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What are you reading? (May 2013)
- Thread starter Maklershed
- Start date
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You're supposed to be confused about certain things still. The author drip-feeds you information in a very designed way.
Revelation Space 01 - Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds
I think I am in love with this book. It has monopolized about 80% of my reading time since I started it. The setting is absolutely amazing with some of the best world building I've ever seen.
I'm still a little confused about some things -- some of the lingo is a little dense, and the setting is very futuristic -- but the story is so compelling that I'm content to suffer through a little confusion, and the more I understand, the more interesting everything becomes. Some of the imagery in this book is utterly mindblowing, particularly the description of the huge, lonely "lighthugger" space-ship. It almost feels like a setting that belongs in a horror film.
Overall, the vision of the future here is a mix of utopian and dystopian characteristics. Humans have invented all the cool technology we've always dreamed of, but people are still as corrupt as ever, and the universe is still a dangerous place to be. As a result, ruins and chaos mingle freely with incredible scientific wonders, and there are all sorts of weird contrasting elements. It seems really unique to me. I'm not sure it is, because I'm certainly more of a fantasy/horror guy than a science fiction guy, but I've never read anything quite like this.
There is so much potential for awesome storytelling in this universe that it boggles my mind, and I can see myself devouring this whole series pretty fast. I don't have a huge amount of experience with modern space opera, but for what it's worth, I think I like this more than Hyperion.
I felt this book was pretty special, too.
ElectricBlue187
Member
I'm reading Revelation Space too and the only thing that bothers me is the Jugglers. What an awful name for blatant deus ex machina. I'm digging the story but I'm not sure I want to continue with the series if its more Jugglerizations.
If its the only thing that bothers you, it'd be a shame to stop.
Chezzymann
Member
Speaker for the dead.
Oh and that new captain underpants comic that came out a few months ago.
Oh and that new captain underpants comic that came out a few months ago.
Mackenzie 92
Member
I usually read some short story anthologies when I get like that, easy to pick up and put down and come back to later.
Amazon has a ton of them for cheap - http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...d-keywords=megapack&rh=n:133140011,k:megapack
Never thought of this, but will definitely keep this in mind, I've just decided what to read though. lol
Wonder
I keep feeling odd that I'm drawn to these YA books, or in this case even younger then that for this, but the reviews are saying it's great, and it sounds like something I'll like. edit: and I just see tht tragiccomedy gave it 5 stars as well, who commented on my 'Curious Incident..' choice, so maybe this is another winner
I am always like this lately. I have all these great books to check out on my to-read list and I get all excited.
And then I get unsure of what to read and decide to just read...nothing. So dumb. I honestly wonder if it's some sort of disorder :lol
That sounds pretty neat.Just finished.....
Decent introduction to a western vampire story, might read the next one.
And that cover continues his terrible covers tradition. Not sure what is it about them, but they always look hilariously cheesy to me for some reason. Great writer, though.
The Culture Vulture
Member
I have avoided them on purpose as well. The Slaughterhouse Five film I keep noticing on the Netflix Instant queue but don't have the heart to check it out.
I guess Showtime had a series "Kurt Vonnegut's Monkey House" back in the day that featured episodes from his great short story collection Welcome To The Monkey House. I would actually like to check that out but don't know if it's on Youtube or available to purchase anywhere.
Thanks for the post Tragicomedy. I'll keep those in mind as well.
Oh shit, I didn't even know that was about to come out. I still haven't read Caliban's War.
Ugh. I'm so behind on books =[
Maklershed
Member
Finished The Martian yesterday and started American Tabloid.
American Tabloid by James Ellroy
Also renewing my efforts to read The Chase (hard copy)
The Chase by Clive Cussler
American Tabloid by James Ellroy
Also renewing my efforts to read The Chase (hard copy)
The Chase by Clive Cussler
Eh, I attribute it to my indecisiveness. After I finish one book, do I want to read others like it? Do I want to start something completely different? Am I in the mood for a genre book or a series? How much escapism do I want? Non-fiction time maybe? Uplifting and cheerful or somber and heartfelt? etc etc
Anyways! I started reading "Wonder" last night as mentioned, and while it is definitely what I was in the mood to read in terms of topic wise following "Curious Incident..", in this case another first person perspective of a young boy dealing with being "different" and how he deals with it, etc. And the chapters are very short, and it's a very easy read, but that's the hiccup I guess. It is very very much a young readers book with the narration being very direct as to a 10 year old would say. That being said, I am curious about the character of August and where this story all goes, so I guess that is all that matters. It's certainly a different read knowing I'll be back into Abbadon's Gate when that comes out.
MikeJAMoran
Member
Slowly trundling my way through American Gods.
Tragicomedy
Member
I keep feeling odd that I'm drawn to these YA books, or in this case even younger then that for this, but the reviews are saying it's great, and it sounds like something I'll like. edit: and I just see tht tragiccomedy gave it 5 stars as well, who commented on my 'Curious Incident..' choice, so maybe this is another winner
Wonder is the top book I've read this year. Wonder definitely fits into the YA genre, though, so I wouldn't go into it expecting writing on par with Mark Haddon. Having said that, it's a very emotionally moving and engaging story and I absolutely loved the different voices/perspectives.
In my mini-review, I said I expect it will become mandatory reading in middle schools in the future. As the parent of a three year old, I have the same general concerns about the heartlessness of bullies and the relentless teasing that kids who are "different" face in the school setting. I hope my kid is as considerate and caring as August and the other protagonists who stand up for him in the book.
Thanks for the follow up! I mentioned a little about about my initial impressions, but I already feel invested in August's character and to see how this develops, and that's all I really care to ask from a book, to have me care enough to see how it gets from beginning to end.
Professor Chaos
Member
Just finished:
Not as incredible as the hype would have you believe but nevertheless I would recommend it.
However, the less you know about the book beforehand the better, if that makes any sense.
It can't compete with the film. But the ending is more plausible than the Hollywood version imo.
Not as incredible as the hype would have you believe but nevertheless I would recommend it.
However, the less you know about the book beforehand the better, if that makes any sense.
It can't compete with the film. But the ending is more plausible than the Hollywood version imo.
Tragicomedy
Member
Quite a few comments a page or two back. Consensus was that it had a solid twist at the end, was entertaining enough, but the writing was fairly crappy. I haven't read anything by Brown, but people were saying this wasn't his best book.
Easystride
Member
Picked up A Farewell to Arms during the Amazon Classics sale from a few days ago. Not too far in yet, but I am enjoying it. Also, I discovered a new word that I am sure to use in the future: winefully.
nakedsushi
Member
Picked up A Farewell to Arms during the Amazon Classics sale from a few days ago. Not too far in yet, but I am enjoying it. Also, I discovered a new word that I am sure to use in the future: winefully.
^-- Me too! It's not what I expected so far, but I like it.
Tragicomedy
Member
I absolutely loved it, but I'll be the first to admit it took me over a month in a Afghanistan to finish it. Probably closer to two.
Maklershed
Member
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