BOOKS!

[yeszir]

For the more cerebral Talksox members....read any good books lately?

I just plowed through the Stieg Larson trilogy while on vacation. I stayed up until 4 am reading one night. :lol: I also read The Hunt for Red October on the same trip and I'm now about to start Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart.

[Youk Of The Nation]

I own about 550 or so Star Trek books. (Trying to get them all). I just got a new one yesterday, as a matter of fact. Corps of Engineers: What's Past. I like it.

I guess Star Trek isn't cerebral though. On the other hand, some of them are very well-written

[bsox0407]

Have you guys read the Born to Play book by Laser Show

Cujo...King
Rocket Boys (October Sky is the movie)
Night...The Nazi concentration camp book by a survivor.

[yeszir]

Have you guys read the Born to Play book by Laser Show

Cujo...King
Rocket Boys (October Sky is the movie)
Night...The Nazi concentration camp book by a survivor.

I don't think anyone has every listed Stephen King and Elie Wiesel together before. Congratulations.

[bsox0407]

they are both good books that i was forced to read. but i liked them non the less.

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

Have you guys read the Born to Play book by Laser Show

Cujo...King
Rocket Boys (October Sky is the movie)
Night...The Nazi concentration camp book by a survivor.

I read Night last year in school. Very good book.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Read 'The God Delusion' by Dawkins. Very entertaining. Youll thank me afterwards.

[Spudboy]

Cerebral Talksox members?

I guess you're looking for a small audience!:lol::lol:

Given that most members are young (and they have not had the good fortune to attend the Newton schools), here are some good ones.

A Separate Peace

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

Black Boy

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Catcher in the Rye.

[bsox0407]

Huck Finn Was really good and so was tom Sawyer.

[Spudboy]

Huck Finn Was really good and so was tom Sawyer.

I forgot Tom Sawyer.

I'm glad you enjoyed them.

The books that I listed would enrich the lives of anyone who read them. They are timeless works that impart a better understanding of humanity.

[bsox0407]

I hate reading usually but there are some that are awesome. I like the book Faithful by Steven King.

[PineRider]

I just read "Shantaram" by Gregory David Roberts and it blew my mind.
http://www.amazon.com/Shantaram-Novel-Gregory-David-Roberts/dp/0312330529

[Coco's Disciples]

Currently reading:

-Freakonomics by Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt
-Columbine by Dave Cullen
-Brief Interviews with Hideous Men by David Foster Wallace

[msubulldogs21]

Black Boy

Read that back in 9th grade. Really good book.

I'm not currently reading anything. Don't get me wrong, I love to read, but being at college and always out doing something/studying/homework I feel like I won't be able to read enough consistently to enjoy the book.

[Divinity]

To Kill a Mockingbird was the best novel I read in High School

[bsox0407]

To Kill a Mockingbird was the best novel I read in High School

that Is a Great book. i loved it.

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

To Kill a Mockingbird was the best novel I read in High School

I read that 2 years ago in 9th grade. It's an ok novel.

[mvp 78]

I've been trying to get through "The Necronomicon" a collection of H.P. Lovecraft's short stories. Not really summer reading though and I'll probably need to put it aside for the meantime.

[mvp 78]

Catcher in the Rye.

I like Salinger, but this book is super overrated. Franny and Zooey was better.

[yeszir]

I like Salinger, but this book is super overrated. Franny and Zooey was better.

You're a phony :lol:

[mvp 78]

You're a phony :lol:

I just don't think Holden Caulfield holds up over time.

[yeszir]

It was a joke haha. He's actually one of my least favorite characters ever. Reading that book really pissed me off.

[mvp 78]

It was a joke haha. He's actually one of my least favorite characters ever. Reading that book really pissed me off.

I got the joke.

Nomar is the ultimate phony. One time, I was waiting for a table at a restaurant in Manhattan Beach. Nomar walks out with takeout for his wifey. I say "what's up Nomar?" He just kept on walking and didn't even make eye contact.

[Flynnatic10]

My favorite book that i read recently is Beyond Belief by Josh Hamilton.

[NativeBostonian]

Man, I hate having dyslexia. I would love to read. But, by the time I grasp what the word is, I already forgot what I just read. Don’t get me wrong, I can read and do, for college. It just takes me so long I lose interest in what I am reading. Maybe having my iPad will help. I see you can change the font size. Bigger font has always been a big help for me in the past.

Anyway, the only books that I have read for fun are the books by Dave Pelzer. He does the book A Boy Called It. I don't know why I ended up reading the series of books that he made. But, they were all good.

[mvp 78]

Just started reading "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter." It's good so far.

[yeszir]

Still haven't been able to get through Super Sad True Love Story, I don't like it as much as his other books. Next on my list are The Corrections and then Pillars of the Earth.

[ORS]

Pillars... was great.

Reading Nightwork, by Thomas Glavinic. Dude wakes up one day and everyone is gone. The electricity still works, though. Thought provoking.

[yeszir]

My problem is that there are so many books that look interesting but not enough time to read them all

[Spudboy]

My problem is that there are so many books that look interesting but not enough time to read them all

The obvious solution is to not read anything!:D

Well, anyway. My Son was wondering around the 23rd floor of the UMASS library this morning and sent me pictures of two books he found intriguing.

"Principals of Swimming Pools" , and

"Working With Black Men".

Yup. $25K well spent!:lol::rolleyes:

[yeszir]

The obvious solution is to not read anything!:D

Well, anyway. My Son was wondering around the 23rd floor of the UMASS library this morning and sent me pictures of two books he found intriguing.

"Principals of Swimming Pools" , and

"Working With Black Men".

Yup. $25K well spent!:lol::rolleyes:

This is crazy. That library building really sticks out on that campus.

[VA Sox Fan]

I just finished The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larrson (RIP).
Getting ready to read the next book in the series. The Girl Who Played With Fire.
I really liked the first book!

[Northern Star]

It was a joke haha. He's actually one of my least favorite characters ever. Reading that book really pissed me off.

Me too. Am I supposed to give a crap about him or something? Hey, douche, get over your goddamn self.

I have been stuck somewhere near the middle of a James Rollins novel for some time. Thinking of going on to something else. Don't know what.

I need to read some Red Sox books this winter. Each winter, I tell myself I will read baseball books to compensate for it being the offseason, but it doesn't seem to work out that way.

[yeszir]

Loving Pillars of the Earth so far

[JohnShaft]

Read 'The God Delusion' by Dawkins. Very entertaining. Youll thank me afterwards.

Thought it could have been said in a single chapter but Dawkins loves to go on, and on, and on, a deluded 'god' in his own field.

Decent recent reads for me

Saturday - Ian McKewan (if you havent read him do if you appreciate good prose)

The Fight - Norman Mailer - (Based around his stay during the rumble in the jungle)

Superfreakonomics - Levit and Dubner (interesting analysis using economics principles looking at things like street prostitution, suicide bombers, global warming etc)

[mvp 78]

2011 Old Farmer's Almanac

[BigSox]

Generally anything by Garth Nix.

The Old Kingdom series is an excellent piece of horror writing and the Keys to the Kingdom (despite the series finisher) is superb

[Flynnatic10]

in English, we finished Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

1001 Things Every College Student Needs To Know

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

Jay-Z: Decoded was just released today and I plan on reading this.

[Palodios]

Thought it could have been said in a single chapter but Dawkins loves to go on, and on, and on, a deluded 'god' in his own field.

I actually read this a while back, hoping to get some insight into the mind of a brilliant man. For the world's spokesperson on atheism he knows absolutely nothing on the topic of religion.

[yeszir]

Jay-Z: Decoded was just released today and I plan on reading this.

This doesn't count as a book

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

This doesn't count as a book

Why not? It an autobiography.

[Palodios]

Jay Z is actually a smart guy, or so they say.

[Beaneater]

I actually read this a while back, hoping to get some insight into the mind of a brilliant man. For the world's spokesperson on atheism he knows absolutely nothing on the topic of religion.

I second this. Dawkins' The Blind Watchmaker was really good, well-written, with lots to chew on even if (like me) you don't think impersonal forces can ultimately explain the universe as we know it. There's some stuff in there that will blow your mind, dude.

The God Delusion... not so much. To paraphrase Obi Wan Kenobi, a more wretched hive of straw men and bad-faith arguments you will never read. The guy is totally blinded when it comes to thinking philosophically. It's sad, really. Not that you can't make a case for atheism; of course you can. But Dawkins doesn't.

So, by all means, read Dawkins on science. He's brilliant. But do not make the mistake of thinking that his brilliance in biology automatically means he's brilliant in other domains as well.

As for what I'm reading, well, I'm a seminary student so it's mostly boring theology stuff. No time for pleasure reading these days. [sigh]

[Northern Star]

This doesn't count as a book

Elitist, much?

[Spudboy]

Elitist, much?

Um, no.

I think yeszir was just poking fun at Suns. In good nature, I would hope.

Factually, yeszir hails from arguably the finest school system in the U.S., Newton Ma.

[Youk Of The Nation]

I just reread The Never-Ending Sacrifice, by Una McCormack. A book that would make no sense to any of you, but it is very, very well written.

[VA Sox Fan]

I just reread The Never-Ending Sacrifice, by Una McCormack. A book that would make no sense to any of you, but it is very, very well written.

Condescending tool bag;):lol:

[Spudboy]

I have thrown-out about 400 books in the past two weeks.

I'm not happy about it.

[Northern Star]

I have thrown-out about 400 books in the past two weeks.

I'm not happy about it.

You don't check with me first??? Or ebay, at least.

[Spudboy]

You don't check with me first??? Or ebay, at least.

I'm in a time crunch. I sold my house in four weeks. Now I have to get out of it by 12/17.

Do you need a Honda lawnmower or snow blower? I've got some really nice ladders too.

[Northern Star]

I'm in a time crunch. I sold my house in four weeks. Now I have to get out of it by 12/17.

Do you need a Honda lawnmower or snow blower? I've got some really nice ladders too.

Idk. Can you ship the ladders to me?

[Spudboy]

Idk. Can you ship the ladders to me?

No.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Condescending tool bag;):lol:

I'm not being condescending. It's a Star Trek book, and it relies heavily on backstory taken from various episodes and other novels. So most of you would be very confused. :lol:

[WhiskeyBreath]

I'm in a time crunch. I sold my house in four weeks. Now I have to get out of it by 12/17.

Do you need a Honda lawnmower or snow blower? I've got some really nice ladders too.

Wow. What are you going to do with all of that?

[Youk Of The Nation]

I'm in a time crunch. I sold my house in four weeks. Now I have to get out of it by 12/17.

Do you need a Honda lawnmower or snow blower? I've got some really nice ladders too.

If you have a teenage daughter, I'll be glad to PayPal you the money. Also, I could use a bookcase.

[mvp 78]

Reading "Freedom" by Jonathan Franzen.

[italstallianion]

Nevermind, wrong thread.

[Spudboy]

Wow. What are you going to do with all of that?

Probably give it away.

Do you want it?

[ZonaSoxFan]

I just got done alternating:

Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen
Under The Dome - Stephen King
The Magicians - Lev Grossman

I liked them in that order as well.

I don't recommend alternating reading them though, led to weird dreams. Just finish one and then move on to the next...

[yeszir]

I think I'm going to start Under the Dome next. I just finished the Plot Against America.

[ZonaSoxFan]

For some reason Under The Dome moved kind of slow for me. A long flight home from Chicago helped though...

[YanksHater213]

http://media.monstersandcritics.com/galleries/2610368_23381/JSH-00004655085.jpg

Awesome book. Cool pictures, even better text from the guys in the band.

An Oral/Visual History of the RHCP

[Keeper]

Just finished Side Jobs, which is a collection of short stories in The Dresden Files series.

Also finished the short story, "Lamb to the Slaughter," which will be the first literary work I teach to a class.

[ZonaSoxFan]

Has anyone read either:
- The Psychology of Baseball: Inside the Mental Game of the Major League Player
or
- The Last Best League:One Summer, One Season, One Dream
??

[Coco's Disciples]

I read Last Best League a few years ago, it was enjoyable. I think Tim Stauffer is one of the players profiled, not sure if the others made it.

[ZonaSoxFan]

I posted a blog about one of my favorite players from the Tucson Sidewinders a while back, and someone posted a comment that I should read that book; I guess he's mentioned.

[yeszir]

Just started super freakonomics

[The Celtbot]

I'm currently reading "Son of Hamas" and had just finished a book called "The Other Wes Moore." Both are good books from what I've read so far.

Shantaram is the best read I've ever had, I highly recommend that book to anyone.

[Keeper]

For when I student teach in the Spring, I have to re-read Lord of the Flies and The Great Gatsby. Haven't read them since middle school and freshman year of high school, respectively.

[Northern Star]

I'm reading Heart Shaped Box by Stephen King's kid. Fairly promising so far, and some definite "chip off the old block" touches.

Speaking of King, I recently read Blockade Billy and enjoyed it. I had a horrible feeling it was going to turn out as wretched as The Colorado Kid.

[Northern Star]

For when I student teach in the Spring, I have to re-read Lord of the Flies and The Great Gatsby. Haven't read them since middle school and freshman year of high school, respectively.

I respect the significance of Lord of the Flies, but hate the writer's style. I didn't like Gatsby at all, maybe I need to try it again.

[mvp 78]

Reading Mazz's Dynasty. Well worth the bargain price of $3 at Ocean State Job Lot.

Went to Borders, but didn't see anything that I'd make time for right now.

[mvp 78]

Reading "Freedom" by Jonathan Franzen.

I never finished this because it was boring and included a scene that was noted as worst sex scene in a book for 2010. I couldn't make it far enough to get to that point. Don't undetstand the hype surrounding Franzen.

[Northern Star]

I'm reading Dolores Claiborne by everyone's favorite Sox fan. It's tough going because of the dialect, but good so far (I'm 80 pages in).

[raygator]

my favorite fiction writer. currently reading The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick about Custer

[yeszir]

I never finished this because it was boring and included a scene that was noted as worst sex scene in a book for 2010. I couldn't make it far enough to get to that point. Don't undetstand the hype surrounding Franzen.

I'm in the middle of it too, stuck around 50% (according to my Kindle).

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

The Great Gatsby.

[Spudboy]

I'm reading "The Winds Of Dune" which is the 15th of the 16 Dune Books.

[snydersminipretzels]

Just finished Slaughterhouse Five, and moving on to the Brothers Karamazov (mentioned in Vonnegut's novel.)

I've seen Stieg Larsson's name mentioned several times. It flies off the shelves at the bookstore I work at. What is it comparable to?

[RedSox_Ruszkowski]

World War Z by Max Brooks. just found out that they're turning it into a movie starring Brad Pitt.

[mvp 78]

My next book will be A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn. Need to pass the CPA exam first though.

[wyo-sox]

Any of Ted Dekkers stuff. Loved the circle series

[Palodios]

I just finished the sixth book in the Hitchhiker's Trilogy. Complete garbage. That was not a series that could ever be replicated by a new author.

[Monster]

Rumble Tumble - Joe Lansdale

[mvp 78]

One fish two fish red fish blue fish
The Lorax
McElligot's Pool
Go Dog Go
The Pokey Little Puppy
Little Bear
Fox in Socks
Hop on Pop

[MDF3530]

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan.

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

One fish two fish red fish blue fish
The Lorax
McElligot's Pool
Go Dog Go
The Pokey Little Puppy
Little Bear
Fox in Socks
Hop on Pop

:lol:

[mvp 78]

I have less than a month til MVP jr shows up. Have to practice the classics outloud.

"I box a Gox in yellow Gox box socks."

and

"So what good is a Nook is a hook cook book."

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

Congrats man.

[Northern Star]

I'm struggling through one of the weaker Raymond Chandler books, The Little Sister.

[derekh]

At the moment I'm reading The Lord of the Rings again! I don't know why but from time to time I'm forced to re-read the whole story and I'm amazed that it gets better with every time I read it.

[youmetaxidermy]

I pre-ordered Invisible Monsters Remix by Chuck Palahniuk on my iPad. The original is probably my most favourite novel of all time, so I'm reading that.

[mvp 78]

At the moment I'm reading The Lord of the Rings again! I don't know why but from time to time I'm forced to re-read the whole story and I'm amazed that it gets better with every time I read it.

I struggle with the songs and historical background.

[Bellhorn04]

I'm reading Dolores Claiborne by everyone's favorite Sox fan. It's tough going because of the dialect, but good so far (I'm 80 pages in).

I read King's 11/22/63 a little while ago. Pretty amazing book, I would recommend it.

[VA Sox Fan]

I read King's 11/22/63 a little while ago. Pretty amazing book, I would recommend it.

I read an excerpt of that. Do you know if it's in paper back yet?

[Bellhorn04]

I read an excerpt of that. Do you know if it's in paper back yet?

It's not in paperback yet, VA. Shouldn't be long before it is, I would think.

[VA Sox Fan]

It's not in paperback yet, VA. Shouldn't be long before it is, I would think.

Thanks. Yeah I prefer paperbacks and will buy it when it comes out. I liked what I did read and am a huge Stephen King fan.

[Northern Star]

It's got to the point where I still haven't read a huge number of books, but I can't remember if I've read certain ones. I just looked at The Relic on Amazon and read the first few pages and it doesn't seem familiar, and I know I did see the movie, but I'm sure I have read it.

[Bellhorn04]

I'm reading the recent book about Whitey Bulger.

[Palodios]

I've run through 6000 pages of the Malazan series over the last year. Riding the T every day really adds to your reading time.

[mvp 78]

The Very Hungry Caterpillar... every single night... My son requests "cappy" everytime we are sitting down to read at night.

[Northern Star]

Just finished Inferno. As someone who didn't like The Da Vinci Code, I've liked almost all of his other books, including this.

[yeszir]

Just read Wool. Highly recommended.

[Northern Star]

Just finished Slaughterhouse-Five. I've wanted to read it for years. I was disappointed, it didn't seem as good as a lot of people say. I thought Breakfast of Champions was better.

[mvp 78]

Just finished all the Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire) books. The last 1,700 pages were ok.

[mvp 78]

Just finished Slaughterhouse-Five. I've wanted to read it for years. I was disappointed, it didn't seem as good as a lot of people say. I thought Breakfast of Champions was better.

I'm not a KV fan.

[Northern Star]

The last 1,700 pages were ok.

LOL. I got stuck 200 pages into the second book.

[Northern Star]

I'm not a KV fan.

And so it goes.

[mvp 78]

LOL. I got stuck 200 pages into the second book.

First and Third books are best. The second book was decent. The last two are tough to get through. He starts adding in a bunch of new POV chapters by brand new characters. Without referencing back to the internet, I would've been lost at times.

[Northern Star]

WTH am I trying to read An Essay Concerning Human Understanding?

[Bellhorn04]

Just finished Slaughterhouse-Five. I've wanted to read it for years. I was disappointed, it didn't seem as good as a lot of people say. I thought Breakfast of Champions was better.

I just re-read Breakfast of Champions. Man, I had forgotten how extraordinarily cynical and despondent it was.

I don't suppose you've ever seen the movie version? I haven't, but the reviews were pretty bad.

[Youk Of The Nation]

WTH am I trying to read An Essay Concerning Human Understanding?

Do yourself a favor. Skip books one and two, read books three and four, and then read three again.

[Northern Star]

I just re-read Breakfast of Champions. Man, I had forgotten how extraordinarily cynical and despondent it was.

I don't suppose you've ever seen the movie version? I haven't, but the reviews were pretty bad.

I haven't. I don't remember the book being cynical - may have to read it again.

[mvp 78]

Has anyone read any of the following:
Neil Gaiman American Gods
James Robertson - Testament of Gideon Black
Patrick Rothfuss - Name of the Wind
Joe Abercrombie - The Blade Itself
Lev Grossman - The Magicians
Robert Jackson Bennett - City of Stairs
Erin Morgenstern - Night Circus
Kazuo Ishiguro - The Buried Giant

Need a recommendation for my upcoming vacation on the Cape.

[Northern Star]

Has anyone read any of the following:
Neil Gaiman American Gods
James Robertson - Testament of Gideon Black
Patrick Rothfuss - Name of the Wind
Joe Abercrombie - The Blade Itself
Lev Grossman - The Magicians
Robert Jackson Bennett - City of Stairs
Erin Morgenstern - Night Circus
Kazuo Ishiguro - The Buried Giant

Need a recommendation for my upcoming vacation on the Cape.

I tried American Gods and really didn't like it. I found it hugely disappointing.

[mvp 78]

The past few weeks, I've read the Jungle Book and Treasure Island to my 4 yr old son before bed time. Does anyone have any good children's book recommendations?

[Spudboy]

The past few weeks, I've read the Jungle Book and Treasure Island to my 4 yr old son before bed time. Does anyone have any good children's book recommendations?

Peter Rabbit?

[Youk Of The Nation]

The past few weeks, I've read the Jungle Book and Treasure Island to my 4 yr old son before bed time. Does anyone have any good children's book recommendations?

Ulysses, Lolita, Tropic of Cancer...

Okay, seriously though. Where the Wild Things Are.

And when he gets a little older, the Phantom Tollbooth. That book is directly responsible for my love of wordplay, vocabulary, and language in general.

[mvp 78]

Ulysses, Lolita, Tropic of Cancer...

Okay, seriously though. Where the Wild Things Are.

And when he gets a little older, the Phantom Tollbooth. That book is directly responsible for my love of wordplay, vocabulary, and language in general.

We love many Maurice Sendak books. I grew up reading the Little Bear books (illustrated by Sendak) and my daughter loves "A Kiss for Little Bear."

I'll have to check out the Phantom Tollbooth as that isn't one I'm familiar with. Thanks!

[mvp 78]

Peter Rabbit?

Did you not see the picture of my son wearing a Benjamin Bunny hat that his grandma made him? The Peter Rabbit books are fun, but pretty short.

[Spudboy]

Did you not see the picture of my son wearing a Benjamin Bunny hat that his grandma made him? The Peter Rabbit books are fun, but pretty short.

I may have. I don't know.

[Northern Star]

When he's older, do NOT give him The Giving Tree. That shit should have been banned.

[Bellhorn04]

Ulysses, Lolita, Tropic of Cancer...



I just read Lolita for the first time...I've seen the movie 4-5 times. I now realize that Nabokov is one of the all-time literary masters.

[mvp 78]

When he's older, do NOT give him The Giving Tree. That shit should have been banned.

Already on his bookshelf.

[mvp 78]

Is Tropic of Cancer worth a read? Haven't gotten around to that one yet.

[Youk Of The Nation]

When he's older, do NOT give him The Giving Tree. That shit should have been banned.

You shut your damned mouth. Shel Silverstein was awesome.

[mvp 78]

Books I have read the past few months:

American Gods - Neil Gaiman

The Blade Itself - Joe Abercrombie

Before They Are Hanged - Joe Abercrombie

Dune - Frank Herbert

For my son: currently reading Wrinkle in Time before bed.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Dune is awesome, but stop reading the series when Frank Herbert's son's name starts appearing on the book covers. A Wrinkle in Time is also an excellent book, even if the movie was terrible.

[mvp 78]

Dune is awesome, but stop reading the series when Frank Herbert's son's name starts appearing on the book covers. A Wrinkle in Time is also an excellent book, even if the movie was terrible.

I had never read Dune before as I had put it off for no apparent reason. Most of my friends have read it. I had seen the Lynch movie a few times and was a little worried at all the kwisatch haderach/bene gesserit/CHOAM stuff at the start of the book as I thought it would get too confusing. It was a good read though. I heard the second book isn't very good though.

My son is enjoying A Wrinkle in Time. I'm enjoying reading it instead of the entire Harry Potter series that we slogged through.

[Spudboy]

I had never read Dune before as I had put it off for no apparent reason. Most of my friends have read it. I had seen the Lynch movie a few times and was a little worried at all the kwisatch haderach/bene gesserit/CHOAM stuff at the start of the book as I thought it would get too confusing. It was a good read though. I heard the second book isn't very good though.

My son is enjoying A Wrinkle in Time. I'm enjoying reading it instead of the entire Harry Potter series that we slogged through.

All of the Dune books in the original series are pretty much excellent except God Emperor. That is a dud not a Dune. Still, for continuity, you pretty much have to read it.

Chapterhouse is really good. Using sex as a weapon is a great idea.

The Prequels are not as good but still worth reading if you get into Dune.

[Spudboy]

Oh, I've seen several versions of the Lynch movie. They are all good.

I was skeptical of the Science Channel movies but they were actually very well done.

Shai alude dudes.

[mvp 78]

Guess I have to check out the rest of the series now!

[SoxHop]

If you haven't, watch this documentary on a failed attempt to make another Dune movie.

Jodorowsky's Dune
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1935156/
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg4OCeSTL08

"Alejandro Jodorowsky had originally planned on filming Dune in the early-'70s, and had enlisted the help of Jean Giraud and H.R. Giger to create the movie's visual style. Salvador Dalí was enlisted to play the part of the Emperor, and Jodorowsky also intended to cast his own son Brontis Jodorowsky as Paul, David Carradine as Duke Leto, Orson Welles as the Baron, and Gloria Swanson as the Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother. The soundtrack was to be done by Pink Floyd, whose compositions would represent the progressive House of Atreides, and influential 70s French progressive rock band Magma, whose compositions would represent the evil House of Harkonnen."

[SoxHop]

If you haven't, watch this documentary on a failed attempt to make another Dune movie.

Jodorowsky's Dune
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1935156/
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg4OCeSTL08

"Alejandro Jodorowsky had originally planned on filming Dune in the early-'70s, and had enlisted the help of Jean Giraud and H.R. Giger to create the movie's visual style. Salvador Dalí was enlisted to play the part of the Emperor, and Jodorowsky also intended to cast his own son Brontis Jodorowsky as Paul, David Carradine as Duke Leto, Orson Welles as the Baron, and Gloria Swanson as the Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother. The soundtrack was to be done by Pink Floyd, whose compositions would represent the progressive House of Atreides, and influential 70s French progressive rock band Magma, whose compositions would represent the evil House of Harkonnen."

You better watch this you chumps. This documentary will blow you away.

[SoxHop]

Books I have read the past few months:

American Gods - Neil Gaiman

The Blade Itself - Joe Abercrombie

Before They Are Hanged - Joe Abercrombie

Dune - Frank Herbert

For my son: currently reading Wrinkle in Time before bed.

You've been on some crazy adventures recently. Which one was your favorite?

[SoxHop]

I'm reading Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking".

There's a section in there about making an omelete. It's like 7 pages long. I've read it and re-read it, and watched her cooking show where she only talks about making an omelete.

I make a bad ass omelete now. Seriously.

[mvp 78]

I went to the library and picked up The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro.

I was hoping to grab some Dune books, but they only had the Brian Herbert ones. Pass for now.

[mvp 78]

I'm reading Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking".

There's a section in there about making an omelete. It's like 7 pages long. I've read it and re-read it, and watched her cooking show where she only talks about making an omelete.

I make a bad ass omelete now. Seriously.

I used to have a breakfast diner blog and I can't tell you about all the embarrassing omelettes I've endured. Some with eggs as paper thin as a wrap. Some that looked like they were sat on.

[Spudboy]

I'm reading Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking".

There's a section in there about making an omelete. It's like 7 pages long. I've read it and re-read it, and watched her cooking show where she only talks about making an omelete.

I make a bad ass omelete now. Seriously.

"Don't forget the liver".

[SoxHop]

"Don't forget the liver".

HA! I didn't know about that skit. I had to look that up. Pretty good impression actually.

[SoxHop]

I went to the library and picked up The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro.

I was hoping to grab some Dune books, but they only had the Brian Herbert ones. Pass for now.

That looks wildly interesting. You pick out some interesting ones for sure. I had to look them all up except Dune.

I may put this one on the list. This really intrigued me: The Blade Itself - Joe Abercrombie

[SoxHop]

Has anyone read any Terry Prachett - Discworld books? I feel I need to at some point.

[mvp 78]

That looks wildly interesting. You pick out some interesting ones for sure. I had to look them all up except Dune.

I may put this one on the list. This really intrigued me: The Blade Itself - Joe Abercrombie

Definitely check out the First Law Trilogy. Good stuff.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Has anyone read any Terry Prachett - Discworld books? I feel I need to at some point.

You definitely need to, it's one of the best series ever. It's like JRR Tolkien meets Douglas Adams.

[SoxHop]

You definitely need to, it's one of the best series ever. It's like JRR Tolkien meets Douglas Adams.

I'm on it. I've been eyeing that for a long long time.

This thread is dangerous. It can make the "book reading queue" list even longer than it already is.

[Spudboy]

HA! I didn't know about that skit. I had to look that up. Pretty good impression actually.

You should check out the Bass-O-Matic skit.

[Spudboy]

Here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HKTx5WFcs0

[Northern Star]

Has anyone read any Terry Prachett - Discworld books? I feel I need to at some point.

Only book I read by him was Good Omens. Hugely disappointing. I didn't laugh once.

[mvp 78]

Since the summer, I've read the following:

Dune Messiah
Children of Dune
God Emperor of Dune
Joe Abercrombie - Shattered Sea Trilogy
The Indifferent Stars Above (nonfiction regarding the Donner Party)
The Stranger Beside Me (true crime book about Ted Bundy)
Tropic of Cancer - Henry Miller

I currently have The Way of the Kings by Brandon Sanderson checked out from the library. Should get me through Christmas.

[cp176]

If you are into a good mystery read, are from or have a connection to Maine, or just love the outdoors, I would suggest Paul Doiron books. Main character is a game warden - they are tough to put down.

[Bellhorn04]

Tropic of Cancer - Henry Miller


Don't forget to return it!

[mvp 78]

Don't forget to return it!

I bought that one 5 years ago. I went back on my bookshelf after reading it over my Thanksgiving vacation. That was a real slog to get through. Most of it just didn't resonate with me, but there were 3 or 4 passages that really hit the sweet spot.

I read a review once that said to never read Miller cover to cover, just to turn to a random page and read for 10 minutes. The idea was that the story doesn't really matter that it was more about Miller's philosophy on life than anything else and that his words were too dense to really grasp all of their meaning in one read. That idea actually makes sense to me now.

[mvp 78]

If you are into a good mystery read, are from or have a connection to Maine, or just love the outdoors, I would suggest Paul Doiron books. Main character is a game warden - they are tough to put down.

Never really read murder mysteries before, but will check it out.

[Northern Star]

I finally read Moby-Dick, which I've wanted to read for a long time. It was a slog, and the amount of factual information wasn't really needed, but I enjoyed it.

[mvp 78]

Read Souls in the Great Machine by Sean McMullen. I keep trying sci fi books, but it's just not my thing.

Currently reading Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson. I'll be done with that one this week.

[Northern Star]

Read Souls in the Great Machine by Sean McMullen. I keep trying sci fi books, but it's just not my thing.


I recently read Foundation by Isaac Asimov, which was astoundingly bad.

[Northern Star]

Main character is a game warden - they are tough to put down.

They wear kevlar?

[Northern Star]

Two of the best non-fiction books I ever read are Unbroken and Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand. She does such a great job of pulling you into the story and rooting for the characters. I don't even care about horse racing, but I was on the edge of my seat with the will they/won't they? tussle to have Seabiscuit race War Admiral. The other book is an absolutely ridiculous story of courage and the will to survive.

It's too bad that she has a debilitating illness, I hope she gets round to writing another book some day.

[notin]

I recently read Foundation by Isaac Asimov, which was astoundingly bad.

The entire series?

[notin]

Read Souls in the Great Machine by Sean McMullen. I keep trying sci fi books, but it's just not my thing.

Currently reading Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson. I'll be done with that one this week.

When it comes to sci fi, Robert Heinlein is still my favorite. But it helps if you like your sci fi to be loaded with socio-politico-theological commentary. Otherwise, H Beam Piper wrote only one series, but it was very good. And for silliness, Frederic Brown's "Martians Go Home" or Karel Capek's "War with the Newts"...

[cp176]

They wear kevlar?

On occasion.

[cp176]

if you are a Scot, peter may's trilogy set in the hebrides is very good reading.

[Northern Star]

The entire series?

No, just the first book. The quality of the writing was abysmal. There was no distinction in the voice or personality of the characters, and I seem to recall it being sexist (there was pretty much zero female characters).

[moonslav59]

Two of the best non-fiction books I ever read are Unbroken and Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand. She does such a great job of pulling you into the story and rooting for the characters. I don't even care about horse racing, but I was on the edge of my seat with the will they/won't they? tussle to have Seabiscuit race War Admiral. The other book is an absolutely ridiculous story of courage and the will to survive.

It's too bad that she has a debilitating illness, I hope she gets round to writing another book some day.


Have you ever read Barbara Kingsolver?

[Northern Star]

Have you ever read Barbara Kingsolver?

No.

[Northern Star]

When it comes to sci fi, Robert Heinlein is still my favorite. But it helps if you like your sci fi to be loaded with socio-politico-theological commentary. Otherwise, H Beam Piper wrote only one series, but it was very good. And for silliness, Frederic Brown's "Martians Go Home" or Karel Capek's "War with the Newts"...

I couldn't get into Heinlein at all. His style irritated me.

[Bellhorn04]

I don't read any of that escapist junk any more. I only read serious literature that probes the depths of 'la condition humaine'. :cool:

[moonslav59]

No.

Try...

A Prodigal Summer

or

The Poison Wood Bible

(Bellhorn: both are "serious literature that probes the depths of 'la condition humaine.")

[Bellhorn04]

Try...

A Prodigal Summer

or

The Poison Wood Bible

(Bellhorn: both are "serious literature that probes the depths of 'la condition humaine.")

I will look into them.

[mvp 78]

Read Souls in the Great Machine by Sean McMullen. I keep trying sci fi books, but it's just not my thing.

Currently reading Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson. I'll be done with that one this week.

Finished the third Stormlight Archive book today. Have slowed down my reading due to vertigo.

[notin]

I don't read any of that escapist junk any more. I only read serious literature that probes the depths of 'la condition humaine'. :cool:


So.... just Penthouse Forum?

[Bellhorn04]

So.... just Penthouse Forum?

Not for a while LOL

But I did read Lolita a few years for the first time. What a great and twisted book. Nabokov was a beast of a writer, right up there at the top of the pyramid.

[cp176]

So.... just Penthouse Forum?

I think that a little imagination is still appreciated by some - These guys got nothing on D. H. Lawrence!

[notin]

I couldn't get into Heinlein at all. His style irritated me.


He can get very involved.

For a more direct writing style, I recommend the “Little Fuzzy” trilogy by H. Beam Piper. The biggest flaw in those books in my eyes is that the titles are more reminiscent of a children’s picture book...

[Northern Star]

He can get very involved.

For a more direct writing style, I recommend the “Little Fuzzy” trilogy by H. Beam Piper. The biggest flaw in those books in my eyes is that the titles are more reminiscent of a children’s picture book...

Thanks, haven't heard of that author. The one I've read the most is Philip K Dick, and I think his prose is very poor. I've read a couple of Greg Bear books as well, and had the same conclusion but in a different sense.

[Northern Star]

Not for a while LOL

But I did read Lolita a few years for the first time. What a great and twisted book. Nabokov was a beast of a writer, right up there at the top of the pyramid.

If I recall correctly, English wasn't Nabokov's first language, but his prose is extremely good.

[Northern Star]

Oh, sci-fi, how could I forget Patrick Lee? I've read all his books and they are complete mindfucks. Really cool stories.

[Bellhorn04]

If I recall correctly, English wasn't Nabokov's first language, but his prose is extremely good.

He's one of the great stylistic masters IMHO. And he really enjoyed getting into the mind of the psychotic, for some reason. I've only read 3 of his novels, and in each one the protagonist either commits a murder or plans one.

[Northern Star]

I sometimes read books that mostly go over my head, but I still enjoy them. The Name of the Rose was one of them. I love Shakespeare too, even though I understand maybe half of a play, if that.

[Bellhorn04]

RIP Dan Jenkins, one of the only great writers of sports books both fictional and non-fictional.

[mvp 78]

Reading "Freedom" by Jonathan Franzen.

I was just thinking about how terrible this book was on my way to work today.

[mvp 78]

I'm trying to get through Don DeLillo's White Noise and it's just not as good as I remember it being.

Making a stack of books to donate to the library before I move and I think this one is going there.

[Bellhorn04]

I'm trying to get through Don DeLillo's White Noise and it's just not as good as I remember it being.


I read that a couple of years ago. I liked it. It's weird, of course.

[mvp 78]

I read that a couple of years ago. I liked it. It's weird, of course.

I remember reading White Noise and really enjoying which caused me to buy Mao II right after. Mao II is very forgettable. For whatever reason, I'm just not enjoying this read through of White Noise.

[Bellhorn04]

I remember reading White Noise and really enjoying which caused me to buy Mao II right after. Mao II is very forgettable. For whatever reason, I'm just not enjoying this read through of White Noise.

I read Mao II as well, and Cosmopolis.

[Northern Star]

I'm trying to get through Don DeLillo's White Noise and it's just not as good as I remember it being.

Making a stack of books to donate to the library before I move and I think this one is going there.

I read Great Jones Street, which was underwhelming, and got maybe 60 pages into Libra and couldn't finish it.

[Northern Star]

I think I might have to concede defeat with Gravity's Rainbow and I haven't even started it yet. Just read the first two pages a while back and put it back on the shelf.

[Northern Star]

I'm trying to get through Don DeLillo's White Noise and it's just not as good as I remember it being.

Making a stack of books to donate to the library before I move and I think this one is going there.

Good idea, make other people miserable as well.

[Bellhorn04]

I think I might have to concede defeat with Gravity's Rainbow and I haven't even started it yet. Just read the first two pages a while back and put it back on the shelf.

Ha ha...I like Pynchon's last 2 books, Inherent Vice and Bleeding Edge.

[mvp 78]

I think I might have to concede defeat with Gravity's Rainbow and I haven't even started it yet. Just read the first two pages a while back and put it back on the shelf.

Hated it.

[Bellhorn04]

Reading Don Quixote for the first time.

Blows me away that it was written over 400 years ago.

[mvp 78]

https://www.amazon.com/Peoples-History-United-States/dp/0060838655

[Thunder]

https://www.amazon.com/Peoples-History-United-States/dp/0060838655

Andrew Jackson should not be on the $20 and Columbus Day should not be a holiday. Couple misconceptions that I'm sure are in that book

[moonslav59]

Andrew Jackson should not be on the $20 and Columbus Day should not be a holiday. Couple misconceptions that I'm sure are in that book

They should change the Columbus Day holiday to Election day, so everyone gets an equal opportunity to wait 4+ hours in line to vote.

[moonslav59]

I've read just about everything written by Dostoevsky and Vonnegut, but I'm almost done with everything by Barbara Kingsolver.

I highly recommend (in order)

Prodigal Summer

The Poisonwood Bible

Flight Behavior

[moonslav59]

Another good read:

Cutting for Stone (https://www.amazon.com/Cutting-Stone-Abraham-Verghese/dp/0375714367)

[moonslav59]

Lovely Bones (https://www.amazon.com/Lovely-Bones-Alice-Sebold/dp/B000FDFVZ6)

(Better than the movie!)

[mvp 78]

Andrew Jackson should not be on the $20 and Columbus Day should not be a holiday. Couple misconceptions that I'm sure are in that book

Yup, those were two big piles of shit.

[notin]

https://www.amazon.com/Peoples-History-United-States/dp/0060838655

Just started reading that....

[Bellhorn04]

I've read just about everything written by Dostoevsky and Vonnegut, but I'm almost done with everything by Barbara Kingsolver.


Have you read any of Nabokov's novels?

I will definitely check out Kingsolver. Great name BTW.

[mvp 78]

I've read just about everything written by Dostoevsky and Vonnegut, but I'm almost done with everything by Barbara Kingsolver.

I highly recommend (in order)

Prodigal Summer

The Poisonwood Bible

Flight Behavior




I love Dostoevsky, but really don't like Vonnegut at all.

[mvp 78]

Just started reading that....

I'm not really into nonfiction. It's my 3rd time reading it.

The only other nonfiction book I've read in the past few years that wasn't an autobiography was 1491.

[notin]

I love Dostoevsky, but really don't like Vonnegut at all.


Vonnegut does like you. In a platonic way, I mean, the guy’s not creepy. Just friendly...

[Bellhorn04]

Vonnegut does like you. In a platonic way, I mean, the guy’s not creepy. Just friendly...

You really took a long time coming up with that. :D

[notin]

You really took a long time coming up with that. :D

And the thread waited patiently for me to do so...

[mvp 78]

And I'm still trying to get through Peoples History.

I've finished what was originally written for the 1st printing in 1980, just haven't bothered with the updates through Clinton and beyond yet.