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[Zona]

Amongst other books I've just finished The Stranger.

It caught my eye in the new books section of my local library so I picked it up. Truth be told, it bares not the slightest resemblance to what I thought it would be. As I've never been any good at expressing myself with the written word the best description I can give of it is that I feel it resembles a Sherlock Holmes story if everyone was incredible Chipper about everything... Oh and with magic.

 

[nakedsushi]

No, Cloud Square.

Maybe you're thinking of FFT, where he turns up as an optional character? But that's still Square.

Har. I see what you did there. I think.

I'm thinking of finally reading a Guy G. Kay novel as one of my next books. Should I go with:


Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay

or


Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

?

Tigana has higher ratings on Goodreads, so I'm leaning towards that. But this guy I talked to really liked Under Heaven and called it one of his favorites books ever, so that may sway me that way. My only concern with Under Heaven is the historical China part and how it might distract me if there are any inaccuracies or bad Chinese names.

 

[Manik]

Finished:

Utterly amazing book - only I'm worried the next in the series won't be able to match up. It's the Storm of Swords of the Malazan series.

Was already halfway done with NotW and decided to jump back in and finish it off. It was alright, but the main character was far too flawless. Got bored of hearing how brilliant he was at everything he turned his hand to.


Started:

So far so... Different. In a good way, I think!

 

[Lamel]

Finished

A+ book. I didn´t like the way he used Kate vulnerability to alcohol as a plot device, but that´s my only real annoyance with a book that really is close to sublime. Multiple times while reading it touched me in a way that made me put the book down and think about my own life.


I don´t know what to read next, got Philip Roth´s "Nemesis" and Diaz´ "The brief wondrous life of oscar wao" in front of me.

Steinbeck's magnum opus. Really great novel.

Also be sure to check out Grapes of Wrath. It's not AS good, but still great supposedly (I will be reading it soon).

 

[Cactus]

That's a slippery slope right there: a perfect bite-sized dose of Trollope - enough to suck you into his VAST output as a writer. Seriously, The Warden is an absolute must if you're a fan of 19th century English lit.

I'm planning to read the rest of the "Barsetshire Chronicles" at the very least. I guess the amount of enjoyment those novels give me will help me decide if I should immediately dive into his other works.

 

[Corum]

Rendezvous with Rama - Arthur C. Clarke

The Gargoyle - Andrew Davidson

 

[Gordon0Freeman]

Having an itch to read sci fi.

1. Has anyone read "Existence" by David BrIn? Saw it at the local Barnes, sounded pretty cool.

2. And if someone could recommend me a sci fi book that involves MIND BOGGLING concepts/crazy shit, insane civilizations, spectacular technology, very atmospheric worlds etc. that would be really great.

^ anyone?

 

[Maklershed]

2. And if someone could recommend me a sci fi book that involves MIND BOGGLING concepts/crazy shit, insane civilizations, spectacular technology, very atmospheric worlds etc. that would be really great.

Heechee Saga
Pushing Ice
Foundation series

and I haven't read Existence by Brin but I read The Postman and not only is it one of my all time favorite PA books, It's one of my all time favorite books in general.

 

[Corum]

Having an itch to read sci fi.

1. Has anyone read "Existence" by David BrIn? Saw it at the local Barnes, sounded pretty cool.

2. And if someone could recommend me a sci fi book that involves MIND BOGGLING concepts/crazy shit, insane civilizations, spectacular technology, very atmospheric worlds etc. that would be really great.

^ anyone?

2. Perhaps not mind-boggling/insane (so completely missing your point!) but the Culture series by Iain. M. Banks is great, there's advanced technology and an interesting perception of the future. Consider Phlebas is the first novel in the series.

*Edit* I second the Foundation series as well.

 

[desku]

Almost finished this. Amazing book, would definitely recommend.

Anyone have any suggestions for depressing books? I feel like I want to read something that will make me bawl my eyes out.

 

[FnordChan]

2. And if someone could recommend me a sci fi book that involves MIND BOGGLING concepts/crazy shit, insane civilizations, spectacular technology, very atmospheric worlds etc. that would be really great.

How about Consider Phlebas, the first of Iain Banks' Culture novels? It's about an agent on a mission in the midst of a galactic war and it's full of strange cultures (not to mention Cultures), suitably alien aliens, moral ambiguity, and Shit Going Down. It sounds like the sort of thing you're looking for.

FnordChan

 

[Corum]

How about Consider Phlebas, the first of Iain Banks' Culture novels? It's about an agent on a mission in the midst of a galactic war and it's full of strange cultures (not to mention Cultures), suitably alien aliens, moral ambiguity, and Shit Going Down. It sounds like the sort of thing you're looking for.

FnordChan

Your description was infinitely more appealing than mine.

 

[FnordChan]

Your description was infinitely more appealing than mine.

Ah, but you were first, and on the internet that's the really important thing. Either way, hopefully our tag team Culture recommendation will sell the recommendation.

Also, I tried to resist the urge to recommend these yet again, but if I just happen to mention Vernor Vinge's singularity novels A Fire Upon The Deep and A Deepness In The Sky, with their space opera galactic culture, detailed explorations of strange alien cultures, and general awesomeness, well, that can't hurt too much, can it?

FnordChan

 

[Mifune]

Why didn't i read this earlier in my life? Such a marvelous story. Deep, masterfully written and thought provoking. Definitely one of the greatest novels i've ever read!

Yeah, and how about that ending? That book totally blew me away. I really need to read more Eco.

Anyway, what I've been up to...

Anyone read Mark Leyner before? I think some of you DFW/Pynchon fans would really get a kick out of his stuff. Et Tu, Babe is a ridiculously absurd chronicle of the life of Mark Leyner, if Mark Leyner was a billionaire superstar author who was lusted after by supermodels. It's wish fulfillment taken to a whole new, hilariously awesome level.

And 2012 is the year when I finally read The Brothers Karamazov. About 200 pages in at the moment.

 

[thomaser]

Anyone have any suggestions for depressing books? I feel like I want to read something that will make me bawl my eyes out.

Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath is terribly depressing and tragic. McCarthy's Border Trilogy can also be very depressing at times.

 

[Mifune]

Almost finished this. Amazing book, would definitely recommend.

Anyone have any suggestions for depressing books? I feel like I want to read something that will make me bawl my eyes out.

Motherless Brooklyn is so great.

As far as depressing goes, if you're not against reading some non-fiction, Murakami's Underground is totally devastating. I wish he'd do more long-form journalism.

 

[thomaser]

As far as depressing goes, if you're not against reading some non-fiction, Murakami's Underground is totally devastating. I wish he'd do more long-form journalism.

I agree, Underground is another depressing book. I have a hunch that Murakami will try something along those lines for his next work, since 1Q84 was so (supposedly - I haven't read it yet) similar to many of his earlier novels. He needs a reboot, and going back to journalism for a while might do him good.

 

[steadfast]

Having an itch to read sci fi.


2. And if someone could recommend me a sci fi book that involves MIND BOGGLING concepts/crazy shit, insane civilizations, spectacular technology, very atmospheric worlds etc. that would be really great.

^ anyone?

Perdido Street Station is what you're looking for. Book is nuts.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0345459407/?tag=neogaf0e-20

 

[AliceInJam]

Finally finished The Dark Tower IV and now onto Wolves of the Calla...

Excited to continue the story! Some of the best books I have read up to this point, highly recommended.

 

[persongr]

Yeah, and how about that ending? That book totally blew me away. I really need to read more Eco.

Haven't finished it yet, but an utterly stupid professor once spoiled it -_- Nevertheless, it still remains an amazing novel, even if the plot becomes rather obvious early on (if you know the ending, that is).

 

[commish]

Har. I see what you did there. I think.

I'm thinking of finally reading a Guy G. Kay novel as one of my next books. Should I go with:


Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay

or


Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

?

Tigana has higher ratings on Goodreads, so I'm leaning towards that. But this guy I talked to really liked Under Heaven and called it one of his favorites books ever, so that may sway me that way. My only concern with Under Heaven is the historical China part and how it might distract me if there are any inaccuracies or bad Chinese names.

Loved both of these books. Tigana is better, but I really enjoyed them both.

 

[AngmarsKing701]

... still reading this ...

 

[AngmarsKing701]

Loved both of these books. Tigana is better, but I really enjoyed them both.

I second this recommendation. Also I highly recommend "A Song for Arbonne."

Kay in general is fantastic. The only one I'd put a "meh" on is "Ysabel."

 

[Mackenzie 92]

great short story of space colonisation from the point of view of some 'aborted' colonists.

not as good as 'wool' but definitely a good read.

Enjoyed that one too, would have liked more in the universe/ world. He actually wrote that during a NaNoWriMo thing, probably spelled that wrong.

The Molly Fyde saga is pretty good too.

 

[Neffarias_Bredd]

Finished:

Utterly amazing book - only I'm worried the next in the series won't be able to match up. It's the Storm of Swords of the Malazan series.

Was already halfway done with NotW and decided to jump back in and finish it off. It was alright, but the main character was far too flawless. Got bored of hearing how brilliant he was at everything he turned his hand to.


Started:

So far so... Different. In a good way, I think!

I'm about halfway through House of Chains, and like you said it's a pretty huge departure from Memories of Ice but I've been thoroughly enjoying it so far, although I've already forgotten many of the secondary character names that get brought up here and there. I just trudge on

 

[NekoFever]

Finished The Forever War last night. I liked it, especially the treatment of science and technology, which had clearly been well thought out.

Now I'm reading The Forge of God by Greg Bear.

 

[Like the hat?]

Read The Graveyard Book over the past few days, and loved it. Probably one of my favorite books that I've read in a while, and the first Neil Gaiman book I've read
The wife suggested I try American Gods, so I'll be getting that as soon as my library has the ebook version available (only one copy, which is already checked out. I thought ebooks were supposed to solve this kind of thing?)

While I'm waiting, I'm going to try 'Salem's Lot by Stephen King. It's one of those King books that I've wanted to read for a while, but never got around to it.

 

[aidan]

Har. I see what you did there. I think.

I'm thinking of finally reading a Guy G. Kay novel as one of my next books. Should I go with:


Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay

or


Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

?

Tigana has higher ratings on Goodreads, so I'm leaning towards that. But this guy I talked to really liked Under Heaven and called it one of his favorites books ever, so that may sway me that way. My only concern with Under Heaven is the historical China part and how it might distract me if there are any inaccuracies or bad Chinese names.

I can't speak for Tigana, because I haven't read it, but Under Heaven is also one of my favourite books ever, so... yeah.

 

[nakedsushi]

I can't speak for Tigana, because I haven't read it, but Under Heaven is also one of my favourite books ever, so... yeah.

Hm...did I interview you for a job this morning? Haha, probably not. Ok I may start with Tigana and if I like his style, continue with Under Heaven. Then maybe by the time I'm done the 2nd book in the Under Heaven universe may be out.

 

[Manik]

I'm about halfway through House of Chains, and like you said it's a pretty huge departure from Memories of Ice but I've been thoroughly enjoying it so far, although I've already forgotten many of the secondary character names that get brought up here and there. I just trudge on

I did enjoy the single character focus of the first book of HoC, mainly because there were far fewer secondary characters to try and keep track of.

As far as the main storyline goes I still get confused with which characters are allied with which and, occasionally, get the races muddled up. The T'lan Imass and the Tiste... and the Edur, Imass and... argh. And don't get me started on the warrens. I'm getting there though!

I usually find if I get lost off during a chapter, but persevere, then it all comes together in the end.

 

[Mifune]

Haven't finished it yet, but an utterly stupid professor once spoiled it -_- Nevertheless, it still remains an amazing novel, even if the plot becomes rather obvious early on (if you know the ending, that is).

Yeah, I guess knowing the ending would spoil some of the experience. Regardless, the last thirty or so pages are so gorgeously written that it doesn't hurt TOO bad.

 

[Lamel]

Since I have to wait a week for my unabridged copy of Count of Monte Cristo to arrive, I will start this instead.

REALLY looking forward to this one.

 

[olore]

Shantaram, still

 

[Piecake]

Since I have to wait a week for my unabridged copy of Count of Monte Cristo to arrive, I will start this instead.

REALLY looking forward to this one.

My favorite book ever. I thought i was so awesome that I even wrote a 'paper' analyzing some of its themes just for fun - dont have it anymore

 

[Gordon0Freeman]

Perdido Street Station is what you're looking for. Book is nuts.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0345459407/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Okay shit just got serious. Thanks!

And thanks to the other fellow gaffers for the recommendations, will definitely check out the Foundation series.

 

[Lamel]

My favorite book ever. I thought i was so awesome that I even wrote a 'paper' analyzing some of its themes just for fun - dont have it anymore

I am liking the writing style a lot so far. I gotta say it is a dense book, took me a while to get to 25 pages lol. But liking it so far.

 

[Mackenzie 92]

Okay shit just got serious. Thanks!

And thanks to the other fellow gaffers for the recommendations, will definitely check out the Foundation series.

Oh boy. Hope you like man on insect porn..heh

Going full steam on Rubicon. Enjoying it, but man the author can get long winded and dance around the same thing over and over.

 

[Samara]

i'm sorry Gaf. But they are sooo good

This one, I'm in the middle of, and damn this book made me laugh out loud on many occasion.

 

[brianjones]

finished blood meridian.. fucking gorgeous prose.. judge holden


picked up some short stories from the library and wanted to finish off the salinger bibli

 

[Jarlaxle]

Hm...did I interview you for a job this morning? Haha, probably not. Ok I may start with Tigana and if I like his style, continue with Under Heaven. Then maybe by the time I'm done the 2nd book in the Under Heaven universe may be out.

I can only speak about Tigana but I thought it was very well written. It did take about 150 pages or so to grab me but it was definitely a memorable experience.

 

[Karak]

David Gemmel Waylander. Then moving to the John Shannow series again.

 

[Draconian]

I'm 50 pages in and am hooked. Can't wait to read more.

My first Murakami. I'll start it tomorrow.

 

[Burger]

The Molly Fyde saga is pretty good too.

It's really not... It's so full of conveniences and contrivances I couldn't even finish the first book it was so bad.

Stay away.

 

[finowns]

Almost finished this. Amazing book, would definitely recommend.

Anyone have any suggestions for depressing books? I feel like I want to read something that will make me bawl my eyes out.

Never Let Me Go is fairly heartbreaking.

 

[Dresden]

Never Let Me Go is fairly heartbreaking.

never let me go kicks you in the balls... so good.

water touching stone by eliot pattison is another good heartbreaker... i bawled. or i mean i totally felt like bawling but didn't and kept my composure while feeling my heart break.

 

[teruterubozu]

If you're interested in history, Daniel Boorstin's "The Americans" trilogy -

The Americans: The Colonial Experience
The Americans: The National Experience
The Americans: The Democratic Experience

- are fantastic. Probably the best writing I've seen in the genre of history - strong sense of narrative development, lots of quotability. And honestly, alot of his examples are simply fascinating, for he chooses avenues of historical investigation that avoid many of the "big" events of American history but nevertheless give a great deal of insight into the zeitgeist of various times and places. Highly recommended.

I've read "The Creators" and "The Discoverers" but have not read his America trilogy. He has the same approach where he examines a rarely observed historical fact as a launching point to describe larger global events. Boorstin was a polymath with an almost inhuman amount of info stashed in his brain. Although these days Boorstin-style history is considered "old school" in academic circles - today there is a bigger focus on sociological/anthropological analysis and the disenfranchised/minority experience - his writings are endlessly entertaining and rich with mind-blowing facts.

 

[Fjordson]

Hm...did I interview you for a job this morning? Haha, probably not. Ok I may start with Tigana and if I like his style, continue with Under Heaven. Then maybe by the time I'm done the 2nd book in the Under Heaven universe may be out.

I'm late here, but I think Tigana is a good choice. I'm just about halfway finished and I love it so far.

 

[Guileless]

Kindle

Bleak House by Charles Dickens


Hard copy

The Glory Game by Hunter Davies

I am reading Vertigo by John Crace, about his Spurs fandom. I enjoyed The Glory Game as well. I am fascinated by Spurs' fan culture. If I grew up in London I think I would have ended up a Spurs fan.

I have tried to read Bleak House twice but put it down both times around 150 pages in. Maybe this year.

 

[Kola]

Lem - Eden. 1959. One of his weaker books.

 

[Maklershed]

Going to a book sale in a few minutes. Every time I go to this thing I get way too many books. I'll post my pick ups later.