Author Topic: What book(s) are you reading? (Read 684908 times)

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #900 on:** February 13, 2011, 10:29:24 AM »

Quote from: Cormacaroni on February 13, 2011, 07:47:43 AM

Trying out the Kindle book-lending service. Post in here if you got something from me

Got it, thank you!

Dickie Dee · « **Reply #901 on:** February 13, 2011, 03:49:22 PM »

How is reading books on an ipad? If someone was in front of a computer all day and didn't feel much like staring at a screen for another 2-4 hours afterwards while reading is it still alright? Anyone that can compare it to e-ink readers?

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #902 on:** February 13, 2011, 06:06:54 PM »

You'll want to do some quick exercises to make sure your eyes don't get strained. Tense all the muscles in your body, it'll help refocus the eyes. Focus your eyes on some item that's a few yards from where you are. Also move your eyes back and forth from the 4 corners of your computer monitor in some order (top right/bottom left/top left/bottom left etc)

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #903 on:** February 13, 2011, 06:26:40 PM »

or pony up the $140 and get the Kindle. It's leagues better than the iPad for reading. The iPad is exactly 'alright'. If you MUST read ebooks. If you CANNOT get a Kindle. It is nowhere near as light or small as a Kindle, so you can't put it in a pocket, say. And it's more expensive so you might feel weird about taking it everywhere with you the way you would with a Kindle. The correct answer to 'iPad or Kindle'? is 'both'. If you can't afford both, wait - there will be a gazillion cheaper options this year, and prices will come down across the board.

Sho Nuff · « **Reply #904 on:** February 13, 2011, 07:06:29 PM »

Oh yeah, Black Passenger is hella depressing

Groogrux · « **Reply #905 on:** February 14, 2011, 09:31:01 AM »

I should be getting my Kindle in the next couple of weeks!

Sho Nuff · « **Reply #906 on:** February 14, 2011, 05:44:32 PM »

Does anyone else here have a public library that rents out eBooks? The Seattle one does, albeit in Adobe epub format (that's not compatible with the Kindle).

spoiler (click to show/hide)

A certain Python app combined with Calibre solves that problem though

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Joe Molotov · « **Reply #907 on:** February 14, 2011, 06:59:30 PM »

I've rented a few books from the internet store.

Beezy · « **Reply #908 on:** February 14, 2011, 08:04:52 PM »

Quote from: Sho Nuff on February 13, 2011, 07:06:29 PM

Oh yeah, Black Passenger is hella depressing

I'm not too far into it yet. What gets depressing about it? Japan's situation, the author, or both?

Edit: Kindle owns btw

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #909 on:** February 14, 2011, 09:15:33 PM »

I'm always jumping around between various books but here are a few that are in my rotation now:

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss - the sequel is due out soon so it's finally time to re-read this monster. It's just a great story.

Griftopia by Matt Taibbi

Matt spittin' hot fiyah about investment banks, Alan Greenspan etc. Great fun.

Groogrux · « **Reply #910 on:** February 14, 2011, 10:16:29 PM »

Quote from: Sho Nuff on February 14, 2011, 05:44:32 PM

Does anyone else here have a public library that rents out eBooks? The Seattle one does, albeit in Adobe epub format (that's not compatible with the Kindle).

spoiler (click to show/hide)
A certain Python app combined with Calibre solves that problem though
[close]

My state has one online public library that they all use. It's all in epub, and everything is out...

Sho Nuff · « **Reply #911 on:** February 16, 2011, 03:36:03 AM »

Cormac loaned me Killing Pablo: The Hunt for the World's Greatest Outlaw, which is about Pablo Escobar, who ran the Columbian cocaine cartel.

Mental note: NEVER GO TO COLUMBIA

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #912 on:** February 16, 2011, 03:40:37 AM »

Quote from: Sho Nuff on February 16, 2011, 03:36:03 AM

Cormac loaned me Killing Pablo: The Hunt for the World's Greatest Outlaw, which is about Pablo Escobar, who ran the Columbian cocaine cartel.

Mental note: NEVER GO TO COLUMBIA

oh, you read it already?

btw, you may remember the story from 'Medellin', the fictional movie from Entourage

Corporal · « **Reply #913 on:** February 16, 2011, 01:04:33 PM »

I'm currently re-reading the good old-fashioned dead wood edition of "The design of everyday things" by Donald A. Norman. Old as all hell, but still very enjoyable. Should be required reading for anybody with "design" in their job description or title.

After my move I plan to tackle my meager collection of Gerald Durrell books. Loved them as a kid and had a really hard time ripping myself from them while packing them in boxes.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #914 on:** February 16, 2011, 03:17:18 PM »

Jesus white people, it's Colombia, not the NYC Ivy League university.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #915 on:** February 16, 2011, 04:58:28 PM »

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #916 on:** February 16, 2011, 06:33:14 PM »

I loved the Baron in the Trees, smh

chronovore · « **Reply #917 on:** March 01, 2011, 03:16:05 AM »

Thanks to the glory of Cormacaroni's cast-offs, I am thoroughly enjoying Bridge of Birds, by Barry Hughart.

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #918 on:** March 01, 2011, 03:18:52 AM »

Is it not awesome?

This just unlocked on Kindle, reading now instead of working

I timed my re-read of the previous book perfectly, finishing just last night. it is ON.

Chronovore, you need to get on this. You have my old copy i believe.

Groogrux · « **Reply #919 on:** March 01, 2011, 03:26:51 AM »

Can't wait to dig into this all the way!

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #920 on:** March 01, 2011, 03:38:25 AM »

the 1st book from health guru Mark Sisson of http://www.marksdailyapple.com/

It is 'the bomb'

Groogrux · « **Reply #921 on:** March 01, 2011, 03:39:02 AM »

Cormac recommended it to me a while back. It's all about Paleo dieting and healthy living through simplicity like cavemen. I'm just getting started into it! I'll be happy to tell you more once I'm further in.

Dickie Dee · « **Reply #922 on:** March 01, 2011, 10:03:58 AM »

Quote from: Kosma on March 01, 2011, 03:21:05 AM

Needless to say I ordered another book from the same author and waiting on it now

(Image removed from quote.)

Wait wait what? Hope you read it with tongue firmly in cheek - it should be fun to read an account of the official shittiest town in Canada.

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #923 on:** March 01, 2011, 10:42:51 PM »

this is so fucking good so far. Harry Potter for grown-ups! Pure pleasure. Can't remember the last time I both anticipated and enjoyed a book so much. That's not to say it is of great literary worth - it is not. But it is still great entertainment, and well-written.

Van Cruncheon · « **Reply #924 on:** March 01, 2011, 10:55:59 PM »

i just finished name of the wind and really enjoyed it, now onto wise man's fear

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #925 on:** March 01, 2011, 10:58:35 PM »

DO IT NAU

Dickie Dee · « **Reply #926 on:** March 02, 2011, 08:18:51 AM »

Quote from: Kosma on March 01, 2011, 04:55:56 PM

@ Mamacint: isnt the book about the whole of Canada?

I honestly don't know, I'm only half Canadian

Not familar with the book, just know that Moose Jaw is near the shittiest place on earth. Enjoy!

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #927 on:** March 06, 2011, 08:55:02 AM »

I listened to the audio book version of this on a recent long car trip.

http://www.amazon.com/War-Late-Night-Early-Television/dp/067002208X/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

Was surprisingly good. Covered everything rather well and from all sides.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #928 on:** March 06, 2011, 02:18:57 PM »

Quote from: Cormacaroni on March 01, 2011, 10:42:51 PM

(Image removed from quote.)

this is so fucking good so far. Harry Potter for grown-ups! Pure pleasure. Can't remember the last time I both anticipated and enjoyed a book so much. That's not to say it is of great literary worth - it is not. But it is still great entertainment, and well-written.

I'll have to buy the first book next week, keep hearing good things about it

btw have you nerds read the Acacia series? Also heard some good things about it
http://www.amazon.com/Acacia-War-Mein-Book/dp/0385506066

Dickie Dee · « **Reply #929 on:** March 06, 2011, 04:35:00 PM »

Quote from: andrwfields on March 01, 2011, 03:26:51 AM

(Image removed from quote.)

Can't wait to dig into this all the way!

A self-help book from Gary Busey, what could go wrong?

Groogrux · « **Reply #930 on:** March 06, 2011, 06:34:37 PM »

He does kinda look like Gary Busey...

Dickie Dee · « **Reply #931 on:** March 09, 2011, 03:16:03 PM »

Quote from: Billy Rygar on March 09, 2011, 12:55:10 PM

Just read The Windup Girl instead.

I am

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #932 on:** March 09, 2011, 03:43:29 PM »

Anyone else read Sarah Vowell's books?

Two more weeks until it's out. Cannot wait.

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #933 on:** March 09, 2011, 04:38:00 PM »

Vowell writes about American history. Past books have focused on the Puritans and presidential assassinations. Unfamiliar Fishes deals with America's colonization of Hawaii.

Quote from: Amazon descrption

Recounting the brief, remarkable history of a unified and independent Hawaii, Vowell, a public radio star and bestselling author (The Wordy Shipmates), retraces the impact of New England missionaries who began arriving in the early 1800s to remake the island paradise into a version of New England. In her usual wry tone, Vowell brings out the ironies of their efforts: while the missionaries tried to prevent prostitution with seamen and the resulting deadly diseases, the natives believed it was the missionaries who would kill them: "they will pray us all to death." Along the way, and with the best of intentions, the missionaries eradicated an environmentally friendly, laid-back native culture (although the Hawaiians did have taboos against women sharing a table with men, upon penalty of death, and a reverence for "royal incest"). Freely admitting her own prejudices, Vowell gives contemporary relevance to the past as she weaves in, for instance, Obama's boyhood memories. Outrageous and wise-cracking, educational but never dry, this book is a thought-provoking and entertaining glimpse into the U.S.'s most unusual state and its unanticipated twists on the familiar story of Americanization.

She's a regular contributor to This American Life and was also the voice of Violet in The Incredibles, if that helps any.

Eric P · « **Reply #934 on:** March 10, 2011, 07:50:42 PM »

Quote from: Mr. Gundam on March 09, 2011, 03:43:29 PM

Anyone else read Sarah Vowell's books?

(Image removed from quote.)
Two more weeks until it's out. Cannot wait.

I just finished The Wordy Shipmates yesterday. I wish it were longer. I'm looking forward to this book, but it's going to be a while. I'm the 13th in line at my local library.

etiolate · « **Reply #935 on:** March 11, 2011, 01:14:24 AM »

Hey

I don't read a lot of fantasy, but I am looking for a writer who is anti-tolkien and has a story where his main character dies over and over and appears in different places in time. He is a living writer, might be current. I don't have much to go on besides that.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #936 on:** March 11, 2011, 01:18:03 AM »

No idea. read Game of Thrones

Mandark · « **Reply #937 on:** March 11, 2011, 02:07:24 AM »

http://www.amazon.com/Company-Ogres-Lee-Martinez/dp/0765315475 perhaps?

Skidmark · « **Reply #938 on:** March 11, 2011, 02:24:57 PM »

Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
(Adventures of a Curious Character)

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #939 on:** March 11, 2011, 02:44:12 PM »

Quote from: Eric P on March 10, 2011, 07:50:42 PM

Quote from: Mr. Gundam on March 09, 2011, 03:43:29 PM
Anyone else read Sarah Vowell's books?

(Image removed from quote.)
Two more weeks until it's out. Cannot wait.

I just finished The Wordy Shipmates yesterday. I wish it were longer. I'm looking forward to this book, but it's going to be a while. I'm the 13th in line at my local library.

I already preordered it. Vowell is doing a reading/signing here in Seattle on the 28th, and it's free if you bought the book at a local bookstore.

Eric P · « **Reply #940 on:** March 11, 2011, 03:45:05 PM »

yeah i'm avoiding all of her book tour stuff, not because i am disinterested, but rather because they're generally crowded clusterfucks.

etiolate · « **Reply #941 on:** March 11, 2011, 05:05:24 PM »

Quote from: Mandark on March 11, 2011, 02:07:24 AM

http://www.amazon.com/Company-Ogres-Lee-Martinez/dp/0765315475 perhaps?

I don't think so, but I'll ask the eprson who pushed me in this direction.

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #942 on:** March 13, 2011, 12:14:39 AM »

Quote from: Skidmark on March 11, 2011, 02:24:57 PM

Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
(Adventures of a Curious Character)

(Image removed from quote.)

Read that YEARS ago and enjoyed it. I just got 'Genius' by James Gleick, which is a straight-up bio of Feynman. Really looking forward to it.

Joe Molotov · « **Reply #943 on:** March 20, 2011, 12:52:23 AM »

Been reading Mythos stuff, picked this up at Half-Price Books.

Eric P · « **Reply #944 on:** March 20, 2011, 03:03:24 AM »

Joe, I was recently hepped to W.H. Pugmire. If you want mythos which isn't just pastiche (weird, I know) check her out. I say "her" but it's a dude who is rather flamboyantly calling himself the queen of horror.

spoiler (click to show/hide)

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Also check out Laird Barron's Occultation and The Imago Sequence

Joe Molotov · « **Reply #945 on:** March 20, 2011, 10:00:00 AM »

Thanks for the tip, I'll add the stuff you mentioned to my wishlist for future reference.

Eric P · « **Reply #946 on:** March 20, 2011, 10:25:11 AM »

if you have an e-reader, you can pick up the Laird Barron books through webscriptions for $6 a pop

http://www.webscription.net/s-173-laird-barron.aspx

Reb · « **Reply #947 on:** March 20, 2011, 11:33:35 AM »

I like this kind of book, it feels like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Robo · « **Reply #948 on:** March 23, 2011, 02:27:08 PM »

I picked up a bunch of stuff from the charity counter at the grocery store recently: Tom Robbin's Still Life with Woodpecker (which had a 1983 ticket to The Ramones tucked in the pages as a bookmark), Scorsese on Scorsese, Dylan Thomas' Adventures in the Skin Trade, and Michael Chabon's Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.

Just finished off Ender's Game last night, which I'd never bothered with before. Should've went on never bothering.

Raban · « **Reply #949 on:** March 23, 2011, 09:21:56 PM »

Ender's Game

Beezy · « **Reply #950 on:** March 24, 2011, 08:37:02 AM »

Finished Black Passenger, Yellow Cabs last night. Japan $:-\$

Eric P · « **Reply #951 on:** March 24, 2011, 10:12:39 AM »

this book is amazing.

So many Jewish kids.

Beezy · « **Reply #952 on:** March 24, 2011, 10:44:28 AM »

I'm gonna check that out, Eric P. A friend lent this to me:

Reading it next since it's pretty short.

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #953 on:** April 12, 2011, 01:04:43 AM »

Finally finished reading it today. Great book, really loved it. I'd probably call it one of my favorite scifi books, up with the likes of Dune in its ability to build complex, compelling worlds and fill them with interesting characters. Not all of the stories bowled me over [Brawne's was my favorite, with it's Blade Runner feel], but I did ultimately enjoy them all. Also, I want to pick up Fall of Hyperion and start reading it immediately.

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #954 on:** April 12, 2011, 01:13:56 AM »

oh, read the lot, they're all great in their way including the Endymion books. Don't expect the same book another 3 times though.

rodi · « **Reply #955 on:** April 12, 2011, 01:20:46 AM »

Quote from: Raban on March 23, 2011, 09:21:56 PM

Ender's Game

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Truthfully, I feel the same way, but I can't help it. It's like Harry Potter in my head now, one of those things I would never admit liking in public.

[close]

But I'm rereading Catch-22 after some guy tried using that book as a way to flirt with me.

Dickie Dee · « **Reply #956 on:** April 12, 2011, 02:16:43 AM »

Hyperion is probably the best of the four books, though it does end on a high note with the last being a close second (IMO of course)

Also highly recommend his Ilium/Olympos books, along with his non-scifi stuff.

Polari · « **Reply #957 on:** April 12, 2011, 05:54:59 AM »

Anyone reading The Pale King? I'm tempted and will probably get around to it at some point but an unfinished novel sounds like a bit of a dry hump.

Eric P · « **Reply #958 on:** April 12, 2011, 07:20:43 AM »

just got unfamiliar fishes from the library last night.

before that was reading a book by a polish author; jerzy pilch's a thousand peaceful cities.

Howard Alan Treesong · « **Reply #959 on:** April 12, 2011, 02:00:52 PM »

Quote from: Cormacaroni on April 12, 2011, 01:13:56 AM

oh, read the lot, they're all great in their way including the Endymion books. Don't expect the same book another 3 times though.

I loved the first two books but really hated the Endymions ... ymmv

Finished Kingkiller Chronicles 1 and 2 over the last few days. I really enjoyed them but I'd be damned if I could tell you why - they're like popcorn. SPOILER THOUGHTS

spoiler (click to show/hide)

The author is a good writer, not great; he relies too much on clichés but sure knows which ones to deploy for maximum effect. He reminds me of King or Crichton - pulpy, yet still substantial and addictive.

The pacing of the books (especially the second) are shot to all hell. It's like he wrote four separate 250 page novels and strung them together with the barest of connective tissue.

Lotta sex in book 2! Lotta sex.

I like the University setting and its focus on money and busking over magic and adventure. I liked the court intrigue with the Maer, too ... the Adem bored me. I called them a "Mary Suetopia" only to discover via TV Tropes I was not the first to come up with such a bon mot. The most boring section for me was killing the dragon in Book 1. I can't exactly say why I'd rather read about grinding out deck lamps in the Fishery than killing mythical beasts.

Sympathy is very similar to the magic system used in Emily Short's Savoir-Faire: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savoir-Faire

Really enjoy the sharp change in tone between the frame story sections and the flashbacks. I'm willing to forgive some of the rip-roaring "and then I was awesome and the best ever and fucked all the ladies" tone of the narrative because I don't really trust Kvothe as a narrator - between the frame story and the Edema Ruh background, I'm certain he's telling the best story he can, not the most true one.

Auri is mai waifu, Denna is decidedly NOT.

Looking forward to book 3! Not looking forward to books 4 and 5, should that come to pass.

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Author Topic: What book(s) are you reading? (Read 684908 times)