What book are you reading, and what do you think of it?

Started by kphoger, February 15, 2020, 07:54:46 PM

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Mr_Northside

I'm just about a dozen pages or so from finishing "The True History of The Black Adder" - Always have been a big fan of the series (except the first "series"/iteration).  I had no idea this book existed until I stumbled on it in a trip to Half-Price Books.  I've found enjoyable, and very informative

I don't have opinions anymore. All I know is that no one is better than anyone else, and everyone is the best at everything


kurumi

A recent one is 14, by Peter Clines (no relation to the "Ready Player One" author). Single guy around 30yo moves into an apartment building that's quite strange; but the rent is really cheap and it's an intriguing set of puzzles to solve.

It's a fun science fiction / cosmic horror read, with a deliberate, analytical tone. One issue is the author's male gaze. If he meant that to stick to the protagonist or narrator instead, it didn't quite work.

"The Fold" is a similar book, same author, also fun, and I'd prefer not to spoil anything about it.
My first SF/horror short story collection is available: "Young Man, Open Your Winter Eye"

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/therealkurumi.bsky.social

Takumi

Teach Yourself Afrikaans. It's my fiancée's native language and phone apps aren't doing the job.
Quote from: Rothman on July 15, 2021, 07:52:59 AM
Olive Garden must be stopped.  I must stop them.

Don't @ me. Seriously.

1995hoo

A couple of weeks ago I finished a book called Rock 'n' Roll Soccer, a history of the old North American Soccer League many of us remember from the 1970s and early 1980s. I'm now reading Brandon Sanderson's The Lost Metal, the seventh of his "Mistborn" books (the fourth one featuring protagonists Wax and Wayne).
"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

JKRhodes

#54
"Granite Mountain" by Brendan McDonough. So far have only thumbed through it but seems to be a very raw and frank account of his experiences.

**EDIT** Getting about 2/3 of the way through, and Eric Marsh according to Brendan is way kinder and way less cocky than the movie "Only The Brave" made him out to be. Seems like the read is going to be much tougher to get through than the movie, and that says a lot considering that the movie is one of the few things in the world that brings me to tears every time.

Rothman

Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position(s) of NYSDOT.

Big John


Rothman

Quote from: Big John on July 14, 2023, 12:02:16 AM
Quote from: Rothman on July 13, 2023, 11:50:33 PM
The Holy Bible
critque?
Well, 2 Samuel 21 does refer to God approving of human sacrifice to end a famine, so maybe every word shouldn't be taken literally.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position(s) of NYSDOT.

vdeane

I'm currently reading the online serial Heretical Edge.  From the about page:
Quote
Most easily classified as an urban fantasy/detective/action, Heretical Edge revolves around Felicity 'Flick' Chambers, a teenage girl who is brought into the hidden world of the supernatural when she is accepted as a student at Crossroads Academy, a place where humans known as Heretics train to hunt and kill the creatures known as Strangers, monsters from mythology who secretly prey upon humanity. Heretics fight these Strangers using a combination of fighting prowess and a unique blend of magic and technology.

Soon, Flick learns that not everything at this school, or her own past is as it appears to be. Questions continue to mount, as Flick and her new classmates struggle to survive in this dangerous new world, while discovering the truth about the connection between Heretics and Strangers.

I feel like I've finally found something new to scratch the urban fantasy itch I've had since I finished watching Motherland: Fort Salem last year.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

J N Winkler

I've long been a fan of Jack Reacher, but I have a nagging sense of "unclothed emperor" as Lee Child hands the reins over to his younger brother.

Right now I have a stack of books checked out of the public library to bed me in for the Christmas holidays.  James Ellroy (The Enchanters) has been reliable for me, as has Don Winslow (Satori, a sequel to Trevanian's Shibumi that he was commissioned to write).  I've finished the first volume in Daniel Abraham's Dagger and Coin high fantasy series and have the second (The King's Blood) on the pile.  In the back matter he mentions being inspired by the history of the Medicis as bankers to kings during the Renaissance, as well as Dorothy Dunnett's Lymond books, and I can certainly see how that is so, though his stuff is definitely more accessible than the latter.

I also have several books out by authors new to me to see whether I like their stuff:  Megan O'Keefe (The Blighted Stars, first volume in a planned space-opera trilogy), Charles Cumming (Kennedy 35, second in a spy thriller series--he's being marketed as the heir to John le Carré), and Luke McCallin (The Man from Berlin, part of a series of historical mysteries set in Nazi Germany that is similar in concept if not necessarily approach to Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther books).

The sole nonfiction book in the pile, which I'm looking forward to, is Liza Mundy's The Sisterhood, about the evolving role of women at the CIA.  I've already dipped into it and seen a wealth of fascinating detail from the OSS days onward, though the last quarter or so seems oriented toward redeeming the reputation of Jennifer Matthews, who led the team that was wiped out in the Camp Chapman attack in 2009 and who was subsequently portrayed as out of her depth.
"It is necessary to spend a hundred lire now to save a thousand lire later."--Piero Puricelli, explaining the need for a first-class road system to Benito Mussolini

amberjns

Quote from: stanwoods on December 20, 2023, 09:30:56 AM
Quote from: vdeane on November 28, 2023, 08:52:08 PMI'm currently reading the online serial Heretical Edge.  From the about page:
QuoteMost easily classified as an urban fantasy/detective/action, Heretical Edge revolves around Felicity 'Flick' Chambers, a teenage girl who is brought into the hidden world of the supernatural when she is accepted as a student at Crossroads Academy, a place where humans known as Heretics train to hunt and kill the creatures known as Strangers, monsters from mythology who secretly prey upon humanity. Heretics fight these Strangers using a combination of fighting prowess and a unique blend of magic and technology.

Soon, Flick learns that not everything at this school, or her own past is as it appears to be. Questions continue to mount, as Flick and her new classmates struggle to survive in this dangerous new world, while discovering the truth about the connection between Heretics and Strangers.

I feel like I've finally found something new to scratch the urban fantasy itch I've had since I finished watching Motherland: Fort Salem last year.

Oh, I've heard about it but haven't read it yet.
Now I'm reading this. Because reading this book is a part of my final paper. And I need not only to read it but also to write a review of it. I have some parts ready, but now I face some difficulties and the deadline is coming. I think I'll use some help from https://edubirdie.com/write-my-essay-for-me because that service has never let me down yet, and I'm sure it's the best option to finish my writing.

Excellent choice!

ZLoth

Currently reading (well, listening to the audiobook) The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece by Tom Hanks. Interesting book. I'm in Part 4: Prep, so I can't give a good judgement of it yet. I'm also listening to, with my mother, Fact or Fiction: Science Tackles 58 Popular Myths by Scientific America.

Other books that I've listed to this year:

Don't Drive Distrac... SQUIRREL!

ZLoth

Quote from: ZLoth on June 06, 2024, 07:01:18 PMCurrently reading (well, listening to the audiobook) The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece by Tom Hanks. Interesting book. I'm in Part 4: Prep, so I can't give a good judgement of it yet.

However, what was a nice kick is that part of the book is set in Sacramento, so it was a kick to hear mentions of streets and places which I know about. Although they refer to the airport as a "metro" airport instead of a "international" airport. Now, the ITA code is SMF which is short for Sacramento Metropolitan Field, and the airport itself opened in 1967. International service didn't begin until 2002 with nonstops to Guadalajara. If you look at the flights from SMF, there is a single Canadian non-stop (Vancouver (YVR)) and three Mexico non-stops (San Jose Cabo (SJD), Guadalajara (GDL), Leon/Guanajuato (BJX)). Mexico City is listed as a non-stop destination, but there are currently no flights scheduled.
Don't Drive Distrac... SQUIRREL!

vdeane

Quote from: ZLoth on June 08, 2024, 11:21:01 AMHowever, what was a nice kick is that part of the book is set in Sacramento, so it was a kick to hear mentions of streets and places which I know about. Although they refer to the airport as a "metro" airport instead of a "international" airport. Now, the ITA code is SMF which is short for Sacramento Metropolitan Field, and the airport itself opened in 1967. International service didn't begin until 2002 with nonstops to Guadalajara. If you look at the flights from SMF, there is a single Canadian non-stop (Vancouver (YVR)) and three Mexico non-stops (San Jose Cabo (SJD), Guadalajara (GDL), Leon/Guanajuato (BJX)). Mexico City is listed as a non-stop destination, but there are currently no flights scheduled.
I skimmed this post at first and was momentarily wondering why the forum software had flights.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

ZLoth

Finished The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece. I can see how Tom Hanks wrote the book the way he did, but it could have used some editing to tighten up some portions. A decent read.

My mother and I are now listening to the first Now I know in the car, while I'm now listening to Esther Diamond, Book 3: Unsympathetic Magic.
Don't Drive Distrac... SQUIRREL!

vdeane

I've been reading Political Savvy: Systematic Approaches to Leadership Behind-the-Scenes by Joel R. DeLuca, Ph.D. after a manager at work retired and left a few books behind, including this.  It's a very interesting explanation of office politics, how it works, why it isn't inherently unethical, and how to maneuver through it.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

ZLoth

Quote from: vdeane on June 26, 2024, 12:58:44 PMI've been reading Political Savvy: Systematic Approaches to Leadership Behind-the-Scenes by Joel R. DeLuca, Ph.D. after a manager at work retired and left a few books behind, including this.  It's a very interesting explanation of office politics, how it works, why it isn't inherently unethical, and how to maneuver through it.

No comment on the content (although it sounds interesting), but if Amazon is any indication, it's out of print with a used hardback copy going for at least $41 and paperback for $53.  :-o
Don't Drive Distrac... SQUIRREL!

vdeane

Quote from: ZLoth on June 26, 2024, 01:15:37 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 26, 2024, 12:58:44 PMI've been reading Political Savvy: Systematic Approaches to Leadership Behind-the-Scenes by Joel R. DeLuca, Ph.D. after a manager at work retired and left a few books behind, including this.  It's a very interesting explanation of office politics, how it works, why it isn't inherently unethical, and how to maneuver through it.

No comment on the content (although it sounds interesting), but if Amazon is any indication, it's out of print with a used hardback copy going for at least $41 and paperback for $53.  :-o
Not surprised.  The copy I'm reading is the second edition, published in 1999.  The first edition dates back to 1992 IIRC (I don't have it in front of me right now).
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

ZLoth

#68
Finished  Esther Diamond, Book 3: Unsympathetic Magic, and just started on Moonraker: James Bond, Book 3 (Celebrity Performance) narrated by Bill Nighy released in 2014 which is surprisingly out of print at Audible.
Don't Drive Distrac... SQUIRREL!

ZLoth

Finished Moonraker: James Bond, Book 3 (Celebrity Performance), and to say the book is much better than the movie  that was released 24 years after the book was originally published is an understatement. Even the plot between the book and the movie bear little resemblance save for the main villain's name.
Don't Drive Distrac... SQUIRREL!

Scott5114

Quote from: ZLoth on July 06, 2024, 10:02:41 PMFinished Moonraker: James Bond, Book 3 (Celebrity Performance), and to say the book is much better than the movie  that was released 24 years after the book was originally published is an understatement. Even the plot between the book and the movie bear little resemblance save for the main villain's name.

That's really true of most of the James Bond books, especially the later into the series you go. Goldfinger is close enough to the movie, so I randomly checked out You Only Live Twice from a library expecting them to be as episodic as the movies are. Nope. There's a whole plot that plays out over a few of the books involving Bond getting brainwashed into losing his memory and temporarily getting drummed out of the service that never made it into any of the movies. I had a hell of a time figure out what was going on since that book was smack dab in the middle of that arc.
uncontrollable freak sardine salad chef

ZLoth

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 07, 2024, 07:58:48 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on July 06, 2024, 10:02:41 PMFinished Moonraker: James Bond, Book 3 (Celebrity Performance), and to say the book is much better than the movie  that was released 24 years after the book was originally published is an understatement. Even the plot between the book and the movie bear little resemblance save for the main villain's name.

That's really true of most of the James Bond books, especially the later into the series you go. Goldfinger is close enough to the movie, so I randomly checked out You Only Live Twice from a library expecting them to be as episodic as the movies are. Nope. There's a whole plot that plays out over a few of the books involving Bond getting brainwashed into losing his memory and temporarily getting drummed out of the service that never made it into any of the movies. I had a hell of a time figure out what was going on since that book was smack dab in the middle of that arc.

I'm going through the James Bond series in book order, and Moonraker is the third book. The first two books, Casino Royale and Live and Let Die, have a significant resemblance to the actual movie although, as you have noted, significant omissions as well. Moonraker, on the other hand, lacks that. Also, all of the James Bond novels came out between 1953 to 1966, while only the first four James Bond movies (and the Casino Royale TV episode) came out during that time period, and thus the significant time jump.

I also went in with the assumption that what I was about to "read" (listen to) was going to be significantly different than what I saw in the films.
Don't Drive Distrac... SQUIRREL!

hbelkins

My brother clued me in to a $2.99 Amazon download of My Effin' Life by Geddy Lee, and I've downloaded it onto my phone, but haven't started reading it yet. I've been a Rush fan since about 1978 or so (except for the last half of the '80s).
Government would be tolerable if not for politicians and bureaucrats.

ZLoth

Don't Drive Distrac... SQUIRREL!

ZLoth

Bear in the Back Seat, Book 2: Adventures of a Wildlife Ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was completed a day or so ago, and now my mother and I are listening to Disaster! A History of Earthquakes, Floods, Plagues, and Other Catastrophes. It's going to be a LONG listen with a runtime of around 18 hours.

In case you are wondering... my mother is 83 years old, and has not been allowed to drive for the past two years. Guess who gets to chauffer her around?
Don't Drive Distrac... SQUIRREL!



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