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I want to read.Follow

#1 Feb 03 2004 at 11:59 AM Rating: Good
Ok, I know this is going to open up all sorts of attacks on me, but...

Hopefully a few of you take me seriously.

I'd like to read books. Since I never really have read many books, became familiar with who is good, who isn't, etc etc, I find it hard to break into the "reading world".

I'd like to think that by now, many of you kind of know me, and could suggest some good books for me.

Generally, I like things that are educational, funny, or both.

I stop by the book store, look at all the books, and wait for one to call out my name. Haven't found one really.

One friend of mine has suggested "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius".

So, I'm giving that a shot now.

Not really sure when I'll read though, when do you all usually read? Should I try some on my lunch break? Or when I get home from work? Right before I go to bed?




#2 Feb 03 2004 at 12:06 PM Rating: Good
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Right before you go to bed. This is the best way to relax and let yourself unwind. BTW, here are some books that I've read that you might like:

Brave New World
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Animal Farm
1984
Of Mice and Men

If you like political satire, definately check out Brave New World and the two Orwell books (1984 and Animal Farm). Hope that helps a little -=)
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#3 Feb 03 2004 at 12:06 PM Rating: Excellent
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"Good Omens" By Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchet

Very funny and anything that you read is going to teach you something, so all books are educational.

If you like that then move on to books by either auther, Pratchet is funny and Gaiman is more though provoking.
#4 Feb 03 2004 at 12:20 PM Rating: Excellent
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Hi Skeeter! I love to read, and I have read the book that your friend suggested. I thought it was great. It was written by David Eggers, who is one of the editors of McSweeney's magazine. It's the story of his parents dying and him having to raise his younger brother, but there is so much humor and wit in it. It's based on a true story too, which makes it even funnier. I hope you like it!

I like to read whenever I feel the urge, but sometimes life can get in your way so I generally make time to read at lunch, before bed or in the bathtub. Nothing better than a Sunday afternoon in the sun with a good book.

A couple books I have truly loved:

The Alexandria Quartet, by Lawrence Durrell. A massive book in reality and literally. I LOVE this book. Justine = me. This is a pretty intense book about love, passion, desire, loss and tragedy. Sounds like a cheap romance novel - but honestly one of the most beautiful and provactive books I have ever read. You might want to work up to this one though. Huge undertaking. I'd loan you my copy, but probably die if I ever lost it.

Fifth Business, by Robertson Davies. Another fantastic book. This book has everything: magic, murder, deception, love, rivalry and mystery. I am actually writing the screenplay for this novel in my spare time. It'll never likely go anywhere - but it sure is a great story.

You might want to look at anything by Kurt Vonnegut, DH Lawrence (Sons and Lovers), Steinbeck or any of the classics. Also, things like Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas or biographies. Love me some biography.

Geez...I could go on all day.






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#5 Feb 03 2004 at 12:41 PM Rating: Good
I've read Of Mice and Men, probably read cuckoo's nest, but wont hurt to refresh my memory on it.

The Last LOTR book is very good so far. I like it more than the movie actually.

Reason I was asking about the book is I don't really know the person who recommended it, he's a new friend I met through my room mate. The preface seems pretty interesting, I'll give it a shot.

Now... Books.. Should I buy these? Rent them from the library?

I've never considered a book as something to hold on to, to read again later. Do you all go back and re-read old books sometimes?
#6 Feb 03 2004 at 12:43 PM Rating: Good
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If you are into the CIA, KGB, intrigue, and suspense with some submarines, a Navy Seal (my favorite charicter John Clark) and general spookness, then i have two words for you....

Tom Clancy...

'Nuff Said.....
#7 Feb 03 2004 at 12:45 PM Rating: Excellent
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I have just about every book that I have ever read. I reread some of the best of them from time to time. But mostly I keep them to share with friends. If someone asks me for advice on something to read, I just loan them a book.

Edited, Tue Feb 3 17:47:12 2004 by Grimfar
#8 Feb 03 2004 at 1:01 PM Rating: Good
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I have all my books too. They are dear to me. I rarely loan books out because my friends are all jerks that won't return them. So, if I give someone a book that belongs to me, it's a gift. I constantly return to old books and re-read them, or parts of them. I always discover new things.
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#9 Feb 03 2004 at 1:22 PM Rating: Good
I'm so proud of you, Skeeter. =) Good for you.

The Merrikat/Angua list:

Humor: The Light Fantastic and The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett.

Horror/Fantasy: The Dark Tower series by Stephen King

Historical Drama/Fiction: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Fantasy: The Chronicals of Amber by Roger Zelazny

Military Fiction: Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy

Short Stories: Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman; Nightmares and Dreamscapes by King

Graphic Novel: Johnny the Homical Maniac by J.Vasquez (very educational!)


Could just go on forever here. =p

Read whenever you feel like it. If it's a good book you'll find yourself making more time for it because the story draws you in.
#10 Feb 03 2004 at 1:34 PM Rating: Good
Thanks everybody.

This gives me an idea.

Maybe some of you would like to form a "books club" of some sort.

We decide on a book, and once a week we have a discussion on the chapter for that week (and no reading ahead).

I've performed in more than 1 play at a time, I'm sure I could hold on to the stories of two books at once. The first one I mentioned and our "book club" book.

Whaddaya think?
#11 Feb 03 2004 at 1:35 PM Rating: Decent
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Skeeter the Charming wrote:
Not really sure when I'll read though, when do you all usually read? Should I try some on my lunch break? Or when I get home from work? Right before I go to bed?


I usually do all of the above. I tend to have a book within reach of me, no matter where in the house I am at. I keep a few in my car as well, never know when you are going to be stuck in traffic.


As for what to read, I'll give you a list of some of the authors I enjoy reading.


P.G. Woodehouse
Frank Herbert
J.R.R. Tolkien
Douglas Adams
Hunter S. Thompson
Arthur C. Clarke
Isaac Asimov


Skeeter the Charming wrote:
Now... Books.. Should I buy these? Rent them from the library?


Not sure about where you live, but here we have several bookstores where you can bring in old books and trade them in for newer ones. I have managed to find several damn good books here, including many of my Asimov books. And they are cheap, usually around $1 to $5 apiece.

Grimfar wrote:
all books are educational


I was going to argue your point, but then saw the truth of it. Even the worst books I have read taught me something. Never read anything by that author again.

Edited, Tue Feb 3 13:37:06 2004 by SelfishMan
#12 Feb 03 2004 at 1:41 PM Rating: Good
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Skeeter the Charming wrote:
Whaddaya think?


IN!!

Love that idea, Skeeter.

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#13 Feb 03 2004 at 1:42 PM Rating: Decent
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A lot of good choices out there. I've read a lot of Stephen King, Douglas Adams, Neil Gaiman etc myself.

My current favorite author is Richard Russo. I've read "Straight Man" (my current favorite book) and "Nobody's Fool" (basis of the 1994 Paul Newman - Jessica Tandy movie). Very funny and touching. Other novels of his are being adapted ("Empire Falls"). Also, try John Irving ("The Hotel New Hampshire", "The World According to Garp")

My favorite reading time is in bed, with a cup of tea and a joint.
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#14 Feb 03 2004 at 1:44 PM Rating: Good
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Oh yeah, John Irving - A Prayer for Owen Meanie.

Good work, Debalic!

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#15 Feb 03 2004 at 1:45 PM Rating: Good
If short stories are your game, the collected short stories of Arthur C Clarke is a fantastic book. Also, if you like fantasy books I absolutely loved The Seventh Sword series by David Duncan. Fluff, but fun; have reread probably 10 times. Ditto the first three shannara books.

--DK
#16 Feb 03 2004 at 2:10 PM Rating: Good
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Quote:
Maybe some of you would like to form a "books club" of some sort
These aren't going to be tales of poor battered women coming to grips with their own strength and womanhood to rise out of their oppression and be free, are they, Oprah?

I could be in on this. I need to read more anyway -- as in stuff not on a forum and not related to how much damage I just slashed that griffawn for.
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#17 Feb 03 2004 at 2:16 PM Rating: Decent
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Fantasy fluff? Try Tamora Pierce. She write girl-themed series, notably "Song of the Lioness". The books are on about a junior-high level, but still entertaining.
#18 Feb 03 2004 at 2:16 PM Rating: Decent
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Quote:

Historical Drama/Fiction: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Possibly the worst book ever written in the Genre. I like all your other choices though.

I'm reading Niel Stephenson's new book, Quicksilver. It's ok. A little to intetnionaly complex for the sake of being complex, but not bad. If you liked Diamond Age you'll like it.
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#19 Feb 03 2004 at 2:24 PM Rating: Good
Lol, ok, sounds great.

So, we have

Me
(Flea whether she wants to or not, hehe)
Tare
Jophiel
Angua because I say so
Um. Everybody that posted a suggestion.

In a bit I'll make a thread for book nominations, what day we'll discuss will be decided on as well.

#20 Feb 03 2004 at 2:27 PM Rating: Good
Quote:
We decide on a book, and once a week we have a discussion on the chapter for that week (and no reading ahead).


Great idea, but I am out on that no reading ahead thing. I can't do it. Seriously. Once I start a book I am compelled by my love for reading and intense masochism to stay up as long as it takes to finish the fooker. :\
#21 Feb 03 2004 at 2:51 PM Rating: Good
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If you are into the Hobbit series like I am, you will enjoy Eragon, a new book by a young author (18 years old) that is the first in a series of three. He writes very well. This book is out in hardcover right now.

Totem
#22 Feb 03 2004 at 2:53 PM Rating: Good
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Skeeter the Charming wrote:
In a bit I'll make a thread for book nominations, what day we'll discuss will be decided on as well.


Wow - I feel a change in the air on this forum. Mutual admiration? Quests for knowledge? Discussion and discourse? Political rhetoric?

/mourn death of d1ck and fart jokes

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#23 Feb 03 2004 at 2:53 PM Rating: Good
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There's no better quiet time than reading on the toilet...helps relax the sphincter...er..uh oh...*ahem...

The book club sounds like fun, unfortunately, I am so enthralled with Terry Pratchett I am determined to read all his books before I even think about reading anyone else right now. Well, unless Salvatore gets the 3rd book in his latest series out before I finish all of the Pratchett books...

Reading my 6th Pratchett book now - Guards! Guards!

Have read -

The Color of Magic
The Light Fantastic
Equal Rites
Sourcery
Feet of Clay


BTW, there is a wonderful little Cross Site Forum board entitled, "Science Fiction and Fantasy" that usually has book discussions. That may attract more readers to join the club.

Doh! Time for me to go read a book! Smiley: yikes
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#24 Feb 03 2004 at 2:54 PM Rating: Excellent
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(Flea whether she wants to or not, hehe)
No way, Hater.
#25 Feb 03 2004 at 2:55 PM Rating: Good
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Flea: I never learned to reeeaaadddd!!!!! Oh, the humanity.

Smiley: laugh


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What's bred in the bone will not out of the flesh.
#26 Feb 03 2004 at 3:24 PM Rating: Decent
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I read alot mostly when away at sea since there is not much else to do in your downtime. mostly fantasy but i like Wilbur Smith who writes african semi historical fiction.

Best Books i have read....

David Eddings 'Belgariad'

Terry pratchet 'wytches trilogy'

Bob Salavator 'Dark elf trilogy'

LotR

but the all time best has to be Anne McCaffery's Dragon series.
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