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It seems a long time since we've had one of these threads.
I've reached an impasse with my current reading material and need to get some new stuff in.
Recently I've read things such as White Teeth, Clive James memoirs, Birdsong, Hornblower, a bit of Sci Fi, biog of Younghusband- all sorts.
So what I need is Inspiration please.
Over to you.
I've reached an impasse with my current reading material and need to get some new stuff in.
Recently I've read things such as White Teeth, Clive James memoirs, Birdsong, Hornblower, a bit of Sci Fi, biog of Younghusband- all sorts.
So what I need is Inspiration please.
Over to you.
In reply to Siward:
I've been listening to an abridged version of 'Sweet Caress: The Many Lives of Amory Clay' by William Boyd on R4 over the past fortnight and think it would read well. I've not experienced any of his other work so don't know how typical it is.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sweet-Caress-Many-Lives-Amory/dp/1408867974
I'm just finishing 'Treasure Island' which I'd never read before and felt somewhat obliged to!
I've been listening to an abridged version of 'Sweet Caress: The Many Lives of Amory Clay' by William Boyd on R4 over the past fortnight and think it would read well. I've not experienced any of his other work so don't know how typical it is.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sweet-Caress-Many-Lives-Amory/dp/1408867974
I'm just finishing 'Treasure Island' which I'd never read before and felt somewhat obliged to!
In reply to Siward:
'The narrow road to the deep north', 2014 Booker prize, loosely about ww2 Burma death railway.
'The narrow road to the deep north', 2014 Booker prize, loosely about ww2 Burma death railway.
In reply to Siward:
I'm ploughing through Wolf Hall, for which my initial enthusiasm has begun to resemble a sort of grim stoicism. I cannot fathom how the Man Booker Prize can be awarded (twice!) to someone who can be so consistently and maddeningly unclear about who she's talking about in every paragraph. Everything is 'he', even when there are 5 or more men in conversation. At times she might grudgingly write 'He, Cromwell, ...' but more often than not she forgets this clarification. Bizarre. The story itself is quite compelling and interesting but as a piece of prose it frustrates me.
I'm ploughing through Wolf Hall, for which my initial enthusiasm has begun to resemble a sort of grim stoicism. I cannot fathom how the Man Booker Prize can be awarded (twice!) to someone who can be so consistently and maddeningly unclear about who she's talking about in every paragraph. Everything is 'he', even when there are 5 or more men in conversation. At times she might grudgingly write 'He, Cromwell, ...' but more often than not she forgets this clarification. Bizarre. The story itself is quite compelling and interesting but as a piece of prose it frustrates me.
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In reply to Alyson:
I tried and failed to get into Wolf Hall I must admit. I probably didn't read enough of it to encounter your particular issue!
Recently- i.e. in the 10 minutes since I posted- I have been trawling through old 'what to read' threads on here which are chock full of good ideas.
I tried and failed to get into Wolf Hall I must admit. I probably didn't read enough of it to encounter your particular issue!
Recently- i.e. in the 10 minutes since I posted- I have been trawling through old 'what to read' threads on here which are chock full of good ideas.
In reply to Siward:
Fredrick Forsyth Icon or Robert Sabbag Smoke screen.
2 brilliant books imo
But may be a load of toss to you.
Fredrick Forsyth Icon or Robert Sabbag Smoke screen.
2 brilliant books imo
But may be a load of toss to you.
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In reply to Siward:
I'm really enjoying the James Corey (actually 2 authors) sci fi: good "hard" sci fi, but well written with good story. Not perfect, but worth a read.
I'm really enjoying the James Corey (actually 2 authors) sci fi: good "hard" sci fi, but well written with good story. Not perfect, but worth a read.
In reply to Alyson:
I'm glad it's not just me. A very good book, but bloody tedious trying to work out who is being referred to sometimes. I must admit I skimmed a few bits where I just couldn't be bothered.
Currently reading The diary of Anne Frank, no problems with this one! It's hard to believe that it's really written by a 14 year old.
I'm glad it's not just me. A very good book, but bloody tedious trying to work out who is being referred to sometimes. I must admit I skimmed a few bits where I just couldn't be bothered.
Currently reading The diary of Anne Frank, no problems with this one! It's hard to believe that it's really written by a 14 year old.
In reply to Siward:
I plan to take a break from it to read' What Remains', the latest Tim Weaver novel. I wouldn't have described myself as a crime thriller fan but someone gave me one of his books as a gift and it was the most ridiculously un-put-downable thing I'd read in years. I devoured the rest of his books in about a week.
I plan to take a break from it to read' What Remains', the latest Tim Weaver novel. I wouldn't have described myself as a crime thriller fan but someone gave me one of his books as a gift and it was the most ridiculously un-put-downable thing I'd read in years. I devoured the rest of his books in about a week.
In reply to Siward:
Hyperion by Dan Simmons and, dare I say it, this is, so far, a good substitute for Bank's.
Hyperion by Dan Simmons and, dare I say it, this is, so far, a good substitute for Bank's.
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In reply to Mark Westerman:
James Clavells' Noble House.
Read it years ago and now re reading via Kindle.
Great fun!
James Clavells' Noble House.
Read it years ago and now re reading via Kindle.
Great fun!
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In reply to Bulls Crack:
The Hyperion and Ilium quartet were great, but I'd advise avoid his others, definitely not as good and most recent ones seemed to become strange polictical rants.
The Hyperion and Ilium quartet were great, but I'd advise avoid his others, definitely not as good and most recent ones seemed to become strange polictical rants.
In reply to Mark Westerman:
Something that is easy to miss the first time round with these is the humour - it's never very overt (OK I'll give you "Jack you have debauched my sloth!") but keep your eyes open for it, I suppose once you know the characters it is a bit more obvious. I'm a couple of books into my third reading of this lot, it's worth sticking with.
Something that is easy to miss the first time round with these is the humour - it's never very overt (OK I'll give you "Jack you have debauched my sloth!") but keep your eyes open for it, I suppose once you know the characters it is a bit more obvious. I'm a couple of books into my third reading of this lot, it's worth sticking with.
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In reply to Siward:
I've been reading Moby Dick by Herman Melville for a while now and about a third of the way through. Awesome read with incredible depth of insight, pun intended.
I've been reading Moby Dick by Herman Melville for a while now and about a third of the way through. Awesome read with incredible depth of insight, pun intended.
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In reply to Fraser:
>I'm just finishing 'Treasure Island' which I'd never read before and felt somewhat obliged to!
Stevenson is brilliant! Love his novels and the short story Olalla is one of my favourite pieces of fiction. So beautifully atmospheric.
Quite a family the Stevenson's, wonderful literature and amazing lighthouses.
>I'm just finishing 'Treasure Island' which I'd never read before and felt somewhat obliged to!
Stevenson is brilliant! Love his novels and the short story Olalla is one of my favourite pieces of fiction. So beautifully atmospheric.
Quite a family the Stevenson's, wonderful literature and amazing lighthouses.
In reply to rossowen:
When you've finished that, I highly recommend 'In the Heart of the Sea' by Nathaniel Philbrick- brilliant non-fiction account of the real Moby Dick and every bit as gripping.
When you've finished that, I highly recommend 'In the Heart of the Sea' by Nathaniel Philbrick- brilliant non-fiction account of the real Moby Dick and every bit as gripping.
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In reply to Mark Westerman:
Yeah I tried that and other Aubrey-Maturin novels but much preferred the Hornblower novels in the end.
Yeah I tried that and other Aubrey-Maturin novels but much preferred the Hornblower novels in the end.
Post edited at 07:46
In reply to Siward:
Just finished Conquistadors of the Useless: From the Alps to Annapurna by Lionel Terray. Truly inspiring stuff and if he doesn't become one of your heroes by the end i reckon there is something wrong with you!
Just finished Conquistadors of the Useless: From the Alps to Annapurna by Lionel Terray. Truly inspiring stuff and if he doesn't become one of your heroes by the end i reckon there is something wrong with you!
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In reply to Siward:
I'm between books. I just finished "blue darker than black" a hard sf thriller set in the late 60s early 70s, which is part of the blue Gemini trilogy and it was excellent.
For my next read I've got a few books lined up to choose from, but I think I'm going to go for "in some cold place", Sandy Allan's account of his ascent of Nanga Parbat by the Mazeno ridge.
I'm between books. I just finished "blue darker than black" a hard sf thriller set in the late 60s early 70s, which is part of the blue Gemini trilogy and it was excellent.
For my next read I've got a few books lined up to choose from, but I think I'm going to go for "in some cold place", Sandy Allan's account of his ascent of Nanga Parbat by the Mazeno ridge.
In reply to danw1310:
I think I'd like that. I'll have to look out for a copy.
> Just finished Conquistadors of the Useless: From the Alps to Annapurna by Lionel Terray...
I think I'd like that. I'll have to look out for a copy.
In reply to Bulls Crack:
Other people have recommended that to me too.
> Hyperion by Dan Simmons ...
Other people have recommended that to me too.
In reply to damowilk:
Is that the Expanse books? I thought they were really good. They're making it into a TV series - I'm pretty excited about it!
I'm rereading the first book of the Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss. I just got the 2nd book but read the first so long ago I can't remember what happened. I've been on a bit of a fantasy jag recently (just finished the Raven's Shadow series) so I might have to read a proper book after these...
Is that the Expanse books? I thought they were really good. They're making it into a TV series - I'm pretty excited about it!
I'm rereading the first book of the Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss. I just got the 2nd book but read the first so long ago I can't remember what happened. I've been on a bit of a fantasy jag recently (just finished the Raven's Shadow series) so I might have to read a proper book after these...
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In reply to Siward:
Thanks, I read that a few years back and it was awesome. The film is due out later this year too apparently.
Thanks, I read that a few years back and it was awesome. The film is due out later this year too apparently.
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In reply to Alyson:
My wife had the same issue and sacked it off.
> I'm ploughing through Wolf Hall, for which my initial enthusiasm has begun to resemble a sort of grim stoicism. I cannot fathom how the Man Booker Prize can be awarded (twice!) to someone who can be so consistently and maddeningly unclear about who she's talking about in every paragraph. Everything is 'he', even when there are 5 or more men in conversation. At times she might grudgingly write 'He, Cromwell, ...' but more often than not she forgets this clarification. Bizarre. The story itself is quite compelling and interesting but as a piece of prose it frustrates me.
My wife had the same issue and sacked it off.
In reply to Alyson:
I loved it, totally got that strange first person third person voice. Recently finished Bring Up the Bodies and really enjoyed it.
> I'm ploughing through Wolf Hall, ..... Everything is 'he', even when there are 5 or more men in conversation. At times she might grudgingly write 'He, Cromwell, ...' but more often than not she forgets this clarification. Bizarre. The story itself is quite compelling and interesting but as a piece of prose it frustrates me.
I loved it, totally got that strange first person third person voice. Recently finished Bring Up the Bodies and really enjoyed it.
In reply to Siward:
Close to the Bone by Stuart MacBride - slightly overdone and darkly comic detective. If MacBride is to be believed the Aberdeen police are deeply dysfunctional.
> What are you reading at the moment?
Close to the Bone by Stuart MacBride - slightly overdone and darkly comic detective. If MacBride is to be believed the Aberdeen police are deeply dysfunctional.
just finished The Great Gatsby and now onto an Arnaldur Indridason for a Scandinoir fix. Kept getting pictures of Leonardo DiCaprio in my head annoyingly, though I've not seen the film yet!
Post edited at 10:34
In reply to Siward:
The Idiot, Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Picked it up in a charity shop and haven't put it down. couldn't explain to you why, but it's immersive if a little heavy going.
The Idiot, Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Picked it up in a charity shop and haven't put it down. couldn't explain to you why, but it's immersive if a little heavy going.
In reply to Stopsy:
I started reading that on holiday a couple of years ago and got half way through,but then had to go back to work and I do not have time for that sort of concentration. It is still out in my bedroom for the time when I can rehash the first bit and then finish the rest.
Currently still reading The Everest-Lhotse Adventure by Albert Eggler(1954 Swiss expedition).I really like this type of account.
Most of the time I have to read text books...
I started reading that on holiday a couple of years ago and got half way through,but then had to go back to work and I do not have time for that sort of concentration. It is still out in my bedroom for the time when I can rehash the first bit and then finish the rest.
Currently still reading The Everest-Lhotse Adventure by Albert Eggler(1954 Swiss expedition).I really like this type of account.
Most of the time I have to read text books...
In reply to rossowen:
I am left of centre, so like Owen Jones when I have seen him on question time and his writing in the Independent. So I am biased but am enjoying reading about how he thinks the right wing have become the establishment over the last 30 years, how they maintain power, and the systems they use to maintain their power. It is well written. I find it convincing. I would imagine a précis written in about 10 pages would suffice but it is entertaining enough if you have the time to read it.
I am left of centre, so like Owen Jones when I have seen him on question time and his writing in the Independent. So I am biased but am enjoying reading about how he thinks the right wing have become the establishment over the last 30 years, how they maintain power, and the systems they use to maintain their power. It is well written. I find it convincing. I would imagine a précis written in about 10 pages would suffice but it is entertaining enough if you have the time to read it.
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In reply to Siward:
I'm reading my copy of hard rock (2nd edition) that I just found in a second hand book shop and bought for £3.50!
I'm reading my copy of hard rock (2nd edition) that I just found in a second hand book shop and bought for £3.50!
In reply to damowilk:
Thanks for the head's up!
> The Hyperion and Ilium quartet were great, but I'd advise avoid his others, definitely not as good and most recent ones seemed to become strange polictical rants.
Thanks for the head's up!
In reply to Siward:
i picked up dogs of war in a book exchange, at page 181 i discovered about ten pages missing., now i'll have to go to amazon to get a penny copy so i can finish it.
typical period fiction.
i picked up dogs of war in a book exchange, at page 181 i discovered about ten pages missing., now i'll have to go to amazon to get a penny copy so i can finish it.
typical period fiction.
In reply to Siward:
I am pilgrim is best book I've read in a while, can't remember authors name. My mum stole my copy of it and loved it too, some good twists in the plot and another installment due out soon I think.
I am pilgrim is best book I've read in a while, can't remember authors name. My mum stole my copy of it and loved it too, some good twists in the plot and another installment due out soon I think.
In reply to Siward:
A Time of Justice by Katherine Kerr. I'm a big fantasy fan. It's part of a series of books that draws upon various things from Celtic mythology (although the bits about Wyrd apply to Norse mythology as well) which takes place over a span of centuries with various characters who are born, die and are reincarnated, the feudalism and conflict between different peoples, some characters have to make amends for things they did in a past life and the story shows how the actions affect their and others lives throughout the years. Somehow I manage to not get confused in it all.
A Time of Justice by Katherine Kerr. I'm a big fantasy fan. It's part of a series of books that draws upon various things from Celtic mythology (although the bits about Wyrd apply to Norse mythology as well) which takes place over a span of centuries with various characters who are born, die and are reincarnated, the feudalism and conflict between different peoples, some characters have to make amends for things they did in a past life and the story shows how the actions affect their and others lives throughout the years. Somehow I manage to not get confused in it all.
In reply to Alyson:
I'm halfway through too (two transatlantic flights' worth). I agree about the style. I think the code is that 'he' is Cromwell unless otherwise specified but I'm not sure I get why she does this.
I really enjoyed Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell recently (I only seem to have time to read novels on planes!) Very original sort of alternative history / magical realism.
> I'm ploughing through Wolf Hall, for which my initial enthusiasm has begun to resemble a sort of grim stoicism. I cannot fathom how the Man Booker Prize can be awarded (twice!) to someone who can be so consistently and maddeningly unclear about who she's talking about in every paragraph. Everything is 'he' ...
I'm halfway through too (two transatlantic flights' worth). I agree about the style. I think the code is that 'he' is Cromwell unless otherwise specified but I'm not sure I get why she does this.
I really enjoyed Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell recently (I only seem to have time to read novels on planes!) Very original sort of alternative history / magical realism.
In reply to climbingpixie:
Also really enjoyed the Rothfuss books, apart from the soft porn interlude in the second (no spoiler).
My favourite recent sci-fi find was Vernor Vinge: fantastic stories, well told. I'm enjoying more recent Hamilton, and am hopeful that he eventually learns how to write an ending!
Yep, was talking about the Expanse books; interesting news about series, hope it's done well!
Also really enjoyed the Rothfuss books, apart from the soft porn interlude in the second (no spoiler).
My favourite recent sci-fi find was Vernor Vinge: fantastic stories, well told. I'm enjoying more recent Hamilton, and am hopeful that he eventually learns how to write an ending!
Yep, was talking about the Expanse books; interesting news about series, hope it's done well!
Post edited at 23:10
In reply to Siward:
Re-reading "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer, which covers the 1996 Everest disaster ( Preparing myself for the film). I really like his writing and would also recommend his books "Into the Wild" and "Eiger Dreams".
Someone commented on "Sweet Caress" by William Boyd, just finished it, excellent, probably even better is Boyd's " Any Human Heart".
Re-reading "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer, which covers the 1996 Everest disaster ( Preparing myself for the film). I really like his writing and would also recommend his books "Into the Wild" and "Eiger Dreams".
Someone commented on "Sweet Caress" by William Boyd, just finished it, excellent, probably even better is Boyd's " Any Human Heart".
Post edited at 09:51
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In reply to Alyson:
I've also enjoyed the Tim Weaver 'David Raker' series. What remains was a very good read. I found myself trying to second guess how it would pan out - and was wrong each time.
Prior to that, Ive enjoyed the Michael Ridpath - Fire & Ice series of books too.
Another series... Torquil MacLeod. Meet me in Malmo.
I've also enjoyed the Tim Weaver 'David Raker' series. What remains was a very good read. I found myself trying to second guess how it would pan out - and was wrong each time.
Prior to that, Ive enjoyed the Michael Ridpath - Fire & Ice series of books too.
Another series... Torquil MacLeod. Meet me in Malmo.
In reply to Siward:
Saw The Shepherd’s Crown on the shelf in Tesco’s. Didn’t recognise it and on checking the publication date realised it’s a new one.
I really didn’t expect to see a new one, so as I had read all the other Diskworld novels, just had to buy it. Just finished it and savoured every word knowing that this really was the last one.
Saw The Shepherd’s Crown on the shelf in Tesco’s. Didn’t recognise it and on checking the publication date realised it’s a new one.
I really didn’t expect to see a new one, so as I had read all the other Diskworld novels, just had to buy it. Just finished it and savoured every word knowing that this really was the last one.
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