigancat, I'm about 2/3rds through Evicted. Dude. Thanks for the recommendation.
Moby Dick
:zzz:
Do Not Recommend.
I picked up handmaid's tale and it is very good.
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Hmm, I might have to check out that 4chan book
Hmm, I might have to check out that 4chan book
Hmm, I might have to check out that 4chan book
You might like this: https://medium.com/@DaleBeran/4chan-the-skeleton-key-to-the-rise-of-trump-624e7cb798cb
Just started reading 1st H Potter outloud with lil CF3. Have never read/watched H Potter before.
I think it's pretty scary. I think my kids were 5 or 6 though so you're probably fine if he's enjoying himself.Just started reading 1st H Potter outloud with lil CF3. Have never read/watched H Potter before.
I'm excited to read books to lil ad that don't have pictures. May start this one. Also have never read/seen it. He just turned 4. Too early? Anyone done this?
Just started reading 1st H Potter outloud with lil CF3. Have never read/watched H Potter before.
I picked up handmaid's tale and it is very good.
Just started reading 1st H Potter outloud with lil CF3. Have never read/watched H Potter before.
I'm excited to read books to lil ad that don't have pictures. May start this one. Also have never read/seen it. He just turned 4. Too early? Anyone done this?
Berenstain
Interesting mass false memory around that.
What about the miniature Indian books? I loved those as a kid.
What grade is your oldest in?
What about the miniature Indian books? I loved those as a kid.
Indian in the cupboard? Really fun. I've read that one and the 2nd one to lil CF3. However they are p racist.
Her-mine-e
CF3 i forgot to ask, do you read in various british accents? if so it's
huh MY ah nee
Her-mine-e
I'm seeing like "Her-my-oh-knee" online. Can someone (a giant nerd) tell me which is correct?
CF3 i forgot to ask, do you read in various british accents? if so it's
huh MY ah nee
No I can't do British accents well enough. Also whenever there is a song I sing it in the tune of Gilligan's Island or some other TV theme song. I developed this method while reading the hobbit and it works p well
Definitely her-my-nee (her-mine-e)
Definitely her-my-nee (her-mine-e)
You're missing a syllable and frankly it's embarrassing that you can't tell
Definitely her-my-nee (her-mine-e)
You're missing a syllable and frankly it's embarrassing that you can't tell
Neither can jk Rowling apparently
This whole weird name thing is more than enough to make me never want to read Harry Potter books.
This whole weird name thing is more than enough to make me never want to read Harry Potter books.
what are your thoughts on the Iliad & the Odyssey?
This whole weird name thing is more than enough to make me never want to read Harry Potter books.
what are your thoughts on the Iliad & the Odyssey?
I'm not crazy about really old + really long either.
My only complaint about names so far in HP & TSS is that Hedwig/Hagrid are too similar and Mrs Norris is a really dumb name for a cat.
And nerds, please don't be like "oh but when you find out why Mrs. Norris is named that in book 4 its sooooo awesome" because its still a dumb cat name. Cats should be named whiskers or boots or cat bosco etc.
My only complaint about names so far in HP & TSS is that Hedwig/Hagrid are too similar and Mrs Norris is a really dumb name for a cat.
Dawn by Octavia Butler
Chingon is really good at recommending books. I read the whole series and it was great.
On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century? is a fantastic and necessary read. PM me if you would like me to send you a copy.I would like a copy.
Dawn by Octavia Butler
Chingon is really good at recommending books. I read the whole series and it was great.
@Chingon, I need a book/series recommendo for when I go on vacation in a couple of weeks. I read Dawn and that whole series last vaca and it was great.
have you read butler's other stuff?
Looks like I'll be reading the Midnight, Tx series by Charlaine Harris. It will probably be good, but not mind blowing. Oh well.
I read the Gospel According to Jesus Christ and also Cain and Blindness by Jose Saramago. Blindness was the best one.In a while you should read Seeing.
Check out Aztec by Jennings.
Dawn by Octavia Butler
Chingon is really good at recommending books. I read the whole series and it was great.
@Chingon, I need a book/series recommendo for when I go on vacation in a couple of weeks. I read Dawn and that whole series last vaca and it was great.
:impatient:
The first "Black Company" company book, by Glen Cook, was a lot of fun. I am on to the second one now.
I don't know why I keep up this vigil of posting about fantasy books, except that I keep hoping that Mr. Bread comes back and is proud of me. I miss him.
The first "Black Company" company book, by Glen Cook, was a lot of fun. I am on to the second one now.
I don't know why I keep up this vigil of posting about fantasy books, except that I keep hoping that Mr. Bread comes back and is proud of me. I miss him.
Pete what's your fave fantasy series?
At this point I can't even remember what happened in A Dance with Dragons.
It took me 3 years to read got and 1 year so far to 30% book 2 so I'll let you dudes know how book 5 ends in about 10 years
I wasn't ready to tackle Infinite Jest, so I've been reading The Broom of the System. It's super quirky and pretty funny at times. It's a trip to read.
I'm just finishing up another trilogy, the Broken Empire, by some bro named Mark Lawrence.
so the last one is not good. it's like he lost interest. very strange for someone's talent to just completely abandon them like that only three books into a career.
You are a fast reader. I am only half through the "Cold Commands." This "gray places" dream like stuff is tiring.
i got a little wrapped up in it because it's like a mystery that i wanted answered. like wtf is going on and what happened in the past that made it this way? i love backstory and revelations.
i'm two books into this demon cycle series by peter v. brett. it seems pretty solid so far. your guy pat rothfuss recommended him to me.
Well, you can tell Pat to go ahead and finish that third book.
i finished the first four books of the demon cycle series. they're pretty good. #recommendedtopete
Finished the third book in the Stormlight series, Oathbringer. Good but not great, keeps the plot moving.
Also read a very good Sci-Fi book called “Leviathan Wakes,” which is the first book in a series called “The Expanse.” Scyfi Network made it into a series that got good reviews, but I haven’t seen the show. Anyway, this book was super cool and fun to read if you like space ships blasting the eff out of each other and dudes getting their heads blown off in zero g gun fights. Also lots of science around space travel and life support systems on other planets in our solar system. Loads of fun.
Finished the third book in the Stormlight series, Oathbringer. Good but not great, keeps the plot moving.
Also read a very good Sci-Fi book called “Leviathan Wakes,” which is the first book in a series called “The Expanse.” Scyfi Network made it into a series that got good reviews, but I haven’t seen the show. Anyway, this book was super cool and fun to read if you like space ships blasting the eff out of each other and dudes getting their heads blown off in zero g gun fights. Also lots of science around space travel and life support systems on other planets in our solar system. Loads of fun.
I'm on book 6. So obviously I kinda like it. I will say there are some kinda lame moments across the series but man are there some great characters and cool space crap. I even like the politics and I think it's adorable that Mars is full of Asians with Texan accents.
I like sci-fi movies. So, I try to get into sci-fi books. But I just can't do it. Just recently failed with Ubik, which takes place in the future (1992) and everything is both futuristic and also coin operated.I loved Ubik! @Kat Kid sent it to me and i thought it was great. PKD is one of my top authors though
So, after that, I read "All the Pretty Horses." It was GREAT. I never knew a Western could be so intellectually stimulating and philosophically interesting. I want to read a bunch more Cormac McCarthy now.
I like sci-fi movies. So, I try to get into sci-fi books. But I just can't do it. Just recently failed with Ubik, which takes place in the future (1992) and everything is both futuristic and also coin operated.
So, after that, I read "All the Pretty Horses." It was GREAT. I never knew a Western could be so intellectually stimulating and philosophically interesting. I want to read a bunch more Cormac McCarthy now.
Finished the third book in the Stormlight series, Oathbringer. Good but not great, keeps the plot moving.
Also read a very good Sci-Fi book called “Leviathan Wakes,” which is the first book in a series called “The Expanse.” Scyfi Network made it into a series that got good reviews, but I haven’t seen the show. Anyway, this book was super cool and fun to read if you like space ships blasting the eff out of each other and dudes getting their heads blown off in zero g gun fights. Also lots of science around space travel and life support systems on other planets in our solar system. Loads of fun.
I'm on book 6. So obviously I kinda like it. I will say there are some kinda lame moments across the series but man are there some great characters and cool space crap. I even like the politics and I think it's adorable that Mars is full of Asians with Texan accents.
Awesome, I immediately bought the second book upon finishing the first. I will be starting that tonight!
:Rusty:
about to start Infinite Jest!
:cool:
So, after that, I read "All the Pretty Horses." It was GREAT. I never knew a Western could be so intellectually stimulating and philosophically interesting. I want to read a bunch more Cormac McCarthy now.
I just started Perdido Street Station and it's pretty wild
So don’t read them I guess is what I’m saying
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The Revelation Space books by Alistair Reynolds are very good Pete. Don’t know if you’re into a lot of space stuff but I liked them a lot.
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I just finished 4 3 2 1, and maybe it's because of where I am right now in life, but it was fantastic. Easily one of the best things I have ever read.
Just did American Pastoral by Roth, not as fun. Interesting dismantling of the American Dream though.
I really loved Play it as it Lays.
I really loved Play it as it Lays.
Wow. I thought it was just okay. I think her nonfiction is divine, though. Super enviable writing style.
Finished the third book in the Stormlight series, Oathbringer. Good but not great, keeps the plot moving.
Also read a very good Sci-Fi book called “Leviathan Wakes,” which is the first book in a series called “The Expanse.” Scyfi Network made it into a series that got good reviews, but I haven’t seen the show. Anyway, this book was super cool and fun to read if you like space ships blasting the eff out of each other and dudes getting their heads blown off in zero g gun fights. Also lots of science around space travel and life support systems on other planets in our solar system. Loads of fun.
I'm on book 6. So obviously I kinda like it. I will say there are some kinda lame moments across the series but man are there some great characters and cool space crap. I even like the politics and I think it's adorable that Mars is full of Asians with Texan accents.
I think her nonfiction is divine, though. Super enviable writing style.
In New Orleans in June the air is heavy with sex and death, not violent death but death by decay, overripeness, rotting, death by drowning, suffocation, fever of unknown etiology.
The place is physically dark, dark like the negative of a photograph, dark like an X-ray: the atmosphere absorbs its own light, never reflects light but sucks it in until random objects glow with a morbid luminescence. The crypts above ground dominate certain vistas. In the hypnotic liquidity of the atmosphere all motion slows into choreography, all people on the street move as if suspended in a precarious emulsion, and there seems only a technical distinction between the quick and the dead.
about to start Infinite Jest!
:cool:
strap in for a few months!
The Revelation Space books by Alistair Reynolds are very good Pete. Don’t know if you’re into a lot of space stuff but I liked them a lot.
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I really enjoyed Buttermilk Graffiti by Edward Lee
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51dAG1sXbFL._SX345_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Amazon Link (https://www.amazon.com/Buttermilk-Graffiti-Discover-Americas-Melting-Pot/dp/1579657389/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1529444634&sr=8-1&keywords=buttermilk+graffiti)
I really enjoyed Buttermilk Graffiti by Edward Lee
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51dAG1sXbFL._SX345_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Amazon Link (https://www.amazon.com/Buttermilk-Graffiti-Discover-Americas-Melting-Pot/dp/1579657389/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1529444634&sr=8-1&keywords=buttermilk+graffiti)
I enjoyed smoke and pickles. Is this more memoir than cookbook?
He also had a great story about a benefit auction with Anthony Bourdain.
Did you like it?
I've never seen the movie, but read the book probably 5 times. It's my favorite :thumbs:
The Revelation Space books by Alistair Reynolds are very good Pete. Don’t know if you’re into a lot of space stuff but I liked them a lot.
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Has anyone here not?
Has anyone in here read A Brave New World?
Started listening to ready player one yesterday. Balls hooked firmly
I just have to take a moment to say that I found it pretty humorous that TBT's debut in this thread involved a book about Bitcoin.
My only complaint about names so far in HP & TSS is that Hedwig/Hagrid are too similar and Mrs Norris is a really dumb name for a cat.
Don't get me started on LOTR with Sauron and Saruman. I don't think it was until I watched the movies that I got they were a different thing.
I just have to take a moment to say that I found it pretty humorous that TBT's debut in this thread involved a book about Bitcoin.
(https://i.giphy.com/media/3oz8xLd9DJq2l2VFtu/giphy.gif)My only complaint about names so far in HP & TSS is that Hedwig/Hagrid are too similar and Mrs Norris is a really dumb name for a cat.
Don't get me started on LOTR with Sauron and Saruman. I don't think it was until I watched the movies that I got they were a different thing.
Started listening to ready player one yesterday. Balls hooked firmly
I have heard the most polarizing reviews of this book I can imagine. I'm probably staying away.
Am I too young to get all the 80s winks? (I'm 31)
Started listening to ready player one yesterday. Balls hooked firmly
I have heard the most polarizing reviews of this book I can imagine. I'm probably staying away.
Old balls nerds (like me) love it.
The first "Black Company" company book, by Glen Cook, was a lot of fun. I am on to the second one now.
I don't know why I keep up this vigil of posting about fantasy books, except that I keep hoping that Mr. Bread comes back and is proud of me. I miss him.
Pete what's your fave fantasy series?
My favorite is an unfinished series by Patrick Rothfuss, the first book is called The Name of the Wind. GRRM's Song of Fire and Ice (game of thrones) is great too of course.
I suppose a very close third would be Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy and three stand alone novels that are in the same universe. They are pretty hard core. The Bloody Nine, a key figure in the books, is one of my favorite literary characters ever.
There are so many others that I really like tho.
Am I too young to get all the 80s winks? (I'm 31)The winks are really heavy handed, the entire book is a vehicle for them. I got most of them and we are the same age-old. Your enjoyment of the book is going to depend on how much you enjoy surface level nostalgia references. It is an easy and quick read. 4/7
Is this Rothfuss fellow the type to not finish the last book in the series for like 20 years? He sounds good but I'm already waiting on GRRM.
The first "Black Company" company book, by Glen Cook, was a lot of fun. I am on to the second one now.
I don't know why I keep up this vigil of posting about fantasy books, except that I keep hoping that Mr. Bread comes back and is proud of me. I miss him.
Pete what's your fave fantasy series?
My favorite is an unfinished series by Patrick Rothfuss, the first book is called The Name of the Wind. GRRM's Song of Fire and Ice (game of thrones) is great too of course.
I suppose a very close third would be Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy and three stand alone novels that are in the same universe. They are pretty hard core. The Bloody Nine, a key figure in the books, is one of my favorite literary characters ever.
There are so many others that I really like tho.
Wow. Basically my list exactly. I’m a sucker for The Wheel of Time, too. That Rothfuss trilogy is the definitely the best thing going, though.
Him maybe I'll give this rothfuss fellow a shot. Good fantasy is super hard to do.
This Kote fellow is hiding something....Him maybe I'll give this rothfuss fellow a shot. Good fantasy is super hard to do.
It’s very, very good.
Him maybe I'll give this rothfuss fellow a shot. Good fantasy is super hard to do.
It’s very, very good.
I have read a eff load of fantasy and am embarrassed to say I have not read any of the Wheel of Time. If you like those other books I mentioned and also like Wheel of time, then I should definitely read it.
The ending was worth reading the 14 books that it took to get there.So it seems like you should read it.
The very best fantasyHim maybe I'll give this rothfuss fellow a shot. Good fantasy is super hard to do.
It’s very, very good.
It’s very, very good.
I started reading a book and there were like six spy characters right off the bat and they each had their own undercover spy names and I was like, "Man, eff this crap."
I started reading a book and there were like six spy characters right off the bat and they each had their own undercover spy names and I was like, "Man, eff this crap."
Seriously, eff THIS
Alexei Fyodorovich Karamazov - (Alyosha, Alyoshka, Alyoshenka, Alyoshechka, Alxeichick, Lyosha, Lyoshenka)
Dmitri Fyodorovich Karamazov - (Mitka, Mitya, Mitenka, Mitri Fyodorovich)
Ivan Fyodorovich Karamazov - (Vanya, Vanka, Vanechka)
Agrafena Alexandrovna Svetlov - (Grushenka, Grusha, Grushka)
Katerina Ivanovna Verkhovtsev - (Katya, Katka, Katenka)
I suppose a very close third would be Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy and three stand alone novels that are in the same universe. They are pretty hard core. The Bloody Nine, a key figure in the books, is one of my favorite literary characters ever.
I started reading a book and there were like six spy characters right off the bat and they each had their own undercover spy names and I was like, "Man, eff this crap."
Seriously, eff THIS
Alexei Fyodorovich Karamazov - (Alyosha, Alyoshka, Alyoshenka, Alyoshechka, Alxeichick, Lyosha, Lyoshenka)
Dmitri Fyodorovich Karamazov - (Mitka, Mitya, Mitenka, Mitri Fyodorovich)
Ivan Fyodorovich Karamazov - (Vanya, Vanka, Vanechka)
Agrafena Alexandrovna Svetlov - (Grushenka, Grusha, Grushka)
Katerina Ivanovna Verkhovtsev - (Katya, Katka, Katenka)
lol the three body problem books were kinda similar because there were so many chinese names. but not that bad.
Anyone like Alan Furst novels? Just finished reading "A Hero of France" for the second time in 2 weeksI started reading a book and there were like six spy characters right off the bat and they each had their own undercover spy names and I was like, "Man, eff this crap."
Seriously, eff THIS
Alexei Fyodorovich Karamazov - (Alyosha, Alyoshka, Alyoshenka, Alyoshechka, Alxeichick, Lyosha, Lyoshenka)
Dmitri Fyodorovich Karamazov - (Mitka, Mitya, Mitenka, Mitri Fyodorovich)
Ivan Fyodorovich Karamazov - (Vanya, Vanka, Vanechka)
Agrafena Alexandrovna Svetlov - (Grushenka, Grusha, Grushka)
Katerina Ivanovna Verkhovtsev - (Katya, Katka, Katenka)
lol the three body problem books were kinda similar because there were so many chinese names. but not that bad.
Someone should edit Dostoyevsky's works so the characters have regular names like oscar and Doug.I started reading a book and there were like six spy characters right off the bat and they each had their own undercover spy names and I was like, "Man, eff this crap."
Seriously, eff THIS
Alexei Fyodorovich Karamazov - (Alyosha, Alyoshka, Alyoshenka, Alyoshechka, Alxeichick, Lyosha, Lyoshenka)
Dmitri Fyodorovich Karamazov - (Mitka, Mitya, Mitenka, Mitri Fyodorovich)
Ivan Fyodorovich Karamazov - (Vanya, Vanka, Vanechka)
Agrafena Alexandrovna Svetlov - (Grushenka, Grusha, Grushka)
Katerina Ivanovna Verkhovtsev - (Katya, Katka, Katenka)
I’m halfway through “The Bitcoin Standard” and it’s very good. I really liked how he author structures the book. The first third of the book maybe mentions Bitcoin a handful of times, saying it will be explained later.
He goes through the entire history or money and what eventually made the gold standard the best way of having sound money. When we got away from it during WWI and how even though we don’t use it anymore, all money is still tied to it. Countries hold amounts of US Dollars in their vaults the same way they used to hold gold, and the US Dollar was originally based on gold, so everything is still connected.
The way Bitcoin was created, hows you interact with it in the world, and having no boundaries are all great points. The book really does a good job of explaining money in general and more specifically why Bitcoin may be an even better money system than gold ever way. Very good read.
I suppose a very close third would be Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy and three stand alone novels that are in the same universe. They are pretty hard core. The Bloody Nine, a key figure in the books, is one of my favorite literary characters ever.
started this and really like it!
Getting into Crime and Punishment right now and the characters' names may as well be hieroglyphics.
Just started book 2! Book 1 was slow in spots but it's good enough to continue
I suppose a very close third would be Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy and three stand alone novels that are in the same universe. They are pretty hard core. The Bloody Nine, a key figure in the books, is one of my favorite literary characters ever.
started this and really like it!
UPDATE RUSS?!?
Is the second book better? I have to admit the first one (which I am about 95% through) didn't seem to go anywhere (I did get to read about feet slapping the cobblestones a lot and really wet red lips). Do the characters get anymore depth beyond being the best/prettiest/smartest at everything?The very best fantasyHim maybe I'll give this rothfuss fellow a shot. Good fantasy is super hard to do.
It’s very, very good.
It’s very, very good.
Is the second book better? I have to admit the first one (which I am about 95% through) didn't seem to go anywhere (I did get to read about feet slapping the cobblestones a lot and really wet red lips). Do the characters get anymore depth beyond being the best/prettiest/smartest at everything?The very best fantasyHim maybe I'll give this rothfuss fellow a shot. Good fantasy is super hard to do.
It’s very, very good.
It’s very, very good.
Yeah that's actually a pretty fair review. I don't remember much of a difference between the two.Is the second book better? I have to admit the first one (which I am about 95% through) didn't seem to go anywhere (I did get to read about feet slapping the cobblestones a lot and really wet red lips). Do the characters get anymore depth beyond being the best/prettiest/smartest at everything?The very best fantasyHim maybe I'll give this rothfuss fellow a shot. Good fantasy is super hard to do.
It’s very, very good.
It’s very, very good.
a good one line summary of the books so far is "didn't seem to go anywhere". I liked them though.
I have a few hours of driving this weekend, plz give good audible suggestions
Yeah that's actually a pretty fair review. I don't remember much of a difference between the two.Is the second book better? I have to admit the first one (which I am about 95% through) didn't seem to go anywhere (I did get to read about feet slapping the cobblestones a lot and really wet red lips). Do the characters get anymore depth beyond being the best/prettiest/smartest at everything?The very best fantasyHim maybe I'll give this rothfuss fellow a shot. Good fantasy is super hard to do.
It’s very, very good.
It’s very, very good.
a good one line summary of the books so far is "didn't seem to go anywhere". I liked them though.
I have a few hours of driving this weekend, plz give good audible suggestions
Armada by Ernest Cline...read by Will Wheaton
Armada is a terrible, cliched, steaming turd of a book. It's a grade school level ripoff of the move The Last Starfighter. But if there's anything in the world that has a chance of making it better it's Wil Wheaton.
iirc he got trapped by a fairy in fairyland or some crap and gave such good D she let him go.
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Armada is a terrible, cliched, steaming turd of a book. It's a grade school level ripoff of the move The Last Starfighter. But if there's anything in the world that has a chance of making it better it's Wil Wheaton.I loved Last Starfighter as a kid... watched it again with my wife a few years ago... still great!
Armada is a terrible, cliched, steaming turd of a book. It's a grade school level ripoff of the move The Last Starfighter. But if there's anything in the world that has a chance of making it better it's Wil Wheaton.
I have a few hours of driving this weekend, plz give good audible suggestions
Armada by Ernest Cline...read by Will Wheaton
Was actually leaning towards this, love the wheat
My folks are friends with his folks, haven’t read the book tho. Not enough lasers or swords.It’s really literature-y.
I'm reading some sci fi thing right now that's really good. don't remember the name or author. or even a word that would be easily google'able (left wing fucks) to be able to say what it is but I'll get off my kindle later and post tomorrow if I remember.
I'm reading some sci fi thing right now that's really good. don't remember the name or author. or even a word that would be easily google'able (left wing fucks) to be able to say what it is but I'll get off my kindle later and post tomorrow if I remember.
WHAT WAS IT?!?!
also I finished the First Law. Eh, it was OK.
:bball:All three. I thought the end of the second one was funny.
also I finished the First Law. Eh, it was OK.
The whole series? First book is the worst. Then, I enjoyed the follow up standalone novels the most.
I'm reading some sci fi thing right now that's really good. don't remember the name or author. or even a word that would be easily google'able (left wing fucks) to be able to say what it is but I'll get off my kindle later and post tomorrow if I remember.
WHAT WAS IT?!?!
:impatient:
About a quarter of the way through Bad Blood, which is on the company Theranos. Totally hooked. Living up to the hype.
Features Silicon Valley startup stuff, greed, corruption, fraud, power struggles, and Elizabeth Holmes is like Trump crazy except that she's super smart.
About a quarter of the way through Bad Blood, which is on the company Theranos. Totally hooked. Living up to the hype.
Features Silicon Valley startup stuff, greed, corruption, fraud, power struggles, and Elizabeth Holmes is like Trump crazy except that she's super smart.
Finished. Incredible.
About a quarter of the way through Bad Blood, which is on the company Theranos. Totally hooked. Living up to the hype.
Features Silicon Valley startup stuff, greed, corruption, fraud, power struggles, and Elizabeth Holmes is like Trump crazy except that she's super smart.
Finished. Incredible.
Like, legitimately entertaining, or "I'll say it was entertaining because it is a non-fiction book, but it isn't really a fun read."
Zero K by Don Delillo if you like mumped up future-y things. :sdeek:
About a quarter of the way through Bad Blood, which is on the company Theranos. Totally hooked. Living up to the hype.
Features Silicon Valley startup stuff, greed, corruption, fraud, power struggles, and Elizabeth Holmes is like Trump crazy except that she's super smart.
Finished. Incredible.
Like, legitimately entertaining, or "I'll say it was entertaining because it is a non-fiction book, but it isn't really a fun read."
I'm predisposed to liking mumped up Silicon Valley startup stories. That said, I thought it was CRAZY entertaining. At the end of most chapters, I was like 'OMG WTF!' with my eyes wide open. I totally just wanted more and more.
Zero K by Don Delillo if you like mumped up future-y things. :sdeek:
It was ok. Too much thinking and not enough stuff actually happening.
Just finished listening to blood meridian, God damn Cormac Mccarthy is just absolutely masterful
:thumbs:
Just finished listening to blood meridian, God damn Cormac Mccarthy is just absolutely masterful
Yes. One of my very favorite authors.
Just finished listening to blood meridian, God damn Cormac Mccarthy is just absolutely masterful
Yes. One of my very favorite authors.
I listened to child of God and the road also. Have read no country previously. They are all very engaging.
(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcTv_Vt9CULmCpKf8QWuAzvof5JeWJdg27lueLlavbem84MRZjR7lXJa_OUkUtRZgTW2zgnTlFhxdfleZ5yP30YjyJpAw7us&usqp=CAY)
I enjoyed reading this book. First part details cattle drives into KS but most of the book is about large ranches in WY/MT/ND in the 1880's, WERE ALL GONNA GET RICH (They didn't).
Tons of interesting characters including Teddy Roosevelt.
I mean she does talk a lot about Wichita and farming but she's pretty awful
I mean she does talk a lot about Wichita and farming but she's pretty awful
why?
fuuuuuck I don't know how I made it past page 2Lawl
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I listened to the audiobook of Heartland and overall thought it was pretty good. I definitely think it's A) better than cRusty is saying and B) better in the audiobook format. I also think it's assumed that this book is for all people from Kansas, but it's a pretty safe assumption that the people LOLing at these excerpts aren't who the book is about.
I listened to the audiobook of Heartland and overall thought it was pretty good. I definitely think it's A) better than cRusty is saying and B) better in the audiobook format. I also think it's assumed that this book is for all people from Kansas, but it's a pretty safe assumption that the people LOLing at these excerpts aren't who the book is about.
I grew up one town over from her at the exact same time and my parents/grandparents/great-grandparents are all farmers. so, it's like pretty close to being about me or at least about the community I grew up in. No one I knew rough ridin' talks like that or thought "flyover country" meant it was dangerous or was unaware of class. They did get a kick out of feeding cows on christmas though. Also LOL at thinking she stood out at rough ridin' KU because she grew up on a farm :lol:
I listened to the audiobook of Heartland and overall thought it was pretty good. I definitely think it's A) better than cRusty is saying and B) better in the audiobook format. I also think it's assumed that this book is for all people from Kansas, but it's a pretty safe assumption that the people LOLing at these excerpts aren't who the book is about.
I grew up one town over from her at the exact same time and my parents/grandparents/great-grandparents are all farmers. so, it's like pretty close to being about me or at least about the community I grew up in. No one I knew rough ridin' talks like that or thought "flyover country" meant it was dangerous or was unaware of class. They did get a kick out of feeding cows on christmas though. Also LOL at thinking she stood out at rough ridin' KU because she grew up on a farm :lol:
I didn't know anyone at KU who grew up on a farm, and I would have openly mocked them if I did.
I listened to the audiobook of Heartland and overall thought it was pretty good. I definitely think it's A) better than cRusty is saying and B) better in the audiobook format. I also think it's assumed that this book is for all people from Kansas, but it's a pretty safe assumption that the people LOLing at these excerpts aren't who the book is about.
I grew up one town over from her at the exact same time and my parents/grandparents/great-grandparents are all farmers. so, it's like pretty close to being about me or at least about the community I grew up in. No one I knew rough ridin' talks like that or thought "flyover country" meant it was dangerous or was unaware of class. They did get a kick out of feeding cows on christmas though. Also LOL at thinking she stood out at rough ridin' KU because she grew up on a farm :lol:
I didn't know anyone at KU who grew up on a farm, and I would have openly mocked them if I did.
they were probably ashamed to let you know they did :lol:
I always assumed spracs is a farmie because he's from western Kansas
I always assumed spracs is a farmie because he's from western Kansas
I listened to the audiobook of Heartland and overall thought it was pretty good. I definitely think it's A) better than cRusty is saying and B) better in the audiobook format. I also think it's assumed that this book is for all people from Kansas, but it's a pretty safe assumption that the people LOLing at these excerpts aren't who the book is about.
I grew up one town over from her at the exact same time and my parents/grandparents/great-grandparents are all farmers. so, it's like pretty close to being about me or at least about the community I grew up in. No one I knew rough ridin' talks like that or thought "flyover country" meant it was dangerous or was unaware of class. They did get a kick out of feeding cows on christmas though. Also LOL at thinking she stood out at rough ridin' KU because she grew up on a farm :lol:
I listened to the audiobook of Heartland and overall thought it was pretty good. I definitely think it's A) better than cRusty is saying and B) better in the audiobook format. I also think it's assumed that this book is for all people from Kansas, but it's a pretty safe assumption that the people LOLing at these excerpts aren't who the book is about.
I grew up one town over from her at the exact same time and my parents/grandparents/great-grandparents are all farmers. so, it's like pretty close to being about me or at least about the community I grew up in. No one I knew rough ridin' talks like that or thought "flyover country" meant it was dangerous or was unaware of class. They did get a kick out of feeding cows on christmas though. Also LOL at thinking she stood out at rough ridin' KU because she grew up on a farm :lol:
This book isn't about growing up on a farm. This book is about growing up in poverty, and more specifically what white rural poverty looks like. I don't know your story, but I doubt it mirrors hers closely besides the geographic aspect you mentioned.
She talks about not knowing what graduate school was until she got to college. She talks about the women in their family moving 50+ times throughout their lives, often to escape abuse. The whole point of the book (at least from page 20 on...) is that she had a different experience from the people around her because she grew up surrounded by poverty. This is not a story about someone whose parents are and continue to be the cattle kings of Meade County.
I thought the book was good--not great. My favorite thing of the author's that I've read is a longform piece called "Poor Teeth." Maybe give that a try, since it's less than 20 pages? BAZING
https://longform.org/posts/there-is-no-shame-worse-than-poor-teeth-in-a-rich-world
(https://longform.org/posts/there-is-no-shame-worse-than-poor-teeth-in-a-rich-world)
about to start Infinite Jest!
:cool:
strap in for a few months!
i am embarrassed to find out i started this book 3 months ago
about to start Infinite Jest!
:cool:
strap in for a few months!
i am embarrassed to find out i started this book 3 months ago
i took about 6 months off and recently picked it back up again seamlessly. still about a million pages left.
Reminds me of kRusty and got*show only
I enjoyed the Three Body Problem series
I’ve turning back to one my favorite genres: apocalypse / post-apocalypse.
Lucifer’s Hammer by Larry Nivens was really good. Can’t believe I never read that before. Comet striking the earth. The only thing I didn’t really like is that the story focused more on the post-apocalypse than the pre, and I find pre more interesting. Still really good, though.
Now I’m about halfway through Seveneves by Neil Stevenson. This book is super long, poorly written, almost spectacularly pretentious m, and generally annoying but I’m still slogging through it. It’s so bad at this point that I’m morbidly curious how much worse it can get. The moon spontaneously explodes and the earth is doomed. Except for All The Very Smartest People In The World. Follows a celebrity scientist, who is essentially Neil deGrasse Tyson, who totally figures out exactly what’s gonna happen, along with All The Other Scientists of The World. Who easily concoct a plant to same humanity aboard the ISS. And most importantly - it’s a Super Diverse and Totally #MeToo Humanity. Basically Brooklyn. Instead of good science fiction, it’s basically one cloying liberal trope after another, intermixed with various hookups between various Smart People about the ISS. The earth is almost completely ignored, except for the parts about how all The Wise Leaders perfectly govern their subjects up until the very end.
People are comparing this to The Martian. JFC people - The Martian was 100x better than this piece of crap.
I thought Martian was enjoyable. Fast paced, and the science was generally explained in manner that easy to understand and didn’t ruin the flow of the narrative. Andy Weir’s followup book - Artemis - wasn’t nearly as good.
There are so many reasons to hate Seveneves, but I guess here’s my top 3: First, it is so gobsmackingly pretentious. The author genuinely seems to believe that if this catastrophe were to occur, all the nations would have a big kumbaya moment and launch all their best and brightest into space while the rest of us generally mill about like docile cows, happy that our best and brightest were chosen and peacefully resigned to our fate. Most of the folks chosen to survive are utterly callous about leaving behind spouses and loved ones - to the point that some even disregard the last tearful goodbyes of their doomed family members because they’re just too busy doing smart important stuff up in space.
Second, the stuff on Earth is almost completely ignored. I’m waaaay more interested in how the doomed people on the ground would handle their last days than the eggheads up in space. Then again, given how the author seems to view the earthlings I guess it wouldn’t have been that interesting.
Third, the science stuff is often too dense and interupts the narrative. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m skimming several pages at a time discussing orbital mechanics because I just don’t care.
I’m looking for novels on the pre-apocalypse - how people and society respond to impending doom. On The Beach is a good example, but I’ve already read that. You don’t get that much from Lucifer’s Hammer because most of the folks there pretty much assume the comet will miss up until the end. You get just a little with The Stand. World War Z was great, even with the zombie premise, although I wish he’d cut the vingettes in half and wove the remainder into a narrative.
Other suggestions?
I really enjoyed The Rook.
They're making a show out of it. I don't have high hopes for it tho.I really enjoyed The Rook.
Yeah, fun read
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I enjoyed the Three Body Problem series
Did it get better after the first half of the first book? I stopped reading it. The characters were pretty roughly written and the way the VR part was winding up was boring. It was one of those that I didn't actively decide to stop reading, but I just put it down and didn't have an urge to pick it back up.
I thought Martian was enjoyable. Fast paced, and the science was generally explained in manner that easy to understand and didn’t ruin the flow of the narrative. Andy Weir’s followup book - Artemis - wasn’t nearly as good.
There are so many reasons to hate Seveneves, but I guess here’s my top 3: First, it is so gobsmackingly pretentious. The author genuinely seems to believe that if this catastrophe were to occur, all the nations would have a big kumbaya moment and launch all their best and brightest into space while the rest of us generally mill about like docile cows, happy that our best and brightest were chosen and peacefully resigned to our fate. Most of the folks chosen to survive are utterly callous about leaving behind spouses and loved ones - to the point that some even disregard the last tearful goodbyes of their doomed family members because they’re just too busy doing smart important stuff up in space.
Second, the stuff on Earth is almost completely ignored. I’m waaaay more interested in how the doomed people on the ground would handle their last days than the eggheads up in space. Then again, given how the author seems to view the earthlings I guess it wouldn’t have been that interesting.
Third, the science stuff is often too dense and interupts the narrative. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m skimming several pages at a time discussing orbital mechanics because I just don’t care.
I’m looking for novels on the pre-apocalypse - how people and society respond to impending doom. On The Beach is a good example, but I’ve already read that. You don’t get that much from Lucifer’s Hammer because most of the folks there pretty much assume the comet will miss up until the end. You get just a little with The Stand. World War Z was great, even with the zombie premise, although I wish he’d cut the vingettes in half and wove the remainder into a narrative.
Other suggestions?
I'm a huge sucker for end of the world/post apocalypse books. Off the top of my head some of my favorites are
2 old classics
Alas Babylon
Earth Abides
Some newer one-
Patriot Novels (Super right wing but if you ignore the bible verses and politics its good, very technical)
One Second After / One Year After
World Made By Hand (Series of 4)
New Madrid Run
Breakers (There are like 10, kind of goofy with Aliens but quick reads)
Picking up Out of the Ashes from the Library today.
I actually liked A Walk in the Woods. I like that commune with nature crap, though. I'm not looking to read anything else by that author.I didn't care for how he described/looked down on.... literally everyone he encountered.
I actually liked A Walk in the Woods. I like that commune with nature crap, though. I'm not looking to read anything else by that author.I didn't care for how he described/looked down on.... literally everyone he encountered.
It coincided nicely with my vision quest trip and she if the hiking and nature descriptions were ok, but man, what an ass
I actually liked A Walk in the Woods. I like that commune with nature crap, though. I'm not looking to read anything else by that author.I didn't care for how he described/looked down on.... literally everyone he encountered.
It coincided nicely with my vision quest trip and she if the hiking and nature descriptions were ok, but man, what an ass
I read it as lighthearted humor from a fussy New Englander, with no actual contempt intended. A couple parts were legit funny. He did have remorse over ditching (which I don't think is a big deal) the super annoying woman. I could be totally wrong about him, though.
I'm about a quarter of the way into The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker. Great book. A pre-apocalypse told through the eyes of a 6th grade girl. The disaster (disclosed at the very beginning) is that the earth's rotation starts to slow down. Days and nights become longer and that's just the start. Fascinating stuff. I think this has already been optioned as a movie or TV miniseries.
Started reading this last night and cranked through 150 pages. If you like cold war spy stories this is right up your alley.
(https://secure.syndetics.com/index.aspx?isbn=9781101904190/MC.GIF&client=913-495-2400&type=xw12&oclc=on1039191063)
I'm fascinated when the movie is better than the book. Because it's incredibly rare and also because, typically, the movies are much worse than the books.
This example is a little different because the movie is a loose adaptation, but Apocalypse Now is pretty rough ridin' incredible and Heart of Darkness is pretty rough ridin' shitty.
I'm fascinated when the movie is better than the book. Because it's incredibly rare and also because, typically, the movies are much worse than the books.
This example is a little different because the movie is a loose adaptation, but Apocalypse Now is pretty rough ridin' incredible and Heart of Darkness is pretty rough ridin' shitty.
Unpopular opinion but I almost never find the book to be better. I like the depth books provide but my imagination is broken or something because movies are always way cooler than whatever my minds eye had going on.
I've bought a few books recently and look forward to reading them. Will try to review later.MVP Machine was great and is a must read for a baseball fan interested in the current state of the game.
- Serious Eater: A Food Lover's Perilous Quest for Pizza and Redemption by Ed Levine
- The MVP Machine: How Baseball's New Nonconformists Are Using Data to Build Better Players by Ben Lindbergh
- Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein
Chuck Klosterman's new book of short stories, Raised in Captivity, is awesome and I can't recommend it enough. I listened to the audiobook, which was read by him and a bunch of other people, including H Jon Benjamin, Vincent Kartheiser, and Al Michaels.
Great stories
I listened to the audiobook of Heartland and overall thought it was pretty good. I definitely think it's A) better than cRusty is saying and B) better in the audiobook format. I also think it's assumed that this book is for all people from Kansas, but it's a pretty safe assumption that the people LOLing at these excerpts aren't who the book is about.
I grew up one town over from her at the exact same time and my parents/grandparents/great-grandparents are all farmers. so, it's like pretty close to being about me or at least about the community I grew up in. No one I knew rough ridin' talks like that or thought "flyover country" meant it was dangerous or was unaware of class. They did get a kick out of feeding cows on christmas though. Also LOL at thinking she stood out at rough ridin' KU because she grew up on a farm :lol:
This should be interesting, like the show "Ancient Aliens" but in a book.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190907/031626ae4b9aa8c6c434fbf31b9bc5f7.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190907/184ca2c938947ff29b705b2d85338984.jpg)
I'm fascinated when the movie is better than the book. Because it's incredibly rare and also because, typically, the movies are much worse than the books.
This example is a little different because the movie is a loose adaptation, but Apocalypse Now is pretty rough ridin' incredible and Heart of Darkness is pretty rough ridin' shitty.
I just finished Ed Snowden's book. Quick, troubling non-fiction and I learned a lot about what he did, how he did it, and what he discovered.
Also read the last of the Neapolitan Novels. Lila Cerullo is one of the best literary characters of all time.
I should watch it. He mentioned it in the book. Also I'm glad his girlfriend moved to MoscowI just finished Ed Snowden's book. Quick, troubling non-fiction and I learned a lot about what he did, how he did it, and what he discovered.
Also read the last of the Neapolitan Novels. Lila Cerullo is one of the best literary characters of all time.
I know this is the wrong thread but have you watched Citizenfour? It's a very good documentary.
Any of you rough ridin' wonks read anything actually fun and entertaining lately? You know, books that you actually really love reading, and not because you couldn't wait to tell someone you read it so that you could look smart. :jerk:
SD has given me some solid sci-fi recommends over the past couple years since mr bread left, but the rest of you are essentially worthless to me in this thread. :dubious:
They manage to jettison all the cargo. One of the pallets explodes on the way out of the plane. crap detonates as it falls through the air. Then Pavlicek, too, is floating down to earth like a winged seed.
MILES BELOW and three centuries earlier, a pollen-coated wasp crawled down the hole at the tip of a certain green fig and laid eggs all over the involute garden of flowers hidden inside.
I've always meant to read them, but I've seen all the movies so I feel like it would be kinda anticlimactic.
This came in the mail today.Hard back box set is so hot. I was gifted the paper backs 1-6 in the 2nd grade and went with my sister to the midnight release of deathly hallows book that summer.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200601/a0e06a536557a75aebf5eb4d32195941.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200601/360027a3265aacd4c6d0b341b7847246.jpg)
This came in the mail today.Hard back box set is so hot. I was gifted the paper backs 1-6 in the 2nd grade and went with my sister to the midnight release of deathly hallows book that summer.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200601/a0e06a536557a75aebf5eb4d32195941.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200601/360027a3265aacd4c6d0b341b7847246.jpg)
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They are good Pete
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white fragility got dragged quite a bit on twitter when everyone was buying books on racism but I never looked into why.
white fragility got dragged quite a bit on twitter when everyone was buying books on racism but I never looked into why.
It is very extreme, almost dogmatic. Kind of like the author figured everything out and now it’s time to follow orders.
There's a ton of average white dudes that hold racist views and don't accept it. That is a problem.
i've been trying to grind through the classic War and Peace on audible. I could never read something like this. It is still a grind. the war parts are pretty dope, but the peace parts are snooze central station. 40 ish hours to go, prayers requested.
I forgot to tell everyone I read the Gucci Mane autobiography, just like oscar! It was enjoyable. Recommend having Youtube handy so you can listen to his lyrical references and see the old videos as you read!
Wowzer. How many hours total is that audiobook?i've been trying to grind through the classic War and Peace on audible. I could never read something like this. It is still a grind. the war parts are pretty dope, but the peace parts are snooze central station. 40 ish hours to go, prayers requested.
Just started the exact same thing, but I just can’t pay enough attention to the Old British narrator’s voice. It’s too soothing and I doze off. Will prob have to try actually reading it.
30 hours for volume 1That's amazing.
It's hard for me to stay focused on audiobooks. It sounds appealing because you can do it while multitasking, but I really can't. I'd rather just read.I enjoy them while I'm driving but I can't focus on them if I'm working in the office.
30 hours for volume 1
Yeah, they are great if you're driving. I made it through like 5 Cormac Mccarthy books driving to California and back.The No Country For Old Men audiobook was scarier than the movie.
Finished American Kingpin a while back and it was my favorite read this year. About the dood that started and ran The Silk Road website where you could by anything. Pretty amazing story on both ends. Goes in depth on him and why he started and ran it, but also the different agencies that worked to catch him. Really enjoyed it. :cheers:
The Dog Stars - kinda appropriate for this year, it's a post-apocalyptic story where a global pandemic has wiped out like 99% of the population. There is a very thin "love story" that adds little value but otherwise it's a good read. I like this genre.
I also downloaded Ready Player Two today and hope to start on it this weekend.
The Dog Stars - kinda appropriate for this year, it's a post-apocalyptic story where a global pandemic has wiped out like 99% of the population. There is a very thin "love story" that adds little value but otherwise it's a good read. I like this genre.
I also downloaded Ready Player Two today and hope to start on it this weekend.
Under The Volcano had the best portayal of alcoholism that I've ever read. Not for anyone looking for something light-hearted.
I can only imagine what KKs sister-in-law who I haven’t met thinks of meUnder The Volcano had the best portayal of alcoholism that I've ever read. Not for anyone looking for something light-hearted.
one of kk's sister in laws called me an alcoholic over text message this weekend and I'm not even sure it's one that I've met before so I guess I better read this.
:frown:
I need something new. Fiction and purely for entertainment. In the last 2 years I’ve read the Expanse series (waiting on book 9), Red Rising series (waiting on book 6), Kingkiller series (waiting on book 3, not holding my breath), and Stormlight series (waiting on book 5). All were great. Any suggestions? Something completed might be nice.
I need something new. Fiction and purely for entertainment. In the last 2 years I’ve read the Expanse series (waiting on book 9), Red Rising series (waiting on book 6), Kingkiller series (waiting on book 3, not holding my breath), and Stormlight series (waiting on book 5). All were great. Any suggestions? Something completed might be nice.
I need something new. Fiction and purely for entertainment. In the last 2 years I’ve read the Expanse series (waiting on book 9), Red Rising series (waiting on book 6), Kingkiller series (waiting on book 3, not holding my breath), and Stormlight series (waiting on book 5). All were great. Any suggestions? Something completed might be nice.
I have quite a few recommendations. The Demon Cycle series by Peter Brett, The First Law Series by Peter Abercrombie and the stand alone novels that are related to that series, Raven's shadow series by Anthony Ryan, and Gentlemen Bastards (Lies of Locke Lamora) series by Scott Lynch are all GREAT fantasy series. SD recommended a sci fi book to me called Pandora's Star, and that was great. I went on and read the rest of the books in that universe and they were good too. They Hyperion series is another really great sci fi series.
I need something new. Fiction and purely for entertainment. In the last 2 years I’ve read the Expanse series (waiting on book 9), Red Rising series (waiting on book 6), Kingkiller series (waiting on book 3, not holding my breath), and Stormlight series (waiting on book 5). All were great. Any suggestions? Something completed might be nice.I've heard that the Vorkogsian Saga is pretty good. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vorkosigan_Saga
Thanks gE, buds! That should keep me busy until those final books are released.
I gave the first of these to my dad for Christmas based on this thread and he really liked it. Thanks!I need something new. Fiction and purely for entertainment. In the last 2 years I’ve read the Expanse series (waiting on book 9), Red Rising series (waiting on book 6), Kingkiller series (waiting on book 3, not holding my breath), and Stormlight series (waiting on book 5). All were great. Any suggestions? Something completed might be nice.
The Murderbot Diaries series. There are 4 novellas and a novel and they are all so much fun.
I need something new. Fiction and purely for entertainment. In the last 2 years I’ve read the Expanse series (waiting on book 9), Red Rising series (waiting on book 6), Kingkiller series (waiting on book 3, not holding my breath), and Stormlight series (waiting on book 5). All were great. Any suggestions? Something completed might be nice.
Can confirm. His Sand stuff is good too.I need something new. Fiction and purely for entertainment. In the last 2 years I’ve read the Expanse series (waiting on book 9), Red Rising series (waiting on book 6), Kingkiller series (waiting on book 3, not holding my breath), and Stormlight series (waiting on book 5). All were great. Any suggestions? Something completed might be nice.
I read the first 3 red rising books a couple of years ago but didnt know there were more, will have to check them out.
If you liked red rising I would check out the "Wool" series, very similar and pretty good.
(https://pictures.abebooks.com/isbn/9781476735115-us.jpg)
The only snobby book I read lately that I really loved is East of Eden. An all time favorite.
The only snobby book I read lately that I really loved is East of Eden. An all time favorite.
I had this on my library ebook list and just read it and I thought it sucked. The description of the salinas valley at the start was amazing and sucked me in and then I just kept waiting to care about anything that happened and nothing seemed to matter.
Oh well
And I think I could have handled it if it felt like the intro the whole timeThe only snobby book I read lately that I really loved is East of Eden. An all time favorite.
I had this on my library ebook list and just read it and I thought it sucked. The description of the salinas valley at the start was amazing and sucked me in and then I just kept waiting to care about anything that happened and nothing seemed to matter.
Oh well
Now that you mention it, I'm not sure I cared about anything that happened in it either. And nothing seeming to matter is definitely a Steinbeck theme that I love.
I made a Faulkner reference on this very blog today, and nothing...The only snobby book I read lately that I really loved is East of Eden. An all time favorite.
I had this on my library ebook list and just read it and I thought it sucked. The description of the salinas valley at the start was amazing and sucked me in and then I just kept waiting to care about anything that happened and nothing seemed to matter.
Oh well
Now that you mention it, I'm not sure I cared about anything that happened in it either. And nothing seeming to matter is definitely a Steinbeck theme that I love.
I made a Faulkner reference on this very blog today, and nothing...The only snobby book I read lately that I really loved is East of Eden. An all time favorite.
I had this on my library ebook list and just read it and I thought it sucked. The description of the salinas valley at the start was amazing and sucked me in and then I just kept waiting to care about anything that happened and nothing seemed to matter.
Oh well
Now that you mention it, I'm not sure I cared about anything that happened in it either. And nothing seeming to matter is definitely a Steinbeck theme that I love.
It's a real barn burner. I find his overarching theme (the inescapable ghosts of Southern sins) to be depressing, myself, but it is enduring and important to this day. Cheers.I made a Faulkner reference on this very blog today, and nothing...The only snobby book I read lately that I really loved is East of Eden. An all time favorite.
I had this on my library ebook list and just read it and I thought it sucked. The description of the salinas valley at the start was amazing and sucked me in and then I just kept waiting to care about anything that happened and nothing seemed to matter.
Oh well
Now that you mention it, I'm not sure I cared about anything that happened in it either. And nothing seeming to matter is definitely a Steinbeck theme that I love.
I've not read that short story. I'll check it out.
Almost finished with Pappyland by Wright Thompson. Not a bourbon drinker but I like Thompson. Its a pretty cool story and more about people and "life" in general. I've really enjoyed it.I don’t remember if I posted about it ITT, but I loved this book. Read it over Thanksgiving, gave it to both my dad and brother for Christmas
Frederick Douglass biography is outstanding if you like works about incredible people doing incredible thingsWhich biography?
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not sure which one cire is talking about but prophet of freedom is a good oneFrederick Douglass biography is outstanding if you like works about incredible people doing incredible thingsWhich biography?
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I'm almost finished with Truman by David McCullough. Pretty fascinating life (for a person from Missouri).
Okay. Thanks. Looks like it won a Pulitzer Prize so it should be pretty good. I will have to put in on my list.not sure which one cire is talking about but prophet of freedom is a good oneFrederick Douglass biography is outstanding if you like works about incredible people doing incredible thingsWhich biography?
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I'm almost finished with Truman by David McCullough. Pretty fascinating life (for a person from Missouri).
Okay. Thanks. Looks like it won a Pulitzer Prize so it should be pretty good. I will have to put in on my list.not sure which one cire is talking about but prophet of freedom is a good oneFrederick Douglass biography is outstanding if you like works about incredible people doing incredible thingsWhich biography?
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I'm almost finished with Truman by David McCullough. Pretty fascinating life (for a person from Missouri).
I was in the Dusty Bookshelf last week and they have this giant edition of The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin illustrated with huge photos of the civil rights movement. I read No Name in the Street last year. Baldwin is a genius, embarrassed to admit that I knew nothing about him until last year.
Yes, that’s the one. I’ve been doing the audio.Okay. Thanks. Looks like it won a Pulitzer Prize so it should be pretty good. I will have to put in on my list.not sure which one cire is talking about but prophet of freedom is a good oneFrederick Douglass biography is outstanding if you like works about incredible people doing incredible thingsWhich biography?
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I'm almost finished with Truman by David McCullough. Pretty fascinating life (for a person from Missouri).
I was in the Dusty Bookshelf last week and they have this giant edition of The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin illustrated with huge photos of the civil rights movement. I read No Name in the Street last year. Baldwin is a genius, embarrassed to admit that I knew nothing about him until last year.
the joco library has 3 audio versions of prophet of freedom if you're into that kind of thing, obvs they have the print version too
i was watching the pbs special on reconstruction recently and decided i needed to know more about freddy d, so your question was timely
I’m going to mainly focus on the “read while I help the kids get ready for bed” part. To which I will ask: how the eff?They are all big enough that they can brush their own teeth, get in and out of the shower by themselves, put on their PJs. I just need to be present to make sure that no monsters are in the upstairs, that the smallest one got all the shampoo rinsed out of her hair and break up fights that arise about who gets to go in the bathroom first and who is using too much hot water, stuff like that. Usually gives me a good 30 - 45 minutes of time to read.
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Makes sense. Sounds incredibly luxurious.I don't want to gloat or anything but bedtime is a lot easier than it was five years ago.
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Makes sense. Sounds incredibly luxurious.I don't want to gloat or anything but bedtime is a lot easier than it was five years ago.
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I like to read two books when I go on vacation and can read for multiple hours a day. Good to change up the vibes every now and then
Yeah, I read non fiction audio books. I call them podcasts. Lmao, owned.
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Starting reading this collection of short stories and dig it (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210326/4becbef4fe5cfbc1e97fa50f301a20f2.jpg)So this was pretty gritty, aka someone dies in every story/sexual assaults/alcoholism but I enjoyed it.
I read blood meridian, pretty good, kind of got bored with it 3/4 of the way.I've the Cohen brothers joke that the hardest part of writing the screenplay for No Country was holding the book open. Movie follows the book very closely. The audiobook for No Country was almost as suspenseful as the movie, imho.
I've heard No Country is great but I've seen the movie a billion times and just have no desire to read it.
Newt Gingrich wrote a book about Gettysburg and framed it as the South Won the battle.
How arrogant and dumb does someone need to be to attempt a novel about Gettysburg? Like you have something valuable to add to the literature around this event??? I mean you already have Killer Angels and then the actual narrative of the battle that Shelby Foote wrote (Stars in Their Courses) is more gripping and incredible than some dumb novel by Newt Gingrich.Newt Gingrich wrote a book about Gettysburg and framed it as the South Won the battle.
:horrorsurprise:
Have we discussed Cormac McCarthy's novels ITT? I think The Crossing is still my favorite with Blood Meridian andNo Country for Old Men close behind.
I also appreciated how the elements of The Border Trilogy tied together. It has been a long time since I've read Cities of the Plain.Have we discussed Cormac McCarthy's novels ITT? I think The Crossing is still my favorite with Blood Meridian andNo Country for Old Men close behind.
I loved ATPH and decided to read the rest of the trilogy. Each book is good on its own, but I was surprised and amazed at how great they are together. I finished, thought about the themes running throughout, and was like, "holy crap that is incredible."
Part I of the crossing is one of my all time favorite books/parts of a book.
The earlier stuff is so damn bleak. Good. But damn bleak.
Blood Meridian was hard for me to stay interested in because there wasn't really an overarching plot to speak of. It was entertaining, but it was almost more like reading a series of short stories set in the same universe.
How arrogant and dumb does someone need to be to attempt a novel about Gettysburg? Like you have something valuable to add to the literature around this event??? I mean you already have Killer Angels and then the actual narrative of the battle that Shelby Foote wrote (Stars in Their Courses) is more gripping and incredible than some dumb novel by Newt Gingrich.Newt Gingrich wrote a book about Gettysburg and framed it as the South Won the battle.
:horrorsurprise:
Don't you think hanging every ex-Confederate soldier would have been a bit harsh? What if the executions were limited to only to officers at the battalion or regimental level and higher. It would be interesting to see what effect that might have had on the counter-revolution that undid the reforms of the Reconstruction era.How arrogant and dumb does someone need to be to attempt a novel about Gettysburg? Like you have something valuable to add to the literature around this event??? I mean you already have Killer Angels and then the actual narrative of the battle that Shelby Foote wrote (Stars in Their Courses) is more gripping and incredible than some dumb novel by Newt Gingrich.Newt Gingrich wrote a book about Gettysburg and framed it as the South Won the battle.
:horrorsurprise:
Not to mention that every southern soldier or collaborator is guilty of mass murder, treason, and countless human rights violations during the course of their attempt to violently overthrow the government of the United States of America, and should have rightfully been hung.
I'll read nothing of the sort, thank you very much.
Reconstruction failed because they just quit in 1876 ish, there should have been a total and complete "deNAZIfication" of the South and it's leaders, like the Nuremburg trials.I'm interested to learn more about this as I read Prophet of Freedom. I've read a fair amount about the Civil War but really nothing about the reconstruction era.
TJ Stiles James book is centered around this theme mostly in Missouri but you can expand it into the south.
The South lost the battle but won the war in a weird way.
if you guys haven't read them you should read Winds Of War/War And Remembrance by Herman Wouk. I think I've mentioned that on here before. Both incredibly good. I read them when I was 18 and then when I was like 24 and then when I was like 30. And they are a LOT of pages. And NO pictures. So you know they ruled.Just looked those up on wikipedia. Sounds pretty compelling. I may add them to my list.
For the Fantasy nerds, I am about 85% through the latest Brandon Sanderson "Stormlight" book "Rhythm of War." It's massive, of course. Unlike all of the other books in the series, this one has a been a real chore for me to get through. Maybe this thing wraps up in some mind blowing way, but I'd say this is easily the worst book of an otherwise wonderful series, and probably the worst Brandon Sanderson book I've read. It's just kinda boring. :frown:Pete, do you read a lot of fantasy novels? What would recommend as an entry point for a person who thinks that they don't like fantasy novels?
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media/vc/d628f730-5944-46ca-87fa-b1ff92cb8885.__CR0,0,970,300_PT0_SX970_V1___.jpg)
I don't read a lot so I would suggest Name of the Wind.For the Fantasy nerds, I am about 85% through the latest Brandon Sanderson "Stormlight" book "Rhythm of War." It's massive, of course. Unlike all of the other books in the series, this one has a been a real chore for me to get through. Maybe this thing wraps up in some mind blowing way, but I'd say this is easily the worst book of an otherwise wonderful series, and probably the worst Brandon Sanderson book I've read. It's just kinda boring. :frown:Pete, do you read a lot of fantasy novels? What would recommend as an entry point for a person who thinks that they don't like fantasy novels?
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media/vc/d628f730-5944-46ca-87fa-b1ff92cb8885.__CR0,0,970,300_PT0_SX970_V1___.jpg)
if you guys haven't read them you should read Winds Of War/War And Remembrance by Herman Wouk. I think I've mentioned that on here before. Both incredibly good. I read them when I was 18 and then when I was like 24 and then when I was like 30. And they are a LOT of pages. And NO pictures. So you know they ruled.
For the Fantasy nerds, I am about 85% through the latest Brandon Sanderson "Stormlight" book "Rhythm of War." It's massive, of course. Unlike all of the other books in the series, this one has a been a real chore for me to get through. Maybe this thing wraps up in some mind blowing way, but I'd say this is easily the worst book of an otherwise wonderful series, and probably the worst Brandon Sanderson book I've read. It's just kinda boring. :frown:Pete, do you read a lot of fantasy novels? What would recommend as an entry point for a person who thinks that they don't like fantasy novels?
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media/vc/d628f730-5944-46ca-87fa-b1ff92cb8885.__CR0,0,970,300_PT0_SX970_V1___.jpg)
For the Fantasy nerds, I am about 85% through the latest Brandon Sanderson "Stormlight" book "Rhythm of War." It's massive, of course. Unlike all of the other books in the series, this one has a been a real chore for me to get through. Maybe this thing wraps up in some mind blowing way, but I'd say this is easily the worst book of an otherwise wonderful series, and probably the worst Brandon Sanderson book I've read. It's just kinda boring. :frown:Pete, do you read a lot of fantasy novels? What would recommend as an entry point for a person who thinks that they don't like fantasy novels?
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media/vc/d628f730-5944-46ca-87fa-b1ff92cb8885.__CR0,0,970,300_PT0_SX970_V1___.jpg)
Thanks, my 10 year old just finished reading The Hobbit and whatever the first LOTR book is and I don't really know anything about them other that watching the movies when they first came out. I guess Harry Potter is in this genre, too. Older kids have read / listened to all of them multiple times.For the Fantasy nerds, I am about 85% through the latest Brandon Sanderson "Stormlight" book "Rhythm of War." It's massive, of course. Unlike all of the other books in the series, this one has a been a real chore for me to get through. Maybe this thing wraps up in some mind blowing way, but I'd say this is easily the worst book of an otherwise wonderful series, and probably the worst Brandon Sanderson book I've read. It's just kinda boring. :frown:Pete, do you read a lot of fantasy novels? What would recommend as an entry point for a person who thinks that they don't like fantasy novels?
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media/vc/d628f730-5944-46ca-87fa-b1ff92cb8885.__CR0,0,970,300_PT0_SX970_V1___.jpg)
I read vast, vast quantities of Fantasy. I agree with Rusty and Spracne, both...The Name of the Wind and Game of Thrones are both great, and both series that are not finished, unfortunately, but the books and series are great. Fantasy is a pretty wide genre. I tend to like the really violent graphic stuff, and not the Tolken Lord of the Rings stuff as much. I'd start with Peter Brett's book in the Demon Cycle series called The Warded Man. That's a really great series, and super fun. Below is a pretty good list as well.
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/88
Here’s the author laying out essentially the thesis of his bookReconstruction failed because they just quit in 1876 ish, there should have been a total and complete "deNAZIfication" of the South and it's leaders, like the Nuremburg trials.I'm interested to learn more about this as I read Prophet of Freedom. I've read a fair amount about the Civil War but really nothing about the reconstruction era.
TJ Stiles James book is centered around this theme mostly in Missouri but you can expand it into the south.
The South lost the battle but won the war in a weird way.
@Pete what do you think about the Broken Earth series? I've almost finished Fifth Season and it's pretty good so far.
Just finished Station Eleven. I look forward to the the HBO series.
Just finished Station Eleven. I look forward to the the HBO series.
Are you a fan of the post apocalyptic genre?
Just finished Station Eleven. I look forward to the the HBO series.
Are you a fan of the post apocalyptic genre?
Yes, I do seem to be drawn to it. There is something compelling and even beautiful about the twilight of humanity.
Fleishman Is in Trouble is a really incredible novel about marriage, divorce, and getting older these days. Top 10 out of the last 100 books I've read.
I don't dabble much in non-fiction but I've been listening to the rise and fall of the third reich by William L. Shirer and it's totally engrossing. I'm only up to like 1932 and there is still 40 hours left!One of the best books of all time.
JoePa!lmao
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Just finished Station Eleven. I look forward to the the HBO series.
I'll definitely check it out.Just finished Station Eleven. I look forward to the the HBO series.
Station 11 kind of reminded me of the world made by hand series. Another good post apoc series to check out
(https://img.thriftbooks.com/api/images/i/m/D4067F929404D33DD2311901D994F4F46F7F6524.jpg)
I don't dabble much in non-fiction but I've been listening to the rise and fall of the third reich by William L. Shirer and it's totally engrossing. I'm only up to like 1932 and there is still 40 hours left!Just picked this up at the library and felt kind of weird walking out with a book that has a giant Nazi flag on the front.
I gave the first of these to my dad for Christmas based on this thread and he really liked it. Thanks!I need something new. Fiction and purely for entertainment. In the last 2 years I’ve read the Expanse series (waiting on book 9), Red Rising series (waiting on book 6), Kingkiller series (waiting on book 3, not holding my breath), and Stormlight series (waiting on book 5). All were great. Any suggestions? Something completed might be nice.
The Murderbot Diaries series. There are 4 novellas and a novel and they are all so much fun.
Had to take a long drive by myself recently so I decided to listen to a book for the first time ever. I just grabbed the most popular non fiction and it was the Mathew McConaughey memoir or whatever. It was pretty enjoyable, especially since his sexy voice was reading it. Def some boring parts, but he's had a pretty interesting life.Not 90s rock-related but I read last night that Jimi Hendrix was from Seattle, too. I drove thru Kurt Cobain's hometown (Aberdeen, WA) on vacation one time.
Finished Fargo Rock City a while back. It was just ok. Its about a dude growing up in Fargo in the 80's that got turned on to metal music. Good if you really really really like 80's metal which I don't so much, but there were some good stories.
Working on "Everyone Loves Our Town". Its a compilation of a bunch of interviews and stories of Seattle bands that started and became the "grunge movement". I'm loving this. Its still crazy that out of nowhere, one area produced all of these bands that hit around the same time. It starts with bands most people have never heard of like the U-Men, Skinyard, Malfunction, etc. Most of those bands paved the way and had members that ended up in Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Nirvana, etc. The other crazy part was how young some of these dudes were. Reading the stories you think they are like 24-26 years old. Some of these dudes were living in communal housing, playing music, and getting all drunk and drugged up at like 15-16. If you are or were into 90's rock, you would enjoy the stories.
I got this on kindle and the author's homophobia is pretty jarring even if it's a great read overallI don't dabble much in non-fiction but I've been listening to the rise and fall of the third reich by William L. Shirer and it's totally engrossing. I'm only up to like 1932 and there is still 40 hours left!Just picked this up at the library and felt kind of weird walking out with a book that has a giant Nazi flag on the front.
I had to go back and look this up because wow
(https://i.imgur.com/0J4mr77.png)
good discussion of it here too: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/897092-anti-gay
Just finished Finding Everett Ruess by David Roberts. Tells the story of a 20yo explorer who disappeared in southern Utah in 1934. He was a writer and artist in addition to a talented wilderness explorer. He would go on months long solo journeys into the wilderness in Northern AZ and southern Utah in the three years before he vanished. John Krakauer had a chapter about him in Into the Wild. Makes me want to get back to the Grand Canyon area ASAP.
Finished Prophet of Freedom tonight. Fantastic biography. Took me a while to work through it.not sure which one cire is talking about but prophet of freedom is a good oneFrederick Douglass biography is outstanding if you like works about incredible people doing incredible thingsWhich biography?
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I'm almost finished with Truman by David McCullough. Pretty fascinating life (for a person from Missouri).
Re-reading The Crossing now. Gripping section of Part I:Have we discussed Cormac McCarthy's novels ITT? I think The Crossing is still my favorite with Blood Meridian andNo Country for Old Men close behind.
I loved ATPH and decided to read the rest of the trilogy. Each book is good on its own, but I was surprised and amazed at how great they are together. I finished, thought about the themes running throughout, and was like, "holy crap that is incredible."
Part I of the crossing is one of my all time favorite books/parts of a book.
The earlier stuff is so damn bleak. Good. But damn bleak.
Need a new non fiction book. Any suggestions? I like books about real people that did cool things. Joined a band, started a business, became a drug lord, IDGAF. If it is real and interesting, i'm prob in. TIAEndurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing. Very real and interesting.
I love this NPR thing every year - helps me quickly find some books that might interest me.
https://apps.npr.org/best-books/#view=covers&year=2021
I'm currently reading No Gods, No Monsters that I picked off of there. Too early to tell how good it is but it's off to a solid start. The Trees is a good one that I just finished reading. Both center around racial issues in quasi-supernatural ways.
Old but 1491 is Awesome. What archaeology/anthropology/genetics etc tells us about the Americas prior to Columbus.
I’m reading/listening at the same time.Old but 1491 is Awesome. What archaeology/anthropology/genetics etc tells us about the Americas prior to Columbus.
Yeah I read 1491 a while back simply because it's been brought up in here a few times. I still intend to read 1493 as well.
IMO both are great. what it really opened my eyes to was the influence of Mexican agriculture on food globally.
Read those books a couple of years ago but what blew my mind was that Potatoes were from the new world. I guess I never really thought of it and always associated potatoes with poor European peasants...but potatoes were a key part of the population explosion in Europe, you could grow alot more calories per acre in potatoes than wheat or barley.Really South America/Inca
And the potato bio-diversity discussion! And Native American agriculture in general!Read those books a couple of years ago but what blew my mind was that Potatoes were from the new world. I guess I never really thought of it and always associated potatoes with poor European peasants...but potatoes were a key part of the population explosion in Europe, you could grow alot more calories per acre in potatoes than wheat or barley.Really South America/Inca
rough ridin' Irish lived on potatoes and milk
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Currently reading A Christmas Carol by Dickens for the first time. It is just fantastic. I love the 1984 George C Scott movie adaptation of the novel. It looks like they basically used the novel as their screenplay. Really worth reading if you have never done so before.Good tip. I might do this
And the potato bio-diversity discussion! And Native American agriculture in general!Read those books a couple of years ago but what blew my mind was that Potatoes were from the new world. I guess I never really thought of it and always associated potatoes with poor European peasants...but potatoes were a key part of the population explosion in Europe, you could grow alot more calories per acre in potatoes than wheat or barley.Really South America/Inca
rough ridin' Irish lived on potatoes and milk
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Vivian Maier, the photographer nanny whose work was famously discovered in a Chicago storage locker, captured the imagination of the world with her masterful images and mysterious life. Before posthumously skyrocketing to global fame, she had so deeply buried her past that even the families she lived with knew little about her. No one could relay where she was born or raised, if she had parents or siblings, if she enjoyed personal relationships, why she took photographs and why she didn’t share them with others. Now, in this definitive biography, Ann Marks uses her complete access to Vivian’s personal records and archive of 140,000 photographs to reveal the full story of her extraordinary life.
Which is better?
Which is better?
The book is really slow. I'm about 30% through it, and hardly anything has happened. It must get a lot better or something?
I thought the show was a little half baked, and was hoping the book would explain everything better. I'm just more confused. I'll stick with the book and see how it goes. I don't like the old time science fiction so far though.
And how did this young pipsqueak from Scotland become a powerful gilded age businessman? Well he started working at a telegram office as a teenager and was privy to all the inside deals of the Railroad and other business men since he would transcribe their telegrams so they started cutting him in on their deals. Fascinating stuff.
Fun fact. Carnegie came to the US as a young boy in the 1840's but never actually filed for citizenship until the 1880's when he started to become wealthy/famous enough for the press to start hounding him about whether he was a European or American. He had held off filing for American citizenship until then because he thought maybe he would want to be a politician in Britain since he spent most summers there hob knobbing with lord's and crap.And how did this young pipsqueak from Scotland become a powerful gilded age businessman? Well he started working at a telegram office as a teenager and was privy to all the inside deals of the Railroad and other business men since he would transcribe their telegrams so they started cutting him in on their deals. Fascinating stuff.
The American dream
Fun fact. Carnegie came to the US as a young boy in the 1840's but never actually filed for citizenship until the 1880's when he started to become wealthy/famous enough for the press to start hounding him about whether he was a European or American. He had held off filing for American citizenship until then because he thought maybe he would want to be a politician in Britain since he spent most summers there hob knobbing with lord's and crap.And how did this young pipsqueak from Scotland become a powerful gilded age businessman? Well he started working at a telegram office as a teenager and was privy to all the inside deals of the Railroad and other business men since he would transcribe their telegrams so they started cutting him in on their deals. Fascinating stuff.
The American dream
Eventually he was shamed into becoming a US citizen by the press.
An old coworker gave me this book around 10 years ago and I never read it, recently found it in my basement and decided to give it a shot.Fun fact. Carnegie came to the US as a young boy in the 1840's but never actually filed for citizenship until the 1880's when he started to become wealthy/famous enough for the press to start hounding him about whether he was a European or American. He had held off filing for American citizenship until then because he thought maybe he would want to be a politician in Britain since he spent most summers there hob knobbing with lord's and crap.And how did this young pipsqueak from Scotland become a powerful gilded age businessman? Well he started working at a telegram office as a teenager and was privy to all the inside deals of the Railroad and other business men since he would transcribe their telegrams so they started cutting him in on their deals. Fascinating stuff.
The American dream
Eventually he was shamed into becoming a US citizen by the press.
Nice, there was a series on the History Channel (I think) called The Men Who Built America. It was Carnegie, Ford, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and JP Morgan. Very good.
Also, you recommending an 8000 page book made me think of this. I made the mistake of recommending and giving a book to my father in law and he "returned the favor" and brought me an old 900 page book about Warren Buffett. :sdeek: Like, what is the etiquette here? I'll never get through it even if I try. I don't think he will really care, but its just sitting on my counter and I have no interest.
Yeah Murderbot is fun. I am about to start book 2.I gave the first of these to my dad for Christmas based on this thread and he really liked it. Thanks!I need something new. Fiction and purely for entertainment. In the last 2 years I’ve read the Expanse series (waiting on book 9), Red Rising series (waiting on book 6), Kingkiller series (waiting on book 3, not holding my breath), and Stormlight series (waiting on book 5). All were great. Any suggestions? Something completed might be nice.
The Murderbot Diaries series. There are 4 novellas and a novel and they are all so much fun.
Just finished the first Murderbot novella. I enjoyed it. It's basically a cyborg version of me. :shy:
I didn’t read anymore after the second one. It was good, but I just felt like I had enough of it.Yeah Murderbot is fun. I am about to start book 2.I gave the first of these to my dad for Christmas based on this thread and he really liked it. Thanks!I need something new. Fiction and purely for entertainment. In the last 2 years I’ve read the Expanse series (waiting on book 9), Red Rising series (waiting on book 6), Kingkiller series (waiting on book 3, not holding my breath), and Stormlight series (waiting on book 5). All were great. Any suggestions? Something completed might be nice.
The Murderbot Diaries series. There are 4 novellas and a novel and they are all so much fun.
Just finished the first Murderbot novella. I enjoyed it. It's basically a cyborg version of me. :shy:
O boy bet that's interesting.I agree, it's fascinating.
Related side note, I am absolutely fascinated with the Soviet Union history recently, though admittedly post Stalin. Living under the moustache had to just be brutal, but after that just like, how the USSR worked internally is just fascinating. It's so much richer (and weirder) than just thinking of it as the "evil empire." Not an endorsement of it, but from living arrangements, to education, work, shopping (and black markets) is just interesting af.
If you ever want to feel really great about humanity and the depravity we can commit read Bloodlands by SnyderCurrently listening to the audiobook. Provides helpful context for current events.
Yeah, it's mumped up. Also Dan Carlin has a great 4 series podcast about the Eastern Front in WW2 and they are $1 each.If you ever want to feel really great about humanity and the depravity we can commit read Bloodlands by SnyderCurrently listening to the audiobook. Provides helpful context for current events.
Yeah, it's mumped up. Also Dan Carlin has a great 4 series podcast about the Eastern Front in WW2 and they are $1 each.If you ever want to feel really great about humanity and the depravity we can commit read Bloodlands by SnyderCurrently listening to the audiobook. Provides helpful context for current events.
Burning through Dave Grohl's, The Story Teller. It's pretty great. I'm always fascinated with people that find their thing at an early age and make it happen. He's pretty great at putting his memories into words. Good book so far.
Ghosts of the Ostfront was my second favorite Dan Carlin series (after the WW1 series).Yeah, it's mumped up. Also Dan Carlin has a great 4 series podcast about the Eastern Front in WW2 and they are $1 each.If you ever want to feel really great about humanity and the depravity we can commit read Bloodlands by SnyderCurrently listening to the audiobook. Provides helpful context for current events.
Ghosts of the Ostfront was my second favorite Dan Carlin series (after the WW1 series).Yeah, it's mumped up. Also Dan Carlin has a great 4 series podcast about the Eastern Front in WW2 and they are $1 each.If you ever want to feel really great about humanity and the depravity we can commit read Bloodlands by SnyderCurrently listening to the audiobook. Provides helpful context for current events.
Guys, need a book recommendation ASAP. On vacation in 5 days so I want a book for the trip. Has to be non fiction. Pretty much any topic as long as its a good story or about someone interesting. I know that's pretty broad, but that's all i got. I loved Shoe Dog, American Kingpin, books about music, baseball, stock market, etc. Anything that is non fiction and interesting. My only other requirement is that it isn't 800 pages. If it isn't fantastic, i'll tap out. Plus its a beach vacay and I don't want to drag around an encyclopedia. If anyone has anything, shoot it my way. ThanksKillers of the Flower Moon if you haven't read it yet
The Only Rule is it Has to Work - baseball book
Just finished A Perfect Spy by John LaCarre. I normally like his novels but I hated this one. Would not recommend.
i am reading A Perfect Spy and it's unlike any other Le Carre. i mean there is still spy stuff, but so far a good bit of it reads like Great Expectations
I was pretty pissed that he spent 600 pages elaborately drawing a portrait of every nook, cranny and layer of Pym's life only to have him blow his brains out at the end.Just finished A Perfect Spy by John LaCarre. I normally like his novels but I hated this one. Would not recommend.i am reading A Perfect Spy and it's unlike any other Le Carre. i mean there is still spy stuff, but so far a good bit of it reads like Great Expectations
yeah he kind of meandered around too much with his coming of age retrospective junk but whatever. i still liked it
About 100 pages into The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. Very good so far.Just finished Lincoln Highway. It was fantastic. One of the most interesting novels I've read in the past several years. Highly recommend.
@Kat Kid I think you'd dig The Dawn of Everything (you might have already even read it).I have been terrible about buying huge books and not reading them but that sounds great. Ok I will definitely finish a book today.
Barbarian Days, a surfing life. William Finnegan New York Magazine writer autobiography of growing up surfing around the globe interlaced with his international journalist writing career. Really good man.
I'm reading Going After Cacciato by Tim O'Brien right now. Just a fantastic novel about the Vietnam War. Probably by third favorite book that I've read about Vietnam after The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien and The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh. I also enjoyed Vietnam: An Epic Tragedy by Max Hastings and The Quiet American by Graham Greene. Do other gE'rs have Vietnam-related books to recommend?The things they carried is a great book. I just finished "With the old breed" by Eugene Sledge (they made the Pacific HBO miniseries around the book)and just devoured it in a couple of days...was up until 2am one night reading it
With The Old Breed was very good. There are some old interviews with Eugene Sledge floating around on YouTube or Amazon Prime that are very good.I'm reading Going After Cacciato by Tim O'Brien right now. Just a fantastic novel about the Vietnam War. Probably by third favorite book that I've read about Vietnam after The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien and The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh. I also enjoyed Vietnam: An Epic Tragedy by Max Hastings and The Quiet American by Graham Greene. Do other gE'rs have Vietnam-related books to recommend?The things they carried is a great book. I just finished "With the old breed" by Eugene Sledge (they made the Pacific HBO miniseries around the book)and just devoured it in a couple of days...was up until 2am one night reading it
I just started this and it is very interesting and funny@Kat Kid I think you'd dig The Dawn of Everything (you might have already even read it).I have been terrible about buying huge books and not reading them but that sounds great. Ok I will definitely finish a book today.
3rd book I've read from Peter Heller (dog stars and the river) and I absolutely crushed it in 5 straight hours.this looks v. interesting
Tldr - the main character from the river gets a part time job guiding rich fishermen at a private resort in CO but some shady stuff is going on.
I love how all his books are outdoorsy with good plot/thriller turns. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220729/fcfdd29fcc97ed7d731b805de9545e4a.jpg)
Just finished The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin (audiobook read by Jesse L Martin). Would recommend.Recently finished Another Country by Baldwin and he's now my favorite author.
I knew nothing about Baldwin until about 3 years ago which probably proves the truth in much of his writings. He was a prophetic genius.Just finished The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin (audiobook read by Jesse L Martin). Would recommend.Recently finished Another Country by Baldwin and he's now my favorite author.
Anyone ever read Dune? I watched the recent movie over the weekend and enjoyed it...did some googling and apparently the book/series is kind of a big deal in 20th century sci-fi.Yes. The first three books are worth a read. I'd personally stop after those
I picked up the book from my local library today and started reading and have enjoyed it so far.
Anyone ever read Dune? I watched the recent movie over the weekend and enjoyed it...did some googling and apparently the book/series is kind of a big deal in 20th century sci-fi.Yes. The first three books are worth a read. I'd personally stop after those
I picked up the book from my local library today and started reading and have enjoyed it so far.
Is anyone reading the second era of Mistborn? Book 4 is out today. The time period is a nice change of pace and adds some fun wrinkles compared to the rest of Sanderson’s Cosmere books.I read the original series and liked it. I think I will check these out…I’m looking for a new series
None that I would recommend
And Then There Were No Potatoes is a good read.I’m going to cancel my premium sub.
Just used the Libby app to check out the audiobook of GRANT by Ron Chernow. Great stuff so far. Very good reader.
THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA, by Ernest Hemmingway. Who knew this thing was so short? Could probably read the entire book in an hour. What an easy American literary classic to knock off your bucket list.I had to read this in high school, and I am certain that I didn’t get as much out of it as I would if I read it today.
it's good so far. this is my introduction to hemmingway, and it seems like a good one to introduce me to him.THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA, by Ernest Hemmingway. Who knew this thing was so short? Could probably read the entire book in an hour. What an easy American literary classic to knock off your bucket list.I had to read this in high school, and I am certain that I didn’t get as much out of it as I would if I read it today.
nope. for whatever reason, he's been a blind spot for me.The sun also rises is pretty good if you want to go on a Hemingway spree.
Next is As I Lay Dying by Billy Faulkner.nope. for whatever reason, he's been a blind spot for me.The sun also rises is pretty good if you want to go on a Hemingway spree.
My fav Hemmingway is For Whom the Bell Tolls.
As for Faulkner, I haven't tried any of his work since my early 20's, but he was depressing and slow paced, iirc.
I think most classics are boring af.I enjoy reading them, and they make me feel proud of myself. If I’m gonna slog through a book, I want it to be a book I’m proud to have read.
My fav Hemmingway is For Whom the Bell Tolls.I could never get into Faulkner. Found it just unreadable.
As for Faulkner, I haven't tried any of his work since my early 20's, but he was depressing and slow paced, iirc.
I'm about halfway through A Legacy of Spies by John LeCarre. I think it is my third favorite LeCarre novel behind The Spy Who Came in From the Cold and Call for the Dead.
Just used the Libby app to check out the audiobook of GRANT by Ron Chernow. Great stuff so far. Very good reader.This is a very long audiobook. Just getting to the part where Grant and Lee are sending messages back and forth to decide on a place to meet for negotiations to end the war. Spine-tingling stuff. Grant is commanding the most powerful armed force in history up to this time, holding the fate of the United States in his hands and is totally at ease with it all. The narrator is very good. Has voices for all of the different people. Is really performing the biography more than just reading it.
US in decline
OkUS in decline
lol, lmao
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How much would the US have to decline for us to even acknowledge it? We’re already one of extremely few developed countries that provide affordable healthcare and people treat it like a point of pride.I don’t know, but I don’t think that we will see the end of the US a empire in our lifetimes. But that doesn’t mean we haven’t peaked.
What I’m saying is I don’t anticipate any psychological effects of being overtaken by any country on really any metric except maybe gun ownership.
Napoleon was basically LHC Bill SnyderExcept Bill’s reign didn’t even start age wise until
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that doesn’t mean we haven’t peaked.
Yeah this whole argument brewing is pretty dependent upon defining our terms. I am not saying that the market is crashing tomorrow and the us is poised to have riots in the streets tomorrow. I am pointing out the very obvious point that the us will have to deal with China (and other countries) on more equal footing and is likely to have a sad about it.that doesn’t mean we haven’t peaked.
i guess that depends on what you mean. in absolute terms, i think there is essentially a 0% chance that the united states has peaked. americans will richer and live better lives every day of the future than they do now for the rest of our lives.
in relative terms, that some other countries may grow their economies and standards of living faster than ours and close the gap or surpass those of the people in the u.s - yeah, sure. the former is basically 100% and the latter (for a large country, not a small resource exploiting or tax haven state) is reasonably likely within our lifetime.
I finally got to this on the Libby app (what a cool app!). Made it through 7 of the 48 hours and just got to the Civil War, but my hold on it expired. Very entertaining listen so far, I'll start it back up eventually.Just used the Libby app to check out the audiobook of GRANT by Ron Chernow. Great stuff so far. Very good reader.This is a very long audiobook. Just getting to the part where Grant and Lee are sending messages back and forth to decide on a place to meet for negotiations to end the war. Spine-tingling stuff. Grant is commanding the most powerful armed force in history up to this time, holding the fate of the United States in his hands and is totally at ease with it all. The narrator is very good. Has voices for all of the different people. Is really performing the biography more than just reading it.
There’s a decent movie called Anthropoid or something on that topic. Cillain Murphy is in it.Yeah. It looks like the story has inspired several movies and docs over the years. Very interesting story and the operation was questioned a lot at the time and after the war because the Allied leaders outside of Czechoslovokia knew there was a high likelihood the assassination would provoke horrific reprisals (and it did).
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Has anyone read the Berlin Noir trilogy by Phillip Kerr? Very interesting historical detective fiction.Just finished _The Other Side of Silence_ which is another detective novel / historical fiction in the Bernie Gunther series. Would recommend if you like WW2 or Cold War related fiction.
Has anyone else read _Civilizations_ by Laurent Binet? One of my coworkers got me started on it. It is a counterfactual history thing where the Incas obtain ironmaking technology from early Viking explorers and then fight off Columbus when he comes to colonize them. They take Columbus' ships and return to Europe and begin to conquer the Iberian peninsula by giving the people relief from the Inquisition. This is as far as I've gotten in the book. I've never gotten into alternative history stuff (other than Confederates in the Attic) but this is pretty interesting.
I liked it a lot. Would recommend. Like I said above, I haven’t gotten into alternative history a lot in the past but I really enjoyed this. I liked _HHhH_ even more.Has anyone else read _Civilizations_ by Laurent Binet? One of my coworkers got me started on it. It is a counterfactual history thing where the Incas obtain ironmaking technology from early Viking explorers and then fight off Columbus when he comes to colonize them. They take Columbus' ships and return to Europe and begin to conquer the Iberian peninsula by giving the people relief from the Inquisition. This is as far as I've gotten in the book. I've never gotten into alternative history stuff (other than Confederates in the Attic) but this is pretty interesting.
How'd this turn out? Do you recommend?
Finished the Michael Lewis book on SBF and FTX. It was ok. You can tell he wrote most of it before the collapse and SBF getting arrested and then added/changed it. It was pretty interesting in parts. That was a really strange group of people.I enjoyed it. Quick read. Would have been better had FTX just kept on rolling along I think.
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I do a really good Dan Carlin impersonation.His shouting when quoting is pretty LOL sometimes. “THE HORDE RAPED THE BUTTHOLES AND THE EYE HOLES AND MOUTH HOLES, NO HOLES WERE SPARED!”
I do a really good Dan Carlin impersonation.His shouting when quoting is pretty LOL sometimes. “THE HORDE RAPED THE BUTTHOLES AND THE EYE HOLES AND MOUTH HOLES, NO HOLES WERE SPARED!”
I do a really good Dan Carlin impersonation.His shouting when quoting is pretty LOL sometimes. “THE HORDE RAPED THE BUTTHOLES AND THE EYE HOLES AND MOUTH HOLES, NO HOLES WERE SPARED!”
Just finished _The One From the Other_ audiobook performed by John Lee, also in the Bernie Gunther series. Incredibly bleak atmosphere. Probably my favorite in the Bernie Gunther series so far. Great listen while walking your dog in the fog on a January night.Has anyone read the Berlin Noir trilogy by Phillip Kerr? Very interesting historical detective fiction.Just finished _The Other Side of Silence_ which is another detective novel / historical fiction in the Bernie Gunther series. Would recommend if you like WW2 or Cold War related fiction.