What are you reading? (August 2015)

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So I just finished reading Stardust not too long ago and found it to be quite lovely. The funny thing about the version I was reading was that it had the epilogue placed after the portion of the book that contained excerpts of The Ocean at the End of the Lane. I almost missed the epilogue until I randomly decided to look at the table of contents.

Anyone have any opinions on the movie version? Apparently it has a more "hollywood-esque" ending.

The movie is indeed quite different, at least as I recall. I saw the movie before I read the book, and both happened many years ago now. But I thought the movie was a charming little fairy tale on it own terms.
 
Trying to finish Savage Detectives, but this PhD program is keeping me busy. I started up 1984 because somehow I've never read it, and hopefully it's a bit shorter and a bit more clear on it's narrative drive. Something else to fill in the gaps of my days.
 
So, ... not that great, huh?

It's a book I've grown to really love, but I don't think I could recommend it. I enjoyed the first main section well enough, but it took me about 100 pages of pt. 2 to get into that. There isn't really a narrative drive, or a "so what" that I can tell, and I'm nearly 500 pages in. Basically the novel becomes an oral history that focuses on two characters, Arturo and Ulises, but often the oral history reveals more about the person talking than the characters in question. There are a lot of great vignettes throughout (particularly one character who spends a large chunk of the book in a mental hospital--for good reason, and one section where Ulises gets thrown into a foreign prison).

In the first 100 pages of this oral history section, these glimpses are very short and not particularly revealing, but as it goes on we spend more time with each character--some tell almost entire chapters--and that's where the book gets interesting for me. Their lives are complicated and full of crossovers and entanglement.

There's a really great sense of mood--nostolgia, hurt, and longing--through many of these sections, and because many are so short, its easy to read one or two here, one or two there. However, I still couldn't tell you why I've kept up reading this book. I couldn't really tell you why you should read this book, either. But it's definitely grown on me and I can see myself reading it again before too long.

edit: also, the title and copy on the back of the book are incredibly misleading. While the characters are on a Quixotic quest, that's revealed like, 400 pages in and also doesn't really reframe everything else in a different light. The main characters just seem like the have no idea what they're doing, instead of a very intentional quest for something that (probably) doesn't exist.
 
I remember a couple of people mentioned that they were going to read The Luminaries, how's it goin? I just finished the first chapter, plan on reading more later today. The book has almost an anachronistic tone at the start, at least relative to the what I've been reading lately. It's a cozy place to be.
 
It's a book I've grown to really love, but I don't think I could recommend it.

Well you've convinced me to make another run at it. Most of what you cited I never got to, and Bolano is a pretty towering figure, so...


I remember a couple of people mentioned that they were going to read The Luminaries, how's it goin? I just finished the first chapter, plan on reading more later today. The book has almost an anachronistic tone at the start, at least relative to the what I've been reading lately. It's a cozy place to be.

I'm about 200 pages in and loving it. I find myself highlighting large chunks of text - this being one of those novels you shove in the face of anyone who gets pissy about 'show don't tell'. Catton does a lot of telling, and it's glorious.
 
Trying to finish Savage Detectives, but this PhD program is keeping me busy. I started up 1984 because somehow I've never read it, and hopefully it's a bit shorter and a bit more clear on it's narrative drive. Something else to fill in the gaps of my days.

1984 is great, gets its theme of big brother across while still being a good story. Savage Detectives grabbed me at the start and then lost me
after the main character disappears.
 
Just got a hella good deal on some Tom Clancy books. Five hardcovers, all first editions, in absolutely pristine condition (aside from a small cover tear on a single book), for $25.

The Cardinal of the Kremlin (1988)
The Sum of all Fears (1991)
Debt of Honor (1994)
Executive Orders (1996)
Rainbow Six (1998)

The guy who sold them to me kept getting them as gifts from his kids, and didn't want to tell them to stop because they thought he really liked them. He says he read maybe 10 pages total of the five books. They are practically off the shelf of a book store in quality.
 
I'm about 200 pages in and loving it. I find myself highlighting large chunks of text - this being one of those novels you shove in the face of anyone who gets pissy about 'show don't tell'. Catton does a lot of telling, and it's glorious.

I both write novels, and teach creative writing at a university in London. And there is no allegedly good advice more harmful to writers than show don't tell. Seriously. Telling is fucking awesome. And yes, Catton is masterful at it.
 
Just got a hella good deal on some Tom Clancy books. Five hardcovers, all first editions, in absolutely pristine condition (aside from a small cover tear on a single book), for $25.

The Cardinal of the Kremlin (1988)
The Sum of all Fears (1991)
Debt of Honor (1994)
Executive Orders (1996)
Rainbow Six (1998)

The guy who sold them to me kept getting them as gifts from his kids, and didn't want to tell them to stop because they thought he really liked them. He says he read maybe 10 pages total of the five books. They are practically off the shelf of a book store in quality.
That's a good deal. Library just got I'm some brand new hardcover copies of The Hunt for Red October with a copy on hold for me. I love being the first one to read a copy.
 
Well you've convinced me to make another run at it. Most of what you cited I never got to, and Bolano is a pretty towering figure, so...

I'd say give it another 150 pages or so. I especially liked the Joaquin Font sections, and Mary Watson's (and Alain Lebert's right after) was, I think, the first longer section that really gave me a clue to how this book could go.

Hopefully you enjoy it when you give it a second shot!

1984 is great, gets its theme of big brother across while still being a good story. Savage Detectives grabbed me at the start and then lost me
after the main character disappears.

I had the exact same issue with Savage Detectives. But I powered through the early parts of that section and started to appreciate what he was doing. I'd have to re-read a lot of the early parts, but I think Bolano also just started writing better, more compelling moments.
 
I both write novels, and teach creative writing at a university in London. And there is no allegedly good advice more harmful to writers than show don't tell. Seriously. Telling is fucking awesome. And yes, Catton is masterful at it.

Word.

"Show don't tell" is great if you're a total beginner and don't understand the difference, and don't realize that you're telling all the time and forgetting to show. It's not so great when taken to an extreme where you're showing every goddamn thing and forgetting that telling is sometimes the correct choice.
 
I finished The Assassin's Apprentice today by Robin Hobb. That brings the August page count to around 3200 (and the book count to 7). Considering I have only finished 26 books all year, this was a heavy month for me as I said previously.


I started Cibola Burn by James SA Corey in addition to The Girl on the Train. I put the expanse series on hold for a few months after reading the first three novels, but I figure it would be a good idea to be up to date before the show premieres.

After this I will probably take a break from Fantasy/Sci-fi for a bit. Nemesis Games can Wait.
 
I both write novels, and teach creative writing at a university in London. And there is no allegedly good advice more harmful to writers than show don't tell. Seriously. Telling is fucking awesome. And yes, Catton is masterful at it.

You need a good balance of both, I think. I'd argue somewhere around 35/65 is as far as the numbers can be different, and either percent can go to either skill. It depends on what you want to convey and the story you have to share though.
 
#combo-breaker. Show is better than tell. Unless you happen to be a bore. Or have a strong narrative voice.
But what do I know. I'm neither published nor an academic. ;)
/too many damn authors in this thread!
 
#combo-breaker. Show is better than tell. Unless you happen to be a bore. Or have a strong narrative voice.
But what do I know. I'm neither published nor an academic. ;)
/too many damn authors in this thread!

I have to second this. I'd rather read something I had to figure out (because it wouldn't just flat out tell me) than something that told me the set up to the plot. Although i think I'm on a different page of what everyone means by too much show. You mean too much detail, and lingering on things that don't matter terribly much?
 
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Interesting book, the title is misleading. It's more a condensed version of elements in the history of Islam.
 
Practically all of Siddhartha is told, as are many Vonnegut books. Telling is only bad if you're bad at telling.

I'd have to re-read Vonnegut, but I don't think he tells as much as you think--or we have a different definition of telling.

edit: telling is "he was sad." showing is "The smile left his face and his shoulders slumped." The latter conveys the idea of sadness, but shows specifically how that character portrays sad.
 
Just picked up a book called Boo. It's about an 8th grader who has passed away and his experiences in heaven, known in the book as Town. I like it so far, about 20 pages in.
 
I have to second this. I'd rather read something I had to figure out (because it wouldn't just flat out tell me) than something that told me the set up to the plot. Although i think I'm on a different page of what everyone means by too much show. You mean too much detail, and lingering on things that don't matter terribly much?

Would you like me to show you what 'show' is or tell you what 'show' is? or should I tell you what 'tell' is or show you what 'tell' is?

/no idea! Don't ask me.
 
Just picked up a book called Boo. It's about an 8th grader who has passed away and his experiences in heaven, known in the book as Town. I like it so far, about 20 pages in.

This sounds fascinating. Looks like wonderful reviews on Amazon as well, I'll have to check it out soon. Thanks for pointing it out!
 
Has anyone read the stuff on /r/nosleep? It's basically just short horror stories. While the quality of the writing varies quite a bit, the stories are usually pretty fun. Anyone know of any good modern horror short stories similar to that?
 
Has anyone read the stuff on /r/nosleep? It's basically just short horror stories. While the quality of the writing varies quite a bit, the stories are usually pretty fun. Anyone know of any good modern horror short stories similar to that?

I love nosleep. you should check out the nosleep podcast. They basically go through the cream of the crop on there. Laws of Nature by Ashley Holzman is a great collection of horror short stories.
 
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I had the exact same issue with Savage Detectives. But I powered through the early parts of that section and started to appreciate what he was doing. I'd have to re-read a lot of the early parts, but I think Bolano also just started writing better, more compelling moments.

I do plan to revisit it at some point, just not yet.
 
I love nosleep. you should check out the nosleep podcast. They basically go through the cream of the crop on there. Laws of Nature by Ashley Holzman is a great collection of horror short stories.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm going to sub to the podcast. The big thing is that I feel like I need to start reading more, so I want to get back into it. I keep trying to download the Nosleep collection for my Paperwhite, but I can't get anything but the PDF to download.
 
Has anyone read the stuff on /r/nosleep? It's basically just short horror stories. While the quality of the writing varies quite a bit, the stories are usually pretty fun. Anyone know of any good modern horror short stories similar to that?

I'm not sure how many authors you are already familiar with in the horror fiction genre, but there are many great horror authors that specialize in short stories. Probably not as short as those ones on reddit, I admit, but still easily read through in one sitting. Maybe try something like Clive Barker's Books of Blood.

EDIT:
Just finished Stardust by Neil Gaiman. I'll be damned if that wasn't one of the most charming books I've ever read.
 
I'm not sure how many authors you are already familiar with in the horror fiction genre, but there are many great horror authors that specialize in short stories. Probably not as short as those ones on reddit, I admit, but still easily read through in one sitting. Maybe try something like Clive Barker's Books of Blood.

EDIT:
Just finished Stardust by Neil Gaiman. I'll be damned if that wasn't one of the most charming books I've ever read.

The Graveyard Book is also quite charming! Maybe not Stardust charming, though.
 
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I've started Quicksilver, which is the start of the three volume Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson. After 250 pages of scientific experimentation, portrayals of historical figures in the Royal Society (as well as Isaac Newton so far), and a breakdown of the streets and buildings in 17th century London, I think I'll be in this for the long haul. In usual Stephenson style, it's a combination of his presenting loads of information along with his witty humor and characters. One part that exemplifies this so far is when characters attempt to buy something from a merchant, but have to go through an extensive haggling process not just because the type of currency they have is no good, but also because it's in poor condition rendering it worthless. I can't wait to see where this goes next, but I can certainly see why this isn't for everyone, particularly those who are looking for a standard plot progression. So far it's primarily been flashbacks of the main character Daniel Waterhouse's life. If you dig Stephenson's writing style and want to see him tackle a historical period, blending historical and fictional characters together, then I think you'll find a lot to enjoy here.

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On the side, I'm reading the final book in Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy. Not much to report here so far as it's still early days, but I'm hoping that it's better than the second book, which I didn't enjoy as much as the first. I still enjoy the characters and the magic system well enough, though occasionally Vin and Elend's relationship stuff can be a bit grating.

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I started listening to the audiobook of The Martian. After a couple of hours in, so far I'm impressed. A survival story infused with humor is something that I think makes for a great combination. I actually think the humor and log entry storytelling method translates better to this format. There are several times where I've audibly laughed at it so far, and I doubt that'd be the case if I were just reading it.
 
Finished Utan personligt ansvar today and started The Maiden's Version by Daniel Woodrell.

I know nothing of Woodrell and I know nothing about this book. How I came into possession of this book is purely by chance. I walked by a bookstore just as it was closing and the clerk was collecting and bringing in the discount books from the table outside the store. "You want some help with that?", I asked. "Nah, I've got this." I could tell that he wasn't going to be able to do this on his own without atleast dropping a book or two. "It'll be easier if I just help," and procede to help him in the store with the table. "Thank you, have a book on the house." to which I ask if there's any he'd recommend.

And that's the story of how I came in the possession of The Maiden's Version. Looking forward to reading it.
 
I recently finished This Immortal by Zelazny, then The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Heinlein, and now more Zelazny in the form of Lord of Light. Dude was really kicking as science fiction rolls into the seventies on my Hugo winners expedition.

Unfortunately, I'm not a huge fan of Zelazny's style, which is why I haven't read some of these. I hung in through all the Amber books, mostly by skipping all the chunks involving transiting of realms. This Immortal I finished limping across the finish line, half asleep.

I am glad to be out of the sixties, with a few minor exceptions. Style is getting better, characters are getting more interesting. The New Wave is having its effect.

Some really good stuff coming up, though most of it will be re-reads. Brunner, Niven, Farmer, Asimov, all within a handful of years.
 
The movie is indeed quite different, at least as I recall. I saw the movie before I read the book, and both happened many years ago now. But I thought the movie was a charming little fairy tale on it own terms.

Appreciate your input. Just picked up Neverwhere and Good Omens so I think I'll start trying to work through his other stuff now.
 
I finished The Assassin's Apprentice today by Robin Hobb. That brings the August page count to around 3200 (and the book count to 7). Considering I have only finished 26 books all year, this was a heavy month for me as I said previously.


I started Cibola Burn by James SA Corey in addition to The Girl on the Train. I put the expanse series on hold for a few months after reading the first three novels, but I figure it would be a good idea to be up to date before the show premieres.

After this I will probably take a break from Fantasy/Sci-fi for a bit. Nemesis Games can Wait.

How do you like it so far? I also took a break after Abaddon's Gate to read some other stuff.
 
Finsished Augustus sometime yesterday afternoon. I only read two books written by John Williams so far but he's already one of my favourite authors.

I could've written this same exact post. Assuming Stoner was the other of his you read. His writing has a quality that makes me care about the characters, but I can't pinpoint why. Anyways, looking forward to reading Butcher's Crossing, even though I have no love for the Western genre (having abandoned Blood Meridian halfway through).
 
I acquired a lot of paperbacks this weekend when I was at my capital city for training. My work's HQ has a library in it, and someone donated a ton of books to it, so I went raiding for books so I won't die of boredom when I go back to my village. I obtained the following selections:
Emperor's Children, Oscar Wao, Cloud Atlas, Middlesex, Never Let Me Go, and a few other novels winning a Pulitzer or Brooker. I'm so excited to start reading this wealth of knowledge. <3

Oscar Wao will be my first book once I finish my current reads, Animal Farm, and Drinking With The Ghosts (Journalistic book on the dirty secrets of pre and post Apartheid South Africa).
 
I could've written this same exact post. Assuming Stoner was the other of his you read. His writing has a quality that makes me care about the characters, but I can't pinpoint why. Anyways, looking forward to reading Butcher's Crossing, even though I have no love for the Western genre (having abandoned Blood Meridian halfway through).

Yep Stoner was the other book. Augustus and Stoner are two of the best books I've ever read. The way both ended was really moving and I think it's that quality you are talking about that makes you care so much for the characters. Reading Augustus last letter to his last remaining friend was touching enough already but then you find out that he died two weeks ago already and they didn't have the heart to tell him was so sad. It's one of these books that I'll put away and still think about weeks later. Absolutely amazing book.
 
Almost finished Sword of Destiny (The Witcher). I just have the last short story "Something More" to read. Not reading anything else at the moment
 
I have to second this. I'd rather read something I had to figure out (because it wouldn't just flat out tell me) than something that told me the set up to the plot. Although i think I'm on a different page of what everyone means by too much show. You mean too much detail, and lingering on things that don't matter terribly much?

Well, getting back to The Luminaries and how "telling" works there, what Catton will do for every(I guess I'll drop an almost here) character is rattle off a number of qualities and describe a short pathology when she introduces them. It sounds routine and more contrived than it is, but that's what the paragraphs following the appearance of a new face entail. She'll also meticulously walk the reader through the internal process of one character's shift in mood towards another if she deems it worthwhile.

She's masterful at it, by the way. I think it's why I originally called the atmosphere "cozy". It's comforting to explain behavior and encapsulate traits to have the reader ruminate on them. As long as we don't progress(regress?) into passivity, which I see no sign of, it's cool.
 
I recently finished This Immortal by Zelazny, then The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Heinlein, and now more Zelazny in the form of Lord of Light. Dude was really kicking as science fiction rolls into the seventies on my Hugo winners expedition.

Unfortunately, I'm not a huge fan of Zelazny's style, which is why I haven't read some of these. I hung in through all the Amber books, mostly by skipping all the chunks involving transiting of realms. This Immortal I finished limping across the finish line, half asleep.

I am glad to be out of the sixties, with a few minor exceptions. Style is getting better, characters are getting more interesting. The New Wave is having its effect.

Some really good stuff coming up, though most of it will be re-reads. Brunner, Niven, Farmer, Asimov, all within a handful of years.

I tried reading Lord of Light by Zelazny about a year ago. At that time I had trouble picturing the characters and generally following what was going on. Don't know if that was just me being an incompetent reader, though.
 
I have been reading Bernard Cornwell's Waterloo: A History of Four Days, Three Armies, and Three Battles. I'm a big fan of Cornwell's fiction books and this is his first major non-fiction effort. So far so good, but there is a bit of a British bias and a lot of the book reads like a Wellington apologist.

A fried on mine is having a birthday soon and she is into true life ghost stories. Can anyone recommend a true life ghost story book?
 
I'm about 70% into the Name of the Wind and nothing has really happened. The main character is still at the university and is still telling his intro story. I guess the action doesn't start until The Wise Man's Fear?
 
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