What Are You Reading?

[bman40]

Did you make it through HOTEL NEW HAMPSHIRE yet? That's one of my favorites.. CIDER HOUSE RULES is also great. I have to admit that OWEN MEANY is my favorite, probably my favorite book of all time. I still remember when I finished it the first time, I just sat in my apartment for over an hour just staring at the wall, just overwhelmed and also sad that it was over. What a book.

I haven't read UNTIL I FIND YOU yet, so that will be next on my, after I finish Vonnegut's HOCUS POCUS (I haven't read that in about 15 years).

-Mason

good morning.

I've read all his books, and Owen Meany is among my favourites, but I also really like his earlier books - the 158 pound marriage and the water method man.

Cider House Rules was brilliant too.

[jazzman]

Well, so far I can say it's really well-written and documented. Only downside IMO is that P. Gay is a psychoanalyst himself and thus explains many biographical elements by referring to Freudian theory. This has given me quite a few good laughs while reading (' a male child urinating in the bedroom of the mother is a clear act of sexual interest.' 'Freud remembered the days when he felt attracted to his young mother and ran away from his old father.' ASO).

Being a historian myself, on a few occasions I have had the feeling that Gay interprets biographical information through the psychoanalytical scope, where some basic historical context would serve him (and the reader) much better. FI, Gay tells us that the fact that Freud had a room for himself to sleep and study, while his sisters and brothers all had to share rooms, clearly indicates he was his parents' favorite child. Now I will tell you such privileges were just typical for the eldest son in a bourgeois Jewish family in Central Europe around 1870...
Still, I'm very glad to be reading it. I'll report on the rest.

Thanks. Wonder how he'd analyze the fact that I've had it all these years without starting it?

[BMWRider]

Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. Someone on here recommended it and I must say I am really enjoying it.

[Bowcephalus]

"The New Thought Police" by Tammy Bruce is a good commentary on the PC dominated left......Good follow up to "Animal Farm".....

[rtaylor61]

I just finished "Quiet Strength" by Tony Dungy. A book I highly recommend. And it's not really about football.

Randy

[Stuart]

Sybex CNNA 640-802.

[MarSellus Wallace]

"Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides.

[bluesbro1982]

Currently it is The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris.

Great biography, extensively researched, very entertaining portrait of a modern renaissance man. Theodore Rex is next.

[ratcheer]

I just started No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy.

Tim

[sparkchaser]

Post Captain by Patrick O'Brian. Started it last night.

[ratcheer]

Post Captain by Patrick O'Brian. Started it last night.

I have to say, those books are the greatest series I have ever read. :thumbup:

Tim

[Hobbesoxon]

The Man's Book, by Fink - the chap who brought you The 85 Ways to Tie a Tie...

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MDFF8FAaL._AA240_.jpg

Great stuff. I know a good few people who could benefit from reading this one!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[sparkchaser]

I have to say, those books are the greatest series I have ever read. :thumbup:

Tim

I am also reading Collapse by Jared Diamond. I keep that in the Jeep and it is for reading when I am out and about. Post Captain is my home reading.

[joke1176]

Bukowski's "Post Office" and "The Cramps: a short history of rock'n'roll psychosis"

[Ciaron]

The Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi (sequel to Old Man's War)

[Randy]

I am also reading Collapse by Jared Diamond. I keep that in the Jeep and it is for reading when I am out and about.

I just finished that one recently on audio! I have a one hour commute each way to work and back so I get quite a few books on audio so I can 'read' while driving - I found it quite interesting. His other books are very good as well, if you like this one that is :biggrin:

In print so far this month I've read 'Robbing the Bees' by Holley Bishop (an interesting look at how honey is harvested with many fascinating historical notes), Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman (a compilation of short stories, not as good as his longer works in my opinion), War for the Oaks by Emma Bull (urban fantasy, much like Chales DeLint and very good stuff if you like that genre), and I've just begun reading Gene Wolf's tetrology 'The Book of the New Sun', of which I've heard many good things.

- R

[jnich67]

Sword Song (4th book in the Saxon series) by Bernard Cornwell. Cornwell's books are just a helluva fun read. :smile:

Jordan

[sparkchaser]

I just finished that one recently on audio! I have a one hour commute each way to work and back so I get quite a few books on audio so I can 'read' while driving - I found it quite interesting. His other books are very good as well, if you like this one that is :biggrin:


I've read Guns, Germs and Steel and really enjoyed it.

[Lynchmeister]

Just finished "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer", by Patrick Suskind.

JB

I just saw this movie, which was based on the book. How was the book? I really enjoyed the movie, so now I'm really excited to read the book. Had I known about the book prior, I would have read it first. :wink:

[sparkchaser]

The Man's Book, by Fink - the chap who brought you The 85 Ways to Tie a Tie...

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MDFF8FAaL._AA240_.jpg

Great stuff. I know a good few people who could benefit from reading this one!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

I just read a review of this and it looks good. Sadly I can't find it for sale in the U.S. You should send me your copy when you have finished reading it. :biggrin:

[Ltltony]

Right now, I'm about about 5/6 of the way through The Promise by Chaim Potok. I've been on it for a couple months, but a day or two I decided I needed to finish it and have really buckled down and finished the majority of the book. This novel is the sequel to The Chosen and is an excellent novel (as is The Chosen). I highly recommend it, both for the religious debate and the interpersonal relationships and psychological. Reading The Chosen first is not neccesary but it helps.



Those are great books.

[Randy]

I just read a review of this and it looks good. Sadly I can't find it for sale in the U.S. You should send me your copy when you have finished reading it. :biggrin:

You should be able to pick up a used copy for very little from abebooks or Alibris... I would suggest searching using the ISBN (0380760347)...

- R

[Pretzellogic]

Bukowski's "Post Office"
Good choice.

Me:
1) Beowolf, Heaney translation: I'm studying for comprehensive exams. It's better than I remember (the book, not the exams)
2) Tom Robbins: Skinny Legs and All

[dayoldstubble]

In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. Highly recommended.

[Iacchus]

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

[haydnp]

The Man's Book, by Fink - the chap who brought you The 85 Ways to Tie a Tie...

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MDFF8FAaL._AA240_.jpg

Great stuff. I know a good few people who could benefit from reading this one!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

I almost bought this from Amazon the other week - wish I had now. Just finished The Hound of the Baskervilles, now reading The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles somebody or other. ..

[ratcheer]

I finished No Country for Old Men, yesterday. It is one of the most exciting books I have ever read and, being a Stephen King, Patrick O'Brian, and Larry McMurtry fan, I have read a lot of exciting books. It made some very interesting and provocative philosophical points, too.

Tim

[rktscientist7]

My current kicks:
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
Out of Africa by Karen Blixen

Up next (or sometime soon):
The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernest Hemingway
The Story of My Life by Giacomo Casanova
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

[Churchill]

Double Cross by James Patterson.
The Alex Cross novels are starting to get a little predictable and ho-hum.

[Hobbesoxon]

Clayton's Butler's Guide to Table Manners - worth checking out for fun.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41AH-B5SJYL._AA240_.jpg


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Dr. Mike]

Re-reading "Prince Caspian" by C. S. Lewis in anticipation of the next in the series coming to theaters. I haven't read the whole series since I was in 5th grade.

[DirtyDave]

Just finished "My Grandfather's Son," Clarence Thomas's memoirs. What he had to overcome and what he has become is a thrilling, inspiring story.

I have just started Amity Schales story of the Great Depression, "The Forgotten Man." So far, very good.

[Dr. Mike]

Just finished "My Grandfather's Son," Clarence Thomas's memoirs. What he had to overcome and what he has become is a thrilling, inspiring story.

I have just started Amity Schales story of the Great Depression, "The Forgotten Man." So far, very good.

I have been wanting to read both of these. I'm going to have to check my libraries for these. I am trying to get away from buying hardcover books, as my book shelves are already overflowing. I'd be interested in hearing how "The Forgotten Man" is. I've heard other good reports of it.

[rabidpotatochip]

I picked up Link by Walt Becker off Bookmooch a few days ago and it's practically glued to my hands. It's one of the best books I've read in a long time. Basically some paleontologists discover the fossilized remains of a humanoid extraterrestrial and action ensues since they basically steal the fossil and an artifact from an African tribe.

[analog_kid]

After being bugged constantly about how amazing the Twilight trilogy is by a friend of mine, I decided to read one of my favorite vampire books!

http://home.tiscali.nl/richardy/Pictures/the%20vampire%20lestat.jpg

Good fiction is a welcome change after reading a lot of heavy, "question your path in life" sort of books. :001_smile

[kwk285]

The 12th Card by Jeffrey Deaver

[Lynchmeister]

Just started The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith.

[rtaylor61]

Vox by Nicholson Baker

Randy

[steveo]

Just started 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak.

[-bp-]

I'm reading "Rant: An Oral Biography of Buster Casey" by Chuck Palahniuk and re-reading (as I do every year) "The Painted Bird" by Jerzy Kozinski.

Palahniuk's work is intriguing, but Kozinski is a God's honest master.

On the non-fiction side, I'm reading "Ablaze" by Piers Paul Reid (Yep, the guy who wrote "Alive"). It's an account of the Chernobyl accident that makes Steven King read like a gum wrapper.

[jazzman]

I'm reading "Rant: An Oral Biography of Buster Casey" by Chuck Palahniuk and re-reading (as I do every year) "The Painted Bird" by Jerzy Kozinski.

Palahniuk's work is intriguing, but Kozinski is a God's honest master.

On the non-fiction side, I'm reading "Ablaze" by Piers Paul Reid (Yep, the guy who wrote "Alive"). It's an account of the Chernobyl accident that makes Steven King read like a gum wrapper.

"The Painted Bird" is an unusually moving and deep book. It's been about 30 years since I read it, and your post may inspire me to go to those dark places again.

[Jumile]

I usually have a few books on the go at once. I've just finished (almost on the same day):

Leisureguy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving by forumite Michael Ham
Sharp Practice: The Real Man's Guide to Shaving by Anders Larsen
No Need for Speed by John "The Penguin" Bingham
Blood, Sweat and Tea by Tom Reynolds

And I'm currently reading:

Logical Chess Move by Move by Irving Chernev
How to Beat Your Dad at Chess by Murray Chandler
Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster by Bobby Henderson
Runner's World Complete Book of Running for Beginners by Amby Burfoot

I don't know why I always read in parallel, but I can't seem to help myself. So much to learn and experience with so little time, I guess. :eek:

Oh, and I listen to audiobooks, radio plays or podcasts on my 22 mile/50 minute each way daily commute. The joys of an iPod car stereo adaptor (http://www.justkenwood.co.uk/stock01/kcaip500.asp). It's a fantastic way to spend the unavoidable driving time, rather than listening to the usual morning radio morons or afternoon "drive time" stuff. I'm currently halfway through the second book of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series. :biggrin:

[Randy]

I'm currently halfway through the second book of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series. :biggrin:

I have those on audio as well, it takes a REALLY long time to listen to them all. At one point they changed the narrator, around book 7 or 8 I think, and then picked him back up for the last few books, so you might want to check as you pick up more volumes. The original guy (Michael Kramer) was re-recording those volumes that he did not narrate originally due to the great uproar caused by the change from what I understand.

- R

[jazzman]

Second volume of "Reporting World War II," a collection of newspaper and magazine articles written during the war. It gives a very different perspective from what we normally see in books written since the war, and the writing is excellent. The writers include Ernie Pyle, A.J. Liebling, S.J. Perelman, Irwin Shaw, Bill Mauldin, I.F. Stone, Ernest Hemingway, and John Hersey.

[johnniegold]

Just finished:

Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt (hey, I get around to them eventually :rolleyes:)


Just started;

Judge Sewall's Apology: The Salem Witch Trials & The Forming of An American Conscience by Richard Francis

[Dr. Mike]

Just finished "My Grandfather's Son," Clarence Thomas's memoirs. What he had to overcome and what he has become is a thrilling, inspiring story.

I have just started Amity Schales story of the Great Depression, "The Forgotten Man." So far, very good.

Just picked up Thomas' memoirs at my local library and have a reserve put on "The Forgotten Man." Can't wait to get started.

Mike

[Jumile]

I have those on audio as well, it takes a REALLY long time to listen to them all. At one point they changed the narrator, around book 7 or 8 I think...
They certainly do take a long time to listen to - particularly as they're (thankfully) unabridged. iTunes tells me the 12 audiobook set totals 14.2 days of playback - over 340 hours. :lol: I'm commuting ~10 hours a week, so I won't get bored anytime soon...

I have to say that Michael Kramer (http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/gvpages/A1450.shtml) and Kate Reading (http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/gvpages/a1525.shtml) (husband and wife, apparently) do an incredible job at bringing the books to life, giving each character their own personality, mannerisms and voice. I think I have more respect for them than for most screen actors, as they give their characters more depth with sound than I've ever seen on screen with all its visual props and embellishments.

Thanks for the tip on the male voice change. I'll check for it.

[Randy]

If it's not against the rules, may I suggest that you take a look at audible dot com? I have been a member for around 4 years now, and they have the best deals on audiobooks that I've ever seen. I get two titles per month for $20 - any two titles...

- R

[kwk285]

Audio books are a Godsend in my opinion. I am a drug rep. I am in my car most of the day. The library in my area is one of the largest in the country. I usually have 8 to 10 books on hold at anyone time.

You can only listen to the same songs or radio stations for so long.

To me one of the most important things on an audio book is the narrator. I have some authors that I really like but I won't listen to because the narrator does a lousy job. On the other side, there are some authors that I listen to that write a so so book but I will listen to it because the narrator draws me in.

[BMWRider]

I am currently reading all of Neil Peart's travel books. I find them interesting as a motorcyclist.

[analog_kid]

I am currently reading all of Neil Peart's travel books. I find them interesting as a motorcyclist.


They are excellent! Enjoy. :thumbup1:

[mdunn]

Im churning through hundreds of years of facinating scottish history by Nigel Tranter. Most of us know basic english history (Henry the Eighth or the War of the Roses, for example - the Scotts were tied up in all of thesem and its good to hear how these events related to the northern border. These books are kinda hard to come by now, but if you see one pick one up. There are so many of these books, wikipedia breaks them into three by date.

before 1286 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_novels_by_Nigel_Tranter_set_before_1286 )
1286-1603 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_novels_by_Nigel_Tranter_set_between_128 6-1603)
after 1603 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_novels_by_Nigel_Tranter_set_after_1603)

[TimmyBoston]

Rereading Dry by Augusten Burroughs

I'm also listening to the Audiobook The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

[Eastree]

I just finished Snow Crash (Neal Stephenson) last week. And I picked up The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker for a re-read.

[steveo]

I love audiobooks as well.Currently listening to On Her Majesty's Secret Service by Ian Fleming.

[sparkchaser]

I just finished Snow Crash (Neal Stephenson) last week.

What did you think?

I love Snow Crash although I thought The Diamond Age was much, much better.

[DirtyDave]

I am currently reading all of Neil Peart's travel books. I find them interesting as a motorcyclist.

I have read Masked Rider and Ghost Rider and enjoyed both. The ending of Ghost Rider was for me bittersweet, given what happened to him and how he dealt with it all. The best possible ending to a sad story.

I am going get the rest, but getting the time.

[analog_kid]

I have read Masked Rider and Ghost Rider and enjoyed both. The ending of Ghost Rider was for me bittersweet, given what happened to him and how he dealt with it all. The best possible ending to a sad story.

I am going get the rest, but getting the time.


A lot of fans rake Neil over the coals for not being the most available person in the world, and how he shys away from fans. After reading Ghost Rider, I don't really know how anyone can say that about him. He tears his soul open and puts it out there for anyone willing to read the book to see.

Got your tickets for this years tour yet Dave? :biggrin:

[Randy]

Why did you think?

I love Snow Crash although I thought The Diamond Age was much, much better.

Interesting - I'm just the opposite. While they are both good, I liked Snow Crash better (it's one of the audiobooks that gets to stay on my iPod).

- R

[sparkchaser]

Interesting - I'm just the opposite. While they are both good, I liked Snow Crash better (it's one of the audiobooks that gets to stay on my iPod).

- R

Snow Crash entertained me and made me laugh.

The Diamond Age made me think.

[-bp-]

"The Painted Bird" is an unusually moving and deep book. It's been about 30 years since I read it, and your post may inspire me to go to those dark places again.

I couldn't agree more. It's one of the few books that means something different almost every time I read it. It's almost like a mirror.

[Joe Eckman]

I'm reading Cirque De Freak A series of 12 books about Darren Shan, a teenager who has become a half-vampire. The author: Darren Shan, has presented himself as the main character.

These books are like Stephen King for teenagers.

Teenagers in my church were reading them, and I wanted to find out what they were all about. They are innocent enough and are interesting to read.

Very easy but entertaining reading.

Joe

[BMWRider]

A lot of fans rake Neil over the coals for not being the most available person in the world, and how he shys away from fans. After reading Ghost Rider, I don't really know how anyone can say that about him. He tears his soul open and puts it out there for anyone willing to read the book to see.

I have finished Roadshow, am working on Traveling Music, and have the other two in the "to read" pile. I guess I am working my way backwards. He is a great writer in that he really captures the experience of riding on motorcycles for long distances. Having completed a couple ironbutts, I can attest to the soundtrack in your mind, the goofy stuff you look for, the aversion to the superslab, and all the other things he harps on. He also does a great job of talking about the brother/sisterhood of riders that exists that most folks are totally unaware of. I think he is really upfront about his feelings, and I have come to respect him a lot.

[slothbear]

Just finished Breakfast of Champions...Now I'm working on The Brothers Karamazov.

[robertw]

I'm listening to Halsey's Typhoon at work and reading The Bear and the Dragon at home.

[bluesbro1982]

Just finished Breakfast of Champions...Now I'm working on The Brothers Karamazov.


I love Breakfast of Champions... It was the first Vonnegut book I picked up, and I about died laughing from the first few "illustrations"

[rmrdaddy]

I'm working on John Berendt's City of Falling Angels...

[DirtyDave]

A lot of fans rake Neil over the coals for not being the most available person in the world, and how he shys away from fans. After reading Ghost Rider, I don't really know how anyone can say that about him. He tears his soul open and puts it out there for anyone willing to read the book to see.

Got your tickets for this years tour yet Dave? :biggrin:

Hey, Carl...er, Matt,

Peart admits he's uncomfortable around people he doesn't know, at least when he becomes the center of attention. He's says he's shy and I don't doubt that. All he owes the fans is his usual thoughtful lyrics and stunning drum work. If that is not enough, well, some people are just never happy.

Writing a book, he can tell an honest, open story about himself, which for me as an unabashed fan, is far more satisfying than some interview in People or such. The problem here is that someone interested in what he has to say has to first buy the book and then actually read it. For me that's a joy. I am willing to bet that for others, that is way too much work.

Tickets? Already purchased and the DVD of the show we saw last summer will be out around the same time. Can't wait! :thumbsup:

PS I am going to trust the mods about your arm pits. Congratulations, you have your very own title.:wink:

[BBriggs]

The Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follett - but going kind of slow.

[Squeg]

The Thames: Sacred River by Peter Ackroyd

The Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

A Brief History of Everything by Ken Wilbur

The Lost Chronicles of Maya Kings by David Drew

Also revisiting some:

To have and Have Not by Hemingway

East of Eden by Steinbeck

Ulysses by Joyce

[Howard Newell]

I'm currently reading "Starship Troopers" by Robert Heinlein. Thank the Lord it's nothing like that god-awful movie, but a more appropriate title would be "Why We Fight."

[Randy]

I'm currently reading "Starship Troopers" by Robert Heinlein. Thank the Lord it's nothing like that god-awful movie, but a more appropriate title would be "Why We Fight."

Heh, how they got the movie out of the book I have no idea. They're almost completely different stories. All of Heinlein's work is interesting - I may have to go back and re-read some of my favorites now that you brought him up :w00t:

- R

[Dr. Mike]

I'm currently reading "Starship Troopers" by Robert Heinlein. Thank the Lord it's nothing like that god-awful movie, but a more appropriate title would be "Why We Fight."

That was the first Heinlein book I ever read. The only other was "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress." I find his books have interesting ideas, but just don't do anything for me in a literary sense. I almost feel like I have to get through them just to find out what he thinks about things. I felt the same way reading Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged." Not entertaining reads, but interesting ones.

[Dr. Mike]

Just picked up a couple new ones to read, taking a cue from someone else on here. I am now reading "My Grandfather's Son" by Clarence Thomas and "The Forgotten Man" by Amity Shlaes. I've been wanting to read these for a while.

[maxpower]

Just finished Team of Rivals and Killer Angels. Just started Gods and Generals. Next up is The Last Full Measure.

[Howard Newell]

I felt the same way reading Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged." Not entertaining reads, but interesting ones.

I agree with you there. I had to read "Atlas Shrugged" for Philosophy and it was so incredibly boring from a literary point that I always fell asleep reading it. I understood her ideas on politics and the economy, but I honestly felt like pulling my hair out every time someone asked "Who is John Galt?"

[Lynchmeister]

Just about to finish up The Talented Mr. Ripley. Also today at the library I picked up Perfume: The Story of a Murderer and Just for Fun: The Story of an Accidental Revolutionary by Linus Torvalds, creator of Linux.

[PTurchan]

The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins & Mental Floss.

[Dr. Mike]

I agree with you there. I had to read "Atlas Shrugged" for Philosophy and it was so incredibly boring from a literary point that I always fell asleep reading it. I understood her ideas on politics and the economy, but I honestly felt like pulling my hair out every time someone asked "Who is John Galt?"

Agreed. In addition, I thought I was going to die during the 30-50 page John Galt monologue at the end of the book. At that point, I just couldn't let the book beat me. I have a greater appreciation for those who can be more subtle in getting their points across, rather than beating me over the head over and over, almost as if they keep asking, "Do you get it yet? Do you get it yet?"

[ulven22]

I am just about to start on the Perfume by Patrick Süskind. Heard a lot about it:001_smile:001_smile:001_smile

[ratcheer]

The Wandering Hill, by Larry McMurtry

Tim

[TstebinsB]

One of my many dreams is to have a huge, home library. It's actually one of the things I'd most enjoy in my dream home. You guys are giving me plenty of books to fill it up with, if I ever get it..

[kwk285]

Stone Cold by David Baldacci

I notice on this thread that the people here seem to like to read what I consider highbrow books. I other the other hand like to read and listen to books that are more entertaining.

[micah1_8]

If you ever want to have that creepy deja-vu feeling, just pick up an old copy of Bill Gates' "The Road Ahead" and read it. At about 13 years old, it's interesting to look at where ol' billion dollar Bill thought we'd be by now. While everything he was shooting for didn't exactly happen, it's kind of like a cyber-mein kampf, you can look at what M$ did over the last 10 years or so and see what he was trying to accomplish.

[falkon]

10 Days that Shook the World- John Reed
The Russian Revolution: A Very Short Introduction- R.A. Smith
Philosophy of Science: A Very Short Introduction- Samir Okasha
The New Testament
A broad range of material on various asian religious traditions
The Art of War- Sn Tzu (just finished)

[thecoalition]

i started reading Crime and Punishment during the winterbreak but had to put it down because school readings started up. I will finish it once may 4 comes. then i will read the newest pahlaniuk to have been released.

[Lynchmeister]

I am just about to start on the Perfume by Patrick Süskind. Heard a lot about it:001_smile:001_smile:001_smile

I was torn between starting this and Just for Fun by Linus Torvalds...I went with the latter as I have just got to know what the guy who invented my kryptonite was thinking...

[Zeni]

Since Robert Jordan died and his wife hired Brandon Sanderson to write the Ending of the Saga, I have to read his books. So. ATM Reading Mistborn The Final Empire. and Breaking the Spell and god is not GREAT.

[WithTheGrain]

I agree with you there. I had to read "Atlas Shrugged" for Philosophy and it was so incredibly boring from a literary point that I always fell asleep reading it. I understood her ideas on politics and the economy, but I honestly felt like pulling my hair out every time someone asked "Who is John Galt?"

I actually liked it from a story point, but the philosophy grew tedious (which is surprising as I am somewhat sympathetic in my leanings...). As far as starship troopers, I loved that movie. It was a great spoof of the old WW2 era propaganda films. I hadn't read the book though, so I guess I wasn't disappointed. Plus, plenty of topless women... :biggrin::wink:

[Howard Newell]

I'm reading Traditional Argentinian Ballads in Spanish. It's really different, but I really like it.

[Bowcephalus]

"The Texas Rangers"....A very detailed, documented taste of what the conflicts between Texans, Mexicans, and Indians were all about.....Great insight into the times,politics,and nature of the people involved.....

[ratcheer]

"The Texas Rangers"....A very detailed, documented taste of what the conflicts between Texans, Mexicans, and Indians were all about.....Great insight into the times,politics,and nature of the people involved.....

Sounds good. I think would like it, too.

Tim

[Bowcephalus]

The neighborhood was rough for everybody back in those days........

[Hoos]

The Omnivore's Dilemma.

[analog_kid]

The Omnivore's Dilemma.


I really want to read that, but I'm afraid it will make me never want to eat again.

[Hoos]

I really want to read that, but I'm afraid it will make me never want to eat again.

I'm still in the first part of the book. It hasn't had that effect on me, even though Fast Food Nation sure did.

So far, it's just made me more aware of how processed everything is and how corn is so omnipresent in a grocery store (from packaging to "food" to shelves).

Pollan doesn't seem to have an agenda (he's not a vegan, vegetarian, anti-beef, anti-meat, whatever). It's really an exploration of that vast space from animal/vegetable to when we actually eat it. An area we don't like to think about (as in slaughter houses, etc.). There may be a mild indictment against the "nutrition" industry as in "if it's good for you to begin with, then why do you have to add stuff?" point of view.

He has a couple of good NPR interviews from 2002 and 2007 (I think). One about his buying, raising, and eating beef cattle and one on nutrition fads (vitamins, bran, good fat, etc.) that will give you an idea of his point of view. They should be available as podcasts.

[michaelskar]

I'm "reading" a book called "Foul Play" about the E.C. comics artists during the 1950s (focusing on the horror/crime era and the lead in to the MAD magazine era). It's really more of a coffee table book...but it is a wonderful collection of brief bios of the major artists, examples of their work, and short selections by each artist published. there really was no cooler era in comics, IMHO...

[Lynchmeister]

Just started Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süsskind.

[analog_kid]

I'm still in the first part of the book. It hasn't had that effect on me, even though Fast Food Nation sure did.

So far, it's just made me more aware of how processed everything is and how corn is so omnipresent in a grocery store (from packaging to "food" to shelves).

Pollan doesn't seem to have an agenda (he's not a vegan, vegetarian, anti-beef, anti-meat, whatever). It's really an exploration of that vast space from animal/vegetable to when we actually eat it. An area we don't like to think about (as in slaughter houses, etc.). There may be a mild indictment against the "nutrition" industry as in "if it's good for you to begin with, then why do you have to add stuff?" point of view.

He has a couple of good NPR interviews from 2002 and 2007 (I think). One about his buying, raising, and eating beef cattle and one on nutrition fads (vitamins, bran, good fat, etc.) that will give you an idea of his point of view. They should be available as podcasts.


I think I was a little off on the subject of the book, as I thought it would be similar to Fast Food Nation, just more of an exploratory look. I do enjoy Pollan's opinion on corn as I couldn't agree more with him. We seriously need to cut back on that stuff.

[Rufus]

This month it's "Shake Hands with the Devil" by Lt General Romeo Dallaire; its sub-title is "The Failure of Humanity In Rwanda". General Dallaire was serving in Rwanda in 1993 as a UN Force Commander during the civil war and genocide and this book is his eyewitness account of the failure of humanity to stop the genocide.

[TimmyBoston]

I'm working through Rant by Chuck Palahniuk

[Thomas]

Agreed. In addition, I thought I was going to die during the 30-50 page John Galt monologue at the end of the book. At that point, I just couldn't let the book beat me. I have a greater appreciation for those who can be more subtle in getting their points across, rather than beating me over the head over and over, almost as if they keep asking, "Do you get it yet? Do you get it yet?"

Ahh, now I see what I missed in those last 699 or so pages. Thanks!

I jsut wrapped up Friend of the Earth (T.C. Boyle) which was a great read, fixin to wrap up God is not Great (Hitchens), and should be starting on Atonement (McEwen) or The Masters (Sampson) if I can't find the former.

[sparkchaser]

Picked this up Sunday at the International Spy Museum.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Z4t30GM9L._AA240_.jpg

Where to Invade Next (http://www.amazon.com/Where-Invade-Next-Stephen-Elliott/dp/1932416935/?tag=collectionofcoll) by Stephen Elliott

Interesting overview of the seven countries that are the greatest threat to American interests. Seeing as how McSweeney's is the publisher, I'm pretty sure it's not meant to be taken seriously.

[Aquanin]

I'm working through Rant by Chuck Palahniuk

Good Book. I am a huge Chuck fan. I have read all of his books more than once. I just finished 'Click' by Kristopher Young. This book is a wild ride. I bought it, but you can actually download a free PDF of the whole book on the publishers website. They are a small independent publisher trying new distribution methods. Check it out here: http://www.anothersky.org/in-print/click-kristopher-young/ Cool book.

[SlyGI]

A Brief History of the English Speaking People Since 1900.

Great book, good read to boot!

[rabidpotatochip]

I finally picked up Otherworld by Tad Williams. That book has been haunting me in bookstores for years and it finally came up on Bookmooch. I really enjoy his writing style so far, particularly how he combines several seemingly unrelated storylines. If I had to classify it, I'd say sci-fi, but better. :biggrin:

[77DX]

Foreskin's Lament (http://www.amazon.com/Foreskins-Lament-Memoir-Shalom-Auslander/dp/1594489556), by Shalom Auslander. A very funny and irreverent memoir of growing up an Orthodox Jew in Monsey, New York, and the author's continuing struggle with God.

For the record I'm not Jewish and I've never been to Monsey, but I loved this book.

[Joe Eckman]

I just finished Bowerman and the Men of Oregon; The Story of Oregon's Legendary Coach and Nike's Cofounder[I] Very good book. I find most biographys inspirational. I suppose that if someone is notable tnough to write about, their example may offer something to emulate.

Now on to the last [I]Harry Potter .

Joe

[Ishamael70]

Started "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy on Saturday morning, and finished it Saturday afternoon - just couldn't put it down.

What a bleak and terrifying book, but sooo well-done. It's been all I've thought about all week.

[Hambone]

I read for about an hour everyday on the bus to and from work. I just finished 'Heart Earth' by Ivan Doig. Anyone with a great dad will have trouble not tearing up while reading this one. A simply achingly kind and wondrous look back on a child saved from early tragedy by an exceptional father. And now I've moved on to the Eric Clapton Autobiography. You can tell he didn't have a ghostwriter, but lots of great stories from the early days.

[Hambone]

I agree. 'The Road' is so good. Especially haunting to anyone who has lost someone before their time.

[DrRansom]

Re-reading Orange Crush by Tim Dorsey and anxiously awaiting my turn to check out Tim's newest book, Atomic Lobster.

[infotech]

One from my high school days that I found in a box of books of mine my mom has kept for the past 20 years...

S.E. Hinton
That Was Then, This Is Now


I read it Saturday because I had really liked it the first time around when I was in High School. I found it still a pretty good read.

Don't know what's up next.

[Beowulf53]

Great thread and a great way for a newbie to get to know his or her listmates better.

I'm reading "Shatterday" by Harlan Ellison. I haven't read HE since the 70's - but I feel a slight binge coming on. I've ordered several more volumes of his short fiction to follow up with.

"Tijuana Straits" by Kem Nunn. I was one of the few (apparently) fans of "John From Cincinnati" on HBO and received an intro to the surf noir genre from it. Kem Nunn's books were a primary influence on the series - in fact, he did some of the writing for it.

"The Bhagavad Gita and Its Message" - Sri Aurobindo. Translation and commentary of the great Sanskrit classic by the great 20th century Indian seer and spiritual master.

Ken

[sullivanpm]

The Glass Key - Dashiell Hammett

[VR6ofpain]

Currently reading The Bourne Identity. Picked up a copy of the original hardbound release (1980) at a thrift store for $2. I am surprised how different it is than the movie. Very good so far (about 1/2 way through it).


Just finished Next by Michael Cricthon,
I read that a while back. I thought it was pretty good...though I felt it ended abruptly. I really enjoy his books. If you have not read Prey, I highly recommend it (though I would recommend virtually all of his books...Travels is an interesting non-fiction read of his).

[Mr. Todd]

Right now I am reading books on how to write musicals. I one day hope to write so... so I think I'm reading these books in preparation.

[JBHoren]

The emperor of Ocean Park by Stephen L. Carter, from my local public library.

[sweetzen]

The Collected Writings of Robert Motherwell, edited by Stephanie Terenzio.

Not only could he paint, but he could actually write about art in a way that makes you want to keep turning the page. Good stuff. :smile:

[AsciiSimon]

I finally picked up Otherworld by Tad Williams. That book has been haunting me in bookstores for years and it finally came up on Bookmooch. I really enjoy his writing style so far, particularly how he combines several seemingly unrelated storylines. If I had to classify it, I'd say sci-fi, but better. :biggrin:
I read those books as they came out (a long wait between them) and in the end found them somewhat disappointing for some reason. Obviously, like everything, YMMV!

I am reading H P Lovecraft at the moment. I can't believe I only today got around to reading "The Call of Cthulhu".

[Lynchmeister]

Currently reading The Bourne Identity. Picked up a copy of the original hardbound release (1980) at a thrift store for $2. I am surprised how different it is than the movie. Very good so far (about 1/2 way through it).


I read that a while back. I thought it was pretty good...though I felt it ended abruptly. I really enjoy his books. If you have not read Prey, I highly recommend it (though I would recommend virtually all of his books...Travels is an interesting non-fiction read of his).

I'm in total agreement with your statements about The Bourne Identity (also picked my copy up for $1.00 :biggrin:) and Travels. Both great books.

Currently I'm reading ENIAC, which most of you know was the first modern, digital, and electronic computer built by two fellows named Mauchly and Eckert during WWII to calculate artillery firing tables among other things. Ironically, they finished work shortly after the war ended.

[zepplin]

Believe it or not, I happen to be reading Henry Miller's "Tropic of Cancer" right now.

I lean toward really good Sci/Fi and Mystery. I read for enjoyment now that I am older. I love Philip K.Dick and Fredric Brown.

Why am I reading Tropic.......? To say I did, and to determine if it's that good.

Steve

[Lynchmeister]

Believe it or not, I happen to be reading Henry Miller's "Tropic of Cancer" right now.

...

Why am I reading Tropic.......? To say I did, and to determine if it's that good.

Steve

I'm very curious to hear your thoughts when you're finished. I read it several months ago much for the same reasons as yourself...plus the vague connotations made about it in the "Library Cop" episode of Seinfeld had the wheels turning in my head. :rolleyes:

The first 50 or so pages left me in a perpetual state of asking myself "WTF!?!" Then Miller's writing style becomes less abstract (I think he was coming off his high at this point :tongue_sm) and I found the anecdotes amusing.

I may pick up Tropic of Capricorn someday, but I'm not in a hurry to do so.

[sparkchaser]

Just finished Jared Diamond's Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared Diamond.

Wow. That is all I can say. My rating: http://www.seihin-world.com/i/sonota/star/5star.gif

[neverwhere]

Currently reading "Foucault's Pendulum" by Umberto Eco. Amazing read. Love the man.

Last read was "House of Leaves" by Mark Z. Danielewski.

[ratcheer]

Napoleon's Pyramids by William Dietrich - its pretty good.

Tim

[Mr-Scruffy]

Lord of the Rings one volume edition

[grayraven]

Currently re-reading Pattern Recognition by William Gibson. After that I am looking at Spook Country by Gibson as well.

In response to the guys who are reading Bourne Identity by Ludlum keep at it as the other two books are incredible. Also, I would recommend Sigma Protocol and [The Icarus Agenda[/U], both are by Ludlum and page turners.

[professorchaos]

Re-reading Gene Wolf's The Book of the New Sun for a refresh before starting on The Book of the Long Sun.

Prior to this, assorted James Lee Burke and Dennis Lahane.

[Rolo]

Currently reading "Foucault's Pendulum" by Umberto Eco. Amazing read. Love the man.
Amazing is right, I couldn't put it down. A few years ago I started reading "Baudolino", but stopped half way through, don't know why really. I should pick it up again.

Currently reading The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. Fun read.

[Hanspleasure]

Catcher in the Rye..

[paydepst]

Right now-

King Lear by William Shakespeare


Judah's Sceptre and Joseph's Birthright by J.H. Allen

[Bors]

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

Makes a nice change from all the Fantasy & Sci-Fi I normally read!

[Johnny_Z]

The Historian was a good read, although the "reveal" was a bit of a let down.

I've tried to read Eco (both Pendulum and Name of the Rose [more than once]) and just cannot get into him.

[InvaderZahn]

Galopagos by Kurt Vonnegut

[kwk285]

Playing for Pizza.

[sullivanpm]

The Thin Man

[Hairy Dave]

Shogun

[Ltltony]

The Pickwick Papers

[michaelskar]

I'm reading Murder in Baker Street: New Tales of Sherlock Holmes by Martin H. Greenberg

collected new short stories starring Holmes and Watson featuring several modern mystery writers...so far it has been pretty good (got it as a bargain book at barnes and noble)

[Fig Newton]

Mao "The Unknown Story". This book sends chills down my spine ...

[Ltltony]

I'm reading Murder in Baker Street: New Tales of Sherlock Holmes by Martin H. Greenberg

collected new short stories starring Holmes and Watson featuring several modern mystery writers...so far it has been pretty good (got it as a bargain book at barnes and noble)

That has some decent stories in it.

If you are into Sherlock Homes pastiches, these are decent as well.
Resurrected Holmes (http://www.amazon.com/Resurrected-Holmes-Cases-Notes-Watson/dp/0312156391)
Confidential Casebook Sherlock Holmes (http://www.amazon.com/Confidential-Casebook-Sherlock-Holmes/dp/0312206380/ref=pd_sim_b_title_1)

[jazzman]

Just finished Michael Connelly's The Overlook, which I think is the most recent Harry Bosch book in paperback. I think it's the best current police procedural series.

[angelhodge]

Reading Now:

The Last Days of Krypton :w00t:

[BMWRider]

The Kite Runner

[Ltltony]

The Kite Runner

That was a great book. I really enjoyed it.

[BMWRider]

That was a great book. I really enjoyed it.

I am very taken with it. I love redemption stories anyway.

[rayzor]

"Then we came to the End" by Joshua Ferris

Being in a work situation where we've been in a cycle of reorgs & layoffs for ~5yrs, I found it hilarious.

[Bowcephalus]

"Cancel Your Own Goddam Subscription"...William F. Buckley Jr.....One of those books you can casually spend ten minutes in at a time and really enjoy. A collection of "Notes and Asides" including letters from fans as well as detractors, some rabidly so...You'll find here many notable public figures over quite a few years including replies from Buckley.....Very amusing and entertaining for anyone who appreciates a sharp wit, irrespective of political leanings....I enjoy books like this (stand alone tidbits) as a break while reading more time consuming volumes......

[Bowcephalus]

Fig,on the Mao book,looks intresting.... Is that a tedious read, as is the case with some history? Could it be that John Lennon got it wrong?

[Bors]

The Inimitable Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse

Am also still reading The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins, though I seem to have ground to a halt on that one.

[Big_E]

Caesar Against The Celts by Raemon L. Jimenez. Go X Legion! :tongue_sm
Ernest

[Jessetoedtman]

City of my dreams by peter foglestrom - pretty good historical read

[Hobbesoxon]

http://cdn.harpercollins.com/harperimages/isbn/large/5/9780688163525.jpg

[thunderball]

Just finished Moby Dick for the 4th time and now into Lord Jim (Conrad) and The Power of Now (Tolle). :biggrin:

[kwk285]

Beverly Hills Dead by Stuart Woods.

[Ltltony]

Just finished Moby Dick for the 4th time and now into Lord Jim (Conrad) and The Power of Now (Tolle). :biggrin:

It took me a few tries to get through Lord Jim. I have read many of Conrad's books and I think that was one of the harder one for me to get into.

[rabidpotatochip]

I'm reading badgerandblade.com. I'm on page three at the moment, and I figure I'll be done sometime mid-July.

[sartoris]

Re-reading Gene Wolf's The Book of the New Sun for a refresh before starting on The Book of the Long Sun.

Prior to this, assorted James Lee Burke and Dennis Lahane.

I have the first two books of The Book of the New Sun on hold for me at the library. I'm looking forward to those. I am currently on book four of Stephen King's Dark Tower series. It's pretty good, but man-oh-man, that dude is long-winded sometimes.

[BMWRider]

Fridays With Red by Bob Edwards.

[Ltltony]

I am very taken with it. I love redemption stories anyway.

I haven't read "A Thousand Splendid Suns" yet (his second novel) but it is one of the next one I want to read.

[Bors]

Just started Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray which was given to me recently.

The Book of the New Sun was great... I need to finish the series.

[Taliesin]

Right now, I've got How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie, That's an occasional pickup read for the past few months for when I run out of regular books. I have another one of those, The Hiddden Persuaders. That's technically a re-read since I first read it back when I was 11 or so for a research paper. Last week, I went through The Bourne Supremacy, 1984, The Jesus Incident, and The Dosadi Experiment. On Friday, I'll pop by my local second hand shop and see what I can grab. Unfortunately they have no rythme or reason to their shelving so finding anything is a process.

I read really fast and almost constantly.

[BMWRider]

I haven't read "A Thousand Splendid Suns" yet (his second novel) but it is one of the next one I want to read.

It is on my list.

[kongjie]

I am re-reading John Crowley's Love and Sleep, part of his Aegypt Cycle.

[jfever311]

I am currently surging through the nineteen books that make up the "Dirk Pitt" chronicles written by Clive Cussler. They make for very simple, but exiting reading. Most of them are one day reads. I highly recommend Clive Cussler for someone who likes action/adventure.

[ratcheer]

I started Duma Key by Stephen King, last night. I got approximately three words into the first sentence when my wife took exception to me kicking back to read a book. :mad:

I'll try again, tonight. :001_huh:

Tim

[Evbo]

Musicophilia, by Oliver Sacks. Fascinating read written by an eminent neurologist about how in large part our brains are designed for music, and some of the ways in which this can go awry.

[BMWRider]

Twilight at Monticello: The Final Years of Thomas Jefferson by Alan Pell Crawford

and

Rereading Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury

[rayzor]

Larklight, Philip Reeve
The Steampunk Trilogy, Paul Di Filippo

[Bowcephalus]

George MacDonald............

[180gVinyl]

In The Moon Of Red Ponies - James Lee Burke

[jazzman]

Enigma, by Hugh Sebag-Montefiore. In addtion to an updated telling of the story of British/Polish/French codebreaking in WWII, it describes several dramatic naval actions to capture code materials from subs and other vessels. A very good read.

[Dennard]

Jarhead by Anthony Swofford.

[DaveAri]

A great read, "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay". By Michael Chabon.

[Lynchmeister]

Just finished Long Way Round by Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman and am now reading Jupiter's Travels by Ted Simon.

I figure if I can't traverse the globe by motorcycle, I might as well live vicariously through others who have. :rolleyes:

[MickM]

"The Tunguska Fireball" - a book that covers the history of this event. Leading up to the science behind it and the most probable cause.

Great read.

Here's a little tuber
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiXpp-i442s

Book is full of details.

[King BB]

Right now, about 1/2 way through 'Killer Instinct' by Joseph Finder. Previous book was 'The Traitor' by Stephen Coonts, next book in line is 'Dark Harbor' by David Hosp.

[LiquidStrike]

+ 1 for Omnivore's Dilemma. This book already has my wife and I re-thinking what we're actually purchasing and cooking up.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still a meat-eater, but for example, there is a noticeable difference between organic cage free eggs (looks and tastes better) and regular ones.

[Lucius]

Scratch Beginnings: Me, $25, and the Search for the American Dream by Adam Shepherd.

[morijinal]

I'm a scholar studying independently. At the moment I find myself in-between Interconnecting Network Devices books 1 &2. They are both big reads, about 700 pages a pop. The goal is to become CCNA certified and become a Network Technician or maybe more!

[rabidpotatochip]

I started Kill Me, by Stephen White a few days ago. In retrospect, a bright yellow cover with a knife and the words "KILL ME" in size 36 font was probably not the best thing to have in the top of my carry-on luggage, but they seemed to handle it in stride.

[TimmyBoston]

Devil's Waltz by Jonathan Kellerman

[sparkchaser]

I just finished Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke. The story is simultaneously wonderful and terrifying and the ending I could never have guessed.

I give it 4.5/5.

[TimmyBoston]

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Euginedes

[Howard Newell]

Currently Psychoshop by Alfred Bester.

[jrthebutler]

I started Duma Key by Stephen King, last night. I got approximately three words into the first sentence when my wife took exception to me kicking back to read a book. :mad:

I'll try again, tonight. :001_huh:

Tim
ratcheer: If you like King's other surrealistic work, you'll like Duma Key. It seems a little slow at times, but i had forgotten exactly how much time King places on character development. You really feel like you know these people, and they're not just manifests of someone's imagination. King also does this thing where he tells you something is going to happen, but waits 200 pages to bring it up again; at points like that i can't put a book down.

Hope you enjoy Duma Key,

JB

[Stauff]

Translated in Dutch by one of my best friends: Gregor von Rezzori, 'Memoirs of an Antisemite'. Incredibly good and amusing book by a much underrated author.

(BTW: the title is indeed provocative, but Rezzori is actually describing his youth as a German-speaking Austrian in present-day Romania at the beginning of the twentieth century - in that time and region, everyone was -sadly- antisemitic. Fascinating historical document, however.)

[Must Dash]

An Exacting Heart: The Story of Hephzibah Menuhin, by Jacqueline Kent. An absorbing read (http://www.readings.com.au/product/9780670071173/an-exacting-heart-the-story-of-hephzibah-menuhin)and made even more enjoyable because of who gave it to me and why.

Cheers


Jeremy

[jmwebster]

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

[Bricktop]

One of these days, I will start reading the copy of Harry Potter Book 7 that I lined up at midnight on release day to get. :redface:

[ratcheer]

Hope you enjoy Duma Key,

JB

I am about a third of the way into it, now. I am enjoying it, very much.

Tim

[DirtyDave]

I just finished Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke. The story is simultaneously wonderful and terrifying and the ending I could never have guessed.

I give it 4.5/5.

I remember reading that one and it left me with a very odd feeling at the end, as in being slightly unnerved. Every now and then I will look up at the sky and think about those big ships. Is this the day?

Amazing how a piece of fiction can work affect the mind.

[BMWRider]

The Revolution: A Manifesto by Ron Paul

[adamjaskie]

I just finished reading an old boxed set I had of three Horatio Hornblower novels by C.S. Forester. The box contained Beat to Quarters, A Ship of the Line, and Flying Colours, and was a lot of fun to read.

[kwk285]

Stalin's Ghost by Martin Cruz Smith

[Johnny Dale]

One of these days, I will start reading the copy of Harry Potter Book 7 that I lined up at midnight on release day to get. :redface:

When I purchased it a couple if month's ago the woman at the checkout counter commented that it was odd a middle aged man buying a Harry Potter book. I stated I liked the series and it was too bad he dies in this one but I would read it anyways. :biggrin:

You would have thought time just stood still! She stared at me, and said Really? He Dies? I said I don't know! Thats why I'm buying it.:001_rolle

She got pretty mad that I was pulling her leg.

She should not mess with 50 year old men! :biggrin:

[Dennard]

Plainsong by Kent Haruf

[Deganveran]

I just finished The Glass Menagirie by Tenesse Williams and am working on the first Dune by Frank Herbert book.

[sparkchaser]

I remember reading that one and it left me with a very odd feeling at the end, as in being slightly unnerved. Every now and then I will look up at the sky and think about those big ships. Is this the day?

Amazing how a piece of fiction can work affect the mind.

I carried that odd feeling around all weekend and it's still here. In a few years I'll revisit it and see if I can gleam something new from it.

[Lynchmeister]

The Nasty Bits by Anthony Bourdain.

(If I already posted this earlier, and forgot, I apologize)

[micah1_8]

Just picked up a copy of "Make Love, the Bruce Campbell way." by Bruce "Don't call me Ash" Campbell.

I love his description "All of the events in this book are true, except for the parts that didn't happen."

[sparkchaser]

The Nasty Bits by Anthony Bourdain.

(If I already posted this earlier, and forgot, I apologize)

Good book.

[Bors]

Just finished some more Wodehouse.
Still struggling through the Picture of Dorian Gray.

Going to start reading The Compleet [sic] Molesworth tonight for a bit of light relief.

[Robxcarlson]

Re-reading The Hazards of Being Male by Herb Goldberg

[micah1_8]

Just finished some more Wodehouse.
Still struggling through the Picture of Dorian Gray.

Going to start reading The Compleet [sic] Molesworth tonight for a bit of light relief.

I'm a big fan of Wooster and Jeeves...

[Howard Newell]

Various translations of El Cid for my translation class.

[chillpill]

Quite the diverse list of books going on here.

Nothing to extravagant here ... I'm on a mission to get some classics under my belt.

Recently wrapped up Hemmingway's The Old Man and The Sea (loved it) and am halfway through Huxley's (sp) Brave New World. Pretty cool so far.

[prophetic_joe]

G.R R.Martin Game of Thrones

[Bors]

G.R R.Martin Game of Thrones

Have you read this before? I absolutely love the Song of Ice and Fire Series. Just don't enjoy the wait between books!

[joe mcclaine]

Just finished "Zero Option" by Chris Ryan (ex-SAS).

Am now reading "Flashman In The Great Game" by George MacDonald Fraser.

[TimmyBoston]

I'm on a Jonathan Kellerman kick, now I'm rereading on Time Bomb, while I'm waiting for his new novel to show up at the library.

[rayzor]

Soon I Will Be Invincible by Austin Grossman

[TimmyBoston]

Soon I Will Be Invincible by Austin Grossman

I heard this was really good...What do you think?

[Deganveran]

Im reading an anthology of Feydor Dostevsky stories (man can I relate to "White Nights") and Im reading the first Dune book by Frank Herbert. Both have exceeded my literary expectations.

[jones2289]

currently reading A Salty Piece of Land by Jimmy Buffet.

[fight the line]

Finished "What is the What" by Dave Eggers not too recenetly. I'm not nearly the fan of Dave Eggers that I feel the rest of my generation is but I really enjoyed this book.

Now I am almost finished with "Love in the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I am loving it and my only problem is that my spanish is not advanced enough to read it as he wrote it.

[sparkchaser]

"The Sea Wolf" by Jack London

[jazzman]

Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA, by Tim Weiner.

[kongjie]

Just finished Daughter of Hounds by Caitlin Kiernan. A very enjoyable, quick read. Will pick up her earlier work that prequels it next.

[Mr-Scruffy]

"The Sea Wolf" by Jack London

Great book.

[jfever311]

I finally finished the entire Clive Cussler collection and will now start Caleb Carr's, "The Angel of Darkness".

[Mr Mockett]

I'm re-reading the Ender series by Orson Scott Card.

[thevelvet]

A Man In Full by Tom Wolfe

[Intruderdriver]

Just finished "Luckiest Man" by Jonathan Eig, a Lou Gehrig bio. Started "The Big Bam" by Leigh Montville, a Babe Ruth bio.

Spring got me on a baseball kick......

[sparkchaser]

Great book.

Yeah. I liked it.

[kwk285]

The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer

[TickTock]

I just read 'The Foreign Correspondent" by Alan Furst. It's a thriller/spy novel set in late 1930's Europe. Very atmospheric and well done. What a dreadful, oppressive, desperate era.

[TimmyBoston]

Compulsion by Jonathan Kellerman

[expatCanuck]

Terry Pratchett's Thud, by way of Pratchett & Gaiman's Good Omens (which is fabulous). Also by way of Good Omens, had been on a Neil Gaiman kick (American Gods, Neverwhere).

Was reading Chris Moore before that (Lamb, Fluke, Practical Demonkeeping).

[sparkchaser]

The Killing Star by Charles Pellegrino and George Zebrowski

[TimmyBoston]

One False Move by Harlan Coben

[Mordecai]

Helmet For My Pillow by Robert Leckie

[King of Kailua]

I was recently taken down with a c-spine injury in my neck. During a period of heavy medication and limited mobility, I went on a Philip K Dick kick. I don't recommend reading his books while you are heavily sedated: Your head will spin until your soul is transmutated into another dimension.

If you like your Sci-Fi mashed up with a bit of Kurt Vonnegut sensibility, try PKD's Ubik, The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldrige, and the Valis Trilogy. I'm feeling a little woozy just writing this by association. Currently, I am on The Divine Invasion.

[Gaz]

I just finished Michael Crichtons "Timeline" and started Brian Haigs "Secret Sanction". On deck is "Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy" by John le Carre.

[sparkchaser]

Finished Into the Wild and am reading a collection of Arthur C. Clarke short stories.

[kongjie]

In the middle of a Caitlín R. Kiernan kick. Read Daughter of Hounds, then Low Red Moon, and am now rereading Threshold. So, yes, doing it kind of backwards sideways.

[soapbox]

I'm proof-reading my dissertation before submitting it for real. :w00t:

Jesse, PhD

(Gawd I just love seeing that; it just doesn't get old.)

[King of Kailua]

Has anyone read Jesus's Son? It's a cool small collection of related short stories. The Protagonist is a pretty troubled character. I loved the story; Car Crash While Hitchhiking. Apparently this book has been made into a movie starring Billy Crudup .... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0186253/maindetails

[JBHoren]

I was recently introduced to author Lee Child, and his Jack Reacher series. I enjoyed the novel (The Persuader) immensely. Unfortunately, I've ended-up not reading them chronologically, which is my preference. I just finished reading his Bad Luck and Trouble, and am now well into The Enemy.

[Greyfox]

I am reading the new release of the Complete Annotated Sherlock Holmes stories. I have never read them but I am really enjoying this. 3 Huge! volumes. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle really captures my imagination. Highly recommended.:smile:

[analog_kid]

Just started Your Money or Your Life. Been on my list of "books about money" to read for some time. It's interesting because it's more about the psychological relationship we all have with money rather than money itself.

[jazzman]

I was recently introduced to author Lee Child, and his Jack Reacher series. I enjoyed the novel (The Persuader) immensely. Unfortunately, I've ended-up not reading them chronologically, which is my preference. I just finished reading his Bad Luck and Trouble, and am now well into The Enemy.

It's a terrific series. I'm going through it chronologically and, unlike many other series writers, Child improved a great deal as he went along. So you're not missing much by going out of order.

[jazzman]

And I'm reading a collection of Morganstern's jazz writing. He's one of the best on the topic.

[MotoMike]

Reading Bill Mason's "Song of the Paddle"

and Joseph Waumbaugh's latest, "Hollywood Crows"

[Johnny Dale]

Reading "Off Armageddon Reef" by David Weber. So far a very good read.

[kwk285]

The Testament by Lusbader

[Mr-Scruffy]

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

[jfever311]

I have read "Gone With the Wind" a few times over the years and went on a hunt recently to find a large print edition for my father. During the search I found a couple spin-offs to GWTW. I went ahead and picked them up too. I am reading, "Scarlett" by: Alexandria Ripley right now. So far, so good.

[Robxcarlson]

The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty

:eek: