What are you currently reading?

[ManOfWesternesse]

a re-read of RE Feist - Magician (to be followed by Silverthorn & Darkness at Sethannon)

[Jean]

Brian!!! http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gif

[Thorin Oakenshield]

yes

Would anybody like to be friends on goodreads cause I like to see what other people read to give me more ideas on what to try out and expand my books from the usual authors I've been reading lately.

[Jean]

yes, gladly! I am Jean Melkovsky

[Thorin Oakenshield]

Thank you very much. My name is Isaac Lopez so expect a request from me.

[WeDealInLead]

Dan Simmons - The Rise of Endymion, Carrion Comfort

+ Lewis Shiner - Glimpses

Check it out:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/379197.Glimpses

[Ruthful]

About to start Cat's Cradle. Just a question, any of you guys have a goodreads account?

Yup.

http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4644141-gerard-perry

[OchrisO]

About to start Cat's Cradle. Just a question, any of you guys have a goodreads account?

http://www.goodreads.com/OchrisO

[Thorin Oakenshield]

About to start Cat's Cradle. Just a question, any of you guys have a goodreads account?

http://www.goodreads.com/OchrisO
Thank you, I've sent you a request. Also I have started It. Excited to read it for the first time. :thumbsup:

[biomieg]

I was reading The City and The City (by China Miéville) but like other books by him I've read, it ultimately failed to grab me. He's very inventive and creative, which I like a lot... but something's lacking, I'm still not sure what it is, though.

So I decided to move on to my second Dan Simmons book: Flashback. Sounds like an interesting premise and I'm very curious to see whether it's as right-wing or even racist as I've heard!

[OchrisO]

I was reading The City and The City (by China Miéville) but like other books by him I've read, it ultimately failed to grab me. He's very inventive and creative, which I like a lot... but something's lacking, I'm still not sure what it is, though.

So I decided to move on to my second Dan Simmons book: Flashback. Sounds like an interesting premise and I'm very curious to see whether it's as right-wing or even racist as I've heard!

Everything I have read about Miéville's work makes me think that it would be right up my alley, but I have also had trouble getting into any of his books that i have tried to read.

[WeDealInLead]

The easiest book of his to get into is Railsea. It's meant to be YA but it's really not. I think that if he keeps writting, he'll be joining the ranks of Gene Wolfe, Tim Powers, Lucius Shepard and the likes. His books make you (at least me) a better and more critical reader. Dude knows his shit, he was an English teacher when he was 18.

[Ricky]

Michaël, let me know what you think of Flashback. It's on my "to read list" but seems like it's a very love it or hate it book.

[jhanic]

FYI, I read it and really didn't like it. Way too political for me. (And I agree with most of what Simmons has to say, but...)

John

[Ricky]

Like obviously political? If so, I don't think I'd like it. I'm okay with using politics for the narrative or the story or for character motivations, but not when the author's opinions get into it or it takes over the story (Brave New World).

[Dan]

Flashback is obviously political. It gets mixed reviews, depending on the reviewers political views often times. Simmons has gone on record stating that it is a book of fiction, not a political agenda. If you read it in that manner, it's an incredible story.

[WeDealInLead]

I'm not so sure about that. I mean, I'm sure he said it, he wrote about it in one of his "writting well" instalments but if you read his posts on his forum, they're not that much different from the book. I'm 100% sure that the writting is superb but he has so many books I'd rather read than Flashback.

[Dan]

Of course no one knows what's going on in the writer's mind except the writer. Bottom line for me, very political but still great book.

[frik]

http://tomahawkpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/karloff-3d.png

sk

[Dan]

I just read Midnight Voices by John Saul. Only my second John Saul, but I liked it!

[fernandito]

http://dauntlessmedia.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/the_waste_lands.jpg

[Jean]

I just read Midnight Voices by John Saul. Only my second John Saul, but I liked it!Oh shit. Now I want to read Saul again. Midnight Voices is one of the very few books by him I haven't read (I stopped because those I was reading were steadily getting worse and worse). Now I want to read it. And my to-read list is as long as from here to where you live. In small print.

[WeDealInLead]

Peter S. Beagle - The Innkeeper's Song

[thegunslinger41]

Haha...I've read all of John Sauls stuff. Actually, he was the first author I read once I started browsing through the Adult fiction section as a young, young teen..maybe even at 12. Really good stuff in my opinion. I actually have a signed photo of Saul somewhere along with a letter. Had joined his book club years ago. Yawwwnnn....

Currently reading "Sharp Objects" by Gillian Flynn...author of Gone Girl. For those of you who haven't read Gone Girl...it is a must read. No excuses. You won't be sorry.

G

[Ruthful]

http://mouonekorea.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/14.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-52xoxOdy8_o/UF52hS6RNWI/AAAAAAAAAKk/b4iPG7rBZYo/s1600/clash2.jpg

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

The Turner Diaries.

[jhanic]

Just started a reread of Simmons' The Terror. A great book!

John

[CRinVA]

Two at once - both fantasy - hard keeping 'em straight.

Listening to The Sword Shannara (annotated by the author)

Reading on the Kindle - Wizard's First Rule

Oh and on the nightstand and I ahve started / stopped three or four times - The Woman - which I will get to soon!

Also gonna read a Kid's book, Wild Pitch, by Cal Ripken Jr. to see what it's all about - since I got the book signed last week!

[fernandito]

A little bit more than halfway through The Wastelands. Just as great as I remember. :)

[cit74]

Just finished Ready Player one this weekend - great read, fun and quick.

Now onto Wool by Hugh Howey

[Jean]

Just started a reread of Simmons' The Terror. A great book!

John
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.gif

[Ka-mai]

Reading Treasure Island for the first time. Yeah, no idea how I didn't read this before... I saw the movie with Christian Bale, though. :P

I'm enjoying it immensely. I think I need to read more classics.

[Jean]

Yes. Classics are sadly underrated. Treasure Island is incredibly well written.

[Mattrick]

I can't wait to read again, I haven't had time for it. Haven't picked up a book now for 5 weeks, longest time in over a year.

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

I loved Treasure Island.

[Thorin Oakenshield]

While I'm reading It, I have started House of Leaves as well since I started that book months ago and have decided to go ahead and finish it this time.

[frik]

Best fanzine ever!

http://clzimages.com/comic/large/7b/7b_315078_2_MonstersFromTheVault31.jpg

sk

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

Life of Pi.

[WeDealInLead]

Connie Willis - Bellwether
Felix Gilman - Half-Made World
Peter S. Beagle - The Innkeeper's Song (I thought this was a YA/kids book until the orgy)
Dan Simmons - The Rise of Endymion

[Dan]

The Stake - Richard Laymon
The Stand audiobook

[Cook]

Re-reading the Shining, gotta get familiar with Danny again.

[WeDealInLead]

That's a good idea. I'll read it again a little closer to the publication date of Doctor Sleep and dive right in.

[Stebbins]

http://www.horrorstew.com/images/BlackHouse3.jpg

[jhanic]

:thumbsup:

John

[Jean]

yes

[Stebbins]

I loved BH. Sticking with King for one more book before a break:

http://americasstudies.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/hearts.jpg

[jhanic]

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr60/johnhanic/Joylandproof_zps0347c39a.jpg

John

[Patrick]

I played Billy Bones in my school's 8th grade production of Treasure Island. :)

How is JOYLAND, John?

I am currently reading CLOUD ATLAS: A NOVEL, by David Mitchell

[jhanic]

I finished Joyland last night. (It's only 286 pages.)

I'll give it a 7 on a scale of 1-10. It was good, but very little supernatural. If you liked the scenes with Jake and Sadie in 11/22/63 (and I did!), you'll enjoy this one. No spoilers.

John

[CRinVA]

I just finished Wizard's First Rule and already started up with book two in that series, Stone of Tiers. it is going to take some time. Wizard was about 560 pages and Stone is over 900 pages.

[WeDealInLead]

I'm reading mostly weirdo and fantasy books this month. I'm probably going to start something by Raymond E. Feist next. I just finished An Evil Guest by Gene Wolfe. Not his best, I'd give it 3.5 out of 5. It has a puply feel to it but it's also science fiction and there is even some Ctulhu Mythos in there. Strange book indeed.

[frik]

I'm reading mostly weirdo and fantasy books this month. I'm probably going to start something by Raymond E. Feist next.

Don't! :nope:

sk

[WeDealInLead]

You present a convicing argument! Kidding. I'll listen to you anyways. I looked at the cover and I see some magician with a cape fighting a dragon and a devil on a cliff by the ocean and yeah, pass. There is also a map of some made up land. I was going to give myself a break and read something light after two Dan Simmons epics (roughly 2000 pages total) but now I'll pick up Voice of the Fire by Alan Moore. It's a novel, not a comic book btw.

[Stebbins]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iyqvNh55RwY/S8nJgUSuGdI/AAAAAAAAEEs/80q-vokSO-g/s1600/bell.jpg

[Empath of the White]

Hawkmoon: The Jewel in the Skull

Hawkmoon: The Mad God's Amulet

Both Moorcock's work. Good stuff if you're into science fantasy.

[WeDealInLead]

Carlos Ruiz Zafon - The Prince of Mist
Alan Moore - Voice of the Fire
Douglas Adams - Hitchiker's Guide 1
Dan Simmons - The Rise of Endymion

[Jean]

currently reading: Northanger Abbey (adoring it!)

and!!! at last!!! reading (it can't quite be called "reading" yet, but anyway) my first book in Polish!!! Wszystko czerwone by Joanna Chmielewska.

[Ka-mai]

I started Little Women last night... not my favorite, but I'm not that far in. Right now it seems like the only conflict is "our lives aren't perfect, but we like them anyway."

I think after this I'm going to try some Charles Dickens.

[pathoftheturtle]

Good idea. Nothing better to hate than a Dickens antagonist.

[WeDealInLead]

Tim Powers - Salvage and Demolition

[Dan]

He is Legend

[WeDealInLead]

Tim Powers - Salvage and Demolition

I finished this in one sitting. It's a 150 pager novella and could be a great introduction for a new possible Powers reader. Not as layered as his longer works but just enough fancy wordplay to make the book stand out heads and shoulders above most authors.

[Empath of the White]

Hawkmoon: The Runestaff. The last five pages were utterly tragic. Moreso than the conclusion of the Elric saga.

[Dan]

Faerie Tales by Raymond Feist

[RolandLover]

Just finished "Defending Jacob" by William Landay..good murder mystery.

[WeDealInLead]

PKD -The Man in the High Castle
Arthur C. Clarke - The Songs of the Distant Earth

[mattgreenbean]

Nemo! by Ray Bradbury
Einstein's Dreams by Alan Lightman

[Brice]

I found a first edition of Roots with a bookmark signed included by Arthur Haley in a used book shop for $8 so I'm reading (actually rereading. I read it a couple decades ago) that now. Also I am reading Let The Right One In and picked up hardcover firsts of Straub's Shadowland and Simmons' Summer Of Night so those will be hopefully read soon too...unless I find other diversions.

[Ka-mai]

I'm interested to hear what other people think about Let the Right One In. I heard it was really popular, but I was underwhelmed when I read it.

[Brice]

So far I'm really enjoying it.

I'm also reading my first Doctor Who book...Doctor Who And The Seeds of Doom by Philip Hinchcliffe w/an introduction by Harlan Ellison. :)

[DoctorDodge]

Nice! I haven't read many of the Target novelizations. One of the more recent reprints with the gold logo, correct?

[fernandito]

I'm interested to hear what other people think about Let the Right One In. I heard it was really popular, but I was underwhelmed when I read it.

Is the novel a considerable expansion - mythos wise - in comparison to the film?

[Brice]

Nice! I haven't read many of the Target novelizations. One of the more recent reprints with the gold logo, correct?

No, it's one of the older Pinnacle Books paperbacks from back when Doctor Who first got stateside attention. We have many of these at my house I've never got around to reading. What you'd love best: Harlan Ellison in his introduction speaks on going to a sci fi convention and talking about the greatest sci fi to ever hit the screen. Hint: It's not Star Trek or Star Wars. :D He was an early american devotee. Michael Moorcock introduced him to it.

[DoctorDodge]

Brilliant. :D Ah yes, the Pinnacle Books. They had a slightly weird logo on them, didn't they? Seen them about, but never bought 'em.

There's a few reprints of the Target novelisations over here with brand new introductions from numerous authors and Who writers, including Neil Gaiman, Stephen Baxter and Charlie Higson. There's also a range of 50th anniversary reprints of mostly original novels, although oddly enough, the reprint for the 7th Doctor is not only a novelisation, it's the one I'm most keen to read. Even got a signed copy of it, just haven't had the time to read it. Remembrance of the Daleks, one of my favourite Dalek stories. I'll let you know how it is when I read it.

[Ricky]

I'm interested to hear what other people think about Let the Right One In. I heard it was really popular, but I was underwhelmed when I read it.

I really liked it (I think we may have talked about it before). Handling the Undead was phenomenal, though.

[Stebbins]

http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/thomasnelson/38531/images/38531-hi-TheNoticerCover.jpg

My Aunt bought me this; I figure the least I can do is give it a try. We'll see how it goes.

[WeDealInLead]

Continuing with the S.F. theme for the entire month of April:

Isaac Asimov - Earth Is Room Enough
Robert Heinlein - Double Star
Isaac Asimov - The Stars Like Dust
Lewis Shiner - Deserted Cities of the Heart
Philip K. Dick - The Man in the High Castle

I LOVE science fiction. The books I'm reading now deal more with examining the socio-political circumstances of "what if" situtations than "spacey" stuff. Even books like The Foundation Trilogy is (to me at least) more historical fiction than cool futuristic shit. Asimov address this issue in a poem in one of his collections. Foundation books are basically about the Roman Empire but in future and it spans galaxies. The first time I read it it felt like reading a timeline of an empire with some plot here and there.

[jhanic]

I just picked up a copy of Owen King's Double Feature at the library. I'll be starting it tonight.

John

[fernandito]

Currently reading : Ubik by Philip K. Dick.

[Ben Staad]

I'm re-reading the Swans War trilogy by Sean Russel.

[Bev Vincent]

I just finished Save Yourself by Kelly Braffet, who is Owen King's wife.

[WeDealInLead]

Frank Herbert - Dune. I can't believe it took me this long to finally start reading it.

I finished The Man in the High Castle last night and after some searches online, I found out that Ridley Scott obtained the rigths for a four episode adaptation.

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

Rose Madder, one of only a handful of SK's that I have not yet read. Been on my shelf for well over a decade. Pretty good so far.

[Stebbins]

I would highly recommend The Noticer; very good for emotional and spiritual insights.

[Empath of the White]

The City in the Autumn Stars by Michael Moorcock. The novel begins with Manfred von Bek fleeing the French Revolution with the belief that Robespierre is mad. von Bek's journey across Europe takes him to the fictional city of Mirenburg, where a convocation of alchemists is being held. At some point he'll be drawn into his family's duty as protectors of the Holy Grail.

[Ruthful]

http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780143122913_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/2b/TheRoadToOz.jpg/200px-TheRoadToOz.jpg

[John Blaze]

Rose Madder, one of only a handful of SK's that I have not yet read. Been on my shelf for well over a decade. Pretty good so far.

:THUMBS UP:

[mae]

Rose Madder, one of only a handful of SK's that I have not yet read. Been on my shelf for well over a decade. Pretty good so far.

:THUMBS UP:

Indeed. A vastly underappreciated novel.

[Bethany]

Rose Madder, one of only a handful of SK's that I have not yet read. Been on my shelf for well over a decade. Pretty good so far.

:THUMBS UP:

Indeed. A vastly underappreciated novel.

I'm with JB and pablo.

[jhanic]

And I.

John

[pathoftheturtle]

Well, with so much overappreciation, I guess somebody ought to speak for the alleged under-raters. Pee-yew!

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

Its only about a thousand times better than Lisey's Story, which to be honest, I had a preconceived notion that it would be similar, and have thus avoided it.

[John Blaze]

I don't get how a bunch of you guys hate Rose Madder and yet love Cell. Have I mentioned before how much I hate Cell? Because I'll tell you again. CELL SUCKS. Like, Twilight level sucks.

[pathoftheturtle]

Cell? Pretty bad.
Lisey's Story? Not good.
So am I still permitted to also put down Rose Madder?

[Jean]

Cell - ok, quite likeable, with the last quarter actually good
Rose Madder - readable, but somehow annoying
Lisey's Story - unbearable

[Ricky]

Started Life of Pi last night.

[jhanic]

I gave up on Owen King's Double Feature. I just didn't like it. I just picked up a paperback copy of Ken Grimwood's Replay. I read it before, but I can't seem to locate my original copy. I got the paperback for $.49. I'll be starting the reread tonight. It's one of my favorites.

John

[Stebbins]

http://www.aworkinglibrary.com/images/covers/thaler-nudge.jpg

[Stebbins]

I don't get how a bunch of you guys hate Rose Madder and yet love Cell. Have I mentioned before how much I hate Cell? Because I'll tell you again. CELL SUCKS. Like, Twilight level sucks.

I have yet to read Rose Madder, so I can't comment on that piece yet. But Cell was the shit my man. Everyone has different tastes, but comparing it to Twilight? Very unfair, IMO.

Bears, I'm glad we are on the same page for once. I was not a fan of Lisey's Story; I was very glad it was my first King audiobook. Otherwise, that would have taken me an eternity to trudge through.

[pathoftheturtle]

Lisey's Story... an eternity to trudge through.Apropos.

[Stebbins]

Started this today:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5ktGW6C3Bg/TiELe_t5nCI/AAAAAAAAARw/NVGSV9-_TU4/s1600/book-in-the-the-green-mile.jpg

[pathoftheturtle]

Cell was the shit my man. Everyone has different tastes, but comparing it to Twilight? Very unfair, IMO.I think the problem with Twilight is that it made tame and corny formerly horrific classic monsters. So this would be a fair comparison to someone who believes that is basically what Cell did to the living dead.

[WeDealInLead]

Cell - ok, quite likeable, with the last quarter actually good
Rose Madder - readable, but somehow annoying
Lisey's Story - unbearable

I agree with all this. King has always said "write what you know" and with the last two in this list he wrote what he didn't know and it shows. Especially in RM. He's A) not a woman, B) more important, he's not a woman who's been abused by her husband. I bet it's easier for him to write about the Losers Club in It, than god save us, ZE BOOL. That was one of those "so bad it's good (but it's still sooo bad)" things and that's really not what I expect from King. Overall the book was Ok but "somehow annoying" describes it perfectly.

Reading: Frank Herbert - Dune, Robert Silverberg - The Masks of Time, Lewis Shiner - The Deserted Cities of the Heart

[fearless-freak]

The War of The Dwarves by Markus Heitz
It by Stephen King
John Dies At The End by David Wong

[pathoftheturtle]

Cell - ok, quite likeable, with the last quarter actually good
Rose Madder - readable, but somehow annoying
Lisey's Story - unbearable

I agree with all this. King has always said "write what you know" and with the last two in this list he wrote what he didn't know and it shows. Especially in RM. He's A) not a woman, B) more important, he's not a woman who's been abused by her husband. ...Lisey's Story was thinly disguised autobiography. He almost died, then wrote a book about "what if I had?" If there's one woman he knows, it's his wife. Your point may apply with Rose Madder, but I think the real trouble with these books is that they're just forced. Especially the fantasy elements; arbitrary and tacked-on. Maybe that's why I prefer LS of the two: at least those were a bit creative, even if clearly derivative of Lovecraft et al.

[WeDealInLead]

Good point about Lisey's Story. That story did ring more true than RM and the writting itself was superb. I really should've liked that book but it ranks dead last (sharing the spot with Gerald's Game) because like you said, it's forced. "Big Dumbo's Jumbo?" Oh please...

About to start Philip K. Dick - Radio Free Albemuth

[Stebbins]

Cell was the shit my man. Everyone has different tastes, but comparing it to Twilight? Very unfair, IMO.I think the problem with Twilight is that it made tame and corny formerly horrific classic monsters. So this would be a fair comparison to someone who believes that is basically what Cell did to the living dead.

I can see where you're driving at, but even if you didn't like King's take on zombies, I don't believe you can call it tame at least. Especially not in the Twilight sense haha

[John Blaze]

I just straight up hated it, and I compared it to Twilight because he made the zombies telekinetic and shit. WTF? It's like if some asshole took something classic like vampires and made them sparkly. Yeah, like that.

[John Blaze]

For ther record, Lisey's Story was barely readable. I liked RM a lot.

[Stebbins]

I respect your opinion. I don't believe King is just "some asshole" though. Also, IMO, I thought making them like computers tied in nicely to the cause of (the pulse) the infection or whatever you wish to label it. And he even says they're not zombies. But again no one will have the exact same tastes as someone else. For instance: I despised Insomnia while some on this site give it their highest praises.

[pathoftheturtle]

I don't believe King is just "some asshole" though.Not given his connection to George Romero. I'm not a huge fan of the genre myself, though; it's hard for me to say. But I can understand the argument. I personally just felt that's been overdone anyway, and that King himself had done enough apocalypse fiction already.

Why people like Insomnia so much, I have no idea.

[Stebbins]

Why people like Insomnia so much, I have no idea.

:thumbsup: glad I keep finding more and more common ground between us (and that at least one other person agrees with me on this point)

[divemaster]

I'm on the record in a number of threads putting Insomnia in my King "bottom 5." FTR, I also liked Rose Madder and could barely tolerate Lisey's Story.

Now that I've got that out of the way, what am I currently reading? Still on a major pulp weird tales and golden age sci-fi kick. Right now I'm in the middle of Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Treasury (incorporates the anthologies "The Future in Question" and "Space Mail.") From what I've read so far, my top rating goes to "What's It Like Out There?" (Edmund Hamilton), "Who Can Replace a Man?" (Brian Aldiss), and "Can You Feel Anything When I Do This?" (Robert Sheckley).

[Stebbins]

My apologies dive, I do recall you backing up Insomnia being bad. I'll weigh in on Rose Madder when I've had a chance to read it, which probably won't be till next month at least.

[Dan]

The Dark Tower Companion
Hearts in Atlantis - audiobook

[mae]

Why people like Insomnia so much, I have no idea.

I think it's easily one of King's best. What didn't you like about it?

[jhanic]

I agree with Pablo. The slow build-up seems to turn a lot of people off, but I really enjoy the pace.

John

[fernandito]

Started reading Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian again.

I say again because I had tried to read it a few years ago but I couldn't get through it. To be frank I have a time tough with his no quotation mark approach, it pulls me out of the novel a bit. Hopefully I have better luck this time, I really want to get through it as I love the visceral element of his stories.

[WeDealInLead]

I dug Insomnia but I don't consider it a King classic. I could think of at least 10 classics without even trying and probably 10 more I like almost as much. That said, I didn't think it was slow at all. Just tedious at parts.

I'm reading Never Let Me Go instead of Philip K. Dick, changed my mind when I saw this at the library.

[fernandito]

I'm reading Never Let Me Go instead of Philip K. Dick, changed my mind when I saw this at the library.

HOW DARE YOU

Which PKD novel were you contemplating?

[pathoftheturtle]

Why people like Insomnia so much, I have no idea.

I think it's easily one of King's best. What didn't you like about it?

http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?915-King-s-worst-novel&p=669175&viewfull=1#post669175

He wrote The Dark Tower, It, The Stand, Bag of Bones, Misery, Black House, Different Seasons, Pet Sematary, The Shining, Dolores Claiborne... and you say Insomnia is "easily" one of his best? Surely you jest!

[WeDealInLead]

Radio Free Albemuth. I just finished The Man in the High Castle last week though so I figured I'd give myself a break from PKD.

[John Blaze]

Why people like Insomnia so much, I have no idea.

I think it's easily one of King's best. What didn't you like about it?

http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?915-King-s-worst-novel&p=669175&viewfull=1#post669175

He wrote The Dark Tower, It, The Stand, Bag of Bones, Misery, Black House, Different Seasons, Pet Sematary, The Shining, Dolores Claiborne... and you say Insomnia is "easily" one of his best? Surely you jest!
He has a lot of "bests." That being said, I didn't like Dolores Claiborne so much.


Feev, Last time you got on a Cormac McCarthy kick I read The Road, and it was so heartbreakingly depressing I wasn't sure if I liked it. I tried to read No Country but it was a little disturbing. The writing style is difficult enough and I just couldn't get through it. Maybe I'll try again later.

[pathoftheturtle]

Why people like Insomnia so much, I have no idea.

I think it's easily one of King's best. What didn't you like about it?

http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?915-King-s-worst-novel&p=669175&viewfull=1#post669175

He wrote The Dark Tower, It, The Stand, Bag of Bones, Misery, Black House, Different Seasons, Pet Sematary, The Shining, Dolores Claiborne... and you say Insomnia is "easily" one of his best? Surely you jest!
He has a lot of "bests." That being said, I didn't like Dolores Claiborne so much.So much as what? So much as Insomnia? So much as The Shining? I merely provided it (just to make sure we're on the same page) as one of many which aren't at all easy to dismiss. I know that Jean didn't care for Bag of Bones very much, to give another example, but that, too, is a case where a specific fanbase definitely exists, regardless of whether any of us/them are definitely right about what qualifies as one of his best.

(Sorry if it is me keeping this thread misfocused when we have an entire other forum for topics of that category. I really had to go on, though, at least as far as asking about just how JB ranks all of SK's books. I am sincerely interested.)

[Ricky]

I'm reading Never Let Me Go instead of Philip K. Dick.

Let me know how it is. The movie is fantastic.

[Stebbins]

Why people like Insomnia so much, I have no idea.

I think it's easily one of King's best. What didn't you like about it?

http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?915-King-s-worst-novel&p=669175&viewfull=1#post669175

He wrote The Dark Tower, It, The Stand, Bag of Bones, Misery, Black House, Different Seasons, Pet Sematary, The Shining, Dolores Claiborne... and you say Insomnia is "easily" one of his best? Surely you jest!
He has a lot of "bests." That being said, I didn't like Dolores Claiborne so much.So much as what? So much as Insomnia? So much as The Shining? I merely provided it (just to make sure we're on the same page) as one of many which aren't at all easy to dismiss. I know that Jean didn't care for Bag of Bones very much, to give another example, but that, too, is a case where a specific fanbase definitely exists, regardless of whether any of us/them are definitely right about what qualifies as one of his best.

(Sorry if it is me keeping this thread misfocused when we have an entire other forum for topics of that category. I really had to go on, though, at least as far as asking about just how JB ranks all of SK's books. I am sincerely interested.)

Get 'im Path. Haha. I think we should all go over and discuss this in the "Ranking King's Works" thread, so to return this thread to it's intended purpose.

And anyone who puts Insomnia in the same league as The Stand (not saying someone did, only if) needs to get his or her taste buds re-calibrated. IMHO

[Lurker]

Just finished Bridge of Birds in "The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox". Can't wait to read the other two stories. Too bad he didn't write more.
Then next up Red Moon by Benjamin Percy. Suppose to be the hot new werewolf novel...

[Joe315]

Just finished Bridge of Birds in "The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox". Can't wait to read the other two stories. Too bad he didn't write more.
Then next up Red Moon by Benjamin Percy. Suppose to be the hot new werewolf novel...

I'd like to hear your opinions on that one.

[WeDealInLead]

Theodore Sturgeon - More Than Human

[sgc1999]

just finished ready player one and Blockade Billy. Ready player one was excellent and BB....well, not so much.

[Ruthful]

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/97/81/46/14/33/9781461433316_500X500.jpg

[fernandito]

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/97/81/46/14/33/9781461433316_500X500.jpg

I think reading that I'd be in a perpetual state of rage.

[jhanic]

Theodore Sturgeon - More Than Human

One of my all-time favorites. I read it when it first came out.

John

[biomieg]

I just finished Dan Simmons' Flashback - I'm not really sure what to think - and I'm now moving on to Wool (Hugh Howey). I'm hearing good things about that book!

[Ruthful]

http://almostgiant.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/stormswordstpb.jpg

[Ruthful]

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/97/81/46/14/33/9781461433316_500X500.jpg

I think reading that I'd be in a perpetual state of rage.


Probably.

[Stebbins]

http://violentworldofparker.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/darkhalf1992.jpg

[WeDealInLead]

Tom Piccirilli - What Makes You Die

[Empath of the White]

http://i38.tinypic.com/30m7fxl.jpg

[WeDealInLead]

Peter F. Hamilton - Watching Trees Grow

[biomieg]

Started with Wool, and I like it so far!

[CRinVA]

Currently reading Swan Song, by Robert R. McCammon, on my Kindle!

Half way through and very few bright spots - mostly pretty dismal! I do like the parallel themes to The Stand

[Ka-mai]

I just finished The Hobbit, which I thought I had read before, but absolutely did not remember, so I may be wrong.

I thought it was readable but not amazing. I'd like to hear from anyone who's a big fan about why they like it so much. There's nothing wrong with it, it just didn't make a huge impression on me.

I also have no idea how Peter Jackson is going to make that into three movies. I can kind of see two, if you don't cut anything, but not three.

[Ricky]

I thought it was readable but not amazing. There's nothing wrong with it, it just didn't make a huge impression on me.

I also have no idea how Peter Jackson is going to make that into three movies. I can kind of see two, if you don't cut anything, but not three.

I felt the same way. Okay story, but no where near as mind-blowing as some people make it out to be.

[WeDealInLead]

I'm reading Never Let Me Go instead of Philip K. Dick.

Let me know how it is. The movie is fantastic.

I haven't seen the movie except the final scene on Youtube. I don't think I'd be able to if it's as half as heavy as the book is. The scariest part is that the students don't even question it. They don't try to run. They don't hide. It's just how it is-we all complete. I think it's their disconnect and distance from what is happening to them that is the most terrifying aspect of the book. It's not that they don'w want to question their fate, it doesn't even come into play.

[Ricky]

I agree, it's very frightening. And the initial reveal about what it means to "complete" paired with the kids' reactions is horrifying especially because of what you said: they don't question it.

So would you recommend the book?

[WeDealInLead]

I would. It's well-written, simple and conscise. You won't reach for a dictionary, you won't have to backtrack to "get" something, but you'll feel for those kids. You'll feel more for them than they could themselves.

I'd recommend the book to everyone.

[WeDealInLead]

Reading: finishing Dune - fantastic. I don't know why it took me so long.
Watching Trees Grow by Peter F. Hamilton.
Starting Viator by Lucius Shepard tomorrow.

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

Cats Cradle, just started.

[Stebbins]

http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/71150000/71155223.JPG

[fearless-freak]

have you heard James Earl Jones reading The Raven?

[Stebbins]

I have not. Sounds like something I could get into though; I'll have to check the library when I go there in a little bit.

[fearless-freak]

you can listen to it on youtube

[jhanic]

Because of the discussions on these forums regarding Rose Madder, I've been rereading it. I still think it would be a much better read if the supernatural stuff were eliminated and what was left was a simple (?) thriller about a woman who left her abusive husband and him searching for her.

John

[mae]

Isn't that most if the book though?

[pathoftheturtle]

Isn't that most if the book though?If you can somehow ignore the ending, that doesn't make it a better story. That would just make it a half story with no ending.

[Mattrick]

Cats Cradle, just started.

Enjoy! I found the first half of the book was a little slow but by the end I was more than satisfied with it.

I'm reading Life by Leo Tolstoi, very interesting so far.

[biomieg]

Finished Wool, I liked it a lot although the ending felt a bit rushed. Looking forward to the next volumes, nevertheless.

Now starting NOS4A2.

[Mattrick]

Decided to reread Catcher In The Rye, want to see if how I saw the book is valid.

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

Getting into Cats Cradle. I'm digging it. As far as Rose Madder goes, I agree completely with jhanic. I liked Norman as a villain. I liked Rosie as a protagonist. I hated all the supernatural crap about the painting. It felt contrived and unnecessary. I thought it would have been a better book if these parts were eliminated. I also really disliked his repetitive nature in this one as well. I'm really Rosie, and I'm Rosie real. I want to talk to you up close. Wanna do the dog. etc etc etc. Seems like this was one of his new writing nuances that spilled over into later works like Lisey's Story that completely turned me off. All this said though, the basic story of a battered woman leaving her cop husband and being hunted down by him was an excellent, if unoriginal, story that compelled me to complete the novel. I enjoyed it, and will probably reread it at some point....which is more than I can say for Lisey's Story. I really enjoyed Norman's character, and would have to place him in the upper echelons of SK villains. He is one evil fuck for sure. These characters, with the exception of those within the painting, seemed very real to me; although, I can't honestly see how Norman could have interacted with the public/suspects/courts in a socially acceptable manner for as long as he purportedly did. One thing that I was hoping for some insight on....why were the chapters from Norman's perspective italicized? I don't really get that. Also toward the end, when Rosie started having violent impulses, those excerpts were italicized as well. Not sure why?

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

And Pablo, in reality, no the supernatural stuff takes up two subchapters and the epilogue. About 50-60 pages. Obviously if they were eliminated, there would have to be some replacement, but I think it could have been pulled off as a straight up thriller and been a better book for it.

[DoctorDodge]

I've put it off for long enough.

http://s1.v2img.anobii.net/edition/pi41e62ba6ebcdd06f@large.jpg

[jhanic]

Getting into Cats Cradle. I'm digging it. As far as Rose Madder goes, I agree completely with jhanic. I liked Norman as a villain. I liked Rosie as a protagonist. I hated all the supernatural crap about the painting. It felt contrived and unnecessary. I thought it would have been a better book if these parts were eliminated. I also really disliked his repetitive nature in this one as well. I'm really Rosie, and I'm Rosie real. I want to talk to you up close. Wanna do the dog. etc etc etc. Seems like this was one of his new writing nuances that spilled over into later works like Lisey's Story that completely turned me off. All this said though, the basic story of a battered woman leaving her cop husband and being hunted down by him was an excellent, if unoriginal, story that compelled me to complete the novel. I enjoyed it, and will probably reread it at some point....which is more than I can say for Lisey's Story. I really enjoyed Norman's character, and would have to place him in the upper echelons of SK villains. He is one evil fuck for sure. These characters, with the exception of those within the painting, seemed very real to me; although, I can't honestly see how Norman could have interacted with the public/suspects/courts in a socially acceptable manner for as long as he purportedly did. One thing that I was hoping for some insight on....why were the chapters from Norman's perspective italicized? I don't really get that. Also toward the end, when Rosie started having violent impulses, those excerpts were italicized as well. Not sure why?

I've worked with a number of policemen in my working years and have found that there are, indeed, a small number of individuals who have the same attitude toward civilians that Norman did. And some of these were fairly high-ranking individuals, too. I found them very scary indeed.

John

[Stebbins]

you can listen to it on youtube

Realized this a few minutes after posting :lol:

My main book right now:

http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328016173l/619717.jpg

My first taste of Richard Stark... and I think I'm hooked. His writing is so clean (stylistically speaking) and clever.

[pathoftheturtle]

Decided to reread Catcher In The Rye, want to see if how I saw the book is valid.That's very interesting. I've been thinking lately about change in perspectives. How old were you first time you read Catcher In The Rye?

[Mattrick]

I read it eight months ago.

[pathoftheturtle]

Hm. And you are now better equipped to interpret, you think? Is it just that you want to see if you overlooked anything? Sometimes I reread some novel and I do notice lines that I didn't remember. That's a bit different, though, from what I was thinking. I find since I've grown older that in some small ways I see old works differently. For one thing, when I read/watch something and it makes reference to something else, and I am not familiar with that reference, I immediately know that it is just not common knowledge. I used to look up all of those things to educate myself, (and looking up different works back then was not as easy as it is in the smartphone present.) but now I have enough background to estimate how obscure something which I don't already know probably is. Not that I have closed my mind or that I never care enough to research more, nonetheless. I'm just curious right now about the whole psychology: this is enculturation, and reflects a difference in how I relate to authors. All very thought provoking; and regarding the subject of youth and society, Catcher in the Rye happens to be quite pertinent, anyway.

:orely: Want to reopen the Book Club?

[Stebbins]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yY7Xys6vcf8/UO_ZRBxm3tI/AAAAAAAAJhU/TZ4YiHJzaqM/s1600/Stark_Backflash.jpg

[Ruthful]

The sixty pages from The Drawing of the Three that I skipped during my first reread of the book. Plus, still reading Book III from ASOIAF.

[Mattrick]

Hm. And you are now better equipped to interpret, you think? Is it just that you want to see if you overlooked anything? Sometimes I reread some novel and I do notice lines that I didn't remember. That's a bit different, though, from what I was thinking. I find since I've grown older that in some small ways I see old works differently. For one thing, when I read/watch something and it makes reference to something else, and I am not familiar with that reference, I immediately know that it is just not common knowledge. I used to look up all of those things to educate myself, (and looking up different works back then was not as easy as it is in the smartphone present.) but now I have enough background to estimate how obscure something which I don't already know probably is. Not that I have closed my mind or that I never care enough to research more, nonetheless. I'm just curious right now about the whole psychology: this is enculturation, and reflects a difference in how I relate to authors. All very thought provoking; and regarding the subject of youth and society, Catcher in the Rye happens to be quite pertinent, anyway.

:orely: Want to reopen the Book Club?

I've got so many books sitting around that I haven't read yet, since I've stocked up, so I should be able to partake in a book club, provided it isn't too contemporary and it sticks to more of the classics which I have far more of haha.

With me when I read or a book or a movie I find my mind always works it over for months and tinkers with what is presented and I try to figure it out. I recently re-read Notes From Underground for the same reason. Catcher In the Rye I've heard a great deal of opinion on, as it's a widely read book, and I find it is often misinterpreted by people, at least by how I saw the book. I want to see if that's the point of the book, to be misunderstood...it's one of those books where if you get Holden Caulfield, you might see the message and if you don't get him, it might go right over your head. When I'm done it in a few days I'll write out my thoughts. I'm 1/4 done and it's the type of book I'll read 40-60 pages of per sitting. I really want to re-read The Idiot by Dostoevsky and The Turn of the Screw by Henry James as well.

[pathoftheturtle]

Here is what I mean

Keystone Rose >> Dutch Hill >> The Book Club >> Poll: The Catcher in the Rye - How Would You Rate This Book (Most Recent Post, 06-21-2009) (http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?8455-The-Catcher-in-the-Rye)

You might care to see what they said and/or share your thoughts now or at some later point. :)

[Mattrick]

Why is the book club no longer active? :(

[Ben Staad]

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Brown

[Mattrick]

Oh my goodness, my friend saw a copy of The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky which I've been dying to read. Looking forward to it more than I've looked forward to a book on awhile. Getting it off him Wednesday so I'd better finish Catcher In The Rye quick!

[Bethany]

Picked up a HC of Horns yesterday for three bucks.

[fernandito]

The sixty pages from The Drawing of the Three that I skipped during my first reread of the book.

wtf, why?

[WeDealInLead]

I like to pick a theme for each month and (loosely) group books/authors. May is "British Invasion". It sounds really lame. Oh well. This is what I have on the go right now:

Neil Gaiman - The Graveyard Book
Douglas Adams - The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
William Meikle - Clockwork Dolls
Warren Ellis - Gun Machine
Alan Moore - Voice of the Fire

[Stebbins]

The sixty pages from The Drawing of the Three that I skipped during my first reread of the book.

wtf, why?

I had similar sentiments when I saw this post, Feev. Please elaborate Ruthful; which 60 and why did you skip so much of the most influential book in the series?

[Girlystevedave]

Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge
I've been in a reading slump lately, so when I passed by this cheap paperback on a shelf at the dollar store, and it caught my attention, I felt compelled to get it just to read something, anything. (I hate not having a book to read at all times.)

I'm glad I did, cause this guy is a damn good writer.

[Bethany]

Finished Horns last night. I was very disappointed.

[pathoftheturtle]

Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge
I've been in a reading slump lately, so when I passed by this cheap paperback on a shelf at the dollar store, and it caught my attention, I felt compelled to get it just to read something, anything. (I hate not having a book to read at all times.)

I'm glad I did, cause this guy is a damn good writer.Happens to me all the time. Bargain bins & rummage sales! Pulp & small printers! Lots of fine sleepers are mixed in with the stupid.

[Heather19]

Finished Horns last night. I was very disappointed.

Have you read any of his other books? I got maybe halfway thru but it wasn't really grabbing me, so I put it down and have yet to finish it. I love his other books though.

[Girlystevedave]

Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge
I've been in a reading slump lately, so when I passed by this cheap paperback on a shelf at the dollar store, and it caught my attention, I felt compelled to get it just to read something, anything. (I hate not having a book to read at all times.)

I'm glad I did, cause this guy is a damn good writer.Happens to me all the time. Bargain bins & rummage sales! Pulp & small printers! Lots of fine sleepers are mixed in with the stupid.

True.
And when you just really want to read something, you'll give almost anything a shot, just for the sake of reading.

[Bethany]

Finished Horns last night. I was very disappointed.

Have you read any of his other books? I got maybe halfway thru but it wasn't really grabbing me, so I put it down and have yet to finish it. I love his other books though.

Yes, loved HSB and the short stories. Horns started out so great, like an old SK short story...WHAM! Here's some weird shit, deal with it. If he'd stayed with that it could have been great.

[fernandito]

Fuuuuuuuuhhhhh, still haven't read anything by Hill yet.

[Stebbins]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/09/Under_the_Dome_Final.jpg/200px-Under_the_Dome_Final.jpg

[Mattrick]

The Brother's Karamazov by Dostoevsky...my arm hurts from carrying it. Read 45 pages today...same amount of time Catcher In The Rye in that time.

[fernandito]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/09/Under_the_Dome_Final.jpg/200px-Under_the_Dome_Final.jpg

I'm sorry.

[Stebbins]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/09/Under_the_Dome_Final.jpg/200px-Under_the_Dome_Final.jpg

I'm sorry.

That bad IYO?

I figured I should read it before the TV series starts, so I have a basis of comparison. I'm 150 pages in and I'm liking it, thus far. King can sure create a despicable character; I already hate both Rennie men.

[Dan]

I loved UTD and am going to re-read it again this summer.

[Heather19]

Fuuuuuuuuhhhhh, still haven't read anything by Hill yet.

You better get going! :D


I also loved Under the Dome.

[Stebbins]

Fuuuuuuuuhhhhh, still haven't read anything by Hill yet.

You better get going! :D


I also loved Under the Dome.

Well I'll weigh in with a final verdict when I am done.

I also have yet to read anything by JH. I had Horns in my hands at the library the other day. But I was anxious to start and finish UTD, and there's so many other books/authors I want to read.

[Ricky]

I really liked Under the Dome too, but I can understand the hate.

And Stebbins, Heart-Shaped Box is a great Joe Hill intro. The short stories are really great, too.

[jhanic]

I wouldn't say it's one of King's best, but it IS very good, IMO.

John

[Mattrick]

King had an oppourtunity to write something special and I thought he really underutilized his chance. Hopefully the television series will make better use of it.

[Stebbins]

Thanks Ricky. HSB was there too; maybe when I'm ready for a Joe Hill, I'll grab that one.

[Empath of the White]

Back to Deadhouse Gates by Steven Erikson. I love Malaz.

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

Lolita, and finishing up Cat's Cradle.

[mae]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RfUop6nXL.jpg

[fearless-freak]

http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/bestselling-comics-2007/3521-1.jpg

[TwistedNadine]

Oh oh. I was about to post how Im loving Horns so far (little more than 1/3 thru) - I was pleasantly surprised since I hated NOS4A2 so much I couldnt even finish reading it - but after reading the below now Im a little worried...
20th Century Ghosts was pretty good tho. Hill comes up with some pretty strange shit.




Finished Horns last night. I was very disappointed.

Have you read any of his other books? I got maybe halfway thru but it wasn't really grabbing me, so I put it down and have yet to finish it. I love his other books though.

Yes, loved HSB and the short stories. Horns started out so great, like an old SK short story...WHAM! Here's some weird shit, deal with it. If he'd stayed with that it could have been great.

[Still Servant]

Finished Wool, I liked it a lot although the ending felt a bit rushed. Looking forward to the next volumes, nevertheless.

Now starting NOS4A2.

I really enjoyed Wool. I thought I had it pegged where it was going, but it took some twists and turns that were unexpected. A must read for anybody that enjoys books about dystopian societies. Did you finish Wool 1-5 and the newer ones too?

Feev, you haven't read Hill's Locke & Key graphic novel series? It's really pretty good. Also, Heart Shaped Box was a good read too. I have Horns and I've been looking for his short story collections. I also want to pick up NOS4A2.

[woodpryan]

Reading NOS4A2. I loved "Horns". And I'm enjoying the hell out of NOS4A2 so far. Very strange. Very different. Original.

[Roland of Gilead 33]

well i never did end up finishing Under the dome. and it wasn't cause i thought it was bad it was just my attention span isn't what it used to be. i did get like 55 pages into it though. currently i am reading an oldie "IT" it's been years since i last read "IT" and it's easily one of my top 5 favorite books of SK. i'm only on Chapter 3 so far so i'm not that far into it. Ben just Left the bar after leaving those coins for the bartender. Ricky Lee

i just started it yesterday actually. and man it's been awhile since i was last on here. i looked at the date and it was Jan. 30th the last time i was on here. so it's nice to be back folks. :)

[divemaster]

55 pages? That's hardly a fair shake.

[Roland of Gilead 33]

i'm not denying that, i'll at some point try reading it again. there have been plenty of books that it took me years to read and well finish that i do end up going back and reading it. "Carrie' was one i didn't read for many years. and though that for me is one of his worst books and i'm grateful it gave him a start. the original film is far better than the novel. and i don't say that very often.

ok another one when "Wizards & Glass' came out in (1997) i got the trade paperback of it with the castle and the pink cover. i got few hundred pages into it. and i tried reading that one a few more time and i kept getting bored to be honest. than within the last couple years i went back to it after many years of leaving it alone and i enjoyed the hell out of it. it's not for me as good as "The Drawing of the three' but i did enjoy it.

and my point is that was one King book that it took me years to finish. and i dunno how anyone else is but this is me.

[frik]

http://www.bookotron.com/agony/images/2013/13-reviews/mccammon-i_travel_by_night.jpg

The introduction to a much larger work - or, hopefully, many larger works!
Promising!

sk

[fernandito]

King had an oppourtunity to write something special and I thought he really underutilized his chance. Hopefully the television series will make better use of it.

Dude wth we're actually agreeing on something?

http://i.imgur.com/UmpOi.gif

[Roland of Gilead 33]

i travel by night ? I NEVER heard of it or the author, to me it looks like it'd be Dark Tower Book IF it was SK writing it.

[WeDealInLead]

It's the same artist. McCammon is a classic writter.

Reading:

Neil Gaiman - Coraline
Douglas Adams - The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
Tim Lebbon - Echo City
Clive Barker - Books of Blood Vol. 1

[Roland of Gilead 33]

you are reading all those at once? damn i'm just reading one right now. i do have the books of blood vol. 1 & 2 i just haven't gotten around to reading them though. i have those on paperback.

[WeDealInLead]

Yeah but not all of them every day. They're also different enough so there's no confusion.

I have first 3 Books of Blood in a paperback omnibus edition. Scored it for a couple bucks from Goodwill.

[frik]

Really enjoying this:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5g1_FPzg36E/UQx1yRzHz3I/AAAAAAAAERo/MulHjjQrO6o/s1600/ProvidenceRider.jpg

sk

[jhanic]

Siep, I've enjoyed the entire series so far.

John

[Stebbins]

well i never did end up finishing Under the dome. and it wasn't cause i thought it was bad it was just my attention span isn't what it used to be. i did get like 55 pages into it though. currently i am reading an oldie "IT" it's been years since i last read "IT" and it's easily one of my top 5 favorite books of SK. i'm only on Chapter 3 so far so i'm not that far into it. Ben just Left the bar after leaving those coins for the bartender. Ricky Lee

i just started it yesterday actually. and man it's been awhile since i was last on here. i looked at the date and it was Jan. 30th the last time i was on here. so it's nice to be back folks. :)

I'd definitely recommend another try with UTD. I'm 700 pages deep and it's on course to be a top 10 for me. Great storytelling.

[Ricky]

Glad you're enjoying it!

Going crazy waiting for my B&N order to come! Book withdrawal is setting in. :panic:

[Mattrick]

King had an oppourtunity to write something special and I thought he really underutilized his chance. Hopefully the television series will make better use of it.

Dude wth we're actually agreeing on something?

http://i.imgur.com/UmpOi.gif

Haha, yeah I guess so.

I started The Brothers Karamazov five days ago and already nearly three hundred pages in. It's hard to put down.

[Yaksha]

Dust & Decay the second book in the Rot and Ruin trilogy.

[Roland of Gilead 33]

well i was in the mood for an old SK book from the 80's and it's been years since i last read IT, perhaps when i'm done with it if i'm in the mood to read anything else i'll pick Under the Dome up again. see i'm weird like that, the way i am is i have to be in the mood for an author a genre and i have to be in the mood to read as well. i'm the same way with movies and tv shows and video games, system's and Music too. it's just how i'm wired.

i dunno why i just am. anyways other than watching some tv this past weekend. i pretty much did nothing but read IT and it felt damn fucking good i gotta say, i hadn't done that in shit i dunno how long it's been but it's been FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR to damn long.

and i'm almost on Part 2 in it. i've got about 4 or 5 pages left of the 1st Interlude left. so in short it's the most i've read all i read in at least 2 years or so. that's how long it's been. or if i don't read Under The Dome next. maybe i'll read one of his shorter novels that i haven't read yet. maybe Blockade Billy or something. or Joyland when that one comes out. that one sounds good from the plot line. but the one book i'm dying to read this year is "Doctor Sleep'! and it comes out around my b-day! mine is the 16th i dunno the date of the book release though, anyone know? but it's i think in September.

[frik]

Siep, I've enjoyed the entire series so far.

John

So have I, John.
I think the first one is still my favorite, but each Matthew Corbett book has been great reading. Six to go (I've read somewhere...).

sk

[TwistedNadine]

Finished Horns. Really enjoyed it.
Starting Heart Shaped Box tonight

[jhanic]

I've started a reread of the Harry Potter series. Great books!

John

[WeDealInLead]

I'll be starting the second HP book as soon as I'm finished with Coraline.

Have you read any Gaiman John? I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that if you liked HP that you'd like Gaiman's books. I just finished The Graveyard Book after skipping it for a long time because it was a "kids book." I wasn't too into Good Omens though. It was witty and quirky but that was my least favourite one. American Gods, Neverwhere and The Graveyard Book are his best IMO. Absolutely superb story telling and if William Gibson, Stephen King and Harlan Ellison say he's good, that's good enough for me.

[jhanic]

I've read a few of Gaiman's books and enjoyed them. He's just not one that appeals greatly to me. I'm not sure why.

John

[Ka-mai]

Fellowship of the Ring... sweet Jesus, they don't get to the Prancing Pony until 38% of the way through the book. I feel like this is more of an excuse for Tolkein to squeeze in as much of his world-building as possible, instead of actual plot. I thought George R. R. Martin was bad about that, but this is really blowing my mind. I don't need every song to be typed out word for word.

I'm going to make myself finish it, it's really good for reading in bed because it puts me straight to sleep. :yawn:

I am getting enjoyment out of this, though:
http://i.imgur.com/c4mve.png

[Ricky]

I feel like this is more of an excuse for Tolkein to squeeze in as much of his world-building as possible, instead of actual plot. I thought George R. R. Martin was bad about that, but this is really blowing my mind. I don't need every song to be typed out word for word.

Yes! Thank you. I've just read The Hobbit, but that was enough. I wanted more of a plot, and the songs definitely got on my nerves. In case you ever want to be a multi-million dollar author, here's the formula you should use:

Fantastical, woodsey setting + quest that doesn't pick up speed until the last 20 pages + 2 page song complete with lyrics inserted randomly + characters walking through forest + continuous talk about how the quest is so dangerous, yet few people actually die + another song (this time, 3 pages) + walking through forest (but wait! it's dark out, now!) + setback in quest that doesn't lead anywhere + singing while walking through the forest = happy ending with no emotional payoff whatsoever.

You're welcome.

[fearless-freak]

The Damnation Game by Clive Barker

[fernandito]

The Damnation Game by Clive Barker

Just read that a few weeks ago. It starts off really well but then turns flaccid about midway through ...

Let me know what you think of it.

[fearless-freak]

i've got a few Barker books already, all six books of blood, weaveworld, cabal and the hellbound heart, even got a signed copy of the anthology tales hellbound hearts

[fernandito]

I've only read Imajica (which I loved), and The Damnation Game (eh).

Really want to do The Great and Secret Show next.

[fearless-freak]

i'm waiting for The Scarlet Gospels still

[Mattrick]

Tolkien sucks.

[Girlystevedave]

I don't need every song to be typed out word for word.



:lol:

I hate it when songs are typed out in books.

[Jean]

Finished Horns. Really enjoyed it.
Starting Heart Shaped Box tonightbears would love to know which you loved better. To me, they seem like in entirely different leagues.

[Mattrick]

Halfway through The Brothers Karamazov. Its marvelous.

[Jean]

Halfway through The Brothers Karamazov. Its marvelous.I knew that! I knew that!!!

[Ka-mai]

I feel like this is more of an excuse for Tolkein to squeeze in as much of his world-building as possible, instead of actual plot. I thought George R. R. Martin was bad about that, but this is really blowing my mind. I don't need every song to be typed out word for word.

Yes! Thank you. I've just read The Hobbit, but that was enough. I wanted more of a plot, and the songs definitely got on my nerves. In case you ever want to be a multi-million dollar author, here's the formula you should use:

Fantastical, woodsey setting + quest that doesn't pick up speed until the last 20 pages + 2 page song complete with lyrics inserted randomly + characters walking through forest + continuous talk about how the quest is so dangerous, yet few people actually die + another song (this time, 3 pages) + walking through forest (but wait! it's dark out, now!) + setback in quest that doesn't lead anywhere + singing while walking through the forest = happy ending with no emotional payoff whatsoever.

You're welcome.

Exactly! In the book, he's all "oh, another hobbit stayed at Frodo's house to make people think he hadn't left... they wouldn't realize how dangerous that was until later." Yeah, you know what happens? The riders knock on the front door and the hobbit runs out the back door. Oh yeah, super dangerous when he could get away in about three seconds.... :rolleyes: They don't even go after him.

[fearless-freak]

The Hobbit was originally a kids book hence the songs, after the success of Hobbit his publishers wanted to know if he had anything else they could publish so he presented them the original Silmarillion and they didn't like it so they asked for a sequel to The Hobbit which was Lord of The Rings

[Mattrick]

Halfway through The Brothers Karamazov. Its marvelous.I knew that! I knew that!!!

I haven't read his stuff pre Notes From Underground, I assume I should, should I?

[Jean]

Hard to tell. I love everything he wrote, so I am not the best advisor. I absolutely adore The Village of Stepanchikovo (1859), but I can't imagine it in English. Though, come to think of it, I can't imagine his other stuff in English, either

[Mattrick]

Im going to have to learn Russian to read it in its true text, Thats how good he is. Dostoevsky or Tolstoi, which do you think was the greater writer?

[Jean]

Dostoevsky!!!!!!!!! Not a shadow of doubt about it!

Do learn Russian, I will help you if needed!

[Mattrick]

I have five Tolstois...War and Peace, Life, My Religion, The Physiology of War and My Confession. Have you read them?

[Jean]

Never managed to make it through any of them.

[fearless-freak]

i've been hit round the face with a hardback copy of war and peace

[Jean]

did the plastic surgery ruin your family?

[fearless-freak]

no, just dislocated my jaw

[Ka-mai]

The Hobbit was originally a kids book hence the songs, after the success of Hobbit his publishers wanted to know if he had anything else they could publish so he presented them the original Silmarillion and they didn't like it so they asked for a sequel to The Hobbit which was Lord of The Rings

Good to know this so I can change my expectations. On the other hand, I love tons of "children's" books (Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter, Ender's Game) and LOTR is just not holding my attention.

[Stebbins]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqaDXqLbPww/UUWbNfvbZOI/AAAAAAAABa4/odi6h9pd9Tc/s1600/stark,+richard+flashfire+cover+2.jpg

[fearless-freak]

Ka-Mai, try reading The Simarillion, now that is a challenge

http://images.betterworldbooks.com/159/Crying-Freeman-9781593074883.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rljVQsLBMc/Trwe3CW4MlI/AAAAAAAAD0w/Z7mctJK1amY/s1600/ClockworkVampire-72dpi.jpg