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

[prosopis]

Just got reading Columbine:

This is about as close to a 'must read' as I have read in a bit. Great book. I wanted more background about Eric and Dylan and it definitely provided that. Also had a lot to say about the police work, media involvement, etc. Really makes you think. One of the main things that grabbed me is the parents of Dylan and Eric. There is always so much focus on the victims and rightfully so, but these people also lost sons and didn't create them. Couldn't imagine losing a child let alone not being able to mourn them in a normal way. Not an easy read (emotionally-wise), but still would highly suggest it.

One of the better non-fiction books I've ever read. Fascinating, and really enlightening.

I think the subject will scare a lot of people off, but it really shocked me how little I knew about what went on there.

I got this book from the library when it first came out and I was not that impressed with it. I was hoping for more. Not sure what I mean by that but I was very underwhelmed.

This surprises me. Curious as to what you were looking for out of the book that it didn't cover. Seemed like it was well researched and in a lot (too much at times) of detail.

It read it when it first came out. I honestly dont remember why I did not like it? Maybe it was not the true crime book I was looking for? I have read a few true crime books which I really dug. Helter Skelter comes to mind.

 

[Voice Of Reason]

I am almost done Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman and I highly recommend it.

http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0374275637

 

[fasteddie_21]

The Survival Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse.

 

[igbomb]

The Strain trilogy by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

All in all, this series was pretty disappointing. The concept was decent, though nothing new (modern-day vampires). But the characters were terrible. Not a single character was compelling in any way. Just poorly written wooden characters who I couldn't bring myself to care about at all. The only reason I kept reading was because I knew the end was in sight. Don't bother.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Anyone read John Ajvide Lindqvist? He's a Swedish writer I got pointed to by Amazon. I've ordered his first novel for my Kindle.

Let The Right One In

About 10% in and, man, is this a creepy book. Not in a monster-in-the-closet kind of way (at least not yet - blurb mentions a vampire which I haven't come across to date), but more in a people-doing-bad-things-to-other-people way. And the atmosphere is unsettling in a way that the atmosphere in some Kubrick movies are - kind of sterile and alien. It's translated from Swedish, so maybe that plays into it some. In trying to compare it to someone I've read before, Peter Straub would be closest I guess.

Warning to the squeamish: this book is very graphic. Not just in violence, but there's some pedophilia involved too and some scenes are pretty detailed. I actually had to put the book down for a few minutes after one such scene as that stuff really disturbs me.Every character I've come across so far is damaged in some way - either physically, emotionally, or mentally (or some combination of all three) - and the interactions between these messed-up people is (so far) the most terrifying thing about the book.

Finished up last night. I don't know whether "creepy" or "disturbing" would best describe it, but it's both. As I mentioned above, sometimes a phrase or two are a little awkward - I think it's because it's translated. But I had no problem following along and most of the book is really well-written.

I'd recommend it but I really think that some people would be put off by it.

Moving on to King's 11/23/63.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

The Strain trilogy by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck HoganAll in all, this series was pretty disappointing. The concept was decent, though nothing new (modern-day vampires). But the characters were terrible. Not a single character was compelling in any way. Just poorly written wooden characters who I couldn't bring myself to care about at all. The only reason I kept reading was because I knew the end was in sight. Don't bother.

Amazon's been recommending this to me forever but many of the reviews have been a lot like yours so I've resisted.

 

[JFT Ben]

I was looking for something lighter on the audiobook front for my commute, and picked up "Why we suck" by Dennis Leary. I like Leary, and he reads the audiobook so it's like a standup routine for a long random rant on society's ills. This is one where I think the audiobook may be better than the paper version due to the delivery. Entertaining

Also, am working on "Switch B_tch" by Roald Dahl (who wrote Charile and the Chocolate Factory). Basically 4 short stories that were published in Playboy different adult topics and not what you'd expect from this author. Enjoying it so far, short read.

 

[igbomb]

The Strain trilogy by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck HoganAll in all, this series was pretty disappointing. The concept was decent, though nothing new (modern-day vampires). But the characters were terrible. Not a single character was compelling in any way. Just poorly written wooden characters who I couldn't bring myself to care about at all. The only reason I kept reading was because I knew the end was in sight. Don't bother.

Amazon's been recommending this to me forever but many of the reviews have been a lot like yours so I've resisted.

If it wasn't for the authors' names on the cover, I don't think many people would be reading these books. Just not that good.

 

[Todd Andrews]

The Strain trilogy by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck HoganAll in all, this series was pretty disappointing. The concept was decent, though nothing new (modern-day vampires). But the characters were terrible. Not a single character was compelling in any way. Just poorly written wooden characters who I couldn't bring myself to care about at all. The only reason I kept reading was because I knew the end was in sight. Don't bother.

Amazon's been recommending this to me forever but many of the reviews have been a lot like yours so I've resisted.

If it wasn't for the authors' names on the cover, I don't think many people would be reading these books. Just not that good.

I have had advance copies of each one in the series and was not impressed. And I like Chuck Hogan's books.

 

[prosopis]

I am about 150 pages into King's 11/23/63 and I like it a lot. Nice shout out to It early on. I do like how he ties a lot of his stuff together but I wonder if he is getting to carried away with it?

 

[facook]

Taking a break from Song of Ice and Fire to read Ken Follett's Fall of Giants. About 120 pages in, and so far pretty . Does it get better? I really dug the Pillars of the Earth books, and his earlier espionage novels. But this one's just not doing it for me so far.

 

[mad sweeney]

I am currently reading Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer. It is pretty rough reading. This book just has me mad and wanting to drive up to Colorado city and kick ###. How these pedophiles are getting away with what they do under the guise of religion is disgusting. I am almost to the point of thinking a lot of this cant be true. Unfortunately I suspect this book has found the worst of the worst mormon's and potentially could have some one thinking all mormons are like these guys. Kind of like the whole priest molesting kids have all Catholics under suspicion. I have a few mormon friends and I cant imagine they would be ok with what is going on in these fundamentalist community. I kust saw that Ron Howard is looking to direct the film?

I just pre ordered Stephen King's new book 11/22/63. Looks like it is another long novel and I cant wait for it.

I don't know how I ended up reading UBH on a plane to Hawaii, but I did. Then when I got to HI, the hotel actually had a Mormon channel. They were running a show on the history of Joseph Smith and the founding of the religion. Needless to say, the two versions didn't mesh. I love Krakauer's storytelling, he's got a very deft touch. I just finished Where Men Find Glory which pissed me off a lot having been at ASU when Tillman was there and meeting him once as well as having a neighborhood kid who was on the team that was very good friends with him. I did think it was a little short, or maybe it's just that I wanted more of Krakauer period.

 

[mad sweeney]

Anyone read John Ajvide Lindqvist? He's a Swedish writer I got pointed to by Amazon. I've ordered his first novel for my Kindle.

Let The Right One In

About 10% in and, man, is this a creepy book. Not in a monster-in-the-closet kind of way (at least not yet - blurb mentions a vampire which I haven't come across to date), but more in a people-doing-bad-things-to-other-people way. And the atmosphere is unsettling in a way that the atmosphere in some Kubrick movies are - kind of sterile and alien. It's translated from Swedish, so maybe that plays into it some. In trying to compare it to someone I've read before, Peter Straub would be closest I guess.

I saw the movie which was good. I liked the foreign one better then the American version.

I didn't finish the American version. The sterile and alien Kubrick feeling definitely come across in both versions, though the US one was little more than a carbon copy of it. I did want to see how the girl did in it, I think she could end up being a great actress.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I am about 150 pages into King's 11/23/63 and I like it a lot. Nice shout out to It early on. I do like how he ties a lot of his stuff together but I wonder if he is getting to carried away with it?

Was this before Jake returned from his first trip? If so, I missed it though I did note the date that he travelled to lines up with the events in IT.

 

[PizzaDeliveryGuy]

The Odyssey by Homer

What did you think? I liked it. Read the Iliad yet?

I liked it a lot. Yes, I read The Iliad right before The Odyssey. In my mind, the latter is a much more entertaining story not too mention that while you have a lot of characters, it isn't anywhere near the the same scope as The Iliad in trying to figure out who, what, when, and where.Finished Lord of the Flies and The Call of the Wild as well. They are both quick, must reads. In the middle of White Fang currently.

 

[igbomb]

Please more Fermin…

From Orion books press release:

The Prisoner of Heaven, the brand new novel from Carlos Ruiz Zafón, is to be published next summer.

The Prisoner of Heaven returns to the world of The Cemetery of Forgotten Books and the Sempere & Sons bookshop. It begins one year after the close of The Shadow of the Wind when a mysterious stranger enters the shop, looking for a copy of The Count of Monte Cristo.

The Prisoner of Heaven is published in Spain today and the English language version will be out in the UK on 21/06/2012

 

[mad sweeney]

Please more Fermin…From Orion books press release:The Prisoner of Heaven, the brand new novel from Carlos Ruiz Zafón, is to be published next summer.The Prisoner of Heaven returns to the world of The Cemetery of Forgotten Books and the Sempere & Sons bookshop. It begins one year after the close of The Shadow of the Wind when a mysterious stranger enters the shop, looking for a copy of The Count of Monte Cristo. The Prisoner of Heaven is published in Spain today and the English language version will be out in the UK on 21/06/2012

Should I read Angel's Game first? Or in the order they were written in?

 

[igbomb]

Please more Fermin…From Orion books press release:The Prisoner of Heaven, the brand new novel from Carlos Ruiz Zafón, is to be published next summer.The Prisoner of Heaven returns to the world of The Cemetery of Forgotten Books and the Sempere & Sons bookshop. It begins one year after the close of The Shadow of the Wind when a mysterious stranger enters the shop, looking for a copy of The Count of Monte Cristo. The Prisoner of Heaven is published in Spain today and the English language version will be out in the UK on 21/06/2012

Should I read Angel's Game first? Or in the order they were written in?

I would definitely read The Shadow of the Wind first. Angel's Game is chronologically earlier, but I think they should be read in publication order.

 

[mad sweeney]

Please more Fermin…From Orion books press release:The Prisoner of Heaven, the brand new novel from Carlos Ruiz Zafón, is to be published next summer.The Prisoner of Heaven returns to the world of The Cemetery of Forgotten Books and the Sempere & Sons bookshop. It begins one year after the close of The Shadow of the Wind when a mysterious stranger enters the shop, looking for a copy of The Count of Monte Cristo. The Prisoner of Heaven is published in Spain today and the English language version will be out in the UK on 21/06/2012

Should I read Angel's Game first? Or in the order they were written in?

I would definitely read The Shadow of the Wind first. Angel's Game is chronologically earlier, but I think they should be read in publication order.

Thx, it's already downloading.

 

[5Rings]

The Strain trilogy by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck HoganAll in all, this series was pretty disappointing. The concept was decent, though nothing new (modern-day vampires). But the characters were terrible. Not a single character was compelling in any way. Just poorly written wooden characters who I couldn't bring myself to care about at all. The only reason I kept reading was because I knew the end was in sight. Don't bother.

I am waiting to read #3. First one was pretty good IMO, second was ok....hope you are wrong "No Angel" Jay Dobyns. Undercover ATF becomes full patched Hells Angel. Ending was meh, but it was a fantastic read and I really enjoyed based upon my experience with 81.

 

[Raider Nation]

Can anyone recommend one specific book about the Titanic?

I saw a fascinating 2-hour special about it on the History channel last week. Not the sappy crap like in the movie. Just factual stuff from first-hand accounts. Like details about how the boiler rooms were compromised by human error, resulting in the ship sinking a lot quicker than she would have otherwise. Really awesome documentary. The two hours flew by.

 

[eaganwildcats]

Whew. Finally made it through the Dark Tower series. Really enjoyed it. Seems there is some backlash online about the ending but I can't really think of any other way he could have ended it.

All in all it probably took me about 6 months to get through the series. Each time I would start one, however, I couldn't seem to put it down and I would plow through it in 3-4 days.

 

[igbomb]

Just wrapped up The Given Day by Dennis Lehane. Really good historical fiction. Nice blend of the two main character voices (white Irish cop and black guy on the run). Outstanding ancillary characters as well. I especially liked the interludes with Babe Ruth.

Also halfway through The Blind Side by Michael Lewis. Good, fast read so far.

 

[shuke]

Whew. Finally made it through the Dark Tower series. Really enjoyed it. Seems there is some backlash online about the ending but I can't really think of any other way he could have ended it.

I loved the ending.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Whew. Finally made it through the Dark Tower series. Really enjoyed it. Seems there is some backlash online about the ending but I can't really think of any other way he could have ended it.

I loved the ending.

Me too. I had other problems with the series, but that wasn't one of them. Looking forward to the new DT book coming out next year. It takes place between the events of IV and V, with a flashback section to Roland's past (similar to IV).

 

[prosopis]

I am about 150 pages into King's 11/23/63 and I like it a lot. Nice shout out to It early on. I do like how he ties a lot of his stuff together but I wonder if he is getting to carried away with it?

Was this before Jake returned from his first trip? If so, I missed it though I did note the date that he travelled to lines up with the events in IT.

I am not sure about that. He has referenced some kids who I recall and he referenced the clown. The evil of Derry as a town is strongly brought up. I am really liking this so far. I dont want to read it to fast. So many ways it could go right now.

 

[prosopis]

Whew. Finally made it through the Dark Tower series. Really enjoyed it. Seems there is some backlash online about the ending but I can't really think of any other way he could have ended it.

I loved the ending.

Me to

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I am about 150 pages into King's 11/23/63 and I like it a lot. Nice shout out to It early on. I do like how he ties a lot of his stuff together but I wonder if he is getting to carried away with it?

Was this before Jake returned from his first trip? If so, I missed it though I did note the date that he travelled to lines up with the events in IT.

I am not sure about that. He has referenced some kids who I recall and he referenced the clown. The evil of Derry as a town is strongly brought up. I am really liking this so far. I dont want to read it to fast. So many ways it could go right now.

Yeah, I got there after I posted - thanks. In the "Janitor's Father" section.

 

[steelerfan1]

just finished open season by cj box.

first in a series with joe pickett character.

overall good book and have ordered the next 2 in series.

also just finished "the affair" in the jack reacher series. another great reacher novel.

2 more to go and i finish the complete series.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I am about 150 pages into King's 11/23/63 and I like it a lot. Nice shout out to It early on. I do like how he ties a lot of his stuff together but I wonder if he is getting to carried away with it?

Was this before Jake returned from his first trip? If so, I missed it though I did note the date that he travelled to lines up with the events in IT.

I am not sure about that. He has referenced some kids who I recall and he referenced the clown. The evil of Derry as a town is strongly brought up. I am really liking this so far. I dont want to read it to fast. So many ways it could go right now.

Haven't really like much of King's work lately, but I am a sucker for anything time travel related. Might have to check this one out.

 

[KarmaPolice]

This week I started The Book Thief, and really dig it after about 100 pages.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I am about 150 pages into King's 11/23/63 and I like it a lot. Nice shout out to It early on. I do like how he ties a lot of his stuff together but I wonder if he is getting to carried away with it?

Was this before Jake returned from his first trip? If so, I missed it though I did note the date that he travelled to lines up with the events in IT.

I am not sure about that. He has referenced some kids who I recall and he referenced the clown. The evil of Derry as a town is strongly brought up. I am really liking this so far. I dont want to read it to fast. So many ways it could go right now.

Haven't really like much of King's work lately, but I am a sucker for anything time travel related. Might have to check this one out.

I'm behind prosopis, but am enjoying the book so far. The time-travel aspect is well-explained - as well as can be anyway, though I sometimes have trouble wrapping my brain around it and there's one potential problem spot that either King or the characters haven't noticed yet. Going to assume it's the characters because it goes against the rules King set up so carefully. That is, if what I think is getting ready to happen comes to pass.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Just finished Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing. Fantastic book.

Are there any other good explorer / survival books? Finished 'The Lost City of Z' a couple months ago and really enjoyed it as well.

I really liked In the Heart of the Sea by Philbrick. Closely related to this, but much later in history is In Harm's Way by Doug Stanton. This is the story of the USS Indianapolis referenced by Quint in Jaws.

I liked In the Heart of the Sea better of these two.

Two good recommendations. You could also try Skeletons on the Zahara by Dean King and Ghosts of Cape Sabine by Leonard Guttridge. Both compare well with the Shackleton story.

Thanks to both of you for these recommendations. Just finished up In Harm's Way. Got Tear's in Darkness (Bataan death march) queued up. Any other recommendations for these type of books?

 

[Maelstrom]

For those that have read the Dragonriders of Pern series: R.I.P. Anne McCaffrey - http://bit.ly/vi2att

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Just finished Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing. Fantastic book.

Are there any other good explorer / survival books? Finished 'The Lost City of Z' a couple months ago and really enjoyed it as well.

I really liked In the Heart of the Sea by Philbrick. Closely related to this, but much later in history is In Harm's Way by Doug Stanton. This is the story of the USS Indianapolis referenced by Quint in Jaws.

I liked In the Heart of the Sea better of these two.

Two good recommendations. You could also try Skeletons on the Zahara by Dean King and Ghosts of Cape Sabine by Leonard Guttridge. Both compare well with the Shackleton story.

Thanks to both of you for these recommendations. Just finished up In Harm's Way. Got Tear's in Darkness (Bataan death march) queued up. Any other recommendations for these type of books?

Check out Laura Hildebrand's Unbroken about an American POW in Japan.

 

[John Bender]

Spent a lot of my free time reading in Costa Rica without internet or cable right now.

"Water For Elephants" - Some chick recommended it. It's ok.

"The Billionaires Vinegar" - Awesome. Follows the high profile life of a wine auctioneer who auctions the most expensive bottles of wine off

"Braniac" by Ken Jennings - good read if you watch as much Jeopardy as I do

 

[prosopis]

Just finished Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing. Fantastic book.

Are there any other good explorer / survival books? Finished 'The Lost City of Z' a couple months ago and really enjoyed it as well.

I really liked In the Heart of the Sea by Philbrick. Closely related to this, but much later in history is In Harm's Way by Doug Stanton. This is the story of the USS Indianapolis referenced by Quint in Jaws.

I liked In the Heart of the Sea better of these two.

Two good recommendations. You could also try Skeletons on the Zahara by Dean King and Ghosts of Cape Sabine by Leonard Guttridge. Both compare well with the Shackleton story.

Thanks to both of you for these recommendations. Just finished up In Harm's Way. Got Tear's in Darkness (Bataan death march) queued up. Any other recommendations for these type of books?

Check out Laura Hildebrand's Unbroken about an American POW in Japan.

Excellent book.

 

[igbomb]

I read The Hunger Games. I can't help but compare it to Ender's Game. The characters, the basics of the plot, the way the protagonist is too young and too smart, the way the protagonist is used as a symbol for other things, the sappy love stories, the predictability, the simplistic but entertaining action, the doomed friendships...The book is "fun"...but I wish I would have read it at age 15 or so as I'm sure I would have been much more satisfied with a lot of things. If I didn't love it...does anybody recommend sticking with books 2 and 3? It seems pretty easy to see where the story is headed...

I read all three after Biggie talked about it. I don't know what to say. They're not "good" books. But in some ways, they're interesting anyway. I find the whole arena thing the least interesting aspect of the whole story and think the author is kind of lousy at sci fi elements. For instance fans HATE Mockingjay, which I liked more than Catching Fire. Interspersed in all the stuff that doesn't particularly work, I find Katniss' ultimate progression somewhat moving in spite of itself.Keep in mind, I have a strong tolerance for mindless Y.A. schlock. I've read Vampire Academy and that makes the Hunger Games look like Tolstoy.

I just finished Mockingjay and I agree with you. I liked it more than Catching Fire. I think the people who liked Catching Fire are probably fans of the Twilight series. I guess I enjoyed the action more in Mockingjay

Just finished this trilogy. Mockingjay was a pretty weak ending to what was just an ok trilogy. It seemed that the last 100 pages was just a rush to wrap it all up. Major resolutions occurred while Kat was either off-camera, or simply ended with nary a comment from anyone.Final thoughts on the trilogy: Cool concept with pretty weak execution.Currently working my way through Stephen King's Needful Things. So far, it's better than I expected (200 pages in).

 

[D_House]

I just finished Consider the Lobster and other Essays, by David Foster Wallace. It's been reviewed in this thread already. The title essay, the piece on the 2000 McCain campaign, and the short piece on the Tracy Austin book review were all particularly insightful reads.

 

[njherdfan]

I just finished Consider the Lobster and other Essays, by David Foster Wallace. It's been reviewed in this thread already. The title essay, the piece on the 2000 McCain campaign, and the short piece on the Tracy Austin book review were all particularly insightful reads.

I love this book. A lot of people get scared off of reading anything by DFW because of how big Infinite Jest is, but his essays are incredible as well. I found his essay on the Tracy Austin autobiography to be one of the most insightful essays on sports I've ever read. I'm biased because I'm a huge DFW fan, but I would recommend these essays to anyone. His essay on attending the porn convention is also hilarious and really frightening.

 

[Fly]

I read The Hunger Games. I can't help but compare it to Ender's Game. The characters, the basics of the plot, the way the protagonist is too young and too smart, the way the protagonist is used as a symbol for other things, the sappy love stories, the predictability, the simplistic but entertaining action, the doomed friendships...The book is "fun"...but I wish I would have read it at age 15 or so as I'm sure I would have been much more satisfied with a lot of things. If I didn't love it...does anybody recommend sticking with books 2 and 3? It seems pretty easy to see where the story is headed...

I read all three after Biggie talked about it. I don't know what to say. They're not "good" books. But in some ways, they're interesting anyway. I find the whole arena thing the least interesting aspect of the whole story and think the author is kind of lousy at sci fi elements. For instance fans HATE Mockingjay, which I liked more than Catching Fire. Interspersed in all the stuff that doesn't particularly work, I find Katniss' ultimate progression somewhat moving in spite of itself.Keep in mind, I have a strong tolerance for mindless Y.A. schlock. I've read Vampire Academy and that makes the Hunger Games look like Tolstoy.

I just finished Mockingjay and I agree with you. I liked it more than Catching Fire. I think the people who liked Catching Fire are probably fans of the Twilight series. I guess I enjoyed the action more in Mockingjay

Just finished this trilogy. Mockingjay was a pretty weak ending to what was just an ok trilogy. It seemed that the last 100 pages was just a rush to wrap it all up. Major resolutions occurred while Kat was either off-camera, or simply ended with nary a comment from anyone.Final thoughts on the trilogy: Cool concept with pretty weak execution.Currently working my way through Stephen King's Needful Things. So far, it's better than I expected (200 pages in).

Not sure if it's been mentioned here or not but Battle Royale by Koushun Takami is a much more "adult" book than the Hunger Games with almost the same exact concept. Plus it was written first. It makes the Hunger Games seem like a cheap rip-off.

 

[krista4]

I just finished Consider the Lobster and other Essays, by David Foster Wallace. It's been reviewed in this thread already. The title essay, the piece on the 2000 McCain campaign, and the short piece on the Tracy Austin book review were all particularly insightful reads.

I love this book. A lot of people get scared off of reading anything by DFW because of how big Infinite Jest is, but his essays are incredible as well. I found his essay on the Tracy Austin autobiography to be one of the most insightful essays on sports I've ever read. I'm biased because I'm a huge DFW fan, but I would recommend these essays to anyone. His essay on attending the porn convention is also hilarious and really frightening.

My favorite read of his, though, is the title story to A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again.

 

[PizzaDeliveryGuy]

Currently reading The Sound And The Fury. I haven't been this confused since reading Ulysses.

 

[Oliver Humanzee]

I just finished Consider the Lobster and other Essays, by David Foster Wallace. It's been reviewed in this thread already. The title essay, the piece on the 2000 McCain campaign, and the short piece on the Tracy Austin book review were all particularly insightful reads.

I love this book. A lot of people get scared off of reading anything by DFW because of how big Infinite Jest is, but his essays are incredible as well. I found his essay on the Tracy Austin autobiography to be one of the most insightful essays on sports I've ever read. I'm biased because I'm a huge DFW fan, but I would recommend these essays to anyone. His essay on attending the porn convention is also hilarious and really frightening.

My favorite read of his, though, is the title story to A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again.

In Lobster I really love the criticism of the modern useage dictionary and its hilariously saucy blow-by-blow of the Prescriptivist v. Descriptivist schools of lexicography. It is the hardest kind of expository writing: lucid, funny, compelling prose on a subject that is dry, densely abstract, and of limited utility to anybody outside of academia. True story: Years ago I attended the wedding of a mutual friend with, among others, Andrew Mason, now Groupon's founder and CEO. The wedding was in Detroit. After the reception, a bunch of us went to a casino to play poker. Andrew borrowed money to play slot machines. Everybody, IIRC, got broke, but the only person in a good mood on the awful 5 a.m. ride back to the hotel was Andrew, who would not shut up about this essay. I had recently read the book, but was too exhausted to give him a cogent argument. Didn't matter. Andrew waxed profound the whole way to the hotel. Said the guy who loaned him money and drove us back to the hotel, "If I knew that he was going to be that irritating and a billionaire, I would have charged him points on the loan."

 

[Oliver Humanzee]

I just finished Consider the Lobster and other Essays, by David Foster Wallace. It's been reviewed in this thread already. The title essay, the piece on the 2000 McCain campaign, and the short piece on the Tracy Austin book review were all particularly insightful reads.

I love this book. A lot of people get scared off of reading anything by DFW because of how big Infinite Jest is, but his essays are incredible as well. I found his essay on the Tracy Austin autobiography to be one of the most insightful essays on sports I've ever read. I'm biased because I'm a huge DFW fan, but I would recommend these essays to anyone. His essay on attending the porn convention is also hilarious and really frightening.

Should also point out that Infinite Jest, despite its daunting size, is actually immensely readable. It is as funny and viscerally moving as any book I've read. I've heard it compared to Ulysses, which is just silly. It isn't nearly as dense or allusory and the prose is designed to delight. A totally fun read.

 

[njherdfan]

I just finished Consider the Lobster and other Essays, by David Foster Wallace. It's been reviewed in this thread already. The title essay, the piece on the 2000 McCain campaign, and the short piece on the Tracy Austin book review were all particularly insightful reads.

I love this book. A lot of people get scared off of reading anything by DFW because of how big Infinite Jest is, but his essays are incredible as well. I found his essay on the Tracy Austin autobiography to be one of the most insightful essays on sports I've ever read. I'm biased because I'm a huge DFW fan, but I would recommend these essays to anyone. His essay on attending the porn convention is also hilarious and really frightening.

Should also point out that Infinite Jest, despite its daunting size, is actually immensely readable. It is as funny and viscerally moving as any book I've read. I've heard it compared to Ulysses, which is just silly. It isn't nearly as dense or allusory and the prose is designed to delight. A totally fun read.

I completely agree, there are a few tough spots but once you start reading it, it's very difficult to put down. It's just the sheer volume of the thing and all of the footnotes that scares off a lot of people I think.

 

[njherdfan]

Currently reading The Sound And The Fury. I haven't been this confused since reading Ulysses.

The Benjy and Quentin sections are incredibly confusing (intentionally) but you need to embrace that going in. Faulkner attempts to get inside the mind of someone with no concept of time, and someone on the verge of suicide. The first time you read the book you should probably use sparknotes or something to help you understand the first 2 sections. It's well worth it though, because the book is incredible.

 

[Prince Myshkin]

just a heads up that half price books has free shipping from their on-line store tomorrow only. no code required.

 

[shuke]

just a heads up that half price books has free shipping from their on-line store tomorrow only. no code required.

Saw this today and had no idea they had an online store. Looks like it's just a network of other sellers.

 

[Prince Myshkin]

just a heads up that half price books has free shipping from their on-line store tomorrow only. no code required.

Saw this today and had no idea they had an online store. Looks like it's just a network of other sellers.

yeah...usually ordering from there is pretty worthless because you have to pay shipping fees from all over the place, which drastically reduces the deals. with the free shipping today, i ordered 13 books for a little over 17 bucks!