Just finished a biography of Hirohito; currently reading Crime and Punishment.
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Spoilers What Book Are You Reading?
- Thread starter Huntn
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I've said similar to storekeepers back when independent bookshops were still common. The owners often guffawed at my words. I recall one thinking it was strange of me to be doubtful of an autobiography, specifically why would someone lie about their life in a book that would eventually be read by millions. That and most autobiographies are written by ghost writers.
Suttree by Cormac McCarthy. Not his best; however, even at his worst McCarthy is a better writer than anyone alive today. (With the possible exception of Philip Roth.)
Today, my copy of "Black Sea" by Neal Ascherson - a book (and writer) whose work I revere, for its erudition - a vast treasure trove of nuanced learning worn lightly, - wit, historical awareness, political insight, cultural understanding and exquisite and flawless pellucid prose - was returned to me.
I had given it to a colleague last year, and, at a meeting I attended today, he returned my much loved and very battered copy to me.
While I first bought - and devoured (the verb 'read' does not do justice to how one approaches this magisterial masterpiece) the book when it was published in the early 1990s, a complete re-read when I was serving in Georgia some years ago proved rewarding and most instructive.
And now, it is high time to take another look again at this terrific book, methinks.
I had given it to a colleague last year, and, at a meeting I attended today, he returned my much loved and very battered copy to me.
While I first bought - and devoured (the verb 'read' does not do justice to how one approaches this magisterial masterpiece) the book when it was published in the early 1990s, a complete re-read when I was serving in Georgia some years ago proved rewarding and most instructive.
And now, it is high time to take another look again at this terrific book, methinks.
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Actually, I rate it so highly, and love it so much, that it is a book I tend to give to people whom I respect - and like - as a present; the copy that was returned to me today is my own, all of over twenty years old, but I have bought several other copies over the years, and given most of them away as gifts.
In the 1980s, (and early to mid 1990s), Neal Ascherson wrote for The Observer - and later, for a while, for The Independent - and his elegant, witty and sophisticated prose, and wise, learned and humane articles, informed by lived experience and a first class mind tempered with a tolerant sensibility - were the first articles I read every Sunday.
Mission of Honor (pub 2010)- The 12th Honor Harrington book where the Star Kingdom of Manticore finds themselves at odds with the Solarian League (which includes old Earth). About 5 chapters in, this remains as good as all before it, epic story telling if you enjoy space opera. 
A once hoped for film adaption will not arrive any time soon.
A once hoped for film adaption will not arrive any time soon.
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I started on that one, but gave up. The version I was listening to had a full cast with awful over the top dialects for every single character.
Currently, on audiobook, Jules Verne - 20.000 Leagues Under The Sea. Quite surprised by how detailed it is. Certainly not for the weak heartened that doesn't like biology! Every time a species is spotted (And that happens all the time!) you get its entire phylogenetic description on the side. ...Even being a biologist myself, I think it is waaaay too much, as it doesn't add anything to the book. But, that's how it was back then when it was written I guess... 8) The story itself and characters are enjoyable though, albeit a bit on the shallow side.
I am looking forward to Captain Nemo taking on this guy:
I love the Honor Harrington series and am currently about 62% through the very long "Echos of Honor" the 8th book in the series.Mission of Honor (pub 2010)- The 12th Honor Harrington book where the Star Kingdom of Manticore finds themselves at odds with the Solarian League (which includes old Earth). About 5 chapters in, this remains as good as all before it, epic story telling if you enjoy space opera.
I am not sure whether there are any other fans of the works of the writer Garth Nix here, on these threads, or on this forum.
Anyway, Garth Nix is the author of the superb 'Abhorsen' trilogy ('Sabriel', 'Lirael', and 'Abhorsen'), which was followed by a novella 'The Creature In The Case', and, in 2014, a sort of prequel, 'Clariel'. There was also a short story 'To Hold The Bridge' - which added to the world building of this compelling universe - which was published as part of an anthology.
This coming week will see the publication of the fifth book in the sequel of the original series - the sixth in the entire series - which takes up the story immediately after the conclusion of "The Creature In The Case".
The book is called 'Goldenhand', and I have it on order.
To be honest, this is a series that I cannot recommend highly enough; I love the juxtaposition of a sort of world war one - or 1920s - era alternative England (the world of Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, and, at a pinch, Downton Abbey), side by side with a truly unusual world and an internally original and gripping system of magic.
Anyway, Garth Nix is the author of the superb 'Abhorsen' trilogy ('Sabriel', 'Lirael', and 'Abhorsen'), which was followed by a novella 'The Creature In The Case', and, in 2014, a sort of prequel, 'Clariel'. There was also a short story 'To Hold The Bridge' - which added to the world building of this compelling universe - which was published as part of an anthology.
This coming week will see the publication of the fifth book in the sequel of the original series - the sixth in the entire series - which takes up the story immediately after the conclusion of "The Creature In The Case".
The book is called 'Goldenhand', and I have it on order.
To be honest, this is a series that I cannot recommend highly enough; I love the juxtaposition of a sort of world war one - or 1920s - era alternative England (the world of Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, and, at a pinch, Downton Abbey), side by side with a truly unusual world and an internally original and gripping system of magic.
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I finished "Echoes of Honor" today and it was a great book. Looking forward to book 9 of the series soon. But for now I'm reading this:
The First Family Detail: Secret Service Agents Reveal the Hidden Lives of the Presidents
I'm a little over 30% through it so far and some of the stories of certain individuals as told in this book I find difficult to believe, and other stories more reasonable to believe. So far I have mixed feelings about the authenticity of the stories and wonder how much of them have been exaggerated to extremes.
The First Family Detail: Secret Service Agents Reveal the Hidden Lives of the Presidents
I'm a little over 30% through it so far and some of the stories of certain individuals as told in this book I find difficult to believe, and other stories more reasonable to believe. So far I have mixed feelings about the authenticity of the stories and wonder how much of them have been exaggerated to extremes.
Well, when Goldenhand is published - in the next day or so - that is a night I expect to be entirely lost to the joys - and myriad temptations - of MacRumors.
For, I expect that I shall be elsewhere, tucked up with a book (hardback) that I have been looking forward to for the best part of a decade.
For, I expect that I shall be elsewhere, tucked up with a book (hardback) that I have been looking forward to for the best part of a decade.
I always thought Nix vaguely resembled a car reviewer on YouTube. Enjoy the novel, Sceptical. Great fantasy is not my favorite, unfortunately, but I'll be buying some physical books soon. The fall and winter are coming soon, in order, and it simply isn't the same with an e-reader.
Garth Nix is actually a very decent & generous guy; he will engage with those who write to him on Twitter, and give generous support to events (not just about his own work) and writers elsewhere.
In common with a number of fantasy writers, he has come up with one 'world' where he got it 'just right' - and that is his Old Kingdom (the Abhorsen) series. Now, he has written other stuff, but it just does not 'click' for me.
Actually, my usual reading is heavily political and historical, and sometimes taking in socio-economic and cultural-philosophical material as well, and occasionally includes serious fiction.
Fantasy was something I never knew about, or touched, until I was close to getting my BA. I don't watch TV for pleasure or relaxation (never did, with the possible exception of Star Trek and one or two other shows), - TV is for news, documentaries, and so on.
Thus, around the time I was doing my BA exams, - and studying intensely - a young man in my life suggested that I read 'The Hobbit' for relaxation, and a kind of mental release, recommending that I follow it up with TLOTR. So, I did.
Others suggested Terry Brooks, and a whole new world rich in imagination and allowing for mental relaxation was opened up to me. I will readily admit that my father - who was proud of my academic career - was horrified to see me read stuff such as fantasy, or Harry Potter, for relaxation.
Since then, I have had a lot of fun reading extensively in this world.
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reread this last week. fascinating! contacted the author the first time i read it and he was very engaging.
Yes, it is always wonderful when an author is as decent and approachable as their book is good.
Sounds an extraordinarily interesting read.
After what seemed like an interminable telephone conversation, with them, I managed to 'sort out' my Amazon account, (Paypal has been sorted already, as has my Bank, but Skype and sundry others are still hors de combat, not least my personal email account......).
Anyway, as promised, I have just (successfully) placed an order for a book called "Preaching to Patronizing: How Religion Made Me Lose My Faith". I believe that some on these very threads, such as @SandboxGeneral, and, indeed, @Shrink, would be interested in sharing their thoughts on this work.
Anyway, as promised, I have just (successfully) placed an order for a book called "Preaching to Patronizing: How Religion Made Me Lose My Faith". I believe that some on these very threads, such as @SandboxGeneral, and, indeed, @Shrink, would be interested in sharing their thoughts on this work.
I think I may know who the author is! I hear he's a really good guy too.
Finished Crime and Punishment. Loved it. It was tragic in parts (I felt so bad for Katerina), but I feel the ending was hopeful.
Now I've started The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana by Umberto Eco. I can't seem to get enough of Eco. Fans of his don't consider this to be one of his best, but I'm already hooked a few pages in, so we'll see
Now I've started The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana by Umberto Eco. I can't seem to get enough of Eco. Fans of his don't consider this to be one of his best, but I'm already hooked a few pages in, so we'll see
reread this last week. fascinating! contacted the author the first time i read it and he was very engaging.
This looks right up my street. Thanks.
Well I've started it, but I think it is a little too early to say. I think he listens to dodgy music!I think I may know who the author is! I hear he's a really good guy too.
Btw I'm a terribly slow reader!