What are you reading now?

[candyman]

Following on the from the Books you've never read thread, I thought it'd be interesting to see which books people are currently reading.

I'm reading Hokkaido Highway Blues. It traces the journey of a Westerner who follows the Sakura (Cherry blossom) which blooms in Japan starting in Okinawa (the sourthernmost point of Japan) and travels in wave northwards to Hokkaido which is the Northernmost point.

He recounts his journey mourning the loss of A Japan that is fading away being replaced by Pachinko parlours and steel and concrete cities, gleaming bright and new and completely bland.

[RedRich]

Beat me to it mate, I was going to do exactly the same thread!

At the moment I am re-reading a greek tragedy called Medea by Euripides (trousers you menedes trousers ha ha) for a course I'm doing, just done Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw. Sounds heavy going but I'm really enjoying both.

As for recreational, someone gave me a book called 'Lives of the Monster Dogs' by Kirstin Bakis. Weird, but it gripped me within the first few pages which is always a good sign.

[Rafatolah]

Children of Hurin

[RedRich]

Children of Hurin

Is that a Tolkien jobby? Is it any good?

[dublinlfc]

i'm reading "THIS THREAD" now:D

last saturday night i stay in

[candyman]

Beat me to it mate, I was going to do exactly the same thread!

At the moment I am re-reading a greek tragedy called Medea by Euripides (trousers you menedes trousers ha ha) for a course I'm doing, just done Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw. Sounds heavy going but I'm really enjoying both.

As for recreational, someone gave me a book called 'Lives of the Monster Dogs' by Kirstin Bakis. Weird, but it gripped me within the first few pages which is always a good sign.

Is it an English Lit. course. My mate was doing a similar one.

If I remember correctly you're into martial arts.
You should read American Samurai (if you haven't already). It's a cheesy title but it's written by a Harvard dropout and gives a good insight into Chinese life, culture and attitudes. As well as making you want to go to Shaolin Temple and train!

It really took me back to my trip in China and I found myself reliving moments as I read.

[candyman]

Children of Hurin

I've read it. It's the one that was completed by Tolkein's grandson Christopher.
Gotta say I prefer The book of Lost tales I and II (from where much of the material was taken)

Good stuff and expands on the accounts of major characters from the first and second ages in the Silmarillion.

[RedRich]

Is it an English Lit. course. My mate was doing a similar one.

If I remember correctly you're into martial arts.
You should read American Samurai (if you haven't already). It's a cheesy title but it's written by a Harvard dropout and gives a good insight into Chinese life, culture and attitudes. As well as making you want to go to Shaolin Temple and train!

It really took me back to my trip in China and I found myself reliving moments as I read.

Its a humanities course to warm me up for a literature one next.

I have read American Shaolin, thought it was very interesting and in the same vein as Salzman's Iron and Silk. These books are inspiring but also a bit depressing in terms of how the Chinese (and, as in your book, Japanese) cultures have been irrevocably changed due to western involvement.

I'd love to go to Shaolin but don't think its going to happen!

[Rafatolah]

Is that a Tolkien jobby? Is it any good?

Correct. So far so good. The Closers by Michael Connelly is worth a read too.

[Rafatolah]

I've read it. It's the one that was completed by Tolkein's grandson Christopher.
Gotta say I prefer The book of Lost tales I and II (from where much of the material was taken)

Good stuff and expands on the accounts of major characters from the first and second ages in the Silmarillion.

Wasn't aware of the Book of Lost Tales. Is it the unfinsihed version of Hurin?

[candyman]

Wasn't aware of the Book of Lost Tales. Is it the unfinsihed version of Hurin?

Yup. But you'll find the tales of Turin and Hurin slightly different.
You also get an insight into the different versions Tolkien was thinking of and the commentaries are quite interesting.

[Rafatolah]

Yup. But you'll find the tales of Turin and Hurin slightly different.
You also get an insight into the different versions Tolkien was thinking of and the commentaries are quite interesting.

mmmmmmmmmm very interesting indeed:D.. Must check that out. Have you ever read the Third Policeman? Strange piece of literature.:confused:

[Matt R]

Currently reading 'The Inimitable Jeeves' and 'Life on Air' by David Attenbrough. Always seem to have a few on the go at the same time.

[candyman]

Currently reading 'The Inimitable Jeeves' and 'Life on Air' by David Attenbrough. Always seem to have a few on the go at the same time.

Ah yes. That was one of The Prince's suggestions right?1
How does it compare to the TV show with Fry and Laurie (which is one of my all time favourite TV shows)?

[RedWanderer]

Well, I haven't done James Michener in a while, so I'm currently reading "Covenant" (about the history of South Africa). Quite an interesting read, actually, if you like his style of "historical mostly-fiction in a non-fiction setting." There must be a better term for it, but anyway, it's decent.

[matt72033]

Boys from the mersey i believe its called!

by Nicky alt!

cracking read!

[Matt R]

I never watched the TV series so can't compare, but I asked the same question of El Prince, and he said that it can't do the books justice, mainly because the beauty of them is in the language.

They are fucking brilliant though.

[candyman]

I never watched the TV series so can't compare, but I asked the same question of El Prince, and he said that it can't do the books justice, mainly because the beauty of them is in the language.

They are fucking brilliant though.

I've been meaning to read them since I saw the TV series which was over 10 years ago! I'm going to put them in my amazon basket now. It's the only way I'll ever remember.

What you said got me thinking. Can you think of any movie or tv show which has done the book justice or bettered it?

Off the top of my head I would say Blade Runner.

[North Wales Red]

Jaws,Trainspotting and Carrie come to mind.

[candyman]

Jaws,Trainspotting and Carrie come to mind.

I've not read Jaws or Carrie, but have read trainspotting. I agree with you on that one

[MarbleRed]

Midway through re-reading everything by William Gibson.

[candyman]

Midway through re-reading everything by William Gibson.

I absolutely loved Neuromancer. He is so often immitated even now.

[Matt R]

King Rat and Billy Liar are both pretty faithful to the books, and are just as good.

[The Prince]

I'm reading The Empress of Ireland by Christopher Robbins, which is about a ficticious film director called Brian Dewhurst.

However, I'm here for Bertie Wooster. The TV programmes are good but it's the language and impossibility of the plots that make the books what they are.

I give you...

Wooster: "If you ask me Jeeves, art is responsible for most of the trouble in the world."
Jeeves: "It's an interesting theory, Sir. Would you care to expatiate upon it?"
Wooster: "As a matter of fact, no Jeeves. No The thought just occurs to me, you know, as thoughts do."

It was my Uncle George who discovered that alcohol was a food well in advance of modern medical thought.

She fitted into my biggest armchair as if it had been built round her by someone who knew they were wearing armchairs tight about the hips that season.

The lunches of fifty-seven years had caused his chest to slip down to the mezzanine floor.

[Barstool_Pundit]

re reading east of eden again..i think for the 4th time, Enjoyed Steinbeck when
i was young ,He created real characters .If you havent tried his novels then at least try out his short stories.:cool:

[liverpool lad]

I am reading The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists by Robert Tressell which I am enjoying.

[Taksin]

I'm reading a translation of the 3rd or 4th century AD text

Laws of Energy Circulation from the Hall of Enlightenment (Mingtang liuzhu).

It's difficult

[ohdear]

I'm re-reading The Dice Man at the mo.

I also have Things Snowball by Rich Hall as my weekend bathtime read,which is good.

After these I am going for The Master and Margarita,and someone bought me one of Jeremy Clarkson's books for Christmas,so I'll have to plough through that one in the bath just so I can tell them I've read it.

[RedRich]

Looks like we got ourselves a reader.

Was listening to Bill yesterday

[ohdear]

Looks like we got ourselves a reader.

Was listening to Bill yesterday

I was meant to watch his Sane Man DVD yesterday,which I have owned for about three years.Too hungover though.Never drinking again.

[Kopit3]

Just read Blood Meridian by Cormac Macarthy was brilliant, epic in scale and great story about a group of scalphunters, Judge Holden is terrific and scary, he is a peadophile with the wisdom of ghandi.

started reading the road by Cormac Macarthy

[Plughead]

I can't read or write

[Seth7724]

i'm reading "THIS THREAD" now:D

last saturday night i stay in

Oh the wit.

[MarbleRed]

"Watch-yo readin' fo?"

[RedRich]

"Watch-yo readin' fo?"

'So I don't end up being a fuckin' waffle waitress' :D

[Carvalho Diablo]

Just finished "Kamikaze" by Michael Slade...the best thriller writer out there, by some considerable distance.

About to start "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" by Paul Berendt.

[CODE RED]

I read just about daily and always have a book on the go. At the moment I'm reading Philip Pullman's "Amber Spyglass" after reading the other two parts of the "His Dark Materials" trilogy in February.

[MellowSubmarine]

Just finished A Confederacy Of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

It's the laugh out loud funniest & easily the best book that I have ever read !

[candyman]

I read just about daily and always have a book on the go. At the moment I'm reading Philip Pullman's "Amber Spyglass" after reading the other two parts of the "His Dark Materials" trilogy in February.

I've read them. Loved the first one but hated the next two.

[simon pieman]

I'm currently reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak its very interesting if not a little sad.Set in pre-war germany then continues during the war very good if you like that sort of thing, although i usally fall asleep after reading a few pages.:rolleyes:

[CODE RED]

I've read them. Loved the first one but hated the next two.

Not sure I entirely agree with you. BUT I can see why people wopuld dislike the last two books in the trilogy. The first one "Northern Lights/Golden Compass" gives you very little clue of where the second and the third books are going to take you. It goes a bit loopy after the first book in a way.

I've got "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khalid Hosseini next on the menu after I've finished

[tonk]

I've got a few on the go as usual. I try just to stick to one at a time but then I think, 'that looks interesting'. Anyway at the mo:
Last Talons of the Eagle: Secret Nazi Technology which could have changed the course of WW2
The Good Old Days: Poverty, Crime & Terror in Victorian London
Conspiracy: Plots, Lies & Cover-ups - a Chistmas prezzie, surprisingly good.
Did you know that Prince Andrew is not one of Prince Phillip's natural kids? I didn't!
Beyond the Body - a book about a woman's awakening psychic powers

[tonk]

Following on the from the Books you've never read thread, I thought it'd be interesting to see which books people are currently reading.

I'm reading Hokkaido Highway Blues. It traces the journey of a Westerner who follows the Sakura (Cherry blossom) which blooms in Japan starting in Okinawa (the sourthernmost point of Japan) and travels in wave northwards to Hokkaido which is the Northernmost point.

He recounts his journey mourning the loss of A Japan that is fading away being replaced by Pachinko parlours and steel and concrete cities, gleaming bright and new and completely bland.
Hi, a similar book, though not contrasting with modern Japan, is 'Japanese Pilgrimage' by Oliver Statler. It is about a westerner going on a traditional Buddhist pilgrimage on Shikoku with 88 temples. It was first published in 1984, and is a great insight into Buddhism, the Japanese etc. It's the one country I really want to visit.

[Vv6]

I recently found a carrier bag full of periodicals in a hedge near the railway, the one im reading at the moment is called butts-n-boobs.

Its a tour de force, implicitly seminal work by an artist beyond reprocah named J. R. Heartly

[tonk]

I'm reading The Empress of Ireland by Christopher Robbins, which is about a ficticious film director called Brian Dewhurst.

However, I'm here for Bertie Wooster. The TV programmes are good but it's the language and impossibility of the plots that make the books what they are.

I give you...

Wooster: "If you ask me Jeeves, art is responsible for most of the trouble in the world."
Jeeves: "It's an interesting theory, Sir. Would you care to expatiate upon it?"
Wooster: "As a matter of fact, no Jeeves. No The thought just occurs to me, you know, as thoughts do."

It was my Uncle George who discovered that alcohol was a food well in advance of modern medical thought.

She fitted into my biggest armchair as if it had been built round her by someone who knew they were wearing armchairs tight about the hips that season.

The lunches of fifty-seven years had caused his chest to slip down to the mezzanine floor.
I've gone out and bought 'The Best of Wodehouse: An anthology' which has 'The Code of the Woosters' and a lot of short stories as well as a lengthy extract from his autobiography. Thanks for the tip Prince they should be right up my alley.

[NeverOffside]

I've just started reading....

Why We Hate - Understanding, Curbing, and Eliminating Hate in Ourselves and Our World.

Link to book on Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Hate-Understanding-Eliminating-Ourselves/dp/0809224798/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204542123&sr=8-4)

Very interesting.

[candyman]

I've just started reading....

Why We Hate - Understanding, Curbing, and Eliminating Hate in Ourselves and Our World.

Link to book on Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Hate-Understanding-Eliminating-Ourselves/dp/0809224798/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204542123&sr=8-4)

Very interesting.

I checked out the link. Does look quite interesting.
I don't know if you've ever seen some of the wildlife programmes which show a troupe of chimps out "hunting" another band of chimps. What they display when they corner chimps from the other band seems very much like anger and hate.
They literally dismember and eat chimps from the other group.
Was just thinking that emotion of hate is one that's evolved for a reason (and exists in our nearest cousins) but perhaps one that has served its purpose and we should as a species be learning to outgrow.

[candyman]

Hi, a similar book, though not contrasting with modern Japan, is 'Japanese Pilgrimage' by Oliver Statler. It is about a westerner going on a traditional Buddhist pilgrimage on Shikoku with 88 temples. It was first published in 1984, and is a great insight into Buddhism, the Japanese etc. It's the one country I really want to visit.

Yes, it's mentioned in the book i'm reading. The 88 temples commemorating Kobo Daisho's own journey.
In fact he goes to several of the 88 temples on his route to Hokkaido and is even befriended by a couple of priests on the way.

Kobo Daisho opened up Buddhism for the lower castes in Japan and for women. I had no idea Japan had it's lower castes (they hide it so well).

[North Wales Red]

I checked out the link. Does look quite interesting.
I don't know if you've ever seen some of the wildlife programmes which show a troupe of chimps out "hunting" another band of chimps. What they display when they corner chimps from the other band seems very much like anger and hate.
They literally dismember and eat chimps from the other group.
Was just thinking that emotion of hate is one that's evolved for a reason (and exists in our nearest cousins) but perhaps one that has served its purpose and we should as a species be learning to outgrow.

Tit.;)

[ohdear]

Yeah,there was a series on that called Animal Cannibals.The Chimp one was the worst.A mother and baby chimp walked into another band of chimps land and they beat them to death,horrible to watch.

[candyman]

Tit.;)

Of course there is a good argument for hate.
Andy Gray
Moyes
Richard Keyes

;)

[NeverOffside]

I checked out the link. Does look quite interesting.
I don't know if you've ever seen some of the wildlife programmes which show a troupe of chimps out "hunting" another band of chimps. What they display when they corner chimps from the other band seems very much like anger and hate.
.

That does ring a bell, yes. Certainly far removed from the PG Tips chimps and their anthrapomorphic (big word of the day) tv ads.

[Evs]

'Humanity: A Moral History of the Twentieth Century' - Jonathan Glover.

[RedRich]

Was just thinking that emotion of hate is one that's evolved for a reason (and exists in our nearest cousins) but perhaps one that has served its purpose and we should as a species be learning to outgrow.

Interesting point but then we'd have to outgrow love as well, can't have it both ways. Anyway hate makes you stronger, just ask Darth Vader ;)

[candyman]

Interesting point but then we'd have to outgrow love as well, can't have it both ways. Anyway hate makes you stronger, just ask Darth Vader ;)

We could well do without that too!

[rixf666]

i'm currently reading, Darkspell, by Katherine Kerr.

It's a very enjoyable book.

[Taksin]

I've just started reading....

Why We Hate - Understanding, Curbing, and Eliminating Hate in Ourselves and Our World.

Very interesting.

does that mean your post count on the 'irrational anger' thread will be coming down?

[NeverOffside]

does that mean your post count on the 'irrational anger' thread will be coming down?

it's not a self-help book! :)

[The Prince]

An update.

I'm reading A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. Augusten Burroughs does the same story better.

[Mel Wood]

Anfield Iron - Tommy Smith. Apparently the game's gone to pot and it was beter in his day.

[scaton]

An update.

I'm reading A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. Augusten Burroughs does the same story better.

I've read the James Frey book. Hasn't it all be shown to be bullshit?

[Ryan babel]

Harry potter the last part , oliver twest and news paper :)
thank you

[kellysheroes]

Harry potter the last part , oliver twest and news paper :)
thank you
Priceless:)

[kellysheroes]

Just starting to read the book about Harry Patch - The Last Fighting Tommy

[RED CORNER]

Three quarters through ''Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee''.

A history of the Native Americans between 1860 and 1890. Harrowing and brutal. White America has an awful lot to answer for.

[Ducatiboy749]

boys from the mersey

7/10

[The Prince]

I've read the James Frey book. Hasn't it all be shown to be bullshit?

Apparently so but I'm reading it as fiction rather than a memoir. I'm going to look up the inaccuracies later.

[Swiss LFC fan]

Dürrenmatt.. Swiss author, great stuff, very witty.. not sure whether you can get his books in english though.. :)

Anybody ever heard of him? :p

[Sweetman]

the fourth dexter book :)

started reading the 1st in july, they'e short but sweet

[SteelWool]

Pilcrow by Adam Mars-Jones I think his name is. Brilliant

[1984]

Just finished part one of 'War and peace' by Leo Tolstoy.

Really enjoying the book and can't wait to read part two.

[Junior]

Just finished reading the Red Riding quartet by David Peace. Really enjoyed them, the stuff about the Yorkshire Ripper was particularly compelling and I'm still digesting it all. Much deeper and more coherent than the TV films, naturally. Very bleak though.

I'm currently residing in that post-good book void now. Fancy giving The Damned United a go sometime, and I've been meaning to read To Kill A Mockingbird for years...

[SteelWool]

Just finished reading the Red Riding quartet by David Peace. Really enjoyed them, the stuff about the Yorkshire Ripper was particularly compelling and I'm still digesting it all. Much deeper and more coherent than the TV films, naturally. Very bleak though.

I'm currently residing in that post-good book void now. Fancy giving The Damned United a go sometime, and I've been meaning to read To Kill A Mockingbird for years...

The Damned United is a very good book. Am watching the film tonight and really looking forward to it.

[justincredible]

Been reading a few books about motorcycle outlaw clubs (Hells` Angels, Mongols, Banditos, etc.) lately.
Some are written from the clubs` perspective and some from the laws` perspective, the most fascinating book by far is `Under And Alone` by William Queen who, as an undercover ATF agent infiltrates the Mongols MC in California and spends 28 months within the club.
Mel Gibson`s starring in a film of the book due out next year, can`t wait for it!

[tonk]

Three quarters through ''Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee''.
A history of the Native Americans between 1860 and 1890. Harrowing and brutal. White America has an awful lot to answer for.

One of the few books I couldn't complete as it was too depressing. For a bunch of so-called Christians, they were the most un-Christian people imaginable. An endless litany of deceit, lies and treachery.

As for me, I'm reading 'There's a Riot Going On: revolutionaries,rock stars and the rise and fall of '60s counter-culture' by Peter Doggett. Also an autobiography by Klaus Hueneke called 'One Step at a Time', a German migrant to Australia and his many 'adventures' in the highlands of the Snowy Mountains.

[Sweetman]

Just finished reading the Red Riding quartet by David Peace. Really enjoyed them, the stuff about the Yorkshire Ripper was particularly compelling and I'm still digesting it all. Much deeper and more coherent than the TV films, naturally. Very bleak though.

I'm currently residing in that post-good book void now. Fancy giving The Damned United a go sometime, and I've been meaning to read To Kill A Mockingbird for years...

The Damned United is actually a really good read, as for Mockingbird, if you can take the accents its quite good, though not one of my favourites

[The Princess]

Having never read any of them before I am going through the Harry Potter books at a rate of knots (on the third now). I know people might look down on them but they really are beautifully written. I can see why kids love them.

[ireallylovecheesebur]

Having never read any of them before I am going through the Harry Potter books at a rate of knots (on the third now). I know people might look down on them but they really are beautifully written. I can see why kids love them.

If you like Potter, try His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman.

Got everything Potter has and more!!

[The Prince]

Having never read any of them before I am going through the Harry Potter books at a rate of knots (on the third now). I know people might look down on them but they really are beautifully written. I can see why kids love them.

I'd spend the next ten minutes writing a fierce diatribe about that post but I need a favour.

[LFC vs PFC]

Having never read any of them before I am going through the Harry Potter books at a rate of knots (on the third now). I know people might look down on them but they really are beautifully written. I can see why kids love them.


Pay no attention from that beast at 79. Re-reading the last one at the moment. I rarely enjoy reading, it's like a long version of the film (thank you Neil), but I do like these. Incidentally the last book I tried to read was 'No Country for Old Men', however although only being 250 pages in extremely large print, I found it quite hard going as the dialect seemed quite poor from McCarthy. Always try to read the book before the film.

[The Prince]

Don't get me wrong. I admire anyone who can get kids reading. My niece has recently been asked by her Mum to read a little less of late as she's not conversing with anyone and I love that. Everyone should read more.

I just hate people talking about Potter when they've only read one book in their lives and see it as on the same level as proper, non-kids books.

Still need a favour, sis.

[LFC vs PFC]

Tell a lie, I read Core Maths 1-4, S1, FP1, D1, S2, M1 and M2 last year. Do they count (Maths A-Level text books)?

[candyman]

Having never read any of them before I am going through the Harry Potter books at a rate of knots (on the third now). I know people might look down on them but they really are beautifully written. I can see why kids love them.

If you liked those then try The Dark Is Rising series by Susan Cooper. Better than Potter IMO and less preaching than Pullman.
If it wasn't for these books and the English teacher that recommended them to me when I was 12 I might never have got into the habit of reading.

[The Princess]

Don't get me wrong. I admire anyone who can get kids reading. My niece has recently been asked by her Mum to read a little less of late as she's not conversing with anyone and I love that. Everyone should read more.

I just hate people talking about Potter when they've only read one book in their lives and see it as on the same level as proper, non-kids books.
Still need a favour, sis.

Yes, but I’m not doing that, because as you know I reads plenty (and my English is impeccable). Anyway, they really are very well written!

Give us a ring about the favour – I’m intrigued.

[The Princess]

If you liked those then try The Dark Is Rising series by Susan Cooper. Better than Potter IMO and less preaching than Pullman.
If it wasn't for these books and the English teacher that recommended them to me when I was 12 I might never have got into the habit of reading.

Will do.

[Devski]

Fancy giving The Damned United a go sometime, and I've been meaning to read To Kill A Mockingbird for years...

TDU is a decent read.

TKAM was one of my favourites from school. Arguably the film lives up to the book too - fine performance from Gregory Peck. The book should definately be read by everyone at least once.

At the minute I'm reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson. Think everyone's reading his Millennium trilogy at the moment. I'll come back when I'm finished to say if it was any good.

[matchoftheday]

The Societe Generale careers website.

[moe1971]

the damage done - warren fellows

harrowing but superb.

[TheGreatDane]

Mærsk - The Man and the Power...

[alinfarah]

James L Burke - 'Rain Gods' - always a good read

[ger_ryan22]

Karl Pilkington - When I get the chance!

[North Wales Red]

The Girl With The dragon Tattoo.

Was going to watch the film first but the dubbing is atrocious so a good friend loaned me the novel last night and I'm finding it hard to put down. ( A cliche I know but a good one ).

[luca brasi]

Back on Antony Beevor's "Battle for Spain". Spain 1900-1975 was my final year specialism at uni. It baffled me then, it baffles me now.

If only they had just had like a couple of political factions......

[SteelWool]

Reading a biography of Alexander the Great. Bang into my biogs at the moment.

Fascinating, he's an incredible man, his tutor was Aristotle, the greatest mid of them all, who was tutored by Plato.

Personally find that amazing, 3 of the most significant figures in Western history all in personal contact.

[ferg_g]

Hellraisers - true tales about ollie read, burton, o'toole and harris!

[North Wales Red]

Hellraisers - true tales about ollie read, burton, o'toole and harris!

Now that sounds like a read.

[The Prince]

Reading a biography of Alexander the Great. Bang into my biogs at the moment.

Fascinating, he's an incredible man, his tutor was Aristotle, the greatest mid of them all, who was tutored by Plato.

Personally find that amazing, 3 of the most significant figures in Western history all in personal contact.

Wouldn't mind a look at that.

I'm reading the second volume of the Michael Palin diaries and I've got the new Iain Banks book to come.

Just finished Ordinary Thunderstorms by William Boyd.

[SteelWool]

Wouldn't mind a look at that.

I'm reading the second volume of the Michael Palin diaries and I've got the new Iain Banks book to come.

Just finished Ordinary Thunderstorms by William Boyd.

Written by a chap called Robin Lane Fox, never heard of him, bizarrely one of the cover quotes is from Oliver Stone.

Only read 'Any Human Heart' by William Boyd and really liked it. Not sure why I haven't read more.

Just had a look for the adaption you mentioned on the TTWAR thread and confirmed for the TV adaption are Kim Cattrall, Jim Broadbent and Gillian Anderson... Not sure what to make of that, but I'm leaning more towards the 'wank' side.

[Eising agreed]

Reading a biography of Alexander the Great. Bang into my biogs at the moment.

Fascinating, he's an incredible man, his tutor was Aristotle, the greatest mid of them all, who was tutored by Plato.

Personally find that amazing, 3 of the most significant figures in Western history all in personal contact.

Sorry to burst your bubble but Aristotle was a berk. If he was around today you wouldn't want him sitting next to you on the bus. Mad as a hatstand.

[The Prince]

I've got a mate in the 'biz' who says that Dominic West from The Wire was in with a shout.

[Femmefootyfan]

Three quarters through ''Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee''.

A history of the Native Americans between 1860 and 1890. Harrowing and brutal. White America has an awful lot to answer for.

Could you tell me who thats by please RED it sounds right up my street.

[SteelWool]

Sorry to burst your bubble but Aristotle was a berk. If he was around today you wouldn't want him sitting next to you on the bus. Mad as a hatstand.

You've intrigued me now mate, go on.

[SteelWool]

Reading a biography of Alexander the Great. Bang into my biogs at the moment.

Fascinating, he's an incredible man, his tutor was Aristotle, the greatest mid of them all, who was tutored by Plato.
Personally find that amazing, 3 of the most significant figures in Western history all in personal contact.

Just seen in Eising's post that I mistyped and said 'Aristotle was the greatest mid of them all'

Of course I meant Socrates.

[Femmefootyfan]

I am currently reading John Grishams, A Pelican Brief. I am also toying with the idea of having another go at Michael Moorcocks, The Dancers at the edge of time.

[Eising agreed]

Aristotle believed swallows hibernated underground rather than migrate, I think he had a few other crazy notions too.

Good work on the spelling mistake.

[tonk]

Reading a biography of Alexander the Great. Bang into my biogs at the moment.

Fascinating, he's an incredible man, his tutor was Aristotle, the greatest mid of them all, who was tutored by Plato.

Personally find that amazing, 3 of the most significant figures in Western history all in personal contact.

Damn, just ordered about 8 books from Amazon. Would've got that one if I'd known about it.

[Sweetman]

Trainspotting. Not the easiest thing I've ever read...

[SteelWool]

Trainspotting. Not the easiest thing I've ever read...

Stick with it mate, big fan of Welsh, but it does take some getting into. Once you have though, it's boss.

[North Wales Red]

Trainspotting. Not the easiest thing I've ever read...

One of the rare instances when the film was actually an improvement IMO.

Porno, the sequel is good if only for the brilliance of the thoughts of Frank Begbie.

[luca brasi]

Stick with it mate, big fan of Welsh, but it does take some getting into. Once you have though, it's boss.

I rate Filth as one of his best.

[SaudiScouser]

Reading a biography of Alexander the Great. Bang into my biogs at the moment.

Fascinating, he's an incredible man, his tutor was Aristotle, the greatest mid of them all, who was tutored by Plato.

Personally find that amazing, 3 of the most significant figures in Western history all in personal contact.

Which one?! There's a bunch on amazon.com!!

[Mozzaretti]

I'm reading: The Voyage of the Sierra Sagrada (Across the atlantic in a canoe) the 2nd book by Francis Brenton (my great uncle) who was a bit of an adventurer, who following on from his first book - a singlehanded trip from Spain to the Caribbean (first time he had ever sailed anywhere and was locked up as a spy in Haiti) decided in 1969 to tryout a self made early kite / air balloon surfing style contraption across the Atlantic to Africa.

To say my Uncle was little bonkers is an understatement. Not long after this book was published Frank went missing at sea, somewhere near Bermuda...

[ferg_g]

Now that sounds like a read.

Jus finished the reed section! I'd love to have gone on a session with him.

[pierrenoir]

Trainspotting. Not the easiest thing I've ever read...

I read every book he wrote after reading this when it came out only to be confronted by the law of dimishing returns. It must be hard for a writer when the first thing they get published is the pinnacle of their career.

[Matt R]

I think Glue was his best to be fair. A more straightforward one and probably the better for it.

Reading The City of Falling Angels by John Berendt at the mo. It's his follow up to Midnight In The Garden Of Good and Evil which was brilliant. About his time living in Venice and the mad array of charachters therein following the burning down of the Fenice opera house. Very good so far.

I've got an Alistair Cooke one up next and I'm on The Lost Continent by Bill Bryson for the 43rd time as well. Off on me jollies next month and am determined to get back into fiction, so Mr Boyd's latest is on the list and the one that Karl mentioned the other day that I'll have to go and look at the other thread to remind myself of.

[The Prince]

Trainspotting
Maribou Stork Nightmares
Glue

He should have retired then. A bit like Bowie who should have been hit by a car after Scary Monsters.

[Ducatiboy749]

frankie boyle, my shit life so far

[Swiss LFC fan]

frankie boyle, my shit life so far

You can read?? :eek: :p

[SteelWool]

I rate Filth as one of his best.

I read that first, before I read trainspotting, awesome, he paints characters so clearly.

Not sure if anyone has read 'Bedroom Secrets of the Master Chefs' wasn't super impressed.

[Taksin]

Terry Eagleton 'On Evil'

Really adresses the problem I a way I haven't come across before. Also, you look cool on the train reading a black book with EVIL written on the front.

[kopite321]

The Dome.. Stephen King

[The Prince]

Terry Eagleton 'On Evil'

Really adresses the problem I a way I haven't come across before. Also, you look cool on the train reading a black book with EVIL written on the front.

You could always read The Last Days of Sodom by the Marquis de Sade and make notes in the margin.

[Taksin]

You could always read The Last Days of Sodom by the Marquis de Sade and make notes in the margin.

I'll save that one for when I'm on the beach somewhere Mediterranean

[moe1971]

the time travellers wife

[Ricky_Blowdeal]

For those that mentioned the Irvine Welsh books, do they have recurring characters and is it worth reading them order?

[Sweetman]

For those that mentioned the Irvine Welsh books, do they have recurring characters and is it worth reading them order?

I've not finished them but I'm pretty sure Porno is a sequel to Trainspotting, but quite a few are standalone books.



It's a good read so far though, one of my favourite films so thought I'd give it a chance, I could do with more experience with Scottish people though.:D

[pierrenoir]

It's a good read so far though, one of my favourite films so thought I'd give it a chance, I could do with more experience with Scottish people though.:D

Go to Magaluf at the end of July. Its like the whole of East Kilbride decamps en masse, well they used to.
Read "The Road" by Cormack Mcarthy over the weekend, well Sunday actually, did it in one sitting, simply could not put it down

[North Wales Red]

For those that mentioned the Irvine Welsh books, do they have recurring characters and is it worth reading them order?

Yes, they do.

Begbie and a couple of others pop up in Glue.

'Juice' Terry Lawson is one of my favourite characters from his books yet he's not mentioned in Trainspotting.

[North Wales Red]

I've just ordered Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy from Amazon.

Has anybody read it?

[dicko1969]

Men from mars and women from venus :) trying to understand women!

[1984]

You don't need a book full of generalisations and shite to do that. Just communicate with them.

Taksin: a really good book you would like is 'The Lucifer Effect: why good people do evil' by Philip Zimbardo. It was he who led the Stanford Experiment.

As for me, well the 'Natural History Museum of bird migration', and, again, 'Heart of Europe: the past in Poland's present' by Norman Davies.

[Eising agreed]

I've just ordered Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy from Amazon.

Has anybody read it?

Not read that but have read one of his books which was excellent.

Currently reading The World of Jeeves by PG Wodehouse. Absolutely capital.

[North Wales Red]

Not read that but have read one of his books which was excellent.

Currently reading The World of Jeeves by PG Wodehouse. Absolutely capital.

I also read The Road and it wasn't an easy one. Bleak isn't the word.

For something a little lighter I've also ordered Meg : A Novel of Deep Terror.

[Mozzaretti]

Scully by Bleasdale for upteenth time. The lads are just about to have their five a side.



Mooey Morgan is a legend.

[Matt R]

I've just ordered Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy from Amazon.

Has anybody read it?

I've read it, and I've just watched The Road. All I'm saying is that he makes Leonard Cohen sound like Timmy Mallett.

It's also very hard to read as he doesn't believe in those daft old things like speech marks which makes it rather hard to work out who the fuck is talking, if they are talking or who they are talking to.

Sample chapter title: The Dead Baby Tree.

Enjoy.

[SteelWool]

Done a fair bit over Christmas, just as well because I've got the usual January backlog to get through.

'the brief, wondorous life of Oscar Wao' by Junot Diaz, won the pulitzer prize, must have been a slim year.

'shit my dad says' - highly recommended, more of a toilet book, but unbelievably funny, was crying to myself reading it on the plane.

Currently reading 'the strangest man' about the life and works of Paul Dirac. Very good.

[North Wales Red]

just finished reading dan brown's The Lost Symbol which id say is a better read than The DaVinci Code and really opens your eyes about the city of Washington D.C and some of it's architecture.

[red_pad]

just finished reading dan brown's The Lost Symbol which id say is a better read than The DaVinci Code and really opens your eyes about the city of Washington D.C and some of it's architecture.

Agree, good book. Made me want to go to Washington.

[SteelWool]

Reading 'The Gloves' by Bob Anasi

Auto about a fella who enters the golden gloves for the first time at 33. Very good.

[North Wales Red]

Also reading Hunting Mr Heartbreak by Jonathan Raban about the author's travel from Liverpool to New York on a ship in 1988 seen through the eyes of the first emigrants.

Very evocative.

[Mozzaretti]

Re-reading Rotation Rotation Rotation by Steve Kelly

The trails and tribulations of LFC during the 2007-08 season as seen by the TTWAR editor...
I've enjoyed it again.

[moe1971]

agent 6.

3rd part of a trilogy set in post stalinst Russia.

Superb.

[BBQ]

The price of everything by Eduardo Porter

[SteelWool]

Just finished 'The plot against America' by Phillip Roth, which was ok, nowhere near as good as recommended, found the characters to be a bit one dimensional.

Currently reading Stan Collywobble's autobiography, entertaining enough but he is a right pudding. Thinks he overachieved during his career.

[repentant60]

Microsoft Office 2010 and 2007 for Seniors. It is actually very good and the print is readable. (no smart comments Bandersnatch thank you).:p

[North Wales Red]

Waiting for the second book in the Game of Thrones series to get delivered.

Anyone read it?

[rixf666]

Waiting for the second book in the Game of Thrones series to get delivered.

Anyone read it?

been waiting for the last one to come out on paperback forever...

seems like everyone on the train these days is reading this series, the tv show must have done wonders for mr martins bank balance.

[Mozzaretti]

Just finishing the Black Dahlia, again.

[crazydog]

McMafia - Glenn Mishy

You won't read any of this in the mainstream media.

[Steven - Dublin]

Microsoft Office 2010 and 2007 for Seniors. It is actually very good and the print is readable. (no smart comments Bandersnatch thank you).:p

Does it tell you why the fuck they changed the format of something everyone has been using for decades? I still can't find the shortcuts for most of the things I use and have to use a mouse.

And why did they change the default text on Word to Calibri 11? Who the fuck uses that?? And how can you change the default? It's easy to change on Outlook and Excel but not on Word. I have to use a workaround. Pain in the arse. Fuck you Bill Gates!! :mad:



Reading Nama Mia by Ross O'Carroll Kelly. He must be going at least 15 years and is still funny as fuck.

[SteelWool]

McMafia - Glenn Mishy

You won't read any of this in the mainstream media.

Did you enjoy it crazydog?

Found it a bit repetitive myself, kept labouring the point about the breakup of the soviet union etc.

[kingtosh]

Currently reading Alien Agenda - Jim Marrs, excellent author researcher. Just completed chapter one, is our Moon a spaceship! Sounds crazy! But after reading the first chapter, it has me thinking outside the box!

A good documentary about the Moon:-

nK-2N4L5rCA&feature=related

[steviegerrard1]

Kill Alex Cross
Lewis Hamilton: My Story

[rixf666]

wise mans fear, the second book in the patrick rothfuss series.

absolutely fantastic story, totally hooked, nearly finished it in a week.

[Chicken Chicken]

WAR by Sebastian Junger. If anyone has seen the documentary film "Restrepo" this is the book version of it. I have found it very difficult to put down.

[seamusseamus]

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Again. One of the best fictional books of the last 200 years.

[steviegerrard1]

Next of Kin- David Hosp

[tetley]

Donald trump,how to think big and kick ass in business and in life.Amazing read.

[CODE RED]

Just finished 'Feast for Crows' by George RR Martin. Part of the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series. Awesome.

[jamief5123]

Bad love- jonathan kellerman
actually pretty good so far similar to other detective books

[North Wales Red]

Just finished 'Feast for Crows' by George RR Martin. Part of the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series. Awesome.

Just started A Clash of Kings. Epic fantasy ,thank fuck they didn't try to make them into films.

[Smithy]

Pepe Reina's autobiog.

[Steven - Dublin]

Getting More by Stuart Diamond

[toneata]

Just finished the second book in the 'Young Samurai' series, it's like Shogun aimed at teens , a bit light but very entertaining.

If you want the real deal read 'Musashi' by Eiji Yoshikawa......bloody brilliant!

[Mozzaretti]

Currently reading - Who shot John Lennon, an expose in to whether Mark Chapman was a lone nut, a sane man who didn't like lennon anymore or had been supported / manipulated by the CIA through one of their black op's during the 70's using the YMCA as a recruiting ground for young men.

[moe1971]

snowdrops

[Mozzaretti]

also have I, Partridge (audio version) on the go.

Jurassic Park

[gimme5]

chris evans, memoirs of a fruitcake

[repentant60]

Can't wait for Jordan's 5th autobiography.

[donkeykongdazza]

Ordinary Thunderstorms - William Boyd.

The man can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned.

[donkeykongdazza]

Just finished 'The plot against America' by Phillip Roth, which was ok, nowhere near as good as recommended, found the characters to be a bit one dimensional.



A major disappointment, I thought. It's premise was good and the first half built up the story nicely, but I found the ending totally unsatisfactory. A "deus ex machina" I heard someone describe it as. I also found the character assassination of Lindbergh rather distasteful.

[stix zadinia]

Hellraisers-it is about the antics of Richard burton, Richard Harris, Oliver reed and peter o toole, quite good so far!

[ferg_g]

Frost Nixon

[LFC vs PFC]

The time travellers wife. Also just read starter for 10 and one day.

[moe1971]

The time travellers wife. Also just read starter for 10 and one day.

boss.

Both of them.

[North Wales Red]

A Storm of Swords Part 1.

Unputdownable.

Can't believe these books were written by an American.

[LFC vs PFC]

[/B]

boss.

Both of them.


Completely agree, especially One Day. Although the last two books that I've read have been One Day and The Notebook, so I feel I've now got to go and read 'Ross Kemp on Tough Streets' or 'Man Wrestles Bear Whilst Drinking Lager', to get some man points back!

[ferg_g]

Bet you when you read the book you never imagined Ann Hathaway playing the lead role

[LFC vs PFC]

Bet you when you read the book you never imagined Ann Hathaway playing the lead role

Not at all, not quite the quirky yet pretty person, described by Nicholls.

[ferg_g]

She plays it well though

[red_pad]

Just finished "Engage" by Matt Hampson. Excellent read. He dislocated his neck whilst with England RU under21's and it tells his story. Gripping and very well written. Recommended.

[Steven - Dublin]

I have that on my Wishlist. Paul Kinnage wrote it. It's
supposed to be a great read.

Reading Getting More, how you can negotiate to succeed in work and life by Stuart Diamond. A very interesting read and I've certainty picked up from it. Even found ways to get my son to brush his teeth etc without fuss.

[crazydog]

These colours don't run - David Dyke

Inside the Hibs' Capital City Service casuals of the 80's and 90's

They turned Millwall over on their own patch

[The Prince]

Ordinary Thunderstorms - William Boyd.

The man can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned.

I believe the correct vernacular is 'This'.

Reading the Prof B Cox quantum physics book or at least I would be if I can remember where I've left it. See, it's in two places at once.

[user name]

Madness Explained: Psychosis and Human Nature...

by Richard Bentall...


"we should abandon psychiatric diagnoses altogether and instead try to explain and understand the actual experiences and *behaviours of psychotic people..."

:)

[SteelWool]

Just about to start "Liar's Poker" by Michael Lewis which I'm really looking forward to.

Reading Robert Enke's biography afterwards which I'm not looking forward to at all but have heard it is very good.

[tonk]

Madness Explained: Psychosis and Human Nature...

by Richard Bentall...


"we should abandon psychiatric diagnoses altogether and instead try to explain and understand the actual experiences and *behaviours of psychotic people..."

:)

Had this on the shelf for a few years, but only skimmed it.

Just finished 'Closing Time' by Joe Queenan. A memior of his upbringing in seedy working class Philadelphia by his distant mum and alcoholic dad.

[user name]

s'good book... (although I don't care for all the stats)...

got into it through my psychotherapist... bentall worked at Liverpool uni and Manchester uni...

in my line of work many clients are treated as 'labels' according to their diagnosis (which may be incorrect...)

we are trying to use a 'social model' of support for them (as we're not clinicians)...

[tonk]

s'good book... (although I don't care for all the stats)...

got into it through my psychotherapist... bentall worked at Liverpool uni and Manchester uni...

in my line of work many clients are treated as 'labels' according to their diagnosis (which may be incorrect...)

we are trying to use a 'social model' of support for them (as we're not clinicians)...

I've got some sympathy for the thrust of his argument.

Had a mate who was diagnosed as a schizophrenic, but to me he seemed a lot more sane than most.

I certainly don't believe that everyone who 'hears voices' is 'crazy.'

[miller0863]

Girl With The Dragon Tatts.
Well everyone else seems to have read it

[user name]

yeah tonk...

the way forward is to deal with issues from a psychological/social perspective... obviously there are clinical/medical/biological aspects that can be helped by medication but if that's yer starting point and the diagnosis is wrong/flawed then the patient will have more problems not less...

I'm not anti-psychiatry per se but have had to deal with the system from both sides and Bentall illustrates how flawed the system seems to be... (from the medical-model starting point)...

[Solschenizyn]

Just about to start "Liar's Poker" by Michael Lewis which I'm really looking forward to.

Reading Robert Enke's biography afterwards which I'm not looking forward to at all but have heard it is very good.

Yes, it is. Of course it is sad but very interesting and well-written at the same time.

I am reading Nietzsche´s "Human, all too human" currently btw.

[SteelWool]

Yes, it is. Of course it is sad but very interesting and well-written at the same time.

I am reading Nietzsche´s "Human, all too human" currently btw.

You read any other Nietzsche?

[CODE RED]

Dance with Dragons - George RR Martin.

[AnfieldAura]

Reading "The Slap" by Christos Tsiolkas on the Kindle.

I've read Nietzche's "Ecce Homo: How One Becomes What One Is". It was compelling, especially knowing that he went insane shortly after although some argue he was already insane while writing it.

[tonk]

About two-thirds through '11-22-63' by Stephen King.

Gotta say, I'm really enjoying it.

Doesn't dispute the Warren Commission view.

[Steven - Dublin]

The Behaviour Gap: Simple ways to stop doing dumb things with money by Carl Richards

[ger_ryan22]

Carra's book. Didn't like Westerveld did he.

[montypithon]

Currently have 20 different academic papers open on the causes and consequences of divided government in the USA. Not one of them makes it sound remotely interesting.

Word Count 2543 out of 3000.

Come on Monty you can do it.

[Steven - Dublin]

Have you included Newt Gingrich in your paper? Surely you can get 500 word out on him alone?

[montypithon]

Have you included Newt Gingrich in your paper? Surely you can get 500 word out on him alone?

I briefly read about him but no I haven't included him. I have done my full 3000 now but obviously I am open to changing it about. What would you suggest?

[Steven - Dublin]

I briefly read about him but no I haven't included him. I have done my full 3000 now but obviously I am open to changing it about. What would you suggest?

Do you want me to write your paper for you! ;)

I don't know much amount about him to be honest. I knew he was a prick and a nasty piece of work. He ended the Democrats 40 years of control and has been incredibly partisan

[montypithon]

Do you want me to write your paper for you! ;)
I don't know much amount about him to be honest. I knew he was a prick and a nasty piece of work. He ended the Democrats 40 years of control and has been incredibly partisan


That would be ideal Steve! Thanks...


All good stuff but that doesn't quite fit in with the wording of the question :(

[North Wales Red]

The Behaviour Gap: Simple ways to stop doing dumb things with money by Carl Richards

Can I borrow it?

[scaton]

I'll sell you my copy for £25 NWR.

[North Wales Red]

I'll sell you my copy for £25 NWR.

Make it £30 and it's a deal.

[Steven - Dublin]

make it £30 and it's a deal.

:d

[The Prince]

Here comes the most arrogant post possible.

I'm currently reading my own novel.

[MattyB]

wise mans fear, the second book in the patrick rothfuss series.

absolutely fantastic story, totally hooked, nearly finished it in a week.

Just finished "The Name of the Wind" - fantastic book, really looking forward to the second one.

[Steven - Dublin]

Here comes the most arrogant post possible.

I'm currently reading my own novel.

It's up there alright. ;)

Are you proof reading it? Have you got a publisher for it yet? What's it about?

[seamusseamus]

Rabbit, Run - John Updike
Wise Blood - Flannery O'Connor
Don Quixote - Cervantes

[morroccanroll]

Here comes the most arrogant post possible.

I'm currently reading my own novel.

Is it crammed with sizzling gypsies?

[Steven - Dublin]

Don Quixote - Cervantes

How are you getting on with that? Are you reading it in Spanish or English?

[The Prince]

Is it crammed with sizzling gypsies?

It's red hot, mate. As soon as I've finished it I'm going to recommend they ban it.

Nah, it's never going to be published as it's more style than story. It's about four Uni mates and is written in three sections - 1990, 1995 and 2001 with an emphasis on the Manchester music scene then Britpop and then nothing. The themes are friendship, loyalty and how work is a colossal waste of time and life.

About ten years ago I was writing short stories and passed them around my mates. One of them asked if she could send them to a mate. A few days later I received an email from her mate telling me that I have a nice style but tend to 'overwrite' (which is common). She challenged me to write a novel to see if I can sustain it. Turns out she was a commissioning editor from a publisher.

She didn't publish it though.

[Steven - Dublin]

It's red hot, mate. As soon as I've finished it I'm going to recommend they ban it.

Nah, it's never going to be published as it's more style than story. It's about four Uni mates and is written in three sections - 1990, 1995 and 2001 with an emphasis on the Manchester music scene then Britpop and then nothing. The themes are friendship, loyalty and how work is a colossal waste of time and life.

About ten years ago I was writing short stories and passed them around my mates. One of them asked if she could send them to a mate. A few days later I received an email from her mate telling me that I have a nice style but tend to 'overwrite' (which is common). She challenged me to write a novel to see if I can sustain it. Turns out she was a commissioning editor from a publisher.

She didn't publish it though.

You think? Is that because you do something that you don't enjoy? What if you could write as a full time job?

[North Wales Red]

It's red hot, mate. As soon as I've finished it I'm going to recommend they ban it.

Nah, it's never going to be published as it's more style than story. It's about four Uni mates and is written in three sections - 1990, 1995 and 2001 with an emphasis on the Manchester music scene then Britpop and then nothing. The themes are friendship, loyalty and how work is a colossal waste of time and life.

About ten years ago I was writing short stories and passed them around my mates. One of them asked if she could send them to a mate. A few days later I received an email from her mate telling me that I have a nice style but tend to 'overwrite' (which is common). She challenged me to write a novel to see if I can sustain it. Turns out she was a commissioning editor from a publisher.

She didn't publish it though.

Sounds like you just need a decent editor and you're almost there. Better to write too much than be stuck for words no?

[Wembley 86]

If you've got a decent story about 1990 then I reckon there would be a few takers, given the interest in the Roses reforming.

[steviegerrard1]

Operations Managent by Alex and Terry Hill. It's riveting

[seamusseamus]

How are you getting on with that? Are you reading it in Spanish or English?

I'm really enjoying it, around the 540 page mark so just over halfway. You read it before? I'm reading the Edith Grossman translation

[Mel Wood]

Just finished
All On Red

The story of an LFC lottery card salesman who worked for the club 1979-1989.

20% match stories and rubbing shoulders with players.
15% His own family life.
65% Reporting petty squabbles from the office that took place 25 years ago.

Now reading
Dracula

One thing that struck me is the count's physical description. Horror films have set in my mind what he looks like, but in the original book he has a long white moustache, which I've never seen in film portayals.

[morroccanroll]

It's red hot, mate. As soon as I've finished it I'm going to recommend they ban it.

Nah, it's never going to be published as it's more style than story. It's about four Uni mates and is written in three sections - 1990, 1995 and 2001 with an emphasis on the Manchester music scene then Britpop and then nothing. The themes are friendship, loyalty and how work is a colossal waste of time and life.

About ten years ago I was writing short stories and passed them around my mates. One of them asked if she could send them to a mate. A few days later I received an email from her mate telling me that I have a nice style but tend to 'overwrite' (which is common). She challenged me to write a novel to see if I can sustain it. Turns out she was a commissioning editor from a publisher.

She didn't publish it though.

I like the sound of it. Can I hazard a guess that Northern Uproar come in for some stick in the mid section?

Suppose its all about luck on the publishing score, there must be loads of great ideas and stories out there that will never come to fruition. Whilst Katie Price is a best selling author.

Ive messed about started a few bits and pieces - in the comedy/drama area -but never managed to finish anything. I could write a book on obstacles to creativity actually.

[Steven - Dublin]

I'm really enjoying it, around the 540 page mark so just over halfway. You read it before? I'm reading the Edith Grossman translation

No, haven't read it. Had a copy in the house somewhere but haven't a clue where it is now.

[scaton]

From Here to Eternity by James Jones

About half way through it. It's very good so far, about US soldiers in Hawaii in early WW2 time.

Left my kindle on a train a couple of months ago and am reading it on my iPhone which is not the best reading experience to be honest.

[Wembley 86]

Endgame: A biography on Bobby Fischer

Possibly the greatest chess player of all time becomes world champion and then loses his grip on reality becoming a virtual hermit, consumed with paranoia.

[seamusseamus]

No, haven't read it. Had a copy in the house somewhere but haven't a clue where it is now.

It's worth digging out. I don't think it's actually that difficult - it's more the length than anything. Certainly not impenetrable like Ulysses or the like

[the mighty swin]

Dracula

One thing that struck me is the count's physical description. Horror films have set in my mind what he looks like, but in the original book he has a long white moustache, which I've never seen in film portayals.

There's a picture that alludes to it, if I remember rightly, in camp-fest that was Bram Stoker's version. More ham in Hopkins' performance than a pig farm.

In other news:
We need to talk about Kevin;
LoTR - Two Towers
and my bathroom read is currently Memoirs of a Fruitcake - Chris Evans; which I am finding more agreeable than I thought.

Particularly the moment he turned down a cheque for £37m for his shares in Virgin just because he thought there was something fishy about it. :eek:

[North Wales Red]

That We Need to Talk About Kevin has just been made into a film and the critics are raving about it.

[AnfieldAura]

I like the sound of it. Can I hazard a guess that Northern Uproar come in for some stick in the mid section?

Suppose its all about luck on the publishing score, there must be loads of great ideas and stories out there that will never come to fruition. Whilst Katie Price is a best selling author.

Ive messed about started a few bits and pieces - in the comedy/drama area -but never managed to finish anything. I could write a book on obstacles to creativity actually.

As Maugham said:

The great American novel has not only already been written, it has already been rejected.

[Wembley 86]

One for all you budding writers: http://m.guardian.co.uk/ms/p/gnm/op/sSSMY4FfqH0hOI7nF8dg6uA/view.m?id=15&gid=books/2012/jan/12/amanda-hocking-self-publishing&cat=most-read

[seamusseamus]

I've also got What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver on the go as well. Absolutely love this collection. Short and bite sized but really does say something about the human condition.