Books you're currently reading??? - Page 48

cklabyrinth · 02-02-2007, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibram

Island, Aldous Huxley.

Wonderful counterpoint to Brave New World; a true utopia, one that so far seems absolutely perfect to me, 176 pages in.

That's a good one, too. Do you think Huxley makes use of drugs in both books--soma in BNW and the moksha medicine in Island--for a specific reason? Sort of to say drugs can either set you free, in Island's case, or enslave you, as in BNW?

Or was it just because he did most of his writing while high?

Those are two very good books and I highly recommend them, though I did like BNW more.

Ibby · 02-04-2007, 08:27 PM

Brave New World is a better story, but Island is a much better statement.

And I'm sure he does use drugs for just that reason - they can be good or bad, its the use that matters.

Cloud · 02-04-2007, 09:11 PM

So glad lots of SF&F readers here!

Currently revolving around my house, purse, car, work, and brain:

--Several guidebooks on Washington DC since I'll be going there later this month
--Similarly, "1776" and a book on the Supreme Court by Rosen
--Uncommon Grounds by Pendergrast--a book about the history and economic impact of coffee
--Just finished Wolf Who Rules by Wen Spencer. Excellent Urban Fantasy

busterb · 02-06-2007, 09:42 AM

Wild Fire by Nelson DeMille

perth · 02-06-2007, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happy Monkey

Anyone see the cartoons? Apparently there was also a Hogfather live action special this past holiday.

I've heard that they exist, and a part of me is tempted to find and watch them. The problem is that I just can't imagine them living up to what my imagination does as I'm reading. I use to get excited whenever a book I had read and enjoyed was made into a film, but I've been disappointed too many times. I'll stick with the books, at least until I've read them all.

Happy Monkey · 02-06-2007, 06:51 PM

I've got them, and they were good. But I hadn't read the books they were based on, so I didn't have any preconceived notions. I have read Hogfather, to that could be a different experience.

Ibby · 02-28-2007, 10:49 AM

I think I'm in love...

...with a man who's been dead for over a hundred years.

I'm now a full-fledged Oscar Wilde fanatic, both of the man and his works. I've read, completely through TWICE in the past week, Dorian Gray, Importance of Being Earnest, and De Profundis (arguably the best letter and best memoir, if indeed it is a memoir, ever).

I MUST go see him when I visit Jim in a couple weeks.

Sundae · 02-28-2007, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolf

just about to start Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman.

I really enjoyed Anansi Boys. Sent it to my friend in Kenya who was suffering from lack of English language bookshops so I only got to read it once. I might look out for another copy if I can get it cheap. Anansi's story about Tiger's balls is one of my favourite parts of American Gods. "I've got Tiger's testimonials" still makes me laugh.

Quote:

Originally Posted by perth

I vaguely remember the 'His Dark Materials' trilogy being discussed a long time ago in this thread. I read the first book late last year and have been unable to find the second so far. Hopefully I'll get the rest read soon. A wonderful first book, from the first page I could vividly imagine the world in which it was based, and felt emotionally attached to the characters.

I hope you find it - again I sent mine to Kenya but I had to go out and buy another set second hand. They get better. SPOILER (seriously, do not read if you haven't finished the trilogy) I always cry at the end of the third book. I mean actually put the book down and cry til my throat hurts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibram

I'm now a full-fledged Oscar Wilde fanatic...I MUST go see him when I visit Jim in a couple weeks.

I'm also a fan - give him my regards if you do go there.

I've just read Haruki Murakami's Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World. He's the guy who wrote Dance, Dance, Dance which is quoted extensively in This is Not Porn.

I really enjoyed it. His prose style is so realistic, but there are sudden flashes of poetry, and the subject matter quickly twists sideways into fantasy. I really feel as if the odd worlds he describes are waiting just around the next corner or in the next train carriage. I'm going to look for his other work - I'd be interested to know if anyone else has read his other books...?

wolf · 02-28-2007, 02:09 PM

Armed Response - David Kenik

Cloud · 02-28-2007, 02:38 PM

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Here's a sample:

Lesson 1: "Don't criticize, condemn, or complain."

John Wanamaker [says] "I learned thirty years ago that it is foolish to scold. I have enough trouble overcoming my own limitations without fretting over the fact that God has not seen fit to distribute evenly the gift of intelligence."

Criticism is dangerous, because it wounds a person's precious pride, hurts his sense of importance, and arouses resentment.

The resentment that criticism engenders can demoralize employees, family members and friends, and still not correct the situation that has been condemned.

Do you know someone you would like to change and regulate and improve? . . . why not begin on yourself? . . . that is a lot more profitable than trying to improve others--yes, and a lot less dangerous."

Benjamin Franklin: "I will speak ill of no man . . . and speak all the good I know of everybody."

Any fool can ctiticize, condemn, and complain--and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving. That breeds sympathy, tolerance, and kindness.

This is a lesson I need to take to heart.

Happy Monkey · 02-28-2007, 02:44 PM

The Good Fairies of New York, by Martin Millar, as reccommended by Neil Gaiman. I just started, but it's fun so far.

Trilby · 02-28-2007, 02:53 PM

Poe. Nothin' but Poe. Poe all day, Poe all night.

I may be getting a complex.

Clodfobble · 03-01-2007, 11:19 AM

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clark. Got a hardback copy for $5 at Half Price Books, and so far it's enjoyable. The style of writing is kind of mock-Dickens, so it doesn't exactly let you get lost in the story, but it definitely succeeds at being amusing.

Sundae · 03-01-2007, 11:42 AM

Funny - I saw that in the 2nd hand bookshop this morning and was convinced I'd read it. Having checked out the precis via the link I definitely haven't. I'll pop in tomorrow and pick it up!

Perry Winkle · 03-02-2007, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clark. Got a hardback copy for $5 at Half Price Books, and so far it's enjoyable. The style of writing is kind of mock-Dickens, so it doesn't exactly let you get lost in the story, but it definitely succeeds at being amusing.

I'm still struggling with this book off and on. I feel that if I'm going to be bored with footnotes I'd rather read Eco, or a textbook. Pratchett can keep me interested in his footnotes because they're so short and usually a bit funny.

I don't know why, but it reminds me more of Jane Austen (which I can't penetrate at all) than Dickens.

I really want to like JS&MN, just like I really want to like Eco's The Island of the Day Before.

02-04-2007, 08:27 PM	#707
Ibby erika Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: "the high up north" Posts: 6,127	Brave New World is a better story, but Island is a much better statement. And I'm sure he does use drugs for just that reason - they can be good or bad, its the use that matters. __________________ not really back, you didn't see me, i was never here shhhhhh

02-06-2007, 09:42 AM	#709
busterb NSABFD Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: MS. usa Posts: 3,908	Wild Fire by Nelson DeMille __________________ I've haven't left very deep footprints in the sands of time. But, boy I've left a bunch.

02-06-2007, 06:51 PM	#711
Happy Monkey I think this line's mostly filler. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: DC Posts: 13,575	I've got them, and they were good. But I hadn't read the books they were based on, so I didn't have any preconceived notions. I have read Hogfather, to that could be a different experience. __________________ _________________ \|...............\| We live in the nick of times. \| Len 17, Wid 3 \| \|_______________\| [pics]

02-28-2007, 10:49 AM	#712
Ibby erika Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: "the high up north" Posts: 6,127	I think I'm in love... ...with a man who's been dead for over a hundred years. I'm now a full-fledged Oscar Wilde fanatic, both of the man and his works. I've read, completely through TWICE in the past week, Dorian Gray, Importance of Being Earnest, and De Profundis (arguably the best letter and best memoir, if indeed it is a memoir, ever). I MUST go see him when I visit Jim in a couple weeks. __________________ not really back, you didn't see me, i was never here shhhhhh

02-28-2007, 02:09 PM	#714
wolf lobber of scimitars Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phila Burbs Posts: 20,774	Armed Response - David Kenik __________________ wolf eht htiw og "Conspiracies are the norm, not the exception." --G. Edward Griffin The Creature from Jekyll Island High Priestess of the Church of the Whale Penis

02-04-2007, 09:11 PM	#708
Cloud ... Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 8,360	So glad lots of SF&F readers here! Currently revolving around my house, purse, car, work, and brain: --Several guidebooks on Washington DC since I'll be going there later this month --Similarly, "1776" and a book on the Supreme Court by Rosen --Uncommon Grounds by Pendergrast--a book about the history and economic impact of coffee --Just finished Wolf Who Rules by Wen Spencer. Excellent Urban Fantasy

02-28-2007, 02:38 PM	#715
Cloud ... Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 8,360	How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Here's a sample: Lesson 1: "Don't criticize, condemn, or complain." John Wanamaker [says] "I learned thirty years ago that it is foolish to scold. I have enough trouble overcoming my own limitations without fretting over the fact that God has not seen fit to distribute evenly the gift of intelligence." Criticism is dangerous, because it wounds a person's precious pride, hurts his sense of importance, and arouses resentment. The resentment that criticism engenders can demoralize employees, family members and friends, and still not correct the situation that has been condemned. Do you know someone you would like to change and regulate and improve? . . . why not begin on yourself? . . . that is a lot more profitable than trying to improve others--yes, and a lot less dangerous." Benjamin Franklin: "I will speak ill of no man . . . and speak all the good I know of everybody." Any fool can ctiticize, condemn, and complain--and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving. That breeds sympathy, tolerance, and kindness. This is a lesson I need to take to heart. __________________ "Guard your honor. Let your reputation fall where it will. And outlive the bastards!"

02-28-2007, 02:44 PM	#716
Happy Monkey I think this line's mostly filler. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: DC Posts: 13,575	The Good Fairies of New York, by Martin Millar, as reccommended by Neil Gaiman. I just started, but it's fun so far. __________________ _________________ \|...............\| We live in the nick of times. \| Len 17, Wid 3 \| \|_______________\| [pics]

02-28-2007, 02:53 PM	#717
Trilby Slattern of the Swail Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 15,654	Poe. Nothin' but Poe. Poe all day, Poe all night. I may be getting a complex. __________________ In Barrie's play and novel, the roles of fairies are brief: they are allies to the Lost Boys, the source of fairy dust and ...They are portrayed as dangerous, whimsical and extremely clever but quite hedonistic. "Shall I give you a kiss?" Peter asked and, jerking an acorn button off his coat, solemnly presented it to her. —James Barrie Wimminfolk they be tricksy. - ZenGum

03-01-2007, 11:19 AM	#718
Clodfobble UNDER CONDITIONAL MITIGATION Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 20,012	Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clark. Got a hardback copy for $5 at Half Price Books, and so far it's enjoyable. The style of writing is kind of mock-Dickens, so it doesn't exactly let you get lost in the story, but it definitely succeeds at being amusing.

03-01-2007, 11:42 AM	#719
Sundae polaroid of perfection Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 24,185	Funny - I saw that in the 2nd hand bookshop this morning and was convinced I'd read it. Having checked out the precis via the link I definitely haven't. I'll pop in tomorrow and pick it up! __________________ Life's hard you know, so strike a pose on a Cadillac

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