Read a good book lately?

[Ocean1]

Yup, a rather large packet of 'what-if's'.
My point really is; if someone writes a story/article on something in the real world, say an engine or motorcycle for example, if the writer gets one tiny detail wrong the whole thing looks like bollocks and their credibilty goes out the window. SciFi writers can write what the hell they like; it's all fiction. Also, as others have mentioned it here, I can't get my head around religion either; a big punch up to see who has the best imaginary friend? What's that all about?

I'm a hands-on, practical type; if you can't touch it, see it, eat it, ride it or spend it there's a pretty good chance it ISN'T THERE!

It's probably why SciFi and Religion are so close together in the library.

I'm not trying to wind you up my friend, I just don't get it.

In identifying SF as a shitload of "what if's" you're perfectly correct. Limiting your own reading to the relms of the "what if's" that are currently possible is also perfectly OK. Can you see that some of us, (while having little interest in science fantasy) enjoy the excercise of exploring tomorrow's "what if's"? Some of that conjecture doesn't require faster than light or time travel either, it's a perfectly valid set of assumptions about technology that's more than likely to be available in out lifetimes. Will your kids live in a world with far more oportunities than us dude? It may well depend on how we manage our "what if's".

[Scouse]

anything by Nelson DeMille like word of Honour, Gold Coast, Plum Island, Up Country.

[peasea]

In identifying SF as a shitload of "what if's" you're perfectly correct. Limiting your own reading to the relms of the "what if's" that are currently possible is also perfectly OK. Can you see that some of us, (while having little interest in science fantasy) enjoy the excercise of exploring tomorrow's "what if's"? Some of that conjecture doesn't require faster than light or time travel either, it's a perfectly valid set of assumptions about technology that's more than likely to be available in out lifetimes. Will your kids live in a world with far more oportunities than us dude? It may well depend on how we manage our "what if's".

I can understand some planning for the future and your reference to Orwell's 1984, you do need to have your eyes open. You're also right about time travel; when my first daughter was born my eldest sister said "she'll be leaving home before you know it". Guess what? Almost eighteen years have passed since that comment and the world is a different place.

...and yes, I can see, while at the same time I'm sure you can too. If you know what I mean.

If I can add; I do feel that the swing of so many toward technology is detrimental. Some? Fine, but where are our plumbers, builders and mechanics? Today's kids know their way around a computer or X-box but few of them know where their car's sump plug is or how to fix a tap washer.

Read on, McDuff.............

[Drunken Monkey]

Just because I don't read Sci Fi doesn't mean I'm a 'literary ignoramus'

You're right, but the fact that you can't understand why other people do read it does make you a literary ignoramus.

and if SF is all you read then you've got your head stuck firmly in the sand. (Or up your own arse.)

I agree, lucky for me I read from virtually all genres.

As for:

Would you please wander off somewhere and have sex?

...and...

Pull your head in.

Well, let's add belligerent, childish knob-end to your list of attributes. For someone who rates themselves so highly, you throw adult debate out the window right away and descend into imbecilic low-brow insults. Here's something aimed at your level: Go fuck yourself you obtuse moron!

[peasea]

You're right, but the fact that you can't understand why other people do read it does make you a literary ignoramus.



I agree, lucky for me I read from virtually all genres.

As for:



...and...



Well, let's add belligerent, childish knob-end to your list of attributes. For someone who rates themselves so highly, you throw adult debate out the window right away and descend into imbecilic low-brow insults. Here's something aimed at your level: Go fuck yourself you obtuse moron!

Well didn't you do well, Google those words all by yourself?

I think highly enough of myself to not stoop to your level and you've downgraded what was otherwise an interesting thread. We're all entitled to our opinions, you have one of me and I certainly have one of you.

[Drunken Monkey]

I don't need Google, I get my "big person words of the day" emailed right to my inbox!

Right, now we've got that BS out of the way, can we move on?

I chose 'literary ignoramus' deliberately, I mean it in a purely technical sense. You seem to not be able to differentiate between "read sci-fi" and "appreciate sci-fi".
So in this case I'm saying you appear to have an inability to grasp why we have the genre. I think your exact words were "What is it with that shit?" and "There's no point to it, it's all such bollocks"
It's got nothing to do with whether you actually read sci-fi, or even like it, of which I personally don't give a rat's arse what you like or don't like.
I point this out because I beleive it shows that you have no respect or appreciation of the subject matter. This is not a good thing to be proud about. This is why I tried to extend your anology with sport, but it still seemed to be lost on you, so I'll try again.
For example, let's take a different fiction area, like the works of Jane Austen. I don't read her novels, I don't particularly identify with the characters and their interactions. However, I do appreciate her works in respect to her contribution to how people used the English language.
So, in the same light, other people here have been trying to illustrate to you what the point is, i.e. sci-fi as a medium of putting forward concepts, ideas, etc...So, I'm not asking you to read sci-fi, I'm not asking you to like it, I am asking you to understand that the medium exists as a valid literary art for a reason and to remain ignorant of this reason makes one a 'literary ignoramus'.

Do you get my point now?

[Swoop]

Take the slagging match to PD, please people. Let us read in peace over here.

[Winston001]

Errrr......yes, well, after that interesting exchange of views shall we go back on topic...?

I've just finished "The Afghan" by Frederick Forsyth and have to hand it to the guy. I've never read a book of his I didn't enjoy. This one is more of a guide to terrorism and counter-terrorism with a plot thrown in and his attention to detail is remarkable.

The other writer I put in Forsyth's class for accuracy and detail is Tom Clancy. Pity he couldn't keep it up.

[Skyryder]

Errrr......yes, well, after that interesting exchange of views shall we go back on topic...?

I've just finished "The Afghan" by Frederick Forsyth and have to hand it to the guy. I've never read a book of his I didn't enjoy. This one is more of a guide to terrorism and counter-terrorism with a plot thrown in and his attention to detail is remarkable.

The other writer I put in Forsyth's class for accuracy and detail is Tom Clancy. Pity he couldn't keep it up.

You might like DAMAGE CONTROL by Gordon Kent

Basically aircraft carrier type stuff. It's a good read. There's another in this vein but will have to look it up. SAS sort of thing set in the Middle East.

Got another one in this vein but no too sure of the name of the book. Sniper stuff about the real assanation of Saddam Hussain and the new guy (a look alike) actulay took the place of the original.

Skyryder

Skyryder

[peasea]

Take the slagging match to PD, please people. Let us read in peace over here.

I was kinda hoping that would happen but it seems the mods are asleep today.

Just re-read George Begg's 'Burt Munro, Indian Legend of Speed' and got to thinking about Thoreson's efforts at Bonneville this year. Why do kiwi speedsters (four-wheeled and two) have to die to get recognition? Anyway, Begg's effort? Not bad.

[Skyryder]

Basically aircraft carrier type stuff. It's a good read. There's another in this vein but will have to look it up. SAS sort of thing set in the Middle East.

Skyryder

The Feather Men. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/f/...eather-men.htm

Skyryder

[Ocean1]

Anyone mentioned Patrick O'Brian lately?

I'm trying to resist going through the Aubry/Maturin series again, need to wait at least another year or two...

[Swoop]

The Feather Men.

That is the conundrum. Is it fiction?

[Drunken Monkey]

Well then I apologise to all, only it seems to me the title of the thread is "Read any good books lately", not "Who thinks science-fiction is a waste of time".

[Winston001]

Anyone mentioned Patrick O'Brian lately?

I'm trying to resist going through the Aubry/Maturin series again, need to wait at least another year or two...

Yes he is certainly a good writer. I've only read one of the books and found it very authentic of seafaring days of yore. Personally I prefer the Hornblower books which are a bit lighter in tone. Each to their own.