elrechazado
Banned
How can you stand to go from asofai to ...eragon???cory021 said:
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What are you reading? (September 2011)
- Thread starter Maklershed
- Start date
LocoMrPollock
Banned
Got it for a buck through Kindle Special Offers. Think I'm gonna go ahead and start it since Shadow Puppets is boring the shit out of me.
Also started Hyperion for the the first time. Hoping one of them hooks me.
nakedsushi
Member
Finished:
Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf
Long-winded and while I could see its value, especially when Woolf made these talks, it just doesn't seem applicable today. Other than its worth as a historical text, I didn't particularly enjoy it. It did made me think about how difficult it was for a woman to write a book back in the days, when they didn't really get a formal education, or even any privacy, but things are so different now, it's hard to relate. I guess I could see some parallels between women writing books back then, and women in the tech industry a few years ago.
Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf
Long-winded and while I could see its value, especially when Woolf made these talks, it just doesn't seem applicable today. Other than its worth as a historical text, I didn't particularly enjoy it. It did made me think about how difficult it was for a woman to write a book back in the days, when they didn't really get a formal education, or even any privacy, but things are so different now, it's hard to relate. I guess I could see some parallels between women writing books back then, and women in the tech industry a few years ago.
D
Deleted member 1235
Unconfirmed Member
just started reading the mistborn trilogy. Sweet jesus, this is rad.
MrOogieBoogie
BioShock Infinite is like playing some homeless guy's vivid imagination
I fucking love thrift stores.
Just bought that, basically brand new, for $1.50.
Just bought that, basically brand new, for $1.50.
nakedsushi
Member
Just got done with one of the best books I read all year:
A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
It's a collection of short stories Hemingway writes about his time in Paris and the writer-friends he meets.
My favorite story from here is the one where Scott Fitzgerald consults him about a little problem -- Zelda found a certain part of his anatomy insufficient and told him that he could "never make any woman happy." Hemingway gives this helpful answer as advice: "It is not basically a question of the size in repose. It is the size that it becomes. It is also a question of angle."
A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
It's a collection of short stories Hemingway writes about his time in Paris and the writer-friends he meets.
My favorite story from here is the one where Scott Fitzgerald consults him about a little problem -- Zelda found a certain part of his anatomy insufficient and told him that he could "never make any woman happy." Hemingway gives this helpful answer as advice: "It is not basically a question of the size in repose. It is the size that it becomes. It is also a question of angle."
I got caught up in the hype behind this one and bought it day one. It's been exactly what I expected; a solid literary baseball story about self-doubt and "fielding" the stray grounders of life. It's full of allusions to Melville, many of which I'm sure I missed having never read Moby Dick.
Littleberu
Banned
Just finished this gem :
"Pieces of eight! Pieces of eight!" so much fun. Kind of hard at first for non-native English reader like me, but really nice story telling.
Starting this one :
"Pieces of eight! Pieces of eight!" so much fun. Kind of hard at first for non-native English reader like me, but really nice story telling.
Starting this one :
Currently reading this:
Harold Lamb was probably the best writer of historical adventure fiction writing for the pulps between 1920-1940. Swords of the West is the first short story/novella collection by Lamb I've read so far and it's really good stuff. The stories mostly deal with wandering crusaders venturing beyond the the middle east into central Asia, encountering exotic cultures. Lamb is an excellent story teller who knows what he's talking about (he also wrote books about oriental history, the crusades, Genghis Khan, Tamerlane, etc.) and even his shorter stories don't skimp on plot.
Harold Lamb was probably the best writer of historical adventure fiction writing for the pulps between 1920-1940. Swords of the West is the first short story/novella collection by Lamb I've read so far and it's really good stuff. The stories mostly deal with wandering crusaders venturing beyond the the middle east into central Asia, encountering exotic cultures. Lamb is an excellent story teller who knows what he's talking about (he also wrote books about oriental history, the crusades, Genghis Khan, Tamerlane, etc.) and even his shorter stories don't skimp on plot.
Doesn't annoy me, though Yeine doesn't seem to be the most intelligent gal around, though arguably her situation is a bit confusing. Probably.nakedsushi said:
And foreshadowing? Is it subtle? Because i really don't seem to be noticing any. Maybe i don't, uh, meta-read and think what might be happening later, i just, umm, live the book as it happens. I really don't know how to write what i mean..
Here are my thoughts on The Talent Code: Greatness isnt born. Its grown. Heres how. by Daniel Coyle, aka the MYELIN book:
The short version: Id give this book an 8.5/10. I checked this out based on a recommendation from my professor, a lifelong educator whos deeply immersed in the field of leadership and organizational development. He stated, on no uncertain terms, that this was one of the best reads out there on talent development. Not just talent in one area, ALL talent.
The central premise, which is repeated for effect throughout the book, is that skill is insulation that wraps neural circuits and grows according to certain signals. That insulation is a substance we learned in high-school biology called myelin. Building myelin allows impulse circuits to fire more precisely, more quickly, and more consistently, all of which contribute to skill improvement. Practice and repetition are crucial to this increase in myelination activity. Instead of focusing on genetic and environmental factors, Coyle proposes that we think of skill development as a muscle and an exercise in building myelin. The book focuses on three crucial elements that allow people to develop their skills and become experts in a wide range of fields, from sports to music and art:
Deep Practice - Repetition is important, but Coyle explores what it means to practice effectively - through focusing both on the small details and the big picture, and by actively utilizing failure as an opportunity to improve. One of the best examples in the book is provided early on, dubbed the Girl Who Did a Months Worth of Practice in Six Minutes. Just like a baby taking its first steps and falling, skills are developed much more quickly through doing and failing, attending to mistakes, and trying again. A really good quote in the book from Samuel Beckett: Try Again. Fail Again. Fail Better.
Ignition - The fuel necessary for the repetition required for skill development. Coyle scours the world for examples of talent hotbeds and teases out some primal cues that stirs the fires necessary for the commitment necessary towards being world experts. One interesting finding is that effort-based language (eg. you are working hard) is more effective for igniting than intelligence based language (eg. you are really smart) because it speaks to the very core of the learning experience (by building myelin and improving circuits).
Master Coaching - The guidance necessary to cultivate world class talent. Coyle interviews various sports and talent coaches and learns that good coaches generally have a toolset of depth of knowledge, perceptiveness of personalities, directly instructive communication skills, and an innate sense of empathy for their students. Not surprisingly, these qualities of master coaching are also a result of years of practice and myelin building.
Overall, the book was a great, quick read. Coyle litters the book with interesting anecdotes while keeping the pacing lean and the content organized. Thats tough to do. I learned a few things that could be beneficial to my own personal development, which is always nice. Some of his findings and statements sound a little too definitive, but it does make for a persuasive piece of writing. If youre looking for a detailed exploration of the connections between myelination and skill development, this is not the book for you. Otherwise, I highly recommend it.
Publishers Weekly description said:
The short version: Id give this book an 8.5/10. I checked this out based on a recommendation from my professor, a lifelong educator whos deeply immersed in the field of leadership and organizational development. He stated, on no uncertain terms, that this was one of the best reads out there on talent development. Not just talent in one area, ALL talent.
The central premise, which is repeated for effect throughout the book, is that skill is insulation that wraps neural circuits and grows according to certain signals. That insulation is a substance we learned in high-school biology called myelin. Building myelin allows impulse circuits to fire more precisely, more quickly, and more consistently, all of which contribute to skill improvement. Practice and repetition are crucial to this increase in myelination activity. Instead of focusing on genetic and environmental factors, Coyle proposes that we think of skill development as a muscle and an exercise in building myelin. The book focuses on three crucial elements that allow people to develop their skills and become experts in a wide range of fields, from sports to music and art:
Deep Practice - Repetition is important, but Coyle explores what it means to practice effectively - through focusing both on the small details and the big picture, and by actively utilizing failure as an opportunity to improve. One of the best examples in the book is provided early on, dubbed the Girl Who Did a Months Worth of Practice in Six Minutes. Just like a baby taking its first steps and falling, skills are developed much more quickly through doing and failing, attending to mistakes, and trying again. A really good quote in the book from Samuel Beckett: Try Again. Fail Again. Fail Better.
Ignition - The fuel necessary for the repetition required for skill development. Coyle scours the world for examples of talent hotbeds and teases out some primal cues that stirs the fires necessary for the commitment necessary towards being world experts. One interesting finding is that effort-based language (eg. you are working hard) is more effective for igniting than intelligence based language (eg. you are really smart) because it speaks to the very core of the learning experience (by building myelin and improving circuits).
Master Coaching - The guidance necessary to cultivate world class talent. Coyle interviews various sports and talent coaches and learns that good coaches generally have a toolset of depth of knowledge, perceptiveness of personalities, directly instructive communication skills, and an innate sense of empathy for their students. Not surprisingly, these qualities of master coaching are also a result of years of practice and myelin building.
Overall, the book was a great, quick read. Coyle litters the book with interesting anecdotes while keeping the pacing lean and the content organized. Thats tough to do. I learned a few things that could be beneficial to my own personal development, which is always nice. Some of his findings and statements sound a little too definitive, but it does make for a persuasive piece of writing. If youre looking for a detailed exploration of the connections between myelination and skill development, this is not the book for you. Otherwise, I highly recommend it.
finowns
Member
Vampires done right. Centuries old East European noble wakes up in 1970's Memphis he was staked in 1910 in England. He wakes and finds a lot has changed.
The writing is really good and the author seems to get the setting right. All the problems you imagine in the 70's in the south are there.
MrOogieBoogie
BioShock Infinite is like playing some homeless guy's vivid imagination
Just finished Cat's Cradle, by Vonnegut.
Am I crazy for not thinking it anything special? Don't get me wrong, it was an enjoyable read, and quite funny throughout, but the insane scenarios and ridiculous plot kind of threw me off.
Thinking about moving onto Where the Red Fern Grows next.
Am I crazy for not thinking it anything special? Don't get me wrong, it was an enjoyable read, and quite funny throughout, but the insane scenarios and ridiculous plot kind of threw me off.
Thinking about moving onto Where the Red Fern Grows next.
Vanillalite
Ask me about the GAF Notebook
Found this!
Figured I can read this while I wait for Goliath to hit next week since it's a collection of short stories!
Figured I can read this while I wait for Goliath to hit next week since it's a collection of short stories!
Finished The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms.
I don't think i'll be getting the sequels. I wouldn't recommend it but people have different tastes.
Next up... sigh. Should i re-read The Way of Kings or finally finish (and start properly) Conan the Barbarian stories? Conan collection's been sitting on my shelf since March or April. I'm interested but the book is damn big, hard to read it in bed.
I don't think i'll be getting the sequels. I wouldn't recommend it but people have different tastes.
Next up... sigh. Should i re-read The Way of Kings or finally finish (and start properly) Conan the Barbarian stories? Conan collection's been sitting on my shelf since March or April. I'm interested but the book is damn big, hard to read it in bed.
LocoMrPollock
Banned
Hmm.. might check out that Bordertown book sometime.
Also, I cried like a baby when I read Where The Red Fern Grows, Oogie. I was in elementary, though, so at least I had an excuse.
Anyway, started up yet another book and this time it hooked me straightaway-
So awesome. Might be my favorite fantasy next to SOIAF. And heads up, it's only $3 on Kindle right now.
Also, I cried like a baby when I read Where The Red Fern Grows, Oogie. I was in elementary, though, so at least I had an excuse.
Anyway, started up yet another book and this time it hooked me straightaway-
So awesome. Might be my favorite fantasy next to SOIAF. And heads up, it's only $3 on Kindle right now.
I've read all three and it held my interest the whole time. Hunger Games is the most derivative of the 3 (Not really a bad thing, just familiar considering all the books and films it is like).KidDork said:
The last 3rd of Mockingjay easily lives up to Hunger Games.
I liked all of Catching Fire too. The whole series really changes tunes in the middle and ramps up as it spends time explaining the situation at hand and then the remaining time demolishing those explanations and expectations.
I loved this series way more than I expected.
Granger Danger
Member
The first half of Catching Fire is a slog to get through, but the second half is astonishing. Shit just hits the fan on Every. Single. Page. I don't think I ever gasped so often while reading one single book, not even A Storm of Swords.JGS said:
KoreanBarbecue
Member
Just finishing up a Preparing for Fatherhood book I picked up from Amazon. After that, a few more books along the same topic. 
LocoMrPollock
Banned
Woorloog said:
First timer. Definitely will check out some of his other stuff.
pr0cs said:
Bloodbeard
Member
I'm reading Plato's Republic for a class. It's my third time reading it and unlike the first two times, I'm having a strong negative reaction to it this time around. The platonic universe is just too simple and hierarchical and maybe I'm not as naive as I was when I first read and was moved by it.
DesertEater
Member
Right now, I'm reading Murakami's Pinball, 1973. Planning on reading as much books by him as I can before his new novel comes out.
After Pinball, I'm thinking of reading either 2001: A Space Odyssey or the Sun Also Rises by Hemingway.
After Pinball, I'm thinking of reading either 2001: A Space Odyssey or the Sun Also Rises by Hemingway.
The combination of buying an Android tablet, Borders going out of business, and unemployment have left me with plenty of time to read.
About 21% through this. First fiction book I've read that really confuses me at times. There have been parts that I've really liked, and others that were like jogging in quicksand.
Funny self-help style book. If you like Eugene's standup, then you'll like this.
Honest, but interesting account of how to make it as a big studio screenwriter.
About 21% through this. First fiction book I've read that really confuses me at times. There have been parts that I've really liked, and others that were like jogging in quicksand.
Funny self-help style book. If you like Eugene's standup, then you'll like this.
Honest, but interesting account of how to make it as a big studio screenwriter.
TheKaeptain
Banned
Any of you guys ever read Forbidden Snow by Yukio Mishima? I'm going to read it this week.
MegaKungFuRadio
Member
Maklershed said:
Read the book in high school either before vampires were emo or I was too emo to notice or care. Didn't bother watching the movie, but I hear
they completely change the ending and what amounts to the theme of the entire book to a disgusting Hollywood ending. I wasn't going to watch the film anyway, but that just made me resent it and the industry.
Started a Feast for Crows myself. Resented the fact that Storm of Swords ended with cliffhangers on just about every POV character as well as the epilogue, and Martin begins this book with a prologue and two jobber POV characters I really couldn't give two shits about collectively. Could only bring myself to read one of those chapters at a time, but has been a quick read since. Looking forward to being caught up, though. The only books I've read in the past two months have been Game of Thrones, Clash of Kings, Storm of Swords, and Chris Jericho's second book. I'm almost overwhelmed by the options I'll have once I finish Dance.
MrOogieBoogie
BioShock Infinite is like playing some homeless guy's vivid imagination
Just started this one.
Maklershed
Member
That cover brings back fond memories of Scholastic book fairs and order forms. I want a Garfield bookmark now.
Someone in the August thread recommended Appetite for Self-Destruction, which I just finished. A great read and really shows how poorly run the music industry is. It was published in 2008 and it's amazing how much things have changed even in the last 3 years.
In any case I'll give this thread a read and pick out my next book.
In any case I'll give this thread a read and pick out my next book.