What are you reading? (August 2015)
- Thread starter Maklershed
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Tragicomedy
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After a little disappointing Warbreaker, going on to read this. So far kicked off way better than Warbreaker.
Five star read, no question.
User 479360
Banned
I started this, but I'm not sure if I'll stick with it. I'm not really in a reading mood these days, and it hasn't hooked me. Then again, I've just started it.
TimeEffect
Member
All the Light We Cannot See.
Cannot put it down. Amazing rhythm with the short chapters and back-and-forth perspectives. And the present-tense writing is really great.
Probably going to end up as one of my favourites and beat out Book Thief as favourite WWII book
Cannot put it down. Amazing rhythm with the short chapters and back-and-forth perspectives. And the present-tense writing is really great.
Probably going to end up as one of my favourites and beat out Book Thief as favourite WWII book
I read Mistborn, and while it's good, I can't stand the "romance" between Elend and Vin. When I read the second book it opens with Elend so I don't know if I'm going to continue that.
The Emperor's Soul looks like a standalone story, so thanks for the opinion, I'll try it.
I'm going to admit that I'm not a reader. I've never read but a single book on my own. I don't enjoy reading and I don't care for reading but I want to change that. I was just going to take the plunge and get Command and Control but I'm afraid I won't understand the material (I read and write English but is isn't my first language).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0143125788/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1438525591&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&keywords=command+and+control&dpPl=1&dpID=51zd%2BQ4Lc%2BL&ref=plSrch
So I need recommendations. I'm interested in learning about new things. Things that are around us all the time but we don't see them unless you look for them. Basically, anything that has more to do about learning rather than following a story.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0143125788/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1438525591&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&keywords=command+and+control&dpPl=1&dpID=51zd%2BQ4Lc%2BL&ref=plSrch
So I need recommendations. I'm interested in learning about new things. Things that are around us all the time but we don't see them unless you look for them. Basically, anything that has more to do about learning rather than following a story.
whatevermort
Member
Many of them are excellent - especially Zadie Smith, that Great American Writer.
koopathecat
Member
I started this, but I'm not sure if I'll stick with it. I'm not really in a reading mood these days, and it hasn't hooked me. Then again, I've just started it.
Such a good book. Tends to be a little underated when compared to his other "big hitters" well worth finishing
Easystride
Member
Yea, I loved it as well. The small town dynamics of the book are fantastic. I ploughed through it in under a week. I am a sucker for those kind've books.
User 479360
Banned
I read part of the synopsis on Wikipedia and now worry I've spoiled it for myself.
It seems that the store owner is a devil of sorts.
Ranger Taffles
Member
Learning China's history right after liberation has been depressing to say the least. It really is like watching something being built and then having it broken apart. The author covers a lot of areas in relation to the changes the new regime made. From the wars to land redistribution and all the brutality attached in doing so. Detailed practices of thought reform and death quotas were especially shocking. Overall a grim study with valuable insight into the time and space.
DarkChronic
Member
About halfway through Red Rising. Keep hearing how amazing this series is but....I dunno so far.
It's bland. The writing isn't special. The characters and dialogue are forgettable. It's like an edgier Hunger Games.
I'll stick with it, since it's a quick read.
HORRORSHØW
Member
ligotti's songs of a dead dreamer
koopathecat
Member
Nah, dont worry about that. Who or what the bad guy is doesnt really matter. Its the journey that makes it great.
I finished the Martian earlier today. It was an fun book, but it sort of suffered the opposite problem that The Vor Game did in that the author had too much going wrong for the narrative to remain believable by the end. It's also the sort of book that is best read while it is contemporary, because the dialogue is going to age horribly.
I look forward to seeing what Ridley Scott will do with the premise. I'm sort of disappointed that all of the Asian characters in the novel were either cut or cast with Black and Caucasian actors. Chiwetel Ejiofor as the Hindu Venkat Kapoor? That's just as bad as Christian Bale as Moses.
I look forward to seeing what Ridley Scott will do with the premise. I'm sort of disappointed that all of the Asian characters in the novel were either cut or cast with Black and Caucasian actors. Chiwetel Ejiofor as the Hindu Venkat Kapoor? That's just as bad as Christian Bale as Moses.
This might be something you'd enjoy. Short chapters, interesting ideas. And it's fun.
Nappuccino
Member
Sounds like I'll have to pick it up. Amazon's got a solid deal on it too.
Halfway through Selma Lagerlöf's "Gösta Berlings Saga". It's a strange book about an alcoholic priest in the early 1800s who loses his job and moves into some kind of poor-house. He's very good-looking and charismatic, and has affairs with all the rich and beautiful women nearby. Loose plot, really good characters, a very colourful language, and lots of magical realism (the devil is an important character, for example). Lagerlöf became the first woman to get the Nobel Prize for literature, and it was chiefly because of this book.
Halfway through Selma Lagerlöf's "Gösta Berlings Saga". It's a strange book about an alcoholic priest in the early 1800s who loses his job and moves into some kind of poor-house. He's very good-looking and charismatic, and has affairs with all the rich and beautiful women nearby. Loose plot, really good characters, a very colourful language, and lots of magical realism (the devil is an important character, for example). Lagerlöf became the first woman to get the Nobel Prize for literature, and it was chiefly because of this book.
This sounds really interesting. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Might be a long shot, but does anyone have recommendations on current books about biology topics?
This upcoming semester I'm taking Genetics, Entomology and Vertebrate Zoology (from what I googled seems to be about evolution as well, which is one of my favorite topics). In addition I'm interested in microbiology, cell biology, neuroscience. I'd like books to complement my textbooks but that do not read like one, if you know what I mean. I'm currently reading the "The Violinist's Thumb" and enjoying it.
This upcoming semester I'm taking Genetics, Entomology and Vertebrate Zoology (from what I googled seems to be about evolution as well, which is one of my favorite topics). In addition I'm interested in microbiology, cell biology, neuroscience. I'd like books to complement my textbooks but that do not read like one, if you know what I mean. I'm currently reading the "The Violinist's Thumb" and enjoying it.
I am not quite sure if this will exactly fit your needs, but what about The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks?
Figured I'd finally pick up Modern Romance. From personal experience, I've found Aziz Ansari's work to be very hit or miss. I personally fall on the love him end of the spectrum so I'm enjoying the hell out of MR. MR nails every thought and concern I as a twenty something American male have ever had about dating culture in the smartphone age. Awesome book that manages to hit that delicate balance of being educational and interesting. Highly recommend it to all of you single guys out there.
Hitting the beach this week before school starts so I figured I'd ask for some recommendations for light reading. Think I'm going to give Devil in the White City a shot but I tend to read around a book a day on these trips so the more options the merrier.
Hitting the beach this week before school starts so I figured I'd ask for some recommendations for light reading. Think I'm going to give Devil in the White City a shot but I tend to read around a book a day on these trips so the more options the merrier.
I'm very close to the end of Seveneves. First two chapters were awesome, the last one is a little iffy [but it's not a big deal really].
Book is well worth reading.
I'm at the same point myself. Not a bad final half but it does get a bit too wrapped up in its own technobabble post
time jump
Rug Monkey
Member
More than likely, vertebrate zoology will focus a lot more on comparative anatomy and physiology than it will on evolution.
Get ready to label ventricles in two, three, and four chamber hearts.
I technically have a B.Sc. in Zoology, even though I didn't specifically specialize in Zoology until my last 3 semesters (my school had branching degrees in natural science).
As for book recommendations. Look up Carl Zimmer if you haven't read anything by him previosly.
Thanks, got the kindle version! I read over the comments and it's very interesting and right up my alley!
Thanks for the insight, I looked up his works and they look something I'd like to read!
Thanks, I checked the comments about this book and it's definitely on my reading list!
This might be something you'd enjoy. Short chapters, interesting ideas. And it's fun.
Thanks. I'm on it and I will check it out!
itwasTuesday
He wasn't alone.
Half-way through it now. Having a lot of fun with it so far.
I have been reading this slowly for quite some time now (It's taking a while because I do a bit more research on the topics discussed within the book). It is amazing that we have acquired so much knowledge through logical reasoning, and Mathematics. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is curious to know more about subjects like the theories of relativity, and Quantum Mechanics.
Finsished Komarr yesterday evening. Like every other book in the Vorkosigan Saga it was pretty damn amazing. Next up is A Civil Campaign.
The description is strange though, at the end of Komarr
The description is strange though, at the end of Komarr
it looked like Miles and Ekaterin where already well on their way to become a couple ("Where can I get a number to get in line?", "The next number up is, erm, 1" and so on...) and now the description talks of unrequited love...?
Took a bit of a break after book 2, but I'm finally back to reading this:
Pretty crazy ending so far. Liking it more than the 2nd book. Much easier to get through and that crazy sense of mystery and foreboding is mostly back like the 1st.
Interested in more opinions when you are ready. Thinking back, atmosphere (book 1 and 3) was strongest point of the books.
Almost finished with Leviathan Wakes.
bob_arctor
Tough_Smooth
The Idiot, Dostoyevsky. I have the B&N Classics edition but wonder if there's a better/more natural translation. Definitely feels "off" somehow, dialog especially.
sparky2112
Member
Me too. Just jumped to post-pandemic. It's been okay so far, but nothing great.
sparky2112
Member
I think she lives in the U.S., if I'm not mistaken. But, yeah...
Finished up 'Out of my League' last night. Enjoyed it plenty, but took a bit to really hit a stride, and Bullpen Gospels was much funnier throughout. Really enjoying Dirk Hayhurst's books, so I'll certainly read the third sometime too, especially since it picks up with his Blue Jays days, so I'll have even more familiarity with it.
Moving onto this next since Golf is just about the only thing on my mind lately.
Slaying the Tiger: A Year Inside the Ropes on the New PGA Tour by Shane Ryan
Moving onto this next since Golf is just about the only thing on my mind lately.
Slaying the Tiger: A Year Inside the Ropes on the New PGA Tour by Shane Ryan
RepairmanJack
Member
Decided to go with Black Dahlia as my next book. Wanted something dark before going back to the cute and funny in Secondhand Souls when it comes out.
I am about a quarter of the way through Never Let Me Go. Between this and Remains of the Day, I think that Ishiguro makes my list of favourite writers. I really love the stream of consciousness approach to story telling in both books.
Which of his other novels rank up there with these two?
Which of his other novels rank up there with these two?
Finished Armada. Was really disappointed, I got most of the video game related references in the first quarter of the book, then they chilled on the nostalgia for the middle and then the last quarter they used direct quotes as dialog. I didn't get a single one of those references.
While it was a fun book, as far as "military" sci-fi books (and that's how I'd classify this) it pales in comparison to a lot of the classics like Forever War, Armor, Old Man's War, Ender's Game, etc. A lot more light hearted than those books but the politics and military aspect of Armada was just very unimpressive compared to the others.
I've seen that pop up on a lot of my recommended lists and have skipped it due to the polarizing reviews.
While it was a fun book, as far as "military" sci-fi books (and that's how I'd classify this) it pales in comparison to a lot of the classics like Forever War, Armor, Old Man's War, Ender's Game, etc. A lot more light hearted than those books but the politics and military aspect of Armada was just very unimpressive compared to the others.
I've seen that pop up on a lot of my recommended lists and have skipped it due to the polarizing reviews.
nortonff
Hi, I'm nortonff. I spend my life going into threads to say that I don't care about the topic of the thread. It's a really good use of my time.
This book is really expensive in Brazil. Will seat on my wishlist for a long time. Must be awesome though.
Which book? I mentioned four and quoted a fifth!
nortonff
Hi, I'm nortonff. I spend my life going into threads to say that I don't care about the topic of the thread. It's a really good use of my time.
Ohh sorry, I meant Musashi.
Electric_ Cthulhu
Member
I saw this recommended on Reddit and figured it's exactly my cup of tea.
Question: I'm interessted in catching up with some older stuff by Michael Crichton. Are Jurassic Park (Dino Park) and Sphere still enjoyable when you are familiar with the movies? (I love Jurassic Park and know it by heart, and I like the Sphere movie more than most people do.)
Question: I'm interessted in catching up with some older stuff by Michael Crichton. Are Jurassic Park (Dino Park) and Sphere still enjoyable when you are familiar with the movies? (I love Jurassic Park and know it by heart, and I like the Sphere movie more than most people do.)
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