Recently Read..

I just discovered this thread (thanks for reviving it, Orpheus).
I didn't know there are so many fellow book lovers at the
SnarkPit. I thought I was the only one who finds time outside of
mapping.

I've never been able to get through more than the first chapter or so of Hitch Hikers Guide. . .

:smile: I think you have to be British to appreciate the humor.
When I first read it, I felt I got transported to England. I
could even hear the British accent ringing in my ear even after
finishing the book.

I am in the middle of "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides. In case you haven't
heard of this book (you probably have, if you're into reading), it's
the 2003 Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction.

So far, I just can't find any flaw in this book. I am usually
quite critical of bad fiction, and I am a very selective reader.
I've aborted plenty of books for not being able to enthrall me.
Some stories are just too dark for my taste (i.e. "Non ti muovere"
or "Don't Move", translated from Italian), and some are too
flippant. But "Middlesex" has just the perfect combination of
somber and levity. Eugenides is magnificent as a writer. I
am constantly in awe of his skills when I devour his sentences.

I can easily say that it's the best book I've read, ever. I read
another Pulitzer winner before ("Empire Fall"), but that wasn't nearly
as good and satisfying as "Middlesex".

Anyways, grab it from the nearest library at the soonest opportunity. You won't regret it.

Just finished reading, and doing a synthesis on The Grey King... I have to say, it was really.... slow.

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting G.Ballblue</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>Just finished reading, and doing a synthesis on The Grey King... I have to say, it was really.... slow. </DIV></DIV>

SLOW, you want an example of slow..

most cases, i won't read a book series, unless i can locate them all first. the only time i break this rule, is if the series is in progress, yet to be published or some such reason.

well i discovered fantasy adventure about 20 years ago. till then i was 100% science fiction only.. well everyone told me, that anyone who is anyone reads "Elric of Melnibone "

i search far and wide, and about 3 years later i obtain the last of them. i begin my adventure on the most dryly written books i have ever had the displeasure of experiencing.

i read them all, constantly telling myself "its got to get better"

i highly recommend avoiding this series like the plague.

G.Ballblue said:
Just finished reading, and doing a synthesis on The Grey King... I have to say, it was really.... slow.

SLOW, you want an example of slow..

most cases, i won't read a book series, unless i can locate them
all first. the only time i break this rule, is if the series is in
progress, yet to be published or some such reason.

well i discovered fantasy adventure about 20 years ago. till
then i was 100% science fiction only.. well everyone told me, that
anyone who is anyone reads "Elric of Melnibone "

i search far and wide, and about 3 years later i obtain the
last of them. i begin my adventure on the most dryly written books i
have ever had the displeasure of experiencing.

i read them all, constantly telling myself "its got to get better"

i highly recommend avoiding this series like the plague.

But the plague is easily cured with
soap ... or staying away from squirrels.

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Crono</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>

But the plague is easily cured with soap ... or staying away from squirrels.

</DIV></DIV>
thats alright then, cause all the damned squirrels around here moved to Wisconsin

How ironic, in that if you don't avoid the squirrels, they might help you out by eating the books.

Blegh, still reading Atlas Shrugged, such a long book but at least I'm a good 600 pages into it now.

And I picked up the Zombie Survival Guide today. :biggrin: The look on the girl's face when I asked her if they had it was hilarious!

I'm just after buying Zombie Survival Guide, I'll read it at home later or if I've nothing better to do here. :wink:

Also, as my 'Secret Santa' gift at work, I bought a pocket sized copy of The Satanic Bible....

...well I think its funny!

So, does this make me The Antigideon then?

anything by christopher moore!

Hey, what do you think about the Harry Potter books and their success?

C
<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Andrei</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>Hey, what do you think about the Harry Potter books and their success?

</DIV></DIV>
Cleverly written, entertaining, good plots. Harry relies too much on luck and other people. What kids need is an all powerful genius-kid-wizard who kicks adult's asses. that is what every kid wants to see. they wanna see a kid have power over an adult. I know i always did!

I read the first of the series out of pure curiousity, seeing how popular it was and all, and found it to be VERY well written, with an interesting plot and a nice sense of humor. Few books nowadays are like that :sad: . J.Rowling's knowledge of the occult is suspicious, though :smile: .

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Andrei</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>I read the first of the series out of pure curiousity, seeing how popular it was and all, and found it to be VERY well written, with an interesting plot and a nice sense of humor. Few books nowadays are like that :sad: . J.Rowling's knowledge of the occult is suspicious, though :smile: . </DIV></DIV>

all the information in the books is very relevant. A lot of the made-up words sem to have a REAL rootword.
GREAT sense of humor and NO sex or cuss words, no killing, its great! heh... Earwax flavored Jellybeans... heh heh...

I heard that the russians or the bulgarians complained that one of the characters is a copy of a politician from one of these countries. Hmm...Viktor Krum?

Hmm, I tried reading the first two but gave up because they were too childish :/

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Leperous</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>Hmm, I tried reading the first two but gave up because they were too childish :/</DIV></DIV>

all though each story does tie into the last, you can read any potter book independent of the rest.
my advice is to read #4 and then #5.. if i know you the way i think i do (judging from how many books you and i have read in common) you will like those two.

Read #4 if you're going to read one of those too, #5's pretty boring IMO.

Oh, and I thought the Zombie Survival Guide was overrated as well, but I've always had slightly more than a passive interest in zombies. Obviously I realize the author doesn't take zombies seriously in the book but yeah. The examples of zombie attacks at the end were probably the best-written parts of the book as well; I really didn't like his writing style with the rest of it.

I guess it's worth the cost just for the simple fact that it looks hella cool.

I know im going to read the newest Harry Potter Book :biggrin: I think its called Harry Potter and the Mixed Blood Prince , cant wait till it comes out. Its due in January of 2005 YAY!

NO sex or cuss words, no killing, its great! heh...

Something isn't quite right about this sentence...

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Andrei</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>I heard that the russians or the bulgarians complained that one of the characters is a copy of a politician from one of these countries. Hmm...Viktor Krum? </DIV></DIV>

No no. That BS was about the movie. In one of them there is a computer animated character that bares a passing resemblance to Vladimir Putin.

I've enjoyed them, but Lep is right about them being somewhat childish. Of course they are children's books. you just have to accept that and enjoy them for what they are.

TwoKnives said:
<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quote:</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>NO sex or cuss words, no killing, its great! heh...

</DIV></DIV>

Something isn't quite right about this sentence...

I agree. Read the Song Of Ice And Fire some time. That is one awesome series with lots sex, violence, and swearing....

Read #4 if you're going to read one of those too, #5's pretty boring IMO.

Oh, and I thought the Zombie Survival Guide was overrated as well,
but I've always had slightly more than a passive interest in zombies.
Obviously I realize the author doesn't take zombies seriously in the
book but yeah. The examples of zombie attacks at the end were probably
the best-written parts of the book as well; I really didn't like his
writing style with the rest of it.

I guess it's worth the cost just for the simple fact that it looks hella cool.

It has no semblance of any style of his
own. It's written as a self help book. How exactly would you want it
to be written?

I finished it a few nights ago. Unless you're
able to run with the joke don't bother speaking of it ever again.

I'm trying to read Ulysses because what I've understood so far has been pretty neat. I'll report back in eighty thousand f**king years when I'm finished.

BTW: New avatar, Rollafamo

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Cassius</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>

BTW: New avatar

</DIV></DIV>

better, but still just shy of my impression of "Cassius"
you are getting close however.

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting TwoKnives</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quote:</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>NO sex or cuss words, no killing, its great! heh...

</DIV></DIV>

Something isn't quite right about this sentence...
</DIV></DIV>
I'm talkin' about for a KIDS book, you goofs.

Anyway, I recommend anything by Tad Williams. The Otherland books are just GREAT!

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Cassius</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>BTW: New avatar, Rollafamo</DIV></DIV>
Yeah, me too :smile: .

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Orpheus</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>
<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Cassius</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>

BTW: New avatar

</DIV></DIV>

better, but still just shy of my impression of "Cassius"
you are getting close however.

</DIV></DIV>
It's the eyes of my self portrait that I made using my user picture as a reference for a school project. Oy.

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Crono</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quote:</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>Read #4 if you're going to read one of those too, #W's pretty boring IMO.
Oh, and I thought the Zombie Survival Guide was overrated as well, but I've always had slightly more than a passive interest in zombies. Obviously I realize the author doesn't take zombies seriously in the book but yeah. The examples of zombie attacks at the end were probably the best-written parts of the book as well; I really didn't like his writing style with the rest of it.

I guess it's worth the cost just for the simple fact that it looks hell cool.

</DIV></DIV>

It has no semblance of any style of his own. It's written as a self help book. How exactly would you want it to be written?

I finished it a few nights ago. Unless you're able to run with the joke don't bother speaking of it ever again.

</DIV></DIV>

Writing style doesn't have much to do with structure. It's all about how the author strings his words together. Some writers are effortlessly elegant stylists, making their work very easy to read and understand. Others are awkward and jerky. You really don't become aware of it unless you have done a significant amount of writing yourself on a more serious level than college papers.

Cassius said:
I'm trying to read Ulysses because what I've understood so far has been pretty neat. I'll report back in eighty thousand f**king years when I'm finished.

Do you mean "The Odyssey"? If so, which translation are you reading? I didn't find it hard to read at all.

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Tracer Bullet</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>

Cassius said:
I'm trying to read Ulysses because what I've understood so far has been pretty neat. I'll report back in eighty thousand f**king years when I'm finished.

Do you mean "The Odyssey"? If so, which translation are you reading? I didn't find it hard to read at all.

</DIV></DIV>
Do you like translated classics, Tracer? My brother who is a prof. of Classical Languages has done many fine translations of Many great stories and writings, like Ajax, Propertius, and some of Virgil's writings. He has more that he has translated, but i can't think of them. anyway, I can send you them ina word file if you are interested. Or anyone else, not just tracer.

Crono said:

Read #4 if you're going to read one of those too, #W's pretty boring IMO.
Oh, and I thought the Zombie Survival Guide was overrated as well,
but I've always had slightly more than a passive interest in zombies.
Obviously I realize the author doesn't take zombies seriously in the
book but yeah. The examples of zombie attacks at the end were probably
the best-written parts of the book as well; I really didn't like his
writing style with the rest of it.

I guess it's worth the cost just for the simple fact that it looks hell cool.

It has no semblance of any style of his own. It's written as a self help book. How exactly would you want it to be written?

I finished it a few nights ago. Unless you're able to run with the joke don't bother speaking of it ever again.

Writing style doesn't have much to do with structure. It's all
about how the author strings his words together. Some writers are
effortlessly elegant stylists, making their work very easy to read and
understand. Others are awkward and jerky. You really don't become aware
of it unless you have done a significant amount of writing yourself on
a more serious level than college papers.

<table align="center" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="95%">
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<tr>
<td style="font-size: 11px; color: gold;" bgcolor="black">? posted by Cassius</td>
</tr><tr>
<td bgcolor="#151515">
I'm trying to read Ulysses because what I've understood so far has
been pretty neat. I'll report back in eighty thousand f**king years
when I'm finished.

</td></tr></tbody></table>

Do you mean "The Odyssey"? If so, which translation are you reading? I didn't find it hard to read at all.

No. There is a book called "Ulysses". The Oddessy isn't rediculously long, so, that should have been your first clue :smile:

And my point was, he purposfully wrote it dry. It wouldn't have been funny if it was written as a comedic book.

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Crono</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>And my point was, he purposfully wrote it dry.
</DIV></DIV>

I agree, had the book been moist it would not have been any fun.
me runs away

I just finished reading George Orwell's 1984 for the first time. Great book, genuinely scary look at a possible future under a totalitarian regime.

Once and for all proves that the tv show Big Brother is the spawn of satan :biggrin: .

The Odyssey was an awesome book, a really great read. I wouldn't recomment the Illiad though, boring as piss throughout most of it, except of course the exciting bits which the movie Troy consisted mainly of.

1984: Political fiction, thus just as terrible as Ayn Rand.

I'm reading Ulysses the novel, by James Joyce, which as far as I know never mentions Ulysses once in the entire course of the novel save for in the title.

Cass, please say you've read it to pass judgement.. passing it off as
"political fiction" completely misses so many different depths of the
book.

If you haven't read it, go do so - any self respecting reader should have read it, in my humble opinion a least :razz:

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Gwil</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>
If you haven't read it, go do so - any self respecting reader should have read it, in my humble opinion a least :razz:
</DIV></DIV>
insert tongue spitting noise here

So much hostility. Anyway, I didn't particularly like 1984 but it gave me things to think about. Ayn Rand gives me something to think about and is more entertaining for me. It's not like anyone who reads a book that contains politics automatically agrees with whatever politics are contained therein.

And as for the zombie book, I just really didn't enjoy lines such as "Another problem, as can be expected, is noise" in reference to fueled boats - the "as can be expected" really ruins the sentence for me and he tosses things like that into a lot of sentences and it bugs me. I guess my point is that some scientists/researchers can write more interestingly, and Brooks can but doesn't. </rant>

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Hugh</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>So much hostility. Anyway, I didn't particularly like 1984 but it gave me things to think about. Ayn Rand gives me something to think about and is more entertaining for me. It's not like anyone who reads a book that contains politics automatically agrees with whatever politics are contained therein.

And as for the zombie book, I just really didn't enjoy lines such as "Another problem, as can be expected, is noise" in reference to fueled boats - the "as can be expected" really ruins the sentence for me and he tosses things like that into a lot of sentences and it bugs me. I guess my point is that some scientists/researchers can write more interestingly, and Brooks can but doesn't. </rant>

</DIV></DIV>



That's a man who recognizes a writers style. It's actually quite a curse. I put down many a book because I find it stylistically irritating, and although I may be missing some good stories, I just can't continue because the writing bugs me so much!
I've listened to an audio book version of 1984 (cheers Orph? I think it was you..) done with David Niven. It was really more of a radio dramatization I guess. Anyway, I didn't really like it very much. It was interesting in some ways, but as a story I just found it implausible and not terribly compelling.

I you guys implying I didn't notice
grammatical mistakes and overuse of annoying phrases?

When I
first started reading Lord of the Rings (about 2 years ago) I had to
get used to Tolkien's style before I could go on.

But I've
noticed I can ACTUALLY adapt to it and not be an
anal little bitch. I have the same tendencies for movies ...
unless it's xXx or has UNBEARABLE acting.

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Crono</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>
and not be an anal little bitch. I have the same tendencies for movies ... unless it's xXx or has UNBEARABLE acting.

</DIV></DIV>
Quite. :biggrin: I think I make up for my literary pickyness by being a total movie whore. It doesn't take much to satisfy me in that department.

Also, as my 'Secret Santa' gift at work, I bought a pocket sized copy of The Satanic Bible....
...well I think its funny!

So, does this make me The Antigideon then?

Quick update: Didn't go down well at all. She didnt laugh, and I just
got lots of 'what the the hell is wrong with you' stares. So, having
successfully alienated myself from my department, I got the book given
back to me. (im out of there in a month or so, so I don't care) :sad:

It seemed funny at the time, somehow.

I just finished reading George Orwell's 1984 for the first time.
Great book, genuinely scary look at a possible future under a
totalitarian regime.

We have to read it as work for school now ... I like the book, and reading it in the English version helps my language. :smile:

Recent issue of PCGamer. One of the best issues I have seen them release in ages.

A must read.

Falling Free

very good book.

listening to this audio book now. to say it is strange would be putting it mildly. i do however not believe its weird just because its full of British euphemisms :biggrin:

seriously though, its a very strange book.

I was sick this past week, so I actually had a chance to read. Read "Interview With The Vampire", I'm about half way through "The Vampire Lestat" right now (slowing down because I'm doing work again :sad: )

I must say though, after reading Rice's interpretation of vampires, most other forms pale in comparison. Her 'ideal' just fits so well. I think every once in awhile something comes along to better develop and define the old monsters. For zombies, the 'virus' idea fits perfectly (more so then with vampires or werewolves). I think the preternatural idea for vampires fits much better then the scientific "Blade" explanation, although that was a good idea too.

I strongly suggest "Interview" and so far, I love "Lestat". They're very well written and enormously entertaining. They're probably the only books I've ever 'lost' my self in. I believe I was on page 42 and suddenly looked up to see I was on page 70 and only about a half hour had passed. (not very large font or anything like that) The thing is, I don't even remember turning the pages ... just the story.

Take that for what you will.

IMO, the best, and most realistically probable description of the "vampire legend" is contained within the book "Those of my blood"

if you guys are into reading, you truly need to check this one out.

I am currently reading "The Wheel of Time series" by Robert Jordan. I think they're so awesome! They're way awesomer than VenHelsing. d00d's u gotta read this.

Now, most of you thought that van helsing was total crap, but bear in mind that i liked it cause i thought it was cool and stuff, plus those vampire bitches were awesome and I like the cool crossbow. anyway, When i say "way awesomer than VanHelsing," I mean that as a GOOD thing that puts them way high on the cool-scale.

I am currently reading what i have been told is a classic and am quite
enjoying it ^_^ its known as Catch 22. Its quite crazy = p. The book seems to contain mass amounts of circular reasoning.

Jon Stewart's Naked Pictures of Famous People. Unfortunately, like most other comic essay anthologies, it's far too short. The Penpals piece about Princess Diana and Mother Theresa was brilliant.

I read a book recently called Masters of Doom.

In Masters of Doom, author David Kushner recounts the history of id Software, the company that produced Doom, for all those folks who live under a digital rock. This book is really cool (excuse my lack of better English terms, and recounts everything that happened with ID, every game they made up untill Doom3....the split up of the two Johns (Romero + Carmack) and everyhting else. Lots of personal stories about how tiny the company was...and all the up into a big one. It is possibly the best book (at least with non-fiction) I have ever read.

I would suggest anyone who even cares about Doom, video games, Intel 386 processors, or BFGs to read this. Its awesome.

I'm in the middle of reading Douglas Adams' fiveogy.
Hitch hikers guide to the Galaxy-read
Restaurant at the end of the universe-read
Life the universe and everything-reading
Mostly Harmless-not started
So long and thanks for all the fish-not started

So far they all kick ass. They're the funniest books I have read, and things are so random.

I'm also reading The Giver by Lois Lowry for school, im almost finished and it's pretty cool.