Read a good book lately?

[Maha]

I have advanced from the TV Guide and Sunday paper. Bought a book yesterday called The Case of the Missing Bloodstain, another book about the Crewe Murders.
I did read Beyond Reasonable Doubt years ago. There is a lot more court and police transcript in this book than in Yallops earlier book.

[granstar]

Currently reading and enjoying Briggo's story http://www.briggo.net/News/wembley%20and%20beyond%20paperback.jpg

Prior to this read Untamed by Swaziman Davie Hughes, great story as well.

http://www.raymears.com/_rm_pictures_/Untamed_Swazi_Davey_Hughes.jpg

[scumdog]

I've just finished The Battle For Guadalcanal by Samuel b. Griffiths III - a bloody good read depicting the total cluster-fucks on both sides.

[Grashopper]

Just finished "At 61 degrees" by Mike S Martin http://www.amazon.com/AT-61-DEGREES-ebook/dp/B005KMBS1S. One of the most powerful books I've ever read. I inhaled it in a couple of days. Actually made me late at work this morning cause I couldn't put it away.

It's difficult to describe the story without giving anything away, so lets just say it's about a guy who wants to race in MotoGP. Although it is so much more.

[superjackal]

Something a bit different, just finished reading a couple of Batman novelisations, "Fear itself" and "Dead White". Both were terrific books getting nicely into the character's head.

[unstuck]

The encyclopedia of motorcycling, 1974 addition. Bloody hilarious some of the predictions for bikes of the future.

[unstuck]

50 shades of GHEY, What a load of shite. How many 20 something pretty young girls are still virgins and never had an orgasm.........Not many....If any.:nono:

[george formby]

Any fans of Iain Banks here? He's probably the author of fiction who has dropped my jaw more than any other, he took the title from John Irving. He has passed away from cancer which he was diagnosed with when he was almost finished writing a book about a guy dying from cancer seen through the eyes of his autistic son. I'm a bit battered by that.

Any hoo, if your a fan, The Quarry will be worth reading but bloody depressing, if your not, read some of his other books. He wrote sci fi as Iain M Banks, some mind bending & thoroughly entertaining tomes.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jun/18/iain-banks-unaware-cancer-quarry-widow

[HenryDorsetCase]

This is regarding a trilogy of books by M. John Harrison starting with Light, then Nova Swing, and ending with Empty Space.

I honestly don't know how to review this. A stab at a summary is that it's a cross between Ernest Hemingway, Alistair Reynolds, and Auldus Huxley. I don't know much poetry but chuck a poets name in there too.

The last book came out late last year, and I've recently started re-reading Light and Nova Swing, and just finished Empty Space. What a ride. Light blew me away when I first read it, flicking between modern day weird happenings while two scientists experiment with quantumn computing, through to fucked up alien physics with "K-Ships" that have the pilots brain wired into the ship and alien code running on, well, anything. Nova Swing was an easy(er) read per se, but set in an anomaly event site where again physics was fucked up. Empty Space builds on the cumulation (if cumulation is a non-linear multi dimensional concept) of this and a great example of how to stay hooked on something that at (most) times doesn't make sense at face value but subconciously feels like it all fits into place. Hence the poetry reference.

There's stuff about the future (and present) that we can't comprehend and these books do their best to tell a story about it. At times it doesn't make sense. If you want space opera that's easy to read then go with Peter Hamilton, which is not a criticism, but if you want some serious literature sci-fi with poetic style and can handle being the equivalent of a caveman watching blade runner on the big screen then it's well worth the investment.

Beautifully written. Great ideas. Poetic. This shit should be classifed as literature rather than, or as well as, sci-fi, and it should be up for some serious literature awards.




i have just finished the third of these books. I hated them. Specifically I hated all of the characters in the books:they are all awful people and why I had to spend so much time with them I have no idea. I persevered to find out what happened after three books and guess what? not.a. fucking. thing.

I get that the idea being explored is "Its not only stranger than you imagine, its stranger than you CAN imagine" I get that its the exploration of quantum physics and its application to the so-called real world. I quite liked some of the descriptors and settings. But the characters are loathsome. the few that I liked (the detective for example) were short lived, and the central mystery is not only not resolved, it isn't even tried to be resolved. And that whining fucking bitch that takes up half the third book: I wanted to strangle her within a page. Oh yeah, no resolution there either.

I manfully struggled and finished but I would not recommend these books at all. And the concept promised so much.

I am re-reading NEUROMANCER to cleanse my mind of this awfulness.

"The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel"

then I'll get back to my cave and watch BLADE RUNNER on the big screen.

[Winston001]

Huh, sounds like Lord Foul's Bane etc better known as the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever - by Stephen Donaldson. Read the first books six years ago and admittedly, they are well written and good fantasy. But sooooo depressing. Wish I'd never bothered.

[george formby]

Huh, sounds like Lord Foul's Bane etc better known as the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever - by Stephen Donaldson. Read the first books six years ago and admittedly, they are well written and good fantasy. But sooooo depressing. Wish I'd never bothered.
Ha, got into them when I was in college, chalk & slate in them days. I had to wait for each new book to come out but yeah, ground me down in the end. Hard to get behind a self doubting rapist leper & all the characters I really liked got killed.

[awa355]

When I started high school, I discovered my older brothers stash of " MAN " magazines in his wardrobe. Somehow, grown up reading took on a new meaning for me.

Back in the fifties, there were a series of stories written about two down and out cockies set in Taranaki about the 1920's. " Me and Gus ". they were printed on a weekly basis ( I think ), in a Taranaki newspaper. I had a collection of their yarns published as a book many years ago.

Would anyone here remember these stories? or who wrote them?

[unstuck]

http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/document/1969/extract-from-me-and-gus

These the ones?? Remember reading a couple once, great stuff.:2thumbsup

[scumdog]

When I started high school, I discovered my older brothers stash of " MAN " magazines in his wardrobe. Somehow, grown up reading took on a new meaning for me.

Back in the fifties, there were a series of stories written about two down and out cockies set in Taranaki about the 1920's. " Me and Gus ". they were printed on a weekly basis ( I think ), in a Taranaki newspaper. I had a collection of their yarns published as a book many years ago.

Would anyone here remember these stories? or who wrote them?

Or the 'Hori' series - like 'half-gallon jar'

[frogfeaturesFZR]

Enjoying 'Life' by Keith Richards. He's crammed a lot into his time so far.

[HenryDorsetCase]

you spelled Keef wrong

[awa355]

you spelled Keef wrong

Spelled or spelt?? Hitcher?

[avgas]

Spelled or spelt?? Hitcher?
Whatever you learnt in school.

[HenryDorsetCase]

spelled:


eVXqocPAz1k


spelt

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spelt


back on topic I just finished re-reading Gibson's Sprawl trilogy (NEUROMANCER, COUNT ZERO, MONA LISA OVERDRIVE). If you haven't read them, you really should. Sure, NEUROMANCER is my favourite book, and I re-read it every couple of years, but the whole arc is just brilliant. Dystopian, the street finding its own uses for things, just the best science fiction written in the last 50 years. Heinlein, Asimov and all those boring old cunts can go fuck themselves*: this is the future.

Gibson is to science fiction as the Sex Pistols were to rock and roll. Do it. do it now. read these books.






*well, I quite like some of their stuff. Heinlein was a stone fascist though. and Gibson is sort of the anti-Asimov. He skewers that brilliantly in one of his short stories called "The Gernsback Continuum" which is in the short stories collection BURNING CHROME which you also should read.

[awa355]

Currently reading " The World Without Us" by Alan Weisman.

A look at how the world would be if humans disappeared tomorrow. It explains how nature would slowly reclaim the world as we know it.

[unstuck]

Just started the "Oak Island money pit" real life treasure /mystery story, bloody fascinating so far. :2thumbsup

[awa355]

Local library has a book in the technical section. It is a Haynes manual for a HawkerSiddley Harrier jet. Covers all models from 1960.

Has hardly been issued. :2thumbsup

[george formby]

I knew what spelt is...

[caspernz]

Lee Child - Never go back. The latest in the Jack Reacher series. Cookie cutter story, piss poor ending. So not really a good book I suppose :no::facepalm:

[MIXONE]

Lee Child - Never go back. The latest in the Jack Reacher series. Cookie cutter story, piss poor ending. So not really a good book I suppose :no::facepalm:

After To Cruise was cast as Reacher I've gone off the series...

[Banditbandit]

Lee Child - Never go back. The latest in the Jack Reacher series. Cookie cutter story, piss poor ending. So not really a good book I suppose :no::facepalm:

I read ONE lee child - I'll never read another ...

Crap characterization, crap plot, crap writing ...

[Grashopper]

I read ONE lee child - I'll never read another ...

Crap characterization, crap plot, crap writing ...
And never ever listen to one of his audiobooks. The guy who reads them is.... how can I best say it ....crap




Hey, does anyone want to buy Lee Child's 61 hours as audiobook? Still in shrink-wrap. I'm sure it's amazing...:crazy:

[awa355]

Unfortunately, many authors try to re write the same plot in a series.

Have just read another of the John Cory stories by Nelson DeMiles. I'm getting a bit tied of the same macho character waving ' old glory ' and killing the nasty towelheads ( post 9/11 ) with his wisecracks and superman antics.

Am currently reading a british police thriller. Much more down to earth and realistic.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I read ONE lee child - I'll never read another ...

Crap characterization, crap plot, crap writing ...

Yeah: the American "superman" myth writ large. In terms of the writing they are usually tightly enough plotted that you keep turning the page, but once you're finished you feel kinda dirty. Plus they all blur into one another. (I found the same thing with the Elvis Cole Robert Crais books.) A couple of the Reacher books have been quite good. One where he stumbles on a money laundry and one where he is in buttfuck Texas or somewhere and gets picked up as a hitchiker by some woman in a Cadillac. but cant remember titles.

I do like Ian Rankin's crime fiction a lot. And I have heard good things about James Patterson

[MisterD]

I don't usually do the Crime Fiction thing, but I've just finished a Reginald Hill (Dalziel and Pascoe) book - "Recalled to Life" and been quite impressed.

Definitely not a run of the mill writing style and the Dalziel character is really good (I've never watched the TV series, can't compare to Warren Clarke's version).

This week I am mostly re-reading Bernard Cornwell's last Saxon books ahead of the release of the next in the series in a couple of weeks' time.

[ellipsis]

...just halfway into Edward Rutherfurds, "New York"...I put off reading this for some years, after reading his, The Forest, Sarum, London, Ruska ...as I hate to finish a good authors stuff knowing there may be no more...his stuff is way past 'historical novel' territory and is generally in the 'cant put down' or 'cant wait to get back to' territory for me...although knowing that Bernard Cornwell has another of the Saxon chronicles out soon, (cheers for that) makes me not so worried about finishing it soon...

[MisterD]

knowing that Bernard Cornwell has another of the Saxon chronicles out soon, (cheers for that) makes me not so worried about finishing it soon...

The Pagan Lord (http://www.bernardcornwell.net/books/The-Pagan-Lord/) - Release date 26th September (at least if you're pre-ordering the Kindle version as I am) books might be a bit later.

[Smifffy]

IMO James Patterson is even more cookie cutter than Lee Child.

[granstar]

Just finished " Patched" most stolen book in N.Z about Kiwi gangs. Nothing new in it for me, so pleased I was around in the "riggies era" but takes a well written view of the 1% side, the Blue side, and the political side and how these three evolved the scene over the years.
http://www.press.auckland.ac.nz/webdav/site/press/shared/all-books/covers/2013/cp-patched.jpg


Now for my birthday ( bugga ya missed the shout) I got this entertaining and useful book , Twisting Throttle.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uSCjx4R8FLc/Ue9N8-1bK_I/AAAAAAABQwQ/MujOcNrbEiQ/s1600/Twisting+Throttle+New+Zealand.jpg
and having only read a few chapters already I can say, go get a copy for your tank bag ( author gives valid reason).

[awa355]

Sam Eastman has written three books now, about a russian detective who works directly for Stalin. Set at the start of WW2 it gives a very realistic description of pre war Russia.

[Dave h]

I've just finished reading The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes, almost 30 years old but still in print.

It's a good read if your into history type books, the author really puts you into the time he writes about.

I learned some things reading it; some sayings like "top notch" and "going through the motions" came from the industrial revolution in England at the time

and the "cat" fark..

[MisterD]

This is a recomendation for you HDC ;)

http://cdn2.fishpond.co.nz/0024/435/404/45062868/4.jpeg

THis is a must read for anyone who's geeky about their music, it's not so much a biography as a musicography (is that a word? It is now) that puts the man and his work in the context of his influences and those he influenced. Murray steers firmly away from the hype and myths to place Hendrix firmly in the traditions of great improvisational black musicians and casts him as the last great Delta Bluesman.

[Swoop]

Dam Busters by James Holland.
291854

NOT the Paul Brickhill book but something that incorporates new archive material. The Brickhill book was written around 1953 and drew on information available then, as did Guy Gibson's book "Enemy Coast Ahead".

What is different with this tome? Well it has access to al the embargoed documents that were under Secret status for so long.
It certainly paints a different picture from what was known back during 1943, especially Bomber Harris' attitude to the project and he vehemently opposed it until a certain meeting was held and he was very supportive after that.

The raid was supposed to affect the Ruhr production capacity for war making, and this certainly happened for a period of time. The dams were rebuilt/repaired quite quickly and it is pondered why conventional bombers were not sent back in to disrupt the repair efforts.
The peripheral aspects of the raid were forgotten, even by the surviving crews, such as the withdrawal of labour from building the "Atlantic Wall" defences to the repair effort. Armaments output were also affected at the build up and opening of the Kursk battle.

Overall an interesting read and should be entertaining to anyone who has read the other books mentioned.
8:10.

[nodrog]

This thread has been very informative for me. For one, it has taught me that Warwick can read.

[cc rider]

Half way through A Game of Thrones. Thoroughly enjoying it.
Knew nothing about the stories before starting. The way I like it. :D

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8toYlv2snP0/ULgAp7yZiLI/AAAAAAAAAJM/HplWCi9RaJU/s1600/game_of_thrones_book_cover.jpeg

[BoristheBiter]

Half way through A Game of Thrones. Thoroughly enjoying it.
Knew nothing about the stories before starting. The way I like it. :D



After watching the first series came out I read all the books, biggest waste of my time.
The first one is the best and the TV series is better.

Just finished the hunger games series and that is the same first one the best, moves better.

[cc rider]

Will be interesting to see how it goes with the 2nd book Boris.
I'll read them before watching. I usually have a more vivid imagination ;)

[Kickaha]

After watching the first series came out I read all the books, biggest waste of my time.
The first one is the best and the TV series is better.

Just finished the hunger games series and that is the same first one the best, moves better.

I would disagree with both of those, the Hunger games movie came across as a kiddies version the book filled it out far more

Game of thrones series is fairly good though but nothing beats a book

[Icemaestro]

Going to agree on that the books are better also, except for one of the game of thrones books which just dragged on and on. The TV series did well to cut to the main points though.

Just finished reading the Jack reacher series (not bad, but the books are all pretty similar...and the ending of the last one missed the mark), now on to "Jack of Diamonds" by Bryce Courtenay - his last book I believe. I've read a few others of his apart from the power of one and tandia, and all have good plot lines and detailed characters.

[cc rider]

I read Sean Russell's Series...

Moontide and Magic Rise
- World Without End
- Sea Without a Shore

The River into Darkness
- Beneath the Vaulted Hills
- The Compass of the Soul
- The River into Darkness

Swans' War
- The One Kingdom
- The Isle of Battle
- The Shadow Roads

Enjoyed them :D

[Kickaha]

Going to agree on that the books are better

http://youtu.be/BbVTdRQuwSc

[cc rider]

2012 I got right into Robin Hobb's...

The Realm of the Elderlings

The Farseer Trilogy
- Assassin's Apprentice
- Royal Assassin
- Assassin's Quest

Liveship Traders Trilogy
- Ship of Magic
- The Mad Ship
- Ship of Destiny

The Tawny Man Trilogy
- Fool's Errand
- The Golden Fool
- Fool's Fate

Had such a 'lost' feeling when I closed the last book. Sat twiddling thumbs.

BUT I haven't read The Rain Wilds Chronicles (4 books) & reviews say they're real slow & miss the mark.

She has a new Trilogy (The Fitz and the Fool Trilogy) due out this year, so will probably whip the Chronicles in first. That's the trouble when characters are carried through. :laugh:

[ellipsis]

...my wife turned up with a box of books someone had asked her to dispose of...four or five of the Lee Childs/Jack Reacher series were amongst it...read about three in as many weeks...was kinda captivated in it's comic book speed and complex simplicity...I will def read them all, but not sure I will go looking for the remainder of the series...

[cc rider]

Fucking funny as, Kickaha :rofl:

[cc rider]

Free books are the best ellipsis. Is great you found some you enjoy.

I was buying, then exchanging & then started using library again.
Back to buying. I love used book shops.

[fridayflash]

just fin reading 'life' by keith richards, not a bad read but by no means dazzling or breathtaking. i get the feeling he avoids wild stories and plays things down which is amicable. he does at one point declare that a 1964 visit to play in dunedin nz was perhaps his most dismal and deppressing experience to date:zzzz: anyway its still worth the $25, especially if you have a passing interest in the stones.
might read that homo morrissey's book next, the smiths are a bit of a drag but it might be interesting re- the whole new romantics scene

[Geeen]

2012 I got right into Robin Hobb's...

The Realm of the Elderlings

The Farseer Trilogy
- Assassin's Apprentice
- Royal Assassin
- Assassin's Quest

Liveship Traders Trilogy
- Ship of Magic
- The Mad Ship
- Ship of Destiny

The Tawny Man Trilogy
- Fool's Errand
- The Golden Fool
- Fool's Fate

Had such a 'lost' feeling when I closed the last book. Sat twiddling thumbs.

BUT I haven't read The Rain Wilds Chronicles (4 books) & reviews say they're real slow & miss the mark.

She has a new Trilogy (The Fitz and the Fool Trilogy) due out this year, so will probably whip the Chronicles in first. That's the trouble when characters are carried through. :laugh:

Have you tried reading Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time" series? Its long at 14 books but well worth it. It does slow a bit around book 8 but speeds up dramatically after that. I'm in the process of re-reading it - again.

[cc rider]

Not heard of them Geeen. 14 books ya say :eek:

[BoristheBiter]

I would disagree with both of those, the Hunger games movie came across as a kiddies version the book filled it out far more

Game of thrones series is fairly good though but nothing beats a book

I would agree with the hunger games comment but it just seemed like more oomph in the movie, same with the second one. It will interesting to see how they do the 3rd as it is mainly what she is thinking.

Most of the time I will agree with the book comment expect for GOT, the guy just doesn't know how to finish a book.

Actually no, he does know. Leave the reader wanting more so they will buy the next book, it's worked well for the last 5.

[caspernz]

Kiwi Bike Culture by Steve Holmes.
Got given this for Christmas, didn't think much of it at first. Read thru it and there's a few KB members featured in it. Not into motorbike collections of any kind myself, but yeah I can understand the passion behind it.

Sycamore Row by John Grisham.
Gets predictable very early on but still a decent read.

[Geeen]

Not heard of them Geeen. 14 books ya say :eek:

If you want a title list just let me know.

[cc rider]

If you want a title list just let me know.Thanks Geeen. Maybe after GOT Series & the 4 Robin Hobbs... and Assasin's Creed Series I started before GOT :facepalm:



... damn I need to get out more :rolleyes:

[pritch]

Have you tried reading Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time" series? Its long at 14 books but well worth it. It does slow a bit around book 8 but speeds up dramatically after that. I'm in the process of re-reading it - again.

Book 10 was slow and I was hoping for better from no 11, then I heard he died. Are you saying I've missed four books? Something to look forward to?

[Geeen]

Book 10 was slow and I was hoping for better from no 11, then I heard he died. Are you saying I've missed four books? Something to look forward to?

Without giving too much away I found books 11 - 14 to speed up quite fast.
Robert Jordan himself died but before he did he spent a fair bit of time finding and briefing another Author to finish the series, that turned out to be Brandon Sanderson. He has done a spectacular job in finishing someone elses series from notes and conversations without ruining the overall feel or tone of the series.

[Fastmark]

Just finished Robert Plant - A life by Paul Rees

Have loved Led Zep for as long as I can remember but didn't know a fat lot about he formation of the group, the dynamics within it etc. which this book does give you, from Plants point of view anyway. Its a fascinating journey from unknown singer to rock god and almost back to nothing (musically speaking) before the more recent triumphs.

Its done nothing to change my mind about how much I like the music, but gives you an different perspective on it and the people involved.

8/10 from me

[Winston001]

This is an excellent and scholarly book.

MacKenzie is a Kiwi who served in Vietnam, NZ SAS, South African SAS, then in 22nd SAS, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. He has walked the talk.

This book is both a history of the SAS and a timely critique. The Regiment does get it wrong sometimes and is not always used in the best ways.

I have read most of the SAS books starting with The Phantom Major when I was 12yrs old. Wonderful boys-own stuff.

Nevertheless when I got to Bravo Two Zero, questions arose as to why any 22nd SAS would go into a desert without cold weather gear. The SAS cut their teeth in the Western Desert and again in Oman. Cold freezing nights are the norm. But Andy McNab and his squad had lost that knowledge.

MacKenzie rightly IMHO criticises various SAS deployments saying that the Paras could have done the job just as well or forward spotters from the artillery.

He doesn't bother with describing the iconic battles such as Mirbat and the Iranian Embassy because they are well known.

Don't agree with him on the the Malayian campaign but overall this is a solid book and a valuable addition to the SAS lexicon.

[Winston001]

Just to add - one point MacKenzie makes is the questionable value of HALO and HAHA parachute training (High Altitude Low Opening, High Altitude High Opening). People die just trying this stuff. SAS have only used it once on an operation - with a fatality. The Paras can do it and become expert.

[Swoop]

...the questionable value of HALO and HAHA parachute training (High Altitude Low Opening, High Altitude High Opening). People die just trying this stuff. SAS have only used it once on an operation - with a fatality. The Paras can do it and become expert.

"Questionable" is an odd term to use. He should know that it comes down to the envelope of tactical employment. The Paras still use round parachutes predominantly at low level. A C-130 would be lucky to get above 1000ft to chuck out the maroon machine. SAS are able to use a different canopy shape and deploy high and fly many kilometres to a landing area OR freefall from a great height, the difference is less chance of the aircraft being heard or seen.
You may be surprised at the amount of different aircraft types potentially used for this approach...

[Winston001]

Yes I appreciate that Swoop and I'm no expert. The thing is, jumping at 35,000 ft is risky - oxygen breathers can ice up, the stick can spread far apart, all sorts of things can happen. The SAS guys are so specialised that it's questionable whether adding in such a risky entry to target is justified. Why waste a highly trained life on a HALO drop?

According to MacKenzie they've only used a HALO jump once anyway and a soldier died. No idea where but maybe Afghanistan.

Don't know enough about the Paras but I expected the elite guys would go to 35,000 ft?

[Grashopper]

2012 I got right into Robin Hobb's...

The Realm of the Elderlings

The Farseer Trilogy
- Assassin's Apprentice
- Royal Assassin
- Assassin's Quest

Liveship Traders Trilogy
- Ship of Magic
- The Mad Ship
- Ship of Destiny

The Tawny Man Trilogy
- Fool's Errand
- The Golden Fool
- Fool's Fate

Had such a 'lost' feeling when I closed the last book. Sat twiddling thumbs.

BUT I haven't read The Rain Wilds Chronicles (4 books) & reviews say they're real slow & miss the mark.

She has a new Trilogy (The Fitz and the Fool Trilogy) due out this year, so will probably whip the Chronicles in first. That's the trouble when characters are carried through. :laugh:

I loved the Farseeer and the Tawny Man trilogies. Felt the same as you when I was done reading. Haven't touched the Liveship Traders yet. Don't really know why. Maybe because I'm thinking they can never be as good as the other two trilogies.
But Robin Hobb used to be my all time favorite author until I discovered Jim Butcher. Now it's at least a tie :-)



I was buying, then exchanging & then started using library again.
Back to buying. I love used book shops.

Me too. Which is great, if you have the storage space and never move houses. lol


Have you tried reading Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time" series? Its long at 14 books but well worth it. It does slow a bit around book 8 but speeds up dramatically after that. I'm in the process of re-reading it - again.

I've heard of the Wheel of Time series but never got into it. Maybe I should put it on the list.

And +1 for Kiwi Bike Culture by Steve Holmes

[BoristheBiter]

Me too. Which is great, if you have the storage space and never move houses. lol


It's fine now as everything is on e-reader (thanks "out for a duck").

over 5000 books now.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Me too. Which is great, if you have the storage space and never move houses. lol



I will never be able to shift because of all the friggin dead tree products I own.

Some of you like science fiction.

Check this interview with William Gibson at the New York Public Library. He discusses his upcoming novel (The Peripheral (due this year)) at around the 73 minute mark and on.

the whole thing is worth listening to.

http://www.tested.com/art/makers/455051-william-gibson-talks-sci-fi-and-his-next-novel-new-york-public-library/


My favourite author. Neuromancer is my favourite book. (Hence my user name).

[george formby]

I will never be able to shift because of all the friggin dead tree products I own.

Some of you like science fiction.

Check this interview with William Gibson at the New York Public Library. He discusses his upcoming novel (The Peripheral (due this year)) at around the 73 minute mark and on.

the whole thing is worth listening to.

http://www.tested.com/art/makers/455051-william-gibson-talks-sci-fi-and-his-next-novel-new-york-public-library/


My favourite author. Neuromancer is my favourite book. (Hence my user name).

You ever get into Iain M Banks? The only sci fi I have read for eons. I seem to pick The Algebraist up every 6 months. Love it.

[HenryDorsetCase]

You ever get into Iain M Banks? The only sci fi I have read for eons. I seem to pick The Algebraist up every 6 months. Love it.

I have read some of his. Not for ages though.

I've actually been buying the classic stuff that I should have read years ago and never did. I only read Fahrenheidt 451 at Christmas. I have a copy of Slaughterhouse Five on the way as well, and re-read 1984 last year after first reading it in the 6th form. ....

[Kickaha]

I only read Fahrenheidt 451 at Christmas.
I might have to read that again, I remember thinking it was total shit when I read it at school

[ellipsis]

...I never read at high school...on principle...

[Kickaha]

If anyone comes across "A Kind of Madness" by Philip Mincher I am after a copy, most likely it will be in a book of short stories

[James Deuce]

"Just One Damn Thing After Another", by Jodi Taylor.

Funny and insightful Sci-Fi Time Travel.

[unstuck]

Peace like a river. Leif Enger. Meh, so so.

[Motu]

I will never be able to shift because of all the friggin dead tree products I own.

Books, vinyl and motorcycle parts...shifting is always a huge drama, but I'd never be able to move overseas.


Reading The Luminaries... thought I better find out what the fuss is all about. On my Kobo from the library. I haven't been to the library for months now, I can go 24/7 - got books out Xmas Day, anytime I like. No good for pictures and maps, I need the library for them, but it's an ereader for me now.

[ellipsis]

, but it's an e reader for me now.


...makes me shudder to think that way...then again I said that about nail guns, cell phones and ever owning a computer...

[Motu]

Says he with a 2006 bike - my newest bike is 1987. I'm not into modern stuff at all...but sometimes take giant leaps forward.

[Moi]

Haven't quite finished it yet...

Treated myself to "The Big New Yorker Book of Cats" by Anthony Lane [Random House, 2013]. The essays and short stories I've already read have been heart-warming as well as humorous. It also contains many delightful cartoons and illustrations. A book that I'll be going back to again and again.

[mashman]

Kryon: The End Times. A toe in the water of the quantum metaphysical through the channeling of the entity Kryon of Magnetic Service. That's about as good of a description as I can make at this point in, heh, time. Some topics above and beyond my current comprehension, but a logical step on a path that I would set for myself. Fact or fiction, entirely your choice. 10/10. Wakey wakey :rofl: :wari:

[george formby]

I'm chewing through "Seeing Further", the story of science & the Royal Society.
The introduction by Bill Bryson is fascinating, covers the history of the society from it's foundation. The bulk of the book is made up of contributions by other writers discussing all sorts of science related stuff. I'm bogged down in Neal Stephensons chapter discussing how Isaac Newton & Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz interpreted their religion in light of their scientific discoveries. Very interesting but chewier than a dried pigs ear.

[James Deuce]

"The Long Earth" by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter. Proper Sci-Fi. Just started "The Long War", book 2 in the series. It's "hard" sci-fi, not a Discworld comedy. It's also very good.

[Swoop]

Fire on the Horizon, by John Konrad & Tom Shroder.

296118

The Gulf of Mexico and the Deepwater Horizon oil rig.
This is a fascinating story of what goes on with oil platforms, the process of drilling and extracting oil - even how oil is created (NO, it's NOT dinosaurs!). I literally tore through this book as the writing style is really there to grab the reader!

Areas that I had no idea about. I presumed a long steel pipe drilled down until hitting oil and then started pumping... Wrong!
The fact that the hole in the bottom of the sea floor is small, conceals the fact that there is concrete poured through the rock to hold everything together. Literally the size of the Empire State Building, but TWICE as high!

Then you get the rig itself. It has the ability to hold itself in position via Dynamic Positioning (computers, GPS and thrusters) inside a 20ft circle... DURING A STORM! In normal weather it is accurate enough to keep itself in position that would prevent the pipe leaving an area the size of a king size bed. Phenomenal!

The Macondo well that blew out. The story covers everything up to the blow out and rig sinking. The repair operation and closing the well is left out, quite rightly too.
The short cuts pushed and driven by BP's people, along with a aged rig which was about to go into dry dock for upgrade work for the first time in its life, overdue maintenance issues and other circumstances led to the crisis.

An amazing read which opens up an entire culture that the public do not see. Even greenies would be advised to read it.

10:10

[Kickaha]

"The Long Earth" by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter. Proper Sci-Fi. Just started "The Long War", book 2 in the series. It's "hard" sci-fi, not a Discworld comedy. It's also very good.

I've finished both of those and would have to agree

[Grashopper]

Fire on the Horizon, by John Konrad & Tom Shroder....


Thanks for the review.
That does sound interesting. Will keep my eye out for it.

[Swoop]

Ruin from the air: The atomic mission to Hiroshima. Gordon Thomas & Max Witts.

Originally published in 1977 and containing many interviews with survivors from the allied and Japanese sides of the story.
Most of us would probably claim to know the basic story of the mission, the events leading up to it and the outcome.
What this book does is explain far greater into the reaches of the involvement, in particular, of Col. Paul Tibbets. Not just the pilot of that aircraft on that day, but the person who built the squadrons from scratch & sacrificed much along the way.
Behind the scenes was a massive takeover-bid by other commands who saw the project as something a regular squadron could do, but placing a single bomb within a 300ft circle time-after-time, from 30,000ft, was no easy task.
Targeting issues (which city to bomb?) along with confidence in the weapon were problems. The Little Boy was not tested prior to use, but the Fat Man was tested in the American desert due to the complexity of the plutonium detonation.

Overall a very interesting read. Behind-the-scenes negotiations and attempts at an agreed peace deal between Japan and the Americans, months before the bombs were dropped, add to this tale. Allan Dulles was involved here and he was negotiating with the Germans while based in Switzerland (another book recently, also dealt with his involvement in this process) and could have had interesting outcomes for peace talks.

8:10.

[Swoop]

Grey Wolf.

The potential escape from the ruins of Berlin, of Adolf Hitler.

"In a riveting scenario that has never been fully investigated until now, international journalist Gerrard Williams and military historian Simon Dunstan make a powerful case for the F�hrer's escape to a remote enclave in Argentina-along with other key Nazis�where he is believed to have lived comfortably until 1962. Following years of meticulous research, the authors reconstruct the dramatic plot-including astonishing evidence and compelling testimony, some only recently declassified. Impossible to put down, Grey Wolf unravels an extraordinary story that flies in the face of history."

Firstly, the only FACT: The bodily remains of Hitler and Eva Braun found in Berlin, were NOT theirs.
Now we get into the possibilities and what could have happened and what other facts have been discovered...


The book is a superb read. If, however, you want a story of intrigue and escape, you may be disappointed.
I would break this book down into three main components:
Pre war - early war:
The escape: and
Post war + Argentina.

The first section contains a lot of information regarding banking practices of the international bank of reparations, jewish banking, valuables and artworks, Swiss banking practices, etc, etc.
Sounds boring. It isn't!
Payments between countries plays a vital part of this story.

The escape plays join-the-dots of factual events. Step by step there is a trail, even though a "tidy up" has occurred immediately after the war to remove parts of the evidence, it still exists.
We have been told of the fabulous ways that British Intelligence cracked the Enigma cypher, but the un-broken series of machines played a part in the escape plan along with a secret submarine resupply base off of the coast of Spain.

Finally, Argentina. After Germany, the largest Nazi Party membership in the world.
Lots of details and information that establish links and ends of ratlines.
The ability of large communities of entirely German speaking people to exist and prosper are here. Also, to be taken advantage of by a certain famous Argentinian couple...

Overall, a bloody good read. The truth...? Well, I guess the FBI has certain information that it will not want to release for a few hundred years.

9:10.

[R650R]

Vipor Pilot by Dan Hampton, great write up on F16 wild weasel ops in Iraq. Tells it like it is style http://www.amazon.com/Viper-Pilot-Memoir-Edition-Hampton/dp/B00BXU5T66/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1400217354&sr=8-2&keywords=viper+pilot

The Operators by Michael Hastings. This book costa general his career and maybe one of the reasons mike accidently drove his Merc into a tree at high speed... http://www.amazon.com/The-Operators-Terrifying-Americas-Afghanistan/dp/0452298962/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400217459&sr=8-1&keywords=the+operators

15 Minutes a collection of various true life events of military stuff ups that nearly caused WW3 many times. Very interesting although some might not like the style of jumping back and forth across different stories all the time. http://www.amazon.com/15-Minutes-General-Countdown-Annihilation/dp/1250002087/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1400217541&sr=8-3&keywords=15+minutes

[HenryDorsetCase]

I'm chewing through "Seeing Further", the story of science & the Royal Society.
The introduction by Bill Bryson is fascinating, covers the history of the society from it's foundation. The bulk of the book is made up of contributions by other writers discussing all sorts of science related stuff. I'm bogged down in Neal Stephensons chapter discussing how Isaac Newton & Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz interpreted their religion in light of their scientific discoveries. Very interesting but chewier than a dried pigs ear.

Have you read Stephenson's fiction? He is one of my favourite authors. He has trouble finishing a book but its worth the ride.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I've just finished "Farewell My Lovely" by Raymond Chandler. EVERY crime writer owes a debt to Chandler. Some of them (I am looking at you John Grisham and Lee Child) should take notes. Pretty much the original hardboiled detective novel and the template for all that follow (poorly).

If you haven't read any of his stuff (Waaaaah, its too old, its set in the 1940's) give yourself a slap and get on it.

Bonus: Penguin Classic paperback: $11 brand spankers. The green ones are the crime and adventure ones.

[tri boy]

I still like Robert G Barrett, for an easy weekend read.
Fights. Rooting. guns.
No wonder Aussie penthouse signed up decades ago.

[R650R]

I've just finished "Farewell My Lovely" by Raymond Chandler. EVERY crime writer owes a debt to Chandler. Some of them (I am looking at you John Grisham and Lee Child) should take notes. Pretty much the original hardboiled detective novel and the template for all that follow (poorly).

If you haven't read any of his stuff (Waaaaah, its too old, its set in the 1940's) give yourself a slap and get on it.

Bonus: Penguin Classic paperback: $11 brand spankers. The green ones are the crime and adventure ones.

You might like this
http://www.amazon.com/The-Tylenol-Mafia-Marketing-Johnson/dp/1466206063/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400834201&sr=8-1&keywords=Tylenol+mafia

Even though you know where it's going the story keeps unfolding in an intriguing way.
It's the authors only ever book written but done perfectly and solidly referenced

[Drew]

The fault in our stars.

Bloody good book about a girl with cancer.

[HenryDorsetCase]

The fault in our stars.

Bloody good book about a girl with cancer.

so, a comedy?

[Drew]

so, a comedy?It has a lot of funny moments.

Total work of fiction, the dude who wrote it did a pretty good job I thought. (John Green).

Been turned into a movie, I have just seen when I googled to get the Author's name.

[R650R]

There's lots of debate in the reviews about how authentic/accurate this guys stories are but its a damn good read all the same.

http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Man-Running-Ross-Coulthart/dp/1742370276/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400894162&sr=8-1&keywords=dead+man+running

[BMWST?]

Pushing the limits,Casey Stoner,illuminating.

[Banditbandit]

I just finished Dostoyevsky's The Idiot -- My recommendation? Don't bother with it ..

[Akzle]

I just finished Dostoyevsky's The Idiot -- My recommendation? Don't bother with it ..

true of much of the rusky literature of the age.


on the other hand, venetian bird, very well writ, follows a PI through vienna.
and another one, by alistair someone, about a train and shit. i'll get back to it. * title - the last frontier.

[Akzle]

havent read lately, but bill bryson is a humorous author.

[unstuck]

havent read lately, but bill bryson is a humorous author.

Got most of his stuff, can be a bit droll, but good reads mostly.
Just read 2 good books, one by Charlie Janes, the NZ doc officer who loves planes and poaching, called Time for a brew. And another by JD Salmond called Hearts of gold, about the early days of Queenstown. Really enjoyed both.:2thumbsup

[Erelyes]

Shunt: The Story of James Hunt (by Tom Rubython).

OK, I lie, still reading it. But what a legend and one of the better bios I have read.

[pete376403]

Shunt: The Story of James Hunt (by Tom Rubython).

OK, I lie, still reading it. But what a legend and one of the better bios I have read.

Seen the movie "Rush" ?

[Erelyes]

Seen the movie "Rush" ?

Not yet. Next on the list.

[Swoop]

One False Move, by Robert Macklin.
299187
A true story of a handful of Australian gentlemen who were at the forefront of defusing mines during WW2. Based near Portsmouth but ranging all over the UK dealing with unexploded mines (not bombs) that were strangling Britain's shipping.
The exact moment that Germany "lost the war" is explained as being when Goering took control of delivering the mines via aircraft. Previously the German Navy delivered the mines, they were very effective and had Britain on its knees, to the extent that PM chamberlain was talking about peace overtures with Hitler!

Suffice to say the defusing of mines became a dangerous occupation, especially when various types of booby-traps were added specifically to kill anyone trying to disarm the mines.

Working on land had its difficulties and when these chaps decided to start diving on them and disarming them under water, in pitch black, in braille, things were a tad harder!

Interestingly there was an excellent TV series in the '70's called "Danger UXB" which was (apart from bloody excellent!) very factual.
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/08VO3v-rjzk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Several George Cross medals were awarded for the work done by these brave Australians. Virtually the same as a VC apart from the presence of the enemy was not required as a pre requisite.

An excellent book!
Enjoyed it immensely. 9.5/10

[R650R]

Bill Hicks, Love all the People. interesting info about his background and way of dealing with lifes hurdles etc... gets bit repetitive with lots of stuff repeated.

Last Words by George Carlin, biography that covers him pretty well

http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388880311l/248090.jpg

[R650R]

3 x Carlin , an orgy of George.

compilation of three books, heaps of his jokes and anecdotes etc... open any page, good random no nonsense tell it like it is humour.

http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388584804l/55351.jpg

[Swoop]

299452

A Higher Call.
Spotted this on Amazon but passed it by. Luckily a mate had it and insisted I read it!

Two sides of one story told together, although it is mainly the story of Franz Stiegler. Franz started out in the pre-war period learning to fly gliders, which lead on to flying for Lufthansa in the mid-late 30's. By the time war broke out he had a few thousand hours under his belt and was a flight instructor teaching advanced students. Some bloke called Barkhorn was about to be washed out, but he managed to sort the chap out... Amazing what nudist camps can do...

After his brother was killed in a Ju-88 he set onto a path of revenge. Training as a fighter pilot and starting his combat career in North Africa with an odd bunch of blokes, Marseille, etc, etc.
Into Sicily and adventures with Galland & co. The tactic of head-on attacks of the B-17 was devised on a balcony when he had been summoned by Galland for a bollocking. Oddly these two gentlemen stayed as friends well into the 80's!

In the defence of the Reich, the bomber problem arose. Shooting them down was done on regular occurrences but the stories cross when a very badly mauled B-17 was limping home on 1 1/2 engines and missing a stabiliser and most of the tail. Franz positioned to attack but held off. Seeing that this aircraft would be the equivalent of shooting a pilot under a parachute, he held fire.

The honour held by the german pilots was well covered. From his initiation in the desert all the way to the "mutiny of the fighter pilots" with Goering. Traditions held.
Ending up his war with JV-44 and the "Squadron of Experts" flying the Me-262.

A staggeringly brilliant book. Exceptionally well written and told.

10:10.

[HenryDorsetCase]

http://www.amazon.com/Redshirts-A-Novel-Three-Codas/dp/0765334798

REDSHIRTS by John Scalzi


I thought it was going to be a pisstake of old Star tRek (whcih is how I often see JJ Abrams Trek, before being seduced by the flashy lights and Quinto's eyebrows).

It is, Then it isn't.

Well written, cleverly done. If you like your science fiction then you will likely enjoy this.

299453

[Swoop]

A life of flight, by Jay Barbree.
299746
The life of Neil Armstrong.

An extremely recent book release (only a few months old) and really overdue. Neil was well known as being the recluse and for good reason too.

Sadly, not enough time spent on his younger years of aviation and military career. A good overview of those times but more in-depth reading on the test pilot times would have been nice. Also being an avid gliding enthusiast even some involvement would have been great.
A good coverage of the spaceflight years though and certainly the Apollo 11 flight.

The book is written by a very good friend of Neil and fellow pilot, who was also a tv reporter during those times.
Secrets and titbits of information kept secret, well there may be just a couple in there!

Overall a great book, but could have been a bit more than what it is.
7:10.

[mashman]

The Magic of Findhorn by Paul Hawken... Stunning, beautiful, sad, fantastical, spiritual etc... commentary of the journey's and testimonies of a disparate group of individuals that come together to form a garden, a community and a way of life that defied mainstream wisdom, confounding experts and offering a hope for the future.

"In Findhorn, they grow 40-pound cabbages, 8 foot delphiniums, and roses that bloom in the snow. What is the source of this spectacular success? Experts have concluded that there must be some vital unknown at work, some extraordinarily powerful Factor X. What is this X? And why has this garden of plants now become a garden of people who-like the plants-flourish and visibly glow? Now, Paul Hawken, who went as a skeptic, tells us why: "Findhorn may be a manifestation of light and power which could transform our planet within a lifetime." "

[avgas]

Oh the places you'll go - Dr Seuss

Fucken awesome book. Much better than the time I read my son 50 shades of grey

[george formby]

The Magic of Findhorn by Paul Hawken... Stunning, beautiful, sad, fantastical, spiritual etc... commentary of the journey's and testimonies of a disparate group of individuals that come together to form a garden, a community and a way of life that defied mainstream wisdom, confounding experts and offering a hope for the future.

"In Findhorn, they grow 40-pound cabbages, 8 foot delphiniums, and roses that bloom in the snow. What is the source of this spectacular success? Experts have concluded that there must be some vital unknown at work, some extraordinarily powerful Factor X. What is this X? And why has this garden of plants now become a garden of people who-like the plants-flourish and visibly glow? Now, Paul Hawken, who went as a skeptic, tells us why: "Findhorn may be a manifestation of light and power which could transform our planet within a lifetime." "

Is that where Mike Scott of The Waterboys lives / lived?

[mashman]

Is that where Mike Scott of The Waterboys lives / lived?

Dunno... a quick netz search says he recorded a solo album there. Findhorn must have been Scotland's best kept secret as I never heard of the place in the 20 years I was there. Iz got some fond memories associated with The Waterboys though.

[george formby]

Dunno... a quick netz search says he recorded a solo album there. Findhorn must have been Scotland's best kept secret as I never heard of the place in the 20 years I was there. Iz got some fond memories associated with The Waterboys though.

Many years ago me and a mate had our tents & bikes parked on the lawn at the back of the local pub after a days sea trout fishing on the Findhorn river.
We were parked in the bar. Mike Scott wandered in & it turned into the best jam session I have ever seen. Pipes, fiddles, borans and guitars appeared as if by magic. Place was rocking til 3am.
Oh happy days.

[mashman]

Many years ago me and a mate had our tents & bikes parked on the lawn at the back of the local pub after a days sea trout fishing on the Findhorn river.
We were parked in the bar. Mike Scott wandered in & it turned into the best jam session I have ever seen. Pipes, fiddles, borans and guitars appeared as if by magic. Place was rocking til 3am.
Oh happy days.

heh... sounds like a fun evenink. Had a similar entertainment when we took a diving party out to St Kilda. Cheap piss at the barracks and Mike Harding playing all night. Aye, the days.

Did you find anything pout about Findhorn whilst you were there?

[george formby]

Did you find anything pout about Findhorn whilst you were there?

Only the legend of the giant vegetables and tales of dancing around a bonfire naked, occasionally.

Anyhoo, back on track. Just put my nose into The Hitchhikers etc again. Best book on my shelf.

[Erelyes]

http://gyronny-books.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/0/5/1205802/s451709654958426_p355_i1_w267.jpeg
The Whale Road, by Robert Low

Great novel featuring Vikings in the Dark Age, generally fucking each other up in a frenzy of blood, gore and soup wounds.

Despite the basic-sounding premise it does have a few twists and turns, some comedy, some intrigue etc. First in a series of four, I am tucking into the second soon..... :devil2:

[Motu]

The Magic of Findhorn by Paul Hawken...

Oh man, that's going back a few years, back to hippy days. Still got a copy somewhere.

Urban Legend - Sir Dove-Myer Robinson by John Edgar. Everyone hates the Greens, and 50 years ago everyone hated what Robbie had to say - but he was right. Weep for lost opportunities Auckland, and thank Robbie for your beaches not covered in shit and tampons. What shocked me most about this book was that we fought the 2nd WW and stopped Hitler killing Jews, and in the '70's Robbie still had the Jew card dragged out.

[unstuck]

Bravemouth by Pamela Stevenson. Not as good as the first one "Billy" though.

[BuzzardNZ]

I just finished this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Needful_Things and really enjoyed it. Lot's of shit stirring and trouble making makes for an interesting entertaining plot.

Still, his best work IMO is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stand

[HenryDorsetCase]

The new William Gibson novel "The Peripheral" is being released this month.

You should, like, preorder it.

http://www.bookdepository.com/Peripheral-William-Gibson/9780399158445

you can read the first instalment here:

http://www.williamgibsonbooks.com/books/the_peripheral_excerpt.asp

Only one of the best writers currently writing in the English, and the best "science fiction" author pretty much ever.

You're welcome.

[george formby]

Only one of the best writers currently writing in the English, and the best "science fiction" author pretty much ever.

You're welcome.

You read much Iain Banks sci fi? If so how does he (Gibson) compare? For some reason Banks really engaged me but most other sci fi ends up back on the shelf.

[Drew]

Currently reading 'And the mountains echoed', by Khaled Hosseini.

A fictional story, that gives quite an insight to Afghanistan. The wars are of course in it, but that ain't what it's about.

[HenryDorsetCase]

You read much Iain Banks sci fi? If so how does he (Gibson) compare? For some reason Banks really engaged me but most other sci fi ends up back on the shelf.

As it happens, yes: I have read a lot of the Culture novels over the years and in fact have read and enjoyed The Hydrogen Sonata this year.

I dont think you can compare Gibson and Banks as authors, or label one as "better" than the other. I can give you some indications as to why I much prefer Gibson's work to Banks. And a reading list (its short: Everything.)

So, the focus of Gibson's work is neatly encapsulated in the phrase "High Tech, Low Life" (you can get the t shirt(s) here: http://www.memetictees.com/designs.html ). Gibson kind of created the so-called "cyberpunk" genre. Basically the idea is that of the people of the margins of a futuristic, but still very recognisable near-future using whatever they can to get whatever they need. In this world (which is of course OUR world, mostly) there are a group of people whose jobs (if you like) are to be thieves (Neuromancer/Sprawl Trilogy) or messengers (Bridge trilogy) or work security or whatever. The commentary (and that is what science fiction is about) is about marginalised people and the impact of technology on people's lives. It is very broadly a dystopian near-future.

I am simplifying that a lot: in particular you could make an argument that, for example, the Blue Ant trilogy isnt really about that stuff its more about corporate culture and people opting out. If you read them we should totally have that discussion.


Bank's universe of the Culture is that of a galactic civilisation which is entirely post-scarcity and has aliens and AI's and all those trappings. He takes a long time to tell a story and there are a lot of characters and its all good. It is a (pretty much) utopian far future.

Why I prefer Gibson's world is that it is dirtier, and somehow more real. His characters are fighting and fucking and hustling and generally just getting by, or getting even. I have a lot more in common with them than I do with the people in the Culture who I am sure have concerns like we all do (like that dude in the Hydrogen Sonata that was boinking that chick that was also boinking the president or something) but they are at a far remove from anything I can imagine.

So the TL;DR is: Gibson: gritty, real high tech low life, Banks high tech high life.

Pay your money and take your pick. Gibson has only published like ten books though all benefit from a second and third reading. the Blue Ant ones in particular which I didnt really like at first but now I really do.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_works_of_William_Gibson#Novels

Here is a bit of trivia: Gibson invented the term "cyberspace" as we understand it now: in NEUROMANCER.

Neuromancer is my favourite book by the way. Its, um, hero is Henry Dorsett Case. I am very biased.

[HenryDorsetCase]

OLD MAN'S WAR by John Scalzi

I read and enjoyed REDSHIRTS earlier this year and saw this and picked it up. Quite good I thought. Ripping yarn/epic adventure/space battle military science fiction. So obvious debts to in particular Heinlein (without a lot of the jingo-ism and misogyny).

I liked it.

As an aside, it was the first e-book I ever bought. I paid $29 for a paperback last week and I am like WTF? This was $8 or something. Happy with that and received value for money. Will trade again.

About to start ANCILLIARY JUSTICE which won all the prizes (Hugo, Nebula, Locus, Campbell) last year.

[BuzzardNZ]

OLD MAN'S WAR by John Scalzi



Yeah, I've read that too, not a bad SF novel which had a few unique ideas.

Was reading the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neal_Asher "Polity" series ( thanks to Bogan's recommendation ) which is the kind of Sci-Fi I like. Too bad that bloody Wellington Library is missing number 4 in the series of 7 :mad:

[HenryDorsetCase]

Yeah, I've read that too, not a bad SF novel which had a few unique ideas.

Was reading the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neal_Asher "Polity" series ( thanks to Bogan's recommendation ) which is the kind of Sci-Fi I like. Too bad that bloody Wellington Library is missing number 4 in the series of 7 :mad:

bookdepository.co.uk :) or ebook. cheap as chips au!

[bogan]

Had similar issues with Weber's Honor Harrington series, bought the first one that was missing in paperback, then got a kindle and bought the other 4 or 5 that were missing, so it has already paid itself off. Really nice to use too.

Homegrown recommendation Steve Wheeler's Fury of Aces series, a somewhat engineering oriented sci-fi, really neat concepts in it.

[Drew]

Currently reading 'And the mountains echoed', by Khaled Hosseini.

A fictional story, that gives quite an insight to Afghanistan. The wars are of course in it, but that ain't what it's about.
I can't decide if I liked the book or not. It's really sad in places, but cleverly ties things together sometimes very subtly.

[Anthony Wright]

If you havn't read any of his books I highly
recommend them as he draws you into each story and his books are easy to read with each character he paints a picture with words that really gets your imagination fired up. Currently reading Sycamore Row.

[ellipsis]

...I am reading some Bryce Courtenay stuff at the moment...never read any of his until the neighbour left one at our place, Four Fires...very humorous and familiar stuff, now my bro has given me another of his, The Potato Factory...not far into it but already thinking that I may read more of this blokes stuff...I had a period recently where I couldn't find a book to carry on with, in the vein of stuff that I was looking for...I even ate through a few Jack Reacher stories recently, until I had to ask myself, why.

[Icemaestro]

I've just finished all of Bryce's books...very similar bits through them all, but I enjoyed them


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mashman]

About to start this with dictionary at the ready.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2B3PVUsyaL._AA160_.jpg

[Katman]

At the moment I'm wading through Robert Fisk's 'The Great War for Civilisation'.

It's heavy going (and at over a thousand pages, a lengthy read) but its a real eye-opener into the lengths America has gone to in sticking their nose into other peoples business that shouldn't concern them.

[george formby]

At the moment I'm wading through Robert Fisk's 'The Great War for Civilisation'.

It's heavy going (and at over a thousand pages, a lengthy read) but its a real eye-opener into the lengths America has gone to in sticking their nose into other peoples business that shouldn't concern them.

I read that a few years ago. Actually got pulled aside at Heathrow & questioned as to why I was reading it. In hindsight it's a bit big for travel reading.
I keeping getting echoes from the book when I watch whats happening in the world at the moment. Particularly the quote given when the Treaty of Versaille was signed. "If it takes a hundred years we will restore the Caliphate".
And recently the chem weapons dumps in Iraq, American tech, European hardware, American assembled factories..
Either Robert Fisk has a crystal ball or history repeats more often than we realise.

Time to revisit methinks.

[Smifffy]

http://militaryandwar.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/No-Better-Death-with-border.jpg

No Better Death
The Great War diaries and letters of William G. Malone

I found this to be a real page turner, and it made for some deep thinking as well. An ordinary bloke, (if a bit of a fusspot), simply trying to do the best he can with what he has. Certainly evoked some scenes from Blackadder goes forth.

Rate it highly, will probably read again.

[BuzzardNZ]

Neuromancer is my favourite book by the way. Its, um, hero is Henry Dorsett Case. I am very biased.

Well, I'm glad someone enjoyed it because I certainly didn't :(

It's very rare that I'll start a book and not finish it, but this is what happened to me with this book, halfway through I thought 'fuck it, why am I bothering with this shit' and took it back to the library.

Each to their own though :yes:

[HenryDorsetCase]

Well, I'm glad someone enjoyed it because I certainly didn't :(

It's very rare that I'll start a book and not finish it, but this is what happened to me with this book, halfway through I thought 'fuck it, why am I bothering with this shit' and took it back to the library.

Each to their own though :yes:

BURN THE WITCH.

Nah, I feel you. People here raved about the M John Harrison books (Nova Swing and errrr others. a trilogy). I read them and hated every second of it.

[pete376403]

I read that a few years ago. Actually got pulled aside at Heathrow & questioned as to why I was reading it. In hindsight it's a bit big for travel reading.
I keeping getting echoes from the book when I watch whats happening in the world at the moment. Particularly the quote given when the Treaty of Versaille was signed. "If it takes a hundred years we will restore the Caliphate".
And recently the chem weapons dumps in Iraq, American tech, European hardware, American assembled factories..
Either Robert Fisk has a crystal ball or history repeats more often than we realise.

Time to revisit methinks.
Mostly "history repeats" I think. People seem uninterested in what has gone before, yet : “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” (Santayana, 1905)

[george formby]

Mostly "history repeats" I think. People seem uninterested in what has gone before, yet : �Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.� (Santayana, 1905)

Ain't that the truth. Read to broaden the mind.

I'm 2/3rds the way through CW2, Layne Heath. A novel about a Vietnam chopper pilot. I've read a fair bit on Vietnam, mainly historical, but this book has really given me a feel for it. Lots of short eloquent paragraphs in the story which fuse an image in your mind & take you into the heads of the individuals involved and the environment they have to deal with. The missions, base operations, the choppers etc. No love stories, just soldiers.
Good wee read which basically details an individuals two tours with no fantastic hero bullshit but all about the bottom line day to day human war & it's consequences.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Ain't that the truth. Read to broaden the mind.

I'm 2/3rds the way through CW2, Layne Heath. A novel about a Vietnam chopper pilot. I've read a fair bit on Vietnam, mainly historical, but this book has really given me a feel for it. Lots of short eloquent paragraphs in the story which fuse an image in your mind & take you into the heads of the individuals involved and the environment they have to deal with. The missions, base operations, the choppers etc. No love stories, just soldiers.
Good wee read which basically details an individuals two tours with no fantastic hero bullshit but all about the bottom line day to day human war & it's consequences.

You will likely also enjoy CHICKENHAWK by Robert Mason. Also a Vietnam chopper pilot.

http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780552124195?redirected=true&gclid=CI3I58qCisICFcKUvQodWWMAAw

[Akzle]

As far as my feet will carry me - Josef M. Bauer

feels a bit rushed (cramming 10 years into a thin paperback...) but a helluva story and well delivered.

[Tazz]

You will likely also enjoy CHICKENHAWK by Robert Mason. Also a Vietnam chopper pilot.

http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780552124195?redirected=true&gclid=CI3I58qCisICFcKUvQodWWMAAw

Bastard, this sprang to mind instantly also. +1 for Chickenhawk. Great read :niceone:

[Tazz]

...I am reading some Bryce Courtenay stuff at the moment...never read any of his until the neighbour left one at our place, Four Fires...very humorous and familiar stuff, now my bro has given me another of his, The Potato Factory...not far into it but already thinking that I may read more of this blokes stuff...I had a period recently where I couldn't find a book to carry on with, in the vein of stuff that I was looking for...I even ate through a few Jack Reacher stories recently, until I had to ask myself, why.

You tried any 'Andy McNab' stuff? Kinda lost interest in the later ones but enjoyed the first few.

[BuzzardNZ]

You tried any 'Andy McNab' stuff? Kinda lost interest in the later ones but enjoyed the first few.

Only read the first one but thought it was reasonably good.

[pete376403]

Bastard, this sprang to mind instantly also. +1 for Chickenhawk. Great read :niceone:

+++a few more for Chickenawk. Excellent book. Mason also wrote another book - Back in the World - about his life after Vietnam, attempted drug smuggling and his time in jail

[pete376403]

"Chavs - the demonization of the working class" - Owen Jones. Describing how politicans from Thatcher onward have destroyed the unions and working classes in UK, for the benefit of the upper classes. reads like a playbook for the current government of NZ

"All the devils are here" Bethany McLean and Joe Nocera. The hidden history of the GFC (in the US, but it had worldwide repercussions

"The smartest guys in the room" Bethany McLean and Peter Elkin. The rise and fall of Enron

(Kindle makes it far to easy to find and purchase interesting books...)

[Swoop]

You will likely also enjoy CHICKENHAWK by Robert Mason. Also a Vietnam chopper pilot.

http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780552124195?redirected=true&gclid=CI3I58qCisICFcKUvQodWWMAAw

Also:
http://www.amazon.com/Wings-Eagle-William-T-Grant/dp/080411062X

The Bible:
http://www.amazon.com/Low-Level-Hell-Hugh-Mills/dp/0891417192

http://www.amazon.com/To-The-Limit-Pilot-Vietnam/dp/0451222180

Ed Macy. Both from the Brit point of view in Afganistan. Good reading.
http://www.amazon.com/Hellfire-Ed-Macy/dp/0007288204
http://www.amazon.com/Apache-Inside-Cockpit-Fighting-Machine/dp/0802144780

All of them are bloody good reading!

[HenryDorsetCase]

I think it might have been you that recommended the Ed Macy AH64 books - on KB even. They were excellent. the descriptions of being able to read two different books simultaneously amazed me.

We've all read Antony Beevor, right?

Stalingrad, The fall of Paris etc? His book on Stalingrad is amazingly good.

http://www.bookdepository.com/Stalingrad-Antony-Beevor/9780141032405

[HenryDorsetCase]

looking through the last few pages of this thread (don't laugh - looking for something to read) it seems KB'ers like books on war, science fiction, and the occasional motorbike book.

[george formby]

I think it might have been you that recommended the Ed Macy AH64 books - on KB even. They were excellent. the descriptions of being able to read two different books simultaneously amazed me.

We've all read Antony Beevor, right?

Stalingrad, The fall of Paris etc? His book on Stalingrad is amazingly good.

http://www.bookdepository.com/Stalingrad-Antony-Beevor/9780141032405

Apache pilots? I read a book, the name of which escapes me about a British pilot in Afghanistan which had an incident where his wife caught him reading two things simultaneously. She was freaked. Probably called Apache.

And yeah, Stalingrad is a book I keep picking up and never cease to be horrified. I have yet to read Berlin.

[ellipsis]

You tried any 'Andy McNab' stuff? Kinda lost interest in the later ones but enjoyed the first few.

...a bit like you, Tazz...the first ones I read were kind of cool and quick fixes...but I got a bit fucked off with Macca's, shitting in a platic bag and when he ended up with a fucking Ducati, and he was a Rossi, I had had enough...

[Winston001]

We've all read Antony Beevor, right?

Stalingrad, The fall of Paris etc? His book on Stalingrad is amazingly good.

http://www.bookdepository.com/Stalingrad-Antony-Beevor/9780141032405

Antony Beevor's "The Second World War" is also excellent and I learnt a whole lot of new stuff. Such as the British navy sinking the French ships when Vichy France joined the Axis. The Battle of Madagascar. Jap invasion of Manchuria which set the ball rolling back in 1931. Recommended.

[Moi]

If you feel adventurous you could try sophisticated picture books - try your local library or local quality book shop and have a look.

Anything by Shaun Tan is worth reading even if it has no words, such as "The Arrivals". He's an Australian illustrator / artist and tells the story through amazing illustrations. Stanley Palmer's "To The Harbour" is another to look at. There are so many others...

[R650R]

Read Kindle version of Enforcer by Caeser Campbell cover to cover in less than 24 hours, couldn't put it down, great read.
Especially if you liked brothers in arms on TV, book gels well with the tv drama version of events later in the book.

http://www.panmacmillan.com.au/cover1/9781405040082.jpg

[unstuck]

Mental Chemistry & the Mastery of Destiny by Charles Haanel.
:niceone::niceone:

[Winston001]

For those of us who enjoy military technology stories this is an excellent novel. Richard Clarke advised three Presidents on defence matters. Here's a clip from a Washington Post review:

"Clearly, Clarke is borrowing from real life. In fact, as you read “Sting of the Drone” you get the sense that it isn’t fiction at all. Clarke has written a classic in the genre of what is known as insider fiction — a thriller inspired by real episodes to which government officials were privy when they were working their day jobs."

The book describes in fascinating detail how drones are used and even better, their limitations.

Recommended.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18404117-sting-of-the-drone

[unstuck]

Hokonui. F.W.G Miller.
The history of the Hokonui district, a riveting read.:laugh::laugh:

[FJRider]

Hokonui. F.W.G Miller.
The history of the Hokonui district, a riveting read.:laugh::laugh:

Does it include the recipe's .. ??? :shifty:

[R650R]

Read Kindle version of Enforcer by Caeser Campbell cover to cover in less than 24 hours, couldn't put it down, great read.
Especially if you liked brothers in arms on TV, book gels well with the tv drama version of events later in the book.


Bought Wrecking Crew by same author despite lot of negative reviews online. Excellent read and written in same style and lot more of the behind the scenes politics and power plays.
Highly recommend both.

[unstuck]

Does it include the recipe's .. ??? :shifty:

Not in this one, there is another about the Macrae brothers that I read a few years ago that does though.:niceone:

Just started THE GOLDEN JUNCTION. Episodes in Alexandras history by John Mcraw
Loving it so far.:Punk::Punk:

[HenryDorsetCase]

re-reading The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins.


So much win. accessible style too, don't be frightened of it, get stuck in.

[bogan]

re-reading The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins.


So much win. accessible style too, don't be frightened of it, get stuck in.

Not read that one (non-fiction is generally reserved for books enabling creation of things, like Advanced Engineering Mathmatics (a real page turner)), but Weber's Safehold series is a good mix of storytelling and thought provoking religious overtones.

[george formby]

re-reading The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins.


So much win. accessible style too, don't be frightened of it, get stuck in.

LOL. Really enjoyed that book. Must re-visit, too.
Must make an effort to read some Christopher Hitchins on the topic.

Just digging into The Coldest Winter, David Halberstam, about the Korean War. Starting off as bleak as the title.

To counterpoint I'm dipping into The complete Peter Cook. Tragically I was an only twin. More a book of his writing than autobiography.

[unstuck]

Can anybody recommend any good books on the history of Roxburgh township, mainly it's early settlers and local stonemasons or builders? :niceone:

[awa355]

Can anybody recommend any good books on the history of Roxburgh township, mainly it's early settlers and local stonemasons or builders? :niceone:

Try this link, http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc04Cycl-t1-body1-d5-d51-d15.html

wont be quite what you want but may have have some interesting facts.

Also try http://www.livingheritage.org.nz/schools/primary/roxburgh/landmarks/index.html

[unstuck]

Try this link, http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc04Cycl-t1-body1-d5-d51-d15.html

wont be quite what you want but may have have some interesting facts.

Also try http://www.livingheritage.org.nz/schools/primary/roxburgh/landmarks/index.html

Cheers dude, will have a browse.:2thumbsup

[Akzle]

'view from the summit'
by our own ed hillary.
Dry. Very dry. Compelling none the less, and some cool yarns:

[...knew we would have to bail out before the other tank exploded...i fell on the engine covers through which the flames were spurting. the pain was *quite considerable* (emphasis mine. What a dude).
I had the feeling that now i knew what a piece of bacon felt like]

[unstuck]

Clyde on the Dunstan. Isobel Veitch. Gold mining history of the Dunstan area.

[Akzle]

have we got a fuken e-reader thread?
Thinking about one.
Gen1 kindle seems to come up frequently.
Main concern is copyright shit, how do they manage that?
I have a stack of pdf on pc that i wont sit in front to read, nor print, but no idea about 'legality'

[unstuck]

have we got a fuken e-reader thread?
Thinking about one.
Gen1 kindle seems to come up frequently.
Main concern is copyright shit, how do they manage that?
I have a stack of pdf on pc that i wont sit in front to read, nor print, but no idea about 'legality'

What the hell is an e-reader?
I like books cos I don't have to have a powercord hanging out of the hammock.:niceone:

[bogan]

What the hell is an e-reader?
I like books cos I don't have to have a powercord hanging out of the hammock.:niceone:

It's a lightweight racing book, no more squashed faces from 2+kg of wordses.

I got mine cos books are way cheaper on it, but still use library if they have em in stock. I wasn't convinced initially, but tbh, I think I'd rather read all books on it now.

[Akzle]

I wasn't convinced initially, but tbh, I think I'd rather read all books on it now.
i wouldnt, its for the rare pdf that isnt available/easy in print.
Most my reading still be paper.

what did you get? Whts wrong with it? can you get porn on it? And teh illegal?

[bogan]

i wouldnt, its for the rare pdf that isnt available/easy in print.
Most my reading still be paper.

what did you get? Whts wrong with it? can you get porn on it? And teh illegal?

Refurbished kindle, nothing, would be shit porn if you could, dunno haven't tried.

[pete376403]

I've got two kindles, a paperwhite (black text on white background, no colour) very thin and light, battery last ages between charges. Its the "advertising supported' version, which is cheaper but will display adverts when not being used. Other one is a Kindle Fire first gen, colour screen, stereo audio, thicker, heavier, less battery life. Kindle is Amazons e-reader so very easy to get books from Amazon, not so easy to get from other places. Local library doesn't have books in Kindle format (they do Kobo)
Google "conver pdf to kindle" there's plenty of ways to do it

[Akzle]

I've got two kindles, a paperwhite (black text on white background, no colour) very thin and light, battery last ages between charges. Its the "advertising supported' version, which is cheaper but will display adverts when not being used. Other one is a Kindle Fire first gen, colour screen, stereo audio, thicker, heavier, less battery life. Kindle is Amazons e-reader so very easy to get books from Amazon, not so easy to get from other places. Local library doesn't have books in Kindle format (they do Kobo)
Google "conver pdf to kindle" there's plenty of ways to do it

chur.

Batt life good.
Not need colour.
One i googled seemed to pdf but wasnt kobo...then, i dont pay much attention.

Paperwhite sounds good but dont want it to jew my bandwidth downloading ads. Presumably can be set to offline?

[pete376403]

chur.

Batt life good.
Not need colour.
One i googled seemed to pdf but wasnt kobo...then, i dont pay much attention.

Paperwhite sounds good but dont want it to jew my bandwidth downloading ads. Presumably can be set to offline?

Oh yeah. Turn on Airplane mode and it disables wifi

[rustyrobot]

Google "conver pdf to kindle" there's plenty of ways to do it

Calibre (http://calibre-ebook.com/) is the tool to use. Free and open source.

You can also block the adverts in the ad supported version (or make it display your images instead).

[husaberg]

Read Angela's ashes on Friday and Saturday night.
The book I felt ended a couple of pages too early (Hollywood sequel)
An easy read well worth the Pulitzer......

[Swoop]

John Cleese.
So, Anyway...

An autobiography from growing up and school days, all the way up to the Python days.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but was laughing out loud within the first few pages! A story, enmeshed with a bit of psychology, a massive dose of humour and a splash of tobasco.

Quite a few surprises for the novice...

10:10.

[mashman]

Bringers of the Dawn - Barbara Marciniak. Channeling from the Pleiadians describing what we are and what could be.

[Kickaha]

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/bookstore.png

[HenryDorsetCase]

Bringers of the Dawn - Barbara Marciniak. Channeling from the Pleiadians describing what we are and what could be.

http://www.amazon.com/Bringers-Dawn-Pleiadians-Barbara-Marciniak/dp/093968098X




Compiled from more than four hundred hours of channeling by Barbara Marciniak, Bringers of the Dawn imparts to us the wisdom of the Pleiadians, a group of enlightened beings who have come to Earth to help us discover how to reach a new stage of evolution..


AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA


AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHHHA


yep, its all starting to make sense now.

thank you for an excellent, actual, Laugh Out Loud.

[mashman]

http://www.amazon.com/Bringers-Dawn-Pleiadians-Barbara-Marciniak/dp/093968098X

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA


AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHHHA


yep, its all starting to make sense now.

thank you for an excellent, actual, Laugh Out Loud.

I thought it'd tickle a few of ya... and yes, it is all starting to make sense now ;)

[HenryDorsetCase]

Neal Stephenson's new book SEVENEVES (it might be SEVEN EVES) is very good. Very good hard science science fiction of the type I most enjoy.

Typical Neal: he loves the hard science thing and he has done a LOT of research and he is real keen to tell you about it. Decent story (ITS THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT) and some great ideas which presumably are rooted in near-future do-ability. the space elevators and the space bolo thingys are brilliant. and the airtrains.

anyway: if you like his other stuff (and why wouldn't you?) then you will likely enjoy this too.

[Laava]

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom.

[george formby]

I'm reading Excession, again. Iain M Banks. May he rest in peace with whiskey.

OCP... "The usual example given to illustrate an Outside Context Problem was imagining you were a tribe on a largish, fertile island; you'd tamed the land, invented the wheel or writing or whatever, the neighbors were cooperative or enslaved but at any rate peaceful and you were busy raising temples to yourself with all the excess productive capacity you had, you were in a position of near-absolute power and control which your hallowed ancestors could hardly have dreamed of and the whole situation was just running along nicely like a canoe on wet grass... when suddenly this bristling lump of iron appears sailless and trailing steam in the bay and these guys carrying long funny-looking sticks come ashore and announce you've just been discovered, you're all subjects of the Emperor now, he's keen on presents called tax and these bright-eyed holy men would like a word with your priests."

Wiki sums it up better than me. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excession)

Great Sci fi.

[Akzle]

stark, by ben elton.

A not-so pisstake about how jews are fucking up the planet. Hilariously delivered. But much saddening at the same time.

[pritch]

"The Girl in the Spiders Web", the new entry in the Millenium trilogy. Which makes it a four book trilogy, but Spike Milligan already did one of those so...
"Make Me", the latest Jack Reacher. OK I'm shallow.

Currently reading "Being There" by Hugh Anderson. (Back to reality - and motorcycling.)

Then "Willie Nelson".

[HenryDorsetCase]

CASH the Johnny Cash biography by Robert Hilburn.

I'm a fan so I am enjoying it. I'm up to around 1956 57 when he is starting to make it big.

[Motu]

I read Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London - then went back to the library and cleaned the shelves of all his books in that series. Diana Gabaldon wrote - ''What if Harry Potter grew up and joined the fuzz?'' He has written some Dr Who episodes - magic and British humour.

The girls of the family read Diana Gabaldon, they are very much into her, but much laughing and critisism of her Americanisms.

[Woodman]

"The Girl in the Spiders Web", the new entry in the Millenium trilogy. Which makes it a four book trilogy, but Spike Milligan already did one of those so...
"Make Me", the latest Jack Reacher. OK I'm shallow.

Currently reading "Being There" by Hugh Anderson. (Back to reality - and motorcycling.)

Then "Willie Nelson".

Whats up with Jack Reacher? The violence is just not there anymore.:bye:

[Motu]

They've had to downsize him to Tom Cruise stature, a short arse just can't do Jack Reacher stuff. Has anyone seen the movie? I'm too scared to look, when I read Jack Reacher, I just don't see Tom there. I read one last week, forget what it was called, but an earliier one.

[Kickaha]

They've had to downsize him to Tom Cruise stature, a short arse just can't do Jack Reacher stuff. Has anyone seen the movie? I'm too scared to look, when I read Jack Reacher, I just don't see Tom there. I read one last week, forget what it was called, but an earliier one.

The movie is fucking shit, dont bother watching it, they got some dwarf playing Reacher


Just finished "The long Utopia" part of a four book series by Terry Pratchett and Stepehn Baxter, can't say I liked it as much the the first two

Just started Greg Bear's "City at the end of time" and finding it pretty hard going to point I am not sure I will continue with it

[Akzle]

Just finished "The long Utopia" part of a four book series by Terry Pratchett and Stepehn Baxter, can't say I liked it as much the the first two



fuck series'.

But pratchett is normally pretty good.

[Swoop]

Which makes it a four book trilogy, but Spike Milligan already did one of those so...

Eh?
Spike's memoirs are not four books.

[R650R]

have we got a fuken e-reader thread?
Thinking about one.
Gen1 kindle seems to come up frequently.
Main concern is copyright shit, how do they manage that?
I have a stack of pdf on pc that i wont sit in front to read, nor print, but no idea about 'legality'

I have the last Kindle they made with keypad before they went all touch screen. It is very functional and easy on the eyes as you need an external light source like sun or lightbulb, behaves essentiually same as printed paper.
Easy to change font and flip pages etc and comes with built in dictionary for those grammar Nazi moments.

I've not really used it though since I bought a jEWPAD 4 retina and jEWPHONE 6plus as I have jewBOOKS app and Kindle app on there.
The Kindle app on jEWPHONE opens all PDF's in my library and could do it straight from emails to when mag sent coversheets to proof.
I still love real books but if its something I'll likely only read once I'll buy the ebook version, mostly just to get it instantly and also slightly cheaper.

[Akzle]

I have the last Kindle they made with keypad before they went all touch screen. It is very functional and easy on the eyes as you need an external light source like sun or lightbulb, behaves essentiually same as printed paper.
Easy to change font and flip pages etc and comes with built in dictionary for those grammar Nazi moments.

I've not really used it though since I bought a jEWPAD 4 retina and jEWPHONE 6plus as I have jewBOOKS app and Kindle app on there.
The Kindle app on jEWPHONE opens all PDF's in my library and could do it straight from emails to when mag sent coversheets to proof.
I still love real books but if its something I'll likely only read once I'll buy the ebook version, mostly just to get it instantly and also slightly cheaper.

five buck and a bag of chips for it, then sir!

Also, must spread rep...

[Motu]

Apart from bikes, our other obsesion is books, something we've passed down to our kids. So, the 3 car garage is full off non working motorcycles...but the house, garage and sleepout are full of books. I don't buy books anymore, I use the library...and have a Kobo so I can get books out 24/7. I don't use it all the time, but if I finish a book without another ready to go, I get onto the online library. I've always been addicted, I have to have a book to be reading otherwise it's back to cornflake packets and clothing labels.

[Akzle]

Apart from bikes, our other obsesion is books, something we've passed down to our kids. So, the 3 car garage is full off non working motorcycles...but the house, garage and sleepout are full of books. I don't buy books anymore, I use the library...and have a Kobo so I can get books out 24/7. I don't use it all the time, but if I finish a book without another ready to go, I get onto the online library. I've always been addicted, I have to have a book to be reading otherwise it's back to cornflake packets and clothing labels.

i use the library,,, but i dont have a library card (jew tracking shit, srsly. It's harder to get a library card than a fucken gun license).

Thankfully, our library disbands stacks of books on a semi regular basis, which i pick up. Keep the ones i have someone in mind for/ would read again, the rest go to op shops and the like. Fuck knows how copyright holders make money anymore. Open source ftw!

[awayatc]

They've had to downsize him to Tom Cruise stature, a short arse just can't do Jack Reacher stuff. Has anyone seen the movie? I'm too scared to look, when I read Jack Reacher, I just don't see Tom there. I read one last week, forget what it was called, but an earliier one.

Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher= Jack Russel........

[HenryDorsetCase]

The best science fiction I read last year was "The Three Body Problem" by Caixin LIU. Chinese and translated. Its really good. Cultural revolution, aliens, and hard core astrophysics. A++ would trade again. Which is a good thing becuase the sequel (its a trilogy) has just been published in English.

[pritch]

Eh?
Spike's memoirs are not four books.

Ah yes. It was four last time looked. I see it's seven now.
So many books, so little time.:rolleyes:

[Tazz]

The best science fiction I read last year was "The Three Body Problem" by Caixin LIU. Chinese and translated. Its really good. Cultural revolution, aliens, and hard core astrophysics. A++ would trade again. Which is a good thing becuase the sequel (its a trilogy) has just been published in English.

Will look this up.
I've just been chewing through the Enders series and Enders Shadow series.

Sometimes I wonder if it would be better to sit down and read a bible while making starship like chirpy noises instead.

[george formby]

Apart from bikes, our other obsesion is books, something we've passed down to our kids. So, the 3 car garage is full off non working motorcycles...but the house, garage and sleepout are full of books. I don't buy books anymore, I use the library...and have a Kobo so I can get books out 24/7. I don't use it all the time, but if I finish a book without another ready to go, I get onto the online library. I've always been addicted, I have to have a book to be reading otherwise it's back to cornflake packets and clothing labels.

Ditto. I never have less than 3 books on the bedside table. Luckily the missus has a 2nd hand bookshop.. We need a thread on cool bookshelves. I want to put up a full wall floating shelf made out of sprung steel, like a big sine wave.

[bogan]

Ditto. I never have less than 3 books on the bedside table. Luckily the missus has a 2nd hand bookshop.. We need a thread on cool bookshelves. I want to put up a full wall floating shelf made out of sprung steel, like a big sine wave.

This thread should suffice.

But wouldn't the books fall over? :confused:

If we are talking book accessories, I have some mint reading lamps, about 500 leds...

[Akzle]

Ditto. I never have less than 3 books on the bedside table. Luckily the missus has a 2nd hand bookshop.. We need a thread on cool bookshelves. I want to put up a full wall floating shelf made out of sprung steel, like a big sine wave.

cement blocks, beer crates and a mix of stolen scaffold planks and ripped doors...


But your idea sounds cool too.

[AllanB]

The Sandman Slim series. Just got book 7 from Book Depository (free shipping). Looking forward to it.

On the home run with the final book of the Hugh Howey Silo trilogy (Wool, Shift & Dust) - a excellent vision of a not too distant future.

[HenryDorsetCase]

The Sandman Slim series. Just got book 7 from Book Depository (free shipping). Looking forward to it.

On the home run with the final book of the Hugh Howey Silo trilogy (Wool, Shift & Dust) - a excellent vision of a not too distant future.

interesting: I started WOOL and read the first story which I thought was OK then the plot, and characters all changed and I am all like "WTF is up with that?" And I got annoyed and put it down and lost interest.

Same with "Perdido Street Station" by China Mieville. Apparently it is marvellous but I simply couldnt get into it.

[AllanB]

It looks like that but all three books intertwine characters - it starts to click in book two. I won't say much more as it would give away the plot.

[mynemesis]

Rare for me to have time to sit down and read an actual book of words and stuff. Usually listen to audio books, podcasts and the such while driving or working, but...

....Just started reading (1 or 2 pages a session only) graham hancock's, Magicians of the gods. Link below -

http://www.amazon.com/Magicians-Gods-Forgotten-Wisdom-Civilization/dp/1250045924


Definitely worth a look if youre into history of society and archaeology and stuff.

In a nut shell, everything you were taught about civilization only being a few thousand years old is guff and Atlantis was quite likely a real place (as far as I've got so far).

[Akzle]

Jupiters Travels. In Camera.

less words, more pics. good for short attention spans. would be epic coffee table book i reckon. funny, some cool photography (with real cameras and shit) and good yarns.

[merv]

5 years after he signed my copy I'm finally reading Croz's book - about half way through and a great read so far.

[DamianW]

Just started Hugh Anderson's Being There - great reading.

[merv]

Just started Hugh Anderson's Being There - great reading.

Read that one a few months ago and the technical detail Hugh included was hugely fascinating about how he managed to get the best out of the tiny bikes.

[ellipsis]

I found a Jack Reacher at the library that I had not read, a couple of weeks ago. I had had enough of him a year or so ago, but as usual, I could not put the bloody thing down. As usual I was pissed off that I had zipped through it so quick and had developed the taste for another one. A week trip to Stewart Island over the new year period and the library being closed, put paid to taking another away so I chose a new author and a book that had been hanging around here for some time, to take.

We stopped at Palmerston for a coffee and sandwich and while the tribe were fluffing around I looked in the second hand book shop and lo and behold, a new Jack Reacher and only five bucks. Now I'm ready for another one. What is it about Lee Child's writing, that he can turn a load of drivel into such entertaining stuff? It's got me beat.

[Swoop]

Hitler's Battleships, by Edwyn Gray.

A very fast read over the last week. Interesting to note that the first "era" began well before Fred Hitler came to power. Quite some time, in fact. The designs were rather erratically put together, since Fred didn't want to upset the applecart.
Result: Fred ended up with only 2 Battleships. The rest would only be classed as "heavy cruisers". Guess he was into Harley Fergussons back then too. It must be the leather trousers doing it.

Good old Fred. He was really the man to fuck things up beyond repair. He really was so far up his own egotistical arse that controlling the army and navy to a micro-management level resulted in the results we see through history.

This book provides a great review of each ship and her destiny. From Langsdorff's highly successful raiding with Graf Spee, which if emulated would have tied up many more resources of the RN & RAF, was not capitalised on.

8:10.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I found a Jack Reacher at the library that I had not read, a couple of weeks ago. I had had enough of him a year or so ago, but as usual, I could not put the bloody thing down. As usual I was pissed off that I had zipped through it so quick and had developed the taste for another one. A week trip to Stewart Island over the new year period and the library being closed, put paid to taking another away so I chose a new author and a book that had been hanging around here for some time, to take.

We stopped at Palmerston for a coffee and sandwich and while the tribe were fluffing around I looked in the second hand book shop and lo and behold, a new Jack Reacher and only five bucks. Now I'm ready for another one. What is it about Lee Child's writing, that he can turn a load of drivel into such entertaining stuff? It's got me beat.

Yeah, It just grabs you and doesnt let go. I read trashy stuff like that, or science fiction (or books about motorbikes) mainly. I've read most of Robert Crais Elvis Cole/Joe Pike books, and all of Reacher. A workmate recently lent me some David Baldaccis which were quite good.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Science Fiction fans: try Ann Leckie's ANCILLIARY JUSTICE, ANCILLIARY SWORD and ANCILLIARY MERCY.

some quite good ideas, well experessed. Justice won a bunch of prizes that were well deserved. very worthwhile

[awa355]

I've got two books out of the local library, a Lee Child (Reacher) book and a Nelson DeMille book. The DeMille book "The quest" is the first of this author's books that I probably wont finish. His earlier books eg, 'Plum Island, The Lion's Game, Up Country' were good. Like the reacher books, the super tough american patriot type hero can wear a bit thin after so many re-hashes.

[DamianW]

Been meaning to read 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' for years so no excuse now that I've reserved it with Auckland libraries.

[Moi]

Enjoying these two...

Have read Don Loffler's earlier books about the Holden 48 and FJ.

[Icemaestro]

Currently reading the Dexter series of books by Jeff Lindsay - just as good if not better than the tv series, which is rare


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Laava]

Marching Powder by Rusty Young. About San Pedro prison in La Paz, Bolivia

[Tazz]

Currently reading the Dexter series of books by Jeff Lindsay - just as good if not better than the tv series, which is rare


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bah, books are always better than wallyvision! Way more detail =)

[Swoop]

Bah, books are always better than wallyvision! Way more detail =)

As the saying goes: "Never judge a book by its movie".

[HenryDorsetCase]

So I really liked the TV show THE EXPANSE which aired on the SyFy channel this year. I dont think it has or will come to peasant TV (what does?) and I dont know about pay TV or Sky or whatever. Anyway, absolutely recommended TV show. Based, it turns out, on a bunch of books.

So I have read the first three books in "The Expanse" series: by James SA Corey: "Leviathan Wakes", "Caliban's War" and "Abaddon's Gate". I really enjoyed them. They are kind of high adventure, ripping yarn Science Fiction which I enjoy immensely. I had a lot of fun reading them and recommend them. I am getting the next three after I finish my next couple of books (I got the "David Bowie Is...." book and I have "Ready Player One" as well).

Oh, and I recently read Iain M Banks Culture novel "Use of Weapons". I am not an early adopter of his books - I find them usually pretty ponderous and lacking a sense of humour (except for the ship names). I did enjoy this one though.

[Black Knight]

Orphan X--A really cool read

[Paul in NZ]

Orphan X--A really cool read

Its on my list..

We both enjoyed Coffin Road...

[OddDuck]

The Cartel - Don Winslow

Sequel to The Power Of The Dog, which was immense in scope and scale, massively powerful story of the growth of the Mexican drug trade and America's War on Drugs. Grim but awesome. The Cartel follows on, basically the same thing, but there's no getting around how nasty it's all become. The violence (yes, even in print) just became hideous and about the halfway mark I put it down.

Shame really. When Winslow does purely fictional crime, he's fast, he's funny, he's very engaging. The Death and Life of Bobby Z was a lot of fun, so was The Gentlemen's Hour.

[Tazz]

Anyone using e-readers? Recommendations? Going travelling and think I'll want one so I don't have a flat batt on the phone all the time.

[eldog]

Anyone using e-readers? Recommendations? Going travelling and think I'll want one so I don't have a flat batt on the phone all the time.

Thought about it a few times, but when I went to buy one on more than one occassion, I wasn't convinced I would use it that much. Used to be an avid reader.
Having said that, I wondered if you could use a notepad/ipad type device for same?
Dunno about the cost but it could do more than the e-reader?

Mate of mine recently brought his missus (reads a lot of novels etc-chick stuff) a sort of notepad thingy as an e-reader, she wasn't convinced its still sitting in a drawer AFAIK.

[Kickaha]

Recommendations? .

Yes, Burn the Heretic

[HenryDorsetCase]

Anyone using e-readers? Recommendations? Going travelling and think I'll want one so I don't have a flat batt on the phone all the time.

I have a Samsung Galaxy tablet. I use Google Play books and read a few books that way. Pluses: for pulp books that you wont read again they are good: no clutter. Cheap(er) than buying books even on www.bookdepository.com. The reading experience is OK, and the bookmark thing is good. battery life seems OK ish though a friend with a Kindle raves about his. I also use zinio for magazines which is great. They are super cheap and so you feel good taking a punt on something - so I have a whole collection of gay lifestyle/Honda Riders Club magazines which is great.

minuses: For books you want to keep (basically any motorcycle book) I want hard copies. For books wit dem pitchers I want the big book (like my DAvid Bowie Is.... book or the motorcycle books). I find it harder to sit down and read on the tablet than I do with a book. I like the user experience with a book more betterer but I am old.

I think if you buy one (I nearly did last year) a Kindle, and pay extra for the ad-free one but it only does books - not magazines as far as I know.

[Paul in NZ]

I have a basic Kindle and Vicki has a Kindle Fire... Its her second Kindle... Bloody good things....

[Black Knight]

Its on my list..

We both enjoyed Coffin Road.

A bit too much about the weather in Coffin Road for me-we all know that Outer Hebs has shit weather so why waste pages reminding us every 5 pages.
I would put Orphan X up there with the best two books I have ever read,and I read a lot.

[Paul in NZ]

Its on my list..

We both enjoyed Coffin Road.

A bit too much about the weather in Coffin Road for me-we all know that Outer Hebs has shit weather so why waste pages reminding us every 5 pages.
I would put Orphan X up there with the best two books I have ever read,and I read a lot.

Awesome - I'll stick it on the Kindle...

[Tazz]

Thought about it a few times, but when I went to buy one on more than one occassion, I wasn't convinced I would use it that much. Used to be an avid reader.
Having said that, I wondered if you could use a notepad/ipad type device for same?
Dunno about the cost but it could do more than the e-reader?

Mate of mine recently brought his missus (reads a lot of novels etc-chick stuff) a sort of notepad thingy as an e-reader, she wasn't convinced its still sitting in a drawer AFAIK.

Get one. You will read way more.

I already read on phone, it's for me, won't sit in drawer...;)


I have a Samsung Galaxy tablet. I use Google Play books and read a few books that way. Pluses: for pulp books that you wont read again they are good: no clutter. Cheap(er) than buying books even on www.bookdepository.com. The reading experience is OK, and the bookmark thing is good. battery life seems OK ish though a friend with a Kindle raves about his. I also use zinio for magazines which is great. They are super cheap and so you feel good taking a punt on something - so I have a whole collection of gay lifestyle/Honda Riders Club magazines which is great.

minuses: For books you want to keep (basically any motorcycle book) I want hard copies. For books wit dem pitchers I want the big book (like my DAvid Bowie Is.... book or the motorcycle books). I find it harder to sit down and read on the tablet than I do with a book. I like the user experience with a book more betterer but I am old.

I think if you buy one (I nearly did last year) a Kindle, and pay extra for the ad-free one but it only does books - not magazines as far as I know.

Battery life and size are two big pros for the Kindle/competitors equivalent, plus possibly cost compared to a good tablet. Didn't think about magazines but tbh I don't really read any other than what I find next to peoples toilets anyway XD

As for ad-free......da fuq! Will have to look into that more as that is definitely something I didn't know about. Ads should only come with free shit!


Yes, Burn the Heretic


http://i.imgur.com/glZHAFy.jpg

[Kickaha]

I have a basic Kindle and Vicki has a Kindle Fire... Its her second Kindle... Bloody good things....
I'm not sure we can still be friends

[Paul in NZ]

I'm not sure we can still be friends

Used to be in your camp but I got Vicki a kindle as she is dyslexic. Most kindle books have a txt to speech function that helps scaffold her over the places where she would usually get stuck and frustrated. Before kindle Vicki had read maybe 5 books in her whole life and now she devours them like a hungry caterpillar... Probably well over a 100 books now. You cannot tell me that this is a bad thing... Imagine if you couldn't read easily?? Wouldn't you use a technology that allows you into the world of books?? Knowledge, vocab and spelling have improved beyond all expectations and shes just loving it...

Sadly she dropped her 1st kindle trying to iron and read at the same time - you would honestly have thought one of the kids had died...

So I replaced it - and failed to notice that the new one had no headphone jack... Bummer...

So I got her the Kindle Fire and now she has her own FB account and does a bunch of other stuff too PLUS she is still reading and it does do magazines...

So I picked up the duff replacement one. I use it on the train as its light and easy to carry plus the drool when I fall asleep wipes right off. Its always preloaded a book ahead so I always have something to read....

I'm converted...

[Ocean1]

Anyone using e-readers? Recommendations? Going travelling and think I'll want one so I don't have a flat batt on the phone all the time.

Mini ipad running kindle.

Not necessarily the best of both worlds, but certainly fairly large lumps of them.

It is legal to share accounts across three or four devices, init? :shifty:

[pete376403]

Mini ipad running kindle.

Not necessarily the best of both worlds, but certainly fairly large lumps of them.

It is legal to share accounts across three or four devices, init? :shifty:

Yes, I have two Kindles and the account works on both of them, books appear on both of them (if that's what you are asking)

[carbonhed]

Anyone using e-readers? Recommendations? Going travelling and think I'll want one so I don't have a flat batt on the phone all the time.

We've got two of the early Kindle e-reader's, a Kindle Fire tablet and a Sony Xperia tablet. They're brilliant for travelling.

The dedicated e-readers are lighter, have better battery life and they're better to read on especially in sunlight.... even so I think we'll be staying with the tablets in future.

http://www.tabletpcreview.com/tabletreview/sony-xperia-z4-tablet-review/

[Tazz]

Well Kindle seems to be the popular choice. Cheers team.

Tablet isn't an option. Need an e-reader otherwise I might as well just get some extra battery packs for my phone (which come with their own hassles).

[Ocean1]

Well Kindle seems to be the popular choice. Cheers team.

Tablet isn't an option. Need an e-reader otherwise I might as well just get some extra battery packs for my phone (which come with their own hassles).

I'm missing something?

A tablet isn't much bigger than an actual kindle, is much more reader friendly than a phone, lasts tens of hrs for simple reading, has most of the reading functions of a kindle and at least an order of magnitude more functionality.

[Tazz]

I'm missing something?

Price
Battery (weeks vs days)
Size (again, price. Slim tablet cost vs e-reader = more dollar dollar bills y'all)
Phone is big (Xperia) Don't need a tablet for any other use than reading (waste of extra $$$)

For better or worse that is where my mind is coming from =)

[Akzle]

long way down.

Jesus fucking fuck am i glad i didnt pay for this.
Two uninsightful whining pommy assholes who moan their way through africa on motorcycles.
Do not recommend.

[OddDuck]

Killing Rommel, Steven Pressfield.

Fucking hell it was good. Historical fiction, WWII, tank warfare and Long Range Desert Patrol Group shenanigans. Got that authentic ring to it the whole way through, fantastic read of men at war.

[Stylo]

This may have mentioned before but if you have a chance you should read 'Deep water and shoal ' by William Albert Robinson. First published in 1931 and the true story of a young bloke who pushed his yacht out from New York and sailed around the world. Told first hand, the writing is up there and one of those books you can't put down.

If you can find a copy that is ...

Currently reading Jonas Jonasson 'The Hundred year old man who climbed out of the window and disappeared'

Swedish dry humour at it's best

[Akzle]

This may have mentioned before but if you have a chance you should read 'Deep water and shoal ' by William Albert Robinson. First published in 1931 and the true story of a young bloke who pushed his yacht out from New York and sailed around the world. Told first hand, the writing is up there and one of those books you can't put down.

If you can find a copy that is ...

Currently reading Jonas Jonasson 'The Hundred year old man who climbed out of the window and disappeared'

Swedish dry humour at it's best

a swedish joke is no laughing matter...