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What are you reading? (January 2014)
- Thread starter Maklershed
- Start date
Incandenza
Banned
Have you read any of the standalone novels? Been thinking about reading them but it's been 4ish years since I read First Law and I've forgotten most of the lore.
I have not but I have heard they are very good as well.
Huh, I actually thought the main POV characters were one of the weaker parts of the series. The only genuinely interesting character was Sand Dan Glokta. I found Ferro, Jezal and Logen to be rather one-dimensional. It was pretty clear where he was going with each of those characters from the beginning. The difference with Glokta was that his POV was a joy to read through. He was a petty, jealous, evil and very entertaining character. Rest of the series was far better than the usual fantasy dreck, I thought.
SlickShoesRUCrazy
Member
Immigration and Nationality Law: Problems and Strategies
Sounds fascinating
KiwiLannister
Member
Finished Dune and Enders Game recently. Just started Hyperion.
The third book had it better, though Logen still the worst, not change at all. I want to try other Abercombie book, but he write more Loge, fucking-Bloody Nine, not The Cripple, which makes me hesitated to give him another try.
RepairmanJack
Member
Finally finished Gone Girl. I really liked it overall but I feel like the last quarter just falls apart. I'm fine with the ending itself, but how it's handled and how it leads up to it just seems very rushed and flat.
Not only is the last quarter or so anti-climactic but it also seems so empty. There's very little detail or talk of what people outside of Nick and Amy are thinking when that was what most of the book was filled with. You didn't have any of what Amy and Nick were doing the entire book, which was narrating about every little detail of the outside characters and what they were seemingly thinking. I guess it gives the impression that everyone just accepts Amys story, but it still seems completely different than the rest of the book.
The ending itself I thought was fine, just wish everything after Amy's return was more explored.
The ending itself I thought was fine, just wish everything after Amy's return was more explored.
Finished:
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
Well written compared to most mainstream mystery novels. Likable main characters which I prefer over the usual broody, depressed, broken detectives. The pacing was good but the case itself wasn't particularly exciting. It's a straight up case solving novel, no genre switch to being a suspense/thriller/horror or anything like that. I'd be interested to read more of the series if Rowling decides to continue it.
Going to start on Hitchhiker's Guide audiobook soon and probably finish off Ketty Jay #4
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
Well written compared to most mainstream mystery novels. Likable main characters which I prefer over the usual broody, depressed, broken detectives. The pacing was good but the case itself wasn't particularly exciting. It's a straight up case solving novel, no genre switch to being a suspense/thriller/horror or anything like that. I'd be interested to read more of the series if Rowling decides to continue it.
Going to start on Hitchhiker's Guide audiobook soon and probably finish off Ketty Jay #4
nakedsushi
Member
Finished this:
Saga, Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan
Was not what I expected but good nonetheless. I got Vol 1 from the library but they don't have Vol 2 =(
Also:
Coming Clean by Kimberly Rae Miller
Delivered more than I expected. Really liked the book and the inner monologue of the narrator. I did get angry more than once at how her parents were behaving. I have no sympathy!
Still going through:
Pok Pok: Recipes and Stories from the Pok Pok Restaurants, Thailand, and Elsewhere by Andy Ricker
I usually don't read cookbooks, but this one is really entertaining. I'm mainly reading the anecdotes and not much of the recipes.
Saga, Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan
Was not what I expected but good nonetheless. I got Vol 1 from the library but they don't have Vol 2 =(
Also:
Coming Clean by Kimberly Rae Miller
Delivered more than I expected. Really liked the book and the inner monologue of the narrator. I did get angry more than once at how her parents were behaving. I have no sympathy!
Still going through:
Pok Pok: Recipes and Stories from the Pok Pok Restaurants, Thailand, and Elsewhere by Andy Ricker
I usually don't read cookbooks, but this one is really entertaining. I'm mainly reading the anecdotes and not much of the recipes.
Finished this:
Saga, Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan
Was not what I expected but good nonetheless. I got Vol 1 from the library but they don't have Vol 2 =(
Purchase them, naturally. Volume 3 is coming out in April!
Rowling said the next book should be out this year.
bobbyrawlins
Banned
Bailed on Heart of Darkness earlier. Gave it 40 pages and just couldn't find the will to keep going. I've only ever stopped reading a book once or twice, maybe I'll go back to it.
Started reading The Last Unicorn and it is like a breath of fresh air after that. I don't read much fantasy at all but I'm really enjoying this book.
Started reading The Last Unicorn and it is like a breath of fresh air after that. I don't read much fantasy at all but I'm really enjoying this book.
OfWhiteSkinOnRedLeather
Member
David Hollow and the Crescent Knight
The second of the David Hollow trilogy by Ryan Christensen, brother of GAF member Oatmeal. An absorbing, superbly written fantasy with a large, detailed world, interesting mythology, fantastic characters and pageturning story arcs. Seriously cannot recommend the series enough. Talent like Christensen's deserves more attention.
If you like Dark Tower, Games of Thrones or anything fantastical and epic like that you'll love the David Hollow series.
The second of the David Hollow trilogy by Ryan Christensen, brother of GAF member Oatmeal. An absorbing, superbly written fantasy with a large, detailed world, interesting mythology, fantastic characters and pageturning story arcs. Seriously cannot recommend the series enough. Talent like Christensen's deserves more attention.
If you like Dark Tower, Games of Thrones or anything fantastical and epic like that you'll love the David Hollow series.
Incandenza
Banned
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
A simple story, but Gaiman's great at telling it. It's super short but I feel like if it were any longer then it'd just expose the too-convenient plotting.
Next I'll probably move on to The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King. I love The Dark Tower but somehow haven't gotten around to reading it yet.
I'm currently reading the booklet-compilation Santa Esperanza by Aka Morchiladze, a georgian author. The 36 booklets contain little fictional stories, which are depicting the live on Santa Esperanza, three little islands in the black sea.
Have read 9 booklets so far & I'm enjoying it greatly! Also of notice is the case containing the booklets (which are resembling the Inti card game in art and design), which is out of textile. Well worth the money!
Have read 9 booklets so far & I'm enjoying it greatly! Also of notice is the case containing the booklets (which are resembling the Inti card game in art and design), which is out of textile. Well worth the money!
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
A simple story, but Gaiman's great at telling it. It's super short but I feel like if it were any longer then it'd just expose the too-convenient plotting.
Next I'll probably move on to The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King. I love The Dark Tower but somehow haven't gotten around to reading it yet.
I'v read Gaiman before (The Graveyard Book) and not impressed. But this one really changed my opinion on his book. Magical things masked as everyday mundanes, there are nothing short of awesomeness like that, especially with how Gaiman wrote them.
AngmarsKing701
Member
Yes and they're just as much fun.
I thought The Graveyard Book was one of Gaiman's best novels, actually. I think his children's and young adult novels are generally better than his more serious fare, though.
Sandman is obviously an exception
Definitely agree. American Gods was quite a chore to go through. The Graveyard Book is my favorite of his followed by Stardust. But I'm not a huge fan of his. And I still need to finish Sandman.
Funnily enough I just finished Neverwhere and American Gods. I think Gaiman's writing style is better suited for the more fantastical stuff. I loved Ocean, and Neverwhere was also great. I feel like he's able to paint vibrant pictures without having to use lot of words, it keeps the books quick and easy to read while still having well realized worlds.
I picked this up from the library but before I read it I think I need a pallet cleanser after Neverwhere. I'm thinking The Road.
I don't know anything about it honestly, I just really liked the look, I love the illustrations. It also has a Gaiman quote on the cover, coincidentally
I picked this up from the library but before I read it I think I need a pallet cleanser after Neverwhere. I'm thinking The Road.
I don't know anything about it honestly, I just really liked the look, I love the illustrations. It also has a Gaiman quote on the cover, coincidentally
Grenouille
Member
Wayward pines adaptation by shyamalan!?
I havent read them, but ive seen the books being recommended here; the premise sounded interesting. Well
I havent read them, but ive seen the books being recommended here; the premise sounded interesting. Well
I've given up on Mr.Ford and his book Parade's End...I feel like it was drilling holes of tedium and confusion into my head. After reading some reviews of it on goodreads, decided that pounding my head into a desk covered by Cheetos would be preferable than to keep reading.
Decided instead to go with a book I bought today: Brave Story by Miyuki Miyabe.
Decided instead to go with a book I bought today: Brave Story by Miyuki Miyabe.
Definitely agree. American Gods was quite a chore to go through. The Graveyard Book is my favorite of his followed by Stardust. But I'm not a huge fan of his. And I still need to finish Sandman.
I really didn't like American Gods at all. It's just so plodding and dry, and the characters felt so flat and lifeless.
!
I just love that book. Everyone should read it!
Mackenzie 92
Member
Finished Wolf of Wall Street. Movie was better.
rasberryjam
Member
Got Defoe's A General History of the Pyrates for down time reading at work.
Prophet
...and Akira (Haven't actually started it yet)
nakedsushi
Member
Decided instead to go with a book I bought today: Brave Story by Miyuki Miyabe.
I really liked this book. Surprised it gets no love from fantasy readers here. I lugged it with me on a trip to China (the pre-kindle days) and it was well worth it. Never played the video game though.
RepairmanJack
Member
I loved Swan Song and tried to get into this so many times but was just never able to. Not sure what it is about it but I never seem to make it very far in before I give up.
There's no real single lovable character yet, and that will put a damper on any book's potential.
I don't make resolutions, but I have decided to make an effort this year to keep track of my reading. So, after years of ignoring it, I'm going to use my Goodreads account. And I'm going to post here as well, because apparently Mumei does too (and apparently he's a mod?! which makes sense, honestly), so he'll have a better avenue to prod me with recommendations as I don't use AIM anymore.
I read No Great Mischief, by Alistair MacLeod last week. The prose was lovely, and now that I've done my good Canadian duty of reading some MacLeod, I'll probably read more in the future.
I'm currently reading Americanah, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Well, "reading." It's next, and it's on my nightside table, but I haven't started it yet. I should do soon, though, because it was a Christmas present from a friend, and she's raved about the book long enough.
I read No Great Mischief, by Alistair MacLeod last week. The prose was lovely, and now that I've done my good Canadian duty of reading some MacLeod, I'll probably read more in the future.
I'm currently reading Americanah, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Well, "reading." It's next, and it's on my nightside table, but I haven't started it yet. I should do soon, though, because it was a Christmas present from a friend, and she's raved about the book long enough.
Hey thanks for the positive update, nice to know someone here has read it. Do you have any recommendations similar to this book?
nakedsushi
Member
Unfortunately, there isn't a book that can compare to this one. I loved that it was a young-adult book but had darker adult themes. And the rpg elements worked fairly well into the story.
Tawney Bomb
Member
Just finished reading:
And I absolutely loved it. Kind of bummed I burned through it so quickly, but I enjoyed every page. I would love for him to revisit this world again. Shame I burned through it so quickly though.
Going to begin this next week:
And I absolutely loved it. Kind of bummed I burned through it so quickly, but I enjoyed every page. I would love for him to revisit this world again. Shame I burned through it so quickly though.
Going to begin this next week:
Tragicomedy
Member
No spoilers, but what a disaster that third book turned out to be. I thought the first two were pretty good, too. :/
charlemagne
Member
Finished this earlier. It was my first try reading Sanderson, and it was a fun enjoyable story with memorable characters, but the story was fairly straight forward. Is this fairly typical of his books?
Alright, now that I only have a few hours worth of it left, I'm going to go ahead and say it: Leviathan Wakes is better than The Culture series, a lot better. It sounds odd to compare a single book to a series, but unless The Expanse takes a nosedive, it's at least a couple of gradients ahead. Of The Culture series I have a sample size of two, Use of Weapons and Consider Phlebas.
Do three books make me an aficionado of the space opera genre? Not at all, does Dune count, does that make it four? I watched the Fifth Element, that was cool. Anyway, there are space zombies and this interplanetary engineering giant that is led by a general that sets its aims on shaping the future of mankind that is somehow dependent exclusively on a single, small stolen martian ship for all operations. That's flown by some space trucker types, by the way, that makes a lot of sense. There are actually a few more glaring issues such as those that the reader is asked to buy in on and yet it has what The Culture series can never consistently produce. A lot of energy and pace, it's entertaining and the short chapters have that GTA effect of leaving you reading just one more when you should stop. Overall, I've enjoyed it, fits the bill for some light adventure stuff.
Do three books make me an aficionado of the space opera genre? Not at all, does Dune count, does that make it four? I watched the Fifth Element, that was cool. Anyway, there are space zombies and this interplanetary engineering giant that is led by a general that sets its aims on shaping the future of mankind that is somehow dependent exclusively on a single, small stolen martian ship for all operations. That's flown by some space trucker types, by the way, that makes a lot of sense. There are actually a few more glaring issues such as those that the reader is asked to buy in on and yet it has what The Culture series can never consistently produce. A lot of energy and pace, it's entertaining and the short chapters have that GTA effect of leaving you reading just one more when you should stop. Overall, I've enjoyed it, fits the bill for some light adventure stuff.
CookieWithMatt
Member
Loving it so far. I've been watching the series since it first aired, and finally decided to dive into the books. I want to have all the books read by the time season 4 rolls around.
Professor Chaos
Member
I wasn't bowled over by All the Pretty Horses, but I'm only a short way into this and I'm already enjoying it quite a bit more already. I was also surprised to see the viewpoint of the wolf they are hunting. Looking forward to getting back to it later.