I've been listening to those. But the page count is irrelevant, they truly are that good.
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Whatcha readin now? (book, books, reading, read) (6 Viewers)
- Thread starter shuke
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Don Quixote
Footballguy
For those who like good fantasy
Sufficiently Advanced Magic
On the Shoulders of Titans
Both are free right now on Kindle. I really, really liked book 1. Book 3 just came out, so they're offering the first two up for free. Worth the read, for sure.
Sufficiently Advanced Magic
On the Shoulders of Titans
Both are free right now on Kindle. I really, really liked book 1. Book 3 just came out, so they're offering the first two up for free. Worth the read, for sure.
Captain Fantastic
Footballguy
That's great, DQ! Thanks for the shout out.
Since this is our reading crew, I'll broadcast the news (please forgive the self-promotion).
Very happy to announce that FINAL RECKONING was officially released on Dec 4th. Phew!
This book wraps up the Hostile Takeover Thrillogy. If you've read the first two books (Hostile Takeover and Second Son), I hope you enjoy this one and find it a satisfying conclusion to the story.
Beyond the thriller trilogy, if anyone is interested in a shorter, family-friendly Christmas story, please feel free to check out The Three Christmases of William Spencer. This was my first book and hit #1 on Amazon's holiday book sales once upon a time.
And if you want something completely different, Tango Six is a screenplay I wrote a year ago. It's an action adventure (similar vibe of action and humor to what you'd find in an Indiana Jones movie...but with fewer bullwhips). Not many people read screenplays, but if you like that sort of thing, please give it a shot. Who knows? Maybe one of these days it'll get picked up by a studio and become a real movie (um, if anyone happens to know a studio exec, I'm open to an introduction...).
Thanks for the personal messages some of you have sent. Very glad you like the writing. Hope you enjoy the new one!
Don't Toews Me
Footballguy
Finished "Spy Handler: Memoir of a KGB Officer - The True Story of the Man Who Recruited Robert Hanssen and Aldrich Ames" by Victor Cherkashin yesterday.
Pretty good read with some interesting details about Cold War espionage. Wouldn't say to take everything at face value (these guys don't "retire"), but decent book. Offered some details about Nosenko, a KGB officer who defected in Feb. 1964. Some historical debate has taken place whether he was a legit defector or not. Cherkashin claims he was.
Also some interesting details about Vitaly Yurchenko, who was quite an odd individual. Defected to the US, then re-defected back to USSR. Also claims his original defection was legitimate.
Claims there was a 4th mole in US IC that wasn't caught.
From his view, Hanssen was more valuable for the Soviets than Ames.
Pretty good read with some interesting details about Cold War espionage. Wouldn't say to take everything at face value (these guys don't "retire"), but decent book. Offered some details about Nosenko, a KGB officer who defected in Feb. 1964. Some historical debate has taken place whether he was a legit defector or not. Cherkashin claims he was.
Also some interesting details about Vitaly Yurchenko, who was quite an odd individual. Defected to the US, then re-defected back to USSR. Also claims his original defection was legitimate.
Claims there was a 4th mole in US IC that wasn't caught.
From his view, Hanssen was more valuable for the Soviets than Ames.
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E Street Brat
Footballguy
The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
It took me a while to plow through this, not that it was bad, it was just not my typical material.
If toy like murder/mystery You would probably like this more than I did,
It took me a while to plow through this, not that it was bad, it was just not my typical material.
If toy like murder/mystery You would probably like this more than I did,
TheFanatic
Footballguy
I've been readying the stuff from the authors of the Martian and Ready Player One as well as some classic stuff (Enders Game and a few of the sequels) and am now about halfway through American Gods.
Don Quixote
Footballguy
Recently finished Barack Obama’s A Promised Land. Pretty well-written for a Presidential memoir (I can’t say that I’ve read every President’s memoir, but up there with Grant’s in terms of writing). I don’t want to get too much into politics, but he does offer interesting insights into his thought process during some of the biggest decisions during the early part of his Presidency (the book ends with bin Laden’s death, with the remainder for a second volume). Worth reading, but probably depends on political viewpoint.
I’ve also read the first three Harry Potter volumes. Never read them. Good escapism.
I just started Ayad Akhtar’s Homeland Elegies. Novel, but semi-autographical about a Muslim-American’s experience in America post-9/11 and during Trump era. Getting book of the year buzz.
I’ve also read the first three Harry Potter volumes. Never read them. Good escapism.
I just started Ayad Akhtar’s Homeland Elegies. Novel, but semi-autographical about a Muslim-American’s experience in America post-9/11 and during Trump era. Getting book of the year buzz.
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El Floppo
Footballguy
Finally got back to it and finished. If you've ever been stuck in a time loop, you've read this book. Kinda ok, but not great.
SouthJersey
Footballguy
Finished a couple books over the holidays:
The Count of Monte Cristo -- one of my favorite books in high school. This time read the unabridged version. Still absolutely awesome.
Pimp by Iceberg Slim -- meh. Put it on my reading list after Chappelle mentioned that after reading the book he decided to walk away from his Comedy Central contract for Chappele's Show. I didn't get whatever Dave got out of it.
Currently reading Obama's memoir. Enjoying it so far.
The Count of Monte Cristo -- one of my favorite books in high school. This time read the unabridged version. Still absolutely awesome.
Pimp by Iceberg Slim -- meh. Put it on my reading list after Chappelle mentioned that after reading the book he decided to walk away from his Comedy Central contract for Chappele's Show. I didn't get whatever Dave got out of it.
Currently reading Obama's memoir. Enjoying it so far.
Don Quixote
Footballguy
Homeland Elegies was pretty good. I’m not sure I’d put it at as best book of the year (I’d probably go for Transcendent Kingdom above it of ones that I’ve read), but I wouldn’t argue with those who do.
I’m currently reading Jesse Dougherty’s Buzz Saw: The Improbable Story of How the Washington Nationals Won the World Series. Big fan of the Nats and enjoy Dougherty’s work in the Washington Post. A bit disappointed with all of the typos in the book though — it seems like it was rushed to print too quickly after the World Series and could have used some further editing.
I just ordered Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half and will get into that one next.
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prosopis
Arizona Chupacabra
Coyote America by Dan Flores- So far I am digging it. Pretty interesting how the coyote has managed to adapt, survive, and become so wide spread. Humans are the only mammal that have done it better. This book covers the natural and supernatural history of the coyote.
Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey- Fun book about his out look on life and how he got to where he is. Lots of laughs in this book and possibly some gems for life. I will say I want to go back and watch a few of his movies now that I have read where he was in life and how he got to that point.
Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey- Fun book about his out look on life and how he got to where he is. Lots of laughs in this book and possibly some gems for life. I will say I want to go back and watch a few of his movies now that I have read where he was in life and how he got to that point.
Don't Toews Me
Footballguy
Two others finished recently:
1. Grant McGarry's "A Night In the Pech Valley"
Good book of a story of young men in the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War in Afghanistan. I've read a number of books on the 75th Ranger Regiment, each time I'm blown away by the bravery of these young men.
2. Danielle DiMartino Booth's "Fed Up: An Insider's Take on Why the Fed Reserve is Bad for America"
Booth was inside the Dallas Fed for close to 10 years, so she has first hand experience. Eye opening read. She portrays the Fed Reserve as an institution stuck in "group think." Takes you through the Great Recession of 2007-08 with the housing market and some of the history behind that dating back to the 90s. I enjoyed it.
1. Grant McGarry's "A Night In the Pech Valley"
Good book of a story of young men in the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War in Afghanistan. I've read a number of books on the 75th Ranger Regiment, each time I'm blown away by the bravery of these young men.
2. Danielle DiMartino Booth's "Fed Up: An Insider's Take on Why the Fed Reserve is Bad for America"
Booth was inside the Dallas Fed for close to 10 years, so she has first hand experience. Eye opening read. She portrays the Fed Reserve as an institution stuck in "group think." Takes you through the Great Recession of 2007-08 with the housing market and some of the history behind that dating back to the 90s. I enjoyed it.
MindCrime
Footballguy
Since it’s been a while, Ill update my list of completed books:
Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill. Thought is was well written, this was my first Joe Hill novel, definitely will read more.
Storm Front and Fool Moon by Jim Butcher. Enjoyed Storm Front, Fool Moon was tough to get through. Does the series get better? (I’ve heard it picks up after book two or three, but the second book kinda spoiled my enthusiasm for the series)
also- for any heavy metal fans, Rust In Peace: The inside story of Megadeth’s Masterpiece is an interesting read.
Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill. Thought is was well written, this was my first Joe Hill novel, definitely will read more.
Storm Front and Fool Moon by Jim Butcher. Enjoyed Storm Front, Fool Moon was tough to get through. Does the series get better? (I’ve heard it picks up after book two or three, but the second book kinda spoiled my enthusiasm for the series)
also- for any heavy metal fans, Rust In Peace: The inside story of Megadeth’s Masterpiece is an interesting read.
bostonfred
Footballguy
I didn't read/listen to American Gods but liked the others quite a bit. My recommendations for people who liked those are
We are Legion, We are Bob (The bobiverse series)
The long way to a small angry planet (the wayfarer series)
Children of Time
I'm currently listening to axioms end, it's interesting but I'm not done yet, and I hate to recommend something I haven't finished
TheFanatic
Footballguy
Thank you. I've been reading like a madman lately. My nightstand is stacked five deep all the way across it. Children of Time is on the list already, but Legion and small angry planet were not. They are now.
I also read some post apocalyptic stuff because that is what I write. But I haven't had much luck lately finding anything good. One turns out to be one book divided into 6 books. It's a money grab with a nice story, but TERRIBLE dialogue. And another just degenerated into a zombie story. I like the Walking Dead, which is a character driven story that just happens to take place in the zombie apocalypse, but I'm not really a zombie genre guy.
TheFatKid
Footballguy
Your list looks like my list, finished both Legion and long way in the past month and agree with recommendations.
also just finished and recommend Embers of War by Gareth Powell
TheFanatic
Footballguy
I'm seeing Swan Song by McCammon and Carrion Comfort by Simmons. Are these supposed to be from the same author or the same recommendation?
facook
Footballguy
TheFanatic
Footballguy
Got it. Got them on the list. Thank you.facook said:
TheFanatic
Footballguy
KarmaPolice
Footballguy
I've liked a couple McCammon books - Boy's Life is a stand out, but always assumed that Swan Song was a Stand ripoff and never got around to it (but have it currently sitting on the bookshelf). How does it compare to The Stand?
facook
Footballguy
TheFanatic
Footballguy
I haven't read the Stand or anything Stephen King. I'm not much into the horror genre, but I might go ahead and pop that cherry on the Stand. Two separate mini series has to mean it's pretty badass. I remember watching some of the first one. All I remember is Dauber from Coach and the evil guy in the prison.
KarmaPolice
Footballguy
Never was able to get past 200 or so pages of The Stand. One of these years...
shuke
Black Ice Skeptic
Finished Devolution. Thought it was good, not great. I liked the way Brooks mixed in the non-fiction stuff on study of primates.
Just started The Five by Robert McCammon. There was some talk about him a few pages back. I'm only about 5% in (I don't know how many pages I read anymore since I use a kindle) but I already really really like this book. McCammon is not only a great storyteller but he really has a way with the English language.
Just started The Five by Robert McCammon. There was some talk about him a few pages back. I'm only about 5% in (I don't know how many pages I read anymore since I use a kindle) but I already really really like this book. McCammon is not only a great storyteller but he really has a way with the English language.
facook
Footballguy
I really liked Devolution. Ending was both a pleasant surprise, and satisfying.
Need to give The Five another shot. Only McCammon book I haven't finished. Quit it early on, but can't really remember why.
prosopis
Arizona Chupacabra
I really liked Devolution. I am reading a book of Shirley Jackson short stories while waiting for a library book. I need to try McCammon again. I really did not care for Swan Song and never tried any others. At some point I want to re read Swan Song and see if I have changed my mind. To many people like that book for it to be dismissed.
TheFanatic
Footballguy
Just finished Gaimon's Stardust, which was just a wonderful short novel that I utterly enjoyed. Now on to one of these two. I will likely be flipping a coin tonight.
Don Quixote
Footballguy
The Vanishing Half was solid. A bit of a slow build, but good pay off at the end. It appeared on a lot of best of the year lists. I would not go that far with it though.
Currently in the middle of Louise Erdrich's The Round House. I've read a couple of her novels in LaRose and The Nightwatchman, and greatly enjoyed both. So, I'm trying to get into her books a bit more.
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation by David French
Can't recommend it enough. It says almost verbatim some of the things I've been saying. Encapsulates almost to a T the direction I think we need to head in (again).
Can't recommend it enough. It says almost verbatim some of the things I've been saying. Encapsulates almost to a T the direction I think we need to head in (again).
TheFanatic
Footballguy
So I'm maybe halfway through Swan Song. I almost didn't get here. I read the first few chapters and just didn't like any of the characters. I plowed through one more night and now I can't put it down.
Don Quixote
Footballguy
I decided to pull Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children off my shelf. I started it years ago, but never finished it and thought I’d try again. I’m so far just remembering why I never finished it. Something about Rushdie’s writing style that just does not click for me. Just feels overly long and rambling.
SouthJersey
Footballguy
Finished Obama's memoir. Liked it.
Currently reading The Topeka School by Ben Learner. So far I think it sucks, but it's a shorter book so I'll finish it. Send like something people smarter than me would like.
Currently reading The Topeka School by Ben Learner. So far I think it sucks, but it's a shorter book so I'll finish it. Send like something people smarter than me would like.
KarmaPolice
Footballguy
KarmaPolice
Footballguy
About 100pgs into The Stand...
Shatner!
Footballguy
Yep. Just finished. Love the series.
Starting up David Baldacci's 4th book in the Amos Decker series The Fallen.
KarmaPolice
Footballguy
I recently read Blue Labrynth, and I am start to sour on the series a bit. Too much focus on silly family stuff. Still decent, quick reads, but just not as excited to get the next book as i was a few books ago.
