What are you currently reading?

[OchrisO]

Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie.

Great book.

[Dan]

I've started NOS4A2. I really want to finish it this weekend.

[Ruthful]

Finishing up A Game of Thrones.

Also reading The Hedge Knight, A Tale of the Seven Kingdoms.

http://nausetee.net/other/downthemall/books/books/FEB64B20A7E11915.pdf

[Ben Staad]

I started Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. Truth be told I am having a hard time with this book. Only 100 pages in and I'm started to skim.

[TwistedNadine]

The Twelve Justin Cronin.
So far Im enjoying it as much as The Passage

I don't think you will be disappointed.

I wasn't! Looking forward to meeting him and getting a signed copy.
In the mood for some shorts so now reading Dark Descent which I think Ive read before but still enjoying

[WeDealInLead]

I started Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. Truth be told I am having a hard time with this book. Only 100 pages in and I'm started to skim.

Focus, focus, focus. Don't give up. Read only small sections. That's still the most ruthless, bleakest book I've ever read.

I'm reading Dennis Lehane's Live By Night. Finished The Prophet by Michael Koryta last night. Check that one out if you're a fan of football and crime/thriller stories. I'm not a fan of football at all but this book made me understand people who play it more.

I'm about to start The Heretic Land by Tim Lebbon.

[kingme]

I am currently reading:

Stephen King's: Desperation
and Dean Koontz's 77 Shadow Street

[Ben Staad]

I started Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. Truth be told I am having a hard time with this book. Only 100 pages in and I'm started to skim.

Focus, focus, focus. Don't give up. Read only small sections. That's still the most ruthless, bleakest book I've ever read.


It's a great book but damn hard to read. It's funny because I am usually a very fast reader but this one has put me in crawl mode. I read for about an hour last night and I only read about 40 pages which is at least 1/3 (or so) of what I would normally read.

[WeDealInLead]

I can relate to that. Some books demand full immersion. I can read certain authors at work, or when my daughter is playing/watching TV etc but some require full concentarion because either the language or visuals are so rich. I'm still reading a Tim Powers book and I'm only 201 pages in a month and a half later.

[Jean]

starting The Thief of Always right now

[CRinVA]

Currently listening to The Passage by Justin Cronin. It's a 29 CD audio book - I am on CD #22; I also have a reserve spot for The Twelve by Cronin, and should get it within a month of publication as I got in early on teh reservation at the library!

[mae]

I really wanna get these, but $140?

http://www.foliosociety.com/images/books/lrg/FDT.jpg

http://www.foliosociety.com/book/FDT/foundation-trilogy

Introduction by Nobel Prize-winner Paul Krugman.

Illustrations by Alex Wells

3 volumes.

Each book is three-quarter bound in buckram, with a paper side on the front board, printed with a design by Alex Wells.

Printed with a design by Alex Wells.

792 pages.

Frontispiece and 6 colour illustrations per volume.

Book size: 9" x 5¾".

http://www.foliosociety.com/images/books/illustrations/lrg/FDT_13473616042.jpghttp://www.foliosociety.com/images/books/illustrations/lrg/FDT_13473616041.jpghttp://www.foliosociety.com/images/books/illustrations/lrg/FDT_13473616040.jpg

[Bev Vincent]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511nJtsBY3L.jpg

[Ricky]

Finished The Prophet by Michael Koryta last night. Check that one out if you're a fan of football and crime/thriller stories. I'm not a fan of football at all but this book made me understand people who play it more.

I'm not a fan of football either, and loved The Prophet. One of my favorite writers.

[Ruthful]

http://foreignpolicyblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/51jgc2ex5vl_sl500_.jpg

[fernandito]

I really wanna get these, but $140?

http://www.foliosociety.com/images/books/lrg/FDT.jpg

http://www.foliosociety.com/book/FDT/foundation-trilogy

Introduction by Nobel Prize-winner Paul Krugman.

Illustrations by Alex Wells

3 volumes.

Each book is three-quarter bound in buckram, with a paper side on the front board, printed with a design by Alex Wells.

Printed with a design by Alex Wells.

792 pages.

Frontispiece and 6 colour illustrations per volume.

Book size: 9" x 5¾".

http://www.foliosociety.com/images/books/illustrations/lrg/FDT_13473616042.jpghttp://www.foliosociety.com/images/books/illustrations/lrg/FDT_13473616041.jpghttp://www.foliosociety.com/images/books/illustrations/lrg/FDT_13473616040.jpg

As a lover and strong advocate of science fiction, I'm embarassed to admit that I've never read the Foundation trilogy. :blush: This collection looks amazing though.

I really need to get on that.

[thegunslinger41]

THE TWELVE by Justin Cronin. Going to his signing this Tuesday! Thinking of inscriptions. He normally sign in thick black sharpie so i'm worried about having him do much writing. Might look too messy. Any suggestions?

[Ricky]

I got a great inscription in my copy and it looks fine. ;)

[Ruthful]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7dYkk5oA_Vs/T9YyjlKoCpI/AAAAAAAAAjA/VPYG_-InfEU/s1600/A_Clash_of_Kings.jpg

[Merlin1958]

I really wanna get these, but $140?

http://www.foliosociety.com/images/books/lrg/FDT.jpg

http://www.foliosociety.com/book/FDT/foundation-trilogy

Introduction by Nobel Prize-winner Paul Krugman.

Illustrations by Alex Wells

3 volumes.

Each book is three-quarter bound in buckram, with a paper side on the front board, printed with a design by Alex Wells.

Printed with a design by Alex Wells.

792 pages.

Frontispiece and 6 colour illustrations per volume.

Book size: 9" x 5¾".

http://www.foliosociety.com/images/books/illustrations/lrg/FDT_13473616042.jpghttp://www.foliosociety.com/images/books/illustrations/lrg/FDT_13473616041.jpghttp://www.foliosociety.com/images/books/illustrations/lrg/FDT_13473616040.jpg

As a lover and strong advocate of science fiction, I'm embarassed to admit that I've never read the Foundation trilogy. :blush: This collection looks amazing though.

I really need to get on that.

If you like "Sci-Fi" this trilogy is a MUST read for both of you!!!! One of the best SF series of novels ever written!!!! Trust me!!!

[alkanto]

http://www.deseretnews.com/images/article/contentimagetall/1001231/1001231.jpg

Started it on Monday and am already about 200 pages in. That's really fast, considering I'm at school and have 2 tests today :lol: And it's really making me excited for the John Dies at the End movie that is coming out at the end of this year :D

[Ruthful]

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/97/80/31/25/79/9780312579975_500X500.jpg

http://i43.tower.com/images/mm117385097/keynes-hayek-clash-that-defined-modern-economics-nicholas-wapshott-hardcover-cover-art.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nTvNCJzCBtc/S7ELwinPQiI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/g57XlBSXUa4/s1600/Blind+Side.jpg

[Empath of the White]

A Game of Thrones. I think the 3rd time's the charm!

[WeDealInLead]

Tim Lebbon - The Heretic Land . Dark fantasy I supposed but extemely well done.
Tim Powers - Hide Me Among the Graves. Last 80 pages. Victorian vampire book. Each sentence is very dense and paints a vivid picture. It puts you right there. Not a single word wasted.
Jay Bonansinga - Oblivion. Haunted White House. Somewhat similar to The Strain and The Passage in writting style.

[Ruthful]

http://jameslogancourier.org/media/1/20060919-7991299.jpg

[jhanic]

Just finishing a reread of King's Desperation. I lent my daughter Rowling's The Casual Vacancy and she loved it, so I think I'm going to try a reread of that next.

John

[Jean]

I absolutely adored The Casual Vacancy.

[mae]

I absolutely adored The Casual Vacancy.

Wonder why it was met so lukewarmly.

[fernandito]

I think I'll probably get around to reading that .. eventually.

[WeDealInLead]

I absolutely adored The Casual Vacancy.

Wonder why it was met so lukewarmly.

Because a lot of people didn't like it. It's unfair to say people read the book through HP goggles (or whatever). Maybe the book just isn't a captivating read or is a specific style that not many people like.

[John Blaze]

I absolutely adored The Casual Vacancy.

Wonder why it was met so lukewarmly.

It's unfair to say people read the book through HP goggles (or whatever). Maybe the book just isn't a captivating read or is a specific style that not many people like.
I don't see why it's unfair to say it. Although I agree that maybe it just isn't a captivating read, I think the majority of her fans, the younger ones, *did* read it through hp goggles. They wanted to read grown up HP and Ginny in an alternate universe, and got a pseudo-Pride and Prejudice instead.

This is all based on reviews i've read by friends on FB, I myself haven't gotten around to reading it, although I will.

[Bethany]

Hi, I'm Bethany, and I'm working my way through a box of wimmen's books that a friend gave me. No clue what I'm reading but I'm knocking out a book a night.

Isn't admitting you have a problem the first step?

[mae]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SO95tSgGL.jpg

[Jean]

I don't know how TCV isn't "captivating". It kept me totally riveted for the two or three days it took me to read it. I will post a review in Rowling thread soon.

[CRinVA]

Just finished listening to Mockingjay (final part to The Hunger Games Trilogy) - did not care for the ending at all!

Now listening to Paul of Dune; and waiting to get audio from the Library of The Twelve.

On my nightstand and reading The Wit and Wisdon of Stephen King; and have Robin Furth's updated DT Concordance sitting there waiting!

[WeDealInLead]

I don't know how TCV isn't "captivating". It kept me totally riveted for the two or three days it took me to read it. I will post a review in Rowling thread soon.

"Captivating" is highly subjective. The book doesn't need non-stop action to be interesting. I love Misery and FAB8 I liked too and as far as "action" goes, those two are pretty slow. It's not that Rowling wrote unlikeable characters either. I like unlikeable characters (UTD, BoB, The Shining) but the difference between Rowling and King is that King makes me feel something for his unlikeable characters. I would drive home from work thinking of ways I want to see a certain someone from UTD die. He's capable of making me feel disgust, anger etc for his baddies/unlikeable characters. That's good writting, when you care about what happens to fictional characters. CV left me feeling absolutely nothing. Characters fell flat and I couldn't give two shits who won the seat, what happened to the doctor, the junkie mother etc. The ending was also VERY predictable. Of course that the only person I felt had a shred of decency and selflessness in her would end up that way.

Let's talk about HP goggles, shall we? If we're to believe that she's getting bad reviews because it's mostly her HP fans feeling disappointed, let us for the moment accept that, OK? Shouldn't they feel disappointed? I mean, really? She DID write six kids' books, didn't she? Maybe they just didn't get the memo, right? And how is a HP fan's disappointment in CV not a valid opinion/review? They paid their money, they're entitled to their opinion. Now, let's go to a completely different extreme: people who haven't read the HP books. I (and MANY other people) fall into that category, just check the reviews. I bought the book specifically because it was J.K. Rowling and I thought this was a (sort of) monumental moment in publishing history. So you could say, I'm the polar opposite of an HP fan and I still didn't like the book. Again, there are many others like me (hard to believe, I know) but the reviews are out there. It's not that I didn't like the book, it's not that I had any sort of reference to any previous works, it just didn't interest me.

Look at the reviews at Amazon. She hasn't moved from 2.9/5 in a month. That's still pretty high. The first page of reviews is pretty polarizing: you have someone give her five stars based on the blurb alone, you have two stars because it's not HP. Close to 1500 reviews give her a nearly 3 star average. I belive that's an accurate rating. The writting is solid but I didn't care what happened at all. It didn't work to her favour that she went from HP to child abuse, child neglect, teen pregnancy, rape, pedophilia, drugs, suicide, cunt this and cunt that. It felt phony.

[Jean]

as I am extremely interested in the present discussion, I have copied the relevant posts to TCV thread (http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?14885-JK-Rowling-s-new-adult-novel-quot-The-Casual-Vacancy-quot). Please my dear friends let's go on discussing it there.

[Iwritecode]

I just finished Ready Player One. As a child of the 80's and a bit of a geek, this book was right in my wheelhouse.

[fernandito]

I just finished Ready Player One. As a child of the 80's and a bit of a geek, this book was right in my wheelhouse.That was a great book. The references became a bit overbearing at times, but it was an entertaining novel.

My co worker let me borrow The Casual Vacancy so I'll be looking to start that in the next few days.

[Ruthful]

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2012/0921/ncf_believe_legrand_400.jpg

[fernandito]

Started reading The Casual Vacancy. About 20 pages in.

[mae]

Started reading The Casual Vacancy. About 20 pages in.

Be nice or bears will maul you :unsure:

[Jean]

no... bears know that their taste is normally different from people's... as far as I know, I am the only one who's madly in love with the book

[jhanic]

no... bears know that their taste is normally different from people's... as far as I know, I am the only one who's madly in love with the book

Not true! My daughter really liked it also. I'm about 50 pages into my reread and I'm enjoying it more than the first time.

John

[Jean]

: happy bear :

[WeDealInLead]

Dan Simmons - Endymion
Justin Cronin - The Twelve
Brian Hodge - Picking the Bones

[Ruthful]

http://resources.macmillanusa.com/jackets/186W/9781250016102.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9b/LordOfTheFliesBookCover.jpg/200px-LordOfTheFliesBookCover.jpg

[Mattrick]

https://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/295874_10152262398835571_1281038844_n.jpg

Very good thus far.

[mattgreenbean]

Joe Hill: 20th Century ghosts. Just finished the story The Black Phone. All of the stories have been great thus far.

[Jean]

Joe Hill: 20th Century ghosts. Just finished the story The Black Phone. All of the stories have been great thus far.when you're finished, post in the Hill thread which stories are your favorite. Bears always want to know.

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

The Twelve: Justin Cronin- excellent!

[WeDealInLead]

The Twelve: Justin Cronin- excellent!

I'm around 40 pages in and I agree.

[stkmw02]

I finally made some progress on 11/22/63, which is turning out to be more enjoyable than I first anticipated. If only I had more time to read now! I'd like to finish it up before Thanksgiving so I can squeeze in a few more books before the New Year.

[Empath of the White]

Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson. It has everything I wanted from a fantasy novel. He throws you into the middle of the conflict and slowly reveals everything that came before. I found it to be an effective hook.

[Melike]

The Drawing of the Three! We're almost at Susannah's door.

[Jean]

The Mask, by Koontz. Very good.

[WeDealInLead]

The Mask, by Koontz. Very good.

YES! One of the better Koontz books I've read this year.

I've added 2 books on top of 3 I mentioned a few days ago:

Alan Moore - From Hell. Graphic novel but a very demanding read. The damn thing has an appendix and explanations (Moore has done an insane ammount of research for the book) for each chapter have a higher word count than the chapter itself. P.S. The chapers are word-heavy already. P.P.S. The B/W artwork sets the mood perfectly for the setting - murders of Jack the Ripper.

Michael McBride - Snowblind. E-book from Darkfuse. I call this Winter Horror. You're stuck in a storm, creatures are chasing you. Simple enough premise. The catch is the story is happening right now. Dates are November 19 - 21. I'm saving the last chapter for tomorrow because that's when it happens in the book.

[fernandito]

I've never read From Hell but I have yet to read something from Moore that I didn't love so I'll definitely keep that on my radar.

[WeDealInLead]

I've had that book on my pile for years. It's size and the appendix at the back were too intimidating. I finally ran out of comic books to read and started it. I'm 3 chapters in (out of 16) and it's no less terrifying but I'm going slowly at it. I'm not sure if you've seen The Walking Dead compendium but it's that size with a LOT more text to it and illustration is extremely detailed.

Promethea is coming out as an oversized omnibus. The pages will be horizontal to acommodate the two page spreads from original comics. I saw a picture of it - it looked epic.

[Jean]

The Mask, by Koontz. Very good.

YES! One of the better Koontz books I've read this year.
it's exactly because you'd said you loved it that I picked it!

[Emily]

I'm reading The Mist and am getting steadily more horrified by the minute.

[mattgreenbean]

Reading Promethea was like doing acid.

[fernandito]

Reading Promethea was like doing acid.

Have you read Grant Morrison's the Invisibles? He was actually on acid when he wrote that (among other things). After reading that series, I fear nothing lol.

[WeDealInLead]

Reading Promethea was like doing acid.

Have you read Grant Morrison's the Invisibles? He was actually on acid when he wrote that (among other things). After reading that series, I fear nothing lol.

Moore wrote Promethea on magickal shrooms. The Filth by Morrison is ridicilous too.

[fernandito]

Reading Promethea was like doing acid.

Have you read Grant Morrison's the Invisibles? He was actually on acid when he wrote that (among other things). After reading that series, I fear nothing lol.

Moore wrote Promethea on magickal shrooms. The Filth by Morrison is ridicilous too.

I've read The Filth, love it. It's actually a relatively straight forward tale in comparison to some of his other work.

Morrison also claims to have been abducted by aliens which plays a HUGE role in the structuring of the series. Some of the shit on there is just ... I can't imagine how a mortal mind came up with that.

I just added Promethea Vol. 1 to my Amazon cart :)

[TwistedNadine]

I'm reading The Mist and am getting steadily more horrified by the minute.

Probably my favorite King story. Love it

[Emily]

I finished it last night and was genuinely scared. When I woke up this morning my windows were foggy from the night before and I was like LOL OK I'LL GET READY DOWNSTAIRS

[TwistedNadine]

I finished it last night and was genuinely scared. When I woke up this morning my windows were foggy from the night before and I was like LOL OK I'LL GET READY DOWNSTAIRS

The book ending was superb. So much better than the movie version

[Dan]

I finished it last night and was genuinely scared. When I woke up this morning my windows were foggy from the night before and I was like LOL OK I'LL GET READY DOWNSTAIRS

The book ending was superb. So much better than the movie version

I agree whole heart. I watched the movie years ago and did not care for the ending. I was actually dreading it in the book. Without giving away spoilers, I much prefer the book.

[Jean]

hear! HEAR!!!!!!

[Emily]

I watched the movie once a long time ago and barely remember it. I really loved the story though. I am constantly amazed at how well King writes and understands the way the minds of children work.

[jhanic]

I finished it last night and was genuinely scared. When I woke up this morning my windows were foggy from the night before and I was like LOL OK I'LL GET READY DOWNSTAIRS

The book ending was superb. So much better than the movie version

When I watch the movie DVD, I stop the movie at the same point that the story stops--when they leave the market. It really helps!

John

[Ricky]

I actually loved the movie's ending. Not to say that it's better or worse than the book, just different. And very well done.

[Mattrick]

The movie ending is an actual ending not 'they driving into the mist' yeah, that ending sticks with you. Ending to the movie is so multifaceted. Even King himself wishes he'd have thought of that ending. And besides the.ending and a small side plot, they were practically the same so I don't get how the book is so much better. Must be more of a nostalgia thing if you first read the story 20 years ago.

[OchrisO]

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore, which is.....surprisingly good.

[jhanic]

The movie ending is an actual ending not 'they driving into the mist' yeah, that ending sticks with you. Ending to the movie is so multifaceted. Even King himself wishes he'd have thought of that ending. And besides the.ending and a small side plot, they were practically the same so I don't get how the book is so much better. Must be more of a nostalgia thing if you first read the story 20 years ago.

There may be some nostalgia involved. I first read The Mist when it first came out in Dark Forces and it really impressed me then. Every time I reread it, I get the same good feelings about it. To me, the ending of the movie was a real disappointment.

John

[John Blaze]

Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson. It has everything I wanted from a fantasy novel. He throws you into the middle of the conflict and slowly reveals everything that came before. I found it to be an effective hook.
I read the first 3 Malazan books before bogging down on the fourth. While entertaining, I thought they were over-ambitious in scope and drudgery to wade through. When people complain about how many characters are in ASOIAF I lol. Malazan has a shit ton of characters, and 99% of them have similar names.


Also, The Mist is and has been my favorite SK novella/short story since the first time I read it. I though the movie was good but as usual the book was better. The movie ending was interesting, but I didn't believe it.

[OchrisO]

Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson. It has everything I wanted from a fantasy novel. He throws you into the middle of the conflict and slowly reveals everything that came before. I found it to be an effective hook.
I read the first 3 Malazan books before bogging down on the fourth. While entertaining, I thought they were over-ambitious in scope and drudgery to wade through. When people complain about how many characters are in ASOIAF I lol. Malazan has a shit ton of characters, and 99% of them have similar names.


Also, The Mist is and has been my favorite SK novella/short story since the first time I read it. I though the movie was good but as usual the book was better. The movie ending was interesting, but I didn't believe it.

I had a very similar experience with Malazan, except with the audio book. I quit very near to where you did, I think. Imagine trying to keep up with all of those similar names in audio. It was rough.

[John Blaze]

Right? I'd get people confused all the time. Like, "wait, I thought this was some kind of witch, and now she's an assassin?" Oh wait, different character. .....

[pathoftheturtle]

Reading Promethea was like doing acid.

Have you read Grant Morrison's the Invisibles? He was actually on acid when he wrote that (among other things). ...

Moore wrote Promethea on magickal shrooms. ...Well, I am shocked.

Shocked, I tell you! http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s12/POTT2007/smileys/sarcastic.gif


The movie ending is an actual ending not 'they driving into the mist' ...Exactly. http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s12/POTT2007/smileys/smiley-yuck.gif

[Ruthful]

http://resources4.deepdiscount.com/resources/deepdiscount/images/products/processed/879/9780230621237.zoom.1.jpg

[TwistedNadine]

When I watch the movie DVD, I stop the movie at the same point that the story stops--when they leave the market. It really helps!
John

I do the same thing

[TwistedNadine]

Tim Lebbon's As The Sun Goes Down
These stories are creepy as hell and Im enjoying every one of them.

Thank you so much WeDealInLead! Excellent choice, great packaging. Appreciate it!

[Jean]

Tim Lebbon's As The Sun Goes Down
These stories are creepy as hell and Im enjoying every one of them.are you reading a paper book or an electronic version?

[TwistedNadine]

Tim Lebbon's As The Sun Goes Down
These stories are creepy as hell and Im enjoying every one of them.are you reading a paper book or an electronic version?

Couldnt find an electronic version so reading an actual Hardback with paper and typeset (from WeDealInLead).
Strains my eyes a bit but worth it

[Jean]

I couldn't find an electronic version either... nor, naturally, any other

: sad bear :

[Ruthful]

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/09/78/04/65/01/0978046501104_500X500.jpg

[Dan]

The Rising
http://horrornews.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/The_Rising.jpg

[Jean]

reading: Crichton, Eaters of the Dead

there's no word to describe its AWESOMENESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I won't sleep tonight, can't stop reading

[mae]

reading: Crichton, Eaters of the Dead

there's no word to describe its AWESOMENESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I won't sleep tonight, can't stop reading

Yay, Jean's back on MC!

[John Blaze]

Re-reading Needful Things, I already feel sorry for the kid. His is the saddest part. :(

[WeDealInLead]

Tim Lebbon's As The Sun Goes Down
These stories are creepy as hell and Im enjoying every one of them.are you reading a paper book or an electronic version?

Couldnt find an electronic version so reading an actual Hardback with paper and typeset (from WeDealInLead).
Strains my eyes a bit but worth it

Hey, glad you dig it. I received your package too. Now I have a copy for work and one for at home reading. (and a download on my e-reader when I'm on the go.)

Jean, Lebbon is nearly impossible to find in any e-book format unless you want to pay a more-than-average price. Books of the Dead re-released one of his earlier works as an e-book though and it'll be on sale for a buck until tomorrow night.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007TO6GLM/?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=B007TO6GLM&linkCode=shr&tag=booofthedeapr-20&=digital-text&qid=1353634394&sr=1-7

[Jean]

thank you WDiL!

pablo: http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear-176.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear-176.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear-176.gif

[Mattrick]

The Rising
http://horrornews.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/The_Rising.jpg


I read the second part, it was alright.

[Dan]

The Rising is the second Keene book I've read. Sometimes I just want an all out horror/slasher/monster/zombie/etc. book, and he seems to fill the bill.

[TwistedNadine]

Thanks for the link WDIL.
Jean - see PM

[Jean]

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearheart.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearheart.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearheart.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearheart.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearheart.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearheart.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearheart.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearheart.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearheart.gif

[sgc1999]

about 10% into NAS4A2. seems to be picking up a bit.

[mattgreenbean]

I've read the Grant Batman stuff, I'll have to check out The Invisibles & The Filth.

[fernandito]

I've read the Grant Batman stuff, I'll have to check out The Invisibles & The Filth.:thumbsup:

I'd consider The Invisibles his magnum opus. Start there.

[Bethany]

New Dresden today! I was at the bookstore last night and tried my best to charm my way on to getting one.

[DoctorDodge]

I wonder if Pond's got it yet. If she hasn't, I'm sure this is her current reaction:
http://gifsoup.com/webroot/animatedgifs2/1582880_o.gif

[fernandito]

New Dresden today! I was at the bookstore last night and tried my best to charm my way on to getting one.

So you should him your cleavage, right?

[Bethany]

New Dresden today! I was at the bookstore last night and tried my best to charm my way on to getting one.

So you should him your cleavage, right?

Why does everyone assume I rely on my cleavage? I happen to be quite charming without it.

[fernandito]

Psshhhhh, flaunt if you got it girrrrrrllll :lol:

You know I'm just busting your proverbial balls :couple:

[Bethany]

I don't think I've ever had my balls busted over my cleavage before.

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

That's a Crichton novel I haven't read yet.

[Patrick]

After reading the first three books in pretty much rapid succession, I made myself read a dozen other books before starting the next one in the series.

Finally I can say that I am currently reading, A FEAST FOR CROWS (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 4), by George R.R. Martin

[jhanic]

My latest acquisition:

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr60/johnhanic/Other_items/NOS4A2proof.jpg

I'm going to start reading it today!

John

[WeDealInLead]

Nice. I'll buy a copy as soon as it's officially out.

I'm finishing Tim Waggoner's The Harmony Society. It's my first book of his and I have to say I'm impressed. The writting style reminds me of Clive Barker's in Cabal with maybe a touch of Brian Keene.

I'm still reading Picking the Bones by Brian Hodge. It's a short story collection. His style and writting are superb. I'll make sure to pick up a novel or two in the future.

I have Endymion by Simmons and Dragon Tears by Koontz on the go too.

I finished The Twelve. Solid but didn't hit the spot the way The Passage did.

[fernandito]

I'm ashamed to admit that I have yet to read anything by Joe Hill.

How comparable is his style to that of his old mans'? Which book should I start off with?

[WeDealInLead]

He only has two novels out so far. Flip a coin, pick one. I liked Heart-shaped Box more than Horns. Horns has a more complex story but HSB had a better flow to it. Others will dis/agree. His style is pretty basic, almost "beach reading" but he pulls it off well. You won't need a dictionary and you won't have to go back a few pages to digest what happened but he spins a good yarn.

[Bev Vincent]

Start with Twentieth Century Ghosts. It's an amazingly good collection of diverse stories.

[Patrick]

John, I'm jealous!

WDIL, thanks for reminding me that I still need to read THE TWELVE.

Feev, I agree with Bev. Since Joe only has a few books, why not read them in order?

1. Twentieth Century Ghosts (short story collection)
2. Heart-Shaped Box
3. Horns

I'll be interested to hear what you think!

[divemaster]

Start with Twentieth Century Ghosts. It's an amazingly good collection of diverse stories.

I agree! I went into this not expecting to like it much but it was super great. Haven't read either of the novels.

[OchrisO]

Cold Days by Jim Butcher. It is really, really good so far.

After I finish it up I will be diving directly into book five of The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne, which came out on the same day as the Dresden book.

[alkanto]

I am so frustrated about the new Dresden book. I preordered it, anticipating getting it delivered either Tuesday or Wednesday...and it still hasn't even shipped, according to the Barnes & Noble website. I just emailed them about it...I am not happy. The only reason I haven't cancelled it is because I got a good deal with my membership discount and an online coupon.

[fernandito]

Thanks for the Joe Hill recommendations everyone :)

[John Blaze]

Cold Days by Jim Butcher. It is really, really good so far.

After I finish it up I will be diving directly into book five of The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne, which came out on the same day as the Dresden book.I'm enjoying it, but not as much as I thought I would. It's just harder for me to get into it this round. I started it yesterday and I'm 3/4 of the way done, but all his others I've read in one sitting. This time around I can walk away every once in a while and no worries.


I am so frustrated about the new Dresden book. I preordered it, anticipating getting it delivered either Tuesday or Wednesday...and it still hasn't even shipped, according to the Barnes & Noble website. I just emailed them about it...I am not happy. The only reason I haven't cancelled it is because I got a good deal with my membership discount and an online coupon. I'd shank someone over this shit. This is why I hate preordering stuff. Last time I preordered something I expected to get it the day it was released. Like, they'd ship it before so that I could get it the same day as others who didn't preorder. I mean, what's the point of preordering if you don't get any benefit from it? They ended up shipping it the day it was released and I was pissed. Ergo, I go to midnight releases and buy in person when at all possible.

[OchrisO]

Cold Days by Jim Butcher. It is really, really good so far.

After I finish it up I will be diving directly into book five of The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne, which came out on the same day as the Dresden book.I'm enjoying it, but not as much as I thought I would. It's just harder for me to get into it this round. I started it yesterday and I'm 3/4 of the way done, but all his others I've read in one sitting. This time around I can walk away every once in a while and no worries.

I am loving it. I haven't had enough time for a one sitting read, but I am running back to it every chance I get.

[DoctorDodge]

Definitely looking forward to listening to, well, all of them. The first has really impressed me so far.

Just started reading The Godfather. Been itching to give that one a go for a while. Love the film, so I'm really keen to see how the original novel is.

[alkanto]

I am so frustrated about the new Dresden book. I preordered it, anticipating getting it delivered either Tuesday or Wednesday...and it still hasn't even shipped, according to the Barnes & Noble website. I just emailed them about it...I am not happy. The only reason I haven't cancelled it is because I got a good deal with my membership discount and an online coupon.
I'd shank someone over this shit. This is why I hate preordering stuff. Last time I preordered something I expected to get it the day it was released. Like, they'd ship it before so that I could get it the same day as others who didn't preorder. I mean, what's the point of preordering if you don't get any benefit from it? They ended up shipping it the day it was released and I was pissed. Ergo, I go to midnight releases and buy in person when at all possible.

I've cancelled the pre-order. Which makes me mad because it was a signed edition. I have no idea what the fucking problem is, but I emailed them and they said the estimated shipping date is now Dec freaking 17. I mean, sure, if I had the money to buy 2 copies of the book, I'd just keep it and get a reading copy, but I just want to read the damn thing! And I already have a few signed Dresden novels, so it's just not worth it. I am not happy right now.

[fernandito]

Just started reading The Godfather. Been itching to give that one a go for a while. Love the film, so I'm really keen to see how the original novel is.

Nice. You'll have to let me know how that is.

[Ricky]

That stinks, Jen. I never understood pre-ordering books (unless they're signed/limited). If you don't get it the day it's released, what's the point. And it really sucks because it's B&N and I've never had any problems with them. But I'm betting you that they'll pull the "we're backed up with Christmas orders and shipping is a little slow" excuse.

[DoctorDodge]

Just started reading The Godfather. Been itching to give that one a go for a while. Love the film, so I'm really keen to see how the original novel is.

Nice. You'll have to let me know how that is.

Definitely. In fact, I'm amazed you haven't read it yet, yourself! If I recall, you're even more of a Godfather fan than I am!

[fernandito]

It's just one of those books that has been on my radar forever that I haven't gotten around to, honestly. (I'm sure everyone here has a few of those :lol:)

I guess since I'm so intimately familiar with the films my inclination to read the novels has lessened over time ... if however you tell me that the novel completely blows the film away I might have no choice but to read it just for comparisons sake!

[Ruthful]

http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344316413l/12510810.jpg

[alkanto]

That stinks, Jen. I never understood pre-ordering books (unless they're signed/limited). If you don't get it the day it's released, what's the point. And it really sucks because it's B&N and I've never had any problems with them. But I'm betting you that they'll pull the "we're backed up with Christmas orders and shipping is a little slow" excuse.

I usually don't do it either, but in the same case you mentioned. Hence the pre-order this time. but oh well...I have to make a run into town today so I'll just pick it up then...

[fernandito]

I'm tapping out of The Casual Vacancy. I'm 80 pages in and I've found myself skimming through fairly substantial portions of it (something I hardly ever do) and have no interest in any of the characters or desire to see it through to the end. I gave it a shot, but it jus wasn't for me.

[Jean]

I'm tapping out of The Casual Vacancy. I'm 80 pages in and I've found myself skimming through fairly substantial portions of it (something I hardly ever do) and have no interest in any of the characters or desire to see it through to the end. I gave it a shot, but it jus wasn't for me.
yes, this is what most people say

bears, however, are looking forward to a reread... maybe it's just not fit for human consumption

[TwistedNadine]

if however you tell me that the novel completely blows the film away I might have no choice but to read it just for comparisons sake!

I thought the book was an excellent accompaniment to the film and visa versa. The movie offers visuals (example the town of Corleone) while the book offers character insight not easily gleaned from the movie (example Michael and Apollonia's relationship). One of my favorite reads - but of course Im biased...

[DoctorDodge]

Yeah, I'm not far into it at all, but I'm really enjoying how the writing allows me to get a little closer to the character's thoughts and histories (Tom Hagen is definitely one obvious example of this so far). Oddly enough, I spoke to my mum about just starting the novel, and apparently she's not only read it but thought it was brilliant. Didn't think it'd be her kind of novel, really. Definitely eager to read the rest of it, now.

[WeDealInLead]

Peter Straub - The Floating Dragon
Dan Simmons - Endymion
China Mieville - Perdido Street Station
Brian Hodge - Picking the Bones
Garth Ennis - The Boys, Definitive Edition Vol. 1
Alan Moore - From Hell

[TwistedNadine]

Peter Straub - The Floating Dragon
Dan Simmons - Endymion
China Mieville - Perdido Street Station
Brian Hodge - Picking the Bones
Garth Ennis - The Boys, Definitive Edition Vol. 1
Alan Moore - From Hell

Im always impressed with your ability to read more than one at a time - I just cant do it. Gives me a brain ache.


Yeah, I'm not far into it at all, but I'm really enjoying how the writing allows me to get a little closer to the character's thoughts and histories (Tom Hagen is definitely one obvious example of this so far)

The Tom Hogan character is a perfect example - the book really adds depth to him

[John Blaze]

Really enjoyed Cold Days, and the twist at the end was badass. I can't wait for more.

[OchrisO]

Really enjoyed Cold Days, and the twist at the end was badass. I can't wait for more.

The ending actually took me by surprise. I loved it.


Now I am starting Trapped, book 5 of The Iron Druid Chronicles. Anyone who likes The Dresden Files should really give the series a shot.

[John Blaze]

Facebook me some links, yo.

[Patrick]

if however you tell me that the novel completely blows the film away I might have no choice but to read it just for comparisons sake!

I thought the book was an excellent accompaniment to the film and visa versa. The movie offers visuals (example the town of Corleone) while the book offers character insight not easily gleaned from the movie (example Michael and Apollonia's relationship). One of my favorite reads - but of course Im biased...

Godfather I and II are in my top five movies of all time. I read this book a very long time ago and have a vague memory that reflects TN's sentiments. All this discussion makes me want to read it again.

Looking forward to your thoughts, DoctorD.

[divemaster]

I have a *ton* of anthologies. Mostly sci-fi from the "Golden Age" but also lots of horror and some general collections as well. Right now I am about halfway through Hartwell's The Dark Descent. I've been planning on starting Stories or perhaps one of the recent Cemetery Dance publications (The Stoker Winners: Horror Hall of Fame or the two-volume The Century's Best Horror Fiction). Before this horror kick, I finished up Conklin's The Best of Science Fiction; Robert Silverberg's Science Fiction Hall of Fame; and a couple other collections (Science Fiction of the '50s and Space Odyssey).

Other recent reads were Roger Caras' Treasury of Great Cat Stories; Joe Hill's 20th Century Ghosts, and Joyce Carol Oates' The Museum of Dr. Moses.

I actually keep a speadsheet of all the stories, including my personal rating (1 to 4 stars) and a brief plot synopsis so I can keep track of what I've read over the years! For example, here are some 4-star stories from my current reading (first half of The Dark Descent):

The New Mother (Lucy Clifford)
Young Goodman Brown (Nathaniel Hawthorne)
Sticks (Karl Edward Wagner)
Vandy, Vandy (Manly Wade Wellman)
The Roaches (Thomas M. Disch)
Bright Segment (Theodore Sturgeon)
The Monkey (Stephen King)
The Rats in the Walls (H.P. Lovecraft)

Just finished up The Dark Descent. More of the 4-star stories:

Born of Man and Woman (Richard Matheson)
Good Country People (Flannery O'Conner)
Seven American Nights (Gene Wolfe)
Crouch End (Stephen King)
Clara Militch (Ivan Turgenev)
The Repairer of Reputations (Robert W. Chambers)
The Beckoning Fair One (Oliver Onions)

[DoctorDodge]

if however you tell me that the novel completely blows the film away I might have no choice but to read it just for comparisons sake!

I thought the book was an excellent accompaniment to the film and visa versa. The movie offers visuals (example the town of Corleone) while the book offers character insight not easily gleaned from the movie (example Michael and Apollonia's relationship). One of my favorite reads - but of course Im biased...

Godfather I and II are in my top five movies of all time. I read this book a very long time ago and have a vague memory that reflects TN's sentiments. All this discussion makes me want to read it again.

Looking forward to your thoughts, DoctorD.

Absolutely loving it. Again, really like how it does expand on more than a few characters. Most surprising of all is where I'm at now with Johnny Fontane - a tiny, one-scene only character in the film, but here, he has his own sub-plot, which I really like. Actually reminds me of the Sopranos, where it'd focus on not just the main characters, but also occasionally look at those who've been affected by them and their "business", so I'm really appreciating that. Overall, I'm just loving the whole story and reading at a pretty fast pace by my standards, so while I'll take a couple of days break to catch up on my 2000AD reading (again, one of those times when I've been missing out on an amazing story, of course), I should hopefully finish this book by next week.

[mystima]

Just finished 'Never More'...I have to say that I am disappointed with this book's ending...as in there wasn't any closure for me...the story was good but the ending was horrible. It was like James Patterson was in a hurry to finish it up or something. Some of the characters that were in the book didn't get an ending, he just left them on the side of the road...he usually has some stuff at the end of these books but in this one there isn't anything...no blog entries(in the whole Maximum Ride series one of the characters has a blog and he puts them at the end of the book.) I just hope he does put out more for this series besides this last book.

[TwistedNadine]

Absolutely loving it. Again, really like how it does expand on more than a few characters. Most surprising of all is where I'm at now with Johnny Fontane - a tiny, one-scene only character in the film, but here, he has his own sub-plot, which I really like.

I love that. When you watch the movie again it will be like viewing it in 3D with all the added character insights.



All this discussion makes me want to read it again.


Ditto!

[fernandito]

Sooooooooooooo, it looks like I need to read the book :lol:

[Patrick]

Sooooooooooooo, it looks like I need to read the book :lol:
What book?











































:P

[Ricky]

Just finished The Hobbit last night. It was okay. It definitely took me awhile to get into it.

[alkanto]

Have you read the LotR trilogy, then? Because if you found the Hobbit to be a bit slow...you might not like the Lord of the Rings.

[mae]

http://www.bloodyrarebooks.com/pictures/2505.jpg

[Ricky]

Have you read the LotR trilogy, then? Because if you found the Hobbit to be a bit slow...you might not like the Lord of the Rings.

I haven't read any of the LOTR books. The Hobbit was the first JRR Tolkien that I've read. I just didn't like the episodic nature of the book. Too much "creature of the chapter" rather than a more "flowing" story. It was a decent enough read, but I wasn't too impressed.

[Jean]

Have you read the LotR trilogy, then? Because if you found the Hobbit to be a bit slow...you might not like the Lord of the Rings.I think The Hobbit is much slower than TLotR. The latter has this inner tension - it is actually packed, even if not exactly with events

[John Blaze]

I've read them all because at the time I pretty much thought of them as nerd required reading but I doubt I'll ever read them again. Slowest story ever. Besides, I walk into Mordor whenever I fucken want to, YOU CAN'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO, YOU'RE NOT MY REAL MOM!

[Dan]

I'm reading A Winter Haunting by Dan Simmons. It is very good! It is a sort of sequel to The Summer of Night. It takes place about 40 years later. It can stand alone as a novel, but helps that I've read The Summer of Night.

[noal]

Easy Riders, Raging Bulls.

I've read Down and Dirty pictures and saw this on Amazon for £2.

Can anyone recommend any more books about Hollywood, I have a book called Blockbuster by Tom Shone and Disney War by James D. Stewart, both of which I enjoyed very much especially Disney War, which I would highly recommend reading, although probably a little out of date now.

[sgc1999]

SiXX AM, You didnt specify if you meant movies or music:)

[divemaster]

Can anyone recommend any more books about Hollywood, I have a book called Blockbuster by Tom Shone and Disney War by James D. Stewart, both of which I enjoyed very much especially Disney War, which I would highly recommend reading, although probably a little out of date now.

I recommend The Devil's Candy: The Bonfire of the Vanities Goes to Hollywood. The Bonfire of the Vanities is one of my favorite books, but the movie is widely seen as one of Hollywood's biggest flops. This book chronicles all the in-fighting, bad decisions, diva moments, cost overruns, etc., that plagued the making of the movie.

http://www.amazon.com/Devils-Candy-Bonfire-Vanities-Hollywood/dp/0385308248

"Veteran film critic for The Wall Street Journal Julie Salamon presents a juicy inside look at the making of the Hollywood mega-flop Bonfire of the Vanities. Salamon reveals how success, fame, and enormous amounts of money can be catastrophically mismanaged for the sake of ego."

[Ruthful]

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/97/81/59/55/53/9781595553515_500X500.jpg

http://images.betterworldbooks.com/144/Boomerang-Lewis-Michael-9781442341258.jpg

[Ruthful]

My Favourite Place: A Tribute To Scotland's Best-Loved Places

Thanks, Susan!

:)

[Dan]

Finished Boy's Life by Robert McCammon. Amazing book! The writing style had hints of Dickens in the fact that each chapter was a mini story that all fed a larger story. Hard to explain, but needless to say, I really enjoyed this.

[WeDealInLead]

Just finished:
Lee Thompson - Within This Garden Weeping (creepy, dreamy stuff. I didn't know it was a part of the author's mythos, but I still liked it a lot)
Ronald Malfi - After the Fade
Kealan Patrick Burke - Thirty Miles South of Dry County (one word: amazing)

Reading:
Dean Koontz - Breathless
Peter Straub - Floating Dragon
China Mieville - Perdido Street Station (top 10 material, truly incredible)
Brian Hodge - Without Purpose, Without Pity

[WeDealInLead]

Free download from Amazon: The Boy in the Lot by Ronald Malfi. It's just a short story:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Boy-Lot-ebook/dp/B008OH0NDA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355615092&sr=8-1&keywords=ronald+malfi+boy+in+the+lot

[Dan]

WeDealInLead - my first and only Burke has been Kin and I thought it was excellent. I guess I need to try Thirty Miles South of Dry County from your recommendation.

[WeDealInLead]

I've only read his Turtle Boy novella and Thirty Miles. Thirty Miles seems a little more adult (and it's a stand-alone) but writting is superb in both. I'll check out Kin after I go through all the Turtle Boy books.

edit: Thirty Miles is from Dark Fuse (.com). They used to be Delirium Books. They publish mostly novellas and quality is consistently high. Their Tim Curran titles and Norman Prentiss's The Fleshless Man will go in my top 10 for this year for sure. Dark, bleak, "wordy", well-written.

[Ruthful]

http://theeclecticreader.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/the-hobbit.jpg

[Patrick]

My Favourite Place: A Tribute To Scotland's Best-Loved Places

Thanks, Susan!

:)
:thumbsup:

I've read her contribution, now I need to read the rest of pieces.

Currently reading: ODD APOCALYPSE (Book 5 in the Odd Thomas series), by Dean Koontz

[Jean]

Currently reading: ODD APOCALYPSE (Book 5 in the Odd Thomas series), by Dean KoontzBears loved the first book; how are the others?

[Patrick]

Currently reading: ODD APOCALYPSE (Book 5 in the Odd Thomas series), by Dean KoontzBears loved the first book; how are the others?
I just gave you a shout out in the other thread a moment ago, and I was wondering what you thought of the first book. Glad to hear your response, Jean!

I've been reading them as they come out, so there's a lot of time in between. I am still enjoying the series.

[Jean]

good! I will go on reading them, then

[The Road Virus]

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=the+autobiography+and+other+writing+benja min+franklin&um=1&hl=en&tbo=d&biw=1059&bih=586&tbm=isch&tbnid=s1yN5oCngH8_YM:&imgrefurl=http://www.tower.com/autobiography-other-writings-benjamin-franklin-paperback/wapi/100332849&docid=-rv92Y5non8qeM&itg=1&imgurl=http://i43.tower.com/images/mm100332849/autobiography-other-writings-benjamin-franklin-paperback-cover-art.jpg&w=200&h=327&ei=8ifRUK2AI43YyAHY3IDAAQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=240&vpy=142&dur=696&hovh=260&hovw=160&tx=101&ty=132&sig=112798672270580618053&page=1&tbnh=135&tbnw=82&start=0&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0,i:94

[Patrick]

Currently reading for the first time: GERALD'S GAME, by Stephen King.

[TwistedNadine]

Currently reading for the first time: GERALD'S GAME, by Stephen King.

One of my favorites.

[WeDealInLead]

JG Faherty - The Cold Spot
Dean Koontz - The Good Guy

[jhanic]

Currently reading for the first time: GERALD'S GAME, by Stephen King.

One of my favorites.

Mine too.

John

[Patrick]

Currently reading for the first time: GERALD'S GAME, by Stephen King.

One of my favorites.

Mine too.

John
This book has more going on than I had expected.

[WeDealInLead]

Philip Jose Farmer - To Your Scattered Bodies Go
Ronald Malfi - The Mourning House

[sgc1999]

Just finished, The cell. Great story, not the best ending. Unlesss of course there is a sequel...then its not so bad.

[jhanic]

Currently reading McCammon's The Providence Rider. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the Corbett novels.

John

[Patrick]

Just finished, The cell. Great story, not the best ending. Unlesss of course there is a sequel...then its not so bad.
I loved the ending.

[John Blaze]

The Cell? By whom?

[Patrick]

The Cell? By whom?
Ha! I assumed he meant simply, CELL.

[John Blaze]

I did, at first, but then he said it was good, which told me he was talking about someone else.

:P

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

The Last of the Mohicans-so far it is very good.

[Patrick]

I did, at first, but then he said it was good, which told me he was talking about someone else.

:P

:lol:

[frik]

http://www.archive-editions.com/Resources/fxrhfbcover01.jpeg


A must for anyone even remotely interested in the brilliant Ray Harryhausen!

sk

[Ben Staad]

Finishing up The Twelve today and starting on Seal Team 666.

[Patrick]

Currently reading: BEAT THE REAPER, by Josh Bazell

[Ben Staad]

Finishing up The Twelve today and starting on Seal Team 666.

Changed it to Roadwork.

[biomieg]

Did your books arrive, or did you bring a bunch of reading copies with you on the plane?

[Ben Staad]

Did your books arrive, or did you bring a bunch of reading copies with you on the plane?

Nope. My books have not arrived yet. I brought the 12 with me and bought Seal Team 666 and Roadwork at the bookstore. It looks like my books should be arriving within the next 2 to 3 weeks.

[DoctorDodge]

Since I've finally got a Kindle for Christmas, currently reading Judge Dredd Year One: City Fathers. A very quick read, I'm almost done with it, but I've been enjoying it. Not exactly a "Judge Dredd Begins", but rather a glimpse of what the Judge was when he was a young rookie trying hard to prove himself, rather than being the symbol of justice the Law he eventually becomes through age and experience. Not amazing, but pretty decent, at least.

[Ka-mai]

I did, at first, but then he said it was good, which told me he was talking about someone else.

:P

:rofl: Oh, snap.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51f09kmjWVL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg

I seriously want to stick a copy of this in the mailbox of every McMansion I see... particularly some ex-neighbors who eventually added a fucking tennis court to their house. (Seriously think the dad was compensating for something. They also had their own gym, theater and pool.)

[Patrick]

Ka-mai, I've looked through that book at the store, those little houses are cool.

[fernandito]

What's it about?

[Ka-mai]

It's by a man who built a 90sf house and then built several others. He's talking about how square footage is a cheap commodity that people really don't need and the impact it has on our environment. He also addresses misconceptions about small homes (home values, etc.), zoning laws and determining how much house you really need for your lifestyle and family.

I really want to build my own, about 700sf, using quality materials. Watching my parents' house fall apart over the past decade has been a lovely lesson in shoddy building materials.

[Ruthful]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1bhS26_vGU8/TLsavE7ymVI/AAAAAAAABkQ/m4Z5uCk4nmQ/s320/chicken-with-plums-satrapi.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ChsvIMeoL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

http://ewshelflife.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/i-suck-at-girls_240.jpg

[Dan]

Finished Ghost Story by Peter Straub and just started The Terror by Dan Simmons.

[Jean]

Just finished, The cell. Great story, not the best ending. Unlesss of course there is a sequel...then its not so bad.
I loved the ending.
So did bears.

[pathoftheturtle]

No chance of a sequel. I'm positive. But they might put a sap ending onto the movie. <_<

[Iwritecode]

I'm reading Columbine by Dave Cullen. Really debunks a lot of the myths that still exist today about the 2 killers. They weren't goth loners that were picked on by jocks. They were really smart kids with a lot a friends and some serious mental issues. Although they were really good at acting "normal".

Also if they had understood how to build home-made bombs a little better, the death toll would've been much, much higher than it was.

[sgc1999]

got a few new stories for my Kindle:
Willa,World of terror, In a half, before the play, harrison state park, for owen (poem), and Chinga :)

[fernandito]

I've read absolutely nothing outside of graphic novels for the past 3-4 weeks.

I feel ... incomplete ...

[mae]

I'm reading Columbine by Dave Cullen. Really debunks a lot of the myths that still exist today about the 2 killers. They weren't goth loners that were picked on by jocks. They were really smart kids with a lot a friends and some serious mental issues. Although they were really good at acting "normal".

Also if they had understood how to build home-made bombs a little better, the death toll would've been much, much higher than it was.

I read Cullen's Columbine earlier this year after Aurora. I'm guessing you're reading it in wake of Newtown. It's a great book, and it's really scary. I think I wrote about it in this very thread at the time.

[sgc1999]

lets not forget the Joker moviehouse killer. what the hells going on with this world???

[Patrick]

Currently reading: BEAT THE REAPER, by Josh Bazell
Only about a quarter of the way through, but I am loving this book.

[pathoftheturtle]

lets not forget the Joker moviehouse killer. what the hells going on with this world???James Holmes in Aurora, Colorado. And let's not forget the Wisconsin Sikh temple on August 5th.

[Iwritecode]

I'm reading Columbine by Dave Cullen. Really debunks a lot of the myths that still exist today about the 2 killers. They weren't goth loners that were picked on by jocks. They were really smart kids with a lot a friends and some serious mental issues. Although they were really good at acting "normal".

Also if they had understood how to build home-made bombs a little better, the death toll would've been much, much higher than it was.

I read Cullen's Columbine earlier this year after Aurora. I'm guessing you're reading it in wake of Newtown. It's a great book, and it's really scary. I think I wrote about it in this very thread at the time.

I've actually had it on my list to read for about a year. I just never got around to it. Then I heard an interview with Dave Cullen about the Conn. shooting and it reminded me about it.

[Ka-mai]

http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9780762771462_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG

Continuing the tiny house theme.

[Ben Staad]

Finished Roadwork (great read) and now moving on to Seal Team 666.

[Ruthful]

http://home.wlv.ac.uk/~in5379/covers/fullsize/october_country4.jpg

[Patrick]

http://home.wlv.ac.uk/~in5379/covers/fullsize/october_country4.jpg
:thumbsup:

[Fall of Gilead]

Shadowland/Peter Straub
Conspiracies/F. Paul Wilson
The Great Hunt/Robert Jordan (re-read)

[Jean]

the re-appearance of the werebat is one of the best presents bears could get for this New Year!

[DoctorDodge]

Currently reading: A Clash of Kings. Who knows, I might get it done before the 2nd season of Game of Thrones is released on blu-ray. But I doubt it. Not through lack of enjoyment, though: just read the prologue, and great to see the wide range of characters and political backstabbing that I enjoyed about the first one.

[fernandito]

I want to read a Clive Barker novel next, but I can't decide if I want to have a go at The Damnation Game or The Great And Secret Show first.

Any input?

[pathoftheturtle]

Well, The Damnation Game is freaky and The Great And Secret Show is bizarre. Does that help?

[John Blaze]

I want to read a Clive Barker novel next, but I can't decide if I want to have a go at The Damnation Game or The Great And Secret Show first.

Any input?

have you read Weaveworld yet?

[fernandito]

I haven't, actually. Faaaaack, I haven't read Thief of Always either even though it's been on my to read list FOREVER.

Eff it, I need to start somewhere. I decided on The Damnation Game first, have a craving for a good horror story.

[Darkthoughts]

Love the cover of that Bradbury, G :thumbsup:

I cannot get in to Barker at all - tried Imajica and Great and Secret Show and had to give up on both about 4 or 5 chapters in, they made reading feel like a chore :(

[fernandito]

Whaaaaaa? I freaking LOVED Imajica. One of the reasons I'm so keen to press on with Barker's work is that he has such a vivid and downright bizarre imagination. I've actually been thinking of giving those books another go soon.

I had my eye on Hellbound Heart as well but I have trouble reading novels after I've already seen the film based on them. The element of surprise and not knowing is a big deal for me.

[Darkthoughts]

:lol: I knew you'd have that reaction. I actually picked up Imajica because you and Erin used to rave about it so much - I think his ideas are great, I just...I dunno, he takes soooooo long to actually get anywhere or for anything to happen, I just got bored :blush:

[Ka-mai]

My only thing with Clive Barker is he writes like a nymphomaniac. He even gets into a discussion about hyena genitalia in one of his books (can't remember which). Just calm down, man. Not everything needs to be about genitals and weird supernatural sex acts. I generally don't mind sex scenes in books (unless they're laughably bad) but he just doesn't know when to quit.

[sgc1999]

Im reading the strain by del toro and Hogan and im lovin it!

[fernandito]

:lol: I knew you'd have that reaction. I actually picked up Imajica because you and Erin used to rave about it so much - I think his ideas are great, I just...I dunno, he takes soooooo long to actually get anywhere or for anything to happen, I just got bored :blush:
Awwwww, and you were too nice to tell me for fear that it would crush my soul, right?
RIGHT


My only thing with Clive Barker is he writes like a nymphomaniac. He even gets into a discussion about hyena genitalia in one of his books (can't remember which). Just calm down, man. Not everything needs to be about genitals and weird supernatural sex acts. I generally don't mind sex scenes in books (unless they're laughably bad) but he just doesn't know when to quit.

Oh yeah! Extremely depictive sex scenes in books, yeah I hate those too ... hahaha ... hehe ...... heh ....

:ninja:

[Dan]

I started The Green Mile yesterday. I read over 300 pages, because it is so well written. I had seen the movie years ago, but never had read the book. Simply amazing, as is most of King's work.

[pathoftheturtle]

I had my eye on Hellbound Heart as well but I have trouble reading novels after I've already seen the film based on them. The element of surprise and not knowing is a big deal for me.Okay, but it's short. If you like Damnation Game, you should go ahead and read Hellbound Heart just for kicks. Think of it like getting the chance to read a script's first draft.
And if you "LOVED" Imajica, definitely do try to get around to Great and Secret Show at some point. It's a little bloated and meandering in the middle, but absolutely has a fascinating quality in its essence somewhere; a unique and memorable novel about the supernatural.

[fernandito]

Yeah, I'm sure I'll get around to it eventually. Based on what I've read it strikes me as a more macabre version of Gaiman's Neverwhere. And as Imajica proved, Barker has a gift for envisioning other worlds.

[Odetta]

Whaaaaaa? I freaking LOVED Imajica

Oh! Me too! Definitely my favorite Clive Barker book!


Got "The Twelve" for my birthday and I am enjoying it immensely!

[Darkthoughts]

Oh good grief, Mike and O, not you too?! I'm convinced it must be good if you all like it - having other good reads in common...bah, I will reread!!!

O - I got The Twelve, but I think 'm going to have to reread The Passage first, can't remember what happened and who was who.

[fernandito]

Going to try and tackle Naked Lunch by Burroughs. I gave it a go a few months (years?) ago but it the combination of the book being way too bizarre for me to understand and my new found love for Game of Thrones placed it at the bottom of my to read list. Hoping to have better luck this time.

[Empath of the White]

@Clive Barker: Try Weaveworld its more fantasy with a bit of horror and, of course, Lovecraftian erotica. I'm reading The Dreamthief's Daughter by Michael Moorcock. A couple of high-ranking Nazis are trying to secure Count von Bek's ancestral black sword, Ravenbrand. I suspect von Bek and Ravenbrand are something like twinners to Elric and Stormbringer. If you like pulp fantasy, I recommend it.

[pathoftheturtle]

There are many of him in Moorcock's different books.

[Odetta]

Oh good grief, Mike and O, not you too?! I'm convinced it must be good if you all like it - having other good reads in common...bah, I will reread!!!

O - I got The Twelve, but I think 'm going to have to reread The Passage first, can't remember what happened and who was who.

There's a great Prologue that helps "review" what happened in The Passage... I was worried about the same thing, but I am halfway through. The Prologue helps and also the timeline in The Twelve goes back and forth, so that helps as well.


I read Weaveworld as well, liked it, but Imajica is still my favorite!

[Darkthoughts]

Ah, brilliant! Although, I may get all OCD about it and make myself reread anyway :D

I tried Weaveworld too and didn't like it :blush:

[jhanic]

Oh good grief, Mike and O, not you too?! I'm convinced it must be good if you all like it - having other good reads in common...bah, I will reread!!!

O - I got The Twelve, but I think 'm going to have to reread The Passage first, can't remember what happened and who was who.

There's a great Prologue that helps "review" what happened in The Passage... I was worried about the same thing, but I am halfway through. The Prologue helps and also the timeline in The Twelve goes back and forth, so that helps as well.


I read the Prologue but was still confused. I really regret not rereading The Passage before I read The Twelve. When/if I do a reread, I'll be sure to start with The Passage.

John

[WeDealInLead]

Gene Wolfe - The Sorcerer's House (fans of Gaiman should check this out)
Haruki Murakami - 1Q84

[Fall of Gilead]

the re-appearance of the werebat is one of the best presents bears could get for this New Year!

Nice to see you too Jean!8)

[fernandito]

Just ordered The Damnation Game from Amazon. Really excited to get that underway :)

[Fall of Gilead]

Tried any of the Barker short story collections?

[fernandito]

No, unfortunately. My only exposure to Barker thus far has been Imajica, which I adore.

PS - good to see you back, werebat! :D

[Darkthoughts]

Gene Wolfe - The Sorcerer's House (fans of Gaiman should check this out)
Awesome, finding new authors you actually like gets more difficult as you get older.

[alkanto]

Gene Wolfe - The Sorcerer's House (fans of Gaiman should check this out)
Awesome, finding new authors you actually like gets more difficult as you get older.

Duly noted. I'm going through another Gaiman kick...only I've read almost all of his stuff already. So when I finish Anansi Boys, I'll know where to go next :)

[WeDealInLead]

Gene Wolfe - The Sorcerer's House (fans of Gaiman should check this out)
Awesome, finding new authors you actually like gets more difficult as you get older.

Ironically, I think it's Wolfe who influenced Gaiman. I figured I'd mention the similarity in style because I know there are a lot of Gaiman fans here. He's just been named the Grand Master of SFWA. Already under his belt are Locus and Nebula. Check this out:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/dec/14/gene-wolfe-grand-master-award

Gene Wolfe, author of The Book of the New Sun and, according to Neil Gaiman, "one of our finest living writers", has been named a grand master of science fiction and fantasy.

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) announced Wolfe as their 2012 recipient of the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master award for "lifetime achievement in science fiction and/or fantasy" on Thursday. The author, known for his intricate, literary epic The Book of the New Sun, set far in the future as the sun slowly dies, joins a list of former grand masters including Ursula K Le Guin, Isaac Asimov and Ray Bradbury.

"It's not that Gene Wolfe is, in the opinion of many (and I am one of the many), our finest living science fiction writer. It is that he is, in the opinion of the Washington Post (and of me, too) one of our finest living writers," said Gaiman. "He has been our uncrowned grand master for a long time, and now the rest of the world will know as well."

The novelist John Scalzi, president of the SFWA, said "you'd have to search far and wide to find a contemporary fantasy writer who has not been directly influenced by Gene Wolfe", calling his prose "a joy to read", his stories "dense and deep", and his worlds "dark and rich beyond compare".

As well as The Book of the New Sun, Wolfe is also acclaimed for the novels The Fifth Head of Cerberus and Peace. Last year's grand master, Connie Willis, also praised his short stories: The Island of Doctor Death and Other Stories, The Death of Dr. Island, Golden City Far, The Detective of Dreams, Memorare and Seven American Nights.

Wolfe warned the selection committee for the award to watch their step: "You're raising me to a height I would never have imagined," he said. "If you keep this up I'll start thinking I'm a good writer."

The author spoke of the first time he realised he was a writer; living "paycheck to paycheck" with his wife Rosemary and children, and "barely getting by", he'd had three "not terribly good" stories published in a college magazine, and thought he might try and make a little extra money by writing on the side.

"I sold a few stories. Then it was time for school to start again, and Rosemary began badgering me for money for school clothes. I would gladly have given it to her if there had been any. Another story, Car Sinister, sold, and instead of depositing the check I got the manager of the hardware store to cash it for me. I took it to Rosemary: 'Here's every dime I got for that story. That's how much you have for school clothes.' A few days passed, and I was sitting on the kitchen floor trying to mend a chair. Rosemary came up behind me and said, 'Shouldn't you be writing?'" said Wolfe. "That's when I knew I was a writer."

Wolfe will be presented with his prize next May, at the Nebula awards in San Jose. The author is already the recipient of a host of prizes, including the Nebula, World Fantasy and Locus awards.

[Ruthful]

http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1345767745l/13532186.jpg

[Patrick]

Just started reading, A DANCE WITH DRAGONS, by GRRM.

:)

[becca69]

I've started Patrick Rothfuss' series.

[Stockerlone]

Starting with Schock! 1
from Markus K. Korb & Christian Krank

German bigsize Horror story book


http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT2044.JPG

In the tradition of the old horror comic books, each of the 13 Horror Storys from Markus K.Korb who is also the publisher, started with a Comic Book Illustration from Christian Krank.

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT2042.JPG

Of cause MY bigsize Horror Collection (27 x 20 cm, 180 pages)
is signed and doodled from Markus K.Korb and
signed and remarqued from the Illustrator Christian Krank.:nana:

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT2046.JPG

[OchrisO]

I've started Patrick Rothfuss' series.

Enjoy! They are sooooooooo good.

[mattgreenbean]

UTD
Jim Rennie reminds me of The Govna in The Walking Dead.

[WeDealInLead]

Just finished Gene Wolfe's The Sorcerer's House, diving straight into another of his called Home Fires.

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ7qDhB236RV5_JXl7GMjh5XZt1W0jYT hssWIpPxvmvwOmy58kPiKsF0zuhfw

[Ricky]

Finished The Twelve a few days ago and started Dolores Claiborne.

[Bethany]

No, unfortunately. My only exposure to Barker thus far has been Imajica, which I adore.

PS - good to see you back, werebat! :D

I really like Weaveworld.

[fernandito]

No, unfortunately. My only exposure to Barker thus far has been Imajica, which I adore.

PS - good to see you back, werebat! :D

I really like Weaveworld.

I plan to get it around to reading that .. eventually. I wanted to take a gander at some of his more morbid works which he's famous for (Imajica is structured as more of a quest/journey story) and The Damnation Game seems to check off all the right boxes.