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Maklershed · Feb 1, 2017

Maklershed · Feb 1, 2017

Kindle

Disrupted: My Misadventure in the Start-Up Bubble by Dan Lyons

Hard Copy

Post Captain by Patrick O'Brian

Haly · Feb 1, 2017

subscribing before trump bans books xd

fakefaker · Feb 1, 2017

The Ark Sakura by Kōbō Abe

Sean C · Feb 1, 2017

Pictures%20at%20a%20Revolution_zpsamah8sya.jpg

This is a widely praised book about Hollywood history in cinephile circles, one that I had put off reading for a while as I hadn't yet seen the five films at the centre of the narrative; after seeing four of them, and feeling no particular desire to watch Doctor Dolittle (something that actually reading the book did nothing to alter, one should add), I thought this was the time. Picture at a Revolution lives up to its reputation, being all at the same time a behind the scenes account of making the five films, as well as a history of the changes in the broader Hollywood studio system at the time, and the tastes of American audiences. It's a fascinating snapshot of a time when the studio system was becoming increasingly moribund, and audiences, at least of a certain sort, were turning more to European cinema for sophistication and maturity in its content. The era in Hollywood that was heralded in 1967 really ended within a decade, but its imprint was indelible. I don't personally care for The Graduate nearly as much as Harris and the general critical consensus does, but it's easy to see why it was considered important. The various actors and other creators are sketched in interesting strokes, with Sidney Poitier's dilemma as the only black star in Hollywood (and the way he was increasingly out of step with the more radical voices in the black community, even as he became beloved by white audiences) being the most interesting from a socio-political standpoint. And then there's a lot of detail that is just entertaining, particularly the travails that went into the making of Doctor Dolittle.

Holiday · Feb 1, 2017

I'm reading Ezra Pound's Cantos, currently about 25 in. Often opaque, often captivating. I wish I read Italian though lol.

I also just got a collection of Lovecraft stories. I've never read a word of his before, so I'm excited to jump in.

Fuu · Feb 1, 2017

1889 (2013), Laurentino Gomes
The Secret History of Twin Peaks (2016), Mark Frost
Call Me by Your Name (2007), André Aciman
Jagannath (2011), Karin Tidbeck

Regiruler · Feb 1, 2017

Currently in Mistborn book 3.

So people who have read Mistborn book 2, a question regarding a fight about 2/3rds of the way through:

Zane used duralumin to superburn Steel to counter Vin's duralumin steel. However, a page later he pins her on the ceiling with a Steelpush. Was it implied Zane had another vial or did Sanderson not really pay attention?

AngmarsKing701 · Feb 1, 2017

New Year's NeoGAF Writing Challenge is eating into my ability to get more reading done. I'm halfway through Part 1 of To Green Angel Tower by Tad Williams.

It's entirely possible that between To Green Angel Tower Part 1 and Part 2, The Heart of What Was Lost and The Witchwood Crown that the only books I'll read this year will be Tad Williams books set in Osten Ard.

arglebargle · Feb 1, 2017

finished white teeth, which i liked a lot, but felt a little longer than it needed to be.

started:

too early to really say. language can be a little tricky, even though i have a rudimentary knowledge of russian.

kevin1025 · Feb 1, 2017

Still reading Swan Song by Robert McCammon (I know, I know!), but I'm getting there. It hit a bit of a lull for me so I trailed off for a bit there and started reading other stuff. Now I'm back on track.

I am also reading Half the World by Joe Abercrombie. I read the first book when it first came out and never got back to the series till now. He's my favorite fantasy author so I'm going all in and finishing this series off while also finishing Swan Song. Since they're shorter it's a nice palette cleanser, of sorts.

Oscar · Feb 1, 2017

Gf got me this set for Christmas, finally cracked the first one open tonight.

TheExhaustedWalrus · Feb 1, 2017

Oscar said:
Gf got me this set for Christmas, finally cracked the first one open tonight.

I am actually on the second one right now, really enjoy it so far.

Tragicomedy · Feb 1, 2017

Wrapped up The Gunslinger. Loved every damn page in that book.

Finishing up The Name of the Wind. I have not lived every damn page in the book. Among the slowest books I've read in years. It took 100 pages to basically start the story, and it's hasn't exactly been a barn burner in the 400 pages since.

Also tackling the second Witcher book while I play part 3 on my PS4. I'm digging the world so much. I'm likely going to read the whole series this year.

Zelenogorsk · Feb 1, 2017

I'm currently reading both Guards! Guards! and Prince of Thorns. The hilariousness of the former is a nice balance for the nastiness of the latter. Prince Jorg is one wicked dude but he's so smooth about it. It's nice reading some short fantasy novels (especially since I've got Way of Kings and Wise Man's Fear sitting on my desk).

Pau · Feb 1, 2017

I only read one book last month: The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver. It was honestly a bit of a slog to get through. I haven't really found myself motivated to pick up anything else. And I have about two hundred books on my Goodreads to read list.

Mumei · Feb 1, 2017

Hopefully Xena also reads this thread:

Xena said:
With the recent events going on nowadays, what are good non-fiction books to read about what's going on? In another thread someone mentioned The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. What are your recommendations?

I made a post over the weekend about one broad subject...

badrang · Feb 1, 2017

My beta, liberal cuck, black lies month reading list. I'm a lvl 69 race traitor, specializes in white genocide and virtue signaling.

aravuus · Feb 1, 2017

Still reading Harry Potter. Real life has gotten in the way and I'm still at book three.

Also I'm hopefully getting Alastair's Revelation Space books in Finnish on friday, which will probably dominate my reading time. Tried reading the first one in English but too many small details were lost on me due to, well, me not being good enough in English, I guess.

JonnyKong · Feb 1, 2017

I'm halfway through Before The Fall by Noah Hawley, great stuff so far.

Then again I always think whatever books I read are great, I think I'm quite easily pleased when it comes to books, but I'm very picky for all other types of media.

Bloodborne · Feb 1, 2017

Currently reading

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Professor Crate · Feb 1, 2017

arglebargle said:
finished white teeth, which i liked a lot, but felt a little longer than it needed to be.

started:

too early to really say. language can be a little tricky, even though i have a rudimentary knowledge of russian.

You'll realize out of nowhere that you somehow became fluent in Nadsat. Enjoy!

Current read:

E-flux · Feb 1, 2017

I have been reading parts about the hobbit and lord of the rings in the Atlas of middle earth,
super interesting stuff in my mind.

I also got a bunch of books from work and one of them was the children's fairy tale book that Rowling made, Beetle the bard, it's cute how it is tied to the potter world so if you are a potter fan i suggest giving it a read, shouldn't take longer than an hour to get through.

besada · Feb 1, 2017

I'm reading an excellent book by Bruce Sterling, The Caryatids. It takes place in a post-collapse society, both ecologically and politically. After the collapse of our system, a two party global society is set up -- The Dispensationists and the Acquis. The Acquis are basically geoengineers, rebuilding the planet to stop a complete and final ecological collapse. The Dispensationists are capitalists, creating revenue they trade with the Acquis to rebuild their wrecked territories. Most nation-states are consumed.

In the midst of this, a brilliant woman has cloned herself multiple times and fled to orbit. The book follows the various clones, on both sides of the political divide, doing great things on a planet that's drowning and starving, while slowly working through the story of their "mother" and their creation.

Good stuff, particularly if you're interested in ecological scifi.

StWilson85 · Feb 1, 2017

Tragicomedy said:
Finishing up The Name of the Wind. I have not lived every damn page in the book. Among the slowest books I've read in years. It took 100 pages to basically start the story, and it's hasn't exactly been a barn burner in the 400 pages since.

Man are you in for a treat when you get to the middle section of the 2nd book...

tariniel · Feb 1, 2017

I just finished reading The Blade Itself, first book the First Law trilogy. I liked it quite a bit and will most likely move on to the 2nd book whenever I feel like reading something again.

I've also been considering reading the Witcher books since I enjoyed Witcher 3 a lot. Dune has also been on my to-read list for a long time.

Xena · Feb 1, 2017

Mumei said:
Hopefully Xena also reads this thread:

I made a post over the weekend about one broad subject...

Thank you Mumei, I'll definitely check these books out. I want to be the best informed as I can, so that hopefully I can better talk to friends and family about current events.

AngmarsKing701 · Feb 1, 2017

I know we allow a little bit of horn-tooting in here, so I'll keep this brief. The Writing-GAF thread is working on a New Year's Resolution where several folks have signed up to try and write a novella (30K+ words) per month for the first three months of the year.

I'm gonna try and take the challenge to the next level by writing a novella each of the months this year (so 12 for those of you counting at home), all tied into the same story structure, of a monk documenting a boy's journey to become a knight by completing 12 tasks his father (who is a knight) has given him. That's a pretty basic background for you.

My first novella went up on Amazon last night/this morning, so if you're so inclined to either pick it up or check it out via the Look Inside or use Kindle Unlimited, I'd be grateful. Obviously would love feedback as well, here or via PM. Thanks, all!

Here's the link to

.

Icebergslim · Feb 1, 2017

badrang said:
My beta, liberal cuck, black lies month reading list. I'm a lvl 69 race traitor, specializes in white genocide and virtue signaling.

Easily one of the best books Ive ever read.

On my way to the library as we speak to pick up Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Its going to be my first time reading it and I hope they have it.

AngmarsKing701 · Feb 1, 2017

Icebergslim said:
On my way to the library as we speak to pick up Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Its going to be my first time reading it and I hope they have it.

If they don't have 42 copies there's something wrong.

Maklershed · Feb 1, 2017

AngmarsKing701 said:
I know we allow a little bit of horn-tooting in here, so I'll keep this brief. The Writing-GAF thread is working on a New Year's Resolution where several folks have signed up to try and write a novella (30K+ words) per month for the first three months of the year.

I'm gonna try and take the challenge to the next level by writing a novella each of the months this year (so 12 for those of you counting at home), all tied into the same story structure, of a monk documenting a boy's journey to become a knight by completing 12 tasks his father (who is a knight) has given him. That's a pretty basic background for you.

My first novella went up on Amazon last night/this morning, so if you're so inclined to either pick it up or check it out via the Look Inside or use Kindle Unlimited, I'd be grateful. Obviously would love feedback as well, here or via PM. Thanks, all!

Here's the link to .

Purchased!

Kodiak · Feb 1, 2017

Ship of Magic!

It's a bit like Pirates of the Caribbean meets HP lovecraft style baddies, with a hearty dash of colonialism-era historical fiction. It's really fucking good, but a bit slow at times. It fleshes out Robin Hobb's world begun in the Farseer Trilogy, so if you are a fan of those books, you should def check this trilogy out before moving on to other Fitz trilogies.

So far, the story virtually stands on its own. You could probably read it on its own, except there are some fairly brief but substantial spoilers for the Farseer trilogy. So far there has been no character overlap, but I'm loving the entirely new cast. Wintrow and Kennit especially...

Def read Assassin's Apprentice if you haven't already. Does anyone else have this love-hate relationship with Hobb? I love 50% of her writing, but the other 50% feels slow as molasses.

Ron Mexico · Feb 1, 2017

Taking a break from the longer stuff to blitz through Assholes: A Theory

Well worth a read, especially in today's environment.

Lucumo · Feb 1, 2017

Finally finished, after many months of having no real time to read:

Started on Monday:

AngmarsKing701 · Feb 1, 2017

Maklershed said:
Purchased!

Thanks!

MrOogieBoogie · Feb 1, 2017

About halfway through Altered Carbon, and I find myself highlighting a sentence or paragraph every few pages. Richard Morgan is an incredible writer with extremely evocative prose and imagery. Some examples:

Marooned in the glow on benches of old wood, a scattering of humanity waited in silence for friends or family to ride in from their altered carbon exiles.

Goddamn.

The Nemex (a type of weapon, FYI) was in my right hand like a decision taken.

Fuck yeah.

What little cheap exotic mystique had clung to the place by night was gone now. The neon and holosigns were bleached out, pinned on the building like a garish brooch on an old gown.

For the first couple of moments all you can see is someone else looking at you through a window frame. Then, like a shift in focus, you feel yourself float rapidly up behind the mask and adhere to its inside with a shock that's almost tactile.

Lawd.

ClosingADoor · Feb 1, 2017

Finished: The Winter Over
9 months on the South Pole, stuff happens, everybody freaks, etc. Quick and decent enough read, but not anything special.

brawly · Feb 1, 2017

I'm about 50 pages into Tower Lord (Blood Song sequel) and I'm quitting it for now. I really can't remember much of the first book and even after reading a synopsis I feel lost and disinterested (though I dig the writing style, still).

How do you guys do it? It's only been a few months since I've read Blood Song but I can't even imagine reading a sequel a year later or longer.

I'll give Red Skied Under Red Seas (Locke Lamorra sequel) a go but I imagine it'll be the same thing. I'm thinking about really focusing on a series of books and at the most have one other book inbetween.

Tragicomedy · Feb 2, 2017

StWilson85 said:
Man are you in for a treat when you get to the middle section of the 2nd book...

This has me nervous. I can't tell if you mean that in a good way or not, but I'm honestly not sure I'll even read the next book.

fakefaker · Feb 2, 2017

Wrapped up The Ark Sakura by Kōbō Abe and now can't wait to jump into Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer.

kevin1025 · Feb 2, 2017

Tragicomedy said:
This has me nervous. I can't tell if you mean that in a good way or not, but I'm honestly not sure I'll even read the next book.

If it's in reference to what I think it is... definitely not a good way.

HotHamBoy · Feb 2, 2017

Still reading A Fire Upon The Deep by Vernor Vinge. It is very long and very awesome.

FlowersisBritish · Feb 2, 2017

fakefaker said:
Wrapped up The Ark Sakura by Kōbō Abe and now can't wait to jump into Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer.

Holy shit that cover! Might actually start reading sci-fi because of it

Mutley · Feb 2, 2017

Recently finished:

First Ray Bradbury book as well. Beautiful writer. So poetically written with the hypernormalisation of behaviour not brought by the government but willingly done in a world of consumerism constantly needing to be entertained. Bradbury was a known luddite though, always a sceptic of technology and media which can bring about positive changes too but the world in which he creates has very similar parallels to ours.

Now reading:

Dandy Lyin · Feb 2, 2017

I'm reading Leviathan Wakes, by James S. A. Corey. I've been loving the Expanse TV series, and had just re-watched it in preparation for season 2. When I finished, I wanted more, so I started on the first book. I'm enjoying it so far, though I'm only a short way into it so far.

Bazza · Feb 2, 2017

Reading the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde, had a long old wait at the Hospital yesterday so managed to finish the 1st and 2nd books. A very weird but fun series so far.

Mastadon · Feb 2, 2017

Finally finished up Great Expectations. I enjoyed it for the most part, but good lord the middle part of the book drags. Took me far longer than normal to get through it.

Next up:

xeroborn55 · Feb 2, 2017

fakefaker said:
Wrapped up The Ark Sakura by Kōbō Abe and now can't wait to jump into Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer.

i was thinking about that one next. looks pretty cool

Necrovex · Feb 2, 2017

I'll probably finish up A Brave New World tonight. I'm not liking it much. Not clicking with me at all. Thankfully it's a short book, and I'm already 70 percent done with it, so I'll power through the remaining content. Looking at reading the third Witcher book, and the Pelican introduction to Human Evolution as my non fiction. Reminds me to report I completed Bad Science. One hell of a book, which I feel would have resonated more if I was a British citizen (his points ring true globally, but he used British media to reinforce his thesis).

fakefaker · Feb 2, 2017

FlowersisBritish said:
Holy shit that cover! Might actually start reading sci-fi because of it

xeroborn55 said:
i was thinking about that one next. looks pretty cool

I didn't get that far into it last night, but what I did was really engaging. Check out some of the reviews for it if you like.

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