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Whatcha readin now? (book, books, reading, read) (7 Viewers)

Just finished 'Diaries 1969-1979: The Python Years' by Michael Palin. Long, but very interesting with Palin recording the behind the scenes look at his life in Monty Python, as well as his other projects and personal life. Lots of good stuff with meeting other actors, musicians, etc and the friendships that sometimes developed, as it did with George Harrison of The Beatles. His accounting of doing Saturday Night Live a few times was also very cool.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031238488...;pf_rd_i=507846

8/10

 
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Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell --- Pretty good book about how the super successful are rarely the 'self-made man' that everyone celebrates so much. He takes a close look at some of the most successful people in the world to show how they had more behind the scenes help than people realize. It's a well-written book, but the nature of his theories don't really lend themselves to scientific evidence, so he throws out a couple of anecdotes and you're supposed to take his word for it. I really like his stuff but always end his books with the feeling that he may have just been blowing smoke up my butt and I'd never know any better.

Without Fail by Lee Child --- Jack Reacher is the man, and this may be my favorite in the series so far.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman --- Not in the league of my favorites of his (Neverwhere, Stardust, American Gods), but a really good story about a boy growing up in a graveyard. I think Gaiman may be the best author in the world at taking a really unique, simple idea and turning it into a solid book. Marketed as a children's book, but it's a little dark for small kids and is more appropriate for teenagers. The structure is more of a series of short stories as there are usually several years between chapters.

Currently reading:

Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell

Woken Furies by Richard K. Morgan

 
Have you read Duma Key?
Not yet.
I've got the audio book sitting in my car. PM me your address and it's yours.
I appreciate the offer, but no thanks. I like to read my books.
Word. I hear ya'. But I hate talk radio. I hate sports radio. I listen to nothing but RadioLab, MYSS or audio books on the commute. Love it.Offer stands for anybody else who wants it...
 
Have you read Duma Key?
Not yet.
I've got the audio book sitting in my car. PM me your address and it's yours.
I appreciate the offer, but no thanks. I like to read my books.
Word. I hear ya'. But I hate talk radio. I hate sports radio. I listen to nothing but RadioLab, MYSS or audio books on the commute. Love it.Offer stands for anybody else who wants it...
Huge fan of RadioLab -- I'm sure you know the new season has started.What's MYSS?
 
Have you read Duma Key?
Not yet.
I've got the audio book sitting in my car. PM me your address and it's yours.
I appreciate the offer, but no thanks. I like to read my books.
Word. I hear ya'. But I hate talk radio. I hate sports radio. I listen to nothing but RadioLab, MYSS or audio books on the commute. Love it.Offer stands for anybody else who wants it...
Huge fan of RadioLab -- I'm sure you know the new season has started.What's MYSS?
Movies You Should Seefrom Simply Syndicatedwww.simplysyndicated.comAwesome podcasts...all of them on that site...
 
Tough As Nails said:
Jene Bramel said:
Tough As Nails said:
Have you read Duma Key?
Not yet.
I've got the audio book sitting in my car. PM me your address and it's yours.
I appreciate the offer, but no thanks. I like to read my books.
Word. I hear ya'. But I hate talk radio. I hate sports radio. I listen to nothing but RadioLab, MYSS or audio books on the commute. Love it.Offer stands for anybody else who wants it...
Huge fan of RadioLab -- I'm sure you know the new season has started.What's MYSS?
Movies You Should Seefrom Simply Syndicatedwww.simplysyndicated.comAwesome podcasts...all of them on that site...
Thanks. :thumbup:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Tough As Nails said:
Jene Bramel said:
Tough As Nails said:
Have you read Duma Key?
Not yet.
I've got the audio book sitting in my car. PM me your address and it's yours.
I appreciate the offer, but no thanks. I like to read my books.
Word. I hear ya'. But I hate talk radio. I hate sports radio. I listen to nothing but RadioLab, MYSS or audio books on the commute. Love it.Offer stands for anybody else who wants it...
Huge fan of RadioLab -- I'm sure you know the new season has started.What's MYSS?
Movies You Should Seefrom Simply Syndicatedwww.simplysyndicated.comAwesome podcasts...all of them on that site...
Seconded, for both RadioLab and MYSSAlso, MYSS has some good ones in their archive. Pick the movies you like and go back to listen to them, it's worth it.
 
Just hit a lul in Pillars of the Earth by Follett. I don't think it's the book's fault, though. I think I just lost my groove. It has been a wonderful read so far. Follett's villains are incredible.
I'm plowing through the followup, World Without End, right now. It's at least as good as its predecessor. Occurs about a hundred years later in the same area. Refers back to some of the people in Pillars of the Earth. More nobility verses the serfs verses the church. Includes the Battle of Calais and the Black Death. Good stuff. I'm at page 788 of 1014. Follett is so good.
Just started this tonightLooking forward to it
I enjoyed it as well, though Follett's issues with the Catholic Church are a bit tiring.I tried The Great and Secret Show by Clive Barker based on a recommendation in this thread. After 100 pages I was completely :thumbup: and gave up.

Now on An Instance of the Fingerpost, and loving it. Thinking I might be into Jonathon Strange based on the comments above.
This gets even worse in World Without End. I am now a huge fan of nuns, now that I know what goes on in the cloister.
Huge fan of The Pillars of the Earth but would not recommend WWE. WWE didn't really seem inspired or really cover any new ground that POE didn't. It was mildly entertaining but the time you have to invest could be better used on other books. You aren't missing anything if you pass on it.
 
The Question of God

CS Lewis and Sigmund Freud debate God, Love, Sex, And The Meaning of Life

So far I like it. Obviously they are from different generations. The author has placed their arguments side by side in this book.

 
Left my copy of Dreamcatcher at home for a current trip, so picked up The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. Not a big non-fiction fan but this looks good.
I replied on this one several years ago, maybe even in this thread. I really enjoyed DITWC a lot. There is some very interesting history in it. I'll be interested to see your take on it.
Finished this earlier this week. I was really expecting more from the Holmes story, based on the hype. But I found myself unexpectedly pleased with the chapters on the Fair and found myself unable to put the book down at times because of Larsen's writing style. I can't believe how enthralled I was about the freaking Ferris Wheel.Currently reading Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates. Pulled it from my shelf because it's short and I was waiting for Santa to deliver my copies of World War Z and The Road.

 
Left my copy of Dreamcatcher at home for a current trip, so picked up The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. Not a big non-fiction fan but this looks good.
I replied on this one several years ago, maybe even in this thread. I really enjoyed DITWC a lot. There is some very interesting history in it. I'll be interested to see your take on it.
Finished this earlier this week. I was really expecting more from the Holmes story, based on the hype. But I found myself unexpectedly pleased with the chapters on the Fair and found myself unable to put the book down at times because of Larsen's writing style. I can't believe how enthralled I was about the freaking Ferris Wheel.Currently reading Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates. Pulled it from my shelf because it's short and I was waiting for Santa to deliver my copies of World War Z and The Road.
That's what I meant about the history angle. And I also agree about his writing style. I'm not sure that I've read another author that was quite like him.
 
Just finished "Write it when I'm gone" by Tom Defrank. He covered Pres. Ford when he was VP then began a 30 year semi regular interview process of Ford who said he could publish the interviews, "when I'm gone". Good anecdotes and also insights on his loss to Carter and animosity towards Reagan.

 
I just completed Straight Man by Richard Russo. It's the best book I've read in a long while and also one of the funniest. :goodposting: :rant:

 
Currently reading Murphy by Samuel Beckett, which is a departure from my usual ACW history books.

Just finished Manhunt by James Swanson - it's about the 12 day flight of John Wilkes Booth, good light read if you want to rip through something before going back to the office next year.

 
Left my copy of Dreamcatcher at home for a current trip, so picked up The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. Not a big non-fiction fan but this looks good.
I replied on this one several years ago, maybe even in this thread. I really enjoyed DITWC a lot. There is some very interesting history in it. I'll be interested to see your take on it.
Finished this earlier this week. I was really expecting more from the Holmes story, based on the hype. But I found myself unexpectedly pleased with the chapters on the Fair and found myself unable to put the book down at times because of Larsen's writing style. I can't believe how enthralled I was about the freaking Ferris Wheel.Currently reading Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates. Pulled it from my shelf because it's short and I was waiting for Santa to deliver my copies of World War Z and The Road.
Just getting into "The Road" by McCarthy. Pretty good so far. Lot's of description and sense of loss.
DITWC and The Road are my next two reads. I've had DITWC and just never read it for some reason, but it looks good.The Road does not appear to be an easy read. Will have to get used to his style.

 
Left my copy of Dreamcatcher at home for a current trip, so picked up The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. Not a big non-fiction fan but this looks good.
I replied on this one several years ago, maybe even in this thread. I really enjoyed DITWC a lot. There is some very interesting history in it. I'll be interested to see your take on it.
Finished this earlier this week. I was really expecting more from the Holmes story, based on the hype. But I found myself unexpectedly pleased with the chapters on the Fair and found myself unable to put the book down at times because of Larsen's writing style. I can't believe how enthralled I was about the freaking Ferris Wheel.Currently reading Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates. Pulled it from my shelf because it's short and I was waiting for Santa to deliver my copies of World War Z and The Road.
Just getting into "The Road" by McCarthy. Pretty good so far. Lot's of description and sense of loss.
DITWC and The Road are my next two reads. I've had DITWC and just never read it for some reason, but it looks good.The Road does not appear to be an easy read. Will have to get used to his style.
The Road is a very fast read .The pages just fly by. After I finally crack World War Z I want to buy McCarthy's Blood Meridian
 
Currently reading Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates. Pulled it from my shelf because it's short and I was waiting for Santa to deliver my copies of World War Z and The Road.
Thought this would be interesting because it's written in first person by a serial killer detailing his attempts to create a zombie sex slave by performing a lobotomy on his kidnapping victims. But there really wasn't much character development and there really wasn't much of a story here, just ramblings. I have never been more "WTF?" at the way a book ended. 4/10

 
Left my copy of Dreamcatcher at home for a current trip, so picked up The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. Not a big non-fiction fan but this looks good.
I replied on this one several years ago, maybe even in this thread. I really enjoyed DITWC a lot. There is some very interesting history in it. I'll be interested to see your take on it.
Finished this earlier this week. I was really expecting more from the Holmes story, based on the hype. But I found myself unexpectedly pleased with the chapters on the Fair and found myself unable to put the book down at times because of Larsen's writing style. I can't believe how enthralled I was about the freaking Ferris Wheel.Currently reading Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates. Pulled it from my shelf because it's short and I was waiting for Santa to deliver my copies of World War Z and The Road.
Just getting into "The Road" by McCarthy. Pretty good so far. Lot's of description and sense of loss.
DITWC and The Road are my next two reads. I've had DITWC and just never read it for some reason, but it looks good.The Road does not appear to be an easy read. Will have to get used to his style.
Both of these books are well worth the effort.
 
I just did the 4 for 3 from Amazon and bought....

The Catcher in the Rye - Salinger

Education of a Wandering Man - L'Amour

The Law - Bastiat

Man's Search For Meaning - Frankl

I've got these 4 and The Souls of Black Folk by Du Bois to finish before school starts back up in mid-January.

 
I'm in the middle of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers right now. Its kind of spastic, but it has kept me reading so far. I'm enjoying it.

 
Currently, I am reading The Great War: American Front by Harry Turtledove...have not gotten into the book very far, but it is interesting.

 
For you music fans who like to read, I recommend you check out the 33 1/3 series of books. 33third.blogspot.com

I'm currently reading Celine Dion's Let's Talk About Love: A Journey to the End of Taste by Carl Wilson.

 
The Road is a very fast read .The pages just fly by. After I finally crack World War Z I want to buy McCarthy's Blood Meridian
Finished the Road, very good read and you're right, it buzzed by. Unique style, pretty powerful stuff. I'm going to have to get good and drunk tonight.
 
Currently on book 2 of the "Ringworld" series. Fun and interesting. Similar to the Ender series in a lot of ways. The science part of things is great...the characters are solid but nothing special. I'll keep going to book 3...but I think I will have reached my limit with it after that.

 
reading two books right now:"Dreams From My Father" by Barack Obama"The Foundation Trilogy" by Isaac Asimov
finished "Dreams from my Father," just started on Obama's second book, "Audacity of Hope." Goal is to finish it before Election Day.still reading "The Foundation Trilogy." A very, very fascinating read. But I'm putting this on hold while I get the Obama book done.
I am working on Foundation & Empire right now. I burnt through Foundation in three days and am really enjoying F&E. I am shocked that I never got to these books earlier, particularly when I was on my big time sci-fi jag back in the 80s.Glad I am reading them now.
I am reading Foundation's Edge now. I am definitely enjoying it but can anyone want to tell me if Foundation & Earth, Prelude to Foundation and Forward to Foundation are worth the investment or can I walk away after FE?
 
Currently on book 2 of the "Ringworld" series. Fun and interesting. Similar to the Ender series in a lot of ways. The science part of things is great...the characters are solid but nothing special. I'll keep going to book 3...but I think I will have reached my limit with it after that.
Enjoyed Ringworld but haven't read any of the others. Not sure what the order is either. What is the second one that you are on?Currently reading The Moon is a Harsh Mistress from Heinlein. Good book.
 
I just did the 4 for 3 from Amazon and bought....The Catcher in the Rye - SalingerEducation of a Wandering Man - L'AmourThe Law - BastiatMan's Search For Meaning - FranklI've got these 4 and The Souls of Black Folk by Du Bois to finish before school starts back up in mid-January.
Finished The Law a few days ago. Good read on personal freedoms and such.Just finished Man's Search For Meaning....amazing book. Very inspring and can see it being a great influential book on a lot of people.
 
Read the last two fiction Pulitzer winners over the holidays.

2007 winner The Road by Cormac McCarthy has been covered here and elsewhere. Definitely a fast and engrossing read. Had this real horror/thriller movie feel to it, but at the same time McCarthy's writing is very poetic. And unlike most horror stories, you really feel for the main characters in this one. Definitely a worthwhile read, this is my first from McCarthy and I will definitely be diving into his work.

2008 Pulitzer winner The Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz was another fast read. The few Spanish language sentences and phrases weren't a real problem, but I did take high school Spanish :rolleyes: . However, the prose here definitely did not match that in The Road, it was much more contemporary and conversational, with a lot of slang and swearing. The story concerned one immigrant family from the Dominican Republic and the curse that allegedly haunts them. The book was also structured a lot less conventionally than The Road, as it skipped around in time, place, and point of view, and much of the text is contained in footnotes that detail various anecdotes about the D.R., its recent history and culture. I enjoyed it, although I thought The Road more worthy of its award.

 
Currently on book 2 of the "Ringworld" series. Fun and interesting. Similar to the Ender series in a lot of ways. The science part of things is great...the characters are solid but nothing special. I'll keep going to book 3...but I think I will have reached my limit with it after that.
Enjoyed Ringworld but haven't read any of the others. Not sure what the order is either. What is the second one that you are on?Currently reading The Moon is a Harsh Mistress from Heinlein. Good book.
Ringworld Engineers is the 2nd book. I think there are 5? Not sure. #3 is called "Ringworld Throne" and it's sitting on the nightstand waiting for me to finish the last 50 pages of Engineers. Unless it really blows me away...I won't continue on. 3 novels with the same concept is a ton unless you really, REALLY nail it. Ender is more fun and I had to put that down when the Bean stuff started. Too much of a good thing and all that...
 
Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson.

Vietnam War/Era novel that hops and skips between multiple points of view and central characters. I'm not even sure how I'd classify it thus far (@ 200 pages in)...there's humor, history, espionage, war...kinda hard to put a finger on it, and even a little hard to follow in spots, but for whatever reason I'm really enjoying Johnson's writing thus far.

 
Just finished Twilight and about halfway thru New Moon. The kid read them so I wanted to see what the big to-do was about.

 

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