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What are you reading? (June 2016)

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Maklershed said:
Amazon has been killing it with their kindle deals lately. This one is fantastic. If you like westerns or Cormac McCarthy or tales of family strife, this is a must read. Even if you don't like any of those things I'd still recommend it:

The Son by Philipp Meyer - $1.99


The Son by Philipp Meyer
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Nice. Besides checking and grabbing Daily Deals, I've also scanned the ebookdeals subreddit, as people point out price drops that aren't immediately obvious (like Misery being 2 bucks, or how at one point Edith Grossman's translation for Don Quixote was 2 bucks).
 
BastardSamurai said:
Nice. Besides checking and grabbing Daily Deals, I've also scanned the ebookdeals subreddit, as people point out price drops that aren't immediately obvious (like Misery being 2 bucks, or how at one point Edith Grossman's translation for Don Quixote was 2 bucks).
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Awesome, thanks for the info. According to this The Black Dahlia by Ellroy (Book 1 of the LA Quartet) is 99 cents right now - another steal.
 
Imp the Dimp said:
Read 3 out of 4 (not the Murakami one) and Hyperion is one memorable piece of literature. I didn't like all of it (some stories didn't move me that much honestly) but the highs were very high. It was a bit of a problem for me that the first story in the book was the best by quite a bit.
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Sounds good. Decided to start with The Gunslinger though, because it's the shortest.

I'm reading it with Elba/McConaughey's voices in my head and it's pretty sweet.
 
Kup said:
I'm still cracking on with the Dune series - loving it. I started book 4 last week, God Emperor of Dune. I even watched the David Lynch film at the weekend, which was... interesting.

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God Emperor's power trip is pretty cool, but it's pretty boring to see Leto II constantly being extremely vague about his plan, and only revealed it at the end.
 
Currently reading and enjoying H is for Hawk. I mean, it's got all the tendencies of the memoir genre that make it such a shit genre, but the passages where she explores the nature of human's relationship with animals and contrasts her experiences with those of White's are truly beautiful and enlightening.
 
Conkersbadfurday said:
Was getting tired of all the serious, scifi/fantasy novels I've been reading for review, so I picked up a Redwall book. Going through The Rogue Crew and having a charming blast with it, even if I know how it'll end because one Redwall book is basically every Redwall book.

I'ts a nice trip down memory lane though. Missed Mossflower Wood.
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I remember loving this so much as a kid. I've thought about giving it another go a few times but I've been unsuccessful with past nostalgia trips. Couldn't get into Narnia or Shannara recently, for example. Still feeling the urge, though. I don't remember much detail. I remember loving the food descriptions, lol.

Just started The Witcher series. Huge fan of the games, particularly #3, so I figured it'd be a good idea to get the real story. The writing/translation is kinda 'meh' at times but the stories themselves are interesting and fun. Just like quest lines in the games. Haven't run into any main characters yet, other than Dandilion. Nearing the end of book 1. Looking forward to seeing how this evolves but there are so many things I want to read right now. Not sure if this'll be a straight read for me or a filler novel here and there between others.
 
I finished Mansfield Park by Jane Austen today.

I can see why the main character has a bit of a mixed reception among readers. She was the least interesting character in the entire novel.
 
Finally finished Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. That got into a weird ride at the end. Well-paced, fascinating writing, weird as fuck. Hope Norwegian Wood is similar.
 
Hop said:
Finally finished Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. That got into a weird ride at the end. Well-paced, fascinating writing, weird as fuck. Hope Norwegian Wood is similar.
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Norwegian Wood is very quotidian. There's a very slight air of surrealism throughout but it's definitely Murakami at his most grounded.
 
kswiston said:
I finished Mansfield Park by Jane Austen today.

I can see why the main character has a bit of a mixed reception among readers. She was the least interesting character in the entire novel.
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I can see why you'd think that but I don't really agree. She's awfully quiet on the surface but as usual the narrator has her own motivations for the way the heroine is presented. I think Mansfield Park more than most novels subtly plays with our expectations for the heroine. Then there's the intertextual element with those genuinely radical plays they put on, the card games, etc. It's a rich book. The 1999 film is possibly the only really interesting Austen adaptation made* because it acknowledges what's between the lines and in my opinion correctly posits Fanny's struggle as a rebellion. I used to be able to to wax on about this book but I need to re-read it now, it's been too long for being a favorite of mine.

But yeah some of the other characters obviously crackle with life more.

*This year's "Love & Friendship" seems like a pretty great adaptation of lesser known a novelette.
 
I think I might die. Peter S Beagle is finally releasing a new novel later this year. 17 years after his last. I was honestly wondering whether or not he'd ever release another, seeing as he's 77 and currently embroiled in a legal battle with his manager.

I've been pretty lax with my reading this year, but September can't come fast enough.

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Verdre said:
I think I might die. Peter S Beagle is finally releasing a new novel later this year. 17 years after his last. I was honestly wondering whether or not he'd ever release another, seeing as he's 77 and currently embroiled in a legal battle with his manager.

I've been pretty lax with my reading this year, but September can't come fast enough.

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Oh man, no way. And that cover is gorgeous.

I'm still listening to the audio book of The Lies of Locke Lamora. The narrator is wonderful.
 
Verdre said:
I think I might die. Peter S Beagle is finally releasing a new novel later this year. 17 years after his last. I was honestly wondering whether or not he'd ever release another, seeing as he's 77 and currently embroiled in a legal battle with his manager.

I've been pretty lax with my reading this year, but September can't come fast enough.

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Day one. The Last Unicorn is one of the greatest fantasy novels of all time. I liked Tamsin quite a bit too.
 
Hop said:
Finally finished Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. That got into a weird ride at the end. Well-paced, fascinating writing, weird as fuck. Hope Norwegian Wood is similar.
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It isn't. Norwegian Wood is really good but there is zero surrealism. Instead the surrealism is replace with even more sadness.

Verdre said:
I think I might die. Peter S Beagle is finally releasing a new novel later this year. 17 years after his last. I was honestly wondering whether or not he'd ever release another, seeing as he's 77 and currently embroiled in a legal battle with his manager.

I've been pretty lax with my reading this year, but September can't come fast enough.

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Kinda want to read it for the cover alone. That is some nice artwork.
 
Verdre said:
I think I might die. Peter S Beagle is finally releasing a new novel later this year. 17 years after his last. I was honestly wondering whether or not he'd ever release another, seeing as he's 77 and currently embroiled in a legal battle with his manager.

I've been pretty lax with my reading this year, but September can't come fast enough.

z19e6LD.png
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Just downloaded a review copy of this. Very curious. The Last Unicorn is a beautiful book.
 
The war of the Worlds. Excellent book, especially liked the description of the sea warfare. That was an epic moment.
 
aidan said:
Just downloaded a review copy of this. Very curious. The Last Unicorn is a beautiful book.
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Super jealous. TLU is my favorite book, of course, but Summerlong sounds most similar to The Folk of the Air going by the synopsis and excerpt and that's my second favorite book by him. (Though I imagine there's not a lot in common since his books are all very different.)
 
Stasis said:
I remember loving this so much as a kid. I've thought about giving it another go a few times but I've been unsuccessful with past nostalgia trips. Couldn't get into Narnia or Shannara recently, for example. Still feeling the urge, though. I don't remember much detail. I remember loving the food descriptions, lol.
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The series isn't as magical as it was when I was in 7th grade, and I certainly notice more things that bother me in terms of characters and plot, but damn if they still aren't charming.

Course, last time I reread Narnia I had a fucking blast, so I could just be a manchild or something.
 
Puck Beaverton said:
It isn't. Norwegian Wood is really good but there is zero surrealism. Instead the surrealism is replace with even more sadness.
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Well, then I'll go with something else Murakami.

After I get through some of the 25 other books on my to-read list...
 
Hop said:
Well, then I'll go with something else Murakami.

After I get through some of the 25 other books on my to-read list...
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Honestly, with Murakami, seeing his poles might be the best thing. His work can start to blend together a little if you're not careful.
 
The Way of Kings - Stormlight Archives Book #1.

Got it on sale on the Kindle store from a recommendation from my brother.

About 1/4 in and really enjoying it.
 
Does anyone have any tips for reading? I find myself consuming books but I'm reading them passively, which is something I hate.

Any techniques etc would be great -- as I want to remember what I'm reading!
 
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Just over a quarter of the way in and there's been some pretty depressing moments already. I've been told that the book is crushing so I'm preparing for the worst.

Last 50-60 pages were a bit of a slump but the opening 200 are great.

SprachBrooks said:
Does anyone have any tips for reading? I find myself consuming books but I'm reading them passively, which is something I hate.

Any techniques etc would be great -- as I want to remember what I'm reading!
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Keep a notebook. At the end of every chapter or arc, write down what's happpened to the characters and possibly what you can infer about them from that. Before your next reading session, read your notes briefly. You'll be more engaged.
 
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Just finished this audiobook and it was phenomenal...excellent story (no surprise there) and Dan Stevens (from Downton Abbey) is a superb reader! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a good audiobook!
 
Got a Kindle and started:

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Pretty slow start and a lot of strange language, but I think I just hit a point where the story is moving much faster and things are becoming quite interesting (about 80 pages in).

Very interesting to read about a sci-fi universe mixed with heavy Catholic themes. Didn't expect that.
 
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Finished this in 2 sittings, the latter was a very pleasant surprise. It started off feeling like a less successful Franzen(not that those are exceptionally successful, but anyway) with modern capital T themes. Our main character is stricken to find glass commissioned for the freedom towers being manufactured in China, using "our" patented technology no less. He's in horrendous debt and his family is falling apart, etcetera etcetera. Not very interesting.

But then things got a lot more personal, and well, maybe I just have a soft spot for sort of feckless burn outs ready to jump at anything that doesn't feel hollow and being scardy cats about it for good measure. I found the tone and pace to be very good as well. Definitely going back for more from this guy. Thanks to whoever mentioned this book here earlier.
 
Nola said:
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Just finished this audiobook and it was phenomenal...excellent story (no surprise there) and Dan Stevens (from Downton Abbey) is a superb reader! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a good audiobook!
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Just read this, too. Now reading The Murder of Roger Akroyd. Big Poirot fan, I've read all the short stories and seen most of the show, but haven't read all the novels.

Next up will be End of Watch by Stephen King...got a signed copy last night!
 
A History of Violence: Living and Dying in Central America by Oscar Martinez.

41c2Op3BnWL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg


It's about the drug trade and gangs in El Salvador and delves into immigration and the very desperate and futureless lives they all lead.
 
Just about done with The Man in the High Castle. Not sure what to read next.

Torn between The Fireman, Stranger in a Strange Land or The Ghost Brigades. Decisions.
 
The Ruins by Scott Smith- Remember folks this is just my opinion. I think this book is a masterpiece, I freaking loved this book. It intense, it was bloody, it was down and dirty, and it did not hold back. This book is brutal. So naturally if you are squeamish stay far, far away. The characters were strong, they had faults that made them unlikable at times, but in a realistic way. It was really well written and it kept my attention all throughout its 509 page run. I could gush on this book for a really like time, but I will just simply end by restating that I loved this book.
 
Servbot #42 said:
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Misery was great, its most famous part was handled differently in the movie and honestly i can't decide which depiction was worse..........so vivid! I actually felt a inspired to start writing a bit because a big part of the book was about the joy of writing.

Gonna read Deception Point by Dan brown next because faridmon and Mike M said it was ok. Gonna be my first Dan Brown book but i have watched the movie adaptions.
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The books was so descriptive that it was quite difficult to read.

The movies is nasty and I can't watch that kind of
Shit (broken bones) so I think the movie is worse for me.

They're both fucked.
 
Auctopus said:
Just over a quarter of the way in and there's been some pretty depressing moments already. I've been told that the book is crushing so I'm preparing for the worst.
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Excellent choice!

MrOogieBoogie said:
Got a Kindle and started:

40992.jpg


Pretty slow start and a lot of strange language, but I think I just hit a point where the story is moving much faster and things are becoming quite interesting (about 80 pages in).

Very interesting to read about a sci-fi universe mixed with heavy Catholic themes. Didn't expect that.
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I have an interesting essay for you when you finish (the tetralogy, not that volume), if you are interested then.

Piecake said:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1099593&highlight=
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When he asked that question, I actually thought of when you described your practice of highlighting and taking notes as you go, and seeing how you post fairly regularly (and extensively) about the books in these topics as a form of mnemonic aid.
 
Yea, absolutely. Take some time to collect your thoughts and share them somewhere. Even if it turns out to be only a couple of sentences long, it's a worthwhile thing. I often grow self conscious in the middle of writing a post about a book here, but I try to get some cogent thought across, however attenuated the result. If you don't often discuss books in regular conversation, and I don't, you're not going to find a lot of reason to recall stuff and think about a book comprehensively otherwise.

Highlighting is also good, even if you never look back on it. The act itself reinforces a passage in my mind.
 
Finished Assassin's Apprentice. Not a lot really happened until pretty much the third act, but it was amusing enough that I picked up the next two books (that both appear to be much longer than the first).

Moved on to The Accidental Alchemist.
images

Didn't get too far into it, but it's okay so far.

Still slogging through Dreamsongs. I don't even dislike it, it's just so much harder to get time to read actual words instead of listening to audio books.
 
Mumei said:
When he asked that question, I actually thought of when you described your practice of highlighting and taking notes as you go, and seeing how you post fairly regularly (and extensively) about the books in these topics as a form of mnemonic aid.
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I actually havent done that in a while, mostly because I started using a more effective method. I have been using Anki (flashcard program) and have been turning my notes into questions and answers that I can test myself. I find it more effective than writing down notes and thoughts and summarizing once. I have also been pretty lax on the reading since the new year :(

Of course, that takes up a shit ton of time so I only really do it for books that I really really want to remember.
 
Is it weird that the more I read about A Brief History of Seven Killings, the more I retroactively like it? Weird. It's like now that I know it's supposed to be stylized, I understand more what he was going for. At the time I thought it to be an actual history so that clouded my perception.
 
I finished Hyperion. Strong ending but I thought the pacing of the chapters was a little all over the place. Martin and Sol's stories kind of slow things down and while I liked Brawne's story it took me three reading sessions to get through (granted i'm a really slow reader). The book just never topped Hoyt's story. I will say Hoyt's story is one of the best things I've ever read (maybe that's because I found it to be more horror than sci-fi). Something about the way Simmons writes just never quite clicked with me and i found myself wanting him to get on with the plot instead of describing how the sky looked every fifth page. I tried to start Fall of Hyperion but I'm gonna take a break and read some other stuff for now.

I'm also looking for something to read before I start the last two Dark Tower books seeing as I devoured books four and five really quickly and don't want the series to be over so soon. Luckily for me I found a copy of Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose at my local used bookstore and it comes recommended to me by quite a few coworkers. I was a little afraid of reading a translation just because every book I've read before has been originally written in English but so far it's not a problem at all. The prose flows fine and I'm really enjoying it (even if I have to break out the dictionary more so than usual).
 
Piecake said:
I actually havent done that in a while, mostly because I started using a more effective method. I have been using Anki (flashcard program) and have been turning my notes into questions and answers that I can test myself. I find it more effective than writing down notes and thoughts and summarizing once. I have also been pretty lax on the reading since the new year :(

Of course, that takes up a shit ton of time so I only really do it for books that I really really want to remember.
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Anki is a grand program when it comes to utilizing the core pillars of Make It Stick. Going to use it for the GRE vocab section!

I also hit a serious block when it has come to reading literature since the new year's. Been so distracted by Civ V and work. :-(
 
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