Whatcha readin now? (book, books, reading, read) (5 Viewers)

[Don Quixote]

Started A Visit From the Goon Squad yesterday.  

Interested in your take on this one.  I read Egan's Manhattan Beach last year (thought it was good, but not great).  I understand Goon Squad is a pretty different style though.

 

[Don Quixote]

Next up on the fiction side is The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai.  Set in Chicago during the height of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s.  Another one getting great reviews.

I’m almost done with “The Great Believers.” I’ve enjoyed a number of the 2018 novels that I’ve read, but none have really hit me the way that “Lincoln in the Bardo” and “Sing, Unburied, Sing” did last year, and I had still been looking for that book so far.  I finally found something like that with “The Great Believers” though.

It is definitely a book that you need to be in the right frame of mind in, as it packs quite a punch.  It is principally set in the gay community in Chicago during the AIDS crisis.  I don’t think it is a spoiler to say that people will die.  The writing alternates between the 1980s and the present chapter by chapter — the present stuff serves as a welcome reprieve from some of the heartbreaking part set in the 1980s (although the effects of what was experienced in the 1980s still figures into the present).

It is up for the National Book Award next week — a worthy winner if it gets it.

 

[Spike]

In light of Dr Z dying, I am reading the Peter King/Paul Zimmerman collaboration Dr Z: The Lost Memoirs of an Inveterate Writer

 

[Joe Mammy]

been years since I saw the Bourne identity so I decided to read the book hoping it would be somewhat fresh. It was and I don't think the movie was very similar to the book. I'm going to finish the trilogy. real good stuff.

Cain is for Carlos. The whole premise of the book (one of my all-time favorties). Carlos wasn't even in the movies- a travesty.

 

[skol asylum]

I use it and in the group. Look for the DQ avi.

I just signed up. How do I find the group? Disappointed no sync for my nook library but I guess it's to be expected being owned by Amazon.

 

[Don Quixote]

I just signed up. How do I find the group? Disappointed no sync for my nook library but I guess it's to be expected being owned by Amazon.

Try this link.

 

[skol asylum]

Try this link.

Thanks!

 

[Sand]

Diamond Age is just not as good as Cryptonomicon or the Baroque Cycle.  Contends maybe for 3rd best.  Maybe.

I would like to announce, on behalf of my GB kupcho, that the best book Stephenson has ever written, Diamond Age, is on sale (Kindle) for $3.

Got your Stephenson now!

 

[kupcho1]

I would like to announce, on behalf of my GB kupcho, that the best book Stephenson has ever written, Diamond Age, is on sale (Kindle) for $3.

Got your Stephenson now!

 

[Barry]

scifi/fantasy , The Books of Babel by Josiah Bancroft. The first two books Senlin Ascends, and Arm of the Sphinx were self published. Due to the buzz it was picked by a publisher and book 3 is out later this year. Pretty awesome. Very original and well written. 

Senlin Ascends $2.99 kindle.   book 3 due Jan 20

 

[beer 30]

Fields of Fire by James Webb. A novel about the Vietnam War but one of the best I've read. Mr. Webb was a Lieutenant during Vietnam so while a novel, it's very easy to believe what occurs. The book pulls you in and keeps you engaged as it depicts months of endless, mostly pointless, fighting against ghosts (most of the time) while it weaves in the individual stories of the people involved. I learned about it from a podcast Mr. Webb did with his son & Jocko Willink.

They each had their reasons for joining the Marines. They each had their illusions. Goodrich came from Harvard. Snake got the tattoo—“Death Before Dishonor”—before he got the uniform. Hodges was haunted by the ghosts of family heroes. They were three young men from different worlds, plunged into a white-hot, murderous realm of jungle warfare as it was fought by one Marine platoon in the An Hoa Basin, 1969. They had no way of knowing what awaited them. Nothing could have prepared them for the madness to come. And in the heat and horror of battle they took on new identities, took on one another, and were each reborn in fields of fire.

 

[Sand]

Red Rising on sale for $2 (itunes and Google, too).  Really good set of books.  Highly, highly recommended.

 

[trogg78]

Red Rising on sale for $2 (itunes and Google, too).  Really good set of books.  Highly, highly recommended.

Just finished the first trilogy and started the 4th book Iron Gold today. I agree this is a great dystopian hero fantasy series.

 

[Nadtwist]

Re-reading The Stand for the 5th time or so

Re-reading Some Jackie Collins  (Lucky and Lady Boss) Don't judge me 

Re-reading The Matarese Circle for the 100th time it seems.  (Love me some old school Ludlum)

 

[Sand]

Re-reading The Stand for the 5th time or so

Re-reading Some Jackie Collins  (Lucky and Lady Boss) Don't judge me 

Re-reading The Matarese Circle for the 100th time it seems.  (Love me some old school Ludlum)

So is this a thing in this group?  I can honestly say I've never reread a book.  Lots I'd like to forget so I can read again, but I've never had the patience to reread a book.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

So is this a thing in this group?  I can honestly say I've never reread a book.  Lots I'd like to forget so I can read again, but I've never had the patience to reread a book.

I've read Lord Of The Rings dozens of times. A few of Stephen King's books more than once (probably 4 or 5 times for IT). Lonesome Dove three times, I think. ASOIAF twice.

In non-fiction, more times than I can remember for some music books (though it may not always be cover-to-cover). Same with some books about sports.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

A few I've read since I last checked in:

2 by Lindqvist (the guy who wrote Let The Right One In): a short story collection Let The Old Dreams Die that was pretty good (& featured a sequel of sorts to Let The Right One In) and a novel I Am Behind You which was weird and I'm not sure if it was any good or not.

Elevation by Stephen King. This is really a novella (though you're paying novel prices for it) and I thought it was really good. As he tends to do these days, King hammers a social and/or political stance in this one. Why what is happening to one of the characters is never explained so, if you need a neat bow on everything, you may be disappointed. But the writing is good and the characters are nicely drawn.

I know there were a couple of others in there somewhere, but I can't recall what they were.

Right now, I'm reading GRRM's Fire & Blood.

 

[brun]

A number of books recently from Prime Reading (I like free stuff) including:

The One Thing - Probably doesn't need to be so long, but good info on focusing your energies

Beneath a Scarlet Sky - Novel based on a true story in WWII Italy

The Man in the High Castle - I liked it. Noticeably differently from the TV show.

Currently reading from Prime:

Enemy at the Gates - Big book with lots of detail. Almost none of the romance that was in the movie which I think is a positive.

Suriname Job - Former Delta Force guy in South America dealing with bad guys.

Current / recent non-Prime:

The Diabetes Code - Dr Fung sharing knowledge about diabetes, obesity, low carb, high fat, fasting

Fooled by Randomness - Nassim Nicholas Taleb. So far I agree with what he's saying. So, he must be smart.

The Bogleheads Three-Fund Portfolio - Wish I read this 50 years ago.

Small Stakes NL Holdem - Ed Miller. I'm sure some day I'll cash in on one of those one gap suited connectors.

 

[MindCrime]

Was reading The Alienist, but it was moving very slow for me. I put that down for a bit and moved on to John Dies at the End by David Wong.  Fast paced, gruesome yet humorous as well, really enjoying it so far.

 

[Sand]

Lonesome Dove three times,

Currently listening to this.  Big  .  By the time I'm done I can say in the "out west" setting I've read one of the best books (LD) and the worst book in the history of man (Grapes of Wrath).

 

[beer 30]

So is this a thing in this group?  I can honestly say I've never reread a book.  Lots I'd like to forget so I can read again, but I've never had the patience to reread a book.

Like Uruk-Hai, I've read & re-read the Tolkien series 5 or 6 times, mainly the LOTR but the Silmarillion and Hobbit too. Most books I don't revisit but those were very impactful during my formative years and an easy spot to always go back to. Recently, I've reread Ghost Wars 2-3 times, can't remember. So much information you almost have to read it a few times to grasp it all.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Currently listening to this.  Big  .  By the time I'm done I can say in the "out west" setting I've read one of the best books (LD) and the worst book in the history of man (Grapes of Wrath).

Who is the narrator? I have to imagine that makes it even more awesome if it's someone great. 

Have you seen the miniseries done in the late '80s?

 

[Sand]

Who is the narrator? I have to imagine that makes it even more awesome if it's someone great. 

Have you seen the miniseries done in the late '80s?

Lee Horsley - pretty sure it is an old recording from the book on tape or on CD.  There are some odd pauses now and again and the Chapter markers are read by someone else.   I'd regard his voice as very appropriate for the recording though.  It's well done.  And his name fits the subject matter perfectly.

 

[facook]

This Scorched Earth  Good not great novel about siblings during and after the Civil War.  3 stars, but definitely worth reading if you are into multi character epic stuff similar to but not as good as Ken Follett's most recent trilogies.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Right now I am reading this thread.

 

[prosopis]

So is this a thing in this group?  I can honestly say I've never reread a book.  Lots I'd like to forget so I can read again, but I've never had the patience to reread a book.

I like to listen to books I have read before on Audible. I have reread a fair amount of books. Some stories are just so good I like to re read them.

I bet I have re read/ listened to The Dark Tower Series a dozen times.

 

[prosopis]

A few I've read since I last checked in:

2 by Lindqvist (the guy who wrote Let The Right One In): a short story collection Let The Old Dreams Die that was pretty good (& featured a sequel of sorts to Let The Right One In) and a novel I Am Behind You which was weird and I'm not sure if it was any good or not.

Elevation by Stephen King. This is really a novella (though you're paying novel prices for it) and I thought it was really good. As he tends to do these days, King hammers a social and/or political stance in this one. Why what is happening to one of the characters is never explained so, if you need a neat bow on everything, you may be disappointed. But the writing is good and the characters are nicely drawn.

I know there were a couple of others in there somewhere, but I can't recall what they were.

Right now, I'm reading GRRM's Fire & Blood.

I am reading Elevation now. I think I know what you are referring to regarding no explanation for what is happening. That is one of the things I like about King. He seems to write in a way that I don't need the explanation. I just accept what is happening and I am drawn in to how people will deal with the circumstances. 

 

[El Floppo]

I reread LoR and the Hobbit (with my kid). But ive made a point to reread Siddhartha every 10 years or so (started at 16). Easy, short and my own perspective on life and the book is different each time as I've aged.

 

[El Floppo]

About to jump into Campbell's hero with a thousand faces, which I've never read. My older brother was integral to publishing most of Campbell's stuff over the last 20+ years.... but I've never really dived in.

 

[timschochet]

So is this a thing in this group?  I can honestly say I've never reread a book.  Lots I'd like to forget so I can read again, but I've never had the patience to reread a book.

I like to listen to books I’ve read before. If the reader is good it’s gives a different perspective. 

 

[MindCrime]

I just accept what is happening and I am drawn in to how people will deal with the circumstances. 

This sums up my recent read of “Under the Dome” perfectly. Don’t ask why, just enjoy the ride.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Right now, I'm reading GRRM's Fire & Blood.

I was just coming in to ask if anybody has read this one.  Asked for It for Christmas to help scratch the SoIaF itch.  

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I was just coming in to ask if anybody has read this one.  Asked for It for Christmas to help scratch the SoIaF itch.  

If you read The World Of Ice And Fire, this one's like that - more like a history book than a novel. It covers the first 150 or so years of the Targaryens in Westeros.

I'd suggest bookmarking the page in the back with the family tree. A couple of those kings had like ten kids and keeping them straight can be a little tough - especially all of the girls whose names start with "Rhae".

Lots of cool illustrations. Enjoy!

 

[Sand]

So am digging into Senlin Ascends right now.  Shockingly good book.  Been a long time since I've read something as well written as this.  Gaiman-esque in writing quality.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

So am digging into Senlin Ascends right now.  Shockingly good book.  Been a long time since I've read something as well written as this.  Gaiman-esque in writing quality.

That's been on my wish list for a while, but I've was waiting for the series to be finished. I see the 3rd book is coming out in January. Is that the last one?

 

[KarmaPolice]

If you read The World Of Ice And Fire, this one's like that - more like a history book than a novel. It covers the first 150 or so years of the Targaryens in Westeros.

I'd suggest bookmarking the page in the back with the family tree. A couple of those kings had like ten kids and keeping them straight can be a little tough - especially all of the girls whose names start with "Rhae".

Lots of cool illustrations. Enjoy!

I asked for any of the ASoIaF supplemental books since I haven't read any.  Wife got me Knight of Seven Kingdoms, so I will be reading that.  I am sure I will get Fire & Blood soon.  

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I asked for any of the ASoIaF supplemental books since I haven't read any.  Wife got me Knight of Seven Kingdoms, so I will be reading that.  I am sure I will get Fire & Blood soon.  

I think I actually like the Knight Of Seven Kingdoms stories more than ASOIAF

I'd recommend getting The World Of Ice And Fire before Fire & Blood. And splurge for it in hardback (as opposed to an e book) because the artwork is worth it.

 

[Sand]

That's been on my wish list for a while, but I've was waiting for the series to be finished. I see the 3rd book is coming out in January. Is that the last one?

Not sure, to be honest.  First book is a work of art, though. 

 

[cosjobs]

The Friend: A Novel by Sigrid Nunez 

There's a pic of a dog on the cover so I assumed it was going to be another book about a great dog dying. 

I was sorely mistaken. THe dog really takes a backseat to all the other things going on.

This is a really incisive novel about writing, fame, suicide, friendship. Extremely well written with tons of noteworthy literary quotes.

I'm sure my description didn't sell anyone and I'm sorry for that. But it did win the National Book Award and it certainly deserved it. 

 

[KarmaPolice]

I think I actually like the Knight Of Seven Kingdoms stories more than ASOIAF

I'd recommend getting The World Of Ice And Fire before Fire & Blood. And splurge for it in hardback (as opposed to an e book) because the artwork is worth it.

I can't do e-books.   Too cold of an experience for me, and I miss the feel and smell of books.  Always paper books for me.  

 

[Don Quixote]

I haven't updated here in awhile...

Continuing on with the Presidents, I read President Carter: The White House Years by Stuart Eizenstat.  The author was Carter's domestic policy advisor, and a colleague of mine at my old law firm. I feel like the book could have been slimmed down a bit (text runs around 900 pages), but solid insight into the Carter administration.  Maybe a bit too much of a defense at times, but it had some balance and tries to put some of his decisions in perspective.  Because the focus was on the White House years, it does not dive into post-Presidency, which I'd still like to read more about.

I read HW Brands' book on Reagan, and Jon Meachem's book on George HW Bush when those books came out, and feel covered on those Presidents.  So, Clinton is up next.  

I also read Matthew Desmond's Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the City.  He immersed himself in some of Milwaukee's poorest neighborhoods to understand the plight of poverty and the suffering caused by evictions.  Powerful book with striking stories.  It received a lot of praise when it came out and I can see why.

Novel-wise, just started John Boyne's A Ladder to the Sky.  Review refer to it as a bit dark and funny, a combination that frequently works for me.  About a wannabe author who lacks originality in his stories, so he tries to ingratiate himself with people who have stories and steals them for his novels.

 

[Poke_4_Life]

Currently plowing through the Gray Man series.  Also have the latest Will Robie book from the library.  

I requested to join the FBG group today on GoodReads.  

I tend to oscilate between reading and playing video games.  Currently in a big reading streak, already 4 books down this year.  Shelter In Place and The Good Daughter have been my favorite this year so far.  Gray Man series is also excellent.

 

[Lehigh98]

Finished Cronin's The Passage Trilogy.  Glad I read it.  I don't know that the second and third books fulfilled the promise shown by The Passage, but a very good trilogy.  I'd probably give The Passage 4.5 stars as a novel, and the trilogy 3.5.

Not looking forward to watching and getting annoyed at the Zach Morris version tonight.

 

[Lehigh98]

Not looking forward to watching and getting annoyed at the Zach Morris version tonight.

Just saw this if anyone wants a free audible version of the first book...

https://www.audible.com/ep/the-passage?source_code=FOXGC1791218180001

 

[facook]

Not looking forward to watching and getting annoyed at the Zach Morris version tonight.

Should have been an HBO series.  Could have been the next, better Walking Dead.

Fox absolutely mutilated Wayward Pines, which could have been excellent too but was atrocious.

 

[Enderdog]

Not looking forward to watching and getting annoyed at the Zach Morris version tonight.

Read the books twice; not sure I want to watch the series at all.  The preview looked terrible.

 

[shuke]

Just finished Stephen King's The Outsider.  Overwhelming meh.  Interesting concept but the plot took forever to develop.  I really had thought King had reverted to his better storytelling days after I read Dr. Sleep, but this just bored me.

 

[facook]

Just finished Stephen King's The Outsider.  Overwhelming meh.  Interesting concept but the plot took forever to develop.  I really had thought King had reverted to his better storytelling days after I read Dr. Sleep, but this just bored me.

When I first started reading this thread (which was one or two versions/upgrades ago) you had recommended Burnt Offerings by Robert Marasco as one of your favorite horror novels.   I tend to enjoy the same kind of horror that you do, and so I have kept my eyes open in used bookstores and thrift stores over the years but could never find it and it was out of print online.  Recently I stumbled across it online, and they are reprinting it.  I was able to suggest our library order it which they did and I got to read it.

Good book.  Incredibly strange and very sad in parts, but I liked it.  So thanks.

 

[trader jake]

I also read Matthew Desmond's Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the City.  He immersed himself in some of Milwaukee's poorest neighborhoods to understand the plight of poverty and the suffering caused by evictions.  Powerful book with striking stories.  It received a lot of praise when it came out and I can see why.

Evicted is a great book.  ...and that's coming from an avid reader that avoids almost all non-fiction.  Very well done.

 

[prosopis]

Just finished Stephen King's The Outsider.  Overwhelming meh.  Interesting concept but the plot took forever to develop.  I really had thought King had reverted to his better storytelling days after I read Dr. Sleep, but this just bored me.

That is interesting. I to loved Dr Sleep but as far as I can tell we are in the minority on that one.