Rate the last Book you read

[Stirchley]

48077

Excellent book.

[SeeingisBelieving]

The swirls in the woman's silhouette remind me of The Scream.

[Stirchley]

Good catch. Didn’t notice.

[SeeingisBelieving]

Good catch. Didn’t notice.

Ah, Norwegian author as well :). I saw the name but didn't check it at first.

[Stirchley]

48132

Excellent book.

[cat_sidhe]

48231

Erractic Circles
By Victoria K. Ogawa
© 2006

A fascinating look into the life of a young man who, after having been unceremoniously thrown out of his home by his old, uncaring father as he became of legal age, a home in which the only loving support he ever had was from his mother who died, and until that fateful day when all his belongings were strewn all over the front lawn for all his neighbours to see by his callous father who never showed him an ounce of fatherly love. Yeah, an utter ****.

This novella was written by our own Miss Vicky 12 years ago, and it stands the test of its relatively short life so far, and it's a tragedy this hasn't been read by more than a handful of people. I am a firm believer that this should get a serious publishing.

I don't want to give too much of the story away, but I would like to talk about the writer's style, her ability to make me smell, hear, touch and taste every word that fell from her fingertips. I was spellbound from the very start. I suffer a spot of ye ole synthesthesia, and the meticulously descriptive style of this author made that little condition of mine spark in every direction it was taking me.

This is quite simply, a breathtakingly beautiful and heartbreaking look at what happens when a young man, rightly terrified of the hand life has dealt him for no other reason than he's different, a young man who who appreciates both genders, but gravitates more towards the one gets offered a way out of living in his car. A way that that plays Russian roulette with each outcome. A what's in the box kind of situation? with every strange scenario in which he finds himself. Yes, pun intended. Each encounter is also a journey in self discovery, hope, FEAR of hope, brutalisation, the realisation that life isn't all fantasy, even if you're lucky enough to get that fantasy for even a brief time, and the hard decisions to protect those you love.

The prose, the inner dialogue, those all struck me as quite beautiful, heartbreaking, poignant, and sometimes dangerous. There is also a scene that I don't want to mention but when you get to it, the simultaneous comedy and revulsion is a feat hard to pull off but Miss Vicky aced it.

I was legitimately sad for this story to end, so I rationed myself. I wouldn't allow myself more than 15 pages per day because I would have raced through it and felt immediately bummed that it was over.

I'm SO proud of Miss Vicky and I've never even met her in person. If I may, as an instant fan of her work, because, guys...it IS that good: not a split infinitive, not a single typo, not (my personal fav) dangling participle. The descriptive words were powerful. I could SMELL that city. I could smell the post coital sheets, sometimes the unavoidable shame and yes, this is not a novella for the faint hearted if you're homophobic in any way.

The ending made me cry. I don't want to say why, but you can imagine. I'm an emotional type, and a fiercely protective type. I fell in love with Jordan and E, and if you wish to know who they are, please ask Miss Vicky to send you a copy. It really is well worth the read. It's only 102 pages. Ration it, because believe me, whether you bringe read it or ration yourself like I did, you will want more. You'll want to start harrassing Miss Vicky to revisit Jordan, like Stephen King revisited Danny Torrance, who, by the way, I fell in love with in Dr Sleep. Who woulda thunk. So if Miss Vicky, 12 years from now on finds it in her soul to let us check in with Jordan all these years later, I'd like to be the first to read it. Well, I did fall in love with Danny Torrance as a grownup. And I'm already a bit in love with Jordan.

But I digress.

Miss Vicky's novella is something I can recommend to all MoFos. Parts will break your heart but if you're like me, that's what you want. That's one of your drugs. The haunting. Not the forgettable. The haunting/bittersweet stories you take to your grave, which is why George RR Martin BETTER not **** up the end of his mammoth ASOIAF series.

The TL;DR part of this entire review is that it's anything but forgettable.

Miss Vicky. FORMALLY PUBLISH THAT or I may become a pain in your ass. Just saying. You NAILED it <3

THANK YOU FOR SHARING IT WITH ME.

4

[Miss Vicky]

48231

Sweet. Looks great!

I'm blushing just a bit right now. That was quite the review. Thank you! :blush:

I really should do something about getting it published for real, maybe some day I actually will. I've also toyed with the idea of writing a sequel, but it's been so long since I've actually written anything that I'm kind of scared I've lost my touch. I registered the copyright for it back in 2006, but I'd been working on it since 2000 or 2001. Basically I've been living with these characters for close to 20 years so if I do ever write a sequel it would have to be absolutely perfect or I'd be sorely disappointed in myself.

[cat_sidhe]

Sweet. Looks great!

I'm blushing just a bit right now. That was quite the review. Thank you! :blush:

I really should do something about getting it published for real, maybe some day I actually will. I've also toyed with the idea of writing a sequel, but it's been so long since I've actually written anything that I'm kind of scared I've lost my touch. I registered the copyright for it back in 2006, but I'd been working on it since 2000 or 2001. Basically I've been living with these characters for close to 20 years so if I do ever write a sequel it would have to be absolutely perfect or I'd be sorely disappointed in myself.

I would strongly encourage you to get it out there.

I believe I mentioned falling in love with Danny Torrance, years after his ordeal at the Stanley Hotel, He became a drunk, just like his father and couldn't deal with his psychic ability at some poit tried to drink himself to death, and it was really one of the few times I fell in love with a character all grown up, trying to save a little girl while still being plagued by his demons. I LOVE DANNY TORRANCE!

I see Jordan as a sort of shy, somewhat defeated Danny, unable to believe he deserves good things in life. I CAN'T SAY MY NEXT SENTECE WTHOUT SPOILING IT SO I WON'T.

But fuuuuuuuuck I love flawed characters.

AMAZING JOB, Miss Vicky <3 I'd love to dread more about Jordan....and E.

[Gatsby]

MV: I haven't read the book yet, but do it. Try to get published. You'll never know if a door will open unless you give it a knock.

And 102 pages? Great work, I thought your novel was still in the making so cat's review surprised me. :up:

[Miss Vicky]

MV: I haven't read the book yet, but do it. Try to get published. You'll never know if a door will open unless you give it a knock.

And 102 pages? Great work, I thought your novel was still in the making so cat's review surprised me. :up:

It's been kind of "in the works" for a long time now. I periodically drag it out and make minor tweaks to it but it's basically been done since '06.

[Camo]

Would love to read that! :shifty:

Finished The Hot Zone, it turned into a boring no-stakes disaster film novelization in the last 50 or so pages :rolleyes: Was great when it was about Africa though.

[Swan]

12-years-belated congrats on finishing the book, Miss Vicky. :p Now get it published dammit!

[Stirchley]

48378

Finished all 6 books. Only managed to read 2/3rds of what Karl Ove Knausgaard wrote (some parts I simply could not get through), but I enjoyed it. Glad I am finished & back to Kindle books now.

[Stirchley]

48465

Well-written interesting book from Kenney Jones, dummer with The Small Faces, Faces & The Who.

[Stirchley]

48536
48537

Managed only a few pages of each book before returning both for refunds.

[SeeingisBelieving]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=48536


I'm not keen on the typography for this one – I didn't immediately see the author's name for what it was. Lowercase letters would have made it clearer.

[MovieGal]

I started reading this over a year ago. About 1/2 in to it, I started another book. Many of time, I wanted to pick it back up again and but I forgot the title. Even tried to google things I remembered of what I read but no avail. For some reason, I remembered and yes, it was on my kindle. I recently finished it. There are two other books I want to re-read and finish.

This book is about Don Julius Caesar d'Austria, Bastard son of King Rudolph, a Hapsburg king, and his murder of the daughter of a BloodLetter/Barber and Owner of a Bathhouse in Bohemia (Czech). I know the premise is based on a real-life event but the story is made up around it.

I give it a 4/5.

https://img.thriftbooks.com/api/images/l/ec5210ca0dc454d2fe5f346428a9e1cba18655fa.jpg

Now I need to finish reading Miss Vicky's book.

[Stirchley]

48792

Excellent autobiography.

48793

Strange & disturbing.

48802

Didn’t like this book or its movie adaptation.

[Stirchley]

48851

This book has good reviews. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for it.

[Stirchley]

48907

Could not make it through the first story. Returned for a refund.

48908

Before he died, Bill Cunningham took photos of well-dressed ladies on the streets of Manhattan for the New York Times. It was always my dream that he would take my photo, but it never happened. Amusing autobiography published posthumously.

[Stirchley]

49042

Good book.

[Stirchley]

49162

Good book. Moving.

[SeeingisBelieving]

Good book. Moving.

Is that a recent book? It's just that she was on The Graham Norton Show the other day along with Michael Caine, who was also promoting a new biography. They were talking about the lousy films they made together :).

[Sedai]

Hyperion - Dan Simmons

4_5

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81i8IM58zLL.jpg

I guess there is a reason this book is on the Top 100 Sci-Fi books of all time list. Great stuff.

[Stirchley]

Is that a recent book? It's just that she was on The Graham Norton Show the other day along with Michael Caine, who was also promoting a new biography. They were talking about the lousy films they made together :).

Brand-new. She’ll be on all the shows now. Here they’re making a big thing of the recent death of Burt Reynolds vis-a-vis Sally. Good negative publicity for her.

Will check out Caine new book, which is the 1st I’ve heard of it.

[SeeingisBelieving]

Brand-new. She’ll be on all the shows now. Here they’re making a big thing of the recent death of Burt Reynolds vis-a-vis Sally. Good negative publicity for her.

Yes she was supposedly the love of his life.

[SeeingisBelieving]

Hyperion - Dan Simmons

rating_4_5

I guess there is a reason this book is on the Top 100 Sci-Fi books of all time list. Great stuff.

That's a great cover.

[Stirchley]

Yes she was supposedly the love of his life.

Not according to her. A very very controlling guy. Sounds like he was a pain in the ass.

[SeeingisBelieving]

Not according to her. A very very controlling guy. Sounds like he was a pain in the ass.

Yes, I think he acknowledged that he'd ruined the relationship in an interview of a few years back.

[Stirchley]

49207

Fun book, fun movie.

[Stirchley]

49237

Surprisingly, somewhat of a dull read. Which was my problem with Kenney Jones’s autobiography. Best rock stars’ books so far have been Pete Townsend’s & the best being Eric Clapton’s.

[Ultraviolence]

https://d1w7fb2mkkr3kw.cloudfront.net/assets/images/book/lrg/9780/0623/9780062325549.jpg
★★★★
Agatha's 1939 "And Then There Were None" was my last one, she manages to maintain the suspense until the last page. It's a very good mystery/thriller. My favorite from her (so far).

[Ultraviolence]

https://http2.mlstatic.com/cavaleiros-do-zodiaco-kanzenban-jbc-volumes-1-ao-5-D_NQ_NP_622124-MLB26562241344_122017-F.jpg
https://www.cavzodiaco.com.br/kanzenban/3e4/fotonova1.jpg
★★★★
Saint Seiya Kanzenban 1 - 5
So far so good!

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/berserk/images/7/77/V25-Cover-Manga.png/revision/latest?cb=20170513173549
★★★★★
Kentaro Miura is a God!
25 edition so far and it's GREAT!
The best fantasy story ever, and it's not over yet.

[Stirchley]

49340

This book went on & on & on. Well-written, but after 200 pages I could not face the final 100 pages.

49341

Dense with words & virtually no paragraph breaks. Not my kind of book.

[Rey Skywalker]

https://66.media.tumblr.com/bc183a3c92642d37041f77e1f5da5d66/tumblr_p81oukWJuo1say5iqo3_r4_500.jpg

5

Turns out I'm not too old for young adult novels after all!

[Stirchley]

49481

Did not care for this author before, but this book is excellent.

[TheUsualSuspect]

Currently reading

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51eUfSM7FeL._SX274_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

[Stirchley]

49607

Good read.

[Stirchley]

49655

Returned for refund.

[Stirchley]

49684
49685

Refunds requested for both.

[chawhee]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_in_the_Soul#/media/File:Science_in_the_Soul,_Richard_Dawkins_book.jpg

Science in the Soul - Richard Dawkins

I'm usually not fond of collective books like these, but I did want to read some Dawkin's works. The first half of the book seemed to contain most of the material I found interesting, while the second half essays veered in a different direction. As how these types of books go, some of the concepts aren't explored as much as you would like them to be.

[Ms. M]

https://www.dymocks.com.au/Pages/ImageHandler.ashx?q=9781447294832&w=240
rating_3_5+

[Stirchley]

Re-read of an excellent book. Very sexy. Adapted as a tv mini-series, but haven’t seen it.

49756

[Stirchley]

49760

Returned for refund. First chapter all over the place.

[Stirchley]

49917

A nice read.

[Nausicaä]

The first book I've read from Burroughs. Will definitely be reading some more of his books, although I've been told Junky is less experimental compared to some of his writing.


https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51XBC%2BGj69L._SX324_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

3.5

[Ms. M]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ITN%2BU%2Bf8L._SX319_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
2/5
What a great main charcater. I couldn't care less about anybody else;)

[Ms. M]

https://image.ceneostatic.pl/data/products/14208170/i-niedziela-ktora-zdarzyla-sie-w-srode-mariusz-szczygiel-e-book.jpg
4/5
The sunday, which happened on the wednesday - reportages about Poland in 90's.

[Stirchley]

50065

As soon as I started these beautiful books, I thought of lenslady. If she hasn’t read them, she should.

[Stirchley]

50108

[lenslady]

Thank you Stirchley, that certainly looks like an author whose work I will enjoy reading.

By ( odd ) coincidence I was thinking of you the very same day you posted your recommendation for Sue Hubell's books. I had been reading ( ? or seeing ) a new photography book that may just be right up your alley. Excellent photos of your favorite US city- by contemporary photographers. The challenge, as stated in the pages in between these large photos, was to find a new way of depicting a city where ' every inch has been photographed 1000 times.' I think they met the task ably.

This is a heavy coffee table book so you may want to just scan it at a local bookstore. IMHO- very well done photos:50115

[Stirchley]

I read books on Kindle now so no more coffee table books. Way too heavy to hold in bed. Would definitely love this book. Will take a look at it online for sure.

[lenslady]

Here's a few shots from the book ( not even the best ones) that I found online so you can get an idea:50117

[lenslady]

A hotel lobby -50118

[lenslady]

And finally, a bird's eye view- as fitting for the city that never sleeps- this must be a night bird ;D

[Ms. M]

https://static.audioteka.com/pl/images/products/jacek-piekara/szubienicznik-duze.jpg
3.5
A little bit of good Polish fantasy:D

[TheUsualSuspect]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51THmtEn-ZL._SX323_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

Damn, what a way to end this volume. So much happens at break neck speed. Shame they are taking a year off before the next volume.

[Stirchley]

50168

Returned for a refund.

[Stirchley]

50244
50245

Two more refunds.

[Stirchley]

50289

Returned for refund.

[Stirchley]

50386

Excellent book. Excellent movie. Clever use of dialect.

[Ms. M]

I didn't know "No country..." was written by Cormac MCarthy. I knew him as the author of "The road", which was adapted.

[JoaoRodrigues]

I didn't know "No country..." was written by Cormac MCarthy. I knew him as the author of "The road", which was adapted.

The dog chase scene wasn't on Cormac MCarthy's book, but him being a lover of dogs liked the scene very much. Just a fun fact. Also one of the facts I find most interesting, is the character Anton Chigurh. The book doesn't say much about him, almost no physical description expect he had blue eyes, and the Coen's managed to make such a brilliant character with Javier Bardem making a performance of a lifetime... without the blue eyes.

[Stirchley]

Yes, Javier really was Chigurh. Tommy Lee Jones brilliant too.

[Stirchley]

50429

Well-written. Enjoyed it up to the point where she married Barack. Reading about her upbringing & family very interesting. But then it bogged down (for me) into politics & what they both did before the presidency. Very nice love letter from her to Barack though.

[Stirchley]

45801

Well-written. A tad confusing.

Glad I’ve read one book on Barack Obama’s list of 2018 books he read.

Don’t think I’ve seen any of the movies on his list.

[Rey Skywalker]

https://66.media.tumblr.com/f2693a0bbe5888f09f36a8cc44dee738/tumblr_p81oukWJuo1say5iqo6_r4_640.jpg

The writer is really good at creating an unnerving and creepy atmosphere, the characters are all unlikeable, but tolerable enough that it didn't bother me. Quick and easy read. 4/5

[christine]

At Xmas I bought my little grandaughter a copy of Kevin Crossley Holland's book Norse Myths: Tales of Odin Thor and Loki ( ok it'll be a while before she can read it but the illustrations are so good, and I did buy it for her honest!)

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61-SLwhtJ7L._SX432_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A177wUu4qRL.jpghttps://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A1BgTlnOhkL.jpg

[Stirchley]

50616
50617

Both insufficiently interesting. Returned for refunds.

[Stirchley]

50618

Very good book.

[Arigatō-san]

The Mahabharata


5

[christine]

50616
50617

Both insufficiently interesting. Returned for refunds.

Do you read books then get a refund? Is that some kind of bookshop scheme?

[Stirchley]

Do you read books then get a refund? Is that some kind of bookshop scheme?

Amazon.com (kindle books) allows customers 7 days to obtain a refund. I usually know immediately if the book is not for me. Sometimes it takes a couple of days.

[christine]

Stirchley ah right. I didn't know that. I don't have a kindle so I was imagining actual books being sent back.
I was thinking of reading the Marie Colvin book, what did you not like about it?

[Stirchley]

Amazon also refunds on actual paper books too. Before I switched to Kindle, I returned many books to Amazon for a refund. A palaver though since you have to buy a mailing envelope & pay for postage.

I plan to watch the movie about Marie Colvin, but I was not sufficiently interested in her as a person to get far into the book.

[Stirchley]

50819

Excellent dystopian novel.

[Stirchley]

50945

Buried inside this hyper-prolix book is the kernel of an excellent story, which I didn’t have the patience to search for. Returned for refund.

[The Hamish]

I'm currently reading Adrian Harte's Faith No More book, Small Victories. I highly recommend this book to any fan of this band.:yup:

[Stirchley]

50989

First time I have disliked anything by this author. Returned for refund.

50990

Couldn’t make heads or tails of this book. Returned for refund.

[MovieMeditation]

Ternet Ninja (Checkered Ninja)

4

Coming of age story for the young generation written by the biggest danish comedian. Super fun, raunchy, politically incorrect and satirically awesome. Filled with dark humor and faul language. Loved it.

Y’all probably don’t know **** about this, but there’s a movie too. You can watch that. :p

[Stirchley]

51029

Meandering. Hard to follow. Returned for refund.

[Rey Skywalker]

https://66.media.tumblr.com/25e7d0dd6fab7aabc7f48f3fe45b5007/tumblr_p81oukWJuo1say5iqo4_r6_540.jpg

An SF novel following a soldier fighting a war in space..I think the writer achieved all he has set out to do, but it didn't really grip me. I was reading it with just mild interest as to what happens next. I really liked the ending. I would give it 5/10, it would be a higher grade if it wasn't for the homophobia.

[re93animator]

City of Glass by Paul Auster - 7/10
A writer of detective novels imagines he’s the real thing and gets wrapped up in an odd case. A detective story that flirts with a bit of surrealism. It’s easy to read, short, and quick to engage, but not too eventful. The eccentric dialogues were my favorite bits.

[christine]

https://www.booktopia.com.au/http_coversbooktopiacomau/big/9781444756142/the-yellow-birds.jpg

So moved by this book that I've kept it to read again in future. I don't do this very often now having had a massive book clearout when I moved house in the Spring last year. It was so brutal I only kept about 100 books which are the books of my heart.

[Ipu Omiya]

Early Xth century giritty Hungarian / Magyar blood soaked and immoral adventure book. Book 1 out of four.


There is barely any historical fiction out there about nomadic horse archers.


https://moly.hu/system/covers/big/covers_441689.jpg
My bad, at minimum 7 /10/

[KeyserCorleone]

Today after 69 days I finished War and Peace. Almost flawless.

rating_5

[chawhee]

Accessory to War by Neil Degrasse Tyson
https://www.sciencenews.org/sites/default/files/2018/08/091518_reviews_war_cover.jpg
Pretty good book when I look at it as a whole. There were some parts that went back a bit too far in history for me. I think I'm supposed to be smarter after reading it, but I feel more confused now about some subjects haha

[Stirchley]

https://www.booktopia.com.au/http_coversbooktopiacomau/big/9781444756142/the-yellow-birds.jpg

So moved by this book that I've kept it to read again in future. I don't do this very often now having had a massive book clearout when I moved house in the Spring last year. It was so brutal I only kept about 100 books which are the books of my heart.

About 10 years ago I tore through my library & got rid of all softcover books. I like hardcovers so much better though now I mostly read with Kindle.

Briefly, what is this book about?

[christine]

I don’t want to spoilery it Stirchley but it’s about a soldier in Iraq and events that leave him a broken man. it’s told in beautifully poetic prose. Written by a guy who served in Iraq makes it even more powerful

[Steve Freeling]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/814k3CmajDL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
5

[chawhee]

https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328011405i/10884._UY452_SS452_.jpg

A difficult read at times since Isaacson really makes a strong effort to explain some of the science in some parts, but the more personal aspects of his life are extremely well described.

[TheUsualSuspect]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/22/All_the_Light_We_Cannot_See_%28Doerr_novel%29.jpg/220px-All_the_Light_We_Cannot_See_%28Doerr_novel%29.jpg

Really well written.

[Ms. M]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41WIbflfG2L._SX323_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
1,5/5

[MijaFrost]

The Mahabharata


rating_5


I was reading this at work, but didn't manage to get through it and then I forgot about it. 'Twas interesting if very verbose. I should try again sometime.

[Arigatō-san]

I was reading this at work, but didn't manage to get through it and then I forgot about it. 'Twas interesting if very verbose. I should try again sometime.


Which version do you have? I have read the William Buck version(s) in English, which are condensed but preserve the spirit of the original-- which is impossibly long! The real Mahabharata is 3 or 4 times longer than the Bible.


51335



51336

[MijaFrost]

Which version do you have?


It was online, and for some reason the version available on public domain was Vol. 4, I think. I lost the link, though.
I'd like to own an actual physical copy, so I'll look up the William Buck edits.

[Arigatō-san]

It was online, and for some reason the version available on public domain was Vol. 4, I think. I lost the link, though.
I'd like to own an actual physical copy, so I'll look up the William Buck edits.


Cool, that's what I would recommend. If you ever get to read it, let me know what you think.

[Rey Skywalker]

https://66.media.tumblr.com/f9c06a84c7a5df357b13c03cdf4f51df/tumblr_p81oukWJuo1say5iqo1_r6_540.jpg

Set in a post apocalyptic world where there are no children being born, pregnancies end in death etc.
It drags and there is no story. Everytime you think it is going to an interesting direction it just... doesn't. 2/5

[matt72582]

I'm not finished, but it's already a 10/10
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41LrxDvuvuL._SX312_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

[Stirchley]

51408

Yet another edition of the letters of Sylvia Plath, but fascinating to me. This is the 1st of 2 volumes recently published.

Tragic to read the letters through 1956 knowing that 7 years later she took her own life.

[Ms. M]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41EuXW3MPEL._SX323_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
5/5
Small, simple -writed book with wonderfull main character. Charming.

[Stirchley]

51472

Re-read for maybe the 3rd or 4th time. Excellent book IMO though Plath did not think so.

51473

Her major poems.

[Stirchley]

51514

Title of this book is misleading, IMO. I thought, naturally, it would be about the domestic history of the British royal household, which, to me, seemed very interesting. Some of it is, but the author waffles on for pages about unrelated stuff. Returned for a refund.

[Stirchley]

51602

Returned for a refund.

[Stirchley]

51611

Excellent book. I loved it.

[rcleary171]

51611

Excellent book. I loved it.


So, what did you like about it? I assume you will recommend it.

[Stirchley]

I love birds & animals of all kinds; that’s why I liked the book.

[Rey Skywalker]

51602

Returned for a refund.

Stop.returning.books.for.refunds!!!! Just join a library for Gods sake

[Stirchley]

Stop.returning.books.for.refunds!!!! Just join a library for Gods sake

Trying to think what business this is of yours.

[Stirchley]

51706
51707

Both insufficiently interesting. Returned for refunds.

[Rey Skywalker]

Trying to think what business this is of yours.


You're going out of your way to be an ass when you can just make yours and the book store's life easier by joining a library. If you always return it to the same book store they are bound to realize you keep doing it and ban you. And then you proudly post online about what you're doing thinking it makes you clever but actually you're really stupid.

[Stirchley]

You're going out of your way to be an ass when you can just make yours and the book store's life easier by joining a library. If you always return it to the same book store they are bound to realize you keep doing it and ban you. And then you proudly post online about what you're doing thinking it makes you clever but actually you're really stupid.

I buy all my KINDLE books at Amazon.com. I joined in August of 2015 & I have purchased & have in my library 156 books from them.

When one orders a KINDLE book from Amazon, one is given 7 days to return a book if one is not enjoying it. That’s what I & every other KINDLE customer does.

Your post is very rude telling me that I’m an ass & that I’m stupid, but instead of reporting you to Yoda, I am going to block you.

Have a nice life & read a book sometime. You might enjoy it.

[Stirchley]

51961

A stunning read.

[Stirchley]

5201452015

Both returned for refunds.

[Rey Skywalker]

https://66.media.tumblr.com/341b98a02b0862c5caa147d992fd8ad8/tumblr_p681negK9I1say5iqo4_r25_400.jpg

I expected not to like this because I read some reviews describing the lead character as obnoxious and when you do look into it deeply he is, but it was a light read and it didn't bother me in the moment.

The book isn't great, cliches all over the place, but it's well written enough that it is a fun way to spend an afternoon, but that's it.

[Stirchley]

52073

Short novella. Very well-written, but the rather gruesome imagery precludes me from reading it again. Interesting story-line.

52074

Too weird. Returned for refund.

[SeeingisBelieving]

I buy all my KINDLE books at Amazon.com. I joined in August of 2015 & I have purchased & have in my library 156 books from them.

When one orders a KINDLE book from Amazon, one is given 7 days to return a book if one is not enjoying it. That’s what I & every other KINDLE customer does.

I didn't know they were Kindle books either Stirch :D:bashful: – that is a good system.

[Stirchley]

I didn't know they were Kindle books either Stirch :D:bashful: – that is a good system.

Amazon has always had a good book return policy (same policy as with Kindle books). Before I switched to Kindle there was a lot of back & forth with books at the post office, but this is much easier. It means a phone call (toll-free) to the Philippines, but that’s okay.

[Stirchley]

Interesting true story, but I couldn’t relate to the narrator at all. I rather disliked him.

52141

[Stirchley]

52183


#booksIdidnotfinish

[Swan]

Reading this right now. I have always been intrigued by philosophy, and it helps that Bakewell is a phenomenal writer. Not a dull moment so far.

https://i.imgur.com/TNJBNU7.jpg

[Stirchley]

52215

#booksIdidnotfinish

[Stirchley]

52257

Really good book. Great writing, great storyline. Amazingly, this author’s debut novel.

[re93animator]

Cormac McCarthy – Child of God – 8/10
A disturbed man’s exploits roaming the mountainside. The story itself is good and engaging, but the filthy and clever language is what I loved about it. I’d only read The Road a long while back but didn’t remember the writing being this great.

“A hugeheaded bald and slobbering primate that inhabited the lower reaches of the house, familiar of the warped floorboards and the holes tacked up with foodtins hammered flat, a consort of roaches and great hairy spiders in their season, perennially benastied and afflicted with a nameless crud.”

[Stirchley]

Good book above.

[Stirchley]

52408

When I first came to America I loved listening to Carol Miller on WPLJ in New York City. She’s still a DJ, but now for Sirius.

Not a bad book, but way way too much about cancer & her numerous surgeries.

[Stirchley]

52417
52418

Books I did not finish.

[Dobby]

A Confession, by the greatest author of all time.

[Stirchley]

52463

Did not finish.

[Stirchley]

52569

A problem with books of short stories is that the book starts off strong & then sags badly in the middle, never to recover. Such is the case with this book, which I couldn’t finish.

[Stirchley]

52697

Good reviews, but a very meh book. Did not finish.

52698

Really good dystopian novel. Very enjoyable.

[ash_is_the_gal]

i posted this in the Reading Tab a few weeks ago:

Honolulu by Alan Brennert
51284

story of a young "picture bride" who journeys to Hawai'i in 1914 in search of a better life.

"Instead of the affluent young husband and chance at an education that she has been promised, she is quickly married off to a poor, embittered laborer who takes his frustrations out on his new wife. Renaming herself Jin, she makes her own way in this strange land, finding both opportunity and prejudice. With the help of three of her fellow picture brides, Jin prospers along with her adopted city, now growing from a small territorial capital into the great multicultural city it is today. But paradise has its dark side, whether it's the daily struggle for survival in Honolulu's tenements, or a crime that will become the most infamous in the islands history..."

this was my first book by this author, and i chose it because i really enjoy historical dramas that are told with accuracy. this book does a really great job of that, plus it's really well-written; obviously Brennert has a lot of fondness for Hawaii, the descriptions of the city at the turn of the 20th century are breathtaking and told with relish.

the story actually begins in Korea and as you follow Jin, the Korean picture bride, through the story you learn a lot about what it was like to live as a Korean woman under not just men, but a land occupied under Japanese rule. Jin is a seamstress with nimble hands it seems. it was kind of refreshing to read a story where 'womens work' is not diminished or deemed uninteresting.

3

The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher
51288

"The Princess Diarist is Carrie Fisher’s intimate, hilarious and revealing recollection of what happened behind the scenes on one of the most famous film sets of all time, the first Star Wars movie."

this was my second Carrie Fisher book. i also read Wishful Drinking a few months back, but i enjoyed this one more. it was really fun to read Carrie's side of her relationship with Harrison Ford (Carrison, she calls it). also, Carrie Fisher is ****ing hilarious and refreshingly, apologetically frank. i dunno that i'd recommend this book to just anyone, because a good third of it is old diary excerpts from a diary she kept whilst filming A New Hope. but i'd recommend Carrie Fisher as an author to just about anyone. i don't usually read 'celebrity' books, but Carrie Fisher is special. or, was special. <3

anyway, the diary bits are kind of pretentious, but they're really fun to read imo. it made me feel all nostalgic or a bit like reading my own old journals. she also talks about what it's like to be a poor rich person, and the weirdness of having millions of fans.

yeah, it's definitely worth a read.

5

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
51286

"Her name is Dinah. In the Bible, her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters of the Book of Genesis that are about her father, Jacob, and his dozen sons. Told in Dinah's voice, this novel reveals the traditions and turmoils of ancient womanhood--the world of the red tent."

another historical drama... kinda. it doesn't pretend to be accurate, it kind of takes its own spin on the story of Jacob, Rachael, Leah, Dinah and her brothers, but in doing so it sort of makes a statement about perception... and rape culture in general, really. the story, told by Dinah, begins with Jacob and the story of her four mothers: Leah, Rachael, Zilpah, and Belhah. Diamant certainly takes liberties, and if you're Christian, you might not enjoy that so much. but the story of Dinah as told in the bible is pretty shoddy, anyway, isn't it?

4

[ash_is_the_gal]

here's a few others. i've been reading a lot lately.

ATTACHMENTS by rainbow rowell
52709
i'll read anything by rainbow rowell, usually twice. she writes about young love, usually, and her female characters are always so relatable and you can't help but get obsessed with all the characters by the end of her books. i'd recommend this one to anyone who's into that sort of thing, but eleanor and park is what's widely regarded as her best (and most well known) novel.
also, a lot of her stories take place in the 80s and 90s. this particular book takes place in the mid-90s, so there's an added layer of fun and nostalgic to it.

POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE by carrie fisher
52710
k so this was the first book by carrie fisher i read that was more fiction... well, sorta autobiographical fiction, as it's about a young actress struggling with her addiction problems/her career shortly after rehab. suzanne vale is hilarious. i swear i'm not being at all facetious when i say carrie fisher's books are not your typical hollywood tripe. it's fascinating to read about what it'd be like to have rich people problems, especially someone with carrie's fisher's problems.

FRIENDS WITH BOYS by faith erin hicks
52711
this was a cute, short graphic novel about a young girl coming to grip with her mother's abandonment and starting public high school for the first time after being home schooled all her life - something i can more or less relate to. it's got some fantasy elements to it, too. it's also super nostalgic.

THE AGE OF INNOCENCE by edith wharton
52712
I LOVE EDITH WHARTON SO MUCH. most of her novels need to be read between the lines, though. she had such a insider's knowledge of the upper class New York "aristocracy" to realistically portray the lives and morals of the Victorian era, but her stories are always seen through less rose-tinted glasses than many other authors of the time period.

THE TURN OF THE SCREW by henry james
52713
a young governess takes up residence in a seemingly idyllic country home and is put in care of 2 young children, as they are both orphans and their last remaining relative can't really be bothered with them. pretty soon she begins to see apparitions and learn that there is a history of corruption and disturbance in the house and convinces herself the children are possessed..... OR ARE THEY?
this is quite a ride! if you're into gothic novels, you can't pass this up. it's probably technically a novella. it's only, like, 125 pages, but damn.
i also HIGHLY recommend the 1961 movie which is based on it, The Innocents, starring Deborah Kerr. it's not only just as gripping and atmospheric but the special effects are gorgeous.

[Stirchley]

THE AGE OF INNOCENCE by edith wharton

THE TURN OF THE SCREW by henry james


I love both these authors. (You probably know that they were great friends.)

Have you seen the movie The Age of Innocence? It’s lovely. Try to see the movie based on her book The House of Mirth. It’s terrific.

Have you seen James’s The Portrait of a Lady movie? Also terrific.

[ash_is_the_gal]

I love both these authors. (You probably know that they were great friends.)

me too!!!! well, i love edith wharton, but i admit, this was the first henry james book i've read. i added a few others to my to-read list, though!

Have you seen the movie The Age of Innocence? It’s lovely.

yes i have! and i agree; it's very good. a great adaptation if i do say so.

Try to see the movie based on her book The House of Mirth. It’s terrific.

will do! i really enjoyed the book. i read it a few years ago. it's prob my fave edith wharton book, actually.

Have you seen James’s The Portrait of a Lady movie? Also terrific.

no, i haven't. thanks for the recommendation!

[chawhee]

Started browsing around the bookshelf of my wife, who has a biology degree. I think I might be hooked after a book like this. Incredible storytelling.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51zBzr%2BZ4IL._SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_.jpg

[Stirchley]

the first henry james book i've read. i added a few others to my to-read list, though!

Some of James’s books are easier to read than others. I would suggest Daisy Miller, which is a novella. (Also a movie.) The Portrait of a Lady is terrific. And so is Washington Square from which the famous old movie The Heiress was adapted. The Aspern Papers is also good.

[jowick113]

Set in a post apocalyptic world where there are no children being born, pregnancies end in death etc.
It drags and there is no story. Everytime you think it is going to an interesting direction it just... doesn't. 2/5

[lenslady]

53524


Perhaps every celebrity has had an unusual life, and a unique journey. Perhaps we all have. Certainly is true of this lady - originally known as a fine singer songwriter from the 60s folk music boom, she has been a teacher, a presence on Sesame Street and an activist for indigenous peoples worldwide. I knew many of her songs and have seen her in concert several times in recent years - she's still writing songs and still touring. Her performances were magnetic and her presence was gracious .

But I really knew little about her life, for instance, that she was adopted. I was startled to learn of some severe challenges she faced when young, and that continued to haunt her in her choice of male partners for some time. And I was rewarded to hear her philosophy of empathy with others, and wonder at the beauties of nature and animals. Never knew , in fact, that she lives on her own farm in Hawaii, surrounded by her beloved creatures, Goats abound. And cats.

I won't reveal more of her story for those who wish to explore this authorized bio. Most interesting to me was her evolution as a songwriter, her friendships with some major musical figures , and her insights on creativity.

The bio is written from the viewpoint of a rock magazine writer , who also was a fan and became a friend to Buffy. So the prose - and the praise- is a bit lavish. That didn't daunt me from thoroughly enjoying this book. Buffy s story is so compelling and her observations on life and people and music so well thought out, it was a pleasure to discover her story.
Recommended.

4

[chawhee]

Not too heavy, but there is still a lot of complexity in this book. If only Hawking would have been alive to see the black hole photo that was just released a month or so ago.
http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780553380163_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG

[tonylee123321]

A Confession, by the greatest author of all time.

[Stirchley]

A Confession, by the greatest author of all time.

Who is?

[chawhee]

A quick read, and it's not too heavy on the PTSD department or 'how to live your life' department. Still a good book that I would recommend.

https://images.contentreserve.com/ImageType-400/0887-1/B87/21A/31/%7BB8721A31-FD5B-4BC8-813F-CE90186AAF55%7DImg400.jpg

[ash_is_the_gal]

ONE OF US IS LYING
by karen mcmanus
54819

this book is sort of a Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars - 5 students walk into detention, only 4 come out alive. i've been reading 'murder mysteries' lately, and this one somehow got thrown into the mix. this was a pretty good book for the most part. the kids in it were well written, but i kinda wish they'd fleshed out some of the non-teenage side characters a bit more.

overall though, i did enjoy this. she writes young romance kinda like Rainbow Rowell, whom i love. and i enjoyed the intricate detail's surrounding the death & investigation.

for anyone who hasn't read this, it's not super hard to guess who the killer is before the end of the book, though i have to admit, the person it ended up being was not my first guess.

MISERY
by stephen king
54820

okaaay, i really enjoyed this book. it was gripping and fun. but i have to admit i'm still not 100% comfortable with the way King writes his fat characters, and specifically for this book, fat characters with mental illness. would have been nice to see things from Annie's perspective a bit more.

THE MIST
by stephen king
54821

the movie was way better. there was an unnecessary love/sex sequence in the book that made me turn my nose up. seriously, just watch the movie.

SABRIEL
by garth nix
54822

i LOVED this! this is the first book in the Old Kingdom fantasy series. Sabriel is the next in line to be Abhorsen, a true necromancer and fighter of the undead that wreak havoc on the land. after spending a life mostly sheltered in a boarding school, Sabriel's life is thrown into adventure and chaos when she finds out her father, the current Abhorsen, is in peril. she is the only one who can help him, along with her grouchy and kewt cat friend, Mogget.

btw, the audio book is narrated by Tim Curry, and it's fan ****ing tastic.

GIRLS & SEX: NAVIGATING THE COMPLICATED NEW LANDSCAPE
by peggy orenstein
54823

this made me think a lot about my own sex life, lol. peggy orenstein interviews over 100 different young women from different backgrounds about their sex life, and the verdict is in: women are conditioned from a young age to ignore their own sexual pleasure over men's. men, i know you probably won't, but you SHOULD read this. women, too.

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOOS NEST
by ken kesey
54824

if you're anything like me, you probably won't like McMurphy, but you'll still feel bad for him. it's a good book, even though i so would have loved to get more perspective on Nurse Ratchet.
it is worth the read, though.
*************************************
just finished reading: THE FIRM by john grisham
currently reading: OF HUMAN BONDAGE by w. somerset maugham, RUNAWAY JURY by john grisham, and SUMMER KNIGHT by jim butcher

total books read so far this year: 17

[Stirchley]

54882

Bought this on Amazon Kindle for $1, which, obviously, is a great buy. Been reading it now for 2-1/2 months, but am going to take a break now.

[Stirchley]

54981

Not sure why I keep buying Tessa Hadley’s novels. I like her short stories, but not her novels. Returned for refund.

54982

Really excellent debut novel.

[Stirchley]

55138

Good book. Linn Ullmann reminisces about her über-famous parents, Ingmar Bergman & Liv Ullmann.

[Stirchley]

55215

Quite interesting. Well-written.

55216

Didn’t take off for me. Returned for refund.

[Ultraviolence]

https://http2.mlstatic.com/contra-um-mundo-melhor-ensaios-do-afeto-luiz-felipe-ponde-D_NQ_NP_675024-MLB26827381429_022018-F.jpg
★★★★
Brazilian philosopher Luiz Felipe Pondé reflects on contemporary everyday life and talks about religion, politics, society, human behavior, literature, tradition and many other subjects.

http://images.livrariasaraiva.com.br/imagemnet/imagem.aspx/?pro_id=9662278&qld=90&l=430&a=-1
★★★
Another brazilian philosopher, here, he reflects on the question: If you did not exist, what difference would it make?

https://images.livrariasaraiva.com.br/imagemnet/imagem.aspx/?pro_id=6322455&qld=90&l=430&a=-1
★★★★★
Crime and Punishment
A masterpiece!

Just started "Solaris" by Stanislaw Lem. Really liking so far.

[Stirchley]

55300

Didn’t take off for me. Returned for refund.

[Stirchley]

55388

Good book.

[MovieGal]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51uw02djncL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

I really liked a lot of the stories. There was one that I knew already from reading another book. A lot of the Nordic folklore tend to be passed from country to country so that's no surprise. A lot of troll stories.

They are very similar to the common fairytales we know of, aspects of Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Rapunzel and East of the Sun, West of the Moon.

A lot of the towns mentioned in the book are real Icelandic towns.

Tröllaskagi (below), I'm sure you can tell where it got its name....
https://for91days.com/photos/Iceland/Tr%C3%B6llaskagi/Tr%C3%B6llaskagi%20-%2017-20130919%20for91days.com.jpg

I'm on to my next one.. after Nordic countries.. on to Lithuania and Latvia Folklore.

[Stirchley]

55510

Not bad. Learned some interesting things about geese.

[Stirchley]

55644

Excellent book.

[Stirchley]

55736

Excellent book.

[Stirchley]

55942

Surely I have now read every word Sylvia Plath ever wrote. :)

[Stirchley]

56117

So good. What a scam Elizabeth Holmes, founder of Theranos, perpetrated.

[SeeingisBelieving]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51uw02djncL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

Sounds good. The Folk-Stories of Iceland is one of my favourite books; incidentally it also contains quotes from Max von Sydow's father, who was an ethnologist :). Plenty of troll action too as you can imagine. I remember the theory being that all stories started in India and then spread out across the world, changing and adapting as they went.

[SeeingisBelieving]

Good book. Linn Ullmann reminisces about her über-famous parents, Ingmar Bergman & Liv Ullmann.

Unquiet – not a word you hear often :). Mark Gatiss' The Unquiet Dead is the last time I remember seeing it used. I'm a fan of Liv Ullmann so this intrigues me.

[Stirchley]

56258

Should have returned this for a refund, but plugged on to the end. A very dull hagiography.

56259

Really terrific dystopian novel that I could not stop reading. Would make a terrific movie too.

[pahaK]

The Lesser Dead by Christopher Buehlman (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20893407-the-lesser-dead)

Pretty good modern vampire book. It may not be as fresh and innovative as some reviews make it but most importantly it's entertaining. Will need to check author's other books as well. A solid 4/5 from me.

[Iroquois]

A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick - 4

Saw the movie a long time ago and seem to recall liking it so I thought I'd actually give the book a shot (and also try giving Dick in general another shot after reading Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? way back in high school). Definitely a swift read that doesn't skip on complex concepts but moves at a pulpy pace and does a good job of reflecting its characters' drug-addled headspaces without becoming too incomprehensible as a result. I'm definitely due to give the film a re-watch.

[Stirchley]

56356

A morbidly obese feminist writes a memoir.

[Stirchley]

56723

Written 170 years ago, but very relevant & topical in 2019.

[Stirchley]

56801

Used to read a lot of this author. Am going to re-read some of her novels. Enjoyed this one.

[Stirchley]

56931

Excellent book.

[Stirchley]

56980

Excellent book.

[Stirchley]

57011

Amusing memoir of a forger. The movie of the same name was better.

57012

Excellent debut novel.

[Stirchley]

57074

Strange wonderful debut novel.

[Yoda]

Exhalation: Stories, Ted Chiang
4

Collection of vaguely sci-fi stories. Really, really good. Enjoyed this tremendously. Some fun high-concept stuff.

57078

[Stirchley]

57162

Re-read of a good book. Gonna re-read a lot of Drabble.

[wintermelisa]

The Path
Book by Kōnosuke Matsu****a

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51cLTPjYiOL._SX352_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

Excellent self improvement book from someone who taught with his life commitment to growing thy self.


I was expecting a story of the founding of Panasonic, but this was not at all that. This was more of a mix of allegories and general advice about working together, finding purpose, etc. It was an admission essay (https://myadmissionsessay.com/) that would let you walk in Heaven. One concept, "fighting with real swords" that struck me talked about how you won't be focused unless you are playing for real stakes. not much else of note

[wintermelisa]

funny how script didn't let me post his surname :D

[Stirchley]

57237

Another good one.

[Stirchley]

57264

[Stirchley]

57364

Good book.

[Stirchley]

57452

Good memoir. Well-written.

[Stirchley]

57545

Excellent book.

[Stirchley]

57572

Very strange book. I liked it.

[Stirchley]

57617

Told from a man’s POV, but written by a woman, which I thought was very well done.

[Stirchley]

57669

Strange very good dystopian Japanese novel.

[pahaK]

https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348290959l/13543121.jpg

Pretty good apocalyptic medieval fantasy. At times a bit too episodic and ending felt slightly forced but in general almost as good as previous Buehlman I read (The Lesser Dead). I guess it's still 4/5.

[Stirchley]

57731

Re-read of a very good book.

[Stirchley]

57884

Interesting book about how dreadful it is to work at McDonald’s & an Amazon fulfillment center, among other places.

[Stirchley]

57959

Think I’ve read just about everything regarding 9/11. Very interesting book. For all the horror of the day, so many heroes emerged. I cried when people were buried alive in the rubble, but were eventually rescued.

[Stirchley]

58037

Interesting read. I enjoyed it.

[pahaK]

Those Across the River by Christopher Buehlman

Third Buehlman in a row. Not as good as the previous two but still pretty decent. It's setting (small southern town during The Great Depression) and its protagonist aren't as interesting and its take on werewolves isn't the best. Still Buehlman hasn't really failed this far which alone is quite impressive. 3/5

[pahaK]

Ring by Kōji Suzuki

This one belongs to small group of books where the film adaptation is clearly superior. It's not nearly as scary as the film, its characters are less interesting and some of its pseudoscientific explanations are pretty dumb. I guess the only better thing in it was that it offered an explanation for why one could pass on the curse. As a whole quite average book. 3/5

[SeeingisBelieving]

Ring by Kōji Suzuki

This one belongs to small group of books where the film adaptation is clearly superior. It's not nearly as scary as the film, its characters are less interesting and some of its pseudoscientific explanations are pretty dumb. I guess the only better thing in it was that it offered an explanation for why one could pass on the curse. As a whole quite average book. 3/5

Strange – that makes it sound like there's a chain of improvements :). The Japanese film improving on the book, and — in my opinion at least — the American remake improving again.

[pahaK]

Strange – that makes it sound like there's a chain of improvements :). The Japanese film improving on the book, and — in my opinion at least — the American remake improving again.

We disagree on the two movies :D In my opinion the Japanese film is one of the best horror films ever while the American remake is barely mediocre.

[SeeingisBelieving]

We disagree on the two movies :D In my opinion the Japanese film is one of the best horror films ever while the American remake is barely mediocre.

I saw the remake, then the original. What stands out for me about the latter is that I disliked the scenes of the consequences of seeing the tape — the distorted, static faces. Comparing it to the remake is one of the only times where I've thought a graphic representation of something horrific is more effective than an implied one.

[pahaK]

The SS Dirlewanger Brigade: The History of the Black Hunters by Christian Ingrao

I was hoping to read a history book about the activities of this notorious SS unit but instead got an anthropological study of hunting and cynegetic implications of anti-partisan warfare. There was some historical information in it as well but way too large portion of the book was dedicated to meaningless non-sense. 2/5

[Stirchley]

58296

Re-read of these beautiful books.

[Stirchley]

58458

[Stirchley]

58531

Excellent book.

[Stirchley]

58619

Lovely book.

[pahaK]

https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347748659l/5967548.jpg

Very well written horror/dark fantasy/drama set in New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th century. Really imaginative and unique. I liked this a lot. 4/5

[Stirchley]

59349

Re-read of an excellent book.

[JoaoRodrigues]

https://booklife.com/image-factory/http/localhost/amazongetcover/9780553078756.jpg/w204.jpg

5/5
Re-read. Read this book the first time I saw the movie Instinct with Anthony Hopkins.
For some a life changing experience, a fine perspective for me indeed.
I can say, because I was really young, it shaped my future perspective on our role as humans.

[Stirchley]

59403

Re-read of an amusing book. Excessive use of metaphors slightly annoying.

[resopamenic]

great reading
https://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/9781593080259_p0_v4_s550x406.jpg

[Stirchley]

59450

Highly reviewed though I’m not at all sure I understood this book.

[JoaoRodrigues]

By the cover it seems the kind of book I’d read.

[Stirchley]

59483

A sweet lovely book.

[Stirchley]

59999

Felt guilty about returning so many bad books to Amazon that I stuck with this one. Read maybe 1/2 of it. Don’t ask me what it’s about; I have no idea.

[Stirchley]

60220


Excellent book.

[Stirchley]

60544

Well-written.

[pahaK]

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/533c9c76e4b0e0ebd51fc034/t/550982fbe4b0bcc6146ecd79/1426686716632/?format=1500w

An excellent and weird book that's a novel, a collection of short stories and kind of neither at the same time. Very well written... and very odd. 4.5/5

[Stirchley]

Mindless, but good.

60661

[Stirchley]

60754

Re-read.

[Inmyseat]

I just read-Lies My Teacher Told Me,it was excellent-I give it a two thumbs up.

[Stirchley]

Not bad.

61348

[Stirchley]

61460

Moderately interesting. But not very.

[Stirchley]

61645

Cleverly-written, but somewhat of a slog to finish.

[resopamenic]

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/nt0AAOSwSlBYsoaA/s-l400.jpg

[JoaoRodrigues]

https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41mDcYti7RL.jpg

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41SfBk1kCgL._SX322_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ciL4wqdTL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

[resopamenic]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcT0BZ7GTeoXsDJfCP93YgKVy8K98X8X0u4FV7kxOoESNTwz4Nmi

[Stirchley]

61773


Not bad.

[Stirchley]

61977

A good read.

[Stirchley]

Not purchasing any more ebooks from Amazon right now because there is no call center to get a refund on a book if one wants to return it within 7 days.

[Tyler1]

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/nt0AAOSwSlBYsoaA/s-l400.jpg

Read Lu Xun's Diary of a Madman, which was inspired by Gogol. I prefer it to Gogol's story.


For the last 2 years I've been reading Deleuze's Logic of Sense accompanied by a more than helpful secondary text, The Priority of Events by Sean Bowden and I'm still in the process of grasping its Ideas of ontology, epistemology and language. By far the most genius philosophical text of the 20th century (Heidegger's Being and Time appears trivial on hindsight). Only for those who are interested in the relationship between thought and world, sense and language, as well as the entire lineage from Plato to Wittgenstein.

[colin5288]

I recently finished reading The Alchemist. The author has described the story in such a realistic way that I thought I myself was taking the place of Santiago at times. I felt the same rush of emotions and feelings through me. The book has used several powerful quotes which have motivated me in a practical manner. As demonstrated in the book, no matter what life throws at you, always remain positive and follow your destiny. Listen to what your heart says and connect with it as much as possible since it will guide you through the journey of your dream.

[Stirchley]

64781

Good read. I enjoyed it.

[Stirchley]

65046

Excellent book, excellent mini-series.

[Stirchley]

65485

Interesting Royal Family memoir.

[Stirchley]

65524

Good book. Well-written. #metoo

[Stirchley]

65851

Excellent book.

[Stirchley]

65904

Pleasant read, but instantly forgettable.

[Stirchley]

66394

Not bad.

[Stirchley]

https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Valley-Road-Inside-American-ebook/dp/B07TZYFR71/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Hidden+valley+road&qid=1595871197&s=books&sr=1-1

True story of a family ravaged by schizophrenia.

[pahaK]

1984 by George Orwell

After seeing multiple quotes from this flying around quite recently I decided to give it a read. It does lack character development and story, which I don't usually like, but then again it's all about the world-building so it doesn't matter that much. It may exaggerate its world beyond plausibility, but it draws a disturbingly accurate picture of the mindset that's being sold today under the moniker of liberalism; facts are dismissed on political reasons; words are redefined until they lose their meaning, reclaimed by one group or another, and invented to split us into (imaginary) enemies; truth, news, and science become political constructs. This should be mandatory reading in schools, but I'm afraid it's one of the first to get tossed into a pyre.

4/5

[Stirchley]

1984 by George Orwell

It does lack character development and story, which I don't usually like, but then again it's all about the world-building so it doesn't matter that much.

Huh? Have we read the same book?

This should be mandatory reading in schools, but I'm afraid it's one of the first to get tossed into a pyre.

I believe in American schools it’s required reading.

[Citizen Rules]

Huh? Have we read the same book?
I believe in American schools it’s required reading. I think at one time the novel 1984 was required reading. I'm not so sure about it today? But today the message of 1984 has been taken to heart and the first steps have been taken towards 'erasing' history.

[resopamenic]

a good read

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51j0fXFJ-NL.jpg

[Stirchley]

66728

Terrific read. The trials & tribulations of a very young Dominican single mother as she attempts to navigate various assistance agencies in NYC. This woman managed to finish an associate’s degree at the same time which, if you read the book, you can hardly imagine how she managed to do this.

[angine]

In the middle of rereading LotR. Just finished the first half of The Two Towers. It's been a long time since I've reread them and I've been enjoying rediscovering details I forgot.

[Inmyseat]

Lies My Teacher Told Me..EXCELLENT!

[angine]

The Giver, by Lois Lowry, I rated 5/5 stars.

[Austruck]

1984 by George Orwell

After seeing multiple quotes from this flying around quite recently I decided to give it a read. It does lack character development and story, which I don't usually like, but then again it's all about the world-building so it doesn't matter that much. It may exaggerate its world beyond plausibility, but it draws a disturbingly accurate picture of the mindset that's being sold today under the moniker of liberalism; facts are dismissed on political reasons; words are redefined until they lose their meaning, reclaimed by one group or another, and invented to split us into (imaginary) enemies; truth, news, and science become political constructs. This should be mandatory reading in schools, but I'm afraid it's one of the first to get tossed into a pyre.

4/5

It USED to be required reading in the schools. You know, way back when old-me was in school. :D

I remember after getting pregnant with our Yoda (I'm his mommy) back in 1983... A school friend was also pregnant then, and we both were a little concerned about having our babies during THAT FATEFUL YEAR, 1984.

Next up for you, if you haven't read it yet: Animal Farm. :)

[Austruck]

67038

I should be finishing this book tonight. It's a lovely character-driven book by the writer of The Historian. I had no clue what to expect except that I enjoyed her writing in The Historian.

I find myself really caring about all of these characters (there are two timelines at work here). Am eager to find how she chooses to wrap up all their stories, and how they intertwine. If you enjoy the art world and wonder how painters think (not just famous ones but those who paint without fame), you'll love this book.

[Stirchley]

Next up for you, if you haven't read it yet: Animal Farm. :)

Ha. He thought 1984 “lacked character development & story” so what’s he gonna make of Animal Farm?

[Stirchley]

67176
67177

Two excellent books written about a decade apart. Farming in New York State.

[pinball]

Im more of an autobiography kind of person, would highly reccomend David Goggins - You Cant Hurt Me. Really inspiring. Also recently finished Living With A Seal. Both epic books and available on audible

[resopamenic]

a good read
https://target.scene7.com/is/image/Target/GUEST_52c0d8b2-593a-4757-a6cd-1aecd3859973?wid=488&hei=488&fmt=pjpeg

[Stirchley]

68070

Delightful read.

[Stirchley]

68139

Very good book.

[Cobra]

68218
I read quite a few Goosebumps books around Halloween time, this was a favorite of mine as a kid, so I decided to reread it, pretty good.
7/10

[Stirchley]

69389

Surprised I’d never read this book before though I had heard of it.

Not for the faint of heart.

Plucking up my courage to see the movie now. Visuality is always more scary than words IMO.

[re93animator]

https://i.imgur.com/VUKAvit.jpg?1

William Gibson: Virtual Light - 7/10
300 page cyberpunk yarn that's not as heavy on Gibson's well-known tropes. Surprisingly simple and entertaining, but I kind of like the convoluted nature of most cyberpunk plots. Also, a shout-out to Jaron Lanier's early 90s eyephones.:)

[ynwtf]

68139

Very good book.

What is this one about? It got my attention because the cover is very close to a shot I have in mind for a script I've yet to write :)