The Book Thread (Official Thread)

[whoaisame]

Picked up Flashforward and American Gods today. Reading Flashforward first so I'm done before the show starts, and American Gods is now at the top of my extremely long to-read list.

Just finished Flash Forward, I really liked it.

[B00sh]

i like brian keene a lot!

[Animalhill]

Does anyone have Jim Harrison recommendations? His poetry on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations last week got to me.
If you dig poetry, let me recommend to you, "A Season in Hell and Other Illuminations" by Arthur Rimbaud. Get the Wyatt Mason translation. Brilliance.

[Colorblind!]

Anybody read Bright Shiny Morning?
I just started reading and it has sucked me in like I can't remember.

[doyouhas?]

Just finished Penguin Island by Anatole France. This might be the most boring book I've ever read. It's a satire on the history of France, but it really is set up like a history book, which doesn't make for an exciting read. Not sure how this guy pulled out a Nobel Prize. Now on to Hemingway short stories until my books from Amazon arrive.

[Oddpac87]

Thought some people would enjoy this, I know I did:

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/fiction_rule_of_thumb.png

[smogs]

I just finished Between the Bridge and the River by Craig Ferguson. Yes, the same Craig Ferguson who hosts Late Late Night.

It was a really good book. In between all the jokes (lots of which are subtle, just in that Craig Ferguson style) and kind of offensive remarks (but not in a bad way), Ferguson actually weaves a really interesting story. The novel follows 3 different story lines and slowly brings them together. I highly recommend it.

Now I'm going to either start Don Quixote or Everything is Illuminated. Or finish A Clockwork Orange or Lolita. Haha

[smogs]

Anybody read Bright Shiny Morning?
I just started reading and it has sucked me in like I can't remember.

I keep seeing this at the store and keep wanting to buy it but just haven't yet. I'm excited to read it though and I'm glad to hear it's sucked you in...say all you want about James Frey, but he sure can tell a story.

[Colorblind!]

I keep seeing this at the store and keep wanting to buy it but just haven't yet. I'm excited to read it though and I'm glad to hear it's sucked you in...say all you want about James Frey, but he sure can tell a story.

I know nothing about James Frey, but this is probably quickly becoming the best book I've ever read.

[anamericangod]

I just finished reading American Gods and it was awesome!

Next I'm reading Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut.

Another satisfied customer.
i've just started american gods this morning. mainly because it gets bigged up on this site all the time. about 70 pages so far
It's worth every bit of the "hype" and then some. All that's happened in the 70 pages you've read is the tip of the iceberg.
About 100 pages into American Gods. I like it, and surprisingly I can follow it/understand it so far.
Things are about to get really really interesting.
Picked up Flashforward and American Gods today. Reading Flashforward first so I'm done before the show starts, and American Gods is now at the top of my extremely long to-read list.
Read it now.
Anybody read Bright Shiny Morning?
I just started reading and it has sucked me in like I can't remember.
Yes. A Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard are two of my personal favorites. Bright Shiny Morning is different obviously, and it follows several different storylines, but it was a beautiful book in its own right. I'm honestly not sure how it left me feeling. A very interesting mix of emotions.
I keep seeing this at the store and keep wanting to buy it but just haven't yet. I'm excited to read it though and I'm glad to hear it's sucked you in...say all you want about James Frey, but he sure can tell a story.

I'd highly recommend it, especially if you enjoyed his other books. It almost felt like I was reading a nonfiction book because he made the characters and everything just so damn real. Not a "happy" book, by any means, I will say that much.

I know nothing about James Frey, but this is probably quickly becoming the best book I've ever read.

Is it the first book of his that you have read?

[Colorblind!]

Another satisfied customer.
Yes. A Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard are two of my personal favorites. Bright Shiny Morning is different obviously, and it follows several different storylines, but it was a beautiful book in its own right. I'm honestly not sure how it left me feeling. A very interesting mix of emotions.


I'd highly recommend it, especially if you enjoyed his other books. It almost felt like I was reading a nonfiction book because he made the characters and everything just so damn real. Not a "happy" book, by any means, I will say that much.



Is it the first book of his that you have read?

Yessir, I take it I should check out his other two fiction books?
I don't know what to say about it so far, but it's a different experience then I've gotten from any other book before. I feel like I'm getting to know the many people outlined in it. It's a very...involved read I guess?

And tell me about this American Gods book, sir.

Edit: Wiki'd it and I'm intrigued. The fact that he's responsible for Sandman is enough.

[anamericangod]

Yessir, I take it I should check out his other two fiction books?
I don't know what to say about it so far, but it's a different experience then I've gotten from any other book before. I feel like I'm getting to know the many people outlined in it. It's a very...involved read I guess?

And tell me about this American Gods book, sir.

Edit: Wiki'd it and I'm intrigued. The fact that he's responsible for Sandman is enough.

Bright Shiny Morning is different from the "fiction/memoirs" or whatever you wanna classify them as. There's a lot of characters but you get to know them all very well, and it has a raw and gritty feel to it. It just feels real. It's like A Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard, but not. Once you read those you'll know what I mean.

Personally, I take those two over Bright Shiny Morning. The writing is more stream of conscious and informal, which I love, and the stories are amazing. I cried my eyes out at the end of A Million Little Pieces. I would argue it feels more "real" than Bright Shiny Morning, forgetting all the controversy bullshit.

As for telling you about American Gods, it's the hardest book to even give a brief summary for. Simply put, it's the most complex, captivating, and epic book I have ever read and probably will ever read. I've given countless copies to people over the years, so many that I don't even have a copy of my own right now. Obviously it's where I got my username from a long time ago. It's a book that's not just something you read, but become engaged in and you really feel like you're part of some experience. At least that's how I felt when I read it. If you have some appreciation for Sandman, I think this book will blow your mind.

[smogs]

I know nothing about James Frey, but this is probably quickly becoming the best book I've ever read.

Oh, there was a lot of controversy surrounding A Million Little Pieces, that's all.

Another satisfied customer.
I'd highly recommend it, especially if you enjoyed his other books. It almost felt like I was reading a nonfiction book because he made the characters and everything just so damn real. Not a "happy" book, by any means, I will say that much.


Yeah, I loved A Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard. I cry so hard every time I read My Friend Leonard. I'll have to bump Bright Shiny Morning up to the top of my book list then.

[Colorblind!]

Bright Shiny Morning is different from the "fiction/memoirs" or whatever you wanna classify them as. There's a lot of characters but you get to know them all very well, and it has a raw and gritty feel to it. It just feels real. It's like A Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard, but not. Once you read those you'll know what I mean.

Personally, I take those two over Bright Shiny Morning. The writing is more stream of conscious and informal, which I love, and the stories are amazing. I cried my eyes out at the end of A Million Little Pieces. I would argue it feels more "real" than Bright Shiny Morning, forgetting all the controversy bullshit.

As for telling you about American Gods, it's the hardest book to even give a brief summary for. Simply put, it's the most complex, captivating, and epic book I have ever read and probably will ever read. I've given countless copies to people over the years, so many that I don't even have a copy of my own right now. Obviously it's where I got my username from a long time ago. It's a book that's not just something you read, but become engaged in and you really feel like you're part of some experience. At least that's how I felt when I read it. If you have some appreciation for Sandman, I think this book will blow your mind.

I just started reading more in the last couple months, so I think I'm going to get along with you quite well and will appreciate recommendations from you in the future.
With the way Bright Shiny Morning is going, I'm for sure going to read the other two and American Gods. I'll let you know my thoughts on both as soon as I can. I love the diversity of this book though, everything from the rich movie stars to Old Man Joe.

[anamericangod]

I just started reading more in the last couple months, so I think I'm going to get along with you quite well and will appreciate recommendations from you in the future.
With the way Bright Shiny Morning is going, I'm for sure going to read the other two and American Gods. I'll let you know my thoughts on both as soon as I can. I love the diversity of this book though, everything from the rich movie stars to Old Man Joe.

Finish Bright as soon as you can, and then move onto A Million Little Pieces. I'm not sure I've known anyone who's read Bright before AMLP, so I'm interested to hear what you think.

And then yes, American Gods.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

Want to win a free copy of 2666? Follow @picadorusa on Twitter and be the first person to answer the trivia questions going up every 26 minutes after the hour (get it?). I just won!
Good book. Have you read any other Bolano?

[TJ Wells]

Good book. Have you read any other Bolano?
savage detectives

[TJ Wells]

Now reading:

http://ebooks-imgs.connect.com/ebooks/product/400/000/000/000/000/051/901/400000000000000051901_s4.jpg

[whoaisame]

I just bought Shutter Island, cant wait to read it.

[dakota0135]

Hoping I can get through The Picture Of Dorian Grey before the film comes out.

[odizzle_word]

Hoping I can get through The Picture Of Dorian Grey before the film comes out.

Love the book and I want to see the movie badly, but it has no US release date. Sucks.

[smogs]

Now reading:

http://ebooks-imgs.connect.com/ebooks/product/400/000/000/000/000/051/901/400000000000000051901_s4.jpg

I totally judge books by their cover and this one looks awesome. Hows the book?

[dakota0135]

Love the book and I want to see the movie badly, but it has no US release date. Sucks.
I'm only on chapter 3 and I'm enjoying it so much I'm underlining sentences, and reading it slowly as I have to philosophically contemplate a load of stuff. Normally I read really fast.
I would have thought it would come out on 09/09/09 over there too... :/

[TJ Wells]

I totally judge books by their cover and this one looks awesome. Hows the book?
Through 100 pages in less than a day, and I had to work today. REALLY good.

[beamsofthesun]

Love the book and I want to see the movie badly, but it has no US release date. Sucks.
agree, just finished it

[PenThrive]

Finishing up A Pale View of Hills by Kazuo Ishiguro tonight. It is a bit different, but a great read. I would recommend this one.

[smogs]

Through 100 pages in less than a day, and I had to work today. REALLY good.

Awesome! I'll have to check it out then

[3eb23]

I'm looking to pick this up soon:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ueZ0s0x4L._SL500_AA240_.jpg

[funtasticrich]

finished american gods this morning. not sure what to think. parts were good, parts were brilliant, others not so good.

felt the ending and the "battle" were a let down.

overall interesting read. give it a 3.5/5

next: the princess bride

[coryatlarge]

I'm looking to pick this up soon:

let me know how this is yeah? i know fluorides not good for you but i havent ever read up on it.

[3eb23]

let me know how this is yeah? i know fluorides not good for you but i havent ever read up on it.

you got it man no prob

[lindZ629]

Has anyone read The Gone Away World by Nick Harkaway? It caught my attention in the bookstore, but I wanted to look it up first and see if you guys know about it.

[zion the lion]

I've been trying to read The Brothers Karamoazov for close to a month now, and I keep stopping at a certain spot, like I've hit a mind block. Someone please tell me that happens to them with other books.

[itsmesean0630]

Right now I'm reading A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by Joyce and it's getting pretty complex right about now. I enjoy it, but sometimes I find it a struggle to read. Anyone else ever read it?

[dakota0135]

Currently on Interview With The Vampire, but not really liking it.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

Right now I'm reading A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by Joyce and it's getting pretty complex right about now. I enjoy it, but sometimes I find it a struggle to read. Anyone else ever read it?
Yeah I've read everything by Joyce. Top five greatest writers who ever lived. Arguably the smartest.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Yeah I've read everything by Joyce. Top five greatest writers who ever lived. Arguably the smartest.

other four?

[Stephen Chamberlain]

Only other two I'm sure of offhand are

Shakespeare
Beckett

[Animalhill]

Only other two I'm sure of offhand are

Shakespeare
Beckett
also:
Steinbeck
Dostoevsky
Proust

[itsmesean0630]

Yeah I've read everything by Joyce. Top five greatest writers who ever lived. Arguably the smartest.

Definitely smart. The way the language changes throughout the novel is amazing. I wanna read "Dubliners" but it'll have to be after this semester.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

Proust I'm crazy about, but I think putting three modernists on a list of the best writers ever is a bit much. Steinbeck...doesn't really do it for me a whole lot. And Dostoyevsky I've only read a bit of.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

Definitely smart. The way the language changes throughout the novel is amazing. I wanna read "Dubliners" but it'll have to be after this semester.
Dubliners is a piece of cake compared to Portrait. Still brilliant, though. Especially Araby and The Dead.

[Animalhill]

Proust I'm crazy about, but I think putting three modernists on a list of the best writers ever is a bit much. Steinbeck...doesn't really do it for me a whole lot. And Dostoyevsky I've only read a bit of.
Glad to meet someone else that appreciates Proust.
Now, to address your comment:
A) Have you read 'East of Eden' by Steinbeck? I think everything else he's ever written (with the exception of Grapes of Wrath) is mediocre- but East of Eden is a fucking goldmine man.
B) Read this translation of "The Brothers Karamazov" and you may consider adding him to the list. Its amazing: http://www.amazon.com/Brothers-Karamazov-Fyodor-Dostoevsky/dp/0374528373/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252609258&sr=8-2

[itsmesean0630]

Dubliners is a piece of cake compared to Portrait. Still brilliant, though. Especially Araby and The Dead.

I'm looking for something easier after Portrait! I'm reading it far this Irish lit class I'm in. I think this will be the hardest we read. Which is why I think he's making us read it first.

[dakota0135]

Going to start Ender's Game in a bit.

[Robototron]

Going to start Ender's Game in a bit.

You better prepare to start something else as well, because that book shouldn't take you more than a few hours to complete.

Currently taking a class in Dante's Divine Comedy so, that, slowly making my way through Proust's Swann's Way still, and reading The Lord of the Rings for the umpteenth time (getting towards the end of the Fellowship right now). Also kind of reading Rorem's The Paris Diary & the New York Diary, but I'm constantly re-reading that.

Just finished up Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart for another class, and about to start Camilla che odiava la politica by Luigi Garlando and an Italian translation of The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland (or, Le avventure di Alice nel Paese delle Meraviglie).

I'm also going to borrow an Italo Calvino's The Nonexistent Knight (in English) from one of my roommates. It's about a knight that doesn't actually exist, except as a suit of armor. Also apparently a nun is making the story up as she goes along or something like that. Anyway, it sounds like crazy fun.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

Calvino's great. I've read the one you mentioned, Cosmicomics, If Upon a Winter's Night a Traveler, and Invisible Cities.

[Robototron]

Yeah, someone left the Italian version of If on a Winter's Night a Traveler in our living room, so I might try to get through it when I have a better grasp on the language.

[dakota0135]

Just finished Ender's Game, it was really good but I didn't much like the ending.
Currently on Nineteen Eighty-Four.

[Colorblind!]

I just picked up:
1984
Hey Nostradamus!
American Gods
The Lie

I'm excited to read them.

[BrennanHickson]

I just finished 1984, and am moving on to Mein Kampf.

[TheBaroness]

Yeah I've read everything by Joyce. Top five greatest writers who ever lived. Arguably the smartest.

I've read everything except Portrait..., funnily enough.
Agreed with you x1000

Definitely smart. The way the language changes throughout the novel is amazing. I wanna read "Dubliners" but it'll have to be after this semester.

Dubliners is an excellent read. 'The Dead' is my all-time favorite short story.

[TheBaroness]

I'm looking for something easier after Portrait! I'm reading it far this Irish lit class I'm in. I think this will be the hardest we read. Which is why I think he's making us read it first.

also, I'm jealous of you for getting to take an Irish Lit class. I adore Irish Literature, but unfortunately my school (and their underfunded English department) had nothing of the sort on offer.

[chokemeout]

I just finished 1984, and am moving on to Mein Kampf.

I'm 152 pages into this and it is actually rather good.

[Wake Up]

reading less than zero, by bret easton ellis

[12:46AM]

Reading Infinite Jest right now. 300ish pages in and it's taking forever. Loving it so far though.

[TheBaroness]

finished Of Human Bondage. It's brilliant and an absolute must-read, especially if you've ever ruined your life over being in love with someone who doesn't love you back.

[lindZ629]

Some potentially great books coming out in the next couple of weeks.
Audrey Niffenegger - Her Fearful Symmetry
Dave Eggers - The Wild Things
Chuck Klosterman - Eating the Dinosaur
Nick Hornby - Juliet, Naked

[MarshmallowHobo]

I just got finished reading 'The Gargoyle' by Andrew Davidson. Amazing book.
Also, wanted to share this website - www.bookarmy.com It's great for finding what to read next, and to discuss what you've read. I'm MarshmallowHobo there too.

[dakota0135]

Some potentially great books coming out in the next couple of weeks.
Dave Eggers - The Wild Things
I am really excited for this - but I doubt I'll be able to get it for a few weeks after it comes out.

Just finished 1984, didn't really enjoy it in all honesty as I had issues with Winston...
Currently finishing Dracula for my English Lit class.

[IWasHerHorse]

reading less than zero, by bret easton ellis

Is it about cocaine and homosexuality in 80s nightclubs?

[Wake Up]

Is it about cocaine and homosexuality in 80s nightclubs?

cocaine. not so much about nightclubs or homosexuality. more about human excess and the fact that nearly every character in the novel is so empty and dead.

not a perfect novel by any means, just trying to work backwards in his collection of novels. this novel being his first, published when he was only 19.

[IWasHerHorse]

cocaine. not so much about nightclubs or homosexuality. more about human excess and the fact that nearly every character in the novel is so empty and dead.

not a perfect novel by any means, just trying to work backwards in his collection of novels. this novel being his first, published when he was only 19.

I've only read bits and pieces of what he's written and it all seems to be really similar in style and content. To hear otherwise is good. Which title of his would you say is his magnum opus?

[chokemeout]

I've only read bits and pieces of what he's written and it all seems to be really similar in style and content. To hear otherwise is good. Which title of his would you say is his magnum opus?

American Psycho.

[Thomas Balkcom]

picked up Philosophy and Neo-Noir and knocked it out in one night, fantastic read

[LaviniaLudlow]

Anybody read Tony O'Neill?

His stuff's pretty cool.

Sorry if that was already covered somewhere in the other 286 pages of thread...

[dakota0135]

Finished Dracula, just started Brave New World.

[reductiondesign]

I've only read bits and pieces of what he's written and it all seems to be really similar in style and content. To hear otherwise is good. Which title of his would you say is his magnum opus?

American Psycho, which is one of the most well-written books I've ever read.

[diehtc0ke]

Currently reading The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami. So far very good.

[lindZ629]

Going to start Fargo Rock City later. Hopefully I can understand all the references, I'm not a huge fan of hair metal bands.

[jusscali]

Just finished Chris Moore's Lamb and although too long, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thinking about picking up some of his other titles, so any recs are welcome.

Also went through Craig Thompson's Goodbye Chunky Rice and it was a nice quaint little story. Still trying my best to break into the graphic novel world, but looking for more titles along the lines of Blankets and more literary based and less comic based graphic novels.

Thinking of starting Bukowski's Post Office and World War Z...not sure how well WWZ will go because that type of stuff generally isn't my cup of tea, but we will see

[takingbackrufio]

Reading Infinite Jest right now. 300ish pages in and it's taking forever. Loving it so far though.
Stick it out -- there's no turning back now. It's well worth it.

I'm reading Midnight's Children right now, which absolutely lives up to the hype.

[DownSouthPrep]

Someone recommend me some books - I need something to break up all this work/school related books I have to read. Last books I have read were from Chuck P, the author of Fight Club.

[chokemeout]

Someone recommend me some books - I need something to break up all this work/school related books I have to read. Last books I have read were from Chuck P, the author of Fight Club.

Persepolis - Marjane Satrapi
And God Created Zombies - Andrew Hook
Jitterbug Perfume - Tom Robbins

anything by Bukowski

[doyouhas?]

I hate this thread.

[TheZeroKid]

I'm nearly done with 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. I'm trying to find a good copy of The Mysterious Island (the "sequel" to Leagues). I think I might re-read Akira before long.

[takingbackrufio]

Salman Rushdie is coming to do a speech in Winnipeg! Yesss.

[Bishop]

Just finished Chris Moore's Lamb and although too long, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thinking about picking up some of his other titles, so any recs are welcome.

Also went through Craig Thompson's Goodbye Chunky Rice and it was a nice quaint little story. Still trying my best to break into the graphic novel world, but looking for more titles along the lines of Blankets and more literary based and less comic based graphic novels.

Thinking of starting Bukowski's Post Office and World War Z...not sure how well WWZ will go because that type of stuff generally isn't my cup of tea, but we will see

I loved Lamb. I've also read The Stupidest Angel and Fluke. Fluke was better but The Stupidest Angel was actually pretty funny especially since Raziel was in that book as well.

[dakota0135]

Finished Brave New World - it was incredible. I loved the compass points at the end, even though the end was really sad. Just made it really stick wit me...

Currently reading The Vampire Lestat. I was gonna read Queen of the Damned afterwards, but I don't think I will since I'm bored of this whole Anne Rice thing. Interview with the Vampire was okay, but I don't like this book as much.

[funtasticrich]

it was my birthday yesterday and two of my friends brought me the complete bibliography of michael freakin' crichton! i know what i'm going to be reading for the rest of the year

[MattRM]

Just finished Chris Moore's Lamb and although too long, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thinking about picking up some of his other titles, so any recs are welcome.
I really enjoyed "Fluke".

[chassmariee]

Going to start Fargo Rock City later. Hopefully I can understand all the references, I'm not a huge fan of hair metal bands.
I'm reading Downtown Owl by Chuck Klosterman right now. I'm not really into it, it's slow. I read Sex, Drugs, and CocoPuffs and it was alright. I'm afraid to start another Chuck book encase it's lame. Have you started it yet?

[lindZ629]

I'm reading Downtown Owl by Chuck Klosterman right now. I'm not really into it, it's slow. I read Sex, Drugs, and CocoPuffs and it was alright. I'm afraid to start another Chuck book encase it's lame. Have you started it yet?
If you didn't really enjoy Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs, then there's really no point reading IV or Fargo Rock City. Well you can read Fargo if you're interested in heavy metal, otherwise you probably won't enjoy it. Killing Yourself to Live is great, but it's still laden with pop culture references, so again, maybe it's not for you. I've liked all of his books, but that's mainly because I enjoy reading about pop culture, it's a nice break from actual fiction novels, and for the most part I agree with his opinions.

[chassmariee]

If you didn't really enjoy Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs, then there's really no point reading IV or Fargo Rock City. Well you can read Fargo if you're interested in heavy metal, otherwise you probably won't enjoy it. Killing Yourself to Live is great, but it's still laden with pop culture references, so again, maybe it's not for you. I've liked all of his books, but that's mainly because I enjoy reading about pop culture, it's a nice break from actual fiction novels, and for the most part I agree with his opinions.
I like and agree with most of his opinions also, I'm not saying I didn't like Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs. I really want to read Killing Youself to Live. I just don't like Downtown Owl, it's not like his usual books because it is an actual fiction novel. A slow storyline one at that. Have you read it?

[Losthope182]

Started reading The Sun Also Rises last night, only about 50 pages in but pretty good so far.

[lindZ629]

I like and agree with most of his opinions also, I'm not saying I didn't like Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs. I really want to read Killing Youself to Live. I just don't like Downtown Owl, it's not like his usual books because it is an actual fiction novel. A slow storyline one at that. Have you read it?
I've read it, and I didn't think it was that bad. Yeah, parts were a little slow, but it's his first attempt at fiction and a stretch from what he normally does, but I think from that book it shows he has potential as a fiction writer.

[slickwataris]

50% off Borders coupon
(http://f.chtah.com/i/9/276579820/version3_cude_13.jpg)
I picked up Andrew Zimmern's new book The Bizarre Truth.

[ThatColdPart]

Just finished 1984, and picked up The Great Gatsby. What should I expect?

[TJ Wells]

Just finished 1984, and picked up The Great Gatsby. What should I expect?
Well, it was the best book I read in high school if that's any help.

[TJ Wells]

Currently reading:

http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/13780000/13787363.JPG

Big order coming from Amazon (hopefully) on Tuesday. Looking for suggestions on which to read first, as I will have A Room with a View finished by then:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YhrLAYLQ8So/SQsmPUSkfeI/AAAAAAAAGkE/63lGS3CNPYA/s200/2666.jpg

http://img.listal.com/image/productsus/200/1439165394/books/-her-fearful-symmetry-novel-audrey-niffenegger.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g7iAx_W193k/SqhuqbuDhyI/AAAAAAAAAIA/FyPOgFYx52w/s400/The+Greatest+Show+On+Earth.jpg

[ThatColdPart]

Well, it was the best book I read in high school if that's any help.

Thanks then.

[takingbackrufio]

You can't go wrong with Gatsby. Let yourself go to the language. It's just beautiful.

[The Personist]

Rereading The Picture of Dorian Gray. AMAZING.

[anamericangod]

Getting my copies of The Virgin Suicides and Middlesex signed by Jeffrey Eugenides next week. Should be cool.

[The Personist]

Eugenides rules. Haven' read either of those, but his short stories are awesome.

[anamericangod]

Eugenides rules. Haven' read either of those, but his short stories are awesome.

The Virgin Suicides is beautiful in both book and film format, and Middlesex was good but I didn't enjoy it as much as The Virgin Suicides. He is doing a thing at my sister's school so she told me to mail her my books and she'll get them signed. Wish I could actually attend to hear what he has to say. The Virgin Suicides is probably in my top 3 all time favorite movies.

[The Personist]

The Virgin Suicides is beautiful in both book and film format, and Middlesex was good but I didn't enjoy it as much as The Virgin Suicides. He is doing a thing at my sister's school so she told me to mail her my books and she'll get them signed. Wish I could actually attend to hear what he has to say. The Virgin Suicides is probably in my top 3 all time favorite movies.
I should see it, haha. I have a copy of Virgin Suicides sitting in my room at home, so I'll probably read it over winter break.

[anamericangod]

I should see it, haha. I have a copy of Virgin Suicides sitting in my room at home, so I'll probably read it over winter break.

Read the book before the movie. It's not one of the cases where the book is hands down better than the film, but there are some differences, and it will help you understand the movie more.

[chassmariee]

I've read it, and I didn't think it was that bad. Yeah, parts were a little slow, but it's his first attempt at fiction and a stretch from what he normally does, but I think from that book it shows he has potential as a fiction writer.
I'm going to stick it out and finish it. I'm still pretty early into the book.

[dakota0135]

Just finished 1984, and picked up The Great Gatsby. What should I expect?
I read Gatsby for English Lit and loved it, but the rest of my class hated it...

[Tautou107]

Short-story rather than book, but I just read Faulkner's "Barn Burning" a little while ago today. I enjoyed it.

[TheBaroness]

Reading Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon.

[Zeran]

Reading Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon.

how is it? i need to start it. pynchon is my favorite author.

[sateendreem]

Getting my copies of The Virgin Suicides and Middlesex signed by Jeffrey Eugenides next week. Should be cool.

I'm going to see Neil Gaiman here (Toledo Ohio) for an hour long lecture and question and answer period. Got any burning questions for one of your favorite authors? October 5th is going to be the best day ever. I hate Mondays, but this might be the best MONDAY ever!!!

[anamericangod]

I'm going to see Neil Gaiman here (Toledo Ohio) for an hour long lecture and question and answer period. Got any burning questions for one of your favorite authors? October 5th is going to be the best day ever. I hate Mondays, but this might be the best MONDAY ever!!!

You could ask if any progress has been made in regards to the film/mini series adaptation, and if there is going to be a legitimate sequel written. That'd be much appreciated.

[sateendreem]

You could ask if any progress has been made in regards to the film/mini series adaptation, and if there is going to be a legitimate sequel written. That'd be much appreciated.

No problem I will do as you ask. I'm not sure I'll ask in exactly that way, but I'll do my best.

[irthesteve]

I am in a reading funk, I want something good to read. Favorite book is East of Eden, but I just read House of Leaves and it was crazy cool. Kinda looking for something really good, but maybe a bit trippy, awkward, weird, or quirky. Nothing historical, any ideas?

[Mitch]

I am in a reading funk, I want something good to read. Favorite book is East of Eden, but I just read House of Leaves and it was crazy cool. Kinda looking for something really good, but maybe a bit trippy, awkward, weird, or quirky. Nothing historical, any ideas?


the wind-up bird chronicle

[irthesteve]

the wind-up bird chronicle

the who what huh? What's a quick synopsis?

[screamoutmyname]

Bret Easton Ellis' Glamorama is so much better than I'd expected. It's taking me awhile to get through it, between work and class and stuff but it's really great. I'd definitely recommend it to anybody who likes other stuff by Ellis, or 80s/90s culture.

[whoaisame]

Just finished The Time Traveler's Wife, really enjoyed it. I might go with 1984 next. Possibly American Gods. Any recs?

[screamoutmyname]

1984 was a bit slow in the beginning, but really picks up. Definitely worth reading

[bobbo8]

Been in a pretty shitty funk for about a month now (post break-up nonsense) looking for something happy/inspirational, any recs?

[anamericangod]

Been in a pretty shitty funk for about a month now (post break-up nonsense) looking for something happy/inspirational, any recs?

The Book of Joe by Jonathan Tropper.

[Mitch]

the who what huh? What's a quick synopsis?

http://www.amazon.com/Wind-Up-Bird-Chronicle-Novel/dp/0679775439

"The novel is about a low-key unemployed man, Toru Okada, whose cat runs away. A chain of events follow that prove that his seemingly mundane boring life is much more complicated than it appears."

It's so fucking good, probably one of my favorite books ever.

[I am Mick]

I am in a reading funk, I want something good to read. Favorite book is East of Eden, but I just read House of Leaves and it was crazy cool. Kinda looking for something really good, but maybe a bit trippy, awkward, weird, or quirky. Nothing historical, any ideas?

The Raw shark Texts. A man wakes up with no memories, starts getting letters from himself and involves a mind eating conceptual shark. I'm awful at explaining shit but it's probably my favorite book.

[irthesteve]

http://www.amazon.com/Wind-Up-Bird-Chronicle-Novel/dp/0679775439

"The novel is about a low-key unemployed man, Toru Okada, whose cat runs away. A chain of events follow that prove that his seemingly mundane boring life is much more complicated than it appears."

It's so fucking good, probably one of my favorite books ever.

The Raw shark Texts. A man wakes up with no memories, starts getting letters from himself and involves a mind eating conceptual shark. I'm awful at explaining shit but it's probably my favorite book.

both of these sound amazing, most definitely going on he top of my short list

[irthesteve]

Has anyone read Danielewski's "Only Revolutions"? I am very intrigued by it

[TheBaroness]

how is it? i need to start it. pynchon is my favorite author.

well, don't go expecting Gravity's Rainbow. It's basically 'Pynchon-lite': very readable, fast-paced, fun and entertaining. It's a very enjoyable book, but lacks the meat (and craziness) of his more notable works. I think I read one critic call it 'a Pynchon novel for reading on the beach', and that's a pretty accurate description (as it happens, I did read it on the beach).

[TheBaroness]

Has anyone read Danielewski's "Only Revolutions"? I am very intrigued by it

I tried and gave up after about twenty pages. Having to continually turn the book around was just annoying. His stylistic excesses worked in House of Leaves, but he pushed them an inch too far on this book IMO.

[irthesteve]

I tried and gave up after about twenty pages. Having to continually turn the book around was just annoying. His stylistic excesses worked in House of Leaves, but he pushed them an inch too far on this book IMO.
I just Amazon-used this book, and the two recs above me for $20 total, i'd say it's a pretty good deal

[irthesteve]

I know it's probably frowned upon and despised, but I am reading The Lost Symbol right now and loving it, haha

[Oddpac87]

I tried and gave up after about twenty pages. Having to continually turn the book around was just annoying. His stylistic excesses worked in House of Leaves, but he pushed them an inch too far on this book IMO.
I did the same thing, and feel exactly the same way.

[dakota0135]

Heard the praise of American Gods a lot in here, so I started it today. I'm only a couple of chapters in, and it is good, but I'm slightly disconcerted that I think some chick just 'ate' a guy.

[lindZ629]

Started Pride & Prejudice yesterday. I've never read it, so I figured I should.

[bobbo8]

Been in a pretty shitty funk for about a month now (post break-up nonsense) looking for something happy/inspirational, any recs?

The Book of Joe by Jonathan Tropper.

Thanks... Anyone have anything else?

[chokemeout]

Thanks... Anyone have anything else?

And God Created Zombies - Andrew Hook

[anamericangod]

Heard the praise of American Gods a lot in here, so I started it today. I'm only a couple of chapters in, and it is good, but I'm slightly disconcerted that I think some chick just 'ate' a guy.

That's one way to put it.

[dakota0135]

That's one way to put it.
I was trying to think of a non-crude way to say it...

[whoaisame]

Picked up 1984 today, looking forward to it.

[TheBaroness]

Reading The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson.

[dakota0135]

Picked up 1984 today, looking forward to it.
I was quite disappointed by it, but I think that's just me. Everyone else I know who's read it loved it.

[nerd_drummer]

Finished The Stand over the weekend. Started East Of Eden.

[HogarthHughes]

I'm finally going to start What Is The What? by Dave Eggers. I've had the book for some time, and have attempted reading it 2 or 3 times but I always get sidetracked. I'm sticking with it this time though.

[sateendreem]

You could ask if any progress has been made in regards to the film/mini series adaptation, and if there is going to be a legitimate sequel written. That'd be much appreciated.

A quote about An American Gods Sequel, "Well... Yes I plan on writing an American Gods sequel... Unless I get hit by a bus. The problem is that if I have two ideas and one is a sequel and one is a story that no one has heard of then I usually go with the one that no one has heard of." Then he procedded to tell us about two ideas that no one has heard of. Then he said there are two stories in which are sequels for American Gods and some short stories. He does plan on it some day. YAY. And I didn't get to ask about the American Gods film/mini series adaption, sorry. But the first part is good news.

[anamericangod]

A quote about An American Gods Sequel, "Well... Yes I plan on writing an American Gods sequel... Unless I get hit by a bus. The problem is that if I have two ideas and one is a sequel and one is a story that no one has heard of then I usually go with the one that no one has heard of." Then he procedded to tell us about two ideas that no one has heard of. Then he said there are two stories in which are sequels for American Gods and some short stories. He does plan on it some day. YAY. And I didn't get to ask about the American Gods film/mini series adaption, sorry. But the first part is good news.

That's really great to hear. Thank you for asking.

[irthesteve]

Just got Only Revolutions in the mail, it's already tripping me out and I haven't even started it

[Losthope182]

I have absolutely no time to read recreationally this semester with all the shit I have to read for class but I recently picked up American Gods, The Great Gatsby, Breakfast of Champions, and Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs. Pretty excited for whenever I get to read them.

[dakota0135]

I finished American Gods today, it was incredible.
I' a little bit confused, possibly because I skim-read, but I swear there was meant to be a lot of fighting and it just never happened... Or did it happen when Easter and Horus went to get Shadow off the tree? Was Czernobog representing Thor? Who was Bielzebog (cannot remember how to spell that)? Which Gods did the Zoyras represent?
I'm probably really stupid for asking all that...

I intend to start Speaker For The Dead by Orson Scott-Card tomorrow, because I really enjoyed Ender's Game.

[chassmariee]

I just finished Bongwater by Richard Sears. A pretty pointless story, but written very well. If you have time to kill I'd pick this up

[sateendreem]

That's really great to hear. Thank you for asking.

Not a problem at all. When I found out I was going to see Neil Gaiman I just had to see if you had any questions for him. I thought of you right away. He was genuine and funny and smart and sweet and a bit frumpy. Perhaps everything you would expect. He was cool!:-d

[TJ Wells]

Just bought all of these thanks to an Amazon gift certificate. What to read first?

http://media.us.macmillan.com/jackets/258H/9780312425074.jpg

http://www.healthynewage.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/pic-defense-food.jpg

http://eliser.lib.sp.edu.sg/elsr_website/Html/images/vacationloan2009jun/InfiniteJest.jpg

http://static.ulike.net/img/01_The_Shock_Doctrine.jpg

http://www.buzzflash.com/store/images/1272_200.jpg

[anamericangod]

Just bought all of these thanks to an Amazon gift certificate. What to read first?

http://www.healthynewage.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/pic-defense-food.jpg



Have you already read The Omnivore's Dilemma? If not, do not read In Defense Of Food until you do so.

And I would suggest reading Infinite Jest first.

[dakota0135]

I've just finished Speaker For The Dead - I wasn't sure if I'd like it, but I actually really enjoyed it. My brother who read it didn't like it because according to him it's a grown-up book... I feel so old.
Think I'll start Fight Club next, I've been meaning to read it for a while.

[Poe-tryGirl]

Someone needs to rec me some books.

[dakota0135]

Someone needs to rec me some books.
American Gods.

[Poe-tryGirl]

American Gods.
Will do. I keep meaning to check that out, but I haven't gone to the library or book store in forever.

[Zeran]

I've just finished Speaker For The Dead - I wasn't sure if I'd like it, but I actually really enjoyed it. My brother who read it didn't like it because according to him it's a grown-up book... I feel so old.
Think I'll start Fight Club next, I've been meaning to read it for a while.

love speaker for the dead.

[lindZ629]

Anyone read Her Fearful Symmetry, The Wild Things, or Juliet, Naked yet? If so, how are they?

[dakota0135]

love speaker for the dead.
Have you read Xenocide, and if so, was it good?

Anyone read Her Fearful Symmetry, The Wild Things, or Juliet, Naked yet? If so, how are they?
I thought The Wild Things wasn't out yet, but that could just be the UK.

[Zeran]

Have you read Xenocide, and if so, was it good?

i did read it and found it to be different than the other ones, and not in a good way. i would recommend reading it, if only to form your own opinion about it.

[stayillogical]

I read The Road last month (finally) and also got around to finishing The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. There was one chapter in that book I had to force myself through (so tedious), but then it became more enjoyable. I hated how annoying the footnotes were during that section so much I put the book down for months. Anyways, I'll be starting In Cold Blood this week once I'm done with my exams. Thoughts?

[geebee889]

One of my favorites is definitely 1984 by George Orwell. Such a good book!

I also love pretty much anything by James Patterson. Really interesting and fairly quick reads.

[TJ Wells]

Have you already read The Omnivore's Dilemma? If not, do not read In Defense Of Food until you do so.

And I would suggest reading Infinite Jest first.
goddamit, for some reason i thought in defense of food was the first one. off to borders...

[MattRM]

Anyone read Her Fearful Symmetry, The Wild Things, or Juliet, Naked yet? If so, how are they?
The Wild Things is great. I'm on my second time through it right now. There are a lot of pretty heavy emotions in it, and the ending took me by surprise a little just because it was so chaotic. But it's definitely a really fun read, and the first hundred pages or so, all the stuff that happens before Max goes to the island, is brilliant.

[anamericangod]

goddamit, for some reason i thought in defense of food was the first one. off to borders...

Haha, nope. It's the follow up he felt that he had to write due to the reaction from Omnivore's Dilemma.

[Thomas Balkcom]

reading The Lovely Bones now and The Fall next

[lindZ629]

The Wild Things is great. I'm on my second time through it right now. There are a lot of pretty heavy emotions in it, and the ending took me by surprise a little just because it was so chaotic. But it's definitely a really fun read, and the first hundred pages or so, all the stuff that happens before Max goes to the island, is brilliant.
That's good to hear. I honestly don't think I've ever read the book, but for some reason I want to read this and see the movie.

[whoaisame]

reading The Lovely Bones now and The Fall next

Hows The Lovely Bones? I wanna read it.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Hows The Lovely Bones? I wanna read it.

I am around 50 pages in and it's really good so far

[dakota0135]

i did read it and found it to be different than the other ones, and not in a good way. i would recommend reading it, if only to form your own opinion about it.
Shall do, thanks.

I am around 50 pages in and it's really good so far
It stays really good.

The Wild Things is great. I'm on my second time through it right now. There are a lot of pretty heavy emotions in it, and the ending took me by surprise a little just because it was so chaotic. But it's definitely a really fun read, and the first hundred pages or so, all the stuff that happens before Max goes to the island, is brilliant.
I can't wait to read this actually, but don't have spare money to buy it for a couple of weeks :-(

[dakota0135]

I finished Fight Club today. It was pretty good, and close to the film. I really liked the Afterword.

Gonna start Watchmen (the graphic novel) next.

[itsmesean0630]

Finished up A Star Called Henry (http://www.amazon.com/Star-Called-Henry-Last-Roundup/dp/0143034618/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255464307&sr=8-1)and I absolutely loved it. Mixture of history and fiction with truly fantastic characters (not including the actual people). Definitely recommend especially if you love Irish literature.

Next up: Native Son & The Third Policeman

[Oddpac87]

I finished Fight Club today. It was pretty good, and close to the film. I really liked the Afterword.

Gonna start Watchmen (the graphic novel) next.
2 of my favorite books of all time.

[I am Mick]

Just finished Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog at Nightime...loved it. Such a quick read.

[I am Mick]

Is American Gods really that awesome? I'm not reall a fan of Fantasy...still worth it?

[chokemeout]

Is American Gods really that awesome? I'm not reall a fan of Fantasy...still worth it?

In my opinion, a good few books that get hyped the most on here aren't that great. But I havent read it so cant offer anything useful.

[TachyonEvan]

Is American Gods really that awesome? I'm not reall a fan of Fantasy...still worth it?

In a word?

Yes.

[dakota0135]

2 of my favorite books of all time.
I did like the Fight Club book, it had a couple of quotes that really stuck with me too.

It's taking me a while to get through Watchmen - I've never read a graphic novel before - and it's a layout that I'm still getting used to. I am really enjoying it though, much better than the film (though it comes without Jeffrey Dean Morgan, dammit).

[dakota0135]

Is American Gods really that awesome? I'm not reall a fan of Fantasy...still worth it?
Yes.

[lindZ629]

Is American Gods really that awesome? I'm not reall a fan of Fantasy...still worth it?
I'm not really a fan either, and I'm pretty sure I missed a lot of the references, but I still enjoyed it.

[Colorblind!]

Just finished Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog at Nightime...loved it. Such a quick read.

I love that one, but I just finished his newest A Spot Of Bother, and it was absolutely fantastic.

[Colorblind!]

also:

I need basic novel recommendations. I'm about to read 1984 and American Gods right after I finish A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius, but those wont last me all that long.
Give me suggestions!

[I am Mick]

I love that one, but I just finished his newest A Spot Of Bother, and it was absolutely fantastic.

is it as quick a read as The Curious incident? It's not at my library but I might just read it in borders if it's as short.

[I am Mick]

Just picked up American Gods and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. Not sure which one I'll start with.

[Colorblind!]

is it as quick a read as The Curious incident? It's not at my library but I might just read it in borders if it's as short.

I read it in three days, but it's not exactly short.
Why does it matter!? Read it anyways.

[chokemeout]

does anyone have any new recommendations?
Everyone seems to be reading the same stuff!

[tommyishere]

im currently reading "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" and i think its amazing so far

[Colorblind!]

im currently reading "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" and i think its amazing so far

Now THAT is a quick read. I had always heard it called a girly book, but a girl I was seeing got me to read it and I absolutely loved it.

[josepablo32]

I'm currently reading Nocturna, the novel of Guillermo del Toro and I recently bought a collection of Pablo Neruda's poems.

[tommyishere]

Now THAT is a quick read. I had always heard it called a girly book, but a girl I was seeing got me to read it and I absolutely loved it.

i love it so far, haha. and id call it a girly book

[crimsonandclovr]

also:

I need basic novel recommendations. I'm about to read 1984 and American Gods right after I finish A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius, but those wont last me all that long.
Give me suggestions!

haha that's funny, i just quoted this book (hswog) in another thread.

i fucking love dave eggers. i can't wait until he visits my school!

EDIT: have you read What is What?

[Colorblind!]

haha that's funny, i just quoted this book (hswog) in another thread.

i fucking love dave eggers. i can't wait until he visits my school!

EDIT: have you read What is What?

I haven't! Is that another Eggers books? This is my first of his but I really enjoy his writings, will probably pick up the Wild Things.

i love it so far, haha. and id call it a girly book

Really? I don't know, just seemed like any other coming of age story to me, full of sex and drugs and learning about life. Maybe growing up is just for da bitches.

[crimsonandclovr]

I haven't! Is that another Eggers books? This is my first of his but I really enjoy his writings, will probably pick up the Wild Things.


yeah it is! i've just started reading it, and it's a bit depressing. definitely more serious that hwosg. i haven't looked into Wild Things yet, but looks great. did you know he also wrote the screen play (with his wife also, i think?) for the movie Away We Go? seriously, i love this guy.

[Colorblind!]

yeah it is! i've just started reading it, and it's a bit depressing. definitely more serious that hwosg. i haven't looked into Wild Things yet, but looks great. did you know he also wrote the screen play (with his wife also, i think?) for the movie Away We Go? seriously, i love this guy.

SERIOUSLY.
I fucking loved Away We Go, that's one of my favorite movies of the year so far.
I will check out that book you're talking about, is it a novel or another non-fiction?

[dakota0135]

Started The Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck today.

[chokemeout]

Lord Of The Flies - William Golding - was alright, good towards the end, a little harrowing but would have been better if it ended that way - more realistic.

[Colorblind!]

Is Palahniuk the most hated author on this website?

[lindZ629]

Is Palahniuk the most hated author on this website?
I wouldn't say hated, but probably the most overrated.

[Colorblind!]

I wouldn't say hated, but probably the most overrated.

I just hear him getting shit on so much, and I've read a few of his books and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. I'm not saying he's the best author of our time or anything, but he's pretty inventive.

[Oddpac87]

Is Palahniuk the most hated author on this website?
There seems to be a huge divide. People either hate him or love him. I'm a big fan personally.

[Kyle Huntington]

Just started reading "The Shining" after just finishing "Things The Grandchildren Should Know" by Mark Oliver Everett (EELS frontman). It was a fantastic read.

[B00sh]

Has anyone here read Denis Leary's "Why We Suck"? I'm thinking about picking it up.

[TJ Wells]

Can someone explain to me what I'm supposed to be reading here in Infinite Jest? I'm ten pages in and I have no idea what the fuck is going on.

[ForlrnPerplxity]

Has anybody read either The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski or The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb? I'm considering getting both, but I've heard mixed reviews on each

[Colorblind!]

Can someone explain to me what I'm supposed to be reading here in Infinite Jest? I'm ten pages in and I have no idea what the fuck is going on.

Get ready for a thousand more pages of just that.

Just kidding, haven't read it yet. Wanted to but it's so damn intimidating.

[mattmatumbo]

Finished House of Leaves in 5 days, pretty decent read. Great ending.

[TJ Wells]

Get ready for a thousand more pages of just that.

Just kidding, haven't read it yet. Wanted to but it's so damn intimidating.
I'm actually starting to get a hang of the language. I think once I master the way he writes, I'll be ok.

[Oddpac87]

Finished House of Leaves in 5 days, pretty decent read. Great ending.
Pretty decent? My favorite book of all-time. Going to take something amazing to knock it off the top for me

[mattmatumbo]

Pretty decent? My favorite book of all-time. Going to take something amazing to knock it off the top for me

I liked 1984. Well RSL fucked up just as bad as RBNY

[MattRM]

Has anyone read Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho? Just picked it up, I'm probably going to start it tomorrow.

Started The Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck today.
We started this for school a couple weeks ago. I'm about three-fourths of the way through it. It's not terrible so far, but it does tend to drag at times. Steinbeck's just so descriptive, it gets tiring after a while.

[brenByah]

I have an ever growing list of books and authors I want/need to tackle, and I was wondering if there were any Bukowski fans in here. I haven't read any work of his, but have wanted to for awhile. What's his best novel? (in your opinion of course). Any suggestions?

[TheBaroness]

Reading the new Nick Hornby novel, Juliet, Naked. Really enjoying it. If you liked High Fidelity, you'll like this.

[bouttogetfancy]

Reading the new Nick Hornby novel, Juliet, Naked. Really enjoying it. If you liked High Fidelity, you'll like this.
I was wondering how that was. Looked through it at the bookstore but wasn't compelled enough to get it.

[chokemeout]

I have an ever growing list of books and authors I want/need to tackle, and I was wondering if there were any Bukowski fans in here. I haven't read any work of his, but have wanted to for awhile. What's his best novel? (in your opinion of course). Any suggestions?

Novel wise you're looking at Ham On Rye not Post Office (although it's just as good) - but I'd personally start with a poetry or poetry/short story collection and you're spoilt foe choice there! Whatever you pick up it's gonna be good - just make sure it it's an Ecco or City Lights publishing :)

in fact - check this out

A Definition. - Charles Bukowski


love is a light at
night running through the fog

love is a beercap
stepped on while on the way
to the bathroom

love is the lost key to your door
when you’re drunk

love is what happens
one year in ten

love is a crushed cat

love is the old newsboy on the
corner who has
given it up

love is what you think the other
person has destroyed

love is what vanished with the
age of battleships

love is the phone ringing,
the same voice or another
voice but never the right
voice

love is betrayal
love is the burning of the
homeless in an alley

love is steel

love is the cockroach
love is the mailbox

love is rain upon the roof
of an old hotel
in Los Angeles

love is your father in a coffin
(who hated you)

love is a horse with a broken
leg
trying to stand
while 45,000 people
watch

love is the way we boil
like the lobster

love is everything we said
it wasn’t

love is the flea you can’t
find

and love is a mosquito

love is 50 grenadiers

love is an empty
bedpan

love is a riot in San Quentin
love is a madhouse
love is a donkey standing in a
street of flies

love is an empty barstool

love is a film of the Hindenburg
curling to pieces
a moment that still screams

love is Dostoyevsky at the roulette wheel

love is what crawls along the ground

love is your woman dancing
pressed against a stranger

love is an old woman
stealing a loaf of
bread

and love is a word used
too much and
much
too soon.

[Kyle Huntington]

Reading the new Nick Hornby novel, Juliet, Naked. Really enjoying it. If you liked High Fidelity, you'll like this.
Loved High Fidelity and will definitely pick this up. Gonna head in and buy it today, in fact.

[brenByah]

Novel wise you're looking at Ham On Rye not Post Office (although it's just as good) - but I'd personally start with a poetry or poetry/short story collection and you're spoilt foe choice there! Whatever you pick up it's gonna be good - just make sure it it's an Ecco or City Lights publishing :)

in fact - check this out

A Definition. - Charles Bukowski


love is a light at
night running through the fog

love is a beercap
stepped on while on the way
to the bathroom

love is the lost key to your door
when you’re drunk

love is what happens
one year in ten

love is a crushed cat

love is the old newsboy on the
corner who has
given it up

love is what you think the other
person has destroyed

love is what vanished with the
age of battleships

love is the phone ringing,
the same voice or another
voice but never the right
voice

love is betrayal
love is the burning of the
homeless in an alley

love is steel

love is the cockroach
love is the mailbox

love is rain upon the roof
of an old hotel
in Los Angeles

love is your father in a coffin
(who hated you)

love is a horse with a broken
leg
trying to stand
while 45,000 people
watch

love is the way we boil
like the lobster

love is everything we said
it wasn’t

love is the flea you can’t
find

and love is a mosquito

love is 50 grenadiers

love is an empty
bedpan

love is a riot in San Quentin
love is a madhouse
love is a donkey standing in a
street of flies

love is an empty barstool

love is a film of the Hindenburg
curling to pieces
a moment that still screams

love is Dostoyevsky at the roulette wheel

love is what crawls along the ground

love is your woman dancing
pressed against a stranger

love is an old woman
stealing a loaf of
bread

and love is a word used
too much and
much
too soon.

I do like that, thanks for the help!

[Colorblind!]

Reading the new Nick Hornby novel, Juliet, Naked. Really enjoying it. If you liked High Fidelity, you'll like this.

Hornby interests me, I've always kind of wanted to read A Long Way Down, any opinions on it? His other ones look almost too romantic for my taste but then again I'm going off blurbs on the backs of the books and don't really know what I'm talking about.

Also, J.G. Ballard anybody? I was checking out his books in the store the other day and I'm fairly curious.

[Colorblind!]

Also, just about finished A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius.
If you haven't already, read that fucking book.

[itsmesean0630]

I have an ever growing list of books and authors I want/need to tackle, and I was wondering if there were any Bukowski fans in here. I haven't read any work of his, but have wanted to for awhile. What's his best novel? (in your opinion of course). Any suggestions?
I have Love is a Dog From Hell and I enjoy it. Haven't read all the poems, but for the ones I've read, it's definitely enjoyable. My roommate read Post Office and he really enjoyed it. I've never read his novels though, so I have no opinion on that.

[takingbackrufio]

Get ready for a thousand more pages of just that.

Just kidding, haven't read it yet. Wanted to but it's so damn intimidating.

I'm actually starting to get a hang of the language. I think once I master the way he writes, I'll be ok.

I don't want to make it sound easy but try not to be intimidated. It's not only massive -- it's demanding, too, but worth the payoff. You're SOL if you need conventional linearity and DFW has a lot of balls in the air but he truly did create something awe-inspiring.

I'm a bit biased so take this for what it's worth but I would argue it is among the best literary works of the twentieth-century. Naturally, many will pipe up against such a claim because they think DFW is just a trend (which is just as laughable as someone liking him for that same reason). Or they don't like his work because it was given one bad review. Maybe they misunderstand the novel or they subscribe to the James Woods School of Realism, but I flat out disagree with its critics. No other work of fiction addresses contemporary culture and concerns as well as DFW. Definitely not in the same hilarious, mind-bending way. It's fun to read, too, which is pretty important for such a huge work.

[brenByah]

I have Love is a Dog From Hell and I enjoy it. Haven't read all the poems, but for the ones I've read, it's definitely enjoyable. My roommate read Post Office and he really enjoyed it. I've never read his novels though, so I have no opinion on that.

Any help is appreciated. I'm a big fan of poetry too, I'll definitely check out it.

[Colorblind!]

I don't want to make it sound easy but try not to be intimidated. It's not only massive -- it's demanding, too, but worth the payoff. You're SOL if you need conventional linearity and DFW has a lot of balls in the air but he truly did create something awe-inspiring.

I'm a bit biased so take this for what it's worth but I would argue it is among the best literary works of the twentieth-century. Naturally, many will pipe up against such a claim because they think DFW is just a trend (which is just as laughable as someone liking him for that same reason). Or they don't like his work because it was given one bad review. Maybe they misunderstand the novel or they subscribe to the James Woods School of Realism, but I flat out disagree with its critics. No other work of fiction addresses contemporary culture and concerns as well as DFW. Definitely not in the same hilarious, mind-bending way. It's fun to read, too, which is pretty important for such a huge work.

I've been tearing through books lately, so odds are it won't take me THAT long, but it sucks to know I could finish five books in the time that I could finish that one. If the read is really as rewarding as you say it is, I'm excited and am definitely going to put it near the top of my list.

Out of curiosity, you say he addresses contemporary culture and concerns. What are some of the main themes in the book? It will make me much more anxious to read if I know that his points are relative to my interests.

[itsmesean0630]

Reading the new Nick Hornby novel, Juliet, Naked. Really enjoying it. If you liked High Fidelity, you'll like this.
So many books I have to read during my winter break...I think this will be one of them. I loved High Fidelity.

[takingbackrufio]

I've been tearing through books lately, so odds are it won't take me THAT long, but it sucks to know I could finish five books in the time that I could finish that one. If the read is really as rewarding as you say it is, I'm excited and am definitely going to put it near the top of my list.

Out of curiosity, you say he addresses contemporary culture and concerns. What are some of the main themes in the book? It will make me much more anxious to read if I know that his points are relative to my interests.
I completely understand. I didn't get around to it for a while after I got it. To be very broad: the meta-theme is the pursuit of happiness. But it has a huge scope -- DFW basically put his entire life in this book. Addiction and recovery, suffering, depression, drugs, entertainment, film, communications, artists and audience, tennis, Quebec separatism, the union of Canada/USA/Mexico, advertising/marketing, family. And there are all kinds of connections and tangents and fun. It's the style that really sells it for me. Some might be critical of DFW for being drawn out but he is a powerful observer. His coverage and accounts of subjects and events are, to me, very vivid and honest.

[TheBaroness]

My goal for this summer is to get through Infinite Jest.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

I've been tearing through books lately, so odds are it won't take me THAT long, but it sucks to know I could finish five books in the time that I could finish that one. If the read is really as rewarding as you say it is, I'm excited and am definitely going to put it near the top of my list.

Out of curiosity, you say he addresses contemporary culture and concerns. What are some of the main themes in the book? It will make me much more anxious to read if I know that his points are relative to my interests.
caring more about the number of books than the quality seems silly to me.

I completely understand. I didn't get around to it for a while after I got it. To be very broad: the meta-theme is the pursuit of happiness. But it has a huge scope -- DFW basically put his entire life in this book. Addiction and recovery, suffering, depression, drugs, entertainment, film, communications, artists and audience, tennis, Quebec separatism, the union of Canada/USA/Mexico, advertising/marketing, family. And there are all kinds of connections and tangents and fun. It's the style that really sells it for me. Some might be critical of DFW for being drawn out but he is a powerful observer. His coverage and accounts of subjects and events are, to me, very vivid and honest.
how is being drawn-out a legitimate criticism?

anyway, great novel. i personally didn't find it that demanding--i've certainly read much more so at least. also, i came very close to having dfw as a professor.

[tD77]

Reading a general astronomy book. Nerdy, but fascinating.

[Colorblind!]

I completely understand. I didn't get around to it for a while after I got it. To be very broad: the meta-theme is the pursuit of happiness. But it has a huge scope -- DFW basically put his entire life in this book. Addiction and recovery, suffering, depression, drugs, entertainment, film, communications, artists and audience, tennis, Quebec separatism, the union of Canada/USA/Mexico, advertising/marketing, family. And there are all kinds of connections and tangents and fun. It's the style that really sells it for me. Some might be critical of DFW for being drawn out but he is a powerful observer. His coverage and accounts of subjects and events are, to me, very vivid and honest.

Awesome, I'm more than sold and am definitely going to start it on Christmas break.

caring more about the number of books than the quality seems silly to me.


I just meant, if I could read five quality books as opposed to reading quality book, it seems at first that you can get more out of five. I wasn't really taking into account the massive scope of Infinite Jest, and am aware that he's probably one of the most important novelists of our time. I'm certainly going to read it, I'm just saying: there's something intimidating about a book 1000+ pages.

Also, would you happen to have a link to that Rolling Stone article? I'd love to read it.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

Awesome, I'm more than sold and am definitely going to start it on Christmas break.



I just meant, if I could read five quality books as opposed to reading quality book, it seems at first that you can get more out of five. I wasn't really taking into account the massive scope of Infinite Jest, and am aware that he's probably one of the most important novelists of our time. I'm certainly going to read it, I'm just saying: there's something intimidating about a book 1000+ pages.

Also, would you happen to have a link to that Rolling Stone article? I'd love to read it.
Took me like 15 sec to find it lol

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/23638511/the_lost_years__last_days_of_david_ foster_wallace

[Colorblind!]

Took me like 15 sec to find it lol

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/23638511/the_lost_years__last_days_of_david_ foster_wallace

Sorry, I shouldn't use you as a personal search engine!

[xashkox]

Currently reading Eat My Globe by Simon Majumdar - one man's pursuit of "going everywhere and eating everything". It's surprisingly pretty good so far, though it makes me a little hungry every time I read it!

[takingbackrufio]

how is being drawn-out a legitimate criticism?

anyway, great novel. i personally didn't find it that demanding--i've certainly read much more so at least. also, i came very close to having dfw as a professor.

I'm talking about the critique from the minimalist crowd -- the kind of readers who want authors to make their statement or point in as few words as possible. The funny part is that in Infinite Jest there is not one lazy sentence. I personally love the style.

I call it demanding from a general perspective because it's not exactly the kind of novel you can skim through. And that would have been very cool to have him as a prof. I hate to be "that fan" but he's such an interesting author.

[ForlrnPerplxity]

I'm just starting Fast Food Nation. Anybody read it? Ever eat fast food again?

[Thomas Balkcom]

finished The Lovely Bones today and not sure what I am going to start next

[hienz429]

finished "i hope they serve beer in hell". pretty entertaining read.

[Love As Arson]

finished "i hope they serve beer in hell". pretty entertaining read.

http://socialistworker.org/2009/10/01/does-he-think-rape-is-funny

Also:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DETAHN24L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb -sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_.jpg

This is a long-overdue, and skillful, translation of one of Deleuzes most important and original works...It occupies an important place in Deleuzes oeuvre as the first text, following a series of historical commentaries, in which he philosophizes on his own behalf. It occupies an equally important place in the evolution of French philosophy in the 20th century, as it articulates a profound critique of the philosophy of representation while constructing a metaphysics of difference freed from subordination to a logic of identity. While charting the development through the history of philosophy of the concepts of ' pure difference and ' complex repetition, Deleuze proposes a new image of thought, which readers familiar with his later works will recognize. A difficult and challenging text that has done as much as any to initiate the philosophy of difference that characterizes much recent French thought, this book is one of the classics of recent European philosophy.

[brenByah]

I just got back from a Billy Collins poetry reading. I didn't expect to laugh so much, it was great.

[laxcrs]

in the middle of timeline. not sure where im going after that.

[dakota0135]

Started Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk yesterday, to take a break from The Grapes of Wrath. It's disturbing. I'm debating whether I actually have the guts to carry on or not.

[Tautou107]

Reading Kafka's The Metamorphosis for English class this weekend. I've already read it before, but it's good so that's fine with me.

[samsara]

Woot got a library card today, so I checked out a few books. Mainly Leo Buscaglia and John Bradshaw.

[Kyle Huntington]

Started reading Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil yesterday, really interesting so far.

[BryterJonah]

Finally purchased Anna Karina.

Am absolutely stoked to start reading.

[BryterJonah]

Started Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk yesterday, to take a break from The Grapes of Wrath. It's disturbing. I'm debating whether I actually have the time to waste to carry on or not.
Fixed.

[drudo182]

Has anybody read Audrey Niffenegger's new book "Her Fearful Symmetry"?

[dakota0135]

Fixed.
Haha thanks. I'm not sure I want to be mentally scarred anymore either.

Finished The Grapes of Wrath today, I really enjoyed most of it, but I will admit I skipped some of the chapters for the migrants as a whole... I've got East of Eden to get through as well sometime, but I'm reading Ghost World by Daniel Clowes first.

[just.Starla.]

I just finished Franny and Zooey and I'm now on A Clockwork Orange. I can't believe I quit reading it after one chapter last year. :hitself:

[lindZ629]

Gonna start The Wild Things in a little bit. Should be able to get through this in a couple days.

[MattRM]

I just recently finished Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs and Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho. Both highly recommended, if anyone's considering them. Next up might be The Cider House Rules by John Irving.

[ForlrnPerplxity]

I just recently finished Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs and Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho. Both highly recommended, if anyone's considering them. Next up might be The Cider House Rules by John Irving.
I've been thinking about buying Running With Scissors for awhile now.

The Cider House Rules is really good and different from the movie in a good way (you'll see how). I need to read some more books by Irving. The only other one I've read is The World According to Garp.

[MattRM]

I've been thinking about buying Running With Scissors for awhile now.

The Cider House Rules is really good and different from the movie in a good way (you'll see how). I need to read some more books by Irving. The only other one I've read is The World According to Garp.
The only Irving book I've read so far is A Prayer for Owen Meany, and it's probably my favorite book... I'm reading it (on and off) for my third time right now. My English teacher told me to go to Cider House or Garp next, and I picked Cider House. I have Hotel New Hampshire too, but I haven't really been able to get into that one.

[TheBaroness]

Reading The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood.

[HelpMeSleep]

I've been on the sixth True Blood/Sookie Stackhouse book since august. I find it almost impossible to read anything I actually want to read during school.

[I am Mick]

think im gona buy The Wild Things by Eggers today. Loved the original book and movie, so I assume I'll dig the novel. Sort of a big deal, I never buy books...just check them out at the library hah

[TJ Wells]

I am blazing through:

http://media.us.macmillan.com/jackets/258H/9780312425074.jpg

One of the most fascinating books, fiction or non-fiction, that I've ever read.

[Wait_For_It]

I need to go pick up The Wild Things by Dave Eggers from the library today.

[EndlessMike]

I'm reading Nineteen Seventy-Seven by David Peace. I like Nineten Seventy-Four a lot so I'm assuming this one will be more of the same.

[Colorblind!]

Interesting that people are talking about Wild Things at this moment, because I started it this morning and have already ripped through 190 pages. Extremely easy but swell read.

[dakota0135]

I finished Ghost World by Daniel Clowes yesterday, it's was a pretty quick read. Think I'll start East of Eden by Steinbeck next, as it seems huge and I want to read it soon as apparently I can't renew it because somebody else has reserved it after me...