Whatcha readin now? (book, books, reading, read) (2 Viewers)

[Swing 51]

Recently finished Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes. First straight Vietnam War novel I've ever read (stuff by Stephen King and Peter Straub has been staged there but obviously more in the horror genre). I've tried We Were Soldiers and a couple others before but always got bogged down in the military jargon, weapons, and ranks cause I'm a wuss civilian and have little understanding of most of that stuff.Matterhorn is really, really good. Dramatic, tense, infuriating, and seems very authentic. The characters are strong and the story moves along. I really appreciated that Marlantes doesn't come across as necessarily a hawk or dove - though the idiocy of some ranking officers and some situations made me hate the war for the soldiers' sakes. I'd highly recommend it.Just checked out Handling The Undead by John Lindqvist who also wrote Let Me In. My first experience with Lindqvist. I'm excited.

I'm also a big fan of Matterhorn. You should check out Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson. Not very similar to Matterhorn but a Vietnam era novel.

Tree of Smoke is the story of William "Skip" Sands, CIA--engaged in Pschological Operations against the Vietcong--and the disasters that befall him. It is also the story of the Houston brothers, Bill and James, young men who drift out of the Arizona desert and into a war where the line between disinformation and delusion has blurred away.

 

[Maelstrom]

I tried to buy A Memory of Light, the last of the Wheel of Time series, Tuesday for my ipad. Turns out the widow of the author won't release it on snook for 3 months, she wanted a full year, so that it won't hurt the hardcover sales and it will spend an appropriate number of weeks on the NYT best seller list and therefore protect Jordan's legacy. What a crock of crap. I'd have paid hardcover price for the ebook, now I'm just going to pirate it and never give another penny to that publishing house. The book itself is getting a ton of 1 star reviews because of this blatant money/status grab. Hope they learn from this. Re-reading the previous book and the synopses of the first dozen, looking forward to putting this 20+ year epic fantasy series to rest.

While I'm not exactly happy that they aren't releasing the Kindle version at the same time, giving it a 1 star review because of that is ridiculous. The review system should be reviews of the content of the book. Personally, I bought the hardcover because I wanted to match it up with the last few on my shelf. I'm a bit peeved at Amazon though because I though by pre-ordering the book it would be here on release day, and it isn't slated to come until Saturday. Probably my fault for selecting the free shipping option, but still.

 

[Todd Andrews]

Hi. I don't read much; it's a shame. I am looking for suggestions - a goal of mine for this year is to read a few books, which I really haven't been doing much lately. I think I got through only 2 books in all of 2012. I asked for suggestions maybe 2 years ago in a different thread here and got some good results.

I much prefer non-fiction. I like general pop culture, sociology/psychology, economics, food, and sports, but that's not an exhaustive list. Some of my favorites, so you get an idea - I've read all (or almost-all?) of Malcolm Gladwell's books and loved them. Freakonomics was very good. I like Chuck Klosterman, Anthony Bourdain, Michael Pollan, and books about soccer. Basically, I like somewhat-intellectual topics that aren't a bore or a drag to get through.

I got a $40 gift card to Barnes and Noble for Christmas, so that's a good start for a handful of books. I am open to any and all suggestions. One that caught my eye while skimming the previous page was Boomerang by Michael Lewis, though I don't know a ton about it.

Freakonomics is pretty much my favorite book. I thought Predictably Irrational was very good.I also really enjoyed Made to Stick and Switch by Chip and Dan Heath. I've applied ideas from both of them at work. Were I to pick one, I think Switch was my favorite. But that may be just the subject. Right now I'm more in need of advice on creating change than I am coming up with memorable ideas.

Currently reading The War of Art, which is pretty damn motivating if you find yourself in the position of needing to get off your ### to make something happen. It's also a very quick read.

I generally keep a rotation going of history -> social economics/work stuff -> mindless entertainment. I think I'd spend too much of my time reading spy novels otherwise. The last history book I read was Devil in the White City, which was fascinating.

The War of Art is a great book. I work with a lot of writers and artists of all types and frequently recommend it to them. Always get very good feedback.

 

[Slingblade]

Finally got around to reading William Gibson's Neuromancer. Wow, unbelievably good.

I've been wondering about this one. I may have to pull the trigger and get it.

 

[facook]

Recently finished Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes. First straight Vietnam War novel I've ever read (stuff by Stephen King and Peter Straub has been staged there but obviously more in the horror genre). I've tried We Were Soldiers and a couple others before but always got bogged down in the military jargon, weapons, and ranks cause I'm a wuss civilian and have little understanding of most of that stuff.Matterhorn is really, really good. Dramatic, tense, infuriating, and seems very authentic. The characters are strong and the story moves along. I really appreciated that Marlantes doesn't come across as necessarily a hawk or dove - though the idiocy of some ranking officers and some situations made me hate the war for the soldiers' sakes. I'd highly recommend it.Just checked out Handling The Undead by John Lindqvist who also wrote Let Me In. My first experience with Lindqvist. I'm excited.

I'm also a big fan of Matterhorn. You should check out Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson. Not very similar to Matterhorn but a Vietnam era novel.

Tree of Smoke is the story of William "Skip" Sands, CIA--engaged in Pschological Operations against the Vietcong--and the disasters that befall him. It is also the story of the Houston brothers, Bill and James, young men who drift out of the Arizona desert and into a war where the line between disinformation and delusion has blurred away.

Thanks.

 

[bentley]

Hi. I don't read much; it's a shame. I am looking for suggestions - a goal of mine for this year is to read a few books, which I really haven't been doing much lately. I think I got through only 2 books in all of 2012. I asked for suggestions maybe 2 years ago in a different thread here and got some good results.

I much prefer non-fiction. I like general pop culture, sociology/psychology, economics, food, and sports, but that's not an exhaustive list. Some of my favorites, so you get an idea - I've read all (or almost-all?) of Malcolm Gladwell's books and loved them. Freakonomics was very good. I like Chuck Klosterman, Anthony Bourdain, Michael Pollan, and books about soccer. Basically, I like somewhat-intellectual topics that aren't a bore or a drag to get through.

I got a $40 gift card to Barnes and Noble for Christmas, so that's a good start for a handful of books. I am open to any and all suggestions. One that caught my eye while skimming the previous page was Boomerang by Michael Lewis, though I don't know a ton about it.

Freakonomics is pretty much my favorite book. I thought Predictably Irrational was very good.I also really enjoyed Made to Stick and Switch by Chip and Dan Heath. I've applied ideas from both of them at work. Were I to pick one, I think Switch was my favorite. But that may be just the subject. Right now I'm more in need of advice on creating change than I am coming up with memorable ideas.

Currently reading The War of Art, which is pretty damn motivating if you find yourself in the position of needing to get off your ### to make something happen. It's also a very quick read.

I generally keep a rotation going of history -> social economics/work stuff -> mindless entertainment. I think I'd spend too much of my time reading spy novels otherwise. The last history book I read was Devil in the White City, which was fascinating.

The War of Art is a great book. I work with a lot of writers and artists of all types and frequently recommend it to them. Always get very good feedback.

I agree completely. I checked it out of the library, but I may have to buy it. On to Indomitable Will: LBJ in the Presidency. I think folks would probably revoke my status as an Austinite if they had a clue about how little I knew about LBJ. I have a signed copy that I got as a Christmas gift from our PR firm. The firm's owner is the daughter of LBJ's press secretary

 

[KarmaPolice]

I am kinda sad. Got through A Storm of Swords, and thought it was fantastic. So much crap goes down in the last 400-500 pages that I couldn't wait to go on to the next book. Then, scrrreeeech - I am slowly trudging through A Feast for Crows and really struggling to stay interested. Sure it starts following characters that you haven't known much about, and that's fine, but also not much seems to be happening. I think I am about 650pgs in currently. I might have to take a break from the books for a little bit, but was hoping to hear that Dance with Dragons is better.....

 

[KarmaPolice]

Hi. I don't read much; it's a shame. I am looking for suggestions - a goal of mine for this year is to read a few books, which I really haven't been doing much lately. I think I got through only 2 books in all of 2012. I asked for suggestions maybe 2 years ago in a different thread here and got some good results.

I much prefer non-fiction. I like general pop culture, sociology/psychology, economics, food, and sports, but that's not an exhaustive list. Some of my favorites, so you get an idea - I've read all (or almost-all?) of Malcolm Gladwell's books and loved them. Freakonomics was very good. I like Chuck Klosterman, Anthony Bourdain, Michael Pollan, and books about soccer. Basically, I like somewhat-intellectual topics that aren't a bore or a drag to get through.

I got a $40 gift card to Barnes and Noble for Christmas, so that's a good start for a handful of books. I am open to any and all suggestions. One that caught my eye while skimming the previous page was Boomerang by Michael Lewis, though I don't know a ton about it.

Loved most of the books that you listed. Two of my favorites that I have read in the last few years have been Confessions of an Economic Hitman and Columbine. Also liked the Jared Diamond books, but they tend to be a little long winded and repetitive.

 

[shader]

So I signed up for Bookbub. It's basically just an email service that lets you know of great deals for kindle and apple books. Every day they send out an email and there are .99 cent books and usually one or two free books as well.Anyway, in about a week, I've already found three books that look pretty interesting and get great amazon reviews. Obviously they won't have the top sellers on there, but it's worth a try.

 

[The_Man]

Hi. I don't read much; it's a shame. I am looking for suggestions - a goal of mine for this year is to read a few books, which I really haven't been doing much lately. I think I got through only 2 books in all of 2012. I asked for suggestions maybe 2 years ago in a different thread here and got some good results.

I much prefer non-fiction. I like general pop culture, sociology/psychology, economics, food, and sports, but that's not an exhaustive list. Some of my favorites, so you get an idea - I've read all (or almost-all?) of Malcolm Gladwell's books and loved them. Freakonomics was very good. I like Chuck Klosterman, Anthony Bourdain, Michael Pollan, and books about soccer. Basically, I like somewhat-intellectual topics that aren't a bore or a drag to get through.

I got a $40 gift card to Barnes and Noble for Christmas, so that's a good start for a handful of books. I am open to any and all suggestions. One that caught my eye while skimming the previous page was Boomerang by Michael Lewis, though I don't know a ton about it.

Along these lines, I really liked "How We Decide." And if you have kids "Nurture Shock" was great. Both of these books made me reconsider certain things I do and have enhanced my ability to enjoy life.

 

[TxBuckeye]

Finally broke down and ordered World War Z from Amazon yesterday. Figured I should read it before the movie comes out so I can ##### about how it wasn't true to the book and whatnot along with everyone else when the time comes.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Thanks for the suggestions Bentley, Karma Police, and The Man....I ended up buying Predictably Irrational from Bentley's list along with some other books I'd been meaning to get. Some of the other suggestions you guys gave are on my future list for when I'm done with these.

 

[Maelstrom]

Got A Memory of Light yesterday (a day earlier than Amazon estimated) and about 1/2 way through it. Enjoying it so far!

 

[mad sweeney]

Got A Memory of Light yesterday (a day earlier than Amazon estimated) and about 1/2 way through it. Enjoying it so far!

Meh, I finished it yesterday. Everyone dies.

 

[Black Sunshine]

Finished the Millionaires by Brad Meltzer and started Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell.

 

[Brony]

Loved Yellow River by I.P. Daley

 

[Swing 51]

It took me about 2.5 hours to read 30 pages of House of Leaves last night. Interesting but kind of intimidating too. I assume it gets a bit easier once you get used to the footnotes/format?

 

[Psychopav]

I am kinda sad. Got through A Storm of Swords, and thought it was fantastic. So much crap goes down in the last 400-500 pages that I couldn't wait to go on to the next book. Then, scrrreeeech - I am slowly trudging through A Feast for Crows and really struggling to stay interested. Sure it starts following characters that you haven't known much about, and that's fine, but also not much seems to be happening. I think I am about 650pgs in currently. I might have to take a break from the books for a little bit, but was hoping to hear that Dance with Dragons is better.....

Dance is better (Tyrion alone pretty much ensures that), but I can't help but wonder if Martin has painted himself into too many corners.

 

[shuke]

Next up: Stephen King's 11/22/63

I thought this was great. Best thing he's written for some time. However..

Spoiler

yea, we get it, the past harmonizes. You don't have to say it every 5 pages. Let the story tell itself without having to point #### out.

Next up: Rant by Chuck Palahniuk

 

[Klimtology]

Undaunted Courage - Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American Westby Stephen AmbroseAwesome so far!

 

[krista4]

It took me about 2.5 hours to read 30 pages of House of Leaves last night. Interesting but kind of intimidating too. I assume it gets a bit easier once you get used to the footnotes/format?

Stick with it. I don't actually think it gets "easier" but it's enjoyable throughout.I've been reading a bunch of old-timey stuff, mostly Raymond Chandler--The Big Sleep, Farewell My Lovely, and The Long Goodbye--recommend the latter most of that group. I can't keep myself from reading them all in my head in a Humphrey Bogart voice and adding the word "dame" where it's not on the page.I have no idea what I've posted about and what I haven't. We picked up George Saunders's new collection, Tenth of December, and are just blown away. I also recently read A Wilderness of Error, Errol Morris's revisiting of the Jeffrey MacDonald case. It was as well-researched and thorough as you'd expect from Morris, but he is much better as a filmmaker than a writer--it was too disjointed and poorly organized to be as compelling as it should have been. I don't remember if I wrote about Matterhorn, which has earned praise in here recently and is maybe the best war book I've ever read.I'm about halfway through the Holy and the Broken, which is a surprisingly compelling account of the rise of the song Hallelujah and a bit about Leonard Cohen's career in general.

 

[bentley]

Just finished Indomitable Will, which is about LBJ's presidency and I was underwhelmed. The author sticks strictly with policy stuff (no intern banging stories) and doesn't really ever dig very deeply into his motivation.Now reading Too Big To Fail by Aaron Ross Sorkin. It's an insider story of the financial collapse. Very good so far.

 

[simey]

I also recently read A Wilderness of Error, Errol Morris's revisiting of the Jeffrey MacDonald case. It was as well-researched and thorough as you'd expect from Morris, but he is much better as a filmmaker than a writer--it was too disjointed and poorly organized to be as compelling as it should have been.

MacDonald was in the news a few months ago. He is still trying to get his conviction overturned. I'm one of the people that believe he got ####ed over by the justice system, and should get a new trial. He may have killed his family, and there were things that pointed to him as the killer, but there were also several things that suggested he wasn't the killer. Had he gotten a fair trial, I don't think any jury would have convicted him due to reasonable doubt. His trial was tainted by corrupt prosecutors and a bias judge.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

We picked up George Saunders's new collection, Tenth of December, and are just blown away.

I'm doing this one next. I've never read Saunders before. Who is he comparable to?Right now I'm reading the WOOL series. Pretty good so far.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Has anyone read The Dog Stars?

I was thinking about picking it up and I know a lot of you guys like the postapocalyptic stuff.

 

[krista4]

I also recently read A Wilderness of Error, Errol Morris's revisiting of the Jeffrey MacDonald case. It was as well-researched and thorough as you'd expect from Morris, but he is much better as a filmmaker than a writer--it was too disjointed and poorly organized to be as compelling as it should have been.

MacDonald was in the news a few months ago. He is still trying to get his conviction overturned. I'm one of the people that believe he got ####ed over by the justice system, and should get a new trial. He may have killed his family, and there were things that pointed to him as the killer, but there were also several things that suggested he wasn't the killer. Had he gotten a fair trial, I don't think any jury would have convicted him due to reasonable doubt. His trial was tainted by corrupt prosecutors and a bias judge.

After reading the book, I believe he is innocent, but even if he isn't, there is absolutely no doubt that the system failed miserably. Absolutely horrible misconduct all around.

We picked up George Saunders's new collection, Tenth of December, and are just blown away.

I'm doing this one next. I've never read Saunders before. Who is he comparable to?Right now I'm reading the WOOL series. Pretty good so far.

I don't think I can compare him to anyone.Read the story "Sticks" and let me know what you think. I'm still blown away by it.

 

[The_Man]

Has anyone read The Dog Stars?I was thinking about picking it up and I know a lot of you guys like the postapocalyptic stuff.

Yeah, I liked it. A much kinder, gentler version of "The Road," with a dog taking the place of the kid.

 

[sports_fan]

Finished A Brief History of Time by Hawking yesterday. I found myself scratching my head more often than I anticipated. I think it was partially this writing. Parts should have been expanded and others were simply not written clearly. At the end of the day I guess you can only dumb down theoretical physics so far though. The Arrow of Time chapter is essential reading.

Slaughterhouse-Five by Vonnegut is up next.

 

[Black Sunshine]

I'm about 60 pages into this...http://www.amazon.com/14-Peter-Clines/dp/1618680528

 

[bentley]

Huge fan of Too Big to Fail. I would highly recommend it for anyone that reads nonfiction.

Currently reading Thunderstruck by Erik Larson, which tells the parallel stories of Marconi and a murder in London. The Marconi stuff is interesting, but I don't care at all about the murder mystery. It's the fourth book I've read by Larson. I've loved one (Devil In the White City), liked one (Isaac's Storm) and I've been bored by two (Thunderstruck, In the Garden of Evil). I think I may stay away from him for a while.

Up next is How We Decide thanks to this thread. Somewhere on deck are The Big Rich: The Rise and Fall of Texas' Greatest Oil Fortunes, American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House and The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

 

[igbomb]

Been a while since I posted anything in here. After reading 80-100 books a year for the last several years I just completely shut it down for most of the last year. I can blame some of it on our newest baby and calendars getting busier for the other kids, but I was also just burned out.

Slowly getting back into it, though at a slower pace than before.

Ghost Story Jim Butcher The thirteenth Dresden Files book. There has been a big shift in the overall story arc over the last couple books (dont want to spoil it) but these are still terrific books. This one wasnt my favorite but Im still completely on board.

In the Woods Tana French Really good mystery novel set in Ireland. Not nearly as breakneck as most of the genre. Not everything is wrapped up with a neat little bow and I look forward to reading more of the series.

A Wanted Man Lee Child Reacher #17. Not one of the best. Pretty boring, all things considered. I wonder if Reacher has entered that decline phase that will make me walk away.

I, Robot Isaac Asimov Meh. Book felt really dated. Not so much in his vision of technology, but more in the overall style and tone of the work. It just read as pulpy and frankly a little boring.

Brave New World Aldous Huxley I loved this 15 years ago. I wonder what happened because I really struggled to get through it. No connection with the characters. Rather boring.

Wool Omnibus (#1-5) Hugh Howey Holy crap this was good. The first story was excellent and they just got better and better from there. Awesome concept and even better execution. Its a series of short stories about a post-apocalyptic future where the remaining humanity is living in a giant underground silo due to the uninhabitable atmosphere. Details on the setting and societal structure just kind of bleed out as the story unfolds. No info dump, but no confusing lack of clarity. Just a slow burn of awesomeness leaking out through the story. Fantastic characters as well. Each one stands completely on their own. I cant wait to read #6 and #7 (with more to come).

 

[Lehigh98]

Wool Omnibus (#1-5) – Hugh Howey – Holy crap this was good. The first story was excellent and they just got better and better from there. Awesome concept and even better execution. It’s a series of short stories about a post-apocalyptic future where the remaining humanity is living in a giant underground silo due to the uninhabitable atmosphere. Details on the setting and societal structure just kind of bleed out as the story unfolds. No info dump, but no confusing lack of clarity. Just a slow burn of awesomeness leaking out through the story. Fantastic characters as well. Each one stands completely on their own. I can’t wait to read #6 and #7 (with more to come).

Sounds awesome, just downloaded to Kindle.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Wool Omnibus (#1-5) – Hugh Howey – Holy crap this was good. The first story was excellent and they just got better and better from there. Awesome concept and even better execution. It’s a series of short stories about a post-apocalyptic future where the remaining humanity is living in a giant underground silo due to the uninhabitable atmosphere. Details on the setting and societal structure just kind of bleed out as the story unfolds. No info dump, but no confusing lack of clarity. Just a slow burn of awesomeness leaking out through the story. Fantastic characters as well. Each one stands completely on their own. I can’t wait to read #6 and #7 (with more to come).

I'm on part #3 right now and agree with everything you've said.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Wool Omnibus (#1-5) – Hugh Howey – Holy crap this was good. The first story was excellent and they just got better and better from there. Awesome concept and even better execution. It’s a series of short stories about a post-apocalyptic future where the remaining humanity is living in a giant underground silo due to the uninhabitable atmosphere. Details on the setting and societal structure just kind of bleed out as the story unfolds. No info dump, but no confusing lack of clarity. Just a slow burn of awesomeness leaking out through the story. Fantastic characters as well. Each one stands completely on their own. I can’t wait to read #6 and #7 (with more to come).

I'm on part #3 right now and agree with everything you've said.

Just finished part 3

 

[Maelstrom]

Wool Omnibus (#1-5) – Hugh Howey – Holy crap this was good. The first story was excellent and they just got better and better from there. Awesome concept and even better execution. It's a series of short stories about a post-apocalyptic future where the remaining humanity is living in a giant underground silo due to the uninhabitable atmosphere. Details on the setting and societal structure just kind of bleed out as the story unfolds. No info dump, but no confusing lack of clarity. Just a slow burn of awesomeness leaking out through the story. Fantastic characters as well. Each one stands completely on their own. I can't wait to read #6 and #7 (with more to come).

I'm on part #3 right now and agree with everything you've said.

Just finished part 3

I picked these up on sale, and they were awesome. 6 and 7 were good as well, and 8 should finish the trilogy. Those books tell the story of how things got the way they were in the first 5 books.

 

[shuke]

Wool Omnibus (#1-5) – Hugh Howey – Holy crap this was good. The first story was excellent and they just got better and better from there. Awesome concept and even better execution. It’s a series of short stories about a post-apocalyptic future where the remaining humanity is living in a giant underground silo due to the uninhabitable atmosphere. Details on the setting and societal structure just kind of bleed out as the story unfolds. No info dump, but no confusing lack of clarity. Just a slow burn of awesomeness leaking out through the story. Fantastic characters as well. Each one stands completely on their own. I can’t wait to read #6 and #7 (with more to come).

 

[MGAD]

Just finished the last Wheel of Time book, A Memory of Light, last night. IMO the Wheel of Time is the new standard for an epic fantasy series and the ending lived up to expectations. Sanderson did a great job of completing Jordan's masterpiece.

 

[TxBuckeye]

Wool Omnibus (#1-5) – Hugh Howey – Holy crap this was good. The first story was excellent and they just got better and better from there. Awesome concept and even better execution. It’s a series of short stories about a post-apocalyptic future where the remaining humanity is living in a giant underground silo due to the uninhabitable atmosphere. Details on the setting and societal structure just kind of bleed out as the story unfolds. No info dump, but no confusing lack of clarity. Just a slow burn of awesomeness leaking out through the story. Fantastic characters as well. Each one stands completely on their own. I can’t wait to read #6 and #7 (with more to come).

I was just about to post that I was finishing up World War Z and really digging it and was looking for something new. Is this going to fill the bill? I know it isn't zombies, but I like the post-apocalyptic stuff.

 

[Maelstrom]

Wool Omnibus (#1-5) – Hugh Howey – Holy crap this was good. The first story was excellent and they just got better and better from there. Awesome concept and even better execution. It's a series of short stories about a post-apocalyptic future where the remaining humanity is living in a giant underground silo due to the uninhabitable atmosphere. Details on the setting and societal structure just kind of bleed out as the story unfolds. No info dump, but no confusing lack of clarity. Just a slow burn of awesomeness leaking out through the story. Fantastic characters as well. Each one stands completely on their own. I can't wait to read #6 and #7 (with more to come).

I was just about to post that I was finishing up World War Z and really digging it and was looking for something new. Is this going to fill the bill? I know it isn't zombies, but I like the post-apocalyptic stuff.

Yes...they are very good. Each one is relatively short, but they make up a good sized novel together.

 

[-fish-]

Has anyone read The Dog Stars?I was thinking about picking it up and I know a lot of you guys like the postapocalyptic stuff.

Just read it. Quick read. It's written in an interesting sort of stream of consciousness style. There really isn't much to it, but it was entertaining. Sort of fizzled at the end.

 

[igbomb]

Wool Omnibus (#1-5) – Hugh Howey – Holy crap this was good. The first story was excellent and they just got better and better from there. Awesome concept and even better execution. It’s a series of short stories about a post-apocalyptic future where the remaining humanity is living in a giant underground silo due to the uninhabitable atmosphere. Details on the setting and societal structure just kind of bleed out as the story unfolds. No info dump, but no confusing lack of clarity. Just a slow burn of awesomeness leaking out through the story. Fantastic characters as well. Each one stands completely on their own. I can’t wait to read #6 and #7 (with more to come).

I was just about to post that I was finishing up World War Z and really digging it and was looking for something new. Is this going to fill the bill? I know it isn't zombies, but I like the post-apocalyptic stuff.

Really the only thing in common with World War Z is the general "world on a fast-train to hell" setting. If you like post-apocalytic, I would think you will really like Wool. But it's a far more intimate character-driven story. And I recommend against reading detailed synopsis, or anything at all on the stories after Wool 1. They all build on each other (can't read them out of order) and he gives no catch-up background information for the unitiated. I saw a negative review from someone who started with Wool 2 because they didn't get what was going on. I guess if you're dumb enough to read the second book first, it's unlikely that you would ever get what was going on anyway.

 

[zeamax]

If you enjoy history1. The Lords of Finance by Liaquat Ahmed. Describes the four Major Central Banks(U.K., France, Germany and U.S.) during the early part of the 20th century.A lot of similarities to today2. Operation Snow by John Koster. Soviet agent in FDR administration helped trigger Pearl Harbor.3. The Discovery and Conquest of Mexico by Bernal Diaz Del Castillo, ConquistadorReally enjoyed reading this written by a guy who was there. 4.The Great Wave by David Hackett Fischer. Describes the history of prices over the last 1000 years. Helped me sleep better at night, nothing new under the sun.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Next up: Stephen King's 11/22/63

I thought this was great. Best thing he's written for some time. However..

Spoiler

yea, we get it, the past harmonizes. You don't have to say it every 5 pages. Let the story tell itself without having to point #### out.

Next up: Rant by Chuck Palahniuk

How was this? I've read Survivor, Choke, and Fight Club (of course). I need a new book and wouldn't mind another by him. Which one should I read next?

 

[shuke]

Next up: Stephen King's 11/22/63

I thought this was great. Best thing he's written for some time. However..

Spoiler

yea, we get it, the past harmonizes. You don't have to say it every 5 pages. Let the story tell itself without having to point #### out.

Spoiler

Next up: Rant by Chuck Palahniuk

How was this? I've read Survivor, Choke, and Fight Club (of course). I need a new book and wouldn't mind another by him. Which one should I read next?It's okay. I'd highly recommend Lullaby. I also liked Invisible Monsters but may be in the minority there.

 

[Sand]

Next up: Stephen King's 11/22/63

I thought this was great. Best thing he's written for some time. However..

Got this one and really want to read it. May have to get to Under the Dome first, though, from the teaser at the Superbowl.Just finished up Nothing to Envy. Good grief North Korea is a ####ed up country. Now reading the Night Angel Trilogy and then probably moving on to the next bits of Wool that have come out.

BTW, I agree with all the accolades of the Wool Omnibus. Awesome stuff. Next to Endurance (the best book I've read in a decade) Wool held my attention better than anything in the last few years.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

BTW, I agree with all the accolades of the Wool Omnibus. Awesome stuff. Next to Endurance (the best book I've read in a decade) Wool held my attention better than anything in the last few years.

I'm on Part 5 of Wool now and am still loving it. Once I'm done, and before moving on to the newer installments, I'm going to jump over to the new George Saunders Krista's been pimping here.

 

[Swing 51]

Wasn't all that impressed with House of Leaves.The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers was pretty good - on a lot of best of lists from last year.About 50 pages in to The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach.

 

[Black Sunshine]

I enjoyed 14 by Peter Clines.On to The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Next up: Stephen King's 11/22/63

I thought this was great. Best thing he's written for some time. However..

Spoiler

yea, we get it, the past harmonizes. You don't have to say it every 5 pages. Let the story tell itself without having to point #### out.

Spoiler

Next up: Rant by Chuck Palahniuk

Spoiler

How was this? I've read Survivor, Choke, and Fight Club (of course). I need a new book and wouldn't mind another by him. Which one should I read next?

It's okay. I'd highly recommend Lullaby. I also liked Invisible Monsters but may be in the minority there.I'll read that one next then.A friend recommended Gone Girl based on the B&N March Madness or something. He said it was his favorite in the group. I've read the first chapter and the guy sounds like Pat Bateman almost to me.

 

[shuke]

Next up: Stephen King's 11/22/63

I thought this was great. Best thing he's written for some time. However..

Spoiler

yea, we get it, the past harmonizes. You don't have to say it every 5 pages. Let the story tell itself without having to point #### out.

Spoiler

Next up: Rant by Chuck Palahniuk

Spoiler

How was this? I've read Survivor, Choke, and Fight Club (of course). I need a new book and wouldn't mind another by him. Which one should I read next?

Spoiler

It's okay. I'd highly recommend Lullaby. I also liked Invisible Monsters but may be in the minority there.

I'll read that one next then.A friend recommended Gone Girl based on the B&N March Madness or something. He said it was his favorite in the group. I've read the first chapter and the guy sounds like Pat Bateman almost to me.I'll wait for your verdict on it.