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Whatcha readin now? (book, books, reading, read) (8 Viewers)
- Thread starter shuke
- Start date
Courtjester
The Town Drunk
I just finished The Rising by Brian Keene and now I am reading part 2 of that series (well there are only 2 written so far) called City of the Dead.
It is a zombies take over, end of the world type series.
Pretty interesting take on zombies as they retain their ability to talk, drive, shoot guns etc. vs the slow, dumb, walking ones so commonly portrayed.
It is a zombies take over, end of the world type series.
Pretty interesting take on zombies as they retain their ability to talk, drive, shoot guns etc. vs the slow, dumb, walking ones so commonly portrayed.
bialczabub
Lord of the Flies
I'm looking to pick that one up.I'm currently reading The Money Culture by Michael Lewis, and am hoping to tackle Barbarians at the Gate afterwards.
rolyaTy
You're Heinous
It was really hard for me to get into, but I kept at it and it's paying off. The bad part is that you're not introduced to the interesting part of the story for some time. You're first introduced to two "magicians" who aren't really interesting, and then you're introduced to Mr. Norell, who is really not a pleasant character, then some stuff happens to start building the story up, and then finally Strange is introduced and you start getting some better plot development, contrasts in personality of the two main characters, etc.I dont' know how far you got, but at least read until Jonathan Strange is introduced. If you don't like it much after that point, i'm not entirely sure it'll get better.
I'm a little less than halfway done. The footnotes are awesome, imo. I really like how they're used on multiple levels, to add information, to tell cool stories sorta related to the story. It's a neat book from what I've read so far.
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On The Rocks
Evil Conservative
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave
Just picked it up last night.....will start it tomorrow.
Just picked it up last night.....will start it tomorrow.
Harrison Stevens
Footballguy
Wonder Boys.
So far, awesome.
So far, awesome.
oso diablo
Footballguy
Bound for Canaan: The Underground Railroad and the War for the Soul of America
fascinating stuff. all the fretting over a "divided America" today just makes me
fascinating stuff. all the fretting over a "divided America" today just makes me
NorvilleBarnes
Footballguy
Middlesex. Sucks.
Twilight
Footballguy
Last 4, consisting of too many sequels:
Judas Unchained by Peter Hamilton: Excellent big-scale SF. Judas started slow, but ended up fulfilling the promise that Pandora's Star had.
Red Lightning by John Varley: Sequel to John Varley's Red Thunder. Both of these are strong homages to Heinlein. Thunder was a modern day Rocket Ship Galileo, while Lightning drew more from Moon is a Harsh Mistress. This sequel didn't quite match the first one for me, it is definitely a worth read, IMO.
Coyote Rising by Allen Steele: Mildly interesting book that continues Coyote, but the presentation drops it a lot. It's more a collection of stories than a cohesive book, and that loses a lot of the emotional investment this could have had. Eh
Almost Dead by Charlie Huston: Noir Vampire story that trys way to hard to be cool. Another Eh.
Next up, the Lost book Bad Twin then Building Harlequin's Moon by Larry Niven and some rookie.
Judas Unchained by Peter Hamilton: Excellent big-scale SF. Judas started slow, but ended up fulfilling the promise that Pandora's Star had.
Red Lightning by John Varley: Sequel to John Varley's Red Thunder. Both of these are strong homages to Heinlein. Thunder was a modern day Rocket Ship Galileo, while Lightning drew more from Moon is a Harsh Mistress. This sequel didn't quite match the first one for me, it is definitely a worth read, IMO.
Coyote Rising by Allen Steele: Mildly interesting book that continues Coyote, but the presentation drops it a lot. It's more a collection of stories than a cohesive book, and that loses a lot of the emotional investment this could have had. Eh
Almost Dead by Charlie Huston: Noir Vampire story that trys way to hard to be cool. Another Eh.
Next up, the Lost book Bad Twin then Building Harlequin's Moon by Larry Niven and some rookie.
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Mark Speener
Comfortably Numb
I'm reading Young Miles at the moment. A Vorkosigan Saga compilation od 2 novels and a novella.
Good fun stuff. I've read them before but it's been awhile. Miles is a fun character and Bujold is a good writer.
Good fun stuff. I've read them before but it's been awhile. Miles is a fun character and Bujold is a good writer.
msommer
Footballguy
Have you read ALastair Reynolds: Chasm City? Excellent new sci-fi (British) He has a bunch of other books, but that and Revelation Space are really good places to startLast 4, consisting of too many sequels:
Judas Unchained by Peter Hamilton: Excellent big-scale SF. Judas started slow, but ended up fulfilling the promise that Pandora's Star had.
Red Lightning by John Varley: Sequel to John Varley's Red Thunder. Both of these are strong homages to Heinlein. Thunder was a modern day Rocket Ship Galileo, while Lightning drew more from Moon is a Harsh Mistress. This sequel didn't quite match the first one for me, it is definitely a worth read, IMO.
Coyote Rising by Allen Steele: Mildly interesting book that continues Coyote, but the presentation drops it a lot. It's more a collection of stories than a cohesive book, and that loses a lot of the emotional investment this could have had. Eh
Almost Dead by Charlie Huston: Noir Vampire story that trys way to hard to be cool. Another Eh.
Next up, the Lost book Bad Twin then Building Harlequin's Moon by Larry Niven and some rookie.
Twilight
Footballguy
I've got book 3 of the Revelation Space series in my To Be Read pile. Obviously 1 and 2 read, along with Chasm City. Definitely liked CC the best. RS 1 and 2 had some very interesting concepts involved, but very few sympathetic characters that I could get behind. Overall, I will probably read anything he puts out, but he isn't a Hardback read.Have you read ALastair Reynolds: Chasm City? Excellent new sci-fi (British) He has a bunch of other books, but that and Revelation Space are really good places to startLast 4, consisting of too many sequels:
Judas Unchained by Peter Hamilton: Excellent big-scale SF. Judas started slow, but ended up fulfilling the promise that Pandora's Star had.
Red Lightning by John Varley: Sequel to John Varley's Red Thunder. Both of these are strong homages to Heinlein. Thunder was a modern day Rocket Ship Galileo, while Lightning drew more from Moon is a Harsh Mistress. This sequel didn't quite match the first one for me, it is definitely a worth read, IMO.
Coyote Rising by Allen Steele: Mildly interesting book that continues Coyote, but the presentation drops it a lot. It's more a collection of stories than a cohesive book, and that loses a lot of the emotional investment this could have had. Eh
Almost Dead by Charlie Huston: Noir Vampire story that trys way to hard to be cool. Another Eh.
Next up, the Lost book Bad Twin then Building Harlequin's Moon by Larry Niven and some rookie.
msommer
Footballguy
Different strokes I guess - I have everything in hardback.Absolution Gap was well worth it IMHOI've got book 3 of the Revelation Space series in my To Be Read pile. Obviously 1 and 2 read, along with Chasm City. Definitely liked CC the best. RS 1 and 2 had some very interesting concepts involved, but very few sympathetic characters that I could get behind. Overall, I will probably read anything he puts out, but he isn't a Hardback read.Have you read ALastair Reynolds: Chasm City? Excellent new sci-fi (British) He has a bunch of other books, but that and Revelation Space are really good places to startLast 4, consisting of too many sequels:
Judas Unchained by Peter Hamilton: Excellent big-scale SF. Judas started slow, but ended up fulfilling the promise that Pandora's Star had.
Red Lightning by John Varley: Sequel to John Varley's Red Thunder. Both of these are strong homages to Heinlein. Thunder was a modern day Rocket Ship Galileo, while Lightning drew more from Moon is a Harsh Mistress. This sequel didn't quite match the first one for me, it is definitely a worth read, IMO.
Coyote Rising by Allen Steele: Mildly interesting book that continues Coyote, but the presentation drops it a lot. It's more a collection of stories than a cohesive book, and that loses a lot of the emotional investment this could have had. Eh
Almost Dead by Charlie Huston: Noir Vampire story that trys way to hard to be cool. Another Eh.
Next up, the Lost book Bad Twin then Building Harlequin's Moon by Larry Niven and some rookie.
Ken Macleod is good as well although he tends to get into a socialism/anarchy/capitalism discussion a bit too often.
Cosmonaut Keep is very good (the follow up books a bit disappointing) - Learning the World and Newton's Wake I liked a lot as well
whoknew
Footballguy
Reading two books -- just finished one and in the middle of the other:
Digital Fortress -- Holy Cow. This is an older Dan Brown book. In all honesty, this may be the biggest piece of crap ever written. I can't believe it got published. I know Dan Brown is not a literary genious, but even for a thriller type book, this just sucked. Bad.
Until I Loved You -- The latest John Irving. I'm about halfway through and, well, Irving is amazing. Awesome, awesome writer. Another great book (so far).
EDITED TO ADD:
Something Happened -- I finished this a couple of months ago and was completely blown away. I LOVED Catch-22 and this book was, well, very different and very, very brillliant. While reading it, I really didn't know what was happening, what I was reading. But after thinking about it and reflecting on it after finishing, well, it was just an terrific book and an amazing commentary.
Digital Fortress -- Holy Cow. This is an older Dan Brown book. In all honesty, this may be the biggest piece of crap ever written. I can't believe it got published. I know Dan Brown is not a literary genious, but even for a thriller type book, this just sucked. Bad.
Until I Loved You -- The latest John Irving. I'm about halfway through and, well, Irving is amazing. Awesome, awesome writer. Another great book (so far).
EDITED TO ADD:
Something Happened -- I finished this a couple of months ago and was completely blown away. I LOVED Catch-22 and this book was, well, very different and very, very brillliant. While reading it, I really didn't know what was happening, what I was reading. But after thinking about it and reflecting on it after finishing, well, it was just an terrific book and an amazing commentary.
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mr. furley
Footballguy
beer 30
Footballguy
Can't pimp this book enough, was going to start a seperate thread on this until someone bumped this one.Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001 gives you the step by step detail of what happened to give rise to many of the issues we are dealing with today. Many of the mujahedin training camps that we (US) provided funding for were the same ones we were bombing 15 years later. The detail in this book is simply amazing. I can't recommend it enough for those of you wishing to obtain a better understanding of the enemy of today. Osama bin Laden didn't just happen and the US didn't just find out about him during Clinton's presidency.
From Amazon:
Steve Coll's Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001 offers revealing details of the CIA's involvement in the evolution of the Taliban and Al Qaeda in the years before the September 11 attacks. From the beginning, Coll shows how the CIA's on-again, off-again engagement with Afghanistan after the end of the Soviet war left officials at Langley with inadequate resources and intelligence to appreciate the emerging power of the Taliban. He also demonstrates how Afghanistan became a deadly playing field for international politics where Soviet, Pakistani, and U.S. agents armed and trained a succession of warring factions. At the same time, the book, though opinionated, is not solely a critique of the agency. Coll balances accounts of CIA failures with the success stories, like the capture of Mir Amal Kasi. Coll, managing editor for the Washington Post, covered Afghanistan from 1989 to 1992. He demonstrates unprecedented access to records of White House meetings and to formerly classified material, and his command of Saudi, Pakistani, and Afghani politics is impressive. He also provides a seeming insider's perspective on personalities like George Tenet, William Casey, and anti-terrorism czar, Richard Clarke ("who seemed to wield enormous power precisely because hardly anyone knew who he was or what exactly he did for a living"). Coll manages to weave his research into a narrative that sometimes has the feel of a Tom Clancy novel yet never crosses into excess. While comprehensive, Coll's book may be hard going for those looking for a direct account of the events leading to the 9-11 attacks. The CIA's 1998 engagement with bin Laden as a target for capture begins a full two-thirds of the way into Ghost Wars, only after a lengthy march through developments during the Carter, Reagan, and early Clinton Presidencies. But this is not a critique of Coll's efforts; just a warning that some stamina is required to keep up. Ghost Wars is a complex study of intelligence operations and an invaluable resource for those seeking a nuanced understanding of how a small band of extremists rose to inflict incalculable damage on American soil.
perry147
Footballguy
We had a book draft while back and I think it was Uncle Herman who kept picking Kurt Vonnegut books. I have read Slaughterhouse-Five several years beforehand but I must see some of his other works are great.
Reading Cat's Cradle now and I think I will read everything of his before starting any other books.
Reading Cat's Cradle now and I think I will read everything of his before starting any other books.
igbomb
Footballguy
I'm muddling my way through Shogun by James Clavell right now. It's not a bad story, but it hasn't even come close to drawing me in. I guess I expected more after reading the glowing reviews on amazon.com and hearing people I know use the 'favorite book' label.
Not to mention that it just keeps going and going. I like long books as much as anyone, but this story just won't end.
Not to mention that it just keeps going and going. I like long books as much as anyone, but this story just won't end.
bialczabub
Lord of the Flies
Open Letters by Vaclav Havel. This is a fantastic collection of letters Havel wrote and speeches or interviews he gave between 1965 and 1990. It's like reading a cross between Orwell and the Federalist Papers, as Havel clearly explains the problem with living in the Soviet Bloc and why such a life is philosophically insufferable.
The Dilbert Principle. I'm reading this because I feel it's something I should have read. All in all, I can't stand the book. It's written in an off-putting, pretentious, matter-of-fact style that sucks. I like the included comic strips though.
Had Enough? A Handbook for Fighting Back by James Carville. Sadly, this book would seem much different had the 2004 election turned out differently. As it is, it goes through things the GOP is absolutely wrong about, and says where the Democrats should be on those issues. For anyone thinking the Democrats "don't have any ideas," you'll find plenty of them here.
And when I have time, I'm gonna get around to reading Fletch Won because the Fletch books are just too much fun.
The Dilbert Principle. I'm reading this because I feel it's something I should have read. All in all, I can't stand the book. It's written in an off-putting, pretentious, matter-of-fact style that sucks. I like the included comic strips though.
Had Enough? A Handbook for Fighting Back by James Carville. Sadly, this book would seem much different had the 2004 election turned out differently. As it is, it goes through things the GOP is absolutely wrong about, and says where the Democrats should be on those issues. For anyone thinking the Democrats "don't have any ideas," you'll find plenty of them here.
And when I have time, I'm gonna get around to reading Fletch Won because the Fletch books are just too much fun.
coldchill
Footballguy
I presume you're talking about Mike Greenberg. What did you think about the book? While there were some chuckles, I have never disliked a person so much who wasn't trying to be disliked. He came across as an arrogant, self absorbed, metrosexual tool.
Mr. Chumley
Footballguy
Rise to Rebellion - Jeff Shaara
Wyldfox
Footballguy
Don't you mean "Until I Find You"?
Good book. Not one of his best, but good.I just started "The Memory Keeper's Daughter". So far it's
whoknew
Footballguy
Yea something like that. It is a good book. It is not my favorite of his, but even a lower echelon Irving book is in aobut the 98% of contemporary novels.Don't you mean "Until I Find You"?
kblitz
Footballguy
Just finished:
Jan T. Gross: Neighbors: The Destruction of the Jewish Community in Jedwabne, Poland
Very good book, not as well researched as Christopher Brownings: Ordinary Men or James Wallers: Becoming Evil, but it had a real impact on the polish society, their selfimage and how they deal with their past. It is very short and easy to understand
Carl Zuckmayer: The Devil's General
Excelent play about becoming guilty during the NS regime, by being just passive indtead of raising your voice.
Jan T. Gross: Neighbors: The Destruction of the Jewish Community in Jedwabne, Poland
Very good book, not as well researched as Christopher Brownings: Ordinary Men or James Wallers: Becoming Evil, but it had a real impact on the polish society, their selfimage and how they deal with their past. It is very short and easy to understand
Carl Zuckmayer: The Devil's General
Excelent play about becoming guilty during the NS regime, by being just passive indtead of raising your voice.
igbomb
Footballguy
Skin Tight - Carl Hiaasen
Every one of Hiaasen's novels crack me up. I'll probably keep reading until I finish them all.
If you like Dave Barry, you'll probably enjoy Hiaasen. Every novel takes place in South Florida, involves over-the-top characters, government corruption, environmentalism, and some crazy caper. Highly recommended.
Every one of Hiaasen's novels crack me up. I'll probably keep reading until I finish them all.
If you like Dave Barry, you'll probably enjoy Hiaasen. Every novel takes place in South Florida, involves over-the-top characters, government corruption, environmentalism, and some crazy caper. Highly recommended.
Fiddles
Footballguy
Sweet Thursday continues the story of mac and the flophouse boys. Just as good as cannery row.Just finished Cannery Row by John Steinbeck: A book about a bunch of bums(?) trying to throw a party. As the story is told, a lot of other little stories about other inhabitants of Cannery Row are told.Well written and funny to read, easy and quick to read. Good book
Kleck
Footballguy
Why fantasy football matters, and our lives do not, Erik Barmack & Max Handelman
I kid you not. Enjoying it so far. We've had a offer from Erik to do an interview on the site. Perhaps on the podcast. I'm a very poor reader. Generally just slow, but I'm flying through this.
I kid you not. Enjoying it so far. We've had a offer from Erik to do an interview on the site. Perhaps on the podcast. I'm a very poor reader. Generally just slow, but I'm flying through this.
kblitz
Footballguy
Thanks, I read somewhere that Tortilla Flat also covers the topicSweet Thursday continues the story of mac and the flophouse boys. Just as good as cannery row.Just finished Cannery Row by John Steinbeck: A book about a bunch of bums(?) trying to throw a party. As the story is told, a lot of other little stories about other inhabitants of Cannery Row are told.Well written and funny to read, easy and quick to read. Good book
igbomb
Footballguy
Finished An Iliad by Alessandro Baricco earlier this week. Very cool re-telling of Homer's classic. In Baricco's version, the presence of the Greek gods is eliminated. Also, the story is told in the first-person perspective from 21 different characters in the story, including everyone from Achilles to Hector to Helen to Agamemnon. It had been a long time since I had read the Iliad, and I really liked this updated version.
About to finish Striking Back by Aaron Klein. So far, so good.
About to finish Striking Back by Aaron Klein. So far, so good.
glock
"Don't grumble, give a whistle!"
The Mapmaker's Wife: A True Tale of Love, Murder, and Survival in the Amazon...
I just caught this on my son's 10th grade AP Global Studies Summer assignment list and decided to dive in. So far, so good. I'm finding that this quest of the brilliant minds of this era- stuck with the science and equipment of the times- to border on the heroic.
I just caught this on my son's 10th grade AP Global Studies Summer assignment list and decided to dive in. So far, so good. I'm finding that this quest of the brilliant minds of this era- stuck with the science and equipment of the times- to border on the heroic.
snogger
Footballguy
facook
Footballguy
I recently finished "The Faithful Spy" by Alex Berenson. It tells the story of a CIA operative who infiltrates Al Qaeda prior to 9/11, converts to Islam, and then is sent by AQ back to the U.S. to help with a terror plot.
Berenson is a NY Times writer. I thought he did an excellent job of telling the story from each element's perspectve (conservative vs. liberal; military vs. pacifist; U.S. vs. Terrorists) without bleeding too much of his own leanings into the book.
I'd highly recommend it.
Berenson is a NY Times writer. I thought he did an excellent job of telling the story from each element's perspectve (conservative vs. liberal; military vs. pacifist; U.S. vs. Terrorists) without bleeding too much of his own leanings into the book.
I'd highly recommend it.
igbomb
Footballguy
The Key to Rebecca by Ken Follett
Decent, but none of his spy stuff that I've read has been anywhere near as good as Pillars of the Earth
Decent, but none of his spy stuff that I've read has been anywhere near as good as Pillars of the Earth
Spike
Footballguy
How was this? An intriguing premise.
BlueOnion
Footballguy
Yeah, I was talking about Greenberg's book. Pretty awful, though I only made it 50 pages and put it down. For reference, I picked up T.O.'s book and cruised through it with no problem (while on vacation). upon returning, I saw Greenberg's book on my nightstand and thought about opening it again. With your endorsement, I doubt I will open it tonight either.
oso diablo
Footballguy
Here's one the FFA would enjoy...
The Traveler, by John Twelve Hawks
The Traveler, by John Twelve Hawks
From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Twelve Hawks's much anticipated novel is powerful, mainstream fiction built on a foundation of cutting-edge technology laced with fantasy and the chilling specter of an all-too-possible social and political reality. The time is roughly the present, and the U.S. is part of the Vast Machine, a society overseen by the Tabula, a secret organization bent on establishing a perfectly controlled populace. Allied against the Tabula are the Travelers and their sword-carrying protectors, the Harlequins. The Travelers, now almost extinct, can project their spirit into other worlds where they receive wisdom to bring back to earth—wisdom that threatens the Tabula's power.
igbomb
Footballguy
American Gods - Neil Gaiman
My BIL and SIL have been trumpeting his work to me every time I see them for the last couple of years, so I finally picked up one of his novels. While I don't think I am as big of a fan of his as they are, the book was pretty damn good. I really enjoyed the Gods as relatively ordinary people angle. I'll be checking out more of his work soon.
Shock Wave - Clive Cussler
Standard Dirk Pitt fare. Decent escapist fiction.
A Spot of Bother - Mark Haddon
Decent follow-up, but nowhere near as good as The Curious Incident. The main character was a little too neurotic for my liking.
Xenocide - Orson Scott Card
Third book in the Ender series. Not bad, but not even in the same ballpark as Ender's Game and Speaker for the Dead. The story bogged down at times and got a little too philosophical.
The Man from St. Petersburg - Ken Follett
Dull. In a month, I won't even remember what the book was about.
My BIL and SIL have been trumpeting his work to me every time I see them for the last couple of years, so I finally picked up one of his novels. While I don't think I am as big of a fan of his as they are, the book was pretty damn good. I really enjoyed the Gods as relatively ordinary people angle. I'll be checking out more of his work soon.
Shock Wave - Clive Cussler
Standard Dirk Pitt fare. Decent escapist fiction.
A Spot of Bother - Mark Haddon
Decent follow-up, but nowhere near as good as The Curious Incident. The main character was a little too neurotic for my liking.
Xenocide - Orson Scott Card
Third book in the Ender series. Not bad, but not even in the same ballpark as Ender's Game and Speaker for the Dead. The story bogged down at times and got a little too philosophical.
The Man from St. Petersburg - Ken Follett
Dull. In a month, I won't even remember what the book was about.
shuke
Black Ice Skeptic
I thought American Gods was meh. I've got Neverwhere sitting on my shelf, but haven't been tempted to read it yet. Let me know if you do.Is Speaker for the Dead as good as Ender's Game?
bostonfred
Footballguy
My last two books were life of pi and the curious incident of the dog in the night time. I liked both a lot. I'm looking for something similar, but don't know where to start. Also interested in audiobooks, so I can put them up on my iPod and listen on a long flight. Any suggestions?
