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New generic book thread
https://www.beexcellenttoeachother.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8436		 Page 13 of 21
Author:  Trooper [ Fri Jan 10, 2014 9:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
The name of the wind? If so I thoroughly agree, brilliant book.
Author:  Curiosity [ Fri Jan 10, 2014 10:12 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
I can't remember where I put my Kindle...
Author:  RuySan [ Fri Jan 10, 2014 11:29 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Latest books i read:

"Big breasts and wide hips" by Mo Yan. - I already knew something about 20th century chinese history from reading "Wild Swans" but this was altogether a very different kind of book. Probably the second most violent one i've ever read, right after Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian. It's raw, visceral and very very bleak. Quite deserving the nobel prize he received in 2012.

"Flow my tears the policeman said" by Phillip K. Dick - I love PKD books, and for me this is probably one of the most underrated ones. Even though it isn't quite as ambitious as ubik or The Three stigmata of palmer eldritch, it's one of my favourite ones. There are some tangents on it that almost reach Dostoyevski's levels of morality and the significance of the human condition. One of them was about the "meaning of grief" and there's a very interesting tale about the rabbit that wanted to be cat.

"I am Legend" by Robert Matheson - Kind of interesting to read one of the most influential books on the zombie apocalypse sub-genre. Kind of "seen it all before" nowadays, but it still is a good read.
Author:  GovernmentYard [ Fri Jan 10, 2014 22:08 ]
Post subject:  New generic book thread
As is typical, Iain M. Banks' death motivated me to get into his Culture books. I had no idea, and I'm on the penultimate one having read nothing but since I opened Consider Phlebas.

The Culture is the most compelling sci-fi situation I have ever read about. I want to live in it more than anywhere. Granted, it's an idealistic notion but it's so well drawn that it doesn't matter.

Gutted I'm nearly through them. Truly gutted. There was one book where when I finished it I wanted to write to Banks and tell him how much I liked it, but I got upset when I couldn't. Weapons, I think it was. Or maybe Windward. They're all amazing.
Author:  Trooper [ Fri Jan 10, 2014 22:11 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Just sent Consider Phlebas to my Kindle. Is there any particular order I should read the books in?
Author:  myp [ Fri Jan 10, 2014 22:20 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Trooper wrote:
Just sent Consider Phlebas to my Kindle. Is there any particular order I should read the books in?

Probably best to read them in published order, although it's not strictly chronologically correct.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_series
Author:  Trooper [ Fri Jan 10, 2014 22:27 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Ta :)
Author:  Grim... [ Fri Jan 10, 2014 22:34 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Pundabaya wrote:
I love Charlie Stross' books.

I'm struggling with The Jennifer Morgue, even though I really liked The Atrocity Archives and all the shorts. It seems overly-long and not that interesting.
Author:  Bobbyaro [ Fri Jan 10, 2014 22:58 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Trooper wrote:
The name of the wind? If so I thoroughly agree, brilliant book.

I am reading this at the moment. It is really rather good.
Author:  Satsuma [ Fri Jan 10, 2014 23:14 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
RuySan wrote:
"Big breasts and wide hips" by Mo Yan. - I already knew something about 20th century chinese history from reading "Wild Swans" but this was altogether a very different kind of book. Probably the second most violent one i've ever read, right after Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian. It's raw, visceral and very very bleak. Quite deserving the nobel prize he received in 2012.


Just because you mentioned Blood Meridian and it being very bleak, I'm getting this on your recommendation. I'm assuming that was a recommendation, right?
Author:  Curiosity [ Sat Jan 11, 2014 0:29 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Grim... wrote:
Pundabaya wrote:
I love Charlie Stross' books.

I'm struggling with The Jennifer Morgue, even though I really liked The Atrocity Archives and all the shorts. It seems overly-long and not that interesting.


It gets better, I think. The last one was probably my favourite. Worth sticking with, I reckon.
Author:  Pundabaya [ Sat Jan 11, 2014 0:54 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
The Jennifer Morgue... I enjoyed that one, it clicks once you realise what's going on.
Author:  Pundabaya [ Sat Jan 11, 2014 0:56 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Trooper wrote:
Just sent Consider Phlebas to my Kindle. Is there any particular order I should read the books in?
I wouldn't start with Consider Phlebas. The Player of Games is the usual recommended starting point, you get much more of an idea of the Culture in that.
Author:  GovernmentYard [ Sat Jan 11, 2014 1:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Pundabaya wrote:
Trooper wrote:
Just sent Consider Phlebas to my Kindle. Is there any particular order I should read the books in?
I wouldn't start with Consider Phlebas. The Player of Games is the usual recommended starting point, you get much more of an idea of the Culture in that.


I dunno, all the books hark back to the situation in Phlebas at some point or another, and a straightforward detailed explanation of what the culture is and how it works as read in Player of Games is not necessarily the most fun. Phlebas might be something of a tease, but if you want to start at the outer layer of the onion without having to take too long to get to the centre, the written order is fine. Didn't do me any harm.

If you've got Phlebas, you'd be daft not to get on with it.
Author:  Bobbyaro [ Sat Jan 11, 2014 9:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
I started with CP. Many moons ago.
Author:  RuySan [ Sat Jan 11, 2014 12:14 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Saturnalian wrote:
RuySan wrote:
"Big breasts and wide hips" by Mo Yan. - I already knew something about 20th century chinese history from reading "Wild Swans" but this was altogether a very different kind of book. Probably the second most violent one i've ever read, right after Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian. It's raw, visceral and very very bleak. Quite deserving the nobel prize he received in 2012.


Just because you mentioned Blood Meridian and it being very bleak, I'm getting this on your recommendation. I'm assuming that was a recommendation, right?


Yes it was! It's an huge book, so better leave it for when you have some spare time.
Author:  Pundabaya [ Sat Jan 11, 2014 14:22 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
I actually started on Use of Weapons... but y'know.
Author:  Cras [ Tue Jan 14, 2014 12:10 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Grim... wrote:
Ex Communication (the third Ex Heroes book) is out today.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Communicatio ... 0091953642

The forth, Ex Purgatory, has been confirmed too.


Out on Thursday.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Purgatory-Ex ... +purgatory
Author:  Trooper [ Tue Jan 14, 2014 12:51 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Pre-ordered, cheers.
Author:  Satsuma [ Tue Jan 14, 2014 13:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
RuySan wrote:
Saturnalian wrote:
RuySan wrote:
"Big breasts and wide hips" by Mo Yan. - I already knew something about 20th century chinese history from reading "Wild Swans" but this was altogether a very different kind of book. Probably the second most violent one i've ever read, right after Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian. It's raw, visceral and very very bleak. Quite deserving the nobel prize he received in 2012.


Just because you mentioned Blood Meridian and it being very bleak, I'm getting this on your recommendation. I'm assuming that was a recommendation, right?


Yes it was! It's an huge book, so better leave it for when you have some spare time.


I can't find a copy in town anywhere. I'll order it online I reckon.
Author:  RuySan [ Tue Jan 14, 2014 15:06 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Saturnalian wrote:
RuySan wrote:
Saturnalian wrote:
RuySan wrote:
"Big breasts and wide hips" by Mo Yan. - I already knew something about 20th century chinese history from reading "Wild Swans" but this was altogether a very different kind of book. Probably the second most violent one i've ever read, right after Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian. It's raw, visceral and very very bleak. Quite deserving the nobel prize he received in 2012.


Just because you mentioned Blood Meridian and it being very bleak, I'm getting this on your recommendation. I'm assuming that was a recommendation, right?


Yes it was! It's an huge book, so better leave it for when you have some spare time.


I can't find a copy in town anywhere. I'll order it online I reckon.


I was checking the book's reviews on Amazon, and i came across this hilarious 1 star review:

ZOMG Spoiler! Click here to view!
I must congratulate Mo on his Nobel prize but I would like to highlight what this book does not tell you.
To understand why we have a financial crisis is to recognise the mind set of big corporation, like Amazon. No need to read books about it ... it is all clear in front of your eyes and ears!!! They do not break the LAW but they use every trick in the book to get out of paying taxes like the rest of us. Come on Amazon, pay your share of corporation tax.
I encourage all readers to log in and leave 10 more reviews like this today. Why not empty out your wish list, leaving an appropriately worded review for each product as you toss it into the great virtual waste basket? Peruse your order history and work out how much money you've spent with Amazon. Tell Amazon how much money they will not be getting in the future, since this is the only language big business understand!
Author:  Trooper [ Thu Jan 16, 2014 18:48 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Cras wrote:
Grim... wrote:
Ex Communication (the third Ex Heroes book) is out today.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Communicatio ... 0091953642

The forth, Ex Purgatory, has been confirmed too.


Out on Thursday.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Purgatory-Ex ... +purgatory


Halfway through chapter 3 so far.

ZOMG Spoiler! Click here to view!
WTF?
Author:  Bobbyaro [ Sun Jan 19, 2014 16:33 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Bobbyaro wrote:
Trooper wrote:
The name of the wind? If so I thoroughly agree, brilliant book.

I am reading this at the moment. It is really rather good.

Just finished the second book, the wise man's fear, seriously if you like fantasy books at all, read these, they are excellent. Sadly the third is not out yet, but these are the best things I have read in years.
Author:  Cras [ Sun Jan 19, 2014 16:50 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Without wishing to be rude to the dead, Brandon Sanderson's Wheel of Time books are so much better than the others.
Author:  Trooper [ Sun Jan 19, 2014 16:55 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Cras wrote:
Without wishing to be rude to the dead, Brandon Sanderson's Wheel of Time books are so much better than the others.


Totally agree. I then went on to read all his other stuff, which is just as good.
Author:  Dr Lave [ Sun Jan 19, 2014 19:49 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Finally started reading Anathem. 100 odd pages in.

It is very good. I kept listening to comments that it was a hard read, so I'ld been putting it off, but it's very straightforward and readable actually.
Author:  Kern [ Mon Jan 20, 2014 22:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Finished Doris Kearns Goodwin's' book on Teddy Roosevelt, William Taft, and progressive journalism, 'the Bully Pulpit'. Not as good a study of the game of politics as her earlier 'Team of Rivals', but fascinating and highly readable nonetheless - Taft in particular comes out very well in it.
Author:  Pod [ Tue Jan 21, 2014 12:03 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Pundabaya wrote:
Third book in the Gentleman Bastards/Locke Lamora series done.

I found it disappointing to be honest. Well written, but it doesn't really have much action, Jean is a bit out of focus, being pushed aside for
ZOMG Spoiler! Click here to view!
Sabetha
, the B plot is okay but it feels like the author wishing he hadn't
ZOMG Spoiler! Click here to view!
killed off the Sanzas
In fact those particular characters are probably the most entertaining in the book. it also feels a bit out of place, like the extensive sailing bits in the previous book felt like a piece of another book slotted in.

It's still worth a read, but when you finish a book and think 'well the next book is going to be awesome!' rather than 'I enjoyed that!'...


Wait, what. This was released? Where's the fan-fare?! I didn't see any fan-fare. I was expecting huge amounts of fan-fare, equivalent to the next GRRM book release. Also: Amazon didn't bother emailing me that some preordery thing on my wishlist is available, even though I'm clearly interesting in it. What kind of ruthless money making megacorp are they?
Author:  Curiosity [ Tue Jan 21, 2014 12:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Just finished 'The Far Time Incident'.

Avoid.
Author:  Cras [ Tue Jan 21, 2014 12:05 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Trooper wrote:
Cras wrote:
Without wishing to be rude to the dead, Brandon Sanderson's Wheel of Time books are so much better than the others.


Totally agree. I then went on to read all his other stuff, which is just as good.


I did it the other way round. Made sure I liked his stuff before committing myself back to the WoT. And it was well worth it. That last book was impressive.
Author:  Bobbyaro [ Tue Jan 21, 2014 13:44 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
I have just started reading the Malazan books, seem good so far, but only a little in to the first one. Hopefully they should keep me occupied for a while.
Author:  Cras [ Tue Jan 21, 2014 14:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
I love them. They're the most massive scale epic I've ever read, and really impressive work from the author. Hard work in places keeping track of all the massive character list.
Author:  BikNorton [ Wed Jan 22, 2014 8:33 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Patrick Ness. Heh.
Author:  Curiosity [ Wed Jan 22, 2014 9:52 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
BikNorton wrote:
Patrick Ness. Heh.


?
Author:  BikNorton [ Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:35 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
P Ness.
Author:  DavPaz [ Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:40 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
The less popular member of the Family Ness.

Heh, member.
Author:  Trooper [ Tue Jan 28, 2014 12:14 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Trooper wrote:
Cras wrote:
Grim... wrote:
Ex Communication (the third Ex Heroes book) is out today.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Communicatio ... 0091953642

The forth, Ex Purgatory, has been confirmed too.


Out on Thursday.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Purgatory-Ex ... +purgatory


Halfway through chapter 3 so far.

ZOMG Spoiler! Click here to view!
WTF?


Yeah, so..... yeah... ummm...

It wasn't bad as such, but it was easily the worst of the four so far.
Author:  Cras [ Tue Jan 28, 2014 12:17 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
I really liked it, have to say!
Author:  Grim... [ Tue Jan 28, 2014 12:18 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Me too, to be honest. I was just pleased that Legion wasn't the fucking baddy again.

Did anyone spot the "clues" he talked about in the Afterword?
Author:  Trooper [ Tue Jan 28, 2014 12:20 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
ZOMG Spoiler! Click here to view!
I think my view is tailored by quite how long it took to get going, the first half of the book could have been condensed down so much more, and the final "battle" was over in a chapter. Needed much better pacing I think.
I enjoyed the second half when it started to get going, and then it was over.
Author:  Cras [ Tue Jan 28, 2014 12:24 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Not even a little bit.
Author:  Grim... [ Mon Feb 03, 2014 9:37 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Oh Reacher. How do you keep getting yourself into these situations?
Author:  Grim... [ Mon Feb 03, 2014 9:38 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Also: Kvothe - how are we pronouncing his name?
Author:  DavPaz [ Mon Feb 03, 2014 9:42 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
"Fanshaw"
Author:  Bobbyaro [ Mon Feb 03, 2014 10:34 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Grim... wrote:
Also: Kvothe - how are we pronouncing his name?

It tells you at some point, "Quothe".
Author:  Curiosity [ Mon Feb 03, 2014 10:34 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
"Raymond Luxury Yacht"
Author:  Grim... [ Mon Feb 03, 2014 10:45 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Bobbyaro wrote:
Grim... wrote:
Also: Kvothe - how are we pronouncing his name?

It tells you at some point, "Quothe".

Pronounced like "quaff" as in "to drink"?
Author:  Trooper [ Mon Feb 03, 2014 11:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Grim... wrote:
Bobbyaro wrote:
Grim... wrote:
Also: Kvothe - how are we pronouncing his name?

It tells you at some point, "Quothe".

Pronounced like "quaff" as in "to drink"?


If you have a lisp, yes.
Author:  Grim... [ Mon Feb 03, 2014 11:05 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
I dislike names like that, which seem to be hard to say for no real reason (although, of course, there could be a reason, what with the importance of names in that book). My brain stuttered over it every time I saw it, which dragged me out of the book a little.

I like simple names.

Like "Jack Reacher".
Author:  Curiosity [ Mon Feb 03, 2014 11:17 ]
Post subject:  Re: New generic book thread
Trooper wrote:
Grim... wrote:
Bobbyaro wrote:
Grim... wrote:
Also: Kvothe - how are we pronouncing his name?

It tells you at some point, "Quothe".

Pronounced like "quaff" as in "to drink"?


If you have a lisp, yes.


I would have thought more to rhyme with 'both'.
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