SliceSabre
Banned
I think there's one more book left in the series after this one.
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What are you reading? (May 2015)
- Thread starter Maklershed
- Start date
White Noise is a great entry point for DeLillo also.
Axelstream
Member
Thanks, I'll check out South of the Border first then -- sounds like what I need right now
I'm ~reading~ the news that we're getting a Bronte sisters biopic on BBC written and directed by Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax) and I'm so stoked. This will be out next year, on Charlotte's 200th birthday.
There are too many Hollywood-worthy perfect biopic scenes from their actual lives, I don't see how SW can fuck this up. Like when Anne and Charlotte turn up unanounnced at the publisher's office to reveal that the people behind the explosive manuscripts sent in are in fact these "rather quaintly dressed little ladies". Or when Charlotte meets the great literary stars of the time only to list their literary faults to their faces.
Hope this and the other events next year will get more people reading both Charlotte's less famous novels and Anne's brutal Tenant of Wildfell Hall.
There are too many Hollywood-worthy perfect biopic scenes from their actual lives, I don't see how SW can fuck this up. Like when Anne and Charlotte turn up unanounnced at the publisher's office to reveal that the people behind the explosive manuscripts sent in are in fact these "rather quaintly dressed little ladies". Or when Charlotte meets the great literary stars of the time only to list their literary faults to their faces.
Hope this and the other events next year will get more people reading both Charlotte's less famous novels and Anne's brutal Tenant of Wildfell Hall.
Finished the main series of Alastair Reynolds "Revelation space" (four books) and it was a really nice trip. I like the technology and universe he has created. Still have to read the short stories and side novels (the white ones in the pic above) which are in the same universe but have no story connection to the main series.
Some things that bothered me in the end (don't read if you haven't finished "Absolution Gap")
Why Quaiche still wanted to build his cathedral when the disguise from Haldora was gone?. Why should people come to Hela anymore, to see a strange machine they don't understand instead of the moon with the mysterious vanishing? Would the haldora "maschine" not remember him every day that it was not really a godly happening with Haldora but something different with a more scientific explanation (which the shadows also said to him)?
Vasko... wtf, what was with that character??? It got hinted two/three times that he would play a big role, maybe as a successor to Clavain but in the end he was just annoying "hey, hey, i can still run back and save the Shadows" (while the cathedral was close to falling off the bridge). His character was written very strange and rather poor. Don't see the real meaning of him besides saying "i see it different" to Scorpio every time a big decision was to make.
Scorpio came off as very egoistic in a lot of situation but you could still understand why he decided this or that way (most of the time).
The special AI of the Inhibitors never surfaced again after it got some interesting pages in Redemption Ark. Thought it would play a larger role. Wasted potential.
Inhibitors where rather a side note in Absolution Gap (although they are the main reason for most things the crew around "The Captain" does.). The huge threat of the Inhibitors gets "resolved" rather short in a few little sentences in the epiloge of Absolution gap.
Oh, and was that my boy Hausmann/Tanner Scorpio saw coming out the shuttle which survived the Yellowstone annihilation?
Vasko... wtf, what was with that character??? It got hinted two/three times that he would play a big role, maybe as a successor to Clavain but in the end he was just annoying "hey, hey, i can still run back and save the Shadows" (while the cathedral was close to falling off the bridge). His character was written very strange and rather poor. Don't see the real meaning of him besides saying "i see it different" to Scorpio every time a big decision was to make.
Scorpio came off as very egoistic in a lot of situation but you could still understand why he decided this or that way (most of the time).
The special AI of the Inhibitors never surfaced again after it got some interesting pages in Redemption Ark. Thought it would play a larger role. Wasted potential.
Inhibitors where rather a side note in Absolution Gap (although they are the main reason for most things the crew around "The Captain" does.). The huge threat of the Inhibitors gets "resolved" rather short in a few little sentences in the epiloge of Absolution gap.
Oh, and was that my boy Hausmann/Tanner Scorpio saw coming out the shuttle which survived the Yellowstone annihilation?
Also liked that Reynolds didn't write out every situation and instead skipped them (Absolution Gap spoiler)
death of Clavain and a few other ones i forgot
Sorry for my shaky english.
I am currently reading Lords of The Sith as I'd like to review it. It's a great book so far although I did notice a bit of a pacing problem in the beginning. It later picks up and delivers constant action.
It's written very well and the fact that you learn more about Vader and his relationship with the Emperor is the icing on the cake.
I also started another series by Andy McDermott. What can I say, I am a sucker for the Dan Brown style books. I have also been looking for Atlantis books for a while now and the first one in the series is about that so, yeah...
It's written very well and the fact that you learn more about Vader and his relationship with the Emperor is the icing on the cake.
I also started another series by Andy McDermott. What can I say, I am a sucker for the Dan Brown style books. I have also been looking for Atlantis books for a while now and the first one in the series is about that so, yeah...
That's how i picture some of you. Although i think i'm a rather fast reader.
I whish i could, for one year, only read every day and catch up with some essentials, classics etc. I also wanted to reread all the X-Wing and some other EU books but this is on hold indefinitely. Sold a box full of them for 30 on ebay.
Christoff Yurievich
Member
Just about anything would be, but that's an excellent book to get the bad taste out.
Interfectum
Member
Really enjoying it so far.
NipplesAndToes23
Member
I'm reading Fledgling right now. This is definitely an interesting book. Octavia mostly brings the flair. I just hope it doesn't end up disappointing me like Parable of the Sawyer and Clay's Ark.
Really enjoying it so far.
Thats the next King I want to read after I finish Joyland.
Tragicomedy
Member
Working like a responsible, productive employee?
Hi, if you are reading this, boss.
I work in a library, so reading is okay. Plus, May is our slow period.
sparky2112
Member
I'm about 200 pages in. It's certainly holding my interest, and The Guardian's review is complete garbage. *Some* of it is mildly challenging. Quite a lot of it isn't.
AngmarsKing701
Member
Mumei, Children of God is awesome. That is all.
I know! I read The Sparrow while on vacation and started Children of God, too.
uuuuurgahsdfalkd, so jealous. Was just about to ask if anyone had read an advanced reader's copy or something.
Sometimes Amazon just gets me things a day early.
I'm making some solid progress on Malazan 8 'Toll the Hounds'. I had a really hard time getting into this one, even though I was somewhat excited at the start because of more Anomander Rake
. I pushed through the typical slow start these books have and have started to enjoy it a bit more in the middle (60% done).
So far, though, it's my least favorite of the series. I'm hoping the 2nd half can change that.
The last 3 books in this series each took 1 month for me to read. I'm currently at 3 months for this one, so I think that says a lot...
of which, nothing overly interesting happened with him yet.
So far, though, it's my least favorite of the series. I'm hoping the 2nd half can change that.
The last 3 books in this series each took 1 month for me to read. I'm currently at 3 months for this one, so I think that says a lot...
Maklershed
Member
Finished The Fifth Heart today. It was .. ok. It started strong and then kind of meandered and delved into the personal lives of the main character's friend for no particular reason and then with about 50 pages to go Simmons was like "oh yeah I have to finish this book!" The main mystery of the story was more or less an after thought. Drood was so much better by comparison.
Now on to Stoner. I zipped through about 10% in a few minutes and already love it. Can't wait to read more.
Stoner by John Williams
Now on to Stoner. I zipped through about 10% in a few minutes and already love it. Can't wait to read more.
Stoner by John Williams
Vaudeville Villain
Member
Looking around for some good sci fi books to read, landed on these 3: Hyperion, Neuromancer and stranger in a strange land. Which of these 3 would you guys recommend that I read first? Which is most enjoyable and though provoking?
Nappuccino
Member
Personally, I'd suggest Neuromancer, though I haven't read Hyperion.
Stranger in a Strange Land was not anything I would consider enjoyable.
Nappuccino
Member
It's on my list! I promise!
Vaudeville Villain
Member
Awesome! Now I'm down to selecting between 2 books.
Your excitement has made my selection process all the more difficult
Gaaaahh, screw this, I'm tossing a coin.
Maklershed
Member
Stranger in a Strange Land is probably the most 'important' but I'd go with Hyperion or Neuromancer first. I had more fun with Neuromancer but both books are great. Its a toss up really.
AngmarsKing701
Member
This.
Before reading the remaining Novels and short stories of Revelation Space Universe i decided to shove in the "DJ Molles - The Remaining" books since they seem to be quick, short and easy readings and got posted here a few times.
Reading up the opinions about "Absolution Gap", a lot of people share the same sentiment with how shoe horned the last books feels.
Reading up the opinions about "Absolution Gap", a lot of people share the same sentiment with how shoe horned the last books feels.
TestMonkey
Member
It's a detective mystery novel narrated by the detective's dog. It's even a series. How could I resist?
Well that's the Dark Tower finished, it was quite the journey.
The final book is full of heartbreak, I expected Eddie to die at some point, but not Jake, I had him down as the last man standing.
Loved Oy, cant believe I forgot about his death being shown in an earlier book so when it happened it was still a shock.
The parts in the book with Steven King were a little weird, I can see why they were written but as soon as he made his appearance in the books my immersion in the story broke. When I read, whatever I'm reading is (temporarily) real in my head for the duration of the book/story. As soon as SK made his appearance it kind of killed the magic of the book and I couldn't completely push the 'its just a story' out of my mind which hindered my enjoyment a little.
Not entirely sure how I feel about the ending, definitely gutted for Roland but it seems the next run on the tower will be the last, Also happy that Susannah got to live and didn't end up in todash.
Loved Oy, cant believe I forgot about his death being shown in an earlier book so when it happened it was still a shock.
The parts in the book with Steven King were a little weird, I can see why they were written but as soon as he made his appearance in the books my immersion in the story broke. When I read, whatever I'm reading is (temporarily) real in my head for the duration of the book/story. As soon as SK made his appearance it kind of killed the magic of the book and I couldn't completely push the 'its just a story' out of my mind which hindered my enjoyment a little.
Not entirely sure how I feel about the ending, definitely gutted for Roland but it seems the next run on the tower will be the last, Also happy that Susannah got to live and didn't end up in todash.
No clue what to start next :/
I had to tap out after three Splinter Cell extended universe novels in a row. The fourth one I was reading was literally the same story as the third, but from a different perspective, so I had to stop. Got me in the mood for Splinter Cell though, so pls show one at e3 thanks ubi.
I'm still reading The Last Wish but I think I'm gonna read this at the same time:
I'm still reading The Last Wish but I think I'm gonna read this at the same time:
I thought that was a mistake as well. If we dismiss his ego being the motivation, whatever meta element he was trying to pursue didn't work and was ultimately not worth it. You're right, call it breaking immersion(the most popular cliche) or seeming contrived or artificial, that's an important element for that type of book and I guess King didn't see that as a priority.
It also seemed as if he was involuntarily vomiting plot non stop for the latter books. I've read The Shining since and he has shown a sense of pacing and patience. With the Dark Tower, the cornucopia of shit happening all the time never stopped, even on the doorstep of the tower he was introducing new characters and perils.
It's no indictment on the series, I really like the books, they were a lot of fun. But it those faults do keep the reader at an arm's length. To me, The Dark Tower is about some really cool ideas(spaghetti western + lord of the rings + Arthurain mythology + sci fi zaniness), parts where King's storytelling really shines(the whole first book, the flashback to Roland's youth/katet story, Lud) and that intangible sense of the super cool moment he has. Anything from "You've forgotten the face of your father" to dropping Jake in the abyss, he can make a moment feel awesome without seeming over stylized or gauche. I'm not as familiar with fantasy books as a lot of people here, so I haven't heard a tankard of ale described every possible way, but that ability is essentially unparalleled in the genre. Good stuff!
It also seemed as if he was involuntarily vomiting plot non stop for the latter books. I've read The Shining since and he has shown a sense of pacing and patience. With the Dark Tower, the cornucopia of shit happening all the time never stopped, even on the doorstep of the tower he was introducing new characters and perils.
It's no indictment on the series, I really like the books, they were a lot of fun. But it those faults do keep the reader at an arm's length. To me, The Dark Tower is about some really cool ideas(spaghetti western + lord of the rings + Arthurain mythology + sci fi zaniness), parts where King's storytelling really shines(the whole first book, the flashback to Roland's youth/katet story, Lud) and that intangible sense of the super cool moment he has. Anything from "You've forgotten the face of your father" to dropping Jake in the abyss, he can make a moment feel awesome without seeming over stylized or gauche. I'm not as familiar with fantasy books as a lot of people here, so I haven't heard a tankard of ale described every possible way, but that ability is essentially unparalleled in the genre. Good stuff!
Finished The Fifth Heart today. It was .. ok. It started strong and then kind of meandered and delved into the personal lives of the main character's friend for no particular reason and then with about 50 pages to go Simmons was like "oh yeah I have to finish this book!" The main mystery of the story was more or less an after thought. Drood was so much better by comparison.
Now on to Stoner. I zipped through about 10% in a few minutes and already love it. Can't wait to read more.
Stoner by John Williams
Make sure to check out Augustus by Williams after you finish Stoner if you're at all interested in ancient Rome.
arglebargle
Member
i like what i have read of kundera a lot. unbearable lightness of being is probably my favorite, but i also really like the joke. i think he has a new book coming out in english this year.
i have only read 1q84 and colorless tsukuru. i really liked 1q84, but didn't love colorless. i enjoyed it while i was reading it, but when i was done i sorta felt like "that's it?". similar to a lot of the issues you identify. maybe ill try some of the recommendations you list here.
The Velvet Rage - Growing up Gay in a Straight mans world.
Then when my husband gets back from England on Saturday I'll be reading The Scarlet Gospels UK edition (nothing special about it, just better cover) by Clive Barker.
Then I'm going to start reading through The HP Lovecraft Complete Edition
Then when my husband gets back from England on Saturday I'll be reading The Scarlet Gospels UK edition (nothing special about it, just better cover) by Clive Barker.
Then I'm going to start reading through The HP Lovecraft Complete Edition
Maklershed
Member
I'm very interested in Ancient Rome. I will indeed check that out. Thanks for the rec.
Is this part of the Saga of the Seven Suns? It had telepaths who communicated via trees (that were an "elemental" race, there were water, fire (living in star) and air (living in gas giant) races).
Kevin J. Anderson's works are good examples for studying cliches (and bad writing) for sure. He does sometimes write good stuff, like a broken clock...
EDIT Show, don't tell. Very good advice to amateurs, i think. That one scifi book (EDIT I am 99% sure it was the writer's first published book) i keep complaining about but don't remember name... it suffered from issues like Anderson's books have, filled with exposition that is not interested nor relevant and comes from an universal narrator rather than limited third-person one the book used otherwise. Experienced writers probably can tell things well without getting bogged down. Or should be able, anyway.
Before you read it, what were you expecting?
Christoff Yurievich
Member
I started listening to Starship Troopers this morning, and I'm not sure about the narrator. Does anyone else have books narrated by Lloyd James that they can tell me about? He just doesn't seem in to the book at all, almost like it's a rote reading.