What book is everyone reading at the moment? - Page 79

arthwollipot · 16th March 2011, 04:15 AM

Since someone asked, I'm quite enjoying Dracula by Bram Stoker. It's a lot more complex than I had at first realised. You'd think that a story like this would be pretty much given over to cliche these days, but I was startled to notice that I never knew what it was about at all.

I'm about a third of the way through it now - the first mention of Van Helsing. Boy, he's played up as the Mary Sue, isn't he?

Aitch · 17th March 2011, 11:01 AM

The Last Empire by Gore Vidal. Collection of essays from 1992 to 2001. Not sure I agree with all that he says, but he writes well.

Funny thing is, I don't remember buying it. 'Twas probably number 3 in a 3 for the price of 2 offer.

Disraeli Ears · 17th March 2011, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by AdMan

I'm still not through it, but so far I've learned more from Goldacre's Bad Science. Have you read it?

I read Bad Science about a month after I finished Simon Singh and Edzard Ernst's Trick or Treatment and, because the two books covered some similar ground, I think my opinion of Bad Science was diminished. Not that the latter was not entertaining...it was...but I felt underwhelmed when I was done.

I also read Mistakes Were Made...But Not by Me, which I bought at TAM last year, and enjoyed it. The only critique is that I thought it got repetitive towards the end.

The book I actually just finished [for the book club I lead] is Dan Barker's The Good Atheist: Living a Purpose-Filled Life Without God. I was disappointed: the book was 90% short biographical sketches of famous non-believers and agnostics, rather than practical discussions of what it means to be a non-believer.

Our next book is Stephen Hawking's The Grand Design, which I'm looking forward to reading.

HawaiiBigSis · 17th March 2011, 07:53 PM

When I next pick up a book to read (later tonight), it will be Christopher Moore's "Fluke". I've enjoyed everything else of his I've read, so I don't expect this to be the exception.

AdMan · 17th March 2011, 09:53 PM

Originally Posted by DundeeGirl

I read Bad Science about a month after I finished Simon Singh and Edzard Ernst's Trick or Treatment and, because the two books covered some similar ground, I think my opinion of Bad Science was diminished. Not that the latter was not entertaining...it was...but I felt underwhelmed when I was done.

I also read Mistakes Were Made...But Not by Me, which I bought at TAM last year, and enjoyed it. The only critique is that I thought it got repetitive towards the end.

I've got Mistakes Were Made...But Not by Me on my Kindle ready to go, but the one I've just started reading (after Bad Science) is Sleights of Mind: What the Neuroscience of Magic Reveals about Our Everyday Deceptions. It's a good start so far.

Ysidro · 17th March 2011, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by arthwollipot

Since someone asked, I'm quite enjoying Dracula by Bram Stoker. It's a lot more complex than I had at first realised. You'd think that a story like this would be pretty much given over to cliche these days, but I was startled to notice that I never knew what it was about at all.

I'm about a third of the way through it now - the first mention of Van Helsing. Boy, he's played up as the Mary Sue, isn't he?

I like it ok, but I feel it falls apart in the latter chapters. A certain character becomes less interesting and I suddenly lost interest.

As for me, I've finally got around to reading Neal Stephenson's Quicksilver. It's entertaining, but none of his books are meant to plow through at breakneck speeds so I'm sure this will take me awhile.

Loss Leader · 19th March 2011, 07:35 PM

Just finished The City at the Center of the World, an account of the Dutch serrlement of New Amsterdam and Manhattan in particular. It was very well-researched and gave a completely different perspective on the foundation of the US than I ever had in school.

hcmom · 19th March 2011, 11:41 PM

I just started Jack Campbell's "The Lost Fleet" series.

SusanB-M1 · 20th March 2011, 03:32 AM

Has anyone read 'A Dog Called Demolition' by Tom Holt? Does it get to be funny later or shall I stop reading now?! I'm up to the part where Patron Vraine hears all about the history of the 'creatures' from 'the gentleman'. It's good practice for my braille reading, but I'm not laughing yet!

complexmelody · 21st March 2011, 04:16 PM

I'm reading, The Fellowship of the Ring - J.R.R. Tolkein

Loss Leader · 22nd March 2011, 05:40 AM

Now reading For the Thrill of It, an account of the trial of Leopold and Loeb.

So far, it reads exactly like an episode of Criminal Minds.

h.g.Whiz · 23rd March 2011, 12:18 PM

The Art of War, by Sun Tzu

AdMan · 23rd March 2011, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by Loss Leader

Now reading For the Thrill of It, an account of the trial of Leopold and Loeb.

So far, it reads exactly like an episode of Criminal Minds.

I checked that book out on Amazon and it sounds interesting to just used some $ I still have on a gift card to get it for my Kindle.

I haven't read much about that case, but did know the Hitchcock movie Rope is based on it.

Bododio · 23rd March 2011, 03:52 PM

I'm currently reading James Madison: A Biography by Ralph Ketcham. Ketcham's writing style doesn't exactly cause the reader to excitedly turn to the next page, but Madison's life is certainly interesting reading.

CriticalSock · 24th March 2011, 04:56 AM

Originally Posted by arthwollipot

Since someone asked, I'm quite enjoying Dracula by Bram Stoker. It's a lot more complex than I had at first realised. You'd think that a story like this would be pretty much given over to cliche these days, but I was startled to notice that I never knew what it was about at all.

I'm about a third of the way through it now - the first mention of Van Helsing. Boy, he's played up as the Mary Sue, isn't he?

I enjoyed Dracula more than I expected to when I finally got around to reading it recently. Made me think that none of the films had done the story justice. I tried to read Frankenstein afterwards though (because, you know, Dracula and Frankenstein were at school together) and really struggled with it. Frankenstein does stupidly unbelievable things and the writing overall drags like a body in a sack.

Oh and I'm currently reading "A Ship of the Line" by CS Forrester (again); but I have just ordered "A Game of Thrones" by George RR Martin after reading the thread about it here!

KDLarsen · 25th March 2011, 03:16 PM

The CIA and the U-2 Program (1954-1974) since I have genuine fascination with this particular type of aircraft. Especially since it looks like it'll make it to 60 years of operations before it's finally retired.

bruto · 25th March 2011, 03:27 PM

I spent most of the depths of February and early March reading through Patrick O'Brian's "Aubrey-Maturin" series, of which there are 20 volumes plus an unfinished one. I still am missing three of the 20, but came pretty close at least. Great antidote to the winter blues, sailing off to the far side of the world with Lucky Jack and his crew.

For those unfamiliar with these books, they're historical novels, but also decent literature, with a well developed cast of characters, exciting events, historical accuracy, and nice writing. And they're as addictive as salted peanuts.

catsmate1 · 25th March 2011, 03:38 PM

Currently reading Leeming's Jealous Gods and Chosen People - The Mythology of the Middle East (interesting) and Penprase's The Power of Stars - How Celestial Observations Have Shaped Civilization (very good)
Up next are:
Sex, time, and Power - How Women’s Sexuality Shaped Human Evolution by Leonard Shlain and Forbidden Fruit - Sex & Religion in the Lives of American Teenagers by Mark D. Regnerus and Age of the Warrior by Robert Fisk

Pythonic · 25th March 2011, 07:24 PM

Parallel Worlds - Michio Kaku

HawaiiBigSis · 25th March 2011, 09:20 PM

I discovered last night that not only is my copy of Christopher Moore's Fluke a first edition, it's signed by the author!

And I bought it for a dollar at the friends of the library table!

Keeper · 26th March 2011, 03:47 PM

Originally Posted by HawaiiBigSis

I discovered last night that not only is my copy of Christopher Moore's Fluke a first edition, it's signed by the author!

And I bought it for a dollar at the friends of the library table!

But have you got it on Kindle?

HawaiiBigSis · 26th March 2011, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by Keeper

But have you got it on Kindle?

No Kindle, no point.

BTMO · 26th March 2011, 11:37 PM

The Vortex Blaster by EE (Doc) Smith - book seven of the Lensman series. I've got them all on audio book and have been listening to them for the last month going to and from work. Crazy fun!

arthwollipot · 27th March 2011, 05:48 AM

Yeah, how do you go about getting the author to sign an e-book, anyway?

catsmate1 · 27th March 2011, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by arthwollipot

Yeah, how do you go about getting the author to sign an e-book, anyway?

Digital signature?

"Exuse me Mr. Camp do you have your public key......"

Originally Posted by BTMO

The Vortex Blaster by EE (Doc) Smith - book seven of the Lensman series. I've got them all on audio book and have been listening to them for the last month going to and from work. Crazy fun!

I liked it a lot as it got away from the main world shattering plot for a change.
Are you going to read/hear the non-Smith Lensman books?

BTMO · 27th March 2011, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by catsmate1

I liked it a lot as it got away from the main world shattering plot for a change.
Are you going to read/hear the non-Smith Lensman books?

If I can track them down. I've moved onto John Ringo now.

I have low tastes...

catsmate1 · 28th March 2011, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by BTMO

If I can track them down. I've moved onto John Ringo now.

I have low tastes...

Smith is one thing, but Ringo

Anyway I've added a few books by a chap names Ramsay (who should be familiar to participants in a certain thread) to my e-reading list:

Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia - William M. Ramsay
St. Paul the Traveler and the Roman Citizen - William M. Ramsay
Was Christ Born in Bethlehem? - William M. Ramsay

Oualawouzou · 28th March 2011, 02:58 PM

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Right, so I'm late to the party...

Bram Kaandorp · 28th March 2011, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by Oualawouzou

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Right, so I'm late to the party...

An excellent choice. Don't forget to listen to the radio drama (if you can).

I have decided to continue reading in Ringworld by Larry Niven.

Cheers

BTMO · 28th March 2011, 10:25 PM

Originally Posted by catsmate1

Smith is one thing, but Ringo

I find myself cracking up from time to time. I mean, rednecks are fighting off an alien invasion armed with .577 T-Rex's! What's not to love about that??

catsmate1 · 29th March 2011, 04:44 AM

Originally Posted by BTMO

I find myself cracking up from time to time. I mean, rednecks are fighting off an alien invasion armed with .577 T-Rex's! What's not to love about that??

The Ghost series? I agree with this and this so quite a lot in my case.........

BTW regarding Smith have you tried Spacehounds of the IPC? In a lot of ways it's a prequel to the Lensman series, though he made a lot of changes to the background.

Moon-Spinner · 29th March 2011, 05:59 AM

I'm reading "Into Africa" by Martin Dugard. Fascinating and detailed account of the David Livingston and Henry Morton Stanley adventure. The first third of the book details the events leading up to the quest to find Livingston, and why it was major news of the day. I'm just starting the section where the adventure is about to begin...

Hey look - this is my 1,000th post !!!

Wudang · 29th March 2011, 06:02 AM

Just finished "The Wise Man's Fear" by Patrick Rothfuss - vol 2 of the Kingkiller series which is even better than the first. Unusually for a fantasy novel I read ever word, he spent a lot of time revising it and I believe it shows. It has the best realised characters in a fantasy book since Hobb's Assassin trilogy about 10 years(?) back though the Gentleman Bastard books come close.

Nursefoxfire · 29th March 2011, 09:06 AM

I just finished Fever Dream by Preston & Child. A rather weak addition to the Pendergast stable, I thought. And the exposition (is that the right word?) of how and why Pendergast's wife was killed seemed...myeh. I just didn't get into it as much as their past books.

Ah well.

I'm also currently reading:
- Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman (loving it)
- High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
- Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter

BTMO · 29th March 2011, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by catsmate1

BTW regarding Smith have you tried Spacehounds of the IPC? In a lot of ways it's a prequel to the Lensman series, though he made a lot of changes to the background.

Not for a *very* long time. I will again at some stage.

qayak · 29th March 2011, 05:31 PM

From Eternity to Here by Sean Carroll- Just bought and started last night.

The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values by Sam Harris- Just bought and started last night.

Game Theory: A Very Short Introduction by Ken Binmore- A few pages left to go.

Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer- About halfway through.

Plus, I just got the latest issues of Skeptic and The Skeptical Inquirer so it will be a week of heavy reading.

HawaiiBigSis · 30th March 2011, 01:49 AM

Originally Posted by Nursefoxfire

I'm also currently reading:
- Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman (loving it)

This one's next up in the stack... Good to hear you're enjoying it!

SusanB-M1 · 30th March 2011, 09:51 AM

Just finished 'A Dog Called Demolition by Tony Holt. It finally became quite funnyt towards the end, but I thought the actually ending was very disappointing indeed. I'm probably too old now for his humour!!

Audible Click · 30th March 2011, 10:13 AM

I'm reading Swarm by B.V. Larson, it's a pretty good sci fi yarn. I've just finished Treachery in Death by J.D. Robb the books are sort of formulaic but I really enjoy the "In Death" series. J. D. Robb is the pen name of Nora Roberts.

Keeper · 30th March 2011, 01:18 PM

"The Most Dangerous Enemy" by Stephen Bungay.

A history of the Battle of Britain written by a management consultant. This shows in a negative way occasionally through the style of writing but is more than off-set by the insights which I found relatively fresh on a well-studied subject.

16th March 2011, 04:15 AM	#3121
arthwollipot Observer of Phenomena Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: The other side of your screen Posts: 43,005	Since someone asked, I'm quite enjoying Dracula by Bram Stoker. It's a lot more complex than I had at first realised. You'd think that a story like this would be pretty much given over to cliche these days, but I was startled to notice that I never knew what it was about at all. I'm about a third of the way through it now - the first mention of Van Helsing. Boy, he's played up as the Mary Sue, isn't he?
	__________________ Jadey (in RvB game thread): I just want to take a moment to commend Arth on his role as Parasitic Alien Tumor. I think he really connected with the character and there were times when I forgot that he was just acting. That's the kind of talent that you can't teach.

17th March 2011, 02:41 PM	#3123
Disraeli Ears You may call me Heather Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 317	Originally Posted by AdMan I'm still not through it, but so far I've learned more from Goldacre's Bad Science. Have you read it? I read Bad Science about a month after I finished Simon Singh and Edzard Ernst's Trick or Treatment and, because the two books covered some similar ground, I think my opinion of Bad Science was diminished. Not that the latter was not entertaining...it was...but I felt underwhelmed when I was done. I also read Mistakes Were Made...But Not by Me, which I bought at TAM last year, and enjoyed it. The only critique is that I thought it got repetitive towards the end. The book I actually just finished [for the book club I lead] is Dan Barker's The Good Atheist: Living a Purpose-Filled Life Without God. I was disappointed: the book was 90% short biographical sketches of famous non-believers and agnostics, rather than practical discussions of what it means to be a non-believer. Our next book is Stephen Hawking's The Grand Design, which I'm looking forward to reading.
	Last edited by Disraeli Ears; 17th March 2011 at 02:42 PM.

17th March 2011, 07:53 PM	#3124
HawaiiBigSis List Management Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Under the rainbow Posts: 5,029	When I next pick up a book to read (later tonight), it will be Christopher Moore's "Fluke". I've enjoyed everything else of his I've read, so I don't expect this to be the exception.
	__________________ The easy confidence with which I know another man's religion is folly teaches me to suspect that my own is also. - Mark Twain

17th March 2011, 09:53 PM	#3125
AdMan Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 7,168	Originally Posted by DundeeGirl I read Bad Science about a month after I finished Simon Singh and Edzard Ernst's Trick or Treatment and, because the two books covered some similar ground, I think my opinion of Bad Science was diminished. Not that the latter was not entertaining...it was...but I felt underwhelmed when I was done. I also read Mistakes Were Made...But Not by Me, which I bought at TAM last year, and enjoyed it. The only critique is that I thought it got repetitive towards the end. I've got Mistakes Were Made...But Not by Me on my Kindle ready to go, but the one I've just started reading (after Bad Science) is Sleights of Mind: What the Neuroscience of Magic Reveals about Our Everyday Deceptions. It's a good start so far.
AdMan Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 7,168	__________________ It is far better to grasp the universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring. - Carl Sagan

17th March 2011, 10:23 PM	#3126
Ysidro I'm watching you Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 5,334	Originally Posted by arthwollipot Since someone asked, I'm quite enjoying Dracula by Bram Stoker. It's a lot more complex than I had at first realised. You'd think that a story like this would be pretty much given over to cliche these days, but I was startled to notice that I never knew what it was about at all. I'm about a third of the way through it now - the first mention of Van Helsing. Boy, he's played up as the Mary Sue, isn't he? I like it ok, but I feel it falls apart in the latter chapters. A certain character becomes less interesting and I suddenly lost interest. As for me, I've finally got around to reading Neal Stephenson's Quicksilver. It's entertaining, but none of his books are meant to plow through at breakneck speeds so I'm sure this will take me awhile.
Ysidro I'm watching you Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 5,334	__________________ This is a sig file. Does anyone even read this stuff?

17th March 2011, 11:01 AM	#3122
Aitch Guest Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: StAines Posts: 2,731	The Last Empire by Gore Vidal. Collection of essays from 1992 to 2001. Not sure I agree with all that he says, but he writes well. Funny thing is, I don't remember buying it. 'Twas probably number 3 in a 3 for the price of 2 offer.

19th March 2011, 07:35 PM	#3127
Loss Leader Opinionated Jerk Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: New York Posts: 11,885	Just finished The City at the Center of the World, an account of the Dutch serrlement of New Amsterdam and Manhattan in particular. It was very well-researched and gave a completely different perspective on the foundation of the US than I ever had in school.
	__________________ Follow me on Twitter! @LossLeader This force is receiving all the right to vote through the use of magic. - Miernik Wieslaw <NEW> VOTE FOR ME JUST BECAUSE <NEW>

19th March 2011, 11:41 PM	#3128
hcmom Tagger Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Probably lost. Posts: 10,645	I just started Jack Campbell's "The Lost Fleet" series.
	__________________ JeffWagg> hcmom, you can feel that way if you want, but you're quite innocent. Curnir> Hcmom. taking reality into a wholly new direction

20th March 2011, 03:32 AM	#3129
SusanB-M1 Incurable Optimist Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Almost in the New Forest, Hampshire, UK Posts: 2,867	Has anyone read 'A Dog Called Demolition' by Tom Holt? Does it get to be funny later or shall I stop reading now?! I'm up to the part where Patron Vraine hears all about the history of the 'creatures' from 'the gentleman'. It's good practice for my braille reading, but I'm not laughing yet!
	__________________ I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.

21st March 2011, 04:16 PM	#3130
complexmelody Student Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: In the wonderful land of thunder clouds and death threats Posts: 29	I'm reading, The Fellowship of the Ring - J.R.R. Tolkein

22nd March 2011, 05:40 AM	#3131
Loss Leader Opinionated Jerk Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: New York Posts: 11,885	Now reading For the Thrill of It, an account of the trial of Leopold and Loeb. So far, it reads exactly like an episode of Criminal Minds.
	__________________ Follow me on Twitter! @LossLeader This force is receiving all the right to vote through the use of magic. - Miernik Wieslaw <NEW> VOTE FOR ME JUST BECAUSE <NEW> Last edited by Loss Leader; 22nd March 2011 at 05:42 AM.

23rd March 2011, 12:18 PM	#3132
h.g.Whiz Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Egoville Posts: 3,083	The Art of War, by Sun Tzu
	__________________ Reading this sentence is ineluctable.

23rd March 2011, 12:44 PM	#3133
AdMan Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 7,168	Originally Posted by Loss Leader Now reading For the Thrill of It, an account of the trial of Leopold and Loeb. So far, it reads exactly like an episode of Criminal Minds. I checked that book out on Amazon and it sounds interesting to just used some $ I still have on a gift card to get it for my Kindle. I haven't read much about that case, but did know the Hitchcock movie Rope is based on it.
AdMan Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 7,168	__________________ It is far better to grasp the universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring. - Carl Sagan

23rd March 2011, 03:52 PM	#3134
Bododio Critical Thinker Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Left Coast Posts: 308	I'm currently reading James Madison: A Biography by Ralph Ketcham. Ketcham's writing style doesn't exactly cause the reader to excitedly turn to the next page, but Madison's life is certainly interesting reading.

24th March 2011, 04:56 AM	#3135
CriticalSock Graduate Poster Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: In a little costwold stone cottage. Posts: 1,993	Originally Posted by arthwollipot Since someone asked, I'm quite enjoying Dracula by Bram Stoker. It's a lot more complex than I had at first realised. You'd think that a story like this would be pretty much given over to cliche these days, but I was startled to notice that I never knew what it was about at all. I'm about a third of the way through it now - the first mention of Van Helsing. Boy, he's played up as the Mary Sue, isn't he? I enjoyed Dracula more than I expected to when I finally got around to reading it recently. Made me think that none of the films had done the story justice. I tried to read Frankenstein afterwards though (because, you know, Dracula and Frankenstein were at school together) and really struggled with it. Frankenstein does stupidly unbelievable things and the writing overall drags like a body in a sack. Oh and I'm currently reading "A Ship of the Line" by CS Forrester (again); but I have just ordered "A Game of Thrones" by George RR Martin after reading the thread about it here!

25th March 2011, 03:16 PM	#3136
KDLarsen Graduate Poster Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Lord's Posts: 1,941	The CIA and the U-2 Program (1954-1974) since I have genuine fascination with this particular type of aircraft. Especially since it looks like it'll make it to 60 years of operations before it's finally retired.

25th March 2011, 03:27 PM	#3137
bruto Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: way way north of Diddy Wah Diddy Posts: 11,187	I spent most of the depths of February and early March reading through Patrick O'Brian's "Aubrey-Maturin" series, of which there are 20 volumes plus an unfinished one. I still am missing three of the 20, but came pretty close at least. Great antidote to the winter blues, sailing off to the far side of the world with Lucky Jack and his crew. For those unfamiliar with these books, they're historical novels, but also decent literature, with a well developed cast of characters, exciting events, historical accuracy, and nice writing. And they're as addictive as salted peanuts.
	__________________ "Sir, I have found you an argument; but I am not obliged to find you an understanding.(Samuel Johnson) The gods are less for their love of praise....(Wendell Berry)

25th March 2011, 03:38 PM	#3138
catsmate1 Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Dublin (the one in Ireland) Posts: 7,117	Currently reading Leeming's Jealous Gods and Chosen People - The Mythology of the Middle East (interesting) and Penprase's The Power of Stars - How Celestial Observations Have Shaped Civilization (very good) Up next are: Sex, time, and Power - How Women’s Sexuality Shaped Human Evolution by Leonard Shlain and Forbidden Fruit - Sex & Religion in the Lives of American Teenagers by Mark D. Regnerus and Age of the Warrior by Robert Fisk

25th March 2011, 07:24 PM	#3139
Pythonic Thinker Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: California Posts: 188	Parallel Worlds - Michio Kaku

25th March 2011, 09:20 PM	#3140
HawaiiBigSis List Management Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Under the rainbow Posts: 5,029	I discovered last night that not only is my copy of Christopher Moore's Fluke a first edition, it's signed by the author! And I bought it for a dollar at the friends of the library table!
	__________________ The easy confidence with which I know another man's religion is folly teaches me to suspect that my own is also. - Mark Twain

26th March 2011, 03:47 PM	#3141
Keeper Thinker Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 204	Originally Posted by HawaiiBigSis I discovered last night that not only is my copy of Christopher Moore's Fluke a first edition, it's signed by the author! And I bought it for a dollar at the friends of the library table! But have you got it on Kindle?
Keeper Thinker Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 204

26th March 2011, 07:40 PM	#3142
HawaiiBigSis List Management Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Under the rainbow Posts: 5,029	Originally Posted by Keeper But have you got it on Kindle? No Kindle, no point.
	__________________ The easy confidence with which I know another man's religion is folly teaches me to suspect that my own is also. - Mark Twain

26th March 2011, 11:37 PM	#3143
BTMO Overlord of the Underthings Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Wellington, New Zealand. Posts: 2,345	The Vortex Blaster by EE (Doc) Smith - book seven of the Lensman series. I've got them all on audio book and have been listening to them for the last month going to and from work. Crazy fun!
	__________________ Insert pithy saying here

27th March 2011, 05:48 AM	#3144
arthwollipot Observer of Phenomena Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: The other side of your screen Posts: 43,005	Yeah, how do you go about getting the author to sign an e-book, anyway?
	__________________ Jadey (in RvB game thread): I just want to take a moment to commend Arth on his role as Parasitic Alien Tumor. I think he really connected with the character and there were times when I forgot that he was just acting. That's the kind of talent that you can't teach.

27th March 2011, 07:14 AM	#3145
catsmate1 Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Dublin (the one in Ireland) Posts: 7,117	Originally Posted by arthwollipot Yeah, how do you go about getting the author to sign an e-book, anyway? Digital signature? "Exuse me Mr. Camp do you have your public key......" Originally Posted by BTMO The Vortex Blaster by EE (Doc) Smith - book seven of the Lensman series. I've got them all on audio book and have been listening to them for the last month going to and from work. Crazy fun! I liked it a lot as it got away from the main world shattering plot for a change. Are you going to read/hear the non-Smith Lensman books?

27th March 2011, 10:30 PM	#3146
BTMO Overlord of the Underthings Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Wellington, New Zealand. Posts: 2,345	Originally Posted by catsmate1 I liked it a lot as it got away from the main world shattering plot for a change. Are you going to read/hear the non-Smith Lensman books? If I can track them down. I've moved onto John Ringo now. I have low tastes...
	__________________ Insert pithy saying here Last edited by BTMO; 27th March 2011 at 10:37 PM.

28th March 2011, 02:54 PM	#3147
catsmate1 Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Dublin (the one in Ireland) Posts: 7,117	Originally Posted by BTMO If I can track them down. I've moved onto John Ringo now. I have low tastes... Smith is one thing, but Ringo Anyway I've added a few books by a chap names Ramsay (who should be familiar to participants in a certain thread) to my e-reading list: Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia - William M. Ramsay St. Paul the Traveler and the Roman Citizen - William M. Ramsay Was Christ Born in Bethlehem? - William M. Ramsay

28th March 2011, 02:58 PM	#3148
Oualawouzou Critical Thinker Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 492	The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Right, so I'm late to the party...

28th March 2011, 03:10 PM	#3149
Bram Kaandorp Master Poster Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Netherlands Posts: 2,240	Originally Posted by Oualawouzou The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Right, so I'm late to the party... An excellent choice. Don't forget to listen to the radio drama (if you can). I have decided to continue reading in Ringworld by Larry Niven. Cheers

28th March 2011, 10:25 PM	#3150
BTMO Overlord of the Underthings Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Wellington, New Zealand. Posts: 2,345	Originally Posted by catsmate1 Smith is one thing, but Ringo I find myself cracking up from time to time. I mean, rednecks are fighting off an alien invasion armed with .577 T-Rex's! What's not to love about that??
	__________________ Insert pithy saying here

29th March 2011, 04:44 AM	#3151
catsmate1 Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Dublin (the one in Ireland) Posts: 7,117	Originally Posted by BTMO I find myself cracking up from time to time. I mean, rednecks are fighting off an alien invasion armed with .577 T-Rex's! What's not to love about that?? The Ghost series? I agree with this and this so quite a lot in my case......... BTW regarding Smith have you tried Spacehounds of the IPC? In a lot of ways it's a prequel to the Lensman series, though he made a lot of changes to the background.

29th March 2011, 05:59 AM	#3152
Moon-Spinner Graduate Poster Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Within a star too far to dream of Posts: 1,484	I'm reading "Into Africa" by Martin Dugard. Fascinating and detailed account of the David Livingston and Henry Morton Stanley adventure. The first third of the book details the events leading up to the quest to find Livingston, and why it was major news of the day. I'm just starting the section where the adventure is about to begin... Hey look - this is my 1,000th post !!!

29th March 2011, 06:02 AM	#3153
Wudang BOFH Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Sheffield Posts: 8,243	Just finished "The Wise Man's Fear" by Patrick Rothfuss - vol 2 of the Kingkiller series which is even better than the first. Unusually for a fantasy novel I read ever word, he spent a lot of time revising it and I believe it shows. It has the best realised characters in a fantasy book since Hobb's Assassin trilogy about 10 years(?) back though the Gentleman Bastard books come close.
	__________________ Aphorism: Subjects most likely to be declared inappropriate for humor are the ones most in need of it. -epepke

29th March 2011, 09:06 AM	#3154
Nursefoxfire Graduate Poster Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,197	I just finished Fever Dream by Preston & Child. A rather weak addition to the Pendergast stable, I thought. And the exposition (is that the right word?) of how and why Pendergast's wife was killed seemed...myeh. I just didn't get into it as much as their past books. Ah well. I'm also currently reading: - Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman (loving it) - High Fidelity by Nick Hornby - Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter

29th March 2011, 10:50 AM	#3155
BTMO Overlord of the Underthings Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Wellington, New Zealand. Posts: 2,345	Originally Posted by catsmate1 BTW regarding Smith have you tried Spacehounds of the IPC? In a lot of ways it's a prequel to the Lensman series, though he made a lot of changes to the background. Not for a very long time. I will again at some stage.
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