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What are you reading? (February 2014)
- Thread starter Maklershed
- Start date
RatskyWatsky
Hunky Nostradamus
Ah, I must've missed that post. I'll have to look into that series. Thanks!
Plasticine
Member
Finished Threshold by Caitlin R. Kiernan. I loved it even more than Silk. Such amazing writing. The characters were all so well done. I found the albino monster hunter Dancy Flammarion incredibly interesting, so I was happy to discover there's a new collection of Dancy shorts coming out at the end of the month (the old one is out of print and going for insane prices). I already have the new edition pre-ordered, and bought the rest of Kiernan's books, including her recent work as Kathleen Tierney. I intend to read them all this year, but I want to move on to some other stuff first.
Up next is:
I've owned this for a few months (both the pictured edition on my Kindle, and the original hardcover on my shelf). It's one of the books I've always been interested in, but never got around to reading. I hope it lives up to my expectations.
Up next is:
I've owned this for a few months (both the pictured edition on my Kindle, and the original hardcover on my shelf). It's one of the books I've always been interested in, but never got around to reading. I hope it lives up to my expectations.
Joe Shlabotnik
Banned
I could see that. Fascinating book, really. I liked both the World's Fair and HH Holmes narratives. Looking forward to the film with DiCaprio as Holmes.
Anyway, this is more like a two-month update, but since last time:
This is a Novel with a capital N. I'm glad I let this sink in for a while. Sprawling, intimate, Dickensian, modern, compelling, frustrating, unforgettable. It's a lot of things and I don't pretend to have wrapped my head around it completely--especially its final chapter or two--but it's easily the novel that has stuck with me most last year.
Runner-up. Or possibly winner. George Saunders is a genius (duh).
Where'd You Go Bernadette omg so good. I'm sure I missed the party for this in 2012 but if you haven't read it and like hilarious, gently satirical but still heartfelt mixed-media fiction from former Arrested Development writers then what are you waiting for.
11/22/63 This is the first King novel I've read in ages (last one was... The Green Mile? Maybe?) but I read nearly all his earlier works in junior / high school. From what I've read this is one of his better ones. Dead Zone-esque. Admittedly I think i liked the first half better then the Oswald-centric second half, but it also doesn't feel like he scrambled for an ending quite as much as his long-form stories tend to do. Maybe a little. Nice bit of sci-fi with just enough touches of horror from him.
Gone Girl Yeah this was nutty. Read it in a week or so, a compulsive (if trashy, not that I'm complaining) page-turner in the second half. This does feel like Gillian Flynn scrambled for an ending, though. Should be interesting to see how Fincher's film works out.
About a quarter of the way into this.
*glomps*
Finished The Urth of The New Sun the other day:
I would not recommend it unless you happen to be a huge fan of The Book of The New Sun, as I am. Actually, it's irrelevant to endorse it or not to the uninitiated since under no circumstances would it work as a standalone, so let me rephrase: it pales in comparison to the original works, its redeeming qualities are expounding on the omnipresent character that never actually makes an appearance earlier in the series and the forces driving him/it. The first half or so of the book actually works better than the latter, which goes off the rails.
Anyway, moved on to this:
It's yet another bit of history I know almost nothing about, had to pick it up on the premise alone. It's a bit slow in the first 70 pages, but I'm fascinated so far.
I would not recommend it unless you happen to be a huge fan of The Book of The New Sun, as I am. Actually, it's irrelevant to endorse it or not to the uninitiated since under no circumstances would it work as a standalone, so let me rephrase: it pales in comparison to the original works, its redeeming qualities are expounding on the omnipresent character that never actually makes an appearance earlier in the series and the forces driving him/it. The first half or so of the book actually works better than the latter, which goes off the rails.
Anyway, moved on to this:
It's yet another bit of history I know almost nothing about, had to pick it up on the premise alone. It's a bit slow in the first 70 pages, but I'm fascinated so far.
H.Protagonist
[-_-]/
Maybe it was you (or someone else with the same feeling) that mentioned this is my request thread way back when. I think I stopped at book three. Just couldn't get the author self-insert fanfic feeling out of my head. I do enjoy his other stuff, though. It's fun fantasy junk food.
Haven't played BI but there's an under current of flavor that could definitely have been an influence. It was an interesting age to be sure.
Never knew there was going to be a movie. Interesting. Caprio has the right eyes, but can he grow the proper 'stache?
If you like this kind of historical/character-ful book, I'd recommend Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and John Berendt's latest work (that I recently read), The City of Falling Angels.
Both follow interesting crimes in a rich, historical setting (murder in the Deep South and a mysterious fire in Venice) and have the best cast (all real people he interviewed).
MR BLACKMAGIK
Member
Slowly creeping through Game of Thrones. I'm caught up on the shows and I've seen season 1 about 3 times so it's hard to read through it. I'll be using book 4/5 combines strategy when I finally get caught up.
http://boiledleather.com/post/25902554148/a-new-reader-friendly-combined-reading-order-for-a
http://boiledleather.com/post/25902554148/a-new-reader-friendly-combined-reading-order-for-a
I got the book from a recent daily Kindle Deals offer and I'm at the halfway point. It's a good read with an original premise. It's a bit light on plot, the tone is lightly philosophical at times, but it's a good solid read so far.
nakedsushi
Member
Anyway, this is more like a two-month update, but since last time:
This is a Novel with a capital N. I'm glad I let this sink in for a while. Sprawling, intimate, Dickensian, modern, compelling, frustrating, unforgettable. It's a lot of things and I don't pretend to have wrapped my head around it completely--especially its final chapter or two--but it's easily the novel that has stuck with me most last year.
I started reading this during the weekend. So far, so good, but I'm afraid of the mid-book slog that everyone talks about. I hope it doesn't take me 2 months to get through it b/c I have so many other books I want to read.
Finished some light reading this weekend:
Rocket Girl #1 by Brandon Montclare
Really liked the artwork. So far, so good. I'm thinking of buying the rest of the issues in digital form. I'm really tired of having to find storage for all my books/comics.
Mommy Man: How I Went from Mild-Mannered Geek to Gay Superdad by Jerry Mahoney
This was a quick, entertaining read. Less about being a dad and more about coming out of the closet, hurdles of adopting when gay, and awkward moments on first dates.
On audiobook as I commute to and from work
I have about 9 hours left, quite slow and beginning to become very uninteresting. But I'll stick through it.
yeah, this book is boring as shit.
Finished reading Beowulf. Pretty fun poem, I'm not used to this style of storytelling so it was a unique experience. Gonna have to see if there are other books like this, I'm thinking of reading Tolkien's The Fall of Arthur some day in the future.
Also started reading Blindness.
Also started reading Blindness.
Finished with Land Leviathan. It was better than The Warlord of the Air in some regard, mainly on how Moorcock handled Bastable's inner conflict, and the book's resolution which feels more complete than the first book ever was. It still too short, and could benefit from extra pages but not as much as the first book whereas it need 100 pages, Land Leviathan could benefit from extra 50 pages. Still it's a good read, and very intriguing to see Moorcock's take on racism.
Now onto the third
Now onto the third
YesNOnoNOYes
Member
halfway through oryx and crake by Margaret Atwood. Really enjoying it.
Never ever downplay what you read and what you enjoy. I generally feel the same way in realizing I'd never read a bunch of books that get mentioned here, but just the same there are plenty of books that do get mentioned that I'm sure I'd love too. I'm saying this because I know I tend to enjoy "simpler" books as well. edit: Also, I know that same book has gotten mentioned multiple times in the reading threads
If I may suggest, check out the 'best of 2013' thread for lots of different variety in tastes. http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=740485
A lot of his novels aren't that remarkable, really, which is to be expected with such a huge oeuvre. When he's on the ball, though, he's one of the best writers of all time, like you said. Actually, the same thing can be noted about contemporaries like Maupassant, Zola and others.
Speaking of world class, I'm on Mrs. Dalloway at the moment. Brilliant prose. The way Woolf uses free indirect monologue is simply perfect.
Tragicomedy
Member
Not at all. I'll read a good fantasy/science fiction book over just about anything else. You know how what you like and there's a strong chance several others like it, too.
Remember, this is a video game forum.
DarkChronic
Member
Still plugging away at The Way of Kings. Hm. I like it, but I don't love it. The characters aren't particularly grabbing me, and the dialogue still feels really dull and forced (I'm looking at you, Wit.)
I'm about 400 pages in and it hasn't grabbed me yet. If it hasn't grabbed me by now, will it?
Republic of Thieves (book 3 of Gentlemen Bastards) is closer in both structure and quality to the first book than the second in my opinion. It has a flashback narrative that alternates with the present day just like Lies of Locke Lamora. I actually reread the first one right after finishing Republic and really noticed the similarities that I feel were missing somewhat in the second causing some of the negative opinions.
That particular absurdity is again definitely deliberate by Jordan in my opinion. He does a great job of showing that the ivory tower elitism of the Aes Sedai are a huge reason for all the problems they go through, with the constant disregarding of people who are either weak in the power or cannot channel at all. So, it is definitely frustrating to read them go through that, but I guess it stung a little less knowing that it was done on purpose to highlight another point.
Two series I got really into for a time about two years ago and then fell off of. I feel like if I were to read Vor Saga again I'd almost need to restart at least with the Miles books because I feel I've forgotten so much. I have like 3 or 4 omnibuses of them though so I really should just bear down and blow through them as they are so enjoyable once they get going. I think the last thing I read from this series was the "Borders of Infinity" short novella or whatever you would call it. And it was fantastic.
As for the Vlad series, I think the last one I read was book ....3, the one where his wife basically becomes involved in a communist movement and it was pretty substainially different from the first one, in a way I almost found off putting. It seems like very novel in the series is really different from each other, but that you at least seem to like all of them regardless of changes. Am I wrong in saying that? Basically asking if the rest of the series is as good as the first book.
Then I figure I'd move into this, once I'm done.
That should take me the rest of the year.
Holy shit. That thing has to be close to 10,000 pages doesn't it?! That's insane. But yea, this is what I'm currently working on which is the reason that I can't pick up the two series above immediately. Finished Memories of Ice a few weeks ago and am currently working my way on the much shorter House of Chains.
It almost feels weird for the first part of the book to have so linearly followed the path of one character. But the pay off was pretty awesome when finding out that Karsa was actually
the badass with the wooden sword that we saw in Deadhouse Gates. Really should have figured that out sooner than I did. Although I did figure it out a few chapters before it was explicit when I realized he was going to end up in the desert.
Overall, the series is so different from aSoIaF and I love that about it. It is a really nice change of pace and the amounts of bad ass characters is awesome. Although I'm still salty about (Memories of Ice Spoilers)
the death of Whiskeyjack. That shit ain't right.
Maklershed
Member
Not gonna stop saying it - Swan Song is so friggin good.
Nice. Make sure to check out The Year of the Flood next.
Nice. Make sure to check out The Year of the Flood next.
AngmarsKing701
Member
The Vor Saga is amazing, although the last couple have been less so. There was a stretch there from Warrior's Apprentice through A Civil Campaign where it was hitting on all cylinders.
I read the first Vlad Taltos book years ago and it just didn't grab me. Never went back.
Ditto with Malazan. I read the first book and wasn't sure I knew what the fuck had happened.
I read the first Vlad Taltos book years ago and it just didn't grab me. Never went back.
Ditto with Malazan. I read the first book and wasn't sure I knew what the fuck had happened.
Such a good collection. <3
I finished reading 1491 which was quite an eye-opener. This stuff should be taught in American schools. Definitely recommend it for anyone who's interested in the history of the Americas before Columbus arrived. It was particularly interesting as someone living in the United States, but originally from Colombia.
Now onto Sanderson's The Alloy of Law. Cool to see the world from the previous books so far into the future. I feel like after 1491 and the stuff I have to read for class, I'm going to finish in this a night or two because it goes by so quickly.
I'm also reading Toni Morrison's Playing in the Dark for class which is a short work of literary criticism. Morrison brings up great points, but I feel like a lot of it is lost on me because I don't have such an extensive background in American literature.
Still plugging away at The Way of Kings. Hm. I like it, but I don't love it. The characters aren't particularly grabbing me, and the dialogue still feels really dull and forced (I'm looking at you, Wit.)
I'm about 400 pages in and it hasn't grabbed me yet. If it hasn't grabbed me by now, will it?
If I were you, I will stopped reading.
Still plugging away at The Way of Kings. Hm. I like it, but I don't love it. The characters aren't particularly grabbing me, and the dialogue still feels really dull and forced (I'm looking at you, Wit.)
I'm about 400 pages in and it hasn't grabbed me yet. If it hasn't grabbed me by now, will it?
My appreciation for this novel grew as I read through it until to the point where I was in love with it. The final two hundred pages are pure bliss.
ImpassionateGods
Member
Reading Way of Kings right now as well. I'm about 300 pages in and loving the Kaladin chapters but plodding through everyone else. Shallan and Szeth are interesting, but I'm guessing they won't be back for a while.
No amount of him trying to highlight any points is going to make the characters in this series any less stupid. I'm at the point where I'm rooting for the bad guys because I don't think the good guys deserve to live through this (not that the bad guys are much better). There's so much stupidity going around it makes my blood boil. I'm finishing this book today and then I'm going to take a break from the series.
Headed back to Coalwood to finish off these books, really enjoyed them and have loved all the people and characters. Just been fairly inspirational and kept reminded me of growing up in such a small mining town as well, and how much I do miss it.
Now reading.. Sky of Stone
Now reading.. Sky of Stone
H.Protagonist
[-_-]/
Thanks. I've been hemming and hawing on it, but honestly, I can't think of anything else worth taking a gamble on. I really want a nice fantasy novel or series with a bit of grit, a lot of blood (main characters that get kicked to shit are fun) and some dark comedy. The first book hit all three of these notes beautifully, but the second, well, as you said, it was missing somethings that made the first so enjoyable
(like a payoff at the end. -_-)
What? Really? I enjoyed Way of Kings. It had some great world building and a really unusual 'flavor' for a fantasy world. To be fair, the friend I lent it to felt the same way as you, though. But I thought it was a nice read.
Haha. I was the opposite. The Kaladin chapters were the ones that felt plodding to me. I thought the 'bridge' runners concept was interesting, however.
It's a shame because the Terror by the same author was great.
With all that you have said I would temper my recommendation a little. The first spoiler I think is much better for this book than the second although I know some people had problem with some of the major revelation. Personally I didn't have a problem with the turn it took. The book however is very much about your second qualm both in the past and present as the book is almost entirely concerned with
Sabetha
So take all that into account when making your decision. Although on the whole it's a quick read so it isn't a huge investment.
Mackenzie 92
Member
Yeah I gave up on The Abominable. Big disappointment.
Anyway, there's a new storybundle up. Sci-fi theme.
Also Blood Song continues to amaze. Reaching ASOIF levels now.
Anyway, there's a new storybundle up. Sci-fi theme.
Also Blood Song continues to amaze. Reaching ASOIF levels now.
TheKaeptain
Banned
That's because Tao Lin is a shit writer.
I haven't read Hyperion, but the Simmons books I have I found to be flawed, yet enjoyable reads. Drood and The Terror specifically - Simmons does a great job of establishing a threat and an eerie, dreadful tone, and then the monster shows up and the book falls apart. Song of Kali is an exception, though. What a great horror novel.
David Hollow and the Crescent Knight
The second in the David Hollow trilogy, an epic fantasy adventure influenced by Stephen King's Dark Tower. I found out about the series right here on GAF from the author's brother (Oatmeal), though the author himself, Ryan Christensen, is now a GAF member under the name David Hollow. Fittingly.
Absolutely fantastically written with the talent of any big name, bestselling author, the plot follows the eponymous David Hollow, a boy who, upon turning 16 discovers that the world he lives in and everything he believed is a lie. Rather than being chosen as a hero he realises he has been pinpointed as a danger to those governing the land under a fictitious fear of an unseen enemy.
The books literally cost about a dollar and I would highly recommend grabbing a copy. Once you start reading you won't put it down. I spent early January reading this and can't wait to check out the third and final David Hollow book.
The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of a Window and Disappeared
The most fun book I've ever read. Bought it as a change of pace from my usual fantasy, thriller and horror favourites and it's easily one of the best literary decisions I've ever made. Joyfully written with a flowing, quirky style by Swedish author Jonas Jonasson, it explores the farcical journey of centenarian Allan Karlsson as he escapes his care home and embarks on an increasingly ridiculous adventure. Along the way his past is told through flashback chapters which reveal how he travelled the world and met some of the most famous names in history.
I wanted to read it as soon as I saw the title and then by chance it was a the Kindle daily deal around the new year. Best 99p I've ever spent. Such a pleasure to read, took me less than a week.
Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection
I've always wanted to read Sherlock Holmes. For a long time I didn't know where to start but I found this on Kindle for less than a quid and grabbed it. I'm currently reading a Study in Scarlet and thoroughly enjoying the birth of a literary icon. I expected the language to be outdated and wordy but it's a pleasant read and as a bonus it's fun comparing the story to BBC's Sherlock episode A Study in Pink; how Holmes and Watson met, Holmes' instantly knowing about Watson's service abroad, etc.
The second in the David Hollow trilogy, an epic fantasy adventure influenced by Stephen King's Dark Tower. I found out about the series right here on GAF from the author's brother (Oatmeal), though the author himself, Ryan Christensen, is now a GAF member under the name David Hollow. Fittingly.
Absolutely fantastically written with the talent of any big name, bestselling author, the plot follows the eponymous David Hollow, a boy who, upon turning 16 discovers that the world he lives in and everything he believed is a lie. Rather than being chosen as a hero he realises he has been pinpointed as a danger to those governing the land under a fictitious fear of an unseen enemy.
The books literally cost about a dollar and I would highly recommend grabbing a copy. Once you start reading you won't put it down. I spent early January reading this and can't wait to check out the third and final David Hollow book.
The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of a Window and Disappeared
The most fun book I've ever read. Bought it as a change of pace from my usual fantasy, thriller and horror favourites and it's easily one of the best literary decisions I've ever made. Joyfully written with a flowing, quirky style by Swedish author Jonas Jonasson, it explores the farcical journey of centenarian Allan Karlsson as he escapes his care home and embarks on an increasingly ridiculous adventure. Along the way his past is told through flashback chapters which reveal how he travelled the world and met some of the most famous names in history.
I wanted to read it as soon as I saw the title and then by chance it was a the Kindle daily deal around the new year. Best 99p I've ever spent. Such a pleasure to read, took me less than a week.
Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection
I've always wanted to read Sherlock Holmes. For a long time I didn't know where to start but I found this on Kindle for less than a quid and grabbed it. I'm currently reading a Study in Scarlet and thoroughly enjoying the birth of a literary icon. I expected the language to be outdated and wordy but it's a pleasant read and as a bonus it's fun comparing the story to BBC's Sherlock episode A Study in Pink; how Holmes and Watson met, Holmes' instantly knowing about Watson's service abroad, etc.