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What are you reading? (November 2014)
- Thread starter Maklershed
- Start date
- Status
Christoff Yurievich
Member
He's also reading books like Harry Potter and Eragon in Spanish (he's in a immersion program) so it may be a combination of things.
Finished reading few stuff. Read the new Murakami since I saw it was a short read and I sure as hell wasn't ever gonna finish going through 1Q84 and I started that 2 years ago. This story was alright, I never could particularly relate to Tazaki's loneliness and how his friends absence hurt him, just felt too artificial and not really special. Still, at least this was a bit concise and didn't drag on even though it left few questions unanswerd.
I picked up The Tokyo Zodiac Murders after I saw the author being mentioned in the manga thread. It has sort of an interesting setup, few drawings explaining the murder and what surprised me the most is two instances of the author interrupting the narrative and challenging the reader if they figured out the case. The actual murder resolution wasn't that impressive.
Augustus was pretty fantastic. It's divided into 3 parts, the first one being letters and parts of memoirs talking about Octavius rise to power after Caesar's death and eventually ending with his victory of Antony. I really enjoyed this part a lot especially cause I took a roman civilization course once in university so it was fun seeing the events unfold and how they compared to how I learned them. Second part mostly revolved around Augustus' family trouble, generally involving his daughter Julia. I'd imagine this is where John Williams took a lot of liberty with historical accuracy, but it helped providing more depth to the characters and seeing Rome from a different side. Then there is the last part where Augustus finally takes over the story and talks about his past and accomplishments. Really loved reading this, hopefully should find time soon to read William's other novel Stoner.
Christoff Yurievich
Member
Like what about that one male friend he had that weird dream about.
Finished reading few stuff. Read the new Murakami since I saw it was a short read and I sure as hell wasn't ever gonna finish going through 1Q84 and I started that 2 years ago. This story was alright, I never could particularly relate to Tazaki's loneliness and how his friends absence hurt him, just felt too artificial and not really special. Still, at least this was a bit concise and didn't drag on even though it left few questions unopened.
I picked up The Tokyo Zodiac Murders after I saw the author being mentioned in the manga thread. It has sort of an interesting setup, few drawings explaining the murder and what surprised me the most is two instances of the author interrupting the narrative and challenging the reader if they figured out the case. The actual murder resolution wasn't that impressive.
Augustus was pretty fantastic. It's divided into 3 parts, the first one being letters and parts of memoirs talking about Octavius raise to power after Caesar's death and eventually ending with his victory of Antony. I really enjoyed this part a lot especially cause I took a roman civilization course once in university so it was fun seeing the events unfold and how they compared to how I learned them. Second part mostly revolved around Augustus' family trouble, generally involving his daughter Julia. I'd imagine this is where John Williams took a lot of liberty with historical accuracy, but it helped providing more depth to the characters and seeing Rome from a different side. Then there is the last part where Augustus finally takes over the story and talks about his past and accomplishments. Really loved reading this, hopefully should find time soon to read William's other novel Stoner.
Good to know about Augustus. That has been on my reading list since I read Stoner, which was absolutely fantastic.
About to finish this:
This looks cool I'll check it out soon.
As for what I'm reading :
Enjoying the imagery so far. Like a horror story meets Blood Meridian but it's fucking real.
Maklershed
Member
Finished The Savage Boy (temporarily scratched my Fallout fiction itch!) and started Sharp Objects
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Stronginthearm
Member
I'm currently reading Good Omens for the first time, even though I've owned it for ages. I love reading books by both Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.
Also rereading Rider at the Gate by C.J. Cherryh.
Also rereading Rider at the Gate by C.J. Cherryh.
H.Protagonist
[-_-]/
Good Omens is an absolute delight, and you are the only person I've ever known to have read/be reading Rider at the Gate. Something about that book really tickled my imagination. That world and the creatures in the wild... Such subtle horror. Loved it.
AngmarsKing701
Member
I've read a few things by Cherryh, but it's been a long time. I remember her writing being frantic, almost too wordy. It felt both as if it set the stage for a thrilling adventure and simultaneously dronef on and on in meaningless detail. I don't know if I read Rider at the Gate though. Can't remember which books left me with this impression.Good Omens is an absolute delight, and you are the only person I've ever known to have read/be reading Rider at the Gate. Something about that book really tickled my imagination. That world and the creatures in the wild... Such subtle horror. Loved it.
H.Protagonist
[-_-]/
Mmmm... I can't say Rider at the Gate gave me that impression. Maybe you're thinking of some of her other sci-fi stuff? I suppose the switches between the riders and the nighthorses might come off a bit jerky, but I'm pretty sure that's intentional since the communication itself is kind of abrupt. I didn't find her too caught up in describing things, either, but I did read this one maybe... 15? years ago.
Finished this last night, While I still prefer the Farseer triliogy so far I am enjoying how this story is unfolding. The way the second book left things I cant wait to get started on Ship of Destiny, I think one of the characters I am most interested in seeing what happens next with them is Malta
up until the later part of the 2nd book I have never wanted a child in a story killed off more than her, but the way her character is developing changed that view quite quickly
L4DANathan
Member
For the second time. Please write faster Butcher, and don't
end the next book like Cold Days. Because that was the most depressing thing ever.
AngmarsKing701
Member
Just took a look at her novels. I know I read Fortress in the Eye of Time and pretty sure I read a couple of the Foreigner books. I know I had Cyteen but now I can't honestly remember if I read it.
Like you, it's been a really long time since I read anything of hers, but that's partly because there was something about her style that just didn't work for me.
Of course I'm older and writing myself and my tastes have changed, etc. Looks like Rider doesn't have a Kindle version, so I'll see if I can grab a copy at a used book store.
I've actually wondered this as well. Love the movie, so the book has always been on my list of stuff to read someday, wonder how different they are.
Finished up "The Fallow Season of Hugo Hunter" last night. I think I'm just slightly disappointed that it never felt as good as the Edward books from the same author, so that was constantly hanging over my while reading, but it was a page turner, and did reach that point where I had to keep going to see where it all went.
I might read 'The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep And Never Had To" next.
AngmarsKing701
Member
RE: Contact. I liked the movie but I thought the book was better.
Well that's good to know, are they vastly different at all? I guess I just hold off on reading the book as a case of knowing what happens takes a bit of the thrill away.User 479360
Banned
For those who've read Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King. Does it pick up? I'm at about page 186, and I'm kinda bored. I keep renewing it from the library, but have little desire to read it. I would like to finish what I started, though.
AngmarsKing701
Member
Hmm... now you're asking for details. I want to say it wasn't vastly different. Sagan has an immense propensity for the scale of the universe that comes across in the book very well.
Someone with more recent knowledge or a better memory of the details might be able to correct me on the "vast difference" question.
Christoff Yurievich
Member
Finally finished Southern Reach. Well, let me reword that: The book ended; I'm nowhere near finished with it. You could tell me that Stephen King helped ghost write the ending and I'd believe you. Hell, you could not tell me that and I'm still pretty sure he had some input.
I know the brunt of you have already finished it so can we discuss it again? Especially now that you've had time to chew it over.
EDIT: I've been reading reviews all over the place and I think this describes my feelings pretty well.
I know the brunt of you have already finished it so can we discuss it again? Especially now that you've had time to chew it over.
Sure we found out a lot about the overall picture but I felt it could have used another chapter on each character. What happens to Control? is he turned into a rabbit? Do Grace and Ghost Bird make it over the border? Or even a border? Is the world destroyed?
I took away that the tower/anamoly is 'alive' because it's the lightkeeper's body.
I took away that the tower/anamoly is 'alive' because it's the lightkeeper's body.
EDIT: I've been reading reviews all over the place and I think this describes my feelings pretty well.
I sitll really enjoyed the hourney, I just wish there was a little more journey. I don't even need a tight little bow to wrap it up. It just feels like the story has a little more to be told.
PassiveObserver
Member
After finishing Ben Lerner's Leaving the Atocha Station in early October, having trouble finding a book to read and actually finish. I am partially through The Brothers K, Readme, Burning Chrome, but I'm thinking of picking up a shorter book like Hesse's Demian so I can actually finish reading a book this month.
I prefer the film (I think the film is excellent). I did see it before reading the book, so possibly that had an effect, I don't know. The film is more streamlined and has a nice balance, and the ending fit perfectly. The book, on the other hand, was good, but I really disliked the ending.
Finished this last night, While I still prefer the Farseer triliogy so far I am enjoying how this story is unfolding. The way the second book left things I cant wait to get started on Ship of Destiny, I think one of the characters I am most interested in seeing what happens next with them is Malta. Really looking forward to the eventual coming together of all the main characters.up until the later part of the 2nd book I have never wanted a child in a story killed off more than her, but the way her character is developing changed that view quite quickly
Ah, that cover
it's the one I have. Gosh I couldn't stand Malta! I don't recall liking the last book quite as much as the other two, but still a great series.Finished This Republic of Suffering. It was decent. I think it was a bad choice to listen to as an audiobook because it was rather abstract. I am currently reading to this right now
This is really really good so far. What I find interesting is that the author, at least so far, makes Seward out to be a vain, narrow-minded idiot, and it is pretty convincing. I've always heard that Seward was among our best Secretary of States, along next to John Quincy Adams and the like, because he kept us out of any foreign intanglements during the Civil War. The problem is, is that the author makes a convincing case that he was basically the main reason why there was even a chance of hostilities between England and America. Ill have to read some more on Seward to see the other side.
This is really really good so far. What I find interesting is that the author, at least so far, makes Seward out to be a vain, narrow-minded idiot, and it is pretty convincing. I've always heard that Seward was among our best Secretary of States, along next to John Quincy Adams and the like, because he kept us out of any foreign intanglements during the Civil War. The problem is, is that the author makes a convincing case that he was basically the main reason why there was even a chance of hostilities between England and America. Ill have to read some more on Seward to see the other side.
UltraGunner
Banned
I'm reading Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk for one of my essays. I kind of feel like all the twists and turns are less effective since I already say the movie before reading, but still a great book.
Is it even a spoiler to say that Tyler Durden is the Narrator? I feel it's like spoiling Darth Vader being Luke's father at this point.
whatevermort
Member
I finished and loved Garth Nix's Clariel, the ending felt a bit rushed though. The main character is tough to like but I appreciated her difference from the usual stereotype in that she tries to avoid all the politics and plotting governing her life but found it annoying that almost all of her thoughts ended with "And then I'll go back to the forest and live there." Definitely a very single minded character.
It was interesting to see the Old Kingdom at what assumably is the end of its Golden Age pre-Kerrigor, it's a very different version of the world from the first books.
Started reading A Slow Regard Of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss
and also The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland And Led The Revels There by Cathrynne M. Valente. I'm liking this one a lot so far, it feels like a smart follow up to the first Fairyland book and Valente's writing style is brilliant.
It was interesting to see the Old Kingdom at what assumably is the end of its Golden Age pre-Kerrigor, it's a very different version of the world from the first books.
Started reading A Slow Regard Of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss
and also The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland And Led The Revels There by Cathrynne M. Valente. I'm liking this one a lot so far, it feels like a smart follow up to the first Fairyland book and Valente's writing style is brilliant.
Heh, not looking for details I suppose, just wondered if it was that different. I still think I'll read it someday, but who knows.
I've moved on this this after someone mentioned it here not long ago, apologies for forgetting who you are!
Now reading...
The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep and Never Had To by D.C. Pierson
The title hooked me when mentioned and thought to check it out. Good so far, certainly feels like it will be a page turner just to see what the heck is going on.
TheChewyWaffles
Member
Reading Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer based on the October thread. Nearly done with it, but not sure what to think yet. I hope the book (series?) has a decent payoff.
I'm also always reading a book about Agile because I'm currently an agile coach at my company.
I'm also always reading a book about Agile because I'm currently an agile coach at my company.
TheChewyWaffles
Member
I'm no King buff, but I've read
The Stand
The Shining
The Dead Zone
All 3 were good, but I'd say The Stand is a must-read of King's.
after many false starts, I'm getting through Illuminatus Trilogy a second time and understanding it a lot better than when I was 20 and in the dark on about 90% of the references. Still mind blowing that some conspiracy theorists take the book seriously though, even though it's pretty blatantly parodying them.
Awesome book, though probably the most chronologically jumbled book ever...I don't think the reader is supposed to keep perfect track of the timeline though.
Awesome book, though probably the most chronologically jumbled book ever...I don't think the reader is supposed to keep perfect track of the timeline though.
Maklershed
Member
Under the Dome is my favorite followed closely by 11/22/63. Of all his works I'd consider those must reads. The Stand and It were very good as well and I suggest you check them out. Everything else I've read by him has been good but I wouldn't necessarily label as "must read" (The Shining, The Mist, Duma Key, Mr Mercedes, Joyland, Dr. Sleep, Dark Tower 1 and 2).
You should give David Stacton a shot. People of The Book. On a Balcony. Segaki. Remember Me. A Dancer in Darkness.
I just finished Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. Very fascinating book, I'm not quite sure what to make of the ending as I literally just finished it but I would guess its something along the lines of "What makes us human", right?
Any suggestions for someone who is a fan of this literature? Also have read 1984, Brave New World, I Am Legend, and I'm in the middle of The Dog Stars. I really enjoy dystopian/alternative future books.
Any suggestions for someone who is a fan of this literature? Also have read 1984, Brave New World, I Am Legend, and I'm in the middle of The Dog Stars. I really enjoy dystopian/alternative future books.
whatevermort
Member
In roughly chronological order:
Salem's Lot
The Long Walk (published under the Richard Bachman pseudonym)
The Shining
The Stand
It
Pet Sematary
The Dark Half (seriously underrated)
And then? If you love all those, you can try The Gunslinger (the first dark tower book) and explore other bits. But those are all solid brilliance.
elrechazado
Banned
IT and the stand.
Freeza Under The Shower
Member
I've been reading Tanith Lee's Night's Master but not really enjoying it. Weird too, because it's kind of what I enjoy writing. (Folktales and such.)
I just haven't found a book I've enjoyed since I put Consider Phlebas on hold for being so generic.
Le Guin is my queen.
I just haven't found a book I've enjoyed since I put Consider Phlebas on hold for being so generic.
Do it. You won't regret it.
Le Guin is my queen.
hardcastlemccormick
Banned
Currently switching between a few books:
-A Wizard of Earthsea, which I must echo the negative commands about the writing style above. We'll see. I hope to finish at least books 1 and 2 and see how I feel about it then.
-The Perhipheral, where Gibson is still pushing his books to near breaking point with ideas and jargon (which I consider a selling point)
-Stoner, which I've been looking forward to for a while now.
-A Wizard of Earthsea, which I must echo the negative commands about the writing style above. We'll see. I hope to finish at least books 1 and 2 and see how I feel about it then.
-The Perhipheral, where Gibson is still pushing his books to near breaking point with ideas and jargon (which I consider a selling point)
-Stoner, which I've been looking forward to for a while now.
I'm amazed of how many famous people he was friends with.
Zweig was one of the most widely read authors of his era.
I appreciate all the recommendations. Going to start with The Stand and follow it up with IT. Afterwards, I'll go from there with my King's books. I still need to read that Rolling Stones interview.
I'll give her a shot again when I leave the country in a few months.
I'm literally crying.
Are we killing you and Mumei with our comments?
Not only are you stabbing me in the heart, but you're twisting the knife as well.
Every word of disdain is endless agony.
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