-
Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!
What are you reading? (December 2015)
- Thread starter Maklershed
- Start date
- Status
obin_gam
Member
Needed an Audiobook quick today and almost everything I wanted to read or was suggested was checked out. So I grabbed The Fifth Heart by Dan Simmons.
Something about Sherlock finding out he's a fictional character just sounds too awesome. I was wanting to get Drood or The Fall of Hyperion, but this one was in instead.
Drood is perfection. Read it next.
Finished Social Animal as I was on the bus today. It officially marked my 50th Goodread book of the year, which completed my challenge on that service. A good ending mark. Brooks is a fantastic writer, and I thought it was a good idea to create fictional characters to push the research instead of a complete info dump.
I am also 2/5th of the way through 11/22/63. As my first King novel, I am impressed with it. A page turner is an apt description. I am reading this and Brooks's new novel this month, hoping to finish King's work before my holiday vacation.
I am also 2/5th of the way through 11/22/63. As my first King novel, I am impressed with it. A page turner is an apt description. I am reading this and Brooks's new novel this month, hoping to finish King's work before my holiday vacation.
Zeus Molecules
illegal immigrants are stealing our air
Zorba the Greek
RepairmanJack
Member
I'm only a little into this one so far, but I like it. I've only ever read the first Hyperion and Carrion Comfort of his before. Hyperion I loved and Carrion was good but kind of went on a little too long.
It's definitely on the list, this one was sort of just a time filler that was available.
I finally finished Middlemarch and I loved the book. It was a slow start for sure, but after you get 200~ pages in it really starts to get good. The way in which Eliot's able to interweave the stories of all the characters and describe their thoughts and feelings is amazing. I was kinda surprised how happy the ending was tbh. I was expecting everyone to be slightly unhappy with their lives, but for the most part everyone seemed to be where they should be.
I finished Jane Eyre as well. I really liked it actually. Bronte's writing was actually quite easy to read, but didn't feel overly simplistic either. Jane is a likable character and I like how she didn't compromise her morals in order to please others. Towards the end it got kinda preachy, but it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book.
Currently reading Moll Flanders by Defoe. His writing is completely different from Bronte's. It's like night and day really. Bronte was into lots of inner monologue stuff and descriptions, but Defoe pretty much goes from one event to the next without much elaboration. In some ways it makes it a less enjoyable read than the last two, but I'm excited to see where the story goes.
I finished Jane Eyre as well. I really liked it actually. Bronte's writing was actually quite easy to read, but didn't feel overly simplistic either. Jane is a likable character and I like how she didn't compromise her morals in order to please others. Towards the end it got kinda preachy, but it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book.
Currently reading Moll Flanders by Defoe. His writing is completely different from Bronte's. It's like night and day really. Bronte was into lots of inner monologue stuff and descriptions, but Defoe pretty much goes from one event to the next without much elaboration. In some ways it makes it a less enjoyable read than the last two, but I'm excited to see where the story goes.
Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
I like a smutty book now and then (Hi Laurell Hamilton), but this book creeped me out before I even got to any of the real smut.
The whole concept of the protagonist being "marked" by a spot in her eye as someone born to like BDSM was seriously gross if you think about it, because it led to uncomfortable scenes like the one where she's being sold to someone as a kid and she's being eyed up by some guy thinking "Yeah, I know what you're going to be into soon." Ugh. I can usually ignore stuff like that - after all, I read A Song of Ice and Fire and other things, but it was just creepy here.
I don't like abandoning a book, but I just can't finish this one. The main reason isn't necessarily the creep factor - it's just boring. This snippet of Zen Cho's review on goodreads parodying the text is on point:
FO-totality
Poet Centuriate
Dr. Orna gave a talk at my department's colloquium the other day and I had to pick this up (and have her sign it!). Very much a technical read/review in many respects, so don't expect a page turner here if you're not a chemist like myself, but at the same time even those with an interest in history and art, ancient and near, might want to give this a look. It's really quiet astounding how much dyes and the industries around them have influenced our culture, especially in ways you may not be aware (and that I certainly was not).
Had to give up on Empire Ascendant by Kameron Hurley as it's been over a year since I read the first one and I pretty much had no clue what was going on as Kameron's writing is pretty in depth and I don't really want to reread the first one until the third book is out so I can read the whole series in one go.
Going to start a novel by an author who lives kinda close to me and so far the first story in Tide of Shadows and Other Stories by Aidan Moher is quite intriguing.
Going to start a novel by an author who lives kinda close to me and so far the first story in Tide of Shadows and Other Stories by Aidan Moher is quite intriguing.
Going to start a novel by an author who lives kinda close to me and so far the first story in Tide of Shadows and Other Stories by Aidan Moher is quite intriguing.
Oh, cool! Thanks, man. Hope you enjoy it.
(Where do you live?)
Gaf.
.jpg)
Atraveller
Banned
Finished City of Stairs, now I can't wait for the sequel.
You Know Nothing
Member
So glad it's next month. The wait has been excruciating.
I read Seveneves and enjoyed it, exposition dumps and all,
but felt the third part, with
was unnecessary and could have been pared down to an epilogue.
Decided to get into more of Stephenson's works, starting with
Liking it so far, 200 pages in.
but felt the third part, with
humanity divided into several races, inhabiting the lunar ring system
Decided to get into more of Stephenson's works, starting with
Liking it so far, 200 pages in.
Atraveller
Banned
I was a bit disappointed that Shara is no longer the focus of the book, I hope the general is just as entertaining as the POV character.
Yes! The Count of Monte Cristo is one of the most purely fun novels I've ever read. Can't believe that there are some people who either haven't read it or - horrors - started it and then dropped it. Truly a shame.
Yes! The Count of Monte Cristo is one of the most purely fun novels I've ever read. Can't believe that there are some people who either haven't read it or - horrors - started it and then dropped it. Truly a shame.
There are even some people who actively dislike the novel. Those demons do exist!
Forgot about that!
I was going to read it next, but maybe I'll wait until the week prior or something so I can dive right into the next one.
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
I'm giving the Mistborn series another try. The description of Allomancy didn't hook me at first, but I love Sanderson's other stuff.
ClosingADoor
Member
Done some reading the past week. Finished three books.
Halo: Shadow of Intent
Tells a story about an Elite shipmaster (the guy in white armor from the games). Not really connected to anything else in the universe. Quick read but nothing special.
The Einstein Prophecy
Came across this is the recommended list on my Kindle. Looked interesting enough. Tells the story of a supernatural artifact during World War 2 and the people researching it. Would have been better without including Einstein in it, felt a bit forced.
Beacon 23
About a soldier in a galactic war who gets to manage a beacon to get away from it all. A beacon is basically a giant stoplight in space managing traffic. Deals with his issues from the war. Nice read. I like how Howey can create an universe, but without giving you all the details and still make it work. Ending was a bit too dramatic for my taste.
Now on to: Genghis: Birth of an Empire
Halo: Shadow of Intent
Tells a story about an Elite shipmaster (the guy in white armor from the games). Not really connected to anything else in the universe. Quick read but nothing special.
The Einstein Prophecy
Came across this is the recommended list on my Kindle. Looked interesting enough. Tells the story of a supernatural artifact during World War 2 and the people researching it. Would have been better without including Einstein in it, felt a bit forced.
Beacon 23
About a soldier in a galactic war who gets to manage a beacon to get away from it all. A beacon is basically a giant stoplight in space managing traffic. Deals with his issues from the war. Nice read. I like how Howey can create an universe, but without giving you all the details and still make it work. Ending was a bit too dramatic for my taste.
Now on to: Genghis: Birth of an Empire
Quote
Member
I read most of the Kindle sample and could not for the life of me make sense of anything going on. I thought Dune had this issue but this was on a whole different scale.
Haven't posted here in awhile, partly because I haven't had time to read for fun due to school. I did manage to free some time this week and decided to read Them by Jon Ronson. I stumbled on it when I was linked to some article about the Bohemian Grove and also happened to see the positive press for Ronson's newest book So You've Been Publicly Shamed, which is next on my list.
It's an easy read which gives some insight into the mind of the nutters we all dismiss out of hand. Them was released over a decade ago so it's funny to see Alex Jones before he became the face of the conspiracy theory movement that we know him as today. I'd love to see a follow-up with a focus on the rise of the YouTube conspiracy theorist and /r/conspiracy.
It's an easy read which gives some insight into the mind of the nutters we all dismiss out of hand. Them was released over a decade ago so it's funny to see Alex Jones before he became the face of the conspiracy theory movement that we know him as today. I'd love to see a follow-up with a focus on the rise of the YouTube conspiracy theorist and /r/conspiracy.
Kelowna, though I truly loved Victoria when I lived there going to photography school. You're soooo lucky to have the ocean nearby...
Finished up the quick Tide of Shadows and Other Stories by Aidan Moher tonight. I thought it had some interesting ideas and my fave story was the dragon love triangle right smack in the middle. Overall it had good and bad points and I agree with what most of the 3/5 reviews said. I wait patiently for new work that's more solid in your own voice Mr. Moher.
Speaking of oceans; now going onto We, the Drowned by Carsten Jensen. I've been wanting to read this for a loooong time.
Speaking of oceans; now going onto We, the Drowned by Carsten Jensen. I've been wanting to read this for a loooong time.
Nappuccino
Member
Yes! The Count of Monte Cristo is one of the most purely fun novels I've ever read. Can't believe that there are some people who either haven't read it or - horrors - started it and then dropped it. Truly a shame.
I said I'd give it a second shot, jeeze
I said I'd give it a second shot, jeeze
Well. I didn't name names but if you happen to feel a weight on your soul I'm sure your conscience will tell you how it can be lifted. <3
D
Deleted member 325805
Unconfirmed Member
Still working on The Strain volume 1, I loved the TV show so thought I'd read the book which is something I never do (my first book for pleasure since I was a kid). I'm about 3/4 done and it's very similar to the TV show, with only two scenes differing that I noticed. I'll definitely grab volume 2.
Please forgive me for quoting myself, but I read this in one go, and had to post. This is a terrific book.
Night Angel
Member
I just killed Red Rising and the Golden Son in 2 days each. Now I need something else. I finished the entire Silo series earlier in the month. Help me.
sparky2112
Member
I'm 48, and I still remember reading that when I was like 10. A classic, for sure.
About 35% through City of Stairs. It's quite good, isn't it? Bennett has that confidence/swagger that is hard for a lot of fantasy writers to capture and really helps propel the narrative along.
User 479360
Banned
Reading this at the moment, about 1/3 through the book, really enjoying it so far.
Good book
I still want to see the movie
I've noticed a lot of my enjoyment of fantasy novels hinges on the sort of magic and supernatural stuff they have. Mistborn and the Robin Hobbs books, for example, have clearly defined magic systems (alloy-whatever etc with Mistborn, Skill and Wit with the Assassin books) which I feel take a lot away from the mystery of the world. I don't want the magic of a particular world to be explained to me, I want it to just be there and in all kinds of shapes and forms. I want to go "ooh, ahh" as the book throws something entirely unexpected at me, like magical monsters or talking rocks or undead or witches that can turn people to frogs.
Just something that came to mind when I realized Mistborn and the Hobbs series are the last two fantasy series I've sort of dropped. First one for good cause the second book was so boring, latter I WILL pick up again some day... Even though the second book is so boring lol
Still reading the Prince of Thorns, which thankfully doesn't seem to explain much when it comes to magic. Wish I had some more time and energy so I could continue reading it.
Just something that came to mind when I realized Mistborn and the Hobbs series are the last two fantasy series I've sort of dropped. First one for good cause the second book was so boring, latter I WILL pick up again some day... Even though the second book is so boring lol
Still reading the Prince of Thorns, which thankfully doesn't seem to explain much when it comes to magic. Wish I had some more time and energy so I could continue reading it.
Dead Prince
Banned
finished Malice last week. was a good read even though i spent 1 year on it.
started this last week
finished it yesterday morning before gym. fun read. third book in the series.
i saw that goodreads posted their 2015 top picks. i guess i'll be spending 2016 sifting through the picks then.
started this last week
finished it yesterday morning before gym. fun read. third book in the series.
i saw that goodreads posted their 2015 top picks. i guess i'll be spending 2016 sifting through the picks then.
These Pierce Brown books are damn good. I didn't expect this... I blitzed through the first in a night and I'm halfway through #2 the second day. Haven't read this much in one sitting in a while. Been doing more of a '30 mins before bed' thing lately. Holidays will be good to do some catching up.
I feel it's like a better, non YA version of The Hunger Games in some respects. Hopefully book 3 ends strong, unlike Hunger Games.
I hope universal makes the movie(s) with the rights they picked up last year, too.
I think it's time for a Shannara reread after, along with all the novels that came out since I first read them like 20 years ago. That should be a nice run, especially if the show is any good.
I feel it's like a better, non YA version of The Hunger Games in some respects. Hopefully book 3 ends strong, unlike Hunger Games.
I hope universal makes the movie(s) with the rights they picked up last year, too.
I think it's time for a Shannara reread after, along with all the novels that came out since I first read them like 20 years ago. That should be a nice run, especially if the show is any good.
Jag
Member
Funny. Same age and same exact recollection about that book.
City of Stairs was wonderful. Great character development.
Finished: Do Not Resuscitate by Nicholas Ponticello. It was a loaner from Prime. Short, but interesting and witty.
Also finished the audio book of Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell.
I've read every Cornwell book there is (even the 22+ Sharpe books!), but somehow I missed this series. I think it's because I confused it with the Saxon series. I liked the audio book version, so I may continue with it to give me something to listen to on my hour commute.
Started: Aeronaut's Windlass by Butcher
sparky2112
Member
He never had any to begin with, you're just catching up to that fact. Took me until the statue book (faith of the fallen?) to realize it.
Speaking of Abercrombie, I'm finishing up his Shattered Sea trilogy now (76% into the last one). Liked it, but not nearly as much as the First Law stuff.
Also reading Dune, and plan on starting King's Dark Tower over xmas.
- Status