What are you currently reading?

[Girlystevedave]

The Thorn Birds re-read. :)

[Heather19]

Neuromancer by William Gibson

Would love to discuss that when you're finished. Such a mindfuck lol.

Every time you post in here, I think you're going to tell me you're finally reading Pines.

[Tommy]

Just started The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

[fernandito]

Neuromancer by William Gibson

Would love to discuss that when you're finished. Such a mindfuck lol.

Every time you post in here, I think you're going to tell me you're finally reading Pines.

:blush:

Soon my dear!

[webstar1000]

I am giving up on Annihilation... gonna re-read Black House. I was a big pot smoker when that came out and DO NOT remember it at all. lol

[Girlystevedave]

I am giving up on Annihilation... gonna re-read Black House. I was a big pot smoker when that came out and DO NOT remember it at all. lol

:lol:

It'll be like reading for the first time!

[killjoy72]

I am giving up on Annihilation... gonna re-read Black House. I was a big pot smoker when that came out and DO NOT remember it at all. lol

Haha -I'll bet! Weed and reading never mixed well with me. Weed and movies on the other hand...

Ah, youth!

[Lookwhoitis]

Just finished The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly and am in the middle of The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

[wolfehr]

Started The Talisman (for the first time) this past weekend. Also working through CD Magazine #69.

[Stebbins]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ReBPjprhTEI/T_ZhEX-XH3I/AAAAAAAAF9M/CBhwgwEI3cQ/s1600/Eats+Shoots+&+Leaves.jpg

[goheat]

Started The Talisman (for the first time) this past weekend. Also working through CD Magazine #69.

Yeah, I just finished reading it as well for the first time, as I couldn't get through it back in 1986! Stick with it, it is wonderful!

[wolfehr]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ReBPjprhTEI/T_ZhEX-XH3I/AAAAAAAAF9M/CBhwgwEI3cQ/s1600/Eats+Shoots+&+Leaves.jpg

That's been on my "to read" list for a very long time! Curious to hear what you think.



Started The Talisman (for the first time) this past weekend. Also working through CD Magazine #69.

Yeah, I just finished reading it as well for the first time, as I couldn't get through it back in 1986! Stick with it, it is wonderful!

Good to hear some confirmation it's an enjoyable journey. I'm about 20% in and thoroughly enjoying it so far. I'm very quickly becoming attached to Jack Sawyer.

[Girlystevedave]

Started The Talisman (for the first time) this past weekend. Also working through CD Magazine #69.

Yeah, I just finished reading it as well for the first time, as I couldn't get through it back in 1986! Stick with it, it is wonderful!

Good to hear some confirmation it's an enjoyable journey. I'm about 20% in and thoroughly enjoying it so far. I'm very quickly becoming attached to Jack Sawyer.

Yes! It's a great journey, Wolfehr. If you're already attached to Jack, you're guaranteed to love it. :)

[zelig]

Just finished Under the Dome, and now in the middle of reading Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett for a change of pace. It's the 3rd book in the Century Trilogy. Loved the first two. This one is great too.

[goheat]

Just finished Under the Dome, and now in the middle of reading Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett for a change of pace. It's the 3rd book in the Century Trilogy. Loved the first two. This one is great too.

So, Paul, did you enjoy Under the Dome? I really loved it, as I enjoy his longer books with tons of characters, for some reason.

[zelig]

Just finished Under the Dome, and now in the middle of reading Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett for a change of pace. It's the 3rd book in the Century Trilogy. Loved the first two. This one is great too.

So, Paul, did you enjoy Under the Dome? I really loved it, as I enjoy his longer books with tons of characters, for some reason.

I posted some thoughts here (http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?9578-Under-the-Dome-Let-s-Discuss!-*Spoilers*&p=908953&viewfull=1#post908953). But I tell ya John, it wasn't one of my favorites. I do like long books (the one I'm reading now is 1000+ pages), but I just couldn't get into UTD. I guess on a positive note, I got through it without feeling bogged down, so the story carried me through. But just wasn't my favorite.... now, 11/22/63 - oh man.... Loved that book!

[goheat]

Just finished Under the Dome, and now in the middle of reading Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett for a change of pace. It's the 3rd book in the Century Trilogy. Loved the first two. This one is great too.

So, Paul, did you enjoy Under the Dome? I really loved it, as I enjoy his longer books with tons of characters, for some reason.

I posted some thoughts here (http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?9578-Under-the-Dome-Let-s-Discuss!-*Spoilers*&p=908953&viewfull=1#post908953). But I tell ya John, it wasn't one of my favorites. I do like long books (the one I'm reading now is 1000+ pages), but I just couldn't get into UTD. I guess on a positive note, I got through it without feeling bogged down, so the story carried me through. But just wasn't my favorite.... now, 11/22/63 - oh man.... Loved that book!

Interesting, I really like 11/22/63 until the ending, which I somehow felt like was sort of rushed. Maybe I wanted more on the alternate future. I also did like the alternate ending he posted HERE (http://stephenking.com/other/112263/112263.html)

[jhanic]

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr60/johnhanic/US_Proofs/Finders%20Keepers%20proof_zpshc4csqle.jpg (http://s469.photobucket.com/user/johnhanic/media/US_Proofs/Finders%20Keepers%20proof_zpshc4csqle.jpg.html)

John

[zelig]

What page are you on? And how is it so far.

[jhanic]

I'm about 60 pages in and I'm really enjoying it. There are ties, of course, to Mr. Mercedes and I'm enjoying those too.

John

[zelig]

Great, well keep us posted.

[Merlin1958]

I'm about 60 pages in and I'm really enjoying it. There are ties, of course, to Mr. Mercedes and I'm enjoying those too.

John


Very envious!!!

[CRinVA]

ditto!

[CRinVA]

Just finished listening to Just After Sunset. I think I tend to enjoy the short stories more the second and sometimes third time though!
Next on the listening will be 11/23/63. That'll take some time, but after that I should be primed to listen to Drunken Fireworks.

[Girlystevedave]

Fool Moon
~Jim Butcher

[sharki69]

Fool Moon
~Jim Butcher

Is it good ? On my list...

[sharki69]

Starting the first law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. High expectations

[jhanic]

Finished Finders Keepers, on to Dan Simmons' The Fifth Heart.

John

[Girlystevedave]

Fool Moon
~Jim Butcher

Is it good ? On my list...

I'm not too far into it yet, but from what I've read, it's alright.
I don't love it, but I don't hate it. :)

[WeDealInLead]

Robert Silverberg - To Live Again
Isaac Asimov - End of Eternity
Tom Piccirilli - Nightjack

[Ricky]

What was your overall impression of Finders Keepers, John? And (without giving anything away), can you say if Brady plays any part into the story?

[Heather19]

Finished Finders Keepers, on to Dan Simmons' The Fifth Heart.

John

Let me know how The Fifth Heart is once you finish it.

[jhanic]

What was your overall impression of Finders Keepers, John? And (without giving anything away), can you say if Brady plays any part into the story?

I really liked Finders Keepers, but I think I liked Mr. Mercedes more. Mr. Mercedes seemed to have more suspense than Finders Keepers. Brady plays a VERY minor part in the book. Finders Keepers was a fast read.

John

[jhanic]

Finished Finders Keepers, on to Dan Simmons' The Fifth Heart.

John

Let me know how The Fifth Heart is once you finish it.

Will do. I'm about 40 pages into it (it's 600+ pages.)

John

[webstar1000]

What was your overall impression of Finders Keepers, John? And (without giving anything away), can you say if Brady plays any part into the story?

I really liked Finders Keepers, but I think I liked Mr. Mercedes more. Mr. Mercedes seemed to have more suspense than Finders Keepers. Brady plays a VERY minor part in the book. Finders Keepers was a fast read.

John

I found Mr. Mercedes a fast read as well. I wish the bad guy was more ominous though.. hoping that this baddie is worse!

[zelig]

Just started reading Full Dark, No Stars.

[frik]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51rrhimi1iL.SX316.jpg

sk

[jhanic]

I had to give up on Fifth Heart after 70+ pages. I've been especially tired recently and just couldn't follow the story further. Simmons' historical fiction takes concentration and I just was too distracted to continue. I'm on to The Hobbit right now--an easy read. When I start feeling better, I'll continue with Fifth Heart.

John

[zelig]

Hope you feel better soon John.

[jhanic]

Hope you feel better soon John.

Soon, I hope, Paul. Soon.

John

[killjoy72]

Blue World by McCammon.

[Heather19]

I had to give up on Fifth Heart after 70+ pages. I've been especially tired recently and just couldn't follow the story further. Simmons' historical fictibeginning. akes concentration and I just was too distracted to continue. I'm on to The Hobbit right now--an easy read. When I start feeling better, I'll continue with Fifth Heart.

John

Oh no, I hope you feel better. But I know what you mean, I got maybe a couple hundred pages into Drood before I put it down. Now its been so long I need to start again from the beginning.

[WeDealInLead]

Dean Koontz - Relentless

[Girlystevedave]

I may have asked this before, but is Dean Koontz any good?

[WeDealInLead]

Yes. Check his thread for suggestions.

[Girlystevedave]

Cool. I will.

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

Just finished Clash of Kings and about to start Storm of Swords.

[WeDealInLead]

I just picked up Fifth Heart by Dan Simmons from the library. Fifteen pages in.

[frik]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51rrhimi1iL.SX316.jpg

300 Pages in - I love this book.

sk

[frik]

I may have asked this before, but is Dean Koontz any good?

Well, he used to be.
Koontz was one of the authors whose new book I always bought and read, regardless, like King, and Dan Simmons - Mccammon.
Maybe he still is worth reading, but over the years I have lost interest.
Can't really pinpoint the reason why, but his books don't grab me anymore they used to.

sk

[mae]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/A12yuCD0T-L._SL500_.jpg

[WeDealInLead]

I may have asked this before, but is Dean Koontz any good?

Can't really pinpoint the reason why, but his books don't grab me anymore they used to.

sk

For me, it's because he writes so damn much. It's almost like he thinks that every idea he ever had should be a novel. Remember that scene from The Simpsons with King? That could easily be Koontz.

McCammon and Simmons publish a novel every two years (or more), Koontz publishes at least two a year. Also, there's no denying the quality has dropped too, mostly with rushed endings. 77 Shadow Street was a terrifying book until the reveal.

[Mattrick]

I may have asked this before, but is Dean Koontz any good?

Can't really pinpoint the reason why, but his books don't grab me anymore they used to.

sk

For me, it's because he writes so damn much. It's almost like he thinks that every idea he ever had should be a novel. Remember that scene from The Simpsons with King? That could easily be Koontz.



The Lamp Monster is Family Guy :P

I'm picking up The Idiot by Dostoevsky to read. It was my first from him and was difficult to get through, so looking forward to re-reading it.

[Girlystevedave]

I started Roadwork last night.

Heather, I plan to read The Long Walk next. :)

[webstar1000]

Black House... man I forgot how good this was!

[killjoy72]

I still have yet to read that one, Chris. Getting through The Talisman was a bit rough for me, so I've been hesitant to read the sequel.

Right now I'm finishing up Night Boat by Robert McCammon. I vividly remember picking up the Pocket Books paperback off the new release wall at the public library when I was 9, based solely on the cover. I'd forgotten all but the basic premise, so it's been fun rediscovering bits and pieces of the story buried deep in my brain, much like how the main character discovers a sunken Nazi U-boat full of zombies!

Also just started The Art of Denis McLoughlin (http://www.amazon.com/Art-Denis-McLoughlin-Limited-Copies/dp/1907081089/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429885486&sr=8-1&keywords=art+of+denis+mcloughlin). I bought it mainly because it's new, and it's an art book. I never heard of him before.
http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww233/fantagor72/DMcL2_zpswwxssb80.jpg

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww233/fantagor72/DMcL1_zpsttovrpbc.jpg

So far I've only read the introduction, but after thumbing through the book, his art kinda reminds me of the title cards that they used to use on Batman: The Animated Series (although I highly doubt he was an influence).

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww233/fantagor72/BTAS1_zpsuerf3iaq.jpg

Or is it just me? Pretty much everything about that show has burned itself into my brain...

[fearless-freak]

The Peripheral by Willam Gibson

BTAS was inspired by the pulp noir world

[wolfehr]

Finished The Martian by Andy Weir today, which was amazing. Actually have an inscribed copy on the way I'm very excited to have on my bookshelf. Trying to decide what to read next... top contenders are Voice of the Fire by Alan Moore and Salem's Lot. Going to finish Cemetery Dance: Issue 61 while I make up my mind :)

http://i.imgur.com/vg499FY.jpg

[WeDealInLead]

Dan Simmons - The Fifth Heart. Just over 100 pages left. I like it a lot more than The Abominable.
Dean Koontz - Saint Odd. 1/4 in. I haven't always seen eye to eye with Odd but I'll miss him when he's gone. This is the final book in the series.

[frik]

Dan Simmons - The Fifth Heart. Just over 100 pages left. I like it a lot more than The Abominable.

Finished it a couple of days ago and hope Simmons will do a Holmes/James follow up.
The best Simmons since The Terror.

sk

[Heather19]

Dan Simmons - The Fifth Heart. Just over 100 pages left. I like it a lot more than The Abominable.

Finished it a couple of days ago and hope Simmons will do a Holmes/James follow up.
The best Simmons since The Terror.

sk

Oh, that sounds good. The Terror is my favorite as well, followed very closely by Summer of Night.



I started Roadwork last night.

Heather, I plan to read The Long Walk next. :)

Excellent! Let me know how you enjoy Roadwork, I have yet to read that one.

[WeDealInLead]

I finished The Fifth Heart last night. Impressive. Much, much better than The Abominable. I'm probably biased because I grew up on Sherlock Holmes.

The last few chapters (including the cameo appearance of you-know-who from Black Hills) were out of this world. FWIW, you'll get more out of TFH if you're familiar with Black Hills. It's a little like reading Hearts in Atlantis after completing TDT books.

I'm going to finish Saint Odd and then start either new Lehane or Ishiguro.

[Heather19]

Thanks for that note. I haven't read Black Hills yet, maybe I'll try to get to that one first. Also haven't had a chance to read Abominable yet either, but I've been dying too. Is it really not all that great of a book?

[thegunslinger41]

I just have the hardest time getting into any of Neil gaimans books. Currently reading American Gods. Just can't get into it. Anyone else have a hard time with his books?


-Gabriel

[frik]

Thanks for that note. I haven't read Black Hills yet, maybe I'll try to get to that one first. Also haven't had a chance to read Abominable yet either, but I've been dying too. Is it really not all that great of a book?

I thoroughly enjoyed both.

sk

[Heather19]

Just finished reading Draculas by Blake Crouch, Jack Kilborn, Jeff Strand, and F. Paul Wilson. Very fast paced, gory vampire book. Enjoyed it, and would recommend if you're into those types of stories. And for being written by 4 different authors you wouldn't even know. It flowed so well, and seemed like it was all written by the same person.

Also as a bonus they included the short story Cub Scout Gore Feast by Kilborn and Strand. Absolutely loved this one, great little funny story.

[wolfehr]

Finished I Am Legend while on vacation last week and started Voice of the Fire by Alan Moore. Almost half way through the second short story. It's been a challenging read so far due to the writing style, but thoroughly enjoying it.

[Kingfan24]

The Martian by Andy Weir

[biomieg]

The Hollow Man (Dan Simmons).

[George at C-Springs]

Those Who Hold Bastogne (Peter Schrivers). I think The Martian will be next.

[frik]

http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9780307743961

Love this book!

sk

[Girlystevedave]

I started Blake Crouch's Pines yesterday. I could not put it down once I started. SO good.

[fernandito]

I started Blake Crouch's Pines yesterday. I could not put it down once I started. SO good.
Right!? It's funny, the first day I started reading it, I - and the entire Los Angeles County - had been woken up by an earthquake like at 2 in the morning. I couldn't go back to sleep, so I thought to myself "I'll read a couple of pages of this until I get sleepy again."

I read for about 5 hours straight hahaha.

[Girlystevedave]

:lol:

It really does suck you in immediately. In a matter of a few hours yesterday, I had read 12 of the 18 chapters. I've already got the next two in the series waiting on my Kindle. [rubs hands together]

[fernandito]

You were doing so well.

And then you mentioned a kindle.

[Girlystevedave]

Haha.
Look, I told you before- It was a gift from my mom!
And, I won't deny that it is fantastic for reading in bed since it has the light.


To be honest though, I still read actual books more than on the Kindle. Hell, this is the first time in a year or so that I've even used the Kindle. :lol:

[Heather19]

I started Blake Crouch's Pines yesterday. I could not put it down once I started. SO good.



I started Blake Crouch's Pines yesterday. I could not put it down once I started. SO good.
Right!? It's funny, the first day I started reading it, I - and the entire Los Angeles County - had been woken up by an earthquake like at 2 in the morning. I couldn't go back to sleep, so I thought to myself "I'll read a couple of pages of this until I get sleepy again."

I read for about 5 hours straight hahaha.

:thumbsup:

[Ricky]

You were doing so well.

And then you mentioned a kindle.

I was thinking the exact same thing. Haha.

HEY! Let's peer pressure her into giving up the Kindle!

[Girlystevedave]

You were doing so well.

And then you mentioned a kindle.

I was thinking the exact same thing. Haha.

HEY! Let's peer pressure her into giving up the Kindle!

:lol:

I don't use it all the time! It's not like I'm one of those people who gave up regular books for an e-reader. Should I go to Abebooks.com right now and download a list of all the damn books I've ordered in the past 6 months just to prove that I still love regular books? Should I? :lol:
I hadn't even used the kindle in so long that I had to charge it for a while before it would even turn on.

[zelig]

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.

[frik]

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.

I loved it.

sk

[zelig]

Loving it so far. On page 582. I've read his Century trilogy and loved those too.

[Stebbins]

Fiction: Getting Off by Lawrence Block
Non-Fiction: Age of Propaganda: Everyday Use and Abuse of Persuasion
Philosophy: The Essential Marcus Aurelius

I've decided to split up non-fiction and philosophy. We'll see how it goes in terms of comprehension and quality of life.

[WeDealInLead]

Jack Vance - Showboat World
Gillian Anderson & Jeff Rovin - A Vision of Fire
Brian Hodge - The Convulsion Factory

[Cordial Jim]

James M. Cain - The Cocktail Waitress (the "lost" final novel)

[Stockerlone]

Started WASSER / Water, the new Thriller/Horror novel from my good friend Vincent Voss.
The action takes place again in my neighborhood....:emot-roflolmao:
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT3238.JPG

[Girlystevedave]

The Last Town (Wayward Pines)
~Blake Crouch


Heather, I have flown through these books and I'm really really sad that I'm on the last one. These are easily some of the best books I've ever read.

[Heather19]

The Last Town (Wayward Pines)
~Blake Crouch


Heather, I have flown through these books and I'm really really sad that I'm on the last one. These are easily some of the best books I've ever read.

I agree. I was hooked from the very beginning. I wish that he would write more books in the series. I was sad when it all ended. So the Wayward Pines series is part of this thing called kindle worlds, where other authors can write stories based off of Blake's original books. I'm reading the Genesis series now, which I had heard Blake had asked this particular author to write, but then in the forward by Blake, he didn't mention that, but said that he really loved reading the books and that it felt it added a lot to the story. It's about the building of Wayward Pines. If you go search on kindle, you'll see that there's tons of stories that have been written adding onto Wayward Pines, most have very mixed or poor reviews though. But since I hate to part with Pines, I might try out a few others. I know his brother wrote one.

Do you plan on reading any more of Blake's books? That's what I've primarily been reading since I finished those :lol:

[Girlystevedave]

The Last Town (Wayward Pines)
~Blake Crouch


Heather, I have flown through these books and I'm really really sad that I'm on the last one. These are easily some of the best books I've ever read.

I agree. I was hooked from the very beginning. I wish that he would write more books in the series. I was sad when it all ended. So the Wayward Pines series is part of this thing called kindle worlds, where other authors can write stories based off of Blake's original books. I'm reading the Genesis series now, which I had heard Blake had asked this particular author to write, but then in the forward by Blake, he didn't mention that, but said that he really loved reading the books and that it felt it added a lot to the story. It's about the building of Wayward Pines. If you go search on kindle, you'll see that there's tons of stories that have been written adding onto Wayward Pines, most have very mixed or poor reviews though. But since I hate to part with Pines, I might try out a few others. I know his brother wrote one.

Do you plan on reading any more of Blake's books? That's what I've primarily been reading since I finished those :lol:

Yes, I plan to read more of his books! I've already been looking up his works to figure out which one I may want to read next, although I'll probably take a break from him after I finish the Pines series just because I know I'll be pretty bummed to leave that world. Also, I didn't watch the premier episode of the tv show yet, but want to so I can consume everything Pines related right now. :lol:
I am so glad you raved about him, otherwise I may not have ever heard of these books. Even my mom blazed through the Pines books right before I started them, and is currently reading Draculas. :)
Such a great writer.

[Heather19]

That's awesome that your mom is reading them. I just finished Draculas recently, and it's pretty entertaining. I'd highly recommend Run. It was my favorite after Wayward Pines. Abandon was good as well. And I really enjoyed his short story collection. The only ones I wasn't overly keen on were Eerie and Desert Places. The later was good, but I think serial killers just aren't really my cup of tea so I struggled slightly with it.

[Girlystevedave]

Thanks for the suggestions - I'll definitely be adding those to my to-read list.
I won't lie...I am completely obsessed with this series right now. Every damn thing about it. The suspense has me hooked, and I've fallen for the characters because they feel so real. I love it.

[WeDealInLead]

I've given up on three books in the last five days. That's a new record for me. I just couldn't find any interest in Showboat World and The Anome by Jack Vance, and Gillian Anderson's A Vision of Fire. I don't claim to posses some high intelligence but whatever I do have, Anderson and Rovin (read: the actual writer of the book) were insulting it. 300 pages of heartless, stiff, overwritten crap that could have EASILY been 250 or even 220-230 pages. Characters in it have a bazillion PhDs and still manage to sound like cretins. I kept thinking that there was no way anyone ever talked that way.

Phew! Now that that's off my chest, I have to say that The Convulsion Factory and The Subtle Knife are both great.

[Girlystevedave]

I've given up on three books in the last five days. That's a new record for me. I just couldn't find any interest in Showboat World and The Anome by Jack Vance, and Gillian Anderson's A Vision of Fire. I don't claim to posses some high intelligence but whatever I do have, Anderson and Rovin (read: the actual writer of the book) were insulting it. 300 pages of heartless, stiff, overwritten crap that could have EASILY been 250 or even 220-230 pages. Characters in it have a bazillion PhDs and still manage to sound like cretins. I kept thinking that there was no way anyone ever talked that way.

Phew! Now that that's off my chest, I have to say that The Convulsion Factory and The Subtle Knife are both great.

It really sucks giving up on a book, but at the same time, there's something very liberating about it. :lol:

[divemaster]

I...can't give up on a book. I'm not particularly OCD, but there's something about sticking with a book that I can't extricate myself from. But truth be told, I don't dive into unknown books or get into long fantasy-type series very often where things might get bloated and burdensome (e.g., Wheel of Time). I read the first Dragonriders of Pern story and the original Dune and realized I had had enough of that so never attempted anything further that might have compelled me to read past my point of interest.

The one exception was Heinlein's Time Enough for Love. I'm a huge fan of "golden age" sci-fi (where Heinlein got his start) and a pretty good fan of Heinlein in general. But there is just so much incest and kiddie-diddling one can take, you know?

[WeDealInLead]

I've noticed that with Heinlein too. I don't mind sexual content in books at all but his approach was just creepy and awkward.

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

Halfway through Storm of Swords.

[Tommy]

Anyone else have trouble getting through The Goldfinch?

[Ricky]

Has anyone read Seveneves (or anything by Neal Stephenson)? It sounds interesting, but at 880 pages, I'm wondering if his writing is that captivating to warrant such a page count, or if it drags on.

[frik]

Anyone else have trouble getting through The Goldfinch?

Not me: loved it.

sk

[fernandito]

Has anyone read Seveneves (or anything by Neal Stephenson)? It sounds interesting, but at 880 pages, I'm wondering if his writing is that captivating to warrant such a page count, or if it drags on.

I have not, but Snow Crash has been on my to read list for the better part of a year now. It was nominated for several awards, and is considered by the science fiction community as a very compelling work.

[Tommy]

Anyone else have trouble getting through The Goldfinch?

Not me: loved it.

sk

Could you tell me what you loved about it? To me, the main character is unlikable (not to mention nearly all the other characters), the story is depressing and the whole thing needed an editor's touch. I did like the opening scene in the museum but after that it went downhill for me.

[Cordial Jim]

Just finished Overbooked in Arizona (1993) by book collector/dealer Samuel Hirsh Gottlieb, a fun novella satire on modern firsts book collecting. A man's life spirals out of control when he can't stop collecting books. Broke and jobless, he soon starts trolling garage/yard sales until the day of the "Incident"... the day he just missed a treasure trove of "Grandpa's old books" (books worth at least $500K) at a yard sale by mere minutes. First edition Berger's, Fitzgerald's, Chandler's and many more, all in near fine condition. There was even a The Postman Always Rings Twice in there! And that couple beat him to it by just a few tiny minutes. An uneven and rough first published story by Mr. Gottlieb, but a really fun read, especially for book collectors.

http://magnum-mania.com/images/overbooked.jpg

[zelig]

Sounds like something I would do... the can't stop collecting books part...

[Girlystevedave]

Hive Monkey
~Gareth Powell

[goheat]

2/3 of the way through Gone South by Robert McCammon. Great book (and humorous in spots)!

[frik]

Anyone else have trouble getting through The Goldfinch?

Not me: loved it.

sk

Could you tell me what you loved about it? To me, the main character is unlikable (not to mention nearly all the other characters), the story is depressing and the whole thing needed an editor's touch. I did like the opening scene in the museum but after that it went downhill for me.

It has been awhile, but I remember loving the (not all that sympathetic, but true) characters (Boris!), the plot (always compelling), the locations (I live in the Netherlands myself), and especially, Donna Tartt's beautifully descriptive, detailed writing - absolutely spellbinding.

sk

[fernandito]

Has anyone read the Red Rising series?

[DoctorDodge]

Hive Monkey
~Gareth Powell

Ditto.

[Tommy]

Anyone else have trouble getting through The Goldfinch?

Not me: loved it.

sk

Could you tell me what you loved about it? To me, the main character is unlikable (not to mention nearly all the other characters), the story is depressing and the whole thing needed an editor's touch. I did like the opening scene in the museum but after that it went downhill for me.

It has been awhile, but I remember loving the (not all that sympathetic, but true) characters (Boris!), the plot (always compelling), the locations (I live in the Netherlands myself), and especially, Donna Tartt's beautifully descriptive, detailed writing - absolutely spellbinding.

sk

She is very good at describing things, I can't argue against that, she describes the hell out of everything. I guess I will just have to miss the boat on this one. I got a fourth of the way through and could not bring myself to read any more. I hate leaving books unfinished and will usually muscle through even if I don't like them. I'm usually a sucker for critical darlings as well but I just don't get it. Sucks for me.

Now I'm reading Jack of Spades by Joyce Carol Oates, very good as usual with several mentions of Stephen King throughout.

[Stebbins]

James M. Cain - The Cocktail Waitress (the "lost" final novel)

What do you think of it, Jim? It was my first exposure to Cain; I liked his style.

I'll be starting Mr. Mercedes in a few minutes here. It has been too long since I read a new King novel. I'm excited!

[zelig]

Finders Keepers.

[WeDealInLead]

Isaac Asimov - The Gods Themselves

1/4 in and man, this is heaven. Hard brain-frying science and an engaging story.

[Stebbins]

Fiction: Mr. Mercedes
Non-Fiction: The Robert Collier Letter Book
Philosophy: The Golden Sayings of Epictetus

[Tommy]

The Bone Clocks

[fernandito]

Isaac Asimov - The Gods Themselves

1/4 in and man, this is heaven. Hard brain-frying science and an engaging story.

Just Wiki'd it. Sounds awesome.

I'll add it to my list but I probably won't get to it for a while. I'm a bit drained on hard sci fi right now... reading Xenocide from the Ender's Saga and man, it's about as much fun as reading a funeral program. I love science fiction but this one is just so heavy.

[WeDealInLead]

China Mieville - The City and the City (A chapter a day. No one manipulates language and uses wordplay Mieville does. No one.)


A crime/procedural set in two cities that occupy the same physical space but are parallel (I guess?). Both populations are thought to unsee and unhear seeing the other city so as not to invoke Breach (breach the crime and Breach the esoteric police). Da fukk? It took me more than a day but only because I was busy with work. Great story, fans of Philip K. Dick should like it.

Stephen King - Finders Keepers Very fun story. 4/5. It's better if you don't analyze it too much because then it kind of falls apart.

Isaac Asimov - The Gods Themselves - still reading.
Grant Morrison - Doom Patrol (Superheroes (?) you don't want to be.) - page 450 and just 1/3 in.

I've started Everything You Need by Michael Marshall Smith.

[killjoy72]

I've been meaning to read Doom Patrol for a while now. And Invisibles. And Animal Man...

[Stebbins]

Bradbury's Green Shadows, White Whale

[fernandito]

I've been meaning to read Doom Patrol for a while now. And Invisibles. And Animal Man...

Do you have any experience reading indie Morrison?

[killjoy72]

I've been meaning to read Doom Patrol for a while now. And Invisibles. And Animal Man...

Do you have any experience reading indie Morrison?

Nope. All I've read by Morrison so far is All Star Superman and Batman.
After watching Talking With Gods, he seems an... interesting fellow.
I was this close to purchasing the omnibus/omniboo/whatever of DP, AM, and Invisibles when they came out but have held back for various reasons.

[WeDealInLead]

I have the omnibus editions of Animal Man, Invisibles and Doom Patrol. From a collector's perspective, these are the editions you want on your shelves. From a fan's/reader's perspective, these are not the droids you're looking for. They're very heavy and due to glued binding nearly impossible to read without completely ruining the spine. I don't mean this in an uppity collector's way either; the whole page block will fall out. They're close to 1100 pages and about the weight of three hardcover ITs. I have to place it on my belly and peer in, sort of.

You can get them in the standard trade format or as deluxe, jacketed hardcovers. Those are really nice and should have been my first choice. Oversized format, glossy paper and cheaper than buying the trades individually.

You could always try his stand-alones as a taste test. Joe the Barbarian, Happy, and Filth are all great.

He's a shaman, he does a lot of drugs but his books don't suffer from it, I think. They're heady and demented but the story is always there.

And for the record, I neither do drugs of any kind, nor do I think his books are great because he does them. I'm sure he gets a lot of inspiration for his stories that way, but they're not impenetrable. Just weird and entertaining.

[fernandito]

I've been meaning to read Doom Patrol for a while now. And Invisibles. And Animal Man...

Do you have any experience reading indie Morrison?

Nope. All I've read by Morrison so far is All Star Superman and Batman.
After watching Talking With Gods, he seems an... interesting fellow.

Lol holy shit, you're in for a ride. They are unlike anything you are likely to read. It might be a bit jarring for you at first, but like WDIL says, the story is always there. Start off with the Invisibles.




And for the record, I neither do drugs of any kind, nor do I think his books are great because he does them. I'm sure he gets a lot of inspiration for his stories that way, but they're not impenetrable. Just weird and entertaining.
As someone whom has taken his fair share of hallucinogens (mostly LSD), I guarantee you that many of his creations could only have come from drug induced states. I don't mind it though, it's what gives his stories their particular... charm.

[Cordial Jim]

James M. Cain - The Cocktail Waitress (the "lost" final novel)

What do you think of it, Jim? It was my first exposure to Cain; I liked his style.

I'll be starting Mr. Mercedes in a few minutes here. It has been too long since I read a new King novel. I'm excited!

I thought it was ok. Not great, but not bad either (it's certainly not nearly as good as his early stuff). The twist ending was fantastic though! I think Charles Ardai did a wonderful job with putting the book together. He worked years on this thing. And ya got to love that cover! One of my very favorite books in my collection is Cain x3, a late 60's omnibus containing The Postman Always Rings Twice, Mildred Pierce and Double Indemnity, his three most famous stories. I've had it since I was 13 and must have read it at least 5 or 6 times now. Great stuff. And Cain's a Marylander, another plus!

LOVED Mr. Mercedes! I'm just about to read Finders Keepers, heh (as soon as I finish James Dickey's Deliverance -- recently acquired first edition hardcover). Also excited! :)

[Heather19]

Just read the novella The Man on the Bench by Robert Swartwood. Reminded me of a miniature version of It or Summer of Night. Really enjoyed it.

[chucknbuck]

Reading Clive Barker's Everville. Just 20% in, so far really like it. This is a sequel to "the great and secret show", which I thought was good, but not great.

Getting used to his writing style. Slightly more sophisticated compared to King.

[Stebbins]

Discourses of Epictetus

[Heather19]

Just read Famous by Blake Crouch. I had read a lot of reviews about how this one was very different from his other books, and I wondered how true that could really be, but boy it was very different from all his other books I read. I really reminded me a lot of Chuck Palahniuk, even down to the writing style a bit, although just not nearly as unique as his. I don't think I would recommend it, it was ok I guess, b.ut nothing I'll ever read again.

Think I'm finally going to start Mr. Mercedes, that way I can read Finders Keepers right after

[WeDealInLead]

Neil Gaiman - Trigger Warning. Great collection. I wonder if anyone has looked up Gene Wolfe because of Gaiman's praise.

Michael Marshall Smith - Everything You Need. Another great collection.

[zelig]

Nice. I guess it's time to check in on the reading front.

Almost through Outlander by Diana Gabaldon and something I don't do often, but also concurrently reading Ready Player One, Ernest Cline.

[goheat]

Finished Gone South by Robert McCammon, then read Death is a Lonely Business by Ray Bradbury, now halfway through Summer of Night by Dan Simmons. The first Simmons I've read and LOVING it!

[Heather19]

Oh, that's my favorite. I was thinking of rereading that one this summer :) So glad to hear you're enjoying it.

[frik]

now halfway through Summer of Night by Dan Simmons. The first Simmons I've read and LOVING it!

It's one of Simmons' best. I think I only like Carrion Comfort better.
Enjoy the rest of your ride!

sk

[Bev Vincent]

Wind/Pinball, two early novellas by Haruki Murakami

[fernandito]

Still haven't read any Dan Simmons...

[Heather19]

You better get on that! I recommend Summer of Night and The Terror :)

[frik]

You better get on that! I recommend Summer of Night and The Terror :)

Plus Carrion Comfort....the Hyperion books.....Endymion.......His latest, The Fifth Heart comes highly recommended as well.

sk

[ladysai]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KBq2bAFML._SY400_.jpg

[Roland of Gilead 33]

i've been reading 'Patrica Cornwell's (1992) novel All That Remains it's the 3rd book in her Scarpetta Series. has anyone ever read her on here? and if so what did you think of her? i've got to say i just started reading her this year and i'm really enjoying her books. the 1st Book Post Mortem which i read a few months back was a really slow book to get started on. it was too much science with the DNA and shit like that and less story it felt like. less Character Development and it took like 90 pages for anything to really happen. in short it took me forever to really enjoy it. i gave the 2nd book a try last week and read that in 8 days! and the 1st novel is 25 years old hard to believe it. anyways, she's put a book out nearly every year since she started the series in (1990) anyways, the 2nd novel Body of Evidence was a vastly improved Novel and it corrected all the problems i had with the 1st book.

and so now i'm on the 3rd novel and i'm not sure on that one yet as i'm only like 50 pages into it so far. in short i'm not that far into it pretty much

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

About to finish Storm of Swords. Holy crap! Will anyone survive?

[Heather19]

Started Mr. Mercedes, about 80 pages in but so far it's not really grabbing me. Normally I would have tossed it aside by now, but it is King so I'll try to persevere. I hope it gets better. I haven't heard too much about it so was curious what the general consensus of it was.

[fernandito]

I liked Mr. Mercedes. I enjoyed my time with it but it's definitely not something I'll read through again. I guess I'm too used to supernatural King.. wasn't used to something this straight forward.

[Ricky]

I really liked Mr. Mercedes a lot. It was a bit of a departure for King, but I really enjoyed it. Perfect summer read.

[Girlystevedave]

Heart of Veridon
~Tim Akers

[Tommy]

Make Something Up - Chuck Palahniuk

[chucknbuck]

Just finished up the first two Odd Thomas books (Dean Koontz). Reads like horror books with training wheels. Maybe aimed at young adults. I'm going to move on to something else and maybe come back to pick up the series at a later time.

[Xerrand]

The Moaning of Life - by Karl Pilkington :wtf: pretty funny stuff

[WeDealInLead]

I love my local library. I just received notifications that three of my holds have arrived: Ready Player One e-audio, The Scarlet Gospels, and The Acolyte which is Nick Cutters latest book.

[zelig]

The Lord of the Rings.

[mae]

Haruki Murakami's The Strange Library. I bought the UK edition, which is hardcover with thick pages, while the US edition is paperback for some reason, and the UK edition is illustrated much better, too, judging by the preview of the US edition on Amazon.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Emk6iLl4L.jpg

[Dan]

Just finished December Park by Ronald Malfi and loved it. It's the first I've read from him.

[killjoy72]

I just finished Finders Keepers.
Now I'm reading The Border by Robert McCammon.

[jhanic]

I've started a reread of To Kill a Mockingbird, getting ready for the release of To Set a Watchman.

John

[Ricky]

I've been wondering if I should maybe re-read Mockingbird before Watchman comes out. :orely:

[frik]

Now I'm reading The Border by Robert McCammon.

Unfortunately, my least-favorite McCammon in many, many years.

sk

[WeDealInLead]

2/3 done The Scarlet Gospels. It maybe not as stylish as Books of Blood, but I don't understand the underwhelming reviews. It's a solid read. Barker has made it very clear how much he loathes the name Pinhead. 3.5 stars on US Amazon, 5 on Canadian. Weird.

Gave up on Kazuo Ishiguro's The Buried Giant 1/2 in. What a let down after Never Let Me Go. I liked the melancholy style but the story just didn't do it for me.

Thinking about giving up on Ready Player One by Ernest Kline. The premise seemed like the book was written for me. I'm 1/4 deep and I can't find a reason to pick it up again. Each time the nerds start one upping each other with inconsequential and mundane details about some irrelevant game, I start losing interest. The issue could be that I'm listening to it and Wil Wheaton is trying so damn hard to sound hip and enthusiastic about every word in the book. Just read the damn story, OK? I'll probably power through it. I listen to it when I'm running so depending on the weather, I should finish it within a week.

Gene O'Neill's newest novella At The Lazy K is really, really good. He also sent me The Hitchhiking Effect (a retrospective collection) and an anthology The Library of the Dead. He feels these "have Stoker legs."

[wolfehr]

Just finished The Memory Tree by John R. Little. I thought it was really good and had a hard time putting it down. It was told in the style of a narrator writing down his story, and at times it was easy to forget the narrator was a fictional person. It was sad and dark at times, but had an uplifting ending. Quick read and I highly recommend it. Just started reading Salem's Lot, for the first time. (ducks) I read Night Shift recently and Jerusalem's Lot is fresh on my mind, so I figured it was a good time to finally read it.

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

The Lord of the Rings.

Your first time?

I'm reading The Martiian-Andy Weir as a beak between GoT novels. It is really good. Heavy on the science, which seems fairly solid.

[SystemCrashOverRide]

Couple hundred pages into Finders Keepers. I'm enjoying it but haven't found enough time to power through it. Catcher in the Rye is on deck.

[WeDealInLead]

Just finished The Memory Tree by John R. Little. I thought it was really good and had a hard time putting it down. It was told in the style of a narrator writing down his story, and at times it was easy to forget the narrator was a fictional person. It was sad and dark at times, but had an uplifting ending. Quick read and I highly recommend it.

His short stories are even better. Cemetery Dance published a ton of his e-books. If you're looking for hard copies, Bad Moon Books did his latest collection called Little by Little.

I started Count Zero by William Gibson. Exactly what I needed.

[biomieg]

I started Dan Simmons' Ilium. No verdict yet but it's certainly interesting...

[zelig]

The Lord of the Rings.

Your first time?

Yes. First time reading it. It's one of those books that I have been meaning to read for 20 years or more. The other day I just said, do it. Now is the time. I must say it's slow going. Not sure if the pace picks up but I'm currently around page 260.

[zelig]

Thinking about giving up on Ready Player One by Ernest Kline. The premise seemed like the book was written for me. I'm 1/4 deep and I can't find a reason to pick it up again. Each time the nerds start one upping each other with inconsequential and mundane details about some irrelevant game, I start losing interest. The issue could be that I'm listening to it and Wil Wheaton is trying so damn hard to sound hip and enthusiastic about every word in the book. Just read the damn story, OK? I'll probably power through it. I listen to it when I'm running so depending on the weather, I should finish it within a week.

I absolutely loved Ready Player One. Maybe it's the audio like you say. I simply cannot listen to audiobooks. I remember listening to Joyland and I gave up. It was annoying me. Mostly the way the narrator was taking on the different characters accents. Like acting the part. I can't stand that. One exception for me would be the Dolores Claiborne audio. On Joyland I just stopped listening and read the book from the beginning and it was way better. A whole different experience.

You should start over and read the book. It's fantastic. I don't know how old you are, but if you were a kid or teenager in the 80s then you will love it even more. Especially if you played the classic video games. I'm rambling so will stop now.

[Girlystevedave]

I finally started Finders Keepers last night. I am hooked.

[Heather19]

I was just debating if I should pick Mr. Mercedes back up or read something else?

[Mattrick]

I must say it's slow going. Not sure if the pace picks up but I'm currently around page 260.

Spoiler: the pace does not pick up. Even Maturin outruns that book.

[Mattrick]

I was just debating if I should pick Mr. Mercedes back up or read something else?

My book should be up for sale on Kindle through Amazon next week :P :P hint hint, nudge nudge....BUY BUY BUY BUY

[Girlystevedave]

I was just debating if I should pick Mr. Mercedes back up or read something else?

Are you having a hard time getting through Mr. Mercedes?

[Ricky]

My book should be up for sale on Kindle through Amazon next week :P :P hint hint, nudge nudge....BUY BUY BUY BUY

Are you going to be offering physical copies as well? I just hate reading off a screen.

[goheat]

Since I last posted, finished Summer of Night by Dan Simmons! Read Let's All Kill Constance by Ray Bradbury (finishing up that trilogy), then stormed through Song of Kali by Dan Simmons (what an awesome novel). Then read Little by Little by John R. Little and have started The Influence by Bentley Little (first of his I've read.)

[Heather19]

I was just debating if I should pick Mr. Mercedes back up or read something else?

My book should be up for sale on Kindle through Amazon next week :P :P hint hint, nudge nudge....BUY BUY BUY BUY

I will definitely keep an eye out for it.



I was just debating if I should pick Mr. Mercedes back up or read something else?

Are you having a hard time getting through Mr. Mercedes?

Yeah, I'm on page 131, but it was just blah. Then I got a book in from the library so I read that, and now I can't make myself go back to Mr. Mercedes. So I decided to finally start Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer.

[DoctorZaius]

Plowed through a bunch of books with my high schoolers at the end the year - they do book clubs, which means I gotta read them all! Luckily, I was rereading some of them.

Juniors: Cat's Cradle (this is the book that turned me on to reading when I was a junior in high school - the kids loved it); One Second After (a superb look at society breaking down); Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (super Y/A novel that is part X-Men and part Heroes); Off to be the Wizard (not good at all - gotta worry about these self-published books)

Sophomores: Ready Player One (a superb Y/A apocalyptic novel); Snow Crash (I really loved this zany sic-fi ride, as did my students); Miss Peregrine, again (great reaction from this grade as well); Good Omens (this is one of my favorite novels - the apocalypse has never been so funny!)

Now that school is over I have gotten to my own books. I am currently reading Hollow City, the sequel to the Miss Peregrine book - I must say I got hooked in the book clubs. I just finished The Twelve, and I can't wait for the next book to arrive from Cronin, though my guess is that I will be waiting for a while. Next up is King's newest, which seems to be getting some good reviews.

[DoctorZaius]

I loved Song of Kali - so heart wrenching! Summer of Night was tremendous. If you liked it as much as I did you should go find a copy of the Roadkill Press "Banished Dreams," which is a portion of the novel which as edited out of the completed novel due to size restrictions from the publisher - a very cool piece that shares the haunted dreams of some of the boys. You should also go on a read Children of the Night, which is not a sequel, so much as some of the characters make a return visit - great stuff! I can kind of take and leave Bentley Little.


Since I last posted, finished Summer of Night by Dan Simmons! Read Let's All Kill Constance by Ray Bradbury (finishing up that trilogy), then stormed through Song of Kali by Dan Simmons (what an awesome novel). Then read Little by Little by John R. Little and have started The Influence by Bentley Little (first of his I've read.)

[Heather19]

I read one Bentley Little book and it traumatized me so much that I refuse to read any more of his books :lol:

[jhanic]

I read one Bentley Little book and it traumatized me so much that I refuse to read any more of his books :lol:

Which book?

John

[Heather19]

I read one Bentley Little book and it traumatized me so much that I refuse to read any more of his books :lol:

Which book?

John

University

[goheat]

I loved Song of Kali - so heart wrenching! Summer of Night was tremendous. If you liked it as much as I did you should go find a copy of the Roadkill Press "Banished Dreams," which is a portion of the novel which as edited out of the completed novel due to size restrictions from the publisher - a very cool piece that shares the haunted dreams of some of the boys. You should also go on a read Children of the Night, which is not a sequel, so much as some of the characters make a return visit - great stuff! I can kind of take and leave Bentley Little.


Since I last posted, finished Summer of Night by Dan Simmons! Read Let's All Kill Constance by Ray Bradbury (finishing up that trilogy), then stormed through Song of Kali by Dan Simmons (what an awesome novel). Then read Little by Little by John R. Little and have started The Influence by Bentley Little (first of his I've read.)

Yeah, Song of Kali really went in a few completely different directions then I thought it would, which was a plus for me! Very heart-wrenching but ultimately somewhat positive at the end. I did read Banished Dreams on my Kindle Paperwhite and agree that it added to the story. From something else I saw, another reason it may have been excised was because it kind of gave away that Duane died, as no dreams of his were written...

[DoctorZaius]

I loved Song of Kali - so heart wrenching! Summer of Night was tremendous. If you liked it as much as I did you should go find a copy of the Roadkill Press "Banished Dreams," which is a portion of the novel which as edited out of the completed novel due to size restrictions from the publisher - a very cool piece that shares the haunted dreams of some of the boys. You should also go on a read Children of the Night, which is not a sequel, so much as some of the characters make a return visit - great stuff! I can kind of take and leave Bentley Little.


Since I last posted, finished Summer of Night by Dan Simmons! Read Let's All Kill Constance by Ray Bradbury (finishing up that trilogy), then stormed through Song of Kali by Dan Simmons (what an awesome novel). Then read Little by Little by John R. Little and have started The Influence by Bentley Little (first of his I've read.)

Yeah, Song of Kali really went in a few completely different directions then I thought it would, which was a plus for me! Very heart-wrenching but ultimately somewhat positive at the end. I did read Banished Dreams on my Kindle Paperwhite and agree that it added to the story. From something else I saw, another reason it may have been excised was because it kind of gave away that Duane died, as no dreams of his were written...

Yeah, I only recommend "Banished Dreams" to those who have finished the novel for that very reason.

[WeDealInLead]

Thinking about giving up on Ready Player One by Ernest Kline. The premise seemed like the book was written for me. I'm 1/4 deep and I can't find a reason to pick it up again. Each time the nerds start one upping each other with inconsequential and mundane details about some irrelevant game, I start losing interest. The issue could be that I'm listening to it and Wil Wheaton is trying so damn hard to sound hip and enthusiastic about every word in the book. Just read the damn story, OK? I'll probably power through it. I listen to it when I'm running so depending on the weather, I should finish it within a week.

I absolutely loved Ready Player One. Maybe it's the audio like you say. I simply cannot listen to audiobooks. I remember listening to Joyland and I gave up. It was annoying me. Mostly the way the narrator was taking on the different characters accents. Like acting the part. I can't stand that. One exception for me would be the Dolores Claiborne audio. On Joyland I just stopped listening and read the book from the beginning and it was way better. A whole different experience.

You should start over and read the book. It's fantastic. I don't know how old you are, but if you were a kid or teenager in the 80s then you will love it even more. Especially if you played the classic video games. I'm rambling so will stop now.

I was familiar with most of the games and references in the book. I finished it today and you were right, it got much better. I listen to audio books all the time (driving, running, just walking around) but I'll make sure to steer clear of Wil Wheaton in the future. So dramatic.

Two things bugged me: there was no mention of what happened with the prize (money), and what happened with the Sixers. Those played a crucial part in the story so it would've been nice to get some closure. Other than that, it was pretty good. 8/10. I'll check out his new one when it comes out. Might even order the S/L from Subterranean.

About to start Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie, and Gene O'Neill's retrospective collection called The Hitchhiking Effect.

[Tommy]

Just finished The Vampire Armand by Anne Rice, much more enjoyable than Memnoch the Devil IMHO.

[Tommy]

About to finish Vittorio The Vampire by Rice as well and it's OK, I guess...

[frik]

Will be flying to LA tomorrow and have no idea yet which book to choose from my Heathrow WHSmith. Suggestions anyone??

sk

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

Just started A Feast for Crows.

[fernandito]

I just realized that I'm about to start a new series (Hyperion) without having completed the Wayward Pines trilogy...


:)

[Heather19]

:o

[fernandito]

r u mad at me

[Heather19]

Yes. What are you waiting for? Did you read the second one yet or only the first?

[fernandito]

I've only read the first.

Should I finish the series before I move on to the next one?

I'm like a vampire. I can't deviate my reading course unless someone invites me to, LOL

[Heather19]

Finish Wayward Pines! :) They're such quick reads, it's shouldn't take you long at all.

I'm a little more than half way thru Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer right now. Really loving it so far, and I'm dying to know more about Area X.

[moreotter]

I always read two books at once, but I recently found the book I was reading and misplaced, so now I'm juggling!

Unseemly Science by Rod Duncan- The 2nd in The Bullet-Catcher's Daughte/Gas-Lit Empire series, it's kind of a steampunk urban fantasy thing. Not mind-blowing, but well written with an interesting world.

Dune by Frank Herbert- I think this is new, and kind of obscure? I'll share my thoughts once I finish!!

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker- This was the missing book. I'm so thrilled I found it, as I agree with a lot of fellow readers already that it's a modern masterpiece.

[fernandito]

Ok, I will! GOSH. :huglove:

And I loved Annihilation. Still haven't read the second book though... (are you sensing a pattern here? LOL)

[Heather19]

Yes I am :lol: I'll let you know how the second one is when I get to it.

[Girlystevedave]

I've only read the first.

Should I finish the series before I move on to the next one?

I'm like a vampire. I can't deviate my reading course unless someone invites me to, LOL

Yes, you should finish the series!

[jhanic]

I've started my copy of Go Set a Watchman a few minutes ago. I've been avoiding all the reviews and discussions so as to not spoil anything.

John

[fernandito]

I've only read the first.

Should I finish the series before I move on to the next one?

I'm like a vampire. I can't deviate my reading course unless someone invites me to, LOL

Yes, you should finish the series!

I already ordered book 2 from Amazon.

Along with Fables 19 :)

[WeDealInLead]

I think I'll have to get an e-book of Paolo Bacigalupi's The Windup Girl. I've borrowed the hardcover from the library and the page layout is bugging me. The text starts really close to the middle of the book and goes nearly all the way to the edge of the page. That probably sounds silly but long, dense paragraphs are more difficult to read. It's not the length of the paragraph/number of words but the layout.

Anyways, I finished Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie. John Scalzi's quote on the cover of the book is "Ann Leckie nails it." He's not wrong. 5-stars for characters, setting, narrative...everything.

Tom Piccirilli passed away a few days ago. I think I'll read something of his now in his honour.

[DarthMalice777]

I just started The Martian by Andy Weir. 46pgs in, really digging the science/storytelling so far. Up next is either It or Dark Tower series again

[zelig]

I've started my copy of Go Set a Watchman a few minutes ago. I've been avoiding all the reviews and discussions so as to not spoil anything.

John

Just got my copy delivered today but don't plan on reading it yet as I just started a new book. Hopefully Watchmen is good. May re-read Mockingbird first before I start this one.

[Girlystevedave]

I just started The Martian by Andy Weir. 46pgs in, really digging the science/storytelling so far. Up next is either It or Dark Tower series again

I've been curious about that for a while. :orely:

[Girlystevedave]

I'm sort of in reading limbo right now, so I'm just doing a re-read of Life of Pi.

[DarthMalice777]

I just started The Martian by Andy Weir. 46pgs in, really digging the science/storytelling so far. Up next is either It or Dark Tower series again

I've been curious about that for a while. :orely:

Another 40pgs in, and I'm hooked with Martian. Can't wait to see what happens next!

[zelig]

The Martian is on my list.

I desperately tried to finish Time and Again by Jack Finney but gave up with just under 100 pages left. I hardly ever abandon a book but I just could not get through it. It started out well but got very slow. I may circle back to it another time. Now I just started World Without End by Ken Follett.

[WeDealInLead]

I couldn't finish The Martian. I mean no offense when I say this -- I've been supporting people with developmental disabilities for fourteen years -- but The Martian reads like Asimov with Tourette's. After reading Haldeman, Niven, Clarke and Asimov, Weir's so-called science seems like amateur hour. I also didn't really feel any sense of dread or isolation. I get that the protagonist was trying to fight that desperation with humour, but for me, his abrasiveness and immaturity ("Gay rocket! Yay") killed all sense of suspense. I think I was meant to pull for him to survive. I ended up hoping he'd asphyxiate or freeze to death, whichever is more scientific.

I'll go see the movie. I'm sure Damon is going to do a more convincing job of conveying what Weir couldn't.

I'm OK being in the minority on this one. Most people seem to like it.

[Girlystevedave]

I just started The Martian by Andy Weir. 46pgs in, really digging the science/storytelling so far. Up next is either It or Dark Tower series again

I've been curious about that for a while. :orely:

Another 40pgs in, and I'm hooked with Martian. Can't wait to see what happens next!

I'm adding it to my list.


The Martian is on my list.

I desperately tried to finish Time and Again by Jack Finney but gave up with just under 100 pages left. I hardly ever abandon a book but I just could not get through it. It started out well but got very slow. I may circle back to it another time. Now I just started World Without End by Ken Follett.

Time and Again was a book I gave up on. It was sooo slow.

[Still Servant]

Hi, guys. You may remember last year I visited a place in Connecticut called The Book Barn. It's essentially a series of buildings packed wall to wall, floor to ceiling with books. The place is a amazing and we spent all day there last year.

Anyway, I was just wondering if you guys have read anything interesting recently that I should keep my eyes open for. Thanks.

[zelig]

Anyway, I was just wondering if you guys have read anything interesting recently that I should keep my eyes open for. Thanks.

Two of the best books I've read this year have been Replay by Ken Grimwood and Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. And maybe I'm mentioning an obvious one here but I really enjoyed Finders Keepers.

[zelig]

The Martian is on my list.

I desperately tried to finish Time and Again by Jack Finney but gave up with just under 100 pages left. I hardly ever abandon a book but I just could not get through it. It started out well but got very slow. I may circle back to it another time. Now I just started World Without End by Ken Follett.

Time and Again was a book I gave up on. It was sooo slow.

Okay, so at least I wasn't the only one who thought so.

[Mattrick]

My book should be up for sale on Kindle through Amazon next week :P :P hint hint, nudge nudge....BUY BUY BUY BUY

Are you going to be offering physical copies as well? I just hate reading off a screen.

Unfortunately, not right away. It's free for me to publish with electronic format and I get 70% royalties. The more copies I sell, the better my chances of being able to sway an agent or a publisher to my side since publishing through them doesn't prevent me from publishing elsewhere with physical copies, so it's win/win.

It's not even the money I'm looking forward to when/if I get an agent and a publisher, it's actually having a goddamn editor. I've spent the last two weeks editing it (5,000 words to go!), but then I have to proofread it all manually to remove any spelling errors, grammatical errors, editing left overs and formatting issues...all stuff that is taking time away from finishing my second book *grumble grumble*

[Mattrick]

Hi, guys. You may remember last year I visited a place in Connecticut called The Book Barn. It's essentially a series of buildings packed wall to wall, floor to ceiling with books. The place is a amazing and we spent all day there last year.

There was a place like that about an hour away from here called Starlight books. It was basically an entire strip mall converted into one store that was absolutely filled with books of all varieties...plenty of first editions, old books, collectors items. Me and my friend took the trek there once or twice a year. My mom told me that they recent downsized it though, and it's not what it was :'(


Anyway, I was just wondering if you guys have read anything interesting recently that I should keep my eyes open for. Thanks.

Check out House of Leaves by Mark Z Danieleswki...I haven't read it yet but the layout is absolutely bizarre, but it was highly recommended to me. I'll be tackling this M.C. Escher like novel very soon and I get the feeling there will be lots of discussion to come from it.

My best friend raved about about this trilogy from Jeff Vandermeer, the books are Annihilation, Authority and I can't remember the third. He also said Fourth of July Creek by Smith Henderson is an incredible debut novel, and I've heard it from others as well...one person even said an author's debut novel hasn't been so good since Joseph Heller wrote Catch-22.

[Xerrand]

The Talisman.

[jhanic]

Anyway, I was just wondering if you guys have read anything interesting recently that I should keep my eyes open for. Thanks.

Two of the best books I've read this year have been Replay by Ken Grimwood and Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. And maybe I'm mentioning an obvious one here but I really enjoyed Finders Keepers.

I have to add my vote for Grimwood's Replay. It's a bit dated at times, but a FANTASTIC story!

I'd also add Emergence by David Palmer. It's also a bit dated, but, again, a great story with a memorable protagonist.

John

[Heather19]

Hi, guys. You may remember last year I visited a place in Connecticut called The Book Barn. It's essentially a series of buildings packed wall to wall, floor to ceiling with books. The place is a amazing and we spent all day there last year.

Anyway, I was just wondering if you guys have read anything interesting recently that I should keep my eyes open for. Thanks.

Where in Connecticut? I want to go.




Check out House of Leaves by Mark Z Danieleswki...I haven't read it yet but the layout is absolutely bizarre, but it was highly recommended to me. I'll be tackling this M.C. Escher like novel very soon and I get the feeling there will be lots of discussion to come from it.

My best friend raved about about this trilogy from Jeff Vandermeer, the books are Annihilation, Authority and I can't remember the third. He also said Fourth of July Creek by Smith Henderson is an incredible debut novel, and I've heard it from others as well...one person even said an author's debut novel hasn't been so good since Joseph Heller wrote Catch-22.

The Southern Reach Trilogy. Just read Annihilation, and absolutely loved it. Easily one of the best books I've read recently. Just started the second one.

Oh and of course you know I can't resist mentioning the Wayward Pines series right :) I don't know if you're still watching the show Mike, but I assure you the books are a million times better. Plus the show has deviated so much from the stories by now.

[Ricky]

I'm just doing a re-read of Life of Pi.

Are you punished or something?!

[Girlystevedave]

Hey! I loved Life of Pi! :lol:

[fernandito]

Hi, guys. You may remember last year I visited a place in Connecticut called The Book Barn. It's essentially a series of buildings packed wall to wall, floor to ceiling with books. The place is a amazing and we spent all day there last year.

Anyway, I was just wondering if you guys have read anything interesting recently that I should keep my eyes open for. Thanks.

Wayward Pines times a million.

[zelig]

Anyway, I was just wondering if you guys have read anything interesting recently that I should keep my eyes open for. Thanks.

Two of the best books I've read this year have been Replay by Ken Grimwood and Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. And maybe I'm mentioning an obvious one here but I really enjoyed Finders Keepers.

I have to add my vote for Grimwood's Replay. It's a bit dated at times, but a FANTASTIC story!

I'd also add Emergence by David Palmer. It's also a bit dated, but, again, a great story with a memorable protagonist.

John

Looks like Emergence is out of print. I had a look around for a 'new' copy, and the prices are up there. From $100 - $250 for the mass market paperback.

[goheat]

Finished up The Influence by Bentley Little (enjoyed it, easy to read writing style), and started into Phases of Gravity by Dan Simmons. Different then Song of Kali and Summer of Night, but still a good read. How did it take me this long to discover Simmons? :wink:

[jhanic]

Anyway, I was just wondering if you guys have read anything interesting recently that I should keep my eyes open for. Thanks.

Two of the best books I've read this year have been Replay by Ken Grimwood and Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. And maybe I'm mentioning an obvious one here but I really enjoyed Finders Keepers.

I have to add my vote for Grimwood's Replay. It's a bit dated at times, but a FANTASTIC story!

I'd also add Emergence by David Palmer. It's also a bit dated, but, again, a great story with a memorable protagonist.

John

Looks like Emergence is out of print. I had a look around for a 'new' copy, and the prices are up there. From $100 - $250 for the mass market paperback.

http://used.addall.com/SuperRare/submitRare.cgi?author=David+Palmer&title=emergence&keyword=&isbn=&order=PRICE&ordering=ASC&binding=Any+Binding&min=&max=&exclude=&nopod=on&match=Y&dispCurr=USD&timeout=20&store=ABAA&store=Alibris&store=Abebooks&store=AbebooksAU&store=AbebooksDE&store=AbebooksFR&store=AbebooksUK&store=Amazon&store=AmazonCA&store=AmazonUK&store=AmazonDE&store=AmazonFR&store=Antiqbook&store=Biblio&store=BiblioUK&store=Bibliophile&store=Bibliopoly&store=Booksandcollectibles&store=ILAB&store=Half&store=LivreRareBook&store=Powells&store=Wbm&store=ZVAB

These are a bit more reasonable.

John

[Mattrick]

The Southern Reach Trilogy. Just read Annihilation, and absolutely loved it. Easily one of the best books I've read recently. Just started the second one.



The first one was my friends favourite, not that the other two weren't good, but not as good as Annihilation.

[Still Servant]

Anyway, I was just wondering if you guys have read anything interesting recently that I should keep my eyes open for. Thanks.

Two of the best books I've read this year have been Replay by Ken Grimwood and Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. And maybe I'm mentioning an obvious one here but I really enjoyed Finders Keepers.

Thanks, zelig. I added that to my list. It sounds like something that would be right up my alley. As for Ready Player One, I'm currently finishing that one up. I've had a lot of fun reading that one. I hope to find Finders Keepers, but I doubt I will. It's just hard to find new books. I'll pick it up at some point. It's the only King book I don't own.



Hi, guys. You may remember last year I visited a place in Connecticut called The Book Barn. It's essentially a series of buildings packed wall to wall, floor to ceiling with books. The place is a amazing and we spent all day there last year.

There was a place like that about an hour away from here called Starlight books. It was basically an entire strip mall converted into one store that was absolutely filled with books of all varieties...plenty of first editions, old books, collectors items. Me and my friend took the trek there once or twice a year. My mom told me that they recent downsized it though, and it's not what it was :'(


Anyway, I was just wondering if you guys have read anything interesting recently that I should keep my eyes open for. Thanks.

Check out House of Leaves by Mark Z Danieleswki...I haven't read it yet but the layout is absolutely bizarre, but it was highly recommended to me. I'll be tackling this M.C. Escher like novel very soon

Thanks, Matt. I will put that on my list.

That's too bad they downsized. Sounds like a cool place. The great thing about The Book Barn is it just oozes New England. The buildings, the setting and the town it's in is like a postcard for New England. There are also tons of cats there. No matter what building you go in you will find a cat sleeping on some books, walking around or sitting on a rocking chair. Really unique place.




Anyway, I was just wondering if you guys have read anything interesting recently that I should keep my eyes open for. Thanks.

Two of the best books I've read this year have been Replay by Ken Grimwood and Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. And maybe I'm mentioning an obvious one here but I really enjoyed Finders Keepers.

I have to add my vote for Grimwood's Replay. It's a bit dated at times, but a FANTASTIC story!

I'd also add Emergence by David Palmer. It's also a bit dated, but, again, a great story with a memorable protagonist.

John

Just looked it up and you guys seem to have similar taste in books as I do. Emergence sounds really cool. I also love the fact that it features a female protagonist.



Where in Connecticut? I want to go.
Oh and of course you know I can't resist mentioning the Wayward Pines series right :) I don't know if you're still watching the show Mike, but I assure you the books are a million times better. Plus the show has deviated so much from the stories by now.

Heather, it's in Niantic. It's about 25 minutes West of Mystic. It's worth it for you and your boyfriend to come down for a day trip. You'd love it.

As for Wayward Pines, it's the very first book on my list that I'm going to be looking for :lol: I'm going to have my mom and sister keep their eyes open too. I've gotten hooked on the show and would really like to read the books at some point.

Thanks for all the recommendations, guys.

Here is a short video that gives you a feel for the place.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT_wRBo5XCg

[zelig]

http://used.addall.com/SuperRare/submitRare.cgi?author=David+Palmer&title=emergence&keyword=&isbn=&order=PRICE&ordering=ASC&binding=Any+Binding&min=&max=&exclude=&nopod=on&match=Y&dispCurr=USD&timeout=20&store=ABAA&store=Alibris&store=Abebooks&store=AbebooksAU&store=AbebooksDE&store=AbebooksFR&store=AbebooksUK&store=Amazon&store=AmazonCA&store=AmazonUK&store=AmazonDE&store=AmazonFR&store=Antiqbook&store=Biblio&store=BiblioUK&store=Bibliophile&store=Bibliopoly&store=Booksandcollectibles&store=ILAB&store=Half&store=LivreRareBook&store=Powells&store=Wbm&store=ZVAB

These are a bit more reasonable.

John

Thanks John.




Anyway, I was just wondering if you guys have read anything interesting recently that I should keep my eyes open for. Thanks.

Two of the best books I've read this year have been Replay by Ken Grimwood and Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. And maybe I'm mentioning an obvious one here but I really enjoyed Finders Keepers.

Thanks, zelig. I added that to my list. It sounds like something that would be right up my alley. As for Ready Player One, I'm currently finishing that one up. I've had a lot of fun reading that one. I hope to find Finders Keepers, but I doubt I will. It's just hard to find new books. I'll pick it up at some point. It's the only King book I don't own.

Finders Keepers is easy to find. Unless I'm missing what you're saying. BTW I should have mentioned this. How could I forget The Pillars of the Earth. To me it's a masterpiece. One of the best books I've read. Author is Ken Follett.

[killjoy72]

I believe the Book Barn is just used books, hence him having a tough time finding anything new.

[killjoy72]

We got a place like that here in Virginia, McKay Used Books in Manassas.
I once found a signed paperback of Firestarter there for 69 cents, so now every time I go I HAVE to compulsively flip through every King book (about 3-4 shelves worth) before I leave.

[Girlystevedave]

We got a place like that here in Virginia, McKay Used Books in Manassas.
I once found a signed paperback of Firestarter there for 69 cents, so now every time I go I HAVE to compulsively flip through every King book (about 3-4 shelves worth) before I leave.

Hey, I don't know if there's an affiliation, but we also have a McKay's here in TN. I love that place! :thumbsup:

[Still Servant]

I believe the Book Barn is just used books, hence him having a tough time finding anything new.

Yeah, it's just used books, so it's hard to find books that were released recently. It's not impossible though. Last year Ricky and a few of you guys recommended Michael Koryta to me, I ended up finding his book Those That Wish Me Dead there for 4 bucks. The book had just been released a few months earlier. I was really happy to find that one and I really enjoyed it. So it's not impossible.

[fernandito]

The Southern Reach Trilogy. Just read Annihilation, and absolutely loved it. Easily one of the best books I've read recently. Just started the second one.



The first one was my friends favourite, not that the other two weren't good, but not as good as Annihilation.

Yeah I've heard that Book 2 is radically different from the first.

[Heather19]

Where in Connecticut? I want to go.
Oh and of course you know I can't resist mentioning the Wayward Pines series right :) I don't know if you're still watching the show Mike, but I assure you the books are a million times better. Plus the show has deviated so much from the stories by now.

Heather, it's in Niantic. It's about 25 minutes West of Mystic. It's worth it for you and your boyfriend to come down for a day trip. You'd love it.

As for Wayward Pines, it's the very first book on my list that I'm going to be looking for :lol: I'm going to have my mom and sister keep their eyes open too. I've gotten hooked on the show and would really like to read the books at some point.

Thanks for all the recommendations, guys.

Here is a short video that gives you a feel for the place.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT_wRBo5XCg

Looks cool, I've actually been wanting to take a day trip down to Mystic sometime this summer.

[Mattrick]

I basically have to rely on the local half price books when it comes to picking up new reading material.

[Still Servant]

Well, we had a great day at the Book Barn yesterday and the town of Niantic. Unfortunately, I was unable to find many of the books I was looking for, as well as some of the ones you guys mentioned. At least now I have a list of the books you guys mentioned and will be keeping my eyes open for them.

That being said, I did find some books that I've had interest in for quite some time.

I found Roboapocalypse, I know a lot of people don't like it, but I've been wanting to read it for a while. I love anything that has to do with robots/anroids/cyborgs.

I also found The Prophet by Michael Koryta, which Ricky recommended to me last year. I've also been looking for Philip K. Dick books, but they're surprisingly hard to find second hand. You can imagine how happy I was to find Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.

I also found a book that was released this year by Sarah Lotz called Day Four. A few people told me they really enjoyed it. The story revolves around a cruise ship, which I find very interesting because I've been on a bunch of cruises over the years.

I then found a few paperbacks for a dollar each. First was Gone Girl, I've already read the book, as have my mom and sister, but my aunt borrowed our copy and hasn't given it back so I figured I'd pick up the paperback in case we wanted to read it again. I also found a copy of The Godfather. It's a newly released paperback version that looks like it's never been read. Then I found Crimson Tide, which I didn't even know was a book. It's always been a favorite film of mine, so I figured I'd pick it up for a buck.

Overall, we had a really fun day. The Book Barn really is a great place, it is a tad overwhelming though. There's so many books it's impossible to look at them all. On top of that, there are multiple buildings spread out around the town. Each location is separated by genre, but for those books that cross several genres, it can be tricky to track down. The other thing that can be frustrating is that there really isn't any sort of inventory system. I asked numerous people if they had Wayward Pines and most of the people acted like they had never even heard of the series, which is a tad disappointing since the people who work there are supposed to be book worms. Forget about Hugh Howey, I got blank stares when I asked about him. I told them they didn't know what they were missing.

Anyway, it was a lot of fun and I look forward to going back soon.

[Ricky]

I found Roboapocalypse

I also found The Prophet by Michael Koryta, which Ricky recommended to me last year.

You can imagine how happy I was to find Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.

I also found a book that was released this year by Sarah Lotz called Day Four.

I then found a few paperbacks for a dollar each. First was Gone Girl

I also found a copy of The Godfather. It's a newly released paperback version that looks like it's never been read.

Looks like you found a lot of good stuff, Mike. If you liked Those Who Wish Me Dead, I'm almost certain you'll enjoy The Prophet. One of my favorite of Koryta's (his new one comes out next month, FYI).

Have you tried looking on ABEbooks for PKD? They have tons of used books and if you're just looking for reading copies, you can usually get paperbacks for a few dollars.

[fernandito]

Have you read any PKD before, Mike?

[Still Servant]

Thanks for the heads up on Koryta's new book, Ricky. I will keep my eyes open for that. I will also have to poke around that site. That could be a good site to get some cheap books on.

'Nando, I've actually never read any of PKD books. However, I think I've seen most of the films based on his books. Total Recall, Blade Runner, Adjustment Bureau, Paycheck, Minority Report are just a few that come to mind.

[Mattrick]

I kept almost buying this real nice hardcover of A Scanner Darkly...but for its cost I always found four or five books I would want.

[WeDealInLead]

A Scanner Darkly all the way. Sometimes you just gots to treat yourself.

I'm reading The Historian. It's possibly a tad overwritten, but the story is interesting and well-researched. Also, I finally received McCammon's The Border so that's next.

[Cwalker]

I'm hoping to get some advice.
I would like to be able to recommend some titles to my wife. When it come to horror, she prefers the Spooky Gothic Ghost Story type stuff. Can anyone please mention some titles/authors that she might enjoy?

Thanks
Chris

[jhanic]

Chris, do you mean stuff like Mary Higgens Clark?

John

[Cwalker]

Chris, do you mean stuff like Mary Higgens Clark?

John

Sadly, I'm not really sure. Movies and TV that would be in the same vein would include "The Haunting", "Rose Red", episodes of Ghost Hunters, things like that. If it helps, she already got tickets for us for a ghost hunt up at Ft. Knox (No, the other one, up here in Maine). :).

Nothing as deep as a Poe or Lovecraft, just good, fun, enjoyable reads.
Sorry for being difficult!

Thanks,
Chris

[Roland of Gilead 33]

London Bridges' by James Patterson- which is his (2004) novel and the 10th Alex Cross Novel in this famous series. anyways i started reading Patterson in high school, well actually my mom read Along Came a Spider 1st. and i think at the time the 2nd book or the 3rd book was the NEW one at the time. i forget which and she talked me into reading it. so i thought why the hell not? and i fell in love with the series. and for a good number of years i was caught up to his books. this was before he started coming out with 43 books per year of course. anyways, anyone read his books like him or hate him? as for him writing so many books with various authors i do also think that while i love him as a writer.

i do think that him doing oh 90% of his work with various authors is quite stupid i gotta admit. and it doesn't feel like he even does much writing anymore, even though his name is on it. i dunno how much he puts into those books but no doubt King and Straub prolly put more of each others work in the books they did together, than Patterson has done in his work. but i dunno how he writes with those writers so i'm just guessing.

[Still Servant]

Has anybody ever read Sara Douglass' Axis Trilogy? I saw all 3 books at Savers and was thinking about picking them up. It sounds like something I might be interested in. Just wondering if anybody has ever read them. Thanks.

[Tommy]

Ready Player One is a lot of fun!

[Still Servant]

Ready Player One is a lot of fun!

It really is a lot of fun! I enjoyed myself. I'm looking forward to reading Armada.

[goheat]

Finished Phases of Gravity by Dan Simmons, another great Simmons read! (Ari, I think you really liked this one). Started in on Carrion Comfort: WOW, this is awesome so far. I'm less then halfway through, and cannot believe how much is going on! Again, I can't believe I never discovered Simmons before a month or so ago...

[Girlystevedave]

You guys have me so intrigued by Dan Simmons.
Everything I read about sounds good. Which book should I start with?! :panic:

[goheat]

You guys have me so intrigued by Dan Simmons.
Everything I read about sounds good. Which book should I start with?! :panic:

I started with Summer of Night, but I would also recommend Song of Kali as a potential 1st (I like to read in chronological order by publishing date for some obsessive reason, so that's what I'm doing moving forward...)

[jhanic]

I agree that starting with either Summer of Night or Song of Kali would be great. Simmons has other, more complex, works (the period pieces--Drood, The Terror, The Abominable and others) that may put you off for a while. Simmons' science fiction works never gave me the same feel as those above.

John

[Girlystevedave]

Thanks for the suggestions.
Also, I forgot that there's a thread devoted to Dan Simmons recommendations. :lol:

[fernandito]

Amanda, check the Dan Simmons thread I just bumped. :)

[Bev Vincent]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51VfgF1B8nL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

[WeDealInLead]

I borrowed Drunken Fireworks from the library and bought The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu. Fantastic cover + the fact that it's Chinese s.f. + the blurb promises "the scope of Dune and rising action of Independence Day" = I paid full cover price. I didn't want to risk getting a second printing.

Here is the information from the publisher: http://www.tor.com/2014/09/30/the-three-body-problem-silent-spring-excerpt-chapters-1-3/

And the reviews: http://www.amazon.com/The-Three-Body-Problem-Cixin-Liu/dp/0765377063

[Heather19]

I'm hoping to get some advice.
I would like to be able to recommend some titles to my wife. When it come to horror, she prefers the Spooky Gothic Ghost Story type stuff. Can anyone please mention some titles/authors that she might enjoy?

Thanks
Chris

Rebecca is a good one. I also have This House is Haunted by John Boyne lined up to read soon. The synopsis sounds like what you're looking for. Can't vouch for it yet, but it seems to have some good reviews.


Thanks for the suggestions.
Also, I forgot that there's a thread devoted to Dan Simmons recommendations. :lol:

Yes, I just posted in there for you. Summer of Night :) The Terror is also excellent, but I'd recommend waiting and reading that one on a cold winter night.


So I'm on book 2 of the Southern Reach trilogy, and boy, this book isn't nearly as good as the first. It's been a little slow going, but it could just be because I came off reading the first one which I absolutely loved, and I loved the style of writing, whereas this one has a completely different feel to it.

[Lurker]

I borrowed Drunken Fireworks from the library and bought The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu. Fantastic cover + the fact that it's Chinese s.f. + the blurb promises "the scope of Dune and rising action of Independence Day" = I paid full cover price. I didn't want to risk getting a second printing.


I picked up the translator Ken Liu's first novel, The Grace of Kings, a couple of weeks ago. Got one signed and one not signed as it is supposed to be the "Wuxia version of Game of Thrones".

I'm not going to go that far - but it's been a pretty good read.