Anybody reading any good books?

Post by **herbalhippie** » Thu Jul 30, 2020 3:20 pm

I'm about to run out of ideas. The library is still not open to mailorder. I'm getting tired of my own library. I have ordered a few used book from Amazon, that's always an option.

Right now I'm reading The Kingdom by the Sea by Paul Theroux. He travelled clockwise around the British coast and wrote about it. I have 5 of his books and will probably read the others after this one. He's my favorite travel writer.

Bill Bryson did the same trip around the British coast years later and also wrote about it, but Bryson is a comedic travel writer. His book is called Notes From a Small Island and it's quite funny. It was very interesting to see basically the same trip from two different viewpoints.

Post by **MikeEdoessomething** » Thu Jul 30, 2020 3:53 pm

I've had so much trouble reading (and writing) during the past few months. The whole world being on fire has mad it hard for me to do basically anything (except order kratom

)

It's taken me a while but I'm about finished with 'The Aeronauts Windlass' by Jim Butcher (Book 1 in a steam-punk kind of fantasy/science fiction new series by the author)... This is my first time reading Butcher, and the book is good, but I feel the characters aren't very interesting and kind of weak (besides the cat - yes, a cat that thinks its human owner is the pet - which took some time to get used to but is one of my favorite parts of the book now). The writing is good, easy to read, though at times the way Butcher writes doesn't flow smoothly for me (could just be my reading skills I admit). A couple of side characters are more interesting than the main characters. The plot kind of drags. The story took me a while to get into, with a slow start and middle that dragged. I kept reading mostly because of the setting and concepts and the mystery of the world. About 2/3 of the way through I finally got hooked and wanted to keep reading. Again mostly to learn more about the world haha. I'm about done with it.

It's got a incredible world/setting that I am more interested in than the story, which isn't a great thing for a reader to like the world better than the characters/story. But it's got air-ships, iron-man like gauntlets and sword fights and cannons, a sub-plot involving cats

and a magic type energy that is very interesting and integrated into the setting nicely. I just wish the story didn't take so long to pick up and the characters were more interesting. Hopefully the ending is satisfying since this is the first of a new series

Post by **acejestyr15** » Thu Jul 30, 2020 9:41 pm

I have been reading Neil Gaiman's NORSE MYTHOLOGY on and off for almost 2 years now.... I don't read much, mostly only on camping trips or when the rare mood strikes for a short while honestly. But this book is written very very well and of course on one of my 3 very most favorite subject matters; Norse/Viking anything, Kratom, and Motorcycle/Powersports and their perspective cultures.

Post by **herbalhippie** » Thu Jul 30, 2020 10:41 pm

Kratom is in there??

Post by **Burninator** » Thu Jul 30, 2020 11:41 pm

MikeEdoessomething wrote:I've had so much trouble reading (and writing) during the past few months. The whole world being on fire has mad it hard for me to do basically anything (except order kratom )

It's taken me a while but I'm about finished with 'The Aeronauts Windlass' by Jim Butcher (Book 1 in a steam-punk kind of fantasy/science fiction new series by the author)... This is my first time reading Butcher, and the book is good, but I feel the characters aren't very interesting and kind of weak (besides the cat - yes, a cat that thinks its human owner is the pet - which took some time to get used to but is one of my favorite parts of the book now). The writing is good, easy to read, though at times the way Butcher writes doesn't flow smoothly for me (could just be my reading skills I admit). A couple of side characters are more interesting than the main characters. The plot kind of drags. The story took me a while to get into, with a slow start and middle that dragged. I kept reading mostly because of the setting and concepts and the mystery of the world. About 2/3 of the way through I finally got hooked and wanted to keep reading. Again mostly to learn more about the world haha. I'm about done with it.

It's got a incredible world/setting that I am more interested in than the story, which isn't a great thing for a reader to like the world better than the characters/story. But it's got air-ships, iron-man like gauntlets and sword fights and cannons, a sub-plot involving cats and a magic type energy that is very interesting and integrated into the setting nicely. I just wish the story didn't take so long to pick up and the characters were more interesting. Hopefully the ending is satisfying since this is the first of a new series

I read this last year and kind of agree with you. It was enjoyable enough but something about it didn’t click as well as it should have. The world was sweet though and I’ll most likely read the next book(s) that come out.

I felt the same way about the Dresden Files (at least the ones I’ve read so far). They’re good but not engaging enough to fully suck me in. I think it boils down to a lack of character depth. I did hear that past book 5 the series really finds its swing though, so I’m not writing them off yet. I just needed a break.

I highly recommend the Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown. It’s on par with Dune in my opinion.

Post by **Burninator** » Thu Jul 30, 2020 11:43 pm

Also, the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy! Favorite series ever.

Post by **herbalhippie** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 12:14 am

Burninator wrote:Also, the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy! Favorite series ever.

I read that many years ago. It's worth a re-visit!

Post by **MikeEdoessomething** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 1:26 am

[/quote]I read this last year and kind of agree with you. It was enjoyable enough but something about it didn’t click as well as it should have. The world was sweet though and I’ll most likely read the next book(s) that come out.

I felt the same way about the Dresden Files (at least the ones I’ve read so far). They’re good but not engaging enough to fully suck me in. I think it boils down to a lack of character depth. I did hear that past book 5 the series really finds its swing though, so I’m not writing them off yet. I just needed a break.

I highly recommend the Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown. It’s on par with Dune in my opinion.[/quote]

Agree with lack of character depth. I've had to push to get through and now have about 50 pages left and def want to see how it ends. I haven't tried Dresden Files and not interested in it though I have heard like you said the series gets much better after several books. R/Fantasy is a forum I like to check out... I forgot I read Butcher before actually. I read about 1/4 of the first book in his fantasy series 'The Codex Alera' series. Had some problems with that.

Red Rising has been on my to be read pile for years. And I have heard Brown's writing has gotten even better and I've read some very positive reviews on the 4th book (new trilogy set after Red Rising I believe?). Is all of Red Rising in 1st person? But this is a series I will for sure read soon. May be what I read next.

Dune I need to give another go. I read part of it when I was early 20's and only got part way through, but my reading habits and level has changed improved greatly. I want to read the book before the movie comes out.

The best book I read in the past few years has been "The First Season" by N.K. Jemisin (book 1 of 3 in the Broken Earth Trilogy). Part of it was written in 2nd person POV, and others in 1st and 3rd. Incredible book that won Hugo (Jemisin won 3 straight Hugo Awards for each book in the series). While I felt the sequels were not nearly as good as the first, the trilogy was an amazing read. It can be a brutal emotional read as the story covers context very relevant to today's world and problems and does not shy away from hard topics to discuss.

Post by **herbalhippie** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 1:30 am

I just re-read Dune last month. I will look into Red Rising Trilogy, thanks!

Post by **Burninator** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 3:06 am

I’ll check that out!

Yeah, Red Rising is in first person. I actually haven’t read the 4th book yet but I’ve been meaning to. My brother did and said he wished Brown would have just stuck with the original trilogy but that it’s decent in its own right.

Did you ever read The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie? That was another favorite of mine. Gritty fantasy that focuses on the moral ambiguity of both the heroes and villains. It was a really unique read. Heavy, at times, and dark, but extremely well written.

Post by **acejestyr15** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 7:03 am

herbalhippie wrote:Kratom is in there??

NOOOOOOOO!

Was just saying those 3 topics/subject matters are my most favorites and biggest points of interest.... So I easily gravitate towards anything related to them!

Post by **herbalhippie** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 2:05 pm

acejestyr15 wrote:
herbalhippie wrote:Kratom is in there??
NOOOOOOOO!

Was just saying those 3 topics/subject matters are my most favorites and biggest points of interest.... So I easily gravitate towards anything related to them!

Ok gotcha

Post by **MikeEdoessomething** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 8:26 pm

Burninator wrote:I’ll check that out!

Yeah, Red Rising is in first person. I actually haven’t read the 4th book yet but I’ve been meaning to. My brother did and said he wished Brown would have just stuck with the original trilogy but that it’s decent in its own right.

Did you ever read The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie? That was another favorite of mine. Gritty fantasy that focuses on the moral ambiguity of both the heroes and villains. It was a really unique read. Heavy, at times, and dark, but extremely well written.

I haven't yet read The First Law books yet or anything by Abercrombie, but he gets great praise for his characters and his books seem to be very well received. My to-be-read pile is GIGANTIC but gonna add First Law to the list

I have read some preview chapters of Abercrombie's books, like preview chapters on Amazon or excerpts on other websites, and his dialogue and his writing style seem like the type I enjoy. I'm the same in favoring moral ambiguity. Game of Thrones and the entire Song of Ice and Fire Series is my favorite series ever (Books 1-5 so far, and hopefully one day Winds of Winter and Dream of Spring).

Post by **StringThing** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 8:56 pm

Shantaram is a great read. It's about a real life story about a guy who escapes from prison in Australia and decides to hide in India. He embeds himself with the locals wherever he goes. I want to explain how awesome it is but don't want to spoil it if anyone hasn't read it. Is there a way to do spoiler tags?

I'll just post the wikipedia description and save anyone the trouble: Shantaram is a 2003 novel by Gregory David Roberts, in which a convicted Australian bank robber and heroin addict escapes from Pentridge Prison and flees to India. The novel is commended by many for its vivid portrayal of tumultuous life in Bombay.

One of my favorite books of all time

Post by **herbalhippie** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:46 pm

You got my attention!

Post by **herbalhippie** » Sat Aug 01, 2020 1:45 am

StringThing wrote:Shantaram is a great read. It's about a real life story about a guy who escapes from prison in Australia and decides to hide in India. He embeds himself with the locals wherever he goes. I want to explain how awesome it is but don't want to spoil it if anyone hasn't read it. Is there a way to do spoiler tags?

I'll just post the wikipedia description and save anyone the trouble: Shantaram is a 2003 novel by Gregory David Roberts, in which a convicted Australian bank robber and heroin addict escapes from Pentridge Prison and flees to India. The novel is commended by many for its vivid portrayal of tumultuous life in Bombay.

One of my favorite books of all time

I ordered it, it has great reviews! I love books set in India. Here's one I've got I'm about to re-read

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/376 ... he_Monsoon

and for something humorous, I love this book!!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3858.Holy_Cow

Post by **StringThing** » Sat Aug 01, 2020 10:37 am

herbalhippie wrote:I ordered it, it has great reviews! I love books set in India. Here's one I've got I'm about to re-read

Haha awesome, you're going to love it. It's such an adventure. I've read it twice.

I think I'm going to check out that Holy Cow book, it sounds hilarious.

Post by **Burninator** » Sat Aug 01, 2020 11:07 am

So I started reading Shantaram years ago but didn’t get very far (I was on the fence about it because it started pretty slow, and then my mom dissuaded me from pushing through because she’s the most avid reader I know and she couldn’t even get past the hump) but I’ve since heard so many people talk about it being one of the best books they’ve ever read so I really want to give it another shot.

Post by **StringThing** » Mon Aug 03, 2020 1:11 pm

Burninator wrote:So I started reading Shantaram years ago but didn’t get very far (I was on the fence about it because it started pretty slow, and then my mom dissuaded me from pushing through because she’s the most avid reader I know and she couldn’t even get past the hump) but I’ve since heard so many people talk about it being one of the best books they’ve ever read so I really want to give it another shot.

Interesting, I didn't find there to be a hump at all. I'd definitely try again though. It took me I think two or three tries to get into this book because of how wordy and confusing it can be at times. It's definitely a bit of a ride.

Post by **Fallguy** » Sat Oct 03, 2020 5:31 am

About 6 months ago I learned about getting e books from the library. Its been a game changer. Currently reading " What the Darkness Knows". Dean koontz

Post by **herbalhippie** » Sat Oct 03, 2020 12:15 pm

Our mail order library is back up! SO HAPPY!!

I have been searching off and on for a horror book I read sometime between about 2005 and 2012, with no luck. I kept seeing mention of a newer book called The Grip of It, so I ordered it. Strange book. Scary, but strange too. I'm not sure if I liked it or not.

Post by **IndelibleDotInk** » Mon Oct 05, 2020 2:00 am

Burninator wrote:I highly recommend the Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown. It’s on par with Dune in my opinion.

I must seek this out, Dune is my favorite hands down epic love book of past and present mythology, an allegory to which there is no equal.

Post by **herbalhippie** » Thu Jan 20, 2022 1:30 am

In the last couple months I read Dune (again), then ordered the other 5 Dune books written by Frank Herbert (and four of his son's) and read those. Went to see the movie
and then read the whole series again immediately after. I'm about Dune-d out for a while.

So I'm reading Eon by Greg Bear and if you like sci-fi, this is a must read. It's the first in a trilogy but I've heard the third book isn't so good so I've only read the first two.

Anyone else reading anything good?

Post by **Jking** » Thu Jan 20, 2022 10:57 am

Dragon heart it’s a Russian novel series that’s been translated to English. Check out the demon king; It’s a four book series, and one of may favorites of all time.

Post by **herbalhippie** » Thu Jan 20, 2022 11:51 am

Jking wrote: ↑Thu Jan 20, 2022 10:57 am Dragon heart it’s a Russian novel series that’s been translated to English. Check out the demon king; It’s a four book series, and one of may favorites of all time.

I'll look into it thanks!

Post by **StringThing** » Fri Jan 21, 2022 11:38 pm

American Gods by Bill Bryson is really good and gives me a sort of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy vibe.

Post by **herbalhippie** » Fri Jan 21, 2022 11:46 pm

I love Bill Bryson, I think I have most of his books.

Post by **StringThing** » Fri Jan 21, 2022 11:47 pm

herbalhippie wrote: ↑Fri Jan 21, 2022 11:46 pm I love Bill Bryson, I think I have most of his books.

Any recommendation other than 'American Gods' or his 'History of the World' book? I think I want to read more of him after this. Really enjoying Shadow as a character.

Post by **herbalhippie** » Fri Jan 21, 2022 11:53 pm

StringThing wrote: ↑Fri Jan 21, 2022 11:47 pm
herbalhippie wrote: ↑Fri Jan 21, 2022 11:46 pm I love Bill Bryson, I think I have most of his books.
Any recommendation other than 'American Gods' or his 'History of the World' book? I think I want to read more of him after this. Really enjoying Shadow as a character.

All of his first books are comedic travel writing pretty much. They're all wonderful. The Thunderbolt Kid is about his childhood in Iowa.

I particularly like Notes from a Small Island which complements and was written after Paul Theroux's Kingdom of the Sea (love Paul Theroux too) and
Walk in the Woods about hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Post by **StringThing** » Sat Jan 22, 2022 12:05 am

herbalhippie wrote: ↑Fri Jan 21, 2022 11:53 pm
StringThing wrote: ↑Fri Jan 21, 2022 11:47 pm
herbalhippie wrote: ↑Fri Jan 21, 2022 11:46 pm I love Bill Bryson, I think I have most of his books.
Any recommendation other than 'American Gods' or his 'History of the World' book? I think I want to read more of him after this. Really enjoying Shadow as a character.
All of his first books are comedic travel writing pretty much. They're all wonderful. The Thunderbolt Kid is about his childhood in Iowa.

I particularly like Notes from a Small Island which complements and was written after Paul Theroux's Kingdom of the Sea (love Paul Theroux too) and
Walk in the Woods about hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Downloaded those, thanks. They'll probably be next on my list.

Have you ever read any Noam Chomsky? I know it's completely different than these authors, but I'm curious. I started reading some of his books, and it's really good material, but holy fuck is it a slog to sort through. His older stuff on black ops type stuff is really informative though.

Post by **herbalhippie** » Sat Jan 22, 2022 12:14 am

I have not, although I've seen the name here and there.

Post by **Herba Rosa** » Fri Jan 28, 2022 11:49 pm

I highly recommend "Papillon".

Best book I ever read. All abt life in prison in French Ghana.
The life of a man determined to escape. True story too.

Especially if you love ocean-themed sailing adventures and going on the lam in 1930s Caribbean.

Post by **herbalhippie** » Fri Jan 28, 2022 11:57 pm

I just started the Dune series again. 3rd time in about 2 1/2 months. Only the Frank Herbert ones though, not any of his son's.

Post by **add to descartes** » Sun May 08, 2022 9:42 pm

wow, a book thread, nice!

I've been reading nonstop this year. I just discovered the Goodreads app, that's getting a little addicting

i'm trying to read 30 more books by the end of the year, but I think I may surpass that.
right now I'm finishing up William S. Burroughs's Cities of the Red Night trilogy, and reading a little bit of Goethe's Faust here and there.

some of the other things I've read this year
The Magus - John Fowles (best I've read in awhile, if you like meta fiction I higly recommend it)
The Sun Also Rises - Hemingway
Steppenwolf - Hesse
The Way of All Flesh - Samuel Beckett
Gulliver's Travels - Swift
Crime and Punishment - Dostoyevsky

Post by **herbalhippie** » Sun May 08, 2022 10:35 pm

add to descartes wrote: ↑Sun May 08, 2022 9:42 pm wow, a book thread, nice!

I've been reading nonstop this year. I just discovered the Goodreads app, that's getting a little addicting i'm trying to read 30 more books by the end of the year, but I think I may surpass that.
right now I'm finishing up William S. Burroughs's Cities of the Red Night trilogy, and reading a little bit of Goethe's Faust here and there.

some of the other things I've read this year
The Magus - John Fowles (best I've read in awhile, if you like meta fiction I higly recommend it)
The Sun Also Rises - Hemingway
Steppenwolf - Hesse
The Way of All Flesh - Samuel Beckett
Gulliver's Travels - Swift
Crime and Punishment - Dostoyevsky

I read The Magus long ago, was just thinking not more than a WEEK ago I wanted to read it again

I could talk books all day. And will soon, I got something going on right at the moment involves guitarists from Mali. lol

Post by **Babel-17** » Mon May 09, 2022 12:57 am

Iain Banks/Iain M. Banks was a great fiction/science fiction writer, but he also wrote some non-fiction that might be right up your alley.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raw_Spirit

P.S. openlibrary.org is a free and legal resource for reading books.

https://openlibrary.org/

Post by **Babel-17** » Mon May 09, 2022 1:04 am

I've been reading Walter Jon Williams lately. He and Zelazny were fans of each other, and I feel that Williams has the same knack that Zelazny had for depicting protagonists that are entertaining to listen to as they narrate their amazing adventures, which often include a healthy amount of humor.

Post by **add to descartes** » Mon May 09, 2022 7:20 am

herbalhippie wrote: ↑Sun May 08, 2022 10:35 pm I read the Magus long ago, was just thinking not more than a WEEK ago I wanted to read it again

I could talk books all day. And will soon, I got something going on right at the moment involves guitarists from Mali. lol

I had never heard of the magus, but it was referenced in a Burroughs book, so I bought it off amazon. it ended up being ridiculously good. I'm a little conflicted as to the ending, which I thought was left too ambiguous, but honestly I don't know how he would have ended it, so many twists. haven't yet read anything else by Fowles though. I've found a lot of good books through other books that mention them...Burroughs, Hemingway, and Lovecraft in particular have great taste.

books are basically my life right now. I've been plundering a couple used book places, got my collection up to over 300, mostly classics. starting a third bookshelf now. it's so satisfying to finish a book, put it back on the shelf, and spend an inordinate time trying to figure out what to read next. I'm trying to read all the books considered the greatest, most important, influential books ever written before I die.

another great one I've read recently...The Executioner's Song by Norman Mailer. it's the longest book I've read, nearly 1,100 pages, but it's so good that I had no problem getting through it. the introduction even says something to the effect of "this is a long book, but I promise you if you start it, you will finish it."

Post by **herbalhippie** » Mon May 09, 2022 7:26 am

add to descartes wrote: ↑Mon May 09, 2022 7:20 am
herbalhippie wrote: ↑Sun May 08, 2022 10:35 pm I read the Magus long ago, was just thinking not more than a WEEK ago I wanted to read it again

I could talk books all day. And will soon, I got something going on right at the moment involves guitarists from Mali. lol

books are basically my life right now. I've been plundering a couple used book places, got my collection up to over 300, mostly classics. starting a third bookshelf now. it's so satisfying to finish a book, put it back on the shelf, and spend an inordinate time trying to figure out what to read next. I'm trying to read all the books considered the greatest, most important, influential books ever written before I die.

I have so many unread books stacked up on both sides of my desk it looks like I'm trying to build a fort.

I'll try to get back here later today and list what I got going on. Just woke up, making coffee and catching up on stuff.

Post by **herbalhippie** » Mon May 09, 2022 2:08 pm

Alright, so here is the pile of unread books to the left of my desk. For Bill Bryson, I decided to fill out my collection, I already have 10 of his books on my bookshelf.

Bill Bryson - In a Sunburned Country, At Home, The Body and A Short History of Everything.

National Lampoon - Doon (a parody of Dune. I had Bored of the Rings years ago which was a parody of, well, you know)

The Psychopath Test - Jon Ronson (library book)

Childhood's End - Arthur Clarke (I've never read it!)

Lambs of God - Marele Day (I have read this, the library had to order it through the interlibrary system and it came from a Benedictine college, I think in Oregon)

Another Roadside Attraction - Tom Robbins (I've read this too but not for many years)

Perfume - Patrick Suskind (read it when it first came out long ago. It's a beautiful murdery kind of book)

Year Zero - Jeff Long (his book Descent is amazing and nothing like the movie of the same name)

and I'm waiting for Brave New World to get here from the library.

A friend introduced me to The Expanse a while back (see thread) and I ordered the first book from the library. Started reading it an immediately ordered the entire set off
of Ebay. I read the first two books back to back but have been reading another book in between each one since to stretch these out. Those two books were
Shogun by James Clavell and Shibumi by Trevanian (great book). I had intended to read The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco instead of Shibumi but I just
couldn't give it the concentration it demands so I switched. The Name of the Rose is a great book too and was a fabulous movie.