View Full Version : What are you Reading today!
Thought it was time we had a book thread:) sure there are plenty readers here so let us hear about it a!d if its any good.. Paper digital or audio, all will be great.
I am currently reading/listening to Flashman and the Redskins which I think is the 6th book chronologically in the series.
Being a Flashy fan i have them all and listen when i cant read...Harry Flashman ex bully of Rugby college and his life story.:eyebrows:
Ali Tait
02-02-2016, 16:15
The Martian on kindle at the mo.
Grantsy, you're forgetting about your rather, erm, 'well-thumbed' collection of skud mags! :eyebrows: :D
Marco.
Har-har....
Sticky pages, anyone? :eyebrows:
Marco.
Har-har....
Sticky pages, anyone? :eyebrows:
Marco.
I'm a monk now mate... No interest in those things now.... Bar my collection of health and efficiency :D
Ali, is that the Andy Weir book? How you finding it?
Ali Tait
02-02-2016, 17:37
Yes it is, rather good actually, much like the film, which follows the book pretty closely.
The Martian on kindle at the mo.
Not bad is it??
I read it a yr or 2 back . I have not seen the film yet!!
I am mainly waiting for Sam Sisavath's latest book in The Purge series , the come out . I think its 'The Horns Of Avalon' Book 8, I believe in the series
Zombie horror , quite good. All on my vintage Kindle
Picked up a couple of audiobooks today at good price from audible so quite pleased. Ive actually a few to listen to but got the pad back so hope to catch up.
Ive got that Martian on my wish list. I had heard it was a bit technical but i will get it sometime.. May wait till it or the kindle is on offer
Vinyl – The Art of Making Records by Mike Evans
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51bLfyNHK1L._SY481_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
A rather fine illustrated ‘coffee table’ book on the history of music recording.
Stirling 2015 ISBN 978-1-4549-1781-6
Before that it was:
End of Empires by Toby Frost
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61ludqheIsL._SX324_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
The fifth part of the Space Captain Smith series of humorous space-fantasy novels.
Myrmidon 2014 ISBN 978-1-905802-88-3
And before that it was:
Lore & Legends of Kerela. Selections from Kottarathil Sankunni’s Aithihyamala
Translated from Malayalam by T.C. Narayan
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51iVBJJ0MAL._SX349_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
Kerala, on the south-western coast of India, was described as late as 1838, as 'God's Garden' by German missionary and scholar, Hermann Gundert. Even as this land continues to sustain its reputation, little is known about its social and cultural ethos. Lore and Legends of Kerala is a distillation of 48 of the most sparkling of the 800 or so stories that form Aithihyamala, the definitive collection of the myths and social history of Kerala.
Oxford University Press 2010 ISBN 13:978-0-19-569889-3
'Pagan Mysteries in the Renaissance' by Edgar Wind; 'The Deluge: The Great War and the Remaking of Global Order 1916-1931' by Adam Tooze, and 'Godel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid' by Douglas Hofstadter.
Also various books by and about William Hazlitt.
'Pagan Mysteries in the Renaissance' by Edgar Wind; 'The Deluge: The Great War and the Remaking of Global Order 1916-1931' by Adam Tooze, and 'Godel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid' by Douglas Hofstadter.
Also various books by and about William Hazlitt.
Interesting reading there Joe. I read Hofstadter's book many years ago. Should re-read it, but I'm now in the middle of Herodotus 'The Histories', translated by Tom Holland.
Interesting reading there Joe. I read Hofstadter's book many years ago. Should re-read it, but I'm now in the middle of Herodotus 'The Histories', translated by Tom Holland.
I'm approaching the Hofstadter very cautiously, as it has large amounts of numbers in it, and I'm more of a words person myself. So far, so good, though.
(I'm also reading 'The Histories', but by Tacitus!)
HackneyRF
10-02-2016, 13:51
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r502/lozring/image_5.jpeg
Iain Sinclair - Hackney, That Rose-Red Empire
Third of the way in. Typically a challenge to follow Sinclair's train of thought on occasion but so far a bitter sweet reflection on my beloved Hackney. Good stuff. Recommended.
Cheers
Loz
I'm approaching the Hofstadter very cautiously, as it has large amounts of numbers in it, and I'm more of a words person myself. So far, so good, though.
(I'm also reading 'The Histories', but by Tacitus!)
Is that the R.V. Rieu translation published by Penguin, or are you reading it in Latin? (!)
Is that the R.V. Rieu translation published by Penguin, or are you reading it in Latin? (!)
It's a later Penguin translation, by Kenneth Wellesley. I can just about remember reading Virgil in Latin at school.
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r502/lozring/image_5.jpeg
Iain Sinclair - Hackney, That Rose-Red Empire
Third of the way in. Typically a challenge to follow Sinclair's train of thought on occasion but so far a bitter sweet reflection on my beloved Hackney. Good stuff. Recommended.
Cheers
Loz
Excellent book. I think I have almost everything he's published!
Spectral Morn
10-02-2016, 15:17
Interesting reading there Joe. I read Hofstadter's book many years ago. Should re-read it, but I'm now in the middle of Herodotus 'The Histories', translated by Tom Holland.
Tom Holland's fiction is well worth a read, Supping with Panthers was my first by him and its a fabulous Victorian romp with hints of Lovecraft, Howard, Moorcock, Rider Haggard, Conan Doyle and a very subtly erotic vibe that says much without being crass or pornographic. Been a long time since I read a book that drew me into the world in which it was set, made me feel like I was there. In my view an excellent read, right from the get go and would make a very good film - if done right.
About to start Nicholas Monsarrat's the cruel sea
Spectral Morn
10-02-2016, 15:44
About to start Nicholas Monsarrat's the cruel sea
Fabulous writer.
Fabulous writer.
Yes, his ability to put you in the guy's shoes on a boat is excellent. Used to have a few of his books on paperback, but they all went alas, but I now have a kindle and a number of other ereaders, plus ipad etc so now am all electronic book wise. Calibre program is excellent for keeping tabs on them, as it takes books from all the formats.
twickers
10-02-2016, 22:48
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PtSOu%2B9eL._SX322_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
I've read this series from the start, but had no idea it would go on this long. I've enjoyed most of them though. The latest one..
In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick. the basis for Moby Dick
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51HoCh8XqWL._SX321_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
just been updating my nook colour e reader...nice bit of kit by the way. latest book to read will be "Teddy Suhren, Ace of aces" memoirs of a u-boat rebel.
Currently got Audible on listening to Flashman and the Redskins. Narrated by Colin Mace. All these books are superb either in reading or listening form
Life on Air by David Attenborough. Great listen and narrated By the author.
Life on Air by David Attenborough. Great listen and narrated By the author.
Shouldn't that be mentioned in the 'Spinning Today' thread? :lol: Great book by the way: Attenborough is a national treasure.
Probably Barry. it is like music to the ears at times...he is a fascinating and funny man. still going too I believe.
...My monthly Audible token has been burning a hole in my cyber pocket, so used it to get the audiobook of Alex Haley's ROOTS. not read the book ; only seen the show.... so when The current 2 are finished, this will be on.
Virtual-Symmetry
08-05-2016, 10:18
http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w425/ELPFAN1968/Impact%2020.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/ELPFAN1968/media/Impact%2020.jpg.html)
The Essays of Michel de Montaigne, and 'The Art of the Courtier' by Castiglione.
Currently, the TV page.
Marco.
Currently, the TV page.
Marco.
That's a new name for a scuddy ;)
Virtual-Symmetry
09-05-2016, 19:16
:lolsign:
The real great escape is my new audio book. Gonna get the kindle companion if its not too dear too.... Great book already and wtitten in a documentary style. These guys had grit
Black Heart's by Jim Frederick - very sobering.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Hearts-platoons-descent-triangle/dp/023075208X
Sent from my XT1580 using Tapatalk
Landloper
16-05-2016, 18:35
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tale-Heike-Hardcover/dp/B00H03IRB4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1463495754&sr=8-7&keywords=the+tale+of+the+heike
I've just started Royall Tyler's translation of Heike Monogatari [The Tale of the Heike, Viking 2012] a samurai epic compiled form a variety of sources [pre-14th Century] recounting the Genpei War during which the Heike and Genji clans for fought for control of Japan. The work's central theme is the impermanence of existence and the futility of pride and power. I came to this book after watching Masaki Kobayashi's film 'Kwaidan'[1964], as the third ghost story 'Hoichi the Earless' depicts a part of the Tale of the Heike dealing with the Battle of Dan-no-ura [1185] and the final destruction of the Heike.
16967
Stephen Gill: William Wordsworth, A Life.
Genesis (Extinction Point Series Book 4) Paul Antony Jones - Not bad not bad:)
jandl100
22-05-2016, 16:25
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/11/Monstrous_regiment.jpg/220px-Monstrous_regiment.jpg
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tale-Heike-Hardcover/dp/B00H03IRB4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1463495754&sr=8-7&keywords=the+tale+of+the+heike
I've just started Royall Tyler's translation of Heike Monogatari [The Tale of the Heike, Viking 2012] a samurai epic compiled form a variety of sources [pre-14th Century] recounting the Genpei War during which the Heike and Genji clans for fought for control of Japan. The work's central theme is the impermanence of existence and the futility of pride and power. I came to this book after watching Masaki Kobayashi's film 'Kwaidan'[1964], as the third ghost story 'Hoichi the Earless' depicts a part of the Tale of the Heike dealing with the Battle of Dan-no-ura [1185] and the final destruction of the Heike.
16967
An excellent film - the Japanese do creepy 'horror' like no others (IMO).
Currently John Le Carre,s biography by Adam Sisman
The Time of the Angels, a very strange novel by Iris Murdoch
All novels are strange. It's the nature of them.
Virtual-Symmetry
02-06-2016, 03:35
'D-99' by H.B Fyfe
All novels are strange. It's the nature of them.
Ruth is stranger than Richard, to quote Robert Wyatt.
I know what you mean, but some novels are stranger than others. Perhaps 'unsettling' or 'disturbing' are more accurate adjectives for this particular book.
Oh it's one of them is it?
I generally avoid modern novels as modern novelists can't write for toffee. I read this on the plane the other week. It was dire:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rotters%27_Club_(novel)
Oh it's one of them is it?
I generally avoid modern novels as modern novelists can't write for toffee. I read this on the plane the other week. It was dire:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rotters%27_Club_(novel)
Depends what you mean by 'modern', really; 'The Time of the Angels' was published in 1966, at which point Murdoch had been writing novels for about ten years. But that's fifty years ago! Her novels got longer and more convoluted as time went on. I find her later ones unreadable because they were never properly edited, and are a struggle to get through as she just rambled on.
I've never read 'The Rotters Club'. I bought a copy, put it on one side to read later, then my daughter 'borrowed' it and has never given it back. She really enjoyed it though.
At the moment I'm ploughing through the letters of William Wordsworth, circa 1830, at which point he was convinced, as everybody always has been and probably always will be, that the country was going to the dogs.
Not sure what I mean by 'modern'. I've not read many novels written post 1990, but those I have read were, mostly, terrible. Not in terms of subject matter but in writing style. 'The Rotter's Club' is a good example: self-conscious, self indulgent and, in a few places, embarrassingly bad.
I have a friend who reads a lot of novels, mostly high-brow stuff, and he occasionally lends me one. There was one about a Japanese bloke and a cat that was quite good. Nothing actually happens in it but it was well-written. Can't recall the title but it is quite well-known. Mainly it is the writing I object to. Ever tried to read that 'Harry Potter' garbage? I suppose if the younger generation hold that to be some sort of standard for quality writing I can see how they might think 'The Rotter's Club' was good.
Ever tried to read that 'Harry Potter' garbage? I suppose if the younger generation hold that to be some sort of standard for quality writing I can see how they might think 'The Rotter's Club' was good.
Never read a word of Harry Potter, nor has the daughter in question; her favourite novels were all written in the late 19th century.
The long Earth.. Terry Pratchett..
walpurgis
11-06-2016, 10:10
The long Earth.. Terry Pratchett..
I like Pratchett, great characters and sense of fun. Very observant of human traits.
Read any Tom Sharpe recently Grant?
I'm thinking of digging mine out and reading them again. I've not read one for years. Fine humour. :)
Riotous Assembly fairly recently Geoff, and will be doing the throwback next i think.. Love Sharpes characters and outrageous behaviour lol
Terry Pratchett is fairly new to me tbh so dont know how i will get on
Virtual-Symmetry
11-06-2016, 14:13
Not today but started yesterday: 'VOR' by James Blish a story abart the first time Aliens cumuth ter Earth
"The Great Deception" by Dr Richard North and Chris Booker....all about the EU!
'The Excursion' by William Wordsworth
friendly
22-06-2016, 08:20
Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown
People compare it to The Hunger Games which is a great injustice. Katniss is a pussycat, these are real dogs of war.
Virtual-Symmetry
27-06-2016, 20:00
Time And A Word: The Yes Story [M.Popoff]
Just read (in one sitting, it's a short book) 'The Other Side of the Fire' by Alice Thomas Ellis. Funny, but a strange ending.
walpurgis
05-07-2016, 21:20
Just started 'A Tale Etched in Blood and Hard Black Pencil' by Christopher Brookmyre. Seems promising so far. I like his writing.
Just started 'A Tale Etched in Blood and Hard Black Pencil' by Christopher Brookmyre. Seems promising so far. I like his writing.
Fancy that myself and is on my kindle list. Hoping it will come down in price a bit as I'm a cheapskate. [emoji1]
Just picked up The Revenant by Michael Punke on kindle, and will be on that soon. [emoji14] read a little of this before, but now I own it.
Tail Gunner by R C Rivas is another I will be reading soon.
'Rachel Ray' by Anthony Trollope. A bit of 'easy reading'. Trollope is so easy to read the book almost reads itself.
My father once said to me 'I've never read any Trollope. The name puts me off.'
I sort of knew what he meant. It has always put me off too. 'The Warden' used to be a regular on the O level syllabus but I dodged it somehow. It might be really good, I don't know, but they really didn't know how to sell a title or an author back then. Would Stephen King have been so successful if he had been Stephen Crock? I don't know. Maybe.
My father once said to me 'I've never read any Trollope. The name puts me off.'
I sort of knew what he meant. It has always put me off too. 'The Warden' used to be a regular on the O level syllabus but I dodged it somehow. It might be really good, I don't know, but they really didn't know how to sell a title or an author back then. Would Stephen King have been so successful if he had been Stephen Crock? I don't know. Maybe.
Harold Macmillan was once asked what he did for relaxation. He replied (tongue in cheek, presumably) 'I like nothing better than to settle down in bed with a nice fat Trollope'.
It depends. If you're interested in CoE politics, or actual politics, in the mid to late 19th century, Trollope's yer man. It's interesting to read how machinations, back-stabblng and double-crossing were just as prevalent then as now, and that people were just as fond of saying that the country had gone to the dogs, and its best days were in the past. Against this, the writing is formulaic, and the characterisation minimal, but at least Trollope doesn't lecture you like Dickens does. And the books are as I say very easy to read.
Nowt wrong with a trollop, as long as its not a book
Master and Commander. Patrick O'Brian. Audio Book
walpurgis
28-07-2016, 22:18
Master and Commander. Patrick O'Brian. Audio Book
I like that. Read it a couple of times.
It a good book. The whole series is good. Got a few of them on disc and this one on audible too.
Great writer and second fav of mine behind gm Fraser
GM Fraser is sorely missed. I'd recommend anyone to read 'Quartered Safe Out Here' which details his experiences in Burma during WW2. Fascinating and superbly written. Should be compulsory in schools for both reasons.
GM Fraser is sorely missed. I'd recommend anyone to read 'Quartered Safe Out Here' which details his experiences in Burma during WW2. Fascinating and superbly written. Should be compulsory in schools for both reasons.
Great book.
Just been updating my ereaders doh! Ive got too many.. Must get shot of a couple i think. Ive got 4 plus my tablets, which is rediculous.a sony, a nook, a nook colour and a kindle. ..Madness
Pete The Cat
14-08-2016, 19:57
Holiday reading -
Glyn Johns "Sound Man"
Hi-Fi Answers March 1980
Vive Le Rock Issue 37
...with the Walkman and HD410s for background :)
Pete
Holiday reading -
Glyn Johns "Sound Man"
Hi-Fi Answers March 1980
Vive Le Rock Issue 37
...with the Walkman and HD410s for background :)
Pete
What is special about the 2Hi-Fi Answers, March 19802"? Does it have a review of an item of equipment you are interested in? :)
I have just finished 'Mansfield Park' by Jane Austen and am musing on my next read. Possibly 'Black Apples of Gower' by Iain Sinclair.
am musing on my next read. Possibly 'Black Apples of Gower' by Iain Sinclair.
Had to goggle it. Looks dull. I think you should read 'OGPU Prison' by Sven Hassel.
Couldn't find the Sinclair, so read instead volume one of 'The Unclassed' by George Gissing. Fairly dull.
The Unclassed is a novel by the English author George Gissing. It was written during 1883 but revised, at the publisher's insistence, in February 1884 and shortly before publication. It tells the story of a young, educated man, Osmond Waymark, who survives by teaching. He answers a magazine advertisement, placed by Julian Casti – a half-Italian who had felt himself to be rejected by society – for companionship and the two strike up a serious and deep friendship
Joe, you are wasting your life.
From OGPU Prison:
"The Russian straddles an armchair and uses his machine-pistol like a scythe. He sweeps it round the big room. Plaster and the dirt of years explode from the walls.
The Pioneer Feldwebel remains standing for a fraction of a second, made visible by the muzzle flash of the Mpi. Then his body rockets backwards across a long table, on which freshly killed hens are lying. The rain of bullets pours into him, making his body twitch violently. He falls to the floor, taking the hens with him.
The Russian grins and clips in a new magazine. There is no doubt that he is enjoying himself. As most people do when they can kill without penalty."
I mean seriously, which sounds like it will be the better read? Vote now.
I'm reading the latest (September) issue of my favourite magazine: "Leatherclad Nuns". :D
'Portugese Irregular Verbs' by Alexander McCall Smith
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41MXdu1EHBL._SX333_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
walpurgis
28-08-2016, 09:39
'Bad Blood' by S J Rozan.
http://i66.tinypic.com/2zf0ete.jpg
Off to a good start with this. It seems a nice taut, no nonsense thriller, written in the direct style the Americans do so well.
Slim. The Standardbearer by Ronald Lewin.
'The Duke's Children' by Anthony Trollope, plus shedloads of books about William Wordsworth.
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, by Mary Wollstonecraft.
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, by Mary Wollstonecraft.
My wife tried reading that, but I told her to get back in the kitchen and get my dinner cooked [emoji38]
walpurgis
13-11-2016, 12:18
Good writer Tilley. I've kept a couple of copies of 'Fade Out'. Best Sci-Fi story ever.
The Darkening - Paul Antony Jones.
Rivetting stuff - sci fi
Red Rising, by Pierce Brown.
'Outlandish Knight', a biography of Sir Steven Runciman* by Minoo Dinshaw.
* Byzantine scholar and author of a trilogy on the history of the Crusades.
walpurgis
08-01-2017, 10:41
I've just finished 'The Silent Boy' by Andrew Taylor.
http://i67.tinypic.com/2gwcrxs.png
I really enjoyed this. It has a nice sense of period and an unusual plot. Well worth tracking down.
Spectator revew here: http://www.spectator.co.uk/2014/08/the-silent-boy-by-andrew-taylor-review/
A midnight clear, by william wharton.
I've just finished 'The Silent Boy' by Andrew Taylor.
http://i67.tinypic.com/2gwcrxs.png
I really enjoyed this. It has a nice sense of period and an unusual plot. Well worth tracking down.
Spectator revew here: http://www.spectator.co.uk/2014/08/the-silent-boy-by-andrew-taylor-review/
Got that bookmarked :eyebrows: quite fancy it geoff
Spectral Morn
08-01-2017, 17:14
Between reads at the minute, just finished two books in a trilogy.
Monument 14 - Emmy Laybourne and the next in the series Sky on Fire.
My first read of a Young Adults Author, but I enjoyed them and there is now a film due based on the first book.
walpurgis
08-01-2017, 17:38
Got that bookmarked :eyebrows: quite fancy it geoff
I'm sure you'd enjoy it Grant.
Winds of War by Herman Wouk.
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQcGUxEPs1_Dk5On6Z0Bv8pvi8ZwhjoV JTVUMvmeocfzGGTZTl0
superb book
Audio Al
21-01-2017, 07:01
Im reading various pages and chapters on a site called AOS
Some of it is tosh some is good , problem is I read it , don't look for a while then there is loads more to read , It never seems to end < Also the main caricature is some bloke called Marco , he pops up everywhere at times saying some rather strange things :lol:
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51-jdDfDOmL._SX321_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
Hm, Grant, the Winds of War by Herman Wouk looks pretty gripping from this YouTube film copy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocjEq6NcZOw
My own taste in Books is Noir. We all know it when we see it. Whether in Films or Books. I started with Elmore Leonard's (http://www.elmoreleonard.com/index.php) yarns about the bail-bondsman and the amazingly good dialogue. Raymond Chandler's private eye, Philip Marlowe with world-weary Robert Mitchum smoking and drinking his way through a the whole film, but keeping it real in "Farewell my Lovely", and again, Chandler could write dialogue:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7tfQVsxC3Y
You won't find these in the UK bestseller list much, but the USA has a lot of time for Michael Connelly (http://www.michaelconnelly.com/) and his jazz-loving LAPD Detective Harry Bosch. R.J. Ellory's (http://www.rjellory.com/) Saints of New York about the Cops and organised Crime in the 1980's. Then there's the Lawyers which John Grisham (http://www.jgrisham.com/books/) does so well. I've just finished Rogue Lawyer, which is knockout funny and a seat-of-your-pants ride.
Even Stephen King is turning to the genre these days: http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2017/01/11/top-100-best-sellers-2016-usa-today/96339658/
Give me a grisly murder in the first chapter, and somebody we care about in jeopardy being rescued by the good guy or girl, and it always works for me. :D
Saw Bosch on amazon
Got winds on DVD too and the follow up war and remembrance
What am I reading? Well the latest issue of my favourite magazine: "Leatherclad Nuns". :lol:
What am I reading? Well the latest issue of my favourite magazine: "Leatherclad Nuns". :lol:
You will be whipped in hell lol
"I once fell in love with a nun, but she'd have "none" of it." :lol:
Which I think was a line from a "Carry-On" film.
Along with the "Carry-On" Hospital patient who told the Nurse that he'd dreamt about her last night.
"Did You?" she replied.
"No, you wouldn't let me!" :lol:
That old British humour brings me on to our adopted National Treasure, US import Bill Bryson. Who incidentally has written a giant oeuvre of stimulating books ranging from the Summer of 1927 in America (Babe Ruth and Al Capone and prohibition) to the Short History of Nearly Everything, which assured me that I am more likely to die from a Meteor impact than being run over by a Bus. Worth knowing if buying Insurance.
I just finished The Road to Little Dribbling (https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/1098574/the-road-to-little-dribbling/).
A marvellous tour of contemporary Britain, as a sort of homage to his first tour 20 years ago. From England's dull Bognor Regis to wild Cape Wrath in Scotland. Which is the longest distance in Britain.
Along the way, I learned how ignorant most people are about basic facts about the World. Most people in the US couldn't place London on a map of the World, never mind their home city of Miami, where the survey was done:
http://www.timgaiser.com/blog/why-geography-matters
And very dumb people have a vastly inflated opinion of their own ability:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
Which brings me to my enthusiasm for reading, which I find liberating. Why should I listen to all those MP's who have strong opinions about Brexit or Remain. I wonder if they could even place Brussels on a Map? :scratch:
TBH, most Politicians would be more useful assigned to litter-picking duties along our lovely beaches.
Ninanina
05-02-2017, 04:24
I got a Kindle for Christmas so my first book will be The Hobbit
I don't like the 'feel' of books, the feel of the pages is something I loath so the Kindle will be the best for me as soon as I get round to using it ;)
After the Hobbit I have downloaded a couple of guitar books which look good as well
I got a Kindle for Christmas so my first book will be The Hobbit
I don't like the 'feel' of books, the feel of the pages is something I loath so the Kindle will be the best for me as soon as I get round to using it ;)
After the Hobbit I have downloaded a couple of guitar books which look good as well
Hmm... The Hobbit was, of course, a child's book. Bilbo Baggins an' all that.
TBH, I did like its more mature successor, "The Lord of the Rings". Which I read on holiday one summer in Nice, France as a mere youth of 25 years.
Like most of you, it created in me a desire to collect ALL of the Rings, a bit like Trainspotting or London bus-number collecting. But, having matured over the years, I do now notice how weak Tolkien was in his female characters.
It's a boy's book, for sure, like that old classic series on TV, Star Trek. Women wouldn't touch it with a bargepole. Too one-dimensional. :rolleyes:
I really don't know why the "Feel" of real books should be an issue. My Mother, who is blind, would greatly benefit from a knowledge of Braille. And that is pure feel.
IMO, you should download St. Mark in the King James' Version (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1&version=KJV). That's the best book ever written, IMO. :)
I got a Kindle for Christmas so my first book will be The Hobbit
I don't like the 'feel' of books, the feel of the pages is something I loath so the Kindle will be the best for me as soon as I get round to using it ;)
After the Hobbit I have downloaded a couple of guitar books which look good as well
love my new kindle paperwhite. great for reading. I dont like using real books either now. Cant be doing with them. heavy, and awkward.:)
walpurgis
05-02-2017, 10:48
love my new kindle paperwhite. great for reading. I dont like using real books either now. Cant be doing with them. heavy, and awkward.:)
Isn't the choice of reading matter a bit limited? If for instance, I wanted to re-read 'The Overman Culture' by Edmund Cooper, could I find it?
Isn't the choice of reading matter a bit limited? If for instance, I wanted to re-read 'The Overman Culture' by Edmund Cooper, could I find it?
Yes there is a kindle edition of that geoff. Its true that not everythingis on it but quite a lot is
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Overman-Culture-Edmund-Cooper-ebook/dp/B005HRT6NS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486292125&sr=8-1&keywords=Overman+culture
walpurgis
05-02-2017, 11:05
Did you read 'The Silent Boy' yet Grant?
Did you read 'The Silent Boy' yet Grant?
Not bought it as yet Geoff. Still got a few to read as ive been lax in reading ..must catch up..one im on is at 96% so not much left
I hate reading masses of text from a screen. At work I would always print off large quantities of text - so much for the 'paperless office'! The same with e-books: I just love the physicality of paper books, just I love the physicality of records and CDs.
So sorry, not for me.
I hate reading masses of text from a screen. At work I would always print off large quantities of text - so much for the 'paperless office'! The same with e-books: I just love the physicality of paper books, just I love the physicality of records and CDs.
So sorry, not for me.
The latest kindles are pretty easy to read on and on the eye is like paper, hence the name lol Its a big step up on my last one. has an adaptive light and the thing is very light to hold. battery is great too and only needs occasional charging. Must get rest of the books \ive got out of loft though. maybe get shot of em... theres a nice Tennyson, and a full set of old Burns ones too. put them up there a long time ago and been there since. may even be worth a couple of quid.
Ninanina
05-02-2017, 19:00
I agree Grant my new Paperwhite is really easy on the eye
To me the 'feel' of books/pages is like scratching your fingernails down a chalk board
I agree Grant my new Paperwhite is really easy on the eye
To me the 'feel' of books/pages is like scratching your fingernails down a chalk board
lol.. yes, I liked the white so tried it for change. It brightens up the day compared to the old black ones I think. I was stubborn initially to go down this route, and thought a book needed to be a book. But I tried, I liked, I converted.;)
I just love the physicality of paper books, just I love the physicality of records and CDs.
Same here. We've got thousands of the things. We're about to have our old boiler that sits in an alcove in the breakfast room removed. What to fill the space with? Bookshelves of course!
Next up will be
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170208/e14aa03d7f126eee18a27f1ef3935acd.jpg
Ninanina
10-02-2017, 22:28
lol.. yes, I liked the white so tried it for change. It brightens up the day compared to the old black ones I think. I was stubborn initially to go down this route, and thought a book needed to be a book. But I tried, I liked, I converted.;)
Yes I'm a convert as well
I've got a couple of guitar books to go through as well on the Kindle
I have Amazon Prime at the moment so I can also 'borrow' a free book each month as well... never had so much reading material.. ;)
I take a bit of an all-over view of music and literature. :)
To me, rediscovering truth is what it's all about. I like the idea of an inner stillness in a crazy loud world. I was fascinated by this article about The Blue Nile:
https://thegoldenyear.wordpress.com/2011/06/15/songsthebluenilethedowntownlights/
But I can heartily recommend this RTE documentary about Paul Buchanan and his band:
https://soundcloud.com/rte-radio-1/in-search-of-the-blue-nile
Apologies that this is not exactly about books I have read lately. And I'm currently reading Bill Bryson, as it goes. But I suspect that Struth will enjoy the RTE link.
OK, I stretched you more into poetry with The Blue Nile (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GVMnDjFKHw) there than literature , but I would claim they are much the same thing.
How do I know you feel it?
How do I know you feel it?
How do I know you feel it?
How do I know it's true?
Yeah, yeah, the downtown lights
The neon's and the cigarettes
Rented rooms and rented cars
The crowded streets, the empty bars
Chimney tops and trumpets
The golden lights, the loving prayers
The colored shoes, the empty trains
I'm tired of crying on the stairs
The downtown lights
Yeah, yeah
Which is pretty much the Film Noir (https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/08/the-100-best-noirs-of-all-time.html?a=1) idea of the heartless City.
I'm reading what is probably the biggest selling book in the World today. 30M ain't bad.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Kill_a_Mockingbird
It's still in the NY Times top 100 best-selling list after umpteen years. It's a knockout. It's about integrity and courage. It's about ignoring Racism. It's about ignoring Sexism. Harper Lee listed one of her hobbies in being alone. That's real courage, IMO.
Got the mockingbird book myself and film., awesome film by way.. harper lee is an odd bird and wasnt keen to let it out on kindle
Just starting The Fourth Protocol by Fredrick Forsyth.
Just starting The Fourth Protocol by Fredrick Forsyth.
The film starring Pierce Brosnan and Michael Caine is a good watch.
The film starring Pierce Brosnan and Michael Caine is a good watch.
Your not wrong Barry. I should have a copy of film somewhere. I do like it; one of Brosnan's better ones,
walpurgis
02-03-2017, 19:37
My favourite Brosnan movie by far is 'The Tailor of Panama', but Geoffrey Rush steals the film!
My favourite Brosnan movie by far is 'The Tailor of Panama', but Geoffrey Rush steals the film!
Agreed! :)
A Line in the Sand, by James Barr.
HackneyRF
26-03-2017, 13:52
Ray Bradbury - The Illustrated Man
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r502/lozring/the_illustrated_man.jpg
walpurgis
26-03-2017, 14:43
Ray Bradbury - The Illustrated Man[/IMG]
It must be over thirty years since I last read that.
Spectral Morn
26-03-2017, 16:23
Waiting for print on demand copy of 'A Working Manual of High Frequency Currents' by Eberhart, Noble M. This dates from 1911.
Fiction wise I am going to re read Halfhead by Stuart B Macbride. If you like clever plotting, plot within a plot within a plot and you like Judge Dread then this story set in a future Glasgow would be right up your street. I am pretty shocked Macbride couldn't find a publisher for this, which was his first book as its excellent.
Waiting for print on demand copy of 'A Working Manual of High Frequency Currents' by Eberhart, Noble M. This dates from 1911.
Fiction wise I am going to re read Halfhead by Stuart B Macbride. If you like clever plotting, plot within a plot within a plot and you like Judge Dread then this story set in a future Glasgow would be right up your street. I am pretty shocked Macbride couldn't find a publisher for this, which was his first book as its excellent.
What are you up to Neil? Is it in connection with your interest in medical electro-therapy equipment?
It must be over thirty years since I last read that.
:lol: About the same time for me. Ray Bradbury is one of my favourite 'classic' SF writers, along with Philip K. Dick.
The film version of The Illustrated Man, starring Rod Steiger was pretty poor though.
Spectral Morn
26-03-2017, 18:14
What are you up to Neil? Is it in connection with your interest in medical electro-therapy equipment?
Yes. Its an early description of such, methods, design etc. Its available online free, but I would rather have a hard copy book.
Lots and lots of books about Francis Bacon, John Stuart Mill, William Wordsworth and John Locke, with the odd whodunit as light relief.
HackneyRF
27-03-2017, 12:13
It must be over thirty years since I last read that.
:lol: About the same time for me. Ray Bradbury is one of my favourite 'classic' SF writers, along with Philip K. Dick.
The film version of The Illustrated Man, starring Rod Steiger was pretty poor though.
It must be over thirty years since I last read that.
Actually I believe it's the first time i have read any Ray Bradbury. Enjoying it. Some of the story lines have that 1950's Sci-Fi innocence that shows like The Outer Limits had. Really fond of them shows by the way. Great memories in the 70's of staying over at my older brother's place at the weekend and him playing records and introducing me to this wondrful world of music and
watching The Outer Limits on BBC2 on Saturday night.
Life is good now of course , but it was just so simple back then!
Cheers
Loz
The Civil War: A Narrative by Shelby Foote. Just a browse. these new hardbacks Ive had for years as I got them as a present. Decided to keep them nice. Shelby was the foremost expert on the subject and told a great story.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170417/cc95225c4698d45761f5b4635a14ad59.jpg
walpurgis
26-05-2017, 16:09
'The Friends of Eddie Coyle'
http://i66.tinypic.com/2zogftx.jpg
Just started this, so not got far yet, but enjoying it.
Still reading the 4th protocol on my fridays childsitting. Forgot to take tha tablet with me today so using my noodle managed to download it onto phone for reading. Its a good book, and better than film
walpurgis
26-05-2017, 16:34
After a copy of 'On The Beach' by Nevil Shute. Want to read it again.
After a copy of 'On The Beach' by Nevil Shute. Want to read it again.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/cka/Beach-Nevil-Shute/0099530252/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1495816709&sr=1-1&keywords=On+The+Beach
a few here at different prices plus the Kindle edition
'The Best of Myles' by Flann O'Brien. Very funny indeed.
http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio-web/flann-o-brien-our-unluckiest-genius-1.590212
Dynamics
27-05-2017, 15:34
I'm reading a book called 'adequately explained by stupidity - Lockerbie, luggage and lies'. By morag g Kerr.
A bloody fascinating account and analysis of the evidence in the Lockerbie bombing and concerns around the Libyan connection. Books by John Ashton on the subject are great too.
I'm no way a conspiracy theorist but it's looking like the evidence could point towards a different country involvement, but these debates going on for some time. Can really get into a griping true story like this
soo The Lady From Zagreb...Philip Kerr. Dont know anything about it but got it cheap in kindle and it was a no1
Just started Book 6 of Frank Tayells series - Surviving The Evacuation. Harvest
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Surviving-Evacuation-Book-6-Harvest-ebook/dp/B010O5BCC0/ref=sr_1_10?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1497805578&sr=1-10&keywords=Evacuation+series
Good stuff if you are into apocolypse type books:)
just picked up the first book free on amazon but not started it yet
I read Agatha Christie's 'The Hollow', HG Wells' 'The Time Machine', and Cyril Hare's 'An English Murder' on holiday. Now it's back to the serious stuff.
Sand Dancin Donkey Walker
09-07-2017, 11:09
Just about to start Metro 2033 by Dmitry Glukhovsky
In 2013, a nuclear war occurred, forcing a large amount of Moscow's surviving population to relocate to underground metro stations in search of refuge. Eventually, the communities settled in the underground train stations developed into independent states. Soon, factions emerged, ranging from the independent peacekeepers the "Rangers of the Order", to the communist "Red Line" faction and the fascist "Fourth Reich", to the more powerful factions such as "Polis", which contained the greatest military power and the most knowledge of the past, and the "Hanza" regime, which controlled the main ring of metro stations by its sheer economic power. As these groups began to evolve, the Red Line and the Fourth Reich quickly entered a state of war, as both sought to destroy the other. As the war raged, the stations who refused to join either side were either demolished by the factions, merged into the Hanza regime, raided by criminal bandits, or formed their own independent states. Other stations were outright destroyed by animals, mutated by the nuclear fallout. While most of the stations were controlled by the 3 main factions, some stations formed an independent alliances, including the station VDNKh (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Station_VDNKh) ("Exhibition"). Within that station, the events of Metro 2033 unfold
walpurgis
09-07-2017, 11:16
Sounds jolly Andy. :)
Sand Dancin Donkey Walker
09-07-2017, 11:45
Hi Geoff
The book has an excellent reputation and should be a great read.
Probably make a start today but the next week or so could be hit and miss.
Though I will be travelling for work soon and could be my best option to get a good start and maybe finish it.
walpurgis
09-07-2017, 13:41
I like a good book. I pop in the local charity shops for mine and buy just about any novels apart from romances. I grab an armful without reading the backs or studying the fronts too much and end up with a pot luck selection.
http://www.nhmshop.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/9/7/9781849908528-life-on-air-1_2.jpg
good audiobook this, read by his nibs himself
'The Secret of Chimneys' by Agatha Christie (until I realised I'd already read it) then 'Epitaph for a Spy' by Eric Ambler.
Ronksley
16-07-2017, 22:11
Medusa Chronicles
Baxter Reynolds
Great stuff assuming it is a tribute to Arthur C Clrake
An eclectic mix:
Because we live and travel in the Gulf, Middle East, Central Asia and Asia Minor/the Caucasus:
"The Silk Roads - A new history of the world" - Peter Frankopan (Superb book)
"Samarkand" - Amin Maalouf (another extraordinary book - flight of fancy this time)
Lonely Planet guide to Iran (actually, reading a lot about Iran at the moment - we'll be going there early next year)
"Data and Goliath - The hidden battles to collect your data and control your world" - Bruce Schneier (Great read from one of the true experts on security and privacy)
...and finally...
Linear Audio, volume 13 (actually the 14th volume as it started at volume 0) - as usual, a really interesting volume with a lot of thought-provoking research. Regrettably, it's also the last ever volume of Linear Audio that will be published...
A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal....Ben Macintyre.
The Waterloo Companion by Mark Adkin. Its a huge book in detail and size, wonderfully detailed .
Now at a lesser price on the usual sites. Twenty years ago there was a book by 3 historians, French, German & UK giving their individual take not eh batter. This 'Companion' goes through the campaign and the days of the battle at times hour by hour. Its a great read, to be read through then dipped into. Most worthwhile.
The Waterloo Companion by Mark Adkin. Its a huge book in detail and size, wonderfully detailed .
Now at a lesser price on the usual sites. Twenty years ago there was a book by 3 historians, French, German & UK giving their individual take not eh batter. This 'Companion' goes through the campaign and the days of the battle at times hour by hour. Its a great read, to be read through then dipped into. Most worthwhile.
That does look pretty good. I like the way the maps are cross-referenced with photographs of the terrain. Nice touch. Quite reasonable price in hardback too, it's just I promised myself not to buy any more books until I get rid of a few.
Yes I need to get rid of a few more books. Our local Leisure centres & Swimming baths have scheme whereby you can leave a few books each time for others to take / borrow. I need to find more places to drop them off... Its the reverse of shop lifting perhaps...
The Waterloo Companion by Mark Adkin. Its a huge book in detail and size, wonderfully detailed .
Now at a lesser price on the usual sites. Twenty years ago there was a book by 3 historians, French, German & UK giving their individual take not eh batter. This 'Companion' goes through the campaign and the days of the battle at times hour by hour. Its a great read, to be read through then dipped into. Most worthwhile.
got that on Kindle. was quite reasonable if I remember. not read it yet
The Shipkiller - Justin Scott. Giant oil tanker (carelessly) runs over man in boat on the high seas so he kits out another boat with a big rocket and goes chasing after it to shoot it dead. Full of nautical terminology which is no use at all to me but sailing types might get a kick out of it. Sub-plot involving Mossad. Not a bad read in spite of nautical references.
hifinutt
25-07-2017, 22:05
believe it or not , I have just started the book of revelation !!! [last book of the bible !!]
On holiday and I'm on my fourth book! This is a personal best and more than I've read in the past four years!
2 x John le Carre - bit overly flowery and waffely for me in his descriptions of scenes at the expense of action. Clever plot in one of them and conversation beautifully written.
Christy, Miss Marple, They do it with Mirrors. Classic Agatha Christy but I knew who done it from the start from the TV program. Still enjoyable.
Another picked up at the poolside Rogue Warrior of the SAS - The Blair Mayne story. Very interesting fact based book on the exploits of the early SAS in WW2. Unbelievable times, what people had to go through during war time doesn't bear thinking about. The Northern Ireland connection is interesting to me too.
believe it or not , I have just started the book of revelation !!! [last book of the bible !!]
Good for you Phil, can be heavy going!
On holiday and I'm on my fourth book! This is a personal best and more than I've read in the past four years!
2 x John le Carre - bit overly flowery and waffely for me in his descriptions of scenes at the expense of action. Clever plot in one of them and conversation beautifully written.
Christy, Miss Marple, They do it with Mirrors. Classic Agatha Christy but I knew who done it from the start from the TV program. Still enjoyable.
Another picked up at the poolside Rogue Warrior of the SAS - The Blair Mayne story. Very interesting fact based book on the exploits of the early SAS in WW2. Unbelievable times, what people had to go through during war time doesn't bear thinking about. The Northern Ireland connection is interesting to me too.
some man was Paddy.:)
First time I've read a book in some years but due to circumstances this was the only entertainment -
https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1416914543l/22836683.jpg
Bit trashy but an easy read, just what I needed.
walpurgis
03-08-2017, 14:11
First time I've read a book in some years but due to circumstances this was the only entertainment
I read in bed for about an hour every night. Helps me unwind. I've always done so.
Reading's a habit I unfortunately got out of but I'd like to read more by this author, will check out the charity shops for something other than vinyl.
Just getting to grips with the manual for my new Black and Decker - bit boring though!
I read in bed for about an hour every night. Helps me unwind. I've always done so.
yeah, playboy is a good evening read mate:eyebrows:
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Bf6Tlej+L._SL300_.jpg
read by his nibs via alexa
Naples '44 by Norman Lewis. Having recently been on holiday around there, I thought I'd give this a go. Harrowing stuff.
Read a bit of that a while ago. Seemed a good read. Tough times for survival
Anthony K
03-09-2017, 12:43
Vernon Coleman - Living in a fascist country
walpurgis
05-10-2017, 10:19
Just arrived. 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson. The story on which the movie The Matrix was based.
http://i63.tinypic.com/5nq8ox.jpg
Hope it's as good as the movie, which I still find stunning.
Just finishing Paul Antony Jones latest book in The Extinction Point series :)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Extinction-Point-Kings-Book-ebook/dp/B074DYRHMX#reader_B074DYRHMX
A very good read if you like science fiction
Just finishing Paul Antony Jones latest book in The Extinction Point series :)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Extinction-Point-Kings-Book-ebook/dp/B074DYRHMX#reader_B074DYRHMX
A very good read if you like science fiction
Am getting Book 1 on your recommendation- better be good or you're in trouble !
walpurgis
01-12-2017, 14:20
Currently reading 'Shutter Island' by Dennis Lehane. I'm enjoying this. A twisty tale indeed!
http://i64.tinypic.com/65wjtx.png
Shame the movie has Di'crap'rio in it.
Yellowthread Street. William Marshall
The Ladybird Book of Audio
Pigmy Pony
29-12-2017, 20:41
The Ladybird Book of Audio
That sounds interesting, I think I'll seek that out. Are Ladybird books still made 50 pages long?
perlogalism
30-12-2017, 05:44
Gone to sea in a bucket by David Black: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00W4JVJGE/ref=series_rw_dp_sw
Think Hornblower in a WW2 Submarine and you'll get the idea. This is the first of a trilogy and they're all riveting reading.
Pieoftheday
08-02-2018, 19:04
Need to get back to 'through it all I've always laughed' count arthur strong, had me in stiches!
walpurgis
21-02-2018, 23:37
Just ordered a copy of 'No Country For Old Men' by Cormac McCarthy. Having previously enjoyed the film very much a couple of times, I thought I'd check the book out.
its a good film, but not read the book; in fact I didnt even know there was one.
JohnBale
27-03-2018, 09:47
1Q84 (https://www.google.co.uk/) by Haruki Murakami. It's the first time I'm reading one of his books. I'm liking it so far.
Landloper
02-06-2018, 14:31
'Noriko Smiling', by Adam Mars-Jones, which is an extended essay on Ozu's Late Spring [1949], published by Notting Hill Editions in 2011. Appallingly written - the author must have been/is a journalist.
Have just finished re-reading 'The Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins (a cracking good read) and Volume 4 of the Diaries of Virginia Woolf. Am about to start 'The Oval Window' by J H Prynne.
Just pre-ordered Tomblands, the latest Matthew Shardlake novel by C J Sansom. It's not out until October but I enjoyed the previous books so much I don't mind the wait. Very detailed and historically accurate murder mysteries set in Tudor England.
Landloper
02-06-2018, 20:03
Have just finished re-reading 'The Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins (a cracking good read) and Volume 4 of the Diaries of Virginia Woolf. Am about to start 'The Oval Window' by J H Prynne.
Read Prynne's 'Unanswering Rational Shore' a couple of years ago - quite an experience!
Not been reading of late. Not enough time when your doing nowt
Running a Hotel on the Roof of the World by Alec Le Sueur (ISBN 1 84024 106 3)
"Le Sueur provides us with the means of improving our knowledge of a far away country about which we know little. Fawlty Towers goes to Tibet"
A very funny read about managing the Holiday Inn hotel in Lhasa, Tibet in the late '80s. Interestingly enough, I stayed there around the time written about in the book.
Now
Baking Cakes in Kigali by Gaile Parkin (ISBN 978 1 84354 7471)
If you are a fan of 'The Number 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series (which I am) you will like this. Again simple, gentle, amusing and perceptive observations of the customers of the cakemaker and of society in general in Kigali, Rwanda.
currently...flashman at the charge
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61rQSA9bs6L._AA300_.jpg
a mix of kindle and audio book...
then ive got cormac mccarthy's the road, kindly sent to me from geoff.....then sterling hayden's wars by mandel lee.. a biog of the actor/sailor and war hero. alas, like in many of his films, his life just kept failing him
Barkskins by Annie Proulx - of The Shipping News and Brokeback Mountain fame. Looks like a saga of early French settlers in 'New France' or Canada as we know it. I like her simple, direct style and also anything to do with how people cope in a harsh environment without the modern conveniences and tools now available. It's a big 'un but I hope I can finish it... Some reviewers reckon it's too long and I have a habit of ditching books that don't hold my attention, life's too short and I don't owe the author anything!
Beobloke
22-06-2018, 16:58
Just finished Andrew Cartmel's "The Vinyl Detective - The Run out Groove"
Very funny and a must read if you like vinyl and/or cats!
I dont know if anyone here uses Calibre library for their E books, but its worth a look. an excellent program and has a server etc plus mobile apps. can edit metadata, convert formats etc.
here is a screenshot
https://imageshack.com/a/img923/1687/wfMrpM.png
Landloper
03-07-2018, 05:17
Clarendon's History of the Great Rebellion
[Folio Edition, Oxford University Press, 1967]
23784
Next book up shortly will be this.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180904/d09f8e1d09ac0c5faae40e2ed83f1792.png
It's an audiobook I picked up on audibles deal of the day for £3. Gets good reviews
Pigmy Pony
13-09-2018, 11:03
"The Alienist" by Caleb Carr. Another member spoke of it recently, and it sounded interesting.
"The Alienist" by Caleb Carr. Another member spoke of it recently, and it sounded interesting.
I really enjoyed it Steve, the Netflix series was good too although not for the faint hearted
Pigmy Pony
13-09-2018, 13:40
Thanks Ian, I no longer have Netflix, but my friend does and I'll be seeing him Saturday. :)
I struggled a bit with his writing style at first - some of the sentences were quite a bit longer than my attention span and I had to re-read some of the text, but I'm getting the hang of it.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181011/9145fe512b9b0a1b708ddf45b96c9f5c.png
Flashman at the charge.GMF
https://kbimages1-a.akamaihd.net/9b432384-79c3-4ae2-b53a-5675b768d79f/1200/1200/False/flashman-and-the-redskins-the-flashman-papers-book-6-1.jpg
GM Fraser.. Flashman and the Redskins... audible unabridged book.
About to start a VERY LARGE BOOK about the Holy Roman Empire, about which I used to know a fair bit, but have mostly forgotten, apart from my history teacher's quip: 'It was neither holy, Roman, nor an empire'.
A large itemized vet bill.
The ending was happy, but the total was both shocking and hard to read.
A large itemized vet bill.
The ending was happy, but the total was both shocking and hard to read.
But the ratties are now well again?
walpurgis
02-12-2018, 10:59
I've just started re-reading one of my favourites, 'Primal Fear' by William Diehl. This is a terrific courtroom/murder thriller. The writing is classy and direct in style and the story grips from the first page. Absolutely worth a read.
http://i64.tinypic.com/2qcngck.jpg
The 1996 movie of the book, starring Richard Gere and Edward Norton is every bit as good as the book and Norton totally stole the film with his alarmingly good portrayal of a sly sociopath.
Everything But the Coffee: Learning About America from Starbucks
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41ixMpg5UbL._SX339_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
Very interesting insight into modern US culture and the psychology behind 'brands and lifestyle products' focusing on the rise of Starbucks. If you weren't a fan of them before, you probably wouldn't be after reading this! It does show the genius of how corporate America has embedded itself into people's lives and how to build a brand that they desire. It's more a book about corporate control and manipulation than coffee.
Everything But the Coffee: Learning About America from Starbucks
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41ixMpg5UbL._SX339_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
Very interesting insight into modern US culture and the psychology behind 'brands and lifestyle products' focusing on the rise of Starbucks. If you weren't a fan of them before, you probably wouldn't be after reading this! It does show the genius of how corporate America has embedded itself into people's lives and how to build a brand that they desire. It's more a book about corporate control and manipulation than coffee.
I was astonished to find out that 'Starbucks' was named after a character in Moby Dick. I'd assumed the nomenclature was coincidental.
If you weren't a fan of them before, you probably wouldn't be after reading this! It does show the genius of how corporate America has embedded itself into people's lives and how to build a brand that they desire. It's more a book about corporate control and manipulation than coffee.
...only works though if you have the propensity for such brainwashing, so it's successful with gullible brand/image-conscious sheep, who let's face it, make up the vast majority of the general public in almost every country.
I don't think I've ever been in a Starbucks in my life - and have no intention of starting now.
No doubt an interesting book though, although I suspect the content largely acts as a sad indictment on our society, which is gradually becoming devoid of self-confident free-thinkers!:rolleyes:
Marco.
Don't take any notice of Marco - the only book he will look at this year is the Viz annual! :D
Lol - true! I'm more of a magazine guy, if ya gets me:eyebrows:
More seriously, I prefer reading about stuff I'm interested in on the net or watching it on TV, in the form of a film or documentary. I get bored rather quickly reading books, especially if it involves subjects considered as 'high brow'!
Marco.
Lol - true! I'm more of a magazine guy, if ya gets me:eyebrows:
More seriously, I prefer reading about stuff I'm interested in on the net or watching it on TV, in the form of a film or documentary. I get bored rather quickly reading books, especially if it involves subjects considered as 'high brow'!
Marco.
So no Wittgenstein or Schopenhauer then?
Only if they're served on draught in a Köln brauhaus!;)
Marco.
Spectral Morn
14-12-2018, 18:05
Call To Arms by Joshua Dalzelle (Book 2 of the Black Fleet Trilogy)
Nicely written military space opera. For those that like the Lost Fleet books by Jack Campbell.
new book week... just started Bernard who? by Bernard Cribbins. great read so far.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h9Sl6VEZjpc/W91sHbPA1iI/AAAAAAABHNQ/hzIdXOYU114s4VkeuV3Nmqh1t-jEXtP3ACLcBGAs/s1600/WallyBannister2003-side.jpg
Jason Fung - The Complete Guide to Fasting
https://dynamic.indigoimages.ca/books/1628600012.jpg?altimages=true&scaleup=true&maxheight=515&width=380&quality=85&sale=27&lang=en
Sand Dancin Donkey Walker
28-12-2018, 15:29
Got this one for Christmas, just starting it now.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41vXYwaF6yL._SX327_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg (https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjX077F68LfAhXNx4UKHaLsAcwQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FRoger-Daltrey-Thanks-Kibblewhite-Story%2Fdp%2F1788700295&psig=AOvVaw11doGSGY75O3FnRyCPPm53&ust=1546097329386525)
I'm having a break from serious reading and am working my way through a bunch of 1920's detective novels I borrowed from the library just before Christmas. Currently reading 'The Noose' by Philip MacDonald.
new book week... just started Bernard who? by Bernard Cribbins. great read so far.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h9Sl6VEZjpc/W91sHbPA1iI/AAAAAAABHNQ/hzIdXOYU114s4VkeuV3Nmqh1t-jEXtP3ACLcBGAs/s1600/WallyBannister2003-side.jpg
still reading this.. excellent stuff.
Axiom by Sebastian Ives.
The author used to work with my wife and the book was published via a crowd funding organisation for unpublished authors.
It's a post apocalypse scifi novel, I'm only two chapters in and it looks quite promising with hints of Hunger Games about it.
Shameless plug for the book-
https://unbound.com/books/axiom/
Currently binge-reading Iain Sinclair. Have re-read 'Lights Out For The Territory'. 'London Orbital' and 'Lud Heat/Suicide Bridge'. About to start 'Rodinsky's Room'.
Audio book on the go.
Always good to have flash while drivinghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190121/cdabe3b51aeb1959931890d7cc16eac8.jpg
Just finished M R Forbes - Forgotten - Book 1.
Sci Fi ,and a very good read if you like that sort of thing . I read it in a day and a half :lol: hardly put it down !
Lots of Shirley Jackson novels and short stories; various Georges Simenon 'Maigret' novels; Iain Sinclair's 'Ghost Milk', and my PhD thesis.
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcT6F2JGPqHRahe0l3yg1IewiMnnoie cja5vFY9zfqeCbuV2GHjQwPQwoGXX7R5sQY6soEivYrg&usqp=CAc
Latest audio book is Mythos read by Steven Fry.
Great Expectations. Audio book https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190325/c4d528e31641880bd83842b4bd7c080c.jpg
walpurgis
25-03-2019, 23:15
Grant, did you ever get around to reading The Silent Boy?
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcT6F2JGPqHRahe0l3yg1IewiMnnoie cja5vFY9zfqeCbuV2GHjQwPQwoGXX7R5sQY6soEivYrg&usqp=CAc
Latest audio book is Mythos read by Steven Fry.
Read that a couple of weeks ago. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
This: https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?63503-Book-review-Ortofon-A-Century-of-Accuracy-in-Sound.
Grant, did you ever get around to reading The Silent Boy?It's on my audible list next time I've got credits
HG Wells. Collection
Audible. Nice collection thishttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190411/f718a4676f7470fb90426bcda87cf963.jpg
Just downloading the silent boy too.
Nick Hornby - 'High Fidelity'
Samuel Beckett: Murphy
PG Wodehouse: Right ho, Jeeves
Simon Winder - Danubia. A very interesting history of the Hapsburg empire.
John le Carre: Smiley's People
thingfish
08-06-2019, 12:39
I've been meaning to read this for ages .......
Just got round to it, and its superb (thoroughly enjoying it - Pinkies a bad man)
"Graham Greene - Brighton Rock"
Lawrence001
08-06-2019, 16:33
I've been meaning to read this for ages .......
Just got round to it, and its superb (thoroughly enjoying it - Pinkies a bad man)
"Graham Greene - Brighton Rock"Liked the film, was it Dickie Attenborough as Pinkie?
Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk
Liked the film, was it Dickie Attenborough as Pinkie?
Sent from my BLN-L21 using TapatalkIt was Indeed. Quite dark for it's time
It was Indeed. Quite dark for it's time
Richard Attenborough was good at playing nasty people: 'Pinkie' in 'Brighton Rock', and the mass-murderer Christie in '10 Rillington Place'.
thingfish
09-06-2019, 06:03
Thanks lads will need to check the film's out.
Grant mentioned it was dark for its time, and a lot of novels (before TV) were indeed shocking at the time ...... Le Fanu, M R James, Machen, Lovecraft, Poe etc etc were known to put fair maidens in a swoon...!!!!
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Collected Works Volume Five, Lectures on Literature 1808-19.
Edward Gibbon, 'The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire', part five (of eight)
Flann O'Brien, 'The Hard Life'.
11/22/63. Stephen Kinghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190825/655609f028a793597bb21316197979e9.jpg
Flann O'Brien, 'The Hard Penis'.
Or 'The Hard Life'. Quite why people want to arse around changing the wording of my posts, I don't know.
Now 'The Glass Cell' by Patricia Highsmith.
InThe Sticks
25-08-2019, 19:57
"and on that bombshell" by Richard Porter, the script writer from Top Gear.
Nothing too serious:
Ian Patterson - 'Lyttelton's Britain - A Users Guide to the British Isles as heard on BBC Radio's I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue'
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/519hRJkC1mL._SX353_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
ISBN 978 1 84809 173 3 (2009)
Now something a little more serious:
Åsne Seierstad - 'The Bookseller of Kabul'
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51cJYDk7fPL._SX316_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
ISBN 1 84408 047 1 (2004)
Or 'The Hard Life'. Quite why people want to arse around changing the wording of my posts, I don't know.
Now 'The Glass Cell' by Patricia Highsmith.
I have corrected the infantile change that someone had made to your post. :doh: Don't know how it happened, but I'm looking into it. :scratch:
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/610J1qozBRL._SX342_.jpg
The Mechanic by Marc Priestley.
About the writers time as an F1 race mechanic for the McLaren team 2000 - 2009.
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