Books

mehro · 10th April 2008, 16:22

Books read in the last month -

Making Money, The Light Fantastic, Thief of Time - all Pratchett and all very good.

Cat-nappers - Typical Wodehouse.

Books issued yesterday - Reaper Man, Witches Abroad, The Truth. - all Pratchett.

Kristjan · 10th April 2008, 17:04

Currently reading Woken Furies by Richard Morgan

Gritty and good so far

SmashedHombre · 11th April 2008, 10:14

Just finished reading David Gemmell's Trojan War Trilogy (now that its finally out in paperback) Wow. What can I say? David is simply the greatest author I have ever had the pleasure to read. I know a lot of people view his works as maybe too 'simplistic' , but I like to think his books are aimed at the heart and not the head. I've never read any other author than can move me like Gemmell. I was a bit reluctant to pick up Fall of Kings, the final book, as David died after only writing about 70-80 000 words and his wife Stella, a novice author, finished it. But I'm glad I did. A simply superb take on the Trojan war. I can read DG's books over and over, and I can't wait until I re-read this trilogy. Stella has done herself, and David proud.

The_Red_Hope · 11th April 2008, 10:22

Finally, some activity in this thread.

Finished Asimov's Foundation series this week. I hate myself for not having read it earlier. Absolutely fascinating stuff. I can now appreciate the influence of the series on the entire genre. I love Asimov's simplistic style and how we says so much with so few words. The twist endings to all three books were great too ... totally unexpected. All those of you haven't read Foundation, please do.

Starting with either 'Trainspotting' by Irvine Welsh
or
'The Illustrated Man' by Ray Bradbury.

spinoza · 11th April 2008, 10:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristjan

Currently reading Woken Furies by Richard Morgan

Gritty and good so far

That's the last one!

No more TK books

spinoza · 11th April 2008, 10:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Red_Hope

Finally, some activity in this thread.

Finished Asimov's Foundation series this week. I hate myself for not having read it earlier. Absolutely fascinating stuff. I can now appreciate the influence of the series on the entire genre. I love Asimov's simplistic style and how we says so much with so few words. The twist endings to all three books were great too ... totally unexpected. All those of you haven't read Foundation, please do.

Starting with either 'Trainspotting' by Irvine Welsh
or
'The Illustrated Man' by Ray Bradbury.

Foundation, the trilogy itself, is great. Foundation's Edge is also good. The others aren't so good, especially when he tries to tie his entire oeuvre together.

The_Red_Hope · 11th April 2008, 10:39

So I have heard. I've only read the original trilogy - Foundation, Foundation and Empire and Second Foundation. I have Foundation's Edge too ... But I thought I'll stop right here and start something else.

spinoza · 11th April 2008, 10:44

The most frustrating thing I find is that Foundation series is unfinished. Foundation and Earth set things up nicely for a climactic final book, but Asimov died before he could finish.

The_Red_Hope · 11th April 2008, 10:51

Didn't he write Foundation and Earth after Foundation's edge ? From what I've heard, it tidies up all the loose ends but opens up a whole new way of thinking - right at the end.

The two prequel novels are also supposed to be pretty good. I think the last prequel 'Forward the Foundation' was finished just before his death.

spinoza · 11th April 2008, 10:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Red_Hope

Didn't he write Foundation and Earth after Foundation's edge ? From what I've heard, it tidies up all the loose ends. The two prequel novels are also supposed to be pretty good. I think the last prequel 'Forward the Foundation' was finished just before his death.

Oh, you haven't read it...

Sorry. There's a big twist at the end of Foundation and Earth.

The_Red_Hope · 11th April 2008, 10:53

Yeah i just edited my post above.

So what are your other favourites - Sci fi or otherwise ?

spinoza · 11th April 2008, 11:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Red_Hope

Yeah i just edited my post above.

So what are your other favourites - Sci fi or otherwise ?

A Song of Ice and Fire is the series I want the author to finish before he carks it.

For more recent stuff I like Alistair Reynolds' dystopian sci-fi, China Mieville's first two Bas Lag books (not Iron Council), and Richard Morgan's pond scum hero books.

Otherwise you can't beat people like Asimov or Robert Heinlein. Or Terry Pratchett.

mehro · 11th April 2008, 16:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmashedHombre

Just finished reading David Gemmell's Trojan War Trilogy (now that its finally out in paperback) Wow. What can I say? David is simply the greatest author I have ever had the pleasure to read. I know a lot of people view his works as maybe too 'simplistic' , but I like to think his books are aimed at the heart and not the head. I've never read any other author than can move me like Gemmell. I was a bit reluctant to pick up Fall of Kings, the final book, as David died after only writing about 70-80 000 words and his wife Stella, a novice author, finished it. But I'm glad I did. A simply superb take on the Trojan war. I can read DG's books over and over, and I can't wait until I re-read this trilogy. Stella has done herself, and David proud.

I'm going to look this up. It better be all that you say it is.

IBleedRed · 11th April 2008, 18:24

Aldous Huxley - Island, Ape and Essence, or The Doors of Perception
all pure class

zing · 11th April 2008, 19:21

Recently, I've been re-reading the books that I read a number of years back..

Anyone here into Star Wars EU?

Psmith · 11th April 2008, 20:33

Currently reading A House for Mr. Biswas by Naipaul and enjoying it.

Next is 100 years of Solitude.

Stick · 12th April 2008, 11:19

Currently reading War and Peace. Will post upon finishing...........in 2023

Kristjan · 12th April 2008, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinoza

That's the last one!

No more TK books

Yeah saw that, disappointing that is.
Kovacs is a fabulous anti-hero

Yankee Red · 13th April 2008, 22:33

Just bought "Choke" by Chuck Palahniuk. Has anyone read it?

I loved "Fight Club", but never got around to reading his newer ones until now.

I just finished "Kitchen Confidential" by Anthony Bourdain(A Cook's Tour-Food Network and No Reservations-Discovery) and its fucking brilliant! He's an amazing writer and his life story to a point written in this book was unreal and hilarious throughout the entire book!

Has anyone else read it?? If not, you should! Once you start it, you won't put it down.

SmashedHombre · 14th April 2008, 14:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by mehro

I'm going to look this up. It better be all that you say it is.

Do it. They're not his best books, his Rigante and Drenai novels are far better. But its a fantastic take on the Trojan war, of course its still fictional but it gives you such a superb insight into that paticular time period, so much so that you can almost believe its all entirely true. His take on the city of Troy falling to the famed 'Trojan Horse' was cleverly done. Although to be fair I kind of new he was going that way with the horse from day 1, he already hinted at it in the Lion of Macedon series. Apparently this is the trilogy he always wanted to write, and you can tell he used some of his older novels to try out plots and ideas to see how they would work. Its just a shame he never lived to finish it.

Yes I'm a book geek. Shut up.

mehro · 14th April 2008, 14:49

Nothing wrong with reading. I read a book a week myself. Best thing in the world.

One can never be a book geek in my book. One can be a biker gimp.

SmashedHombre · 14th April 2008, 14:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by mehro

Nothing wrong with reading. I read a book a week myself. Best thing in the world.

You're right there mehro. Infact that's probably the most rightest you have ever been. You should definitely pick up a David Gemmell book if you get a chance. Except Echoes of the Great Song which isn't really his best work. He's not everyones cup of tea, but even if you don't like the genre or time period, most can appreciate the way he builds his characters and the human emotions of fear and courage he explores. Ask Hectic, he will back me up

SmashedHombre · 14th April 2008, 14:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by mehro

Nothing wrong with reading. I read a book a week myself. Best thing in the world.

One can never be a book geek in my book. One can be a biker gimp.

I see you slyly added in that last sentence there. I'm not a biker gimp, I just liek wearing the tight leathers

mehro · 14th April 2008, 15:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmashedHombre

You're right there mehro. Infact that's probably the most rightest you have ever been. You should definitely pick up a David Gemmell book if you get a chance. Except Echoes of the Great Song which isn't really his best work. He's not everyones cup of tea, but even if you don't like the genre or time period, most can appreciate the way he builds his characters and the human emotions of fear and courage he explores. Ask Hectic, he will back me up

I'll get it once I'm done with the books I have currently issued. Now that I am finally graduating I'm trying to read as much as possible before I lose access to the university library.

The_Red_Hope · 15th April 2008, 07:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinoza

A Song of Ice and Fire is the series I want the author to finish before he carks it.

For more recent stuff I like Alistair Reynolds' dystopian sci-fi, China Mieville's first two Bas Lag books (not Iron Council), and Richard Morgan's pond scum hero books.

Otherwise you can't beat people like Asimov or Robert Heinlein. Or Terry Pratchett.

Yeah, I completely agree. Big fan of Pratchett, Asimov and Heinlein myself. I have all the ASOIAF books (so far) bought, can't wait to get started.

Currently reading Martian Chronicles by Bradbury. Class !!

Next on my To-read list include :

HP Lovecraft : Shadow of Death (Anthology of Short stories)
Complete Works of Edgar Allen Poe
Hyperion - Dan Simmons

spinoza · 15th April 2008, 11:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Red_Hope

I have all the ASOIAF books (so far) bought, can't wait to get started.

You haven't started?!?

You should stay at home on the sofa for a few days, make sure you have food and drink close at hand, and dive in. You don't want to be interrupted.

SmashedHombre · 15th April 2008, 12:21

I actually have all the ASOIF books as well and haven't really read them. I think its because I bought Book 3, Part 1 in error under the impression it was actually book 1, part 1 and it made very little sense. At the moment I am on Book 8 of Simon Scarrows Roman Legion series though, when I have finished it I might go back to ASOIF, now that I actually have the first books.

Mihajlovic · 15th April 2008, 12:23

Finished "Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said" by Philip K Dick. Not bad.

Decided to finally start reading Red Cavalry (1926) by Isaac Babel. Has anyone read it?

spinoza · 15th April 2008, 14:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmashedHombre

I actually have all the ASOIF books as well and haven't really read them. I think its because I bought Book 3, Part 1 in error under the impression it was actually book 1, part 1 and it made very little sense. At the moment I am on Book 8 of Simon Scarrows Roman Legion series though, when I have finished it I might go back to ASOIF, now that I actually have the first books.

Well worth it... well, until you get to the end of Book 4 to realise that it will be another year before Book 5 comes out, and probably 4 or 5 years after that to Book 6.

The_Red_Hope · 16th April 2008, 04:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinoza

You haven't started?!?

You should stay at home on the sofa for a few days, make sure you have food and drink close at hand, and dive in. You don't want to be interrupted.

I know...I'm really excited about starting the series.

I remember reading somewhere that 'A Dance with Dragons' is due out September 30th. I've heard how fans have been frustrated with the amount of time GRRM takes between books... which is one reason why I haven't started. I don't want the same situation that happened with Robert Jordan and WoT. Was absolutely gutted when he passed away (without completing the series) .

10th April 2008, 16:22	#281 (permalink)
mehro Has an arse for a face Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New York Posts: 18,472	Books read in the last month - Making Money, The Light Fantastic, Thief of Time - all Pratchett and all very good. Cat-nappers - Typical Wodehouse. Books issued yesterday - Reaper Man, Witches Abroad, The Truth. - all Pratchett.

10th April 2008, 17:04	#282 (permalink)
Kristjan Disco Stu, will spin the right tune for you Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: Cod Island Posts: 9,523	Currently reading Woken Furies by Richard Morgan Gritty and good so far

11th April 2008, 10:14	#283 (permalink)
SmashedHombre Has a date with the Grim Reaper - lol Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Slightly more handsome, intelligent and talented than Rams. Far more likely to shag sheep than most rams too. Posts: 17,509	Just finished reading David Gemmell's Trojan War Trilogy (now that its finally out in paperback) Wow. What can I say? David is simply the greatest author I have ever had the pleasure to read. I know a lot of people view his works as maybe too 'simplistic' , but I like to think his books are aimed at the heart and not the head. I've never read any other author than can move me like Gemmell. I was a bit reluctant to pick up Fall of Kings, the final book, as David died after only writing about 70-80 000 words and his wife Stella, a novice author, finished it. But I'm glad I did. A simply superb take on the Trojan war. I can read DG's books over and over, and I can't wait until I re-read this trilogy. Stella has done herself, and David proud.

11th April 2008, 10:22	#284 (permalink)
The_Red_Hope Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 563	Finally, some activity in this thread. Finished Asimov's Foundation series this week. I hate myself for not having read it earlier. Absolutely fascinating stuff. I can now appreciate the influence of the series on the entire genre. I love Asimov's simplistic style and how we says so much with so few words. The twist endings to all three books were great too ... totally unexpected. All those of you haven't read Foundation, please do. Starting with either 'Trainspotting' by Irvine Welsh or 'The Illustrated Man' by Ray Bradbury.

11th April 2008, 10:39	#287 (permalink)
The_Red_Hope Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 563	So I have heard. I've only read the original trilogy - Foundation, Foundation and Empire and Second Foundation. I have Foundation's Edge too ... But I thought I'll stop right here and start something else.

11th April 2008, 10:44	#288 (permalink)
spinoza Paz's ion Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Bubbles flow upwards, except in down currents Posts: 21,420	The most frustrating thing I find is that Foundation series is unfinished. Foundation and Earth set things up nicely for a climactic final book, but Asimov died before he could finish.

11th April 2008, 10:51	#289 (permalink)
The_Red_Hope Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 563	Didn't he write Foundation and Earth after Foundation's edge ? From what I've heard, it tidies up all the loose ends but opens up a whole new way of thinking - right at the end. The two prequel novels are also supposed to be pretty good. I think the last prequel 'Forward the Foundation' was finished just before his death.

11th April 2008, 10:53	#291 (permalink)
The_Red_Hope Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 563	Yeah i just edited my post above. So what are your other favourites - Sci fi or otherwise ?

11th April 2008, 18:24	#294 (permalink)
IBleedRed likes to use pantyhose Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: apparently uses the term "limey" too much Posts: 3,421	Aldous Huxley - Island, Ape and Essence, or The Doors of Perception all pure class

11th April 2008, 19:21	#295 (permalink)
zing Zingle balls Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Chennai Posts: 3,539	Recently, I've been re-reading the books that I read a number of years back.. Anyone here into Star Wars EU?

11th April 2008, 20:33	#296 (permalink)
Psmith First Team Sub Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 5,373	Currently reading A House for Mr. Biswas by Naipaul and enjoying it. Next is 100 years of Solitude.

12th April 2008, 11:19	#297 (permalink)
Stick Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 3,094	Currently reading War and Peace. Will post upon finishing...........in 2023

13th April 2008, 22:33	#299 (permalink)
Yankee Red SirRedDevilFan7 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Gulf Coast.....Livin' Life, but the edited version. Posts: 2,537	Just bought "Choke" by Chuck Palahniuk. Has anyone read it? I loved "Fight Club", but never got around to reading his newer ones until now. I just finished "Kitchen Confidential" by Anthony Bourdain(A Cook's Tour-Food Network and No Reservations-Discovery) and its fucking brilliant! He's an amazing writer and his life story to a point written in this book was unreal and hilarious throughout the entire book! Has anyone else read it?? If not, you should! Once you start it, you won't put it down.

14th April 2008, 14:49	#301 (permalink)
mehro Has an arse for a face Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New York Posts: 18,472	Nothing wrong with reading. I read a book a week myself. Best thing in the world. One can never be a book geek in my book. One can be a biker gimp.

15th April 2008, 12:21	#307 (permalink)
SmashedHombre Has a date with the Grim Reaper - lol Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Slightly more handsome, intelligent and talented than Rams. Far more likely to shag sheep than most rams too. Posts: 17,509	I actually have all the ASOIF books as well and haven't really read them. I think its because I bought Book 3, Part 1 in error under the impression it was actually book 1, part 1 and it made very little sense. At the moment I am on Book 8 of Simon Scarrows Roman Legion series though, when I have finished it I might go back to ASOIF, now that I actually have the first books.

15th April 2008, 12:23	#308 (permalink)
Mihajlovic Its Baltic! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: BADMOTORFINGER Posts: 5,638	Finished "Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said" by Philip K Dick. Not bad. Decided to finally start reading Red Cavalry (1926) by Isaac Babel. Has anyone read it?