The Book Thread (Official Thread)

[.invisible ink.]

i just picked up a bunch of good books from the used book store, help me decide which to read first:

DropCity by T.C. Boyle

The Last Picture Show by Larry McMurtry

Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder

Underworld by Don DeLillo

any suggestions?

[TheBaroness]

read Blood Meridian now, if you haven't yet. seriously . . . right now.

This.

[AP_Punk]

Next book I wanna check out is A People's History of Sports in the United States (http://www.amazon.com/Peoples-History-Sports-United-States/dp/1595581006).

David Zirin was on Grit TV a few days ago, talking about it [his new book]. I'm interested now.

[HelpMeSleep]

I recently read Twilight and actually really liked it. it was slow at first but it got really good towards the middle. but I just started the second book (only about 75 pages in) and I can't really stand it so far. reading it is like a chore but I want to read it because I really liked the other one.

[dichotomous]

I could not get through Blood Meridian at all.

Are you new to books? That may be why.

[ForlrnPerplxity]

Are you new to books? That may be why.
I've been reading novels since I was like 12 or 13. Cormac McCarthy (I liked The Road and am about to read All The Pretty Horses) writes incredibly well, but that book just didn't have any meaning to me. The characters weren't interesting to me at all.

[Lueda Alia]

I have been reading and buying a lot of books lately. I finished The Color Purple by Alice Walker last week, and I absolutely loved it. So good.

Oter I'm reading now: Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton (almost done), 1984 by George Orwell and Choke by Chuck Palahniuk (my first book by him).

I also bought the following in the last two days:

The Color Purple by Alice Walker (I had the library copy when I read it)
The Successor by Ismail Kadare (Albanian writer)
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

I plan to go buy some more once I'm done reading some of the ones listed above. I still have some other books here that I have yet to read (my mom bought me a bunch for Christmas). I'm currently trying to read all "classic" books that I missed out on when I was younger.

[AShannon04]

Has anyone read the new Chuck Klosterman novel? If so, how is it? I've always loved his work, but I'm a little skeptical about reading his fiction stuff.

[ActionActionFan]

I just finished reading Stephen King's The Long Walk. Can someone explain to me what happened at the end. Did he win, die or is it up to interpretation.

And I picked up Stephen King's Cell just wondering if it was any good.

[ForlrnPerplxity]

I haven't read The Long Walk in like 6 years. Check out the Wikipedia page.

Cell is pretty decent. Definitely not one of King's best books, but it's entertaining to read, especially if you like zombie books.

[anthony051]

Just re-read I Am Legend. I am embarrassed to say I still haven't seen the entire move...

[ForlrnPerplxity]

Don't bother. The movie is an embarrassment to the book. I thought the movie was decent until I read the book.

[anthony051]

All I know is the book still stands as one of the best examples of horror in written history. No other book has really captured the sense of isolation and hopelessness like I Am Legend.

Plus the short stories were all pretty cool as well.

[anamericangod]

I need a good book. I have no clue what to get though. Somebody give me some recs and I will blindly purchase something.

[Jessooker]

I need a good book. I have no clue what to get though. Somebody give me some recs and I will blindly purchase something.

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote is my personal favorite.

[anamericangod]

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote is my personal favorite.

I've seen the movie, and loved it, of course. Should I still read the book?

[anthony051]

I need a good book. I have no clue what to get though. Somebody give me some recs and I will blindly purchase something.

Read the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik. It's Historical Fiction, a dumbed down summary equating to the Napoleonic Wars with Dragons and shit.

[ActionActionFan]

I need a good book. I have no clue what to get though. Somebody give me some recs and I will blindly purchase something.

About an hour ago I finished the Long Walk by Stephen King and it was one of the best books I've read. You should definitely check it out.

Also 1776 was really good if you are into a historical type of book.

[Jessooker]

I've seen the movie, and loved it, of course. Should I still read the book?

I read it after I saw the movie and the films about Capote. It's excellent. It dwells into so much more the movies don't show and the writing is great.

[ForlrnPerplxity]

My next book to read after my current one is In Cold Blood. Can't wait.

[CubbyNick42]

My next book to read after my current one is In Cold Blood. Can't wait.
I read it straight through, no breaks, last time I read it. Made 6 hours of a 22-hour train ride fly. Fucking phenomenal.

[Jessooker]

I read it straight through, no breaks, last time I read it. Made 6 hours of a 22-hour train ride fly. Fucking phenomenal.

I read it all at once too. It just hooks you in. That's why it's my favorite.

[ForlrnPerplxity]

I read it straight through, no breaks, last time I read it. Made 6 hours of a 22-hour train ride fly. Fucking phenomenal.
I still can't believe I've never read it. I have another book to read after that and then I start on One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

[Lueda Alia]

I started Flowers for Algernon tonight and I love it already.

[Lueda Alia]

I still can't believe I've never read it. I have another book to read after that and then I start on One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
That was another book that I was about to purchase on Thursday. I probably will eventually.

I may even pick up In Cold Blood, because it sounds like something I would definitely like.

[Ailite]

Brisingr came out today. I might have to read it because the first two, which in hindsight were absolutely horrible. I bet he blows up the Death Star in this one.

[AShannon04]

I think The Long Walk is my favorite Stephen King book.

[Jessooker]

I have a question for people who have read The Time Traveler's Wife. I just started reading it but I was wondering does he choose where he wants to go, is it always random, or a mixture of both?

[ForlrnPerplxity]

I have a question for people who have read The Time Traveler's Wife. I just started reading it but I was wondering does he choose where he wants to go, is it always random, or a mixture of both?
It's always random.

[doyouhas?]

Brisingr came out today. I might have to read it because the first two, which in hindsight were absolutely horrible. I bet he blows up the Death Star in this one.


ever finish cloud atlas?

[Lueda Alia]

I started Flowers for Algernon tonight and I love it already.
I finished this last night and I feel so depressed now. I understand that ending the novel in that way was inevitable, but I hated it. Such an inspiring, yet a very sad and depressing story.


I will probably start reading either the Alchemist or Three Cups of Tea next.

[anthony051]

I finished this last night and I feel so depressed now. I understand that ending the novel in that way was inevitable, but I hated it. Such an inspiring, yet a very sad and depressing story.


I will probably start reading either the Alchemist or Three Cups of Tea next.

I read that book when I was 12 and cried like a little girl. It's still one of my favorite books of all time.

[B-Bones]

Brisingr came out today. I might have to read it because the first two, which in hindsight were absolutely horrible. I bet he blows up the Death Star in this one.

Haha yes it is a major rip-off of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings but I can't help but enjoy the books. It's all about escape from the real world as far as reading fantasy goes. There are some unique elements to the book that I like but overall, ya, major ripoff of those great books/movies. I'm about halfway through Brisingr right now, just got to the first major battle. So far, so good.

[eraserhead]

I'm reading Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris right now...both really great reads.

[anthony051]

I'm reading Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris right now...both really great reads.

If you like fear and loathing you should check out "I Was Almost Killed By The Hells Angels"

Same author. Not sure if that's the exact title.

[bouttogetfancy]

I've finally started Slaugherhouse-five.

[LouderThanBombs]

I've finally started Slaugherhouse-five.

Enjoy it. It's a good one.

[WakingTheMisery]

I'm in the middle of The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. Its taking me forever but I have enjoyed it so far.

[crazycrazy]

I've finally started Slaugherhouse-five.


I want to read this...been meaning to read more Vonnegut in general. I have read Hocus Pocus though and I really loved that one.

[TheTrooth]

When Rabbit Howls and the AP English issued Beloved are quite good.

[LouderThanBombs]

Bump.

I just picked up The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs and The Road by Cormac McCarthy from the library.

[c_rob2700]

just finished Into the Wild.

[LouderThanBombs]

just finished Into the Wild.

Thoughts?

I loved the film, one of my personal favorites. I've never read the book.

[c_rob2700]

Thoughts?

I loved the film, one of my personal favorites. I've never read the book.
I watched the film first, but the book explains a lot more of Chris' backround than the movie.

Unusually though, there is little difference between them

[AShannon04]

I think the book is better than the movie with Into The Wild. It goes into a lot more detail with Chris' philosophy and thoughts on consumerism, nature, society as a whole, etc.

[AShannon04]

It was taking me forrrrever to slog through A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius (I was reading it for the 2nd time), so I decided to put it down and get The Road from the library. Looking forward to starting it tonight.

[stayillogical]

I think the book is better than the movie with Into The Wild. It goes into a lot more detail with Chris' philosophy and thoughts on consumerism, nature, society as a whole, etc.

I also enjoyed reading the stories about people similar to Chris as well as the author's own experiences.

[Thomas Balkcom]

It was taking me forrrrever to slog through A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius (I was reading it for the 2nd time), so I decided to put it down and get The Road from the library. Looking forward to starting it tonight.

Two great books, I read The Road late last year, and AHWOSG just a couple months ago and loved both. I finished Jumper today, and I was very pleasantly surprised by the difference between the book and movie. I am open to recommendations for my next book, any help would be appreciated.

[Thomas Balkcom]

I've finally started Slaugherhouse-five.

outstanding book

[stayillogical]

I bought The Road, started reading it, then lost it shortly before moving back on campus. Still haven't found it, so I'm just going to start something else. :-(

[bouttogetfancy]

outstanding book
It is. I'm going to try to re-start cat's cradle.

[AShannon04]

I love the big print in The Road, haha.

[c_rob2700]

Two great books, I read The Road late last year, and AHWOSG just a couple months ago and loved both. I finished Jumper today, and I was very pleasantly surprised by the difference between the book and movie. I am open to recommendations for my next book, any help would be appreciated.
The movie has absolutely no resemblance to the book

[Thomas Balkcom]

The movie has absolutely no resemblance to the book

Yeah, I was very pleased with the book and hated the film. I just ordered Reflex off half.com, have you read it?

[Thomas Balkcom]

I bought The Road, started reading it, then lost it shortly before moving back on campus. Still haven't found it, so I'm just going to start something else. :-(

My copy is permanently loaned out

[c_rob2700]

Yeah, I was very pleased with the book and hated the film. I just ordered Reflex off half.com, have you read it?
the film was awful, but i liked the book.

no, i never got around to reading it

[Thomas Balkcom]

the film was awful, but i liked the book.

no, i never got around to reading it

Well I hope it's good

[CstSnow]

I just ordered the new Klosterman from Amazon, and am almost finished with Sweet Thursday for the billionth time, Doc is one of my favorite characters in any book ever.

[AShannon04]

For people who have read The Road, does it get any more "exciting"? I hate to be bitching about this kinda stuff, but I'm about 50 pages in right now, and am having a tough time convincing myself to keep going. It's just so repetitive at this point.

[Thomas Balkcom]

For people who have read The Road, does it get any more "exciting"? I hate to be bitching about this kinda stuff, but I'm about 50 pages in right now, and am having a tough time convincing myself to keep going. It's just so repetitive at this point.

It's been about a year but if I remember correctly give it to about page 100

[AShannon04]

It's been about a year but if I remember correctly give it to about page 100

Alright, thanks dude. I just read to about page 70 or so, and it's getting better.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Alright, thanks dude. I just read to about page 70 or so, and it's getting better.

Glad to hear you're pushing through it, it's really worth it

[doyouhas?]

bump. to hopefully get rid of the other book thread. please just post in here.

[Jessooker]

For people who have read The Road, does it get any more "exciting"? I hate to be bitching about this kinda stuff, but I'm about 50 pages in right now, and am having a tough time convincing myself to keep going. It's just so repetitive at this point.

yeah it definitely gets more eventful.

[Indoor Living]

About 3/4th done with Palahniuk's "Haunted,'' it's a good read, IMO.

[Fluke13]

actually, I just read The Road.....and it blows....I would stop if I were you. most repetitive, overrated piece of shit I think I've ever read.

[bouttogetfancy]

I forgot who recommended me Blood Meridian, but thank you, I'm enjoying it.

[Thomas Balkcom]

I forgot who recommended me Blood Meridian, but thank you, I'm enjoying it.

incredible book

[Thomas Balkcom]

About 3/4th done with Palahniuk's "Haunted,'' it's a good read, IMO.

that's been sitting on my shelf for some time now, I need to give it a read

[dichotomous]

I forgot who recommended me Blood Meridian, but thank you, I'm enjoying it.

I want you to know that you are a better person for having read it. Please feel free to let all of your IRL friends know that you are now vastly superior to them.

[Halloween413]

"House of Leaves" and "A Long Way Gone"

[Indoor Living]

that's been sitting on my shelf for some time now, I need to give it a read

Perfect time to start it. Halloween season.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Perfect time to start it. Halloween season.

point taken, I will start it soon

[AShannon04]

After starting out really slow as I mentioned, The Road has definitely gotten much better. I'm flying through it and will probably finish it tonight (about 50 pages left).

[Thomas Balkcom]

After starting out really slow as I mentioned, The Road has definitely gotten much better. I'm flying through it and will probably finish it tonight (about 50 pages left).

I'm glad to hear it, I'd like to read one more time prior to the film's release, that is if I ever get it back

[LouderThanBombs]

After starting out really slow as I mentioned, The Road has definitely gotten much better. I'm flying through it and will probably finish it tonight (about 50 pages left).

Good to hear; I'll be starting on that one within the next two or three days.

[Fluke13]

I'm telling you, you should have just stopped reading it. Alas Babylon is a much better end of the world, survival type book.....or Earth Abides.

[Thomas Balkcom]

I'm telling you, you should have just stopped reading it. Alas Babylon is a much better end of the world, survival type book.....or Earth Abides.

What's the better of those two?

[AShannon04]

Good to hear; I'll be starting on that one within the next two or three days.

Yeah, It's a super quick read. Less than 300 pages, pretty big typeface, lots of paragraph breaks, and short dialogue that jumps to a new line every time someone new is speaking.

[LouderThanBombs]

Yeah, It's a super quick read. Less than 300 pages, pretty big typeface, lots of paragraph breaks, and short dialogue that jumps to a new line every time someone new is speaking.

Sounds good. Thanks for the heads up.

[bouttogetfancy]

"House of Leaves" and "A Long Way Gone"
I need to get to finishing House of Leaves.

[dichotomous]

just finished Norwegian Wood and am now a few chapters in on The Sickness Unto Death

[Fluke13]

Alas Babylon

[AShannon04]

Just finished The Road. Liked it a lot. Next up is either The Giver or Gang Leader For A Day

[Thomas Balkcom]

Just finished The Road. Liked it a lot. Next up is either The Giver or Gang Leader For A Day

Oh man I remember reading The Giver when I was extremely young and loving it, I should revisit it. I am glad to hear you enjoyed The Road

[Thomas Balkcom]

Alas Babylon

Thanks I'll give it a shot

[AShannon04]

Oh man I remember reading The Giver when I was extremely young and loving it, I should revisit it. I am glad to hear you enjoyed The Road

Haha, yeah. That's why I'm going back and reading it. I remember it being my favorite book, but haven't read it in probably 8 or 9 years.

[AP_Punk]

just bought a few books from an ap member a few days. can't wait to get 'em and start reading.

:book:

[Thomas Balkcom]

Haha, yeah. That's why I'm going back and reading it. I remember it being my favorite book, but haven't read it in probably 8 or 9 years.

Haha, that's awesome.


I started Affliction this morning, about fifteen pages in and pretty good so far.

[Aya]

H.P: Lovcraft - Dagon and other stories
and
S.King - Lisey's story (part 2 - they translated it in 2 parts *roll*)

[ForlrnPerplxity]

Just finished In Cold Blood. Such a great book. The part where Perry describes and you finally get to read the details of what happened inside the house is so incredibly chilling.

[LouderThanBombs]

Just finished In Cold Blood. Such a great book. The part where Perry describes and you finally get to read the details of what happened inside the house is so incredibly chilling.

Agreed. You should also see the film Capote, if you haven't already.

[ForlrnPerplxity]

Agreed. You should also see the film Capote, if you haven't already.
I've seen it, but I wanna check it out again now that I've read the book.

[chokemeout]

Reading Crime and Punishment... taking forever
:/

[AShannon04]

Has anyone read The End of Faith by Sam Harris? It's one of the books I'll be looking at at the bookstore later today.

[drudo182]

I really need to read The Road. Read what it's about it and it sounds great.

[AShannon04]

I really need to read The Road. Read what it's about it and it sounds great.

I just finished it last week and liked it a lot. Super quick read.

[drudo182]

I just finished it last week and liked it a lot. Super quick read.

I'll try and pick it up this week. I haven't read any of his work before.

[AShannon04]

I'll try and pick it up this week. I haven't read any of his work before.

Yeah, it was my first McCarthy book as well.

[dichotomous]

H.P: Lovcraft - Dagon and other stories


Fuck. Yeah.

What other works of his have you read?

If you get the chance, I'd really recommend seeing the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society's The Call of Cthulhu film . . . it's really fantastic. Their radio dramas are all top-knotch, too. With nearly every Lovecraft adaptation it seems that the filmmakers sacrifice both detail and atmosphere, but the HPLHS somehow manages to capture both astonishingly well in everything they do.

[oncedarkness]

Life of Pi, by Yann Martel.
excellent book, so far.

Such a good book. The part with the carnivorous island blew my mind.

[alice+interiors]

Such a good book. The part with the carnivorous island blew my mind.
So weird that this is the first time I've checked this thread since posting that (must've been months back) and someone has quoted me.

It is great.

What other stuff do you like to read, man?

[jacinta.]

Has anyone read The End of Faith by Sam Harris? It's one of the books I'll be looking at at the bookstore later today.

I've been meaning to read that. I read his, Letter to a Christian Nation.

[_jonas]

I finally picked up Cloud Atlas after finishing Thus Spoke Zarathustra. So far the writing has been brilliant.
I really hope it lives up to all the hype I've heard.

[AShannon04]

Finishing up Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh. Awesome book about an Indian University of Chicago student who joined a Chicago gang for a sociology project, and he ended up spending like 7 years with them.

I picked up How To Lose Friends & Alienate People, so I'll probably start reading that tomorrow.

[stayillogical]

I finally picked up Cloud Atlas after finishing Thus Spoke Zarathustra. So far the writing has been brilliant.
I really hope it lives up to all the hype I've heard.

LOL. Where's Jacob... he alone is responsible for all the hype on here.

[TheBaroness]

currently reading (almost finished) The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga. It will be a deserving winner of the Booker Prize.

[TheBaroness]

so, finished said book above, now reading The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry

/running through the Booker shortlist

[stayillogical]

I'm actually going to read the book Twilight just for the hell of it. If I hate it, so be it. Then I can criticize the book while actually having read it. It'll only take a day anyways, just waiting for my sister to finish it first.

[abusedcat]

Reading this for school:
http://www.nedgallagher.com/journal/images/BrothersK.jpg

[guiguedz]

I'm reading Deep In a Dream - The Long Night of Chet Baker, by James Gavin - Chet Baker's biography. Biographies are my favorite read, especially when linked to music. Chet's one of my favorite musicians, so I'm loving to know more about his life. Pretty intense way of living, must say.

[utgjames]

urrently, I'm working on:

http://a1.vox.com/6a00c2251e8c72604a00c2252011f18e1d-500pi

and


http://www.psych.mcgill.ca/photos/brain.jpg


Both highly recommended.

What is everyone digging into?

[alice+interiors]

so, finished said book above, now reading The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry

/running through the Booker shortlist
Is it actually worth it this year?
I can barely ever stand any books that get shortlisted for these types of prizes.

[TheBaroness]

Is it actually worth it this year?
I can barely ever stand any books that get shortlisted for these types of prizes.

I'll tell you when I've got through them all, haha.

I think, thematically, more of them have captured my interest this year. That's just the way it goes I guess. But I'm always interested to get a taste of what the critics are holding up to be the 'best' writing of the year.

[alice+interiors]

I'll tell you when I've got through them all, haha.

I think, thematically, more of them have captured my interest this year. That's just the way it goes I guess. But I'm always interested to get a taste of what the critics are holding up to be the 'best' writing of the year.
Interesting.

When I was younger ie. 7-10 we used to be encouraged to read award-winning children's books and most of them were utter drivel, seriously.

[stayillogical]

What is everyone digging into?

I'm not too interested in Science books with a few exceptions. Is the music book really engaging? I've been looking for a music book to read.

[AShannon04]

I just started How To Lose Friends & Alienate People and am liking it a lot so far. Much better than the movie.

[mattmatumbo]

i just finished the ramayana, and now i'm going to read genji and hopefully one day i'll finish the house of leaves

[AShannon04]

People on here read a lot of highbrow books...

[pilot_light_out]

Reading this for school:
http://www.nedgallagher.com/journal/images/BrothersK.jpg


I just started reading Crime and Punishment by that author.

[abusedcat]

I HATED Crime and Punishment.

[LouderThanBombs]

I HATED Crime and Punishment.

Please...tell me how you really feel.

[screamoutmyname]

I'm all about Bret Easton Ellis lately...

Just read "Rules of Attraction" last week and I'm trying "Less than Zero" on for size... I think I'm going to read all of his novels before I move on to another author.

[abusedcat]

Please...tell me how you really feel.Too wordy, I'm not a fan of most Russian literature. It's a good story, but I don't like how he writes.

[FScott]

Reading this for school:
http://www.nedgallagher.com/journal/images/BrothersK.jpg


:worship:

[12:46AM]

Going to the library today. Tell me what to pick up.

[dichotomous]

Going to the library today. Tell me what to pick up.

Moby Dick, a winged high-back leather armchair, a bottle of johnny walker blue, and a rainy day.

[Jumpoff]

Going to the library today. Tell me what to pick up.

The Idiot/Crime and Punishment/Brothers Karamazov by Dostoyevsky
Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
We by Yevgeny Zamyatin

and if you like war books at all... Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

Can anyone recc me authors who have hte same/similiar style as Dostoyevsky? I tried Tolstoy but wasn't a fan at all.

[TheBaroness]

Moby Dick, a winged high-back leather armchair, a bottle of johnny walker blue, and a rainy day.

you have painted a picture of heaven

[abusedcat]

Nine Stories by JD Salinger.

[dichotomous]

The Idiot/Crime and Punishment/Brothers Karamazov by Dostoyevsky
Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
We by Yevgeny Zamyatin

and if you like war books at all... Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

Can anyone recc me authors who have hte same/similiar style as Dostoyevsky? I tried Tolstoy but wasn't a fan at all.

There's a chance you may like Turgenev's Fathers and Sons.

you have painted a picture of heaven

I've always found it important to read books in a complimentary setting, if possible. It just blurs the lines of reality and makes the experience that much more intimate.

[Jumpoff]

There's a chance you may like Turgenev's Fathers and Sons.

Thanks for the Recc. Already heard of that one since a character in Dostoyevsky's Demons is a caricature of the author but haven't been able to find it in my library and haven't feel like requesting it, haha. Think I might pick up Master & the Margarita next time too..

[dichotomous]

Thanks for the Recc. Already heard of that one since a character in Dostoyevsky's Demons is a caricature of the author but haven't been able to find it in my library and haven't feel like requesting it, haha. Think I might pick up Master & the Margarita next time too..

an excellent choice aswell

[crazycrazy]

Hey, if you go on my blog here or simply go here:

www.shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com (http://www.shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com)

I have a review for The Society of S up...if you are interested in vampires, this is a good one. It's a different and intellectual take on them..

And we have an auction for the charity First Book. At the moment, we are auctioning Cherry Bomb: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Better Flirt, a Tougher Chick, and a Hotter Girlfriend--and to Living Life Like a Rock Star by Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna

[Thomas Balkcom]

I'm all about Bret Easton Ellis lately...

Just read "Rules of Attraction" last week and I'm trying "Less than Zero" on for size... I think I'm going to read all of his novels before I move on to another author.

I have always wanted to read Rules of Attraction, maybe that'll be my next

[FScott]

The Idiot/Crime and Punishment/Brothers Karamazov by Dostoyevsky
Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
We by Yevgeny Zamyatin

and if you like war books at all... Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

Can anyone recc me authors who have hte same/similiar style as Dostoyevsky? I tried Tolstoy but wasn't a fan at all.

Nikolai Gogol

[TheBaroness]

There's a chance you may like Turgenev's Fathers and Sons.



I've always found it important to read books in a complimentary setting, if possible. It just blurs the lines of reality and makes the experience that much more intimate.

Definitely, like reading Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights in a dark room in front of a roaring fire on a frigid winter's eve

[screamoutmyname]

I have always wanted to read Rules of Attraction, maybe that'll be my next

it's a pretty easy read... it's told from the first person points-of-view of all the different characters in the book, many time just kind of stream-of-consciousness (what they're thinking, not necessarily in sentences, but just as it comes to mind)

i liked it alot.

[darkheart]

Anyone read I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak? Its one of my favorites. The plot is laid out excellently even though the end can be moderately confusing. I am working on House of Leaves now, and that could take a bit.

[Thomas Balkcom]

it's a pretty easy read... it's told from the first person points-of-view of all the different characters in the book, many time just kind of stream-of-consciousness (what they're thinking, not necessarily in sentences, but just as it comes to mind)

i liked it alot.

Have you seen the movie?

[_jonas]

What's the most life altering novel somebody could rec me?

[screamoutmyname]

Have you seen the movie?

i have not... i wanted to go rent it this weekend, but i never got around to it.

is it worth it?!

[Thomas Balkcom]

i have not... i wanted to go rent it this weekend, but i never got around to it.

is it worth it?!

Yeah I liked it a lot, it's the reason I want to read the book.

[screamoutmyname]

Yeah I liked it a lot, it's the reason I want to read the book.

nice... i loved the book haha

hopefully you will enjoy is as much as i did

[Thomas Balkcom]

nice... i loved the book haha

hopefully you will enjoy is as much as i did

Thanks man

[Ailite]

please oh please oh please read this book
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d143/Ailite/mitchell-cloud_atlas_us.jpg

[hienz429]

right now im readin Born On A Blue Day, it is pretty interestin

[&IllBeTheReason]

I just finished Crime and Punishment. What a kick in the ass. Overrated.

Edit: Karma works swiftly. As soon as I got up the 7th Harry Potter book fell on my big toe. I will never insult a classic again.

[Thomas Balkcom]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jFI2bVL8L._SS500_.jpg

over halfway through and it's pretty good

[Ailite]

I just finished Crime and Punishment. What a kick in the ass. Overrated.

Edit: Karma works swiftly. As soon as I got up the 7th Harry Potter book fell on my big toe. I will never insult a classic again.
Haha. that sucks.

[screamoutmyname]

Thanks man

but of course. :-)

[Un'Aria Ancora]

please oh please oh please read this book
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d143/Ailite/mitchell-cloud_atlas_us.jpg

I will do that, sir.

[dichotomous]

What's the most life altering novel somebody could rec me?

Platero and I by Juan Ramon Jiminez

Get the William and Mary Roberts translation.

[doyouhas?]

Haha. that sucks.

did you ever finish cloud atlas?

[AShannon04]

Just started Under The Banner of Heaven by John Krakauer.

[Ailite]

What's the most life altering novel somebody could rec me?
Cloud Atlas!
I will do that, sir.
Awesome! If you don't enjoy the living hell out of it feel free to yell at me
did you ever finish cloud atlas?
I'll be finished by the end of the week. I'm on the second half of Letters. I've flown through the second half of the book. I simply can't describe how incredible I thought Sloosha's Crossin' and Everythin' After was. I was absolutely floored.

[doyouhas?]

Cloud Atlas!

Awesome! If you don't enjoy the living hell out of it feel free to yell at me

I'll be finished by the end of the week. I'm on the second half of Letters. I've flown through the second half of the book. I simply can't describe how incredible I thought Sloosha's Crossin' and Everythin' After was. I was absolutely floored.


let me know when you get through, the last 3 pages or so of the book almost made me cry. it brings it all together in a way you could never dream of. absolutely incredible.

[doyouhas?]

Just started Under The Banner of Heaven by John Krakauer.

be sure to update about this, ive read into the wild and into thin air and thought about picking this one up.

[WFUJerseyJon]

Anybody read Christopher Paolini's Inheritance books? I finally got around to picking up Brisngr and I'm about to start it tonight. Wondering how it is.

[AShannon04]

be sure to update about this, ive read into the wild and into thin air and thought about picking this one up.

I'm really liking it a lot so far (I'm only about 50 pages in). I remember trying to read it maybe 5 years ago, but I somehow got stuck, so I just started it over. I'm liking it much more now.

[LouderThanBombs]

I'm reading The Road right now. Very nice so far.

[stayillogical]

Almost done with Twilight. Don't judge me. :-d

Edit: I'm done and officially lonely as hell. :sigh:

[utgjames]

I'm not too interested in Science books with a few exceptions. Is the music book really engaging? I've been looking for a music book to read.

Yes it actually is. A lot of it you think you want to skip over because he's explaining tone and such, tu then he gets deeper with it and makes it feel fresh again.

[stayillogical]

Yes it actually is. A lot of it you think you want to skip over because he's explaining tone and such, tu then he gets deeper with it and makes it feel fresh again.

Thanks for the rec! I'll have to check it out.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Reflex is pretty solid but it's nothing compared to Jumper, I am not quite sure what my next book will be, any recommendations?

[TheBaroness]

I'm reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle right now

[AShannon04]

be sure to update about this, ive read into the wild and into thin air and thought about picking this one up.

Well, once again I'm having trouble getting through this. I wish he spent more time talking about the actual crime that the Lafferty brothers committed, but he intersplices the history of Mormonism and basically spends more time talking about that, which I find much less interesting.

[WhoSaidThat?]

I've picked up The Way I Am, which is an autobiography by Eminem, who's also my favorite rapper ever. Recommended to any fan of his. And if you're not a fan, please try to give the book a chance. You'll find that he's a very insightful dude

[wow apathy]

I just finished reading Who Stole the Funny? by Robby Benson. It was hilarious, definitely worth checking out. I think I may start Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series now.

Any suggestions for books I should pick up? I just got a $25 giftcard to Barnes & Noble.

[_jonas]

anyone tried reading The Bible lately? Fuck that shit!

[wow apathy]

anyone tried reading The Bible lately? Fuck that shit!

I've been slowly making my way through The Jefferson Bible, does that count?

[_jonas]

I've been slowly making my way through The Jefferson Bible, does that count?
???

[wow apathy]

???

Thomas Jefferson? He basically took the bible, removed all the parts about miracles, stripped it down to Jesus' moral teachings, slapped a cover on it and called it The Jefferson Bible. It's not interesting in the least, but it's easier to read than the bible.

[odizzle_word]

Just finished You Are Not A Stranger Here by Adam Haslett. It's collection of short stories. I really recommend it, especially if you're like me and feel like you don't have the time to sit down and read a whole novel. Haslett has a clear, simple way of writing, but his characters are complex and the stories, though just 20 pages long, are extremely well-developed. Cannot rec this guy enough.

Anyone else read short stories? Any recs?

[Oddpac87]

Just about finished with Diary by Chuck Palahniuk right now. My "to read" list is growing faster than I can catch up. Currently sits at:

Rant by Chuck Palahniuk
e by Matthew Beaumont
Buddy Holly Is Alive and Well on Ganymede by Bradley Denton
Katzenjammer by Jackson Tippett McCrae
Clown Girl by Monica Drake
Sellevision by Augusten Burroughs
Supreme Courtship by Christopher Buckley
Apathy and Other Small Victories by Paul Neilan
The Serial Killers Club by Jeff Povey

And then a bunch of classics that I have never gotten around to reading, like, Slaughterhouse Five, Cat's Cradle, Animal Farm, 1984, Fahrenheit 451, & Brave New World.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Just about finished with Diary by Chuck Palahniuk right now. My "to read" list is growing faster than I can catch up. Currently sits at:

Rant by Chuck Palahniuk
e by Matthew Beaumont
Buddy Holly Is Alive and Well on Ganymede by Bradley Denton
Katzenjammer by Jackson Tippett McCrae
Clown Girl by Monica Drake
Sellevision by Augusten Burroughs
Supreme Courtship by Christopher Buckley
Apathy and Other Small Victories by Paul Neilan
The Serial Killers Club by Jeff Povey

And then a bunch of classics that I have never gotten around to reading, like, Slaughterhouse Five, Cat's Cradle, Animal Farm, 1984, Fahrenheit 451, & Brave New World.

Slaughterhouse Five, 1984, and Fahrenheit 451 are classic, must-reads. 1984 is one of my all-time favorite books

[alice+interiors]

Yeah anyone has never read 1984 needs to read that right away, especially given the current political context.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Yeah anyone has never read 1984 needs to read that right away, especially given the current political context.

completely agree

[Poe-tryGirl]

I'm in the middle of The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice. I also am sort of in the begining of Night in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks but don't expect me to read further on. I just finished The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafta. It "bugs" me.

[stayillogical]

Lestat is a total fox.

[doyouhas?]

Well, once again I'm having trouble getting through this. I wish he spent more time talking about the actual crime that the Lafferty brothers committed, but he intersplices the history of Mormonism and basically spends more time talking about that, which I find much less interesting.


that sucks. but thanks for remembering to check back with me. i guess theres still Eiger dreams if i want to read something else of his.

[doyouhas?]

i just finished Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut. it was great and funny, but also a little scary at how insightful he was into the future of man. maybe our politicians should read this book to get a glimpse of what could be wrong with our economy.

[Poe-tryGirl]

Lestat is a total fox.

He is.

[stayillogical]

I'm 100 pages into The Time Traveler's Wife. I'm breezing through it. Wow this book is beautiful.

[Indoor Living]

OK, would I like Twilight, being a guy and all? I'm not sure if I want to read it or not. So can I get some help on this?

[stayillogical]

OK, would I like Twilight, being a guy and all? I'm not sure if I want to read it or not. So can I get some help on this?

I don't really know. About 3 weeks ago, I wasn't interested in the books because of all the negativity. But, I got it out of my head and gave it a chance. I ended up reading the entire series but that's because I go completely gooey for the love story. It's actually moderately cheesy and I can understand why a girl enjoys it (the main guy is TO DIE FOR), but I don't really know what would be in it for a guy. Guys liking Twilight is not unheard of though.

I suggest finding a pdf online and reading the first few chapters, to see of it catches your interest. Twilight is at the core just a story about having your first love.

[Indoor Living]

I don't really know. About 3 weeks ago, I wasn't interested in the books because of all the negativity. But, I got it out of my head and gave it a chance. I ended up reading the entire series but that's because I go completely gooey for the love story. It's actually moderately cheesy and I can understand why a girl enjoys it (the main guy is TO DIE FOR), but I don't really know what would be in it for a guy. Guys liking Twilight is not unheard of though.

I suggest finding a pdf online and reading the first few chapters, to see of it catches your interest. Twilight is at the core just a story about having your first love.


good insight! Thank you. That's probably a good idea, the pdf thing.

[radiogirl]

I'm reading Downtown Owl by Chuck Klosterman right now. It's so different from his other books, other than being fiction and not about music, but yet sounds so much like him. It's very interesting. I think he really captures the inner dialogue most people have with themselves.

[radiogirl]

OK, would I like Twilight, being a guy and all? I'm not sure if I want to read it or not. So can I get some help on this?

I personally think it's amazingly well written, it makes you feel like you are in the book. It really captures your attention and it's not often that a book does that for me.

[Indoor Living]

I personally think it's amazingly well written, it makes you feel like you are in the book. It really captures your attention and it's not often that a book does that for me.


So even not being female, I should give it a shot?

[lindZ629]

My mom recently picked up Twilight and now she's pretty much forcing me to read it....dammit.

[AShannon04]

Just picked up Ron Jeremy's autobiography, haha.

[TheBaroness]

I bought more books today, including The Savage Detectives by Rolando Bolano (I'm eagerly awaiting the release of 2666, too). I'm desperate to start reading it, but have three more days of study to slog through, alas

[EndlessMike]

So even not being female, I should give it a shot?

Just get it from the library man, nobody will judge you. I want to see what all the fuss is about as well. I've got 3 unread books on my shelf, I'll probably check it out after that.

I just started Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. I've already read Into The Wild and Under The Banner Of Heaven and dug them both so I figured I should finish out his stuff.

[EndlessMike]

Just picked up Ron Jeremy's autobiography, haha.

Are there a bunch of pictures in the middle like most autobiographies? I can only imagine what his would be like.

[stayillogical]

My mom recently picked up Twilight and now she's pretty much forcing me to read it....dammit.

Sure, a likely story. You'll be raving about how fantastic Edward Cullen is soon enough.

[AShannon04]

Are there a bunch of pictures in the middle like most autobiographies? I can only imagine what his would be like.

haha, yeah. They're mostly just pictures of him with other celebrities.

[lindZ629]

Sure, a likely story. You'll be raving about how fantastic Edward Cullen is soon enough.
This is about vampires right? There's a reason why I never watched Buffy or Angel, this stuff doesn't interest me in the slightest.

[Indoor Living]

Just get it from the library man, nobody will judge you. I want to see what all the fuss is about as well. I've got 3 unread books on my shelf, I'll probably check it out after that.

I just started Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. I've already read Into The Wild and Under The Banner Of Heaven and dug them both so I figured I should finish out his stuff.


Yeah, I just did. I'll let you know what I think of it when it's done.

[ThemChains]

I am about to crack open The Sound And The Fury.

[radiogirl]

So even not being female, I should give it a shot?

Yes I would recommend it to pretty much anyone.

[Thomas Balkcom]

I am about to crack open The Sound And The Fury.

incredible avatar

[ThemChains]

incredible avatar

Hey thanks. It just felt right.

[TheBaroness]

I started re-reading Blood Meridian last night, just for something to do for an hour or so. Such an incredible book.

[ForlrnPerplxity]

If you had to recommend 3 books (new or old), what would they be?

Here's mine:

1. The Stand - Stephen King
2. Revolutionary Road - Richard Yates
3. An American Tragedy - Theodore Dreiser

[TheBaroness]

This is so hard...so many important books, but I'm going to go with 3 of my favorites which have particularly beautiful prose:

1. Jane Eyre
2. Frankenstein
3. Blood Meridian

And, one short story which everyone should read:

The Dead, by James Joyce

[ForlrnPerplxity]

Frankenstein is a great novel. I'd like to see them make a movie that's actually a faithful adaptation.

[anamericangod]

1. American Gods - Neil Gaiman
2. Odd Thomas - Dean Koontz
3. Prozac Nation - Elizabeth Wurtzel

[doyouhas?]

1. The Sirens Of Titan - Kurt Vonnegut
2. For Whom The Bell Tolls - Ernest Hemingway
3. Into The Wild - Jon Krakauer

[Indoor Living]

Yes I would recommend it to pretty much anyone.


I really liked it. It's definitely a romance novel, but it's very well-written.

[Indoor Living]

1. The Sirens Of Titan - Kurt Vonnegut
2. For Whom The Bell Tolls - Ernest Hemingway
3. Into The Wild - Jon Krakauer

Such a good book.

[ThemChains]

I can't wait for the semester to be through so I can start reading for my own enjoyment.

[bouttogetfancy]

Frankenstein is a great novel. I'd like to see them make a movie that's actually a faithful adaptation.
I've had a copy for a while and keep forgetting to read it.

I can't wait for the semester to be through so I can start reading for my own enjoyment.
same here, I checked out a bunch of books at the beginning of the school year that are waiting to be read. They'll have to wait for thanksgiving and winter break.

[Smash Adams]

Has anyone here read the Danish Girl? I just heard about it yesterday since Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman are starring in the movie version, but the story sounds fascinating and I was wondering if the book was any good

[doyouhas?]

Such a good book.


its true. it just gets better with time too. every time i pick it up to read it i just fall more in love with it.

[Indoor Living]

its true. it just gets better with time too. every time i pick it up to read it i just fall more in love with it.


Just curious. What are your thoughts on the movie?

[Thomas Balkcom]

1. American Gods - Neil Gaiman
2. Odd Thomas - Dean Koontz
3. Prozac Nation - Elizabeth Wurtzel

Odd Thomas is a pretty enjoyable book

[SanePsychotic]

I've had a copy for a while and keep forgetting to read it.

Read it when you get the chance. It's really a terrific book.

[radiogirl]

I really liked it. It's definitely a romance novel, but it's very well-written.

The next one in the series is absolutely gut-wrenching. And yes I would give a toe to be able to write like Stephenie.

If you like Sci-Fi at all you'd probably like her book The Host.

Has anyone here read the Danish Girl? I just heard about it yesterday since Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman are starring in the movie version, but the story sounds fascinating and I was wondering if the book was any good

Ian I didn't know you read books or used words like fascinating! You're a constant surprise to me.

[drudo182]

I am reading Cell now and then having to read Hatchet for class.

Next up I have Wicked ready to go.

[radiogirl]

I have many books waiting, including A Lion Among Men by Gregory Maguire and Brisingr. I have to get through a stack of magazines before they get outdated though.

[demora]

1. The Sirens Of Titan - Kurt Vonnegut
2. For Whom The Bell Tolls - Ernest Hemingway
3. Into The Wild - Jon Krakauer


i second this.
three of my all-time favorite books

[drudo182]

I enjoyed Into the Wild, but not one of my favorites. I got a tad sick of Krakauer's stories personally.

[odizzle_word]

I am reading Cell now and then having to read Hatchet for class.

Next up I have Wicked ready to go.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n10/n53451.jpg

Are you talking about this book or a different Hatchet? That was one of my favorite books as a kid.

[TheBaroness]

two more days of exams, then I can immerse myself in Bolano's The Savage Detectives, and when it's finally released here (if ever, may have to grab it from amazon), 2666

[Indoor Living]

I am reading Cell now and then having to read Hatchet for class.

Next up I have Wicked ready to go.


Are you talking Stephen King's "Cell?"

[Indoor Living]

So I want to get a new book to read, but I really don't know what to get.

I'm a fan of like transgressional fiction and/or just general fiction stuff. I know that's a super broad range, but can anybody recommend anything?

[stayillogical]

So I want to get a new book to read, but I really don't know what to get.

I'm a fan of like transgressional fiction and/or just general fiction stuff. I know that's a super broad range, but can anybody recommend anything?

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest.

You're welcome.

[shawnb213]

Hey guys... Anybody have any good political science books to recommend?

[ForlrnPerplxity]

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest.

You're welcome.
I'm reading that right now. It's taken a little while to get into, but I'm a little over halfway done.

[utgjames]

imlooking for some solid nonfiction. I love business and bios, rec me some.

please stay away from sports related things.

[Indoor Living]

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest.

You're welcome.


You seem very sure about that.

[pshh]

I just read the Awakening by Kate Chopin. Good book, I'm sure girls eat this shit up.

[MyWorldEntire]

I'm reading Downtown Owl by Chuck Klosterman right now. It's so different from his other books, other than being fiction and not about music, but yet sounds so much like him. It's very interesting. I think he really captures the inner dialogue most people have with themselves.

I've heard some comparisons to Friday Night Light, how much of the book is actually about football?

[anamericangod]

I just read the Awakening by Kate Chopin. Good book, I'm sure girls eat this shit up.

Fucking terrible book.

[RunInTheFront]

I just finished up Life After God by Douglas Coupland and was not disappointed. Such a good book.

[pshh]

Fucking terrible book.

did you read it in high school?

[anamericangod]

did you read it in high school?

Yup. Total waste of time.

[pshh]

Yup. Total waste of time.

too bad you thought it was.

[odizzle_word]

imlooking for some solid nonfiction. I love business and bios, rec me some.

please stay away from sports related things.

Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt.

[radiogirl]

I've heard some comparisons to Friday Night Light, how much of the book is actually about football?

Not really that much at all. It's got a similar feel to it as in the town is really into the football team, but they aren't really all that good. And it skips to the basketball season really quick, which they talk about minimally as well.

But one of the main characters is the third string QB and one is the head football coach.

[stayillogical]

You seem very sure about that.

You said transgressional fiction and it's one of the best. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

[AShannon04]

Only 50 pages or so into Ron Jeremy's autobiography, but I'm loving it. It's definitely a fun mindless read.

[Indoor Living]

You said transgressional fiction and it's one of the best. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.


Perfect. Thanks!

[drudo182]

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n10/n53451.jpg

Are you talking about this book or a different Hatchet? That was one of my favorite books as a kid.

This one. Reading it for my Young Adult Novel class.

[doyouhas?]

So I want to get a new book to read, but I really don't know what to get.

I'm a fan of like transgressional fiction and/or just general fiction stuff. I know that's a super broad range, but can anybody recommend anything?

I'm King of Trans/Fiction. As such, I recommend:

1) The Rules of Attraction (Bret Easton Ellis)
2) Invisible Monsters (Chuck Palahniuk)
3) Jesus' Son (Denis Johnson)
4) Mysterious Skin (Scott Heim)
5) The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things (JT Leroy)
6) Blankets (Craig Thompson) - Graphic Novel
7) Slaughter House Five (Kurt Vonnegut)


I feel these are some of the essentials of truly gaining an understanding to 'transgressional fiction.' I wholly recommend checking out all the other works of all these authors (except Scott Heim, as 'Mysterious Skin' is the only novel of his worth reading).

[Indoor Living]

I'm King of Trans/Fiction. As such, I recommend:

1) The Rules of Attraction (Bret Easton Ellis)
2) Invisible Monsters (Chuck Palahniuk)
3) Jesus' Son (Denis Johnson)
4) Mysterious Skin (Scott Heim)
5) The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things (JT Leroy)
6) Blankets (Craig Thompson) - Graphic Novel
7) Slaughter House Five (Kurt Vonnegut)


I feel these are some of the essentials of truly gaining an understanding to 'transgressional fiction.' I wholly recommend checking out all the other works of all these authors (except Scott Heim, as 'Mysterious Skin' is the only novel of his worth reading).


I already read Invisible Monsters, and that book is bomb. I'll make sure I check out the other six though.

[stayillogical]

Just finished The Time Traveler's Wife. I must say...

I have never cried that much for a book before. I couldn't help it, Henry's letter killed me. I had to put the book down to collect my thoughts then pick it back up and finish.

It was absolutely stunning. The movie needs do it justice. And, thank you to everyone who recommended it.

[ThemChains]

Has anyone read Desire Under The Elms? Or seen the play?



Sooooooo sad.

[stayillogical]

So, today I started reading Slaughterhouse-Five. I think it's an appropriate segue from Time Traveler's Wife, haha.