OT: From the Bookshelf

[eric j]

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. 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

[kimmer]

LR827, I wasn't implying, or stating that, you liked the book; simply said that your reaction and mine were totally different. You were moved to explore his research, while I was moved to toss the book in the trash.

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.

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

[Peter]

I read mostly history and historical fiction- though I do have the Mac bible as "bathroom reading"

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 contrary

But 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

[kelly]

I've read 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

[sandbox]

David Ovason  writes an interesting book on the subject of the Secret Architecture of Our Nation's Capital

You just never imagine how much planning went into that project.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006019537...glance&n=283155

[Peter]

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

 thanks- looks like a good book

Peter

[kimmer]

The tea shop mystery was a good interlude, and I eagerly dove into "Show of Evil" by Diehl. WHOA! Way too gruesome for me. A friend had warned me and she was correct. I tried "Blood Works" by Connelly and was bored in the first 10 pages. Tried a couple of others from my stack and found them all lacking or gruesome. *sigh* Since one gal recommended all these books to me, I'm now going to take her recommendations with a grain of salt. Too bad, because their house is filled - literally - with books and I could be one happy camper borrowing from Lee.

I guess today I'll take a tried and true author. I hate floundering for a decent book to read.

[kimmer]

Not sure if this will work, as this thread seems to be a bit broken since the upgrade

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.  

[RogerF]

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.

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.

[gunug]

Kelly: Thanks for reminding me to check for the latest Honor Harrington.  I did finally read it and really enjoyed it!  If seems as though she's finally getting a life.  Do you think this is the final one Weber is going to write?

[kelly]

No way. There'll be plenty more.

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?

[kimmer]

I read, and enjoyed beyond most anything, "Inkspell" by Cornelia Funke. She's a good author, and the "Inkheart/Inkspell" books are great! I can hardly wait for the 3rd book in this series. I read at Scholastic's site that both "Inkheart" and "Dragon Rider" (my favorite Funke book) are being made into movies. Way cool.

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.

[gunug]

I'm sorry Kelly, I didn't realize you had asked me a question.  No I haven't read that "one" yet.  I've enjoyed the 163? series and the March Upcountry series (got to read We Few soon) and probably some of the others in addition to Honor Harrington.  I think I like her the best because I've "grown up" with her a little (I even have tried to work "quirked" into my conversation).  

[amaizen_aristotle]

It is refreshing to read about everyone's adventures in reading.  My own reading tends to take me away from fiction, though I do find my way back once in a while.  I have found the Harry Potter series surprisingly entertaining -- a nice break from the rather heavy reading that I do professionally.

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

[kimmer]

Been a while ... I've gone through several books and enjoyed a few trips to my favorite gently-previewed book store.

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.