books you loved or hated...

[splatgirl]

well, let's get this thread started :)

i couldn't really count how many excellent books i've found out about thanks to recommendations and suggestions by friends, and there must be lots more waiting out there.

have you read any interesting book recently?
ok, let's put it this way... is there any book that kept you awake until late night because you really coulnd't manage to stop reading? i've got a nice list of them... and had quite a lot of very tough mornings when i couldn't put the blame on clubbing or on too many sneaky pints the night before!

and something that was a complete disappointment, and that you'd heartily suggest to your nastiest enemy? <insert evil laughter>

so, get your opinions and suggestions out, but try not to swap the answers to the two questions ;)

[crimprof]

This is what I'm currently reading, spending most my time on the Voltaire and Crusades book.

The First Crusade: A New History
Rousseau and Revolution
Voltaire Almighty: A Life in Pursuit of Freedom
Scotland: The Story of a Nation.

The Crusades book gives a fresh look at the motivations for the Latin Cursaders, that it was more than just "freeing" Jerusalem.

The Voltaire book is really amusing. It shows how during the 18th century philosophers were like rock stars. Voltaire was pretty self-absorbed, materialistic, ego-centric, and histrionic (a bit of a drama queen). Fun stuff.

Rousseau was into BDSM (really).

"Braveheart" was more of a bandit than anything. Not quite the "hero" portrayed in Mel's world.

[Dr_absinthe]

So far this year I have read the following that I've enjoyed...

Jasper Fforde - The Eyre Affair/The Fourth Bear

Will Self - Dorian/How The Dead Live

Oscar Wilde - The Picture Of Dorian Grey

Hunter S Thompson - The Great Shark Hunt

I strongly suggest you don't read...

Umberto Eco - Focaults Pendulum. What a load of old toss!

Out of all of the good books I've read this year, the "Thursday Next" series by Jasper Fforde is my favourite. It's a wonderful play on words and only the most scholarly of English students will get all of the jokes (although most are accessible by the well-read).

My favourite author though would be David Lodge. Anything he has written is well worth a read, but I would reccomend you start with a book entitled "Thinks...".

[Dr_absinthe]

Oh btw, glad you started the thread. 'Tis a grand idea!

[Endscape]

Unfortunately I've been way to busy this year to have the chance of getting into any good books

But last year I read the Nights dawn trilogy and theCommonwealth Saga by Sci fi writer Peter F Hamilton. Both are well over 3000 pages long with a cast of something like 100 characters each. Despite their emense size to digest, many a night was spent saying to myself I'll just finish this chapter, only to find that the end of said chapter was finished ages ago with only 4 hours left until I had to get up for work.

Also stuff by Philip K dick. The man in the high castle, a scanner darkly, a maze of death and the penultimate truth. All his books are a complete head fuck.

All good stuff if you're in to reading sci fi

[Dr_absinthe]

3000 pages? I don't know if my concentration could hold out for that long. It must have taken you months to read them!

Just started "Ludmillas Broken English" by DBC Pierre (of Vernon God Little fame) and it's not bad so far. I'll keep you posted on how it turns out. Oh, and I forgot to add Margaret Atwood's "Oryx And Crake" to my reccomended reading list. It's so bleak it's amazing... I suggest reading it with a healthy dose of prozac on the side:grin:

[Suspect-Device]

i suggest you read james herbert books, when i first read the 'rats' trilogy i just couldent stop, but most of his books are top class

[Flux]

Aye, James Herbert is the man.

I've got a fair few of his books and they're awesome.

Highly recommend The Magic Cottage, The Fog and The Spear for some creepy readings. (^_^)

[splatgirl]

wow, in just a few days we've already put together a good "to read list"!
thanks for all the suggestions, there are quite a few interesting pointers i'll definitely note down - though as usual, despite all my efforts, time is never enough and the stack of unmissable books i still have to read keeps growing :(

a few highlights picked up from the sci-fi section of what loads my bookshelf:

michael marshall smith - british writer that gets people quickly addicted with his unbeatable rhythm and all the great ideas springing out of his books.
he writes kind of sci-fi, though don't expect the traditional spaceships/planet/aliens thing... it's more about some kind of supernatural world intruding he everyday reality of his characters (and usually screwing it well up). he's fast, funny, sharp-minded and has got a unique, quirky style that really blows me away.
so far, he wrote three sci-fi novels (and i'd recommend all of them, especially "spares" and "one of us") and a collection of short stories. he also writes contemporary crime novels as michael marshall, but i still haven't read them and i've heard less glowing reviews. probably worth a try anyway.

neal asher - one of the most innovative writers i've come across recently. i've only read "the skinner" so far, an intense, powerful book packed with amazing ideas that kept me thrilled until the end. it's one of those outstanding books you keep thinking about even after having finished it... really complex and fascinating, i loved it. looking forward to reading more :)

plus the "usual", well known classics...

william gibson - nothing needs be said about neuromancer, and i loved everything else i've read so far, including the short stories. pattern recognition is outstanding, it struck some chords with me and stuck with me for ages. definitely one of the top ten books ever for me.

iain m. banks - again, there's not much to add about him... he's just amazing. "consider phlebas" is a masterpiece, and i just finished "the player of games" that was awesome. his characters are complex and well-rounded and he's got a unique way of building subtle, fascinating relationships between them that make the plot and the setting come alive.

currently reading "snowcrash" by neal stephenson - i just started it, and from the first pages it comes across as one of those lively, hilarious and fast-paced book that are so difficult to put down.

this is it, just for a start...

[star-gazer]

i suggest you read james herbert books, when i first read the 'rats' trilogy i just couldent stop, but most of his books are top class


i second that!!!!

he kicks arse!!

i really liked (its been a hwile since ive read them though...) the magic cottage,once,what was the war one-48? thats was excellant umm..sepulchre i hated apparently it did really get going but by that time (100 pages in!!!) i had lost interest-usually it doesnt take him THAT long!

yeah rats was excellant-i rememebr reading it on the tube-lol much fun to be had thinking about dog sized rats about the carriage!! lol

i dont think i liked moon either...oh! andjonah was alright but a bit on the slow side as well-thats the reason the others are so good they keep you intrigued the ones ive put down as not liking just dont grip me like the others..

[star-gazer]

Aye, James Herbert is the man.

I've got a fair few of his books and they're awesome.

Highly recommend The Magic Cottage, The Fog and The Spear for some creepy readings. (^_^)


just saw this!!

whoop whoop! magic cottage over here!! ;)

[Endscape]

I used used to read loads of Herbert when I was a kid. Others and the Rats trilogy are personal Favourites. I haven't read any of his stuff for years. Someones lent me The secret of Crickley Hall. Will defo try and read it this year

[G.boy]

The Rats trilogy Kicks ass.. I love James Herbert but I prefer Prattchett myself

[crimprof]

This is a great thread. It reminds me, some of the people from one of the clubs I go to get together before the club and have coffee and have a "book swap." Much like is done here in terms of discussing books but people also bring books to lend/give each other.

It's nice because we can talk without having to SHOUT at each other like in the club and go home with broken ear drums.

I've discovered that people in the goth/industiral scene tend to be quite literate, critical thinkers.

[splatgirl]

Oh btw, glad you started the thread. 'Tis a grand idea!

This is a great thread.

hey, i'm really glad people like it and it seems it's working out well.
hope we'll keep it alive!

for me, sharing thoughts and opinions about books is always worth it. not only is it a great way of getting to know about new books and authors, it also gives you an insight on what other people saw in a certain book - it's always fascinating for me seeing how varied and diverse the effects of a book can be on different people.

I've discovered that people in the goth/industiral scene tend to be quite literate, critical thinkers.

i've found out the same, it seems the two things go along nicely together. and all the interesting things that have come out so far here are a further proof of this :)

there are a couple of other authors i'd like to point out:

mark leyner - if you're up for something completely mental, get one of his books. they are all awesome, really "something else".
he's beyond any definition of creativity or fervid imagination... his books are like an explosion of sharp, crazy stuff straight in your face and, when you think that he finally reached the limit, he still can go further. his books are experimental also languagewise, and i've found myself reading over and over a page because it's just too juicy and perfect to let it go...
i have read everything by him except for "why do men have nipples?", where he's co-author. a good start would be "my cousin, my gastroenterologist", "et tu, babe" or "the tetherballs of bougainville". i found "i smell esther williams" a bit harder, wouldn't suggest it for a start.

david sedaris - technically american but with greek origins, and currently living in france, this guy is the author of some of the funniest books i can remember.
apparently, he started writing after having worked for a season as an elf for the occasional santa claus in some american shopping centre. besides clearly traumatising him, the experience revealed a sarcastic, merciless vein in him that comes across from the very first line of any of his books. he's got a witty, sharp and ironic style that is really enjoyable and hilarious. some parts of his books stuck with me for ages, and thinking of them still make me smile :)
"me talk pretty one day" is great, especially the second half, but the one i enjoyed most is definitely "dress your family in corduroy and denim" which is more complex and mature while still being extremely hilarious. be prepared to laugh out loud on the tube...
just one caveat: definitely not for the homophobic.

[Dr_absinthe]

Finished "Ludmilla's Broken English", it was meh. Not good, not bad, just meh.

Have just restarted William S. Burroughs "Naked Lunch". It's a book I know and love so I can't get dissapointed this time!

[Antagonist]

I tried and tried and generally struggled with "Foucault's pendulum" and just a few pages before the end I gave it the window treatment. The same was true of Huxley's "Eyeless in Gaza" which I just couldn't handle, despite his "Brave new world" being one of my favourites. "Doors of Perception/heaven and hell" are well worth a read if you like short essays about altered states.... to that point, two books on strange neurology cases "The man who thought his wife was a hat" (or words to that effect....) and "The man who tasted shapes" are well worth a go.

Reading Stephen Fry's autobiog "Moab is my washpot" and I'd recommend his novels too, especially "Making History".

Having a real autobiography spell at the moment... "a child called it" is a bit harrowing, but a great story. And I'm also reading "The hungry years" which is a bit of a vote for the Atkins diet, but again is a great story.

That should do for now... I should read more novels, considering....

[Dr_absinthe]

Mmm, Brave New World is fantastic as well as Perception. Huxley was an absolute genius... glad you brought those up gorgeous!

I suppose the classics haven't really been broached yet, but where to begin? This post could end up being enormous.

Homer - The Odyssey/The Illiad
Dante - The Divine Comedy (Inferno)
Cervantes - Don Quixote
Shakespear - Macbeth/Twelfth Night/Romeo And Juliet et al.
Chaucer - Canterbury Tales
Dickens - Oliver Twist/Martin Chuzzlewit/A Tale Of Two Cities etc.
Charlotte Bronte - Jane Eyre
Emily Bronte - Wuthering Heights
Jack Kerouac - On The Road...

But to name a few. I really could go on all day with this one, but I'll hand the torch over to any other scholar who might like to elaborate further!

[splatgirl]

as far as the classics are concerned, i would definitely include 1984 by george orwell and, above all, ulysses, the dubliners and pretty much everything by james joyce. plus tons more, obviously :)

quickly peeking into poetry, i'd definitely mention t.s. eliot. the waste land and the love song of j alfred prufrock are awesome, can't get tired of reading them over and over.

i remember being forced to read and analyse the lord of the flies at school. one of the very few examples of books i would happily have given up after the first page... i just hated it, couldn't see the point in the whole thing and kept wondering why it was considered a classic.
probably i didn't get it, did anyone like it? if so, i'd love to know why.

i've just been suggested breakfast of champions by kurt vonnegut (and by now it should be on its way from amazon :) )
ever heard of it?

[LadyofShalott]

A non-classic I would definitely recommend is A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby. It's great fun if you like black humour, and on top of that, it's about people trying to sort out their lives meeting up in Starbucks on the Upper Street - a place that will sound familiar to a few of you I believe ;)

[Dr_absinthe]

i've just been suggested breakfast of champions by kurt vonnegut (and by now it should be on its way from amazon )

It's fantastic, Kurt Vonnegut is an amazing author. You should also try "Slaughterhouse Five", it's another brilliant example of his work!

[Blink]

A non-classic I would definitely recommend is A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby. It's great fun if you like black humour, and on top of that, it's about people trying to sort out their lives meeting up in Starbucks on the Upper Street - a place that will sound familiar to a few of you I believe ;)


I think I attended those meetings.

Very funny book

[fad]

Who are all these authors you people keep mentioning? As far as I'm concerned there IS only one author and his name is George R R Martin!
Adult historical Fantasy as it should be written; it is to Tolkein what Iain M Banks is to Doctor Who! (As in, so much better as to make comparisons redundant).
If there's a better series than 'A song of Ice and Fire' I haven't read it!!

[Dr_absinthe]

Fair enought, he might comprehensively cover the "Adult historical Fantasy" genre (although I'm sure some others will disagree), but what about all the other genres out there? Surely his works are not that all-encompassing?

[fad]

Fair enought, he might comprehensively cover the "Adult historical Fantasy" genre (although I'm sure some others will disagree), but what about all the other genres out there? Surely his works are not that all-encompassing?
Yup, incredibly enough they are!! It's a bit like when you discover Kentuky Fried Chicken and realise that henceforth all other forms of nutrition are obsolete.
So, anyone out there who is not reading 'A clash of Kings' and eating a bargain bucket probably doesn't have any opinions worth hearing!!

[Dr_absinthe]

Yup, incredibly enough they are!! It's a bit like when you discover Kentuky Fried Chicken and realise that henceforth all other forms of nutrition are obsolete.
So, anyone out there who is not reading 'A clash of Kings' and eating a bargain bucket probably doesn't have any opinions worth hearing!!

Rofl. KFC and "A Clash Of Kings", sounds like a mighty fine night in. I'll give it a go next time Mrs. Absinthe isn't due for a visit!

Still, I'd certainly reccomend you at least try a few other novelists. Will Self's "Dorian" would be at the top of my list atm.

[StraightSilver]

I have to wholeheartedly agree that "Song of Ice and Fire" by George R Martin is by far and away the best series of Fantasy novels EVER written, but the fact that they are Fantasy novels shouldn't put people off.

If you haven't read them give them a try, even if you don't like that sort of thing. They have great characters, fantastic settings and a really involving story. The land of Westeros is brilliantly realised and the pacing and writing are superb.

The only problem I have with the series is how long it is taking to get finished! I understand that the author has had some health issues that have delayed the series, and this meant that the last in the series "A Feast for Crows" was a little disappointing as it was rushed out and so was really only half a book!

I want to know what has happend to Tyrion god dammit!!

Another series I really liked, were the Abhorsen books by Garth Nix. Although technically these are teenage fiction I thought they were fantastic, and worth a try if you like original fantasy.

[Satan's lil helper]

I feel quite shamed as I rarely read! I only tend to read biographies............Anthony Kiedis, Scar Tissue is good, makes you wince though!

[Dr_absinthe]

Never read it, but I might give it a go! The only biography I've read of late is Valentino Rossi's, but I can't remember what it's called. Funky if you like race bikes and MotoGP though.

[Antagonist]

I feel quite shamed as I rarely read! I only tend to read biographies............Anthony Kiedis, Scar Tissue is good, makes you wince though!

Scar tissue is fantastic, I'm not a chilis fan, but it's a really moving story. Biographies seems to be the way for me too atm. They're generally easiest to read.

[Dr_absinthe]

Hmmm, just remembered Dean Koontz. Not the best books in the world, but if you've got a couple of hours to kill they're alright.

And of course Stephen King. The Stand is among one of my faves. Try and get the full unedited version if you can too. Much better!

[Endscape]

Hmmm, just remembered Dean Koontz. Not the best books in the world, but if you've got a couple of hours to kill they're alright.



Yeah I see what you mean with Koontz but the problem I had with guys like him and James Herbert is that their books tend to follow a very strict formula and very rarely deviate from it. I find lots of their main characters have very few/hardly any qualities to make them stand out from the rest. And Dean Koontzes happy endings are absolutely puke inducing! Tho to be fair it has been a while since I've read anything by these guys.

As for horror novels I'd definately recommend the Necroscope series by the very underated (in my opinion anyway) Brian Lumley. His vampire novels make Anne Rices look like Buffy!

[Dr_absinthe]

Point taken dude, those endings can be pretty ralph-arific.

Not so much with Mr. King though. He is a big favourite among most of my friends and I do have a bit of a soft spot for The Stand too!

[Crash_Dark]

Never read it, but I might give it a go! The only biography I've read of late is Valentino Rossi's, but I can't remember what it's called. Funky if you like race bikes and MotoGP though.

I think it's called 'What if I Never Tried It' or something - it's sitting on my bookshelf, waiting for me to get around to reading it.

Fad already mentioned Iain Banks/Iain M Banks (one of my favourite authors) - I'd recommend Consider Phlebas, Player of Games, The Bridge and Espedair Street for starters. Oh, and The Wasp Factory of course. Oh, fuck it, read all of them - just avoid Canal Dreams. That one really blows IMHO. What was he thinking?!

[star-gazer]

Yeah I see what you mean with Koontz but the problem I had with guys like him and James Herbert is that their books tend to follow a very strict formula and very rarely deviate from it. I find lots of their main characters have very few/hardly any qualities to make them stand out from the rest. And Dean Koontzes happy endings are absolutely puke inducing! Tho to be fair it has been a while since I've read anything by these guys.

As for horror novels I'd definately recommend the Necroscope series by the very underated (in my opinion anyway) Brian Lumley. His vampire novels make Anne Rices look like Buffy!


ha! ive read those necroscope 'wampir' ones...it was a bit too lord of the rings ish for me...i really dislike having to come to terms with a whole new world like brian lumley created

there were some lovely ideas but i dont think he justified the massive amount of pages he wrote it all on-absolutely hundreds altogeher!

-i much prefer fantasy based in this world! lol!

[star-gazer]

ps- you cant chunk together james herbert and dean koontz!!!

dean koontz has a writing style more like stephen king...kinda heavy handed with what he says.

its one of the reasons kings books have been adapted so successfully-the action!

whereas james herbert is much more sensitive to the things he writes-it makes a more emcompassing read-and theres a bit of action too!

lol-to me koontz is the middle man not as much action as king-not as much sensitivity as herbert and generally pants!;)

lol-i am not a fan of his

[splatgirl]

Fad already mentioned Iain Banks/Iain M Banks (one of my favourite authors) - I'd recommend Consider Phlebas, Player of Games, The Bridge and Espedair Street for starters. Oh, and The Wasp Factory of course.

Definitely. Consider Phlebas and The player of games are both awesome, really not to be missed. He's particularly good at creating complex characters - living beings and machines - and subtle relationships between them.

There was an interview to him on Timeout a few weeks ago (in the issue about books) and he came across as a very clever, sharp-minded and straightforward person... definitely someone who has got a lot to say :)

[Dr_absinthe]

Let's restart this thread...

Currently reading "First Among Sequels" by Jasper Fforde. It's part 5 of the Book-World novels, so if you haven't read the first four it's pretty pointless. Still, start with the Eyre Affair and go from there :)

[Synthetic_Darkness]

I'm reading "Katherine" by Anya Seton at the moment. Amazing read! It's about Britain during the hundred years war, specifically John of Gaunt and Katherine Swynford. I keep getting lost in it and forgetting about reality! If you like historical/romantic novels I really recommend it :) Will give a full opinion when I've finished it :)

[FallenPed]

I'm currently on "Absolution Gap" by Alastair Reynolds.
It's the fifth book of nine of his that I have, though I think it's one of the last to feature direct characters from "Revelation Space".

He's my favourite author, certainly in the space opera genre. I started re-reading all of his books 3 months ago, so may catch up to date by the end of October.

Though at some point I actually need to read my Joseph Campbell books (old I know).

[sesanti2]

Well, these are the books I've read in the last year or so. It's implicit I liked them all otherwise I would have dropped them before finishing them.

So ...

I am just about to finish S. Kings's 4th installment of The Gunslinger... I had tried to read them in Spanish a long time ago but I hated them, then picked them up in English and love them now (I generally read everything in English unless the original language is Spanish, like Borges or such - translation removes "the spark" - or English still, if the book was originally written in any other language besides those two, which I dont know).

I loved Sherri King's "Fetish". Neal Stephenson's Snow Crash was entertaining. I've read the first two novels from the IcewindDale Trilogy -need to devour the third one though.

I have also begun reading Clive Barker's Books of Blood, Ayn Rand's The Fountainhed (I really dont know what to expect from it, I have just just just begun it), and The Case of Charles Dexter Ward by Lovercraft.

Next in line probably are N. Stephenson's Cryptonomicon and I'd love to read some Ann Ryce novels. I had once began Interview with the Vampyre, quitted for some reason I cant remember, and then never took it up again.

Oh, and finally, you are gonna laugh at this, but a friend of mine from Germany told the Neverending Story was based on a book - I was completely unaware of that.
She got me the English version from the net as it was one of my favorite movies when I was a kid. So I finally read it at the "tender" age of 27. I gotta confess, the book is a thousand times better than the movie (and its shitty sequels lousily based on events from the book). I wish I had known about it when I was a toddler.

[ineversaidthat]

richard morgan - altered carbon.

it's made of win

[ath]

non fiction - Thomas More's utopia

fiction - I'm currently soldiering through Robert Jordan's Wheel of time - its a bit repetitive and long winded but there really good

Philip Pullmans northern lights trilogy was particularly good, kind of ruined by the film sadly

[Antagonist]

non fiction - Thomas More's utopia

fiction - I'm currently soldiering through Robert Jordan's Wheel of time - its a bit repetitive and long winded but there really good

Philip Pullmans northern lights trilogy was particularly good, kind of ruined by the film sadly

Not being much of a reader of fiction (don't have the attention span tbh) I was so proud when I got through, and greatly enjoyed, His Dark Materials (the trilogy's title). that was until a friend helpfully reminded me that they are children's books.... oh well. I then read all the Sandman comics to make myself feel better! Neil Gaiman's still a favourite, Neverwhere and American Gods were good fun, and I'm reading a collection of short stories and fragments called "fragile things". Hope to get my reading age above 12 at some point!

[ath]

sorry his dark materials, its been a while since I read them, thanks :D

just finished a book called American Fascism by Chris Hedges - its about the rise of the American religious right, particularly Evangelism, the craziness of it all, how they have distorted the meanings of words and subverted others, how they have created a climate of fear and a culture that can see fact as opinion, thus making the bible equally valid as science even when science ahsd directly disproved it. A culture that excludes others for being even slightly different. its a scary read but quite amusing in places if you like finding out just how foolish some people can be

remember - your all going to hell if you don't give the American evangelist media $1000 of your money because they tell you too and remember "god will give it back to you" LOL

[splatgirl]

Next in line probably are N. Stephenson's Cryptonomicon.

ah, cryptonomicon is in my "to read list" as well, along with the books of blood :)

i'm just about to finish quicksilver, the first book of the baroque cycle trilogy by neal stephenson. cryptonomicon is actually related to it, as far as i know it's nearly a quadrilogy.

quicksilver is set between the 17th and 18th century in various locations, mostly in europe, and is a book about everything... the main characters, although fictional, are complex and extremely well rounded. they interact with real characters (scientists of that time, for example) with a historical backdrop so accurate and well described that you end up not believing that it's actually a work of fiction. and the descriptions of the places are amazingly precise and realistic... it's clear that he put a lot of research into it but it all flows really well. i loved this book to bits, can't wait to go on with the rest of the cycle.

Oh, and finally, you are gonna laugh at this, but a friend of mine from Germany told the Neverending Story was based on a book - I was completely unaware of that.

i saw the film at the cinema when i was 6 and was absolutely fascinated by it. there was actually quite a big craze for a while about it if i well remember. then i read the book (when i was still a kid, i think the year after having seen the film) and got my first huge retrospective disappointment. not only the film covered only a tiny bit of the book, but the characters didn't look anything like they should have. i mean, atreyu was meant to be small and green with white drawings on his face! and they changed a lot of things in the story too, it was all wrong. it's the case with the vast majority of films taken from books, and the film was good anyway, but try to accept it when you are seven ;)

another book i read recently and thoroughly enjoyed is "when you are engulfed in flames" by david sedaris. this guy has got a quirky, surreal and extremely sharp way of looking at everyday's things and events and the result is cynical, insightful and extremely funny.
it's one of those books that make you laugh out loud so beware of this when you read it on the tube while you mind the gap :)

[HornedOne69]

I loved most of David Gemmels books. Waylander has to be one of my favourite anti heroes. He was truly a master of the fantasy genre.

I love Rankins rebus books too.

[fad]

Take Robert Jordan, add David Gemmell, mix in Tolkien, times by a thousand times better= George RR Martin's Song of Ice & Fire!!!
Not good maths but I think the meaning is clear enough!

[industrialwarrior]

I've read quite a few books this year, I like to sit outside in the sun with a good book (it does help to actually have some sun, mind)!

I read a lot of Stephen King and Dean Koontz stuff; highlight this year was "Lisey''s Story" by Stephen King. Was put off by the title but fell straight into the story within the first few pages.

Last books I actually read were "Forever Odd" and "Brother Odd" by Dean Koontz. Not too long, I finished each book in about 3 days and that's with me reading for a few hours of each day. I am a very fast reader ;)

[Antagonist]

Finally managed to complete my trawl through Kafka's "The Trial". And a trial it was... hard work for not a lot of reward, but still, it's over now. Back to the far more entertaining David Lodge now, but really need a "must-read" book, so I'm open to any recommendation, as long as it's not too dull!

[Blink]

Anything and everything by Christopher Brookmyre. Dark, funny thrillers.

His latest (in paper back) is about Fake Psychics - Attack of the Unsinkable Rubber Ducks (a reference to James Randi).

Slow starter but picks up nicely, and exposes some of how psychics do their tricks too

[Dr_absinthe]

As I haven't finished it yet I can't say if I'm going to love it by the end, but so far Will Self's dr mukti and other tales of woe is turning out to be good.

If you fancy a bit of Arthurian fantasy I would also recommend the Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell. Good for a light bit of escapism!

[batfink]

Anything and everything by Christopher Brookmyre. Dark, funny thrillers.

His latest (in paper back) is about Fake Psychics - Attack of the Unsinkable Rubber Ducks (a reference to James Randi).

Slow starter but picks up nicely, and exposes some of how psychics do their tricks too

Got a few of his but not read them yet. Recent good ones include:

The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters - G W Dahlquist. Goes on a bit but interesting idea.

The End of Mr Y - Scarlett Thomas. Have to identify with a main chracter who is an impoverished PhD student who never sees her supervisor (well, I do!)

The Book of Lost Things - John Connolly.

I am currently reading slightly girly but odd books with "pick me up" covers. Must be getting old...

[Dr_absinthe]

Just finished reading Kurt Vonnegut's Armageddon In Retrospect. Absolutely awesome! Oh and the Will Self book turned out ok, last two stories are boring but the first ones are fantastic!

[Antagonist]

Just finished reading Kurt Vonnegut's Armageddon In Retrospect. Absolutely awesome! Oh and the Will Self book turned out ok, last two stories are boring but the first ones are fantastic!

meh, I can't even begin to like Will Self. I guess we'll just have to disagree on that one.... thought I'd mention that I did enjoy Chuck Pahlunik's "Choke" so will have to catch the movie at some point.

[ineversaidthat]

thought I'd mention that I did enjoy Chuck Pahlunik's "Choke" so will have to catch the movie at some point.
chuck's an awesome author... i'd say invisible monsters and survivor are his best [although i'm only up to haunted]

am currently reading "breakfast of champions" by the inimitable mr vonnegut and finding it most enjoyable

[Blink]

I am currently reading "The Trouble with Physics - Lee Smolin", which is a book about string theory actually being completely full of crap and that physicists have wasted the last 30 years discussing it.

http://www.thetroublewithphysics.com/

On the cover it said

"" The best book about contemporary science written for the layman that I have ever read."
--Bryan Appleyard"

I'm not stupid (I have a degree to prove it!!), but this book is proving to be pretty much beyond me!! If you are familiar with maxwell's work on unifying electricity and magnetism, and are happy discussing the planck constant, the unified field theory, symmetry and supersymmetry and the fact that euclidian geometry does not apply to space/time, you may be able to get your head around this, but it certainly isn't aimed at laymen.

I would suggest A-level physics would be a starting place. (Although it is quite interesting that the book was written in 2006 so he discusses that the Large Hadron Collider my prove the existence of the Higgs Boson, and also the work that Hawking did in the early 80's).

I think I will try "A brief history of time" next.

[CIW]

ftw:
Dune books
Star Wars Republic Commando books

[Antagonist]

...

I think I will try "A brief history of time" next.

Hawking's book is definitely accessable to those with not a lot of previous physics knowledge, I must admit I didn't make it to the end, but mostly it makes for a great read. I'm all for only attributing the title of "genius" to those who are great at communicating their ideas, rather than just dreaming them up. Hence: Genius.

[ineversaidthat]

Hawking's book is definitely accessable to those with not a lot of previous physics knowledge, I must admit I didn't make it to the end, but mostly it makes for a great read. I'm all for only attributing the title of "genius" to those who are great at communicating their ideas, rather than just dreaming them up. Hence: Genius.
hawking's ok as an author, he's certainly no bill bryson... but when it comes to explaining the incomprehendable, asimov's the daddy.

[Antagonist]

hawking's ok as an author, he's certainly no bill bryson... but when it comes to explaining the incomprehendable, asimov's the daddy.

Ahhh, how can I forget "A short history of almost everything" (or words to that effect) by Bryson... one of the best things I've ever read. What do you recommend by Asimov... "the ascent of man" or something else?

[ineversaidthat]

they're all good.

pick up a copy of "of time, space & other things"... and start from there

[splatgirl]

The End of Mr Y - Scarlett Thomas. Have to identify with a main chracter who is an impoverished PhD student who never sees her supervisor (well, I do!)


just finished this, it's great - a fascinating thought experiment, and one of those books that keep you up until 2am, be prepared ;)

[Thorn & Thistle]

quicksilver is set between the 17th and 18th century in various locations, mostly in europe, and is a book about everything... the main characters, although fictional, are complex and extremely well rounded. they interact with real characters (scientists of that time, for example) with a historical backdrop so accurate and well described that you end up not believing that it's actually a work of fiction. and the descriptions of the places are amazingly precise and realistic... it's clear that he put a lot of research into it but it all flows really well. i loved this book to bits, can't wait to go on with the rest of the cycle. -splatgirl

I'm also reading Stephenson's Baroque Cycle right now, specifically 'The Confusion'. I certainly agree with the above thought.

[ineversaidthat]

dunno where else to post this, but i found this review (http://www.amazon.com/review/R2X2TB3S4O5I60?ie=UTF8&ref_=cm_cr_rdp_perm) on amazon, and thought i'd share it with you guys...

yeah, i know it's long, but it is awesome :)
Please allow me to share with you how "The Secret" changed my life and in a very real and substantive way allowed me to overcome a severe crisis in my personal life. It is well known that the premise of "The Secret" is the science of attracting the things in life that you desire and need and in removing from your life those things that you don't want. Before finding this book, I knew nothing of these principles, the process of positive visualization, and had actually engaged in reckless behaviors to the point of endangering my own life and wellbeing.
At age 36, I found myself in a medium security prison serving 3-5 years for destruction of government property and public intoxication. This was stiff punishment for drunkenly defecating in a mailbox but as the judge pointed out, this was my third conviction for the exact same crime. I obviously had an alcohol problem and a deep and intense disrespect for the postal system, but even more importantly I was ignoring the very fabric of our metaphysical reality and inviting destructive influences into my life.
My fourth day in prison was the first day that I was allowed in general population and while in the recreation yard I was approached by a prisoner named Marcus who calmly informed me that as a new prisoner I had been purchased by him for three packs of Winston cigarettes and 8 ounces of Pruno (prison wine). Marcus elaborated further that I could expect to be raped by him on a daily basis and that I had pretty eyes.
Needless to say, I was deeply shocked that my life had sunk to this level. Although I've never been homophobic I was discovering that I was very rape phobic and dismayed by my overall personal street value of roughly $15. I returned to my cell and sat very quietly, searching myself for answers on how I could improve my life and distance myself from harmful outside influences. At that point, in what I consider to be a miraculous moment, my cell mate Jim Norton informed me that he knew about the Marcus situation and that he had something that could solve my problems. He handed me a copy of "The Secret". Normally I wouldn't have turned to a self help book to resolve such a severe and immediate threat but I literally didn't have any other available alternatives. I immediately opened the book and began to read.
The first few chapters deal with the essence of something called the "Law of Attraction" in which a primal universal force is available to us and can be harnessed for the betterment of our lives. The theoretical nature of the first few chapters wasn't exactly putting me at peace. In fact, I had never meditated and had great difficulty with closing out the chaotic noises of the prison and visualizing the positive changes that I so dearly needed. It was when I reached Chapter 6 "The Secret to Relationships" that I realized how this book could help me distance myself from Marcus and his negative intentions. Starting with chapter six there was a cavity carved into the book and in that cavity was a prison shiv. This particular shiv was a toothbrush with a handle that had been repeatedly melted and ground into a razor sharp point.
The next day in the exercise yard I carried "The Secret" with me and when Marcus approached me I opened the book and stabbed him in the neck. The next eight weeks in solitary confinement provided ample time to practice positive visualization and the 16 hours per day of absolute darkness made visualization about the only thing that I actually could do. I'm not sure that everybody's life will be changed in such a dramatic way by this book but I'm very thankful to have found it and will continue to recommend it heartily.

[Brian]

'Inappropriate Behaviour'.
It's a doozie :-0