I'MMA LET YOU FINISH
I am frist?!
I am frist?!
Apparently. 
Apparently.
The End of Faith by Sam Harris
Not perfect but certainly takes an agressive and fascinating position on the destructiveness of religious belief.
The End of Faith by Sam Harris
Not perfect but certainly takes an agressive and fascinating position on the destructiveness of religious belief.
Oh, I mean... Um...
Frist.
I am enjoying "The Mulberry Empire," by Philip Hensher, an historical novel set in Afghanistan in 1838.
Oh, I mean... Um...
Frist.
I am enjoying "The Mulberry Empire," by Philip Hensher, an historical novel set in Afghanistan in 1838.
The Euro is hot this year. Instead of giving the nephews and nieces dollar bills, slip them some euros. They will thank you later.
The Euro is hot this year. Instead of giving the nephews and nieces dollar bills, slip them some euros. They will thank you later.
My mom is a nurse. I'm buying her a copy of "Home Before Morning: The Story of an Army Nurse in Vietnam" by Linda Van Devanter.
She loved the "China Beach" series and several of her classmates from nursing school were Vietnam nurses.
It's not a new book, but something I know my mom will appreciate.
My mom is a nurse. I'm buying her a copy of "Home Before Morning: The Story of an Army Nurse in Vietnam" by Linda Van Devanter.
She loved the "China Beach" series and several of her classmates from nursing school were Vietnam nurses.
It's not a new book, but something I know my mom will appreciate.
The Great Influenza
Overly long, poorly edited, but fascinating, especially given the gutting of our Public Health System.
The Great Influenza
Overly long, poorly edited, but fascinating, especially given the gutting of our Public Health System.
I'm getting a couple of people America: The Book, and a couple of others who are getting The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold. Fantastic storytelling.
I'm getting a couple of people America: The Book, and a couple of others who are getting The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold. Fantastic storytelling.
Lillith Trilogy by Octavia Butler, recommended by Tena. Up to page 120 and so far is terrific.
Lillith Trilogy by Octavia Butler, recommended by Tena. Up to page 120 and so far is terrific.
Booknotes dies tomorrow. Long live Booknotes.
Why Read? by Mark Edmundson, 8 pm est
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Booknotes dies tomorrow. Long live Booknotes.
Why Read? by Mark Edmundson, 8 pm est
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THE FÜHRER'S COURAGE by Ernst Günther Dickmann. Hitler as an example of faith and confidence for the entire folk in difficult times.
THE FÜHRER'S COURAGE by Ernst Günther Dickmann. Hitler as an example of faith and confidence for the entire folk in difficult times.
Kung Fu Space Pirates of the Oberon Galaxy , written by myself.
Kung Fu Space Pirates of the Oberon Galaxy , written by myself.
Roger Chickering and Stig Foerster, eds. _The Shadows of Total War: Europe,East Asia, and the United States, (******Five Nur Stars)1919-1939_. Publications of the German Historical Institute Series. New York and Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003. 364 pp. Notes, index. $65.00 (cloth), ISBN 0-521-81236-4.
Andrew J. Bacevich. _American Empire_. Cambridge and London: Harvard
University Press, 2002. ix + 302 pp. Notes, bibliography, index. $29.95
(cloth), ISBN 0-674-00940-1.
Salim Yaqub. _Containing Arab Nationalism: The Eisenhower Doctrine and the Middle East_. The New Cold War History Series. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2004. 377 pp. Pictures, maps, notes, bibliography, index. $59.95 (cloth), ISBN 0-8078-2834-3; $22.50 (paper) ISBN 0-8078-5508-1.
Is the 3rd Stephenson Quicksilver novel coming out?
Roger Chickering and Stig Foerster, eds. _The Shadows of Total War: Europe,East Asia, and the United States, (******Five Nur Stars)1919-1939_. Publications of the German Historical Institute Series. New York and Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003. 364 pp. Notes, index. $65.00 (cloth), ISBN 0-521-81236-4.
Andrew J. Bacevich. _American Empire_. Cambridge and London: Harvard
University Press, 2002. ix + 302 pp. Notes, bibliography, index. $29.95
(cloth), ISBN 0-674-00940-1.
Salim Yaqub. _Containing Arab Nationalism: The Eisenhower Doctrine and the Middle East_. The New Cold War History Series. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2004. 377 pp. Pictures, maps, notes, bibliography, index. $59.95 (cloth), ISBN 0-8078-2834-3; $22.50 (paper) ISBN 0-8078-5508-1.
Is the 3rd Stephenson Quicksilver novel coming out?
Kevin Killian - a writer from San Francisco review my book this way. (and I do not even know him.)"The things that happened to Mitch Garwolinski shouldn't have happened to anyone, even your worst enemy, and he was a child when he suffered them. Now fully grown, and blessed with a deep serenity of spirit that is not given to those pampered in youth, he has remembered it all, and told it all, with the assistance of an amanuensis, a man who seems remarkably skilled at giving us Mitch's innermost thoughts and expressions of his pain.
I don't know anyone who was at Treblinka but now, through the miracle of one man's honest recollections, I feel that one of my friends was indeed there and it brings it all home to me, both the horror of human evil, and the shining benignity of those who have suffered and died, as sentence by sentence Mitch Garwolinski's honesty shines through the misery, like diamonds hidden by and engendered by manure. I would recommend SILENT SCREAMS OF A SURVIVOR to anyone interested in human behavior, as well as in Holocaust issues. Now, in our current atmosphere of world crisis, the lessons the book teaches are just as timely, if not more so, than the half-century of time that divides us from the Nazi period. There was a time when it seemed that evil had triumphed. And even though Hitler was defeated, has all trace of his depredations been removed? Far from it!"
Kevin Killian - a writer from San Francisco review my book this way. (and I do not even know him.)"The things that happened to Mitch Garwolinski shouldn't have happened to anyone, even your worst enemy, and he was a child when he suffered them. Now fully grown, and blessed with a deep serenity of spirit that is not given to those pampered in youth, he has remembered it all, and told it all, with the assistance of an amanuensis, a man who seems remarkably skilled at giving us Mitch's innermost thoughts and expressions of his pain.
I don't know anyone who was at Treblinka but now, through the miracle of one man's honest recollections, I feel that one of my friends was indeed there and it brings it all home to me, both the horror of human evil, and the shining benignity of those who have suffered and died, as sentence by sentence Mitch Garwolinski's honesty shines through the misery, like diamonds hidden by and engendered by manure. I would recommend SILENT SCREAMS OF A SURVIVOR to anyone interested in human behavior, as well as in Holocaust issues. Now, in our current atmosphere of world crisis, the lessons the book teaches are just as timely, if not more so, than the half-century of time that divides us from the Nazi period. There was a time when it seemed that evil had triumphed. And even though Hitler was defeated, has all trace of his depredations been removed? Far from it!"
Someday my book. 
But for now, "Castles of Steel" by Robert Massie is my current read.
Someday my book.
But for now, "Castles of Steel" by Robert Massie is my current read.
I am presently engrossed in reading American Dreamer: A Life of Henry A. Wallace by John C. Culver, John Hyde (2000).
Am also re-reading a perennial favorite, Emerson, the Mind on Fire by Robert D. Richardson. Here is a link to a transcript of an interview with the author on C-Span:
www.booknotes.org/Transcript/?ProgramID=1264
Both these books are essential reading.
I am presently engrossed in reading American Dreamer: A Life of Henry A. Wallace by John C. Culver, John Hyde (2000).
Am also re-reading a perennial favorite, Emerson, the Mind on Fire by Robert D. Richardson. Here is a link to a transcript of an interview with the author on C-Span:
www.booknotes.org/Transcript/?ProgramID=1264
Both these books are essential reading.
We had all this great writing in the last book thread and it was all lost because the "limit" was exceeded and Haloscan just "taped-over" like a video cassette. Here are three of what we remember from the last one:
Trask's unexpurgated Life of Giacomo Casanova, Chevalier de Seingalt (16 books in 8 volumes) This is the thing you read as an proper element of education to learn about human nature, just like you take math classes to learn maths. Period. And it is excellent anyway.
Japanese Beyond Words by Andrew Horvat, a must for enthusiasts of the home of the sun.
With Charity toward None by someone O'Neil, a careful, patient deconstruction by a phiolosophy prof of the barbarism that is Ayn Standing For Ayn.
The Book of Jerry Falwell by Susan Friend Harding, excellent, excellent book by a "sympathetic" (laughter-suppressing, too mature to just hit them) investigator into FundyMentalism featuring an overview of the rise of Fally.
Kafka re-read as comedy (Olaf's points to the effect in the other thread were also lost).
What's the Matter with Kansas and Perfectly Legal--go. read.
Sackley & Knoedler's Introduction to Political Economy.
The Secret Museum (a history of porn) and former ACLU president Nadine Strossen's outstanding Defending Pornography.
That's three, that's several three.
We had all this great writing in the last book thread and it was all lost because the "limit" was exceeded and Haloscan just "taped-over" like a video cassette. Here are three of what we remember from the last one:
Trask's unexpurgated Life of Giacomo Casanova, Chevalier de Seingalt (16 books in 8 volumes) This is the thing you read as an proper element of education to learn about human nature, just like you take math classes to learn maths. Period. And it is excellent anyway.
Japanese Beyond Words by Andrew Horvat, a must for enthusiasts of the home of the sun.
With Charity toward None by someone O'Neil, a careful, patient deconstruction by a phiolosophy prof of the barbarism that is Ayn Standing For Ayn.
The Book of Jerry Falwell by Susan Friend Harding, excellent, excellent book by a "sympathetic" (laughter-suppressing, too mature to just hit them) investigator into FundyMentalism featuring an overview of the rise of Fally.
Kafka re-read as comedy (Olaf's points to the effect in the other thread were also lost).
What's the Matter with Kansas and Perfectly Legal--go. read.
Sackley & Knoedler's Introduction to Political Economy.
The Secret Museum (a history of porn) and former ACLU president Nadine Strossen's outstanding Defending Pornography.
That's three, that's several three.
Hot? Who can afford to buy anything so frivilous? I'm two months behind on rent, and I'll probably get laid off at the end of January because the shop is moving to Mexico.
Never mind the gifts; this year, I'm thankful not to be out on the street. Of course, ther's always next year...
Cup O' Joe - Blog Of The Working Man!
Hot? Who can afford to buy anything so frivilous? I'm two months behind on rent, and I'll probably get laid off at the end of January because the shop is moving to Mexico.
Never mind the gifts; this year, I'm thankful not to be out on the street. Of course, ther's always next year...
Cup O' Joe - Blog Of The Working Man!
Kung Fu Space Pirates of the Oberon Galaxy , written by myself.
GuyWithTheCoat | Email | Homepage | 12.04.04 - 7:16 pm
That looks fun! Mind if I link to it on my LiveJournal?
Kung Fu Space Pirates of the Oberon Galaxy , written by myself.
GuyWithTheCoat | Email | Homepage | 12.04.04 - 7:16 pm
That looks fun! Mind if I link to it on my LiveJournal?
Justin Green's Binky Brown Sampler
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Justin Green's Binky Brown Sampler
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"What's The Matter With Kansas?" on a serious note. Any Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, or Greg Rucka books on a fictional note.
"What's The Matter With Kansas?" on a serious note. Any Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, or Greg Rucka books on a fictional note.
I don't know what's hot this year, but I'm reading the first volume in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's autobiography. I love it. I love magic realism as Garcia Marquez does it - I love One Hundred Years of Solitude dearly. It's in my top 5 of all time. The book I'm reading now is almost like getting to read One Hundred Years of Solitude again for the first time. He talks about going back to his home town as a grown man, with his mother, to sell his grandfather's house. And all the stories from the book are there, because it was his family he wrote about.
So if anyone is looking for something for an admirer of Garcia Marquez, I recommend it.
I don't know what's hot this year, but I'm reading the first volume in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's autobiography. I love it. I love magic realism as Garcia Marquez does it - I love One Hundred Years of Solitude dearly. It's in my top 5 of all time. The book I'm reading now is almost like getting to read One Hundred Years of Solitude again for the first time. He talks about going back to his home town as a grown man, with his mother, to sell his grandfather's house. And all the stories from the book are there, because it was his family he wrote about.
So if anyone is looking for something for an admirer of Garcia Marquez, I recommend it.
Apparently not books containing gay characters. Not in Alabama, anyway. Seems some state congressmen wants to ban 'em from libraries to protect chilluns from the "evul homersexshul agenda". Gonna ban 'em from college libraries, too. Now, far be it for me to poke good-natured fun at the state that's inevitably bordered every place I've called home...so I'll let my brother (graduate of the University of North Alabama) do it:
"This is a non-issue, because kids in Alabama don't read."
Man, I love the South.
Apparently not books containing gay characters. Not in Alabama, anyway. Seems some state congressmen wants to ban 'em from libraries to protect chilluns from the "evul homersexshul agenda". Gonna ban 'em from college libraries, too. Now, far be it for me to poke good-natured fun at the state that's inevitably bordered every place I've called home...so I'll let my brother (graduate of the University of North Alabama) do it:
"This is a non-issue, because kids in Alabama don't read."
Man, I love the South.
"My Pet Gote"
"My Pet Gote"
As I recall, the Lilith trilogy stays excellent, and maybe even improves. Octavia Butler is very good, although she can be pretty grim - have you read any of her other stuff?
As I recall, the Lilith trilogy stays excellent, and maybe even improves. Octavia Butler is very good, although she can be pretty grim - have you read any of her other stuff?
One Hundred Years Of Solitude,
One Hundred Years Of Solitude,
Take one down, pass it around,
Ninety-Nine Years of Solitude.
Ninety-Nine Years of Solitude,
Ninety-Nine Years of Solitude,
Take one down, pass it around....
[/MST3K]
One Hundred Years Of Solitude,
One Hundred Years Of Solitude,
Take one down, pass it around,
Ninety-Nine Years of Solitude.
Ninety-Nine Years of Solitude,
Ninety-Nine Years of Solitude,
Take one down, pass it around....
[/MST3K]
This is fairly mainstream, heavily reviewed stuff, but the reissues of A.J. Liebling are terrific - the Just Enough Liebling anthology and The Sweet Science, his boxing essays. Just Enough is a great gift for anyone with a taste for vintage New Yorker style non-fiction.
This is fairly mainstream, heavily reviewed stuff, but the reissues of A.J. Liebling are terrific - the Just Enough Liebling anthology and The Sweet Science, his boxing essays. Just Enough is a great gift for anyone with a taste for vintage New Yorker style non-fiction.
If anyone wants to talk mad science-fiction, I'm all over it. Otherwise, um... I got nothin'.
If anyone wants to talk mad science-fiction, I'm all over it. Otherwise, um... I got nothin'.
and The Female Man by Joanna Russ.
and The Female Man by Joanna Russ.
Who's your favorite sci-fi author, Eli? Mine is H. Beam Piper...
Who's your favorite sci-fi author, Eli? Mine is H. Beam Piper...
From the looks of it, Eli, I think we are. SF and politics, my kinda crowd.
From the looks of it, Eli, I think we are. SF and politics, my kinda crowd.
I recommend anything by PG Wodehouse that has "Jeeves" in the title.
I recommend anything by PG Wodehouse that has "Jeeves" in the title.
One of my readers bought me Sidewalk Strategies: Seven Winning Steps For Candidates, Causes And Communities off my Amazon Wishlist. I keep hoping somebody will get me XXX : 30 Porn-Star Portraits. No takers yet, but I'm thinking maybe my wife will...
One of my readers bought me Sidewalk Strategies: Seven Winning Steps For Candidates, Causes And Communities off my Amazon Wishlist. I keep hoping somebody will get me XXX : 30 Porn-Star Portraits. No takers yet, but I'm thinking maybe my wife will...
It's gonna be sparse this Cri'mus, as Baby Brother and I are both stone-broke. On top of that, I got monthly car payments to look forward to, but as a wise sage once said, "If we make it through December, everything's gonna be alright, I know."
And hell...I still got a backlog of books on the holographic model, hyperspace, chaos theory, zombies and whatever the hell's wrong with Kansas to wade through.
It's gonna be sparse this Cri'mus, as Baby Brother and I are both stone-broke. On top of that, I got monthly car payments to look forward to, but as a wise sage once said, "If we make it through December, everything's gonna be alright, I know."
And hell...I still got a backlog of books on the holographic model, hyperspace, chaos theory, zombies and whatever the hell's wrong with Kansas to wade through.
It's funny I always though Sci Fi and being a lefty went hand-in-hand, just because of the nature of s.f., but happy to be a neofascist people started jumping on the war bandwagon. It was a sad way to be proved wrong...
It's funny I always though Sci Fi and being a lefty went hand-in-hand, just because of the nature of s.f., but happy to be a neofascist people started jumping on the war bandwagon. It was a sad way to be proved wrong...
Giving David Sedaris books to my kids, they enjoy him. I think the times right now are perfect to re-read Camus' The Plague. I've always thought that was a perfect book. Don't understand the south but have always loved Faulkner. Bought Amy Tan's last and am saving it up to read, also Lovely Bones. No time to read them yet. AFter Christmas, maybe.
Giving David Sedaris books to my kids, they enjoy him. I think the times right now are perfect to re-read Camus' The Plague. I've always thought that was a perfect book. Don't understand the south but have always loved Faulkner. Bought Amy Tan's last and am saving it up to read, also Lovely Bones. No time to read them yet. AFter Christmas, maybe.
I am reading Edison: A Biography by Matthew Josephson. It is an older work (1959), so the writing style is a little dated, but the life it describes is captivating.
I am reading Edison: A Biography by Matthew Josephson. It is an older work (1959), so the writing style is a little dated, but the life it describes is captivating.
Monica_CA, it may be necessary to pull out Spinrad's The Iron Dream.
Monica_CA, it may be necessary to pull out Spinrad's The Iron Dream.
We should list books with homersequential characters, like Mutiny on the Bounty, even though most of them will be extremely negative portrayals (the prissy bastard who got his mates in trouble). In fact those stock literary stereotypes are where they get their "knowledge" of homosexuality! There's an example of stamm Aryanische dummheit: it's as if they wanted Birth of a Nation banned because it had black characters in it.
We should list books with homersequential characters, like Mutiny on the Bounty, even though most of them will be extremely negative portrayals (the prissy bastard who got his mates in trouble). In fact those stock literary stereotypes are where they get their "knowledge" of homosexuality! There's an example of stamm Aryanische dummheit: it's as if they wanted Birth of a Nation banned because it had black characters in it.
We are all fine here by mary guterson. i read an advanced readers copy. highly reccomend it.
We are all fine here by mary guterson. i read an advanced readers copy. highly reccomend it.
I Can't Wait To Make A Zillion Dollars Working For A Drug Company by Tommy Thompson
I Can't Wait To Make A Zillion Dollars Working For A Drug Company by Tommy Thompson
Wow, you stumped me right out of the gate, Joe - I've never heard of Piper. I am shamed.
Hard to name a favorite, but if I had to pick one, I think I probably lean towards Greg Bear, especially for Queen Of Angels. I also like Brin's Uplift series, Stephen R. Donaldson's two magnum opii, Orson Scott Card, and A.A. Attanasio.
Wow, you stumped me right out of the gate, Joe - I've never heard of Piper. I am shamed.
Hard to name a favorite, but if I had to pick one, I think I probably lean towards Greg Bear, especially for Queen Of Angels. I also like Brin's Uplift series, Stephen R. Donaldson's two magnum opii, Orson Scott Card, and A.A. Attanasio.
QuiltLady - I just saw your comment - damn, I'm so glad you like it.
QuiltLady - I just saw your comment - damn, I'm so glad you like it.
Also, as far as old skool sci-fi, there's a certain, I dunno, *flavor* to A.E. Van Vogt that I really dig.
Also, as far as old skool sci-fi, there's a certain, I dunno, *flavor* to A.E. Van Vogt that I really dig.
Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco.
.
Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco.
.
I love Dennis Lehane, and I loved Mystic River and Shutter Island, but damn it I want Bubba, Kinsey, and Genarro back.
Love Greg Rucka as well. Smoker is a great book.
Michael Connolly is great too. Harry Bosch is a great character.
Great taste in books Orko. Ya gotta read Robert Crais too. His Elvis Cole books. He and Michael Connolly play around and do nods to each others characters.
I can't read political books, or great lit all the time.
I love Dennis Lehane, and I loved Mystic River and Shutter Island, but damn it I want Bubba, Kinsey, and Genarro back.
Love Greg Rucka as well. Smoker is a great book.
Michael Connolly is great too. Harry Bosch is a great character.
Great taste in books Orko. Ya gotta read Robert Crais too. His Elvis Cole books. He and Michael Connolly play around and do nods to each others characters.
I can't read political books, or great lit all the time.
NTodd: ever seen any Steven Diet Goedde?
NTodd: ever seen any Steven Diet Goedde?
I started Foucalt's pendulum but couldn't get into it the way I did "The Name of the Rose", it starts really densely. I should give it another try.
I started Foucalt's pendulum but couldn't get into it the way I did "The Name of the Rose", it starts really densely. I should give it another try.
"Girl Trouble"
by Christopher McDougall
I don't if anyone ever heard of a Mexican singer named Gloria Trevi. Very hot in the early part of the 90s.
She got mixed up in a sex scandal where her manager was raping 13 year old girls, knocking up some of them. They took for Brazil and fought extradition from a Brazilian prison for years.
She finally wound up back in Mexico where she was freed on September 21 - he's still going to go on trial.
They called her "The Mexican Madonna" - trust me, Madonna at her wildest was BLAND compared to the antics of Gloria Trevi!
"Girl Trouble"
by Christopher McDougall
I don't if anyone ever heard of a Mexican singer named Gloria Trevi. Very hot in the early part of the 90s.
She got mixed up in a sex scandal where her manager was raping 13 year old girls, knocking up some of them. They took for Brazil and fought extradition from a Brazilian prison for years.
She finally wound up back in Mexico where she was freed on September 21 - he's still going to go on trial.
They called her "The Mexican Madonna" - trust me, Madonna at her wildest was BLAND compared to the antics of Gloria Trevi!
Also, just finished the last book of Varley's Titan-Wizard-Demon trilogy. Good stuff - the first page or two of Demon is especially brilliant, as are the Dione Supra Angels, who say things like "We are brilliantly aghast!", and will say "Mumble" when they want to participate in the conversation but don't actually have anything to say.
Also, just finished the last book of Varley's Titan-Wizard-Demon trilogy. Good stuff - the first page or two of Demon is especially brilliant, as are the Dione Supra Angels, who say things like "We are brilliantly aghast!", and will say "Mumble" when they want to participate in the conversation but don't actually have anything to say.
John S. Galbraith, The Hudson's Bay Company as an Imperial Factor 1821-1869 (gee I loved having Galbraith insist on the pun in the title), and Campaign in Mesopotamia 1914-1918, FJ Moberly. What fun!
John S. Galbraith, The Hudson's Bay Company as an Imperial Factor 1821-1869 (gee I loved having Galbraith insist on the pun in the title), and Campaign in Mesopotamia 1914-1918, FJ Moberly. What fun!
Eli -- [jumping up and down like a little fangirl, all envious] You lucky dog, you get to discover Piper!
And you sound a bit hard-science-oriented there, and militaristic. You definitely need to get some Bujold into your life.
Eli -- [jumping up and down like a little fangirl, all envious] You lucky dog, you get to discover Piper!
And you sound a bit hard-science-oriented there, and militaristic. You definitely need to get some Bujold into your life.
Piper isn't one of the better-known authors, he actually commited suicide in the sixties, thinking he was destitute and not knowing he had a bunch of money coming to him.
Piper's work deals mostly with his "Para-Time" scenario, where instead of moving backwards or forwards in time, you move sideways, that is, you move into a reality altered by different events (a big example would be, what would have happened if the Aryans went east instead of west, or if Hannibal had conquered Rome.
My favorite novelette of his is "Lord Kalvan Of Otherwhen, where a Pennsylvania police officer accidentally gets transferred to an alternate Earth ruled by a feudal society. Jerry Pournelle based his lesser work Janissaries on that one.
Piper isn't one of the better-known authors, he actually commited suicide in the sixties, thinking he was destitute and not knowing he had a bunch of money coming to him.
Piper's work deals mostly with his "Para-Time" scenario, where instead of moving backwards or forwards in time, you move sideways, that is, you move into a reality altered by different events (a big example would be, what would have happened if the Aryans went east instead of west, or if Hannibal had conquered Rome.
My favorite novelette of his is "Lord Kalvan Of Otherwhen, where a Pennsylvania police officer accidentally gets transferred to an alternate Earth ruled by a feudal society. Jerry Pournelle based his lesser work Janissaries on that one.
I actually finished Foucault's Pendulum. It *was* very dense, and I didn't really feel like the payoff was worth it.
I actually finished Foucault's Pendulum. It *was* very dense, and I didn't really feel like the payoff was worth it.
The Great Influenza
Overly long, poorly edited, but fascinating, especially given the gutting of our Public Health System.
I've read it! It's a great read!
The Great Influenza
Overly long, poorly edited, but fascinating, especially given the gutting of our Public Health System.
I've read it! It's a great read!
Lois McMaster, or Genevieve?
Lois McMaster, or Genevieve?
"The Church That Forgot Christ"
Jimmy Breslin
"The Church That Forgot Christ"
Jimmy Breslin
The Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett...fab!
The Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett...fab!
Eli - I've read Parable of the Sower and the trilogy. I loved the trilogy. Parable of the Sower - seems prescient, but I didn't love it. It seemed unfinished somehow.
Lilith's Brood is genius in places. I think, anyway.
Eli - I've read Parable of the Sower and the trilogy. I loved the trilogy. Parable of the Sower - seems prescient, but I didn't love it. It seemed unfinished somehow.
Lilith's Brood is genius in places. I think, anyway.
Lois McMaster. The Miles books, especially the last four or five, are addictive. Her other stuff's great too.
Lois McMaster. The Miles books, especially the last four or five, are addictive. Her other stuff's great too.
Freedom on the March, by G. Bush
Why You Don't Really Need to be President, by D. Cheney.
Why You Don't Really Need to be President or Vice-President, by K. Rove
Why I Sleep in a Coffin and Why My Name is Legion, by D. Rumsfeld
Only a few of the titles in the new Library of Murca.
Freedom on the March, by G. Bush
Why You Don't Really Need to be President, by D. Cheney.
Why You Don't Really Need to be President or Vice-President, by K. Rove
Why I Sleep in a Coffin and Why My Name is Legion, by D. Rumsfeld
Only a few of the titles in the new Library of Murca.
Then he's a must for me, Joe - I really like alternate histories. I read this one anthology where the premise was basically "What if various men of peace throughout history were instead violent badasses?" So there was a story where Albert Schweitzer was kind of an amalgam of Doc Savage and Tarzan, Jesus was something like a terrorist, and Gandhi was a Thuggee. Uneven, but some pretty fun stuff.
Then he's a must for me, Joe - I really like alternate histories. I read this one anthology where the premise was basically "What if various men of peace throughout history were instead violent badasses?" So there was a story where Albert Schweitzer was kind of an amalgam of Doc Savage and Tarzan, Jesus was something like a terrorist, and Gandhi was a Thuggee. Uneven, but some pretty fun stuff.
Terry C - I do remember that story. It was quite a story, even in the newspaper here, and I'm sure that the newspaper account was nothing compared to the whole story.
Terry C - I do remember that story. It was quite a story, even in the newspaper here, and I'm sure that the newspaper account was nothing compared to the whole story.
I liked Parable Of The Sower, I just remember it being incredibly depressing.
I liked Parable Of The Sower, I just remember it being incredibly depressing.
Tracy Kidder's book about Paul Farmer, "Mountains beyond Mountains", which shows a glimpse of what America could do if we really cared about AIDS victims overseas.
"The Record of the Paper", by Friel and Richard Falk, about the abysmal performance of the NYT in covering foreign policy is also good. Some of their criticism is the stuff the leftwing blogosphere has been saying for a couple of years now, but it's nice to have it one place.
And for something completely different--British paleontologist SImon Conway Morris's book "Life's Solution" looks pretty interesting, but I've only skimmed it so far. (Just bought it yesterday).
Morris disagrees with Stephen Jay Gould about the contingency of evolution, I think, pointing to the phenomenon of convergence, and judging from the cover thinks that the evolution of intelligent life is actually quite probable. (Morris is also a Christian, but not a creationist or intelligent design nitwit. It should be fun reading a book on evolution from that perspective, especially since it looks like he takes on the Dennet/Dawkins atheistic view of life in the last chapter.)
Tracy Kidder's book about Paul Farmer, "Mountains beyond Mountains", which shows a glimpse of what America could do if we really cared about AIDS victims overseas.
"The Record of the Paper", by Friel and Richard Falk, about the abysmal performance of the NYT in covering foreign policy is also good. Some of their criticism is the stuff the leftwing blogosphere has been saying for a couple of years now, but it's nice to have it one place.
And for something completely different--British paleontologist SImon Conway Morris's book "Life's Solution" looks pretty interesting, but I've only skimmed it so far. (Just bought it yesterday).
Morris disagrees with Stephen Jay Gould about the contingency of evolution, I think, pointing to the phenomenon of convergence, and judging from the cover thinks that the evolution of intelligent life is actually quite probable. (Morris is also a Christian, but not a creationist or intelligent design nitwit. It should be fun reading a book on evolution from that perspective, especially since it looks like he takes on the Dennet/Dawkins atheistic view of life in the last chapter.)
Eli, you ever read Fatherland? That was kinda spooky. Hitler won, and Joseph P. Kennedy was the US pres. Beach type reading, but it was a fun read. I think they made a movie of it with Rutger Hauer.
Eli, you ever read Fatherland? That was kinda spooky. Hitler won, and Joseph P. Kennedy was the US pres. Beach type reading, but it was a fun read. I think they made a movie of it with Rutger Hauer.
The NYTimes has a handy-dandy list of 100 "notable" books of the year.
I'm currently reading one of them, "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell" by Susanna Clarke. Very enjoyable.
The NYTimes has a handy-dandy list of 100 "notable" books of the year.
I'm currently reading one of them, "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell" by Susanna Clarke. Very enjoyable.
I've read synopses of the Miles books, and they always sound interesting, but not *quite* interesting enough for me to buy them.
And I think I just remembered who my favorite author is: Iain Banks, primarily his Culture books, and Wasp Factory, which is "regular" fiction but completely bent. Damn good stuff.
Vernor Vinge's Fire Upon The Deep is also very good (sequel's not as good, but still worth reading).
I've read synopses of the Miles books, and they always sound interesting, but not *quite* interesting enough for me to buy them.
And I think I just remembered who my favorite author is: Iain Banks, primarily his Culture books, and Wasp Factory, which is "regular" fiction but completely bent. Damn good stuff.
Vernor Vinge's Fire Upon The Deep is also very good (sequel's not as good, but still worth reading).
NTodd: ever seen any Steven Diet Goedde?
Nope, but after googling him, my interest is now piqued.
I've always been fascinated by erotic photography. One of my friends has moved on to the fetish stuff as sort of a lark. He's an established photog and still does weddings and the like, but he's dating a woman who has connections in the fetish world, so he's having a grand time shooting some...interesting stuff.
Me? I'm not into shiny boots and cotton balls, but I dig nudes. It's fun trying to illuminate the human body.
Skeleton Man by Hillerman
Backfire by Loren Baritz (why we got into Nam and why we screwed the pooch so badly and why we'll keep doing it (like we did) -- this one's not so hot but should be..
George Lakoff's books
On the sci-fi side, I've always been partial to Dickson, but Moon is a Harsh Mistress is on my short list. I have all of Bujold's Miles books. All the Potter books (c'mon, JK! I need a Book 6 fix!) Justin and Fritz Leiber, Dune by Herbert, and maybe even better The Dosadi Experiment. The re-released James H. Schmitz books (particularly The Demon Breed).
NTodd: ever seen any Steven Diet Goedde?
Nope, but after googling him, my interest is now piqued.
I've always been fascinated by erotic photography. One of my friends has moved on to the fetish stuff as sort of a lark. He's an established photog and still does weddings and the like, but he's dating a woman who has connections in the fetish world, so he's having a grand time shooting some...interesting stuff.
Me? I'm not into shiny boots and cotton balls, but I dig nudes. It's fun trying to illuminate the human body.
Skeleton Man by Hillerman
Backfire by Loren Baritz (why we got into Nam and why we screwed the pooch so badly and why we'll keep doing it (like we did) -- this one's not so hot but should be..
George Lakoff's books
On the sci-fi side, I've always been partial to Dickson, but Moon is a Harsh Mistress is on my short list. I have all of Bujold's Miles books. All the Potter books (c'mon, JK! I need a Book 6 fix!) Justin and Fritz Leiber, Dune by Herbert, and maybe even better The Dosadi Experiment. The re-released James H. Schmitz books (particularly The Demon Breed).
Oh, and I also like Donaldson's Covenant series as well, Eli...
Cup O' Joe - Blog Of The Working Man!
Oh, and I also like Donaldson's Covenant series as well, Eli...
Cup O' Joe - Blog Of The Working Man!
God, I'm dull.
Nevermore!
God, I'm dull.
Nevermore!
Yeah, but what's "hot" this Xmas? I can tell you one uselessly anecdotal thing: Value Shopping seems to be out. I work off of Union Square in S.F., and the bags toted around used to include a fair amount of Old Navy and Macy's, but this year so far it's almost all Coach, Needless Markup, Bebe -- shit like that. It either means people want to buy status items, or people who could've afforded more inexpensive retailers are too bad off to even do that this year.
Yeah, but what's "hot" this Xmas? I can tell you one uselessly anecdotal thing: Value Shopping seems to be out. I work off of Union Square in S.F., and the bags toted around used to include a fair amount of Old Navy and Macy's, but this year so far it's almost all Coach, Needless Markup, Bebe -- shit like that. It either means people want to buy status items, or people who could've afforded more inexpensive retailers are too bad off to even do that this year.
Someone mentioned Foucault's Pendulum - I really loved that. I read it summer before last. Give it chance - it was fun.
Someone mentioned Foucault's Pendulum - I really loved that. I read it summer before last. Give it chance - it was fun.
I saw the movie, have not read the book. I loved the irony of JFK's *dad* being the president.
I also like a lot of Philip K. Dick, especially how almost every book has this one moment where reality just lurches and seems to turn inside-out.
I saw the movie, have not read the book. I loved the irony of JFK's *dad* being the president.
I also like a lot of Philip K. Dick, especially how almost every book has this one moment where reality just lurches and seems to turn inside-out.
Right now I'm really enjoying "Civil Procedure: Examples and Explanations" by Joseph W. Glannon.
The part of me that remembers not being a 1L really loves "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrel."
Dan
Right now I'm really enjoying "Civil Procedure: Examples and Explanations" by Joseph W. Glannon.
The part of me that remembers not being a 1L really loves "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrel."
Dan
I also think Dune is awesome, yet everything else by Frank Herbert is somewhere between mediocre and total crap.
I also think Dune is awesome, yet everything else by Frank Herbert is somewhere between mediocre and total crap.
PKD is my fave. Has been for drcades now.
PKD is my fave. Has been for drcades now.
The other thing you might like, Eli, if you like Brin, is Niven & Pournelle's Lucifer's Hammer. Best disaster novel I can think of.
The other thing you might like, Eli, if you like Brin, is Niven & Pournelle's Lucifer's Hammer. Best disaster novel I can think of.
Joe, you know he's starting it back up again? Covenant's kid or something, I think.
Have you read his Gap series? It's brilliant and diabolical and ugly.
Joe, you know he's starting it back up again? Covenant's kid or something, I think.
Have you read his Gap series? It's brilliant and diabolical and ugly.
God Emperor of Dune kinda redeemed the series, IMHO. But then again I was 15 when I read it.
God Emperor of Dune kinda redeemed the series, IMHO. But then again I was 15 when I read it.
Funny:
Leave it to Psmith, P G Wodehouse
Barrel Fever, David Sedaris
The Third Policeman, Flann O'Brien
Sci fi:
Anything and everything by Ursula K Le Guin
Spinrad's great, Pictures at 11 is interesting and compelling.
Bruce Sterling's short stories are the best. He also has a novel where the science in it is Deconstruction. It's called Zeitgeist.
Lit:
The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy
The Life of Pi, Yann Martel
The Once and Future King, T H White (supoosedly a children's book, but a great read for all)
For hard-core bookworms, Thomas Mann's The Magic Mountain is one of the ten best novels ever written. So is George Eliot's Middlemarch.
Funny:
Leave it to Psmith, P G Wodehouse
Barrel Fever, David Sedaris
The Third Policeman, Flann O'Brien
Sci fi:
Anything and everything by Ursula K Le Guin
Spinrad's great, Pictures at 11 is interesting and compelling.
Bruce Sterling's short stories are the best. He also has a novel where the science in it is Deconstruction. It's called Zeitgeist.
Lit:
The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy
The Life of Pi, Yann Martel
The Once and Future King, T H White (supoosedly a children's book, but a great read for all)
For hard-core bookworms, Thomas Mann's The Magic Mountain is one of the ten best novels ever written. So is George Eliot's Middlemarch.
Current? The last 10 years or so is current, right? The following are books I've bought or read recently for my wife or my brother or myself:
Kalimantaan, CS Godshalk. Set in 19th century Borneo, fascinating book.
Starling Lawrence, Montenegro. Set right before the first World War in, uh, Montenegro.
Peter Carey, the Tax Inspector, Jack Maggs or The Unusual Life of Tristan Smith. I didn't like the Ned Kelly book and haven't read the new one yet.
I second Tena's recommendation of Living to Tell the Tale. It's not fiction, though, so there isn't much in the way of tension. Then again, I got 2/3 of the way through and haven't seen my copy since. 100 Years of Solitude or Love in the Time of Cholera might be a better start for a lot of people. He has a new book out (Spanish only), which I am tempted to buy despite my horrible Spanish.
In SF, I've been reading China Mieville and Gene Wolfe. Wolfe is brilliant, albeit somewhat opaque. I haven't read a lot of SF in recent years, though. And God help me, I've been reading a lot of Clive Barker.
Current? The last 10 years or so is current, right? The following are books I've bought or read recently for my wife or my brother or myself:
Kalimantaan, CS Godshalk. Set in 19th century Borneo, fascinating book.
Starling Lawrence, Montenegro. Set right before the first World War in, uh, Montenegro.
Peter Carey, the Tax Inspector, Jack Maggs or The Unusual Life of Tristan Smith. I didn't like the Ned Kelly book and haven't read the new one yet.
I second Tena's recommendation of Living to Tell the Tale. It's not fiction, though, so there isn't much in the way of tension. Then again, I got 2/3 of the way through and haven't seen my copy since. 100 Years of Solitude or Love in the Time of Cholera might be a better start for a lot of people. He has a new book out (Spanish only), which I am tempted to buy despite my horrible Spanish.
In SF, I've been reading China Mieville and Gene Wolfe. Wolfe is brilliant, albeit somewhat opaque. I haven't read a lot of SF in recent years, though. And God help me, I've been reading a lot of Clive Barker.
you ever read Fatherland?
Yeah, good book--was made into an HBO movie starring Rutger Hauer and Miranda Richardson. Same guy (Robert Harris) wrote Archangel, about Stalin, and Enigma, about...well, Enigma.
you ever read Fatherland?
Yeah, good book--was made into an HBO movie starring Rutger Hauer and Miranda Richardson. Same guy (Robert Harris) wrote Archangel, about Stalin, and Enigma, about...well, Enigma.
I read Lucifer's Hammer, I don't think it really made much of an impression other than "airport book", if that makes any sense. Or maybe I'm thinking of Footfall, with the invading elephant aliens.
I always *want* to like Niven, but I always feel let-down somehow.
Ever read any Jack Chalker? I don't know anyone else who has so much fun inventing aliens.
I read Lucifer's Hammer, I don't think it really made much of an impression other than "airport book", if that makes any sense. Or maybe I'm thinking of Footfall, with the invading elephant aliens.
I always *want* to like Niven, but I always feel let-down somehow.
Ever read any Jack Chalker? I don't know anyone else who has so much fun inventing aliens.
Joe -- I almost finished the Covenant books way back when. About a quarter of the way through Book Six, I finally was driven away from how relentlessly depressing it was, and how all those people had a bright hope in the completely useless and unlikable character -- and, yes, I'm well aware that dichotomy was supposed to be its artistry, and I suppose it is, but damn it was a miserable read.
The Lord of the Rings and His Dark Materials, now -- there, we're talkin'.
Joe -- I almost finished the Covenant books way back when. About a quarter of the way through Book Six, I finally was driven away from how relentlessly depressing it was, and how all those people had a bright hope in the completely useless and unlikable character -- and, yes, I'm well aware that dichotomy was supposed to be its artistry, and I suppose it is, but damn it was a miserable read.
The Lord of the Rings and His Dark Materials, now -- there, we're talkin'.
"The Once and Future King, T H White (supoosedly a children's book, but a great read for all"
Never was. The Sword in the Stone was directed to children - The Once and Future King is arguably the greatest re-interpretation of the Arthurian cycle ever written. Breathtaking.
"The Once and Future King, T H White (supoosedly a children's book, but a great read for all"
Never was. The Sword in the Stone was directed to children - The Once and Future King is arguably the greatest re-interpretation of the Arthurian cycle ever written. Breathtaking.
I liked the first novel Dune, but not the others: I've read all the Dune books that Herbert wrote, anyway.
I'm a huge Tolkien fan, obsessed enough with it to be one of the few people who didn't think the movies were such hot shit.
My first taste of "hard" sci-fi was Asimov's Foundation trilogy. It's dated as hell now (some of our technology is way more advanced than they had on Trantor!), but the whole idea of psychohistory was cool to me.
Yeah I know, Newt liked psychohistory too, makes me ill to think of it...
Cup O' Joe - Blog Of The Working Man!
I liked the first novel Dune, but not the others: I've read all the Dune books that Herbert wrote, anyway.
I'm a huge Tolkien fan, obsessed enough with it to be one of the few people who didn't think the movies were such hot shit.
My first taste of "hard" sci-fi was Asimov's Foundation trilogy. It's dated as hell now (some of our technology is way more advanced than they had on Trantor!), but the whole idea of psychohistory was cool to me.
Yeah I know, Newt liked psychohistory too, makes me ill to think of it...
Cup O' Joe - Blog Of The Working Man!
You will have to pardon me for whoring like this: but as anyone who has tried to have their book read and reviewed, it is simply the most difficult task imaginable. So, if I seem a bit pushy:it is because the story is a tremendous story that should be read and understood by all who seek wisdom about the human species.
You will have to pardon me for whoring like this: but as anyone who has tried to have their book read and reviewed, it is simply the most difficult task imaginable. So, if I seem a bit pushy:it is because the story is a tremendous story that should be read and understood by all who seek wisdom about the human species.
On the Sci-fi sidetrack still...
"The penis will be obsolete within 5 years." John Varley's Steel Beach has my nomination for the best opening line ever.
LM Bujold writes well in both SF and Fantasy, but I like the Miles books better than Chalion, et al...
On the Sci-fi sidetrack still...
"The penis will be obsolete within 5 years." John Varley's Steel Beach has my nomination for the best opening line ever.
LM Bujold writes well in both SF and Fantasy, but I like the Miles books better than Chalion, et al...
I also second Ursula LeGuin - I think her and Card are really excellent pure storytellers. I loved the Earthsea trilogy/tetralogy, even though fantasy isn't really my bag. Then again, I liked Hobbit & LOTR as well.
I also second Ursula LeGuin - I think her and Card are really excellent pure storytellers. I loved the Earthsea trilogy/tetralogy, even though fantasy isn't really my bag. Then again, I liked Hobbit & LOTR as well.
Niven's an acquired taste, no doubt. I find his short stories and essays very accessible. But, then, I wrote a song spun off Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex, so I'm biased.
I liked Chalker a lot twenty years ago. Haven't read him lately, but, yeah. His stuff always felt like what Piers Anthony was trying to write.
Niven's an acquired taste, no doubt. I find his short stories and essays very accessible. But, then, I wrote a song spun off Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex, so I'm biased.
I liked Chalker a lot twenty years ago. Haven't read him lately, but, yeah. His stuff always felt like what Piers Anthony was trying to write.
For fans of "Lucifer's Hammer," I suggest "The Forge of God" by Greg Bear -- a nifty end-of-the-world novel that features, among other things, a US president who goes insane and becomes a religious fanatic.
Also by Greg Bear, "Darwin's Radio." Retroviruses lying dormant in human DNA trigger a wave of evolutionary change, and all of society goes varying degrees of nuts in the process.
For fans of "Lucifer's Hammer," I suggest "The Forge of God" by Greg Bear -- a nifty end-of-the-world novel that features, among other things, a US president who goes insane and becomes a religious fanatic.
Also by Greg Bear, "Darwin's Radio." Retroviruses lying dormant in human DNA trigger a wave of evolutionary change, and all of society goes varying degrees of nuts in the process.
GWPDA -- what!? You want more white? Another pig-in-blanket? Dang, I'm servin' drinks 'n' snacks in three different threads and I don't get off until 3:30.
Sorry. You drink is coming up.
GWPDA -- what!? You want more white? Another pig-in-blanket? Dang, I'm servin' drinks 'n' snacks in three different threads and I don't get off until 3:30.
Sorry. You drink is coming up.
This is why you might like to read the book.
Mitch’s story is not one of nations and leaders: it is the story of a young boy and his family trying to survive. This is important for few of us will ever make decisions for our society.
On one level the story is an interesting testimony as to how brutal the Germans were in their occupation and how the people struggled to survive. But there is another level – a more important level I believe – where the story becomes something extremely special. Throughout the story Mitchell grows and becomes the best of what we humans are capable of. He is brave, kind, sympathetic, brutal when confronted with evil, responsible, resilient, and thoroughly human.
Why this story is so important is this: we all live our lives in predictable ways. What if all of these things changed? How would we react? I would like to think that I would be as brave and caring and resourceful as Mitchell, but I do not know this. Mitchell becomes all of these things and more and that is a tremendous statement on the nature of man. It is not so much a story of a poor Polish family as it is a story of how humans can rise above their baser instincts to a level that is strong enough to confront evil: even the evil of the Nazi war machine.
This is why you might like to read the book.
Mitch’s story is not one of nations and leaders: it is the story of a young boy and his family trying to survive. This is important for few of us will ever make decisions for our society.
On one level the story is an interesting testimony as to how brutal the Germans were in their occupation and how the people struggled to survive. But there is another level – a more important level I believe – where the story becomes something extremely special. Throughout the story Mitchell grows and becomes the best of what we humans are capable of. He is brave, kind, sympathetic, brutal when confronted with evil, responsible, resilient, and thoroughly human.
Why this story is so important is this: we all live our lives in predictable ways. What if all of these things changed? How would we react? I would like to think that I would be as brave and caring and resourceful as Mitchell, but I do not know this. Mitchell becomes all of these things and more and that is a tremendous statement on the nature of man. It is not so much a story of a poor Polish family as it is a story of how humans can rise above their baser instincts to a level that is strong enough to confront evil: even the evil of the Nazi war machine.
Joe, you know he's starting it back up again? Covenant's kid or something, I think.
I actually heard something along those lines years ago, hadn't heard a word since...I'll check out the ones you mentioned...
Filkerton: you missed the best part of Book Six, how they redeemed and healed the Land...I actually liked the second trilogy more than the first.
Joe, you know he's starting it back up again? Covenant's kid or something, I think.
I actually heard something along those lines years ago, hadn't heard a word since...I'll check out the ones you mentioned...
Filkerton: you missed the best part of Book Six, how they redeemed and healed the Land...I actually liked the second trilogy more than the first.
I liked Foundation, and the various Robot stories - the lack of resemblance between the two I Robots is astounding.
I was okay with the LOTR movies - they probably did go a little too far in the simplifying-it-to-make-it-accessible-for-everybody direction, but it was still good popcorn fun, and it looked great.
I liked Foundation, and the various Robot stories - the lack of resemblance between the two I Robots is astounding.
I was okay with the LOTR movies - they probably did go a little too far in the simplifying-it-to-make-it-accessible-for-everybody direction, but it was still good popcorn fun, and it looked great.
Nevermore, I'm sorry, but Arthur's here too, so.... Piggies in blankies all around!
Nevermore, I'm sorry, but Arthur's here too, so.... Piggies in blankies all around!
SWPDA -- no argument. Best. Arthurian. Ever.
Downbound -- I'm an oddball. All my friends adore all the Miles books. I kinda like the first few, but it wasn't until Memory, when he was forcibly retired from the space-opera scenarios, that I really started to love 'em. As in, compulsive re-reading of Memory, Komarr, and A Civil Campaign. And the Cordelia books.
I do love The Curse of Chalion, though, but then I've always preferred fantasy to hard SF.
SWPDA -- no argument. Best. Arthurian. Ever.
Downbound -- I'm an oddball. All my friends adore all the Miles books. I kinda like the first few, but it wasn't until Memory, when he was forcibly retired from the space-opera scenarios, that I really started to love 'em. As in, compulsive re-reading of Memory, Komarr, and A Civil Campaign. And the Cordelia books.
I do love The Curse of Chalion, though, but then I've always preferred fantasy to hard SF.
I bought Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy on the say-so of the good folks posting here, last book thread, I think, and it was so great. Now my husband and I are giving it to everyone we know. Convenient!
I've been (re)reading old "cosy" murder mysteries, Christie, Symons, Innes, they're so comforting and reassuring in an odd sort of way.
I'm so glad there's finally another book thread! I've found other good books and music from the comments at Atrios.
I bought Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy on the say-so of the good folks posting here, last book thread, I think, and it was so great. Now my husband and I are giving it to everyone we know. Convenient!
I've been (re)reading old "cosy" murder mysteries, Christie, Symons, Innes, they're so comforting and reassuring in an odd sort of way.
I'm so glad there's finally another book thread! I've found other good books and music from the comments at Atrios.
Spot on, Roddy - Forge Of God was bloody amazing. It starts out like an X-Files episode on steroids, then just spirals totally out of control. Did you read the sequel? It wasn't as good, but it had some impressive moments.
Darwin's Radio was also very good - I have the sequel but have not read it yet.
Have you read Eon and Eternity?
Spot on, Roddy - Forge Of God was bloody amazing. It starts out like an X-Files episode on steroids, then just spirals totally out of control. Did you read the sequel? It wasn't as good, but it had some impressive moments.
Darwin's Radio was also very good - I have the sequel but have not read it yet.
Have you read Eon and Eternity?
Joe -- maybe I'll go find Book Six, then, and try to re-read it without the emotional baggage of reading the five before it one after the other. 'Cause, man, that was crushing.
For some weird reason, I always pictured Covenant being played by the late Dudley Moore. I thought he could've actually pulled it off.
Joe -- maybe I'll go find Book Six, then, and try to re-read it without the emotional baggage of reading the five before it one after the other. 'Cause, man, that was crushing.
For some weird reason, I always pictured Covenant being played by the late Dudley Moore. I thought he could've actually pulled it off.
mg_65- For that mood, try anything by Margery Allingham. Start with the early ones.
mg_65- For that mood, try anything by Margery Allingham. Start with the early ones.
Also, as far as old skool sci-fi, there's a certain, I dunno, *flavor* to A.E. Van Vogt that I really dig.
Eli
I always thought that about stuff by both William Tenn and Clifford D. Simak...
Also, as far as old skool sci-fi, there's a certain, I dunno, *flavor* to A.E. Van Vogt that I really dig.
Eli
I always thought that about stuff by both William Tenn and Clifford D. Simak...
Oh yeah, LeGuin! I am so pissed that SciFi is doing it and they already screwed it up...GED IS BLACK YOU MORONS!
In fact, everyone on Earth-Sea is black except for the Kargad Empire, who are Aryan barbarians...
I like Niven's work a lot, especially his take on aliens: Pierson's Puppeteers are my favorite. And the first two Ringworld novels rocked, haven't read the later ones.
Oh yeah, LeGuin! I am so pissed that SciFi is doing it and they already screwed it up...GED IS BLACK YOU MORONS!
In fact, everyone on Earth-Sea is black except for the Kargad Empire, who are Aryan barbarians...
I like Niven's work a lot, especially his take on aliens: Pierson's Puppeteers are my favorite. And the first two Ringworld novels rocked, haven't read the later ones.
GuyWithTheCoat--Your book looks charming, but what's up with the straight text on the Intergalactic House of Pancakes. Don't you know how to curve text? There are dozens of warping filters, or you could use a curved vector. I can't picture James Joyce or Henry James getting careless with this kind of detail
GuyWithTheCoat--Your book looks charming, but what's up with the straight text on the Intergalactic House of Pancakes. Don't you know how to curve text? There are dozens of warping filters, or you could use a curved vector. I can't picture James Joyce or Henry James getting careless with this kind of detail
I know I've read Simak, but I don't know what. Ever read any Bester? Not just the two books, he had a great short story called "Pi Man" (I think), about this guy who was completely in tune with and sensitive to the symmetry of the universe, that he was compelled to do all kinds of bizarre and sometimes cruel thinigs to maintain it.
And Tom, if Thomas Covenant was too unlikeable for you, you should probably just stay away from the Gap series...
I know I've read Simak, but I don't know what. Ever read any Bester? Not just the two books, he had a great short story called "Pi Man" (I think), about this guy who was completely in tune with and sensitive to the symmetry of the universe, that he was compelled to do all kinds of bizarre and sometimes cruel thinigs to maintain it.
And Tom, if Thomas Covenant was too unlikeable for you, you should probably just stay away from the Gap series...
Oh shit, how could I have forgotten about one of the best scifi novels of all: Doug Adam's Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy?
"The starship hung in the air in exactly the same way that bricks don't."
The man was a genius...
Cup O' Joe - Blog Of The Working Man!
Oh shit, how could I have forgotten about one of the best scifi novels of all: Doug Adam's Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy?
"The starship hung in the air in exactly the same way that bricks don't."
The man was a genius...
Cup O' Joe - Blog Of The Working Man!
I used to read some science fiction. I have this wierd memory of some sci-fi short story about a bear who ruled the world, something, and it had a big impact on me or scared the shit out of me, either one. I remember Asimov, Ellison, LaGuin, probably classics now.
I used to read some science fiction. I have this wierd memory of some sci-fi short story about a bear who ruled the world, something, and it had a big impact on me or scared the shit out of me, either one. I remember Asimov, Ellison, LaGuin, probably classics now.
Lion in Winter is on TCM tv starting in about two seconds.... It's an all Peter O'Toole evening, LIW is followed by TEL.
Nevermore! Where are those piggies?
Lion in Winter is on TCM tv starting in about two seconds.... It's an all Peter O'Toole evening, LIW is followed by TEL.
Nevermore! Where are those piggies?
I'm a huge Tolkien fan, obsessed enough with it to be one of the few people who didn't think the movies were such hot shit.
I'm big into Tolkien as well. Re-read the Hobbit and LOTR trilogy every year. I thot the movies rocked. Recognizing that film is a completely different medium, I felt Jackson _et al_ did an excellent job of adaptation--the director's cuts especially.
I also second Ursula LeGuin
I third Ursula. I'm
I'm a huge Tolkien fan, obsessed enough with it to be one of the few people who didn't think the movies were such hot shit.
I'm big into Tolkien as well. Re-read the Hobbit and LOTR trilogy every year. I thot the movies rocked. Recognizing that film is a completely different medium, I felt Jackson _et al_ did an excellent job of adaptation--the director's cuts especially.
I also second Ursula LeGuin
I third Ursula. I'm
Michael Connolly is great too. Harry Bosch is a great character.
Great taste in books Orko. Ya gotta read Robert Crais too. His Elvis Cole books. He and Michael Connolly play around and do nods to each others characters.
Ooh! Other mystery readers!
For those of you who like Connelly and Crais, give Ian Rankin a try. I've loved everything he's ever done with the Rebus series, not a bad book in the lot, really.
Also, Joe Lansdale (Hap Collins) and James Lee Burke (Dave Robicheaux).
Michael Connolly is great too. Harry Bosch is a great character.
Great taste in books Orko. Ya gotta read Robert Crais too. His Elvis Cole books. He and Michael Connolly play around and do nods to each others characters.
Ooh! Other mystery readers!
For those of you who like Connelly and Crais, give Ian Rankin a try. I've loved everything he's ever done with the Rebus series, not a bad book in the lot, really.
Also, Joe Lansdale (Hap Collins) and James Lee Burke (Dave Robicheaux).
LeGuin book-and-movie combo: The Lathe Of Heaven. Not that stupid remake they did for A&E the other year, either: The 1980 made-for-PBS version with Bruce Davison and Kevin Conway. That will blow you away.
LeGuin book-and-movie combo: The Lathe Of Heaven. Not that stupid remake they did for A&E the other year, either: The 1980 made-for-PBS version with Bruce Davison and Kevin Conway. That will blow you away.
I always liked Ursula K. LeGuinn. But I love Doris Lessing's sci-fi series: Canopus in Argos. There are a lot of books in the series. I started out with The Marriages Between Zones Three Four and Five. But the best book in the series - and it can be read separately - is Shikasta. I can't recommend it highly enough. It's an amazing history of the world as seen by a researcher from the species that brought life to earth as an experiment. But "experiment" is not really all it is. The book really is one of my favorites.
I always liked Ursula K. LeGuinn. But I love Doris Lessing's sci-fi series: Canopus in Argos. There are a lot of books in the series. I started out with The Marriages Between Zones Three Four and Five. But the best book in the series - and it can be read separately - is Shikasta. I can't recommend it highly enough. It's an amazing history of the world as seen by a researcher from the species that brought life to earth as an experiment. But "experiment" is not really all it is. The book really is one of my favorites.
mg-65, I just listened to the audio Dark Materials while on the road. BBC production, so it was a bit different but kept the feel.
I'm also listening my way through the Jasper Fforde Thursday Next series (many of the puns are obvious in audio, which surprised me). If you haven't tried them, and considering the quality of the people here, I'd recommend them highly.
And, for just plain fun, especially with the kids around, try the Chet Gecko mysteries by Bruce Hale. I have the ones that have come out in audio format and I love to listen to them (they're good in book form too, but they are gems in audio).
mg-65, I just listened to the audio Dark Materials while on the road. BBC production, so it was a bit different but kept the feel.
I'm also listening my way through the Jasper Fforde Thursday Next series (many of the puns are obvious in audio, which surprised me). If you haven't tried them, and considering the quality of the people here, I'd recommend them highly.
And, for just plain fun, especially with the kids around, try the Chet Gecko mysteries by Bruce Hale. I have the ones that have come out in audio format and I love to listen to them (they're good in book form too, but they are gems in audio).
Joe Vecchio,
hold up.
Are you saying that a TV channel is doing The Left Hand of Darkness? And Ged isn't black? I shudder to think of the rest of the casting. I thought Le Guin never gave permission for any of her stuff to be made into movies. (After The Lathe of Heaven, anyway.)
I saw her interviewed and she specifically said that she couldn't see Left Hand of Darkness being cast correctly. She made some joke about casting androgynous Inuits.
Joe Vecchio,
hold up.
Are you saying that a TV channel is doing The Left Hand of Darkness? And Ged isn't black? I shudder to think of the rest of the casting. I thought Le Guin never gave permission for any of her stuff to be made into movies. (After The Lathe of Heaven, anyway.)
I saw her interviewed and she specifically said that she couldn't see Left Hand of Darkness being cast correctly. She made some joke about casting androgynous Inuits.
I am so pissed that SciFi is doing it and they already screwed it up...GED IS BLACK YOU MORONS!
SciFi Channel's doing Earthsea? And they made Ged light-skinned? Well, if it was good enough for Jesus...
I am so pissed that SciFi is doing it and they already screwed it up...GED IS BLACK YOU MORONS!
SciFi Channel's doing Earthsea? And they made Ged light-skinned? Well, if it was good enough for Jesus...
Ellison had some good stuff - I particularly liked I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream (there's actually an old DOS adventure game based on it) - but he needs an editor for his titles.
Ellison had some good stuff - I particularly liked I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream (there's actually an old DOS adventure game based on it) - but he needs an editor for his titles.
Eli -- I'll likely avoid it, then. Just to be snarky political, I'm already overloaded on depressing, implacable evil from real life. Thank you! I'm here all weekend! Try the waitress, and don't forget to tip the buffet!
Eli -- I'll likely avoid it, then. Just to be snarky political, I'm already overloaded on depressing, implacable evil from real life. Thank you! I'm here all weekend! Try the waitress, and don't forget to tip the buffet!
I'm waiting for my father-in-law to finish Terry Pratchett's latest (Going Postal)... I'd also recommend the latest Onion compendium, Fanfare for the Area Man. I've heard George Carlin's new one is alright, though I haven't read it yet, and God knows America the Book was a riot!
I'm waiting for my father-in-law to finish Terry Pratchett's latest (Going Postal)... I'd also recommend the latest Onion compendium, Fanfare for the Area Man. I've heard George Carlin's new one is alright, though I haven't read it yet, and God knows America the Book was a riot!
filkertom - His Dark Material - oh man, that is a work of staggering brilliance, AFAIC. I cannot say enough about that trilogy. I love it so much. My nephew sent me the first book, with a note that he kept pushing these books on people because he just thought them so extraordinary. I got a little way into the first and realized I had to get the rest before I finished the first because I was going to read it all and I wouldn't want to wait.
filkertom - His Dark Material - oh man, that is a work of staggering brilliance, AFAIC. I cannot say enough about that trilogy. I love it so much. My nephew sent me the first book, with a note that he kept pushing these books on people because he just thought them so extraordinary. I got a little way into the first and realized I had to get the rest before I finished the first because I was going to read it all and I wouldn't want to wait.
Well you know it's hard to knock a movie series that made so much money...I would have done it differently, I'd do it over four or five years as a mini-series, I'd start with The Hobbit, then do about a half-season of just goofy stuff in The Shire, leading to Bilbo's Party, just so that when they return at the end the difference would be clearer.
But I don't knock people for liking the folms, they just weren't my cup of tea...or, Cup O' Joe
Cup O' Joe - Blog Of The Working Man!
Well you know it's hard to knock a movie series that made so much money...I would have done it differently, I'd do it over four or five years as a mini-series, I'd start with The Hobbit, then do about a half-season of just goofy stuff in The Shire, leading to Bilbo's Party, just so that when they return at the end the difference would be clearer.
But I don't knock people for liking the folms, they just weren't my cup of tea...or, Cup O' Joe
Cup O' Joe - Blog Of The Working Man!
Well, there seems to be a distinctly SF slant to this thread. So to the list let me add (if you can find it) "Finity" by John Barnes. The main character keeps sliding in and out of alternate universes without realizing it. Ending is a bit of a letdown, but everything up to the last couple of chapters is just a hoot.
Also in the "if you can find him" category, Robert Charles Wilson. Border's tends to have his very recent stuff, but his work is definitely worth haunting used bookstores to find.
Well, there seems to be a distinctly SF slant to this thread. So to the list let me add (if you can find it) "Finity" by John Barnes. The main character keeps sliding in and out of alternate universes without realizing it. Ending is a bit of a letdown, but everything up to the last couple of chapters is just a hoot.
Also in the "if you can find him" category, Robert Charles Wilson. Border's tends to have his very recent stuff, but his work is definitely worth haunting used bookstores to find.
Some more names to throw out there: Stanislaw Lem (Solaris!), Frederik Pohl (Gateway/Heechee series, and I recently discovered the Hoka stories), and Alan Dean Foster, who's all over the map.
Foster wrote the novelization of Alien, and also wrote a series of two or three books where, for all intents and purposes, *we* were Alien. In other words, compared to all other sentient races in the galaxy, *humans* were the ultimate killing machines, to the point where kids or little old ladies could easily lay waste to the best troops anyone else had to offer. In fact, some of the more delicate races would faint just from being in the same room with a human, so fierce and savage and deadly are we.
Some more names to throw out there: Stanislaw Lem (Solaris!), Frederik Pohl (Gateway/Heechee series, and I recently discovered the Hoka stories), and Alan Dean Foster, who's all over the map.
Foster wrote the novelization of Alien, and also wrote a series of two or three books where, for all intents and purposes, *we* were Alien. In other words, compared to all other sentient races in the galaxy, *humans* were the ultimate killing machines, to the point where kids or little old ladies could easily lay waste to the best troops anyone else had to offer. In fact, some of the more delicate races would faint just from being in the same room with a human, so fierce and savage and deadly are we.
I third Ursula. I'm...
...an idiot.
Anyways, what I was saying is that I'm currently re-reading the Earthsea cycle.
I third Ursula. I'm...
...an idiot.
Anyways, what I was saying is that I'm currently re-reading the Earthsea cycle.
For people who enjoyed Hecate's poetry slams - 'How to read a Poem and Fall in Love with Poetry' by Edward Hirsh. Beautiful book.
For people who enjoyed Hecate's poetry slams - 'How to read a Poem and Fall in Love with Poetry' by Edward Hirsh. Beautiful book.
Tena -- I know, I know. They're as addictive as any series I can think of. I have a tendency to re-re-re-reread books I love, and those got onto the list immediately. The beauty is that the characters and situations are new. That's so rare.
And, a friend and I played the Movie Casting game with it recently. Whatcha think of Kevin Kline as Lord Azrael, Katherine Zeta-Jones as Mrs. Coulter, and Hugh Jackman as Lee Scoreseby?
Tena -- I know, I know. They're as addictive as any series I can think of. I have a tendency to re-re-re-reread books I love, and those got onto the list immediately. The beauty is that the characters and situations are new. That's so rare.
And, a friend and I played the Movie Casting game with it recently. Whatcha think of Kevin Kline as Lord Azrael, Katherine Zeta-Jones as Mrs. Coulter, and Hugh Jackman as Lee Scoreseby?
My biggest regret about the LOTR films, although I fully understand it: No Tom Bombadil.
My biggest regret about the LOTR films, although I fully understand it: No Tom Bombadil.
Allingham's great! I love her short stories featuring Albert Campion. The novels are good too.
I'm getting the Thursday Next series for Christmas, I'm sure of it. I've been bugging my family.
Allingham's great! I love her short stories featuring Albert Campion. The novels are good too.
I'm getting the Thursday Next series for Christmas, I'm sure of it. I've been bugging my family.
Left Hand of Darkness - I think it's her best.
Left Hand of Darkness - I think it's her best.
For people who like science 'The Fabric of the Cosmos' by Brian Greene
For people who like science 'The Fabric of the Cosmos' by Brian Greene
Since religion has been stirring passions on this blog recently, I'll recommend The Good Book by Peter J. Gomes, the chaplain of Harvard University. If anyone is interested in a very accessible book about the Bible by a devout Christian who is willing to take on and debunk the fundamentalist view of scripture, this is a good one. He deals forthrightly with the ways the Bible has been used to promote bigotry toward women, blacks, gays, etc. and against science, but retains a positive, even profound message from the text. I'm not a believer - bought it for my mother who is and enjoyed it - but I found it insightful and interesting as a window into the contemporary faith of people who bring integrity and tolerance to their religious beliefs and practice. Gomes himself is a gay, African-American, New England liberal, "registered Republican", Christian, Harvard professor/preacher and former president of The Pilgrim Society !
Since religion has been stirring passions on this blog recently, I'll recommend The Good Book by Peter J. Gomes, the chaplain of Harvard University. If anyone is interested in a very accessible book about the Bible by a devout Christian who is willing to take on and debunk the fundamentalist view of scripture, this is a good one. He deals forthrightly with the ways the Bible has been used to promote bigotry toward women, blacks, gays, etc. and against science, but retains a positive, even profound message from the text. I'm not a believer - bought it for my mother who is and enjoyed it - but I found it insightful and interesting as a window into the contemporary faith of people who bring integrity and tolerance to their religious beliefs and practice. Gomes himself is a gay, African-American, New England liberal, "registered Republican", Christian, Harvard professor/preacher and former president of The Pilgrim Society !
Downbound, I was going to recommend Skeleton Man but see you covered it. If you like Hillerman, check out James D. Doss.
Downbound, I was going to recommend Skeleton Man but see you covered it. If you like Hillerman, check out James D. Doss.
Oh I'm an idiot.
Ged.
Not Genly Ai.
But still.
Oh I'm an idiot.
Ged.
Not Genly Ai.
But still.
filkertom - well, if I have to cast a movie - yeah, that works for me. But I'd have to think a little more to be sure.
Oh that trilogy has some of the most amazing scenes - those two angels who love each other so much - I cried and cried when the one died. God - when Lyra leaves Pandalemon on the shore - oh, the exquisite sorrow.
Stop me, I could go on and on.
filkertom - well, if I have to cast a movie - yeah, that works for me. But I'd have to think a little more to be sure.
Oh that trilogy has some of the most amazing scenes - those two angels who love each other so much - I cried and cried when the one died. God - when Lyra leaves Pandalemon on the shore - oh, the exquisite sorrow.
Stop me, I could go on and on.
I'm going to have to save this thread off and hit Amazon or SFBC or B&N or something - more intriguing recommendations than I can possibly keep in my head...
I'm going to have to save this thread off and hit Amazon or SFBC or B&N or something - more intriguing recommendations than I can possibly keep in my head...
The Runes of the Earth by Stephen R. Donaldson.
For the first time in over two decades, there's a new Thomas Covenant book, and it's a good one. It was exactly the escape I needed right now. Gives new meaning to the old phrase, "get back to The Land."
FWIW, this is the first of four volumes in The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. Covenant may be dead, but that doesn't mean he's out of the story, thanks to that bit ancient history involving his daughter, Kevin Landwaster, and the Staff of Law.
The Runes of the Earth by Stephen R. Donaldson.
For the first time in over two decades, there's a new Thomas Covenant book, and it's a good one. It was exactly the escape I needed right now. Gives new meaning to the old phrase, "get back to The Land."
FWIW, this is the first of four volumes in The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. Covenant may be dead, but that doesn't mean he's out of the story, thanks to that bit ancient history involving his daughter, Kevin Landwaster, and the Staff of Law.
Filkertom, I do wish that there were more Cordelia books. For some reason, strong female leads appeal to me more than strong males. (Thus The Demon Breed, for example).
I like some fantasy quite a bit, particularly urban fantasy like Sacred Ground, by Mercedes Lackey. I get really frustrated, though, at the lack of good science fiction. All that gets to mass market are known authors and Star Trek/Star Wars books, and fantasy. /Rant.
Filkertom, I do wish that there were more Cordelia books. For some reason, strong female leads appeal to me more than strong males. (Thus The Demon Breed, for example).
I like some fantasy quite a bit, particularly urban fantasy like Sacred Ground, by Mercedes Lackey. I get really frustrated, though, at the lack of good science fiction. All that gets to mass market are known authors and Star Trek/Star Wars books, and fantasy. /Rant.
His daughter's named Kevin?
His daughter's named Kevin?
Joe -- I've been a fan of the books for damn near thirty years. And there are a bunch of things I wish could be done -- the Scouring of the Shire is most prominent -- and a mini-series may be the place. But, for what Peter Jackson tried to do, I think that they are about as good as they could be. And I just love 'em.
Although talking about the LOTR movies does remind me of another aspect of fandom online. There's a LiveJournal community that does summaries, "movies in fifteen minutes". They're reasonably clever and sometimes very funny.
One of the best exchanges ever was in the 15-minute Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban:
BIG BLACK DOG: *turns into Sirius Black*
HERMIONE: If you want to kill Harry, you’ll have to kill us first!
HP FANS: OMGWTF THAT WAS RON’S LINE! YOU CHANGED THINGS FROM THE BOOK!
LOTR FANS: What are you, new?
Joe -- I've been a fan of the books for damn near thirty years. And there are a bunch of things I wish could be done -- the Scouring of the Shire is most prominent -- and a mini-series may be the place. But, for what Peter Jackson tried to do, I think that they are about as good as they could be. And I just love 'em.
Although talking about the LOTR movies does remind me of another aspect of fandom online. There's a LiveJournal community that does summaries, "movies in fifteen minutes". They're reasonably clever and sometimes very funny.
One of the best exchanges ever was in the 15-minute Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban:
BIG BLACK DOG: *turns into Sirius Black*
HERMIONE: If you want to kill Harry, you’ll have to kill us first!
HP FANS: OMGWTF THAT WAS RON’S LINE! YOU CHANGED THINGS FROM THE BOOK!
LOTR FANS: What are you, new?
Lack of good science fiction? I've read *tons* of good science fiction, and it looks like I haven't even scratched the surface.
Lack of good science fiction? I've read *tons* of good science fiction, and it looks like I haven't even scratched the surface.
I just finished reading Running With Scissors and Dry (Augusten Burroughs) again. Great books.
I just finished reading Running With Scissors and Dry (Augusten Burroughs) again. Great books.
There's a very good Troy In Fifteen Minutes floating around. And there's another site which is even briefer:
http://rinkworks.com/movieaminute/
Brilliant. Just brilliant.
There's a very good Troy In Fifteen Minutes floating around. And there's another site which is even briefer:
http://rinkworks.com/movieaminute/
Brilliant. Just brilliant.
Speaking of alternate universes, Haruki Murakami, who is a wonderful contemporary Japanese writer, wrote an early novel called: Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World that is one of my favorites of his books. It's just wild. I really can't write a synopsis that would do it justice. If you ever see it, pick it up and look through it and see if you like it.
I really like it a lot.
Speaking of alternate universes, Haruki Murakami, who is a wonderful contemporary Japanese writer, wrote an early novel called: Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World that is one of my favorites of his books. It's just wild. I really can't write a synopsis that would do it justice. If you ever see it, pick it up and look through it and see if you like it.
I really like it a lot.
I wish Tom Bombadil had been in the films, but realistically, there's no way it would have worked with the non-Tolkienites in the audience. (And even some Tolkien fans don't seem to like him, which I find inexplicable. Tom is part of the whole background thing, making you believe this really is a world with thousands of years of history behind it. I loved the way the hobbits are trekking through the woods in the Shire in one chapter, getting stuck with thorns like anyone would in a hike through the woods, and in a chapter or so they meet someone who remembers the creation of the world.)
I wish Tom Bombadil had been in the films, but realistically, there's no way it would have worked with the non-Tolkienites in the audience. (And even some Tolkien fans don't seem to like him, which I find inexplicable. Tom is part of the whole background thing, making you believe this really is a world with thousands of years of history behind it. I loved the way the hobbits are trekking through the woods in the Shire in one chapter, getting stuck with thorns like anyone would in a hike through the woods, and in a chapter or so they meet someone who remembers the creation of the world.)
Downbound,
do you ever get any Best of the Year Anthologies? I've found good sci fi that way. Gardner Dozois is a good editor, his Bests are my favorites.
Downbound,
do you ever get any Best of the Year Anthologies? I've found good sci fi that way. Gardner Dozois is a good editor, his Bests are my favorites.
Tena -- I know, hon. I know. So many scenes, so many lines, that just break your heart....
Downbound -- I'm with you on that. Although, really, all you're going to get is a variation of either fantasy or SF. The alternative is reading mainstream, with its Deeply Moving Character Studies and Intricately Detailed Plotz that are like so much spun sugar on a rainy sidewalk compared to everybody we've named here.
Now, there are so many different types of fantasy and SF that you can usually find something new to like. But sometimes you have to look. It's a sad truth that straight-up adventure, hack-n-slash, space opera, and vampires vampires vampires all sell better than the deeper stuff. That just means you look a little harder. I was recommending R. A. MacAvoy to someone the other night. There's a cure for the common fantasy novel.
Tena -- I know, hon. I know. So many scenes, so many lines, that just break your heart....
Downbound -- I'm with you on that. Although, really, all you're going to get is a variation of either fantasy or SF. The alternative is reading mainstream, with its Deeply Moving Character Studies and Intricately Detailed Plotz that are like so much spun sugar on a rainy sidewalk compared to everybody we've named here.
Now, there are so many different types of fantasy and SF that you can usually find something new to like. But sometimes you have to look. It's a sad truth that straight-up adventure, hack-n-slash, space opera, and vampires vampires vampires all sell better than the deeper stuff. That just means you look a little harder. I was recommending R. A. MacAvoy to someone the other night. There's a cure for the common fantasy novel.
"FWIW, this is the first of four volumes in The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. "
Used to enjoy going up to Santa Fe from Abq, 'cause by the time I'd get there I was ready for something to eat from the deli - and there was Donaldson and Zelazny and George RR Martin and whoever else, drinking beer at 10 in the morning and working thru green chile and pastrami and scrambled eggs and group ... Highest per capita number of Hugo winners in the country, New Mexico. I miss Roger Zelazny, a whole damn bunch.
"FWIW, this is the first of four volumes in The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. "
Used to enjoy going up to Santa Fe from Abq, 'cause by the time I'd get there I was ready for something to eat from the deli - and there was Donaldson and Zelazny and George RR Martin and whoever else, drinking beer at 10 in the morning and working thru green chile and pastrami and scrambled eggs and group ... Highest per capita number of Hugo winners in the country, New Mexico. I miss Roger Zelazny, a whole damn bunch.
The sad fact is that Tom Bombadil really does not advance the plot or characterization in any way, so if you have to throw stuff over the side, he's one of the first things to go.
As for the background stuff, I don't think Tolkien could *help* it. Reading all the footnotes and appendices, it seemed clear that he had this entire world and its entire history in his head, and was having trouble holding it in.
The sad fact is that Tom Bombadil really does not advance the plot or characterization in any way, so if you have to throw stuff over the side, he's one of the first things to go.
As for the background stuff, I don't think Tolkien could *help* it. Reading all the footnotes and appendices, it seemed clear that he had this entire world and its entire history in his head, and was having trouble holding it in.
Emily, I just finished The Witch's Tongue by Doss. I do like his stuff. Love the old lady especially.
In the mystery area I also really like Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon books. I visited Guadaloupe Mountains National Park just before finding Track of the Cat, so I jumped right into it. Now I wait expectantly for another. Ditto for any of Dana Stabenow's books. And I wish to hell Dick Francis were still cranking them out.
Emily, I just finished The Witch's Tongue by Doss. I do like his stuff. Love the old lady especially.
In the mystery area I also really like Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon books. I visited Guadaloupe Mountains National Park just before finding Track of the Cat, so I jumped right into it. Now I wait expectantly for another. Ditto for any of Dana Stabenow's books. And I wish to hell Dick Francis were still cranking them out.
Where Jackson let me down was in his treatment of the Shire and the elves. He cut way too much out that I think was important and spent too much time swashbuckling.
Just me.
Where Jackson let me down was in his treatment of the Shire and the elves. He cut way too much out that I think was important and spent too much time swashbuckling.
Just me.
Another great collection of sci fi is Bears Dicover Fire, by Terry Bison.
Another great collection of sci fi is Bears Dicover Fire, by Terry Bison.
"working thru green chile and pastrami and scrambled eggs and group " = working thru green chile and pastrami and scrambled eggs and group plots...
"working thru green chile and pastrami and scrambled eggs and group " = working thru green chile and pastrami and scrambled eggs and group plots...
Mmm... Sandkings...
Mmm... Sandkings...
Donald -- I'm in the camp that doesn't miss Bombadil. You're absolutely right, he's an important part of the background... but he's not an important part of the story. It's like merging Glorfindel's actions and lines into Liv Tyler -- some of the stuff got streamlined to make it both faster-paced and easier to understand. There are way, way too many characters who just show up for a few lines and then vanish, but they're all supposed to be terribly important, and that works much better for a novel than for a movie of the same story.
Donald -- I'm in the camp that doesn't miss Bombadil. You're absolutely right, he's an important part of the background... but he's not an important part of the story. It's like merging Glorfindel's actions and lines into Liv Tyler -- some of the stuff got streamlined to make it both faster-paced and easier to understand. There are way, way too many characters who just show up for a few lines and then vanish, but they're all supposed to be terribly important, and that works much better for a novel than for a movie of the same story.
Not just you, Tena. I know why he did it, and I don't disagree with the final product, but I could be happier.
Not just you, Tena. I know why he did it, and I don't disagree with the final product, but I could be happier.
Another lesser-known author who does some interesting stuff is Walter Jon Williams.
And if you want to branch into horror that's more or less vampire-free (with maybe one untraditional exception), my girlfriend turned me on to Richard Laymon and Bentley Little. I can't really tell them apart, but they're both very good. I believe "lurid" was her word of choice...
Another lesser-known author who does some interesting stuff is Walter Jon Williams.
And if you want to branch into horror that's more or less vampire-free (with maybe one untraditional exception), my girlfriend turned me on to Richard Laymon and Bentley Little. I can't really tell them apart, but they're both very good. I believe "lurid" was her word of choice...
I read a fantastic book called "The Skook", by J.P. Miller, years ago. I could not find my copy, so I finally had to go out to Amazon.com and order a used copy. I haven't received it yet, but, boy oh boy, when I get it, I will sit down and start reading
I read a fantastic book called "The Skook", by J.P. Miller, years ago. I could not find my copy, so I finally had to go out to Amazon.com and order a used copy. I haven't received it yet, but, boy oh boy, when I get it, I will sit down and start reading
Tena,
seriously--we just bought a whole bunch of the box set of His Dark Materials and we're gonna hand them out to all and sundry, like candy.
Stunning work.
Tena,
seriously--we just bought a whole bunch of the box set of His Dark Materials and we're gonna hand them out to all and sundry, like candy.
Stunning work.
I didn't really see why Sauron and Saruman had to be allies rather than rivals in the movie, or why Gandalf had to be kind of a bumbler in the first movie (my theory is that it was to make his incarcation as Gandalf The White more impressive by comparison).
I didn't really see why Sauron and Saruman had to be allies rather than rivals in the movie, or why Gandalf had to be kind of a bumbler in the first movie (my theory is that it was to make his incarcation as Gandalf The White more impressive by comparison).
I recommend Steven Runciman's History of the Crusades, especially volume 1. You can see where the whole mess we're in now was born.
I recommend Steven Runciman's History of the Crusades, especially volume 1. You can see where the whole mess we're in now was born.
mg, I do read Best of's and all sorts of omnibuses and collections, and you're right. But I tend to be a bit obsessive and read the author's whole output as fast as I can read. Then I have to go find more. Although with about 3500 books at the house, I may need to go back over a few .
Zelazny's Eye of Cat is one of my favorites to listen to, too. And I enjoyed wandering through the Amber books.
filkertom, I'll take a look at R. A. MacAvoy. Thanks!
mg, I do read Best of's and all sorts of omnibuses and collections, and you're right. But I tend to be a bit obsessive and read the author's whole output as fast as I can read. Then I have to go find more. Although with about 3500 books at the house, I may need to go back over a few .
Zelazny's Eye of Cat is one of my favorites to listen to, too. And I enjoyed wandering through the Amber books.
filkertom, I'll take a look at R. A. MacAvoy. Thanks!
OK. House chablis, smoked oysters on toast points for GWPDA. Vodka Gottedammerung for Arthur.
Mr. Konopelli, another JWB rocks?
Whew! Busy night.
Anyone ever heard of a wonderful work titled The Book of Ebenezer LePage by G.B. Edwards?
OK. House chablis, smoked oysters on toast points for GWPDA. Vodka Gottedammerung for Arthur.
Mr. Konopelli, another JWB rocks?
Whew! Busy night.
Anyone ever heard of a wonderful work titled The Book of Ebenezer LePage by G.B. Edwards?
You sound like me, Downbound. I lock onto someone, inhale as much of their oeuvre as I can find, and move on to the next victim.
You sound like me, Downbound. I lock onto someone, inhale as much of their oeuvre as I can find, and move on to the next victim.
I was reading some old Alfred Hitchcock magazines, but ran out of reading material. I had a movie from who knows where called The Wishmaster sitting there so I decided to watch it. I wish I would have used my time in some other manner. I could have worked on today's crossword puzzle and had more fun.
I was reading some old Alfred Hitchcock magazines, but ran out of reading material. I had a movie from who knows where called The Wishmaster sitting there so I decided to watch it. I wish I would have used my time in some other manner. I could have worked on today's crossword puzzle and had more fun.
Uh, any of y'all ever think 'bout readin' a little book called The Bible?
It just might change your life. And save your soul.
Uh, any of y'all ever think 'bout readin' a little book called The Bible?
It just might change your life. And save your soul.
Anything by Barry Gifford.
For off-the-beaten path mystery lovers:
Fun, non-formulaic Dutch mystery series by Janwillem van de Wetering, featuring detectives Grijpstra and Degier. Looks like the whole series has been re-issued by Soho Press.
Another good mystery series: Swedish authors Maj Sjowall and Per Waloo's Martin Beck books.
Also, any of Michael Dibdin's Aurelio Zen books - set in Italy.
Anything by Barry Gifford.
For off-the-beaten path mystery lovers:
Fun, non-formulaic Dutch mystery series by Janwillem van de Wetering, featuring detectives Grijpstra and Degier. Looks like the whole series has been re-issued by Soho Press.
Another good mystery series: Swedish authors Maj Sjowall and Per Waloo's Martin Beck books.
Also, any of Michael Dibdin's Aurelio Zen books - set in Italy.
mmmmmm, smoked oysters and toast....
Thanks Nevermore! (Arthur, hush now, here's your drink, shhhhhh)
Hecate, there's room at the table here.... Nevermore, a Stoli for the Lady!
mmmmmm, smoked oysters and toast....
Thanks Nevermore! (Arthur, hush now, here's your drink, shhhhhh)
Hecate, there's room at the table here.... Nevermore, a Stoli for the Lady!
I also have a soft spot for cheesy horror movies like Wishmaster - the key is to approach them as comedies.
I also have a soft spot for cheesy horror movies like Wishmaster - the key is to approach them as comedies.
DWR,
Read the book several times. Think it needs an editor to tighten up some of the contradictions. Has some wonderful lines and I think someone could really make it into a good book if they just took the time.
DWR,
Read the book several times. Think it needs an editor to tighten up some of the contradictions. Has some wonderful lines and I think someone could really make it into a good book if they just took the time.
Uh, any of y'all ever think 'bout readin' a little book called The Bible?
Not much point -- I already know how it ends. And the narrative is muddled and contradictory, and the characters aren't fully fleshed out. Plus, it's kinda preachy -- I hate that in a book.
Uh, any of y'all ever think 'bout readin' a little book called The Bible?
Not much point -- I already know how it ends. And the narrative is muddled and contradictory, and the characters aren't fully fleshed out. Plus, it's kinda preachy -- I hate that in a book.
Old nonfiction, but as fresh today and needs revisiting: "When Society Becomes an Addict" (Anne Wilson Schaef), "the Disappearance of Childhood (Neil Postman), and particularly "the Fourth Turning" (Strauss & Howe), about how we continue to repeat historical cycles.
Meanwhile, I escape in mysteries.
Old nonfiction, but as fresh today and needs revisiting: "When Society Becomes an Addict" (Anne Wilson Schaef), "the Disappearance of Childhood (Neil Postman), and particularly "the Fourth Turning" (Strauss & Howe), about how we continue to repeat historical cycles.
Meanwhile, I escape in mysteries.
Anyone read any of the Wire In The Blood books, or seen any of the series on BBC? Good stuff.
Also read Caleb Carr's The Alienist and its sequel recently - it's a little bit like Wire In The Blood and CSI, but set about a hundred years ago.
Anyone read any of the Wire In The Blood books, or seen any of the series on BBC? Good stuff.
Also read Caleb Carr's The Alienist and its sequel recently - it's a little bit like Wire In The Blood and CSI, but set about a hundred years ago.
Roddy, I have to agree with you on that. Cast of thousands and no real time to get into their motivation or character. Introduce a plot device and then forget all about it two pages later. Messy.
Roddy, I have to agree with you on that. Cast of thousands and no real time to get into their motivation or character. Introduce a plot device and then forget all about it two pages later. Messy.
Uh, any of y'all ever think 'bout readin' a little book called The Bible?
Dumb Right Winger | Email | Homepage | 12.04.04 - 8:41 pm
Inconsistent style, implausible foundation, ludicrous narrative, too many walk-on characters, mixed messages (the first half seems to have an entirely different philosophy from the second), and it actually berates the reader for not appreciating it, like the worst of fanfic.
Jesus has potential, but the committee writing him doesn't seem to have a handle on him.
Uh, any of y'all ever think 'bout readin' a little book called The Bible?
Dumb Right Winger | Email | Homepage | 12.04.04 - 8:41 pm
Inconsistent style, implausible foundation, ludicrous narrative, too many walk-on characters, mixed messages (the first half seems to have an entirely different philosophy from the second), and it actually berates the reader for not appreciating it, like the worst of fanfic.
Jesus has potential, but the committee writing him doesn't seem to have a handle on him.
filkertom - spot on, re: Tom B, _et al_.
filkertom - spot on, re: Tom B, _et al_.
puzzledwoman, it's not a book but latest New Yorker has a short essay by Sedaris, in his inimitable fashion, topic is a boil/cyst and "aging partners." Quite funny, of course.
puzzledwoman, it's not a book but latest New Yorker has a short essay by Sedaris, in his inimitable fashion, topic is a boil/cyst and "aging partners." Quite funny, of course.
I like "The Turner Diaries," myself.
I like "The Turner Diaries," myself.
re. LeGuin, The Dispossessed
also
Edward O. Wilson The Diversity of Life
Robert Axelrod The Evolution of Co-operation
E.F. Schumacher Small is Beautiful
Anything on complexity theory.
And Tena's right, Foucault's Pendulum is well worth it, a brilliant book full of insight.
Currently reading Ben Elton's High Society (brilliant, brilliant - thought provoking and hilarious - look at the war on drugs; you'll have to work through the British slang though) and Steven Pinker's The Blank Slate
Oh, oh and before I forget, the absolutely brilliant Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond.
... and avoid the large chain stores. Those little independents need our support.
re. LeGuin, The Dispossessed
also
Edward O. Wilson The Diversity of Life
Robert Axelrod The Evolution of Co-operation
E.F. Schumacher Small is Beautiful
Anything on complexity theory.
And Tena's right, Foucault's Pendulum is well worth it, a brilliant book full of insight.
Currently reading Ben Elton's High Society (brilliant, brilliant - thought provoking and hilarious - look at the war on drugs; you'll have to work through the British slang though) and Steven Pinker's The Blank Slate
Oh, oh and before I forget, the absolutely brilliant Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond.
... and avoid the large chain stores. Those little independents need our support.
Uh, any of y'all ever think 'bout readin' a little book called The Bible?
Read it. Saw the movie adaptations. Don't need it: we Quakers commune with Big Daddy directly and don't need 2000 year old gossip to guide us.
Uh, any of y'all ever think 'bout readin' a little book called The Bible?
Read it. Saw the movie adaptations. Don't need it: we Quakers commune with Big Daddy directly and don't need 2000 year old gossip to guide us.
I am reading stories of Paul Bowles which was at the library, since I ordered by daughter a copy of his "Their Faces Are Green, Their Hands Are Blue" about visiting non=Christian areas (n. Africa, India etc.) The daughter is heading for Morocco for a semester next year. She thinks she will feel safe in a country 99.9 percent Arabic. (she's 5'1", blond blue eyed) But I digress.....
I am reading stories of Paul Bowles which was at the library, since I ordered by daughter a copy of his "Their Faces Are Green, Their Hands Are Blue" about visiting non=Christian areas (n. Africa, India etc.) The daughter is heading for Morocco for a semester next year. She thinks she will feel safe in a country 99.9 percent Arabic. (she's 5'1", blond blue eyed) But I digress.....
Filkertom and Eli--
I agree Bombadil had to go in any movie version of LOTR that totals less than 20 hours. Jackson made the right decision there.
Some of his other changes were improvements, I thought. It was nice having Arwen rescue Frodo, rather than just be an elf princess sitting in Rivendell. It's not out of character for an elf princess to have heroic adventures--Luthien saves Beren more often than Beren saved Luthien, I think.
The change that bugged me the most was to Denethor. In the book he's a tragic figure brought down by hubris. He's a great man who thinks he has the strength to use the palantir without being influenced by Sauron and is of course wrong, which is why his suicide is sad in the book. In the movie he's not much better than Dubya, which I found hard to forgive. People in the audience cheered when he kills himself (and in the movie, even his suicide is made undignified.) I thought Jackson was pandering to the low IQ of some in the audience with his version of Denethor, as though we couldn't handle the thought of someone who could have been great falling into evil, though that happened to Boromir.
Some people didn't like the movie Faramir, but I understood the rationale for that change--having built up the ring it wouldn't have made sense for the movie Faramir to be able to resist it without any struggle.
Filkertom and Eli--
I agree Bombadil had to go in any movie version of LOTR that totals less than 20 hours. Jackson made the right decision there.
Some of his other changes were improvements, I thought. It was nice having Arwen rescue Frodo, rather than just be an elf princess sitting in Rivendell. It's not out of character for an elf princess to have heroic adventures--Luthien saves Beren more often than Beren saved Luthien, I think.
The change that bugged me the most was to Denethor. In the book he's a tragic figure brought down by hubris. He's a great man who thinks he has the strength to use the palantir without being influenced by Sauron and is of course wrong, which is why his suicide is sad in the book. In the movie he's not much better than Dubya, which I found hard to forgive. People in the audience cheered when he kills himself (and in the movie, even his suicide is made undignified.) I thought Jackson was pandering to the low IQ of some in the audience with his version of Denethor, as though we couldn't handle the thought of someone who could have been great falling into evil, though that happened to Boromir.
Some people didn't like the movie Faramir, but I understood the rationale for that change--having built up the ring it wouldn't have made sense for the movie Faramir to be able to resist it without any struggle.
Oh, yeah. Molly Ivins' Who Let the Dogs In just arrived, but I don't have the heart to start it right now. I do love the way Texas women write, between her and Linda Ellerbee.
Oh, yeah. Molly Ivins' Who Let the Dogs In just arrived, but I don't have the heart to start it right now. I do love the way Texas women write, between her and Linda Ellerbee.
My mother loves Paul Bowles. I find him unnerving.
My mother loves Paul Bowles. I find him unnerving.
My God cgreen, you're sending your girl out amongst -Frenchmen-!
My God cgreen, you're sending your girl out amongst -Frenchmen-!
Oh, forgot, wonderful, Thomas Hartmann "What Would Jefferson Do?"
(gave to right wing son for xmas).
Oh, forgot, wonderful, Thomas Hartmann "What Would Jefferson Do?"
(gave to right wing son for xmas).
i'm hiding til 12/26.
i'm hiding til 12/26.
I found it a bit odd that the movie seemed to hint very, very obliquely that Denethor's palantir was two-way, but never actually spelled it out. Thinking that maybe ended up on the cutting room floor, maybe.
I found it a bit odd that the movie seemed to hint very, very obliquely that Denethor's palantir was two-way, but never actually spelled it out. Thinking that maybe ended up on the cutting room floor, maybe.
Thanks, NTodd. I love LOTR intensely, but I managed never really to get so emotionally entangled in a book -- in those books -- that I was crushed when some of the background stuff got left out. It may go back to the Rankin-Bass version of The Hobbit, which left out a bunch of characters and a few minor plot threads and yet managed to convey exactly the right tone throughout. (The less said about The Return of the King, though, the better.)
Thanks, NTodd. I love LOTR intensely, but I managed never really to get so emotionally entangled in a book -- in those books -- that I was crushed when some of the background stuff got left out. It may go back to the Rankin-Bass version of The Hobbit, which left out a bunch of characters and a few minor plot threads and yet managed to convey exactly the right tone throughout. (The less said about The Return of the King, though, the better.)
OK, here's something that just came to mind as I was reading through the posts - what books would talked about if you were to go over to freeperville with the same question?
Interesting to consider....
OK, here's something that just came to mind as I was reading through the posts - what books would talked about if you were to go over to freeperville with the same question?
Interesting to consider....
I don't know if this counts as "hot" this season or not, but David Foster Wallace's latest book o' short stories, Oblivion, is his best stuff yet, and that's saying something.
.
I don't know if this counts as "hot" this season or not, but David Foster Wallace's latest book o' short stories, Oblivion, is his best stuff yet, and that's saying something.
.
DJ - agree on Arwen. Disagree on Denethor: I think he was spot on as a broken man full of hubris, and I think we'll see more in the director's cut, just as we will of Faramir (and Eowyn). For me Boromir was always the tragic figure, wondering why the stewards weren't kings, etc.
DJ - agree on Arwen. Disagree on Denethor: I think he was spot on as a broken man full of hubris, and I think we'll see more in the director's cut, just as we will of Faramir (and Eowyn). For me Boromir was always the tragic figure, wondering why the stewards weren't kings, etc.
Let me recommend Tales to Astonish: Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, and the American Comic Book Revolution. If you don't know Jack Kirby and think Stan Lee was "the Man" responsible for "creating" all those great Marvel characters, you're in for quite a shock. Beyond that, though, Kirby's story is one of incredible artistic ability and integrity constantly being shafted by the corporations in charge. If you already are well-versed in Kirby, there won't be many surprises here, but it's still a great (and frustration-inducing) read.
Let me recommend Tales to Astonish: Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, and the American Comic Book Revolution. If you don't know Jack Kirby and think Stan Lee was "the Man" responsible for "creating" all those great Marvel characters, you're in for quite a shock. Beyond that, though, Kirby's story is one of incredible artistic ability and integrity constantly being shafted by the corporations in charge. If you already are well-versed in Kirby, there won't be many surprises here, but it's still a great (and frustration-inducing) read.
Oh and The Age of Extremes: A History of the World, 1914-1991 by Eric Hobsbawm
Actually anything by him.
Yes and this too is brilliant
Oh and The Age of Extremes: A History of the World, 1914-1991 by Eric Hobsbawm
Actually anything by him.
Yes and this too is brilliant
A book that had a big effect on me when I was much younger and impressionable. Kind of difficult but worth the effort.
Review stolen from Overstock.com
Dostoyevsky wanted to create a portrait of a "good man" in Prince Myshkin, a Christlike figure who is the heir to a large fortune and whose simple goodness has a profound impact on those around him. Myshkin`s saintly impulses occasionally backfire, as when the prostitute Natasha, believing he loves her, is devastated to learn his love is only pity; she runs away with the evil Rogozhin, who murders her. At times the plot reads like a thriller, though throughout the novel Dostoyevsky probes the meaning of human suffering and the nature of true compassion. In spite of the fact that he felt he didn`t achieve his stated goal, THE IDIOT was Dostoyevsky`s favorite among his novels.
My words:
Setting is pre communist Russia, the upper class. Also Myshkin apparently has some form of epilepsy, as he has these 'experiences'.
I already got a book for xmas, HOW TO GROW NATIVE PLANTS OF TEXAS AND THE SOUTHWEST. Melissa always gives me my xmas presents shortly after she buys them. I love her.
.
A book that had a big effect on me when I was much younger and impressionable. Kind of difficult but worth the effort.
Review stolen from Overstock.com
Dostoyevsky wanted to create a portrait of a "good man" in Prince Myshkin, a Christlike figure who is the heir to a large fortune and whose simple goodness has a profound impact on those around him. Myshkin`s saintly impulses occasionally backfire, as when the prostitute Natasha, believing he loves her, is devastated to learn his love is only pity; she runs away with the evil Rogozhin, who murders her. At times the plot reads like a thriller, though throughout the novel Dostoyevsky probes the meaning of human suffering and the nature of true compassion. In spite of the fact that he felt he didn`t achieve his stated goal, THE IDIOT was Dostoyevsky`s favorite among his novels.
My words:
Setting is pre communist Russia, the upper class. Also Myshkin apparently has some form of epilepsy, as he has these 'experiences'.
I already got a book for xmas, HOW TO GROW NATIVE PLANTS OF TEXAS AND THE SOUTHWEST. Melissa always gives me my xmas presents shortly after she buys them. I love her.
.
The less said about The Return of the King, though, the better.
Where there's a whip, there's a way!
The less said about The Return of the King, though, the better.
Where there's a whip, there's a way!
Donald -- I agree about Denethor. That was a disappointment. I liked the version that made it to screen, but I loved the original.
Just curious... have you seen the Extended version of The Two Towers? Because the flashback scene with Boromir, Faramir, and Denethor is so perfect, so vital to making Faramir not an asshole, that I'm still astounded it wasn't part of the theatrical release.
Donald -- I agree about Denethor. That was a disappointment. I liked the version that made it to screen, but I loved the original.
Just curious... have you seen the Extended version of The Two Towers? Because the flashback scene with Boromir, Faramir, and Denethor is so perfect, so vital to making Faramir not an asshole, that I'm still astounded it wasn't part of the theatrical release.
FWIW, I am reading
every copy of Interreligious Insight I can find; Between Therapist and Client; Chalmers Johnson's The Sorrows of Empire; Jesus and Empire and Gore Vidal's Inventing a Nation.
FWIW, I am reading
every copy of Interreligious Insight I can find; Between Therapist and Client; Chalmers Johnson's The Sorrows of Empire; Jesus and Empire and Gore Vidal's Inventing a Nation.
Where there's a whip, there's a way!
NTodd | Email | Homepage | 12.04.04 - 8:58 pm
The only good song in that whole stinkin' movie. That was great, though.
Where there's a whip, there's a way!
NTodd | Email | Homepage | 12.04.04 - 8:58 pm
The only good song in that whole stinkin' movie. That was great, though.
NTodd reminded me -- If you haven't seen the Reduced Shakespeare Company's version of the Bible and you get the chance, go. Or get The Greatest Story Ever Sold: A Considered and Whimsical Illumination of the Really Good Parts of Holy Writ, by the same fellows.
And Ken's Guide to the Bible, if you feel like being snarky with the rubes.
NTodd reminded me -- If you haven't seen the Reduced Shakespeare Company's version of the Bible and you get the chance, go. Or get The Greatest Story Ever Sold: A Considered and Whimsical Illumination of the Really Good Parts of Holy Writ, by the same fellows.
And Ken's Guide to the Bible, if you feel like being snarky with the rubes.
Paradise Alley by Kevin Baker.
Historical fiction set in NYC during the Civil War draft riots, with flashbacks to the Irish potato famine. A great read, this book moved me.
Paradise Alley by Kevin Baker.
Historical fiction set in NYC during the Civil War draft riots, with flashbacks to the Irish potato famine. A great read, this book moved me.
That's a scary thought, Diogenes. "Mein Kampf gets a really bad rap, but it really makes a lot of excellent points..."
But yeah, I wonder what kind of fiction (that acknowledges itself to be fiction) they like. Might be an interesting experiment to go to Amazon, look up Coulter/Hannity/O'Reilly type stuff, and see what comes up in the "People who bought this book also bought" list.
That's a scary thought, Diogenes. "Mein Kampf gets a really bad rap, but it really makes a lot of excellent points..."
But yeah, I wonder what kind of fiction (that acknowledges itself to be fiction) they like. Might be an interesting experiment to go to Amazon, look up Coulter/Hannity/O'Reilly type stuff, and see what comes up in the "People who bought this book also bought" list.
Diogenes -- I'd actually go back to the Lois Bujold. She writes truly noble aristocracy very well -- people of wealth, position, and power, who nevertheless are keenly aware of the existence of, and their responsibility to, the more common folk.
Diogenes -- I'd actually go back to the Lois Bujold. She writes truly noble aristocracy very well -- people of wealth, position, and power, who nevertheless are keenly aware of the existence of, and their responsibility to, the more common folk.
Uh, any of y'all ever think 'bout readin' a little book called The Bible?
It just might change your life. And save your soul.
Dumb Right Winger
Read it - sucks.
And maybe if people like YOU had read something ELSE once in awhile, we wouldn't have four more years of Bush the Fucktard and his frigging illegal war!
Uh, any of y'all ever think 'bout readin' a little book called The Bible?
It just might change your life. And save your soul.
Dumb Right Winger
Read it - sucks.
And maybe if people like YOU had read something ELSE once in awhile, we wouldn't have four more years of Bush the Fucktard and his frigging illegal war!
THE FÜHRER'S COURAGE by Ernst Günther Dickmann. Hitler as an example of faith and confidence for the entire folk in difficult times.
Freedom Isn't Free
You ARE frequenting Rush's dealer, aren't you?
THE FÜHRER'S COURAGE by Ernst Günther Dickmann. Hitler as an example of faith and confidence for the entire folk in difficult times.
Freedom Isn't Free
You ARE frequenting Rush's dealer, aren't you?
You know what, I think people should read the Bible. I have three--my grandmother's King James, a TaNaKh, and a scholar's Bible, an annotated version from the Oxford University Press.
I think it's important that people read source material, for one thing; and then of course the Bible has beautiful stories, poems and metaphors in it--but the most important thing is that I read too many lefties who are not able to argue against Fundamentalism from knowledge.
Look again at the story of Jonah, for instance, and you'll see what I mean.
Jonah is there to emphasize god's law that no human has the right to judge any other human, whether they follow Levitical law or not. Seriously, check it out.
You know what, I think people should read the Bible. I have three--my grandmother's King James, a TaNaKh, and a scholar's Bible, an annotated version from the Oxford University Press.
I think it's important that people read source material, for one thing; and then of course the Bible has beautiful stories, poems and metaphors in it--but the most important thing is that I read too many lefties who are not able to argue against Fundamentalism from knowledge.
Look again at the story of Jonah, for instance, and you'll see what I mean.
Jonah is there to emphasize god's law that no human has the right to judge any other human, whether they follow Levitical law or not. Seriously, check it out.
Oui, GWPDA! (She's going there for her semester abroad required for her French major, instead of Paris or something as she could have.) Wants her French for working in Africa someday (foreign aid.) Curses upon GWB for making it so much safer out in the world for US citizens.
I think Bowles is a little unnerving also but as old as some of the writing is in this anthology it reads like right now--timeless.
Oui, GWPDA! (She's going there for her semester abroad required for her French major, instead of Paris or something as she could have.) Wants her French for working in Africa someday (foreign aid.) Curses upon GWB for making it so much safer out in the world for US citizens.
I think Bowles is a little unnerving also but as old as some of the writing is in this anthology it reads like right now--timeless.
OK. One Stoli in a chilled Steuben tumbler for Hecate. How about another Vodka Gottedammerung, Arthur. Arthur?? GWPDA, what is Arthur doing under the table?
It's always this way when I work a book party.
Pie -- where are you? What can I get for you?
OK. One Stoli in a chilled Steuben tumbler for Hecate. How about another Vodka Gottedammerung, Arthur. Arthur?? GWPDA, what is Arthur doing under the table?
It's always this way when I work a book party.
Pie -- where are you? What can I get for you?
Oh, God, I love the Reduced Shakespeare Company. Their Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abriged) is finally on DVD.
Another thought for the freepers, that I mentioned briefly earlier: Spinrad's The Iron Dream. Not so much for the novel, which plays to every fantasy they have, but the analysis afterwards.
Nah. Thinking about it, that might play to their fantasies, too. Drat. Fine. Bug Jack Barron.
Oh, God, I love the Reduced Shakespeare Company. Their Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abriged) is finally on DVD.
Another thought for the freepers, that I mentioned briefly earlier: Spinrad's The Iron Dream. Not so much for the novel, which plays to every fantasy they have, but the analysis afterwards.
Nah. Thinking about it, that might play to their fantasies, too. Drat. Fine. Bug Jack Barron.
I already got a book for xmas, HOW TO GROW NATIVE PLANTS OF TEXAS AND THE SOUTHWEST. Melissa always gives me my xmas presents shortly after she buys them. I love her.
.
agave
Well yeah, agave. Mass Tequila.
I already got a book for xmas, HOW TO GROW NATIVE PLANTS OF TEXAS AND THE SOUTHWEST. Melissa always gives me my xmas presents shortly after she buys them. I love her.
.
agave
Well yeah, agave. Mass Tequila.
Damn, I need to get out more. My idea these days of drinkin' the hard stuff is a two-liter of Code Red.
Damn, I need to get out more. My idea these days of drinkin' the hard stuff is a two-liter of Code Red.
People, please tell me more about Lois Bujold, I'm not familiar with her.
People, please tell me more about Lois Bujold, I'm not familiar with her.
Has anyone read any John Brunner? Some of his stuff is pretty blah, but his good stuff is really good, like The Shockwave Rider, The Sheep Look Up, and Stand On Zanzibar (I may have only read one of those last two; but whichever it was, it was good...).
Has anyone read any John Brunner? Some of his stuff is pretty blah, but his good stuff is really good, like The Shockwave Rider, The Sheep Look Up, and Stand On Zanzibar (I may have only read one of those last two; but whichever it was, it was good...).
And I vaguely remember Bug Jack Barron. I think the second time was a photocopied handout for a seminar on sci-fi and politics or culture or something (I took only two classes my last semester of college - they were *both* about sci-fi, and I took advantage of the option to write a story instead of a final paper for one of them).
Which reminds me, the book that was assigned in *both* sci-fi classes: Neuromancer.
And I vaguely remember Bug Jack Barron. I think the second time was a photocopied handout for a seminar on sci-fi and politics or culture or something (I took only two classes my last semester of college - they were *both* about sci-fi, and I took advantage of the option to write a story instead of a final paper for one of them).
Which reminds me, the book that was assigned in *both* sci-fi classes: Neuromancer.
Well yeah, agave. Mass Tequila.
Another Bruce
Mucho Mas
I've switched to vodka on the rocks (how housewifish) but a big shot of El Tessoro would be nice right now.
.
Well yeah, agave. Mass Tequila.
Another Bruce
Mucho Mas
I've switched to vodka on the rocks (how housewifish) but a big shot of El Tessoro would be nice right now.
.
Filkertom--
Yeah, I have the extended version of Two Towers and that Denethor, Boromir, Faramir scene was pretty good and it does account for Faramir's behavior later on.
I am looking forward to the extended version of ROTK--most of the movie was great. (I didn't like the exaggerated role played by the army of the dead, but will admit that's a minor point.)
Filkertom--
Yeah, I have the extended version of Two Towers and that Denethor, Boromir, Faramir scene was pretty good and it does account for Faramir's behavior later on.
I am looking forward to the extended version of ROTK--most of the movie was great. (I didn't like the exaggerated role played by the army of the dead, but will admit that's a minor point.)
Another book I think everyone should read immediately if not sooner, especially lefties, is Le Carre's Absolute Friends.
I know I say this every book thread.
But you should all drop what you're doing and run to get and read this book.
And buy it for your friends and family.
Another book I think everyone should read immediately if not sooner, especially lefties, is Le Carre's Absolute Friends.
I know I say this every book thread.
But you should all drop what you're doing and run to get and read this book.
And buy it for your friends and family.
Working my way through "Ten Poems to Set You Free" by Roger Housden. Scifi/fantasy wise, I've been reading a lot of Anne Bishop and Charles DeLint. Just saw "What the Bleep Do We Know," and although I'm not real big on buying DVDs of movies I'll probably buy that one.
Maybe someone here can help me out. I read a science fiction story about 30 years ago where a man had to keep running for a really long time in order to get back to his own time. Would adore it if someone could help me find it again or help me think of the author or title.
GWPDA, don't mind if I do have a little Stoli. Much obliged!
Working my way through "Ten Poems to Set You Free" by Roger Housden. Scifi/fantasy wise, I've been reading a lot of Anne Bishop and Charles DeLint. Just saw "What the Bleep Do We Know," and although I'm not real big on buying DVDs of movies I'll probably buy that one.
Maybe someone here can help me out. I read a science fiction story about 30 years ago where a man had to keep running for a really long time in order to get back to his own time. Would adore it if someone could help me find it again or help me think of the author or title.
GWPDA, don't mind if I do have a little Stoli. Much obliged!
I read a whole pile of books after they were recommended by Eschatonians on a recent thread. Have to say the best of the list that I had missed before was The Secret Life of Bees. Thanks all for the good ideas then and tonight. I have Life of Pi to start next.
I read a whole pile of books after they were recommended by Eschatonians on a recent thread. Have to say the best of the list that I had missed before was The Secret Life of Bees. Thanks all for the good ideas then and tonight. I have Life of Pi to start next.
Nevermore, don't worry, he's got his tail tucked in - always thoughtful is Arthur. But that's probably all for him tonight.
cgreen - Paul Bowles can only begin to imagine to hint at the grand wickedness of North Africa - and none of those stories are overstated. You make damn sure your girl has the eye of half a dozen grandmeres on her in Morocco and a dozen and a half oncles et tantes.
Nevermore, don't worry, he's got his tail tucked in - always thoughtful is Arthur. But that's probably all for him tonight.
cgreen - Paul Bowles can only begin to imagine to hint at the grand wickedness of North Africa - and none of those stories are overstated. You make damn sure your girl has the eye of half a dozen grandmeres on her in Morocco and a dozen and a half oncles et tantes.
Mein Kampf gets a really bad rap, but it really makes a lot of excellent points..."
I tried reading it about 25 years ago, and quit after about a 1/4 of the way.
Badly written, lousy grammar, run-on sentence.......added to the fact it made NO fucking sense whatsoever.
The ramblings of a NUT!
Mein Kampf gets a really bad rap, but it really makes a lot of excellent points..."
I tried reading it about 25 years ago, and quit after about a 1/4 of the way.
Badly written, lousy grammar, run-on sentence.......added to the fact it made NO fucking sense whatsoever.
The ramblings of a NUT!
mg_65
We named our little boy Jonah. Not for the Bible, but because that was the boy's name in Sleepless in Seattle (I kid you not). Of course, our fundamentalist Christian neighbors started speaking to us again when they thought we might be one of them. The Kerry/Edwards sign in the lawn brought a halt to any goodwill. Then again, I suppose that once they figured out that our child's name came from a movie, they'd condemn us just the same.
I think your point is a good one, and there are a good many excellent biblical scholars who make an awful lot of sense. Stephen Patterson writes an excellent book about the historical Jesus called The God of Jesus.
I agree that it is important to be able to speak credibly about works that influence our culture in significant ways. The difficulty is that I completely disagree with fundies on theological terms, and there really is little sense in arguing "what the Bible says." The Bible becomes a Rorschach for insecurity and/or neurosis. Don't see the need for it except as an article of historical interest. But, I agree that getting to know what the range of scholars think about it is useful. I should say, pick up anything by John Shelby Spong. Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism comes to mind.
D
mg_65
We named our little boy Jonah. Not for the Bible, but because that was the boy's name in Sleepless in Seattle (I kid you not). Of course, our fundamentalist Christian neighbors started speaking to us again when they thought we might be one of them. The Kerry/Edwards sign in the lawn brought a halt to any goodwill. Then again, I suppose that once they figured out that our child's name came from a movie, they'd condemn us just the same.
I think your point is a good one, and there are a good many excellent biblical scholars who make an awful lot of sense. Stephen Patterson writes an excellent book about the historical Jesus called The God of Jesus.
I agree that it is important to be able to speak credibly about works that influence our culture in significant ways. The difficulty is that I completely disagree with fundies on theological terms, and there really is little sense in arguing "what the Bible says." The Bible becomes a Rorschach for insecurity and/or neurosis. Don't see the need for it except as an article of historical interest. But, I agree that getting to know what the range of scholars think about it is useful. I should say, pick up anything by John Shelby Spong. Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism comes to mind.
D
Life of Pi is my other Bible.
Life of Pi is my other Bible.
I saw the Le Carre book lurking around last week and was tempted. for whoever recommended Life of Pi on the last book thread...many thanks. For those of you who like semi-feminist sci-fi, Sherri Tepper's Grass or Beauty are pretty good.
I saw the Le Carre book lurking around last week and was tempted. for whoever recommended Life of Pi on the last book thread...many thanks. For those of you who like semi-feminist sci-fi, Sherri Tepper's Grass or Beauty are pretty good.
Mein Kampf gets a really bad rap, but it really makes a lot of excellent points...
we're you reading the skinhead's connect the dots version or something? perhaps you're from a red state?
Mein Kampf gets a really bad rap, but it really makes a lot of excellent points...
we're you reading the skinhead's connect the dots version or something? perhaps you're from a red state?
Diogenes,
that sounds great, I'll look for it. I love stuff like that.
Diogenes,
that sounds great, I'll look for it. I love stuff like that.
'The Hidden Messages in Water' by Masaru Emoto. Mentioned in the movie "What the Bleep do We Know"
'The Hidden Messages in Water' by Masaru Emoto. Mentioned in the movie "What the Bleep do We Know"
Oh yeah, here is another good one:
The Cannabis Grow Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing Marijuana for Recreational and Medical Use
.
Oh yeah, here is another good one:
The Cannabis Grow Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing Marijuana for Recreational and Medical Use
.
OK, haven't read the thread yet, but best book I've read this past year was Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susannah Clarke. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It helped me escape the dark days after 11/3.
Mr. TJ says "Anything by Sy Hersh."
OK, haven't read the thread yet, but best book I've read this past year was Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susannah Clarke. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It helped me escape the dark days after 11/3.
Mr. TJ says "Anything by Sy Hersh."
People should read the Bible. I'm a Christian, but I'd say that even if I weren't--it's the single most influential book in history.
That said, I haven't read all of it. I've read all the New Testament several times (though I see no reason to revisit the book of Revelation any time soon) but probably only about 2/3 of the Old Testament.
Leaving aside whether one thinks it's divinely inspired, it contains some great stories (which I love) and some great poetry (which doesn't interest me as much) and what appears to be a wide diversity of moral and ethical viewpoints. (How this squares with divine revelation is something I'll leave to Christians with better minds than mine.) You've got the bloodthirsty bits, but also, as someone pointed out above, the book of Jonah, which is a beautifully written parable intended to show that God loves everyone, even the Assyrians (who were the Nazis of the time). He also has a soft spot for animals.
People should read the Bible. I'm a Christian, but I'd say that even if I weren't--it's the single most influential book in history.
That said, I haven't read all of it. I've read all the New Testament several times (though I see no reason to revisit the book of Revelation any time soon) but probably only about 2/3 of the Old Testament.
Leaving aside whether one thinks it's divinely inspired, it contains some great stories (which I love) and some great poetry (which doesn't interest me as much) and what appears to be a wide diversity of moral and ethical viewpoints. (How this squares with divine revelation is something I'll leave to Christians with better minds than mine.) You've got the bloodthirsty bits, but also, as someone pointed out above, the book of Jonah, which is a beautifully written parable intended to show that God loves everyone, even the Assyrians (who were the Nazis of the time). He also has a soft spot for animals.
Sheri Tepper is god.
Jerry what do you think of the science in that book? Is it valid? Worth reading?
Sheri Tepper is god.
Jerry what do you think of the science in that book? Is it valid? Worth reading?
Magister Ludi by Hesse, especially the three short stories in the appendix allegedly written by the magister.
Magister Ludi by Hesse, especially the three short stories in the appendix allegedly written by the magister.
Hecate, your Stoli was delivered to GWPDA's table at 9:30, supra.
Hecate, your Stoli was delivered to GWPDA's table at 9:30, supra.
Speaking of bees, the Beekeeper's Apprentice and the rest of that series are fairly interesting if you're not too rigid in your Sherlockian mythos. The books are a bit uneven, but it's fun to see the great man deal with a woman as a partner.
LMB is a Hugo winner (for Barrayar, I think) and maybe much more. Shards of Honor was the first of the books in the chronology, but I think maybe Warrior's Apprentice came out first. Too long ago... Anyway, Miles and his family and friends have a universe of their own to play in and Bujold sends them off through hell, yet they have a great deal of humanity. I'm not good at reviews, but that's the gist of the Miles books. She also writes good fantasy that doesn't just repeat the tired formulas. I haven't read all of her fantasy, but I enjoyed the Spirit Ring and The Curse of Chalion.
Speaking of bees, the Beekeeper's Apprentice and the rest of that series are fairly interesting if you're not too rigid in your Sherlockian mythos. The books are a bit uneven, but it's fun to see the great man deal with a woman as a partner.
LMB is a Hugo winner (for Barrayar, I think) and maybe much more. Shards of Honor was the first of the books in the chronology, but I think maybe Warrior's Apprentice came out first. Too long ago... Anyway, Miles and his family and friends have a universe of their own to play in and Bujold sends them off through hell, yet they have a great deal of humanity. I'm not good at reviews, but that's the gist of the Miles books. She also writes good fantasy that doesn't just repeat the tired formulas. I haven't read all of her fantasy, but I enjoyed the Spirit Ring and The Curse of Chalion.
I was scrolling, I was looking, and finally, after many book threads here at Eschaton someone, namely Eli, recommended John Brunner.
Anyone who thinks Gibson is "all that" needs to read The Shock Wave Rider, quite possibly the most ahead-of-its-time sci-fi of it's period(mid 70s)and still an amazing read today.
I was scrolling, I was looking, and finally, after many book threads here at Eschaton someone, namely Eli, recommended John Brunner.
Anyone who thinks Gibson is "all that" needs to read The Shock Wave Rider, quite possibly the most ahead-of-its-time sci-fi of it's period(mid 70s)and still an amazing read today.
I think my daughter has about talked one of the other French majors, another blonde girl, into going to Morocco instead of France... and no one to keep an eye on her at all, at all. (She already survived a summer in India living in hostels, came back safe and sane and healthy).
For the record, any of you with small children, be watching your quietest one...this one was the one born easy, slept all night early, never any trouble at all til this wanderlust... Might I just mention as it so fits this thread, she is the only one of the kids like me, a voracious reader......see where it gets you! everywhere!
I think my daughter has about talked one of the other French majors, another blonde girl, into going to Morocco instead of France... and no one to keep an eye on her at all, at all. (She already survived a summer in India living in hostels, came back safe and sane and healthy).
For the record, any of you with small children, be watching your quietest one...this one was the one born easy, slept all night early, never any trouble at all til this wanderlust... Might I just mention as it so fits this thread, she is the only one of the kids like me, a voracious reader......see where it gets you! everywhere!
There's a great chapter on marijuana in Michael Pollan's lovely and dreamy The Botany of Desire.
There's a great chapter on marijuana in Michael Pollan's lovely and dreamy The Botany of Desire.
mg_65
OK
(and then I click OK, ha)
mg_65
OK
(and then I click OK, ha)
Hecate-- Make that 9:03, supra.
Hecate-- Make that 9:03, supra.
People should read the Bible. I'm a Christian, but I'd say that even if I weren't--it's the single most influential book in history.
i dunno, but the bible ranks a distant third to Zarathustra and anything by Camus
People should read the Bible. I'm a Christian, but I'd say that even if I weren't--it's the single most influential book in history.
i dunno, but the bible ranks a distant third to Zarathustra and anything by Camus
Eli: Both Amazon & B&N seem to like to keep things categorized nice & neat, and only show books of the same type. If you're looking at non-fiction, a fiction book won't show up in the "also bought" section, unless it's by the same author. Not a scientific survey, mind you, just a quick look, but that's what I see.
Eli: Both Amazon & B&N seem to like to keep things categorized nice & neat, and only show books of the same type. If you're looking at non-fiction, a fiction book won't show up in the "also bought" section, unless it's by the same author. Not a scientific survey, mind you, just a quick look, but that's what I see.
Bujold. Very nice lady. Fun to hang around with. Writes some of the sharpest dialogue, most intricate plots, and fascinating characters you've ever seen. Her two big series (one of 'em really big, like fifteen or sixteen books so far) are The Vorkosigan Saga and Chalion.
The first one, the money series, follows the noble family Vorkosigan of the planet Barrayar (an Earth colony that was cut off from the rest of the galaxy for a couple hundred years, and went psycho-feudal). The central character for most of the books is Miles Vorkosigan, a military genius and all-around Good Guy, whose wits, nobility, great heart, and good intentions often get derailed by the fact that, due to a pre-natal chemical attack on his parents, he is barely four feet tall and considered a mutant by his own people. Several of the books are rousing space opera; as his military careers ends, they shift to political intrigue, character studies, and at least one romantic slapstick comedy. No, really.
The Curse of Chalion is a beautifully constructed fantasy novel, following a character who used to be a military leader and scholar, got sold into slavery, and ends up as the tutor to a princess. The plot is superb, but the real strength is the cast of characters. Very satisfying -- so much so that Lois wrote Paladin of Souls and is working on a third in the series.
To get you started, here's a good central page for info, here's the first chapter of Memory, here's the first chapter of A Civil Campaign, and here's a list of quotes from her stories.
Bujold. Very nice lady. Fun to hang around with. Writes some of the sharpest dialogue, most intricate plots, and fascinating characters you've ever seen. Her two big series (one of 'em really big, like fifteen or sixteen books so far) are The Vorkosigan Saga and Chalion.
The first one, the money series, follows the noble family Vorkosigan of the planet Barrayar (an Earth colony that was cut off from the rest of the galaxy for a couple hundred years, and went psycho-feudal). The central character for most of the books is Miles Vorkosigan, a military genius and all-around Good Guy, whose wits, nobility, great heart, and good intentions often get derailed by the fact that, due to a pre-natal chemical attack on his parents, he is barely four feet tall and considered a mutant by his own people. Several of the books are rousing space opera; as his military careers ends, they shift to political intrigue, character studies, and at least one romantic slapstick comedy. No, really.
The Curse of Chalion is a beautifully constructed fantasy novel, following a character who used to be a military leader and scholar, got sold into slavery, and ends up as the tutor to a princess. The plot is superb, but the real strength is the cast of characters. Very satisfying -- so much so that Lois wrote Paladin of Souls and is working on a third in the series.
To get you started, here's a good central page for info, here's the first chapter of Memory, here's the first chapter of A Civil Campaign, and here's a list of quotes from her stories.
"Hecate-- Make that 9:03, supra."
That's quite all right, it didn't go bad. Not my tipple and Arthur's asleep on my foot.
"Hecate-- Make that 9:03, supra."
That's quite all right, it didn't go bad. Not my tipple and Arthur's asleep on my foot.
Also, Richard Linklater(Slacker,Dazed + Confused) will have the unenviable task of adapting PKD's A Scanner Darkly to film. I would've preferred Darren Aronofsky, but this could still work.
Also, Richard Linklater(Slacker,Dazed + Confused) will have the unenviable task of adapting PKD's A Scanner Darkly to film. I would've preferred Darren Aronofsky, but this could still work.
I'm just going to keep recommending Marilynne Robinson's "Gilead" until someone reads the goddamn thing and thanks me profusely for the suggestion. Writing doesn't get much better than hers.
I'm just going to keep recommending Marilynne Robinson's "Gilead" until someone reads the goddamn thing and thanks me profusely for the suggestion. Writing doesn't get much better than hers.
There's an interesting subcategory of sci-fi that I've noticed: Writers with an interesting story to tell, but who are totally lousy at telling it. Harry Turtledove and Dan Simmons are at the top of that list for me - I really want to see how things turn out, but their tin ear for dialogue and embarrassing attempts to wax eloquent make it really tough to get through.
Guilty pleaure reading: Catherine Asaro. A physicist, classical ballerina, and an author. You'll love her space opera romances w/ just a frisson of S&M.
There's an interesting subcategory of sci-fi that I've noticed: Writers with an interesting story to tell, but who are totally lousy at telling it. Harry Turtledove and Dan Simmons are at the top of that list for me - I really want to see how things turn out, but their tin ear for dialogue and embarrassing attempts to wax eloquent make it really tough to get through.
Guilty pleaure reading: Catherine Asaro. A physicist, classical ballerina, and an author. You'll love her space opera romances w/ just a frisson of S&M.
I haven't read the book yet, but it's one of the next 20 I'll read:
When Jesus Came to Harvard : Making Moral Choices Today
Link to my blog on the author's talk here.
p.s. I'm reading some Chomsky stuff from like 10 years ago (Deterring Democracy). Dude is like Nostradamus, man. Pretty much predicted everything that's going on right now. Un-frickin-canny.
I haven't read the book yet, but it's one of the next 20 I'll read:
When Jesus Came to Harvard : Making Moral Choices Today
Link to my blog on the author's talk here.
p.s. I'm reading some Chomsky stuff from like 10 years ago (Deterring Democracy). Dude is like Nostradamus, man. Pretty much predicted everything that's going on right now. Un-frickin-canny.
Haven't read the Octavia Butler trilogy recommended by Tena, but I did read Butler's Kindred, and it was terrific.
Haven't read the Octavia Butler trilogy recommended by Tena, but I did read Butler's Kindred, and it was terrific.
Funny, Doozer, I just tried the same thing, and just went 'round in circles. In fairness, starting from the left, you get the exact same phenomenon.
Funny, Doozer, I just tried the same thing, and just went 'round in circles. In fairness, starting from the left, you get the exact same phenomenon.
"Harry Turtledove and Dan Simmons are at the top of that list for me - I really want to see how things turn out, but their tin ear for dialogue and embarrassing attempts to wax eloquent make it really tough to get through"
Yes, but Harry is a really good Byzantine historian! UCLA and everything! Like that paid for anything.
"Harry Turtledove and Dan Simmons are at the top of that list for me - I really want to see how things turn out, but their tin ear for dialogue and embarrassing attempts to wax eloquent make it really tough to get through"
Yes, but Harry is a really good Byzantine historian! UCLA and everything! Like that paid for anything.
Anyone know some allegorical sci-fi along the lines of Dune? A friend recommended those books. I have read Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars Trilogy and loved it. Haven't yet read Dune; should it be my next stop?
D
brotherartemis,
The one about music and mathematics?
I couldn't get thru it!
Read Steppenwolf like all good hippies, loved it, but if I'm thinking about the same book, it pissed me off.
But I've thrown more than one book against the wall that others I respect thought was good.
Tom Clancey was one.
.
Anyone know some allegorical sci-fi along the lines of Dune? A friend recommended those books. I have read Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars Trilogy and loved it. Haven't yet read Dune; should it be my next stop?
D
brotherartemis,
The one about music and mathematics?
I couldn't get thru it!
Read Steppenwolf like all good hippies, loved it, but if I'm thinking about the same book, it pissed me off.
But I've thrown more than one book against the wall that others I respect thought was good.
Tom Clancey was one.
.
Thanks for the Bujold info--I'm sold. I think I'll get the Chalion ones first.
And Philalethes, the Marilynne Robinson who wrote The. Most. Beautiful. Book. Ever, the breathtaking and heartbreaking Housekeeping?
Cause if it's the same writer, I'm going to Amazon right now.
Thanks for the Bujold info--I'm sold. I think I'll get the Chalion ones first.
And Philalethes, the Marilynne Robinson who wrote The. Most. Beautiful. Book. Ever, the breathtaking and heartbreaking Housekeeping?
Cause if it's the same writer, I'm going to Amazon right now.
Good call, BlakNo1. I gave my girlfriend a brief synopsis of that one ("a narc who's so deep undercover that he's investigating himself), and I think it gave her a mild seizure.
Good call, BlakNo1. I gave my girlfriend a brief synopsis of that one ("a narc who's so deep undercover that he's investigating himself), and I think it gave her a mild seizure.
Speaking of sci-fi, has anyone here read any of Rebecca Ore's trilogy? "Becoming Alien", "Being Alien", and "Human to Human." Great books one and all, dealing with a sort of low-rent, 'close encounters' situation and what it means to be human.
Also, "A Door Into Ocean", by Joan Slonczewski, is absolutely wonderful, and sadly overlooked.
And I'd be some sorry kind of friend if I didn't pimp Sharon Shinn's work, especially "The Shapeshifter's Wife", although I like the early "Angel" books as well (what happens to a civilization that believes in Angels that are actually the product of a superior founding civilization).
Speaking of sci-fi, has anyone here read any of Rebecca Ore's trilogy? "Becoming Alien", "Being Alien", and "Human to Human." Great books one and all, dealing with a sort of low-rent, 'close encounters' situation and what it means to be human.
Also, "A Door Into Ocean", by Joan Slonczewski, is absolutely wonderful, and sadly overlooked.
And I'd be some sorry kind of friend if I didn't pimp Sharon Shinn's work, especially "The Shapeshifter's Wife", although I like the early "Angel" books as well (what happens to a civilization that believes in Angels that are actually the product of a superior founding civilization).
Read Dune.
Anything else by Frank Herbert is optional, but definitely read Dune.
Read Dune.
Anything else by Frank Herbert is optional, but definitely read Dune.
A Scanner Darkly is being filmed? Wow. When my kid got to be about drug taking age, I made him read that one.
A Scanner Darkly is being filmed? Wow. When my kid got to be about drug taking age, I made him read that one.
Hecate - I just started reading that book. It was given to me tonight in fact by a poet friend who had just seen "what the bleep do we know." I like it but I think it's seems like it's more poetry than science. I like the books that physicists are writing for laypeople about quantum mechanics and the structure of the universe. Stranger than science fiction. Some of them have a talent for being able to explain this stuff to non-scientists. Brain Greene and Mikio Kaku and there others I don't remember off hand.
Hecate - I just started reading that book. It was given to me tonight in fact by a poet friend who had just seen "what the bleep do we know." I like it but I think it's seems like it's more poetry than science. I like the books that physicists are writing for laypeople about quantum mechanics and the structure of the universe. Stranger than science fiction. Some of them have a talent for being able to explain this stuff to non-scientists. Brain Greene and Mikio Kaku and there others I don't remember off hand.
DJ: Now is a good time not to ignore Revelations; esp. since so many others aren't. I always saw Revelations as a Sociology textbook. What happens when empires (like Rome or the Western Hegemony} begin to collapse. If the book had a Forward, it would say that it was OK to think that perhaps the author had eaten too many mushrooms. It only matters to take this book seriously IF the view outside your window (or on your tube) starts to look like this. You know, folks not dying of old age but rather from war, famine, sickness and vermin. Like everyone coming up with final plans, etc. but really being antichrists. . .
DJ: Now is a good time not to ignore Revelations; esp. since so many others aren't. I always saw Revelations as a Sociology textbook. What happens when empires (like Rome or the Western Hegemony} begin to collapse. If the book had a Forward, it would say that it was OK to think that perhaps the author had eaten too many mushrooms. It only matters to take this book seriously IF the view outside your window (or on your tube) starts to look like this. You know, folks not dying of old age but rather from war, famine, sickness and vermin. Like everyone coming up with final plans, etc. but really being antichrists. . .
And before I take my dog and go home, let me -strongly- recommend the purchase of books at half.com - or at least trying to find them first there. Independent operators, all. Nevermore! A tip for yourself and for the house! (Come on, Buddy, time to head home.)
And before I take my dog and go home, let me -strongly- recommend the purchase of books at half.com - or at least trying to find them first there. Independent operators, all. Nevermore! A tip for yourself and for the house! (Come on, Buddy, time to head home.)
Diogenes -- yes yes yes. You can stop after the first, though. They go downhill fast.
phein -- I love Archangel and Angelica. Just love 'em. Figures, an agnostic-leaning-heavily-atheist like me, huh?
Diogenes -- yes yes yes. You can stop after the first, though. They go downhill fast.
phein -- I love Archangel and Angelica. Just love 'em. Figures, an agnostic-leaning-heavily-atheist like me, huh?
I remember my dad reading Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas to me when I was a kid.
I remember my dad reading Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas to me when I was a kid.
Anything from Palladin Press- whole catalog of important things you need to know in coming dictatorship.
How to dissapear and change your identity, How to build a silencer, how to kill, etc.....
Anything from Palladin Press- whole catalog of important things you need to know in coming dictatorship.
How to dissapear and change your identity, How to build a silencer, how to kill, etc.....
Howard Zinn has a short volume entitled The People Speak: American Voices, Some Famous, Some Little Known, Dramatic Readings Celebrating the Enduring Spirit of Dissent that's perfect for young teens who aren't quite ready for A People's History of the United States.
My 14 year old son is reading it right now. It would make a nice gift, I think.
Howard Zinn has a short volume entitled The People Speak: American Voices, Some Famous, Some Little Known, Dramatic Readings Celebrating the Enduring Spirit of Dissent that's perfect for young teens who aren't quite ready for A People's History of the United States.
My 14 year old son is reading it right now. It would make a nice gift, I think.
Mein Kampf
It's on my bookshelf next to Rushdie's Satanic Verses (belly laugh inducing in places) and the Koran.
Why I haven't a clue. The ramblings of a NUT! Most certainly. Still, as a study in psychology perhaps of interest.
for literary freepers (is there such a beast?) and The Way of the Samurai: Yukio Mishima on Hagakure in Modern Life
Mein Kampf
It's on my bookshelf next to Rushdie's Satanic Verses (belly laugh inducing in places) and the Koran.
Why I haven't a clue. The ramblings of a NUT! Most certainly. Still, as a study in psychology perhaps of interest.
for literary freepers (is there such a beast?) and The Way of the Samurai: Yukio Mishima on Hagakure in Modern Life
Mishima also a nut.
Mishima also a nut.
GWPDA,
Let me recommend abebooks.com as well. All independent booksellers.
D
GWPDA,
Let me recommend abebooks.com as well. All independent booksellers.
D
The first Dune is good and the rest exponentially suck.
You have to read Le Guin. The Dispossesed, The Left Hand of Darkness, the Earthsea books, Always Coming Home, all the short stories--especially the collection Buffalo Gals, The Birthday of the World, and Earthsea Tales.
There's nothing better.
The first Dune is good and the rest exponentially suck.
You have to read Le Guin. The Dispossesed, The Left Hand of Darkness, the Earthsea books, Always Coming Home, all the short stories--especially the collection Buffalo Gals, The Birthday of the World, and Earthsea Tales.
There's nothing better.
My parents taught me to read with Edward Gorey books.
My parents taught me to read with Edward Gorey books.
She also wrote a sad little book called The Word For World Is Forest.
She also wrote a sad little book called The Word For World Is Forest.
I loved the whole Dune Series. Desperately wanted to grow up to be a Bene Gesserit until I read about Reverend Maitres and found my true calling.
I loved the whole Dune Series. Desperately wanted to grow up to be a Bene Gesserit until I read about Reverend Maitres and found my true calling.
That rocks, northsylvania. He would certainly a good resource for teaching the alphabet.
That rocks, northsylvania. He would certainly a good resource for teaching the alphabet.
syntallic: you are right about Zarathustra topping the Bible's writers, and Camus is certainly in the pantheon; but how many people do you know who are familiar with the Gathas and know the secret of Haoma
syntallic: you are right about Zarathustra topping the Bible's writers, and Camus is certainly in the pantheon; but how many people do you know who are familiar with the Gathas and know the secret of Haoma
I'm reading some Chomsky stuff from like 10 years ago (Deterring Democracy). Dude is like Nostradamus, man. Pretty much predicted everything that's going on right now. Un-frickin-canny.
Chomsky's Hegemony or Survival, from last year, is definitely worth reading too. Could be a good gift if you know someone who's thoughtful but not well-informed politically.
.
I'm reading some Chomsky stuff from like 10 years ago (Deterring Democracy). Dude is like Nostradamus, man. Pretty much predicted everything that's going on right now. Un-frickin-canny.
Chomsky's Hegemony or Survival, from last year, is definitely worth reading too. Could be a good gift if you know someone who's thoughtful but not well-informed politically.
.
okay ... we get mein kampf and the way of the samurai ... and no mention of the prince or the art of war ... required reading during the days of BushCo ... right after the Book of Revelations ...
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared now, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the holy city, and the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, as beautiful as a bride all dressed for her husband.
Revelation 21:1-2
fasten your seatbelt, kiddies, the train has left the station
okay ... we get mein kampf and the way of the samurai ... and no mention of the prince or the art of war ... required reading during the days of BushCo ... right after the Book of Revelations ...
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared now, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the holy city, and the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, as beautiful as a bride all dressed for her husband.
Revelation 21:1-2
fasten your seatbelt, kiddies, the train has left the station
Eli,
yes, and also Eye of the Heron. That stuff is hard to find. Virginia Kidd anthologized some of it.
Eli,
yes, and also Eye of the Heron. That stuff is hard to find. Virginia Kidd anthologized some of it.
Let's see: Hannah Coulter, by Wendell Berry. I want to get around to the Quicksilver Trilogy, part 1 of which is now out in paperback (mass market, no less!). Sounds like Foucault's Pendulum in three volumes, so that looks interesting.
There's also a new translation of Gilgamesh (seriously!) by Stephen Mitchell that is very good. Also new translations of Don Quixote and Proust, which are both good.
Harold Bloom has a fascinating book out, Where Shall Wisdom Be Found? Haven't had a chance to read that one yet, but bought it as soon as I saw it.
And if you want a really good book on politics or how to deal with "current affairs," well, I'd start with Foucault, and learn something about the nature of power. But since that can make you crazy (look at me!), find Wendell Berry's Citizenship Papers. Excellent.
And, at last, if you are a Rumpole fan, you can read about the Penge Bungalow Murders! Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders is the latest installment.
Finally, for Christmas (!), Paul Auster has published "Augie Wren's Christmas Story" as a single colume. My third favorite Christmas story, just behind Luke's, and A Christmas Carol (and just ahead of Annie Dillard's "The World in a Bowl of Soup." And I LOVE Annie Dillard).
I'd send you to the website of the bookstore where I work, but then, you'd see my picture, and that AIN'T gonna happen.
Let's see: Hannah Coulter, by Wendell Berry. I want to get around to the Quicksilver Trilogy, part 1 of which is now out in paperback (mass market, no less!). Sounds like Foucault's Pendulum in three volumes, so that looks interesting.
There's also a new translation of Gilgamesh (seriously!) by Stephen Mitchell that is very good. Also new translations of Don Quixote and Proust, which are both good.
Harold Bloom has a fascinating book out, Where Shall Wisdom Be Found? Haven't had a chance to read that one yet, but bought it as soon as I saw it.
And if you want a really good book on politics or how to deal with "current affairs," well, I'd start with Foucault, and learn something about the nature of power. But since that can make you crazy (look at me!), find Wendell Berry's Citizenship Papers. Excellent.
And, at last, if you are a Rumpole fan, you can read about the Penge Bungalow Murders! Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders is the latest installment.
Finally, for Christmas (!), Paul Auster has published "Augie Wren's Christmas Story" as a single colume. My third favorite Christmas story, just behind Luke's, and A Christmas Carol (and just ahead of Annie Dillard's "The World in a Bowl of Soup." And I LOVE Annie Dillard).
I'd send you to the website of the bookstore where I work, but then, you'd see my picture, and that AIN'T gonna happen.
Also, I'm a huge
Dorothy Sayers fan. Somewhere out there, there's a Lord Peter Whimsey just waiting for me, I just know it.
Also, I'm a huge
Dorothy Sayers fan. Somewhere out there, there's a Lord Peter Whimsey just waiting for me, I just know it.
Perhaps I'm the only person on this thread looking forward to these, but:
Information theory, evolution, and the origin of life. H. P. Yockey, due out from Cambridge Press in Feb.
Biotic interactions in the tropics. Burslem et al., eds.; also from Cambridge in Feb.
Nobody can say they weren't told!
Perhaps I'm the only person on this thread looking forward to these, but:
Information theory, evolution, and the origin of life. H. P. Yockey, due out from Cambridge Press in Feb.
Biotic interactions in the tropics. Burslem et al., eds.; also from Cambridge in Feb.
Nobody can say they weren't told!
Haven't read that one, will have to check it out.
And Left Hand Of Darkness is starting to come back to me (I was getting it mixed up with Dispossessed). Damn, that was a good book.
Haven't read that one, will have to check it out.
And Left Hand Of Darkness is starting to come back to me (I was getting it mixed up with Dispossessed). Damn, that was a good book.