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| New generic book thread https://www.beexcellenttoeachother.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8436 |
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| Author: | Kern [ Sun Oct 08, 2017 13:48 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Booker Binge 2017: Elmet by Fiona Mozley In the twilight world of Britain's underclass, where prize fights are a fun day out, day labouring borders on slavery, and brute force settles most things, a father and two children eke out an existence. I enjoyed this one. The story was very easy to follow and surprisingly captivating. The descriptions of life at the bottom of society vivid and convincing. I'm not sure what the monologues starting each chapter that take place after the events of the book add to my understanding of the narrator, but those bits could easily be skipped. The ending might feel a bit contrived but it was, to me, perfectly reasonable given everything that led up to it. Just got '4321' by Paul Auster left to go! |
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| Author: | Kern [ Wed Oct 11, 2017 18:39 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Kern wrote: Just got '4321' by Paul Auster left to go! Only 15% through but I'm really struggling to enjoy this, and it's a lengthy one. Having four alternative timelines in the book ('Sliding Doors' only manages two) and skipping between them is an interesting concept but I'm struggling to remember what's happened in previous chapters in each timeline. The author also writes in really, really, really long sentences which become difficult to follow after the seventeenth subclause. I'm also not particuarly interested so far in any this particular post-war American kid's lives , and the inclusion of key books, movies, TV shows, and records from the period just feels like the author showing off his Wikipedia skills. But on I plod, in case he ends up on a grassy knoll or something. |
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| Author: | Kern [ Wed Oct 18, 2017 8:27 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Kern wrote: Booker Binge 2017: Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders In which the spirit world's versions of Statler and Waldorf meet the freshly deceased Willie Lincoln and a grieving Abe. This one won. I still think 'Autumn' was the book that grabbed and moved me most this year, but much of my response was based on reflections in the text of my own particular feelings in summer and autumn 2016 so I don't think it will be as emotionally powerful in a few years' time as 'Bardo' will be. Read about a fifth of '4321' but have put it aside for now as I wasn't really enjoying it and finding it tiresome. |
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| Author: | Kern [ Fri Oct 20, 2017 16:34 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Went to the local bookshop and bought a nice paper bag. |
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| Author: | Mimi [ Sat Nov 18, 2017 12:55 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
The owner and coder of Ravelry was recommending this book to anyone who writes codes for use by people: Technically Wrong: Sexist Apps, Biased Algorithms, and Other Threats of Toxic Tech https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0393634639/ ... eAbKX57F4K It looked interesting so I thought I’d pop the link in here in case it interested anyone. |
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| Author: | myp [ Sat Nov 18, 2017 13:19 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Mimi wrote: The owner and coder of Ravelry was recommending this book to anyone who writes codes for use by people: Technically Wrong: Sexist Apps, Biased Algorithms, and Other Threats of Toxic Tech https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0393634639/ ... eAbKX57F4K It looked interesting so I thought I’d pop the link in here in case it interested anyone. Cheers! |
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| Author: | Kern [ Thu Sep 20, 2018 11:07 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
This year's Booker shortlist:
Esi Edugyan (Canada) Washington Black (Serpent’s Tail) Daisy Johnson (UK) Everything Under (Jonathan Cape) Rachel Kushner (USA) The Mars Room (Jonathan Cape) Richard Powers (USA) The Overstory (William Heinemann) Robin Robertson (UK) The Long Take (Picador) Not sure if I'm going to burn through all of them before the result this year or not. Probably need to read more fiction and I'm quite bored of a rather plodding biography of General Grant I've been ploughing through, yet have the Bob Woodward book on Mr Trump in the queue that I'd like to start to see if it changes my opinion of him. Might read the blurb and page lengths of each and see which takes my fancy. |
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| Author: | Mr Dave [ Thu Sep 20, 2018 11:42 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Kern wrote: yet have the Bob Woodward book on Mr Trump in the queue that I'd like to start to see if it changes my opinion of him. Are you expecting it to? This is where I learn Kern is a huge trump fan. |
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| Author: | Kern [ Thu Sep 20, 2018 11:44 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised to discover it's all for show and he's running the most efficient and effective administration since Franklin Roosevelt. |
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| Author: | Kern [ Thu Sep 20, 2018 11:47 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Mr Dave wrote: This is where I learn Kern is a huge trump fan. Back in April I was part of a crowd of around 1000 yelling 'Make America Great Again'. |
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| Author: | MaliA [ Sun Sep 30, 2018 21:03 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
To Kill a Mockingbird: Why was it an Important Thing to Scout, warranting several pages, that Atticus shoots the rabid dog? It is learnt from this that Atticus has a reputation from the war of being a good marksman, but it isn't referenced again in the book. |
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| Author: | DavPaz [ Sun Sep 30, 2018 21:12 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
The whole book is about Scout growing up and seeing the world through more mature eyes. From memory the author uses the dog as a turning point for Scout's view of her father's determination to do the right thing. Atticus is not a civil rights activist, or even a particularly nice man in attitude to the Black community, but he damn sure won't see an innocent man hanged in his town. |
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| Author: | DavPaz [ Sun Sep 30, 2018 21:13 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Or something like that. |
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| Author: | MaliA [ Sun Sep 30, 2018 21:20 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Thank you. |
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| Author: | DavPaz [ Sun Sep 30, 2018 21:41 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
MaliA wrote: Thank you. De nada |
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| Author: | Kern [ Mon Oct 01, 2018 9:15 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
I really should read this at some point. |
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| Author: | GazChap [ Mon Oct 01, 2018 12:49 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
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| Author: | Kern [ Wed Oct 31, 2018 10:19 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Just finished How to Rig an Election by Nic Cheeseman and Brian Klaas. Each chapter looks at a different way to get to the result you want, from gerrymandering the boundaries to stuffing ballots to being helpful to major powers in other ways, and is filled with modern examples from across the world. The most interesting point of the book, and the question it tries to explain, is why autocrats go to such lengths to do this, and why they tend to last longer than those who don't. Unlike most other comparative studies, it doesn't bombard you with statistics preferring to use qualitative data derived from the authors' own field work, and is not a dry read. I'm just slightly scared that these techniques are on the increase across the world. |
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| Author: | TheVision [ Wed Oct 31, 2018 14:48 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
You know something, I've never read Frankenstein. I bought it the other day and aim to rectify this as soon as I can. |
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| Author: | Kern [ Wed Oct 31, 2018 14:52 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
TheVision wrote: You know something, I've never read Frankenstein. Spooky! I pulled a copy off the shelf in the library today for the same reasons, thought about it, then went for a Walter Scott novel instead. I did see a play of it this year though. |
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| Author: | Zardoz [ Wed Oct 31, 2018 15:24 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
TheVision wrote: You know something, I've never read Frankenstein. I bought it the other day and aim to rectify this as soon as I can. DUH!!! It's not Frankenstein! It's Frankenstein's book. |
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| Author: | romanista [ Wed Oct 31, 2018 15:52 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
currently reading frans de waal's chimpanzee books,chimpanzee politics . and the great áre we smart enough to know how smart animals are', as well as darwin in the city by Menno.... about how animals adapt to city life.. |
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| Author: | Warhead [ Tue Nov 20, 2018 14:27 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
I seem to be reading 'Be Here Now' by Ram Dass again. And the Dalai Lama's Guide to Happiness, intermittently. |
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| Author: | Grim... [ Tue Nov 20, 2018 14:35 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
I'm reading the last book in the Demon Cycle series. It's a long'un, but it's really good. |
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| Author: | Jem [ Tue Nov 20, 2018 14:56 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
I'm currently reading 'Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race' and it's eye-opening. |
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| Author: | Trooper [ Tue Nov 20, 2018 15:15 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
I'm reading Brandon Sanderson - Oathbringer. Book 3 of his Stormlight series. It's good. |
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| Author: | myp [ Tue Nov 20, 2018 15:22 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Jem wrote: I'm currently reading 'Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race' and it's eye-opening. I’ve not read it, but I’ve heard it’s very good. |
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| Author: | Jem [ Tue Nov 20, 2018 16:47 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Lonewolves wrote: Jem wrote: I'm currently reading 'Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race' and it's eye-opening. I’ve not read it, but I’ve heard it’s very good. Would definitely recommend. You can borrow it when I'm done if you like. |
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| Author: | myp [ Tue Nov 20, 2018 18:43 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Jem wrote: Lonewolves wrote: Jem wrote: I'm currently reading 'Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race' and it's eye-opening. I’ve not read it, but I’ve heard it’s very good. Would definitely recommend. You can borrow it when I'm done if you like. Thank you. 
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| Author: | MaliA [ Tue Nov 20, 2018 19:00 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
I might get that. I am reading about King Charles 2nd and his time on the lam and it is fucking great. He is brilliantly twattish about it all. |
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| Author: | romanista [ Wed Nov 21, 2018 10:54 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
currently reading this fascinating book on how evolution is driven by urbanization https://www.amazon.com/Darwin-Comes-Tow ... 1250127823 (by a dutchman who has lived in england for major parts of his life) since it is called Darwin comets town, at least mimi should read it.. full with lovely animal stories too |
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| Author: | Grim... [ Wed Nov 21, 2018 10:57 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Lonewolves wrote: Jem wrote: Lonewolves wrote: Jem wrote: I'm currently reading 'Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race' and it's eye-opening. I’ve not read it, but I’ve heard it’s very good. Would definitely recommend. You can borrow it when I'm done if you like. Thank you. You could just yarr it if you have a Kindle (other e-readers are available). |
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| Author: | myp [ Thu Nov 22, 2018 10:39 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Grim... wrote: Lonewolves wrote: Jem wrote: Lonewolves wrote: Jem wrote: I'm currently reading 'Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race' and it's eye-opening. I’ve not read it, but I’ve heard it’s very good. Would definitely recommend. You can borrow it when I'm done if you like. Thank you. You could just yarr it if you have a Kindle (other e-readers are available). I tend not to yarr stuff although borrowing ends up with the same revenue, I admit. |
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| Author: | Grim... [ Thu Nov 22, 2018 10:41 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
All not yarring it does in this case is inconvenience both you and Jem 
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| Author: | myp [ Thu Nov 22, 2018 10:43 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Grim... wrote: All not yarring it does in this case is inconvenience both you and Jem I don’t know. It was a lovely gesture and I’ll probably see Jem soon anyway so she won’t have to go out of her way to deliver it. The only inconvenience is that I have to wait. |
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| Author: | Kern [ Thu Nov 22, 2018 10:44 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Wouldn't it be great if there was some kind of local institution where you could obtain books for free, on the provisio you brought them back? |
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| Author: | MaliA [ Thu Nov 22, 2018 10:45 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Kern wrote: Wouldn't it be great if there was some kind of local institution where you could obtain books for free, on the provisio you brought them back? You cannot get earl gray in those institutions there though |
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| Author: | DavPaz [ Thu Nov 22, 2018 10:45 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Kern wrote: Wouldn't it be great if there was some kind of local institution where you could obtain books for free, on the provisio you brought them back? Waterstones? |
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| Author: | Squirt [ Thu Nov 22, 2018 10:46 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Yarr it and then send the author a dollar on paypal. Everyone is better off! |
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| Author: | Grim... [ Thu Nov 22, 2018 11:14 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Kern wrote: Wouldn't it be great if there was some kind of local institution where you could obtain books for free, on the provisio you brought them back? The bookshelf in the office? I can look, but I don't think it'll be on there. |
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| Author: | Jem [ Thu Nov 22, 2018 12:18 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
I don't even know what yarr is. |
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| Author: | Cras [ Thu Nov 22, 2018 12:23 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Pirate. Yarr! |
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| Author: | Jem [ Thu Nov 22, 2018 12:28 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Oh I seeeeeeeee. (Doh) I don't do that 
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| Author: | Grim... [ Thu Nov 22, 2018 13:08 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Well no. You have the book. |
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| Author: | Jem [ Thu Nov 22, 2018 13:25 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
I meant in general, obviously 
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| Author: | Grim... [ Thu Nov 22, 2018 13:50 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
I assume that's because GazChap does it? |
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| Author: | Jem [ Thu Nov 22, 2018 13:57 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Well, no. It's because I decided many years ago that as a creator of "stuff" that I expect people to pay for, it would be hypocritical for me to deprive other creators by not paying for it. So yeah, I choose not to pirate stuff. However, it would be a lie to say I don't occasionally indirectly benefit from other people's pirating, so I don't judge. You do you etc etc |
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| Author: | Kern [ Thu Oct 10, 2019 7:52 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Just finished Jack Straw's "The English Job". The former foreign secretary discusses the history of relations between Britian and Iran over the centuries, with a lot of discussion about the colonial period, the Cold War era, and the present day. There's some really interesting discussions about Iranian culture and politics too. Iran's somewhere I hear about often on the news but never with any context, and I finished this book feeling that I'd learnt a lot. Spoiler: We were dicks. |
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| Author: | Grim... [ Thu Oct 10, 2019 9:04 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
I read The Sparrow. You can read it too if you like the idea of traveling to another planet and then thinking about the ramifications for a long, long time. |
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| Author: | Warhead [ Thu Oct 10, 2019 14:58 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New generic book thread |
Jem wrote: I don't even know what yarr is. To my knowledge, it comes before 'boo' and 'sucks,' as any fule kno and is akchooly spelled 'Yah." |
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