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What are you reading (May 2011)
- Thread starter Maklershed
- Start date
Guileless said:
I can't help but jump in to offer a more positive opinion. While it's often slow going, I found A Perfect Spy to be a fascinating (if incredibly depressing) character study of an amoral spy juggling allegiances and facades while looking back on his past to see who, if anyone, he really is. It's even more of a kick in the teeth when you learn that the novel is at least partly semi-autobiographical, namely the parts about the protagonist's conman father. A Perfect Spy is not a book for everyone, it's not where I would suggest that someone start reading Le Carre, and I can see how someone could find it to be boring. That said, I thought it was a bleak, powerful novel and I'm very glad I read it.
I'm roughly halfway through Desolation Island, the fifth novel in Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series. What can I say? It's another wonderful naval adventure set in the Napoleonic Era starring characters I have come to love. I recently dropped by the used bookstore and bought the next five novels in the series, and I'm looking forward to enjoying them throughout the year.
FnordChan
LocoMrPollock
Banned
Cyan said:No, meaning that the switch happens near the beginning of the story, so I assume it's the same here.
Also, you should read the Prisoner of Zenda.
Oh, didn't realize it was near the beginning.
Still, it's probably not a good idea to be careless with spoilers in these threads.
Granger Danger
Member
The Chef said:
just finished a confederacy of dunces
I was rather surprised it ended so happily. I was really expecting him to end up at Charity. Him running off with Minkoff was pretty sweet in its own way, and I actually kinda hope his 'valve' opening meant he would actually progress a bit in life. Good book.
I just finished Yonder Stands Your Orphan. It was good. Not great. There's a real effort here on Hannah's part, which is better than what can be said of some of his other later novels (Hey Jack! and Boomerang). The sections of the book that feature the villain, Man Mortimer, make the book tremble in yours hands. It's a shame that the rest of the book can be so convoluted. Very well worth the read though.
Started Swamplandia!, by Karen Russell. We'll see how it goes.
Started Swamplandia!, by Karen Russell. We'll see how it goes.
Finished:
Slowly working my way through Philip K. Dick's works. I enjoyed this for the most part and really liked how the author explored the theme of reality.
and
I met the author a few years ago but didn't pick up the book until now. Aimed towards teenagers so the prose and plot aren't anything spectacular, but there were parts that were terribly heartbreaking, even more so considering that the book is based on the author's experiences.
Just started:
Love "realistic" depictions of alien invasions, so this is awesome so far. Surprised that the book opened up with a female astronaut since I've been reading some older science fiction, and they're just seeped in sexism or completely lacking in female characters. (The Man in the High Castle actually had a pretty active female central character. The portrayal was still eye-roll inducing though.)
Slowly working my way through Philip K. Dick's works. I enjoyed this for the most part and really liked how the author explored the theme of reality.
and
I met the author a few years ago but didn't pick up the book until now. Aimed towards teenagers so the prose and plot aren't anything spectacular, but there were parts that were terribly heartbreaking, even more so considering that the book is based on the author's experiences.
Just started:
Love "realistic" depictions of alien invasions, so this is awesome so far. Surprised that the book opened up with a female astronaut since I've been reading some older science fiction, and they're just seeped in sexism or completely lacking in female characters. (The Man in the High Castle actually had a pretty active female central character. The portrayal was still eye-roll inducing though.)
DesertEater
Member
Right now I'm reading my first Kurt Vonnegut book, Breakfast of Champions.
From reading the premise of the book I knew that I was in for a crazy ride.
The book is even crazier than I what I had expected.
And I fucking love the way writes and his hilarious sense of humor.
Now I really want to read Slaughterhouse-5.
I also finished The Stranger by Albert Camus a while ago.
If you haven't read it yet, do yourself a favor and do so. Its only 120 pages but its so full of meaning.
From reading the premise of the book I knew that I was in for a crazy ride.
The book is even crazier than I what I had expected.
And I fucking love the way writes and his hilarious sense of humor.
Now I really want to read Slaughterhouse-5.
I also finished The Stranger by Albert Camus a while ago.
If you haven't read it yet, do yourself a favor and do so. Its only 120 pages but its so full of meaning.
UltimaKilo
Member
Mononofu said:
Please explain WTF this is about!
UltimaKilo
Member
The Albatross said:Reading:
I've heard some really good things about this book!
I'm now almost done with this little short biography written by Einhard after Charlemagne died in his honor:
Vita Karoli Magni
It's not exactly at the beginning of the story, but you know it's coming long before it happens. It even jokingly mentions that Flashman's adventures inspired The Prisoner of Zenda in the back cover copy.Cyan said:No, meaning that the switch happens near the beginning of the story, so I assume it's the same here.
Also, you should read the Prisoner of Zenda.
Jumped into reading The Terror by Dan Simmons. I have read some of his stuff before, but never this one. Besides I needed a break from the lighthearted stuff of Flashman.
Waiting on a few things from the local library including Lost City of Z and A Visit From The Goon Squad (Thought I would get it in time for the GAF Book Club, but oh well)
LocoMrPollock
Banned
Ceebs said:
Not sure why that should matter? Just don't post spoilers and all will be well. Common courtesy.
You could Always read the prequel. It is bit of a let down after Shadow of the wind (actually it is big let down) but I still think it was worth the time.Burger said:
Just finished reading this last night. Enjoyed it so much.
Hopefully somebody here can recommend me an equally fantastic book to read next.
I picked up the first Dresden Files book, Storm Front, on a whim last week. The premise sounded pretty interesting and I have friends who like the series, but I didn't enjoy it all that much. Everything felt so simple and bland. I don't know how to express it exactly. Just very forgettable as a whole.
Up next:
L.A. Noire has me in the mood for something like that and I've actually never read Ellroy, despite being a big fan of hard-boiled/noir stuff.
Up next:
L.A. Noire has me in the mood for something like that and I've actually never read Ellroy, despite being a big fan of hard-boiled/noir stuff.
Nappuccino
Member
I have too many books to read and spend too much time distracted by the internet.
That said, I'm debating about re-reading neuromancer, getting back into mona lisa overdrive or starting something completely different.
That said, I'm debating about re-reading neuromancer, getting back into mona lisa overdrive or starting something completely different.
J-Roderton
Member
The Hobbit.
BannedEpisode
Member
Just started the Fire and Ice series.
I'd say I'm about halfway through A Game of Thrones. I really enjoy some characters a heck of a lot more than others. Hopefully it all gets somewhere.
I'd say I'm about halfway through A Game of Thrones. I really enjoy some characters a heck of a lot more than others. Hopefully it all gets somewhere.
Maklershed
Member
I've been wanting to read some noir detective novels for the same reason. I just bought L.A. Confidential on bluray because of it.Fjordson said:
sparky2112
Member
BannedEpisode said:
Just don't get overly attached to anyone.
Snowman Prophet of Doom
Member
God, starting Vonnegut with Breakfast of Champions? That's a bold move, like making Persona your first Bergman movie. I started with God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, myself.
Anyway, I have an admission to make: mine was a high school that did not require me to read Moby-Dick at any point, so until recently, I had not read it. I basically shotgunned it in the past week and a half or so, though, and I must say: holy shit! This is easily one of the greatest books that I've ever read, probably in the top five. Everything about it just drips with greatness, from Melville's immaculate ability to construct an interesting sentence and paragraph, to the rich symbolism, to the great characters (are there better monologues and soliloquys than those of Ahab, even in Shakespeare? I'm hard-pressed to think of many), to the long (but never indulgent or pointless) descriptions of nineteenth-century whale science and the whaling industry that always dovetail into philosophical and psychological musings, to the wit, to the unforgettable imagery. That this was not immediately hailed as a masterpiece is probably the grandest proof of the maxim that great art is rarely recognized in its time. It's almost a shame that they force kids to read this, as it likely inculcates entire generations with a hatred of it, as kids are wont to hate most of the books that they're forced to read; then again, they probably wouldn't come to it on their own, anyway. Sigh...
Anyway, I have an admission to make: mine was a high school that did not require me to read Moby-Dick at any point, so until recently, I had not read it. I basically shotgunned it in the past week and a half or so, though, and I must say: holy shit! This is easily one of the greatest books that I've ever read, probably in the top five. Everything about it just drips with greatness, from Melville's immaculate ability to construct an interesting sentence and paragraph, to the rich symbolism, to the great characters (are there better monologues and soliloquys than those of Ahab, even in Shakespeare? I'm hard-pressed to think of many), to the long (but never indulgent or pointless) descriptions of nineteenth-century whale science and the whaling industry that always dovetail into philosophical and psychological musings, to the wit, to the unforgettable imagery. That this was not immediately hailed as a masterpiece is probably the grandest proof of the maxim that great art is rarely recognized in its time. It's almost a shame that they force kids to read this, as it likely inculcates entire generations with a hatred of it, as kids are wont to hate most of the books that they're forced to read; then again, they probably wouldn't come to it on their own, anyway. Sigh...
DesertEater
Member
So GAF, recommend me a summer reading, please!
I'm looking for a somewhat lengthy book(500 pages or more).
Some of the books I've been interested in:
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky(or Crime and Punishment)
Iliad by Homer
Emma by Jane Austen
The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas
I went to Barns and Noble twice and couldn't make up my mind
I'm looking for a somewhat lengthy book(500 pages or more).
Some of the books I've been interested in:
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky(or Crime and Punishment)
Iliad by Homer
Emma by Jane Austen
The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas
I went to Barns and Noble twice and couldn't make up my mind
LetsGoKiting
Banned
I read A Storm of Swords in a few days. Then I get to this book, and it's a much slower pace. Been reading this for almost a week already and am only halfway done. I hope A Dance with Dragons is more like the third book than the fourth.
DesertEater
Member
hehehe I just finished it. It was my first book and I really liked it.SolKane said:
elrechazado
Banned
Les Miserables by hugoDesertEater said:So GAF, recommend me a summer reading, please!
I'm looking for a somewhat lengthy book(500 pages or more).
Some of the books I've been interested in:
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky(or Crime and Punishment)
Iliad by Homer
Emma by Jane Austen
The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas
I went to Barns and Noble twice and couldn't make up my mind
BannedEpisode
Member
DesertEater said:So GAF, recommend me a summer reading, please!
I'm looking for a somewhat lengthy book(500 pages or more).
Some of the books I've been interested in:
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky(or Crime and Punishment)
Iliad by Homer
Emma by Jane Austen
The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas
I went to Barns and Noble twice and couldn't make up my mind
I had mixed feelings about Moby Dick. Its worth the read but be aware that it turns into a whale textbook about halfway through for goooood stretch of time. Seriously, like a long encyclopedia entry.
DesertEater said:So GAF, recommend me a summer reading, please!
I'm looking for a somewhat lengthy book(500 pages or more).
Some of the books I've been interested in:
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky(or Crime and Punishment)
Iliad by Homer
Emma by Jane Austen
The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas
I went to Barns and Noble twice and couldn't make up my mind
Anna Karenina - Tolstoy
I don't recommend Pickwick Papers by Dickens, if you want to read one of his longer works try David Copperfield or Bleak House. For Dostoevsky, you can't go wrong with Crime and Punishment or Demons, which is also a good place to start with his work. For Dumas, I haven't read Three Musketeers, but Count of Monte Cristo is an absolute must, completely gripping even in unabridged form. Moby Dick will be considerably harder to read if you're not accustomed to mid- 19th century prose, and though it is a relatively modern work, it's a very dense text besides the main narrative.
opticalmace
Member
Just read my first Asimov novel. Started last night, finished today. Really enjoyed it. I had previously only read Clarke for this style.
Any suggestions for the next Asimov novel to read? I was thinking Foundation(s?) as I heard someone mention it.
Any suggestions for the next Asimov novel to read? I was thinking Foundation(s?) as I heard someone mention it.
Matter by Iain M. Banks part of the culture series. Maybe my favorite series of all time, the world is just so rich and intriguing. I highly recommend you start the series with Consider Phlebas.
Wikipedia info all about the culture
Maklershed
Member
For those of you that have been playing L.A. Noire and/or you're looking for detective fiction, I saw on Rockstar's site that they've collaborated w/ Mulholland Publications to present eight short stories in a 99 cent e-book collection.
The stories in L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories are ...
The Black Dahlia & White Rose by Joyce Carol Oates
Naked Angel by Joe Lansdale
See the Woman by Lawrence Block
Hell of an Affair by Duane Swierczynski
Whats in a Name? by Jonathan Santlofer
The Girl by Megan Abbott
Postwar Boom by Andrew Vachss
School for Murder by Francine Prose
The stories in L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories are ...
The Black Dahlia & White Rose by Joyce Carol Oates
Naked Angel by Joe Lansdale
See the Woman by Lawrence Block
Hell of an Affair by Duane Swierczynski
Whats in a Name? by Jonathan Santlofer
The Girl by Megan Abbott
Postwar Boom by Andrew Vachss
School for Murder by Francine Prose
Nappuccino
Member
Just started reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo cause i had it laying around.
So much needless exposition.
So much needless exposition.
Snowman Prophet of Doom
Member
BannedEpisode said:
It's not, though! He gives a lot of descriptions of whaling and whales, but he (the character or Melville, take your pick) always takes the time to tie those facts into issues philosophical, theological, social, etc. Really, the long - but never superfluous descriptions of the whaling industry are what really make the book sing and turn it epic, as it makes not only the tale but the scope of its inquiry large. Plus, well, Melville's got such an incredible prose style that even the driest of facts sings when he writes of them. I've read three things by the man - Moby-Dick, Bartleby the Scrivener, and Benito Cereno (my qualitative order of them), and he's such an incredibly rewarding and even very modern writer (goes to show the timelessness of great art, really) that every second I spend with him feels like one well-spent. This paragraph is what you call critical fellatio, but I'll gladly give ol' Hermie a freebie.
SolKane: I'm sorry, but Breakfast of Champions is simply not, by any objective critical metric, a worse book than Slapstick. I'd put it in the upper echelon of the works of the man that I've read, myself, but even if you don't, Slapstick is simply worse. Slapstick reads like a poor imitator of Vonnegut, which even Vonnegut himself acknowledged (he self-graded the book an F in one of his short story/essay books, none of which I can say I've read, actually).
Currently reading:
It is....unique, I enjoy it actually...other than the scenes of religion getting shoved down your throat every once in a while. It is something a bit different, and I am onto the second book thank god they are short reads.
and
First Neil Gaiman book ever, so far I REALLY REALLY enjoy it,
starting within the next few days I am going to read:
I wanna know what the hype is about, god I hope it is at least semi-entertaining.
It is....unique, I enjoy it actually...other than the scenes of religion getting shoved down your throat every once in a while. It is something a bit different, and I am onto the second book thank god they are short reads.
and
First Neil Gaiman book ever, so far I REALLY REALLY enjoy it,
starting within the next few days I am going to read:
I wanna know what the hype is about, god I hope it is at least semi-entertaining.
nakedsushi
Member
Got done with the perfect GAF book:
review from goodreads said:
LocoMrPollock
Banned
Ohwiseone said:
Snowman Prophet of Doom said:
Well I was exaggerating, and meant it more along the lines that it's the worst in his "official canon," i.e. of the books which he is known for, it ranks among the most terrible. I've never read Slapstick (wiki says he gave it a D) but I have heard bad things. BoC is quite poor though, with Vonnegut even admitting to being bored by the book in the text of it. It seems to be written more as an exercise or some kind of grieving process for his mother rather than as an actual concerted narrative effort, which sets it apart from the rest of his books to that point. Still my main problem is that it manages to be completely outré without actually being interesting, which is a hard feat to pull off. Also of his works that I've read I can't think of a worse one to start to with.
Snowman Prophet of Doom
Member
It might be one of the worst ones to start with, true, but it's a damned fantastic book overall. The two lead characters are extremely memorable (and, though stylized and exaggerated for humor's sake, both realistic and non-stereotypical characters), the "boredom" that you refer to at the end does, I think, actually wrap into a very nice bit of artistic deconstruction (especially when he inserts himself into the story), and as per the Vonnegut usual, it's fucking hysterical, funnier than perhaps anything else that he ever wrote (at least that's I've read). I mean, its strengths are pretty much the exact same strengths of any other in the Kurt Vonnegut canon.