What ya reading? Version 425108

[HelloHockeyFans]

I picked up "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins last week and am more than halfway through it. I like it and would recommend it to others.

What are you reading?

I've always enjoyed biographies myself, and have read Michael J. Fox's as well as Bill Clinton's (enjoyed both). Any recommendations on a good biography for my next read?

[The Unabomber]

The Potato Factory by Bryce Courtenay, haven't read anything but great books by him so far and this is starting off to be the same.

[Engine09]

"Dead Meat" - Sue Coe

From Amazon.com
British artist Sue Coe is well known for her social and political paintings and illustrations, which appear regularly in such publications as the New York Times and the New Yorker. Her latest effort is the disturbing book Dead Meat, a visual record of Coe's visits to 40 slaughterhouses, cattle ranches, and hatcheries to document the grisly practices of the meat-packing industry. Although she was not allowed to photograph on the premises, she was permitted to draw and sketch, and much of this work is jarringly graphic. Incorporated with the artwork are her thoughts and observations laid out in diary form. Even if you don't agree with Coe's politics, this is social and political art at its most powerful, in the tradition of Goya, Daumier, and Rockwell Kent. --This text refers to the Hardcover (http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1568580509/sr=8-1/qid=1174494972/ref=dp_proddesc_1/702-9255727-5589651?ie=UTF8&n=916520&qid=1174494972&sr=8-1) edition.

From Publishers Weekly
Political artist Coe spent years visiting slaughterhouses and meat farms in the U.S., Canada and England, all the while drawing and writing about what she saw. The result is a fascinating and revealing portrait of the institutions behind the meat we eat. Coe's illustrations, which appear regularly in such publications as the New York Times and the New Yorker, have the sharply lined, affecting realism of a Diego Rivera mural. Her first-person account is matter-of-fact, thoughtful and engaging. Coe's book is political, and she clearly hopes it will make readers think twice about what they put into their mouths, but she does not preach and is unafraid to confront her own complicity: "Every dollar I get drips with blood too," she writes. Her empathetic rendering of the workers she encounters is reminiscent of Studs Terkel at his best, and the parallels she draws between society's treatment of meat animals and its working classes are disturbing and convincing. burn's introductory essay traces the history of the meat industry with his customary shrewd sociopolitical insight, but without falling into polemics. Dead Meat will appeal not just to those interested in animal rights, but to anyone who cares about how society functions.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

[Bobblehead]

I'm just finishing of A Storm of Swords (for the second time) then will read A Feast For Crows.

Although last night I was reading Skeptic magazine. The article debunking 9/11 conspiracy theories was interesting.

I have a bunch of books that I have picked up over the last few months.

[troutman]

Iron Council, China Mieville:

http://www.sfsite.com/10a/ic185.htm

[Buff]

The forums on Calgarypuck.com

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Reading is for dum people.

[JiriHrdina]

Hell's Angels: Into the Abyss (http://www.amazon.com/Hells-Angels-Abyss-Yves-Lavigne/dp/0061011045/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/103-3065206-2282243?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174496434&sr=8-2) by Yves Lavigne. For some reason I really enjoy books about the Hell's Angels.

[Hakan]

Sustainable Fossil Fuels - Mark Jaccard

[Ford Prefect]

The writing on the wall ...

Seriously, The Holy Blood and The Holy Grail, by Baigent, Leigh & Lincoln. I've wanted to read it ever since they accused Dan Brown of basically plagarising their work with The Da Vinci Code. I'm curious about the plagarism allegations as much as the content, although it looks like an interesting read too. I like taking a health dose of skepticism and reading speculative stuff like this.

[metallicat]

I started reading The Taking by Dean Koontz, but it's a horrible book and I won't finish it. I am also reading "Canada's Secret Commandos: The Unauthorized story of Joint Task Force Two". Great read so far.

[Crazy Flamer]

I am currently reading "How to Know God" by Deepak Chopra.

[Smyth's Skate]

Hockey Tough by Saul Miller. It is a mental management book geared towards hockey players, although I am using it in my never ending quest for sanity in the sport of archery.

[Cheese]

The writing on the wall ...

Seriously, The Holy Blood and The Holy Grail, by Baigent, Leigh & Lincoln. I've wanted to read it ever since they accused Dan Brown of basically plagarising their work with The Da Vinci Code. I'm curious about the plagarism allegations as much as the content, although it looks like an interesting read too. I like taking a health dose of skepticism and reading speculative stuff like this.

Good Read...although a bit dry at times. I think because its a bit of a tougher read it failed to capitalize as well as it might have when it was released.

Im reading the End of Faith by Sam Harris and just finished his A letter to a Christian Nation...both are excellent reads as is The God Delusion that HHF is reading.

[SpitFire40]

I'm not reading anything per say, don't have the time to sit and just read a book. But I listen to Audiobooks before I go to sleep.

The book quiz a while back mentioned The Chronicles of Narnia so I downloaded the set and am on The Boy and His Horse. So far the series is good, lighthearted kind of stuff.

[RougeUnderoos]

I'm reading "The Children of Men" because I heard it was such a good movie. This is a boring book. There are only a hundred pages left and it doesn't seem like it's even started.

[HelloHockeyFans]

I'm not reading anything per say, don't have the time to sit and just read a book.

Yup, I can totally see where you're coming from with that. I used to read a lot less than I do now, but my current job requires me to commute (subway, bus) for over an hour each way, giving me a lot of free time to/from work. The only time I read is then. Perhaps like you, I can't sit at home and just read.

[North East Goon]

I am reading The Audacity of Hope by Barrack Obama. Not bad so far, seems like a genuinely nice guy. Not sure if he will still be so nice after Hillary slits his throat, she seems like a take no prisoners type of lady.

[SpitFire40]

Yup, I can totally see where you're coming from with that. I used to read a lot less than I do now, but my current job requires me to commute (subway, bus) for over an hour each way, giving me a lot of free time to/from work. The only time I read is then. Perhaps like you, I can't sit at home and just read.

I read enough on the internet, that's not a problem. You still use your imagination and build vocabulary with audiobooks, you're just not reading from a page visually, you're using your auditory senses.

[HelloHockeyFans]

I am reading The Audacity of Hope by Barrack Obama. Not bad so far, seems like a genuinely nice guy. Not sure if he will still be so nice after Hillary slits his throat, she seems like a take no prisoners type of lady.

Oooo yeah, good one. I was going to pick this up last time, but picked up The God Delusion instead... I think I'll get Barrack's book next. I heard he's a very good writer.

[habernac]

always had a fascination with Che Guevara, so I'm reading "Che" by Jon Lee Anderson. It's a dictionary sized tome, so it'll take me awhile. Pretty good so far, lots of research has been done by this author. (http://www.amazon.ca/Che-Guevara-Revolutionary-Jon-Anderson/dp/0802116000/ref=sr_1_133/701-0385443-5780317?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174503142&sr=1-133)

Jiri, I've always been interested in Hell's Angel's stuff as well, let me know if that's any good.

[PowerPlayoffs06]

I'm reading "The Children of Men" because I heard it was such a good movie. This is a boring book. There are only a hundred pages left and it doesn't seem like it's even started.

I thought it was a terrible movie and was assuming the book must have been good because the story and plot had lots of potential, but the way they did it on film was just piss poor in my opinion. Apparently it's a good thing I didn't bother with the book then.

Im re-reading Robert Jordans Wheel of Time series for like, the fourth time

I have a hard time finding new authors because not many people I know read my genres (fantasy and horror), and the little story synopsis on the backs of books never tell me enough. Im compulsive about finishing books I've started before beginning another, no matter how bad they are, so I fear starting a crappy book because it usually winds up taking me a few months to finish it because I have no desire to read it.

[Bobblehead]

always had a fascination with Che Guevara, so I'm reading "Che" by Jon Lee Anderson. It's a dictionary sized tome, so it'll take me awhile. Pretty good so far, lots of research has been done by this author. (http://www.amazon.ca/Che-Guevara-Revolutionary-Jon-Anderson/dp/0802116000/ref=sr_1_133/701-0385443-5780317?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174503142&sr=1-133)

Jiri, I've always been interested in Hell's Angel's stuff as well, let me know if that's any good.

Ever been to Cuba?

Che is the man. When I was there I expected to see lots of Castro, but instead there was very little but Che was plastered everywhere.

[peter12]

I picked up "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins last week and am more than halfway through it. I like it and would recommend it to others.

What are you reading?

I've always enjoyed biographies myself, and have read Michael J. Fox's as well as Bill Clinton's (enjoyed both). Any recommendations on a good biography for my next read?

Dawkins is easily one of my favourite popular science authors. The Selfish Gene and The Extended Phenotype are mind-blowing. This guy has taught me a lot I know about evolutionary biology, game theory, but this guy has an incredibly bad habit of straying out of his chosen field.

His gibberish on memetics is mostly an apologetic footnote, trying to excuse his political socialist beliefs. His stuff on religion is being trashed by almost every single (serious) theologian. I've heard good things about The God Delusion and I intend to pick it up, but I'm definitely going to be reading it with an open mind.

Right now, I'm reading a lot about Global Warming and Canadian Arctic Sovereignty, ahhhh paper writing season.

I've been plugging through Guns, Germs and Steel as well.

[Bobblehead]

I thought it was a terrible movie and was assuming the book must have been good because the story and plot had lots of potential, but the way they did it on film was just piss poor in my opinion. Apparently it's a good thing I didn't bother with the book then.

Im re-reading Robert Jordans Wheel of Time series for like, the fourth time

I have a hard time finding new authors because not many people I know read my genres (fantasy and horror), and the little story synopsis on the backs of books never tell me enough. Im compulsive about finishing books I've started before beginning another, no matter how bad they are, so I fear starting a crappy book because it usually winds up taking me a few months to finish it because I have no desire to read it.

Lots of fantasy fans here.

I already mentioned "Songs of Ice and Fire" series by George R.R. Martin. "Malazan Book of the Fallen" by Stephen Ericson is also good. I really like everything by Guy Gavriel Kay. (And I assume you already have read Eddings' Belgariad and Mallorean)

[troutman]

Best SF and Fan of 2006:

http://www.sfsite.com/columns/best07.htm

http://www.sfsite.com/columns/best07b.htm

[The Unabomber]

I thought it was a terrible movie and was assuming the book must have been good because the story and plot had lots of potential, but the way they did it on film was just piss poor in my opinion. Apparently it's a good thing I didn't bother with the book then.

Im re-reading Robert Jordans Wheel of Time series for like, the fourth time

I have a hard time finding new authors because not many people I know read my genres (fantasy and horror), and the little story synopsis on the backs of books never tell me enough. Im compulsive about finishing books I've started before beginning another, no matter how bad they are, so I fear starting a crappy book because it usually winds up taking me a few months to finish it because I have no desire to read it.

I'm normally the same way with always finishing a book before i start another, had trouble reading Zen and The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenence though, got halfway through and it just lost me. Might try it again at another time.

If anyone is looking for a great book (in my opinion) that i recommend to everyone that reads is Tom Robbins Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates, i can read that over and over and not grow tired of it.

[driveway]

I really like everything by Guy Gavriel Kay.

Read Ysabel yet? It's a doozie. Other news on the Kay front... they're turning Lions of Al-Rassan into a movie.

Right now I'm reading:
Naked by David Sedaris
The Subtle Knife by Phillip Pullman
and From Ink Lake by Michael Ondaatje

fantastic, all of them.

[Bobblehead]

Read Ysabel yet? It's a doozie. Other news on the Kay front... they're turning Lions of Al-Rassan into a movie.

Right now I'm reading:
Naked by David Sedaris
The Subtle Knife by Phillip Pullman
and From Ink Lake by Michael Ondaatje

fantastic, all of them.

No, I haven't.

Crap.

I have about 5 books on my "think I really want to read next" list, and I think you just added another.

An Al-Rassan movie! Good choice, that shouldn't be too difficult to film but has a great story to it. The more I think about it, I think it should translate onto the screen very well.

[habernac]

Ever been to Cuba?

Che is the man. When I was there I expected to see lots of Castro, but instead there was very little but Che was plastered everywhere.

that's another reason why I'm reading this one. He's either a hero or the devil depending on who you talk to. I have a friend who is a Cuban defector and he thinks he's absolutely the root of all evil. But hey, that's a discussion for another thread...

[lifer]

I'm just finishing of A Storm of Swords (for the second time) then will read A Feast For Crows.

Although last night I was reading Skeptic magazine. The article debunking 9/11 conspiracy theories was interesting.

I have a bunch of books that I have picked up over the last few months.


I've just finished "A Game of Throwns" and wasn't supurbly impressed until about page 600, then I got really into it. Now I'm starting a "Clash of Kings". I get roped into these long series' too easily.
Have you ever read the "A Dream of Eagles" series by Jack Whyte (it's called the Camulod Chronicles in the USA)? It's a realistic portrayal of the King Arthur legend set at the time when Rome was leaving Britain. IF you like what you're reading now you will love that series by Jack Whyte.

[Sparks]

Posted by The Unibomber:
...had trouble reading Zen and The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenence though, got halfway through and it just lost me.That's funny - man, I'm the same way. I start reading it, and eventually get bored/forget about it, only to pick it up again months later. Over and over. ;)

Tom Robbins Fierce Invalids Home From Hot ClimatesSitting on my shelf as we speak! I picked it up from a reccommendation and never got around to reading it. Guess that's next on the list.

At the moment, I'm reading Jon Krakauer's Under the Banner of Heaven, which is a non-fiction book about Mormons (especially fundamentalist Mormons). It's a bit disturbing and definitely an easy read, but not as interesting as I'd hoped - at least so far. Blah blah blah they're crazy blah blah blah.

Looks like a lot of us are reading religion-themed books right now.

[Cheese]

Dawkins is easily one of my favourite popular science authors. The Selfish Gene and The Extended Phenotype are mind-blowing. This guy has taught me a lot I know about evolutionary biology, game theory, but this guy has an incredibly bad habit of straying out of his chosen field.

His gibberish on memetics is mostly an apologetic footnote, trying to excuse his political socialist beliefs. His stuff on religion is being trashed by almost every single (serious) theologian. I've heard good things about The God Delusion and I intend to pick it up, but I'm definitely going to be reading it with an open mind.

Right now, I'm reading a lot about Global Warming and Canadian Arctic Sovereignty, ahhhh paper writing season.

I've been plugging through Guns, Germs and Steel as well.

yep...a degree in theology means a lot...LOL...so much more than any science degree.:whistle:

[CaramonLS]

I'm just finishing of A Storm of Swords (for the second time) then will read A Feast For Crows.

Although last night I was reading Skeptic magazine. The article debunking 9/11 conspiracy theories was interesting.

I have a bunch of books that I have picked up over the last few months.

Loved Storm of Swords, I just finished reading that a while ago.

Right now I'm reading the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, on the 3rd Book, "The Dragon Reborn". Always heard the hype surrounding it, but never actually sat down and read it until now. Pretty good so far, but I gotta say it isn't quite as good as A Song of Ice and fire.

[PsYcNeT]

Ideas: A History Of Thought And Invention, From Fire To Freud (http://www.amazon.com/Ideas-History-Thought-Invention-Freud/dp/006621064X)

A brilliant book in almost every respect, takes ages to read (1152 pages, and unbelievably dense writing), but Peter Watson manages to weave an intricate tapestry of history approached from unseen angles that make this book nothing short of revolutionary.

I would seriously not be surprised if there are University courses taught around this book in the future.

[octothorp]

I'm reading Independent People by Haldor Laxness, an early 20th century Icelandic writer. The book is largely about a sheep farmer and his desire to be free from obligation to everyone, and it's just the sort of book I like, dense and heavy, a bit like Jose Saramago. I'm pretty sure that by the time I'm finished, it will rank among my favorite novels.

[Bobblehead]

Loved Storm of Swords, I just finished reading that a while ago.

Right now I'm reading the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, on the 3rd Book, "The Dragon Reborn". Always heard the hype surrounding it, but never actually sat down and read it until now. Pretty good so far, but I gotta say it isn't quite as good as A Song of Ice and fire.

I started reading that when there were only 3 books. I thought it was a complete trilogy. About 100 pages from the end of the 3rd book I started thinking "He's really going to have to speed up his storytelling if he is going to wrap it up." Now 11 books in (and the 12th is still being written), I've kind of lost interest. I loved the first bunch, but the last few books haven't lived up to the earlier ones.

[peter12]

yep...a degree in theology means a lot...LOL...so much more than any science degree.:whistle:

Yep, because they are clearly the same thing. The human life is expressed through narratives. Religious texts are probably the most important narratives in existence. I'd trust someone who spent their lives studying them over an atheist with a chip on his shoulder :whistle:.

[Resolute 14]

I've just finished "A Game of Throwns" and wasn't supurbly impressed until about page 600, then I got really into it. Now I'm starting a "Clash of Kings". I get roped into these long series' too easily.
Have you ever read the "A Dream of Eagles" series by Jack Whyte (it's called the Camulod Chronicles in the USA)? It's a realistic portrayal of the King Arthur legend set at the time when Rome was leaving Britain. IF you like what you're reading now you will love that series by Jack Whyte.

I have been toying with getting those books every time I stop at Chapters. I may have to finally pick those up.

I am still on my same "read every Xanth book published" kick that I was just starting when the last What are you reading? thread was running. Up to book 14. The nice thing about Xanth is that it is so light, I tend to read two books a week without spending a ton of time reading.

[Knut]

Just picked up Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson based on Troutmans recommendation.. just about to start into that.

Also a few chapters into Guns, germs and Steel by Jared Diamond.

Finishing up THe Best SF of 2005 compilation.... short stories/novellas... some are good, some are real bad.

[CaramonLS]

I have been toying with getting those books every time I stop at Chapters. I may have to finally pick those up.


I'd highly recommend it. Those are must read books.

[SaskaBushFire]

Loved Storm of Swords, I just finished reading that a while ago.

Right now I'm reading the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, on the 3rd Book, "The Dragon Reborn". Always heard the hype surrounding it, but never actually sat down and read it until now. Pretty good so far, but I gotta say it isn't quite as good as A Song of Ice and fire.

WoT is AWESOME, I loved that series so much. Trust me, around book 5 you will be very glad you read that series.

The Black Company by Glen Cooke is a great series as well, there are 10 or 11 books total, fairly short, 200-300 pages each, the later ones get around 400 or so, so the series can be read fairly fast. I liked it because it was very unique, it doesn't hold up to a lot of the more main stream series but if you want a change of pace then TBC is definately a great read.

Caramon did you try any Ebberon books? I read The Dreaming Dark 3 book series, and while it was once again unique I wasn't to impressed. It reminded me a lot of Dragonlance, very second tier writing. I look forward to checking out A song of Ice and Fire, I had a friend mention it to me a while ago but school was hectic at the time and I totally forgot I planned to read it. I've been reading history books waiting for a new series to pop out at me... never thought to ask on CP :ph34r:

[JiriHrdina]

Jiri, I've always been interested in Hell's Angel's stuff as well, let me know if that's any good.

So far its not that great to be honest. I've been told this guy is the definitive author on the Hell;s Angels stuff, but The Road to Hell (which I believe you read as well) is much better.

This book reads like a series of police reports...some interesting stuff here and there but very repetitive. I'm going to give it another few chapters and see if it improves.

[CaptainCrunch]

I'm reading "Who's war is it anyways" by J L Granatstein, the same guy who wrote who illed the Canadian Military, and a complete history of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Pretty interesting stuff that studies Canada's defense and foreign policy issues and how they balance versus Canada's anti-american sentiment, a multicultural society and a pacifist Quebec sentiment.

Pretty interesting book.

[HelloHockeyFans]

So far its not that great to be honest. I've been told this guy is the definitive author on the Hell;s Angels stuff, but The Road to Hell (which I believe you read as well) is much better.

This book reads like a series of police reports...some interesting stuff here and there but very repetitive. I'm going to give it another few chapters and see if it improves.

Perhaps you're a little like me, and like to read crime books in general? I saw a Mafia book the other day at Chapter's and almost picked it up. True inside stories from inside the mob. Can't remember the title of it though!

[Hemi-Cuda]

right now i'm reading Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson. very entertaining read, notsomuch in the story itself but by how the author tells it. if you like anything dealing with WWII, cryptography, or conspiracy stuff with a humorous twist then i highly recommend it

[CaramonLS]

Caramon did you try any Ebberon books? I read The Dreaming Dark 3 book series, and while it was once again unique I wasn't to impressed. It reminded me a lot of Dragonlance, very second tier writing. I look forward to checking out A song of Ice and Fire, I had a friend mention it to me a while ago but school was hectic at the time and I totally forgot I planned to read it. I've been reading history books waiting for a new series to pop out at me... never thought to ask on CP :ph34r:

No, never did manage to read any of the Ebberon books.

But yeah, pretty much any Dragonlance not named the Chronicles or War of the Souls is all 2nd tier writing.

[Red]

Tipping Point
Wikinomics

Bleh for both, enough of those "sky is blue" boooks. If you've read Freakonomics don't bother with Tipping Point.

[Berger_4_]

Just finished The Great Escape and Hostage, and I've just started Tretiak...obviously, its his autobiography...it seems kinda mechanical though...he's a very serious person

[Dion]

Tuesdays With Morrie

[evman150]

Broca's Brain: Reflections on the Romance of Science - Carl Sagan.

[pope04]

Kristallnacht: Prelude to Destruction

[Cerebral]

Loved Storm of Swords, I just finished reading that a while ago.

Right now I'm reading the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, on the 3rd Book, "The Dragon Reborn". Always heard the hype surrounding it, but never actually sat down and read it until now. Pretty good so far, but I gotta say it isn't quite as good as A Song of Ice and fire.
I absolutely love the Wheel of Time, I've read through the entire series about six times now. The newer books still aren't as good as his early ones but the last two have at least picked it up a bit. I'm also a huge fan of A Song of Ice and Fire, I still haven't read Martin's newest one but that's just because I've been reading too much else of late.

Have you ever read Robbin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy? If you like Martin and Jordan, you'll probably like that as well (although be warned, her books are incredibly depressing).

I'm finally getting through Mieville's The Scar and I can see why some people think he's the best fantasy author out there right now.

[Cerebral]

I

I have a hard time finding new authors because not many people I know read my genres (fantasy and horror), and the little story synopsis on the backs of books never tell me enough. Im compulsive about finishing books I've started before beginning another, no matter how bad they are, so I fear starting a crappy book because it usually winds up taking me a few months to finish it because I have no desire to read it.
I have no clue what you've already read (or if you're interested in finding a few new authors) but here are a few suggestions for you:

China Mieville - Perdido Street Station, The Scar
Robbin Hobb - The Farseer Trilogy
Stephen King - The Dark Tower (I'm guessing you've read this)
Stephen R. Donaldson - The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, Unbeliever
Neil Gaiman - American Gods
Isaac Asimov - The Foundation Series

I have no clue how many of those you've already read but I'm a big fan of the Wheel of Time and I absolutely love all those books/series' as well. Feel free to ask any questions if you want. :)

[CaramonLS]

Have you ever read Robbin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy? If you like Martin and Jordan, you'll probably like that as well (although be warned, her books are incredibly depressing).


No, I haven't, but I'll pick that up for sure. Part of the reason I loved Martin's books is because they were pretty depressing and dark, I'll definately check this out for sure.

Feast for Crows leaves you feeling a bit empty inside to be quite honest. It is only half a story (only half the characters make it in) and if you're anything like me, you're favorite storylines weren't in it (Tyrion). I'd wait until A Dance with Dragons comes out before I pick it up, I have a feeling it will be out in the next 6 months or so, at least so you get the complete experience.


I'm finally getting through Mieville's The Scar and I can see why some people think he's the best fantasy author out there right now.

Definately give me an update when you finish that. I'm always looking for more Fantasy to start reading, especially good ones.

I actually enjoyed the Eragon/Eldest novels too, pretty solid writing, especially in Eldest. I have a feeling Paolini will have a really good career ahead of him. You can see the writing progression in his work, just from the first book to the 2nd book.

[Cerebral]

No, I haven't, but I'll pick that up for sure. Part of the reason I loved Martin's books is because they were pretty depressing and dark, I'll definately check this out for sure.

Feast for Crows leaves you feeling a bit empty inside to be quite honest. It is only half a story (only half the characters make it in) and if you're anything like me, you're favorite storylines weren't in it (Tyrion). I'd wait until A Dance with Dragons comes out before I pick it up, I have a feeling it will be out in the next 6 months or so, at least so you get the complete experience.
Well, I've never been as depressed after reading a book as when I finished off Hobb's Farseer Saga. They're not nearly as dark as Martin's books but they're just as sad if not more depressing.

I've heard some bad things about A Feast for Crows but I'll get to it eventually. I bought it the first week it was released but I'm going to have to re-read the series at some point and I was sort of hoping I could hold out until he releases the next book in the series. I probably won't be able to wait that long though.

Definately give me an update when you finish that. I'm always looking for more Fantasy to start reading, especially good ones.

Well, I'm about 100 pages from the end and it's easily one of the best books I've ever read. Mieville definitely isn't for everyone but I absolutely love his style of writing and the way he blends a variety of different genres into his writing is really neat. I was hooked after I was about 30 pages into Perdido Street Station.

[Burninator]

Player Paino by Kurt Vonnegut.

I have about 10 books to read after that one, I need to pick up the pace.

[FireFly]

I'm reading Feed My Dear Dogs and holy man is it taking forever. The language is just ridiculous and I can't get into it. I have a problem though in that I can't just leave a book halfway through without finishing it, but man oh man. I must've finished about 10 books between the time I started it and now, and I'm only half way through it.

However, I'm sure some of you remember my thread on which book are you? Well I was "Loosely Based" so I read it. Yeah. It's odd. An interesting book, but I'm still scratching my head over it.

[ah123]

The World is Flat - A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Friedman

Absolutely amazing book on globalization - really opened up my eyes...the author gives a good synopsis (or introduction) to this topic in this MIT presentation

http://mitworld.mit.edu/video/266/

[toonmaster]

bump

What does everyone got their nose into these days?

I am currently into The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, I just moved into book 6. So far I absolutley love this series, I have a hard time putting them down.

Next up after the Wheel of Time is the 3 Bourne books by Ludlum & the 4 sequals by Eric Van Lustbader. Anyone read these 4 sequals?

[Bobblehead]

bump

What does everyone got their nose into these days?

I am currently into The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, I just moved into book 6. So far I absolutley love this series, I have a hard time putting them down.

Next up after the Wheel of Time is the 3 Bourne books by Ludlum & the 4 sequals by Eric Van Lustbader. Anyone read these 4 sequals?

You do realize he didn't get finished and passed away last year, don't you?


He did leave notes behind on how he wanted it finished, and a writer is working on it, but I guess we'll need to wait and see.

[Locke]

bump

What does everyone got their nose into these days?

I am currently into The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, I just moved into book 6. So far I absolutley love this series, I have a hard time putting them down.

Next up after the Wheel of Time is the 3 Bourne books by Ludlum & the 4 sequals by Eric Van Lustbader. Anyone read these 4 sequals?

The Ludlum books are amazing. The sequels are alright, not great though.

[toonmaster]

You do realize he didn't get finished and passed away last year, don't you?


He did leave notes behind on how he wanted it finished, and a writer is working on it, but I guess we'll need to wait and see.

Yes I knew about the new author brought on to finish it. Last book is scheduled for publication Autumn 2009 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Memory_of_Light). Like you say, wait and see if it actually gets done by then.

[PsYcNeT]

I'm reading a strange little early 80's horror-oddity by sci-fi/horror Brit James Herbert called Domain.

Pretty good so far, very movie-ish, poor dialogue, awesome rat-monsters.

Next up is Feet Of Clay by Terry Pratchett

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

I'm reading Nova by Samuel R. Delaney in my spare time, and Frankenstein, Watchmen, Billy Budd, and a bunch of dense theory that no-one wants to hear about for teaching.

I won't lie: I'm enjoying Delaney more.

[Sainters7]

Parts of 12 different books on black slave narratives all at once, for an essay due tomorrow morning. Thank God this is my last term paper for the semester...

[Ziggy Lidstrom]

I just finished "The Wars" by Timmothy Findley. It was a vivid read with a very anti-climatic feel about the ending. Findley is an awesome writer, and a canuck at that.

I am now reading "For the New Intellectual" by Ayn Rand. It is an interesting and compelling philosophy from this russian beauty of a philosopher.

In short, I recommend them both. And Jiri, have you read Under and Alone? It's the true account of an ATF agent who infiltrates the Mongols motorcycle gang. The mongols were and still are a gang in Cali. The read was so intense, that I read it a few times and each time had trouble putting it down to the tune of losing sleep because of it.

And Psycnet, I will look into the one you recommended. The thick one about the compilations of historical accounts. I would consider more suggestions, yet I just don't really enjoy the fantasy outside of roddenberry, tolkein, lewis, and asimov.

[PsYcNeT]

Hah oh wow I wrote that Ideas thing on page 2 like, 2 years ago.

Still a fantastic book. I am actually sort-of kind-of re-reading it now.

I'm in the midst of 8,000 BC at the moment....coooool.

[kermitology]

^^ If you like The Wars, read Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden.

I'm currently enjoying A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole and sifting through the Pocket Dorothy Parker, a collection of her essays, poems, short stories and such.

On deck: Norwood by Charles Portis, a recommendation from the CP literature draft.
I have to get Through Black Spruce from my parents place, it's Joseph Boyden's new book, and it's supposed to be amazing.

[Igottago]

Bob Dylan: Chronicles Vol 1, by Bob Dylan. Just about finished it, pretty interesting read, obviously the man has a way with words, gets into his struggles with his larger than life fame, and some interesting tales about who he's worked with over the years.

Not sure what to move to next, considering a book called "Gamorrah" by Roberto Saviano, it chronicles a journalists dealings with organized crime in Italy. Supposed to be a movie coming out as well at some point.

[Resolute 14]

Just starting Toll the Hounds... 8th part of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. Once done, I may get into Night of Knives, which is set in the same world, or I may go in another direction. Perhaps begin re-reading the Song of Fire and Ice series in advance of the September release date for A Dance with Dragons.

[Dan02]

I don't read, books anyways, I have a hard time finding a comfortable position in which to read for a extended period of time.

[Ruttiger]

Neither Here Nor There from Bill Bryson. If you haven't read anything from him before I'd highly recommend him. One of the funniest writers I've come across in a long, long time. I've laughed out loud to the point of almost being in tears a couple times already and I'm maybe a quarter of the way in. Also read A Walk in the Woods from him and highly recommend it as well.

[Eastern Girl]

I'm currently enjoying A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole


I just bought this yesterday, along with The Road and The Forever War. I'm not sure which one I should read first. I've heard good things about each one.

[kipperiggy]

My mother read The Bourne Identity a long time ago and just loved it. I've been meaning to read that series as well. Right now I'm reading Dan Brown's Digital Fortress, and I quite enjoy it. The university year doesn't allow for lots of extra reading I find!

[Ziggy Lidstrom]

^^I heard that. And when the semester finishes, there is so much info taking up real estate that I find it contemptible to look at a book for entertainment and pleasure purposes after a grueling period of academic research.

[Ziggy Lidstrom]

Hah oh wow I wrote that Ideas thing on page 2 like, 2 years ago.

Still a fantastic book. I am actually sort-of kind-of re-reading it now.

I'm in the midst of 8,000 BC at the moment....coooool.

Sweet, I love theorizing about that far in the past. Since it's so uncertain and subjective to accurately predict history of a civilization that far back, I find that you can get many awe inspiring theories. One, I am completely captivated by is that the visitors from other planets arrived to edify our primitive ancestors with mathematics and knowledge of astronomy.

[czure32]

Trying to read William S Burroughs' Naked Lunch.
Odd to say the least as its kind of all over the place, think Ill have to read it a couple of times before I can try to understand it
after that, I recently picked up "Why We Suck" by Denis Leary

[kermitology]

I just bought this yesterday, along with The Road and The Forever War. I'm not sure which one I should read first. I've heard good things about each one.

The Road is good, but very dark like other McCarthy books.

[PsYcNeT]

Trying to read William S Burroughs' Naked Lunch.
Odd to say the least as its kind of all over the place, think Ill have to read it a couple of times before I can try to understand it
after that, I recently picked up "Why We Suck" by Denis Leary

His most 'readable' (read: coherent) book is Cities Of The Red Night. Very good, if not a little tame by Burrough's standards.

To increase the "what the hell did I just read?" factor, pick up The Ticket That Exploded. Amazing.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy.

My first novel in many, many years.

[metallicat]

I tried to read The Bourne Identity, but I couldn't do it.

I am reading The Yankee Years by Joe Torre right now. The problem is I spend too much time on HF to read as much as I'd like.

[BlackEleven]

I just bought this yesterday, along with The Road and The Forever War. I'm not sure which one I should read first. I've heard good things about each one.

I'd go with A Confederacy of Dunces.

Currently reading Godel, Escher, Bach. It's heavy in parts and quite a brick, but an interesting read nonetheless.

[Flamesguy_SJ]

I'm reading Future Greats and Heartbreaks by Gare Joyce. It's a look inside the lives of NHL scouts and follows a few different junior/amateur players over the cource of a season. I'm really enjoying it so far.

[peter12]

I'm trying to up my quality... sooooo... April 2009 edition of the Atlantic Monthly, this week's edition of The Economist, and The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson.

[Antithesis]

Just finished "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe". Looking for something else now. I suppose the next book would be logical.

[Flickered Flame]

I also reading the Yankee Years, the Joe Torre book. So far, so good. For some reason, I really get into the baseball books that take the reader inside the game, the ins and outs of clubhouses, off-days, training, home life, etc.

[Wood]

I never read on my own time, but for school I'm readiing The Great Gatsby. F. Scott Fitzgerald was a great writer, most of his novels are heavily based on his own life. I think it's a good book but I've only read maybe 5 decent books in my life.

[Rathji]

The Last Lecture (http://www.amazon.com/Last-Lecture-Randy-Pausch/dp/1401323251)

The story and background behind the lecture given last year by Randy Rausch, a prof at Carnegie Mellon University, who was dying of pancreatic cancer.

[doozwimp]

The Last Lecture (http://www.amazon.com/Last-Lecture-Randy-Pausch/dp/1401323251)

The story and background behind the lecture given last year by Randy Rausch, a prof at Carnegie Mellon University, who was dying of pancreatic cancer.

If you need to do a book report there is a movie version. NVM. Not the same thing...

[Resolute 14]

I'm reading Future Greats and Heartbreaks by Gare Joyce. It's a look inside the lives of NHL scouts and follows a few different junior/amateur players over the cource of a season. I'm really enjoying it so far.

I keep meaning to pick that up. When the Lights Went Out was a great read of his on the Punch-up in Piestany.

[GreenTeaFrapp]

I'm reading Future Greats and Heartbreaks by Gare Joyce. It's a look inside the lives of NHL scouts and follows a few different junior/amateur players over the cource of a season. I'm really enjoying it so far.

I've read some of it while I was in Indigo but I dislike Joyce due to his work as a columnist at the Ottawa Citizen.

I've only read easy novels lately such as Outliers, Mafiaboy, and I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell, and those were only because I needed something to do while flying.

[PYroMaNiaC]

Scott Lynch's Red Seas Under Red Skies, but don't read it until you've read The Lies of Locke Lamora. Astoundingly intricate masterpieces of plot. Truly.

And now I'm waiting impatiently for the sequel to The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss.

I've stumbled across a surpisingly number of books lately that I'll hang on to for a reread, rather than toss them in the pile for the second hand store. These three were the best of the best for me.

GTF, I've picked up Outliers a couple of times, then put it back because the stack going to the till was just too big. Should it go back into the stack on my next visit?

[GreenTeaFrapp]

GTF, I've picked up Outliers a couple of times, then put it back because the stack going to the till was just too big. Should it go back into the stack on my next visit?

Just pick it up online. Books are a lot cheaper online since there's actual competition instead of the Chapters/Indigo/Coles/Smiths etc monopoly. I found it interesting and reading about the issue of plane crashes at Korean Air while I was flying was actually kind of reassuring.

[Mike F]

2666 (http://www.amazon.com/2666-Novel-Roberto-Bolano/dp/0374100144/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237952791&sr=1-1) is my living room book - going very slowly.

Lullaby (http://www.amazon.com/Lullaby-Chuck-Palahniuk/dp/0385722192/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237952742&sr=1-1) is in my bedroom for nighttime reading.

On deck are:
The Pluto Files (http://www.amazon.com/Pluto-Files-Neil-deGrasse-Tyson/dp/0393065200/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237952698&sr=1-1);
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher (http://www.amazon.com/Suspicions-Mr-Whicher-Victorian-Detective/dp/080271742X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237952658&sr=1-1);
Outliers (http://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0316017922/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237952621&sr=1-1); and
Anathem (http://www.amazon.com/Anathem-Neal-Stephenson/dp/0061474096/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237952571&sr=1-1).

[Mike F]

Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy.

My first novel in many, many years.
As I've said before, I found that novel quite a slog to get through.

Tough task for your first novel in a long time.

[CaptainCrunch]

Red Star Rogue by Kenneth Sewell

Its actually a very intesting piece of detective work.

It covers the loss of K-129 a Golf II class ballistic missile submarine 300 miles off of Hawaii.

The author tries to prove that the Submarine was lost in the act of launching a nuclear missile at Hawaii as part of a plot by Yuri Antropov the head of the KGM and Mihkail Suslov the Communist party theologist (for want of the better word) to start a nuclear war between Russia's two biggest enemies China and the U.S.

The book also looks at Project Jennifer which was the recovery of the Sub from the bottom of the ocean by the infamous Glomar Explorer the boat built by Howard Hughes for the CIA.

The book also covers Nixon's operation Madman where he wanted the Russians to believe that he was an unstable president.

Its decently written, frightening in its context and while I'm still not sure it proves that there was a rogue sub out there capable of starting a global nuclear war, its certainly not out of the realm of possiblities in 1968.

[doozwimp]

just finished I Love You Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle who is a writer for the Simpsons. The book was funny, but now it looks like its being made into yet another outrageously bad teen comedy flick. They cast Hayden Hanettiere in the lead role which i can live with, but the rest of the casting looks horrendous not that you're expecting gold from a teen sex comedy movie anyway.

[kermitology]

just finished I Love You Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle who is a writer for the Simpsons. The book was funny, but now it looks like its being made into yet another outrageously bad teen comedy flick. They cast Hayden Hanettiere in the lead role which i can live with, but the rest of the casting looks horrendous not that you're expecting gold from a teen sex comedy movie anyway.

I read that recently. It totally reads like a movie, so that doesn't surprise me at all. It was OK.

[Crispy's Critter]

Currently reading Waste Lands by Stephen King, the third book in the Dark Tower series, although I should be finished it tonight. Just bought the whole set again. I had them years ago, but they got destroyed when our basement flooded, and only got to read the first three books. Looking forward to finishing them this time around.

[RW99]

Rock 'n Roll Babylon - This book recounts the seedy side of Rock history and to my dismay being a bus rider, there's a fair bit of nudity in it.

I'm also looking for a recommendation for a general Rock history book if anyone knows of one...

[Burninator]

Currently reading:
Cannery Row by John Steinbeck

On the shelf to read is:
Naked Lunch - William S Borroughs
The Blind Watchmaker - Richard Dawkins
The Sun Also Rises - Ernest Hemingway
SHAM: How the Self-Help Movement Made America Helpless - Steve Salerno
Dune - Frank Herbert
The Fountainhead - Ayn Rand
The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien
Treasure Island - Robert Louis Stevenson
Robinson Crusoe - Daniel Defoe

[peter12]

Currently reading:
Cannery Row by John Steinbeck

On the shelf to read is:
Naked Lunch - William S Borroughs
The Blind Watchmaker - Richard Dawkins
The Sun Also Rises - Ernest Hemingway
SHAM: How the Self-Help Movement Made America Helpless - Steve Salerno
Dune - Frank Herbert
The Fountainhead - Ayn Rand
The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien
Treasure Island - Robert Louis Stevenson
Robinson Crusoe - Daniel Defoe

Haha, your shelf is pretty close to mine. I've got Cannery Row and Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck and Burroughs and Hemingway bringing up the rest.

[Locke]

I'm currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Dumas. I gotta tell ya, that is some tough going for the most part.

[Kybosh]

I'm currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Dumas. I gotta tell ya, that is some tough going for the most part.

You should save yourself some time and just watch the Simpson's parody.

[united]

I'm reading Future Greats and Heartbreaks by Gare Joyce. It's a look inside the lives of NHL scouts and follows a few different junior/amateur players over the cource of a season. I'm really enjoying it so far.
Great book. I recommend it to any self-proclaimed hardcore hockey fan.
If you can look past the handful of errors in it you will really love the insight the book provides.

[Locke]

You should save yourself some time and just watch the Simpson's parody.

I've seen it, its not bad.

[Buff]

I just read The Bourne Identity, Jurassic Park, V The Second Generation and Star Wars: Tatooine Ghost. All were good except for V which was only good enough to me because it was based on a show I used to love watching.

I was floored at how different The Bourne Identity was from the movie. I knew it was supposed to be different but there was basically only one scene that was the same between the movie and the book. A few thinks were the same such as Bourne being a spy/assassin and not remembering anything and him meeting a girl named Marie. Just about everything else plays out much differently. Both the movie and the book are both awesome stories. I expect to read the next two Bourne books by Robert Ludlum but haven't decided on the others by Eric Van Lustbader.

Currently I am reading Star Wars: The Joiner King, The first in a trilogy taking place some 25 years or so after Return of The Jedi.

[Buff]

Great book. I recommend it to any self-proclaimed hardcore hockey fan.
If you can look past the handful of errors in it you will really love the insight the book provides.

I had a hard time reading this book. I don't think I was in the mood to read it when I did and therefore couldn't get past the errors. I didn't finish, but I expect to try again some time. I heard that it gets more interesting after the pre-draft stuff.

[GreenLantern]

A Song of Ice and Fire by George Martin. I am just getting into Game of Thrones, about 100 pages, and I can't believe how good his writing is. It really makes Jordan's Wheel of Time, which I am waiting on book 12 for, seem like childrens writing.

[Locke]

I just read The Bourne Identity, Jurassic Park, V The Second Generation and Star Wars: Tatooine Ghost. All were good except for V which was only good enough to me because it was based on a show I used to love watching.

I was floored at how different The Bourne Identity was from the movie. I knew it was supposed to be different but there was basically only one scene that was the same between the movie and the book. A few thinks were the same such as Bourne being a spy/assassin and not remembering anything and him meeting a girl named Marie. Just about everything else plays out much differently. Both the movie and the book are both awesome stories. I expect to read the next two Bourne books by Robert Ludlum but haven't decided on the others by Eric Van Lustbader.

Currently I am reading Star Wars: The Joiner King, The first in a trilogy taking place some 25 years or so after Return of The Jedi.

Thats actually a really good series that sets up some more interesting stories further down the road.

[missdpuck]

Rock 'n Roll Babylon - This book recounts the seedy side of Rock history and to my dismay being a bus rider, there's a fair bit of nudity in it.

I'm also looking for a recommendation for a general Rock history book if anyone knows of one... If you're interested in punk/postpunk 70-80s underground music Rip It Up and Start Again by Simon Reynolds is fascinating. Also the DVD The Filth and the Fury : A Sex Pistols Film directed by Julien Temple. Excellent overview of that time, narrated by Johnny Rotten himself. It made me wish he could run for President;)

[simonsays]

Currently reading I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream (and other shorts) by Harlan Ellison. The guy can envision anything in the sci-fi realm and make it work. But he has real problems injecting heart into most of his characters. Except for the titular story that is, which works almost perfectly.

I'm also reading a ton of Bernard Cornwells' historical fiction. I've read everything he's done in the Alfred/Vikings saga and I'm currently reading his 100 years war trilogy. He's a little hit and miss stylistically, but I'm willing to put up with that for his quality research. Still, he doesn't have anything except accessibility over Colleen McCoullugh in the historical fiction department.

[peter12]

Currently reading I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream (and other shorts) by Harlan Ellison. The guy can envision anything in the sci-fi realm and make it work. But he has real problems injecting heart into most of his characters. Except for the titular story that is, which works almost perfectly.

I'm also reading a ton of Bernard Cornwells' historical fiction. I've read everything he's done in the Alfred/Vikings saga and I'm currently reading his 100 years war trilogy. He's a little hit and miss stylistically, but I'm willing to put up with that for his quality research. Still, he doesn't have anything except accessibility over Colleen McCoullugh in the historical fiction department.

Bernard Cornwell is my number one choice in the easy reading department. Great, fun books.

[CaptainCrunch]

Thats actually a really good series that sets up some more interesting stories further down the road.

They just released the first book of the next 9 point series this month as well.

[simonsays]

Hey peter12, do you have any recommendations in the historical fiction genre? I'm always looking for something that's quality in this section, and rarely find it.

[missdpuck]

Anyone read Bukowski, everybody's favorite postal worker?

[peter12]

Hey peter12, do you have any recommendations in the historical fiction genre? I'm always looking for something that's quality in this section, and rarely find it.

I'd read the Viking series by Bernard Cornwell, if you haven't already. I think a reviewer would some cliche along the lines of "rollicking good yarn" or something similar. Fun reads.

Also, Julian by Gore Vidal if you are into something a bit heavier.

[Kybosh]

Anyone read Bukowski, everybody's favorite postal worker?

I've basically read everything Bukowski published (also posthumously).:bag: He's one of my favourite authors.

[missdpuck]

Have you seen Born Into This, a really cool documentary about him? I had no idea how long he actually worked at the PO...far longer than he had to! He's one of my heroes, as is that former failure as a Postmaster, William Faulkner.

[Displaced Flames fan]

As I've said before, I found that novel quite a slog to get through.

Tough task for your first novel in a long time.

It is, but I'm no quitter!;)

I'm not pressuring myself. It's an interesting style for sure.

[Kybosh]

Have you seen Born Into This, a really cool documentary about him? I had no idea how long he actually worked at the PO...far longer than he had to! He's one of my heroes, as is that former failure as a Postmaster, William Faulkner.

I haven't seen any films about him but will definitely keep an eye open! I probably own ~20 publications from Bukowski.:bag:

[missdpuck]

I haven't seen any films about him but will definitely keep an eye open! I probably own ~20 publications from Bukowski.:bag: Netflix has "Born.." you'd like it.

[Hack&Lube]

Bret Easton Ellis - American Psycho

I have a feeling that I will be reading and re-reading this book many many times. I relish every single page. I downloaded an rtf file of the entire book and yet I still bought it. Then at work, I print out the rtf at two pages per 8.5x11 and then cut and bind it into little pocket books of 20 pages worth that I can stuff into my pockets to read on transit.

A very good social satire/commentary set in my favorite era of excess - the 80s.

[missdpuck]

H&L..have you read Less Than Zero?

[Locke]

They just released the first book of the next 9 point series this month as well.

I think I just picked it up off amazon and am waiting for delivery. Theres some other really good series in there as well.

[toonmaster]

A Song of Ice and Fire by George Martin. I am just getting into Game of Thrones, about 100 pages, and I can't believe how good his writing is. It really makes Jordan's Wheel of Time, which I am waiting on book 12 for, seem like childrens writing.

I read Game of Thrones before diving into Wheel of Time. The reason I moved away from Song of Ice & Fire series, as well as Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen series (read 1-6), is they aren't finished. It drives me bonkers when I get through everthing available in a series, only to have to wait months, or years, for the next installment. I really hope book 12 of WoT gets published Q3/Q4 2009.

[Frequitude]

I just bought a great combo off Amazon.

Smith's "Wealth of Nations" &
Marx's "Communist Manifesto"

[HPLovecraft]

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

[ResAlien]

Re-reading Hunter S. Thompson's "Hell's Angels". Must read for any Hunter fans or anyone into biker stuff.

[Frequitude]

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.A classic

[wpgflamesfan]

The Lie by Chad Kultgen author of "The Average American Male"

-Not as good as his first book. I found the sections written from the female characters point of view really hard to read and the further i got into the book the more i wanted to punch her in the face.


Breakfast Of Champions - Kurt Vonagut

- Could be one of my favorite books of all time

[peter12]

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

No matter how hard I try, I cannot penetrate this book's terrible writing.

[HPLovecraft]

No matter how hard I try, I cannot penetrate this book's terrible writing.

I actually haven't found it so bad, although I started it worrying about its quality. It's not mind blowing, but I wouldn't say the writing is terrible. Yeah, it's paper thin at times, and the speech... is a bit much, but superb writing isn't really its point to begin with. Just have to look past the rough spots. I'm enjoying it so far. I am using it for research into something I am working on, so maybe I am able to look past some of its faults more easily.

The thing I dislike most about it is trying to say 'Ayn' correctly.

[habernac]

Peter12, Grapes of Wrath is still my favourite novel more than 20 years after reading it, Awesome, awesome book. Wish I had more time to read.

Just finished Future Greats and Heartbreaks (on the cheap from Indigo, hardcover for $4.99) and The Yankee Years by Joe Torre, loved them both. Amazing look into the underbelly of the pro hockey scout and a very interesting look into the dugout of the hated Yankees.

[doozwimp]

Any Catcher in the Rye fans? One of my faves. I think i'll read it again.

[peter12]

Peter12, Grapes of Wrath is still my favourite novel more than 20 years after reading it, Awesome, awesome book. Wish I had more time to read.

Just finished Future Greats and Heartbreaks (on the cheap from Indigo, hardcover for $4.99) and The Yankee Years by Joe Torre, loved them both. Amazing look into the underbelly of the pro hockey scout and a very interesting look into the dugout of the hated Yankees.

I've got tomorrow free. I'll probably get through my current read and move on to Grapes of Wrath.

[kipperfan]

Peter12, Grapes of Wrath is still my favourite novel more than 20 years after reading it, Awesome, awesome book. Wish I had more time to read.

Yes, I think it would be my favorite as well, what an awesome read. As for what I am currently reading: "Blindness" by Jose Saramago which will be followed by "The Prospector" by Le Clezio.

[Crazy Flamer]

I'm currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Dumas. I gotta tell ya, that is some tough going for the most part.

I read it several years ago based on a reccomendation from my parents. You are right, you can get the main message but some of it can be tough to concentrate through.

[icarus]

I am currently reading:

November 1916 - Alexandr Solzhenitsyn
Doctor Zhivago - Boris Pasternak
The Master and Margarita - Mikhail Bulgakov

[flip]

I've been deeply entrenched in this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Simpsons:_A_Complete_Guide_to_Our_Favorite_Fam ily)

More informative than I could've ever imagined.

[HotHotHeat]

"Europe: A people without history"

Originally not by choice, but I'm loving it.

[peter12]

I actually haven't found it so bad, although I started it worrying about its quality. It's not mind blowing, but I wouldn't say the writing is terrible. Yeah, it's paper thin at times, and the speech... is a bit much, but superb writing isn't really its point to begin with. Just have to look past the rough spots. I'm enjoying it so far. I am using it for research into something I am working on, so maybe I am able to look past some of its faults more easily.

The thing I dislike most about it is trying to say 'Ayn' correctly.

I recognize the point behind it and it's mainly a good one. I just know some people who practically worship Ayn Rand.

[Berger_4_]

I just bought a great combo off Amazon.

Smith's "Wealth of Nations" &
Marx's "Communist Manifesto"

Communist Manifesto was really cool to read. It had a huge hand in shaping the world, and to see where all the original thoughts came from was pretty damn interesting.

I'm currently reading Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk...I dunno if I like the movie or the book more though.

I'm also trying to battle through The Shock Doctrine, but it's been a tough go so far.

[peter12]

Communist Manifesto was really cool to read. It had a huge hand in shaping the world, and to see where all the original thoughts came from was pretty damn interesting.

I'm currently reading Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk...I dunno if I like the movie or the book more though.

I'm also trying to battle through The Shock Doctrine, but it's been a tough go so far.

That book is a load of piffle. A Swedish economic historian has taken her heavily to task over her bias and research. Her response is awful.

Click here for Norberg's review. (http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=9384)

[Sylvanfan]

The World is Flat - A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Friedman

Absolutely amazing book on globalization - really opened up my eyes...the author gives a good synopsis (or introduction) to this topic in this MIT presentation

http://mitworld.mit.edu/video/266/

I'm reading the follow up book right now hot flat and crowded. Once I slug through this one, I'll try to go back and read that one.

[HPLovecraft]

I recognize the point behind it and it's mainly a good one. I just know some people who practically worship Ayn Rand.

Really? Well, I don't worship her, and I think her philosophy is a load of hogwash, but I'm still enjoying the book. :D I really don't know how some people can actually 'follow' Objectivism... Seems like a recipe to be a total jackass.

[peter12]

Really? Well, I don't worship her, and I think her philosophy is a load of hogwash, but I'm still enjoying the book. :D I really don't know how some people can actually 'follow' Objectivism... Seems like a recipe to be a total jackass.

Haha that's what I meant by worship. However, I do subscribe to a lot of her libertarianism and dislike of central control. There are others, such as F.A. Hayek, who do a much more eloquent and realistic job of transcribing those values.

[Bobblehead]

You do realize he didn't get finished and passed away last year, don't you?


He did leave notes behind on how he wanted it finished, and a writer is working on it, but I guess we'll need to wait and see.

Quoting myself, but I have a bit more news.....
http://www.tor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=blog&id=19734

Tor Books is proud to announce the November 3rd, 2009 on-sale date for The Gathering Storm, Book Twelve of The Wheel of Time and the first of three volumes that will make up A Memory of Light, the stunning conclusion to Robert Jordan’s beloved and bestselling fantasy series. A Memory of Light, partially written by Jordan and completed by Brandon Sanderson, will be released over a two-year period.

So there will be 3 more books. *sigh*

[Resolute 14]

Can't be any worse than Xanth right now, which is at about 32, and that the only reason why I still buy the new books is because (1) I've been reading the series for 15 years, and (2) I want to outlast Piers Anthony...

[Mike F]

So there will be 3 more books. *sigh*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/KaptinGimpy/Untitled-2.gif

[Knut]

I need a couple more books to read....

My favorite SF books in the past are...

Foundation series - Asimov (I have read most Asimov stuff out there)
Dune Series - Hebert and Son
Pandoras star and Judas Unchained - Peter F. Hamilton

I also have liked Cormac McCarthy - The Road and No country for Old Men.

Anyone have any recommendations..... I know it is pretty broad.

thanks

[peter12]

I am currently working through a collection of essays by Christopher Hitchens called "Unacknowledged Legislation." It's basically a bunch of critical reviews of some of his favourite essayists. I've got to say it's high brow and I'm enjoying it.

[troutman]

I need a couple more books to read....

My favorite SF books in the past are...

Foundation series - Asimov (I have read most Asimov stuff out there)
Dune Series - Hebert and Son
Pandoras star and Judas Unchained - Peter F. Hamilton

I also have liked Cormac McCarthy - The Road and No country for Old Men.

Anyone have any recommendations..... I know it is pretty broad.

thanks

You might enjoy Spin, by Wilson. It won the Hugo award in 2007.

[troutman]

I am currently working through a collection of essays by Christopher Hitchens called "Unacknowledged Legislation." It's basically a bunch of critical reviews of some of his favourite essayists. I've got to say it's high brow and I'm enjoying it.

But you laughed when I said I was reading Hitchen's collection of essays on atheism?:eek:

[Bobblehead]

I'm actually back to reading The Bonehunters by Erikson after a quick detour to reread another series.

Probably look for something non-fantasy next, the book draft has given me lots of fodder.

[peter12]

But you laughed when I said I was reading Hitchen's collection of essays on atheism?:eek:

I find his new stuff to be terrible, it's so blunt and crude. His older literary critique stuff shows him to be the true man of letters that he is and also exposes the philosophical foundations of his humanism far more than his atheist polemics.

[Knut]

Thanks trout... Spin is enroute from Amazon

[FiftyBelow]

Currently working on Friedrich Nietzsche's On the Genealogy of Morality. I'm on the 3rd essay and so far its really interesting and often disturbing at the same time.

[Hack&Lube]

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6041/americanpsychocover1.jpg

[troutman]

I find his new stuff to be terrible, it's so blunt and crude. His older literary critique stuff shows him to be the true man of letters that he is and also exposes the philosophical foundations of his humanism far more than his atheist polemics.

The book I'm reading sounds very much like the book you are reading. It is not God Is Not Great. It is a review of essays going back to ancient Greece.

[icarus]

I also have liked Cormac McCarthy - The Road and No country for Old Men.

Anyone have any recommendations..... I know it is pretty broad.

thanksWhy don't you pick up Blood Meridian?

[peter12]

Why don't you pick up Blood Meridian?

The Border Trilogy is on my list as well. My brother read it and said it was the best of McCarthey's work, hands-down.

[CaptainCrunch]

I'm reading my first fiction book in a lot of years.

Fate of the Jedi Outcast.

Its actually not that bad.

[Kipper is King]

I just finished off Patrick Rothfuss's "The Name of the Wind".

A well respected friend recommended it to me, and I am not normally a fantasy reader but I went out and bought it.

With the university setting for much of the novel, and the use of magic (called "sympathy" in this case), it may seem hard to shake Harry Potter comparisons when reading this novel. Don't let that discourage you- in my opinion it is better written than Harry Potter by a wide margin, in part due to the fact it was not written under the pretense of being children's literature. The reviews for the book have been gushing (some even say it approaches LotR- that could be questioned), and rightfully so. Rothfuss has created a work that strikes great balances- between humour and seriousness, action and tranquility and also characterization versus leaving things unknown for an upcoming sequel.

If you are a fantasy fan, I highly recommend this book, and if you are not, I recommend it even moreso! This totally quenched my thirst for reading something different! :woot:

[metallicat]

I am reading Uncommon - Finding Your Path To Significance by Tony Dungy.

[flip]

Spectrum by David Wise. I'm also on book 7 of Preacher, book 2 of Justice and Superman/Batman book 1: Public Enemies. I just finished the Jim Lee 12 issue run on Batman called Hush. That was absolutely amazingly well written and drawn.

[missdpuck]

Killer Poker Online 2 . Not that it 's helping.

[jammies]

I'm reading King's The Stand for the fourth or fifth time.

[peter12]

I'm reading King's The Stand for the fourth or fifth time.

Can't "stand" King. The Stand was okay, but fell prey to his usual cliches.

[missdpuck]

Can't "stand" King. The Stand was okay, but fell prey to his usual cliches.

Although he's technically a crappy writer I enjoy his books. I enjoy shows like Law and Order if I remind myself of what Michael Chabon says in the intoduction to Best American Short Stories 2005. Since our culture operates from cliches and stereotypes we get the entertainment we deserve.

[Sainters7]

Can't "stand" King. The Stand was okay, but fell prey to his usual cliches.

I'm actually reading his "Graveyard Shift" as we speak. Not because I wanted to though. I'm in an English Lit: Pop Culture class, and we're on horror right now. I've gotta write a paper on popular horror writers and society's general odd love of horror movies/books and being scared, and I'm focusing on King since he's got so many books.

[Flamesoholic]

I'm actually reading his "Graveyard Shift" as we speak. Not because I wanted to though. I'm in an English Lit: Pop Culture class, and we're on horror right now. I've gotta write a paper on popular horror writers and society's general odd love of horror movies/books and being scared, and I'm focusing on King since he's got so many books.

I read "Night Shift" from King when I was 10 and still to this day "The Boogeyman" story scares the bejeeus out of me. In fact so much so that I'm quite positive that it was a factor in my decision to turn all of my closets into wardrobe-like things when I bought my first house. I didn't even realize what I was doing until a friend pointed out that I didn't have any ordinary "closets" once I was done renovating. :bag:

Right now I'm reading "A Long Way Gone" by Ishmael Beah. This is a horror story in it's own right, but sadly it's the true life memoirs of a child soldier in Sierra Leone. Absolutely horrifying what these children face.

[Sainters7]

Right now I'm reading "A Long Way Gone" by Ishmael Beah. This is a horror story in it's own right, but sadly it's the true life memoirs of a child soldier in Sierra Leone. Absolutely horrifying what these children face.

I read that last summer. One of the best books I've ever read. He made it feel like you were right along with him.

btw you may have seen this before, but here he is on The Hour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K4yhPSQEzo

--after watching this, I can't even picture someone so soft-spoken, eloquent(and young!!) doing some of the things he did(and witnessed) in the book. So sad what goes on over there.

[Flamesoholic]

I read that last summer. One of the best books I've ever read. He made it feel like you were right along with him.

btw you may have seen this before, but here he is on The Hour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K4yhPSQEzo

--after watching this, I can't even picture someone so soft-spoken, eloquent(and young!!) doing some of the things he did(and witnessed) in the book. So sad what goes on over there.
He came to Calgary last year to speak, I really wanted to go but I couldn't get out of work. From what I heard from a friend who went, it ran her through an emotional gamut like she had never thought possible. Listening to him in person definitely changed something within her.

I really think everyone should read this at some point in their life, really puts things into perspective as to how fortunately we are here.

Thanks for the link, I haven't seen it yet.

[driveway]

I've met Ishmael Beah on a couple of occasions. I found the hardest thing, the second time I met him anyway, was how much everyone else wanted to talk about his experiences. The first time was at a writing symposium, so it made sense, but the second was in a much more public, less professional environment and as soon as people found out who he was it was like everyone had to offer their condolences or something.

Anyways. I'm reading Anathem by Neal Stephenson right now. I'm nearly done and the book has had a pretty profound effect on me, though I am dissapointed that not very much of Stephenson's wit made it into this book.

Off to bed to read it right now.

[Cowperson]

I'm wading through a bunch of Rex Stout novels right now, his Nero Wolfe eccentric genius.

Primarily psychological murder mysteries written in the 1920's and 1930's - the versions I'm reading - and nice, light summer reading while sipping a beer under the deck brolly. You have to marvel at a detective who never leaves the house and downs a case of beer a day.

http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/rexstout.htm

Then it will be Peter Hamilton, The Neutronium Alchemist.

http://www.sfreviews.net/pfh_neutronium_alchemist.html

Cowperson

[missdpuck]

Two horror novels I would like to re-read are "Night In The Lonesome October" by Richard Laymon and ""The House that Jack Built" by Graham Masterton. Entertaining reads if you like horror.

[peter12]

I'm reading "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck. i really enjoy his writing. As well, I've been wading through a collection of essays by Michael Oakeshott on Rationalism and Politics. Not for everyone, but I'm a strange one.

[Burninator]

I'm reading "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck. i really enjoy his writing. As well, I've been wading through a collection of essays by Michael Oakeshott on Rationalism and Politics. Not for everyone, but I'm a strange one.
East of Eden was good, although not as good as the Grapes of Wrath in my opinion. I really like Steinbeck as well. While I liked The Pearl and Of Mice and Men I thought they were too short for Steinbecks writing style. I like it when takes the time and the pages to tell his story. I liked Cannery Row the best of the shorter novels that I have read of his.

[Burninator]

I am reading Dune by Frank Herbert. This is my first real classic science fiction novel, unless you count Hitch Hikers (which I don't). It was a little tough at first to keep all the invented words straight, but I am getting the hang of it now and I am really enjoying it.

I'll have to give a nod to the literature draft that got me interested in science fiction. Lots of talk about it there peeked my interest and this is my test novel for it.

[Bobblehead]

I'm currently 3/4 of the way through The Bonehunters by Steven Erikson.

He is an excellent writer - the only issue I have is that this is a meaty book, and half way through he re-introduces a few character from previous books (which is expected - the overriding story arc continues through all the books) but these ones have obscure enough names that it is taking me a while to recall specifically who they were.

[Resolute 14]

Yeah, that's been a challenge for me throughout the series as well. In Toll the Hounds he starts to get way too poetic as well. Speaking of which, I was reading Toll, but returned my friend's trade paperback copy to her this past weekend because the paperback version was supposed to be out on the 19th. Chapters still doesn't have it in stock. s.

[Superflyer]

Right now I am reading Hunchback of Notre Dame.
I have been hooked on the classics lately. Over the last six months I have gone through Treasure Island, Robinson Crusoe, Frankenstein and Dracula.

[kermitology]

Right now.. A Confederacy of Dunces. I'm nearing the end of it now, it's pretty good, not the best thing I've ever read, but entertaining.

Next up.. Joseph Boyden's Through Black Spruce.

[Eastern Girl]

Right now.. A Confederacy of Dunces. I'm nearing the end of it now, it's pretty good, not the best thing I've ever read, but entertaining..

This is next on my reading list, I just have to get through The Forever War. I'm having trouble keeping with it.

[Ford Prefect]

This is rather cliche, but I've been rereading the Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy series. It had been probably 15 years since I last read the whole series and I'd forgotten enough about it to make it interesting again. I'm currently finishing off the last book of the series.

[peter12]

Right now.. A Confederacy of Dunces. I'm nearing the end of it now, it's pretty good, not the best thing I've ever read, but entertaining.

Next up.. Joseph Boyden's Through Black Spruce.

I liked it, found it absolutely hilarious.

[Bobblehead]

David Eddings has passed away.

http://scifi.about.com/b/2009/06/03/david-eddings-is-dead.htm

The Eddings' work includes The Belgariad series (5 books, 1982-1984) and The Malloreon series (5 books, 1987-1991), with three related books in the 1990s; The Elenium and The Tamuli (two trilogies, 1989-1994); and The Dreamers series (4 books, 2003-2006).

The Belgariad was far from perfect, but it was an easy read and had a good story, so I enjoyed it a lot the first time I read it.

[Drunk Skunk]

I just picked up The Strand by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan - so far it's very hard to put down.

For those that don't know, it's a vampire trilogy. The second book will be released next year, and the third will be released in 2011.

[Burninator]

I just finished Robinson Crusoe and now I am reading The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand.

[JohnnyFlame]

I'm currently reading "A vengeful longing" by R.N. Morris.

[troutman]

Yeah, that's been a challenge for me throughout the series as well. In Toll the Hounds he starts to get way too poetic as well. Speaking of which, I was reading Toll, but returned my friend's trade paperback copy to her this past weekend because the paperback version was supposed to be out on the 19th. Chapters still doesn't have it in stock. s.

I saw Toll The Hounds in the stores June 11th in mass paperback.

[Superflyer]

I finished Hunchback and just got back from Chapters. Picked up Gimp by Mark Zupan in the bargain bin for $2.
This is an autobiography of Mark, if anyone has seen Murderball he is in that and it is about his life since the accident that made him a gimp (his words not mine). Should be good.

[Resolute 14]

Yeah, I got it now. Hopefully Erickson leaves the poetry out of Dust of Dreams and The Crippled God.

[troutman]

Yeah, I got it now. Hopefully Erickson leaves the poetry out of Dust of Dreams and The Crippled God.

Is it just at the start of chapters?

[peter12]

Plato's Republic. Tough but very enjoyable read... plus all the homeless people admire my great intellect while riding the train.

[Resolute 14]

Is it just at the start of chapters?

Yeah.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

I am reading Dune by Frank Herbert. This is my first real classic science fiction novel, unless you count Hitch Hikers (which I don't). It was a little tough at first to keep all the invented words straight, but I am getting the hang of it now and I am really enjoying it.

I'll have to give a nod to the literature draft that got me interested in science fiction. Lots of talk about it there peeked my interest and this is my test novel for it.

If you like Dune, you should make sure you read the rest of the series. I loved Dune, but the series as a whole is flat out amazing IMO. Probably the only fiction series I plan on re-reading every few years. I get so much of it, it can be read at a bunch of different levels I think.

[flip]

Plato's Republic. Tough but very enjoyable read... plus all the homeless people admire my great intellect while riding the train.


While you're on the train you can explain to them that you are in the gold class and that they are a bunch of useless lower class (forget what they were called). Philosopher Kings shall rule the earth! (or was that Aristotle? my memory of 2nd year poli sci is kind of hazy)

[GreenLantern]

Any Wheel of Time fans kicking around? Series got a little stale for me after book 5 or 6.. I am hoping it can all come together in good order for book 12.

I picked up A Song of Fire and Ice, currently about 3/4 of the way through book 3 and absolutely loving it. Great series, best fantasy series I have ever read by far.. next to maybe LOTR.

[peter12]

While you're on the train you can explain to them that you are in the gold class and that they are a bunch of useless lower class (forget what they were called). Philosopher Kings shall rule the earth! (or was that Aristotle? my memory of 2nd year poli sci is kind of hazy)

I will tell them they failed to rule their passions, stupid drunken bums. Kiss my shoes.

[Mike F]

David Eddings has passed away.

http://scifi.about.com/b/2009/06/03/david-eddings-is-dead.htm



The Belgariad was far from perfect, but it was an easy read and had a good story, so I enjoyed it a lot the first time I read it.
That's too bad.

I've probably read the Belgariad and Malloreon 8-10 times since I picked it up in gr. 5 or so.

Far from perfect, but damn enjoyable IMO.

[Tower]

Troy - David Gemmell
Canada Criminal Code
Family Law Act
P.P.C.A. - Private Property Security Act (OMG so freaking dry even for an act)
Motor Vehicle Act
Canada Bill of Rights and Freedoms

The last 5 are harder to absorb than the first, but important none the less!

As for Troy I am enjoying his final Trilogy. His Wife helped to finish the last book. Half way through the last book.

[cSpooge]

Any Wheel of Time fans kicking around? Series got a little stale for me after book 5 or 6.. I am hoping it can all come together in good order for book 12.

I picked up A Song of Fire and Ice, currently about 3/4 of the way through book 3 and absolutely loving it. Great series, best fantasy series I have ever read by far.. next to maybe LOTR.


If only martin wasn't fataing 2 years behind on putting out the next book but at least it comes out in september!!

[chid]

Just started reading Colour, by Victoria Finlay its a really intriguing history of all the history of colours and dyes throughout the world.

Also finished the first Dexter novel by Lindsay, definitely an enjoyable read, I just got Dearly Devoted Dexter (the second book) so I'm excited to start that

[LGA]

Pride & Prejudice & Zombies

[ResAlien]

Still re-reading "Logic" by Kant.

[JohnnyB]

'China Underground' is an excellent read I've been on this week. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a look at China that isn't all about the economy, politics, the environment or cultural history. It's both entertaining and enlightening, with many true stories that are very telling.

[Flames89]

Wanted to give this a bump, now that we are in summer.

And definitely suggest "I hope they serve beer in hell" by Tucker Max. Very funny, and yes, he is an arsehole.

[flip]

Wanted to give this a bump, now that we are in summer.

And definitely suggest "I hope they serve beer in hell" by Tucker Max. Very funny, and yes, he is an arsehole.

Tucker Max is awesome. All of the stories from his book are avail on his website for anyone who doesn't want to have to buy the book.

[Cliche]

Just started Deadhouse Gates.



and I've finished "The Game" by Neil Strauss

[Guest1]

I'm about a quarter of the way throught "The Da-da-dee-da-da Code" by Robert Rankin.

It's got quite a bit of weird british humour that reminds me slightly of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

[GreenTeaFrapp]

Tucker Max is awesome. All of the stories from his book are avail on his website for anyone who doesn't want to have to buy the book.

I read his book earlier this year and if I'm not mistaken, there are some stories in the book that aren't on the website.

[peter12]

Tucker Max is a revolting human being.

[flip]

Tucker Max is a revolting human being.

I don't think anyone would argue with that but it doesn't make it less funny or awesome. In fact that is precisely why it is so funny. If even half the stories are true (or all the stories are half true) then that man deserves to be in hell. Hence the title of his book.

[Russic]

I'm currently "reading" (listening) to "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell. Only 3 chapters in but very good so far.

[GreenTeaFrapp]

I'm currently "reading" (listening) to "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell. Only 3 chapters in but very good so far.

I liked it also. For some reason reading the chapter on the Korean airline while on a plane was reassuring.

The chapter on hockey players has made me pay closer attention to player's birth dates when getting drafted.

[Itse]

I just started the third Thursday Next book, "The Well of Lost Plots" by Jasper Fforde.

Weird stuff in a good way. Reminds me a lot of Douglas Adams, in good (funny in a mind-expanding way), and in bad (who needs plot when you have all these ideas).

If you like Adams, I strongly recommend giving Jasper Fforde a try, starting from "The Eyre Affair".

[mikey_the_redneck]

I don't think anyone would argue with that but it doesn't make it less funny or awesome. In fact that is precisely why it is so funny. If even half the stories are true (or all the stories are half true) then that man deserves to be in hell. Hence the title of his book.

I heard an interview with Tucker, and he claims the stories are all true...

[Azure]

http://i.biblio.com/z/431/081/9780465081431.jpg

[Tron_fdc]

I heard an interview with Tucker, and he claims the stories are all true...

Read that last week. It's hilarious, but there's now way it's all true. I'm pretty sure the places he went were for the most part true, but he more or less made up his own commentary when he wrote out what was said.

The only thing I found to be hilarious was his time in Texas. He was carrying the voice recorder at this point, and you'll notice it wasn't him that was being funny. It was the rednecks.

[zuluking]

The Baroque cycle (massive trilogy) and\or Anathema by Neal Stephenson. Unbelievable reads. They'll keep you busy all summer.

[troutman]

The Baroque cycle (massive trilogy) and\or Anathema by Neal Stephenson. Unbelievable reads. They'll keep you busy all summer.

I'm waiting for that to come out in paper-back.

[metallicat]

Just started to read Grisham's, The Associate.

[ricosuave]

Just finished "Collapse" by Jared Diamond and am now reading "Your World Is About To Get A Lot Smaller" by Jeff Rubin

[Tron_fdc]

I also read "crazy for the storm" by Norman Olestad. It was actually pretty good, considering I wasn't expecting a whole lot. I'd recommend it to anyone who, like me, enjoys real life survival novels.

Currently reading "in defense of food" by Michael Pollan. Interesting, but man o man is it ever hard to get through.

[fatso]

I'm reading and re-reading the Bouwmeester contract with the Flames. It's going to be my summer reading 'til the season starts.

Fatso's book club!

[Bobblehead]

I'm half way through:
http://www.yukoninfo.com/books/historical/Pierre-Berton-Klondike.jpg

[Crazy Flamer]

"Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life."

Dr. Wayne Dyer

[Coys1882]

MEGA BUMP!!

Tom Clancy's passing has got me thinking as to who is his 'successor' - I'm really interested in some CIA type spy espionage - black ops type fiction. Any recommendations for something somewhat new?

[Super-Rye]

I'm currently reading Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey. (Or Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck)

I picked it up because I'm a sucker for Sci-Fi and both men are tied pretty heavily to George R.R. Martin and I won't lie, the book has been absolutely fantastic so far. I haven't been able to put the book down. Just ordered the next 2 books of Amazon too.

Edit: Missed the mega bump. I guess everyone stopped reading!

[nik-]

http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/x4/x24837.jpg

[Violator]

The Hobbit

I find it odd so far that the book and the first part of the movie are so different.

[Meelapo]

I'm currently reading Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey. (Or Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck)

I picked it up because I'm a sucker for Sci-Fi and both men are tied pretty heavily to George R.R. Martin and I won't lie, the book has been absolutely fantastic so far. I haven't been able to put the book down. Just ordered the next 2 books of Amazon too.

Edit: Missed the mega bump. I guess everyone stopped reading!

I finished that book about a month ago. I thought it was pretty good but it was my first sci-fi book and I found some of the concepts a bit difficult to grasp (i.e. changes in gravity, sizes of ships, etc.). I probably should have started with an easier sci-fi book.

[WhiteTiger]

The Hobbit

I find it odd so far that the book and the first part of the movie are so different.

1 1/2-ish hours worth of movie in the book...

6 hours of movie on the screen...

[Sainters7]

http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9780143122104_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG

Very interesting read, and already knowing about him, I'm fully expecting a Shakespearean tragedy finish. Especially for the time, he included a surprising amount of emotion in his logs during his journeys.

Amazing how much he kept trying to convince himself (and Spain) of having found the east coast of Asia despite increasing inner doubts, that he really had no idea how much of a larger and more important discovery he had actually made.

[photon]

Re-reading the entire Dune series.

[Flabbibulin]

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. Good stuff.

[Resolute 14]

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. Good stuff.

Loved that book. I've picked up The Wise Man's Fear as well, but haven't started it yet. I'm not sure if I want to wait for the third book or not at this point. Also, Rothfuss looks like a serial killer, which often makes for a good fantasy writer.

I've been reading Rowena Cory Daniels' Outcast Chronicles series lately. Just finished Besieged, and I really like it. It is a strange book though in that I can't understand why I like it. There are so many instances where something happens that points to grave consequences or a change in allegiance of a character, and then they just snap right back into the path they were on before as if nothing happened. Usually logic/plot holes like that make me give up on a story, but this one kept me going anyway.

[Resolute 14]

Also, Scott Lynch's The Republic of Thieves came out this week. Looking forward to that one, as the first in the series, The Lies of Locke Lamora was absolutely brilliant. The follow-up less so.

[photon]

Re-reading the entire Dune series.

The REAL Dune series I mean, not those abominations by Frank Herbert's son.

[RichKlit]

Just finished Otherwise by Farley Mowat, my girlfriend has had it sitting on our bookshelf for years so i thought i would give it a try. Easy read but i found myself liking it. Just started reading the original short stories of Sherlock Holmes before Doyle killed him off, so far its quite good.

[PsYcNeT]

Just about done re-reading Lloyd Kaufman's All I Need to Know about Filmmaking I Learned from the Toxic Avenger for the first time in 10 years. Such a fun book, though it's really more of an autobiography than a how-to guide.

[Puppet Guy]

Started re-reading Red Storm Rising last week, and should be done it in another week. The Letter of Marque by Patrick O'Brian is next in line.

[troutman]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hundred-Year-Old_Man_Who_Climbed_Out_the_Window_and_Disappeared

The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared (Swedish (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_language): Hundraåringen som klev ut genom fönstret och försvann) is a 2009 novel and the debut novel by Swedish author Jonas Jonasson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonas_Jonasson).

[Stay Golden]

James Patterson London Bridges

[Stay Golden]

Dan Brown Inferno

[dissentowner]

Also, Scott Lynch's The Republic of Thieves came out this week. Looking forward to that one, as the first in the series, The Lies of Locke Lamora was absolutely brilliant. The follow-up less so.
I didn't think the follow up was that bad. Love Lynch, Martin, and Abercrombie.
I have my own fantasy library of close to a 1000 books now, crazy. Right now I am reading Daniel Abraham's The Dragons Path which is book 1 in a trilogy. It fits in the same mold as the before mentioned authors.

[dissentowner]

Loved that book. I've picked up The Wise Man's Fear as well, but haven't started it yet.
It is a good read. Not as good as the first book but still better than most.