Post by: kimmer on January 29, 2006, 08:03:26 PM
=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This month, I've enjoyed some political thrillers, a light mystery, a cookbook (yes I buy and read "interesting" cookbooks) :laffin: and an interesting "self-help" type of book.
Political fictional thrillers:
Matthew Reilly: got hooked on his writing and his over-the-top hero, William Race, late last year. I searched for and found all his books. I finished the last 2 this month. I can't wait for more to hit paperback status. Reilly's books are super fast paced, and unbelievable in many ways, but I sure do find them fascinating and great books to get lost in for hours on end. My biggest gripe? I find it hard to put them down. hehehe
Vince Flynn: read "Transfer of Power" and found it interesting (sent me online to research a few things), well paced, believable heroes/anti-heroes, and believable endings. I'm now on a hunt for all his books that are out in paperback.
Thrillers/Murder Mysteries:
Not sure I've given this genre the correct label, as I don't read Stephen King type of thrillers (I think of those as horror thrillers) ... but lately I've read:
Jeffery Deaver: I tried his "Coffin Dancer" and hated it! Then I found "The Blue Nowhere" and was totally fascinated with it. So fascinated, I almost unplugged this laptop.
I liked the pace and the plot. I'm now reading "The Devil's Teardrop", and finding it very interesting. Yesterday at the install fest, I sat in the hallway (the place was packed) and read. I wasn't even aware that 3 hours went by! I'll likely try a few more of his - selectively.James Grippando: I discovered Grippando a year or so ago, and enjoy all his books, although I like the Swyteck books the best. His books are not the fastest paced books, but they keep me interested, plus you see life from a lawyers point of view. Different and intriguing. I found "Hear No Evil" at the store earlier this month, read it and enjoyed it. Now I've read all he has out in paperback. I need a Grippando fix.
Light Mysteries:
Diane Mott Davidson tops my list. I've read all her books, but I gave them away before we moved. Since they all have recipes in them, I've been spending some of my Christmas money adding them to my meager library.
This month I've read "Tough Cookie" and "The Grilling Season". Both excellent mysteries where the bad guy gets his/hers just desserts, and Goldie and her family and friends enjoy great desserts. ROFL!I'm watching for books by Lou Jane Temple, and possibly some of the PennDutch Inn Mysteries from Tamar Myers.
Self-Help, Motivational, or Inspirational Books:
Well, Sneakers jokingly handed me this book when we were in a lovely bookstore we discovered. "Be an Outrageous Older Woman" by Ruth H. Jacobs was interesting in it's own way, although I have some serious differences of opinions with the author in several key areas.
I did find her chapter on being a "digger-in" or a "digger-out" to be encouraging (and I realized I've now become a "digger-out" - which for me was a good change). Her chapter on things one can do, and the reasons she shares for why "I" could, and should, do ___________ (fill in the blank) was fascinating and very thought provoking. I plan on doing several things that I've always wanted to do, but never tried because I couldn't see any point in doing them. Even with my dislikes, I'm pleased I bought this book simply because I found encouragement in it.Cookbooks:
I have picked up several of those small "fund raiser" cookbooks in trips to 3 different bookstores. They are the best kind of cookbook.
One I found is German-Russian and has stories, inspirational quotes, and poetry with the great recipes. I found this delightful book the other day when we drove up to Tillamook, stopped downtown at this funky looking coffee shop and across the street was a bookstore.
A new cookbook I bought at the fancy bookstore is "Best of the Best from Oregon" Cookbook. Great recipes and little tidbits about the state. I hope to buy the Illinois edition, and then some of the smaller cookbooks from which these big editions are compiled.
So that's my January reading to date. What's on your bookshelf?
Post by: jcarter on January 29, 2006, 08:59:43 PM
My husband is a historian, and nothing can keep him from his reading and buying books.
At the moment I'm somewhat taken up with my Photoshop lessons(Terragen and Bryce too), and my new Mac, so Ive not been reading as usual. Cant count MacWorld, MacAddict, and MacHome,,,,,,,,,,
I should put together our list, just gotten the "most read" list from our local private school,,,,,,I never really tally up ours. Should though. My husband is at the moment studying the history of religion, but I can't deal with that subject, its too heavy for me. I really should say, it gives me bad dreams, no kidding. I prefer 'lighter' subjects, like cooking and technology, fiction too.
My brother who is a teacher(just retired) and also has been teaching US Navy history and ancient history, is having us go thru his amazing collection and picking out what is to be kept or donated to our local libraries.
One of his main complaints about his students, was they dont read enough! He would buy and supply books at his expense for the kids.
We have a group of people all interested in history and the like, who are all trading books too.
So much fun! Just need more time.
Jane
Post by: gunug on January 30, 2006, 04:16:31 AM
Honor Harrington which can be thought of as moving
Horatio Hornblower to the far distant future and changing
his gender! He's good at the space opera genre of scifi.
I have misplaced what I was reading tonight but it was
Robert Heinlein's book about JOB (well a JOB anyway).
As far as mystery is concerned I enjoy Elizabeth Peters
series of Amelia Peabody books. Egyptology mysteries
by a real Egyptologist are fantastic: my first love was
archeology but I hadn't the brains or stamina to go
for a degree in it. I also enjoy Patricia Cornwall's
forensic books although her later one's seem to have
gone off the deep end a little bit.
Post by: kimmer on January 30, 2006, 12:59:48 PM
QUOTE
I should put together our list, just gotten the "most read" list from our local private school,,,,,,I never really tally up ours.
I've only recently started a book journal and I find it's fun to go back and look at my own comments. Also shows me where I've grown from and how my taste in books changes.QUOTE
I prefer 'lighter' subjects
Same here, but once in a while I will jump into a "heavier" book. QUOTE
One of his main complaints about his students, was they dont read enough! He would buy and supply books at his expense for the kids.
Amazing, isn't it? Our oldest niece has all the Harry Potter books, hardbound, bought on release day ... and they are covered in dust. She's never read them. Couldn't be bothered. She reads "People" magazine, and I guess I should be grateful she reads that. Her younger sister won't even read magazines. She's got serious reading/spelling problems and will likely graduate from HS basically illiterate. 
My folks read to my brother and I from the time we were born -- okay old enough to listen.
My grandparents and aunts and uncles all read to us (I have pics). I had a collection of Golden Books that I'm told I adored. I do remember all the Nancy Drew books I had, and I read those over and over. I have a wonderful memory of the day I got my first library card. Pop took me. It was this big grown-up father/daughter thing. We had a coke afterwards. So the love of reading was instilled in me at a young age. Nowadays, that is not the norm, and I think it's very sad.QUOTE
I just finished reading some of David Weber's series about
Honor Harrington which can be thought of as moving
Horatio Hornblower to the far distant future and changing
his gender! He's good at the space opera genre of scifi.
I'm not one to read sci-fi, but I do enjoy these books. Honor Harrington which can be thought of as moving
Horatio Hornblower to the far distant future and changing
his gender! He's good at the space opera genre of scifi.
Post by: jcarter on January 30, 2006, 04:19:12 PM
Our girls could actually read when they were 4, they could sound out most words and if they didnt know the meaning, they would ask. I used to babysit neighbours children after school too, and read to them also. And I used to teach "remedial reading" in the first and second grade as a volunteer. What a thrill to work with a kid who had no clue and, in a few weeks get him reading.
Only one of our kids will allow a TV in their house. We did have TV, but we carefully limited their watching time and what they were allowed to watch.
It is so different nowadays, I have friends who use it as an electronic babysitter, and sometimes their grandkids will be screen bound all day long.
Sometimes this old grandma tends to spend a bit too much time in front of my Mac.
Thats what my husband says,,,,,,,,
Jane
Post by: kimmer on January 30, 2006, 07:33:09 PM
QUOTE(jcarter @ Jan 30 2006, 2:19 PM)
Sometimes this old grandma tends to spend a bit too much time in front of my Mac.
Thats what my husband says,,,,,,,,
Jane
Thats what my husband says,,,,,,,,
Jane
Funny. I'm no grandma - but my hubby used to tell me to "turn off the MAC" and go do something else.
Wonder if I'll pick up that bad habit when we get into our own home and I have my MAC back? 
Post by: jcarter on January 30, 2006, 07:48:29 PM
Today we walked thru an exclusive Golf Course, (yeah we did sneak in, nobody there after 2), and its just beautiful, the views of the ocean way above where we live closer to the coast. We do live in an area that was really glacier sculpted, so the walking in the woods can be really lovely.
We got lost in the woods, which is fun, and finally got back to our truck.
Thank goodness there are still very nice places to winter-walk near us.
Wonder why not many other people take advantage of it.
Back to the Mac,,,,,,,and reading indoors, rain coming tomorrow, and it wont snow! We hope.
I am way OT here, but its been a lovely day when we expect not to have weather like this.
And some of our birds are singing spring songs, I hope Feb wont be bad for them.
Jane
Post by: Paddy on January 31, 2006, 12:43:10 AM
We've read to our children ever since they were a few months old. Our ten-year old is still read to almost every night. OUR Harry Potter's were consumed by the entire household the moment the UPS man left the doorstep! All four of us have read them all - mostly aloud. Both of my boys found reading to themselves "hard work" (ie: something they'd rather not do) until the beginning of fourth grade, at which time both of them became AVID readers. (Very odd - both of them were exactly the same age when this happened) My 14 year old loves fantasy fiction and is now reading adult novels, as well as those geared to young adults. My 10 year old seems to be having some sort of competition with his father to see who can get through the second book in the Phillip Pullman "His Dark Materials" trilogy first. They started off reading the Golden Compass together, but about halfway through that, Jeff finished another book he was reading at school and picked up the the Subtle Knife. He took great delight in reporting his progress every day - by the time Richard finished reading The Golden Compass aloud at home, Jeff was 200 pages into the Subtle Knife and Richard had to catch up! It's wonderful to see - especially in a kid who wasn't all that interested in reading a year or two ago. The only downside to all of this is that his teacher reports that he tends to race through his schoolwork so that he can pull out a book, and she's had to sneak up on him and tell him to put his book away when he's been blissfully oblivious to whatever he was supposed to be doing with the rest of the class.
Post by: MamaMoose on January 31, 2006, 01:20:53 AM
I am an inveterate reader - about 4 books a week. I am thinking seriously of buying stock in Barnes & Noble. I read mostly new fiction: techno thrillers, World War II stuff, mysteries, and noir detective stuff. My favorite non-fiction this year is David McCullough's "1776" - reads like a novel! I also read technical books (am now writing one) - right now I amreading Brian Greene's book on String Theory (A theory of everything) written for "lay persons". I give, for tax purpose, about 150 books/per year to the Beaverton library. If you get into town you might try to see what they have as the books sell for just a few dollars. I will let you know when I will be taking a load of books over.
Reading has been a great joy and escape in my life. I do not know if I could keep my sanity if I did not have a book to read.
MamaMoose
Post by: kimmer on January 31, 2006, 02:20:12 AM
QUOTE
Back to the Mac,,,,,,,and reading indoors, rain coming tomorrow, and it wont snow! We hope. I am way OT here, but its been a lovely day when we expect not to have weather like this. And some of our birds are singing spring songs, I hope Feb wont be bad for them.
We had a day like this today. Rain early this am, then the sun came out. It was grand. Tomorrow another storm is due in, with the traditional 65-70mph wind gusts. 
Paddy wrote:
QUOTE
I'll read just about anything as long as it's well written.
I don't go quite that far, but close. One of my pet peeves is starting in on a good book, only to have it go south. Sometimes it's because the author lost a cog while writing, but lately it's because the book takes a turn that I can't handle and then I'm faced with finish to find out what happens, or dump it and never know how it ends. I've gone the never know route 5 times in the last 6 months! 
Today I gave a book to Bev at the credit union, with the promise from her that she'd tell me the story on the rabble-rousing woman at the lecture. I just couldn't handle the violence that showed up in chapter 4 of the book. I love the story of your kids, and how you all read HP together.
MamaMoose wrote:
QUOTE
I am an inveterate reader - about 4 books a week. I am thinking seriously of buying stock in Barnes & Noble.
Wouldn't stock in Powell's be better? heheheQUOTE
right now I amreading Brian Greene's book on String Theory (A theory of everything) written for "lay persons".
Oh, I need to look into this - I bet Sneakers would enjoy this book. QUOTE
I give, for tax purpose, about 150 books/per year to the Beaverton library. If you get into town you might try to see what they have as the books sell for just a few dollars. I will let you know when I will be taking a load of books over.
Oh yes, please do. The Waldport library had a fund raising book sale and I came home with 4 new books. Sadly most of what they were selling was out of date - even the fiction. QUOTE
Reading has been a great joy and escape in my life. I do not know if I could keep my sanity if I did not have a book to read.
Same here. As a teenager, books got me through many tough times. When Sneakers met me, I had enough books in my cardboard box book shelves to be my own lending library. He was surprised, and fortunately understanding. He gives me "guilt free book money" for Christmas every year. I love it - and him! 
I picked up 2 new books at Fred Meyers today. I couldn't help myself. Honest.
A David Baldacci (been wanting to read one of his books), and a Matthew Reilly that I'd missed. Don't know how I did that. hehehe[
Post by: kimmer on February 01, 2006, 11:42:30 AM
Now I'm reading "Passing on the Comfort, The War, The Quilts and the Women Who Made a Difference", written by, and about, Lynn Kaplanian-Buller and An Keuning-Tichelaar. Heart-warming, touching and worth the read even if you aren't into quilts. I discovered it by chance at this bookstore we found. Someday I'll have to share about that small adventure.
Post by: jcarter on February 01, 2006, 12:23:32 PM
I know our local libraries are very good, but my brother always bought a lot of great books to lend to his kids. Most got returned too, and he would just lend them out again.
He, my husband, and my best friend just can't get enough history and good novels. So we swap them.
There are 2 more boxes in the back of our truck to go to the library for their upcoming sale.
Ive got some software for the school library and books too, since they still use OS 9.
I am guilty of not supporting our local bookstore, as they just decided not to honor gift certificates over a year old. Weren't very nice about it either.
But when you can get the used books from Amazon vendors, its a great savings. And I dont feel loyal to that store any more. I had misplaced the certificate.
Anyway, I am on Amazon right now ordering more books,,,,,,,,,,,
Jane
Post by: kimmer on February 01, 2006, 04:42:09 PM
I opened an acct at ABE books yesterday.
Oh, and I read my book by flashlight last night since the power was out. It was like being a kid again. hehehe
Post by: kelly on February 01, 2006, 09:08:35 PM
Try:
In Death Ground and it's sequel The Shiva Option.
http://www.baen.com/chapters/indeath1.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Weber#Steve_White
Then the ones with John Ringo.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Weber#John_Ringo
And then John Ringo's Books.
http://www.baen.com/series_list.asp#GF
And David Drake's Lt. Leary books are pretty good also.
Post by: dakota on February 01, 2006, 10:07:52 PM
Post by: kimmer on February 17, 2006, 11:22:23 AM
Since my last post here, I finished reading "Passing on the Comfort, The War, The Quilts and the Women Who Made a Difference". This book is heart-warming, touching and worth the read even if you aren't into quilts. I think I'll start another thread about it -- because some of you may be interested in a different aspect of the book. I will tell you that this book really spoke to my heart.
I also read another Vince Flynn political thriller, and a light mystery from Tamar Myers: "Assault and Pepper"-- that had me rolling.
Currently I'm reading, "The Man Who Never Was". It's dry and more technical than I like -- but interesting.I started 6, or was it 7? books -- and dumped them all after a chapter or two. They just didn't interest me for one reason or another.
Today we are heading up the road and one of our stops is the used book store. I'm taking 18 books that I will use to open an "account". Not sure how many books I'll bring home.
kimmer
Post by: sandbox on February 17, 2006, 12:16:11 PM
Black Holes_The Membrane Paradigm
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/030003770...glance&n=283155
I also found Tom Friedman's Flat World an inspirational read.
http://www.thomaslfriedman.com/worldisflat.htm
Prior to my reentry into the computer world I always had a bookmark with something to do.
Post by: eric j on February 17, 2006, 12:53:53 PM
I tend to enjoy ambiguity, but not only.
Some books that have impressed me in recent years are:
The Master and Marguerita by Mikhail Bulgakov (a Russian classic from the 20's, banned by Stalin)
If This is a Man by Primo Levy
If on a Winter's Night a Traveller by Italo Calvino
The Quantity Theory of Insanity by Will Self
The Leopard by Guiseppe di Lampedusa
Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Sophie's Choice by William Styron
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon.
The narrator in the book is a 15-years-old boy suffering from autism. An incredible - and uplifting - insight into a state of mind that most of us cannot imagine. (One of my daughters is a speech therapist who has encountered this mental condition among her pupils).
Among the authors are at least one Nobel prizewinner and a Pullitzer prizewinner. Not all of the books may be currently in print in the USA.
Anyone interested in Russia might enjoy:
Natasha's Dance by Orlando Figes "A Cultural History of Russia". Be prepared for some 725 pages. I found it fascinating.
Already too much. Time to stop.
eric j
Post by: Shades of Gray on February 18, 2006, 01:41:54 PM
Stephen Booth (mystery writer: British)
Black Dog
Dancing with the Virgins
Blood on the Tongue
Blind to the Bones
One Last Breath
The Dead Place - haven't read this yet...
==============
Sheldon Siegel (San Francisco legal mysteries: U. S.)
Special Circumstances
Incriminating Evidence
Criminal Intent
Final Verdict
The Confession
================
Patricia Rushford (children's mysteries and police mysteries)
Series: Max and Me Mysteries (8-12 yr old)
Series: Jenny McGrady Mysteries
Series: Angel Delaney Mysteries
Series: The McAllister Files
Series: Helen Bradley
Series: Sins of the Mother
==============
Non-fiction: theology, history, biography, computer software, mathematics
(with degrees in Mathematics, National Security Affairs, Divinity, Exegetical Theology - I have an interest in many topics!!)
I usually have 3-5 books going at th same time, and an extra in the car. You never know when traffic will alow five minutes of reading!
Post by: weldiger on February 18, 2006, 01:47:28 PM
here are a few places for free reading online, or free downloads for e reader.
I am loving some old Mark Twain stories that I have on Palm to read instead of even older magazines in Dr. office!
You mentioned Water Babies
one of my
Favorite sites
Shalom
weldiger
Post by: gunug on February 19, 2006, 03:06:59 PM
There is also a BAEN series about a town in West Virginia being suddenly taken back to the 17th Century that is pretty good but somewhat fragmentary; I like to read books in the sequence they were written and like to know I can get me hands on all of the volumes!
Post by: kelly on February 23, 2006, 07:17:23 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honor_Harrington
Like all the books in that series, it could use more editing/cutting.
Say, about 300 of the 830 pages.
But all in all it's probably the best he's done.
Post by: kbeartx on February 23, 2006, 09:09:18 PM
QUOTE(MamaMoose @ Jan 31 2006, 1:20 AM)
I read mostly new fiction: techno thrillers, World War II stuff, mysteries, and noir detective stuff.
MM -
Neal Stephenson: Snow Crash, The Diamond Age, and Cryptonomicon all fit into your categories. I suspect you will LOVE them [if you haven't already]; I did.
Recently began Laurie King's The Beekeeper's Apprentice and I'm thoroughly enjoying it [a bright teenage girl meets the retired Sherlock Holmes, and they click].
- KB
Post by: gunug on February 26, 2006, 04:45:45 AM
weldiger - I can recommend:
http://www.blackmask.com
&
http://digital.library.upenn.edu/books/
The Online Books Page is the UPENN's crowning achievement! I have edited the format of the text or html books a little and then "printed" them to PDF's using OS X's facility for this.
My latest from Blackmask was H. Ryder Haggard's A Winter Pilgrimage!
Post by: kelly on March 01, 2006, 09:41:33 PM
Read four so far. The Library has about all of them.
http://www.robertcrais.com/novels.htm
QuickTime Ad
http://www.robertcrais.com/audio/audio_spo...-la_requiem.mov
http://www.robertcrais.com/media.htm
Post by: kimmer on March 01, 2006, 10:07:47 PM
I finished my latest book today -- "Burden of Proof" by Scott Turow. Gads. I bought it because I like the movie, "Presumed Innocent" based on his book. I hoped this book would be as good. WRONG! I only finished the book because I wanted to know who the rat was that was talking to the FBI -- but what a disappointing book. It was more like a poorly written romance novel -- complete with the bedroom escapes of a newly widowed 60-something. *blech* I sure won't be buying any more of Turow's books.
Post by: kelly on March 01, 2006, 11:10:14 PM
I saw the movie Hostage with Bruce Willis.
http://imdb.com/title/tt0340163/
http://imdb.com/name/nm0186101/
The comments section mentioned him and it sounded like good stuff.
Great to find a whole new Series to read.
Especially when it's really good.
Post by: kimmer on March 02, 2006, 06:59:00 PM
I notice he wrote for "JAG", "Earth 2", "Cagney and Lacey" and others. Yeesh ... I need to pay more attention.
I can't believe my reading streak - after Turow, I have read 3-5 pages of 3 different books and put them all in the "sell or leave in a coffee shop" pile.
Hope the next book in the pile is better.
Hoping to get to the used book store next week. I'd like to find a Crais book (library is a no go), and I'm hoping to find "The Queen's Fool" by Philippa Gregory.
At least I have "Inkspell" tucked away if need be -- although I have been saving this book as my "housewarming" present to myself.
Post by: kelly on March 02, 2006, 07:35:36 PM
http://www.robertcrais.com/bio.htm
Too bad about the Library.
We have a great Public Library in Iowa City.
Some of his Books were Best Sellers.
So there's a chance you can find some used.
Post by: kimmer on March 03, 2006, 06:48:36 PM
I'll let you know how my book scouting trip goes.
I struck out on book #4. I'm almost afraid to try #5 in the pile.
I may re-read a Diane Mott Davidson -- at least I know I'll like it. hahaha
Post by: gunug on March 04, 2006, 07:36:43 AM
Post by: kelly on March 04, 2006, 11:27:15 AM
I'll save the other Books for last.
Post by: jcarter on March 08, 2006, 06:51:04 PM
Then Amazon is where to go, 'used' books.
But one of the things that have been cutting into our reading time is the History Channel.
Modern Marvels, and so forth.
That seems to be some of the best TV available now.
We never watch much TV, but do eagerly scan HC, PBS, and the other good stations for goodies, you do indeed have to look, 'filter', thru what is offered. Don't try to 'surf', you will not get much.
But there is really some decent stuff out there in TV land, just have to look for it.
So much great stuff to see and read, just have to go and get it.
And at our age, being retired, there is an astounding amount of educational opportunities to get involved in,, and not expensive either.
We love it!
Jane
Post by: kelly on March 08, 2006, 06:53:29 PM
Depends on the subject though.
Post by: beacher on March 17, 2006, 02:23:06 PM
Post by: kimmer on March 19, 2006, 10:32:25 AM
I scored 2 Robert Crais books recently. Can't wait to dive into one of them.
I read a light cozy from Laura Childs. She write "Tea Shop Mysteries", and it was entertaining. Not a heavy mystery, and it was easy to figure out, but I liked the charactes and I adored all the information on teas that was in the book. Plus at the end there are some recipes. What more could a gal ask for.
I'm now reading my first ever J.D. Robb. My friend gave it to me and said it was great. It's futuristic and because I'm starting several books into the series, I was a bit lost at first (had to ask another Robb reader was LC's were!)
-- but I think I've figured all the lingo and such out now. Heh! Anyhow, I'm enjoying the book and the twists in the plot. I think that _____ and _____ are possibly ____, and that _____ did _____, and _____ did _____, but _____ might be involved too. 
I hit a garage sale yesterday and came home with 7 books ($1 each):
- "Nowhere to Hide" by James Elliot
- "Blind Instinct" by Robert Walker
- "Blood Workd" by Michael Connelly
- "Show of Evil" by William Diehl
- "A question of Proof" by Joseph Amiel
- "Demolition Angel" by Robert Crais
- "Saving Fairth" by David Baldacci
I have some others to read as well - Sneakers took me to Robert's Books a few weeks back - so I'm in good for a bit.
Post by: kelly on March 19, 2006, 11:18:28 AM
Goes on about The Heroine's personal problems a bit much IMO.
But nobody writes exciting endings like Crais.
If you like it, you'll like the others I think.
Post by: kimmer on March 26, 2006, 12:24:45 PM
As you can guess, I won't be reading any more of his books.
"Blind Instinct" by Robert Walker was on the top of the pile, and so I gave it a try. GRUESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Icky. I couldn't make it past page 5. Horrid, nasty, nasty. Probably would appeal to loads of fans of mystery-thrillers, but not this one.
Today I dig through the pile for a Crais.
Post by: RHPConsult on March 26, 2006, 08:35:05 PM
Reading?
Any Jane Austen, anywhere, anytime. I think I've read Pride and Prejudice a half dozen times, each time finding the elegance of her language simply captivating.
Right now, Gary Wills' Gettsburg: The Words that Remade America is a prrize winner for me.
Recently, the absolute pick o' the litter is Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross king on the half century it took the first genius of Renaissance architecture (and construction) to raise the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore over Florence. You might not think this would/could make for a gripping tale, but Trust Me!
Having received an 8 DVD set of the BBC's productions of Dickens works (a surprise gift for sending my hearing aid manufacturer an unsolicited testimonial on their astonishing, new instruments!!!) I'm heading back to Bleak House and Our Mutual Friend (between hard covers!) for further enjoyment of the beauty of English.
Do I EVER get into the 20+ centuries, you inquire? Oh, sure. I enjoying a lot of present political discourse, but unwilling to run the risk of inflaming some of you, I won't mention my favorites.
And, for long flights though the Frienfly Skies, nothing can beat Tom Clancy and his deck of clones.
Post by: kelly on March 28, 2006, 09:47:17 PM
Waiting for the newest one to be available.
Pretty good. Some were better than others.
Post by: Jack W on March 29, 2006, 11:22:02 AM
Anybody that loves the desert southwest, solitude and nature beauty will love this one!
The story is about his first year as the first ranger, in the late 50's and early 60's, to reside in what is now Arches Narional Park.
Mr. Abbey is a strong conservationalist, which makes him ok with me!
Jack
Post by: LR827 on March 29, 2006, 12:06:39 PM
The copyright controversy about Dan Brown's "DaVinci Code" is interesting, because after reading his novel, I went to the references in the back of his book and then read about 5 of them, including "Holy Blood, Holy Grail." I never would have read that -- published about 25 years ago -- except for seeing the reference in Brown's novel.
I'm reading Garrison Keillor's "Lake Woebegon - Summer of 1956" right now. Wonderful.
Here's a computer-themed mystery of sorts -- older, but interesting... 12 chapters available online:
"Tommy's Crackers"
Post by: eric j on March 29, 2006, 03:37:10 PM
It's about an old people's home established in Bangalore for Brits. Because labour there is cheaper old people can afford it more easily.
She provides a very insightful description of what happens as we age, how our world view changes etc. I am finding it fascinating.
She seems to know a lot about India-including call centres. Describes in one chapter how the operators are taught to speak with an English accent and give a typically Anglo-Saxon name - often derived from a well-known product, eg., "Parker".
Operators are often graduates. A lot of the time they are making sales calls. To attain a bonus they have to achieve an astronomical number of sales. One of the attractions of working there is the opportunity for both sexes to meet freely. Sounds plausible.
I recommend this book highly.
eric j
Post by: kimmer on March 29, 2006, 07:45:16 PM
QUOTE(kelly @ Mar 28 2006, 7:47 PM)
Finished 12 of the 13 Robert Crais Books.
kelly, you are most fortunate. Where did you find all his books?
I am half-way through my first Robert Crais, "Demolition Angel". Most enjoyable, although I don't care for the main female character (it's my own hangups with smoking/drinking). I thought I had one thing figured out and then I hit the end of the first part and WHAM! I was way off.
QUOTE
Pretty good. Some were better than others.
Always the way.
QUOTE
The copyright controversy about Dan Brown's "DaVinci Code" is interesting, because after reading his novel, I went to the references in the back of his book and then read about 5 of them, including "Holy Blood, Holy Grail." I never would have read that -- published about 25 years ago -- except for seeing the reference in Brown's novel.
My reaction was the opposite of yours - I dumped his book in the trash and washed my hands. I only read this book when it first came out because friends said it was "so good". BAH! Piece of trash as far as I'm concerned. Not that I'm opinionated about it or anything.
Post by: LR827 on March 31, 2006, 03:39:15 PM
QUOTE(kimmer @ Mar 29 2006, 8:45 PM)
My reaction was the opposite of yours - I dumped his book in the trash and washed my hands. I only read this book when it first came out because friends said it was "so good". BAH! Piece of trash as far as I'm concerned. Not that I'm opinionated about it or anything.
Well, I didn't tell you that I liked it, did I? I said:
QUOTE
The copyright controversy about Dan Brown's "DaVinci Code" is interesting, because after reading his novel, I went to the references in the back of his book and then read about 5 of them, including "Holy Blood, Holy Grail." I never would have read that -- published about 25 years ago -- except for seeing the reference in Brown's novel.
My reaction was to explore the research that Brown used to write his novel. If this was a so-called "historical novel" then I want to know more about the "history" involved. It affords more legitimacy to one's opinion, good or bad.
Actually, all of that aside, I wanted to make the point about the copyright suit. Michael Baigent's book, "Holy Blood, Holy Grail" was cited as a reference in Brown's novel. After reading the novel, I went out and bought Baigent's book to see for myself what "facts" he was basing his novel on. I imagine there are others out there who did the same -- bought Baigent's book after reading Brown's. And that would seem to be an accurate assumption, since Baigent's book -- published in 1982 -- is now back on the NYTimes bestseller list for non-fiction! ("DaVinci Code" is on the bestseller-fiction list).
So, in effect, by "infringing" on Baigent's copyright, Brown helped send Baigent's book right back up the bestseller list! Yet Baigent is suing him! Isn't that funny! Regardless of what you think about the novel, it is pretty ironic that Baigent would sue him. Talk about "biting the hand that feeds you"!
Post by: eric j on April 01, 2006, 03:54:05 PM
Many people praised "The da Vinci Code" to me also, so I too bought it. Twice I tried to persevere in reading it. After the first 20 pages or so, I gave up. I was greatly disturbed by the author's English style. I found it banal.
One of my acquaintances had the same problem with the German translation! She abandoned the book too.
Since then I have heard that the book contains many factual errors. I do not propose to return to it.
eric j
Post by: kimmer on April 01, 2006, 08:49:51 PM
QUOTE(eric j @ Apr 1 2006, 1:54 PM)
kimmer,
Many people praised "The da Vinci Code" to me also, so I too bought it. Twice I tried to persevere in reading it. After the first 20 pages or so, I gave up.
Many people praised "The da Vinci Code" to me also, so I too bought it. Twice I tried to persevere in reading it. After the first 20 pages or so, I gave up.
I tossed this book on the table several times while reading it. Sneakers will tell you that it so upset me that I actually tossed it across the room at one point.
QUOTE
I was greatly disturbed by the author's English style. I found it banal.
Banal is a good description. I found it clipped and choppy.
QUOTE
Since then I have heard that the book contains many factual errors. I do not propose to return to it.
I can only comment on his references to Masonry - which he based on books by Pike. His "facts" are inaccurate and skewed.
Some of his conclusions and suppositions annoyed me to no end. I just totally disliked the book, and him as an author.
=-=-=-=
Back to good books. I finished "Demolition Angel".
I'm so thankful to kelly for recommending Crais. I will tell you that about 1/2 way through I had fleshed out many of the "mysteries" -- but I was still caught by the ending! Very well done, and good authorities tell me his other books are better. Can't wait to read them.BTW, "Demolition Angel" is supposed to be made into a movie! Whoot!
For diversion, I've settled into another tea shop mystery. I need a calming murder to unwind.
kimmer
Post by: Peter on April 01, 2006, 09:01:08 PM
Recently finished Poland and Chesapeake- both by James Mischner (sp?) Excelent books!
The Prize (don't know the author) which is about the eveolution of the pwtroleum industry. This is true history, but seems almost fictional
Currently reading- Merchants of Grain by Dan Morgan (Also an excelent book)
Now don't say that teenagers don't read
I living proof to the contraryBut I have to admit that my reading habits make me a exception to the norm in school. Very few other kids read- even the smart ones limit themselves to magazines
Oh Well- Its just the decline of american society
->
Peter
Post by: kelly on April 01, 2006, 09:28:51 PM
Here's one for you.
Peter the Great: His Life and World
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/034529806...glance&n=283155
Post by: sandbox on April 01, 2006, 10:46:07 PM
You just never imagine how much planning went into that project.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006019537...glance&n=283155
Post by: Peter on April 02, 2006, 07:31:18 AM
QUOTE(kelly @ Apr 1 2006, 11:28 PM)
.-?.
?¬d The Prize Peter. Great book.
Here's one for you.
Peter the Great: His Life and World
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/034529806...glance&n=283155
?¬d The Prize Peter. Great book.
Here's one for you.
Peter the Great: His Life and World
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/034529806...glance&n=283155
thanks- looks like a good book
Peter
Post by: kimmer on April 09, 2006, 12:24:57 PM
I guess today I'll take a tried and true author. I hate floundering for a decent book to read.
Post by: kimmer on April 17, 2006, 12:27:42 PM
I finished "Saving Faith" by David Baldacci. Really good book, filled with nice plot twists, interesting characters and a great ending that required a tissue. I'm now reading "Memory In Death" by Robb - a loaner from a friend.
I made a killing at 2 book stores recently. Some new, some used; but I now have a nice collection of Crais, Davidson, Flynn and Baldacci to read.
I'm set for a while, or until Sneakers takes me to another book store. 
Post by: RogerF on April 19, 2006, 08:04:58 AM
QUOTE(RHPConsult @ Mar 27 2006, 02:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am, simply stated, ADDICTED to Modern Marvels. Thank goodness for TiVo.
Reading?
Any Jane Austen, anywhere, anytime. I think I've read Pride and Prejudice a half dozen times, each time finding the elegance of her language simply captivating.
Right now, Gary Wills' Gettsburg: The Words that Remade America is a prrize winner for me.
Recently, the absolute pick o' the litter is Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross king on the half century it took the first genius of Renaissance architecture (and construction) to raise the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore over Florence. You might not think this would/could make for a gripping tale, but Trust Me!
Having received an 8 DVD set of the BBC's productions of Dickens works (a surprise gift for sending my hearing aid manufacturer an unsolicited testimonial on their astonishing, new instruments!!!) I'm heading back to Bleak House and Our Mutual Friend (between hard covers!) for further enjoyment of the beauty of English.
Do I EVER get into the 20+ centuries, you inquire? Oh, sure. I enjoying a lot of present political discourse, but unwilling to run the risk of inflaming some of you, I won't mention my favorites. And, for long flights though the Frienfly Skies, nothing can beat Tom Clancy and his deck of clones.
Reading?
Any Jane Austen, anywhere, anytime. I think I've read Pride and Prejudice a half dozen times, each time finding the elegance of her language simply captivating.
Right now, Gary Wills' Gettsburg: The Words that Remade America is a prrize winner for me.
Recently, the absolute pick o' the litter is Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross king on the half century it took the first genius of Renaissance architecture (and construction) to raise the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore over Florence. You might not think this would/could make for a gripping tale, but Trust Me!
Having received an 8 DVD set of the BBC's productions of Dickens works (a surprise gift for sending my hearing aid manufacturer an unsolicited testimonial on their astonishing, new instruments!!!) I'm heading back to Bleak House and Our Mutual Friend (between hard covers!) for further enjoyment of the beauty of English.
Do I EVER get into the 20+ centuries, you inquire? Oh, sure. I enjoying a lot of present political discourse, but unwilling to run the risk of inflaming some of you, I won't mention my favorites.
And, for long flights though the Frienfly Skies, nothing can beat Tom Clancy and his deck of clones.Hello Dick.
Been a while since we've had any contact and your Dickens reference made it impossible for it to be any longer. In younger years I was, unfashionably a fan of Dickens, to the point of reading everything before finishing high school. Given that he was paid by the word, that was no mean feat.
That aside, Stanford began a Dickens project a few years back. One of the products was an issue by issue reproduction of some of his better know works that we knew as novels, they were originally serials or periodical pieces that were stitched into novels, but you already knew that.
What you may not know is that these are all available from http://dickens.stanford.edu/ in their original format, ads warts and all. Amazing way to get a glimpse into that era. Now that I've gone about the Project, you’ll no doubt (in the kindest of ways) let me know you were in on its origins: shades:
Highly recommended for anyone interested in Dickens or about his era.
Post by: gunug on April 19, 2006, 08:55:24 AM
Post by: kelly on April 19, 2006, 11:15:00 AM
I went and read the first ones. I kind of started in the middle of the Series. Those early one's were really good. My main complaint is still his wordiness. Never use one word when a thousand will do. You'd think he was paid by the word. His best stuff is the Battle Scenes. No one does that better. That's what keeps me reading them.
Did you read the In Death Ground Series then?
Post by: kimmer on May 09, 2006, 11:22:31 PM
I'm reading another JD Robb right now. Slightly different approach and interesting. Also I found 2 new-to-me Robb's at the bookstore yesterday. Sweet.
Post by: gunug on May 10, 2006, 08:36:45 AM
Post by: amaizen_aristotle on May 11, 2006, 08:12:00 AM
As for that latter category, I read a lot of philosophy -- a consequence of being a philosopher.
The summer reading list consists mostly of Greek philosophy. I will be concentrating on Plato and Aristotle, both of which I have read in the past. For those with an interest in philosophy, but without a lot of training in the field, I would highly recommend Plato's Republic. One need not worry too much about the heavy duty metaphysical and epistemological aspects to really enjoy this masterpiece. Plato, in my opinion, is the best philosophical writer in history. I taught bits of the Republic to undergrads this past term, and it never fails to really inspire at least a few of them. Other Platonic dialogues would be great to read as well, and I would be happy to provide a few humble recommendations if anyone is interested.Another passion of mine, tied loosely to my professional activity, is theoretical physics and cosmology. If anyone here is interested in Stephen Hawking style cosmological writing, check out The Five Ages of the Universe: Inside the Physics of Eternity by Fred Adams and Greg Laughlin.
I am also a reader of biographies. On the slate now are Kant, a biography of the philosopher Immanuel Kant by Manfred Kuehn, and Einstein: The Life and Times by Ronald Clark. I'll report back on both, if anyone is interested.
Back to work -- happy reading!
AA
Post by: kimmer on June 13, 2006, 11:52:13 AM
I've just started "Term Limits" by Vince Flynn, and it's exciting as usual. My copy of "Black Order" from the pen of James Rollins is on order and ships later this month. Can hardly wait.
Tomorrow I should reach my 2 boxes of books that I stored. Of course, I don't have a bookcase to put them in -- yet -- but at least they'll be inside where it's dry and warmer.
Post by: gunug on June 13, 2006, 12:26:57 PM
Post by: gunug on June 25, 2006, 12:17:46 PM
http://www.sff.net/people/timpratt/rangergirl.html
I think what I like best about this book is how it invokes a world similar to the one that John Findley created in his Texarcana comics in Heavy Metal magazine that I read in the 1980's. This world is full of cowboys and vampires and demons and "adult situations" so be careful if you go here but this website seems to have a compilation of all of the Texarcana strips:
http://www.texarcana.com/
Fun stuff for me anyway!
Post by: kelly on June 25, 2006, 12:34:27 PM
Just a FYI.
Read or re-read every Honor Harrington book but one.
Have Ashes of Victory left.
As soon as someone returns it to the Library.
They are universally good. From the first one on.
He didn't get as wordy until the 800-900 page ones.
Post by: snuffysbluff on June 25, 2006, 12:37:38 PM
My favorites (read more than once)...
Aztec and A Confederacy of Dunces.
Still trying to figure out if I'm at my level of incompetence yet. (The Peter Principal)
and am halfway thru the Columbia History of the World. Can't wait to see how it ends. Bought it because of an interest in Britain and the Anglo-Saxon-Norman thing.
Gary B
Post by: kelly on June 25, 2006, 12:42:57 PM
I recommended it just the other day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Jennings
Related. Another favorite is Shogun.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Clavell
Post by: snuffysbluff on June 25, 2006, 12:51:53 PM
...but I've only read them once.
Post by: gunug on June 25, 2006, 01:18:12 PM
Snuffysbluff - I'm never sure about historic recreations but Aztec sounds interesting and I will look up A Confederacy of Dunces it sounds a lot like Congress!
Post by: gunug on June 29, 2006, 09:32:41 AM
http://david-drake.com/baen.html
Post by: kelly on June 29, 2006, 09:41:02 AM
Responsible for helping a lot of great Authors.
Post by: kimmer on June 29, 2006, 11:54:53 AM
I hope someone keeps Baen books going.Changing moods a bit, my copy of "Black Order" by James Rollins arrived Tuesday and I cracked it open yesterday. It's a great read and I expect it to get better the deeper I delve into the book.
Post by: gunug on June 29, 2006, 06:03:07 PM
Post by: Xairbusdriver on June 29, 2006, 09:15:42 PM
I mainly read non-fiction. But the one I just finished took my emotions from 'out-loud-laughing' in public places to tears as the author discussed his dreams and hurts. Not the usual emotions for this sometimes rather detailed and boring area. The book is "Riding Rockets" by Astronaut Mike Mullane. I can't help but think about his remarks about the way NASA fumbled their management duties and endangered so many with the launch of the Shuttle only hours away. Once again, with warnings about fixes that haven't been made.Mr. Mullane is a rare military 'flyboy' in the Astronaut field. I think he is one of the very few military members ( until recently, anyway ) to not be a pilot. Part of the interesting story is his superb work in every field he tried, but his complete lack of confidence that he would ever succeed! He attributes all his success to his parents and his wife ( who he admits he married for the wrong reason! ). He was in the same Astornaut class with the first women, a sex he said he had no idea how to actually work with. That leads to many extermely amusing episodes! There are many things that may shock sensitive readers; there are really only a handful of curse words, but the dialog is quite frank and is mostly male oriented. He claims women may come from Venus and most men from Mars, but all pilots come from the planet "AD" ( Arrested Development ).
I highly recommend the book if you have any interest in the early Shuttle era. It's still only hardback, however. ISBN: 0743276825
Post by: kelly on June 29, 2006, 10:00:31 PM
Post by: gunug on June 30, 2006, 04:12:37 AM
Post by: D76 on July 06, 2006, 08:33:02 AM
QUOTE
Invoking the name of Google is enough to spook most media businesses grappling with the impact of the internet but the search giant's foray into the realm of books has created a firestorm. The book-publishing industry's portrayal of Google conjures up images of Guy Montag, the "hero" of Ray Bradbury's 1950s book-burning masterpiece Fahrenheit 451, gleefully destroying works of literature.
The row is a classic clash between the old and the new; between an industry that can trace its roots back to Johannes Gutenberg and other printers of the 15th century and one that has erupted in just half a decade.
<snip>The row is a classic clash between the old and the new; between an industry that can trace its roots back to Johannes Gutenberg and other printers of the 15th century and one that has erupted in just half a decade.
QUOTE
The French publisher La Martinière and Germany's WBG took legal action against Google, though the latter's request for an injunction was thrown out by a Hamburg court last week. In the US, there are two lawsuits pending. "This is a plain and brazen violation of copyright law," said Nick Taylor, president of one of the US plaintiffs, the Authors Guild, last September. "It's not up to Google or anyone other than the authors - the rightful owners of these copyrights - to decide whether and how their works will be copied."
Post by: MacHeadCase on July 06, 2006, 08:37:46 AM
Post by: gunug on July 08, 2006, 07:33:01 AM
Post by: kelly on July 08, 2006, 08:34:55 AM
http://www.robertcrais.com/books/book_the_...minute_rule.htm
http://www.robertcrais.com/index.html
It will probably be ok.
Post by: kimmer on July 08, 2006, 12:01:07 PM
QUOTE(kelly @ Jul 8 2006, 06:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Finally got the 13th Robert Crais book kimmer.
Lucky guy!
I need to read the balance of his that I have on my shelf ... but still "The Two Minute Rule" is only $15.72 at Amazon. What to do, what to do.
I just finished Black Order by James Rollins.
I'll share my "review" in a minute.The Google book sharing thing is ... a difficult one to tackle until I've had more coffee.
Post by: kimmer on July 08, 2006, 12:17:46 PM
I cheered for the hero’s, bled with them, worried for them, held my breath waiting to find out what happened to them, and I cried for them. The 2 anti-heroes were worthy of my contempt, suspicions, limited admiration, encouraging cheers and my tears. The evil ones are pure evil—evil that is believable and caused the hairs to stand up on the back of my neck.
James Rollins has done his research—and it shows. He carefully explains several scientific theories, without talking down to the reader, and I was able to follow along without being lost in the mechanics of it all.
The highlight of the book for me was near the end when Gray and Lisa figured out the puzzle and stated the simple answer—I cried. It’s something I discovered long ago in my life, and to read this in a book touched my heart.
Jim stated in his “Author’s Note”:
“Rather than focusing so intently on where we have come from, a larger question deserves even more fervent attention: Where are we headed?”
What a great summation—to encourage the reader to think: to think about their life and it’s purpose, to think about their life and their future.
In “Black Order” Jim incorporates history, science, and religion as effortlessly as a chef moves about the kitchen. Put together, it’s an exciting blend of story telling that draws the reader along on a grand adventure. I highly recommend this adventure.
Post by: kelly on July 09, 2006, 08:57:54 PM
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006076388...ce&n=283155
The IC Library has all of his Books.
Post by: Gary S on July 09, 2006, 09:54:01 PM
I'm currently doing some past life regressions with my Psychologist who specializes in Hypnotherapy. Interesting procedure.
Post by: Highmac on July 10, 2006, 04:43:12 AM
Jim's reference to Riding Rockets took me back to a book I read in the late 60s, Gemini, by Virgil "Gus" Grissom. Can't find it now, so guess I either lent it to someone or it got given to a charity shop during a house move. The great thing that I remember of it some 35 years later was that it was a description of the personal feelings and emotions of one astronaut and, as I recall, it was to explain to his children why he wanted to do what he did. Its publication had added poignancy with his death in the Apollo fire in 1967(?).
On a side note, any of you who have, or know keen readers with vision problems (or who just like listening to speech material) might like a link to the BBC's speech station BBC7, which carries plays, archive comedy shows including the Goons, as well as book readings. However, I'll have to rely on one of our friends outside the UK to check it can be accessed in other countries. It uses Real Player or WMP (if you have 10.3.9 or later check out Flip4Mac which plays WMP files through QuickTime. Comments on Versiontracker are less than complimentary but it's been working OK for me on 10.4.5 - touch wood
Post by: D76 on July 10, 2006, 08:40:37 AM
By the way, "He was born in 1564, supposedly on his birthday."
Post by: gunug on July 11, 2006, 12:20:38 PM
D76 - I have always pictured Shakespeare with a bowl haircut like Moe in the 3 Stooges! It would work for him I think!
Post by: D76 on July 11, 2006, 08:18:05 PM
I find that at the time, I had tentatively entitled the puzzle The Adventure of the Bard's Wooden Tonsorial Bowl.
One winter morning as the greasy, dun-coloured clouds of a typical pea-souper rolled through the brick and concrete cañons of London and Baker Street, Holmes was examining two curved hairs through his microscope, and I was deciding my breakfast; toast and jam, bangers and mash, crumpets and coffee or simply coffee. I absently recited "Eeney, meeny, miney, moe," with moe being crumpets and coffee.
"Watson, that's it!" Holmes cried. "Knucklehead! Knucklehead that I am! Moe, Shemp and Curly are the umpity-great-grandchildren of William Shakespeare! And Curly Joe is only a pretender! Why, their excellent movie dialogues should be enough to prove that to everyone!
"The Wm. Shakestaffe engraved on this wooden bowl does, indeed, proves it is the Bard's, and this hair is not from one head but from two, Shakespeare's and Moe's! This is the crowning — did you catch the pun, Watson? — achievement of my career, and it will make all England ring! "
Of course, Scotland Yard merely shrugged, as is its wont, but I present the case here in the certain knowledge that the public will come down hard on the side of my friend's genius.
Post by: gunug on July 11, 2006, 08:59:56 PM
Post by: kimmer on August 07, 2006, 10:33:54 PM
Well, the book was GREAT! It's much more complicated than the movie, the ending is entirely different, in fact the main characters are different. Luther (played by Clint Eastwood in the movie) is a supporting character. He's pivotal to the plot, but he's not a major character -- and .... well, I don't want to spoil it for those who might read it. But boy was I shocked!!!!!
In fact I was shocked and pleased with the entire book.
Another case of the book is much better than the movie.
If you like political thrillers, I highly recommend this book.
Post by: gunug on August 08, 2006, 05:53:49 AM
But for fun I've read a series of detective novels set on the Moon and Mars by Kristine Kathryn Rusch: Extremes, Consequences, & Buried Deep. The future is one in which the Earth and it's colonies, in order to be allowed into an intergalactic union of other races, have allowed the application of the laws of these countries onto our citizens and the police force is forced to support the barbarity of legal murder, torture, and enslavement of relatives that exists in these other cultures. The main characters are a policewoman named Noelle DeRicci and her former partner Miles Flint, who is now a retreival agent who seeks to find people who have "deappeared" in order to escape the application of some alien justice. He doesn't do this for the law but when their legal status has changed for the better and they may want to come back to their old lives. Pretty good stuff!
Post by: LR827 on August 08, 2006, 02:12:47 PM
Post by: gunug on August 08, 2006, 02:30:20 PM
I forgot to mention that I'm currently reading a fantasy novel by Michael Stackpole called "A Secret Atlas" that is pretty good if only I can stay cool enough and rested enough to read it!
Speaking of Lady Detectives there is the woman of CSI: Norco, CA!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/toilet_paper_caper
You don't want to get her mad!
Post by: sandyman on August 08, 2006, 03:18:07 PM
In the words of Captain Oates "I may be gone for some time"
Although aimed at "Young Adults" as is Harry Potter et al I feel that these books have a much wider audience and have "more to them". Definitely darker and they pose as many questions as they answer
Philip Pullman Available in most places but Amazon is as good as anywhere.
I've also just bought (yet) another Terry Pratchett paperback so I'll fit that in for some lighter reading Going Postal
Post by: gunug on August 09, 2006, 06:24:26 AM
Wyrd Sisters, Pyramids, & Moving Pictures I'm pretty sure I've read. I'll probably do better if I read the synopsis of each one!
Post by: sandyman on August 09, 2006, 07:17:06 AM
QUOTE(gunug @ Aug 9 2006, 12:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've just been looking at the list of Terry Pratchett's Discworld books to try to figure out which one's I've read and which one's I haven't. There's a lot of fun on that list!
Wyrd Sisters, Pyramids, & Moving Pictures I'm pretty sure I've read. I'll probably do better if I read the synopsis of each one!
Wyrd Sisters, Pyramids, & Moving Pictures I'm pretty sure I've read. I'll probably do better if I read the synopsis of each one!
If I HAD to choose my favourites they would be The Last Continent, The Hogfather Soul Music. But it's difficult choice.
Post by: beacher on August 09, 2006, 11:41:43 AM
) with him now!
Post by: kimmer on August 09, 2006, 12:40:50 PM
QUOTE
Hey Kimmer. . .I agree with your opinion on "Black Order"; read it a couple of weeks ago.
Oh, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I'm a huge fan of Rollins. I had the opportunity to meet him and he's just a delightful fellow. He even answers emails!
Thanks for the heads up on Greg Iles. I just visited his web site and his books look good. I'm gonna watch for his stuff at the local book store.
Cool - a new author.
Post by: gunug on August 12, 2006, 01:28:49 PM
Post by: kelly on August 12, 2006, 02:29:42 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Drake#With_the_Lightnings
Just found a new Trilogy.
Nulapeiron Sequence by John Meaney
http://johnmeaney.tripod.com/books.html
Some of the best stuff I've ever read.
Post by: gunug on August 13, 2006, 11:05:16 AM
I have read the Meaney Nulapeiron Sequence and really enjoyed them; I think they are probably as good at representing how an alien world would work as the Dune series were. I read Lt. Leary Commanding which is the sequel apparently to the first book and found it was very good. You can download it as a RTF or HTML file and read it on the MAC at this link:
http://www.baen.com/library/
You can go through them by Author. They also have some of the Belisarius series to download:
The Belisarius Series: (with Eric Flint)
An Oblique Approach
In the Heart of Darkness
Destiny’s Shield
Fortune’s Stroke
Post by: kimmer on August 15, 2006, 11:23:18 PM
I feel bad - I'm wasting Sneakers money. Anyhow, one of the books cost me big bucks. It's by a local author, he signed the book and everything. It's a murder mystery, supposedly. The entire first chapter is about swans and how we should all be more like swans.
Rather a bit of Hemmingway, only this guy isn't even close. I had to put the book down at pg. 38 - the end of chapter 4. I just couldn't take it anymore. The book is filled with:Keith new that the lock ...
She was looking four the book.
... on the opposite on the opposite ...
and my favorite
"... he had been being watched ... "
Then we have the intro of the supporting main character. This guy has a mouth that made me blush, and the author gave us 3 pages on a suspect who was ... gads, I can't even type what it was ... but trust me it was something I never, ever, ever wanted to know about folks doing!!!!!!!! :blush, blush, blush:
Well that was the end of the book for me.
What is with an author who has to include this kind of stuff? It's obvious that it's not germane to the plot, so why include this sick-o stuff? I'm beginning to think books should have ratings on them.
I'm now reading "The Monkeys Raincoat" by Crais. What a delight! Sense of humor, I was laughing through the first 2 chapters.
Anyhow, that's my book reading experience of late.
Post by: dboh on August 16, 2006, 07:17:59 AM
I've been surprised to find an error in almost every book I've read lately. Not at the level of your author, but definitely things that should have been caught.
Post by: jcarter on August 16, 2006, 07:44:42 AM
Speaking of mistakes, my husband just finished a book which was full of technical errors, everything from GPS to jet engine stuff. I guess lots of people wouldnt pick up this type of error, but my husband is very knowledgable in scientific stuff. I cant remember the name of the book, but he was laughing at some of the errors. Obviously the author had never used a GPS, never known how a jet engine works, and many other stuff that a high school science teacher could/should have taught him before he wrote the book. My husband sent it to the thrift shop.
I found a box of my mother's old Nevil Chute books, even tho they are very old, they are great too. Wouldnt appeal to youngsters, but for us oldsters, they are fun.
Jane
Post by: kimmer on August 16, 2006, 12:19:37 PM
QUOTE(dboh @ Aug 16 2006, 05:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
May I ask who the publisher is for that local author? I can't believe those copyediting mistakes. I wonder if it was self-published (though I thought they provided editorial services).
Published by iUniverse. It appears to be a self-publish site, but they offer editorial services for a fee. If this author paid for this service, he has a refund coming.
The author has a website and I'm going to drop by and leave him a note. I think he has potential, but not in this book.
QUOTE
I've been surprised to find an error in almost every book I've read lately. Not at the level of your author, but definitely things that should have been caught.
I have also noticed more and more errors in books. It's frustrating because glaring typo's and grammar (hey, I'm not the best in the wets) jump out at me and interrupt the flow of the story. I have to stop, go back and carefully read the sentence/paragraph to get back into the story.Until this book, the worst example I had seen was the re-release of the Nero Wolfe series. Obviously the originals were typeset by hand. The new books had been moved to a computer (scanned and corrected, or just typed – I don’t know which).
Every book was filled with glaring spelling typo’s and double words double words. Since I had read all these books before, and knew how well they flowed, it was painful for me to read the new editions. I finally wrote the publisher and complained. They never responded, but I did notice that the books were republished about a year or so later.
QUOTE
Speaking of mistakes, my husband just finished a book which was full of technical errors
This can be most frustrating. Some authors deliberately "make mistakes" under the guise of artistic license; sometimes because they don’t want to be too factual for security type reasons; and sometimes because, as you said, they failed to do their homework.
I’m halfway through “The Monkeys Raincoat” and loving it!
Post by: D76 on August 16, 2006, 01:00:53 PM
QUOTE(kimmer @ Aug 16 2006, 01:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have also noticed more and more errors in books.
It's increasing. I even found a "loose" for "lose" in a newspaper — in print, not on the net — the other day. So the writer as well as an editor thought it was right, or maybe it's so common, now, it is right.The distinction between "every day" and "everyday" is being lost, and in hardcovers.
Shakespeare would laugh.
Post by: dboh on August 16, 2006, 02:16:43 PM
"Your Tenth Grade English teacher has read over your manuscript caught a few typos and gave you further encouragement to self publish."
How many mistakes can you find in that sentence? I find six errors (seven if I were being real picky). Some kind of service!
(found at: http://www.editorial.selfpublishing.com/index.php)
Post by: D76 on August 16, 2006, 03:35:17 PM
Edited to change "there's nine" to "there are nine".
Post by: gunug on August 16, 2006, 09:01:42 PM