The official NMA board

General Category => Everything Else => Topic started by: Master Ray on April 02, 2014, 08:47:02 PM

Title: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on April 02, 2014, 08:47:02 PM
So, we have threads about film and TV and music... but what about books?

I'm a massive reader, have been since I was a kiddie... it's probably why my eyesight is so bad, I spent a lot of time under the bedsheets with a torch when my Mum thought I was asleep...  :) and I've always got a book on the go, sometimes two...

My personal preferences are non-fiction and autobiographies... that said, I'm going through the GAME OF THRONES books right now... sick of smug people trying to give me spoilers...  ::)

What have I read recently?  Last book I checked out was a cracking biography of Jim Henson (love me a bit of Muppets!), before that, the autobiography of Suggs, 'That Close', really liked that one, lots of stuff about the Madness days but also what it was like growing up in the 60's / 70's... well worth a read.

I'm not gonna bore you all with a big long list of my fave books ever, but if you read a lot, I'd love to hear what you've been into lately...

I will leave you with a great comedy clip from the brilliant Bill Hicks...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUA7486Oqk8

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Heno on April 02, 2014, 09:58:09 PM
cool thread

the wheel of time is occupying me at the moment


trouble i have is that by the time i have read everything on the inter webs and mobile apps i am usually too tired for reading books.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Anna Woman von NRW on April 04, 2014, 05:43:04 PM
Timely thread this hope there's a few other book worms out there cos' I been a bit devoid of new stuff lately. Re-reading Stephen King The Dark Tower which if you like King is , I think, his masterpiece.

Did recently read The Last Conquest 1066 by Berwick Coates  - a historical novel about the Battle Of Hastings. if you like Bernard Cornwell's stuff you'll probably like this.

 :-*
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Dipple on April 06, 2014, 07:42:23 PM
I am currently reading Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb don't normally read fantasy type stuff but decided to try some because of how good Game of Thrones is on TV. Master Ray have you been watching the TV series as well as reading the books? Also trying to work my way through all of Irvine Welsh's books. (Irvine Welsh is my favourite author)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on April 06, 2014, 08:25:33 PM
I am currently reading Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb don't normally read fantasy type stuff but decided to try some because of how good Game of Thrones is on TV. Master Ray have you been watching the TV series as well as reading the books? Also trying to work my way through all of Irvine Welsh's books. (Irvine Welsh is my favourite author)

Yeah, Dipple, big fan of GOT on TV, as I've aid on other posts... the new series is imminent!  Yay!!!  And just in case you haven't seen it (SPOILERS)...  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVaD8rouJn0

Funniest clip I've seen in ages....

Whilst we're talking about Irvine Welsh and movies, you seen the movie version of FILTH?  Really liked the book and the film is excellent... here's the trailer, NSFW!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pWOk6TOx7U

Just got into a new book, Stuart Maconies 'The People's Songs... The Story Of Modern Britain In 50 Records...' absolutely loved his previous books, I'm fifty pages in and it's looking like a cracker...

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Heno on April 06, 2014, 08:47:36 PM
i can't read fiction either. i can read fantasy or fact. like what is going on there?

i think if i can escape then i can read. i've tried so many books that have been recommended. the 50 records book looks brilliant ray. let me know how it goes. that is the sort of book that i can pick up and continue when time permits
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on April 06, 2014, 09:01:04 PM
Heno, ALL of Mr Maconies books are well worth a read, but I particularly like 'Hope And Glory'... you should be able to pick it up very cheap on Amazon.  Highly recommended!
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Heno on April 06, 2014, 09:13:39 PM
great, i'll check it out

how do you feel about e-readers and the like? i just love the feel of paper for daily news and books. but i guess that mediums demise is all but guaranteed.

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on April 06, 2014, 10:40:04 PM
great, i'll check it out

how do you feel about e-readers and the like? i just love the feel of paper for daily news and books. but i guess that mediums demise is all but guaranteed.

A nicely-put together book is a thing of beauty.

Put it like this, I would much rather have an NMA CD, with the gorgeous artwork (like BDAW) than a few faceless files downloaded onto an Ipod...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Heno on April 06, 2014, 10:42:22 PM
i still have some vinyl from late 79s and early 80s. still like to stick it one. elf, dead kennedys, uk subs and the like. never more raw.

books are the same. as it life to be honest
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: jc on April 07, 2014, 07:25:17 PM
Put it like this, I would much rather have an NMA CD, with the gorgeous artwork (like BDAW) than a few faceless files downloaded onto an Ipod...

Er, vinyl over cd for exactly the same reasons.


Cheers

jc
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: sozbot on April 08, 2014, 06:47:43 AM
Not currently reading it, but the best thing I've read in years was The Hunger Games trilogy. I resisted, thinking it was a fad and that I would probably find it dull and overrated.

Nope. Hooked from start to finish. Beautifully written, gripping drama. Think I'll re-read them shortly.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on April 08, 2014, 06:42:38 PM
Not currently reading it, but the best thing I've read in years was The Hunger Games trilogy. I resisted, thinking it was a fad and that I would probably find it dull and overrated.

Nope. Hooked from start to finish. Beautifully written, gripping drama. Think I'll re-read them shortly.

Hmm, might give it a go, seen the two movies released so far... the first one was a bit dull but I really liked the second.  Bit of a cliffhanger ending, so looking forward to the next two.  Do you think the last book will stretch to two films, as the studio are doing?  Or will it be like the Harry Potter thing, where they split the last book into two films, the second was good, the first one was dull as dishwater..?
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: sozbot on April 09, 2014, 09:40:35 AM
Not currently reading it, but the best thing I've read in years was The Hunger Games trilogy. I resisted, thinking it was a fad and that I would probably find it dull and overrated.

Nope. Hooked from start to finish. Beautifully written, gripping drama. Think I'll re-read them shortly.

Hmm, might give it a go, seen the two movies released so far... the first one was a bit dull but I really liked the second.  Bit of a cliffhanger ending, so looking forward to the next two.  Do you think the last book will stretch to two films, as the studio are doing?  Or will it be like the Harry Potter thing, where they split the last book into two films, the second was good, the first one was dull as dishwater..?

I wasn't a massive fan of the first movie, either. Still haven't seen the second. I think there is so much going on in the last book that it could easily make two very good films. That said, there was so much detail left out of the first movie that would have probably made it much better.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on April 10, 2014, 06:54:42 PM
I think the books are much better than either of the films.
Lot's of bits have been missed out to fit into the film time scale and I always think descriptions and mood settings in books are much better than on film because of the blink and you miss it factor.

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Dipple on April 10, 2014, 07:47:24 PM
Just thought of a brilliant non fiction book for you Master Ray (and anybody else out there) its called A Short History Of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. It certainly put a few things in perspective. :o
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on April 10, 2014, 07:53:02 PM
LOVE me a bit of Mr Bryson! And, yes, I have read 'Short History...'

Waiting until his new book, 'One Summer', is out in paperback... my bezzie mate Dan is reading it right now, he says it's great...

One of my favourite books ever is Mr Brysons 'A Walk In The Woods', highly recommended...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on April 11, 2014, 12:08:16 AM
Just posted about this on the 'sad' forum, but Sue Townsend, author of the Adrian Mole books, just died.

So gutted...the first couple of books were massive in the 80's, but the series carried on right into this decade, the last one was about three years ago... they were all great, well worth a read.

Adrian Mole was exactly the same age as myself and re-reading those books is like re=reading my own history...

Apparently, Sue has plans for at least two more books but I guess we'll never get to read them now.

Again, bloody gutted...    :'(
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Shush on April 11, 2014, 01:02:05 AM
Sad news. Great talent.

Iconic works of the 1980s.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Dipple on April 11, 2014, 10:13:51 AM
Just downloaded A Walk In The Woods to my Kindle will give it a read on your recommendation MasterRay :D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Heno on April 11, 2014, 05:31:18 PM
i just took persian fire by tom hollande down from the shelf. been meaning to read it and actually comprehend it for some time. i have started it a few times but never got deep into it. now is the hour
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on April 11, 2014, 07:12:29 PM
Twelve by Stuart Neville.

I've read all his other books but somehow missed this, his first.

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on July 29, 2014, 07:28:16 PM
Thought I'd reignite this thread... just read a cracking biography of Jim Henson by Brain Jay Jones.... damn, I love the Muppets...  :D

Anyone else read anything interesting recently..?
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Heno on July 29, 2014, 09:27:39 PM
trying to but seem to be too tired by the time i've stared into screens all day

on my locker is

Eye of the World - still
After the Ice - basically the evolution of society after the last ice age
The First World War
The History of the Jews - Paul Johnson -  i love this bloke ever since I read his History of Christianity
Democracy for the few  - Michael Parenti

started all, great reads, just no attention at that stage of the day
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Dipple on August 06, 2014, 09:32:15 PM
Currently reading Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan. Master Ray are you on the goodreads website its very good if you are into reading. I am on there I will add you as friend if you are.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Amandistan on August 07, 2014, 01:11:17 AM
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Strangely this is my first time reading it.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on September 13, 2014, 10:49:37 PM
Thought I'd reactivate this thread...

Just finished re-reading a brilliant novel by John Niven called 'Kill Your Friends'... kind of like 'American Psycho' but set in the 90's UK music scene... much of it is SO wrong but also so funny...


Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Pol on September 13, 2014, 11:45:33 PM
Not really a book as such but its type on paper.
Been reading off and on By the way - Red hot chilli peppers, gives a good brief biography of the band Then gives a insight to every song from the self titled debut album to by the way and John Frusciante solo albums A good light interesting read about a excellent band who have over came lots of problems all the way.Some great pictures of band also
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Dipple on September 14, 2014, 04:11:19 PM
Just started reading The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie. It's the first book in a trilogy along the lines of Game of Thrones. Dark fantasy I guess you would call it.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on December 21, 2014, 07:32:21 PM
No posts since September, so REACTIVATE....  ;)

Just finished reading HOPEFUL by Omid Djalili... a very enjoyable biography from a comedian / actor that I like very much.  Some terrific stories about being an Iranian boy growing up in the 70's in a rather unusual UK household and then somehow, a couple of decades later, becoming someone who shows up rather a lot on TV and in movies...

Got a biography of Joss Whedon lined up next.... any of you out there who are a bit geeky will know who I mean...   ;)

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Rusco on December 22, 2014, 10:16:31 AM
I've been reading a biography by Patti Smith.

I think it's quite good and it's centered to people and a period I don't know much about. But besides music, there is another story line or topic inside the shelves that is interesting too: it's about fine art and how Patti and her boyfriend would had succeeded as artists in 60's and 70's in the States.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on January 10, 2015, 10:06:13 PM
Just re-read 'Lost In Music' by Giles Smith, a brilliant book about loving music and being in no-hoper bands... highly recommended...

It's especially amusing when he finds himself on tour in Germany with a band called The Cleaners From Venus with a fellow Colchester musician called Nel... who, as he puts it, 'later found himself involved with New Model Army'... sound like anyone we might have heard of?

 ???
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Bunny on January 10, 2015, 11:41:17 PM
Im currently reading The Book of Stamps. Its about a war between the Red Queen and the Gold Queen.  ;)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on January 25, 2015, 07:44:20 PM
Simon Peggs autobiography... very amusing.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on January 27, 2015, 01:43:23 PM
Anger is an energy - John Lydon

I'm half way through and loving it.

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Shush on January 27, 2015, 01:55:27 PM
My missus is reading that also. Keeps quoting me bits of it, but looking forward to reading it myself when she has finished.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Bever on January 27, 2015, 01:59:53 PM
John Williams - Augustus
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Dipple on January 30, 2015, 06:27:30 PM
Just finished a book called Ready Player One by Ernest Cline it's a story set in the future in 2044 but as loads of 80's references from films, music and computer/arcade games. I think any geeky types who remember the 80's will love it. :D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on January 30, 2015, 08:40:17 PM
Anger is an energy - John Lydon

I'm half way through and loving it.

 :)

Bought it today, looking forward to getting stuck into it over the weekend... although I'm interested to how it differs from 'No Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish', his previous autobiography... any opinions from those who have read it?
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Heno on January 30, 2015, 09:46:59 PM
a history of christianity - paul johnson

good book. paul johnson - one of the best historical commentators

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5008/5377158342_cf1805089b_b.jpg)

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Red on January 30, 2015, 10:48:47 PM
Doctor Sleep:Stephen King
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Johnz on February 04, 2015, 05:10:37 AM
Adventures of a Waterboy by Mike Scott.

Really enjoying it.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on February 14, 2015, 11:17:19 PM
I'm about half way through a book called 'Camerons Coup', well worth a read, all about how this government is ******* the county even worse than Thatcher ever did... yeah, I know, its me slagging the bloody Tories off yet  again, but this book is very interesting and shocking reading...



Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lotus on February 14, 2015, 11:29:40 PM
Started Nick Cave -  "And The Ass Saw The Angel"  - I don`t smoke mushrooms, perhaps he did while writing it ;)
But it was not a mistake buying it ...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on February 16, 2015, 10:19:10 AM
Anger is an energy - John Lydon

I'm half way through and loving it.

 :)

Bought it today, looking forward to getting stuck into it over the weekend... although I'm interested to how it differs from 'No Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish', his previous autobiography... any opinions from those who have read it?

Finished it now and really enjoyed it.
I love that man.
 :-*
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Intothewind on February 16, 2015, 01:20:19 PM
The year of the Flood - Margaret Atwood.

A fine follow up to Oryx and Crake so far.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on February 18, 2015, 12:41:42 PM
One-Three-One  Julian Cope.

http://www.headheritage.co.uk/merchandiser/item/SS131/
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: peternotbaldyet on February 20, 2015, 12:41:02 PM
Just finished 'Inside the Third Reich' by Albert Speer. It is fascinating. Talk about selling your soul though..!
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lotus on February 27, 2015, 04:24:36 PM
Instructions for British Servicemen & a book about "Reeducation" - old ones about things before I was born, but yes, interesting
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Space on February 27, 2015, 04:31:59 PM
"King Lear" by a British writer named William Shakespeare.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: jc on February 27, 2015, 06:20:48 PM
I never got Shaky Will at school and still do not see what all the fuss is about, maybe someone can help explain why.

Cheers

jc
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: rick a. on February 27, 2015, 06:49:32 PM
The golden man...............Great book about the Spanish obsession with gold from the new world back in the early 1500's. Well written and full of interesting facts.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Space on February 27, 2015, 07:53:45 PM
I never got Shaky Will at school and still do not see what all the fuss is about, maybe someone can help explain why.

Cheers

jc
- extraordinary characters
- fantastic plots
Cool characters in great stories. What's not to like?

Yes, the language can be tough. But once you get the hang of it (and with the help of the accompanying footnotes) the plays are really a blast to read. I don't really like seeing his plays, but I do enjoy reading them -- I find the language far easier to understand reading it rather than hearing it.

If you ever do get a hankering to try Shakepeare, go with MACBETH. It is the most delicious, wild story about a king who kills and kils; the language is not as difficult as other Shakespeare plays; and it is Shakespeare's shortest play. The action starts right away and flies. One killing after another. Odd thing is a part of you actually roots for the killer Macbeth towards the end. When a work can do that, you know a great writer is behind it.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on February 27, 2015, 08:09:16 PM
If you fancy something funny, go with MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING... love this play...

Here's a clip from the 90's version, where Kenneth Branagh has been tricked into thinking that Emma Thompson fancies him...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4JO7Pzr3K8
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on March 19, 2015, 09:01:54 PM
Just dug out my copy of 'Get In The Van - On The Road With Black Flag', by Henry Rollins, a beautiful big hardback book with so many great pictures...  it details how a 23 year old lad became the singer in his favourite band and then lost his mind a bit over the next few years...  awesome book.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Space on March 27, 2015, 08:03:37 PM
BARABBAS -- Par Lagerkvist

The Nobel Prize winning novel is about as great as they come. Short in pages -- can literally be read in one sitting -- but massive in intellectual and emotional content. Don't have to be religious at all to get into this book. Simple story about the unthinking murdering brute named Barabbas who was chosen by the people of Jerusalem to live instead of Jesus. Imagine being the guy at the center of such an event and not being able to comprehend what exactly happened to you or the guy who took your place on the cross, but still trying to grasp what it all means. How do you make your way through a second chance at life knowing you lived while Jesus was crucified in your place? We all have crosses to bear, but that's a mighty tough one to carry around.

One of the greatest books I have ever read. Lagerkvist is the most precise writer I have come across. He can get his readers to understand an entire character with just one sentence. He can cover such profound ground as this novel does in just 140 short pages. Brilliant book.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Heno on March 28, 2015, 12:48:56 AM
Just finished 'Inside the Third Reich' by Albert Speer. It is fascinating. Talk about selling your soul though..!

contemporary description is so much better than historical interpretation

you weren't there

as they say
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on March 31, 2015, 07:21:52 PM
Something a bit lighter... started reading all the Adrian Mole books in chronological sequence...

So funny.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Bever on April 01, 2015, 08:49:29 AM
Anne Frank. Visited the Achterhuis a few weeks ago.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Shush on April 01, 2015, 11:54:31 AM
Took my two lads to the Achterhuis when they were young, but old enough to understand. An excellent museum.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on April 01, 2015, 01:58:07 PM
Given up on Julian. Too "Julian" for me at the moment. Started Flesh Wounds by Chris Brookmyre. I love his books and have all of them.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on May 19, 2015, 07:39:34 PM
Half way through an interesting book I picked up cheap in a charity shop, 'Jack The Ripper' by Andrew Cook.  It's about... well, I'm sure you can figure that out for yourself, but whats interesting about this one, other than the multitude of other books, is how it puts forward the theory that there was actually no such person as Jack The Ripper, just a string of unrelated killings (in a very violent time) that were strung together by reader-hungry newspapers to create hype and make money... really interesting stuff.

Hmm, media-hype thrown out to scare the public.. the more things change, eh?

 ;)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: c on May 20, 2015, 01:48:58 PM
I've just finished the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night time.

I eventually got a little frustrated with the restrictions imposed by the nature of the narrator. I wonder if the author did too as it seemed to rush to an end after quite a slow build. Ultimately an interesting read though

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on June 08, 2015, 08:56:52 PM
Really enjoying John Cleese's autobiography...

... although it is one of those bloody annoying ones that ends just as the subject is about to get famous... so none of the stuff about Python, Fawlty Towers, A Fish Called Wanda, no, you'll have to buy the follow-up for THAT good stuff...  >:(

What the heck, it's a good read.

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on June 09, 2015, 06:54:12 PM
I've just finished the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night time.

I eventually got a little frustrated with the restrictions imposed by the nature of the narrator. I wonder if the author did too as it seemed to rush to an end after quite a slow build. Ultimately an interesting read though

I love this book because I live in Swindon ( yes, all the places are real) and I  work with Autistic children and young adults.

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: c on June 16, 2015, 04:19:16 PM
my younger son is has ASD, which is part of the reason I read the book.

from my point of view he seems to have more flexibility in his abilities than Christopher in the story. He certainly copes (with support) in mainstream education at present.

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on June 17, 2015, 03:55:43 PM
my younger son is has ASD, which is part of the reason I read the book.

from my point of view he seems to have more flexibility in his abilities than Christopher in the story. He certainly copes (with support) in mainstream education at present.

Every case really is different. I have worked with many children who fall within the spectrum somewhere and they will share some of the same traits/conditions but two are never the same.
I work in a mainstream school and am currently working in the nursery with 3/4 year olds. I also am a mentor for a young person who is every colour of that rainbow !

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: c on June 18, 2015, 12:19:11 PM
All I can say is that you must have the patience of a Saint!

Maths is my boy's thing. Numbers have patterns and patterns can be replicated. If 4+6 = 10, 400+600 must be 1000 etc
He's a very good reader too ("free reader").

But present him with the opportunity to play with lego or cars or interact with family or friends and you get a very different proposition.

We're very grateful for the support we've had from the nursery, the school, the council Early Autism Service (that used a version of early intervention that worked wonderfully for him) and our SLT.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on June 19, 2015, 10:04:48 PM
Just started reading Ray Winstone's autobiography... very good.  It'll give me something to read on the train to Nottingham, eh?
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Shush on June 19, 2015, 10:08:11 PM
Just started reading Ray Winstone's autobiography... very good.  It'll give me something to read on the train to Nottingham, eh?

"where's your tool"

off topic, from you to Notts, is that a one train ride, or do you have to change ?
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on June 19, 2015, 10:41:57 PM
Just started reading Ray Winstone's autobiography... very good.  It'll give me something to read on the train to Nottingham, eh?

"where's your tool"

off topic, from you to Notts, is that a one train ride, or do you have to change ?

Change at Derby.  Thanks for reminding me, I have to check out my trains home!
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Dipple on June 22, 2015, 08:03:01 PM
Just started reading At Home by Bill Bryson https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7507825-at-home?ac=1

If it is anything like A Short History Of Nearly Everything it should be entertaining and full of interesting facts! :o
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on June 22, 2015, 08:16:26 PM
Bill Brysons books are always great.  I think my favourite is 'A Walk In The Woods'...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on July 03, 2015, 08:16:08 PM
Halfway through  'Getcha Rocks Off' by Mick Wall, author of a great many rock biographies, but this is his own life story... pretty entertaining, although his multiple and extended stories about his sex life are a bit TMI...  ::)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Heno on July 03, 2015, 08:23:33 PM
TMI?


transcendental magic - eliphas levi

it was the goats head that made me pick it up.

weird
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on August 11, 2015, 10:36:19 PM
Last Man Standing by Sir Roger Moore, very amusing book... this is also very amusing if you're a fan of Sir Rog....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkJWVODzFqg

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on August 14, 2015, 12:27:56 PM
Evil brew - Charlie Newlands.

my mucker Char and  his life before being a growed up.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evil-Brew-Charlie-Newlands/dp/1508996067
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on November 01, 2015, 09:47:18 PM
Steve Coogans autobiography, 'Easily Distracted'...

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Anna Woman von NRW on November 03, 2015, 08:52:25 PM
Brother Odd - Dean Koontz. I've read a couple of the previous Odd Thomas books a while back and so I gave it a go - pretty readable as usual but nothing special at the moment.

Also reading This Changes Every Thing - Naomi Klein. Bit of a heavy old topic this one but she seems to be quite an engaging writer - we'll see if I make it through to the end  ;D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Phill on November 06, 2015, 09:53:00 AM
Not long finished 'Gone Girl' - enjoyed it.

Now re-reading Clive Barker's 'Weaveworld'
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: c on November 06, 2015, 12:29:18 PM
Seveneves  - Neal Stephenson.

In parts great, in parts long winded. Great storyline, but for once perhaps should have been split into two books
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Anna Woman von NRW on November 06, 2015, 09:50:05 PM
Now re-reading Clive Barker's 'Weaveworld'

That's a good one - as is Imagica
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on November 06, 2015, 10:01:40 PM
Imagica and Weaveworld are great... still think CABAL is my favourite...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Anna Woman von NRW on November 06, 2015, 10:08:28 PM
Remember the title Cabal but not anything else about it but hey I was probably stoned at the time  ;D

His short story collections - Books Of Blood were damn fine too
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: dilla on November 07, 2015, 03:49:08 PM
Waging Heavy Peace.Neil Youngs autobiography.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on November 07, 2015, 04:04:20 PM
Counselling for Toads.

Text book twist on Wind in the willows, for my counselling course.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: jackroadkill on November 07, 2015, 05:47:52 PM
I'm currently (re) reading "When God Was A Rabbit" by Sarah Winman.  It's quite odd but very emotive; I think it's a book that you identify with if you have something dark inside you.  It's not a dark book but anyone who's experienced any sort of heartbreak or psychological difficulty will perhaps feel an impact. 
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Shush on November 07, 2015, 06:30:51 PM
I am reading "Fighting the Kaiser's war, The Saxon's in Flanders 1914-1918". A very well researched in-depth study of of soldiers from Saxony who largely fought against the British lines. Personal accounts and memories.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Anna Woman von NRW on November 08, 2015, 11:15:41 PM
Finished Brother Odd - ok but nothing special.

Still going with This Changes Everything in small daily doses - lots of food for thought there.

Also started We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver and it's gripping stuff.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on December 27, 2015, 08:34:39 PM
Stephen Kings new compilation of short stories, 'The Bazaar Of Bad Dreams'...

I have to say, I prefer his short stories / novellas to his full length-novels these days...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on December 30, 2015, 10:38:16 PM
The Road To Little Dribbling, by Bill Bryson...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on December 31, 2015, 11:55:53 AM
A Christmas Cracker by Trisha Ashley.
It was one of the gifts in my hamper from school.
Not the usual stuff I read ( no drugs/murders/nasty business) but I appreciate the thought and will read it.
It's ok so far, few chapters in.

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lupus225 on December 31, 2015, 12:00:05 PM
Toni Mahoni - Alles wird gut, und zwar morgen!

http://www.amazon.de/Alles-wird-gut-zwar-morgen/dp/3869710721/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451566723&sr=8-1&keywords=toni+mahoni
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on April 15, 2016, 07:22:33 PM
Just found my copy of the first four 'Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy' books... big re-read in progress... still so funny after all these passing decades...  ;D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on November 18, 2016, 11:23:35 PM
BUMP

Long time since anyone posted on this thread... any of you lot reading anything at all?

Just digging into 'Set The Boy Free', Johnny Marr's autobiography... really enjoying it.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Dipple on November 19, 2016, 09:06:25 AM
My favourite book this year as been Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on November 28, 2016, 12:25:06 PM
Dibs,insearch of self - Virginia M Axline

Really touching book about a boy labled as mentally defective who was stuck in his own world.
A child psychology book based on the  Play Therapy model.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: orlando on November 29, 2016, 10:57:21 AM
I just finished "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children". The story is gripping and enjoyable, but the original vintage photos are the real highlight of the book. I would really like to know, who took such pictures...  ???
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: c on November 29, 2016, 11:43:03 AM
Currently I am reading the Southern Reach trilogy by Jeff Vandermeer.

Intriguing as his books often are, with echoes of a number of other books I have read.

Before this I re-read "Always Coming Home" by Ursula Le Guin - I haven't read this for over 25 years, but it has always resonated with me. A story but set as "future archaeology" and cultural studies.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Red on November 29, 2016, 01:18:27 PM
Just got a the first novel by Ronnie O'Sullivan (yes the snooker player)

It's a crime novel called Framed

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36733470
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: rick a. on December 19, 2016, 08:29:22 PM
Miss Rhythm    Ruth Brown autobiography. Great memoir by one of the early rhythm and blues/rock n roll stars of the 1950's. I'm only half way through but I like her style. Sassy as she was in John Waters' original "hairspray" film.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Stephanie on December 22, 2016, 11:41:34 AM
I am reading the last book in Ben Aaronvitch's "Rivers of London" series - quite enjoying that.  :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on January 03, 2017, 09:39:40 PM
Just getting into Mr Springsteen's autobiography, 'Born To Run' (heck, what the hell else could he call it?) and it's a cracking read, beautifully written and the mans quite happy to admit his personal shortcomings over the years.  Very honest, often funny, well worth a punt if you have any affinity towards 'The Boss' and possibly if you don't... damn good read.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: purplehaze on January 06, 2017, 08:36:46 PM
Take your protein pills_ by Brian Carney it's an autobiography of a band  called poisoned electric head who I went seeing loads in the eighties
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Isaac(Black Eagle Rising) on January 07, 2017, 08:11:48 PM
Im not  reading anything in long time.I have a goddamn smartphone and I am like addicted to facebook and all internet news etc.I'm asking people what they read and tell me what's in the books.My wife's father is 68 and he is spending his all day at book stores and always bringing books to us for read but I am just starring at them.My mother and sister are both writers.One writes script and stories for tv and mum writes politics criticism for a local paper  but I dont even look at what they wrote.Very bad situation.I only search a lot of classical history on web.But sadly it is not like reading a real book. :(
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Rusco on January 07, 2017, 08:33:36 PM
Im not  reading anything in long time.I have a goddamn smartphone and I am like addicted to facebook and all internet news etc.I'm asking people what they read and tell me what's in the books.My wife's father is 68 and he is spending his all day at book stores and always bringing books to us for read but I am just starring at them.My mother and sister are both writers.One writes script and stories for tv and mum writes politics criticism for a local paper  but I dont even look at what they wrote.Very bad situation.I only search a lot of classical history on web.But sadly it is not like reading a real book. :(

It depends so much on the different generations what they were used to do, don't they? I'd say you should not feel bad for it. At least you recognise the situation and get news and information from a different source. Maybe you're thinking you should know your family or generic better and feel upset due that you don't know what they're writing about. It's not you that is to blame, you decide what medias you want to use.  :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Darkness on January 10, 2017, 02:11:20 PM
I'm reading Trapped In A Scene by Ian Glasper. Anyone read his books?
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: purplehaze on January 20, 2017, 09:33:20 AM
I'm reading doc sleep_by Stephen king it's the follow up to the shinning,where the boy, Danny grows up. I've read it once before a few years ago when it was first released, but I've found getting older  my memory is shite , ; with books this can be great if you love a book you read a couple of years later you can read again ,and it's like your reading it for the first time  ;D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: c on January 20, 2017, 12:14:34 PM
I'm reading the Dark Forest by Cixin Liu - or at least a translation of it. Quite enjoyable but perhaps not quite what I thought it would be
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on January 21, 2017, 06:35:36 PM
Bryan Cranston's (aka Walter White) autobiography, 'My Life In Parts'... yeah, I know that actor autobiographies are two-a-penny, but this one's really well written and funny...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Dipple on August 16, 2017, 04:21:03 PM
Currently reading an excellent fantasy book which is great fun and as loads of music, band references in it. It called Kings Of The Wyld. There are some excellent reviews on Goodreads which are far better than I could give it.  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30841984-kings-of-the-wyld?from_search=true
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Red on August 29, 2017, 09:00:44 AM
Broken Rails-How Privatisation Wrecked Britain's Railways

http://www.christianwolmar.co.uk/bookshelf/broken-rails/
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tony S on November 23, 2017, 02:30:04 PM
What Does That Button Do? - Bruce Dickinson's autobiography. Fun read so far. Not got as far as him joining Samson yet.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on November 23, 2017, 06:12:17 PM
Can't wait to read Mr Dickinsons book.  I think Santa is bringing it.  I'm usually a good boy, right?
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tony S on November 24, 2017, 02:54:08 PM
Can't wait to read Mr Dickinsons book.  I think Santa is bringing it.  I'm usually a good boy, right?

I'm finding it very enjoyable to read. His schooldays were "interesting" to say the least ! I'm about a third of the way through it now - post Number of the Beast and pre Piece of Mind  :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lotus on November 24, 2017, 03:22:53 PM
Perhaps I start this weekend with 1000g or two heavy books about Da Vinci - 2 books DIN A 4, 900 pages with information and prints of his paintings and drawings
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Whirlwind on November 25, 2017, 07:17:42 PM
I am an extremely well read fellow. I've read all the classics of literature and have sampled works from best selling authors. However, I have never read an Agatha Christie book.

I am taking care of that right now and reading "Murder On The Orient Express." I like her puzzles that are in there, but the book is too thin. A novel like this one screams for descriptive passages. The train, the landscape, the characters...Ms. Christie gives nothing on them. The readers are left to flesh out that stuff for themselves. Still a good read and fun book.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ngzc7%2B89L._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on December 10, 2017, 09:47:52 PM
Moby - Porcelain.  A great book, funny, candid and well written, but one of those annoying autobiography's that ends just as the person in question is about to get famous... I mean, c'mon, we want the stuff that happened in 'the famous years', not what you did when you were a kid...  ::)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: dilla on December 11, 2017, 06:24:10 AM
Just finished "In The Heart Of The Sea" by Nathaniel Philbrick"which tells the true story of the whaling ship "Essex" which was sunk by a whale(and Justin sung about at his solo gigs)Made a point of reading the book before seeing the film.It was the inspiration for the book Moby Dick.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on December 27, 2017, 10:01:36 PM
Half way through Brice Dickinsons autobiography.  Such an entertaining read.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: King_D on December 28, 2017, 03:59:26 PM
VIKINGS - History, Myths & Dictionnary by Regis Boyer
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on December 29, 2017, 09:05:24 AM
I got Recovery From Our Addictions by Russell Brand for christmas,not started it yet.

*edit...Love's Executioner and Other Tales of Psychotherapy by Irvin Yalom has just arrived in the post, so that comes first as part of my study (actually,I was hoping the Brand book would count on my reading list too).

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Raven on December 30, 2017, 02:39:07 PM
(https://i.pinimg.com/236x/17/7e/e2/177ee2e77b42ade959379fd8d86e8c26--how-to-make-money-make-money-online.jpg)

“Compulsively readable…This strange , engaging hymn to the laid-back life now , in 2010 , one message comes out loud and clear. As the 18-year-old sage Dolly Freed wrote: ‘I refuse to spend the first 60 years of my life worrying about the last 20.’” —The New York Times Art Beat
 
“An elegant memoir”—Philadelphia City Paper

“Dolly Freed is my hero….If this smart , engaging , funny , and frank manifesto…doesn’t make you want to quit the rat race at least a little bit , then you must be one big , fat rat.”—Vice Magazine

 “Dolly is a sharp writer , an autodidact and an 18-year-old of unusual competence and grit…There’s nothing precious about Possum Living: it's genuine in a way few books are , …”—Jezebel
 
“Possum Living , a manifesto for living cheaply…is a relevant and sassy manual for the nonconsumer lifestyle.”—Flavorwire
 
“A paean to self-sufficiency”—Columbia Journal Review
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on January 06, 2018, 07:41:31 PM
Roger Moore - Last Man Standing.  A follow-up to his autobiography with plenty of stories about Hollywood in the 20th Century.  A hugely entertaining read.  RIP, Sir Roger.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on February 10, 2018, 08:41:31 PM
BUMP!

Just dug out 'Get In The Van - On The Road With Black Flag' by Henry Rollins, one of my favourite books ever, can't believe I never mentioned it before.  A big hardback book (with plenty of rare pictures) that charts 1981 - 1986 in Black Flag, from when Rollins somehow accidentally joined his favourite band and subsequently managed to have a five year breakdown whilst also and simultaneously having his dreams come true.  You'll know what I mean if you've read it.  If not, you should do, great book.  A trailer for the book here...  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U97ttSlxlRc
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: dilla on February 11, 2018, 03:13:42 AM
After hearing Justin sing about the whaleship "Essex",I bought the book"In the heart of the sea"describing the true story, by Nathaniel Philbrick.Since then found "Sea of Glory"also by Philbrick describing a 4 year expedition in the 19th century to the South seas.Great read if you love salty seadog stories.Glad I wasn't at sea then.Bloody hard life
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Stephanie on February 13, 2018, 11:01:03 AM
Bruce Dickinson's "What does this button do?"

To be honest, I am not quite sure yet whether I like it or not.  :o Was expecting a bit more, I guess.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Simon73 on March 10, 2018, 08:13:37 PM
this one a great book:

Berlin Calling: A Story of Anarchy, Music, The Wall, and the Birth of the New Berlin (Englisch) Gebundene Ausgabe –
von Paul Hockenos (Autor)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: nia on March 18, 2018, 09:17:36 PM
Re-reading "The Love Bunglers" by Jaime Hernandez (graphic novel, love and rockets)

Jaime's best work. Haunting and heartbreaking.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Isaac(Black Eagle Rising) on May 02, 2018, 04:45:59 PM
Last night I was searching google for a local tv producer-host from 80's and he was the guy who introduced the New Model Army to country on his weekly late night  metal/rock show at state channel.He is responsible for  the generation of that time had many NMA fans and followers I'm sure.I still remember that unforgettable night that he made special NMA edition and played a lot of videos 51st State,Green and Grey etc.I wanted to know what he is doing today and where he is.Found out he wrote a book 4 years ago and keeps writing about music in some ways at alternative media sources.Book's name is really interesting and I liked it: Pink Floyd And The Globalization Of Monarchy.Some poetry and also political and philosophical views of himself about Pink Floyd and World.Im no big floyd fan but ordered the book and looking forward to read.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lotus on May 02, 2018, 05:42:53 PM
Yesterday is was an old simple crime story my mother bought on a flee market
But Pink Floyd And The Globalization Of Monarchy reminds me of one I`ve read some month ago:
John Peel - Margrave of the marshes - interesting, too
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lotus on May 02, 2018, 06:19:57 PM
Hello BER
my quick search tells me: a book with the titele "Pink Floyd And The Globalization Of Monarchy" doesen`t exist - so who is the writer? Please post a link to the source ...

[/quote]
Last night I was searching google for a local tv producer-host from 80's and he was the guy who introduced the New Model Army to country on his weekly late night  metal/rock show at state channel.He is responsible for  the generation of that time had many NMA fans and followers I'm sure.I still remember that unforgettable night that he made special NMA edition and played a lot of videos 51st State,Green and Grey etc.I wanted to know what he is doing today and where he is.Found out he wrote a book 4 years ago and keeps writing about music in some ways at alternative media sources.Book's name is really interesting and I liked it: Pink Floyd And The Globalization Of Monarchy.Some poetry and also political and philosophical views of himself about Pink Floyd and World.Im no big floyd fan but ordered the book and looking forward to read.
Last night I was searching google for a local tv producer-host from 80's and he was the guy who introduced the New Model Army to country on his weekly late night  metal/rock show at state channel.He is responsible for  the generation of that time had many NMA fans and followers I'm sure.I still remember that unforgettable night that he made special NMA edition and played a lot of videos 51st State,Green and Grey etc.I wanted to know what he is doing today and where he is.Found out he wrote a book 4 years ago and keeps writing about music in some ways at alternative media sources.Book's name is really interesting and I liked it: Pink Floyd And The Globalization Of Monarchy.Some poetry and also political and philosophical views of himself about Pink Floyd and World.Im no big floyd fan but ordered the book and looking forward to read.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Isaac(Black Eagle Rising) on May 02, 2018, 07:43:38 PM
Hello Lotus..I'm sorry it's my fault I forgot to write the book isn't written in english so the original is turkish.I don't think it's translated to any foreign language.Even if I copy the link here I don't think you will understand.Writer's name is Serdar Öktem..I translate here only his beautiful introduction to the book,if I find a chance to get an english copy I promise to send if you want..

Some who live early, personal enlightenment, but most wakes up at the beginning of his 40s. I am inclusive of the second group. My eyes turned to Pink Floyd from the moment I experienced the awakening, this time I began to assimilate the message that they meant. And I realized that my childhood love is really set to tell the whole journey from the very existence of man to the arrival of light, and even how to get to the light. We are a drop in the ocean in this living world, or one of the bricks in the universe wall. But if a drop does not see the whole ocean, we can not understand the material and spiritual system we live in. Instead of being a drop in the ocean, this book gives you a little awareness in your journey to the ocean, and I have been trying to write that you will take the wind under your wings ...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Whirlwind on May 03, 2018, 12:11:37 AM
After hearing Justin sing about the whaleship "Essex",I bought the book"In the heart of the sea"describing the true story, by Nathaniel Philbrick.Since then found "Sea of Glory"also by Philbrick describing a 4 year expedition in the 19th century to the South seas.Great read if you love salty seadog stories.Glad I wasn't at sea then.Bloody hard life
.
Yeah, I read years ago a telling of the Essex tale called "The Terrible Voyage." Incredible story.

And if you enjoy those tales of sea-going vessels of long ago, then I recommend "The Terror." Story of the H.M.S. Terror's voyage to the Arctic in the 1840s. Great name for a ship by the way.

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SZ87hDGytxg/Vf7x2pdf7qI/AAAAAAAACnY/XjUiCi32JFw/s1600/Terror.jpg)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Anna Woman von NRW on May 14, 2018, 07:14:53 PM
The Crow Road - Iain Banks

First one of his I've read: some very funny laugh out loud bits. Well worth a read.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: dilla on May 14, 2018, 08:53:39 PM
After hearing Justin sing about the whaleship "Essex",I bought the book"In the heart of the sea"describing the true story, by Nathaniel Philbrick.Since then found "Sea of Glory"also by Philbrick describing a 4 year expedition in the 19th century to the South seas.Great read if you love salty seadog stories.Glad I wasn't at sea then.Bloody hard life
.
Yeah, I read years ago a telling of the Essex tale called "The Terrible Voyage." Incredible story.

And if you enjoy those tales of sea-going vessels of long ago, then I recommend "The Terror." Story of the H.M.S. Terror's voyage to the Arctic in the 1840s. Great name for a ship by the way.
Thanks whirlwind,Looks interesting.will try to find a copy

Just finished "the fatal shore" by Robert Hughes about the transportation of convicts to Austrailia and Tasmania.Grim reading

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SZ87hDGytxg/Vf7x2pdf7qI/AAAAAAAACnY/XjUiCi32JFw/s1600/Terror.jpg)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on May 14, 2018, 09:23:55 PM
The Crow Road - Iain Banks

First one of his I've read: some very funny laugh out loud bits. Well worth a read.

GREAT author!  Do check out The Wasp Factory, A Song Of Stone and (my personal favourite) Espedair Street...  ;)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: ManxPat on May 22, 2018, 10:47:07 PM
The Body Library by Jeff Noon. Recommend it
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on May 23, 2018, 06:46:32 PM

Currently re-reading one of my favourites, 'Dawn Of The Dumb', a collection of hilarious essays by the brilliant Charlie Brooker, now writing 'Black Mirror'...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lotus on June 02, 2018, 04:59:15 PM
I think, I never can read it  :(
Joolz and her new book - it`s seems it is only for full members of Facebook to follow - and I don`t want to be a member of facebook  >:(

Please, can someone here help me (perhaps by sending a pm with details how to manage this problem)?






Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on June 02, 2018, 06:43:05 PM

Difficult to say, mate... if Joolz only wants it to be read on that forum, I suppose we have to along with that wish.  Maybe they'll be a release on a different platform once it's all been shown on FB?

If not, then join FB... I know, many have moral concerns about joining such a thing.  I joined years ago and, to this day, I have just over 25 FB friends because I want to keep it close.  I don't put any personal info out there other than my name (in case old friends want to find me) and I ignore any friend requests from anyone other than those I truly want to communicate with.  I think you can still put a fake name on there if you don't want your real name out there. Read the stuff, then delete your account.

But I understand why others have a problem with this concept.  FB seem to be a Big Bad these days.  Personally (and we're probably getting into a whole new debate here that probably belongs on a different thread) I reckon that every time we log onto the Internet our info is being harvested somewhere... FB is a drop in the ocean.  Paranoid? Well, as has often been said, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean that they're not out to get you..   :D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: nia on June 05, 2018, 01:03:21 PM
I don't like FB too. I won't conclude a contract with them to be allowed to read something which is published for free (would be happy to pay for it, but not to FB!).

I asked Joolz about this, she said maybe she'd put it out another way, but there doesn't seem to be any plan yet...

Still hoping for a book.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lotus on June 06, 2018, 06:30:01 PM
Thanks Nia and MR for your reply,
Joolz (and NMA) use twitter and fb and some posts you can read without beeing member; I don`t want to register there and I still try to manage my personal life without beeing a member there
I wished, a member there would send me a pdf ...., or I have to wait `till Joolz wants and finds a wait to publish it as a print (book or download) for free or money ( and I would pay for a print or download version)

So my next book (a gift) to read is Arnold Indriason - Kamp Knox
I like all his other crime stories I`ve read before


Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Stephanie on July 04, 2018, 01:54:42 PM
"The Chalk Man" by C.J. Tudor. It's the author's first book, I believe, and was introduced on a radio programme here. It doesn't happen a lot that their reviews sound intriguing enough for me to want to buy a book - but in this case it did.

It's a thriller, the story is set in 1986 and 2016 - it has a very Stephen King like feel to it - in a good way, not like a cheap copy of his style. I am halfway through and can't wait to get home to continue reading. Which will have to wait until very late tonight as it's dog walks and cleaning up first.  ::)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on July 04, 2018, 02:10:54 PM
this also happened to me with stephen king. i heard a review on the radio, which i do often to get some inspiration, about the second part of the mr. mercedes trilogy and i went directly to it, without reading the first one. and then i was thrilled again and went back to other novels, and i must say he is just a really good story teller.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Stephanie on July 04, 2018, 02:27:46 PM
...about the second part of the mr. mercedes trilogy and i went directly to it, without reading the first one. and then i was thrilled again and went back to other novels, and i must say he is just a really good story teller.
He is!I have toadmit that I haven't read that trilogy yet - I take it you'd recommend it?
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on July 04, 2018, 02:43:38 PM
oh yes, i do!
and though i would be normally the guy who will read the first part of a trilogy just to have a chnonology, this time it was fun going back to the first part and i enjoyed to know a little more about the evolving characters and how they will become. so i could "watch" the beginnings of some behaviour and knew how it will come out, without thinking this was kind of a spoiler. the characters are the same in the trilogy, but the cases are not. the second part had something to do with literature and the man on the radio was kind of saying: "normally i wouldn't recommend such mainstream authors like king, but this one is a genious stroke."
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Anna Woman von NRW on July 04, 2018, 02:58:46 PM
Stephen King is a fantastic storyteller but is almost universally reviled by critics on the basis that it's not high literature and/or he's is phenomenally successful commercially. For someone with a huge back catalogue there's not many total duffers.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Stephanie on July 04, 2018, 02:59:31 PM
the man on the radio was kind of saying: "normally i wouldn't recommend such mainstream authors like king, but this one is a genious stroke."
I quite like most of King's books - and some stuff is seriously awesome...have you read his "The Green Mile" series?
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on July 04, 2018, 07:10:13 PM

LOVED Mr King as a kid, some of my favourite novels ever (IT, Pet Semetary, The Dead Zone and The Stand are just superb) but I think the last one I read was Cell (which was pretty good).  I need to do some catching up.

By the way, if you ever get a chance to see the film version of Cell... don't.  Seriously, just don't.  John Cusack and Samuel L Jackson must have had a seriously large tax bill at the time.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on July 05, 2018, 03:20:06 PM
@ Stephanie
i've read th egreen mile or to be more precisely listened to a uncut audio book, but i don't know what you mean by series? are there more storys about the subject?

so when i read the second mr. mercedes book, which is without any mystery or horror, a plain thriller which a huge story, i went back to the first part. and then i read "der anschlag", which is about somebody going back in time, to stop harvey lee oswald murdering kennedy. but this is also not really a science fiction book, it's a fascinating description of the 60's and about the possible motivation and life of lee oswald. also not your typical stephen king, but a brilliant, tense story, but after all these storys for me there isn't anymore such thing as a typical stephen king.

then i went back to pet semetary, and it scared the shit out of me. i knew the story, i saw the movie, but king is so cruel here, you know what is going to come and he knows that you know..and still he is raising the tention so high and giving the characters so much depth that you jus can't believe what he is doing or going to do to them. bastard!;-)

i also totally enjoyed the dome!

but for master ray and stephanie i recommend the mercedes trilogy...or start also with the second book, which is just so fantastic.

is the cell about the signal from th emobile phones? this one is called in germany pulse..and of course i liked that too very much.

mr. mercedes trilogy = bill hodges trilogy
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Whirlwind on July 05, 2018, 04:03:48 PM
Stephen King is a fantastic storyteller but is almost universally reviled by critics...
I don't know about the critics hating Mr. King. They seemed to have come around and have grown to appreciate the phenomenal skill he has at what he does. Most of King's recent works have received high praise from the critics.

I have enjoyed many a King work....but I still say he needed a strong-minded editor overseeing much of his work. King is at his best when he tells a rapid fire tale.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on July 05, 2018, 06:56:33 PM
@ Stephanie
i've read th egreen mile or to be more precisely listened to a uncut audio book, but i don't know what you mean by series? are there more storys about the subject?

so when i read the second mr. mercedes book, which is without any mystery or horror, a plain thriller which a huge story, i went back to the first part. and then i read "der anschlag", which is about somebody going back in time, to stop harvey lee oswald murdering kennedy. but this is also not really a science fiction book, it's a fascinating description of the 60's and about the possible motivation and life of lee oswald. also not your typical stephen king, but a brilliant, tense story, but after all these storys for me there isn't anymore such thing as a typical stephen king.

then i went back to pet semetary, and it scared the shit out of me. i knew the story, i saw the movie, but king is so cruel here, you know what is going to come and he knows that you know..and still he is raising the tention so high and giving the characters so much depth that you jus can't believe what he is doing or going to do to them. bastard!;-)

i also totally enjoyed the dome!

but for master ray and stephanie i recommend the mercedes trilogy...or start also with the second book, which is just so fantastic.

is the cell about the signal from th emobile phones? this one is called in germany pulse..and of course i liked that too very much.

mr. mercedes trilogy = bill hodges trilogy

Hi, Cthulhu... yes, Cell is the english language title of what you know as Pulse... and I do like that book but trust me, the film is dreadful.  Likewise, The Dome is known as Under The Dome in English speaking territories.  And 'der anschlag' is called, in english language versions, '11/22/63'!  Actually, I found that idea of that last one quite intriguing but never got around to reading it.  There's another one for the list!



Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Anna Woman von NRW on July 08, 2018, 06:23:08 PM
I enjoyed reading Cell as well - not surprised it's a naff film, somehow most king adaptations are (The Shawshank Redemption & Green Mile honorable exceptions).

Anyone read Dr Sleep?

Clive Barker was an author I used to enjoy - Books Of Blood to start with but Weaveworld and Imajica were pretty damn fine, dunno what he's been up to of late. I tend to rely on charity shop visits when I'm back home nowadays so I'm not too up to date  :(
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on July 08, 2018, 07:06:36 PM

Anna did you every check out 'The Great And Secret Show' or 'Coldheart Canyon'?  Probably my favourites of his.

Also, the novella 'Cabal', made into the film 'Nightbreed', is excellent.  I'm hearing rumours that this short novel is going to be made into a TV show, which is an interesting prospect...

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Anna Woman von NRW on July 08, 2018, 08:15:54 PM
Coldheart Canyon is a new one to me - will keep an eye out. Cheers  :-*
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on July 09, 2018, 01:42:17 PM
Coldheart Canyon is also one of my favourites, you should check it out Anna.

They want to seriously serialize cabal? Well, if so...there are some pretty good smaller series out there. Stranger Things for example i truely recommend to you Master Ray and anybody who has some love for the 80's nerd-culture. So if they take cabal and do what clive barker wasn't able to do because of the limitations of a movie, the money, running time etc..it could be a good thing.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: orlando on July 09, 2018, 01:52:10 PM
Anyone read Dr Sleep?

Dr Sleep was a great follow up of The Shining. While the story was completely different from the first part, it was interesting to see how Danny coped with his gift as a grown-up.

I too was a big Stephen King fan in my youth. I remember reading "It" at the age of 14, only reading during the day because it was far too scary in the dark.  ;D I had read most of the classics, when the books became a bit boring in my view somewhere around the mid nineties. However I rediscovered him after her finished The Dark Tower cycle.

Even though I usually prefer to read English books in the original version, for Stephen King novels I love the German Audio Book versions read by David Nathan. He is probably best known as being the German voice of Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. His interpretation of the King Novels is world class and after re-reading/listening the old classics, I also choose the audio versions of his current books. Already loooking forward to the second part of the Mr. Mercedes Trilogy.


However that has to wait until I have finished listening to "Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man's Fundamentals for Delicious Living" by Nick Offerman, read by the author. As a big fan of Parks & Recreation, I was interested in learing about the man behind Ron Swanson. While I don't fully agree with everything he talks about and some is more relevant for US citizens, it is really funny to listen to him recounting his youth in Smalltown Illinois.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on July 09, 2018, 02:59:34 PM
hey orlando,

cool that you mention david nathan!
he is indeed a brilliant narrator and his tone fits perfectly for stephen king storys. i would recommend some short story anthologys: "im kabinett des todes", "basar der bösen träume" read by nathan. i also have one audio book of "briefe aus jerusalem" by stephen king, read by joachim kerzel and he is also perfect for that story.

i got to know david nathan as an narrator, when he took over the audio books of the festa verlag of h.p.lovecraft storys. but there's one thing i about certain, that he could not deliver: i listened to "ready player one" by ernest cline and it was read by..i don't know at the moment. but when the book got more famous there was a new edition out read by nathan. and though i think he has some great abilitys to play very different characters, this time it was already perfect and david wouldn't have that kind of energy needed. and some of the reviews just stated that. nathan has become a superstar of audio books.....

and now the really fckn thing which gets on my nerves as i write this....i wanted to look after who was the reader of rpo, and i had to find out that my audio book was deleted! i payed for it, and audible just says: "sorry, we know this is not good but it's not here anymore"
you kidding me?
put all things in the cloud, they said, there it is more safe they said..."Electronic art. Ended up lasting as long as a fart"

what a bloody fckn thing is that? i bought it, i listened to it and i erased it on my phone to get more space and now it's gone from my library? and i can nothing do about it? now i have to get the nathan version of that book..is this what this is about?...sorry for my rant, i really loved that version of ready player one and wanted to hear it again befor seeing the movie by spielberg. bloody hell..damn you cloud!
 
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on July 09, 2018, 06:59:23 PM
Coldheart Canyon is also one of my favourites, you should check it out Anna.

They want to seriously serialize cabal? Well, if so...there are some pretty good smaller series out there. Stranger Things for example i truely recommend to you Master Ray and anybody who has some love for the 80's nerd-culture. So if they take cabal and do what clive barker wasn't able to do because of the limitations of a movie, the money, running time etc..it could be a good thing.

Yeah, seen Stranger Things, I liked it but not quite as much as others!  I'll still give the next series a watch!

I think that Cabal / Nightbreed definately has enough of a concept to make a pretty good long-running TV show.  I'll keep you posted if I hear any news.

And 'Doctor Sleep' has apparently been green-lit for a major movie with Ewan Mcgregor in the lead role!  I do need to check that book out...

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: orlando on July 10, 2018, 06:26:39 AM
and now the really fckn thing which gets on my nerves as i write this....i wanted to look after who was the reader of rpo, and i had to find out that my audio book was deleted! i payed for it, and audible just says: "sorry, we know this is not good but it's not here anymore"
you kidding me?
put all things in the cloud, they said, there it is more safe they said..."Electronic art. Ended up lasting as long as a fart"

I just checked my version of Ready Player One on the audible website and you are right, it's gone too. My Audible app still shows it and it says it was read by Martin Bross. If I try to download it, it even starts. I don't have Wifi at the moment, so I won't download the whole thing, but maybe you are lucky and can also download it via the app.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Stephanie on July 10, 2018, 01:01:35 PM
@ Stephanie
i've read th egreen mile or to be more precisely listened to a uncut audio book, but i don't know what you mean by series? are there more storys about the subject?
Well, yes, when it was first released, King had this idea to do it the old-fashioned way where one part of the story got released per month. Tough for the reader - but actually a pretty neat idea.  ;)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on July 10, 2018, 01:48:17 PM
@ orlando
good idea, i'm right now downloading it on my external sd-card, it seems to work! i have no idea, what is behind that bibliothek thing at audible.

and have fun with finderlohn, i think it's even a an increase in tension and story compared to mr. mercedes.

@stephanie
ah, i see. then i'm just glad i hadn't to wait for the story to be continued like weekly;-)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on July 10, 2018, 07:03:46 PM

I also remember The Green Mile being released in the UK in monthly installments, very slim paperback volumes for a couple of quid... agreed, quite a nice way to release a new book and cost less than a single hardback edition of a new story!  Nowadays, of course, it's all available in one book...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Anna Woman von NRW on July 11, 2018, 01:05:17 PM
Anyone read Dr Sleep?
Dr Sleep was a great follow up of The Shining. While the story was completely different from the first part, it was interesting to see how Danny coped with his gift as a grown-up.

Danke Orlando  :) I'll look out for it now.


And 'Doctor Sleep' has apparently been green-lit for a major movie with Ewan Mcgregor in the lead role!  I do need to check that book out...

Mmm..... Stephen King on film has a somewhat shite record  ;D Mind you perhaps with Mcgregor in it the budget might be big enough to do a good job


I also remember The Green Mile being released in the UK in monthly installments, very slim paperback volumes for a couple of quid.

Yes he did it as a "hommage" to the cheap paperback serial novels he used to read as a kid.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: orlando on July 12, 2018, 06:34:13 AM

Mmm..... Stephen King on film has a somewhat shite record  ;D Mind you perhaps with Mcgregor in it the budget might be big enough to do a good job


That's true, although I quite liked the "It" movie last year. Also, there will soon be an Anthology TV series called "Castle Rock", produced by J.J. Abrams and Stephen King  the trailer looks quite terrifying.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyiu5PGsc-I (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyiu5PGsc-I)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Anna Woman von NRW on July 12, 2018, 07:35:54 PM
Ooh that looks good  :)

Castle Rock is in many of his books and that trailer seemed to reference quite as lot of books too  :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: dilla on August 08, 2018, 11:34:53 AM
Hugh Cornwells auto biography "A Multitude of Sins" from 2004.Can't believe I missed it when it came out.
Also Max Hastings - Catastrophe (Europe goes to war 1914)The incompetance of the hierarchy is unbeleivable :(
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on August 08, 2018, 07:15:47 PM

Seeing as there's a lot of mention of Mr King here, I just dug out my copy of Cujo, re-reading it right now and damn, what a good read it is.  One thing I love about Mr Kings books is how much time and how many pages is spent on normal people with normal lives and the things they do, good or bad... before the horror kicks in.  Makes the bad stuff kick harder when you read it.  This one is no exception, so much stuff about people in bad relationships that you can relate to (with a few brief mentions of the big dog turning rabid in the background)... before, damn, throats are getting ripped out.

Also, I love the way that the book manages to find sympathetic moments for a rabid animal... not many writers would think of that (unless it was Mr Kings way of addressing how utterly f ucked up on drink and drugs he was when he was writing it... apparently he barely remembers writing this book...)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Whirlwind on August 09, 2018, 12:04:52 AM
Just finished "The Rape Of Nanking." A highly touted historical work...did not live up to the accolades the book has received. I found it far too fleeting. Such a powerful subject and the book read like a magazine article.

(https://img1.od-cdn.com/ImageType-400/1486-1/150/5A8/25/%7B1505A825-C8AE-45A3-BB55-6B1560E2A92D%7DImg400.jpg)





Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Whirlwind on August 09, 2018, 12:16:13 AM
Presently reading a classic bit of pulp fiction from the 1950s: "King's Ransom"

(https://toomanyposts.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/wp-1469050642960.jpg)

Big, rich shoe mogul, and kidnappers are after his child. Oh, they do kidnap the child...but the wrong one. They mistakenly kidnap the chauffer's child. Kidnappers still demand money from the big rich mogul. What do you do if you are the mogul (who is actually experiencing financial distress)? Great little plot, and if it seems familiar to you foreign film fans, it is. Kurosawa made a film of 'King's Ransom." He called it HIGH AND LOW.

(http://cdn2-www.craveonline.com/assets/uploads/2013/04/High-and-Low.jpg)

(https://twentyfourframes.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/high-and-low1.jpg)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on August 12, 2018, 09:38:07 PM

Small Man In A Book - Rob Brydon.  Very funny.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: orlando on August 14, 2018, 06:17:56 AM

and have fun with finderlohn, i think it's even a an increase in tension and story compared to mr. mercedes.


Just finished Finderlohn, the second book in the Bill Hodges Trilogy. Also very good, but in my mind just on the same level as the first one. I had the impression, that the build-up was very long and the final act comparatively short, although well worth it. Nevertheless, I would highly recommend it to everyone who hasn't read it, not only Stephen King fans, as it is a solid Thriller with no supernatural elements (yet? ???) I am looking forward to the third book and the increased role that a certain hospital inmate  8)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on August 15, 2018, 03:29:00 PM
well, finderlohn was the first part of the trilogy i read, so maybe this has something to do with it. so i wish you a thrilling read about that certain hospital inmate;-)

do audiobooks also count? at the moment i'm thrilled by Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson. Its an epic tale, weaving together several characters and timelines, the main topic is about encryption, mathematics. this sounds not so thrilling but what i love about this book is the writer's style to combine seamlessly the past to the now and at the beginning you only have some characters and you don't know where this is really going, but it's a constant weaving together of the timelines and i'm now in the last quater of the book and all of the storys now are building up on each other.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: pjevac on August 16, 2018, 04:28:58 PM
I love reading, always have... For the last 7-8 years I've developed great love for Norwegian prose. It started with Knut Hamsun and I still love to get any of his books in my hands, but it went further, so now in my local library everyone of the staff knows that when some book from Norway gets published  I will be the first one to get it!
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on August 16, 2018, 05:00:04 PM
hey pjevac, i would love to read more about your passion. especially what it is that attracts you about norwegian prose and what makes the difference to others.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: pjevac on August 26, 2018, 07:20:59 PM
I couldn't really put my finger on what is it exactly, but I guess there's so many different writers that I came across that have a different approach. What seems to be consistent in these books is that, although I've only been reading translated texts, they all have some sort of virtuosity in the style. Maybe that's also because there's not a lot of books that get translated from Norwegian to my language, Croatian, so the ones that do get their  place here are really the good ones...  But still, for a country that has something less then 5 million citizens they do have a great number of fabulous writers, past or present... Just to mention the few that I liked a lot, Per Petterson, who's novel "Out stealing horses" initiated my passion in some way, Lars Saabye Christensen, Frode Grytten, Dag Solstad, Knut Faldbakken, Ingvar Ambjørnsen, or some past ones, first of all Knut Hamsun, of course, but also Trygve Guldbranssen, these are all great writers!
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Whirlwind on August 26, 2018, 07:39:10 PM
I love reading, always have... For the last 7-8 years I've developed great love for Norwegian prose....
Have you tried Swedish prose?

One of the greatest novels ever written is by Par Lagerkvist: "Barabbas." Yes, Mr. Lagerkvist received the Nobel Prize in Literature for that novel, but don't go by that alone. Take it from me, Whirlwind, that the brief little novel "Barabbas" is just about the greatest book you will ever read.

(http://d20eq91zdmkqd.cloudfront.net/assets/images/book/large/9788/4749/9788474908732.jpg)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: pjevac on August 26, 2018, 07:48:46 PM
Thanks, if I find it I will read it! I have read a few Swedish books by now, mostly crime novels, like Millennium trilogy...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on August 26, 2018, 10:35:09 PM

Popcorn, by Ben Elton.  A nice, quick read that is obviously influenced by Mr Tarentino...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Isaac(Black Eagle Rising) on August 26, 2018, 10:37:03 PM
Just finished "The Rape Of Nanking." A highly touted historical work...did not live up to the accolades the book has received. I found it far too fleeting. Such a powerful subject and the book read like a magazine article.

(https://img1.od-cdn.com/ImageType-400/1486-1/150/5A8/25/%7B1505A825-C8AE-45A3-BB55-6B1560E2A92D%7DImg400.jpg)
A few weeks a go, I watched a documentary about  "unit 731" on NHK World and it is really disturbing.They clearly told what has happened there and your blood gets cold.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on August 28, 2018, 01:56:35 PM
there's also i fictional film about that subject called "men behind the sun". i think it had some problems with censorship in japan, which is almost uncommon and very seldom for i know, but it wasn't because of the violence in the movie but because of political reasons. a chapter the japanese would like to forget. a very tough watch.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on August 28, 2018, 06:47:10 PM
there's also i fictional film about that subject called "men behind the sun". i think it had some problems with censorship in japan, which is almost uncommon and very seldom for i know, but it wasn't because of the violence in the movie but because of political reasons. a chapter the japanese would like to forget. a very tough watch.

Bizarrely, that movie is available to watch UNCUT on Youtube, which astonishes me in view of the content... I mean that bit with the cat which might have been done for real...  :o
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on August 28, 2018, 06:54:32 PM
yeah, and my little music video gets banned there because of violence 8)
and maybe some copyright infractions, ahem ;)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Simon73 on September 19, 2018, 08:05:00 PM
Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Booklet from Mark Bray


“Focused and persuasive... Bray’s book is many things: the first English-language transnational history of antifa, a how-to for would-be activists, and a record of advice from anti-Fascist organizers past and present.”—THE NEW YORKER

"Insurgent activist movements need spokesmen, intellectuals and apologists, and for the moment Mark Bray is filling in as all three... The book’s most enlightening contribution is on the history of anti-fascist efforts over the past century, but its most relevant for today is its justification for stifling speech and clobbering white supremacists."—Carlos Lozada, THE WASHINGTON POST
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on September 19, 2018, 09:11:23 PM

Just took delivery of 'Fireweed' by Jill Paton Walsh, a book I loved as a kid but haven't read since the 80's... it's about two kids on their own during The Blitz.  Hoping it lives up to my childhood memories.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on September 23, 2018, 07:10:14 PM

Addition to the previous post... 'Fireweed' is, indeed, just as good as I remembered it.  Half way through and I'm loving it.

Not exactly a kids book, more like what would be nowadays described as a 'young adult' novel.  It's about a boy and a girl , separated from their parents, living on their own in WW2, blitz-torn London.  Really well written, just goes to show how you can aim a book at young folks without talking down to them and skimping on the quality of the writing. 

Anyone else read this one as a kid?
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Red on October 01, 2018, 08:54:04 PM
Last Rituals by Yrsa Sigurdottir

Started to read this as it was in the house we rented in Stromness whilst on holiday so I had to buy a copy off Ebay
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on October 16, 2018, 09:30:26 AM
Keith Floyd Stirred But Not Shaken The Autobiography, a later updated version of his earlier one (which i have read) a really good read ,funny as well as sad written by the best and most original TV chef ( IMHO).He certainly broke the mould when it came to TV food shows.............often copied NEVER bettered........no doubt he is having '' A quick slurp '' in that great kitchen in the sky as he so often said and did in his programmes,never agreed with his politics but that aside a great,great character............much missed (still). :'( 
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on October 24, 2018, 08:38:48 PM

'Leonard' by William Shatner... gotta be honest, this book pisses me off a bit.  Shatner put out this book as a sort of 'celebration of his 50-year friendship' with Mr Nimoy, his supposed best friend, but much of it could be cut and pasted from previous books... there's very little here that you haven't read before.  The only honest bit is that he barely spoke to Nimoy in the last few years before he died!
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: dilla on October 25, 2018, 02:48:06 AM
Local college which shut recently had a library sale with books at £1each.Just finishing the first of a load I bought,Boadilla by Esmond Romilly.(nephew to Winston Churchills wife)His account of fighting in Spanish Civil War at 18 years of age.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on October 26, 2018, 09:45:24 AM
text books, text books, theory books, theory text books.....all to be read and then reviewed   :(
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: pjevac on November 14, 2018, 04:22:51 PM
(http://d20eq91zdmkqd.cloudfront.net/assets/images/book/large/9788/4749/9788474908732.jpg)
Just got it from the library, can't wait to get home!
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Whirlwind on November 14, 2018, 06:45:38 PM
Just got it from the library, can't wait to get home!
Hope you enjoy it.
(Even if you don't, it is such a short novel, a quick read, no harm is really done by reading it and disliking it.)


Post what you like or dislike about it when you have finished, please.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tony S on November 23, 2018, 02:14:40 PM
"We need to weaken the mixture" - Guy Martin

The pace of the book is a bit like he talks - very fast ! So I'm almost half way through it after only starting it a couple of days ago. Entertaining.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on January 06, 2019, 08:12:17 PM

Brave by Rose Mcgowan...  picked it up cheap in FOPP and was expecting a relentless cavalcade of man-hating stuff as her social media posts might indicate... but it's actually a really interesting and somewhat shocking book abut how young women get abused in 'Hollywood'   :-\
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on January 09, 2019, 12:34:44 PM
The Outsider by Stephen King
Audiobook again and again a fantastic, suspenseful story and for those who liked the Mr. Mercedes Trilogy...there are connections.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on January 09, 2019, 07:25:18 PM

Nearly finished 'How Does It Feel' by Mark Kermode... loving it.  Mr Kermode, for those of you who don't know him, is a much lauded film critic from the UK, and he's written some great books about film, but this one focuses on the hugely unsuccessful bands he's been in over the years (but had a heck of a lot of fun with!)... including a band who once supported NMA.  I like to wonder if Justin said, at some point, 'mate, your music isn't all that great... but you seem to like films so perhaps take up film criticism as a living?'   ???   ;)

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on January 25, 2019, 09:12:58 PM

Just picked up Elvis Costello's 670 page autobiography for two quid in a charity shop... that'll keep me going for a while!
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Whirlwind on January 26, 2019, 01:43:09 AM
Started reading this ten years ago, never finished. Why isn't it like the movie? (What a dope I was to think that way.)

Picked it up again.....man, it is very good. And, yes, it is like the movie (all your favorite bits are in the book); it's just that the book is all flashback. The story of Spartacus is told from the point of view of others. It's definitely an unconventional way to tell a simple narrative, but I am really loving the book. It is very good. Plus it contains great scenes and characters that aren't in the film but should have been.

(https://img.fantasticfiction.com/images/n5/n26894.jpg)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 27, 2019, 11:28:53 AM
A Long Strange Trip The Inside History Of The Grateful Dead by Dennis McNally,brilliant book from a guy who new the band.........so many books about The Dead that are absolute crap,so really happy to find an excellent one...... 8)........
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Coumarin on June 02, 2019, 11:00:25 AM
Been reading a lot of David Sedaris's books recently. Very amusing and entertaining. Also love his radio programs.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on June 23, 2019, 06:04:18 PM
THE
Rik Mayall
-
Bigger than Hitler
Better than Christ

This is funny. Had to buy The Young Ones Series 1+2 and Filthy, Rich and Catflap also after beginning the book.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Whirlwind on June 23, 2019, 08:00:57 PM
Reading a legendary book in non-fiction: "The Making Of The Atomic Bomb."

Very dense book. Much info. Book is telling all about all the 19th century scientists and their discoveries. About 150 pages in and they are still discovering parts of the atom. I guess the WWII stuff won't be until page 600 or so. I'm sticking with it because it is darned interesting.

(http://dmahr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Cover-265x400.png)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on July 15, 2019, 09:53:25 PM

Eddie Izzard's autobiography, 'Believe Me', is a fine read...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on July 16, 2019, 08:24:29 AM
Tom Wolfe ''The Electric Kool Aid Acid Test''...i first read it when i was 15/16 years old,i am enjoying it more second time round as i understand more,and can relate to certain episodes now.........a great book..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Whirlwind on July 16, 2019, 02:21:37 PM
'...i first read it when i was 15/16 years old, i am enjoying it more second time round..
.
Interesting point to discuss.

Obviously we listen to the same song or album more than once. We see the same movie more than once. But the same book more than once?

Songs, albums, movies, TV episodes are short enough that enjoying them a second time does not take away much time from one's lifespan. But a book takes anywhere from a week to months to read. That time would be better spent reading a book never read before, no?

I have read a few books more than once...but they were short little novels ("Of Mice And Men," "Barabbas"). "Moby Dick" is the greatest book (hell, the greatest work of art) I have ever experienced. But no way would I want to spend another month of my time re-reading it again. I would rather in that month's time read new books.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lotus on July 16, 2019, 07:10:52 PM
I have a lot of books and most of them I won`t put them into the litter without re-reading ....
Some books are like songs , they are growing, because first reading you are perhaps in a bad mood, a lot of other things are spinning around in your brain, but later
re-reading it you find some more interestings things, details and informations worth to think about and to follow to get more informations about the idea of that book ...

Whirlwind, try
Fridjof Capra - The Tao of Physics

I know, I`m silly, so I re-readed it 2 x and I know now , I`m understanding less than 50%, but that was worth and not wasted time reading it :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Whirlwind on July 17, 2019, 02:45:33 PM

Whirlwind, try
Fridjof Capra - The Tao of Physics

.
Absolutely not.

I just looked up some info on that book...are you serious recommending that? The book deals with sub-atomic physics, S matrix theory, and eastern mysticism and philosophies. Reading a book like that would be the equivalent of taking 90 sleeping pills.

Look, I am currently reading "The Making Of The Atomic Bomb." It deals with physics and chemistry and mathematics on a level only Einstein-ian geniuses could really fully grasp....but at least all that is tied to the very exciting and dramatic story of World War II.  You want me to read a book about quantum mechanics tied to Taoism? I pass. Now if you can recommend a book about physics tied to the body of Angelina Jolie, I'll read that (and look at the pictures).
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on July 27, 2019, 07:27:30 AM
''Hell's Angels'' Hunter S Thompson,fascinating account of the early days of The Angel's including loads of false reporting by the press,one such saying that a certain chapter had hundreds of members.............they had 13...An early example of fake news... ::).....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: kabe on July 27, 2019, 09:58:49 AM
Joe Abercrombie's First Law series, for the second time.  I've never lost my love for escaping into fantasy...and JA writes it so, so well.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Whirlwind on July 27, 2019, 02:57:36 PM
Just finishing up a new, well reviewed bestseller dealing with The Troubles:

(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhUJijMx3b0/XAzhH5mZAUI/AAAAAAAAQ2Q/FPI4a4zKtkUybK8H-P7ODxhr3vJgIxCywCLcBGAs/s1600/Say%2BNothing.jpg)

The book is ostensibly about a missing person, sort of like a "Gone Girl" story; however, the book does cover all the "greatest hits" of The Troubles. I definitely see a movie in the making of this book. Has a suffering family countered with the "glamorous" bomb girl Dolours Price. A very easy and quick read. And very sad.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on July 27, 2019, 05:24:59 PM
''greatest hits'' of The Troubles................what a Crass statement >:(..........
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Whirlwind on July 27, 2019, 05:47:40 PM
''greatest hits'' of The Troubles................what a Crass statement >:(..........
.
That's why I used "".

Any good writer (and reader) would know the term "greatest hits" is a very sarcastic use of the phrase. If you were reviewing a book about the Mafia, one could also say, "the book covers the "greatest hits" of the Mafia." The use of quotation marks around greatest hits makes the reader see the disgust the writer sees behind those hits.

I also used quotation marks when I wrote "glamorous" bomb girl Dolours Price. You can't see what those quotation marks are signifying? Let me clue you in: it is a disgust for anyone involved in those bad times...either side.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on July 27, 2019, 11:16:34 PM

Big re-read of the brilliant 'Get In The Van' by Henry Rollins, a book I turn back to again and again.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lostockboy on July 28, 2019, 07:58:53 AM

Big re-read of the brilliant 'Get In The Van' by Henry Rollins, a book I turn back to again and again.
If you ever get chance to see his spoken word performances then do so as that guy can talk none stop but there's never a dull sentence.   
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on July 28, 2019, 06:33:32 PM

Big re-read of the brilliant 'Get In The Van' by Henry Rollins, a book I turn back to again and again.
If you ever get chance to see his spoken word performances then do so as that guy can talk none stop but there's never a dull sentence.

yup, seen three of them and I wish I'd done more.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on July 30, 2019, 05:55:17 PM
Case Histories by Kate Atkinson
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on August 04, 2019, 08:40:29 AM
''No More Sad Refrains''by Clinton Heylin,biography of Sandy Denny one of ,if not the best female singer/songwriters this country ever produced (imho)...died far too young  :'(......
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on August 09, 2019, 04:05:37 PM
''Hell's Angels The Life And Times of Sonny Barger and The Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club''...a cracking,fast paced well written book.....far superior to the Hunter S.Thompson book (which is also a good read)..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Whirlwind on August 09, 2019, 05:24:23 PM
Just finishing up TEN MEN DEAD -- a detailed account of the 1981 Irish hunger strike. Sad.

But the book holds nothing back and does give accounts of what those who died on hunger strike did to get into prison. They weren't angels.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51UacJNlwlL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Simon73 on September 11, 2019, 09:38:54 PM

La serva e il lottatore
La sirvienta y el luchador, 2011 (Novel)
di Horacio Castellanos Moya

not sure of the english title of this

great book scary stuff.....................
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Simon73 on September 11, 2019, 09:39:32 PM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horacio_Castellanos_Moya
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on September 12, 2019, 08:12:23 AM
All The Madmen by Clinton Heylin,tells the story of six stars who travelled to the edge of sanity.......some never made it back,an excellent well researched book as always with Heylin.....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Whirlwind on September 12, 2019, 01:59:50 PM
Just finished reading Irvine Welsh's TRAINSPOTTING series with the final two books:

(http://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1453058010l/25870405.jpg)(https://d1w7fb2mkkr3kw.cloudfront.net/assets/images/book/lrg/9781/7847/9781784708436.jpg)

I didn't like the direction Welsh took some of these characters (Begbie?); but the final two books were fun, easy reads and I am sad to see the Trainspotting characters' tales come to an end.

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on September 24, 2019, 08:13:03 AM
Dead Man Running,true story about a Bandido Biker or Bikie(god i hate that term) as Aussies call them who became a police informer whilst a member of MC.He is now in a witness protection scheme,but he fears one day they will catch up with him..........an excellent read....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on November 08, 2019, 12:18:05 AM

Debbie Harry's new autobiography... a very enjoyable read.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on December 22, 2019, 09:53:53 AM
''These Haunted Islands'' the story of witchcraft in the Channel Islands,fascinating read covering the period from 1550 to 1980's ( when the book was written).If there was any doubt that we are/were more civilized than our Guernsey brethren is the fact we only strangled and hanged our witches whilst they burned theirs alive at the stake..... ;D....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on December 30, 2019, 09:22:37 AM
I got Dayglo - the Poly Styrene story and To Throw Away Unopened by Viv Albertine for christmas so I'm spoilt for choice at the moment !
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on January 12, 2020, 11:22:11 AM
''The Fiends In The Furrows''  An Anthology Of Folk Horror a collection of short horror stories based around nature/folk law,a really excellent collection......loving it..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: eccentric on January 23, 2020, 09:02:20 PM
Hard Rain Falling by Don Carpenter
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on January 24, 2020, 09:11:01 PM

'Daisy Jones And The Six' by Taylor Jenkins Reid, a very entertaining faux-biography of a fictional 70's band.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: eccentric on February 08, 2020, 04:09:19 AM

FAT CITY by Leonard Gardner.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on March 28, 2020, 02:05:51 PM
Pigs Might Fly The Inside Story Of Pink Floyd by Mark Blake,an amazing book regarded as the best book about the band.It is an incredible read,well written and researched....found out a few things i did'nt know,if you are a fan of the band this is the book you need to read. 8)..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on March 29, 2020, 02:55:07 PM
Iain Banks- Transition

it's been in the book case for years and now I have the time to enjoy it.

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on April 02, 2020, 10:55:13 AM
''WOOL'' by Hugh Howey,book one of the WOOL trilogy,a friend lent it to me ages ago saying she thought i would like it,like it? I LOVE IT...started reading it Wednesday and can't put it down,she has informed me she has read them all and said they are all brilliant and will lend the others to me....can't wait to read the rest..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Simon73 on April 02, 2020, 08:45:30 PM
LAst from Isabel Allende. great stuff
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on April 04, 2020, 11:08:22 PM
Just started re-reading Catch 22, absolute brilliance! It's been years since I read it, I guess something good about quarantine - time for some excavation through your bookshelf!


...my first ever comment on this forum... Been spying in silence, quiet and shy... :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on April 06, 2020, 10:20:08 AM
Names Are For Tombstones Baby - The Mission Story by Martin Roach

I revisited this after reading Salad Daze by Mr Huss himself.
Lots of stirred memories of good/bad/scary/exciting times out with The Mish and The Eskimos.


 8)

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on April 08, 2020, 10:25:43 AM
Walking On Glass - Iain Banks

another that has been sat on the bookshelf since forever
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on April 08, 2020, 07:50:28 PM
Have just started reading ''What We Did Instead Of Holidays'' by Clinton Heylin ,history of Fairport Convention (as you will know were/are one of my favourite bands)..good so far,as a fan for over 45 years not expecting too many things i don't know already,but hey who knows ?...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on April 12, 2020, 02:08:50 PM
Finished yet another Iain Banks yesterday- Espedair Street.

With this lovely lock down weather I'm going through a book every other day and cracking through my backlog on the book shelves.

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on April 17, 2020, 09:48:06 PM
Finished yet another Iain Banks yesterday- Espedair Street.

With this lovely lock down weather I'm going through a book every other day and cracking through my backlog on the book shelves.

 :)

Oh, that's a brilliant book!  One of the best books ever about being in a rock band!
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on April 18, 2020, 10:36:23 AM
Finished yet another Iain Banks yesterday- Espedair Street.

With this lovely lock down weather I'm going through a book every other day and cracking through my backlog on the book shelves.

 :)

Oh, that's a brilliant book!  One of the best books ever about being in a rock band!


Was quite good- lighter than the others I've been reading this Lockdown.
On The Steep Approach to Garbadale now and enjoying it so far.

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on April 22, 2020, 09:13:11 PM

Get In The Van - Henry Rollins.  Possibly my favourite book ever.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on April 28, 2020, 09:23:40 AM
I have just finished ''The Cement Garden'' by Ian McCewen,a dark tale of deprivation and survival,an excellent read but quite disturbing in parts...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on April 29, 2020, 10:38:10 AM
''SHIFT'' by Hugh Howey,part two of the ''WOOL''trilogy fascinating stuff a really good read.....enjoying it very much........i cannot remember the last time i read so many books.. :)..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 05, 2020, 10:30:27 AM
Have just started reading ''DUST''the third and final part of The WOOL trilogy by Hugh Howey.....loving it.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on May 07, 2020, 05:46:12 PM
Brighton Rock - Graham Greene

old school
 
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 07, 2020, 06:22:38 PM
Brighton Rock...one of my favourite all time books....also loved the (original) film...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on May 10, 2020, 07:03:26 PM
Generation X - Douglas Coupland
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 11, 2020, 10:13:12 AM
I have now finished WOOL trilogy.....really enjoyed all the books...fascinating stuff.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on May 12, 2020, 07:33:54 PM
Girlfriend In A Coma - Douglas Coupland.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on May 16, 2020, 10:59:31 AM
Brave New World - Aldous Huxley

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on May 18, 2020, 10:41:53 AM
Nineteeneightyfour - George Orwell
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 19, 2020, 08:25:48 AM
I have never read Brave New World,did you like it ?..as for 1984 one of my all time favourite books ever..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on May 19, 2020, 07:14:41 PM
I have never read Brave New World,did you like it ?..as for 1984 one of my all time favourite books ever..

I prefered Brave New World to 1984 to be honest.


Read Junk by Melvin Burgess yesterday to have a bit of a break from all the dystopian stuff that was becoming all to real in a science fiction/science fact/future/present kinda way. Bit scary when you look at it.


Started Stone Baby by Joolz this afternoon. Haven't read it since it first came out and was plesently suprised(reminded) to find I'd got it signed by both Joolz and Justin.


I'm cracking through the books at the moment now I'm taking it easy on the house redecoration.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 20, 2020, 07:51:24 AM
Cheers for that,i shall go in search of a copy..

                             *********************
I have just ordered a copy....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on May 20, 2020, 07:06:31 PM
Cheers for that,i shall go in search of a copy..

                             *********************
I have just ordered a copy....

Aw, I could have lent you mine !

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on May 28, 2020, 07:11:23 PM
Billie Morgan - Joolz

revisiting
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 29, 2020, 12:13:32 PM
My copy of ''Brave New World'' has just arrived....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 30, 2020, 07:36:14 AM
''Season Of The Witch '' ( How The Occult Saved Rock And Roll)..by Peter Bebergal,historical study about the full influence of occult traditions on rock and roll,how mysticism and music changed our world...fascinating read...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on May 31, 2020, 02:22:11 PM
My copy of ''Brave New World'' has just arrived....

Enjoy !
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on May 31, 2020, 02:22:35 PM
''Season Of The Witch '' ( How The Occult Saved Rock And Roll)..by Peter Bebergal,historical study about the full influence of occult traditions on rock and roll,how mysticism and music changed our world...fascinating read...

Sounds interesting !
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on May 31, 2020, 02:23:51 PM
Reading Borrowed Light by Joolz now. Have also read Corazon this week.

I'm working my way through all of Joolz's books.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on June 02, 2020, 07:52:02 PM
Finished A True Account of the Curious Mystery of Miss Lydia Larkin and the Widow Marvell by Joolz today.

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on June 03, 2020, 02:04:13 PM
Have just finished ''Brave New World'',what an excellent book,one i have been meaning to read for years....loved it..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lotus on June 03, 2020, 04:33:51 PM
And now ....
Mad, bad and dangerous to know
or the (only online) autobiography?
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on June 03, 2020, 07:26:17 PM
Have just finished ''Brave New World'',what an excellent book,one i have been meaning to read for years....loved it..


 :)

Bit "now" in places eh?
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: dilla on June 03, 2020, 09:02:58 PM
Warlord of the Seas by Dom Mee.True story of countering piracy off Somalia.Riveting
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on June 04, 2020, 12:45:57 PM
''Bit now in places'' (sorry i do not know how to insert quotes)

I totally agree with you,however nowhere here in Jersey for a game of Centrifugal Bumble-puppy... ;D..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on June 08, 2020, 07:07:12 PM
''Bit now in places'' (sorry i do not know how to insert quotes)

I totally agree with you,however nowhere here in Jersey for a game of Centrifugal Bumble-puppy... ;D..


To do a quote you can click the "Quote" box on the top right side of the post you want to quote.
You can quote the whole thing or just select the bit you want. I tend to quote the whole thing but highlight in bold the bit that I'm refering to.

Brave New World better than nineteeneightyfour then ?  ;)

I'm reading  Wild Thing By Joolz now.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on June 09, 2020, 08:41:52 AM
Thank you for your help re.quotes...still not sure,but i am a cave man when it comes to this..... ::)..

I am going to read 1984 (again).....and then make my mind up...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on June 14, 2020, 12:20:04 PM
This weekend...

The Pride of Lions
Errors of the Spirit
Pray for Us Sinners

Poetry books by Joolz
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on June 14, 2020, 06:06:02 PM
Have just finished ''The Catcher In The Rye''...what a book,my son has been on at me for years to read it ( it is his favourite book of all time)....can't believe i have never read it before,i know the term ''Classic'' is used all the time for things,but in this case it is a Classic (imho)....brilliant.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on June 14, 2020, 07:25:01 PM
Have just finished ''The Catcher In The Rye''...what a book,my son has been on at me for years to read it ( it is his favourite book of all time)....can't believe i have never read it before,i know the term ''Classic'' is used all the time for things,but in this case it is a Classic (imho)....brilliant.

I've still got my school copy. Dread to think how much I owe in "return late"  fines on it (and others). 

 ;) ;D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: ManxPat on June 19, 2020, 10:52:20 PM
Finishing up The Rig by Roger Levy and about to re-read the amazing An Evil Cradling by Brian Keenan which was recommended to me years ago by Joolz.... (My toilet book..sorry, awful habit..is currently The Queen of Swords. One of the Corum books by M. Moorcock).
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on June 21, 2020, 12:30:02 PM
Have just finished reading 1984 (again)..and def.prefer it to Brave New World..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on June 21, 2020, 08:19:27 PM

'1971 - Never A Dull Moment' by the excellent music journalist David Hepworth.  A summary of everything that happened in the world of music during that year and he makes a case for it being the greatest year in music EVER.  And he makes it well, I'm convinced!   ;)  Well worth a read.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on June 23, 2020, 06:51:28 PM
I'm The King Of The Castle- Susan Hill

Yet another book I robbed from school in 84.

 ;)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on June 24, 2020, 12:42:05 PM
Have just started Animal Farm a book i have not read for many years...

Suppose you nicked that one as well..?  ;D..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on June 25, 2020, 04:19:42 PM
Have just started Animal Farm a book i have not read for many years...

Suppose you nicked that one as well..?  ;D..

You know me to well !!!

 ;D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on June 25, 2020, 08:48:43 PM

I just started a biography of Dudley Moore and Peter Cooke.

I'm slightly worried that there might be some offensive language in it.

 ;)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on June 26, 2020, 07:32:18 PM
In Cold Blood - Truman Capote.

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on July 04, 2020, 12:21:37 PM
''On The Road ''Jack Kerouac, a book i have always been unsure to read or not due to all the hype/reviews,but i am really enjoying it........a great read (imho)..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on July 08, 2020, 01:06:26 PM
Have just finished ''On The Road'',what a brilliant book............i am now going to read '' Moby Dick''...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Silver Cloud on July 10, 2020, 10:19:04 PM
The „Kantaki Saga” from Andreas Brandhorst. The author translated most of the older Terry Pratchett books to German and last year I found out about his scifi books … great stuff in my opinion …
but you don’ t have to laugh …
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on July 21, 2020, 10:46:05 PM
1Q84 from Haruki Murakami. Actually re-reading it after five years... Hell of an epic 1300 pages!

If you could choose one author that you could erase all books from your memory and read them like it's the first time, who would it be?

Definitely Murakami for me :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on July 22, 2020, 08:58:01 AM
George Orwell for me........
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on July 25, 2020, 11:21:29 AM
Have just finished ''Moby Dick'',by far the most difficult book i have ever read i found it quite hard going in parts but i stuck with it and pleased i did.Really enjoyed it..........thank heavens for the explanatory notes at the back of the book which without i would have found it impossible to read..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on July 30, 2020, 09:25:08 PM
Just received July wages to my bank account... Me, walking towards metro station in morning sunshine, minding my own business... Suddenly - a book store. U-turn.
Bought few fiction books but stopped in front of non-fiction shelf and spotted a book from cognitive neuroscience -point of view: ''This is your brain on music - Understanding a human obsession''by Daniel Levitin.
Started reading it today, I'd like to understand my obsessions better :)
Reminded me about a book I read in January... Can't remember the name of the author but the book was called ''The Idiot Brain'', it was very entertaining read about what neuroscientists know about how our brains function, recommended! :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on July 31, 2020, 09:12:20 AM
Off The Road Twenty Years With Cassady,Kerouac and Ginsberg........by Carolyn Cassady.if you have read On The Road this is a must read book,telling her side of events and relationships she is a really great writer a brilliant book(imho)..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Silver Cloud on August 03, 2020, 07:44:45 PM
1Q84 from Haruki Murakami. Actually re-reading it after five years... Hell of an epic 1300 pages!

If you could choose one author that you could erase all books from your memory and read them like it's the first time, who would it be?

Definitely Murakami for me :)

Terry Pratchett … his books are unique …

But I like Murakami too and read all his books … great stuff.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lotus on August 03, 2020, 08:08:13 PM
I don`t know something about Haruki Murakami - but I`m a Pratchett fan and have most of his books

And Joolz - still a fight to remember enough of my old school english and enjoying reading her work  :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on August 03, 2020, 09:12:15 PM
1Q84 from Haruki Murakami. Actually re-reading it after five years... Hell of an epic 1300 pages!

If you could choose one author that you could erase all books from your memory and read them like it's the first time, who would it be?

Definitely Murakami for me :)

Terry Pratchett … his books are unique …

But I like Murakami too and read all his books … great stuff.

Ahhh, ''Good Omens'' from Pratchett with Neil Gaiman! Best laughs I ever had, reading a book  ;D

I was about to ask what's your favourite from Murakami... But started thinking what's my favourite and noticed it's mission impossible for me! First book I read from him was ''Kafka on the Shore'', I've been in love ever since :) Maybe easier to mention a book I wasn't so fond of: ''Norwegian Wood''. That was just depressing! :) And it took a while to get into ''Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World'', but ended up liking it anyway...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Silver Cloud on August 03, 2020, 10:57:01 PM
Hardboiled Wonderland was the first one for me — but it is hard to say, which one is best — mostly I like the very intensive moods in the stories … It’s a kind of flow …
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on August 05, 2020, 04:56:02 PM
''Go'' John Clellon Holmes,considered to be the first Beat novel an excellent read with thinly disguised characters who happen to be Ginsberg,Cassady,Kerouac and Holmes himself...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on August 07, 2020, 10:46:00 AM
re visited Catcher In The Rye yesterday.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on August 12, 2020, 08:28:57 AM
Henry Miller ''Tropic of Cancer''first published in 1934,not difficult to see why it was banned in so many countries including Britain and USA until the mid 1960's...maybe not shocking by today's standards.It must have appeared extremely shocking back then.....an interesting read.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on August 12, 2020, 06:31:59 PM
Henry Miller ''Tropic of Cancer''first published in 1934,not difficult to see why it was banned in so many countries including Britain and USA until the mid 1960's...maybe not shocking by today's standards.It must have appeared extremely shocking back then.....an interesting read.

Ooh, saucy !
 ;)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on August 12, 2020, 06:32:52 PM
Jamaica Inn - Daphne du Maurier

Had it on the shelf for years and never read it until yesterday.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on August 12, 2020, 08:02:10 PM
Henry Miller ''Tropic of Cancer''first published in 1934,not difficult to see why it was banned in so many countries including Britain and USA until the mid 1960's...maybe not shocking by today's standards.It must have appeared extremely shocking back then.....an interesting read.

Miller is easily one of my top 5 authors! ''Tropic of Capricorn'' is also brilliant, my favourite though is ''Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch'' :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on August 13, 2020, 08:58:31 AM
Hi Tarsier,thanks for that i shall look in to those....Tropic Of Capricorn on my list had not heard of Big Sur etc.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on August 14, 2020, 10:25:15 AM
re visiting

Animal Farm - Orwell
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on August 14, 2020, 03:35:40 PM
Man ,you are some fast reader..........Animal Farm a classic,read it again myself a couple of weeks ago.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on August 15, 2020, 01:55:13 PM
Man ,you are some fast reader..........Animal Farm a classic,read it again myself a couple of weeks ago.

I love to read !
Lockdown and now school holidays is a perfect time for me. I'd usually be out and about or doing work on the house but because I'm still trying to keep my distance I'm sitting in my garden enjoying books almost all day.

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on August 18, 2020, 01:24:47 AM
Started reading Kazuo Ishiguro's ''The Unconsoled'', now half way through. Damn, this book makes me feel so frustrated! There's this main character who basically doesn't know much about what's going on, he just goes on with everything, messing up his apparently quite important schedule... I'm waiting for a reeeaaalllly satisfying ending: if it's not gonna happen, I. Will. Be. Furious.
 ;D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on August 18, 2020, 05:09:15 PM
I have finished Tropic Of Cancer which i really enjoyed and have ordered Tropic Of Capricorn......in the meantime i am reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley,another book i have been meaning to read for years....wow,what an excellent read can't put it down....love it.....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on September 01, 2020, 12:38:16 PM
Brighton Rock a book i have not read for well over forty years...........really enjoying it..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on September 04, 2020, 10:38:56 AM
After being told by a friend that i need to read it ,i am going to start ''Metamorphosis'' Franz Kafka....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on September 05, 2020, 12:54:38 AM
After being told by a friend that i need to read it ,i am going to start ''Metamorphosis'' Franz Kafka....

Kafka's lovely, has kind of specific, dark, candle-lit atmosphere...
You're still waiting for Tropic of Capricorn? :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on September 05, 2020, 08:25:53 AM
When i went to order ''Metamorphosis'' i came across''The Essential Kafka'' book which was cheaper than just the single novella,so i shall have a look at some of the other stories......and then i shall start ''Tropic Of Capricorn''........loved ''Metamorphosis'',a very sad story.I have heard of ''The Trial''and ''The Castle'' so shall start with those.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on September 11, 2020, 05:19:08 PM
Have just finished ''The Castle'' and ''The Penal Colony'' by Franz Kafka fascinating reads.....and am now starting ''Tropic Of Capricorn'' Henry Miller...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on September 12, 2020, 01:18:52 PM
Back to school for me so it's our class book,

The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo.

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on September 16, 2020, 04:40:32 AM
Read the newest book from Blake Crouch, ''Recursion''. Mind-bending page-turner...
Also Andrew Miller's ''Optimists'' which was a lovely read - I remember reading and liking it ten years ago, remembered nothing else :)
My friend came to visit (a brave move on covid times..) and brought me Paul Auster's ''Oracle Night'' in Finnish so now after long time reading in my native language, weird but positive feeling  :)
Aaaand I ordered Joolz's book ''Corazon'', I've actually never read anything from her so looking forward :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on September 18, 2020, 08:58:24 PM

'Bruce Lee - A Life' by Matthew Polly.  Cracking good 600 page biography about Mr Lee, plenty of interesting stuff I didn't know before...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on September 28, 2020, 10:24:42 AM
''Billie Morgan'' by Joolz.....what a great read,really enjoying it..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on September 28, 2020, 08:54:02 PM
Today finished reading Joolz's ''Corazon''... Truly enjoyed it! The ending of the book got so intense that I couldn't put it down aaaand I was late from work... Luckily my colleague was understanding and I promised she can come later to work in morning  ;D
Running late, grabbed from my bookshelf Daphne duMaurier's ''The Birds and other stories'' to read in metro. I remember buying it for 10 crowns from a flea market maybe a year ago but somehow never got to reading it... Now's the time, then :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on September 29, 2020, 08:32:28 AM
''CORAZON''is the next book i am going to read....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on September 30, 2020, 03:41:25 PM
I read all of Joolz's books during lockdown  :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on September 30, 2020, 05:02:52 PM
And your favourite(s) ?....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on September 30, 2020, 07:34:50 PM
And your favourite(s) ?....
[/quote

I'd be interested in that opinion too... to my shame, I've never read a Joolz book...   :-[
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on October 01, 2020, 09:44:01 AM
I have just finished ''Billie Morgan''....what a great book...loved it .on to ''CORAZON''now....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on October 02, 2020, 07:25:38 PM
Again I fell into a classic trap - got my wages, left from work, on the way to metro there's a bookstore that opens at eight in the morning...  ;D Found out Jo Nesbo has a new book out, ''The Kingdom''... Didn't even bother to read the back cover: I'm a simple person, I see Jo Nesbo, I buy it :D Addicted...  ::)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on October 03, 2020, 08:30:03 AM
Hi Tarsier,until i read your post i had never heard of Jo Nesbo so did a bit of research.......well he is cetainly a prolific writer,read about some of his books and ''The Snowman'' is the one that jumps out at me....your thoughts ?.will pop over to Amazon and have a look...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lotus on October 04, 2020, 02:33:29 PM
Jo Nesbo and The Snowman - goood choice (I`ve read all his books with Harry Hole)

other "who did it"- books with less action, but interesting and growing characters and background:

Ake Edwardson - with Winter (a music fan)

and a bit darker about Island - Arnaldur Indridasson with Erlendur
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on October 04, 2020, 03:32:10 PM
Thanks lotus i will check this out............I have ordered a copy of The Snowman..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on October 05, 2020, 02:43:38 AM
Ghosttrain, if you're into thrillers, a word of warning... Jo Nesbo might cause from mild to severe addiction!  :D I remember when I read Nesbo first time: I was visiting my parents, had great difficulties trying to fall asleep. At that time, I thought I don't like to read thrillers (was traumatized years ago in some literature course in school, teacher made us read this dead-boring thriller the name of which I can't remember). In order to fall asleep, I raided my parents bookshelf and grabbed Jo Nesbo's book (it was ''The Bat'', first book in Harry -series), thinking ''great, thriller, I hate those, this will make me fall asleep!''    .....well, I was still wide awake 200 pages later ;D When I returned home, went to a bookstore straight away to buy the next book...when finished that, was drinking my morning coffee with shaky hands, waiting for the bookstore to open. So, you have been warned...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on October 05, 2020, 08:25:14 AM
Severe Addiction....... we shall see,just a thought do you need to read his books in order or are they all stand alone stories ?..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on October 06, 2020, 10:13:28 AM
Recently i fell for the Jack Reacher thrillers by Lee Child and the Thrillers by Chris Carter about the Hunter&Garcia Detectives. It was one Reacher then Hunter then Reacher, now i'm reading/listening to "The Death Sculptor" by Carter.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on October 06, 2020, 12:18:59 PM
Chris Carter is obv. a Grateful Dead fan.....Hunter and Garcia were the main song writers for the band. 8)...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on October 06, 2020, 12:34:40 PM
Ha, cool to know! With that in mind maybe i can find other hints..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on October 06, 2020, 06:51:01 PM
And your favourite(s) ?....
[/quote

I'd be interested in that opinion too... to my shame, I've never read a Joolz book...   :-[

Billie Morgan is tops for me.
 :)

Are either of you followers of her "Memory Box" on facebook?
That makes great/interesting reading. It's a biographic page that is her life story warts and all. Even though names are changed you know who's who.  ;)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on October 07, 2020, 09:38:29 AM
Thanks for that i am nearly at the end of ''CORAZON'' which i think is brilliant,will make my mind up when i have finished........then it's on to ''Stone Baby''..and no,i am not on Facebook.....thanks once again.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on October 07, 2020, 03:17:34 PM
Have just finished ''CORAZON'' wow,what a book.............loved it.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lotus on October 07, 2020, 03:37:57 PM
Thanks for that i am nearly at the end of ''CORAZON'' which i think is brilliant,will make my mind up when i have finished........then it's on to ''Stone Baby''..and no,i am not on Facebook.....thanks once again.

Hello Ghosttrain,
you must not be a registered member to open and read Joolz on facebook - and her postings and the memory box are interesting  ;)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on October 07, 2020, 07:11:32 PM
Severe Addiction....... we shall see,just a thought do you need to read his books in order or are they all stand alone stories ?..

I would read the books in order.. The Harry Hole -series: The Bat / Cocroaches / The Redbreast / Nemesis / The Devil's Star / The Redeemer / The Snowman / The Leopard / Phantom / Police / The Thirst / Knife
As I mentioned, The Bat was the first book I read... After that, the book I found from second-hand shelf was The Leopard - quite a leap! So I read Phantom and Police next, then jumped back to beginning, The Snowman the book I read last (The Thirst and Knife weren't yet published) :) Well, worked that way also but as mentioned, better to read in order, to follow Harry's character and people around him.. After few years, I read all books again - I have phenomenally bad memory what it comes to details and plot twists and all, many times I didn't even remember who was the murderer!  ;D

From his stand-alone novels ''The Headhunters'' is my fave :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lotus on October 07, 2020, 07:32:15 PM
For those interesting to discover more of Joolz and her work (and the memory box)

https://www.joolzdenby.co.uk/autobiography-memory-box
 
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on October 08, 2020, 10:00:27 AM
Hi lotus thanks for the info and the link....i am reading it now....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on October 08, 2020, 11:43:32 AM
I am up to episode 5........what a great read,thank you once again lotus..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on October 16, 2020, 02:00:01 PM
I have just read the final episode of Autobiography : The Memory Box by Joolz Denby,what a fascinating read really informative......loved it, thank you...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on October 18, 2020, 09:09:47 PM

Thomas Harris - Cari Mora.  Very good so far.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on October 19, 2020, 08:09:35 AM
''STONE BABY'' Joolz Denby......great read....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on October 23, 2020, 07:27:25 PM
Twenty pages left from Carlos Ruiz Zafon's ''The Angel's Game''. Gonna curl up in my armchair and enjoy.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on October 24, 2020, 08:12:35 AM
Finished Stone Baby...am now starting Borrowed Light...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on October 24, 2020, 10:52:13 PM
I have just read the final episode of Autobiography : The Memory Box by Joolz Denby,what a fascinating read really informative......loved it, thank you...

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on October 25, 2020, 12:16:18 AM
Started reading yesterday Hari Kunzru's "White Tears". Never heard about it before, but I'm totally hooked... Gotta love second-hand book stores :D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on October 29, 2020, 09:45:05 PM

Ian McEwen - Machines Like Me.  Very good so far.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on October 30, 2020, 01:14:17 PM
Have just finished ''Borrowed Light'' by Joolz.....what a fantastic read,my favourite book by her so far( i still have a couple more to read) The characters,setting, build up, leading to an amazing final crescendo,just brilliant.Highly recommended...wonderful stuff..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on October 30, 2020, 01:55:58 PM
Have just finished ''Borrowed Light'' by Joolz.....what a fantastic read,my favourite book by her so far( i still have a couple more to read) The characters,setting, build up, leading to an amazing final crescendo,just brilliant.Highly recommended...wonderful stuff..

So glad you're enjoying her work.
You might just have to stock up on all her poetry books to  ;)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on October 30, 2020, 04:13:38 PM
I dare say that is highly likely..... :)....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on November 15, 2020, 05:29:24 PM
Have just finished ''The Snowman'' by Jo Nesbo..........what a brilliant book,really enjoyed it.It is the first book i have read by him,really love his writing style
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on November 19, 2020, 12:37:48 PM
Have just finished ''The Snowman'' by Jo Nesbo..........what a brilliant book,really enjoyed it.It is the first book i have read by him,really love his writing style

Ah, I'm glad you enjoyed it! And a bit envious as you still have many books to read from him... :)

Currently reading Carlos Ruiz Zafon, the book's "Henkien labyrintti" in Finish so I guess it's "Labyrinth of spirits" or someting in English... Extremely addictive read... Know the feeling when you start "saving" a book because you don't want it to end?  :'(
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on November 21, 2020, 02:22:42 PM
I have just finished reading ''Starve Acre'' by Andrew Michael Hurley....superb book,eerie folk/horror tale...creepy and disturbing...loved it.I have ordered his first two novels on the strength of this book..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on November 24, 2020, 07:21:14 PM
I have just finished reading ''Starve Acre'' by Andrew Michael Hurley....superb book,eerie folk/horror tale...creepy and disturbing...loved it.I have ordered his first two novels on the strength of this book..
That caught my interest, trying to check if I can order it from somewhere... Would love to read some horror after long time, something creepy and disturbing... Although last time I read horror I had to sleep with lights on  ;D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on November 25, 2020, 07:47:46 AM
I ordered mine from Amazon....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on November 26, 2020, 11:01:46 AM
Stories from'' The Selected Works Of Edgar Allan Poe''.....excellent stuff.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on December 02, 2020, 03:23:39 PM
Well, since my friend worked for a while in Amazon, I'm kinda allergic to order anything from them...

But goood news! They're easing some covid measures, finally I can go to bookstore again tomorrow, can't wait!! :D Currently re-reading Murakami's "Kafka on the Shore", I had forgotten how beautifully written book that is... :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on December 03, 2020, 11:32:04 AM
Have just read ''The Loney''my second book (The Authors First Novel).by Andrew Michael Hurley..even better than ''Starve Acre'' (imho)..a.brilliantly unsettling debut novel,atmospheric and intense....I am awaiting his second novel ''Devil's Day''to arrive...cannot wait..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on December 03, 2020, 02:13:05 PM
Was quite many people in the bookstore today... But I did find the "Starve Acre", it was the only book from that author in the store. Actually I read the back cover after I already bought it - now can't wait to start reading!  :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on December 03, 2020, 03:28:54 PM
Enjoy.....if that's the right word......try to get hold of a copy of ''The Loney''if you can..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on December 05, 2020, 02:00:44 PM
Yes... "Starve Acre" was...disturbing. Got some nasty shivers from the last page. Worth the read. Will check the other books at some point..."Enjoy" might not be the right word but hey, there's some kind of wicked pleasure in horror :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on December 05, 2020, 03:47:51 PM
Really pleased you liked it...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on December 27, 2020, 07:01:31 PM
Just finished reading "Anansi Boys" by Neil Gaiman... Left me wondering why the hell I haven't read it earlier, just brilliant! :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on December 28, 2020, 09:11:47 AM
Bram Stoker's Dracula,another book i have been meaning to read for ages.......loving it.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lupus225 on December 28, 2020, 07:48:23 PM
Lol Tolhurst
Cured - The Tale of Two Imaginary Boys
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on December 28, 2020, 08:18:05 PM
Lol Tolhurst
Cured - The Tale of Two Imaginary Boys

Read that (I think I picked up for about a quid in a bargain bin!)  actually it was a pretty good read....

I do wish Mr Smith would put out his autobiography....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on January 03, 2021, 02:15:14 PM
''Three Men In A Boat'' Jerome K Jerome.....what a very funny book , i am really enjoying it...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on January 04, 2021, 10:15:54 AM
Munching some random thrillers my friends gave me on Christmas... Nothing works better for Christmas than fast-read, addictive page-turners! :D Now reading Lars Kepler's ''Stalker'' :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Winterwulf on January 06, 2021, 08:16:43 PM
Re-reading Ronald Hutton's "Triumph of the Moon", a history of modern Paganism that's both academically thorough (as you'd expect from Prof. Hutton) and sympathetic even when it does demolish many of the cherished myths of modern witchcraft.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on January 12, 2021, 01:22:50 PM
I have just finished reading PINE the debut novel by Francine Toon......what an incredible read,if you like your Gothic/Folk Horror read this....i was gripped from the first until the last page.....i hope she has more books in the pipeline..... 8)....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on January 15, 2021, 10:20:14 AM
''Devil's Day'' by Andrew Michael Hurley......i have read all three of his books now,and this is the best (imho).though i think all his books are brilliant....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Semmelnknödöln on January 21, 2021, 09:57:30 AM
Calling Bullshit,The Art of scepticism in a data-driven world, Carl Bergstrom & Jevin West.

Great stuff.

And entirely uncoincidentally, Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber, RIP.

If we only dared to build a rational, humane society......................
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on January 22, 2021, 03:21:13 PM
''Swansong'' by Kerry Andrew..........brilliant.........
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on January 23, 2021, 06:54:57 AM
Calling Bullshit,The Art of scepticism in a data-driven world, Carl Bergstrom & Jevin West.

Great stuff.

And entirely uncoincidentally, Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber, RIP.

If we only dared to build a rational, humane society......................

hey Semmelknödöln, how you're doing? I remember meeting you at he NOTV and of course i can remember your nickname, don't think you remember me but anyway..

Interesting Books there, maybe this old thread is of  some interest for you:
There's still Hope! A real lecture for students in: "Calling Bullshit" (https://board.newmodelarmy.org/index.php?topic=9864.0[/url)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on January 25, 2021, 01:05:01 PM
I'm in the middle of ''Journey Under the Midnight Sun'' by Keigo Higashino. But I'm also in the middle of weird apathy, I've been sooo lazy this month that it starts to feel like a medical condition. I haven't opened the book for a week now. Can't find the energy to do much else either, and my attention span seems to shrink day by day... so I mainly stare out of the window, trying to figure out something to do.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on January 29, 2021, 09:55:50 PM

Reading Finders Keepers by Stephen King and, dammit, if it isn't the best thing he's done in many a long year.  Rather disappointed with so many of his books over the last couple of decades (mostly because they're so overlong and weak in storylines) but I picked this one up in a charity shop before Lockdown and finally got around to it... damn, it's great.  Interesting characters, a strong storyline and it zips along nicely because it's less than about a thousand pages long!   ;D

Although I didn't relalise it was a sequel to Mr Mercedes so, er, oops... must get around to that before I get onto the last part of the trilogy, End Of Watch, which I believe is far more linked in to MM...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Digital Man on January 29, 2021, 10:33:03 PM

Reading Finders Keepers by Stephen King and, dammit, if it isn't the best thing he's done in many a long year.  Rather disappointed with so many of his books over the last couple of decades (mostly because they're so overlong and weak in storylines) but I picked this one up in a charity shop before Lockdown and finally got around to it... damn, it's great.  Interesting characters, a strong storyline and it zips along nicely because it's less than about a thousand pages long!   ;D

Although I didn't relalise it was a sequel to Mr Mercedes so, er, oops... must get around to that before I get onto the last part of the trilogy, End Of Watch, which I believe is far more linked in to MM...

You should try The Stand, unabridged version, my fav of all of his stuff
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on January 31, 2021, 07:47:05 PM

Reading Finders Keepers by Stephen King and, dammit, if it isn't the best thing he's done in many a long year.  Rather disappointed with so many of his books over the last couple of decades (mostly because they're so overlong and weak in storylines) but I picked this one up in a charity shop before Lockdown and finally got around to it... damn, it's great.  Interesting characters, a strong storyline and it zips along nicely because it's less than about a thousand pages long!   ;D

Although I didn't relalise it was a sequel to Mr Mercedes so, er, oops... must get around to that before I get onto the last part of the trilogy, End Of Watch, which I believe is far more linked in to MM...

You should try The Stand, unabridged version, my fav of all of his stuff

Yup, mine too!  Read everything Mr King did between Carrie and Cell but got a bit bored with some of his later books, may give some of them another go...

Also, you seen the new TV version of The Stand?  I gave up about three episodes in.  It isn't like it's a terribly bad show or anything, it's well made enough and well acted, it's just that after reading the book it's like seeing the whole story told in bullet points... no background, no depth, none of the 'colouring in' of the characters that King does so well.  Give it a go if you fancy it but I suspect you'll be as disappointed as I was...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Digital Man on January 31, 2021, 10:20:51 PM
7 episodes in, fantastic! Better than the last tv series
Never will be as great as the book though
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on January 31, 2021, 10:29:52 PM
I have to admit that I only read some of King's books when I was a teenager... Since then some of my friends were really recommending some books of his but I never managed to get to read those... It's about time now, right? :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on February 03, 2021, 11:48:08 AM
''The Owl Service'' by Alan Garner.....yes i know it is a children's book by definition, i don't think that matters it is a fantastic read and the writing can be enjoyed by children and adults alike (imho)..In fact in the introduction by Philip Pullman there is a quote that reads...''Is it a children's book? Of course it is,and of course it's not only for children''.which sums it up nicely......i am loving it..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on February 08, 2021, 05:49:57 PM
Rare occasion, reading some non-fiction, ''Letters from an Astrophysicist'' by Neil deGrasse Tyson. In order to not to get all too serious, at the same time re-reading a book I received as a birthday gift couple of years ago from my always awesome friends...it's by Nick Caruso and Dani Rabaiotti and it's called ''Does It Fart? The Definitive Field Guide to Animal Flatulence ''  ;D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on February 09, 2021, 05:53:58 AM
Rare occasion, reading some non-fiction, ''Letters from an Astrophysicist'' by Neil deGrasse Tyson. In order to not to get all too serious, at the same time re-reading a book I received as a birthday gift couple of years ago from my always awesome friends...it's by Nick Caruso and Dani Rabaiotti and it's called ''Does It Fart? The Definitive Field Guide to Animal Flatulence ''  ;D

Is that the edition with a foreword by Terrance & Phillip ?
;-)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on February 19, 2021, 09:18:49 PM
Rare occasion, reading some non-fiction, ''Letters from an Astrophysicist'' by Neil deGrasse Tyson. In order to not to get all too serious, at the same time re-reading a book I received as a birthday gift couple of years ago from my always awesome friends...it's by Nick Caruso and Dani Rabaiotti and it's called ''Does It Fart? The Definitive Field Guide to Animal Flatulence ''  ;D

Is that the edition with a foreword by Terrance & Phillip ?
;-)

Oh, shut your fuckin' face Uncle Fucker...  ;)  ;D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on February 24, 2021, 02:48:43 PM
''Rabbit Stew And A Penny Or Two''..by Maggie Smith-Bendell,the book is a story of her life as a Romani /Romany Gypsy travelling around Britain in the 1950's.It tells of the hard times and prejudice they experienced and also the really happy times.......the book is both funny and very sad , really enjoying it.Also very much of interest to myself as my father was of Romany Gypsy origin...horse traders on his fathers side and travelling herbalists on his mothers....sadly he is no longer around as i have become very interested in this subject in later years,i remember some of the stories he told me when i was young but would love to have found out more.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on February 26, 2021, 03:24:06 AM
After reading Neil deGrasse Tyson's book I realized that when I was a kid I used to know the names of many constellations but now only remembered Ursa Major. I dug out a Guide to Nigh Sky from my bookshelf, working on fixing that issue. Universe is amazing! I live on the 11th floor so despite light pollution, on clear nights I see the starry sky from my bed - and now I know that the bright star I see before midnight is yellow giant Arcturus, only 37 light-years away. Polaris is 460 ly away. How cool. With my new-found enthusiasm for spotting the stars, I'm slightly annoyed about the nine o'clock curfew as I can only spot the stars I see through my window to the east. When the curfew is lifted, I'll run to the nearby hill at night.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on March 01, 2021, 08:28:53 AM
''On The Trail Of The Serpent''  The Life And Crimes Of Charles Sobhraj    by Richard Neville and Julie Clarke...brilliant book, a must read for anyone who watched the TV series....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on March 05, 2021, 08:57:22 PM
Finally received my order so about to start reading ''Stone Baby'' from Joolz  :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on March 06, 2021, 04:54:32 PM
''The Wind In The Willows''  by  Kenneth Graham,what a beautiful enchanting story.........timeless.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on March 10, 2021, 07:08:32 PM
I just quickly re-read a kind of stupid-but-entertaining book I re-found from my bookshelf - ''Jim Giraffe'' by Daren King. It's a ghost story about a ghost giraffe.
''Scott Spectrum is being haunted by a ghost giraffe named Jim. Scott thinks he’s a man how has everything — a high-speed internet connection, alien-shaped slippers, and a beautiful wife called Continence. But Scott hasn’t touched her in years and she’s been left furiously polishing the sideboard, dreaming of black stallions. Jim Giraffe knows a lot about sex, luckily. He also loves pizza and beer and has breath that smells of tree-tops.''
Well, yeah, it's a stupid but entertaining book.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Simon73 on March 10, 2021, 09:46:05 PM
Ariel by Silvia Plath
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on March 16, 2021, 01:58:27 PM
Joolz's ''The Curious Mystery Of Miss Lydia Larkin And The Widow Marvell''. What a lovely read  :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on March 16, 2021, 05:02:03 PM
I agree totally, it is a great book.......
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on March 17, 2021, 09:08:12 AM
''A Confederacy Of Dunces'' by John Kennedy Toole..........by far one of the funniest books i have ever read....an absolute gem... ;D..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Bunny on March 21, 2021, 06:55:23 PM
Well. I havent read in years and year. However for some reason My interest in books is taking off. Im reading Into the Wild, the book that started the film, about Christopher McCandless.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on March 24, 2021, 04:09:46 PM
''The Thirteenth Tale'' by Diane Setterfield........a brilliant Gothic novel,moving and enchanting....riveting from start to finish...loved it..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on March 25, 2021, 05:38:17 PM
First off-topic: Ain't it a bit quiet in the forum....? And where's cthulhu?  :'( :)

Anyway...

I've done some more re-reading, just finished Haruki Murakami's ''Wind Pinball'', which is actually a paperback with two of his first books ''Hear the Wind Sing'' and ''Pinball, 1973''. Enough time had passed that I didn't remember much of those... This time I especially enjoyed the Pinball novel :)
Looking forward to continuing to ''A Wild Sheep Chase'' and ''Dance Dance Dance'', the books that share the same main characters. When I try to remember these books now, it feels like trying to remember a dream. I do remember the darkness in the corridor...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on March 25, 2021, 05:46:28 PM
''A Confederacy Of Dunces'' by John Kennedy Toole..........by far one of the funniest books i have ever read....an absolute gem... ;D..

I'm missing funny books... Just checked & found this book in stock from a nearby book store... I ordered it (and five others...), going to pick it up tomorrow  :)

Damn restrictions, one thing I do miss is to actually visit a book store, spend some time there browsing in peace... now it's just a pick-up point for online orders... Well, that's better than nothing, of course.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on March 25, 2021, 06:11:03 PM
Hope you enjoy it...... :)..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on March 29, 2021, 08:10:44 PM
Yes! I just started reading it, absolutely love his style... only read sixty-odd pages, giggling  ;D
But the story of the author himself is heartbreaking  :'(
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on March 30, 2021, 01:36:52 AM
Running out of ideas, I guess I should find this one...
(https://i.postimg.cc/Hnv1rFJn/nothing.png)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on March 31, 2021, 10:54:42 AM
''Once Upon A River'' by Diane Setterfield....an enchanting mix of mystery and folklore,i just love her writing so much...

Hi Tarsier pleased you are enjoying the (mis)fortunes of one Ignatius J.Reilly....and yes the Authors story is indeed a tragic one......I have just ordered his other novel ''The Neon Bible''...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lotus on April 04, 2021, 05:08:42 PM
Bought Arne Dahl last week, knowing Berger&Bloom No 1 and 2 (7-1 and 6x2)
No 3 (5+3) was less good than the other ones (A-team) or B&B, without B&B 1 and 2 not a good choice to start, but
the next one 4/4 is very good and  easier to understand without knowing the others
 
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on April 04, 2021, 05:36:02 PM
''Carmilla'' by J.Sheridan Le Fanu....written in 1872 ,it pre-dates Bram Stoker's Dracula by 26 years.....excellent read...........
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on April 08, 2021, 10:03:33 PM
''Carmilla'' by J.Sheridan Le Fanu....written in 1872 ,it pre-dates Bram Stoker's Dracula by 26 years.....excellent read...........

Sounds amazing... Gotta keep my eyes open!  :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on April 08, 2021, 10:11:59 PM
I have been reading rather brainless thrillers lately and happy about it... From all of the detectives and whatnots, I think my favourite now is Carl Morck from Department Q series by Jussi Adler Olsen... I have literally stayed in bed for past five days just reading... Only valid reason for that is, because I can 8)  :'(
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on April 09, 2021, 08:52:28 AM
''The Neon Bible'' by John Kennedy Toole...an amazing book especially as he was only 16 years old when he wrote it...as one reviewer says on the back of the book''it leaves the reader wondering might have been''...he killed himself at the age of 31... :'(..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on April 12, 2021, 04:04:39 PM
''Gulliver's Travels'' by Jonathan Swift......what a book a brilliant work of irony,dark and bitter at times also a fabulous piece of fantasy writing........without doubt it deserves its place in the list of classics....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on April 14, 2021, 11:45:03 AM
''Quiet Days In Clichy'' by Henry Miller,if you are familiar with Tropic Of Cancer and Tropic Of Capricorn you will know what to expect......banned when first published in 1956.....i enjoyed it..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on April 15, 2021, 12:43:36 PM
''Quiet Days In Clichy'' by Henry Miller,if you are familiar with Tropic Of Cancer and Tropic Of Capricorn you will know what to expect......banned when first published in 1956.....i enjoyed it..
I love Henry Miller... ''Tropic of Capricorn'' and ''Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch'' are my favourites so far... And ''The Air-Conditioned Nightmare''... And ''The Colossus of Maroussi''...  :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on April 15, 2021, 04:18:37 PM
Apart from Tropic Of Capricorn i need to read all those others you mentioned.........

ps did you enjoy A Confederacy Of Dunces...?
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on April 15, 2021, 04:25:45 PM
Apart from Tropic Of Capricorn i need to read all those others you mentioned.........

ps did you enjoy A Confederacy Of Dunces...?

Ah, YES! The style/language alone in that book is absolutely brilliant! ;D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on April 15, 2021, 04:31:21 PM
Excellent glad you enjoyed it.......... :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on April 16, 2021, 05:15:50 PM
Excellent glad you enjoyed it.......... :)

P.s. I hope your valve is fine.  ;D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on April 16, 2021, 05:19:33 PM
Just started reading Neil Gaiman's ''American Gods''. Less than fifty pages in, I'm already hooked. I love the feeling in the pit of my stomach that this is about to take me to a proper ride... :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on April 17, 2021, 08:41:53 AM
Have just finished ''Billy Liar'' by Keith Waterhouse.......another very funny book.

not too many issues with the valve at present.... ;D...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: flodhaest on April 18, 2021, 12:53:25 PM
Just finished "Zorrie" by Laird Hunt. Very quiet chronicle of a lifetime spent in Indiana. Loved it, only critcism: too short.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on April 18, 2021, 01:20:40 PM
First off-topic: Ain't it a bit quiet in the forum....? And where's cthulhu?  :'( :)

(https://i.postimg.cc/bJ8G2Q2r/20210327-173326.jpg)

...cthulhu has being called...;-)

That's really nice of you Tarsier to ask about me. It's been a while and i'm kind of struck in..ah..in, let's say... a lockdown. And it's becoming mental..i guess..but hey, thanks for asking i'm quite insanely fine!  8)

The picture shows the videogame "Call of Cthulhu" and at the bottom you're getting invited to "enter madness" It's from my point of view, with the beerglass at the bottom right and i thought a good way to portrait my existence at the moment;-)
The game is fantastic, love playing it, a very good adaption of Lovecraft, very atmospheric.

So recently i opened a package, stuff that i ordered, and when i opened it i found this:

(https://i.postimg.cc/NGDXmPDc/20210418-125833.jpg)

I was a little bit thrilled and surprised, called it anotherlittle nice synchronicity for me...
The Book is a graphic novel, the second part to "Mountains of Madness" but in french. I love to collect Stuff inspired by Lovecraft, the creator of the "cthulhu myth" and found this graphic novel. I ordered the first part and was so pleased and blown away by the adaptation..

(https://i.postimg.cc/v8P5VN8V/baranger-lovecraft-n.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/fTJmjfkg/baranger-lovecraft.jpg)

..but i couldn't find the second part to it. Then i found the french version and was happy. I don't remember why, but i thought about Pearl Jam, really love their music but lost them out of sight like after Vitalogy and found out about a new record. It was very cheap and without knowing anything about it i oreder it too.
So when i unpacked and put those things beside each other i kind of was thrilled..
And the more i was thrilled while discovering the new Pearl Jam album. Love it!

Two Songs from Gigaton:

Pearl Jam - Dance Of The Clairvoyants (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okly4ZVkQFU&list=RDZrCMmHzU-qQ&index=2)


Confusion is to commotion
What love is to our devotion
Imperceptibly big
Big as the ocean
And equally hard to control

So save your predictions
And burn your assumptions
Love is friction
Ripe for comfort
Endless equations
And tugging persuasions
Doors open up
To interpretation

Expecting perfection
Leaves a lot to ignore
When the past is the present
And the future's no more
When every tomorrow
Is the same as before

The looser things get
The tighter you become
The looser things get
Tighter

Not one man can be greater than the sun
That's not a negative thought
I'm positive, positive, positive

Falling down, not staying down
Coulda held me up, rather tear me down
Drown in the river

Expecting perfection
Leaves a lot to endure
When the past is the present
And the future's no more
When every tomorrow
Is the same as before

Numbers keep falling off the calendar's floor
We're stuck in our boxes
Windows open no more
Collecting up the forget-me-nots
Not recalling what they're for
I'm in love with clairvoyants
'Cause they're out of this world

I know the girls wanna dance
Away their circumstance
I know the boys wanna grow
Their dicks, and fix and fire things

I know the girls wanna dance
Clairvoyants in a trance
I know the boys wanna grow
Their dicks and fix and fire things

Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back when the spirit comes
Stand back

(Drown in the river)





Pearl Jam - Alright (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrCMmHzU-qQ&list=RDZrCMmHzU-qQ&start_radio=1&t=51)

You can't hide the lies
In the rings of a tree
If your heart still beats free
Keep it for yourself

When you want to run
And leave some part unrevealed
Like the flight of the bee
Keep it for yourself

It's alright to be alone
To listen for a heartbeat
It's your own
It's alright to quiet up
To disappear in thin air
It's your own

Should your living truth die
Could be an acid trip
Leave the Eucharist whole
Keep it for yourself

If you tire of the game
Hit the road towards the clouds
Find your groove in the sound
Keep it for yourself

It's alright to say no
Be a disappointment in your own home
It's alright to turn it off
Ignore the rules of the state
It's your own

It's alright to shut it down
Disappear in thin air
It's your home

It's alright to be alone
To listen for a heartbeat
It's your own

You can't hide your eyes




Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on April 21, 2021, 01:16:11 PM
''The Turn Of The Screw'' by Henry James......Classic Gothic Horror novella.........excellent..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Winterwulf on April 21, 2021, 08:14:46 PM
Just started reading Neil Gaiman's ''American Gods''. Less than fifty pages in, I'm already hooked. I love the feeling in the pit of my stomach that this is about to take me to a proper ride... :)

Absolutely classic Gaiman and will take you on one hell of a ride, there's a couple of good follow-up short stories in his collections, one of which is set not far from where I live in the Peak District and features the Three Stags Heads at Wardlow Mires, our answer to the Slaughtered Lamb...

On my part, I'm currently on non-fiction in the form of Ruth Goodman's "How to Behave Badly in Renaissance England"
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on April 23, 2021, 01:38:41 PM
"Civilization One" by Christopher Knight and Alan Butler.
Somewhere there is this thread here about the Question: Who build the Moon? and those guys wrote that book to it.
Now i'm reading their first work i guess, where they describe and show how they found out about the "Megalithic Yard" whih brought them to find out more about merging systems. Some thoughts or also facts derived from that book or reading it is:

- The builders of the Stone Age monuments of the British Isles used a unit of lenght that was defined to one ten-thousandth of a millimetre
- That unit is fundamental to the Sun, Moon, Earth
- The pound and the pint are derived from this prehistoric unit of lenght
- There are 366 degrees to an Earth Circle, not 360
- The hour, minute and second were developed more than two millennia before christ - from the movements of the moon

- The further back in time all measurements are studied, the more they merge into one great system.

So...when Justin sings about Still Navigating by the Stars it could also be Still measuring everything like thousands of years before..
And yeah, obviously these things and thoughts are deeply connected. In the book they display how the movement of the Venus was put into a system of measurement.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Bunny on April 23, 2021, 07:00:56 PM
Lord of the Rings...probably my most ever re-read book. I havent read it for around 15 years though. So many little things Id forgotten.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Simon73 on April 24, 2021, 10:05:18 PM
A book I found in a box in berlin on the street. It is in Italian but it is a collection of short stories about the German wall and when it felt down.
Renatus Deckert compiled it. The title in Italian is La Notte in cui cadde il Muro. The Night the Wall Felt down or something.
In German: Die Nacht in der die Mauer fiel.

Just started seems interesting to read.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on April 27, 2021, 02:33:59 AM
Just started reading Neil Gaiman's ''American Gods''. Less than fifty pages in, I'm already hooked. I love the feeling in the pit of my stomach that this is about to take me to a proper ride... :)

Absolutely classic Gaiman and will take you on one hell of a ride, there's a couple of good follow-up short stories in his collections, one of which is set not far from where I live in the Peak District and features the Three Stags Heads at Wardlow Mires, our answer to the Slaughtered Lamb...

On my part, I'm currently on non-fiction in the form of Ruth Goodman's "How to Behave Badly in Renaissance England"

Frankly, I'm still stuck with American Gods... I cannot remember when I last read a book so damn slowly... I've been reading it so slowly because I DON'T WANT IT TO END!!! :o :'( I'm absolutely, hopelessly, in love with this book.
I have an edition where's included the novella ''The Monarch of the Glen'' so I'll be reading that soon... Last December I read ''Anansi Boys'' and loved it so much that I wondered why I hadn't read it before 8) I'm definitely going to read every book he ever wrote...

p.s. I had to google "How to Behave Badly in Renaissance England"... ;D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Winterwulf on April 27, 2021, 10:37:22 AM
I don't think Neil Gaiman's ever written anything I didn't like - like many people, first encountered him through "The Sandman" graphic novels back in the late 80s then "Good Omens" with Terry Pratchett and I've read most of his output since. You've reminded me that I never got round to reading "Anansi Boys" though, something I need to put right!
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on April 28, 2021, 12:39:10 PM
''The White People and Other Weird Stories'' by Arthur Machen........great collection of strange tales..very enjoyable indeed... 8)....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 02, 2021, 07:37:41 AM
''The Bloody Chamber'' by Angela Carter a collection of short stories of retold fairy tales........brilliant..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 10, 2021, 10:57:43 AM
''Fireworks'' another collection of short stories by Angela Carter..........what an amazing writer she was..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on May 11, 2021, 03:57:30 PM
After the mind-blowing journey with American Gods, I’ve been recalibrating my brain with some thrillers. Just finished Jussi Adler-Olsen's ''Mercy''. I already missed Carl Mørck :)

Now, I finally managed to get ''The Twelve'' by Justin Cronin - it's the second book of a trilogy. I read ''The Passage'' a year ago and it was epic... if you're into virus apocalypses and stuff, I recommend  ;D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 12, 2021, 10:32:56 AM
''We'' by Yevgeny Zamyatin..considered the first dystopian novel ever written (so my research informs me)...what a brilliant book,more like ''A Brave New World'' than 1984 but better (imho)....it was first published in 1924 what an imagination the author had,his thinking was way ahead of his time...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on May 12, 2021, 02:58:47 PM
Dystopian novels reminded me of ''When the Sleeper Awakes'' by H. G. Wells, I truly enjoyed reading that one... If you can use the words 'enjoy' and 'dystopia' in the same sentence :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 14, 2021, 12:27:50 PM
''Faceless Killers'' by Henning Mankell....The First Wallander Thriller.........really enjoying it........loved the Swedish TV series starring Rolf Lassgard   (the only Wallander for me).. 8)..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lotus on May 14, 2021, 07:15:52 PM
Cheers Ghosttrain,
just finished my missing first of Jo Nesbo Harry Hole books - Fledermausmann

Not shure what to read (reread) next - Pratchett or a crime story or 2 books about Da Vinci and his work (with prints)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on May 14, 2021, 08:36:17 PM
Wait a second... 1924? I just checked ''When The Sleeper Awakes'' from Wikipedia and it was actually in 1899, and definitely dystopian stuff :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 15, 2021, 08:37:44 AM
Hi Tarsier you are indeed correct.........did some more digging and indeed Mr.Wells was way earlier.........just goes to show how good Wiki is... ::)...and that book is on my list to read....so thanks for that.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 22, 2021, 10:36:41 AM
Have just finished reading a few novellas/short stories........''The Willows'' by Algernon Blackwood ''The Celestial Omnibus'' by E.M.Forster and my first dip into H.P.Lovecraft ''The Statement Of Randolph Carter'',''Facts Concerning The Late Arthur Jermyn And His Family'' and of course ''The Call Of Cthulhu''.......all excellent reads. 8)..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on May 22, 2021, 05:22:22 PM
Wow, that's cool, glad to hear that you liked Lovecraft and Blackwood! How did you come to read Blackwood? I discovered him by reading something about Lovecraft and the fact, that he quoted Blackwood in a kind of foreword in Cthulhu. And then i tried to find Books and they were hard to find. But i have six collections of his storys, and they are all all good read. Very special in atmosphere...

And if you want to dig deeper into Lovecraft, well i think you should!!! ;-), try out "The Colour out of Space", "At the Mountains of Madness", "The Shadow out of Time", "Dagon", "The Whisperer in the Darkness", "The Shadow over Innsmouth", "Herbert West: Reanimator", ....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 22, 2021, 05:46:28 PM
I also discovered A.Blackwood via H.P.Lovecraft after i read an article by him in which he said that after ''The White People'' by Arthur Machen ''The Willows'' was the scariest story......so being a fan of Mr.Machen i had to read it........also most of the other Lovecraft stories you suggest are in the same book as the ones i mentioned...it is a book called ''The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories.....so i shall certainly read them..thanks ..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on May 23, 2021, 03:09:59 PM
That‘s so cool that you‘ve mentioned that book. I‘m excited about this, because first: it‘s always nice and exciting when somebody else is discovering something you also once discorvered.
And secondly: the book you are reading seems to be the exact collection that startet my love for Lovecraft and his Cosmic Horror

And this was actually based on a misunderstanding or a wrong pre-conception of mine. In those days i really was a horror-movie-nerd, collected Fangoria magazine and Gorezone and when i saw Re-Animator by Stuart Gordon, which was said to be inspired by Lovecraft, i decided to check that horror-author out and got that book with "Herbert West: Reanimator" as a part of the collection, and after reading all of the storys i was hooked..
Totally not what i had expected then, but totally fascinated and hungry for more.
And i think that if you have read those storys in this book and you're curious for more, you‘re still not prepared for what is to come..
That‘s not meant in a sense of bigger and better, but the picture kind of gets wider with every story…and then his collaboration with other authors...and then his scholars taking the myth and writing lovecraftian storys…and then just the influence he had...

Maybe i‘m just a little bit too obsessed..;-) but fact is, i've just read this book:

(https://i.postimg.cc/4dkyxwy7/20210523_155447.jpg)

It's a graphic novel and it's so beautiful and well done and "true" to the Lovecraftian atmosphere... a masterpiece for me as a fan of Lovecraft adaptations.

(https://i.postimg.cc/4d6d7tH8/20210523_155638.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/6pqyjyF3/20210523_155722.jpg)

Just love this! And i also got "At the Mountains of Madness" a two parter by the same graphic artist.

I could go on for hours about this, i've got to stop;-) Hope you enjoy the other storys..

Next one on my list ist a manga by Gou Tanabe - The Shadow out of Time..

Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 24, 2021, 08:21:13 AM
You truly are a fan........thank you once again for all the information,love the illustrations.... 8)....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 25, 2021, 12:32:56 PM
''Goodbye To Berlin'' by Christopher Isherwood a fascinating account of his time spent as an English teacher in the waning days of Weimer Republic Berlin.Writes of the places he frequents.lives and the people in his life,also the political situation and the rise of The Nazis.An excellent book.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on May 26, 2021, 06:10:11 AM
Just started the new book by Andy Weir - Project Hail Mary (Der Astronaut auf deutsch). He also wrote The Martian, his debut i think, which i enjoyed very much and Ridley Scott did the movie with Matt Damon about it. I think this new one will be also very good, right now i'm really into it and can't wait to find out what is going to happen.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on May 28, 2021, 08:56:34 AM
E.M.Forster novella ''The Machine Stops''......brilliant dystopic story,packs so much in such a short story.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on June 02, 2021, 04:46:08 PM
I have just finished re reading ''Down And Out In Paris And London'' by George Orwell....a book i have'nt read for over 40 years and it is still my favourite Orwell novel....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on June 06, 2021, 05:40:24 PM
Have just finished ''Mr.Norris Changes Trains'' by Christopher Isherwood another book detailing his time in Berlin before the second world war......briiliant what a fantastic writer this man was...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: cthulhu on June 07, 2021, 02:31:45 PM
@Ghosttrain
Is your tv broken? you are reading so much..;-) 8)

i think that's great. for me listening to audio books has become a real habit and it's more listening now than reading.
But i still like to read and i love short stories. I have this anthology called "Lovecraft's Monsters" by Ellen Dallow and from that i've recently read "Überlebende" by Fred Chappell and this was so surprisingly good! Pure fun to read what the author did with this hommage to Lovecraft.

And i've finished the audio book of Project Hail Mary and again it was a blessing that i didn't know anything about it before reading, not even having the back of a book to read about. The story did surprise me, it takes the science-fact-fiction very far and i had a very, very good time with this book! Loved it. It would also make a great movie again..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on June 07, 2021, 05:02:39 PM
Ha Ha......i watch very little TV..........and due to my mobility issues i can no longer enjoy walking (which i used to enjoy very much).so reading and listening to music are my main pleasures.........the wonders of getting old. ::)..There's a  pipe and slippers on the near horizon.. ;D....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on June 08, 2021, 07:47:46 PM
Slowly coming out of the beer haze of the ice hockey world championship (don't mention it...) ;D So I grabbed a book again. Still on thriller mode, still with Carl Morck :) So currently reading Jussi Adler-Olsens ''Guilt''.

I haven't really read Lovecraft properly, a thing I should probably fix… But I suddenly remembered listening to audiobooks from Youtube one night when I tried to sleep in my previous flat – I woke up at three o'clock at night and the story that was going on from the playlist was called ''The Thing on the Doorstep'' so I was very quickly like, how about no… I'm a master of freaking myself out with spooky stuff  ;D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on June 15, 2021, 09:53:40 AM
''The Chestnut Man'' debut novel from Soren Sveistrup creator and scriptwriter of The Killing and also wrote the screenplay for Jo Nesbo's The Snowman.....creepy,clever and packed with tension, brlliant i loved it, a must for all Scandi Noir fans(imho)... 8)...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on June 25, 2021, 11:24:43 AM
Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Wonderful book! I'm currently dealing with a kind of a proper sh*t storm at work... I haven't felt depressed for ages... On Tuesday I did. So I went to a bookstore and bought all Neil Gaiman's books that they had. Should do the trick  :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on June 25, 2021, 12:24:42 PM
Re reading Laurie Lee at the moment....''Cider With Rosie'' and ''As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning''...I really love the way he writes,just beautiful....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on July 03, 2021, 08:39:51 PM

Utopia Avenue' by David Mitchell (no, not the guy from 'Would I Lie To You', the bloke who wrote 'Cloud Atlas') a great novel about a fictional band.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on July 05, 2021, 05:17:03 PM
Neil Gaiman's "Trigger Warning" , a brilliant collection of short stories...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Winterwulf on July 05, 2021, 08:21:13 PM
There's some fine stuff in Trigger Warning, and the pub that features in "Black Dog"  (the Three Stags Heads at Wardlow Mires) is not that far from where I live - from what you've said about your local in Prague, I think you'd like it!
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on July 06, 2021, 08:02:38 AM
I have just ordered ''Trigger Warning''...looking forward to it..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on July 09, 2021, 09:59:31 AM
There's some fine stuff in Trigger Warning, and the pub that features in "Black Dog"  (the Three Stags Heads at Wardlow Mires) is not that far from where I live - from what you've said about your local in Prague, I think you'd like it!

True - one of my favourites was Orange ;D And yes, I do have certain tendency to like...pubs  ;)

Ghosttrain, I hope you'll enjoy the stories! :)

Next in queue, more short stories: Fragile Things
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Winterwulf on July 20, 2021, 08:15:49 PM
Re-reading Terry Pratchett's "Witches Abroad" and realising it's probably 30 years since I last read it, when it originally came out!
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on July 23, 2021, 09:37:08 PM

I'm rather enjoying Quentin Tarentino's novelization of his film 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood', seems to be available in most UK supermarkets.  A film that certainly divided opinion (I loved it, personally) but if you liked the film you'll love the book, it really goes into the back story of some of the characters (Cliff, in particular) and retells the whole story in a somewhat different way that I won't spoil... it's worth a punt, I picked it up for four quid!
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Wessexy Witch on July 27, 2021, 12:56:21 PM
I broke up from school on Thurdsay and have already read Still Life by Val Mc Dermid. Ive not read anything by her before and found it enjoyable. Added bonus was that she lives (and the book is set) where my boyfriend grew up and where is mum still lives.

Started deadkidsongs by Toby Litt last night. I read it about 20 years ago when it first came out and am revisiting.

Recently revisited The Wrong Boy by Willy Russell - loved this the first time and the last time.Very ponient stuff in parts especally now I'm a quallified psychotherapist.

My local Marie Curie shop is selling 4 books for a quid so I'm loving it.

 :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on August 08, 2021, 09:53:59 PM
Trying to be a good Finn, reading Kalevala again after twenty-something years ;D
I have a cool edition with interesting illustrations by Jukka Salminen:
(https://i.postimg.cc/YqKR1Qm5/kalevala.jpg)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on August 10, 2021, 09:53:49 AM
Over the last few weeks i have read ''The Sleeper Awakes'' by HG Wells plus ''Trigger Warning'' by Neil Gaiman thank you Tarsier for recommending them....loved them both.''Three Men On The Bummel'' by Jerome K Jerome....even funnier than ''Three Men In A Boat'' (imho)..''The Skeletons Holiday''a collection of short stories by Leonora Harrington...those who know of her art will no what to expect.I am currently reading ''To Kill A Mocking Bird''by Harper Lee a book i have not read before, for those who have not read it yet you must it is an absolute classic.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on August 17, 2021, 01:02:16 PM
Over the last few weeks i have read ''The Sleeper Awakes'' by HG Wells plus ''Trigger Warning'' by Neil Gaiman thank you Tarsier for recommending them....loved them both.

I'm glad you enjoyed the books! :)

Did you also let out an uncontrollable groan at the end of The Sleeper Awakes?  :o

When I started to read the last story in Trigger Warning, The Black Dog, it made me leap out of joy as in the very beginning I noticed it's about Shadow... It felt like meeting a long lost friend, I cried out loud "oh my god it's Shadow!!!" as I've missed the character since I read American Gods... What a great feeling :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on August 18, 2021, 08:51:56 AM
Let's say i was surprised at the ending...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Winterwulf on August 21, 2021, 08:05:58 PM
Garth Nix's short story collection "To Hold the Bridge" is my current read - some of them have a similar feel to Neil Gaiman's short stories, though perhaps not quite as dark.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on August 24, 2021, 08:11:02 AM
Have just finished ''Alice's Adventures In Wonderland''.....beautiful loved it, also made special as the book contains the original illustrations by John Tenniel which i have known and loved for years.....also read ''The Talented Mr,Ripley'' by Patricia Highsmith fantastic book........i am now reading ''This Side Of Paradise'' by F.Scott Fitzgerald really enjoying it.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on September 08, 2021, 09:11:46 PM
Now starting Haruki Murakami's new short story collection "First Person Singular"... can't wait!
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Matt2072 on September 13, 2021, 08:54:19 PM
I'm binging on sci-fi at the moment, I've just finished Gateway by Frederik Kohl and The City and The Stars by Arthur C Clarke. I'm worried I've peaked too soon with Gateway - I thought it was ace.

The librarian at my local library spotted I was returning sci-fi classics so recommended Childhood's End (Arthur C Clarke) and Canticle for Leibowitz (Walter Miller) so I'm waiting for those to come in.

I'd love to hear recommendations from anyone who's read Gateway (and loved it)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Stephanie on November 04, 2021, 12:41:53 PM
I am currently reading ''To Kill A Mocking Bird''by Harper Lee a book i have not read before, for those who have not read it yet you must it is an absolute classic.
Now here is one book that I have always wanted to read but never have - so maybe I really should try and get my hands on it now? A lot of interesting sounding suggestions in this thread, thank you everyone!!!

Mind you, I used to read soo much, sometimes 2 or 3 books at a time.  ;) For what seems like ages now...nothing. There is always so much going on that I find it hard to sit down and read in peace - and when I do, I get so tired I can't seem to concentrate.  :( It's a shame, I hate that and sometimes I swear I can feel my braincells dying.  :-\

I only have myself to blame for the lack in time - but it must be possible to actually make some time!
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on November 04, 2021, 12:49:19 PM
I have just finished ''Wuthering Heights'' what a brilliant book.........a wonderful read...now starting ''The Great Gatsby''........
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on November 13, 2021, 03:29:52 AM
Last month I read such an amazing book that it left me crying inconsolably for an extended period of time - ''Bolla'' by Pajtim Statovci. Beautifully written, poetic, humane, and tragic. Well, it won Finlandia Award in 2019, obviously for a good reason... Also his debut novel ''My Cat Yugoslavia'' is definitely well worth a read.

Currently reading the Wayward Pines -trilogy by Blake Crouch. Not sure yet whether I enjoy it that much, but over the tipping point that I must finish reading it... ::)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on November 13, 2021, 12:10:28 PM
''The Great Gatsby'' finished and really enjoyed.....now reading something really different (for me).''The Appeal'' by Janice Hallett an epistolatory novel (no me neither)...i am sure loads of you know what it means....i did not  ::)...for those who don't it is a story told in letter/communication form Frankenstein being an example........but this brings the medium up to date using e-mail,txt and other social media and unlike my earlier example the story is wholly written in this medium,a fascinating read........... a very poignant read....loving it. 8)...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on November 18, 2021, 02:01:13 AM
I am currently reading ''To Kill A Mocking Bird''by Harper Lee a book i have not read before, for those who have not read it yet you must it is an absolute classic.
Now here is one book that I have always wanted to read but never have - so maybe I really should try and get my hands on it now? A lot of interesting sounding suggestions in this thread, thank you everyone!!!

Mind you, I used to read soo much, sometimes 2 or 3 books at a time.  ;) For what seems like ages now...nothing. There is always so much going on that I find it hard to sit down and read in peace - and when I do, I get so tired I can't seem to concentrate.  :( It's a shame, I hate that and sometimes I swear I can feel my braincells dying.  :-\

I only have myself to blame for the lack in time - but it must be possible to actually make some time!

I've also got problems concentrating lately... what it comes to reading, I usually tackle this by grabbing some semi-brainless but entertaining thriller :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Simon73 on December 03, 2021, 10:28:46 PM
Dylan Thomas
Portrait of an Artist as a young Dog
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on December 04, 2021, 07:13:26 AM
My mind's been all over the place lately, haven't been able to read anything... :'( Got a sudden feeling that I need to read some horror... which I'll end up regretting as I freak out rather easily.

So; if you'd want to disturb my peace of mind and make a tiny tarsier scared, which book you'd recommend?
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on December 07, 2021, 12:10:16 PM
I love reading classic/vintage horror this time of year.........so how about some Charles Dickens,Algernon Blackwood and M.R.James.....sweet dreams... ;D....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on December 15, 2021, 06:30:25 PM
Thanks Ghosttrain! ..I was about to go to horror section of the bookstore but got distracted as I spotted that Jo Nesbø has a new book out... So, currently reading Nesbø's "The Jealousy Man", his first short story collection. Addictive... :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lotus on January 10, 2022, 01:33:30 PM
Finished the new Hakan Nesser - Den sorgsne busschaufforen fran Alster (inspector Barbarotti -Der schweigsame Busfahrer),
now new Jo Nesbo 2020- Kongeriget (Ihr Königreich)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on January 11, 2022, 05:40:20 AM
Finished reading Pajtim Statovci's ''Crossing'' and was wondering what to read next... The problem solved itself: it was lovely to come to work yesterday evening and find a parcel from Book Depository, not knowing which book of all I've ordered might be inside. It was Joolz's ''Borrowed Light''!!! Finishing my shift in twenty mins, straight to bed with the book!! :D

@lotus, ''The Kingdom'' is guaranteed Nesbo-quality! :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on January 11, 2022, 09:13:48 AM
''Borrowed Light'' my favourite Joolz book............an excellent read..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Winterwulf on January 14, 2022, 08:21:32 PM
"A Slip of the Keyboard" by Terry Pratchett, a collection of his non-fiction short pieces. Just what I needed to get me through today,  much of which was spent sat in the waiting area of our local hospital while my wife was in the accident and emergency section. Fortunately, she's home again though still pretty rough.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on January 16, 2022, 03:47:17 PM
I hope your wife gets better soon.........
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on January 17, 2022, 08:50:44 AM
Cormac McCarthy ''No Country For Old Men''.........a fast powerful read....really like it.. 8)...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Red on January 18, 2022, 07:16:29 PM
Grebo

The story of Gaye Bykers On Acid and Crazyhead
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Bever on January 19, 2022, 06:23:33 AM
"Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman

Very insightful!
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: stephanieD on February 07, 2022, 03:52:44 PM
I'm reading Terry Pratchett's book called Accro Au Roc (in French) (Soul Music , in English) and another one from a French author Sylvain Tesson.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Stephanie on February 24, 2022, 07:09:02 AM
I have just finished a book written by a guy who was imprisoned in a prison camp that used to be just outside the town I live in.

It was built by the American forces, later taken over by the British forces, at the end of WWII and it must have been incredibly huge, kept there were Germans from all over the country, men, women, teenagers, pretty much regardless of what role they played in the war, if any.

Now, for the longest time I never even knew this camp existed - it must have been one of the worst ones - they didn't have any sort of shelter in there, food was rare...the guy, I have to point out, did not point fingers at anyone, he himself was a playwright and journalist when the war started, he was drafted, of course, but due also to his language skills he, who never believed in the whole Nazi ideology, managed to keep a low profile and was even able to help some people during the war.

So, what his story, which is not only about his months in the camp but also about what he had experienced during the war, boils down to is the very simple and obvious realisation that, regardless of nationality, skin colour or religion, people are the same wherever you go and you will always find those who turn into brutal monsters as soon as they are given some authority over others - and then those who will take great risks to bring some good even to those they consider enemies.

It hits home especially as it all happened in an area that I see, walk in, basically every day.

I had no idea what to expect when I started reading - but it did touch me deeply.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on March 24, 2022, 04:52:23 PM
The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists by Robert Tressell  (Robert Noonan)..........brilliant ..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Winterwulf on March 24, 2022, 10:16:16 PM
Seconded - the sort of book you should be given in school to read, but aren't because then you might grow up to challenge the Establishment...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on March 25, 2022, 08:56:02 AM
Recently read a book called Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer and loved it so much I had to go back to bookstore to find more from her... They only had one other book, Snap, which was also brilliant. I think I'll order all of her books, right now. I was wondering how to describe her style but someone saved me and called one of her books a "feel-good thriller" ;D I love books that make me laugh :)

Currently reading The Anomaly by Hervé Le Tellier - yet another book I'd never heard of, just chose it by the description on back cover when browsing in bookstore. Seems addictive enough :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on April 16, 2022, 10:26:52 AM
Have just re read E.M.Forster novella ''The Machine Stops''......incredible............now reading ''And Away'' Autobiography by Bob Mortimer...both very funny and touching at the same time........really enjoying it..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on June 21, 2022, 11:11:10 PM
The sad thing is, I haven't read anything much lately. But the book I wanted to tell you about was bloody amazing!! The second great book I read this year with a dead bird on the cover, dunno if it's a sign or what but if you know more great books with dead birds on the cover, do let me know :)
The book was "If We Were Villains" by M. L. Rio. It's difficult to believe it's her first book... Just brilliant. Brilliant!!!!  :o
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on June 30, 2022, 10:11:12 AM
Three short novellas this week...Michael Moorcock ''Behold The Man'', Jules Verne ''Journey To The Centre Of The Earth'' and finally H.G.Wells ''The Time Machine ''......all excellent reads,really enjoyed them....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on July 10, 2022, 09:45:15 PM
Thought it'll be a great idea to get back to reading with some horror, so freaking myself out with The Haunting of Hill House buy Shirley Jackson :o
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on July 11, 2022, 09:55:38 AM
Have just finished ''A Gun For Sale'' by Graham Greene........really enjoyed it.and am currently reading ''The Strange Case Of Dr.Jekyll And Mr.Hyde''by R.L.Stevenson.......
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on September 11, 2022, 06:09:50 AM
I was left quite disturbed by Hanya Yanagihara's The People in the Trees... Rinsed my mind with Donna Tartt's The Secret History. About to start reading a book my friend gave me for birthday - he didn't know what I was reading, and in the back cover of the book he gave me was written "One if the most compulsive psychological mysteries since Donna Tartt's The Secret History". Ok then, that sounds like a destiny :) The book is The Wytch Elm, by Tana French.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on September 11, 2022, 07:52:55 AM
I have just finished ''England Made Me'' by Graham Greene.....excellent read..

''The Wytch Elm'' looks right up my street cheers Tarsier..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on September 15, 2022, 03:51:10 AM
''The Wytch Elm'' looks right up my street cheers Tarsier..
Thank my friend, he has great taste  :)... Or wait, I'll take that back. He has a great hunch of what people he knows would love to read. On personal level, what it comes to books, he's an omnivore - he'll read ANYTHING!! Actually, I'm on a mission to find a book he would not read. If you happen to know a book you think no-one could possibly find even remotely interesting, ever, please let me know!! I want to give him the most boring book ever as a Christmas present. And he'll love it, because it's terrible, and he'll read it out of interest.  ;D
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on September 15, 2022, 10:43:50 AM
Just Googled most boring books....loads of sites,found one called The Eleven Most Boring Books Ever....a cure for insomnia..i was amazed to see it featured 3 of my all time favourites  :o  :o :......so i regret i will be no help in your quest.. ;D..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: jc on September 15, 2022, 08:56:18 PM
I found Ulysses by James Joyce pretty dull.

 Cheers

jc
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Bever on September 16, 2022, 09:10:05 AM
These Truths: A History of the United States (Jill Lepore)

Will be at that for a while :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on November 14, 2022, 03:09:02 PM
For reasons unknown to me, I've never read Clive Barker before... Now halfway into The Damnation Game, and holy crap, I'm hooked!! :o Which books are your favourites from him? Thinking already what I should read next  :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Phill on November 15, 2022, 05:07:24 AM
For reasons unknown to me, I've never read Clive Barker before... Now halfway into The Damnation Game, and holy crap, I'm hooked!! :o Which books are your favourites from him? Thinking already what I should read next  :)

Weaveworld is my favourite by him.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on November 16, 2022, 12:32:10 PM
Re-reading ''Ginger Geezer'' The Life Of Vivian Stanshall,(first read it over 20 years ago)..a fascinating insight into the life of this true British Genius/Eccentric......both hilarious and tragic.I remember watching him as a kid with The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band on TV in the late sixties....loved them, thankfully loads on YouTube to watch.And not forgetting ''Sir Henry At Rawlinson End''...comic genius (imho).. ;D..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on November 19, 2022, 01:27:31 PM
I am just flicking through a book i purchased today ''The Hacienda How Not To Run A Club'' by Peter Hook.....and their are pages listing bands,events,club nights etc.through the years it operated.Interesting to read that on Nov.1st.1984 New Model Army played a gig and on March 8th. 1987 Joolz performed there.....I am sure most of you knew that..........i did'nt. :).
Title: The Hacienda...
Post by: 8 on November 19, 2022, 03:49:01 PM
I am just flicking through a book i purchased today ''The Hacienda How Not To Run A Club'' by Peter Hook..... and there are pages listing bands, events, club nights etc. through the years it operated.  Interesting to read that on Nov. 1st. 1984 New Model Army played a gig and on March 8th. 1987 Joolz performed there.....I am sure most of you knew that..........i didn't. :)

Living on the wrong side of the pond, I had no clue whatsoever.  Cheers for posting this cool bit of NMA/JD trivia, Ghosttrain! :)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on December 16, 2022, 11:39:40 AM
At the moment reading Belinda Bauer's Exit, which is refreshingly funny :) Quoting from the back cover: "Pensioner Felix Pink is about to find out that it's never too late for life to go horribly wrong. A crime novel... but not as you know it"
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Winterwulf on December 31, 2022, 08:18:37 PM
"Terry Pratchett - a Life With Footnotes" by his former PA, Rob Wilkins, based on the recordings TP had made with the intention of writing an autobiography, plus contributions from people who knew how. Lots of funny anecdotes, some of which Rob has marked as TGTC (Too Good To Check), in other words he couldn't independently confirm that it happened as Terry said it did but it was far too good to leave out.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on February 01, 2023, 12:19:32 PM
''Waging Heavy Peace'' Neil Young's Autobiography.....a fascinating read from one of my all time musical heroes....brilliant.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on July 01, 2023, 10:01:23 AM
''Beware Of The Bull''(The Enigmatic Genius Of Jake Thackray)..Biography written by Paul Thompson and John Watterson,a brilliant book well researched....Jake Thackray was a genius and one of the cleverest song writers ever (imho).i was lucky enough to see him live here in Jersey late 70's he was incredible.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Winterwulf on April 08, 2024, 09:13:00 PM
C.J, Sansom's " Tombland" - the last of his Shardlake series, set in mid-16th century England with the economy in freefall and the common people starving and angry thanks to the incompetence and greed of the ruling classes... sounds familiar?
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on April 18, 2024, 11:23:54 AM
''Christ Stopped At Eboli'' by Carlo Levi ,tells the story of his exile in a remote and barren corner of Italy for his opposition to Mussolini and Fascism....a fascinating read.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on September 15, 2024, 07:51:30 PM

Been re-reading a lot of Bill Bryson's books lately.  Currently on 'The Road To Little Dribbling', excellent.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on September 16, 2024, 09:59:22 AM
Have been reading loads of books lately.....

Jack Kerouac ''Desolation Angels''
Jack Kerouac ''Satori In Paris''
D.H.Lawrence ''Lady Chatterley's Lover''
Norman Lewis ''Naples' 44''
Norman Lewis ''The Honoured Society''
Gerard Donovan ''Julius Winsome''
Sylvia Plath  ''The Bell Jar''
And about to start Oscar Wilde ''The Picture Of Dorian Gray.....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on September 25, 2024, 05:55:15 PM
I have read uncharacteristically little for the past year or so. Mainly thrillers that are entertaining enough to keep my hyperactive brain in check - I don't like the way my attention span has shortened and my mind's become so restless.
Anyway, I'm back with Clive Barker, currently enjoying the Books of Blood volumes 1-3 omnibus edition: short stories are probably just what's needed at the moment. And these are magnificent! Absolutely fantastic pieces of horror fiction, and even that one story that I found hard to concentrate to and couldn't get much into was in the end the one that made me cry. There was also one story that I found hilarious and was like a breath of fresh air amidst all horror: a story called The Yattering and Jack, which was about a lower demon that was sent to earth to stalk a guy so boring that the poor demon was about to lose its mind - and of course, the ending wasn't much of a success. :) So I ordered four more books from Barker (as I love getting obsessed about things).
There's one book I'm really looking forward to read and I'm getting it tomorrow as my friend's parents from Finland are visiting... My friend told that Pajtim Statovci has a new book out and her parents are gonna bring it to her, so I placed my order too :) I don't even know the name of the book or what's it about, but there are two books from this author that were phenomenally good: My Cat Yugoslavia and Bolla, which won the Finlandia price of literature for a very good reason.
I should stay entertained for a while...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on September 30, 2024, 01:14:08 PM
''The Buddha Of Suburbia'' by Hanif Kureshi...excellent read,really enjoying it.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on October 19, 2024, 10:52:42 AM
Have started ''The Picture Of Dorian Gray'' an excellent book, i love his style of writing he was obv. a great poet.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on December 08, 2024, 10:53:18 AM
''The Bullet That Missed'' by Richard Osman....A friend of mine lent me ''The Thursday Murder Club'',the first in a series of four books......I was hooked ,i  read the second book ''The Man Who Died Twice'' this is the  third and i have also purchased the fourth ''The Last Devil To Die''.They are funny,gripping,infectious and charming....excellent stuff..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Tarsier on December 08, 2024, 03:03:43 PM
Just finished Clive Barker's The Scarlet Gospels and as soon as I learned that Haruki Murakami has a new book out, ran to the bookstore... At the threshold of a new adventure with The City and Its Uncertain Walls.

''The Bullet That Missed'' by Richard Osman....A friend of mine lent me ''The Thursday Murder Club'',the first in a series of four books......I was hooked ,i  read the second book ''The Man Who Died Twice'' this is the  third and i have also purchased the fourth ''The Last Devil To Die''.They are funny,gripping,infectious and charming....excellent stuff..

My friend has been going on about The Thursday Murder Club, sounds like worth checking out...  8)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on December 08, 2024, 03:38:35 PM
They are great fun...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on December 08, 2024, 06:56:48 PM

Miki Berenyi - Fingers Crossed, the autobiography from the former Lush singer (a band I really love),  a great story of both being a musician in the late 80's / 90's and some truly disturbing stuff from her past.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on January 10, 2025, 01:27:57 PM
''One Day'' by David Nicholls what a fabulous book,warm hearted,funny.......a really great read....loving it..
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lupus225 on January 10, 2025, 03:24:36 PM
Will Carruthers (of Spacemen 3) - Playing Bass With Three Left Hands  8)
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on February 02, 2025, 06:34:53 PM

Al Pacino's autobiography, 'Sonny Boy', really well written and enjoyable.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on February 12, 2025, 11:43:43 AM
Have just finished ''The Remains Of The Day'' by Kazuo Ishiguro ,what a wonderful book....funny and also very moving. Not surprising it won The Nobel Prize In Literature....a really great read.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: lupus225 on February 13, 2025, 04:25:13 AM
Crossing America by Jonas Deichmann
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on February 17, 2025, 12:15:23 PM
The Unbearable Lightness Of Being by Milan Kundera....a dark and intriguing book......excellent....
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on March 08, 2025, 12:51:55 PM
Orbital by Samantha Harvey winner of 2024 Booker Prize ,six astronauts on board a Space Station, story set in one single day as they orbit earth it explores each ones dreams,fears,thoughts.A beautiful novel.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on March 23, 2025, 08:34:31 PM

Adrian Edmondsons autobiography, 'Berserker'... lovely and very funny book and plenty of stories about him and Rik...
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Winterwulf on March 26, 2025, 09:03:52 PM
"Far From the Sodding Crowd" by the lads behind the Framley Examiner, a great book of unusual and quirky places to go for a day out rather than the usual overpriced and overcrowded "attractions".
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on March 27, 2025, 09:13:38 PM

The Bridge, Iain Banks.  Loved a lot of his books back in the 90's but never got around to reading this one.  It's excellent.  There's certainly a few that I've never read, I don't read much fiction these days but it's reminded me of what a great author this guy is.

Never read any of his sci-fi novels though, anyone got any opinions about them?   ???
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on March 29, 2025, 03:24:00 PM
Poor Things by Alasdair Gray...what an incredible read,also,the illustrations in the book are fantastic (he was also an artist)..Loving it.... 
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Master Ray on April 22, 2025, 07:26:29 PM

The Crow Road, Iain Banks.
Title: Re: The BOOKS thread... what you reading?
Post by: Ghosttrain on April 23, 2025, 11:03:49 AM
After reading (and really enjoyed) ''Poor Things'' by Alasdair Gray i decided to delve further into his work.Then i read ''1982 JANINE'' probably one of the strangest books i have read but again really enjoyed it,and am now going to start ''A History Maker''...