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Maklershed · Sep 1, 2016

Maklershed · Sep 1, 2016

Currently reading Revelation Space

Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds

GK86 · Sep 1, 2016

Currently reading The Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind.

Jintor · Sep 1, 2016

Is there a way to "Abandon" a book on Goodreads or do I have to say "I'm Finished"?

Pau · Sep 1, 2016

Reading the first in the Great Book of Amber. Like the protagonist, I'm trying to orient myself.

Hanzou · Sep 1, 2016

Jintor said:
Is there a way to "Abandon" a book on Goodreads or do I have to say "I'm Finished"?

Yoy can just create a new shelf titled" abandoned".

Jintor · Sep 1, 2016

I did but the book is still hanging around in my currently reading box on my main page

Servbot #42 · Sep 1, 2016

I watched a Silent Hill retrospective awhile ago and this book was cited as one of the influences on the first game. It should be a fun romp.

woodland · Sep 1, 2016

Damn. I knew there was some fantasy coming out in September but the next Locke Lamora got delayed and I forgot what else I was looking forward too. ;\

kswiston · Sep 1, 2016

I finished Cetaganda today. I am trying to decide whether I just go ahead and buy the novella collection that comes next, or switch to something else.

fakefaker · Sep 1, 2016

Started The Snake by Jonas Saul.

xeroborn55 · Sep 1, 2016

Maklershed said:
Currently reading Revelation Space

Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds

I think House of Suns is my favorite Alastair Reynolds book. I read like 5 or 6 books of his in a row a few years back and just got burnt out on him unfortunately. Characters are not his strong-suit, definitely some awesome ideas in those books though.

I'm currently reading Red Rising, so far so good (if a bit predictable).

ngower · Sep 1, 2016

A billion books for grad school. I miss leisure reading

Mumei · Sep 1, 2016

kswiston said:
I finished Cetaganda today. I am trying to decide whether I just go ahead and buy the novella collection that comes next, or switch to something else.

Have you heard of What Belongs to You, by Garth Greenwell?

chesspieceface · Sep 1, 2016

The Fireman by Joe Hill.

Hill is one of my favorite recent author but the novel is very disappointing so far

The Mule · Sep 1, 2016

Final book in the trilogy.

Yes, it's where I took my username from.

Pau said:
Reading the first in the Great Book of Amber. Like the protagonist, I'm trying to orient myself.

Author of Trumps of Doom? That book seems relevant to recent events in American politics.

kswiston · Sep 1, 2016

Mumei said:
Have you heard of What Belongs to You, by Garth Greenwell?

No.

I looked at some reviews, and I am not sure it's my sort of book. Sounds a bit like the movie Shame, which wasn't really my sort of movie.

Quote · Sep 1, 2016

xeroborn55 said:
I think House of Suns is my favorite Alastair Reynolds book. I read like 5 or 6 books of his in a row a few years back and just got burnt out on him unfortunately. Characters are not his strong-suit, definitely some awesome ideas in those books though.

I'm currently reading Red Rising, so far so good (if a bit predictable).

*fist bump*

Hop · Sep 1, 2016

Repeating from the last thread:

Then, and even now, it's kinda preemptive to say so. It's queued up, I just haven't sat down and read lately.

Mumei · Sep 1, 2016

kswiston said:
No.

I looked at some reviews, and I am not sure it's my sort of book. Sounds a bit like the movie Shame, which wasn't really my sort of movie.

I am also not sure it is your sort of book; it's gay literary fiction and its kind of sui generis in terms of its construction and prose. It is hard to know if anyone in particular will be interested in it. But it is also very good, so I suggest it anyway.

I went to a talk by the author hosted by a local university last year, and he talked about how he came from poetry and how it affected the way he wrote the book; because he hadn't ever worked on writing prose narratives he'd brought a different sensibility to it. He articulated it better than I am now, but it was particularly interesting in the middle section.

And I have not seen Shame, so I have no idea how they might be similar or different.

MrOogieBoogie · Sep 1, 2016

Started this today. Always looked forward to reading it since it's so highly regarded.

It starts off so good. The story and characters are immediately engaging.

Mumei · Sep 1, 2016

MrOogieBoogie said:
Started this today. Always looked forward to reading it since it's so highly regarded.

It starts off so good. The story and characters are immediately engaging.

"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen."

so good

kswiston · Sep 1, 2016

Mumei said:
And I have not seen Shame, so I have no idea how they might be similar or different.

I'm sure they are not all that similar. Shame isn't gay fiction. It instead follows a sex addict. However, from the reviews I skimmed, it seems both deal with self loathing stemming from sexuality and upbringing. Shame is a pretty depressing watch, and this book seems like it might be a pretty depressing read.

Mumei · Sep 1, 2016

kswiston said:
I'm sure they are not all that similar. Shame isn't gay fiction. It instead follows a sex addict. However, from the reviews I skimmed, it seems both deal with self loathing stemming from sexuality and upbringing. Shame is a pretty depressing watch, and this book seems like it might be a pretty depressing read.

Me? Depressing stuff? Never.

FlowersisBritish · Sep 1, 2016

Always meant to ask, what's the threads policy on short stories?

Nymerio · Sep 1, 2016

Got this recommended by a friend, didn't know there was a movie based on it that I've partly seen. I'm enjoying it so far though.

Wollan · Sep 1, 2016

Merely read a hundred pages so far.

Funyarinpa · Sep 1, 2016

I apologize to the chaps from the previous thread that quoted me- couldn't get around to replying in time, sorry.

Anyways, I'm reading The Hunchback Of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo. No problems with the cast or story so far -decent read- but the numerous interjections that depict 15th century Paris without moving the plot along really hurt my opinion of the novel so far. Reading it for school (in Turkish), so no bailing on it either. I always found history and historical depictions to be incredibly difficult to get a grasp of, and this book is quite weak in that regard: Names I have never heard before sprinkled left and right, architectural terms I am not familiar at all with, etc.- a challenging read, for sure.

Fluvian · Sep 1, 2016

I'm currently re-reading digging up mother by Doug Stanhope, this book is so fucked up yet so god damn funny.

Tawney Bomb · Sep 1, 2016

Still reading The Name of the Rose. Glad there are sites with the Latin translations for that book.

Been listening to the James Bond books at work.

Stronginthearm · Sep 1, 2016

I just picked up and started Paris Requiem by Lisa Appignanesi yesterday.

Seventy70 · Sep 1, 2016

Can someone recommend me a book where the character(s) are put in isolation? I really like books that take place in one small, but interesting setting. I already read Sphere and thought it had a great atmosphere. I kind of want something with the atmosphere of Metroid where they explore an abandoned spaceship. The book doesn't have to be limited to sci fi, I'm open to anything. That was just an example. The early Metal Gear Solid games are another example of what I love about this kind of setting. In the first one you're trapped on a crazy base in the middle of a blizzard with only a couple of people you can radio who are sitting miles and miles away. I think cozy is the word I'm looking for. The protagonists are safe, but the line between safe and unsafe is very thin. Anyone get what I mean?

HarryHengst · Sep 1, 2016

Maklershed said:
Currently reading Revelation Space

Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds

Good series. Loved how he can make space seem like this incredibly cold and hostile place. Everyone in it seemed to be an asshole though, but im not sure if thats actually true. Should probably reread the series again.

KonradLaw · Sep 1, 2016

Finished Glen Cook's Shadows Linger, the second volumne of the Black Company cycle

Absolutely loved it. I think it might be my favorite fantasy series of all time. And the inn keeper story is some of the most fun and satisfying character arc I've ever read.

Started to read Linda Nagata's Trials, a second book in the Red trilogy. THe first book had fascinating vision of futuristic warfare as well as simply incredible action-scenes, so I'm pretty excited about the sequel

xeroborn55 · Sep 1, 2016

Seventy70 said:
Can someone recommend me a book where the character(s) are put in isolation? I really like books that take place in one small, but interesting setting. I already read Sphere and thought it had a great atmosphere. I kind of want something with the atmosphere of Metroid where they explore an abandoned spaceship. The book doesn't have to be limited to sci fi, I'm open to anything. That was just an example. The early Metal Gear Solid games are another example of what I love about this kind of setting. In the first one you're trapped on a crazy base in the middle of a blizzard with only a couple of people you can radio who are sitting miles and miles away. I think cozy is the word I'm looking for. The protagonists are safe, but the line between safe and unsafe is very thin. Anyone get what I mean?

You might want to check out Blindsight by Peter Watts.

Mr-Joker · Sep 1, 2016

Currently reading Homicide by David Simon, the book is interesting but is a long one so I will probably be reading it for a while.

MrOogieBoogie said:
Started this today. Always looked forward to reading it since it's so highly regarded.

It starts off so good. The story and characters are immediately engaging.

That's a good book.

Nymerio said:
Got this recommended by a friend, didn't know there was a movie based on it that I've partly seen. I'm enjoying it so far though.

I like the cover, what's the book about?

whatevermort · Sep 1, 2016

Seventy70 said:
Can someone recommend me a book where the character(s) are put in isolation? I really like books that take place in one small, but interesting setting. I already read Sphere and thought it had a great atmosphere. I kind of want something with the atmosphere of Metroid where they explore an abandoned spaceship. The book doesn't have to be limited to sci fi, I'm open to anything. That was just an example. The early Metal Gear Solid games are another example of what I love about this kind of setting. In the first one you're trapped on a crazy base in the middle of a blizzard with only a couple of people you can radio who are sitting miles and miles away. I think cozy is the word I'm looking for. The protagonists are safe, but the line between safe and unsafe is very thin. Anyone get what I mean?

Just to be a total dick: I wrote a novel called The Explorer, set on a spaceship, that does this, sort of; but the sequel, The Echo, definitely does this even more.

hardcastlemccormick · Sep 1, 2016

Making good progress through The Vor Game. Not quite as good as the first three, but it's starting to pick up now that

Miles is back in control again.

Wollan said:
Merely read a hundred pages so far.

I read this a few months ago and really didn't like it. There were parts that made me physically ill to read (roughly mid-book spoiler -

the cannibalism tribe on the island

) and the whole book is just full of 130% tension. It never lets up. I get the theme behind the book but it felt so one note and intense, like a single shrill flute sound piercing through my ears.

Seventy70 said:
Can someone recommend me a book where the character(s) are put in isolation? I really like books that take place in one small, but interesting setting. I already read Sphere and thought it had a great atmosphere. I kind of want something with the atmosphere of Metroid where they explore an abandoned spaceship. The book doesn't have to be limited to sci fi, I'm open to anything. That was just an example. The early Metal Gear Solid games are another example of what I love about this kind of setting. In the first one you're trapped on a crazy base in the middle of a blizzard with only a couple of people you can radio who are sitting miles and miles away. I think cozy is the word I'm looking for. The protagonists are safe, but the line between safe and unsafe is very thin. Anyone get what I mean?

I wonder if Solaris by Stanislaw Lem would do it for you.

DarkChronic · Sep 1, 2016

Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel

Finished this on the train this morning.

Was OK. Quick and easy read. I have a hard time recommending it. It's written World War Z style, with everything being in interview form, so it sort of reads like a play.

For something that is all dialogue, I thought most of it was really hokey and forced. The main interviewer character is supposed to be this mysterious, badass government guy, but he just comes across as lame. Like an 11 year old trying to talk and sound cool. Really cringe worthy.

By the time it really got interesting (the epilogue, 2 pages), it was already over. I know it's a series but damn, would have liked to see this first book at least go somewhere.

Ratrat · Sep 1, 2016

Finished Madamme Bovary and almost done with Cuckoo's Calling.

Regarding Madamme Bovary, maybe Im missing something but

Thank god that idiot is dead!

JoJoShabadoo · Sep 1, 2016

Brave New World by Huxley.

Haven't read it in years. Felt like revisiting it, it's better than I remembered so far.

JC Lately · Sep 1, 2016

It's not quite what I expected. Its alt-history novel about what the world would be like had the the Black Death had wiped out 90+% of Europe instead of a 'mere' 60%. I was expecting more of a macro focus on the differences on the world stage, but so far it seems to focus on a more narrow scope. On how this change affects individuals lives and culture. Plus there is whole religion/reincarnatin angle I don't care for. Still an interesting read, but not what I came for.

Maklershed · Sep 1, 2016

KonradLaw said:
Finished Glen Cook's Shadows Linger, the second volumne of the Black Company cycle

Absolutely loved it. I think it might be my favorite fantasy series of all time. And the inn keeper story is some of the most fun and satisfying character arc I've ever read.

And the series just keeps getting better from there.

kswiston · Sep 1, 2016

JC Lately said:
It's not quite what I expected. Its alt-history novel about what the world would be like had the the Black Death had wiped out 90+% of Europe instead of a 'mere' 60%. I was expecting more of a macro focus on the differences on the world stage, but so far it seems to focus on a more narrow scope. On how this change affects individuals lives and culture. Plus there is whole religion/reincarnatin angle I don't care for. Still an interesting read, but not what I came for.

I debated picking that book up a few months back, but I couldn't get over the silly white people black death concept that the book is founded on. Germany and England took some of the lightest losses of the actual pandemic out of the various developed Eurasian society to be hit. Some areas of China had 80-90% losses. It was largely based on population density, climate, and where you happened to fall on the busy trade routes.

Also, some reviews mention Robinson wasting the premise. Instead of envisioning how history would have differed under Muslim and Chinese dominance, he sort of divvies up the things that Europe did between the two and focuses on a few characters instead. I'm not sure how accurate that is.

JC Lately · Sep 1, 2016

kswiston said:
I debated picking that book up a few months back, but I couldn't get over the silly white people black death concept that the book is founded on. Germany and England took some of the lightest losses of the actual pandemic out of the various developed Eurasian society to be hit. Some areas of China had 80-90% losses. It was largely based on population density, climate, and where you happened to fall on the busy trade routes.

Well, yeah. That would be the alt part of alt history.

Also, some reviews mention Robinson wasting the premise. Instead of envisioning how history would have differed under Muslim and Chinese dominance, he sort of divvies up the things that Europe did between the two and focuses on a few characters instead. I'm not sure how accurate that is.

From what I've read so far, it's definitely seems to be heading in that direction. Seems like a mistake to me, but I'm not even half done with the book yet, so I can give Robinson the benefit of the doubt for now. Will report back once I read more.

kswiston · Sep 1, 2016

JC Lately said:
Well, yeah. That would be the alt part of alt history.

I'm one of those people that believes that Alt History needs to be based on believable changes. There's no plausible way to explain the Bubonic plague wiping out Europe and leaving the Middle East intact.

FullMetaltech · Sep 1, 2016

The FireMan by Joe Hill. Just started it today.

Matty77 · Sep 1, 2016

Just started The Fireman, so far enjoying it, Hill is my favorite author at the moment so no suprise there.

Nymerio · Sep 1, 2016

Mr-Joker said:
I like the cover, what's the book about?

It's one of those home invasion type of things. The movie High Tension is based on it, I think.

WascallyWabbit · Sep 1, 2016

Just finished this one. Pretty interesting stuff, definitely did not know all the struggles SpaceX and Tesla had getting off the ground

If you're interested in reading about either of these companies or Musk, I highly recommend getting it sooner than later, obviously this book is going to seem pretty dated in a few years

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