The Book Thread (Official Thread)

[Animalhill]

Just finished "What is the What" by Dave Eggers and about to start trying to digest more Proust.

[chokemeout]

Haruki Murakami - Kafka By The Shore - Bored me a little towards the end but the writing was incredible.

[jawstheme]

Haruki Murakami - Kafka By The Shore - Bored me a little towards the end but the writing was incredible.

I love Murakami. His characters are great.

[BryterJonah]

Is Isaac Asimov any good?

[coryatlarge]

Is Isaac Asimov any good?
yes. i would recommend I, Robot if you have doubts because you saw the movie then dont be because the only thing that was remotely close to the story in the book were the character names...

[ClemTiger0408]

I have a lot of travel coming up and I need a new book.

My personal favorite book is Everything is Illuminated, for reference.

I recently read and loved 1984. I was considering re-reading Catcher in the Rye.

Anyone got any recommendations? I am not a fan of Palahniuk.

[kemichels]

maybe try House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

http://januarymagazine.com/fiction/houseofleaves.html

[TEAMRAMROD]

Try here. (http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=250272)

[NickLopez]

House of Leaves, 2666, The Savage Detectives.

[makeshiftmind]

American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Ham On Rye by Charles Bukowski

[Ailite]

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers

[bowl of oranges]

I just finished The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner and that was awesome.
Also, my American Lit class just started reading Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and that was surprisingly great too.

[WakingTheMisery]

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

[anamericangod]

American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Ham On Rye by Charles Bukowski

You and I could be very good friends.

I highly recommend American Gods. Fantastic book, you might even appreciate it more while traveling.

[LaDiabla]

The bibel. Short and full of useless information.

[MADSTA]

Downtown Owl by Chuck Klosterman

[Galedeep]

I have a lot of travel coming up and I need a new book.

My personal favorite book is Everything is Illuminated, for reference.

While not as good, Jonathan Safran Foer's other book, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is quite good. As is his wife's novel (Nicole Krauss) The History of Love.

One of my favourite books of recent memory is Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. It is quite an easy and quick read, but very good. I also really enjoyed Jeannette Walls' memoir, The Glass Castle, and The Ugly American by Eugene Burdick and William Lederer.

[MIKEY_HORROR]

One of my favorite books is "A Fighters Heart" by Sam Sheridan..

A guy tells his stories, of traveling to different countries and competing and training in some of their cultures martial arts.....as well as some of his struggles and enlightenments from the experience.

You don't have to be a martial arts or fighting fan to enjoy the book, the stories are awesome...and you get a good look into other cultures

[Heart-A-Tact]

I'm currently reading The Rules of Attraction. I'm enjoying it, so far.

Is Isaac Asimov any good?

Isaac Asimov is very good.

[itsmesean0630]

Currently reading Revolutionary Road and it's pretty engaging, so far.

[Heart-A-Tact]

Currently reading Revolutionary Road and it's pretty engaging, so far.

I remember really liking that book, although it's been just about forever since I've read it.

[CstSnow]

I have a lot of travel coming up and I need a new book.

My personal favorite book is Everything is Illuminated, for reference.

I recently read and loved 1984. I was considering re-reading Catcher in the Rye.

Anyone got any recommendations? I am not a fan of Palahniuk.


Read the Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, it is legitimately amazing.
Based on what you have been reading you will really enjoy it.

[drivthru182]

Read the Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, it is legitimately amazing.
Based on what you have been reading you will really enjoy it.

This.

And I'm finishing up Into The Wild right now, and it's great.

[NickLopez]

I'm reading The Savage Detectives and am convinced that until I am done with Bolano entirely nothing will be able to hold my interest. This is the first book I've been in love with since 2666.

[richie]

Anyone who's read 2666 can you tell me how many books it is? I can't figure it out. And I'm too lazy to.

[NickLopez]

Anyone who's read 2666 can you tell me how many books it is? I can't figure it out. And I'm too lazy to.
It's one book with 5 parts. I believe every decent review of it should say that.

[funtasticrich]

just brought

in the dark - mark billingham
let the right one in - john ajvide lindqvist
a snowball in hell - christopher brookmyre

but i dont know which one to start first

[MADSTA]

I'm currently rereading The Half Blood Prince... for the fifth time.

[BryterJonah]

Anyone who's read 2666 can you tell me how many books it is? I can't figure it out. And I'm too lazy to.
I also believe there's a paperback edition split into 3 parts.

[Mitch]

Started Never Let Me Go two days ago, finished yesterday, and now I'm starting World War Z tonight despite me hating the horror/zombie book genre.

[jusscali]

I need a book to start the summer, but it's almost damn near impossible to find me a book I'll be interested in or will like enough to complete hahaha. I'm all bout cliche knock offs of catcher in the rye, but never find anything remotely as pleasing.

[BryterJonah]

I need a book to start the summer, but it's almost damn near impossible to find me a book I'll be interested in or will like enough to complete hahaha. I'm all bout cliche knock offs of catcher in the rye, but never find anything remotely as pleasing.
Infinite Jest if you haven't already. Should definitely last the Summer.

[hailthewarrior]

Started Never Let Me Go two days ago, finished yesterday, and now I'm starting World War Z tonight despite me hating the horror/zombie book genre.

I loved World War Z.



I just finished "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay" and it was good. Up next... either "A Long Way Down" by Nick Hornby or "The Stand" by Stephen King.

[jusscali]

Infinite Jest if you haven't already. Should definitely last the Summer.

Never heard of it...I'll look into it. I usually read really predictable trite things.

I read the brief wonderous life of oscar, i read confederacy of dunces, i read perks, i read the fuck up, i read apathy and other small victories, high fidelity, love is a mixtape, i read all the way, i read all the chucky p books, and the heartbreaking work of staggering genius...I guess I just keep looking for similar books.

[odizzle_word]

Started Never Let Me Go two days ago, finished yesterday, and now I'm starting World War Z tonight despite me hating the horror/zombie book genre.

How was that? My friend lent me a copy that I still haven't gotten around to reading.

[Mitch]

How was that? My friend lent me a copy that I still haven't gotten around to reading.

I liked it a lot...I mean, I finished it in two days which I don't think I've done with a book in forever.

[jusscali]

Yeah, infinite jest seems like a tad bit too much in ingest for me right now hahaha

[npmshah]

I loved World War Z.



I just finished "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay" and it was good. Up next... either "A Long Way Down" by Nick Hornby or "The Stand" by Stephen King.
World War Z is an amazing book...

anyone here a fan of Jhumpa Lahiri's stuff?

[TEAMRAMROD]

I need a book to start the summer, but it's almost damn near impossible to find me a book I'll be interested in or will like enough to complete hahaha. I'm all bout cliche knock offs of catcher in the rye, but never find anything remotely as pleasing.
I'm in the middle of The Count of Monte Cristo. Loving it. It should last you a while.

[npmshah]

Never heard of it...I'll look into it. I usually read really predictable trite things.

I read the brief wonderous life of oscar, i read confederacy of dunces, i read perks, i read the fuck up, i read apathy and other small victories, high fidelity, love is a mixtape, i read all the way, i read all the chucky p books, and the heartbreaking work of staggering genius...I guess I just keep looking for similar books.
to your comment about Cathcher In The Rye knockoffs: i recomend this book caled Spud. It takea place to Apartheid, but thats a side story to the actual boarding school shenenigans

[shane hennessey]

I'm almost done with Ama Adhe: The Voice That Remembers. Ama was a Tibetan prisoner for 20 years in China and it's the story of her experience. If you don't know anything about Tibet and their conflict with Communist China, it's a great starting point. She goes in depth about the torture, prison camps, Communist power, etc. I have to read it for my study abroad in India because we're meeting her the first week we get there.

[funtasticrich]

is there an AP.net book group? pick a book to all read one month/two weeks then come back here and discuss it?

[middlenameboom]

Anybody read I Love You Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle? I've heard some really good things about it, and apparently there is a movie about to be released for it.

[Bob Payne]

Yeah, infinite jest seems like a tad bit too much in ingest for me right now hahaha

I've had this book on my shelf for over 2 years. Still too much for me.

[ashiex3]

Never heard of it...I'll look into it. I usually read really predictable trite things.

I read the brief wonderous life of oscar, i read confederacy of dunces, i read perks, i read the fuck up, i read apathy and other small victories, high fidelity, love is a mixtape, i read all the way, i read all the chucky p books, and the heartbreaking work of staggering genius...I guess I just keep looking for similar books.

I'm reading A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius now and I'm almost finished. I need a new book soon.
How was Love Is A Mixtape? I saw it at Barnes and Noble, but decided not to get it.

[jusscali]

I'm reading A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius now and I'm almost finished. I need a new book soon.
How was Love Is A Mixtape? I saw it at Barnes and Noble, but decided not to get it.

It's short, quick, cute. I enjoyed it, but you'll need another option almost immediately after starting.

[stayillogical]

I started A Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao months ago, but I was in a rut and bored with what was going on (the mother's promiscuities) that I put it down. I can't start anything else until I finish that because I'm too far in, it's frustrating. I want to read something else, I just hate having to get through the history junk in Oscar. Does it get better to a point where I'll breeze through it more easily? Not that it's tough to read (I get the Spanish jokes) but I just wasn't enjoying it.

[BryterJonah]

30 pages into You Shall Know Our Velocity! and absolutely enjoying it.

[jusscali]

I started A Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao months ago, but I was in a rut and bored with what was going on (the mother's promiscuities) that I put it down. I can't start anything else until I finish that because I'm too far in, it's frustrating. I want to read something else, I just hate having to get through the history junk in Oscar. Does it get better to a point where I'll breeze through it more easily? Not that it's tough to read (I get the Spanish jokes) but I just wasn't enjoying it.

There were moments where I felt the same, but I pushed through and throughout there were spots I wanted to rush through, but others that I felt were real rewarding. I'd say stick with it because in the end I thought overall it was a good read. I always got a sense that the author was trying too hard at times.

[stayillogical]

There were moments where I felt the same, but I pushed through and throughout there were spots I wanted to rush through, but others that I felt were real rewarding. I'd say stick with it because in the end I thought overall it was a good read. I always got a sense that the author was trying too hard at times.

This exactly. But I'll keep going.

[ashiex3]

It's short, quick, cute. I enjoyed it, but you'll need another option almost immediately after starting.

Thanks, I'll pick it up. So now I need to find a book to read after that, or maybe I'll take a break from reading.

[jusscali]

Thanks, I'll pick it up. So now I need to find a book to read after that, or maybe I'll take a break from reading.

Lucky you...I'm still stumped. I was just thinking of going back and re-reading some classics. The Invisible Man or In Cold Blood or something, but I really just wish something would come along and surprise me.

[TJ Wells]

Currently reading:

http://doxxa.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/200px-florence_of_arabia.jpg

Just got in the mail my order from Alibris:

http://www.gonomad.com/theerfiles/uploaded_images/Che-Bio-787649.jpg

http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/bestsellers-2006/2936-1.jpg


Suggestion on which to read first? Because I think Florence will be a pretty quick read.

[stayillogical]

Lucky you...I'm still stumped. I was just thinking of going back and re-reading some classics. The Invisible Man or In Cold Blood or something, but I really just wish something would come along and surprise me.

Or a classic that you haven't read, maybe One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest or Slaughterhouse-Five.

[ashiex3]

Lucky you...I'm still stumped. I was just thinking of going back and re-reading some classics. The Invisible Man or In Cold Blood or something, but I really just wish something would come along and surprise me.

I read The Invisible Man in high school. Now that I think about it, there are a lot of books in high school that I should re-read because I wasn't that interested back then.

Or a classic that you haven't read, maybe One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest or Slaughterhouse-Five.

That's another book I've been planning to read, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. Completely forgot until your post.

[stayillogical]

I read The Invisible Man in high school. Now that I think about it, there are a lot of books in high school that I should re-read because I wasn't that interested back then.



That's another book I've been planning to read, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. Completely forgot until your post.

It's such a great story. Very enjoyable, slim chance you wouldn't like it.

[jusscali]

Currently reading:

http://doxxa.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/200px-florence_of_arabia.jpg

Just got in the mail my order from Alibris:

http://www.gonomad.com/theerfiles/uploaded_images/Che-Bio-787649.jpg

http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/bestsellers-2006/2936-1.jpg


Suggestion on which to read first? Because I think Florence will be a pretty quick read.

The third book changed my life, or a significant outlook at the very least

[jusscali]

Or a classic that you haven't read, maybe One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest or Slaughterhouse-Five.

Not a fan of Kurt at ALL, but I've read One Flew in the past.

[jusscali]

I want a fast, witty, sardonic, and laugh out loud funny character portrayal/coming of age story or something with a profound message but that's not too preachy or overly sentimental...good luck kids!

[abbysmith]

I just started reading The Poisonwood Bible. I love it so far.

[ashiex3]

It's such a great story. Very enjoyable, slim chance you wouldn't like it.

It's officially on my list.

[3eb23]

Started this last night:

http://www.bscreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/gol.jpg

[BryterJonah]

I want a fast, witty, sardonic, and laugh out loud funny character portrayal/coming of age story or something with a profound message but that's not too preachy or overly sentimental...good luck kids!
Download the script for Where The Wild Things Are.

[jusscali]

Download the script for Where The Wild Things Are.

Already did I think, it may have been deleted though. I had read a portion, but then opted not to continue because I wanted to save it for the film

[BryterJonah]

I did the same. Didn't have the heart to ruin it for myself.

[stayillogical]

Not a fan of Kurt at ALL, but I've read One Flew in the past.

That's surprising considering the below, I laughed out loud a lot during Slaughterhouse.

I want a fast, witty, sardonic, and laugh out loud funny character portrayal/coming of age story or something with a profound message but that's not too preachy or overly sentimental...good luck kids!

Okay, so you've read Eggers, how about Jonathan Safran Foer? I actually haven't read either of his books yet, but they're on my list because they sound really great and match the qualities you mentioned. Or maybe some Klosterman.

Edit: Another one occurred to me, Youth In Revolt. That's exactly what you want, funny coming of age.

[Losthope182]

Finished I Am Legend last week, currently about halfway through Take the Cannoli by Sarah Vowell

[ArmedROBery]

That's surprising considering the below, I laughed out loud a lot during Slaughterhouse.


I just finished Slaughterhouse Five. For the most part, I liked it. It was hard for me to follow at times, but I definitely loved his sense of humor.

I've been trying to mix in newer stuff with the classics lately. Just picked up "City of Thieves" by David Benioff and "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky... anyone read either?

[eucademix]

i just picked up the no.1 ladies' detective agency and you suck: a love story but i haven't gotten around to reading them yet until i finish pride and prejudice and zombies.

[jusscali]

That's surprising considering the below, I laughed out loud a lot during Slaughterhouse.



Okay, so you've read Eggers, how about Jonathan Safran Foer? I actually haven't read either of his books yet, but they're on my list because they sound really great and match the qualities you mentioned. Or maybe some Klosterman.

Edit: Another one occurred to me, Youth In Revolt. That's exactly what you want, funny coming of age.

Just read up on YIR on Amazon and it totally sounds like the pick for me. I really love the idea that the narrative is constructed by means of journal entries. I'm actually quite surprised I've never been recommended it. I'll look into Foer, but for now this might be the pick for me. Too bad the character wasn't slightly over the age of 14, but it will surely do for now. Thanks!

[jusscali]

I've never read a graphic novel in my life, but I have a longstanding affinity for Calvin and Hobbes so I'm sure that I could handle one. This one really has me curious...

http://www.amazon.com/Blankets-Craig-Thompson/dp/1891830430/ref=pd_sim_b_76

[BryterJonah]

I've never read a graphic novel in my life, but I have a longstanding affinity for Calvin and Hobbes so I'm sure that I could handle one. This one really has me curious...

http://www.amazon.com/Blankets-Craig-Thompson/dp/1891830430/ref=pd_sim_b_76
YES. This is the graphic novel to read if you are to start anywhere.

[jusscali]

YES. This is the graphic novel to read if you are to start anywhere.

Is it THAT good...sure as hell seems like people adore it. Again entirely curious as to why I've never heard it mentioned if it's that good. How graphic novely is it? I'm just unsure what I'm getting myself into, but the story and premise sounds fantastic

[TheBaroness]

I want a fast, witty, sardonic, and laugh out loud funny character portrayal/coming of age story or something with a profound message but that's not too preachy or overly sentimental...good luck kids!

try Fortress of Solitude by Jonathan Lethem

[jusscali]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061657301/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p14_t2?pf_rd_m=AT VPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=16KK54BP2TW821BXJZAP&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

http://www.amazon.com/Average-American-Male-Novel/dp/0061231673/ref=pd_sim_b_4

?? I really loved Apathy and Other Small Victories, and these titles came up as recs for it

[The Personist]

Just started Rimbaud's Season In Hell. Fucking insane, but awesome.

[CstSnow]

Started this last night:

http://www.bscreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/gol.jpg

Such a great series,enjoy it.



the ending is a mother fucker of a heartbreaker though.

[The Personist]

The Golden Compass books bored me.

[Heart-A-Tact]

Now starting Eggers' How We Are Hungry.

[CstSnow]

I am in the middle of, and loving both of these at the moment.

http://mail.pittsfield.net/teachersites/Cochran_Meredith/00EAA75E-000F6E5A.5/a%20walk%20in%20the%20woods%20LR.jp g

http://ktuttle.omnisitebuilder.com/_files/Image/xenocide.jpg

[CstSnow]

The Golden Compass books bored me.

Did you make it through all 3? Because the first one is slow, I will grant you that, but the series as a whole is definitely not.

[The Personist]

Did you make it through all 3? Because the first one is slow, I will grant you that, but the series as a whole is definitely not.

I did. Perhaps the hype machine did me in, because I heard such AMAZING things and was underwhelmed, but I just couldn't get into the series and thought the end was just silly on the whole. I'm not saying it wasn't heartbreaking, but it was so unsatisfying and so NOT what I felt like Pullman was setting you up for the whole time, if that makes sense.

[CstSnow]

I did. Perhaps the hype machine did me in, because I heard such AMAZING things and was underwhelmed, but I just couldn't get into the series and thought the end was just silly on the whole. I'm not saying it wasn't heartbreaking, but it was so unsatisfying and so NOT what I felt like Pullman was setting you up for the whole time, if that makes sense.


Well from everything I have read Pullman is kind of a dick, so I think that's exactly what he was trying to do the whole time. So yeah I can kind of understand that feeling. Luckily I read them with no prior knowledge of the series at all so I went in without any kind of raised expectations.

[The Personist]

Well from everything I have read Pullman is kind of a dick, so I think that's exactly what he was trying to do the whole time. So yeah I can kind of understand that feeling. Luckily I read them with no prior knowledge of the series at all so I went in without any kind of raised expectations.

That's pretty cool. I'm mildly jealous, haha. Someday I'll reread them and hopefully not be as jaded or pretentious. But sometimes that's tough; I AM a literature major, after all.

Your avatar rules.

[registered]

finally got around to reading animal last night, great novel.

Starting Vonnegut`s Cats Craddle tonight.

[JustAStatistic]

currently reading haunted by chuck palahniuk.

[TJ Wells]

Going with Che. Be back here in about a year when I finish its 750+ pages.

[Melkor]

Anyone here into Fantasy books? Having recently reread LotR I'm looking to get into some more fantasy, while avoidin the usual cookie cutter crap that like, 12 year olds are really into. Anyone have anything they'd like to recommend?

See below:

George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. (Books 1-4 published, 5-7 forthcoming)
Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. (Books 1-11 published, 12 part 1-3 forthcoming)
~ Note: A lot of people lose respect for this one after book 3, but I love it completely.

I'm also a sucker for Weiss & Hickman's Dragonlance books, but nothing else of the series.

And I've heard a lot of good about Steven Erikson, but I haven't had the chance to check him out, yet.

Doooo ittttttt. I am a big fan and his stuff is in no way cookie cutter. Only problem is how long the series is, it is a big investment. Worth it though.

Anyways, I am picking up a bunch of books today. I am not sure which ones though. Have enjoyed skimming this thread and picking up recs.

[Zeran]

for the dude asking about fantasy books, i would highly highly recommend the sword of truth series by terry goodkind. they are amazing books.

[allisonnnnn]

currently reading haunted by chuck palahniuk.

so so so good

[Robototron]

Thanks, guys.

[chokemeout]

Skinny Legs and All - Tom Robbins - he is a really good read... really good writing and funny!
Requiem for a Dream - Hubert Selby JR - I thought this was really good.. so much better than Last Exit

currently reading Skinheads - John King - it's pretty predictable but if you love stories about music, punk ethics and the 80's... he's alright.

anyone into short stories? recommended writers?

[odizzle_word]

Skinny Legs and All - Tom Robbins - he is a really good read... really good writing and funny!
Requiem for a Dream - Hubert Selby JR - I thought this was really good.. so much better than Last Exit

currently reading Skinheads - John King - it's pretty predictable but if you love stories about music, punk ethics and the 80's... he's alright.

anyone into short stories? recommended writers?

Raymond Carver and Flannery O'Connor. Donald Barthelme is also good.

[CstSnow]

Skinny Legs and All - Tom Robbins - he is a really good read... really good writing and funny!
Requiem for a Dream - Hubert Selby JR - I thought this was really good.. so much better than Last Exit

currently reading Skinheads - John King - it's pretty predictable but if you love stories about music, punk ethics and the 80's... he's alright.

anyone into short stories? recommended writers?

Still Life with Woodpecker is absolutely hilarious

[Gaugzilla]

Tried reading "I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell" by Tucker Max. Reminded me of a combo of every douchebro I've met and every side character I've hated in comedies.

Gonna read "House of Leaves" next because it's apparently the bees-knees.

[JustAStatistic]

so so so good

i'm about half way through and i'm definitely loving it so far.

[Zeran]

The Golden Compass books bored me.

i enjoyed them (although the movie was terrible).

[doyouhas?]

I've never read a graphic novel in my life, but I have a longstanding affinity for Calvin and Hobbes so I'm sure that I could handle one. This one really has me curious...

http://www.amazon.com/Blankets-Craig-Thompson/dp/1891830430/ref=pd_sim_b_76

This one of my favorite books of all time. You never feel like you are 'reading a graphic novel' if that makes sense. Thompson spends a lot, a lot of time on his illustrations and the lay-out of the book, but it never overwhelms you or the story - simply adds the right amount to help tell the story in this medium.

Definitely worth reading many times. And ftw - Calvin and Hobbes is my favorite comic of all time

[Gaugzilla]

I've never read a graphic novel in my life, but I have a longstanding affinity for Calvin and Hobbes so I'm sure that I could handle one. This one really has me curious...

http://www.amazon.com/Blankets-Craig-Thompson/dp/1891830430/ref=pd_sim_b_76
Checking out as well once it comes back to my library.

[jusscali]

This one of my favorite books of all time. You never feel like you are 'reading a graphic novel' if that makes sense. Thompson spends a lot, a lot of time on his illustrations and the lay-out of the book, but it never overwhelms you or the story - simply adds the right amount to help tell the story in this medium.

Definitely worth reading many times. And ftw - Calvin and Hobbes is my favorite comic of all time

I went to check it out at Borders today and even though I probably paid 10 bucks more than I should have, once I opened it and held it in my hands I had to take it home. I called my best friend who just graduated from Mass Art and told him its exactly what he should do with his life. He went out and bought it 10 minutes after I did and is already 100 plus pages in.

I also purchased Chris Moores Lamb...anyone have any opinions on that one?

Unfortunately no Youth In Revolt, but I'll order that as soon as I put a dent in these two

[Wait_For_It]

I'm currently reading The Rescue.

[Oddpac87]

I've never read a graphic novel in my life, but I have a longstanding affinity for Calvin and Hobbes so I'm sure that I could handle one. This one really has me curious...

http://www.amazon.com/Blankets-Craig-Thompson/dp/1891830430/ref=pd_sim_b_76
Is it THAT good...sure as hell seems like people adore it. Again entirely curious as to why I've never heard it mentioned if it's that good. How graphic novely is it? I'm just unsure what I'm getting myself into, but the story and premise sounds fantastic
I was going to respond to these telling you it is one of my favorite books of all time, and definitely worth a shot. And that you need to go into it with an open mind, because I have tried to get friends to read comic books/graphic novels all the time, and whenever someone has that mindset that it is a comic book, and comic books are for kids, they never appreciate it. But then I read this \/
I went to check it out at Borders today and even though I probably paid 10 bucks more than I should have, once I opened it and held it in my hands I had to take it home. I called my best friend who just graduated from Mass Art and told him its exactly what he should do with his life. He went out and bought it 10 minutes after I did and is already 100 plus pages in.
Glad you like it, 100 pages feels like nothing in that book, you're going to fly through it. There are tons of other amazing books out there that most people don't give enough of a chance because they are graphic novels, and I'd highly recommend reading some. The comic book thread in this forum has a list of great recs on the first page.

Tried reading "I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell" by Tucker Max. Reminded me of a combo of every douchebro I've met and every side character I've hated in comedies.

Gonna read "House of Leaves" next because it's apparently the bees-knees.
Despite all the good things I've heard about "I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell", it just never seemed like something that I would really care to read.

"House of Leaves" on the other hand is my favorite book of all time. Trust me, you are in for a treat.

[TachyonEvan]

It's Bloomsday.

[Mitch]

I kind of want to give Infinite Jest a try but I know that I would not understand it nor would I ever actually finish it.

[allisonnnnn]

i'm about half way through and i'm definitely loving it so far.

every single book I've ever read by him, I loved. My favorite is Survivor.

[Mitch]

Okay, I went to Borders with the intention of buying Infinite Jest despite knowing that the odds were heavily against me actually finishing the book/understanding it. I had other books in mind, so I read parts of every one and decided against Infinite Jest. I bought Mark Helprin's Winter's Tale because I need a book I can get lost in, and I heard the writing is beautiful and that you can vividly picture what you're reading.

[BryterJonah]

so so so good

i'm about half way through and i'm definitely loving it so far.
Never would have expected this from newbies.

[Colorblind!]

People! I need some good fiction.
Lately I've been reading Palahniuk and Vonnegut but I'm aware those are both pretty typical.
Where should I go next?

[TEAMRAMROD]

People! I need some good fiction.
Lately I've been reading Palahniuk and Vonnegut but I'm aware those are both pretty typical.
Where should I go next?
American Psycho.

[lindZ629]

After reading everyone's comments about Infinite Jest, I decided to check out the synopsis, and while I would probably find it extremely interesting, it's just too intimidating. A complicated read for over 1,000 pages might be more than I can handle. Plus I've been reading the same book for 2-3 months, since I go through phases where I don't read for weeks at a time. It's a shame too, I have more than enough time on my hands these days.

[BryterJonah]

I have at least 3 books to read at a time and just switch around every week.

Keeps me interested.

[doyouhas?]

People! I need some good fiction.
Lately I've been reading Palahniuk and Vonnegut but I'm aware those are both pretty typical.
Where should I go next?

please dont mention those two in the same sentence.

[The Personist]

please dont mention those two in the same sentence.

You're right, "good" and"fiction" should be kept far apart.

[allisonnnnn]

Never would have expected this from newbies.
and what do you mean by that?

[jusscali]

I have at least 3 books to read at a time and just switch around every week.

Keeps me interested.

I can only go one at a time. I like to focus on what I'm reading 100% then move on once I've finished.

[diehtc0ke]

"House of Leaves" on the other hand is my favorite book of all time. Trust me, you are in for a treat.After I finish reading Daisy Miller (and, yes, I'm aware of how short it is but I fell asleep on it last night), that's my next conquest. I have a friend who orgasms every time I even mention that I'm planning on reading it.

[Mitch]

After reading everyone's comments about Infinite Jest, I decided to check out the synopsis, and while I would probably find it extremely interesting, it's just too intimidating. A complicated read for over 1,000 pages might be more than I can handle. Plus I've been reading the same book for 2-3 months, since I go through phases where I don't read for weeks at a time. It's a shame too, I have more than enough time on my hands these days.

Glad I'm not the only one that does this.

[jusscali]

Glad I'm not the only one that does this.

New Book Anxiety is way worse! My friend I told you about stayed up and finished Blankets last night and I haven't even cracked it yet haha. Son of a

[The Personist]

Glad I'm not the only one that does this.

I do too...

[Oddpac87]

I do too...
Same here.

[chokemeout]

People! I need some good fiction.
Lately I've been reading Palahniuk and Vonnegut but I'm aware those are both pretty typical.
Where should I go next?

It would appear so.

Bukowski.
Faulkner.
Welsh.
Murakami.
Miller.
D.H Lawrence
Dumas.

[The Personist]

How could you say that? The ending sucks, doesn't it?

[jusscali]

Started and finished Blankets today...clearly I'm obsessed now. I'm just floored at how much I loved it. So many beautiful pictures and great quotes. I've got my avatar, my desktop background, and possibly my first baby girl's name haha

Raina and Holden are going to be on ap.net out of the womb

[Thomas Balkcom]

please dont mention those two in the same sentence.

haha

[Thomas Balkcom]

still finishing up Revolutionary Road, going to start The Killer Angels next. Has anyone read it? If so, any good?

[3eb23]

Anyone here read these books? I hear they're supposed to be really good.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61XSNC3BADL.jpg

[Oddpac87]

Started and finished Blankets today...clearly I'm obsessed now. I'm just floored at how much I loved it. So many beautiful pictures and great quotes. I've got my avatar, my desktop background, and possibly my first baby girl's name haha

Raina and Holden are going to be on ap.net out of the womb
Haha. Told ya. That book tends to do things like that to people.

[jusscali]

Haha. Told ya. That book tends to do things like that to people.

I just can't believe I've never heard of it until two days ago. Is there anything else even remotely like it in the genre, or other books I should check out that are similar? Also, I checked out his blog and even though he's been working on his newest book for years, it seems as though it might see a late 2009 release. Unfortunately it doesn't seem like something along the lines of Blankets.

[ArmedROBery]

Plus I've been reading the same book for 2-3 months, since I go through phases where I don't read for weeks at a time. It's a shame too, I have more than enough time on my hands these days.

Haha I do the same thing. Sometimes I'll tear through 5-6 books in a month, and other times I won't be able to force myself through a magazine. Recently, I finished Slaughterhouse Five in a day, but I've been struggling with Moby Dick for the past few weeks. It's a long book and all, but I enjoy it for the most part - it's just taking me forever to get in the zone.

Just picked up City of Thieves by David Benioff and Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky... anyone read either?

[Oddpac87]

Haha I do the same thing. Sometimes I'll tear through 5-6 books in a month, and other times I won't be able to force myself through a magazine. Recently, I finished Slaughterhouse Five in a day, but I've been struggling with Moby Dick for the past few weeks. It's a long book and all, but I enjoy it for the most part - it's just taking me forever to get in the zone.

Just picked up City of Thieves by David Benioff and Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky... anyone read either?
I'm terrible. Do exactly the same thing. I read Snuff in hours, the next couple days after I read Buddy Holly Is Alive And Well On Ganymede, then the next day started Clown Girl, but now I haven't picked it up in like a month.

[The Personist]

Haha I do the same thing. Sometimes I'll tear through 5-6 books in a month, and other times I won't be able to force myself through a magazine. Recently, I finished Slaughterhouse Five in a day, but I've been struggling with Moby Dick for the past few weeks. It's a long book and all, but I enjoy it for the most part - it's just taking me forever to get in the zone.

Just picked up City of Thieves by David Benioff and Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky... anyone read either?

Crime And Punishment is a masterwork in literature.

[ArmedROBery]

Crime And Punishment is a masterwork in literature.

Sweet. I've been trying to mix in the old with the new lately, since I'm not too well-versed in the classics. Always good to know someone really enjoyed it.

[The Personist]

Sweet. I've been trying to mix in the old with the new lately, since I'm not too well-versed in the classics. Always good to know someone really enjoyed it.

It's probably my favorite novel. I love Dostoevsky. You have to let me know how that turns out.

[itsmesean0630]

Just about done with Revolutionary Road and just bought The Coma by Alex Garland. Read a few pages and I can't wait to read it.

[odizzle_word]

Haha I do the same thing. Sometimes I'll tear through 5-6 books in a month, and other times I won't be able to force myself through a magazine. Recently, I finished Slaughterhouse Five in a day, but I've been struggling with Moby Dick for the past few weeks. It's a long book and all, but I enjoy it for the most part - it's just taking me forever to get in the zone.

Just picked up City of Thieves by David Benioff and Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky... anyone read either?

Same thing with me when I read it, but it was so worth it. One of the chapters, "The Try-works," is one of my favorite pieces of writing ever. Beautiful language.

[ArmedROBery]

It's probably my favorite novel. I love Dostoevsky. You have to let me know how that turns out.
Definitely

Same thing with me when I read it, but it was so worth it. One of the chapters, "The Try-works," is one of my favorite pieces of writing ever. Beautiful language.

Awesome, I'll keep it in mind. I love when he rambles about the metaphorical connections between the sea and man/philosophy/etc, but when he goes on and on about whaling terms, I get bogged down.

[BryterJonah]

Anyone here read these books? I hear they're supposed to be really good.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61XSNC3BADL.jpg
It'd make more sense if Dwight had written it.

[The Personist]

It'd make more sense if Dwight had written it.

You certainly have your moments :-)

[3eb23]

It'd make more sense if Dwight had written it.

The cover is actually a fake. Inside it's really the story of Agent Michael Scarn.

[odizzle_word]

Definitely



Awesome, I'll keep it in mind. I love when he rambles about the metaphorical connections between the sea and man/philosophy/etc, but when he goes on and on about whaling terms, I get bogged down.

When we read it in high school, what kept coming up was how the book is split up into philosophical chapters and whaling chapters. It's funny how most people think it's just about this guy hunting a whale down, but what makes it is Ishmael's musings.

[s.t.e.v.e.n.]

The opening paragraph of Moby Dick is one of the best I've read.

[Losthope182]

Started The Forever War by Dexter Filkins over the weekend. So far, so good.

[ssion1984]

you know what i mean. current literature. but since you decided to call me out, ill do the same for you. no, modern literature was not 19th century. it was early 20th century, and started in europe. therefore, books written in the middle 19th century in russia (i.e. books by dostoevsky) would not be modern literature.

INCORRECT ANSWER.

[The Personist]

you know what i mean. current literature. but since you decided to call me out, ill do the same for you. no, modern literature was not 19th century. it was early 20th century, and started in europe. therefore, books written in the middle 19th century in russia (i.e. books by dostoevsky) would not be modern literature.
Dostoevsky is probably not "Modern" per se, but could be considered modern (without the capital "M") given the style and ideas of his work. Similarly, Whitman, DIckinson, Hopkins (LOVE his poetry, check it if you haven't) aren't Modernists, but they're modern poets because they broke ranks and portended the Modernism of Eliot, Pound, Stevens, and Williams.


While I'm on the subject: Anyone in here a poetry fan? I'm big on poetry, so I"d love to recommend some stuff/hear some recs.

[doyouhas?]

INCORRECT ANSWER.

nice comeback chief.

[Mitch]

Currently reading Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin.

The writing seriously amazes me at parts...It feels like it was written alongside Great Expectations and other classics, yet it was written in 1983.

Not exactly a good example of what I mean, but I like these couple of lines regardless:

They were dancing around the fountain, arm in arm, in an old Dutch dance, their cheeks touching, their hands entwined. They had no music; they hummed. And there was no reason for them to be dancing that Peter Lake could see, except that it was an exceptionally beautiful night.

[katiebaima]

re-reading a room with a view, favorite book

[itsmesean0630]

INCORRECT ANSWER.
Actually he's correct. He's referring to modernism. With writers like Woolf, Beckett, Stein, Faulkner, Hamsun, etc...

[BryterJonah]

While I'm on the subject: Anyone in here a poetry fan? I'm big on poetry, so I"d love to recommend some stuff/hear some recs.
Two poets I've always been fond of are W.B. Yeats and Zbigniew Herbert.
I've always been looking for poets more in the vein of Herbert's style.

[jusscali]

Just picked up Someday this Pain Will Be useful to you by Peter Cameron...we'll see how it goes.

[The Personist]

Finished The Stranger by Camus. Fucking incredible.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Finished The Stranger by Camus. Fucking incredible.

top three all-time for me

[The Personist]

top three all-time for me

I've always loved Camus' writing and thought...which is kinda weird since I believe in God, but I think he is certainly the most brilliant of the existentialists of his time. I'm currently reading a book by a former teacher--LOVE Park, by Jim Zervanos--but after that, The Plague is on deck.

[Thomas Balkcom]

I had to read it for a class, so I dove into on a Sunday afternoon, finished it, and immediately restarted it

[The Personist]

I had to read it for a class, so I dove into on a Sunday afternoon, finished it, and immediately restarted it

It's that kind of book. The end sent chills through my entire body.

[Thomas Balkcom]

It's that kind of book. The end sent chills through my entire body.

completely agree

[Broken Parachute]

Finished The Stranger by Camus. Fucking incredible.One of the best books ever written, as far as I'm concerned.

[TachyonEvan]

Reading The Crying of Lot 49.

[Zeran]

Reading The Crying of Lot 49.

how do you like it? pynchon is my favorite author.

[I am Mick]

Anyone here ever read The Raw Shark Texts? Easily the most entertaining book I've ever read

[TachyonEvan]

how do you like it? pynchon is my favorite author.

It's pretty good. :-d

[Blakebear]

Has anyone read any Umberto Eco? I'm looking for some good historical-ish thrillers ala The Historian and was wondering how his stuff reads.

I really just need a page turner, something compelling. Eco probably isn't it, but it seems like it could be interesting. Insight anyone?

[justbrett]

The Bob Dylan chronciles were pretty amazing. worth reading even if you aren't a big Dylan fan

[SAY WHAT]

Has anyone read any Umberto Eco? I'm looking for some good historical-ish thrillers ala The Historian and was wondering how his stuff reads.

I really just need a page turner, something compelling. Eco probably isn't it, but it seems like it could be interesting. Insight anyone?

i loathe that genre generally on principle. the historian was alright beach reading though. eco is the best writer who worked in that realm. his stuff is almost always impeccably researched and his magical realist flourish really rises the stories out of the dull grind of most historical fiction.

[Blakebear]

i loathe that genre generally on principle. the historian was alright beach reading though. eco is the best writer who worked in that realm. his stuff is almost always impeccably researched and his magical realist flourish really rises the stories out of the dull grind of most historical fiction.

Yeah, I really enjoyed the Historian, and it had me hooked the entire time, which is kind of what I need right now.

Despite that need, I decided to purchase House of Leaves and give that a go. Anyone have any recommendations about reading it, seems like it is going to be incredibly difficult to make any heads or tails of.

[NickLopez]

I wouldn't say that it's incredibly difficult to make heads or tails of at all. It requires attention, yeah, but despite all the footnotes and page flipping I didn't think it was that hard to grasp at all. It will fuck you up, though, definitely. I recommend reading it in a dark, locked room with nothing but a reading light. Reading it stoned will fuck you up even more, if you're curious about that.

After I finished House of Leaves I just wandered around like a zombie for four days; it was awful.

[AtlanticRadio]

I could use some help, if you guys wouldn't mind lending it. I really need to remember the name of this book I read when I was in like 5th grade. It was a futuristic war novel, about a boy that was basically raised in a cube with a computer for a friend and was programmed to become the worlds best general for the ultimate world war. It was NOT Ender's Game. It was also not near as good as Enders Game, but I'd like to give it to my little brother before I give him Enders Game in a couple years. The only other thing I remember is that he did a lot of dexterity training, slept on an air bed, and played virtua tennis with some girl in the beginning. Please help if you can.

Sorry for cluttering up ya'lls thread otherwise. To be on topic, I'm reading My Losing Season by Pat Conroy, it's an incredible sports read.

[AtlanticRadio]

Anyone here ever read The Raw Shark Texts? Easily the most entertaining book I've ever read

I read it, but for some reason the ending didn't sit well with me. Not quite sure why. I liked the main character, and I loved the pacing of the story, but I did NOT like the ending. Maybe I'll re-read.

[TotalCollapse]

Currently reading Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen. Prior to that I read her other book, Dreamland. I've enjoyed all of her books, but they can be quite sad.

[LaDiabla]

Been on such a reading spree lately, re-read 2666 and love it even more.
Just got through Dr. Mabuse and re-read Kafka's complete works.
Currently on Charles Bukowski - Post office and the pleasure of the damned.
After that I'm going to endulge in the complete works of Edgar Allen Poe.

[Blakebear]

I wouldn't say that it's incredibly difficult to make heads or tails of at all. It requires attention, yeah, but despite all the footnotes and page flipping I didn't think it was that hard to grasp at all. It will fuck you up, though, definitely. I recommend reading it in a dark, locked room with nothing but a reading light. Reading it stoned will fuck you up even more, if you're curious about that.

After I finished House of Leaves I just wandered around like a zombie for four days; it was awful.

Yeah it hasn't been too hard to follow so far. Kinda just getting to the crazy narration areas though.

Really good so far, can't put it down.

[Animalhill]

I'm telling all of you- East of Eden by John Steinbeck.
Trust me. It will live in your head, and the pages fucking BREATHE. Amazing.

[dakota0135]

I'm telling all of you- East of Eden by John Steinbeck.
Trust me. It will live in your head, and the pages fucking BREATHE. Amazing.

John Steinback is goood, what's this book about?

[Animalhill]

John Steinback is goood, what's this book about?
ITs about being lightyears better than, "Of Mice and Men" and pretty much everything else he ever wrote.
Its really hard to explain- it has many, many facets and layers to it. I would recommend just picking up. I was totally into it within the first 15 pages.

[dakota0135]

ITs about being lightyears better than, "Of Mice and Men" and pretty much everything else he ever wrote.
Its really hard to explain- it has many, many facets and layers to it. I would recommend just picking up. I was totally into it within the first 15 pages.

But Of Mice And Men is amazing! I guess I did like The Red Pony better :/
I'll see if I can find it somewhere.

[Animalhill]

But Of Mice And Men is amazing! I guess I did like The Red Pony better :/
I'll see if I can find it somewhere.
Its not bad- but it pales in comparison to East of Eden. Trust me, its amazing :-)

[dakota0135]

Its not bad- but it pales in comparison to East of Eden. Trust me, its amazing :-)

Well I guess I'll decide when I've read it :-)
It may not be for a while though, my list of books to read this year is huge :-|

[ascitiesburn101]

I just finished Lolita and while a mindfuck, it was an incredible book. Subtle humor, a despicable/lovable protagonist. Just started The Subterraneans.

[Animalhill]

I just finished Lolita and while a mindfuck, it was an incredible book. Subtle humor, a despicable/lovable protagonist. Just started The Subterraneans.
If you want a mind fuck, read, "The Lucifer Principle" by Howard Bloom.

[ZeitGeist]

Doing some light reading and re-reading the Bourne trilogy for entertainment. Nothing too deep but still a very good thrill ride through each book. Huge fan of the movies so it was only logical I go back and read these again.

[ashiex3]

I started to read One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, but I guess I'm not in a reading mood so I'm stuck on page 28.

[funtasticrich]

just finished a snow ball in hell by chris brookmyre. wasn't into it at all. i think it was the writing style. never things like harry said, but always harry says, or harry walks over. it just kinda put me off it

let the right one in next

[RunInTheFront]

naked lunch by william buroughs is an awesome book.

[ghostyouare]

Im reading A Heart Breaking Working of Staggering Genius.
Its really up and down.

[RunInTheFront]

any good?

[ghostyouare]

any good?
uhhh, like the frst chapter was so hard to get through, the second and third chapters were some of the best work ive ever read and the 4th was really really boring. I thnk im on the 5th atm. Ive read better more consistant but this isnt the worse by any means.

[RunInTheFront]

Sounds entertaining at least. It's weird how literature can bore the crap out or can be difficult to read, but then just randomly grab your attention span out of nowhere. Pretty crazy stuff.

[ghostyouare]

Sounds entertaining at least. It's weird how literature can bore the crap out or can be difficult to read, but then just randomly grab your attention span out of nowhere. Pretty crazy stuff.
I hate quitting on books, I probably would have dumped this book a while ago but meh. I hear it gets better at the end.

[RunInTheFront]

I hate quitting on books, I probably would have dumped this book a while ago but meh. I hear it gets better at the end.

Let's hope so. Never read anything by Egger's, I might have to now. Ever read anything by Henry Miller?

[ghostyouare]

Let's hope so. Never read anything by Egger's, I might have to now. Ever read anything by Henry Miller?
Nah, I havent too many people, Im a scrub.

[RunInTheFront]

Nah, I havent too many people, Im a scrub.

It's cool dude. At least you are reading. Can't say that much about most people today.

[ghostyouare]

It's cool dude. At least you are reading. Can't say that much about most people today.
Ho Fo Sho

Did you go to CSUN? Its my brothers Alma Mater.

[RunInTheFront]

Ho Fo Sho

Did you go to CSUN? Its my brothers Alma Mater.

I actually still go there. Going for my masters in English actually haha.

[ghostyouare]

I actually still go there. Going for my masters in English actually haha.
Oh awesome! My brother graduated like 3 years ago? Same age as you.

Have you ever been to pizza-saurus rex?

[RunInTheFront]

Oh awesome! My brother graduated like 3 years ago? Same age as you.

Have you ever been to pizza-saurus rex?

Never heard of it haha. I just moved here so I have no idea where anything is. I can get to Chipotle, Del Taco, In-n-out and Ralph's from my place and that is it.

[ghostyouare]

Never heard of it haha. I just moved here so I have no idea where anything is. I can get to Chipotle, Del Taco, In-n-out and Ralph's from my place and that is it.
what exit are you off of?

[RunInTheFront]

what exit are you off of?

Exit 69 off the 405. It's Nordhoff St.

[ghostyouare]

Exit 69 off the 405. It's Nordhoff St.
I think you live right around where my brother lived.

The ralphs near you has a starbucks in it right?

[RunInTheFront]

I think you live right around where my brother lived.

The ralphs near you has a starbucks in it right?

Yep. My roommate used to work there actually.

[Mitch]

What should I read after Winter's Tale?

I'm thinking East of Eden, House of Leaves, Blankets, or something else if I can find any other books that pique my interest.

[NickLopez]

What should I read after Winter's Tale?

I'm thinking East of Eden, House of Leaves, Blankets, or something else if I can find any other books that pique my interest.
The Savage Detectives should be on your list, but that's just because everyone should know Bolano.

[TachyonEvan]

Started Hemingway's "Sun Also Rises" today. Will probably finish it today.

[npmshah]

so does anybody have any reccomendations for me?
ive been a bit low on readin material lately :-(

[eraserhead]

currently working my way through

http://goodisdead.com/images/work/sedaris_whenyouareengul_540.jpg

such an entertaining writer.

[ashiex3]

I haven't read that Sedaris book yet. I've read Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family. He is a very entertaining writer. My sister went to one of his shows and said he was hilarious.

[symbiote28]

hey all .. i know the twilight movie wall cheesy and all but what about the books? should i go read them?

[josepablo32]

I just finished reading Pedro Paramo from Juan Rulfo and starting La Tregua of Mario Benedetti. Last week I also read Orhan Pamuk's The Silent House.

Pedro Paramo is fantastic, such a beautiful novel. I read it in one day so it was very interesting, though I have to read it two or three more times to get deeper into it.

[josepablo32]

hey all .. i know the twilight movie wall cheesy and all but what about the books? should i go read them?
I only liked Twilight. New Moon is boring. Eclipse is entertaining and the last one is shit.

[josepablo32]

Has anyone read any Umberto Eco? I'm looking for some good historical-ish thrillers ala The Historian and was wondering how his stuff reads.

I really just need a page turner, something compelling. Eco probably isn't it, but it seems like it could be interesting. Insight anyone?
I haven't read it but I saw the movie "The Name of the Rose". It's pretty good, I've been searching for the book but can't find it. I think it will blow my mind. I loved all the Jorge Luis Borges' references.

[josepablo32]

Anyone who's read 2666 can you tell me how many books it is? I can't figure it out. And I'm too lazy to.
Haha loved your avatar. I thought there was an ant on my screen.

[symbiote28]

I only liked Twilight. New Moon is boring. Eclipse is entertaining and the last one is shit.

thanks for the insight.

[ArmedROBery]

Started Hemingway's "Sun Also Rises" today. Will probably finish it today.

I started this the other day as well. Love it so far - close to finished. How do you like it?

[funtasticrich]

want to read some hemingway. there are loads of authors whos work i should have read but just haven't! been reading DV Rebel: How to make killer action movies on the cheap and its brilliant

[TachyonEvan]

I started this the other day as well. Love it so far - close to finished. How do you like it?

I haven't finished it yet, but I dig it. He's got such a great writing style.

[The Personist]

Just got Nausea by Sartre. I'm gonna start it after I finish Camus' The Plague.

[TachyonEvan]

Sartre is great.

[The Personist]

Actually, he's shallow. His essays are boring and he really doesn't say anything interesting that I didn't get from Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, or Camus. Also, comparing Sartre's plays to Camus' prose has me thinking Camus is the superior writer in general. Hopefully Nausea will prove me wrong.

He gets mad props for not accepting the Nobel Prize, though.

[dakota0135]

I just finished The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Has anybody else read it? Any thoughts/opinions on the ending?

[TachyonEvan]

Camus is definitely the better writer, but I really like Sartre's way of putting things.

Nietzsche is my favorite, though.

[The Personist]

Camus is definitely the better writer, but I really like Sartre's way of putting things.

Nietzsche is my favorite, though.

So you've read Nietzsche but not Kierkegaard?

Interesting.

[TachyonEvan]

So you've read Nietzsche but not Kierkegaard?

Interesting.

Only Thus Spoke Zarathustra and Beyond Good and Evil, though I own more than that.

I don't know what it was, but the Kierkegaard I tried to read just really rubbed me the wrong way, and I didn't understand it too much, and wasn't a fan of the style.

[The Personist]

Only Thus Spoke Zarathustra and Beyond Good and Evil, though I own more than that.

I don't know what it was, but the Kierkegaard I tried to read just really rubbed me the wrong way, and I didn't understand it too much, and wasn't a fan of the style.

Either/Or & Fear And Trembling are the essential Kierkegaard books.

[TachyonEvan]

Either/Or & Fear And Trembling are the essential Kierkegaard books.

Is Fear and Trembling the one about Issac?

[The Personist]

Is Fear and Trembling the one about Issac?

Yeah.

[TachyonEvan]

Yeah.

That's the one I tried to read that beat me up.

[The Personist]

That's the one I tried to read that beat me up.

It's brilliant. I gotta reread it sometime.

Off to work!

[TachyonEvan]

It's brilliant. I gotta reread it sometime.

Off to work!

We'll talk about why I can't handle Kierkeggerguard tonight.

[The Personist]

We'll talk about why I can't handle Kierkeggerguard tonight.

Kierkegaard*

[AlternateToLife]

So my friend's boyfriend can read italian so for his birthday she wanted to buy him italian poetry. She bought him Dante's Inferno.


Thought this thread might appreciate that. And on another note has anyone here read The Crucible? I have to read it for school and it's the only one on my list I haven't heard of. Wondering if it's any good.

[NickLopez]

So my friend's boyfriend can read italian so for his birthday she wanted to buy him italian poetry. She bought him Dante's Inferno.


Thought this thread might appreciate that. And on another note has anyone here read The Crucible? I have to read it for school and it's the only one on my list I haven't heard of. Wondering if it's any good.
I think you'll find it at least enjoyable. The story is pretty engaging, and it's a play, so it's quick. I had to read this in 10th grade. I dunno, I definitely liked it, especially when putting it in context historically.

[AlternateToLife]

I think you'll find it at least enjoyable. The story is pretty engaging, and it's a play, so it's quick. I had to read this in 10th grade. I dunno, I definitely liked it, especially when putting it in context historically.

Alright great. I was a little nervous when reading the synopsis. I don't know how interested I am in witchcraft and my experience with books assigned for school is that the shorter the book is, the more painful it is to get through.

[The Personist]

Alright great. I was a little nervous when reading the synopsis. I don't know how interested I am in witchcraft and my experience with books assigned for school is that the shorter the book is, the more painful it is to get through.

Oh man, The Crucible is excellent.

[AlternateToLife]

Oh good I feel good now. I hate being forced to read shitty books.

[symbiote28]

I only liked Twilight. New Moon is boring. Eclipse is entertaining and the last one is shit.

i'm finishing Twilight soon and having seen the movie first, the book is definitely much better and detailed (of course) ..

[NickLopez]

Alright great. I was a little nervous when reading the synopsis. I don't know how interested I am in witchcraft and my experience with books assigned for school is that the shorter the book is, the more painful it is to get through.
No, no, it's definitely manageable. If the witchcraft turns you off just remember that it's all a metpahor for the blacklisting of the entertainment industry during the Red Scare in the 1950s.

[AlternateToLife]

No, no, it's definitely manageable. If the witchcraft turns you off just remember that it's all a metpahor for the blacklisting of the entertainment industry during the Red Scare in the 1950s.

Ooo I can handle that.

[TachyonEvan]

Kierkegaard*

I know. I just can't spell it.

[lindZ629]

Just finished What Is The What. I'm kind of ashamed that it took me so long. I need to get back on a regular reading schedule. Anyway, I didn't realize Egger's new one, Zeitoun, comes out so soon (the 15th).
Doing A Thousand Splendid Suns next, it shouldn't take too long, and then it's time to get some more books. Zeitoun is a possibility, but I'd rather wait for some reviews before I shell out the price of a hardcover book. Definitely want to get Downtown Owl, Price & Prejudice, maybe American Gods, Infinite Jest if I'm feeling daring, possibily a Bukowski. We'll see.

[Blakebear]

Just finished What Is The What. I'm kind of ashamed that it took me so long. I need to get back on a regular reading schedule. Anyway, I didn't realize Egger's new one, Zeitoun, comes out so soon (the 15th).
Doing A Thousand Splendid Suns next, it shouldn't take too long, and then it's time to get some more books. Zeitoun is a possibility, but I'd rather wait for some reviews before I shell out the price of a hardcover book. Definitely want to get Downtown Owl, Price & Prejudice, maybe American Gods, Infinite Jest if I'm feeling daring, possibily a Bukowski. We'll see.

Did not know Eggers had a new one coming out.

Stoked.

[mymusicismylife]

I'm currently reading Michael Chricton's Self Disclosure. I'm so sad he passed away, he's my favorite author.

[bouttogetfancy]

I need some recommendations of things to read this summer, anyone?

[Thomas Balkcom]

If I was able to go back and start with one particular Kierkegaard book, I would definitely choose Fear and Trembling

[Shattered Glass]

I'm in the middle of Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs. I love it.

Does anybody know of Klosterman's other books? Are they any good?

[lindZ629]

I'm in the middle of Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs. I love it.

Does anybody know of Klosterman's other books? Are they any good?
IV is pretty much the same as Sex, Drugs, except the last section is fiction...still great, as is Killing Yourself to Live which takes Klosterman on a journey to all of the places where famous rock musicians have died. I haven't read Fargo Rock City yet, but I think it's focused on hair metal, or Downtown Owl which is his first complete work of fiction. I think I've gathered that it's good until the end where it kind of falls apart.

[Mitch]

Haha, some of the characters in the book I'm currently reading are ridiculous/awesome. I like the book because it's mostly serious, but then will have random lighthearted moments (usually through the characters).

Though Mrs. Gamely was by all measures prescientific and illiterate, she did know words. Where she got them was anyone's guess, but she certainly had them. Virginia speculated that the people on the north side of the lake, steeped in variations of English both tender and precise, had made with their language a tool with which to garden a perfect landscape. Those who are isolated in small settlements may not know of the complexities common to great cities, but their hearts are rich, and so words are generated and retained. Mrs. Gamely's vocabulary was enormous. She knew words no one had ever heard of, and she used words every day that had been mainly dead or sleeping for hundreds of years. Virginia checked them in the Oxford dictionary, and found that (almost without exception) Mrs. Gamely's usage was flawlessly accurate. For instance, she spoke of certain kinds of dogs as Leviners. She called the areas near Quebec march-lands. She referred to diclesiums, linipoops, rapparees, dagswains, bronstrops, caroteels, opuntias, and soughs. She might describe something as patibulary, fremescent, pharisaic, Roxburghe, or glockamoid, and words like mormal, jeropigia, endosmic, mage, palmerin, thos, vituline, Turonian, galingale, comprodor, nox, gaskin, secotine, ogdoad, and pintulary fled from her lips in Pierian saltarellos. Their dictionary looked like a sow's ear, because Virginia spent inordinate proportions of her days racing through it, though when Mrs. Gamely was angry a staff of ten could not have kept pace with her, and half a dozen linguaphologists would have collapsed from hypercardia.

[Blakebear]

So has anyone read the appendices in House of Leaves. I just finished the Navidson Record ( first 500 pages or so/ the narrative) and I'm probably going to skip them/ maybe browse them at the most. Will I be missing out?

[Oddpac87]

So has anyone read the appendices in House of Leaves. I just finished the Navidson Record ( first 500 pages or so/ the narrative) and I'm probably going to skip them/ maybe browse them at the most. Will I be missing out?
I skimmed most of the footnotes and appendices. I don't think you really miss anything.

[My Broken Fever]

I just finished a reread of Grapes of Wrath, and not very surprisingly it's still damn good.

[LouderThanBombs]

Born Standing Up by Steve Martin.

[Wait_For_It]

I'm going to be in the car quite a bit this weekend so I decided to reread Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.