What are you reading? - Page 14

Spore · 30th January 2008, 13:04

Just recently read The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss. Avoid like plague... 662 pages off rollicking dialogue where nothing happens.. ever

.

Reading Atonement at the moment, only 1/4 the way through it but it's interesting so far. After that I'm thinking of Saturday, and maybe Ghostwritten/Number 9 Dream (David Mitchell).

Draco T Bastard · 30th January 2008, 15:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saladin

I see they're turning it into a TV series now
http://www.tvsquad.com/2008/01/29/th...s-comes-to-tv/

I look forward to whole episodes dedicated to Richards monologues on the virtues of Goodkind's crackpot philosophy!

Ugh, not sure if I would want to watch it. The first of the series were ok but they went downhill quite rapidly into "Goodkind's crackpot philosophy". I stopped reading the series at 'Naked Empire'.

I also agree with the articles author where he says "but I always considered The Sword of Truth a derivative of The Wheel of Time. The series shared too many similarities, especially in early volumes of Sword to be mere coincidence.". When I started reading The Sword of Truth I was constantly thinking that it was close to an exact copy.

chiQ · 30th January 2008, 20:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ritalin

The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger. I'm really enjoying it, but I'm 1/3 of the way through, and I think I've already figured out the twist at the end.

Boo.

Bloody great book, once you get your head around it. Not for the chronically tired!

Hooker · 31st January 2008, 00:13

started 'Welcome to Hell' - Colin Martin, guy who got conned/owned in Thailand...so far so good, don't really want to go to Thailand now! :|

Savage · 31st January 2008, 09:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by LordP

Just about to start Belgariad 5 - Enchanter's End Game.

Liking the series - short, but a good story, compelling characters, and I'm a sucker for fantasy settings.

I suspect I'll be starting on the Mallorean series afterwards, or perhaps the two 'prequels' (Belgarath the Sorcerer and Polgara the Sorceress)

If you haven't already read it, I highly recommend the Sparhawk series (Elenium etc).

Ab · 31st January 2008, 10:59

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

cyc · 2nd February 2008, 21:45

A People's Tragedy: History of the Russian Revolution by Orlando Figes. Two words: utterly sensational.

crocos · 2nd February 2008, 21:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ritalin

The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger. I'm really enjoying it, but I'm 1/3 of the way through, and I think I've already figured out the twist at the end.

Boo.

And it's still one of my favorite books ever. I just really like the way it's been written - the imagery that is build and the empathy you build with the characters. It's great!

(IMO, of course)

But yes, the outline of the plot is a little predictable... but if I was THAT overly worried about predictability I'd never watch a movie or read another book ever again.

reac · 22nd February 2008, 15:41

Iain M. Banks, Matter. His latest Culture novel.

[Malks] Pixie · 22nd February 2008, 15:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by reac

Iain M. Banks, Matter. His latest Culture novel.

We just picked that up yesterday, my fiance is reading it currently - I'm looking forward to it (love most of the culture stuff).

Currently reading Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson - 1st volume of the Baroque Cycle... Pretty typical Stephenson with lots of interesting technical information mixed with a good (if loose) interpretation of history.

Pixie

Ab · 22nd February 2008, 16:14

I read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and it was bloody brilliant. Short, but funny and sad. It's a murder mystery spoken in the first person by a 15-year-old boy with autism.

http://www.amazon.com/Curious-Incide.../dp/1400032717

ilk · 22nd February 2008, 16:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by [Malks] Pixie

Currently reading Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson - 1st volume of the Baroque Cycle... Pretty typical Stephenson with lots of interesting technical information mixed with a good (if loose) interpretation of history.

Twins! Just came home last week to all the books I left in Welly and figured I am back in the country just long enough to get through the cycle.

ilk · 22nd February 2008, 16:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ab

I read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and it was bloody brilliant. Short, but funny and sad. It's a murder mystery spoken in the first person by a 15-year-old boy with autism.

http://www.amazon.com/Curious-Incide.../dp/1400032717

That sounds like the book equivalent of "the band I like is soooo indie plus they don't have a drummer, they have a member who plays an electronic triangle and they only speak elvish between songs."

Saladin · 22nd February 2008, 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savage

If you haven't already read it, I highly recommend the Sparhawk series (Elenium etc).

Well he's read the Belgariad, so I'd say he could save himself the money and just re-read that, since they're pretty much the same story...

Ab · 22nd February 2008, 17:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilk

That sounds like the book equivalent of "the band I like is soooo indie plus they don't have a drummer, they have a member who plays an electronic triangle and they only speak elvish between songs."

The protagonist is a kid with autism, not the author

JiggaRoll · 22nd February 2008, 17:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilk

That sounds like the book equivalent of "the band I like is soooo indie plus they don't have a drummer, they have a member who plays an electronic triangle and they only speak elvish between songs."

I thought it was a very good book. Wasn't going to read it at first, thought it sounded kind of wank but got desperate for something to read by the pool over summer so stole it off my flatemate and ended up really enjoying it.

Torka · 22nd February 2008, 17:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saladin

Well he's read the Belgariad, so I'd say he could save himself the money and just re-read that, since they're pretty much the same story...

Haha word. I forced myself halfway through the Elenium waiting for it to change but gave up. It's the exact same story with the exact same characters.

LordP · 22nd February 2008, 17:57

Well, I'm about halfway through the first of the Tamuli series, and have noticed some similarities - not going to give up just yet though. Plus they're library books, I'm not losing any money

Ajax · 22nd February 2008, 20:47

Not a book as such, but I just read the original 80-odd-page scriptment for James Cameron's upcoming film 'Avatar'. This is going to be one hell of a movie if he manages to get all those wild ideas up on screen. It also sounds like it would be the most expensive film ever made.

Nemises · 23rd February 2008, 06:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ajax

Not a book as such, but I just read the original 80-odd-page scriptment for James Cameron's upcoming film 'Avatar'. This is going to be one hell of a movie if he manages to get all those wild ideas up on screen. It also sounds like it would be the most expensive film ever made.

I saw something on the new virtual set - realtime 3d digital integration filiming technique pj/weta developed that apparently Cameron is utterly sold on, and is filming avatar in Welly ?

Asriel · 26th February 2008, 22:53

This is not a drill;just another glorious day in the oilfield - Paul Carter

The follow up to 'Don't tell Mum I work on the rigs, She thinks I'm a piano player in a whorehouse'.

The previous book was really good, some great stories. Not literature, mind, but a good read nonetheless.

StN · 26th February 2008, 23:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemises

I saw something on the new virtual set - realtime 3d digital integration filiming technique pj/weta developed that apparently Cameron is utterly sold on, and is filming avatar in Welly ?

That's how Peter worked out the camera angles for the cave troll encounter in Fellowship wasn't it?

Nemises · 27th February 2008, 03:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by StN

That's how Peter worked out the camera angles for the cave troll encounter in Fellowship wasn't it?

That's what I figured aswell..a highly refined version anyway (that hopefully doesnt require a whole sound stage and 30 camera mocap system to track)

ilk · 27th February 2008, 10:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ab

The protagonist is a kid with autism, not the author

Fair enough

Wasn't making any comment on the quality of a book I haven't read, just for the record.

Ab · 27th February 2008, 11:11

"The October Horse". Countdown to the assassination of Julius Caesar and the rise of the Empire.

ChaosWulf · 27th February 2008, 16:33

"No god but God:The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam" by Reza Aslan.

Great read, and a nice break from the fluffy sci-fi trash I usually indulge in

chiQ · 27th February 2008, 20:09

I'm just starting A Town Like Alice (Nevil Shute).

rubberchicken · 27th February 2008, 21:18

The Planets by Dava Sobel (again)

Gentl e · 27th February 2008, 22:08

The Feng Shui Detective's Case Book - Nurry Vittachi.

Pretty fun easy read, and a nice break from steady sci-fi diet.

chiquelet · 2nd April 2008, 18:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiquelet

The Bear and the Dragon by Tom Clancy. Clancy can be a bit hit and miss with his writing style (Patriot Games anyone?) but so far I'm not finding this one to be too cringe-worthy.

Ok so I finally finished it! There definitely were cringe moments galore, lots of Team America-type patriotism, plenty of misinformation about the Chinese, but I am impressed with how he captured the lack of free thought amongst CCP cadres. This was almost a page-turner, but unfortunately Clancy has a way of spending pages farting on in minute detail about ICBMs or other such shit that the average reader doesn't understand. Certainly no Hunt For Red October or Clear and Present Danger, but not all that bad either.

Am just about to start Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang (Wild Swans) and Jon Halliday. It's been absolutely ridiculed by the academic community which is why I'm so keen to read it.

Bent · 2nd April 2008, 18:28

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry.

Started and finished it when I was in hospital last week, I'm sure it did nothing for my state of mind while I was in there. It's a fantastic read, but it's been quite a while since a book made me quite so miserable in a despairing-for-humanity kind of way.

eff tee · 2nd April 2008, 22:08

I've just read The Catcher In The Rye again after over 20 years.

Didn't like it this time round either. Bored me to death.

StN · 3rd April 2008, 09:18

"The Essential Buyer's Guide - Porsche 928" by David Hemmings.

It has nice pictures.

Trigga*happY · 3rd April 2008, 10:12

Janny Wurts - Curse of the Mistwraith... Was a lot better the first time round, this time i'm finding it a bit hard not to skim read through the wads of unnecessary detail.

Probably reread the R.E.Feist books soon.

[Malks] Pixie · 3rd April 2008, 11:40

The United States of Dave - by a friend of mine. It's the third draft of his second novel and I'm enjoying it a lot!

Pixie

Golden Teapot · 3rd April 2008, 19:28

Saga of the Seven Suns - I'm up to book 3 so far. It's pretty good really, but did take basically the first book to get going.

Hooker · 10th April 2008, 00:30

Freakonomics - quite interesting, takes you down the "don't think something is so just because it makes moral/common sense", content by US economist Steven Levitt.

GT, I'm not too clued up on actuarial tasks...but have you read this book and what are your thoughts?

Will finish reading Theory of Poker after this, then Black Swan...

dead goon · 10th April 2008, 00:41

Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor

Kryten · 21st April 2008, 17:18

So I picked up my first Terry Pratchett book (Colour of Magic, natch. And yes, I'm ever so slightly ashamed that it's taken me this long).

I think I'm hooked.......someone want to lend me all of them?

chiQ · 21st April 2008, 17:48

Kryten, I have all but the latest one, if you want to borrow them. Mail me. The address is my handle at nzgames.com

27th February 2008, 20:09	#547
chiQ Frag-muff	I'm just starting A Town Like Alice (Nevil Shute). __________________ Gaming/phone/computing platforms are not indicative of groinal/physical/cognitive impressiveness.

21st April 2008, 17:48	#560
chiQ Frag-muff	Kryten, I have all but the latest one, if you want to borrow them. Mail me. The address is my handle at nzgames.com __________________ Gaming/phone/computing platforms are not indicative of groinal/physical/cognitive impressiveness.

30th January 2008, 13:04	#521
Spore	Just recently read The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss. Avoid like plague... 662 pages off rollicking dialogue where nothing happens.. ever . Reading Atonement at the moment, only 1/4 the way through it but it's interesting so far. After that I'm thinking of Saturday, and maybe Ghostwritten/Number 9 Dream (David Mitchell).

31st January 2008, 00:13	#524
Hooker	started 'Welcome to Hell' - Colin Martin, guy who got conned/owned in Thailand...so far so good, don't really want to go to Thailand now! :\| __________________ Who's yer Daddy!?!!

31st January 2008, 10:59	#526
Ab A mariachi ogre snorkel	The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

2nd February 2008, 21:45	#527
cyc Objection!	A People's Tragedy: History of the Russian Revolution by Orlando Figes. Two words: utterly sensational.

22nd February 2008, 15:41	#529
reac Min Sicker Reac	Iain M. Banks, Matter. His latest Culture novel.

22nd February 2008, 16:14	#531
Ab A mariachi ogre snorkel	I read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and it was bloody brilliant. Short, but funny and sad. It's a murder mystery spoken in the first person by a 15-year-old boy with autism. http://www.amazon.com/Curious-Incide.../dp/1400032717

22nd February 2008, 17:57	#538
LordP	Well, I'm about halfway through the first of the Tamuli series, and have noticed some similarities - not going to give up just yet though. Plus they're library books, I'm not losing any money __________________ "Nothing is so smiple that it can't be screwed up."

22nd February 2008, 20:47	#539
Ajax Architeuthis	Not a book as such, but I just read the original 80-odd-page scriptment for James Cameron's upcoming film 'Avatar'. This is going to be one hell of a movie if he manages to get all those wild ideas up on screen. It also sounds like it would be the most expensive film ever made.

26th February 2008, 22:53	#541
Asriel	This is not a drill;just another glorious day in the oilfield - Paul Carter The follow up to 'Don't tell Mum I work on the rigs, She thinks I'm a piano player in a whorehouse'. The previous book was really good, some great stories. Not literature, mind, but a good read nonetheless.

27th February 2008, 11:11	#545
Ab A mariachi ogre snorkel	"The October Horse". Countdown to the assassination of Julius Caesar and the rise of the Empire.

27th February 2008, 16:33	#546
ChaosWulf Don't worry, be harpy	"No god but God:The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam" by Reza Aslan. Great read, and a nice break from the fluffy sci-fi trash I usually indulge in

27th February 2008, 21:18	#548
rubberchicken	The Planets by Dava Sobel (again)

27th February 2008, 22:08	#549
Gentl e	The Feng Shui Detective's Case Book - Nurry Vittachi. Pretty fun easy read, and a nice break from steady sci-fi diet.

2nd April 2008, 18:28	#551
Bent	A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. Started and finished it when I was in hospital last week, I'm sure it did nothing for my state of mind while I was in there. It's a fantastic read, but it's been quite a while since a book made me quite so miserable in a despairing-for-humanity kind of way.

2nd April 2008, 22:08	#552
eff tee	I've just read The Catcher In The Rye again after over 20 years. Didn't like it this time round either. Bored me to death.

3rd April 2008, 09:18	#553
StN I have detailed files	"The Essential Buyer's Guide - Porsche 928" by David Hemmings. It has nice pictures.

3rd April 2008, 10:12	#554
Trigga*happY	Janny Wurts - Curse of the Mistwraith... Was a lot better the first time round, this time i'm finding it a bit hard not to skim read through the wads of unnecessary detail. Probably reread the R.E.Feist books soon.

3rd April 2008, 11:40	#555
[Malks] Pixie	The United States of Dave - by a friend of mine. It's the third draft of his second novel and I'm enjoying it a lot! Pixie __________________ Civilised is as civilised does and civilised people walk among us.

3rd April 2008, 19:28	#556
Golden Teapot Love, Actuary	Saga of the Seven Suns - I'm up to book 3 so far. It's pretty good really, but did take basically the first book to get going.

10th April 2008, 00:30	#557
Hooker	Freakonomics - quite interesting, takes you down the "don't think something is so just because it makes moral/common sense", content by US economist Steven Levitt. GT, I'm not too clued up on actuarial tasks...but have you read this book and what are your thoughts? Will finish reading Theory of Poker after this, then Black Swan... __________________ Who's yer Daddy!?!!

10th April 2008, 00:41	#558
dead goon	Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor

21st April 2008, 17:18	#559
Kryten	So I picked up my first Terry Pratchett book (Colour of Magic, natch. And yes, I'm ever so slightly ashamed that it's taken me this long). I think I'm hooked.......someone want to lend me all of them?