I never read books but I had to go on a 5 hour drive the other day and picked up a book and couldn't put it down.
"Outlaw Biker; My Life At Full Throttle by Richard "Deadeye" Hayes"
Excellent book, it's about the life of a biker in a 1% outlaw biker club.
Actually... I think the last book I read was The Notebook. And I'm not gay or an old woman.
Probably either Pet Cemetery, or A Child Called It.
The last book I read was one of DBR Scott Carr's RP's...
lol.
I think the last book I read was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, from last year.
I just finished "Sherlock Holmes & the Ice Palace Murders" for the third time.
People should really read more Holmes.
He can save the world.
Honestly.
The zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks
When I bought the book I needed to help to find it. So I asked a woman that worked at the store. I told her the name of the book and she looks it up on her computer, after a moment she’s like “Oh, so that’s fiction?â€
When the Zombie out break happens, I am following that guide.
Seriously though, it’s a good read.
Oh, dude -- if you just read the "Zombie Survival Guide," you gotta pick up "World War Z." It's by the same guy and is an EXCELLENT book if you liked the guide (which I also consider fact).
I’ll defiantly try and pick it up next time I’m in a book store.
Sounds like it's along the lines of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy?
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy.
Last book, It by Stephen King
Current Book The Stand by Stephen King (fuck you Monks)
Next Book Foccaults Pendelum by Humberto Eco
Last Book: The Ghost by Robert Harris.
Harris has interrupted his Roman trilogy to write The Ghost, his first fully contemporary novel. Its titular protagonist enjoys, or endures, a position much like Tiro's: a professional non-entity in momentous times, taking dictation from a powerful patron. Anonymous even to us, he's the ghost writer contracted to supply the "autobiography" of Adam Peter Benet Lang, recently retired prime minister of Great Britain. More accustomed to fabricating the memoirs of addled pop stars and inarticulate footballers, our narrator sees his role, or at least pitches his proposal, as the man to "put some heart" into the leaden first draft left behind by his predecessor, a loyal drudge who died in a drowning accident.
Truth to tell, he's out of step and out of his element, and he knows it. Shackled to a terrifying deadline, confined to Lang's unhappy retreat on a wintry Cape Cod, he faces the unenviable responsibility of turning 600 turgid pages of facts and flannel into what the publisher boasts will be "the first full inside scoop by a leader on the west's war on terror". He's barely unpacked his laptop when the news breaks that Lang is to be investigated by the international criminal court on charges of war crimes, if not crimes against humanity. Four British civilians have been detained on suspicion of terrorist intentions and handed over to the Americans for interrogation, which means torture. Richard Rycart, an estranged former foreign secretary, has a letter signed by Lang that appears to authorise the arrests. Tension and division of all kinds jangle in the corridors of international power, the labyrinth of cyberspace, the chambers of the Cape Cod mansion. Brutal, faceless powers are after the unlovely manuscript. Perhaps its author's drowning wasn't an accident after all.
For years before the publication of Fatherland, his multimillion-selling debut novel, Robert Harris was an assiduous and illustrious political commentator. Though his subsequent condemnation of the government over the dismissal of Peter Mandelson and the invasion of Iraq could not have been more public or more vehement, his association with New Labour at its inception was, as he himself says, "almost compromising for a journalist". He has often denounced the way modern political leaders insulate themselves from the consequences of their decisions. In The Ghost he makes shrewd use of the time he spent on the campaign trail, riding around in private jets and armoured limousines: an unobserved observer, in fact, not unlike Tiro the slave.
On election night in 1997, Harris, then working for the Sunday Times, was famously the only journalist at Tony Blair's side watching the results come in. With his thick, wavy hair and his characteristic grin, his restless physical energy and eagerness to make a good impression, Adam Lang bears an uncanny, almost unpleasant resemblance to the original, though Harris never actually specifies which political party Lang represents. On the other hand, he makes it pretty clear that Lang himself didn't really care which party he had to join, as long as he could be prime minister.
Cynical, illuminating, both hard-boiled and passionately sensitive, The Ghost is a political thriller, not a satire, nor a veiled attack. Like Harris's first novels, it's set in a world discernibly different from our own. Lang's London is routinely disrupted by terrorist bombs. Lang himself is a failed actor from Leicester, not a failed rock singer from Edinburgh, and he evinces no particular religious convictions; Rycart is decidedly more Michael Heseltine than Robin Cook. While the novel owes its existence, its composition in, apparently, five white-hot months, to Harris's anger at Blair and his administration, the fierce heart of the plot - the great revelation, and the crucial twist in the tail of it - are an imaginative impertinence, an accusation no one could make or take literally. The Ghost is, finally, not about Blair; though it remains an indictment of everything he did and stood for. It's also, and most vitally, intelligent, perceptive and enormous fun. (Guardian Review.)
Current Book: The Rabitt Factory by Marshal Karp:
About 30 pages into The Rabbit Factory you will find yourself hoping that the book's author Marshall Karp is at home typing. He has created two LAPD cops, Mike Lomax and his partner Terry Biggs, who are smart, drop-dead funny (especially Terry), and as irreverent as two guys can be. Karp has also written a ripping good story, not counting on buddy-cop banter to carry the day.
Mike Lomax's wife, Joanie, died of cancer six months before the action begins, after a long time trying to have a family. Instead of leaving little replicas of herself, she leaves letters, which Mike opens on the 18th of every month, the anniversary of her death. His father, Big Jim, loved Joanie very much but wants to see Mike get on with his life. These guys love each other a lot and the dialogue that Karp gives them is both sharp and tender. Terry Biggs met his wife, Marilyn, who was the paramedic called when he was an "Officer Down." That meeting is so funny you have to read it to believe it.
"One thing, as they say, led to another, and despite the fact that Marilyn had seven-year-old twin daughters, and a third, age five, Terry signed on for the whole package. And that's how a guy from the Bronx winds up living in Sherman Oaks with a wife and three teenage Valley girls."
The setting of much of the action is "Familyland," a Disneyland clone, conceived of by the late Dean Lamaar, who, like Disney, started out as an animator. His creations, Rambunctious Rabbit, Slaphappy Puppy, McGreedy the Moose, and others are now big family favorites and the little cartoon studio is a global conglomerate. It has been recently sold to the Japanese, after faltering receipts, and there are plans afoot to open a theme park in Las Vegas. That opening is just months away when an employee playing Rambunctious Rabbit is murdered on the premises. Not good for the corporate image. Another murder takes place, and another, and it quickly becomes obvious that someone has it in for Lamaar's enterprises. Mike and Terry are under tremendous pressure from Ike Rose, CEO of Lamaar, to keep the whole mess under wraps, and an equal amount of pressure from their Chief to "get it solved." They work smart and long and hard to uncover a conspiracy, finding a big surprise at the end of the search.
Marshall Karp is a refreshing addition to the suspense, satire, mystery genre. His two Detectives are irresistible. (Amazon review.)
These are both awesome books with totally different styles and extremely interesting and original premise.
Peace
Sambo
The book I just finished a week ago was "The Ruins" By: Scott B. Smith.
It wasn't too bad, though I really wouldn't have considered it a scary novel. The characters are interesting and completely unlikable, so I enjoyed reading them screw themselves over. DON'T watch the movie, cause as I said in my movie blog at http://www.ingobwetrust.com, it sucked.
This Boy's Life by Tobias Wolff
Technically this would be an autobiography, but he recounts his childhood with the boyish innocence he must have had back then, despite being one of those hard-ass kids grown ups always claim will amount to nothing.
It's the fact that it is so candid, and told as he seen it then (thought with the elequent use of words he has picked up in adulthood) that makes it so refreshing. He is honest enough that there were no justifications for some of his actions or flaws, that the reader ends up respecting him regardless. He almost comes across as a modern day Huck Finn.
He describes some very ordinary people with very commonplace flaws sop vividly through his then young eyes that it makes us question the society at the time as a whole, and really displays the less attractive side of humanity in some instances. Like describing his step-dad for example. The man was not a monster in the traditional sense of the words, but his weak character came across and left a bad taste in the mouth regardless.
I think anyone could enjoy this book. It is humourous, freash, quirky... with at least 20-30 phrases I wish I had come up with myself... and it covers all the usual sex, drug and rock and roll related angst of the young adulthood years, not to mention whacky hijinks like kidnapping a neighbours cat or egging rich pricks driving past with their tops down. 4 stars.
Debating Race by Michael Eric Dyson
Dyson is one of the leading authorities in race relations in America and is a strong advocate for racial equality between everyone who is bitching at one another.
Great book, terrific writer. I love his stuff.
Check out You Know What I Mean? About the state of current hip hop music and the congessional trials to censor them.
Next up: Robin Wright's Dreams and Shadows. The Future of the Middle East.
Quote from: Gary on July 14, 2008, 02:32:23 PM
Current Book The Stand by Stephen King (fuck you Monks)
I hope it is the unabridged version... That was a great read
The Eldest book 2 to the Inheritance Trilogy... love this story and if I every have time I will get book 3 ;D
I'm trying to read Royal Assassin at the moment but I spend more time writing than actually reading anything. Finished Assassin's Apprentice not long ago, Robin Hobb owns. I'm up to book 2 of the Farseer Trilogy.
Quote from: Brandon Watkins on July 13, 2008, 09:33:40 PM
Probably either Pet Cemetery, or A Child Called It.
Read the whole trilogy of the latter book Brandon as it is a fascinating and heart breaking read.
Anyway while on holiday got into reading again and polished off Children of Hurin by JRR Tolkein which was slow to start and Christopher Tolkein decided instead of bridging the gaps that were never finished, he would cobble some bullshit together and leave the story still feeling half told.
I after playing the mafia game somewhere decided I would start reading the Dark Tower Series and so I read the Gunslinger and all I can say is wow! Fantastic book and come payday book 2 is being bought
Currently reading "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins.
I also read anything by Dean Koontz, have done so for decades now.
The Dark Tower - The Gunslinger
Currently reading The Drawing of the Three, basically Stephen King's version of Lord of the Rings
Quote from: Kendell Smith on July 15, 2008, 07:50:49 PM
The Dark Tower - The Gunslinger
Currently reading The Drawing of the Three, basically Stephen King's version of Lord of the Rings
Nice Kendall it a great books.
Summer Knight book 3 of the Dresden Files ... Love the Dresden Files books read everyone of them. need to get the new one called Small Favors. if you have a chance I say check these books out
The Dresden Files is a GREAT book series.
I own all but the latest :(
I'm not a big fiction fan, but I have always wanted to get into the The Dark Tower series. I saw a comic book of that in Barnes N Noble.. Is that any good?
It's brilliant, the gunslinger is a hard read but coming towards the end you can't put the book down and so far the drawing of the three has been amazing. I have the graphic novel knocking around somewhere but wont read it because apparantly it gives away the storyline.
Looking For Alibrandi
Had to read that crap for School as it is going to be on the exam, I must say I actually enjoyed it. So much better than the usual crap shit books we get, so it was good for a change.
Quote from: Kaladan on July 15, 2008, 03:07:11 PM
I'm trying to read Royal Assassin at the moment but I spend more time writing than actually reading anything. Finished Assassin's Apprentice not long ago, Robin Hobb owns. I'm up to book 2 of the Farseer Trilogy.
Agreed, which is funny, because when she was writing under the name Megan Lindholm, I found her nigh on unreadable. I've read every series she's put out under her own name though, and they've been uniformly entertaining.
My last book was Syrup, by Max Barry (again), that'd be the debut novel of the guy who wrote Jennifer Government and inspired the Nationstates website. Quality author.
Quote from: Kendell Smith on July 17, 2008, 04:06:10 AM
It's brilliant, the gunslinger is a hard read but coming towards the end you can't put the book down and so far the drawing of the three has been amazing. I have the graphic novel knocking around somewhere but wont read it because apparantly it gives away the storyline.
You can't go wrong with the Dark Tower cycle. Fucking brilliance.
Right now I'm reading "1984" by George Orwell. Book before that was "Survivor" by Chuck Palahniuk.
Yay bought parts 2, 3 and 4 yesterday in waterstones for 3 for 2 of DarkTower so will be punishing them this week or so
I'm a good 2 thirds of the way through "the World According to Bertie" by Alexander McCall Smith,
Shakespeare by Bill Bryson is a good easy read too :]
Last book was Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and at times it didn't feel like it was worth the read.
So right now I'm reading through a true favourite of mine again, The Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman. I have such a huge passion for the trilogy, recommended reading for anyone here.
Just finished "Wizard's First Rule" By: Terry Goodkind. It was really good if you like fantasy. Can't wait to check out the next one in the series
The Watchmen
Excellent.. Except for the last chapter. I kinda teared up a lil bit :(
"Stone of Tears" - Terry Goodkind
Eddy Guerrero's biography Cheating Death Stealing Life
White night - Jim butcher , love harry Dresden ...got to get small favors
Just finished 'The Oaken Throne' by Robin Jarvis. Which is technically a chldren's book, but i hadn't read any of his stuff in frickin ages. Actually TOT was the most recent one of his I read, as I was bored and picked up 'The Dark Portal' (The first book of the Depford Mice trilogy) about a week ago and sicne then read all three Deptford Mice books and then the Deptford Histories (or at least up to Oaken Throne, since I don't have a copy of book 3).
I've got a horrible feeling I'm going to end up re-reading one of the bloody Redwall books now. I'm running out of stuff to re-read (and i has no money to but new stuff)
just finished the waste lands and moved straight onto wizard and glass
About to finish 'Eight Lives Down' by Major Chris Hunter. Cracking read about a bomb disposal ATO serving in Iraq in the summer of 2004.
Then going to start The Ice Man: Confessions of A Contract Killer by Philip Carlo, I tend to read non fiction books as I tend to struggle to get into fiction novels.
Plus Military History is one of my favourite subjects. :cool:
"Elantris" by Brandon Sanderson
One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest
and Batman: Dark Victory (Robin Sucks)
I got a bit through Mary Shelly's Frankenstein then just trailed off reading it (I quite like it but just never felt compelled to finish it). Then I read Bill Bryson's Shakespeare biography, now I'm on The Lost Continent by Bill Bryson, but I haven't picked that up in a few days. In between that I read To Be A Man by Ric Flair.
I haven't read one in awhile.. need to go pick up a new book soon.
told you tank...check out Under and Alone , by william Queen you like it
King Con by Steven J Carnnell , the creator of A-team . This is a great book that I wish would have been a movie . it characters are deep and you feel for them and it look into the world of con men
Quote from: TaNK Diggler on July 27, 2008, 05:17:45 AM
The Watchmen
Excellent.. Except for the last chapter. I kinda teared up a lil bit :(
^^^^^^^
Great read, almost done it. I'll probably read it, 700 more times :P
I just finished Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
I know it's for young adults, but my niece (who's 13), has read 3 of the 4 in the series
It's very good. Twilight was made into a movie, due out in November.
Just finished reading Batman: Dark Victory. It's a nice book. The story is amazing and I now consider Jeph Loeb a god.
Quote from: Jay on September 11, 2008, 01:22:28 PM
Just finished reading Batman: Dark Victory. It's a nice book. The story is amazing and I now consider Jeph Loeb a god.
enjoy that book too...I Love Hush and Long Halloween
God shaped Hole by: Tiffany DeBartolo
Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony by Eoin Coilfer (sp?)
Finished wizard and glass last week and because it drained me emotionally i waited til yesterday to start on the wolves. I'm so into these books that my next tattoo will be the eye of the crimson king
Ender's Game
Great book.
Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz
I'm trying to read Forever Odd ATM
Both good reads and the best I've read in 1st person, not like that counts for much lol
Quote from: Garth Lennox on September 22, 2008, 08:51:46 AM
Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz
I'm trying to read Forever Odd ATM
Both good reads and the best I've read in 1st person, not like that counts for much lol
the Odd thomas books are great reads. now with football season in full swing I pull out a great book. it called Dead ball by Matt forbeck. It football meets the WOW. it very good and funny . in was the second book in series call Blood Bowl. I say get all three great reads.
I just started reading "My Boring Ass Life" by Kevin Smith. As a huge Kevin Smith, no matter how boring the beginning is, I cant put it down. Gladly, I'm on the part where he is about to do Clerks already.
Under and Alone by William Queen. Excellent fucking book, one of the best I ever read. BD gets props for telling me about it.
BD, anymore suggestions?
Covenant by: John Everson
I'm re-reading The Zombie survival guide right now.. wanna get into a new book though about Outlaw bikers.
White Noise by Don DeLillo & A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachelle Cohn
Life After Doomsday by Bruce Clayton
FANTASTIC book. Everything you needed to know to be a survivalist.
World War Z (The Oral History of the Zombie Wars)
Before that...
*Sigh* because of Sambo....
Yiddish Policeman's Union
A lion Tale , story of chris jericho
Great read , laugh out load funny . It ranks up there with Mankinds book. I recomend it to all wrestling fans.
next book up is the Stand uncut... have a need to read it again
I need a new book to read, I was thinking of getting one on Sonny Barger
tank did you read that William Queen book?
Sure did. YOu was right.. It was one of the best books I have ever read.
just finish the uncut and complete Stephan King novel the Stand... one of his finest works . the man can write a novel.
next up little Farscape Action book called House of Cards
Just bought
"Running With The Devil; The True Story of the ATF's Infiltration of the Hells Angels" by Kerrie Droban.
Heard good things. Kinda slow so far but I am hoping that will change.
"Dead As A Doornail" by Charlaine Harris
Last few books I read recently(Mostly picked on random from the library):
"The Trial" - Franz Kafka - Boring. Disappointing. Legendary writer apparently. Not a legendary book. Every single chapter had the exact same setting. Somebody's apartment. Honestly, from the description I find about a man who wakes up convicted of a crime, is never told what it is, and is crushed by a totalitarian government, sounded excellent. Like it was going to be full of deep social commentary and a cynical outlook on justice. It had a bit of the former, and a lot of the latter, but I generally felt it was unambitious and boring. Very very boring. Boring book. Basically a guy going around random court affiliated people's apartments trying to find out how he can win a case that he can't and them giving him random tidbits of philosophy and topical politics. Boring book. Nothing happens. Boring.
"The Dark Country" - Dennis Etchison - A grouping of a few short stories. Some well written. A lot, however, written at a very low reading level. But, not bad. Some are better than others. Few are just not that impressive. Few I thoroughly enjoyed. Funny there's are three in a row that speak on the "Evils of Organ Donorship" which just makes me shake my head. With everything from racists who pretend to be paramedics randomly harvesting people. To doctors choosing willfully not to help somebody because they are donors. Really silly message, I think. Still, a good read if you want two or there decent cheesy horror stories. I don't know, there are better books out there, I guess if you're bored you can check this out.
"The Extremes" Christopher Priest - Was ok. Nothing too brilliant. Well written. Sort of go nowhere. There's a bit of context with the very unsubtle internet/violence in virtual world references. The ending kind of goes insane. A lot of attempted brainfuck moments where you can't tell what's reality and what's not. Still, the main plot is kind of thin. I did enjoy reading it but it went on way too long. Way too much just general cyberpunk stuff based in the concept of virtual reality worlds that imitate mass murders. Lot a thought put into it. Not a lot of direction.
"The Neighborhood" - E.K.Epperson - Probably the only one I liked that much and I did like it very much. Not the most ambitious book in the world. Written in a very simple linear manner. Still, not a bad read. Easy reading level but eh. Written a lot more like a cheesy 80s horror movie than a book. Still, a lot of violent and disturbing moments and a few funnily sick moments. Some of which remain some of the most creative and interesting things to ever happen in anything I've read. There are some major consistency errors(A little girl in which has been kidnapped and killed which in some chapters they say is twelve years old and in others sixteen...). Still, a very bizarre and neat book that I would recommend to anybody who wants to simply read something laid back, easy to follow, and sick.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy (sp?)
Stephe Kings IT for a fourth time...
now going to finish Cujo
I agree- the Jericho book was fantastic. It actually got me interested in reading some of the other wrestling biographies- some good, some not so much (I personally found Batista's a bit of a yawner)
But as for the last good book I read- "The Wheel Of Darkness" by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child.
Just got done reading the zombie survival guide. The more you know...
Quote from: Adam Michaels on December 12, 2008, 08:58:29 AM
I agree- the Jericho book was fantastic. It actually got me interested in reading some of the other wrestling biographies- some good, some not so much (I personally found Batista's a bit of a yawner)
But as for the last good book I read- "The Wheel Of Darkness" by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child.
[/I like the ric Flair... also I recomend the Missy Hyatt book that was interesting read
Im reading Deception Point at the Moment..basically the book Dan Brown wrote before Angels and Demons..
"All Together Dead" by Charlaine Harris
It's one of the Sookie Stackhouse novels, which the HBO show True Blood is based on.
the last book i read was cross by James Patterson. I really enjoy the Alex Cross series.
I read "A Lick Of Frost" by Laurell K. Hamilton a few weeks ago.
"A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini.
Not a book that I would have picked out myself, but it's what my book club picked for the month, and exposing myself to books I wouldn't normally read is the main reason I joined. And on this occasion it paid off.
It is somewhat of a depressing book it must be said, but not without it's own rewards for the reader and at least some of the main characters. Although it is a fiction, it also succeeded in making me a lot more sympathetic to the plight of people in Afghanistan... boy have they ever been through the mill.
The two main characters, the heroins were extremely strong women in many ways, but not without their faults either, which I always like to see.
I'm not going to do a full-scale review or anything, because I don't want to ruin the plot for anyone who might want to read it, but while it did not get me overly excited like say a good sci-fi might, I found myself very satisfied at the end and very glad I read it.
Edited to add... the author is more famous for "The Kite-Runner" though I have not read that, or seen the movie. I might be tempted now though.
And today I just finished "Pretties" the second part of the "Uglies" trilogy by Scott Westerfeld.
Futuristic fantasy set in a post apocalyptic utopia, where everyone has to undergo mandatory surgery on their 16th birthday to be pretty. When her best friend escapes the city just before her operation, the main heroine (who WANTS to stay in the city and become pretty) is blackmailed into going out and finding her and bringing her back... or pay the worst price imaginable to her... remaining an Ugly for the rest of her life.
Aimed at the Young Adult audience, but like so many other books in the YA section of the library, it has a very clever style full of subtle social and policitcal observations that can be appreciated by any adult. Covers many topics that have been done many times (the whole fighting the system in particular) but with a nice fresh approach.
The most notable thing for me is that just when I am fully behind the rebellious heroes, the author turns around and makes me see the atagonist's quite valid point of view. Plenty of grey areas, and imperfect characters, the kind of stuff that makes a story exciting and unpredictable.
Can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series.
Currently switching back and forth between the 'Tao of Leadership' by John Heider and 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman. Just started Graveyard but it's shaping up to be a fantastic story for being labeled a children's book. Almost done with Tao of Leadership, and must I say it's a great read and certainly has changed the way I view life.
Quote from: Nick on April 09, 2009, 06:08:24 PM
Currently switching back and forth between the 'Tao of Leadership' by John Heider and 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman. Just started Graveyard but it's shaping up to be a fantastic story for being labeled a children's book. Almost done with Tao of Leadership, and must I say it's a great read and certainly has changed the way I view life.
Listened to "The Graveyard Book" a few weeks ago, it's really clever and some nice varied tangents from the main theme. A really cool environment, couple of really cool characters, and the supporting characters made for an enjoyable bunch to read(/hear) about.
If you are into audiobooks, I recommend trying it, as Gaiman reads it himself and is really dramatic. Only downside is his voice is kind of soft and low, which although nails the mood of the book perfectly, makes it hard to hear in the middle of a working day in a machine shop!
Anyway, not going to say anymore, don't want to spoil it for you, let me know what you thought of it when your finished though!
Just finished 'Thicker Than Water' by Mike Carey. It's more or less yoru standard Felix Castor book, which if you like them is a good thing. Unlike the normal ones however, this one has a bastard cliffhanger ending that makes me want more, which i won't get for another six months or so until the next book gets published.
Definitely worth pickign up if you've read any of the others, IMO.
I finished An Arsonist's Guide to Writer's Homes in New England by Brock Clarke today, then had the pleasure of attending a Q&A session with the author in class.
It's a pretty damn funny read, from cover to cover. Sam Pulcifer burns down the Emily Dickinson Home "by accident," gets out of jail 10 years later, and winds up being the suspect in a rash of arsons targeting the homes of famous New England writers. He decides to investigate, and therein just about every corner of literary academia is satirized.
Quote from: Stevie Swing on April 29, 2009, 07:17:22 PM
I finished An Arsonist's Guide to Writer's Homes in New England by Brock Clarke today, then had the pleasure of attending a Q&A session with the author in class.
It's a pretty damn funny read, from cover to cover. Sam Pulcifer burns down the Emily Dickinson Home "by accident," gets out of jail 10 years later, and winds up being the suspect in a rash of arsons targeting the homes of famous New England writers. He decides to investigate, and therein just about every corner of literary academia is satirized.
I really like the sound of this, I might have to check it out!
I'd definitely recommend it, especially if you've been forced to read Mark Twain, Edward Bellamy, Robert Frost, and the zillions of other New England writers.
Going to sound like a total wrestling mark but fuck it! Last book I read was Bret Hart's autobiography.
I don't normally read autobiographies but I had to get this one. I thought it was a decent read, some very interesting moments and his life growing up sounds total chaos. If he'd have grown up like that these days all 12 kids would've been taken into care.
The only thing I didn't like is the over use of hindsight. You can see where they're setting up all through the book for Vince and Shawn to screw him over. Also there's lots of moments where someone does him wrong and he'll say,
"But I always knew I'd get the better of him one day." Which is total bollocks because you never think like that at the time of someone screwing you over.
Still, a great insight into the mind of Bret and also behind the scenes stuff in WWE. Shame it's got such a tragic ending, screwjob, Owen dies, Davey dies, Bret's stroke, all pretty harsh reading.
Peace
Duckman
This is going to make me sound like a gigantic nerd, but what the hey: Stephen King's IT. Just finished it last night, haha.
Speedy that book is fucking awesome. You should read the Stand its just as good. I'm reading Lost World, sequel to Jurassic Park, really good insight into evolution.
Finished Fear in Loathing in Las Vegas this afternoon.
Hunter S. Thompson is a beast.
Quote from: Duckman on May 02, 2009, 02:32:06 PM
Going to sound like a total wrestling mark but fuck it! Last book I read was Bret Hart's autobiography.
I don't normally read autobiographies but I had to get this one. I thought it was a decent read, some very interesting moments and his life growing up sounds total chaos. If he'd have grown up like that these days all 12 kids would've been taken into care.
The only thing I didn't like is the over use of hindsight. You can see where they're setting up all through the book for Vince and Shawn to screw him over. Also there's lots of moments where someone does him wrong and he'll say,
"But I always knew I'd get the better of him one day." Which is total bollocks because you never think like that at the time of someone screwing you over.
Still, a great insight into the mind of Bret and also behind the scenes stuff in WWE. Shame it's got such a tragic ending, screwjob, Owen dies, Davey dies, Bret's stroke, all pretty harsh reading.
Peace
Duckman
As interesting as it sounds, that hindsight thing sounds REALLY annoying... and somehow not surprising :-\
Though I have heard that he got a different publisher for this because WWE wanted to censor so much of it. That in itself makes it somewhat intrigueing.
I just finished "Pride and Prejudice" the other day. About to start reading on "The Sun Also Rises" by Hemingway.
Finally finished Reaper's Gale (Erikson), bring on Toll the Hounds!
Reading Arthas: Rise of the Lich King now.
Currently reading "Bloodhound" which is part two of the "Beka Cooper" Trilogy by Tamora Pierce.
I am really into this, I wish I had more time to read. I loved the first book ("Terrier") and have been waiting for this one for quite a while. It is actually the first time I've awaited a sequel since "Mostly Harmless" of the Hitchhiker's Guide series as most series (Narnia, Potter, Uglies etc) I didn't get into until AFTER the entire series was published.
It got delayed several times as Tamora Pierce was badly injured in an auto-accident. I'm glad she's better, and more selfishly I'm glad the book is finally out :D (no audio version out yet though sadly)
Rockstar Superstar
I've recently finished the "Mistborn" trilogy (Mistborn, Well of Ascension and Hero of Ages) by Brandon Sanderson. All three were really good, as well as his book "Warbreaker" that Jag told me about which can be downloaded online. I'm reading "Elantris" by the same author currently. He has a theme with Gods and people w/ extra godly powers and whatnot, but they're all pretty good reads.
Just finished reading Jericho's book. It might be the first autobiography that I read a second time. It's that awesome.
I'm reading through Homocide: A Year on the Killing streets by David Simon,
If you even remotely like the wire, read it.
the dangerous days of Daniel X by james patterson great read
starting on the graphic novel version of the Dresden files first book Storm Front
I just finished "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. Whilst I would rate it as higly as most seem to, I can see and appreciate why it got the acclaim it did. The ending was great though, and during the whole court case I was so engrossed it was really hard to concentrate on my work (again I was listening on audiobook)
It really was a great read, I just felt like with all the hype I should have got something more from it than what I did.
The Revolution: A Manifesto by Ron Paul.
Great book. Great man.
Canticle by Ken Sholes (sp?)
http://scienceandsociety.net/2009/10/19/science-fiction-and-fantasy-ken-scholes-canticle/ (http://scienceandsociety.net/2009/10/19/science-fiction-and-fantasy-ken-scholes-canticle/)
Reading "The Gathering Storm" part 12 of the Wheel of Time series. Author died while writing it. Brandon Sanderson finished it using his notes.
Just finished reading the 1st Harry Potter book to my kids. Took a couple weeks, but it was cool.
Just finished The Puppet Master- Jan Coffey.
Pretty good book, great read if your into the whole twists and turns things
Quote from: Fail Gunn Fails on November 12, 2009, 12:00:06 AM
Just finished reading the 1st Harry Potter book to my kids. Took a couple weeks, but it was cool.
How old are the kids. I tried reading Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe to my son when he was five, he was well into it until he came across the DVD one day and watched it whilst we were half-way through the book!
Recently I have read 5 different
Mark Twain novels as I mentioned in another thread. I am sad that there are no more that I know of :(
I took a brief break through it all to read
Aldous Huxley's "
Brave New World" which is a VERY intense read. I still prefer
1984 as far as prophetic novels go, but this one beats it for overall tone.
I recently read a
Scott Westerfeld novel about the cut-throat "cool" industry called "
So Yesterday" which was surprisingly clever. I wanted to check out his work outside of the "
Uglies" universe, and though it was not in the same league as that saga, neither was it disappointing in itself. I actually see a lot of similarities between
Twain and
Westerfeld and I reckon the former must surely have been an influence on the latter.
I am currently reading "
The Gambler" by
Fayador Dostoevski (spelling?), which I am surprisingly enjoying. What is even more surprising is just how much I can relate to it. I had no idea that the same sort of eejits and douche-bags existed in 18th Century Europe as does universally today! I swear it even has the equivalent of modern day emo-kid outbursts in it (cept stork on the roof are the mundane symbol of uniformism instead of the white picket fence)
My oldest is 5 and he loves it. My other is 3 and while he probably doesn't understand the story, he likes to just sit and listen.
Just started book 2 last night.
BNW was a great book as is 1984. The thing about BNW is that it just kinda peters out with no reason at the end.
Quote from: Fail Gunn Fails on November 13, 2009, 06:03:40 PM
BNW was a great book as is 1984. The thing about BNW is that it just kinda peters out with no reason at the end.
Well I can somewhat agree here. Whilst the Savage's struggle with the BNW is the main point, for me the intensity was heightened so much with the characters of Bernard Marx and Helmholtz Watson, such a contrast to each other yet summing up such a wide range of humanity between them. Marx's flaws were so disgustingly human that they made me ashamed of myself and I cringed almost anytime he did or said or even thought anything. What was the real catch was that he starts off with noble ideals that the reader can surely identify with... proving that just because someone preaches all high and mighty and thinks themselves as a nice guy by no means makes them so! The book kind of revolved around him for me, even though I'm aware it shouldn't have.
However with regards to the Savage, I get what you mean. Things fizzled out whilst he ran for sanctuary, but it did turn out to be something of a clam before the storm and with him being stalked by the public it gave Huxley a chance to slam home some last points about the sheeplike stupidity of humanity. Then of course the final "orgy" was climatic enough for me (no double entendre intended). I got the point of it and was satisfied and remember feeling kind of numb after it. But I can totally see where your coming from, ESPECIALLY if you happen to share my interest in the Savage's friends.
I kind of like how Mustapha Mond was quite open and candid about the whole system, great exposition but in a plausible manner. I kind of liked him as a character after that... but yes, then he too was no longer involved in the story and again, as much as I enjoyed the story to the end it did lose something after the others departed. Though perhaps Huxley intended the reader to feel the same loss as the character, who knows?
Quote from: Fail Gunn Fails on November 13, 2009, 06:03:40 PM
My oldest is 5 and he loves it. My other is 3 and while he probably doesn't understand the story, he likes to just sit and listen.
Hmmm... I might try it. Not sure if mine is ready yet... we got through one and a half of the Spiderwick Chronicles, and I already told you about Narnia, so perhaps it is a bit of a jump yet.
Finished "The Gambler" by Dostoevski and then for a total change of tone read (or more accuarately listened to, but that's a given with me these days) Philip Pullman's "Golden Compass". I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this, and well a tad alarmed at the sinister tone achieved in a book recommended for ten years and up.
As far as YA fantasy goes it surpasses Harry Potter, and just falls short of Narnia and Uglies. Then again, I have only read the first installment and cannot wait to get my hands on "The Subtle Knife".
Hmmm, I wonder if the movie does the book justice? I might check it out.
Tomorrow I will be starting on John Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath" I have the first four hours of it put into my i-pod. I've been warned that I may find this one somewhat depressing.
Worst rename ever. Good book, shit change. Espcially because the ... thingy is supposed to be LIKE a compass, not literally one. Yeah though, dark for akids book.
Quote from: Speedy on November 23, 2009, 11:46:20 AM
Worst rename ever. Good book, shit change. Espcially because the ... thingy is supposed to be LIKE a compass, not literally one. Yeah though, dark for akids book.
What was the book originally called? Nevermind, just wiki'd it. Northen Lights does seem like a better (more relevent) title from a reader's POV. I guess though from a marketing point of view the Golden Compass fits better with the Subtle Knife and Amber Spyglass.
just finished "Shutter Island." Great book.
Just started (and am 1/4 through) "The Yiddish Policeman's Union" which is set to be adapted by the Coens.
Quote from: Drama Queen on November 22, 2009, 10:55:10 PM
Finished "The Gambler" by Dostoevski and then for a total change of tone read (or more accuarately listened to, but that's a given with me these days) Philip Pullman's "Golden Compass". I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this, and well a tad alarmed at the sinister tone achieved in a book recommended for ten years and up.
As far as YA fantasy goes it surpasses Harry Potter, and just falls short of Narnia and Uglies. Then again, I have only read the first installment and cannot wait to get my hands on "The Subtle Knife".
Hmmm, I wonder if the movie does the book justice? I might check it out.
Tomorrow I will be starting on John Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath" I have the first four hours of it put into my i-pod. I've been warned that I may find this one somewhat depressing.
I cried like a little bitch at the end of "The Amber Spyglass." It'll happen to you!
I picked up "A Lion's Tale," Chris Jericho's autobiography. It was a pretty quick read, but very enjoyable. Hopefully he'll give us a sequel in a few years time to cover his WWE tenure. I'm now reading "Watchmen" again. I've got a bunch of books lying around that I've been meaning to get into, but I downloaded "Crisis on Infinite Earths" a while back and I've been making my way through that in my free time.
I'm currently in the middle of reading Bram Stokers Dracula.
I do a lot of what most would call assigned reading for my desert reading. That said, I just finished "Hero With 1,000 Faces" by Joseph Conrad. It's supposed to be a be all end all for writers, due to it's in-depth study of comparative mythology. But it was only okay. I like "The Writer's Journey" by Christopher Vogt WAY better.
Also reading "Nightmare Town," a collection of hard-boiled detective stories by the master of the genre, Dashiel Hammet. It's mostly tonal research for a film I'm working on, but I found the writing is quick and sharp. I'm digging it.
Just read Superman vs. Hollywood: How Fiendish Producers, Devious Directors, and Warring Writers Grounded an American Icon. Definitely an interesting read, giving a glance at how Hollywood seems to work (and think). Funny, interesting, and, at times, kind of worrisome...all at once.
Half-way through Death of WCW by the guys from Wrestlecrap. Also an interesting read.
Damn, I've lost track of what I read since I last posted here.
The Grapes of Wrath was fricking amazing (in a very depressing way admittedly). It really changed my outlook on life and on people. I am hoping to be a better person for reading it. Steinbeck gives you an outsider's view of the whole entire situation. It just really hammers home the fact that all of those homeless or sick people or immigrants or old folk or unemployed that are such an "inconvenience" have their own story.
Read the much hyped read the much hyped Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory. Was 24 hours long on audio which means it must have been an 800 pager in print. So much sex and politics though, makes me wonder if any courtiers back in the day even scratched themselves without some calculating ulterior motive behind it! Very entertaining story though, refreshing to give history some personality. I'm lead to believe she keeps the factual stuff accurate.
Nearing the end of Pullman's trilogy now, I'm about half way through the Amber Spyglass. Not sure what to make of it. Too many characters switching allegiences back and forth, this is why I stopped watching wrestling. I think the third part of the trilogy whilst having some VERY interesting points and dramatic actio sequences, nontheless drags somewhat and it just seems to take itself way too seriously. Good job the Knife is more subtle than Pullman's "message". I don't buy into him as any more of a philosopher than JK Rowling, he is certainly no CS Lewis.
Read the Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks. Nice spin on the vampire thing, quirky story, entertaining and well told for what it is. Overall highly enjoyable.
I just finished A War of Gifts an Ender Story by Orson Scott Card. This was a nice little side story set during the events of Ender's game I enjoyed it a lot.
Kiowa Trail by Louis L'Amour.
Last book I read was Past Lives Future Choices, unsure of the author... and right now I'm working on finishing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Re-Reading the Wheel of Time books. Currently to number three (Dragon Reborn) may take a break when my next shipment of books come in and read whatever I ordered this time round (can't remember)
just finish percy jackson and olympians : the lighting thief , it was great read , i enjoy it it remind me of harry potter , which is good for me because i love the harry potter books . going to read the next book asap
White Devil in the City, story of the first American Serial Killer JJ Holmes
The last book I read was 'Timequake' by Kurt Vonnegut.
Vonnegut = the fucking man
Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil by Drew Karpyshyn , Karpyshyn also co- wrote the mass effect and mass effect 2 games and novels . plus wrote the star wars KTOR game
great book, love the stories of the old republic
Last book i read was the godfather. Was months ago and the book is way better then the movie.
"Sins of the Assassin" - fucking sucked. Like a guy who just played Metal Gear Solid, then watched Mad Max, then realized that(at the time it was written) that the tensions between Muslims, and a lot of Americans was there. The thing just reads like a tacky action movie. If all the boring parts were cut out, it could actually make a decent action movie, just not enough context for a book.
Then again, I literally randomly picked it up from the library(as all my books) just on reading the description. so, yeah...
Currently reading:
Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk
I'm liking it so far.
Just finish Pronto By Elmore Leonard great book , great author
Cartamandua Legacy: The Lightouse Duet by Carol Berg.
It's an..... well it's a book. Not Teh Awesomez. Not Teh Suxxorz. It's readable.
Put that on the back flap!
I'm just finishing up the Jack Brisco biography which I got as a Christmas gift. It's taken me way longer to finish than I would have liked, but it's a good read. Next up is probably the Maddox Alphabet of Manliness.
I'm very interested in Psychology and the last book I read was "Snakes in Suits: When the Psychopath goes to work" by Paul Babiak and Robert Hare.
Just finished Chelsea Handler's latest book, "Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang." Will soon be starting "Jim Morrison's Adventures in the Afterlife" by Mick Farren.
Quote from: QueenOfTheRing on April 18, 2010, 02:16:00 PM
Just finished Chelsea Handler's latest book, "Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang." Will soon be starting "Jim Morrison's Adventures in the Afterlife" by Mick Farren.
how was it I find her funny , was thinking about reading this
Quote from: Black Death on April 18, 2010, 03:23:10 PM
how was it I find her funny , was thinking about reading this
It was hysterical. Make sure you read her other two books as well if you haven't already.
"Nightcrawlers" Bill Pronzini - I don't know, I liked it. Wasn't good enough to get funny warm wet splotches in my pants from reading but was very clear, readable. Decent action. For a modest, and very cliche modern noir detective model, not bad. Nothing I would recommend going out and getting since the world of literature is so broad that I think that I think only the best of the best would be under my consideration recommending. Still, if you have free time, and already have access to it somehow, it's a worthwhile read.
They Fought for Each Other, kelly kennedy. embedded reported with Charlie Company 1-26 while they were in Adhamiya, Iraq. More combat casualties than anyone in what was considered the worst of the worst neighborhood there. Sometimes it's tragic, sometime uplifting, but it's always compelling stuff told in a very no nonsense style with a lot of background information on the soldiers themselves.
I tried to read that 'book of Eli' but it was in Brail!!!! grrr
Regards,
JDM
"File Under Popular" Chris Cutler - Basically a music thesis on mostly prog/avant prog rock vs mainstream pop. Obviously, it's a tad biased, and I think overworded, but amazingly poignant even if it came out in 1982 and is mostly referential to pre-80s music. Would honestly recommend to anybody even if most people wouldn't understand it. Even if for selected chapters. Definitely a good read for anyone who, like me, is interested in reading about different approaches on music outside the mainstream recording industry.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom.
It was dumb.
If I did it
Oj Simpsons take on his relationship with Nicole and how the murder would have gone down "if he had done it". The guy paints himself like a saint and Nicole like a crazy bitch.
Wait so...
It's like mafia wifom, but applied to real life murder?
AWESOME.
I'm reading Music Instinct by Philip Ball at the moment. A book about the psychology of why we generally enjoy music, very interesting.
"Roadside Crosses" by Jeffrey Deaver
Meh. I like Deaver a great deal as an author, but never really got a charge out of this book. I liked his previous effort, "The Bodies Left Behind" a hell of a lot better.
I enjoy anything written by Jeffrey Deaver... fav. book is the Vinished Man
Deaver is a great author.
Recently decided to re-read The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins.
Deaver's short story books (Twisted, More Twisted) are excellent reads as well.
I just read The Fortress of Solitude by Jonathan Lethem. It's essentially autobiographical. It's about a white boy who grows up in Brooklyn idolising his black best friend. It's about racial relations, school days, life on the block, growing up, music, oh and a ring that gives you magical powers. I enjoyed it so much that I am now reading one of Lethem's earlier novels, Motherless Brooklyn.
I just finished 'The Keys To The Kingdom' series, by Garth Nix. Very interesting.
Quote from: Mike Powers on July 03, 2010, 03:46:47 AM
Deaver's short story books (Twisted, More Twisted) are excellent reads as well.
Good to hear. I've got both (as well as some of his other stuff) on my "To Read" list.
The last book I read was The Perfect Woman by James Andrus. It's a thriller that does a good job giving some insight into police investigations and how they unfold. Deals with a man basically trying to find his perfect woman (If that wasn't obvious by the title lol).
Currently am reading The Killing Room by John Manning. Another thriller, this one with supernatural tones to it. Interesting so far, and have hit that point where I'm starting to get hooked.
Just finished the first Black Company book. Love it so far, but not sure how they've managed to stretch this thing out to another 7 or so books. I intend to find out. :)
Just finished Panic by Jeff Abbott. Great story and love the way everything falls together bit by bit. Plus a great twist at the end makes it even better
Just finished the 2nd in the Black Company series, Shadows Linger. Especially enjoyed the story revolving around Shed and his interesting way of making money. Wouldn't expect this kind of story in a fantasy setting. But I think that's the draw of these books. It takes familiar stories with likable characters and infuses them in a fantastical world. Its not a story about saving the world from an evil force, its about the people that live through it.
The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker. Was an interesting thriller considering it is written by a Christian author.
Just finished the Killing Room by John Manning. Pretty predictable, but still an entertaining read.
I just finished a book called Obedience by Will Lavender. Tough to get through the first chapter, but after that, it's a real thinker of a book that I couldn't put down.
Finished the 6th book in the black company series. Just started book 7. The problem with finding a series that I like is making them last long enough. I'm gonna end up finishing this thing within a month, lol.
The last books I read where the Percy Jackson series, I know there kiddy books, but I liked the topic, so I'm willing to read lol.
Oddly enough, just finishing up The Hobbit. I never had to read it for school, saw it at the library and said, ah, why the hell not.
Good book though, I used to be a big LOTR fan.
Quote from: Allister Black on August 19, 2010, 12:06:30 PM
The last books I read where the Percy Jackson series, I know there kiddy books, but I liked the topic, so I'm willing to read lol.
They were interesting though.
Just finished "Faceless Killers" by Henning Mankell. Not my usual sort of read, but it was at least decent enough to keep me going through it, and not wanting to throw it against the wall halfway through. Probably won't read anymore of his though, there was just not as much build-up as I'm used to and it just seemed to happen.
Currently halfway through Gregory McDonald's "Fletch" and then its a choice of where to go next.
Just about to start the full canon of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I'm pumped, I've read a few different short stories from the canon, but never all at once, should be good.
My girlfriend wanted me to read The Hunger Games by Suzanna Collins. Not a bad read actually. Had a "1984"-esque feeling to it, and wasn't overly romantic like I was thinking it would be. I'm reading Catching Fire now.
Quote from: Allister Black on August 19, 2010, 12:06:30 PM
The last books I read where the Percy Jackson series, I know there kiddy books, but I liked the topic, so I'm willing to read lol.
I love the percy jackson series , great books and great read.
Just finished the first Sherlock Holmes book. A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Great read for those who haven't read any of the Sherlock Holmes stuff before. I've always been interested but never had a chance to sit down and start reading from the first official book of the canon.
I've seen the large volume of collected stories of Holmes come in at work, and always tell myself I should give it a look....maybe one of these days lol.
Finished "Fletch" by Gregory McDonald the other day. Decent book. Interesting and fairly easy read, worth a look if you read a lot of heavy stuff and want an easier read.
Next up: "Prince of Thieves" by Chuck Hogan (also known as the book that was turned into the upcoming movie The Town).
Prince of Thieves is really good one , you like that.
Excellent. So far I'm only about a chapter or two in, but it's already reading pretty good.
Just finished the second novel from the Holmes stories, The Sign of Four. I liked A Study in Scarlet more, but now I start in on all the short stories before getting into another novel.
Alright, so over the course of my night at work, I just finished Blackwood Farm by Anne Rice. It's a Vampire Chronicles book that tells the story of Quinn Blackwood, a young, fledgling vampire who enlists the help of Lestat to help rid him of the spirit of Goblin; Quinn's spirit doppleganger. It begins with his invasion of Lestat's home and his meeting of Lestat; and then goes on with Quinn telling Lestat his life story and the stories of him and Goblin. It also tells of his meeting the infamous Mayfair family and his turning.
I've had this book for years now and just never really sat down to read it until now. It was overall an amazing read and I enjoyed it. I was actually upset at the fact that I had to put it down several times over the past two nights to make my rounds and talk to dispatch. I however did finish the 600+ page book in two nights and found myself wanting more and wanting a true sequel to the book. I'll have to do some research to see if Anne Rice wrote one, but if she didn't, I know that I will have to go without as she is no longer writing books about the Vampire Lestat.
5/5 Stars for this book.
Now to show my really nerdy side. With the new site I am working, I pretty much can only read to pass the time, so I have four more books lined up that I will be reviewing over the next couple of weeks. They are all Star Wars books and come in this order. Star Wars: Darth Bane - The Rule of Two; Star Wars: The Fate of the Jedi - Outcast; Omen; and Abyss. I am waiting more of the Fate of the Jedi books to hit paperback and the same with the third installment of Darth Bane. I won't give too much away on any of these books as per the fact that if you haven't read any of the books before them, it could potentially ruin them if you were hoping to read them and the books I am currently on. I will however say that I am particularly looking forward to Darth Bane - Rule of Two as I enjoyed the first book, Path of Destruction. The same author has written the second book so I am hoping it will flow together nicely. I am trying the Fate of the Jedi series, but I attempt it with some reservations as I did not enjoy The New Jedi Order, and I never attempted to read The Legacy of the Force due to it as well, but I am hoping I will not be disappointed as I am currently caught up on storyline to this point through summaries of The Legacy of the Force, but we shall see.
*edit - Also, there is a sequel to Blackwood Farms, so I will definitely be getting that; it's called Blood Canticle. If I can find it at Borders before I go to work, I might read that first, so we shall see.
Pretty much love anything by Anne Rice. I didn't get far into the Vampire Chronicles series, but I've read Interview about 5 times, Violin, Out of Egypt. Amazingly good at placing you at the scene.
Just read A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. I'd give it 4/5 stars. I loved Death of a Salesman, and this definitely had a few of the same themes that it had. Very enjoyable, and engrossing. I'd highly recommend it, especially since it's only about 140 pages.
Alright, I am coming at you guys with a 2 for 1 today. At work I finished Blood Canticle by Anne Rice and Star Wars: Darth Bane - Rule of Two.
Blood Canticle
3/5 Stars
This was a decent book which gave me what I wanted to know after Blackwood Farm, but nothing more. You learn a little bit more about the Mayfair Witches and a few other things, and it wraps up the Vampire Chronicles nicely, but it was definitely not Anne Rice's best work, but still enjoyable. If you've read Blackwood Farm and want to know more about the main characters, Blood Canticle is worth the read.
Star Wars: Darth Bane - Rule of Two
5/5 Stars
An amazing book and a good follow up to the first one. Not going to give away much even though if you are a Star Wars nut you've either read these books, or you've read about Darth Bane on Wookieepedia. Either way, I think what I find most enjoyable about this particular set of Star Wars books is that you can tell the writer enjoys writing Sith Characters. He has given them so much more life then the usual, I am evil and want to rule the Galaxy. He portrays them the way Lucas wanted the Sith portrayed, sort of the way Palpatine was portrayed in Episode 3. Once again, the nerd side has shown through. Either way, a rather enjoyable book and I can't wait to get my hands on the third on. Until then, I will be starting the Fate of the Jedi series.
Quote from: RickRampage on September 04, 2010, 09:44:10 AM
Star Wars: Darth Bane - Rule of Two
5/5 Stars
An amazing book and a good follow up to the first one. Not going to give away much even though if you are a Star Wars nut you've either read these books, or you've read about Darth Bane on Wookieepedia. Either way, I think what I find most enjoyable about this particular set of Star Wars books is that you can tell the writer enjoys writing Sith Characters. He has given them so much more life then the usual, I am evil and want to rule the Galaxy. He portrays them the way Lucas wanted the Sith portrayed, sort of the way Palpatine was portrayed in Episode 3. Once again, the nerd side has shown through. Either way, a rather enjoyable book and I can't wait to get my hands on the third on. Until then, I will be starting the Fate of the Jedi series.
you will enjoy the last one , it has some stuff in it that traces to the papatine in the later series. love those books
For those who enjoyed the Percy Jackson series, I just found out last night...that the new series is coming out in October.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lost_Hero (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lost_Hero)
Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi - Outcast
4/5 Stars
Overall a good book, and I am hoping the other authors can keep up the decent standard as I continue on. There are a few confusing parts and I am guessing that eventually they will be cleared up. My biggest complaint is that there are 3 main storylines going on at one time and it can be kind of hard to keep up. Still, if you like Star Wars books, this series so far seems to be worth a read. I will be reading the second book tonight at work and I will probably finish it tonight; and then I will also probably start and finish the third on Monday night, so this series might hold some strength.
Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi - Omen
4/5 Stars
A good follow up. Still three storylines, but these are broken up a little bit better and things have begun to become clarified a little bit. Things have unfolded a lot more and the threat to the Jedi has become more prominent. Looking forward to reading the next book, Abyss. Then I have no clue what will be next. I will have all Tuesday to decide, but hopefully I'll find something good. Anyways, my hopes for this series has sky rocketed now, and I would say if you're a Star Wars fan, it's worth buying the first two books as of right now, because I can promise that you won't be sorry.
Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi - Abyss
4/5 Stars
Another good book from this series and I am glad that I decided to read them so far. This is the last of the ones of this series that I'll be reading for a while because I am waiting for the others that are out right now to come out in paperback. Still, if the first three books are of any hint to what the rest of the series might be like, Star Wars fans might want to start buying today. Good book.
Just finished The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes also by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
It's the first collection of short stories, it starts with A Scandal In Bohemia which is the first story to mention Irene Adler, Sherlock Holmes one female nemesis/love. And ends with The Adventure Of The Copper Beeches, which is a pretty good story, but nothing more.
I didn't enjoy these short stories as much as I did the novels, but since I'm reading the entire Sherlock Holmes canon and 52 of the stories are short stories while only 4 are novels, I better get used to it.
The highlights of these collections of stories were A Scandal In Bohemia, The Red-Headed League, The Five Orange Pips, The Man With The Twisted Lip, and The Adventure Of The Speckled Band.
It's good way to get into the Sherlock Holmes series, but if there is any real interest, I'd suggest reading them in order of the canon as very often in the stories, they'll allude back to cases that had been covered before.
Finished reading "Prince of Thieves" by Chuck Hogan last night.
You definitely were right, Black Death. Loved the book. It's rare that I can find one that grabs my attention so early and pulls me through with intensity, intrigue and excitement for the whole thing, but that is what Hogan does with this book. I always hit a point when reading where I need to finish the book, usually the last 40-50 pages or so, but this one it hit me with 150-200 left. Was a great read, and now I might have to check out more of Hogans work.
Up next by request of a co-worker, "Rules of Prey" by John Sandford.
Alright, so, I am currently reading the Harry Potter series of books. So, I am going to list them all and embolden the ones I have read, and make note of the one that I am on right now.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Currently Reading
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows
Okay, so I had never read the series before now, but I have seen all the movies to this point. I must say that the books are rather enjoyable and you get to learn a little bit more about the characters and get to understand them a little bit better as well. You also get a chance to see the story as it was meant to be told, as opposed to the slightly abridged version portrayed in the movies. However, I will say that the first two movies were fairly close to the books, but the third one is where they started separating and missing a good bit of context. I won't necessarily say what it is missing, but I will say that if you like to read, and you liked the movies, but never read the books, go ahead and give them a read and you'll see what I mean. Still, on the other hand, I only read because I am bored at work, and I really don't read all that much and I enjoy these books; so if you like the movies at all, read the books and get the real deleted scenes.
Just finished the Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes which is the second set of short stories in the Sherlock Holmes canon.
I think I liked this collection more than the first, although, there were still some that I could essentially care less about. The highlights of "Memoirs" though are definitely,
The Adventure Of The Yellow Face
The Adventure Of The Stockbroker's Clerk
The Adventure Of The Reigate Puzzle
The Adventure Of The Naval Treaty
and probably the best of whole group
The Adventure Of The Final Problem
The Final Problem is when Professor Moriarty is first introduced, which even the least of fans of Sherlock Holmes still know the name of Moriarty.
So now I'm starting The Hound of Baskerville which is the third of the four novels of the Sherlock Holmes canon and when I get half-way through this book I will have halfway done with the entire canon.
Again, I cannot recommend these books enough, great reads.
Quote from: RickRampage on September 10, 2010, 08:23:20 PM
Alright, so, I am currently reading the Harry Potter series of books. So, I am going to list them all and embolden the ones I have read, and make note of the one that I am on right now.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Currently Reading
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows
Okay, so I had never read the series before now, but I have seen all the movies to this point. I must say that the books are rather enjoyable and you get to learn a little bit more about the characters and get to understand them a little bit better as well. You also get a chance to see the story as it was meant to be told, as opposed to the slightly abridged version portrayed in the movies. However, I will say that the first two movies were fairly close to the books, but the third one is where they started separating and missing a good bit of context. I won't necessarily say what it is missing, but I will say that if you like to read, and you liked the movies, but never read the books, go ahead and give them a read and you'll see what I mean. Still, on the other hand, I only read because I am bored at work, and I really don't read all that much and I enjoy these books; so if you like the movies at all, read the books and get the real deleted scenes.
It good that you discover the books , it much better than the movies , it gets better as the books go along as he grows up and the dangers get real as his life get more serious. when you get to the last books , you will be blow away trust me , I still read them from time to time , there well done books
I'm just gunning my way through these Sherlock Holmes books.
I finished the third novel The Hound of the Baskervilles obviously by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It was a great, great read. A Study In Scarlet is still the best novel, but The Hound is definitely better than the Sign of Four. Also it was a nice break in between two straight books of just short stories.
[spoiler]The odd part is though that it didn't follow the canon, as the last story in "Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes" involved the apparent "death" of Sherlock Holmes, and then The Hound of the Baskervilles doesn't even mention it, but it is mentioned in the first short story of "The Return of Sherlock Holmes". Kind of odd, but still a hell of a book.[/spoiler]
So now I have finished three of the four novels, and two of the five books of short stories. I have already begun "The Return of Sherlock Holmes" which after reading the first two stories looks like it's going to be the best collection of short stories yet. More than half way done with the canon now, I don't know what I'll do after yet.
I just finished The Return of Sherlock Holmes. Which is the sixth book in the canon so now I only have three remaining books to read, one novel, and two sets of short stories. This was a good series of short stories, but not nearly as good as Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. The ones that stood out though were...
The Adventure Of The Empty House
The Adventure Of The Solitary Cyclist
The Adventure Of Black Peter
The Adventure Of The Six Napoleons
The Adventure Of The Three Students
The Adventure Of The Abbey Grange
All good stories, but none spectacular except maybe The Adventure Of The Three Students. Now I will be starting up on the Valley of Fear which is the last novel of the Sherlock Holmes canon. I'm excited, but also worried about what the hell I'm going to do when I'm finished with all these damn books.
ever hear of Harry Dresden ... great books right there
suggest you look for the first book Storm Front by Jim Butcher... trust me you like it
Just finished reading Rules of Prey by John Sanderson. Pretty good book. Had a lot of character development work as well as a pretty interesting story. Made for a nice and intense conclusion. Don't know if I'll read the rest of the Prey series, but this is a good starting point where I could pick and choose to ones I wanted to read.
Next up: Twisted by Jeffery Deaver. Love reading short stories. Especially when the first one I read ("Without Jonathan") kind of threw me for a swerve.
Just got The Fall by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan.
It's the Sequel to their book The Strain.
Quote from: jagilki on October 13, 2010, 10:32:09 PM
Just got The Fall by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan.
It's the Sequel to their book The Strain.
Fuck yeah ... got to pick that one up.
The Strain was fucking awesome book
Quote from: Heath Weston on October 08, 2010, 11:45:20 PM
Just finished reading Rules of Prey by John Sanderson. Pretty good book. Had a lot of character development work as well as a pretty interesting story. Made for a nice and intense conclusion. Don't know if I'll read the rest of the Prey series, but this is a good starting point where I could pick and choose to ones I wanted to read.
Next up: Twisted by Jeffery Deaver. Love reading short stories. Especially when the first one I read ("Without Jonathan") kind of threw me for a swerve.
His short stories are great you will love the whole book , there are some stories in there that make you say
"Damn"
Quote from: Black Death on October 15, 2010, 01:42:18 PM
His short stories are great you will love the whole book , there are some stories in there that make you say "Damn"
So far they all have. I also bought (at the same time as Twisted) his second volume More Twisted. So it will probably follow this one, since the first one already has me loving his short stories.
Just finished the final Sherlock Holmes novel "Valley of Fear" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. There is a good chance that this was my favorite novel of the four. The case itself was quite basic, but the back story was far more entertaining than the actual main storyline. So good in fact that I might rank this about A Study In Scarlet. Not 100% if I'd make that classification, but I did really enjoy this book.
I'm now down to two sets of short stories before I've finished the entire Sherlock Holmes canon. It's been one hell of a journey though and I would recommend anyone who enjoys detective types stories to check them out. Sherlock Holmes is one of the best characters ever created in my opinion.
Finished reading all of the "Twisted" short stories and they have sold me on reading more of Deaver in the future. Every short story was great.
Now I'm onto "Mystic River" by Dennis Lehane. Wanted to read this one since I saw the movie and have been told good things. Trying to break through my list, but every time I knock off a book, I add 2-3 more...
Just recently finished the RA Salvatore series about Drizzt Du'urden And Now will be going through and reading ALL of Eddings works and then it is on to Terry Good kind... will update when done... but that could be a while...
Just finished The Shattering: Prelude to the Cataclysm by Christie Golden and Stormrage by Richard Knaak both in the same week. Was listening to Stormrage on Audiobook and reading The Shattering on my kindle app on the iPhone.
in the middle of Jericho's book.
Then, GOLDUSTS book.
Just finish the Star Wars Death Troopers by Joe Schreiber ... yeah there Star Wars and Zombies ... yeah it a must read right there. Great story
also just finish three book in the Percy Jackson and the olympians The Titan's Curse ... love the Jackson books , it a great mix of greek myth and modern times . going to get the next one book 4
Reading "Hadbook of Ethical Guidelines and Pricing for Graphic Artists"
Since I'm a massive fan of Dexter I decided to read the novels. I've already read Darkly Dreaming Dexter, Dearly Devoted Dexter and Dexter in the Dark. They were all excellent reads and I'm just about to start Dexter by Design.
Read Goldusts book. It's ok, can't hold a candle to Jericho's though. Little short. Only real, real interesting thing is surprise, surprise he was getting fucked up before matches in TNA.
Currently reading Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell and A Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
"The Stranger" by Albert Camus.
Read that and "the Plague" by Camus once a year ... been doing it since freshman year of high school ('97) ... just two great reads.
Finally finished "Mystic River" by Dennis Lehane. Took far longer than I would have liked, but was reading it over the busiest time of my year at work, so had little time.
Just started "More Twisted" by Jeffery Deaver. Figured I'd go back to short stories lol.
reading all the Dresden files books again ... damn there great
The last books i read where
01. Kite Runner
02. Batista Unleashed
03. Cheating Death Stealing Life the eddie Guererro Story
Just finished Chris Evans' 2nd Autobiography Memoirs of a Fruitcake
Fucking awesome read. Fascinating at how honest he is with himself over some of the worst decisions he made through his career
Quote from: M.D.K. on January 18, 2011, 02:36:00 PM
Just finished Chris Evans' 2nd Autobiography Memoirs of a Fruitcake
Fucking awesome read. Fascinating at how honest he is with himself over some of the worst decisions he made through his career
LMAO, before I looked it up, I said to myself:
"He wrote a chapter on... 'Push?'"
lol yeah not Actor Chris Evans.
DJ, Broadcaster, Personality and entrepreneur Chris Evans
lol that what I said to myself when I read your first post
when did the actor Chris Evans ever write a book... hell two of them
lmao
I'm about to finish "The Heroes" by Joe Abercrombie.
if anybodies read his "First Law" trilogy, they need to read this one.
Flashman. I read all of the rest of the series and thought it was about time I got round to reading the first one.
Empire in Black and Gold by Adrian Tchaikovsky.
I've known this guy since 2005, and have had the pleasure of hitting him in the head with an axe many times (Long story there). He's also a phenomenal writer, and would recommend his Shadows of the Apt sries to anyone who's into their Fantasy
I'm currently reading Terry Pratchetts ''Jingo'' and ''120 days of Sodom'' by the Marquis De Sade
Terry Pratchett i am on a constant cycle with, no matter what i'm reading, i'll have a Pratchett book that i'm reading at the same time.
120 days is a tough read, not because of the content, which, though graphic and usually distainful is not shocking (proberbly due to the anesthatised society that most of our upbringings have made us part of) It's just that it's actually kind of boring. I was told it was sick and would change my outlook to things, and that it was sattire of the highest order, Sades commentary of the social attitudes of France at that time. But to be honest, the guy goes into TOO much detail, it's too florid. YOu shouldn't need two pages to tell me a chicks ass is hot, that's overkill. But yeah, i will finish it eventually just to say that i have.
Next up i'm going to go back to a favourite and read ''The Redemption of Althalus'' By David and Leah Eddings
well let see here ... there" Five Greatest warriors" and "Scarecrow " by Matthew Reilly . Fucking great books , this man can write . FGW is jack west jr book and damn it blew me away. it was the last part of a three book thiiller. it a video game in print
Scarecrow is Shane Schofield novel and it was so fast -pace action packed , with characters that just leap off the page . I started it and could not put it down . It grabs you from the first page and never lets go. I recomend this author to anyone that likes action thillers .
Just finished reading 'Dexter is Delicious', it's the fifth book in the series and in my opinion it's the best of the lot. Kept me captivated from start to finish.
Just finished reading "Shades of Grey" by Jasper Fforde (author of the Thursday Next series). Very good book, IMO. Much different and much more out there than the stuff I have been reading lately, but well worth it.
Basically, it's about the world in the future where people are classified by the colours that they can see (most can only see one shade, some two to make them green, purple, orange...). The plot is basically about one guy who gets sent to a far away village to conduct a chair census as punishment for a practical joke he played. He is trying to get back to his normal life in his hometown, but nothing is going easily for him.
Overall a pretty interesting read. Being in the future, the author makes references back to "The Previous" (which would basically be us) that had me laughing out loud. It's supposed to be the first book in a trilogy, though through my hunting, the second book isn't due out until 2013...sadly.
Jericho's second book. The man is fucking hillarious, another fantastic book from him and he's left it open for a third.
Just started reading "Storm Front" one of The Dresden Files book. I'm only a few chapters in but I'm liking it so far.
Quote from: Reaper on May 22, 2011, 09:23:41 AM
Jericho's second book. The man is fucking hillarious, another fantastic book from him and he's left it open for a third.
Just started reading "Storm Front" one of The Dresden Files book. I'm only a few chapters in but I'm liking it so far.
glad someone else has discover Dresden ... trust me man it damn good series
Jericho's book was laugh out load funny ... i have read very few books that could just make me laugh and laugh hard while reading it . this one of them... Storm Front is the first in the Dresden Files , it just keeps getting better
Re-reading the Song of Ice and Fire series, because of the HBO show and the new book coming out.
On the second book atm.
Just finished reading "The Priest" by Gerard O'Donovan. It is a book about a serial killer in Ireland named The Priest and the process taken to capture him, as well as the journalism side of things.
As far as my opinion goes, I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. It had the potential to be a pretty good book, but at the end of it I kinda felt let down. And in an effort not to ruin it for anyone who might stumble across it and want to read it...
[spoiler]It only had one good chapter (the last chapter), and was about a serial killer that only killed one person...wtf? I know that doesn't classify him as a serial killer, but apparently he was...[/spoiler]
The next book is "Pygmy" by Chuck Palahniuk, though only because I want an easier quicker read. After that it's down to either "Death of Bunny Monroe" by Nick Cave, "Spook County" by William Gibson, "Ragged Company" by Richard Wagamese or "Juliet, Naked" by Nick Hornby.
Finished Storm Front which was excellent and I'm about a third of the way through Fool Moon, I'm completely hooked on this series.
Quote from: Reaper on June 18, 2011, 12:31:50 PM
Finished Storm Front which was excellent and I'm about a third of the way through Fool Moon, I'm completely hooked on this series.
I welcome you ... lol
it just keeps getting better
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein blew my fricking mind away.
If you like books that use sci-fi as a social commentry, eg Brave New World, 1984 or Farenheit 451, then I strongly recommend this. I can't wait to try out another of his works.
This covers everything, Politics, religion, sex, morality, violence, love, the law, and all through the eyes of Martian who is trying to comprehend humanities bizarre attitudes towards it all, some of which is so bizarre he cannot translate from English to Martian because the concept simply does not exist in his world.
Just finished "Random" by Craig Robertson. A book about a serial killer that kills his victims at random (such as picking a name out of a fish bowl of business cards at a restaurant). What made this book even better though, is unlike most novels of the sort I have read, there was no backstory about the police and their involvement in solving the case. At least not from their perspective. The whole thing was written from the killers point of view, almost like he was keeping a diary during the whole experience. First one I've read lately that is in that vein and isn't more to do with the police investigation.
Up next: Game of Thrones.
Quote from: Heath Weston on July 19, 2011, 10:50:51 AM
Just finished "Random" by Craig Robertson. A book about a serial killer that kills his victims at random (such as picking a name out of a fish bowl of business cards at a restaurant). What made this book even better though, is unlike most novels of the sort I have read, there was no backstory about the police and their involvement in solving the case. At least not from their perspective. The whole thing was written from the killers point of view, almost like he was keeping a diary during the whole experience. First one I've read lately that is in that vein and isn't more to do with the police investigation.
Up next: Game of Thrones.
fiction or non fiction
Quote from: Black Death on July 19, 2011, 11:04:18 AM
fiction or non fiction
Fiction. But still well done that it could have been real...if that makes sense.
Quote from: Heath Weston on July 19, 2011, 10:50:51 AM
Just finished "Random" by Craig Robertson. A book about a serial killer that kills his victims at random (such as picking a name out of a fish bowl of business cards at a restaurant). What made this book even better though, is unlike most novels of the sort I have read, there was no backstory about the police and their involvement in solving the case. At least not from their perspective. The whole thing was written from the killers point of view, almost like he was keeping a diary during the whole experience. First one I've read lately that is in that vein and isn't more to do with the police investigation.
Up next: Game of Thrones.
I totally hear you on the police thing. I tried one of those
Alex Cross novels by
James Patterson and I was way more interested in the killer than the main protagonist. Whilst the character development of said killer was moderately well done, the whole format did not make entice me to try out any more of the series.
you need to check out Dan Wells "I am not a Serial Killer " it might interest you . I about a teenage boy we knows that he has the impulses that can make him a serial killer and how he fights the urges until a real one shows up in his small town. To save his family and friends all bets are off
well written book and there are two follow ups to it.
Quote from: Drama Queen on July 22, 2011, 12:28:13 AM
I totally hear you on the police thing. I tried one of those Alex Cross novels by James Patterson and I was way more interested in the killer than the main protagonist. Whilst the character development of said killer was moderately well done, the whole format did not make entice me to try out any more of the series.
Exactly. I've read tons like that and just can't get into it enough because the part that I am more interested in/captivated by isn't the focus.
I'll give that a look, BD. Sounds like an intriguing read. I've also got "Wasp Factory" by Iain Banks to read soon.
Fool Moon was excellent, best book I've read in a while, I'm hoping Grave Peril can top it, it's started out well but Fool Moon is a tough act to follow.
Quote from: Reaper on July 24, 2011, 01:08:06 PM
Fool Moon was excellent, best book I've read in a while, I'm hoping Grave Peril can top it, it's started out well but Fool Moon is a tough act to follow.
you will be surprise ... trust me , it gets better , much better
The Last Book I read was I am Number Four before the movie even came out. The movie isn't anything like the book. The book much better.
Quote from: Liz on August 01, 2011, 09:45:14 PM
The Last Book I read was I am Number Four before the movie even came out. The movie isn't anything like the book. The book much better.
They always same to be
The movie didn't follow the book at all.
yep... you should read the Lightning Thief
percy jackson great read ... book is way better than the movie
Quote from: Black Death on August 02, 2011, 05:43:20 PM
yep... you should read the Lightning Thief
percy jackson great read ... book is way better than the movie
It's been my experience that the books are usually always better than the movies. There are a few that follow, but for the most part, most of them don't even come close.
Quote from: Heath Weston on August 02, 2011, 06:24:13 PM
It's been my experience that the books are usually always better than the movies. There are a few that follow, but for the most part, most of them don't even come close.
yep
Just finished the first two books of the Hunger Games trilogy. Man, this series is fucking good. Like really good. Fast reads too, im generally not a speed reader but ive been finishing each book in about 5 or 6 hours.
Was thinking about reading the Hunger Games series next. Right now I'm in the middle of The Knight, third book in the Bowers files collection by Steven James. Pretty good, but also focuses a lot more on the profiler's point of view although he isn't the typical profiler.
Quote from: Lemke on August 04, 2011, 12:06:30 PM
Just finished the first two books of the Hunger Games trilogy. Man, this series is fucking good. Like really good. Fast reads too, im generally not a speed reader but ive been finishing each book in about 5 or 6 hours.
heard good things about it, now you have confirmed I should try it, thanks!
just finish LA Noir by John Bruntin , it was a great look back at the history and people that help shape Los Angeles.
very good read here
(http://i55.tinypic.com/ormi2p.jpg)
QuoteMy name is Kvothe, pronounced nearly the same as "quothe." Names are important as they tell you a great deal about a person. I've had more names than anyone has a right to. The Adem call me Maedre. Which, depending on how it's spoken, can mean The Flame, The Thunder, or The Broken Tree.
"The Flame" is obvious if you've ever seen me. I have red hair, bright. If I had been born a couple of hundred years ago I would probably have been burned as a demon. I keep it short but it's unruly. When left to its own devices, it sticks up and makes me look as if I have been set afire.
"The Thunder" I attribute to a strong baritone and a great deal of stage training at an early age.
I've never thought of "The Broken Tree" as very significant. Although in retrospect, I suppose it could be considered at least partially prophetic.
My first mentor called me E'lir because I was clever and I knew it. My first real lover called me Dulator because she liked the sound of it. I have been called Shadicar, Lightfinger, and Six-String. I have been called Kvothe the Bloodless, Kvothe the Arcane, and Kvothe Kingkiller. I have earned those names. Bought and paid for them.
But I was brought up as Kvothe. My father once told me it meant "to know."
I have, of course, been called many other things. Most of them uncouth, although very few were unearned.
I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.
You may have heard of me.
So begins the tale of Kvotheâ€"from his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, to years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-riddled city, to his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a difficult and dangerous school of magic. In these pages you will come to know Kvothe as a notorious magician, an accomplished thief, a masterful musician, and an infamous assassin. But The Name of the Wind is so much moreâ€"for the story it tells reveals the truth behind Kvothe's legend.
http://www.patrickrothfuss.com/content/index.asp (http://www.patrickrothfuss.com/content/index.asp)
Highly recommend this one for Fantasy readers.
Quote from: Black Death on July 25, 2011, 10:22:42 AM
you will be surprise ... trust me , it gets better , much better
You were right BD, it really just kept getting better. I love how when it looks like the story is about to reach it's climax, something happens which takes it in a completely different direction. Started Summer Knight, only a few chapters in but it's a very interesting beginning.
Quote from: Reaper on August 14, 2011, 08:04:50 PM
You were right BD, it really just kept getting better. I love how when it looks like the story is about to reach it's climax, something happens which takes it in a completely different direction. Started Summer Knight, only a few chapters in but it's a very interesting beginning.
Summer Knight is my Favorite book in the whole series... so many great moments and characters in that book ... you going to love it
(http://thefriande.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/catcher_in_the_rye_penguin_2.jpg)
The True Words of never judge a book by its cover:
Catcher in the rye, basically about a kid who's life sucks and how miserable he is, makes me feel better about my childhood.
Just finish the latest book in the Dresden Files called "Ghost Story"
I rip right through it once I got it , I wanted to read it so bad after the ending of the book before it called "Changes" and I was not disappointed with this one. Damn great read . It grab me from the first page and did not let me go until it end . I was so damn sad once the book was over. I want more and the ending did it job again. I am now counting the days until the next one ;D
It a damn great series and I recommend it to everyone . Ghost Story is the 13th book in the series. all of them are top notch . You don't have to start from the first one called Storm Front but it fun to start it from the beginning and work your way up
just read them ... there that damn good
I just finish reading The Looking Glass Wars Trilogy.
(http://www.lookingglasswars.com/lgw_books/img_books/cover_4.jpg)
It was really great I finish it like in three day. If you into something that show a different view about Alice in Wonderland this is a MUST read. I will admit it kind of started off slow but then in the middle of the book it really got better in my eyes with the action. To me it a mix of everything into one.
I love the Mad Hatter in this series. The author even made the choice of doing a little spin off base on The Mad Hatter. After I finish this trilogy then I will go into the Mad Hatter series. I am about to get part 2 Seeing Red in the series.
If you want to check it out click on the link below:
www.lookingglasswars.com (http://www.lookingglasswars.com)
Since last posting I've finished.....
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2r7q9tj.jpg%5Dhttp://i56.tinypic.com/2r7q9tj.jpg)
The Wise Mans Fear, book two of the Kingbreaker Trilogy by Patrick Rothfuss (great read)
(http://i55.tinypic.com/2mxppab.jpg)(http://i53.tinypic.com/2r6haiw.jpg)
Robin Hobb books.... eh, they're readable.
(http://i52.tinypic.com/14nh4r7.jpg)
Eh, not the greatest book of all time, but a nice little short read.
and I'm currently reading
(http://i55.tinypic.com/2i06dyv.jpg)
Really like it so far. It's like the Italian Job in a Fantasy world.
What's the prince of thorns about? that one caught my eye....
The "Blurb"
QuoteBefore the thorns taught me their sharp lessons and bled weakness from me I had but one brother, and I loved him well. But those days are gone and what is left of them lies in my mother's tomb. Now I have many brothers, quick with knife and sword, and as evil as you please. We ride this broken empire and loot its corpse. They say these are violent times, the end of days when the dead roam and monsters haunt the night. All that's true enough, but there's something worse out there, in the dark. Much worse."
Once a privileged royal child, raised by a loving mother, Jorg Ancrath has become the Prince of Thorns, a charming, immoral boy leading a grim band of outlaws in a series of raids and atrocities. The world is in chaos: violence is rife, nightmares everywhere. Jorg's bleak past has set him beyond fear of any man, living or dead, but there is still one thing that puts a chill in him. Returning to his father's castle Jorg must confront horrors from his childhood and carve himself a future with all hands turned against him.
but trust me, if anybody is looking for fantasy to read, try out the Rothfuss books.
What the title of book #1 of that series of his? I think I am going to be checking them both out.
The Name of the Wind
then
The Wise Mans Fear
and the third (unpublished yet) book is currently thought to be called Doors of Stone when it comes out.
I'm a huge Dresden Files fan, BD. I finished Ghost Story about four days after it came out. I love Jim Butcher. His high fantasy, swords and horses type, series, Codex Alera, is also a really good read. I liked them almost as much as I love the Dresden Files, but, I think that's because I like sword and horses fantasy better than modern/urban fantasy.
I just started reading Imager by Lee Modesitt, Jr., and it's horrible. I don't like it at all.
I think I'm going to give those Patrick Rothfuss books a chance.
Finished A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin. Loving the series. Watched the Game of Thrones TV series and decided to give the books a whirl. I'm not much of a fan in the way of fantasy novels, but this series is pretty damn good. Might make me rethink my stance on fantasy novels.
Quote from: Heath Weston on September 26, 2011, 08:34:02 PM
Finished A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin. Loving the series. Watched the Game of Thrones TV series and decided to give the books a whirl. I'm not much of a fan in the way of fantasy novels, but this series is pretty damn good. Might make me rethink my stance on fantasy novels.
Yeah, George RR Martin is pretty damn good. I really liked what I've read of
A Song of Ice and Fire series, (I finished A Storm of Swords) but, his style just kinda makes it hard for me to enjoy thoroughly. I hate the uber-over descriptive style of writing.
HAS NOBODY ELSE READ A DANCE WITH DRAGONS?!?!?!
Gah, this is why I Lurk Westeros for ASOIAF stuff.
Not yet, Jag, making my way there.
As for his writing style, Frank, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed how each person's descriptions differed. Some were more detailed then others while others detailed other aspects that others wouldn't. It's interesting how he's written it. Then again, I'm a sucker fr a well painted picture by the author.
Quote from: jagilki on August 14, 2011, 07:53:46 PM
(http://i55.tinypic.com/ormi2p.jpg)
http://www.patrickrothfuss.com/content/index.asp (http://www.patrickrothfuss.com/content/index.asp)
Highly recommend this one for Fantasy readers.
I'm reading it now, about 300 pages in (paperback)... I have to say, the book is incredible. The story is told in an awesome fashion, and I love the way the character Kvothe is portrayed. I have a feeling this trilogy could turn out to be one of my favorites of all time.
AD&D's Deities and Demigods
I bought one at a flea market(minus the fleas) for $2.00 and sat down last week reading over the various Gods. As a former player of the AD&D game I was quite enthralled.
Since my last post I finished reading 'Summer Knight' and moved onto 'Death Masks' which I'm about tow thirds of the way through. First of all, Summer Knight was excellent. The storyline was really good and Butcher really fleshed out some of the characters that he introduced a couple of books ago and gave some more insight into Harry's past and the ending is fanatstic but I think Death Masks has topped it, so far, it's my favourite book in the series.
Quote from: Reaper on October 12, 2011, 05:31:38 PM
Since my last post I finished reading 'Summer Knight' and moved onto 'Death Masks' which I'm about tow thirds of the way through. First of all, Summer Knight was excellent. The storyline was really good and Butcher really fleshed out some of the characters that he introduced a couple of books ago and gave some more insight into Harry's past and the ending is fanatstic but I think Death Masks has topped it, so far, it's my favourite book in the series.
Well glad you like it... fav part in summer knight ... MEEP MEEP lol you know what I am talking about .
well it get better ... after that is Dead Beat it really starts to pick up ...
glad to find another convert
Quote from: Black Death on October 12, 2011, 05:42:14 PM
Well glad you like it... fav part in summer knight ... MEEP MEEP lol you know what I am talking about .
well it get better ... after that is Dead Beat it really starts to pick up ...
glad to find another convert
In all honestly, Dead Beat is my favorite book of the series. I loved the humor in Dead Beat, as well as how awesome the book was.
My favorite Dresden books are, in order:
1. Dead Beat
2. Small Favor
3. Proven Guilty
Also, I finished The Name of the Wind. Ho-ly. Shit. The book was incredible. I instantly ordered the next one, and I'm currently awaiting it. Honestly, it might be one of the best fantasy books I've ever read. Ever. Seriously.
Quote from: Frank Douglas on October 12, 2011, 10:33:45 PM
Also, I finished The Name of the Wind. Ho-ly. Shit. The book was incredible. I instantly ordered the next one, and I'm currently awaiting it. Honestly, it might be one of the best fantasy books I've ever read. Ever. Seriously.
Once you read the second one, there's an awesome forum interview with the author over on Westeros.
I just finished reading "God, No!" by Penn Jillette. It was fucking hysterical. Next I'm moving on to some more Palahuniuk to hold me over until Double Dexter comes out next week.
while just finish the World War Z by Max Brooks
damn I love this book , so well written , being that I am lover of all things Zombie this was something that I should have read before. better late than never.
finally getting back to reading the song of ice and fire series, yes jag , soon I will be able to talk to about it here, Re-reading Game of Thrones right now.
Quote from: Black Death on November 09, 2011, 04:08:04 PM
while just finish the World War Z by Max Brooks
Awesome book, definitely one of my favourites.
Just finished reading Blood Rites, it didn't start out that strong but as I kep reading, it kept getting better. There were some great moments and revalations in this book and while I don't think it's the strongest book in the series it still a damn good read.
next up is Proven Guilty... the hits just keep on coming trust me on that
'I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell' by Tucker Max
Basically the true stories of an asshole who shags a lot of women, gets drunk, vomits, shits and pisses himself and is generally a prick. Fucking brilliant stuff!
Just finished reading The Rules of Attraction by Brett Easton Ellis. I loved it, it gave great insight into the lives of three incredibly shallow college students who while having almost no redeeming qualities and yet they still seem oddly likeable. I'd highly reccomend this book.
Been a while since anyone's posted in here,
Anyway since my last post I've read a lot of BEE's books and I absolutely love his style. After Rules I went on to read American Psycho, Less Than Zero, Imperial Bedrooms and Glamorama and they were all fantastic.
Then I went back to the Dresden Files Series, finished Dead Beat which was fucking incredible! Really enjoyed the storyline in it and there were a lot of moments that I didn't see coming.
I'm about 150 pages into Proven Guilty and enjoying it so far.
Quote from: Reaper on April 26, 2012, 03:37:08 PM
Been a while since anyone's posted in here,
Anyway since my last post I've read a lot of BEE's books and I absolutely love his style. After Rules I went on to read American Psycho, Less Than Zero, Imperial Bedrooms and Glamorama and they were all fantastic.
Then I went back to the Dresden Files Series, finished Dead Beat which was fucking incredible! Really enjoyed the storyline in it and there were a lot of moments that I didn't see coming.
I'm about 150 pages into Proven Guilty and enjoying it so far.
Nothing more awesome than Desden ride a fucking dinosaur. lol
it just keep getting better in Proven Guilty ... trust me
Dead Beat is actually my favorite of The Dresden Files, followed closely by Small Favor.
Have you guys read Butcher's high fantasy series, The Codex Alera? Dear God, those books are so good.
There all good ... all damn good but if I have to choose a fav. it has to be Summer Knight.
The Road Runner scene had me laughing out loud .
Yes that a great series also , love the man's writing
Quote from: Reaper on April 26, 2012, 03:37:08 PM
Been a while since anyone's posted in here,
Anyway since my last post I've read a lot of BEE's books and I absolutely love his style. After Rules I went on to read American Psycho, Less Than Zero, Imperial Bedrooms and Glamorama and they were all fantastic.
Then I went back to the Dresden Files Series, finished Dead Beat which was fucking incredible! Really enjoyed the storyline in it and there were a lot of moments that I didn't see coming.
I'm about 150 pages into Proven Guilty and enjoying it so far.
I'm a big fan of BEE's stuff. American Psycho, Less Than Zero, Rules, Informers...They've all been good reads.
Now that I am able to read for myself again (spent the past few months reading for school, books that include Bram Stoker's Dracula and Into the Wild), I'm getting back into it. Picked up the Song of Fire and Ice series to finish (had just finished Clash of Kings before, and am now just starting Feast of Crows). It's a good series with lots to keep up with.
Though my shelves are still filled with unread books. Chronic City, The Magicians, Ragged Company, The Wasp Factory, Mortal Fear, Death of Bunny Munro...lots of stuff to try and hammer through!
well C. J. you need to talk to jag he been looking for guys to help chat with him about Song of fire and ice series
he feels so lonely lol
Just finished "Summon Your Dragons". Self published freebie by some guy I can't be assed to remember the name of. It wasn't really that bad of a book for Self Published. In fact it would be pretty good with a full blown editor (the only stumbling block to Self Published books)
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/2724 (http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/2724)
Honestly, after finished A Dance With Dragons last month, I'd have to say that I think A Song of Ice and Fire is the best fantasy series I've ever read, over The Lord of the Rings. Seriously.
Just read The Drop by Michael Connelly and Love You More by Lisa Gardner. Recommend them to any mystery fans.
Quote from: Mike Powers on May 02, 2012, 08:43:55 PM
Just read The Drop by Michael Connelly and Love You More by Lisa Gardner. Recommend them to any mystery fans.
Two damn good writers right there
Finished Proven Guilty and White Night in The Dresden Files series both good reads but Dead Beat still ranks as my favourite in the series.
Also read Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk, I hadn't read any of Chuck's books before this despite being a huge fan of the Fight Club film (even got a quote from it tattoed on my arm) I absolutely loved this book told from the perspective of Tender Branson the last surving member of the Creedish church group who all comitted suicide. It's brilliantly told mixing in satire with dark humour, highly reccomended. After this I decided to read Fight Club and I'm about half way through that.
Also read Bright Lights, Big City by Jay McInerney. The interesting thing about this book is it's written in the second person overall it makes for a really good read.
in the last few months i've read
Red Dragon - Thomas Harris - Great book, finally thought, after watching the movies for years, that i'd read the original text... and my wife just ordered me some new books, silence of the lambs being one of them
Dean Koontz - Lightning/Bad Place/Midnight - My friend has been bugging me to read Koontz for a while, finally borrowed this three book volume from him. Never held out much hope... but have to say i was pleasantly surprised. Nice reads, i don't think i would buy them personally, but i will definetly borrow more from him when i've got a lull in my reading schedule
Darkly Dreaming Dexter - Loved this book, the next two are due through my letterbox in the next few days, can't wait
The Last Continent - Terry Pratchett - My all time favourite author. I savour his books and read them again and again. I haven't even read the whole of the Discworld series, i kind of put it off because i don't want it to be over. I'm down to three left to read, and i'll buy them in due time. Last Continent, which i finished two hour ago, was a first time read for me. Excellent book, though my favourite will always be Nightwatch, not just the best by Terry Pratchett, but the best book ever in my opinion
Been reading a lot of Palahniuk lately, finished reading Fight Club, then moved onto Damned and I'm currently about a hundred pages into Choke, all I'll say is, the man's a fucking genius.
Also read Lunar Park by Bret Easton Ellis, business as usual from BEE, another excellent book in a pretty much flawless writing career.
Quote from: Reaper on June 26, 2012, 01:33:04 PM
Been reading a lot of Palahniuk lately, finished reading Fight Club, then moved onto Damned and I'm currently about a hundred pages into Choke, all I'll say is, the man's a fucking genius.
Also read Lunar Park by Bret Easton Ellis, business as usual from BEE, another excellent book in a pretty much flawless writing career.
Choke is probably my favourite though there are bunch I've read and enjoyed. Fight Club was good and Rant was interesting. The kind of books that can grab you and make you hold on.
Quote from: Reaper on June 14, 2012, 01:18:26 PM
Finished Proven Guilty and White Night in The Dresden Files series both good reads but Dead Beat still ranks as my favourite in the series.
Love dead beat , fucking nothing beats riding a Reanimated T-rex through the streets of Chicago lol
... still fav is Summer Knight ... MEEP MEEP !!!
I've cruised through few books since last posting.
(http://i.imgur.com/vnzJn.jpg)
Talion: Revenant by Michael Stackpole
QuoteThe man he is sworn to protect is the man who butchered his family.
Justicesâ€"the select of the Talions, endowed with fearsome magick and lethal martial skillsâ€"roam the Shattered Empire, crushing the lawless and championing the oppressed. Their word is law and their judgment binding on highborn and low.
Nolan is a Justice born in what once was the free nation of Sinjaria. Orphaned in the war of conquest with the nation of Hamis, he traveled to far Talianna and secured the right to become a Justice. Now, years later, the Master of all Talions has a dangerous assignment for Nolan: he is to guard the life of the king who destroyed Sinjaria and slaughtered his family. Alone, Nolan ventures into the political maelstrom that is the court of Hamis to stop an assassin even his Masters think cannot be slain...
This one wasn't a bad book. Not awesome, but pretty decent. Easy read.
http://shelf.stormwolf.com/products-page/electronic-fiction/talion-revenant/ (http://shelf.stormwolf.com/products-page/electronic-fiction/talion-revenant/) ($5.00)
(http://i.imgur.com/nVSZy.jpg)
The Unsuspecting Mage: The Morcyth Saga Book One by Brian S. Pratt
QuoteJames, a high school senior, went looking for a job. But instead, embarks upon an adventure of a lifetime. Whisked unexpectedly to a world where magic works, he must learn to master its power, all the while searching for the meaning behind why he was brought there and what he must do.
This one was a hard one. Not to read or anything, just that it's not REALLY a good book, but I had fun reading it and may read further ones in the series. But it's not really all that good. I think my enjoyment came more from it feeling like some of the really bad fantasy I read in my early pre-teens and the nostalgia that came from that.
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1444(Free) (http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1444(Free))
(http://i.imgur.com/WnUkm.jpg)
Quoten a land called Mira, the brutal sacking of a young colony links the fates of two opposite characters: a twelve-year-old printer's son named Simon Jones and his long-lost uncle Tiberius Bogg, one of Mira's legendary mountain men. Together they trek through a merciless landscape full of extraordinary creatures -- all culled from American tall tales, Indian legends, and backwoods folklore.
Yet another Free, not very good book that I had fun reading. It's something that I acknowledge. I enjoy reading Sci-Fi/Fantasy books, and I also enjoy reading BAD Sci Fi/Fantasy books. But for a freebie it's not Horrible.
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/102754 (http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/102754) (Free)
Currently Reading/Fairly Close to done.
(http://i.imgur.com/TB038.jpg)
QuoteStrikingly original in its conception, ambitious in scope, with characters engrossingly and vividly drawn, the first book in R. Scott Bakker's Prince of Nothing series creates a remarkable world from whole clothâ€"it's language and classes of people, its cities, religions, mysteries, taboos, and ritualsâ€"the kind of all-embracing universe that has thrilled readers of Stephen R Donaldson and George R.R. Martin.
It's a world scarred by an acopalyptic past, evoking a time both two thousand years past and two thousand years into the future, as untold thousands gather for a crusade. Travelling among them, two men and two women are ensnared by a mysterious traveler, Anasurimbor Kellhusâ€"part warrior, part philosopher, part sorcerous, charismatic presenceâ€"from lands long thought dead. The Darkness that Comes Before is a history of this great holy war, and like all histories, the survivors write its conclusion.
With this stunning debut, R. Scott Bakker is poised to become one of the next great fantasy writers of his generation. The Darkness that Comes Before proves again that epic fantasy can be intelligent, majestic, and terrifying.
Lot's of Psychobabble. Lots of philosophy by characters that shouldn't be thinking deep hard dark thoughts, but not too bad of a read. You can tell the author has a hard on for psychology and self introspection.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/darkness-that-comes-before-r-scott-bakker/1100221670?ean=9781590203859 (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/darkness-that-comes-before-r-scott-bakker/1100221670?ean=9781590203859) ($12.99? What the fuck? When I bought it, it only cost $1.99....)
Finished 'Choke' really good book, definitely one of Palahniuk's best.
Just read 'Cosmopolis' by Don Delillo, I wasn't sure about at first when I read about the plot which is basically a billionaire travelling across New York to get a hair cut but it turns it's an excellent read and definitely worth a look, especially if you like reading BEE/Palahniuk/McInerney.
Just finished Slapstick by Kurt Vonnegut. Enjoyed it a lot, it jumps around a lot between the past and the present, but the story was very intriguing, and has a bit of a dystopian future aspect to it, which I enjoy immensely.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slapstick_%28novel%29 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slapstick_%28novel%29)
Depends on what sort of books are considered for this topic...
If we're going straight fiction/nonfiction, Janet Reitman's "Inside Scientology" (a must-read for anyone who's ever wondered just what's got Tom Cruise and John Travolta all aflutter)
If we're going by most recent overall, the 6th edition rulebook for Warhammer 40K (kinda had to learn the rules quickly, seeing as how I do play)
Quote from: Mason Pierce on August 12, 2012, 12:42:46 PM
Depends on what sort of books are considered for this topic...
If we're going straight fiction/nonfiction, Janet Reitman's "Inside Scientology" (a must-read for anyone who's ever wondered just what's got Tom Cruise and John Travolta all aflutter)
If we're going by most recent overall, the 6th edition rulebook for Warhammer 40K (kinda had to learn the rules quickly, seeing as how I do play)
works fine , it the last book you read ... might check the Reitman book
Quote from: Black Death on August 12, 2012, 12:54:31 PM
works fine , it the last book you read ... might check the Reitman book
For people finding out about it for the first time, it's a real eye-opener.
I know a little history on Scientology... interested in learning a lot more about it
With that book, you most definitely will.
I've been reading the "Longmire' books, as I love the show. The books are a little short, but are enjoyable. Plus met the Author a few weeks back and he's a decent fellow.
Last book I completed is probably 'The boy in the Striped Pyjamas' which is back when I was at high school, last book I started and got to about half way was 'The Hobbit' and I still plan on picking it up one day and finishing it off, hopefully before the release of the film.
I'd say I'm more of a graphic novel kind of man, especially Batman.
Just finished... The Divinci Code.
For such a hyped book I was not too impressed by it. The whole premise seemed great and the plot had so much promise. But the actual story telling left a lot to be desired.
A nice effort, but fails too many times for my tastes.
(http://i.imgur.com/mpmzb.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/2BI9g.jpg)
The Passage and The Twelve. I've heard some people on book forums talk about The Passage, but for some reason (the cover mostly I guess, and some people I've heard mention it on TV) I assumed it was one of those "self help religion" type books.
I was way wrong.
Not going to spoiler, but it's mostly about Zombie/Vampires. Basically a military group finds a virus that makes people resistant to disease. Of 'course they decide that this can make the perfect super soldier. However the twelve test subjects they use are death row inmates.
They turn into Vampire like things.
A young girl with a bad life is brought in by the main scientist to try a different kind of test subject.
However that's when hell breaks loose and The Twelve get out.
There is a little bit in The Passage about the fall of civilization as the Zombie/Vampires run rampant across the country, then it jumps to 80 or so years later.
The Twelve same kind of story, book starts during the fall, then jumps to a few years after book one.
Good books.
(http://i.imgur.com/R5t9s.jpg)
Great book. Must read for anybody who's read the other Abercrombie books. I'd rank it a little lower than The Heroes though, but that's because I fucking love that one.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRkBYSEQ-2U1BSJ2DPvKiH0C8CbnEnvAUO-wKfVIJOcUxl9yrRNFw)
I finished Rise of the Governor a few weeks ago. I absolutely love the Walking Dead and have recently got to comic #60. That's when I bought the novel and I really, really enjoyed it.
I won't do any spoilers but sufficed to say, the events leading up to the Governor becoming the Governor certainly explain why he's so messed up, and the end swerve is pretty chilling.
I recommend it, even if you don't watch the show or read the comics.
Wait, is that a novel, and not a graphic novel? Interesting, as graphic novels have never been my thing.
I'm currently reading Jericho's 2nd book. Not bad, but I feel like his stories are very surface, not in depth enough.
Quote from: Mike Powers on December 07, 2012, 10:16:39 AM
Wait, is that a novel, and not a graphic novel? Interesting, as graphic novels have never been my thing.
I'm currently reading Jericho's 2nd book. Not bad, but I feel like his stories are very surface, not in depth enough.
Yep, actual novel. They're doing a bunch of them to explore the backstory of some of the characters I think. I've just started the second one called The Road to Woodbury, focusing on the character of Lilly.
Great Novel Dorling ... I enjoy it a lot
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517459B1NPL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Studying for my Early Years Professional Status
Finished "Cold Night" by Jim Butcher the other day. Fucking awesome. Nothing tops the Zombie T-Rex(a moment so epic they used it in a Deadpool comic afterwards!) from Dead Beat, but this one is up there in coolness.
I like that when Butcher introduces new mechanics into his magic, its stuff that already fits with the current cannon of the series. As much as I like Terry Goodkind, it always bothered me that he seems to just create new magic as he needs it and despite the fact that it was never mentioned before, someone always knows everything about it(except for how to stop it of course)as soon as its mentioned.
Finished 9 Dragons by Michael Connelly a few months ago, but have yet to start on The Drop. Started reading Forbidden by Ted Dekker, then moved on to the second book of that series; Mortal, when I finished it. Plan to start The Drop once I'm done with Mortal.
Quote from: Stonerman on December 23, 2012, 03:14:36 PM
Finished "Cold Night" by Jim Butcher the other day. Fucking awesome. Nothing tops the Zombie T-Rex(a moment so epic they used it in a Deadpool comic afterwards!) from Dead Beat, but this one is up there in coolness.
I like that when Butcher introduces new mechanics into his magic, its stuff that already fits with the current cannon of the series. As much as I like Terry Goodkind, it always bothered me that he seems to just create new magic as he needs it and despite the fact that it was never mentioned before, someone always knows everything about it(except for how to stop it of course)as soon as its mentioned.
Great to find more Dresden fans ...
A Feast For Crows by George RR. Martin
*Mini-spoilers*
Thought it was alright; definitely the weakest of the four books I've read in the series, but still readable. The split viewpoints really bothered me though, especially since most of the non-Lannister viewpoints were difficult to get through. Some of the one-off viewpoints were a bit weak as well. I literally didn't know I'd finished the book when I had; the ending seemed really abrupt. The mos redeeming quality was seeing the rise of the new forces we'd only heard about at this point, as well as the overall narrative starting to come together. Overall, it was solid.
Onto A Dance with Dragons!
Finish Cold Days by Jim Butcher also ... so amp for the next one. Love that as Harry powers grows , the universe opens up more and you can see that there something bigger going on that even Harry is not yet aware of. shit just keeps getting tougher
I love this series...I recommend that you least check it out just great reads .
my fav moment is "meep meep" in summer knight ... laugh out loud every time I read that
(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120809233916/walkingdead/images/1/1c/THE_WALKING_DEAD_Road_to_W.jpg)
I finished the second Walking Dead novel and I loved it. Really expanded more on the history of Woodbury and developed the Governor as well as the characters of Lily, Martinez and Bob Stookey.
I highly recommend it for anybody that likes the show or the graphic novels.
After fifteen bloody years, I finished the wheel of time series. I read the 14th and final book and I'm in tears. I waited so long for this book, longer than anything. I feel free, accomplished. It was epic.
I'm on page 200 or so of AMoL
I am reading Zoo by James Patterson. It is not very good but I will persist because I always found his Alex Cross novels to be great. Though I'm starting to wish I picked one of the others in the best sellers rack now.
I recommend Lee Child
Fucking love Jack Reacher ... finish his first novel the Killing Zone
damn good
Quote from: The Incredible TyTy on January 13, 2013, 04:14:31 AM
After fifteen bloody years, I finished the wheel of time series. I read the 14th and final book and I'm in tears. I waited so long for this book, longer than anything. I feel free, accomplished. It was epic.
I just finished and I'm not one for tearing up at books, but there were parts here where..... it was like being punched in the guts...
But it's over and it was a fitting end.
Actually the first "tear up" for me came from reading an article on Tor.com by Harriet talking about RJ moving from writing on paper through to computers.
Oh shit, the last book is out? I must have been under a rock. I'm picking it up right now!
Been awhile since I posted here, and there's been a few books that have been read. So...here goes!
A Feast For Crows
By George R.R. Martin
I enjoyed it. Probably not my favorite, but it still had moments that captured my interest to the point where I didn't want to put the book down. Had they made it shorter, I probably wouldn't have cared too much because there were some things that could have been taken out and it probably wouldn't have hurt the story all that much. Taking a break from the series while school is on, so I'll get to Dance With Dragons hopefully in the summer.
The Shining
By Stephen King
Really enjoyed it. Stephen King is always hit or miss with me (Kind of missed with Insomnia for me anyways), but this one hit. It took a bit to get into it, but once it picks up, it is a constant ride that really grips you. I think about halfway through I was engrossed in it. Definitely better than the movie, though the two are fairly different so it's not really comparable. Different ideas and the ending of each gives a different appeal.
Double Indemnity
By James M. Cain
Not too long of a story but enough that it took a bit to read. I really got into this one though I do really enjoy short stories so this one had me pulled in from the beginning. Had a nice fast talking style of what I want to say is the 50s (the exact time period escapes me) but was definitely a great read.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
By Frank Baum
Another shorter story and another that pulled me in. This one was a fairly easy read and has some moments in it that vary differently from the movie. Would love to see someone do some of the left out scenes (though it won't happen) if only for the violence that they could get away with nowadays. Another good read that didn't take too much time but was still enjoyable.
Mortal Fear
By Greg Iles
I'd always seen Greg Iles books when I worked in the book store, but never picked them up. Didn't think they were for me. This one was recommended to me and I couldn't put it down. An interesting concept (man who works for an online relationship site gets caught up in the investigation of a serial killer) but one that was well done to keep the entire story interesting and not to overdo it. Really got me liking Greg Iles as a writer so I can't wait to read more of his work.
Emma
By Jane Austen
This was probably the worst of the bunch, but then again, I've never been one for older works. This one was purely for school (some of the above were school but I liked them enough) and was a bit of an ordeal to get through. Typical Austen stuff that really didn't do it for me. I worked through it, but didn't enjoy it.
I think that's it for now. Next up: The Sweet Hereafter, Persuasion, Malcolm X, and Hound of the Baskervilles. The first three are for school, so hopefully I can get through them.
One day I'll get to the stack of books I want to read for my own enjoyment. One day...
Quote from: domingoTFWF on December 27, 2012, 12:53:38 AM
Finished 9 Dragons by Michael Connelly a few months ago, but have yet to start on The Drop. Started reading Forbidden by Ted Dekker, then moved on to the second book of that series; Mortal, when I finished it. Plan to start The Drop once I'm done with Mortal.
Michael Connelly is probably my favorite author right now. His Harry Bosch novels are the best. Currently 2/3 through The Black Box. Other favorite authors include Harlan Coben, Jeffrey Deaver, Jeff Abbott, and Lawrence Block.
Someone mentioned Stephen King. 11/22/63 is AWESOME. Highly recommend. Also, this year he has his first ever sequel coming out, and its a sequel to The Shining. "Dr. Sleep" is coming out the summer/fall.
Quote from: Mike Powers on January 31, 2013, 02:03:58 AM
Someone mentioned Stephen King. 11/22/63 is AWESOME. Highly recommend. Also, this year he has his first ever sequel coming out, and its a sequel to The Shining. "Dr. Sleep" is coming out the summer/fall.
Hmm I might have to check out Dr. Sleep, since the Shining was so enjoyable.
Not sure about 11/22/63. I heard it was good from some people, but from others, they said it was a bit slow. Of course that could have been someone not as familiar with King's writing.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire....for I dunno, the tenth time?
It's either Harry or The Gods Will Have Blood, which I SO want to like, but just can't get interested in it long enough to actually finish.
I like the Harry Porter book series a lot ...I prefer it over the movies .
I enjoy Goblet of Fire because it the transition in the series . We go from a kids fantasy books to an adult fantasy books
Harry Potter is an adult fantasy book? like fifty shades of gray?
Hermoine in a ball gag, Harry roughing her up with a horse riding crop, Dumbledore jerkin' his gerkin in the corner?
Gay Harry Potter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iprlDliJFvY#)
If you read the last few books as he goes from preteen to teen , yeah shit starts to get real . We lost the kid themes of the first three books and now have to deal with death and lost and regret , love ...that one of the reasons I like the books . You see the characters grow as the story comes to an end .
It been awhile and I am bringing it back ... post the last book that you read ... being this he is my author spotlight .
The Contest by Matthew Reilly
QuoteThe New York State Library. A silent sanctuary of knowledge; a 100-year-old labyrinth of towering bookcases, narrow aisles and spiralling staircases. For Doctor Stephen Swain and his eight-year-old daughter, Holly, it is the site of a nightmare.For one night, the State Library is to be the venue for a contest. A contest in which Stephen Swain is to compete – whether he likes it or not.The rules are simple: seven contestants will enter, only one will leave.With his daughter in his arms, Swain is plunged into a terrifying fight for survival. The stakes are high, the odds brutal. He can choose to run, to hide or to fight – but if he wants to live, he has to win.Because in a contest like this, unless you leave as the victor, you do not leave at all.
Great Novel ... recommend it to everyone.
Now that school is over, I can get back to the mountain of books I haven't been able to read. Just finished my first one today.
The Weight by Andrew Vachss
Not what I thought it would be. The synopsis made it seem appealing, being about a career criminal who gets caught and convicted of something he didn't do, and then on his release he gets caught up doing dirty work that leads him into a world he didn't expect. However it was dry and at times, boring. It doesn't help that at a number of spots, the author uses what I'm calling "crime lingo" to describe whats happening, but doesn't explain it. So if you don't know certain things about the criminal world, you might be as lost as I was at times. It had its moments, but overall, it seemed to be a let down.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline think of it as Matrix or Tron meets the 80 pop culture(yes Tron took place in the 80's but still) and Charlie and the chocolate factory(the book not the awful tim burton film)/Willy Wanka with Atari's Adventure and Swordquest games(swordquest was a planned series of four games by atari that were tied to a special contest where players had to play through the game and solve the riddle to each installment the first batch of players to do so then compete in a special contest with a modded version of the installment they solved the winner would win a real gold treasure) (http://www.atarimania.com/pubs/hi_res/swordquest_serie.jpg)
tossed in and the chocolate factory where the world has gone downhill due to the worlds supply of fossil fuels has been used up leading to civil unrest and lead to the majority of people to take refuge in a virtual reality MMO called Oasis which now dominates the majority of human activity but the game's creator had left his vast fortune and his controlling interest in Oasis to anyone who can find the hidden Easter egg in the game which is hidden behind 3 special gates that are unlocked with with three hidden keys.
The story centers around a poor young kid named Wade who lives in a trailer "stack" think trailer park meets high rise becomes the first person to find one of the three keys..
It was a fun read, especially if you grew up in the 80's or are a gamer then it's a even better since you can get a bigger kick out of the little references and such.
Quote from: Chris Stern on July 04, 2014, 04:39:07 PM
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline think of it as Matrix or Tron meets the 80 pop culture(yes Tron took place in the 80's but still) and Charlie and the chocolate factory(the book not the awful tim burton film)/Willy Wanka with Atari's Adventure and Swordquest games(swordquest was a planned series of four games by atari that were tied to a special contest where players had to play through the game and solve the riddle to each installment the first batch of players to do so then compete in a special contest with a modded version of the installment they solved the winner would win a real gold treasure) (http://www.atarimania.com/pubs/hi_res/swordquest_serie.jpg)
tossed in and the chocolate factory where the world has gone downhill due to the worlds supply of fossil fuels has been used up leading to civil unrest and lead to the majority of people to take refuge in a virtual reality MMO called Oasis which now dominates the majority of human activity but the game's creator had left his vast fortune and his controlling interest in Oasis to anyone who can find the hidden Easter egg in the game which is hidden behind 3 special gates that are unlocked with with three hidden keys.
The story centers around a poor young kid named Wade who lives in a trailer "stack" think trailer park meets high rise becomes the first person to find one of the three keys..
It was a fun read, especially if you grew up in the 80's or are a gamer then it's a even better since you can get a bigger kick out of the little references and such.
glad that you read it , love the book myself , I recommend it to all. The battle at the Castle rock lol
Replay, by Ken Grimwood
Quote
Jeff Winston, forty-three, didn't know he was a replayer until he died and woke up twenty-five years younger in his college dorm room; he lived another life. And died again. And lived again and died again -- in a continuous twenty-five-year cycle -- each time starting from scratch at the age of eighteen to reclaim lost loves, remedy past mistakes, or make a fortune in the stock market. A novel of gripping adventure, romance, and fascinating speculation on the nature of time, Replay asks the question: "What if you could live your life over again?"
It is an older book, having been written in 1988. I don't know how I missed this one, but it is EXCELLENT. If you are into time travel, sci-fi type fiction at all, it is a must read. I burned through it in 1 sitting.
Anyone else read it?
damn ... read it back in middle school , it been a long time , you just brought back some old memories. need to read it again . Thank you mike
In a note of extreme irony, in doing a little research about the book, I found out that Grimwood died in 2003 while writing a sequel to Replay.....of a heart attack.
Danny Wallace - Yes Man. Awesome story... even better that it's completely true. The film with Jim Carey is somewhat based on the general idea but the book is so much funnier. From people asking "spare change" on the highstreet to a suggestion about going to Barcelona, it's a riot.
Quote from: Rob on December 04, 2014, 06:45:54 PM
Danny Wallace - Yes Man. Awesome story... even better that it's completely true. The film with Jim Carey is somewhat based on the general idea but the book is so much funnier. From people asking "spare change" on the highstreet to a suggestion about going to Barcelona, it's a riot.
I second this. Excellent book.
Quote from: Brock Rhysner on December 10, 2014, 04:56:15 PM
I second this. Excellent book.
I honestly can't get through his books quickly enough right now. Some of his ideas like starting his own nation or cult seem really interesting and he's just got this remarkably dry wit
Gerry Anderson's Gemini Force One: Black Horizon by MG Harris.
Scifi book, first part of a trilogy. This was Gerry Anderson's final project completed by another author and it kinda combines some of his most successful shows, (easy to spot elements of Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet in there) and updates the ideas in them to what we now see as the 'near-future'. It's also not short of Clancy-style technical stuff in among the action.
It left me wanting more (it's planned to be a trilogy), and in the meantime I'll probably be catching up on Tom Clancy's last few works.
This actually comes out in February/March 2015, I have a copy because I supported a Kickstarter for it.
I've been on a massive history kick for a while now. The last book I finished was The Inheritance of Rome by Christopher Wickham. It covers the period 400-1000AD and examines almost all of Europe in the Dark Ages, from the tiny kingdoms of Ireland to the rise of the Arab caliphate and the success of Charlemagne. It's a wonderful read if you have a thing for the early Medieval period.
Right now I'm getting stuck into The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, a massive six volume series written by Edward Gibbon between 1776 and 1789. It kind of set the template for how history books were written later.
I got a Kindle Fire and a ton of books for Christmas, so I'll be busy for the foreseeable future.
I just finished Angela's ashes by frank McCourt, a book every Irish person should read.
A memoir of his childhood in limerick, a childhood filled with poverty and Catholicism, and I'm not sure which is worse. Despite the humorous way it's written, I can't think of another book that provoked as much anger since I read the grapes of wrath. The superstitious and alcoholic and generally cruel ways of many of the Irish people back then are shameful.
His style is first person, as obviously it is his own memoir, but what's interesting is he narrates at the maturity level he was at, at the time, so it really is through the eyes of a kid, which in this case is as profound as anything the greatest wordsmiths can conjure up. He doesn't use quotation marks, so following dialogue takes a bit of getting used to until you realise he's narrating like a child rushing home from school to tell about his day.... Which again is really effective for getting inside the mind of the youngster.
Overall an amazing read, I highly recommend especially if you are Irish or interested in Irish things.
This is one everyone has probably already read, and seen the movie, but I just finished The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo.
I really enjoyed it. Had great pacing to the plot and a really interesting lead female character.
I know it's a sort of 'read on holiday' book but sometimes those are actually worth checking out.
I've just started 'Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail' which is Hunter S Thompson's account of being on the 1972 (I think) presidential campaign. It's so great and I'm only about 30 pages in! I could read HST all day, every day.
A series I've just finished (it's still going but we're now waiting on the next book) is the Cal leandros series by Rob Thurman - starting with Nightlife and up to the newest book Nightfall.
The basic is - most fables and monsters are real in the world (Pucks, spring heeled jack, vampires, werewolves etc.), Cal is half human, half monster, him & his brother are kind've a PI/crime fighting duo taking on rogue monsters.
Cal is the most sarcastic, foul mouthed git I've read in some time - extremely funny, I'd recommend anyone who likes urban fantasy take a punt on these.
Quote from: Duckman on January 12, 2015, 10:19:28 AM
This is one everyone has probably already read, and seen the movie, but I just finished The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo.
I really enjoyed it. Had great pacing to the plot and a really interesting lead female character.
I know it's a sort of 'read on holiday' book but sometimes those are actually worth checking out.
I've just started 'Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail' which is Hunter S Thompson's account of being on the 1972 (I think) presidential campaign. It's so great and I'm only about 30 pages in! I could read HST all day, every day.
I thoroughly enjoyed the trilogy, though I have no interest in watching the movies. So much of what happens in the book is behind the scenes narration, that I just don't see it as being entertaining on a screen. Pretty much how I feel about the davinci code as well.
I also just finished "Cut" by Patricia McCormick. A shortbread, first person narrative of a girl with a self cutting addiction going through therapy at a center where she's in group discussions with people with food disorders and drug addictions. Quite insightful and actually touching in some places. I was impressed enough that I went strait into another of her novels "Sold", the firsthand view of a girl from Nepal sold into prostitution.
Read the Red Cell Seven series by Stephen Frey over Christmas, three books about a family who are linked to a clandestine American Intelligence unit set up by Nixon, and their fight to survive against threats from abroad, each other, and an arrogant, liberal president who believes they should not exist.
Very enjoyable.
Just finished "Doctor Sleep" by Stephen King, the sequel to "The Shining".
I enjoyed the book a lot. Once I hit the last third of the book I was hooked wanting to know how it will end. I enjoyed "The Shining" more, and I think that's because the elements that were used there seemed more plausible and realistic (in a way) then in the second book. In any case, if you're a fan of Kings work, I'd recommend it. It allows for that same supernatural fear that he sprinkles throughout his stories.
I just finished Scoundrel! An historical novel about James Wilkinson`s rise in the American army during the early years of the rebellion. As the title sugests, he wasn't exactly a hero. It's funny, shocking and infuriating in parts. A very entertaining book and essential reading for anyone interested in American History.