I can't speak for the Spanish at all, but in translation his vocabulary is very rich and his writing is pretty dense.
Thanks! I'll probably read it next then.
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What are you reading? (January 2015)
- Thread starter Maklershed
- Start date
I can't speak for the Spanish at all, but in translation his vocabulary is very rich and his writing is pretty dense.
Thanks! I'll probably read it next then.
bennywhatever
Member
Sweet. I really like it so far. I'm only like 1/10 of the way through.
I think I'll try it out then.
Thanks, please post more about it when you finish! As you can see The Martian is a hot topic here. I'm surprised a lot of people didn't like Mark's humor. I really enjoyed it as I could see that being a coping mechanism with being stranded and near hopeless. I'm also an engineer so the geeky humor and technical solutions were awesome to me. All my engineer friends have loved it.
You are all selling me on City of Stairs as well, picking that up for a break from Dune before I dive back in.
Well, what kind of books do you like?
If you want fantasy, I would recommend The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson
If you want something more 'literary' I would recommend
Death in Venice by Thomas Mann
Chess Story by Stefan Zweig
The Death of Ivan Illych by Tolstoy
Hadji Murat by Tolstoy
Siddhartha by Hesse
Notes from Underground by Dostoevsky
I am sure I am missing a ton.
The Stranger by Albert? Camus
Cats Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
Sectorseven
Member
Just finished The Man With The Getaway Face. Enjoyable, short pulp read.
BrassDragon
Member
AC Unity inspired me to pick up 'Revolutionary Ideas: An Intellectual History of the French Revolution from The Rights of Man to Robespierre' by Jonathan Israel.
It's just fascinating how something well-intentioned, concerned with liberty, fraternity and basic human decency ended up with a hundred thousand people jailed, seventeen thousand executed and a quarter of a million killed in war.
It does lack sexy redheaded Templars though.
It's just fascinating how something well-intentioned, concerned with liberty, fraternity and basic human decency ended up with a hundred thousand people jailed, seventeen thousand executed and a quarter of a million killed in war.
It does lack sexy redheaded Templars though.
So, does Y the Last Man get better?
I read the first volume and while it was okay, I wasnt terribly impressed. The characters felt flat, the dialogue a bit tiring (felt like every utterance was an attempt to be witty and smart instead of natural), and some of the choices just seem rather ridiculous.
I read the first volume and while it was okay, I wasnt terribly impressed. The characters felt flat, the dialogue a bit tiring (felt like every utterance was an attempt to be witty and smart instead of natural), and some of the choices just seem rather ridiculous.
I'm sorry, but no way in hell is the government going to let the last man alive roam the world, especially when that man is a proven, idealistic idiot, when they can find some safe house, bring the doctor to him eventually, and guard him with a shit ton of women and security.
Some shorter (under 200 pages) fiction (prose and poetry) books:
Lysistrata, by Aristophanes
A Dance for Emilia, by Peter S. Beagle
The Rhinoceros Who Quoted Nietzsche and Other Odd Acquaintances, by Peter S. Beagle
Eunoia, by Christian Bök
The Skating Rink, by Roberto Bolaño
Tres, by Roberto Bolaño
Cosmicomics, by Italo Calvino
Invisible Cities, by Italo Calvino
Exile and Kingdom, by Albert Camus
Notes from Underground, by Fyodor Dostoevsky
The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Coraline, by Neil Gaiman
The Quiet American, by Graham Greene
The Word for World is Forest, by Ursula K. Le Guin
Siddhartha, by Hermann Hesse
The Safety of Objects, by A.M. Homes
House of the Sleeping Beauties, by Yasunari Kawabata
The Master of Go, by Yasunari Kawabata
Snow Country, by Yasunari Kawabata
Comedy in a Minor Key, by Hans Keilson
Barabbas, by Pär Lagerkvist
The Call of the Wild, by Jack London
Chronicle of a Death Foretold, by Gabriel García Márquez
The Ice Dragon, by George R. R. Martin
Mary, by Vladimir Nabokov
Pnin, by Vladimir Nabokov
Transparent Things, by Vladimir Nabokov
The Eye, by Vladimir Nabokov
A Personal Matter, by Kenzaburo Oe
Nip the Buds, Shoot the Kids, by Kenzaburo Oe
When The Emperor Was Divine, by Julie Otsuka
There Once Lived a Girl Who Seduced Her Sister's Husband, and He Hanged Himself: Love Stories, by Ludmilla Petrushevskaya
Earth and Ashes, by Atiq Rahimi
A Season in Hell/The Drunken Boat, by Arthur Rimbaud
Illuminations, by Arthur Rimbaud
CivilWarLand in Bad Decline, by George Saunders
Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley
A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, by Alexander Solhenitsyn
Yume no Hon: The Book of Dreams, by Catherynne M. Valente
The Island of Dr. Moreau, by H.G. Wells
Leaves of Grass, by Walt Whitman
Kitchen, by Banana Yoshimoto
And Berserk. A few, terse words. With lots of eye glaring.
(Y: The Last Man is pretty good, though. Mmmmaybe better than Saga?)
Ordered City of Stairs today because of the love being shown for it here. I also ordered some Valiant trades because I've heard good things about that company. (X-0 Manowar and Harbinger Volume Ones).
Uncle_Classy
Member
Almost finished reading this right now. So much easier than Ulysses to get into. I wish I had tried reading this one before it.
I plan on reading this one next.
This is probably a super pretentious sounding thing to do, but after not reading very much at all since junior high, I really want to read as many books from the Modern Library's 100 best novels list as I can this year, just for shits and gigs.
You Are Viewtiful
Member
I just finished the Hunger Games audiobook by Suzanne Collins.
I am reading ebook The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. About 60% of the way through.
I am also reading the ebook Animal Farm by George Orwell. Very short book, I'm about 50% of the way through. I will try finishing it today or tomorrow.
Audibook What is the What by Dave Eggers is a book about a Sudanese civil war refugee and his personal story. I haven't started it yet, but I'm very excited to.
I borrowed The History of the Medieval World by Susan Bauer from the library. It's a summary of world history during the time of Constantine to the fall of Constantinople. I'm trying to find a period in history that's interesting and want to dip my toes into. It's a pretty boring book tbh, if someone can recommend a better world history book I'd be grateful. ^^
I am reading ebook The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. About 60% of the way through.
I am also reading the ebook Animal Farm by George Orwell. Very short book, I'm about 50% of the way through. I will try finishing it today or tomorrow.
Audibook What is the What by Dave Eggers is a book about a Sudanese civil war refugee and his personal story. I haven't started it yet, but I'm very excited to.
I borrowed The History of the Medieval World by Susan Bauer from the library. It's a summary of world history during the time of Constantine to the fall of Constantinople. I'm trying to find a period in history that's interesting and want to dip my toes into. It's a pretty boring book tbh, if someone can recommend a better world history book I'd be grateful. ^^
And Berserk. A few, terse words. With lots of eye glaring.
(Y: The Last Man is pretty good, though. Mmmmaybe better than Saga?)
Ordered City of Stairs today because of the love being shown for it here. I also ordered some Valiant trades because I've heard good things about that company. (X-0 Manowar and Harbinger Volume Ones).
So, does Y get a lot better? Because right now, I don't think it can compare to Saga at all.
Great choice picking up City of Stairs. It is excellent.
Almost finished reading this right now. So much easier than Ulysses to get into. I wish I had tried reading this one before it.
God, I despise the main character. Ruined the book for me. I just wanted to throttle that whinny, elitist, self-pitying kid's neck.
Heh. Didn't bother me at all.
User 479360
Banned
The next time I go out, I'm going to borrow 20th Century Ghosts from the library and read through it. It's the last Joe Hill book I need to read.
I might have read it at a bad time - late teens early 20s I believe - where you've grown out out of that self-centered, self-pitying melodrama (well, toned that down, at least, hopefully), but are not far enough away from it that you cant look back on it with dispassion, nostalgia. or amusement.
Ah, maybe. I don't recall thinking that his whininess seemed out of the ordinary; I thought it seemed pretty normal for his age.
And Berserk. A few, terse words. With lots of eye glaring.
(Y: The Last Man is pretty good, though. Mmmmaybe better than Saga?)
I didn't include Berserk for two reasons: I believe we were just talking about American comics, and most importantly, including series that have a conclusion. Berserk still has another thirty years left in it.
I didn't include Berserk for two reasons: I believe we were just talking about American comics, and most importantly, including series that have a conclusion. Berserk still has another thirty years left in it.
30? More like 300. I mean, how many chapters have been published in the last 5 years? Like 2?
About 30-ish. More than that, really; I'm just going off of when Volume 35 (Chapter 307) was released in Japan (September 29, 2010).
I plan on reading this one next.
Probably my favourite book, enjoy. Faulkner is amazing.
Currently reading:
This was recommended on the GAF thread about George Stinney, I'm about two thirds of the way through, it's absolutely enthralling as well as gut-wrenching.
My order came from the UK two weeks before the estimate, which makes me really happy as the GF has gone skiing for the weekend and I had nothing better to do. First book for 2015 will be Firefall by Peter Watts.
That's an omnibus of Blindsight and Echopraxia, right? I read Blindsight last year when Echopraxia was getting hyped, and really liked it. Watts has said he's writing another novel in that universe.
That's cool. Diaz should be pleased his evangelizing is working.
Are we ever getting off that boat?
And people complain about having to wait for GRRM to write his books. They don't know true pain!
Setre
Member
Dropped
Couldn't take the whining about the wife anymore. I stopped right where
, and I knew only more whining would await me.
Started / Almost Done With
Now this, this I like! Beukes' style is easy to read and I like how her chapters are short(ish) and jump between characters. Also enjoying the slight supernatural hints here and there. Is our killer just insane or is there really something else going on? Great book so far, probably got about 100 pages, give or take a few, left.
I personally liked Saga better. Been a while since I last read Y but it was only alright for me. You might want to check out Ex Machina as well if you're going through Vaughan's stuff. I've only read a couple of TPBs but I've enjoyed it more than Y but not as much as Saga.
Chain Mail: Addicted to You by Hiroshi Ishizaki (209 Pages)
All You Need Is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka (196 Pages)
Slum Online by Hiroshi Sakurazaka (210 Pages)
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (252 Pages)
Couldn't take the whining about the wife anymore. I stopped right where
Chris learns his wife committed suicide
Started / Almost Done With
Now this, this I like! Beukes' style is easy to read and I like how her chapters are short(ish) and jump between characters. Also enjoying the slight supernatural hints here and there. Is our killer just insane or is there really something else going on? Great book so far, probably got about 100 pages, give or take a few, left.
I personally liked Saga better. Been a while since I last read Y but it was only alright for me. You might want to check out Ex Machina as well if you're going through Vaughan's stuff. I've only read a couple of TPBs but I've enjoyed it more than Y but not as much as Saga.
Chain Mail: Addicted to You by Hiroshi Ishizaki (209 Pages)
All You Need Is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka (196 Pages)
Slum Online by Hiroshi Sakurazaka (210 Pages)
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (252 Pages)
User 479360
Banned
Your post about Beukes' books got me intrigued, so I just reserved both of them at the library, along with 20th Century Ghosts.
Uncle_Classy
Member
I actually liked Stephen Daedalus. Maybe it's because I still have some of that same teenage, coming of age angst left. Also being raised in a very Catholic Irish-American family I can sort of identify with his self-reproach as a younger child and then eventual move away from the Church.
He definitely comes across as a know-it-all asshole near the end, but almost in an endearing, relatable sort of way.
The Shadow
Member
I've read Neuromancer but I think I was in my late teens or early twenties when I did. Might have to give it a re-read.
Checked the synopsis of the other three and they sound absolutely fascinating. Thanks for the suggestions.
Yeah its an omnibus of the two, but only released in the UK. It's pretty massive, the cover awesome, and his forward were he apologizes to people who didn't realize it has Blindsight in it is worth the price of admission.
I've been reading the best short books of all time the past three years. Might well be worth your time to peruse my reading lists in the 50 books challenge threads..
I'm assuming you've already read the Dresden Files? If not, get to it! Detective + fantastical goodness!
I mostly use Goodreads or look through the books mentioned here to find new ones, and then request them from the library. I've got quite the list to read!
Finished:
Kind of conflicted overall on this one. The first third was kind of aimless, and whenever something interesting would happen, it would jump somewhere else. It would make a lot more sense reading it a second time, as many things aren't explained until much later. The second part I found pretty boring, where it focused mainly on the simulation. But then the last third was fantastic and got me on board for the rest of the books in the series.
I also checked out the translator's short story, The Paper Menagerie. 15 pages and got me teary, pretty effective gut-punch of a story.
Next is
Also going to start Annihilation to see what all the hubbub is about.
The Shadow
Member
My issue is that most people that I know who read, like to read genres that don't appeal to me and vice-versa. I probably the only one in my circle that reads Sci-Fi, and just about everyone I know likes romance, fantasy, and historical fiction.
To answer your question, when I was younger and they still existed, I'd go to the book store and just browse. There were some huge bookstores near my house when I was in my early twenties, but aside from Barnes and Noble, they're all gone now. The modern equivalent is browsing for books on Amazon, Goodreads (which I only discovered 3 months ago or so), and Wikipedia if I want a little more info about a particular book or author.
Threads like this are pretty nice too, and although not every recommendation is a hit, sometimes looking up those books on websites will result in similar books that are better, if lesser known.
I follow this thread and certain people (in this thread) for reading recs.
I'll also choose books based on any current interests, like how I read The Mongol Art of War when I was playing Manchus in EU4, and Tulipomania when I finished my Netherlands game in EU4.
I'll also choose books based on any current interests, like how I read The Mongol Art of War when I was playing Manchus in EU4, and Tulipomania when I finished my Netherlands game in EU4.
The characters will grow on you and then it's an entertaining ride. It's nowhere near as good as people make it out to be (imho), though.
Christoff Yurievich
Member
I have few (no) friends here so I take threads like this as well as the old "judging a book by its cover" to pick new ones. I mean, why else would I read something like this?
Or even this?
The first place I go when I'm at the library is the new release section as well as the librarian's picks section. I look for names I'm familiar with or just something that catches my eye. The title, the art...could be any number of things. It's rare that I don't find something to enjoy about a book I pick.
If I was a librarian, I would just shove Berserk and Africa-related novels in the recommendation section, and I would create a section named "The Neogaf (and Mumei) Recommendations." It'd be filled with Civil Rights advocate books and Sci-Fi novels. And, of course, The Song of Ice and Fire.
I have few (no) friends here so I take threads like this as well as the old "judging a book by its cover" to pick new ones. I mean, why else would I read something like this?
The first place I go when I'm at the library is the new release section as well as the librarian's picks section. I look for names I'm familiar with or just something that catches my eye. The title, the art...could be any number of things. It's rare that I don't find something to enjoy about a book I pick.
Wow, I'm so reading this.
The Atticus
Member
I've been devouring non-fiction lately and have a few Tom Holland books shelved at Uni.
Currently reading: The Martian, Wolf in White Van, The Hot Zone, Live By Night
Gonna be tough to finish these by the month's end, since I have a couple of exams to contend with, but I'd happily take any suggestions for my backlog.
Anyone read Denis Johnson's The Laughing Monsters? Hasn't released in the UK yet but it's pretty tempting.
Currently reading: The Martian, Wolf in White Van, The Hot Zone, Live By Night
Gonna be tough to finish these by the month's end, since I have a couple of exams to contend with, but I'd happily take any suggestions for my backlog.
Anyone read Denis Johnson's The Laughing Monsters? Hasn't released in the UK yet but it's pretty tempting.
Christoff Yurievich
Member
I'm almost done with it. It goes into some strange places (Dante's Inferno is literally a guidebook at one point) and there's a reason for the nuclear symbols in the snowflakes but it's a good if you're in-between serious books. Can't always read Chaucer and Shakespeare.
Maklershed
Member
Could I interest you in The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart?
The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart by Jesse Bullington
I knew there was a bit of a wait between Berserk volumes, but wasn't aware of just how long it had been. Well, at least we have Hunter X Hunter to tide us over...(ahem)
As for finding things to read, I generally browse through Gaf or Boing Boing. I can usually find something there. Threads like these are invaluable.
Neverwhwre by Neil Gaiman doesn't really fit most of those descriptions, but the whole time I read it I found myself thinking about Harry Potter
I just finished American Gods.
It was a little dry, but there were parts I really liked. Last night I was pretty gripped by what was going on, but the conclusion and stuff I read today was just kinda so-so. It just seemed like... not much really happened in the book. Hard to explain. I certainly like plenty of books where not much happens; Murakami is probably one of my favorite authors and there isn't a lot of action in his books. It just seemed like the book was a little shallow, I guess.
I still liked it, but not as much as I expected to based on what people have said.
It was a little dry, but there were parts I really liked. Last night I was pretty gripped by what was going on, but the conclusion and stuff I read today was just kinda so-so. It just seemed like... not much really happened in the book. Hard to explain. I certainly like plenty of books where not much happens; Murakami is probably one of my favorite authors and there isn't a lot of action in his books. It just seemed like the book was a little shallow, I guess.
I still liked it, but not as much as I expected to based on what people have said.
I just finished this up and it was quite fascinating. The title is a bit misleading though because while their is a main 'character' the author spends a great deal on the advancements of before the sulfa drug, other people's contributions after it was developed, and the consequences of sulfa drug for our modern pharma and medical systems.
One of the author's main points is that the sulfa drug was the forerunner of the big pharma system where it wasnt just one man, but a team backed up by a company with a ton of money to spend.
I thought most people on Gaf disliked it or found it average at best (my view is this).